Topic Reading-Vol.909-10/7/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

The best way to win an argument

It seems that humans tend to take a short cut when they make decisions or assessments by not thinking enough or trying to understand the issue correctly. Even teachers comment that they didn’t really understand equation or grammar until they had to teach it, or they find that no matter how badly they teach they still learn something.

If so, it seems that the best way to convince someone who insists his or her understanding, thought or opinion is to have that person explain his or her logic step by step so that the person will have a chance to review and rethink the reason.

Enjoy reading and learning about the pitfall people could fall into.

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140521-the-best-way-to-win-an-argument

Topic Reading-Vol.908-10/6/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

China's achievements in 65 years benefit world

Celebrating its own birthday! Nothing is wrong with that. Praising everything from every field it has done for the last six and a half decades; eliminating hunger, stimulating market economy, opening the market to foreign investors, protecting the environment, ensuring democracy, transparency, and human rights, and securing the national and regional peace.

Indeed it is now one of the most influential countries in the world in economy, market, environment, and both domestic and foreign investment, and peace and security. Any move by the government, the ruling party or the military could shake the economy and security of the region and world.

And they seem to be pretty much confident what they’ve achieved and they can influence.

Enjoy reading and learning the confidence the Asian giant has now.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2014-10/02/content_18691894.htm

Topic Reading-Vol.907-10/5/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

Global AgeWatch Index: Norway best for older people

By the middle of the century, it is predicted that one in every five persons will be over 60 years old.

There are several factors that contribute to have this much older population such as better health care, nutrition and sanitation, not to mention the economic prosperity that finances them. But not all the countries or places are equally caring and accommodating senior citizens. So, where are the good places to spend the later life?

Enjoy reading and thinking where you’d like to spend the rest of your life.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-29426285

Topic Reading-Vol.906-10/4/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

California imposes first state-wide plastic bag ban

No more free or even charged plastic bags at supermarkets or convenience stores in California. It seems like a significant milestone to reduce the use and manufacturing of plastic bags.

Then, what are the alternative bags or containers? Recycled paper bags. However, they will be sold to the customers at the point of sale for not less than $0.10, which is expected to encourage shoppers to bring their own bags.

California is known as the most conscious and aggressive state when it comes to health and environment. Will this rather radical legislation trigger a nation-wide move to ban or limit the use of plastic bags?

Enjoy reading and thinking how influential this legislation might be.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-29435813

Topic Reading-Vol.905-10/3/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

How often do you need to see a dentist?

Six months have already passed since the last dental checkup. Are you willingly or somehow reluctant to make an appointment with your dentist?

Who said that you need a biannual dental checkup in the first place? It’s quite unsure if it is needed or recommended. There don’t seem to be any authentic researches available how frequently dental checkup should be made to keep teeth and gums from decaying. It’s more like eating and drinking habits and daily maintenance works, except for children whose teeth are still growing. So the risk varies at different times of life, too.

Enjoy reading and learning how often you should go to the dentist.

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140926-how-often-must-we-see-a-dentist

Topic Reading-Vol.904-10/2/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

NASA picks Boeing and SpaceX to ferry astronauts

Privatization is a crucial factor for capitalism. The U.S.A, the heart of capitalism, has moved a step further to use civilian companies to operate part of federal program.

When NASA, US space agency, is heading outer space exploration such as Mars and beyond, it wants to contract with private enterprises to handle routine transportation tasks to orbiting space stations. And there are several contenders that had competed to get the contract. Now, Boeing, a legendary space and aircraft giant, and Space X, a new venture by billionaire Elon Musk, who also owns and runs Tesla Motors, have won the contract.

The US agency also wanted to stop relying on Russia and paying $70 million per seat to send their men to the space. Space X projects only $20 million per seat.

Enjoy reading and learning why and how the US space agency has been trying to contract space transportation tasks.

http://news.yahoo.com/nasa-announcing-commercial-crew-winners-162411021.html

Topic Reading-Vol.903-10/1/2014

Dear MEL School’s Topic Readers,

A New Technology Turns Food Waste and Poo into Power, Saving the Environment and Money

Food waste and sewage turn into greener energy? Sounds like dream has come true, doesn’t it?

A remote desert city in California unveiled a carbon-neutral wastewater treatment plant, first of the kind in United States. The anaerobic digestion technology system is going to convert food and sewage waste into biogas, which is usually burned and released into the atmosphere.

The new facility and system is projected be in operation by 2015, diverting more than 1,400 tons of waste. Reducing the waste and generating greener-than-ordinary fossil fuel sounds all right with anyone, doesn’t it?

Enjoy reading and learning about this innovative solution for food waste and sewage.

http://news.yahoo.com/technology-turns-food-waste-poo-power-saving-environment-214944513.html