Những Tin Tức Kỳ Lạ Trên Thế Giới

[MANH NGUYEN]

NOW READ THIS

Tallest man depends on the kindness of strangers

ASSOCIATED PRESS

March 25, 2008

PODOLYANTSI, Ukraine – Leonid Stadnik's phenomenal height has forced him to quit a job he loved and to stoop as he moves around his house.

But Stadnik, who Guinness World Records says is the world's tallest human, says his condition has also taught him that there are many kindhearted strangers.


Since his recognition by Ukrainian record keepers four years ago, and by Guinness last year, people from all over Ukraine and the world have sent him outsized clothing, provided his home with running water and recently presented him with a giant bicycle. And yesterday, he got a new car, courtesy of President Viktor Yushchenko.
“Thanks to good people I have shoes and clothes,” said the 37-year-old former veterinarian, who still lives with his 66-year-old mother.

In 2006, Stadnik was officially measured at 8 feet 5 inches tall, surpassing a 7-foot-9-inch Chinese man to claim the title of the world's tallest person.

His growth spurt began at age 14 after a brain operation that apparently stimulated the overproduction of growth hormone. Doctors say he has been growing ever since.

While his size is intimidating, Stadnik charms visitors with a broad grin and childlike laugh. He seems at times like a lonely boy trapped in a giant's body, even keeping stuffed toys on his pillow.

Stadnik's stature has brought attention, but he struggles to lead a normal life.

All the doorways in his one-story brick house are too short for him to pass through without stooping. His 440 pounds cause constant knee pain and often force him to use crutches.

Stadnik loves animals, but had to quit his job as a veterinarian at a cattle farm after suffering frostbite when he walked to work in his socks in winter. He could not afford custom made shoes for his 17-inch feet.

But his fame has taught him not to despair.

A German who said he was his distant relative invited Stadnik for a visit several years ago. On the trip, Stadnik got to sample frog legs in an elegant restaurant and saw a roller coaster at an amusement park – both for the first time.

Shortly afterward, Stadnik came home one day and saw a new computer connected to the Web sitting on his desk – a gift from a local Internet provider. Company workers “sneaked into the house like little spies” to install the equipment, Stadnik joked.

Since then he has made many online friends, including several in the United States, Australia and Russia. Stadnik hopes to learn English so he can communicate better with his Anglophone contacts; currently, he relies on computer translations, which he says are often inadequate.

On Sunday, an organization for the disabled in his home village of Podolyantsi, 125 miles west of Kiev, gave Stadnik a giant bike so he can ride to the grocery store in a nearby village. The group also presented Stadnik with a fitness machine.

“I have always dreamt that my life and the life of my loved ones . . . would become more comfortable,” Stadnik said. “My dream is coming true.”

Yesterday, he traveled to Kiev to get a new, shiny-blue van. Stadnik struggled to squeeze himself into the passenger's seat, his knees nearly reaching up to his face. Yushchenko then briefly took the beaming Stadnik for a drive

phe·nom·e·non (fĭ-nŏmə-nŏn′, -nən)
n. pl. phe·nom·e·na (-nə)


1. An occurrence, circumstance, or fact that is perceptible by the senses.
2. pl. phe·nom·e·nons

a. An unusual, significant, or unaccountable fact or occurrence; a marvel.
b. A remarkable or outstanding person; a paragon. See Synonyms at wonder.

stoop1 (stp)
v. stooped, stoop·ing, stoops
v. intr.

1. To bend forward and down from the waist or the middle of the back: had to stoop in order to fit into the cave.
2. To walk or stand, especially habitually, with the head and upper back bent forward.
3. To bend or sag downward.

vet·er·i·nar·i·an (vĕt′ər-ə-nârē-ən, vĕt′rə-)
n.
A person who practices veterinary medicine.

kind·heart·ed (kīndhärtĭd)
adj.
Having or proceeding from a kind heart. See Synonyms at kind1.
kindhearted·ly adv.
kindhearted·ness crutch (krŭch)
n.
1. A staff or support used by the physically injured or disabled as an aid in walking, usually designed to fit under the armpit and often used in pairs.
2. A forked leg rest on a sidesaddle.
3. A device used for assistance or support; a prop: a mnemonic crutch.
4. The crotch of a person or an animal.
5. A forked device or part.
tr.v. crutched, crutch·ing, crutch·es

To support on or as if on crutches; prop up.

[MANH NGUYEN]

NOW READ THIS

Tallest man depends on the kindness of strangers
Người đàn ông cao nhất (thế giới) phải lệ thuộc vào lòng nhân đạo của những người xa lạ.
ASSOCIATED PRESS

March 25, 2008

PODOLYANTSI, Ukraine – Leonid Stadnik's phenomenal height has forced him to quit a job he loved and to stoop as he moves around his house.
PODOLYANTSI, Ukraine - Chiều cao bất bình thường của Leonid Staknikđã bắt buộc anh ta phải nghỉ việc mà anh ta yêu thích và phải khom lưng khi anh ta cần đi lại quanh nhà của anh.

But Stadnik, who Guinness World Records says is the world's tallest human, says his condition has also taught him that there are many kindhearted strangers.
Nhưng anh Stadnik - theo Kỷ Lục Guinnes thế giới anh ta là người cao nhất thế giới - đã nói rằng điều kiện sống của anh ta đã dạy cho anh biết rằng ngoài kia có lắm kẻ có lòng nhân ái.

Since his recognition by Ukrainian record keepers four years ago, and by Guinness last year, people from all over Ukraine and the world have sent him outsized clothing, provided his home with running water and recently presented him with a giant bicycle. And yesterday, he got a new car, courtesy of President Viktor Yushchenko.

Kể từ khi anh ta được nhận thực bởi nhân viên giữ hồ sơ kỷ lục cách đây 04 năm, và bởi Guinness trong năm vừa qua, người ta ở khắp mọi nơi Ukraine và trên thế giới đã gửi cho anh những quần áo ngoại khổ, cung cấp cho anh căn nhà với hệ thống nước chảy và mới vừa rồi 01 chiếc xe đạp khổng lồ. Và ngày hôm qua, anh ta được 01 chiếc xe hơi mới, nghĩa cử lịch sự từ TT. Viktor yushchenko.
“
Thanks to good people I have shoes and clothes,” said the 37-year-old former veterinarian, who still lives with his 66-year-old mother.

In 2006, Stadnik was officially measured at 8 feet 5 inches tall, surpassing a 7-foot-9-inch Chinese man to claim the title of the world's tallest person.

His growth spurt began at age 14 after a brain operation that apparently stimulated the overproduction of growth hormone. Doctors say he has been growing ever since.

While his size is intimidating, Stadnik charms visitors with a broad grin and childlike laugh. He seems at times like a lonely boy trapped in a giant's body, even keeping stuffed toys on his pillow.

Stadnik's stature has brought attention, but he struggles to lead a normal life.

All the doorways in his one-story brick house are too short for him to pass through without stooping. His 440 pounds cause constant knee pain and often force him to use crutches.

Stadnik loves animals, but had to quit his job as a veterinarian at a cattle farm after suffering frostbite when he walked to work in his socks in winter. He could not afford custom made shoes for his 17-inch feet.

But his fame has taught him not to despair.

A German who said he was his distant relative invited Stadnik for a visit several years ago. On the trip, Stadnik got to sample frog legs in an elegant restaurant and saw a roller coaster at an amusement park – both for the first time.

Shortly afterward, Stadnik came home one day and saw a new computer connected to the Web sitting on his desk – a gift from a local Internet provider. Company workers “sneaked into the house like little spies” to install the equipment, Stadnik joked.

Since then he has made many online friends, including several in the United States, Australia and Russia. Stadnik hopes to learn English so he can communicate better with his Anglophone contacts; currently, he relies on computer translations, which he says are often inadequate.

On Sunday, an organization for the disabled in his home village of Podolyantsi, 125 miles west of Kiev, gave Stadnik a giant bike so he can ride to the grocery store in a nearby village. The group also presented Stadnik with a fitness machine.

“I have always dreamt that my life and the life of my loved ones . . . would become more comfortable,” Stadnik said. “My dream is coming true.”

Yesterday, he traveled to Kiev to get a new, shiny-blue van. Stadnik struggled to squeeze himself into the passenger's seat, his knees nearly reaching up to his face. Yushchenko then briefly took the beaming Stadnik for a drive

phe·nom·e·non (fĭ-nŏmə-nŏn′, -nən)
n. pl. phe·nom·e·na (-nə)


1. An occurrence, circumstance, or fact that is perceptible by the senses.
2. pl. phe·nom·e·nons

a. An unusual, significant, or unaccountable fact or occurrence; a marvel.
b. A remarkable or outstanding person; a paragon. See Synonyms at wonder.

stoop1 (stp)
v. stooped, stoop·ing, stoops
v. intr.

1. To bend forward and down from the waist or the middle of the back: had to stoop in order to fit into the cave.
2. To walk or stand, especially habitually, with the head and upper back bent forward.
3. To bend or sag downward.

vet·er·i·nar·i·an (vĕt′ər-ə-nârē-ən, vĕt′rə-)
n.
A person who practices veterinary medicine.

kind·heart·ed (kīndhärtĭd)
adj.
Having or proceeding from a kind heart. See Synonyms at kind1.
kindhearted·ly adv.
kindhearted·ness crutch (krŭch)
n.
1. A staff or support used by the physically injured or disabled as an aid in walking, usually designed to fit under the armpit and often used in pairs.
2. A forked leg rest on a sidesaddle.
3. A device used for assistance or support; a prop: a mnemonic crutch.
4. The crotch of a person or an animal.
5. A forked device or part.
tr.v. crutched, crutch·ing, crutch·es

To support on or as if on crutches; prop up.

Còn nhiều chữ cần pahỉ nghiên cứu thêm, nhưng rất tiêc không có thì giờ. Sory

[dethuong_x0x]

SYDNEY (AFP) - Twenty-six major cities around the world are expected to turn off the lights on major landmarks, plunging millions of people into darkness to raise awareness about global warming, organisers said.

26 thành phố lớn khắp toàn cầu đã chuẩn bị sẵn sàng tắt toàn bộ đèn trên những vùng đã đánh dấu, đẩy hàng triệu người trong cảnh bóng tối để tăng sự nhận biết (ảnh hưởng, I think)về hiện tượng trái đất nóng lên, người tổ chức nói

'Earth Hour' founder Andy Ridley said 371 cities, towns or local governments from Australia to Canada and even Fiji had signed up for the 60-minute shutdown at 0900 GMT on March 29.

Người nghĩ ra "Một giờ vì trái đất", Andy Ridley nói 371 thành phố, và các phố hoặc chính quyền khu vực từ Úc cho tới Canada và ngay cả Fiji đã đăng kí 60 phút tắt đèn vào lúc 9:00 GMT vào ngày 29 tháng 3.

"There are definitely 26 (cities) that we think, if it all goes to plan, we are going to see a major event of lights going off," he told AFP.

Chúng tôi nghĩ đã xác định được 26 thành phố, nếu tất cả đều lên kế hoạch, chúng tôi sẽ trông thấy 1 sự kiện lớn, nhiều đèn điện được tắt đi," ông ta phát biểu ở AFP.

Cities officially signed on include Chicago and San Francisco, Dublin, Manila, Bangkok, Copenhagen and Toronto, all of which will switch off lights on major landmarks and encourage businesses and homeowners to follow suit.

Nhiều thành phố đã chính thức đăng bao gồm Chicago, San Francisco, Dublin, Manila, Bangkok, Copenhagen and Toronto, tất cả đều tắt đèn trên những khu vực lớn đã được đánh dâú và khuyến khích các doanh nghiệp và người dân cũng làm theo.

[MANH NGUYEN]

Berkeley lab reveals 1860 voice recording

SAN FRANCISCO – At first listen, the grainy, high-pitched warble coming from the speakers may not sound like much. But scientists say a recently discovered French recording from 1860 is the oldest-known recorded human voice.

The 10-second clip of a woman singing the song “Au Clair de la Lune” taken from a so-called phonautogram was recently discovered by audio historian David Giovannoni of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
The recording predates Thomas Edison's “Mary had a little lamb” – previously credited as the oldest recorded voice – by 17 years. The sound waves were captured using a phonautograph, a device created by a Parisian inventor, Edouard-Leon Scott de Martinville.

Associated Press

high-pitched (hīpĭcht)
adj.

1. High in pitch, as a voice or musical tone.
2. Steeply sloped, as a roof.
3. Marked by or indicating intense emotion: a high-pitched debate.

Warble n.

The act or an instance of singing with trills, runs, or quavers.

Phonautogram:

pre·date (prē-dāt)
tr.v. pre·dat·ed, pre·dat·ing, pre·dates

1. To mark or designate with a date earlier than the actual one: predated the check.
2. To precede in time; antedate.
tr.v. cred·it·ed, cred·it·ing, cred·its b. To ascribe to a person; attribute: credit the invention to him. See Synonyms at attribute.

lamb (lăm)
n.
1.
a. A young sheep, especially one that is not yet weaned.
2. A sweet, mild-mannered person; a dear.

http://ieee-virtual-museum.org/colle...=2345805&lid=1

[MANH NGUYEN]

Berkeley lab reveals 1860 voice recording

SAN FRANCISCO – At first listen, the grainy, high-pitched warble coming from the speakers may not sound like much. But scientists say a recently discovered French recording from 1860 is the oldest-known recorded human voice.

The 10-second clip of a woman singing the song “Au Clair de la Lune” taken from a so-called phonautogram was recently discovered by audio historian David Giovannoni of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
The recording predates Thomas Edison's “Mary had a little lamb” – previously credited as the oldest recorded voice – by 17 years. The sound waves were captured using a phonautograph, a device created by a Parisian inventor, Edouard-Leon Scott de Martinville.

Associated Press

high-pitched (hīpĭcht)
adj.

1. High in pitch, as a voice or musical tone.
2. Steeply sloped, as a roof.
3. Marked by or indicating intense emotion: a high-pitched debate.

Warble n.

The act or an instance of singing with trills, runs, or quavers.

Phonautogram:

pre·date (prē-dāt)
tr.v. pre·dat·ed, pre·dat·ing, pre·dates

1. To mark or designate with a date earlier than the actual one: predated the check.
2. To precede in time; antedate.
tr.v. cred·it·ed, cred·it·ing, cred·its b. To ascribe to a person; attribute: credit the invention to him. See Synonyms at attribute.

lamb (lăm)
n.
1.
a. A young sheep, especially one that is not yet weaned.
2. A sweet, mild-mannered person; a dear.

http://ieee-virtual-museum.org/colle...=2345805&lid=1

Phòng thí nghiệm Berkeley đã tìm thấy đoạn thu âm thực hiện vào năm 1860.

SAN FRANCISCO – Lúc ban đầu vừa mới nghe tiếng hát líu lo, cao the thé và âm thanh rồ rồ từ những ống loa có vẻ như không có gì giống lắm. Nhưng những khoa học gia nói rằng sự thu âm vừa mới tìm ra được thực hiện vào năm 1860 là tiếng nói của loài người xưa nhất đã được thu âm để lại.

Đoạn thu âm kéo dài 10 giây đồng hồ của 01 phụ nữ hát bản nhạc “Ánh trăng thanh” phát xuất từ cái gọi là “phonautogram” mới vừa khám phá bởi nhà viết sử về âm hưởng David Giovannoni của Phòng thí nghiệm quốc gia Lawrence Berkerey.

Sự thu âm này xãy ra trước câu chuyện “Nàng Mary có con cừu nhỏ” của Ông Thomas Edition bấy lâu nay vẫn mênh danh là sự thu âm lâu đời nhất – 17 năm. Làn sóng của âm hưởng được ghi nhân bằng phương thức dùng 01 phương tiện gọi là “phonautograph” do nhà phát minh ở Ba Lê sang chế ra, Edouard-Leon Scott ở Martinville.

Associated Press

[MANH NGUYEN]

Compelling Explanations
William Harvey, defending a DUI charge in court in Perth, Scotland, in February, told the judge that his high blood-alcohol reading was because he has a "balloon-like" pouch in his neck (sort of like a pelican's) that collects most of the alcohol he swallows and therefore makes it seem that he is much more inebriated than he really is. (He was convicted.) [BBC News, 2-18-08]

Những lời giải thích gượng ép
Williams Harvey, bào chữa tội uống rượu say rồi lái xe tại tòa án ở Perth, Scotland, vào tháng Giêng, bằng cách trình với thẩm phán rằng chỉ số nồng độ trong máu của anh ta cao như thế là vì trong cổ anh ta có một cái túi “nở ra như bong bóng” (giống như cổ con bồ nông) nó góp nhặt số lượng rượu lại khi anh ta nuốt vào làm cho anh ta có vẻ say hơn là chính bản thân anh ta. (Anh ta vẫn bị kết tội) [BBC News, 2/18/08]

[Tokachitaki]

Toàn những người giỏi ngoại ngữ ko àh, đọc mà đau hết cả đầu mặc dù cũng rất iêu ngoại ngữ nhưng năng khiếu hẻm kóa. Có ai chỉ bảo giùm với không? Pác MẠNH NGUYÊN và mọi người nữa .......

[MANH NGUYEN]

Toàn những người giỏi ngoại ngữ ko àh, đọc mà đau hết cả đầu mặc dù cũng rất iêu ngoại ngữ nhưng năng khiếu hẻm kóa. Có ai chỉ bảo giùm với không? Pác MẠNH NGUYÊN và mọi người nữa .......

Tokachitaki,

You are welcome here!

Vdict.'s members ở đây lúc nào cũng sẳn sàng như "cây cao bóng mát"....
Bạn có gì thắc mắc thì cứ "post" lên rồi sẽ có người trả lời từng "thread" một. Đúng hay sai là chuyện bình thường vì chúng ta đều vào đây để học Anh Ngữ và những kiến thức khác.
Be patient, đừng nóng nảy, bỏ tự ái qua một bên, tìm cách học hỏi thì rất đáng khích lệ và chắc chắn sẽ được đền bù.

Cordially,

[MANH NGUYEN]

The Continuing Crisis

Questionable Judgments: Jason Fife was sentenced to probation and community service after harassing his estranged wife's boyfriend with a special package delivery. Fife, said his lawyer, now "understands that in a civilized society, a person cannot send (someone) a severed cow's head ...." [Pottstown Mercury, 1-8-08]


Biến cố cứ tiếp nối

Những phán quyết cần đánh dấu hỏi: Jason Fife bị kết án tù treo và được lệnh đi làm công tác công cộng sau khi gây lắm phiền toái cho bạn trai của người vợ đã chia tay trước đây của anh ta bằng cách gửi cho anh này một gói/thùng đặc biệt. Luật sư của anh ta nói rằng bây giờ anh Fife “mới biết được rằng trong xã hội văn minh một người không thể gửi cho người kia một cái đầu bò cái đứt lìa ở cổ như thế được….”[Pottstown Mercury, 1-8-08]

[MANH NGUYEN]

Sounds Familiar

Like a Paul Simon song: Anthony Raspolic reported a break-in in the wee hours of Jan. 1 in his apartment in Durant, Okla. He told police that he was in bed with his girlfriend, but got up and left the room, and by the time he returned, someone had taken his place. (The man scurried out of the bed, stole Raspolic's wallet and fled in his Ford Explorer.) [KTEN-TV (Denison, Tex.), 1-2-08]

wee (wē)
adj. we·er, we·est

1. Very small; tiny. See Synonyms at small.
2. Very early: the wee hours of the morning.
n. Scots

A short time; a little bit.

scur·ry (skûrē, skŭrē)
intr.v. scur·ried, scur·ry·ing, scur·ries

1. To go with light running steps; scamper.
2. To flurry or swirl about.

n. pl. scur·ries

1. The act of scurrying.
2. The noise produced by scurrying.
flee (flē)
v. fled (flĕd), flee·ing, flees
v. intr.
1. To run away, as from trouble or danger: fled from the house into the night.
2. To pass swiftly away; vanish: "of time fleeing beneath him" (William Faulkner).

v. tr.

To run away from: flee the scene of an accident.

wal·let (wŏlĭt)
n.

A flat pocket-sized folding case, usually made of leather, for holding paper money, cards, or photographs; a billfold.