The stories of three families bring so much joy. I also know American local custom and slang through watching it.

Scientists are turning unused durian fruit coverings which cause environmental pollution into antibacterial bandages. The antibacterial substances in those bandages use more costly metallic compounds like silver or copper.
New words:
durian-a kind of fruits
glycerol-chemicals
flesh-human's skin or pulp
metallic-There was a metallic click and the gates opened.

How to listen to TED talk effectively

First pass,we should know what the audio talks about (its topic) and form an outline in mind. Try to extract as much information as possible from the first listening, number, examples, repeated words(maybe important)

Second pass. After knowing the exact topic, we should pay more attention to listen to the details according to the questions. Don’t miss any important words. 

After class, it’s better to listen again until you understand the whole recording. Look up new words or unfamiliar saying and proverb. This can be helpful for the following study.

 

Secondly, search for useful information. I usually find data or information on the English website instead of Baidu we use in China, which is recommended. It helps me summary, extract useful information on the paper more quickly in daily study. 

Next, I write down key words which helps me have clearer thinking. No whole paragraph, no transcript. Sometimes, I forget the words. :( But, I tell myself it’s OK. I will be more fluent through enough practices.

What to improve

Rik mentioned that everyone should listen to others’ opinions seriously. In my last semester’s discussion, I hadn’t been conscious of it. But now, I understand it. The purpose of holding a seminar is to brainstorm and communicate. This is what I need to improve. I believe I can do it better.

Plow-A farmer must plow the land before planting crops.

Erodible-erodible soil.

Recreational-There is a scheme to improve recreational facilities in this area.

Outstrip-He outstripped all his competitors in sale last year.

Quadrupled-- four times 

Unravel-The problem was never really unraveled.

Ground to a halt- Car production ground to a halt 

Plummet-A planet plummeted to earth.

Summary
Due to population growth and rising incomes, humanity’s demand for food is extremely increasing. Eroding soils, falling water tables and other environmental problems make it difficult to expand food production. Human condition in impoverished areas is in worsening tendency.

In my perspective, it is effective. Most people can’t afford to buy two cars in China because of additional fees, such as gas money, garage fee, maintenance costs. So, they have to go to work by subway which could reduce pressure for transportation. However, for people living in the middle of nowhere, these traffic restrictions make their lives much more inconvenient.

I think the differences between brand attachment and brand loyalty is the frequency consumers paid for their beloved brand.