Pronunciation ChallengeCNN10: Tipping / Sea Lions

[Transcript]

To Tip or Not to Tip?

Our first topic concerns the US economy. In the recent 30-day period, several major US stock indexes saw their worst decreases since March of 2020 when the COVID pandemic was sinking in. NASDAQ also saw its biggest drop since October of 2008 when the great recession was taking place, which is complicated with a lot of things contributed. The US Federal Reserve is planning to raise interest rates again which might help reduce inflation but might also reduce economic growth, and the fears of a recession, meaning a decline in the nation's economy, are also hurting the stock market.

Another economic indicator is the US government's monthly jobs report. American employers have added several hundred thousand jobs each month this year and the unemployment rate has been steadily decreasing, both good economic signs. But while Americans' average wages have also been increasing, they haven't risen enough to keep pace with inflation. For a quick example, tipping has already grown a lot more complicated. One company that tracks credit card transactions found that tips rose as the pandemic began, then leveled off, and now are falling amid the confusion and inflation.

So, when should you normally tip? Some customers say it's simple: if someone helps you, for example serving you food to the table, you tip; but if you help yourself then you don’t have to tip. But now, a number of restaurants have automatically included a 20% service charge to customers’ bills. Bam! Just like that. Would you be okay with it? Let me know what you think in the comment section down below.


The Endangered New Zealand Sea Lions

According to the New Zealand Government, the New Zealand Sea Lions are one of the rarest types of sea lions on the planet and can only be found there. With an estimated 12,000 of these chunky animals, they are currently endangered. The threats they face include everything from diseases and lack of food to being caught by accident in the fishing industry and even road accidents. These animals like to move inland and they're encountering cars, people, and dogs along the way. But this isn't a report about what's killing them off. It's about what's bringing them back to New Zealand's south island and what's being done to help them and people live together. Check out today’s CNN10 video to see how these chunky sea-doggos can live peacefully with hooman beings!


[Sentence of the day]

The threats they face include everything from diseases and lack of food to being caught by accident in the fishing industry and even road accidents.


[Vocabulary words]

1. threat
a suggestion or feeling that something unpleasant or violent will happen

i.e. Drunken drivers pose a serious threat to other road users.

2. lack
the fact that something is not available or that there is not enough of it

i.e. Julia’s only problem is a lack of confidence.

3. industry
the people and activities involved in one type of business

i.e. The tourism industry has suffered a great loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


Alright, that’s all we have time for today.
Folks, have you ever tipped someone for service in your life?
Would you prefer tipping at your own discretion?
Or is it better to simply include it as a fixed service charge in the bill?
Share your ideas with me down below.
This is Ken Miao. I’ll see you again next week.

Day 68.