環(huán)球英語 — 730：Listener Mail 113

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Voice 1

Welcome to Spotlight's Listener Mail program. I'm Liz Waid. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.

In today's program we hear what you have to say. We share your comments on the importance of play, Joni Earackson Tada, and reading electronic books. Keep listening!

Our first comments today come from the program "The Importance of Play." In that program we looked at how young children need play to grow and develop. In fact, experts agree that without play, people may not know how to manage their social lives. Listeners agreed with these ideas. Kenhieuloilam wrote that as adults and parents we have a responsibility to children.

Voice 2

"I think the world of children is a special world. When we take care of their world well, they will become good members of families and community."

Voice 1

Nyamsuren also believes play has a special purpose for children.

Voice 3

"Play gives for children a 'light happy' and it produces good people. I like video and computer games, but these games are not good for children. Play must give a 'light happy' for children. Sorry, I cannot explain light happy."

Voice 1

Nyamsuren, I think we all know exactly what you mean! There is a word in English for this idea – lighthearted. A person who is lighthearted is free from cares and worries. She is not oppressed by serious things. Thanks for your comments!

Another program that caught people's notice was called "Joni: Broken But Healed." That program told the life story of Joni Earackson Tada. When she was a young adult she suffered a neck injury. After that, she could not move or feel anything below her shoulders. But Joni used her disability to help others. Commenters were amazed at her faith.

Voice 2

"'The suffering is part of a better plan.' I see an example about the power of believing and the power of will. The magic of thinking!"

Voice 3

"We will never die if we still believe in God. Faith gives us strength to make it through... I hope Joni's faith is a good example for people to never give up hope!"

Voice 1

Joni's story is definitely powerful. We are happy that it could encourage people!

One program that really got people talking in the comments was actually about reading! The program was called "Reading Electronic Books." In that program we told about a program that sends e-books and e-readers to poor communities. The hope is that they will show people the power of reading. Many of our listeners thought this was a good and interesting idea! But some listeners thought that e-books could never replace traditional books! Witchdalat wrote:

Voice 2

"Indeed, e-books have many advantages. However, traditional books also have a value that cannot be replaced. If you purchase a book to present to your friend it is more valuable than sending an e-book. You feel happy when reading a book that the writer has signed with his name.... To sum up, I like both books and e-books. It depends on the time, state of mind, conditions and situation to choose a fitting book."

Voice 1

Later, witchdalat also suggested why this technology is so popular.

Voice 2

"E-books are only a tool to store and send knowledge from one person to another, from this country to another one, from this generation to others. So, because information is increasing so quickly today, e-books are the first choice. This is because of convenience, updating, and not costing a lot. But I think normal books will never be replaced by e-books because books can be historical, rare and valuable."

Voice 1

Other listeners agreed that e-readers have many positive qualities. Adin wrote:

Voice 3

"It brings the old library collection in one hand. But the e-reader costs too much money for many people - even me. It is so sad."

Voice 1

And GelezniyDen writes:

Voice 2

"Yes, I think this is very useful technology. For example it can replace ten or one hundred books in your bag or in your home... I think in the future, electronic books will replace normal books like discs replaced cassettes for listening to music and watching films."

Voice 1

Nyamsuren asked a question about e-readers:

Voice 3

"It is a very helpful tool. Does it have a bad effect on the eyes? Reading takes a lot of time and the light is bad for the eyes. I do not like to read from a computer. But, I want to buy an e-book!"

Voice 1

That is an interesting question! Many people do not like reading from a computer screen. Or, they believe that reading from such a screen can have a negative effect on their eyes.

We thought this question was so interesting, that we decided to look into it a little further! Here is Joshua Leo to tell you what we found.

Joshua Leo

Last year, Nick Bilton asked if e-readers were bad for a person's eyes. He wrote about it in the New York Times newspaper. He found that it is not a simple answer! In fact, in some cases, reading an electronic screen can even be better for a person's eyes!

When reading on paper or a screen, one important thing is contrast. That is, the difference in darkness between the letters on a page, and the back of a page, should be big. One is usually very light and one very dark. The bigger the difference, the easier it is to read. If the contrast is not big enough, it can cause a person's eyes a lot of strain. It makes the eyes tired.

Professor Alan Hedge looks at how people can use objects like e-readers in the best ways. He told the New York Times that our eye muscles are always moving. They move quickly around the page when we are reading. This is the case if we are reading from paper or from a computer screen. He says the important thing is not what you are reading on. Instead, it is important to take breaks. He says:

Voice 4

"While you are reading, your eyes make about 10,000 movements in an hour. It is important to step back every 20 minutes and let your eyes rest."

Voice 1

That is good information to know! So, you can feel good knowing that an e-reader is not going to damage your eyes. Just take a break.

That is all for today's Listener Mail program. Thank you to all of you who have written to us.