Sylvia Earle was called a “Hero for the Planet” by Time magazine. She’s an oceanographer, explorer, author, and lecturer.

Sylvia Earle is one of the world’s most famous marine scientists and a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence. She loves to go diving in the ocean. She has spent a lot of her life both  in and under the waves. Earle has led more than a hundred expeditions and she set a record for solo diving in 1,000-metre deep water. In total, she has spent more than 7,000 hours underwater.
Earle describes the first time she went to the ocean: ‘I was three years old and I got knocked over by a wave. The ocean certainly got my attention! It wasn’t frightening, it was thrilling. And since then I have been fascinated by life in the ocean.’
In the past, Earle was the chief scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the USA. Now one of her jobs is with Google Earth’s Ocean. Earle’s special focus is on developing a global network of areas on the land and in the ocean. This network will protect and support the living systems that are important to the planet. She explains why this is important: ‘When I first went to the Gulf of Mexico in the 1950s, the sea looked like a blue infinity. It seemed to be too large and too wild to be damaged by the action of people.  Then, in a few decades, not thousands of years, the blue wilderness of my childhood disappeared. By the end of the 20th century, about 90 percent of the sharks, tuna, turtles, whales and many other large creatures had disappeared from the Gulf. They had been there for millions of years.’
Some people don’t understand why the ocean is so important to life on Earth. Earle explains that ‘the ocean is the foundation of our life support system. The ocean is alive. The living things in the ocean generate oxygen and take up carbon. If we don’t have the ocean, we don’t have a planet that works.’
The Gulf of Mexico has had many problems, especially after the Deepwater Horizon Oil disaster of 2010, but Earle says, ‘In 2003 I found positive signs in clear, deep water far from the mouth of the Mississippi River. It was full of life. Large areas of the Gulf are not damaged. Protecting the most important places will be good for the future of the Gulf and for all of us.’

The Palace Hotel at Fort Romper was painted a light blue, a color of blue found on the legs of a certain bird that makes it bright in any surroundings. The Palace Hotel, then, looked always loud and screaming in a way that made the bright winter scenes of Nebraska seem only a dull gray. It stood alone, and when the snow was falling, the town two hundred yards away could not be seen.

When a traveler came from the railroad station, he was obliged to pass the Palace Hotel before he came to the group of low houses which was Fort Romper. It was believed that no traveler could pass the Palace Hotel without looking at it. Pat Scully, the hotel owner, had proved himself a master at choosing paints. It is true that on clear days, when the long lines of trains swept through Fort Romper, passengers were surprised at the sight. Those that knew the brown-reds, and the dark greens of the eastern part of the country laughingly expressed shame, pity, shock. But to the citizens of this western town and to the people who stopped there, Pat Scully had performed a wonder.

As if the displayed delights of such a blue hotel were not sufficiently inviting, Scully went every morning and evening to meet the trains that stopped at Romper. He would express greetings and welcome to anyone he might see hesitating.

One morning when a snow-covered engine dragged its long string of cars to the station, Scully performed the marvelous trick of catching three men. One was a shaky and quick-eyed Swede, with a great, shining, cheap bag; one was a tall, sun-browned cowboy, who was on his way to a job near the Dakota border; one was a little silent man from the east coast, who didn’t look like it and didn’t announce it.

Scully practically made them prisoners. He was so quick and merry and kindly that each probably thought it would be cruel to try to escape. So they followed the eager little man. He wore a heavy fur cap pulled tightly down on his head. It caused his two red ears to stand out stiffly, as if they were made of tin.

At last, Scully grandly conducted them through the door of the blue hotel. The room which they entered was small. It was occupied mostly by a huge stove in the center, which was burning with great force. At various points on its surface the iron had become shiny and glowed yellow from the heat. Beside the stove, Scully’s son, Johnnie, was playing a game of cards with a farmer. They were quarreling.

With loud words Scully stopped their play, and hurried his son upstairs with the bags of the new guests. He himself led them to three bowls of icy water. The cowboy and the Easterner washed themselves in this water until they were as red as fire. The Swede, however, merely placed his fingers in the bowl. It was noticeable throughout these proceedings that the three travelers were made to feel that Scully was very kind indeed. He was giving out great favors.

Afterward they returned to the first room. There, sitting about the stove, they listened to Scully shouting at his daughters, who were preparing the noon meal. They employed the silence of experienced men who move carefully among new people. The Swede was especially silent. He seemed to be occupied in making secret judgments of each man in the room. One might have thought that he had the sense of foolish fear which accompanies guilt. He looked like a badly frightened man.

Later, at dinner, he spoke a little, directing his conversation entirely to Scully. He said that he had come from New York, where he had worked for ten years as a suit maker. These facts seemed to interest Scully, and afterward he told that he had lived at Romper for fourteen years. The Swede asked about the crops and the price of labor. He seemed hardly to listen to Scully’s lengthy replies. His eyes continued to wander from man to man.

Finally, with a laugh, he said that some of these western towns were very dangerous; and after this declaration he straightened his legs under the table, nodded his head, and laughed again, loudly. It was plain that this had no meaning to the others. They looked at him, wondering and in silence.

After dinner, it was decided to play a game of cards. The cowboy offered to play with Johnnie, and they all turned to ask the Swede to play with the little Easterner. The Swede asked some questions about the game. Learning that it wore many names, and that he had played it under another name, he accepted the invitation.

He came toward the men nervously, as though he expected to be attacked. Finally, seated, he looked from face to face and laughed sharply. This laugh was so strange that the Easterner looked up quickly, the cowboy sat with his mouth open, and Johnnie paused, holding the cards with still fingers.

Afterward there was a short silence. Then Johnnie said, “Well, let’s begin. Come on now!” They pulled their chairs forward until their knees touched under the table. They began to play, and their interest in the game caused the others to forget the strange ways of the Swede.

Suddenly the Swede spoke to Johnnie: “I suppose there have been a good many men killed in this room.” The mouths of the others dropped open and they looked at him.

“What are you talking about?” said Johnnie. The Swede laughed again his loud laugh, full of a kind of false courage. “Oh, you know what I mean all right,” he answered.

“I don’t!” Johnnie protested. The card game stopped, and the men stared at the Swede. Johnnie evidently felt that as the son of the hotel owner he should make a direct inquiry. “Now, what are you trying to say?” he asked.

The Swede’s fingers shook on the edge of the table. “Oh, maybe you think I haven’t been anywhere. Maybe you think I don’t have any experience?”

“I don’t know anything about you,” answered Johnnie “and I don’t care where you’ve been. I just don’t know what you’re trying to say. Nobody has ever been killed in this room.”

The cowboy, who had been steadily gazing at the Swede, then spoke: “What’s wrong with you, fellow?”

Apparently it seemed to the Swede that he was powerfully threatened. He trembled, and turned pale near the corners of his mouth. He sent an appealing glance in the direction of the little Easterner. “They say they don’t know what I mean,” he remarked bitterly to the Easterner.

The latter answered after long and careful thought. “I don’t understand you,” he said calmly.

The Swede made a movement then which announced that he thought he had met attack from the only place where he had expected sympathy, if not help. “I see that you are all against me. I see—”

The cowboy felt as though he had lost his senses. “Say,” he cried, as he threw the cards fiercely down upon the table, “say, what are you trying to do?”

The Swede jumped up. “I don’t want to fight!” he shouted. “I don’t want to fight!”

The cowboy stretched his long legs slowly and carefully. His hands were in his pockets. “Well, who thought you did?” he inquired.

The Swede moved rapidly back toward a corner of the room. His hands were out protectingly in front of his chest, but he was making an apparent struggle to control his fright. “Gentlemen,” he almost whispered, “I suppose I am going to be killed before I can leave this house!”

A door opened, and Scully himself entered. He paused in surprise as he noted the terror-filled eyes of the Swede. Then he said, “What’s the matter here?”

The Swede answered him quickly and eagerly: “These men are going to kill me.”

“Kill you!” shouted Scully. “Kill you! What are you talking about?”

The Swede put out his hands helplessly.

Scully turned upon his son. “What is this, Johnnie?”

The lad had become ill-tempered. “I don’t know,” he answered. “It doesn’t make any sense to me.” He began to pick up the cards, gathering them together angrily. “He says a good many men have been killed in this room, or something like that. And he says he’s going to be killed here, too. I don’t know what’s wrong with him. He’s probably crazy.”

Scully then looked for explanation to the cowboy, but the cowboy simply shook his head.

“Kill you?” said Scully again to the Swede. “Kill you? Man, you’re crazy.”

“Oh, I know,” burst out the Swede. “I know what will happen. Yes, I’m crazy—yes. Yes, of course, I’m crazy—yes. But I know one thing—” There was suffering and terror upon his face. “I know I won’t get out of here alive.”

Scully turned suddenly and faced his son. “You’ve been troubling this man!”

Johnnie’s voice was loud with its burden of undeserved blame. “Why, good God, I haven’t done anything to him!”

The Swede broke in. “Gentlemen, do not trouble yourselves. I will leave this house. I will go away, because—” he blamed them with his glance— “because I do not want to be killed.” “You will not go away,” said Scully.

“You will not go away until I hear the reason of this business. If anybody has troubled you, I will take care of him. This is my house. You are under my roof, and I will not allow any peaceful man to be troubled here.” He looked threateningly at Johnnie, the cowboy, and the Easterner.

“Don’t, Mr. Scully, don’t. I will go away. I do not want to be killed.” The Swede moved toward the door which opened to the stairs. It was evidently his intention to go at once for his bag.

“No, no,” shouted Scully commandingly; but the pale-faced man slipped by him and disappeared. “Now,” Scully angrily to the others, “what does this mean?”

Johnnie and the cowboy cried together: “Why, we didn’t do anything to him!”

Scully’s eyes were cold. “No,” he said, “you didn’t?”

Johnnie repeated his words. “Why, this is the wildest madman I ever saw. We didn’t do anything at all. We were just sitting here playing cards, and he—”

The father suddenly spoke to the Easterner. “What have these boys been doing?”

The Easterner thought again. “I didn’t see anything wrong at all,” he said at last, slowly.

Scully began to shout. “But what does it mean?” He stared fiercely at his son. “I ought to beat you for this, my boy.”

Johnnie was wild. “Well, what have I done?” he screamed at his father.

One of the best things about traveling to a new country is learning about new traditions and customs. They can be very different from our own.

When visiting a foreign county, it is smart to follow the local social rules and customs of the people who live there. This can make your stay easier and more enjoyable.

Today we talk about fitting in with the way local people do things. We talk about an expression that goes all the way back to ancient Rome:

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

This expression means that when we visit a place, we should follow the customs and norms of that place. This expression shows an attitude or mindset: You are willing to change your way of doing things to fit in with those around you.

The place does not have to be a new country. It can simply be a new situation or environment. For example, let’s say you usually speak very loudly. But when visiting an art museum or library, you whisper in a low voice. You follow the rules of that place. When in Rome …

English speakers often shorten the expression to “when in Rome…”

This expression has another meaning. When you are in an unfamiliar situation, you should follow the lead of those who know the rules. These people know how to behave with others. They know how to play the game. They know how to work within the system. They don’t do things differently. They blend in.

But what does Rome have to do with following other people’s customs? Several websites describe how the expression may have begun. And if they are correct, this expression is very old.

Here is how the story goes:

During the time of the Roman Empire more than 1500 years ago, a Christian leader, Saint Augustine, moved from Rome to Milan. Once in the new city, he found some parts of religious life to be different. For example, in Rome he fasted, or did not eat, on Saturday. But in Milan, people did not fast on Saturday. Another church leader, Saint Ambrose, gave him some advice. St. Ambrose said that when he goes to Rome he fasts on Saturdays. But when he is in Milan, he does not. Problem solved.

This good advice, or proverb, has survived over the years. Some word experts say it first appeared in English around 500 years ago.

But we still use it to this day — either to give advice or to describe a situation where we have to change our behavior to fit in.

Let’s hear another example.

A: How was your trip to see your brother’s family?

B: It was really fun. Different but fun.

A: How was it different?

B: Well, they live in the country and love to hunt and fish. So, that’s what I did all week. It was great!

A: I am so surprised. I didn’t think you were the outdoorsy type.

B: I’m not! But when in Rome …

A: With that attitude, it’s no wonder you had a fun trip!

And that’s all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories.

Until next time, I’m Alexander Cerezo.

Rising sea levels – level 3

NASA reported that global sea levels rose more than expected in 2024. Scientists had predicted an increase of 0.43 cm, but instead, it reached 0.59 cm. This rise was mainly due to the warming of the oceans and melting glaciers.

2024 was also the hottest year on record, with global temperatures 1.6°C higher than in pre-industrial times. Experts warn that the speed of sea level rise is increasing, which could lead to serious consequences. Around two-thirds of the surge was caused by thermal expansion, where warmer water takes up more space. Meanwhile, melting glaciers and ice sheets contributed to the remaining third. Climate policies are crucial, but international efforts remain inconsistent. While some countries, like China, are investing in clean energy, others, such as the US, have weakened regulations. The situation is complex, but experts stress that global cooperation is necessary to slow down climate change and its effects.

Animal sanctuaries have problems – level 3

A recent survey revealed that animal sanctuaries across the United States are facing challenges due to inflation and decreased donations.

The survey found that most of the 45 sanctuaries reported high prices for essentials like hay and grain since the pandemic. Over a third of them experienced costs doubling. The Catskill Sanctuary is home to 200 rescued animals. They highlighted the significant rise in expenses for essential supplies and medical care. Simultaneously, donations have declined across all levels, from modest to substantial contributions.

Founder Kathy Stevens expressed concern that if sanctuaries continue closing down, many animals could face starvation or slaughter. There’s been a drop in the yearly rise of consumer prices however, many sanctuaries are still struggling to survive.

Brisbane may lose tennis matches for 2032 Olympics – level 3

Brisbane may lose the tennis matches for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to Melbourne if the city does not improve its facilities, warns Tennis Australia.

Tennis Queensland has proposed a 113-million-dollar plan to upgrade the Queensland Tennis Centre, including a new 3,000-seat arena and eight new courts. Currently, the venue doesn’t meet the required standards for the Games, so Tennis Queensland is asking for additional government funding. Without funding, the tennis events might be moved to Melbourne. Tennis Queensland’s CEO, Cameron Pearson, explained that the state lacks enough courts, seating, and proper player facilities. He expressed hope that the government would support infrastructure improvements.

The Queensland government is set to announce the final infrastructure plan by March 25. Queensland’s Tourism Minister has also emphasized the importance of creating long-term benefits from the Games, while some in Melbourne have suggested they could host the tennis matches.

I want to talk about my life in (the) UK. I went to study in the UK a few years ago. The most exciting experience is that I went to a host family for my Christmas holiday in December. I went there alone … on a train. It took me about one or two hours to get there, to York, and then I stayed there for one week. This was the first time that I spent time with a UK family, which I learned a lot from them. They treat (treated) me like a family member, they took me out to eat, to play and to see all the different interesting culture of their region. On Christmas Day, they even bought me some presents to celebrate the Christmas (celebrate Christmas). 

When I went back to Oxford, which was the place that I stayed for that year, I had the chance to teach in a Chinese school every Sunday. The kids are (were) about 14 years old and I taught them Chinese. They were very cute but they all speak (spoke) in English. I spent lots of time to encourage (encouraging) them to speak in Cantonese. 

During my study (studies) in the UK, I lived with (a) few other students from different countries. They are very nice and we used to cook on our own, just like a big family. Every day we will go to … every day we went to supermarkets to buy food and drinks and desserts. We cooked every day. I was not a good cook – normally I just put everything into (the) oven. And I’ve tried (I tried) to bake a cake before but failed and they all laughed at me. And every time when I bake(d) a cake, they never taste(d) it. We share(d) a flat together – we share(d) kitchen, bathrooms but we do (did) have our own sink and bedroom. The life (Life) in the UK is quite relaxing besides study because you can explore more and do different activities at school or even some other extracurricular activities. 

After I come (came) back (to) Hong Kong, I still keep in touch with all my friends in the UK, from different countries like Italy, Malaysia, Japan, UK and other countries. Sometimes we even send email(s) to each other, sometimes they may come to Hong Kong to visit and we will meet each other again. 

I really enjoy (enjoyed) the time in the UK. I hope you will also have the chance to explore more in other different countries in the future.