United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
to take completely; to deplete; to block off; to isolate
Sukhavati (Amitabha's Pure Land); paradise; heaven on earth
Dodgers (e.g. Los Angeles Dodgers)
press club; correspondents' club
protection of human rights
half-term; half-time; half period
to perceive; to understand
fax; facsimile; fax machine
awareness of the issues; (having a) critical mind; concerns
local news section; the city desk
this occasion; at this time; now
sound of something falling
current year (fiscal, academic, etc.)
to devise an elaborate plan; to exercise one's ingenuity; to work out a scheme
running alone; running solo; having a large lead (over the others); being far ahead (of everyone else); having one's own way; ignoring others' opinions and acting as one wishes
serious accident; major incident
ratings (e.g. of a television program); audience rating; viewing rate
fast forward (e.g. VCR, tape deck, etc.)
my sympathies; that's too bad; my condolences
presentation (e.g. of a gift, etc.)
court lady; lady-in-waiting (Heian period); separate room in a palace (esp. for a lady) (Heian period); room for a very low class prostitute; very low class prostitute
change; alteration; substitute; rate of exchange
putting life into; animating; cheering up
to live up to (one's) expectations; to meet expectations
executive secretary; coordinator; organizer; person in charge of making arrangements
all things in nature; the whole creation
utter villain; atrocious fiend; devil
because of; on account of; regarding; per; apiece
brilliant achievement; spectacular feat; splendid accomplishment; remarkable deed