TED Talk of the week: Bandi Mbubi - Demand for a fair trade cell phone

Bandi Mbubi - Demand for a fair trade cell phone
http://www.ted.com/talks/bandi_mbubi_demand_a_fair_trade_cell_phone

VOCABULARY:

to boil down to sth - if a situation or a problem boils down to sth, that is the main reason or an esential meaning of it

All the troubles we are having with my son boil down to one thing - he cannot cope with our divorce.

Being a politician in rarely about altruism and community service - everybody knows that it all boils down to money.


heat conductor - a substance or an object made of such substance which can transfer heat.

Iron is a good heat conductor - you can observe it when you put an iron skillet over a burner of a stove that has been turned on. 

When feeling cold, it's good to have a boyfriend nearby - when he hugs you and your body becomes warm, you'll see that human body is a good heat conductor too! 


alloy - a substance composed of metal+metal or metal+nonmetal

Bronze is an alloy consisting of copper and tin.

Produced from a combination of polymers and metallic alloys, it is highly corrosion resistant and almost maintenance free. [Oxford Learner's Dictionary online]


to instill sth - to infuse slowly or gradually into the mind or feelings

The spooky atmosphere of the graveyard instilled fear in her as she was passing by. 

His wife's late arrivals at home instilled suspicion in his mind.


illicit trade route - a way through which illegally sold products are transported

Columbia is notorious for its intricate net of illicit drug trade routes. 

The police is aiming to work out secret illicit trade routes. 


misconduct - unacceptable or improper behaviour, especially by an employee or professional person

Mike was suspended for misconduct - he came to work completely drunk. 

Misconduct in the workplace can be a reason for disciplinary dismissal. 


to mount pressure on sb - to insist on somebody doing sth, taking up an action, starting to handle with a problem etc.

Environmentalists are mounting pressure on authorities to make them take up definite actions aiming to a reduction in air pollution.

Nurses are mounting pressure on the Polish government in order to obtain higher salaries.