gratification, following, high gear

Because of this week's Group of Eight summit in Lake Toyako, Hokkaido, domestic interest in ecology is in high gear. On Monday night, many communities across Japan turned out lights at 8 p.m., and some readers may have joined in the effort at home. When we turn off unnecessary lights and become accustomed to the dark, it feels as if we are doing a good deed.



Thousands read Mr. Cuban’s posts every single day. If he can do it, why can’t you?
“Don’t go into blogging to make a living,” Mr. Cuban warned in an e-mail message. Still, he and other top bloggers with day jobs agree most people could attract a following on the Web. And whether a person blogs to make a little money, to influence opinion or just for sheer ego gratification, amassing a large audience is the goal.

make an honest living HUMOROUS
earn money by working hard at a job


follow (HAVE INTEREST IN)
verb [T]
to have a great interest in something or watch something closely:
He follows most sports avidly.
They followed her academic progress closely.

follower 
noun [C]
They are keen followers of (= have a great interest in) their local football team.

following 
noun [S]
a group of people who admire something or someone:
She has attracted a large following among the rich and famous.
The shop has a small but loyal/devoted following.
gratify 
verb [T]
to please someone, or to satisfy a wish or need:
We were gratified by the response to our appeal.
[+ to infinitive] He was gratified to see how well his students had done.

gratification 
noun [U]
sexual gratification
Some people expect instant gratification (= to get what they want immediately).

gratifying
adjective
[+ to infinitive] It must be very gratifying to see all your children grown up and happy.

gratifyingly 
adverb
The success rate in the exam was gratifyingly high.

Idioms: high gear

A state of maximum activity, energy, or force. For example, His mind was in high gear as he studied for the medical exam, or The political campaign is finally moving into high gear. This expression alludes to the high gear of an engine transmission, used at the fastest speeds.