第281回
About-face = To reverse one's opinion or to change one's mind comletely 方向転換。
I decided to return to America for Christmas. After hearing the airfare I did an about-face and decided to stay here.

第282回
Optimistic = Hopefulness 楽観的な。
Even with all the trouble on Wall Street I am still optimistic about the world economy.

第283回
Havoc = Great destruction 大破壊。
The Wall Street crisis has played havoc on the American economy.

第284回
Shoddy = Inferior, not made well or not done well 粗悪な。
Shoddy workmenship causes production delays and breakdowns.

第285回
The king of cool = The sharpest, the best or the most interesting おしゃれの王様。
Apple's new i-phone is the king of cool in the U.S.A.

第286回
To be candid = To state perfectly what is on your mind 率直な。
People who ask for a candid opinion of themselves usually have their feelings hurt.

第287回
To forgo = To give up ･･･なしで済ます。断念する。
I have decided to forgo ice-cream to maintain my weight.

第288回
Alive and kicking = To be in good condition, to be happy to be alive 大元気で。大はしゃぎで。
Every morning at 4:00 I'm up and alive and kicking.

第289回
Giddy vs. glum = Very happy vs. very sad 有頂天。　/ 押し黙った。
Supporters of Mr. Obama are giddy while supporters of Mr. Maccain are glum.

第290回
Astute = Crafty 抜け目のない。
He is very famous for his astute way of speaking.