https://goo.gl/photos/2DgNJx9yvXfkYcvb9 Pictures are fun :P

This is a theory based on my experience: So I have seen quite a few comments like this lately (like in the past week or so). I assume most teachers here are also teachers at a physical school. Since it is summer, I assume a lot of them are on vacation. Two of my teachers right now are traveling, so I think that this could be true for many teachers here. Sucks about the bad experience :/ Keep it up!

House of Cards s03e02 notes

balance an egg
= something against the law of physics/a trial in vain

Yes. Trial in vain.  This is really not a common phrase (or I have never heard it) but the general concept is doing something that is almost impossible.  

He's expecting me calling back
= He's waiting for me to call back

reversed thinking
= thinking with a reversed logic chain, e.g. a reversed thinking order that puts the result prior to the causes = 逆向思维

sail against the wind
= to take up a challenge knowing the hazard in it

I'm going to combine the reverse thinking and sail against the wind.  So in the scenes leading up to this one, we have learned that Frank Underwood's party would not support him if he were to run for reelection.  The party wants Frank to step down for the next election and support the next candidate the party chooses.  Frank want to be reelected as president and does not want support another person.  He is sailing against the wind because he is not doing what everyone wants him to do (step down and support the party's nominee). This is when Frank says "we need to reverse our thinking" and this is when he thinks about what he can get by going with the wind or by stepping down and supporting the next nominee.  We will later see he exchanges supporting the next nominee so he can work on his "America Works" program.  

My saviour.
= You saved my life. This is an expression of thanks to someone helped you with urgent, important matters.

Correct, this was an exaggeration cause the girl was helpful by bringing coffee to the guy coffee when he was tired from working so hard

placeholder
= someone appointed to a position merely to fill vacancy without making practical contribution (other than to fill the spot)

of one's own accord
= said/written from one's personal point of view doing something without being influenced by anyone else

You've emerged.
= You've get up. This is a morning greeting, a vivid imagery of emerging from the bed. Correct

No comment.
= This is said when someone is unwilling to disclose information. ＝无可奉告 Correct

No real business.
= Nothing formal to be discussed. Let's just chat casually. Correct

ramp up
= create positive civil impression via publication for a political candidate = 造势 Could not find this one but it typically means to increase.

Meet me halfway.
= Let's make a compromise. Let's take no stance but neutrality.

It is received well.
= It is popular with and received positive reviews.

America was built on the spirit of industry.
= America was built on the spirit of hard work. Don't know how to explains this but that is close enough.

Candidates are cautious. They must equivocate. They dodge and tiptoe. = 谨小慎微、含糊其辞、畏手畏脚
= These are groups of expressions that describes cautiousness and alertness to situations that may induce threat. Yes, plus equivocate- to give vague answers to conceal the truth and not give a definite answer

Ps: I try to explain expressions acquired in the show in my own words. Thank you for correcting any mistake :)

Finally found the section. Good job. Keep up the work!

Ok. Here is what I think is going on, but not an expert. In the last paragraph, Carter is hearing the "toneless irritating buzz" which reminds him of his boss and the seemingly annoying speeches his boss makes. From here on out in the paragraph, Carter is describing parallels between the behavior of the generate and the boss. 1) It is referring to the generator and the boss: If Carter does not feed the generator gas, the generator will die, and shelter will not have power. This would lead to Carter dying as well. Carter seems to also feel obligated to keep feeding his boss. Carter must keep feeding his boss. If Cater does not feed his boss sardines, then his boss will die and Carter will die after. But the biggest point is that neither the generator nor his boss "gives a ripe red fuck" about Carter and yet Carter keeps feeding the generator and the boss gas or sardines. 2) I assume so. I also assume the boss is older so Carter is feeling trapped as a slave to his boss. Like the generator is there something that the boss is providing that is keeping Carter alive? And the "who care" does convey some despair maybe eluding to the fact that they are trapped there. PS. Not sure if this one is another comparison, but the reference to the "unleaded premium for my Hummer". Bring together the reference to the generator a machine buzzing away (or humming) needing propane, and the boss's demands for Carter to refuel the boss's Hummer (Expensive Truck/Machine known for its high gas consumption) and so on adding to the comparison.