通勤學英語 15Mins Today

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- Summary: Sweden conducted a two-year long study on productivity and worker health. They found that working a 6-hour day can make workers happier, healthier, and more productive. However, the disadvantage of doing so is the extreme cost that came along with it. 完整文章 From article: http://www.15mins.today/blog/520-in-sweden-happiness-in-a-shorter-workday-can-t-overcome-the-cost Vocabulary and sample sentences: Wrap up – complete / conclude a discussion or eventThe meeting was wrapped up in 30 minutes.Let's wrap up this conference call in the next 10minutes, ok? Stoked – (add fuel to fire) encourage or incite (add fuel to) - (slang) happy, proud of oneself Stoker - the person who adds coal to the locomotiveDonald Trump stoked controversy with his comments on the border wall.(slang) I am stoked about the party this weekend! Skepticism n. – idea of doubting the truth (doubt, doubtfulness) Skeptic n. - person who is skeptical Skeptical adj. - having doubts, not easily convincedSkepticism regarding the health benefits of e-cigarettes is growing amongst the youth.Skeptics do not believe Donald Trump will be able to build a wall.In order to survive the information age, one must be skeptical of the information on the Internet.

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- Hello hello 我是醬老師～ 這集跟Patrick討論了全聯從軍公教福利中心變成台灣零售巨頭的歷史回顧。除了分享颱風天搶購的經驗，也聊到全聯如何成為台灣購物文化中不可或缺的一部分。 我們還比較了傳統市場和現代連鎖超市的差異，並給大家一些好用日常購物相關的慣用語。你對全聯有什麼樣的記憶呢？歡迎來信跟我們分享！ Hello hello 15Mins fam! Patrick and I dove into PX Mart's fascinating transformation from a military supply store to Taiwan's retail giant. We also shared our typhoon shopping experiences and discussed how it's become central to Taiwan's shopping culture. We also compared traditional markets with modern grocery chains and included some useful shopping related idioms for you. Share with us your childhood memories of PX Mart and we will give you a shout out!

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep.K895: Robert Downey Jr. Takes Stand Against AI Replication in Entertainment Highlights 主題摘要：Robert Downey Jr. has taken legal precautions against future AI replication of his likeness, demonstrating the growing concern about artificial intelligence's role in entertainment intellectual property.The entertainment industry is actively addressing AI challenges through strikes and new legislation, particularly California's law protecting deceased performers' likenesses from unauthorized digital reproduction.Despite his own investments in AI technology for environmental and security purposes, Downey maintains strict boundaries between beneficial AI applications and potential misuse in entertainment. Robert Downey Jr., the acclaimed actor known for his iconic role as Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has taken a bold stance against the use of artificial intelligence to recreate his likeness. During a recent appearance on the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast, Downey declared his intention to pursue legal action against any future executives who attempt to use AI-generated versions of his performance. Despite acknowledging that he would likely be deceased when such situations might arise, the actor confidently stated that his law firm would remain vigilant in protecting his legacy. 小勞勃道尼以其在漫威電影宇宙中飾演東尼史塔克（鋼鐵人）的經典角色聞名，他對於使用人工智慧重現其肖像一事採取了堅定的立場。在最近的《On With Kara Swisher》 Podcast 節目中，道尼宣布他打算對任何試圖使用 AI 生成版本來重現其表演的未來高層採取法律行動。儘管承認當這種情況發生時，他可能已經離世，但這位演員仍然自信地表示，他的律師事務所將持續警戒，以保護他的傳承。 The Oscar-winning performer's concerns reflect a growing debate within the entertainment industry about the ethical implications of AI technology. This issue has become particularly prominent in recent months, as evidenced by the ongoing Hollywood video game performers' strike, which began in July 2024. The strike primarily centers around concerns about AI protections, with performers' unions viewing the matter as an existential crisis for their members. These concerns were also central to last year's film and television strikes, which ultimately resulted in new agreements requiring productions to obtain informed consent before using actors' digital replicas. 這位奧斯卡得主的擔憂反映了娛樂產業內對 AI 技術倫理影響的持續爭議。這個議題在近幾個月變得特別突出，從 2024 年 7 月開始的好萊塢電玩演員罷工就可見一斑。這場罷工主要圍繞 AI 保護的問題，演員工會視其為會員們面臨的存亡危機。這些顧慮也是去年影視業罷工的核心議題，最終促使製作方在使用演員數位複製前必須取得知情同意的新協議。 While Downey maintains a practical involvement with AI technology through his investments in environmental and cybersecurity initiatives, he draws a clear distinction between these applications and the potential misuse of AI in entertainment. The actor, who is currently making his Broadway debut in "McNeal," a play that explores themes of artificial intelligence and artistic integrity, emphasized that his trust in current Marvel executives doesn't eliminate his concerns about future leadership. Despite his confidence that the current decision-makers at Marvel would never misuse his likeness, he remains proactive about protecting his rights in the long term. 雖然道尼透過在環保和網路安全領域的投資，實際參與了 AI 技術的發展，但他明確區分了這些應用與在娛樂界濫用 AI 的可能性。這位正在百老匯首演《McNeal》的演員，在這齣探討人工智慧和藝術完整性主題的舞台劇中強調，他對現任漫威高層的信任並不能消除他對未來領導層的擔憂。儘管他相信現任的漫威決策者絕不會濫用他的肖像，但他仍積極維護自己的長期權益。 Looking ahead, Downey's career continues to evolve with his upcoming role as Doctor Doom in "Avengers: Doomsday," scheduled for release in 2026. This new chapter in his relationship with Marvel comes with the backdrop of California's recent legislation, signed in September, which prohibits the unauthorized replication of deceased performers' likenesses without prior consent. This law, sponsored by SAG-AFTRA, provides additional legal protection for performers concerned about the posthumous use of their images and performances. The actor's stance reflects a broader industry-wide movement to establish clear boundaries and ethical guidelines for the use of AI technology in entertainment, ensuring that artists maintain control over their creative legacies. 展望未來，道尼的演藝事業將隨著他在預定 2026 年上映的《復仇者聯盟：末日》中飾演毀滅博士而繼續發展。他與漫威的這段新篇章，恰逢加州最近簽署了一項法案，禁止未經事先同意便擅自複製已故演員的肖像。這項由演員工會所提出的法案，為關注死後肖像和演出被使用的演員提供了額外的法律保護。這位演員的立場反映了整個產業建立明確界限和 AI 技術使用道德準則的廣泛運動，確保藝術家能夠掌控自己的創作遺產。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字：Cinematic (Ci-ne-ma-tic): Robert Downey Jr., the acclaimed actor known for his iconic role as Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has taken a bold stance against the use of artificial intelligence.Existential (Ex-is-ten-ti

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- Topic: In age-old ritual, Mexican mayor weds alligator to secure abundance A small town Mexican mayor married his alligator bride in a colorful ceremony as traditional music rang out and revelers danced while imploring the indigenous leader to seal the nuptials with a kiss. 墨西哥一個小鎮市長在一場多采多姿的儀式中，迎娶了他的鱷魚新娘，現場演奏傳統音樂、狂歡者翩翩起舞，同時懇求這位原住民領袖用一個吻來為婚禮封印。 San Pedro Huamelula Mayor Victor Hugo Sosa obliged more than once during Thursday’s wedding, bending down to plant his lips on the small alligator’s snout, which had been tied shut presumably to avoid unwanted biting. 在週四的婚禮上，聖．佩德羅．瓦米魯拉的市長維克多．雨果．索薩不只一次答應要求，彎腰把嘴唇湊上這隻小鱷魚的鼻子，而小鱷魚的鼻子被緊緊綁住，大概是為了避免不必要的咬傷。 The ritual marriage likely dates back centuries to pre-Hispanic times among Oaxaca state’s Chontal and Huave indigenous communities, like a prayer pleading for nature’s bounty. 在墨西哥瓦哈卡州Chontal及Huave的原住民社會中，這種婚禮儀式就像是一個祈禱，祈求大自然的恩賜，可能可以追溯好幾個世紀，一直到前西班牙時代。 Oaxaca, located in Mexico’s poor south, is arguably the country’s richest in indigenous culture and home to many groups that have stubbornly maintained their languages and traditions. 瓦哈卡州位在墨西哥貧窮的南部地區，可說是墨國原住民文化最豐富的地區，也是許多堅持維護他們的語言和傳統的群體的家鄉。 Next Article In Mexico, those searching for missing relatives can vanish too 在墨西哥，尋找失蹤親友的人也會跟著消失 70-years-old Maria Herrera is scraping at the earth on a hill in the town of Huitzuco, in southern Mexico, looking for the mounds that indicate a decaying corpse. 70歲的瑪莉亞．赫雷拉在墨西哥南部威特蘇科鎮的山上四處挖掘，希望找到代表埋有腐爛屍體的土堆。 Digging in the dirt with a group of 100 other activists in the violent state of Guerrero, she wants to find her four missing son. 在暴力事件頻傳的格雷羅州，赫雷拉與100名行動人士一起挖土，想要找到4名失蹤的兒子。 More than 40,000 people are missing in Mexico, which has been swept by a wave of violence since the government declared war on the country’s powerful drug cartels in 2006. 2006年，墨西哥政府向勢力龐大的販毒集團宣戰後，這個國家就被暴力事件肆虐，目前已有逾4萬人失蹤。 At first, Herrera and her husband used the profits gained by selling household goods door to door to launch gold exchange business, which involved traveling the country to buy and sell gold. 起初，赫雷拉和丈夫用挨家挨戶賣居家用品的收入，展開黃金兌換生意，包括全國走透透買賣黃金。 They did not realize a bloody cartel turf war was just breaking out in the state. They believe a local cartel mistook the brothers, Jesus and Raul, for members of a rival group and were captured. Two more brothers started looking for them but disappeared too. 但他們沒料到，一場腥風血雨的毒梟地盤之爭已在國內爆發。他們相信，自家兒子赫塞斯和羅爾，是被一個地方販毒集團誤認為敵營的人，才被俘虜。另外2名兒子開始尋找兩人後，也下落不明。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1539233 ; https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/paper/1292410 Next Article Topic: ‘We’re Living in Hell’: Inside Mexico’s Most Terrified City The violence was already terrifying, she said, when grenades exploded outside her church in broad daylight some five years ago. Then children in town were kidnapped, disappearing without a trace. Then the bodies of the executed were dumped in city streets. 她說，大約五年前，光天化日下手榴彈在她的教會外爆炸，這種暴力已經夠嚇人了。接著鎮上的孩子被綁架，消失得無影無蹤。然後他們被處刑的屍體丟棄在城市街道上。 And then came the day last month when armed men burst into her home, dragged her 15-year-old son and two of his friends outside and shot them to death, leaving Guadalupe — who didn’t want her full name published out of fear of the men — too terrified to leave the house. 接下來是上個月的那一天，武裝男子闖進她家，將她的15歲兒子和兒子兩個友人拖出屋外射殺，讓瓜達魯佩太過驚嚇以致於不敢離開家，因為害怕那些男子，她不希望刊出全名。 “I do not want the night to come,” she said, through tears. “Living with fear is no life at all.” 「我不希望黑夜來臨」，她流著淚說，「活在恐懼中完全不是人過的日子」。 For most of the population of Fresnillo, a mining city in central Mexico, a fearful existence is the only one they know; 96% of residents say they feel unsafe, the highest percentage of any city in Mexico, according to a recent survey from Mexico’s national statistics agency. 對於弗雷斯尼約這個墨西哥中部礦城的大多數人而言，他們知道的只有一項可怕現實。根據墨西哥國家統計局最近一項調查，96%居民說他們感覺不安全，是墨西哥所有城市比率最高者。 The economy can boom and bust, presidents and parties and their promises can come and go, but for the city’s 140,000 people, as for many in Mexico, there is a growing sense that no matter what changes, the violence endures. 經濟可以暴起大落，總統和政黨以及他們的承諾來來去去，但對這座城市的14萬人來說，如同墨西哥許多城市，不論有什麼改變，暴力依舊持續，這種意見正在增加。 In 2018, during his run for president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador offered a grand vision to remake Mexico. Instead of arresting and killing traffickers as previous leaders had done, he would focus on the causes of violence: “hugs not bullets,” he called it. He was swept to victory. 2

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 在這個感恩節的週末，歡迎各位通勤家族回到《Teacher's Lounge 幕後教師室》！值班老師 John 和阿鍵兩三週沒和大家打招呼，好久不見實在非常想念大家。 本週我們要來回顧忙碌又精彩的十一月！John 老師最近參加了 Dua Lipa 的演唱會，還去看了F1賽車《HP Watch Party》，真的是在節目裡提到的願望一一實現！而阿鍵老師則沉浸在戲劇的世界裡，欣賞了幾場精彩的舞台劇。 隨著年底Holiday Season將至，十二月想必會更加熱鬧，從聖誕節慶典到交換禮物，精彩活動接踵而來！在這感恩的季節，通勤學英語要特別感謝各位一整年來的支持與陪伴。明年我們還準備了更多令人期待的新計畫，敬請拭目以待！ 聽完本集歡迎到 FB/IG 私訊或留言分享心得。別忘了，想要獲得更多精彩內容，歡迎訂閱我們的 VIP 會員，還能享有主題許願喔！ https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- Summary: Pop music is ubiquitous and it is everywhere. You can't run away from it. This article talks about how the rules of pop music has changed. The billboard, an American company that measures your record's success has changed their parameters. Before, record companies decided what was pop and what was not. Now, they are looking at the streaming media. If you are a top streaming artist, you get to also join the billboard. This article also mentioned that the billboard recently has drifted from being white, to now hip-hop as one of the top genres in the world. 完整文章 From article: http://www.15mins.today/blog/516-the-old-pop-music-is-over-introducing-a-playbook-for-pop-2-0 Vocabulary and sample sentences: Playbook (a book containing a sports team's strategies and plays, especially in football)The Internet has changed the playbook on what happens to a pop-star's career.The playbook for copyright infringement has changed a lot recently in the European Union Genre (a category of art, music, literature that share similar form, style, or subject matter)Friday the thirteenth is a movie in the "horror" genre.Starwars movie is in the "science-fiction" genre.The hip-hop is the new genre (in music) to rule them all. An encyclopedia falls under the "non-fiction" genre.Exorbitant (unreasonably high price, too expensive)When you go on holiday during Chinese New Year, prices are exorbitant.In Chinese New Year, you pay exorbitant prices for travel.If you eat at Sogo, the prices are exorbitant.

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 本集節目中，我們探討感恩節在美國和台灣的文化意義，特別聚焦於美式火雞大餐和台灣的「嘉義火雞肉飯」。我們討論火雞肉飯獨特的製作方式、美味的醬汁，以及其在台灣的歷史淵源。節目最後以輕鬆的方式提出設立「火雞肉飯日」的想法，藉此慶祝這道深受歡迎的美食，同時推薦在地美食，強調感恩和團聚的主題。 In this episode of 15Mins Cafe, we explore the cultural significance of Thanksgiving in the U.S. and Taiwan, focusing on the American turkey dinner and its Taiwanese counterpart, "Chai turkey rice." We discuss the unique preparation of turkey rice, its flavorful sauces, and its historical roots in Taiwan. The episode wraps up with a lighthearted proposal for a "Turkey Rice Day" to celebrate this beloved dish, alongside recommendations for local delicacies, emphasizing themes of gratitude and togetherness.

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep.K891: China's Singles' Day Shopping Festival Faces Economic Headwinds Highlights 主題摘要：Consumer behavior in China has fundamentally shifted, with people becoming more skeptical of promotional tactics and moving away from luxury goods towards experience-based and health-related purchases.E-commerce platforms are adapting to domestic market challenges by expanding internationally, with significant success in markets like Singapore and Hong Kong through strategies like global free shipping.Despite Beijing's stimulus measures, consumer confidence remains low, reflecting broader economic concerns including deflationary pressures, leading to more conservative spending patterns during major shopping events. The world's largest shopping extravaganza, Singles' Day, is experiencing a significant transformation as China grapples with economic challenges. Originally launched by Alibaba in 2009, this annual shopping festival, celebrated on November 11 (11.11), has traditionally been a barometer of consumer confidence in the world's second-largest economy. However, this year's event reflects a marked shift in consumer behavior and retail strategies amid China's ongoing economic slowdown and deflationary pressures, prompting both businesses and consumers to reassess their participation in this once-celebrated shopping bonanza. 全球最大的購物盛會「光棍節」，隨著中國面臨經濟挑戰而經歷重大轉變。這個最初由阿里巴巴在 2009 年推出的年度購物節，在每年 11 月 11 日舉行，一直以來都是全球第二大經濟體消費者信心的測試器。然而，今年的活動反映出消費者行為和零售策略明顯轉變，在中國持續的經濟放緩和通貨緊縮壓力下，促使企業和消費者重新評估他們對這個曾經備受歡迎的購物盛會的參與度。 The festival's changing dynamics are evident in how both merchants and consumers approach the event. While previous years saw enthusiastic participation and record-breaking sales figures, recent editions have shown more reserved spending patterns. Many shoppers, like Beijing fitness center owner Wang Haihua, have become increasingly skeptical of promotional tactics, noting that the discounts aren't as attractive as they once were. Similarly, merchants are finding it harder to justify the high costs of participating in the festival, with some reporting that advertising expenses barely break even with sales revenue. This sentiment is echoed by business owners like Zhang Jiewei, a Xi'an barber shop owner, who has significantly reduced his Singles' Day spending due to lower income and growing distrust of promotional pricing strategies. 從商家和消費者對待這項活動的方式可以看出節慶氛圍的轉變。雖然往年都有熱烈參與和破紀錄的銷售數字，但近期的活動呈現出較為保守的消費模式。許多消費者，如北京健身中心老闆王海華，對促銷策略越來越持懷疑態度，指出折扣 已不如從前吸引人。同樣地，商家們發現參與節慶活動的高額成本越來越難以回收，有些商家表示廣告支出僅能勉強達到收支平衡。西安理髮店老闆張杰偉也表達了類似看法，由於收入降低和對促銷定價策略的不信任感增加，他大幅減少了光棍節的消費支出。 In response to the sluggish domestic market, e-commerce platforms are adopting new strategies to maintain growth. Companies like Alibaba have expanded their focus to international markets, offering global free shipping and enabling merchants to sell worldwide. This pivot has shown promising results, with some 70,000 merchants reportedly doubling their sales through global shipping initiatives. Markets in Singapore and Hong Kong have seen a significant increase in new customer acquisition, demonstrating the potential of cross-border e-commerce. While platforms previously published detailed transaction values, they have become more reserved in sharing specific figures since 2022, with industry estimates suggesting modest single-digit growth compared to the double-digit increases of previous years. 為應對疲軟的國內市場，電商平台正採取新策略以維持成長。像阿里巴巴這樣的公司已將重點擴展到國際市場，提供全球免運費並讓商家能夠在全球範圍內銷售。這個轉向策略已顯現出成效，據報導約有 7 萬家商家透過全球運送方案使銷售額翻倍。新加坡和香港等市場的新客戶數量大幅增加，展現出跨境電商的潛力。雖然平台過去會公布詳細的交易額，但自 2022 年以來，分享具體數據時變得更加謹慎，產業估計顯示僅有個位數的溫和成長，相較於往年的兩位數增長有所下降。 The transformation of Singles' Day reflects broader changes in Chinese consumer behavior and economic conditions. Experts note that Beijing's recent stimulus measures have had limited success in boosting consumer confidence, with many shoppers becoming more selective in their purchases. While traditional luxury items have seen decreased demand, categories such as sportswear, fitness equipment, and premium branded goods in personal care and outdoor activities have maintained stronger sales. This shift suggests a fundamental change in consumer priorities, moving away from conspicuous consumption toward experiences, hobbies, and health-related purchases. As the festival evolves, it serves as an important indicator of both the challenges and opportunities in China's changing

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 1. The Beatles 披頭四樂團 Quote: "Life is what happens to you while you're busymaking other plans." 名言：「人生就是當你忙著規劃時，意外發生的事。」 The Beatles, formed in Liverpool in1960, became the most influential band in popular music history. Initially, they performed in Hamburg, Germany, playing in clubs for up to eight hours a night. This period was crucial for their development - they had to learn German phrases to communicate with audiences, making them understand the importance of connecting with listeners across language barriers. The band's original lineup included John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Pete Best (later replaced by Ringo Starr), and Stuart Sutcliffe. Their manager, Brian Epstein, discovered them at Liverpool's Cavern Club, where they had played nearly 300 times. The band holds multiple records: they have the most number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 (20), have sold over 1.6 billion records worldwide, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Interestingly, despite their global success, none of the Beatles could read or write musical notation - they learned their music by ear, proving that formal training isn't always necessary for artistic achievement. Their journey from working-class Liverpool to international stardom demonstrates how music can transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries. 披頭四1960年在利物浦成立，成為流行音樂史上最具影響力的樂團。早期，他們在德國漢堡的夜店演出，一晚上要表演長達八小時。這段經歷對他們的發展極為關鍵－他們必須學習德語詞彙與觀眾溝通，讓他們了解到跨越語言障礙與聽眾連結的重要性。樂團最初的陣容包括約翰·藍儂、保羅·麥卡尼、喬治·哈里森、皮特·貝斯特（後來由林哥·史達取代）和史都華·薩特克里夫。他們的經紀人布萊恩·艾普斯坦在利物浦的Cavern俱樂部發掘他們，當時他們已在那裡演出近300場。樂團保持多項紀錄：在告示牌百大單曲榜擁有最多冠軍歌曲（20首），全球唱片銷量超過16億張，1988年入選搖滾名人堂。有趣的是，儘管他們在全球取得成功，披頭四成員都不會看樂譜或寫樂譜－他們全靠耳朵學習音樂，證明正式訓練並非藝術成就的必要條件。他們從利物浦工人階級躍上國際巨星的旅程，展現了音樂如何能超越文化和語言的界限。 2. Queen 皇后樂團 Quote: "I won't be a rock star. I will be a legend." 名言：「我不會只當個搖滾明星，我要成為傳奇。」 Queen formed in London in 1970 whenFreddie Mercury joined Brian May and Roger Taylor's band Smile. Their academic backgrounds are fascinating - Brian May has a PhD in astrophysics, Roger Taylor studied dentistry, and John Deacon has an electronics degree, while Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara) had a degree in art and graphic design. Mercury, who grew up in Zanzibar and India before moving to England, spoke multiple languages including English, Hindi, and Gujarati. The band's name "Queen" was chosen by Mercury, who said "It's very regal obviously, and it sounds splendid... It's a strong name, very universal and immediate." Their song "Bohemian Rhapsody" broke conventions by incorporating operatic passages and made-up words, showing how creative language use can enhance artistic expression. The band's Live Aid performance in 1985 is considered one of the greatest live performances in rock history. Queen's songs are particularly popular among English learners because of their clear diction, storytelling lyrics, and dramatic delivery. They have sold over 300 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time. 皇后樂團1970年在倫敦成立，當時佛萊迪·墨裘瑞加入布萊恩·梅和羅傑·泰勒的Smile樂團。他們的學術背景十分特別－布萊恩·梅擁有天體物理學博士學位，羅傑·泰勒曾讀牙醫，約翰·迪肯有電子工程學位，而佛萊迪·墨裘瑞（原名法魯克·布薩拉）則擁有藝術與平面設計學位。墨裘瑞在桑吉巴爾和印度長大後移居英國，能說多種語言，包括英語、印地語和古吉拉特語。樂團名稱「Queen」是墨裘瑞所取，他說：「很明顯這很高貴，聽起來很華麗...這是個很有力量的名字，具有普遍性和即時性。」他們的歌曲《波希米亞狂想曲》打破常規，融入歌劇段落和自創詞彙，展現創意用語如何能提升藝術表現。樂團1985年的Live Aid演出被認為是搖滾史上最偉大的現場表演之一。皇后樂團的歌曲特別受英語學習者歡迎，因為發音清晰、歌詞富有故事性，且表現戲劇化。他們全球唱片銷量超過3億張，是史上最暢銷的音樂團體之一。 3. Led Zeppelin 齊柏林飛船 Quote: "Good times, bad times, you know I've had my share." 名言：「好時光，壞時光，你知道我都經歷過。」 Led Zeppelin formed in London in 1968, after The Yardbirds dissolved and guitarist Jimmy Page recruited singer Robert Plant, drummer John Bonham, and bassist John Paul Jones. The band's name came from a joke by Keith Moon of The Who, who said their idea would go down like a "lead balloon." They changed the spelling to "Led" to prevent mispronunciation. Their first album was recorded in just 36 hours with a cost of £1,782. Led Zeppelin pioneered album-oriented rock and creative studio techniques - they were one of the first bands to use natural room acoustics for recording. The band refused to release singles in the UK, insisting their music should be heard as complete albums. Their most famous song, "Stairway to Heaven," was partly inspired by Plant's interest in Celtic mythology and literature. Plant wrote many of the band's lyrics while reading books about mythology, fantasy, and J.R.R. Tolkien's works,

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- Summary: As of last year, Norway is now the global leader in the promotion and sales of eco-friendly cars. About 52% of the cars sold last year are vehicles using an alternative type of fuel. Apart from Tesla, other carmakers such as Volkswagen, BMW, Volvo, and Ford are investing millions in the production of electric vehicles. Norway, by 2025 wants to phase out all diesel and gasoline cars. 完整文章 From article: http://www.15mins.today/blog/506-in-norway-electric-and-hybrid-cars-outsell-conventional-models Vocabulary and sample sentences: Incentive (attraction or something to encourage people to do something)The Norwegian government is offering incentives to people purchasing electric vehicles.Taoyuan government offers generous incentives to people purchasing a gogoro. (to) phase out – the process of discontinuing somethingMany European countries are planning to phase out diesel and gasoline cars.Apple will phase out smartphones with a physical home button. Ubiquitous – something that is present or found everywhereSmart devices are becoming increasingly ubiquitous in our daily livesMany car companies believe that electric cars will become as ubiquitous as diesel and gasoline cars.

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 在本集節目中，我們分析了麥可·布雷（Michael Bublé）翻唱的經典歌曲《Save the Last Dance for Me》。醬老師和詩敏老師一起探討這首歌的文化意義與其中的愛情主題，並挑戰其表面看似簡單的印象。我們深入了解這首歌的歷史背景及其情感深度，特別聚焦於創作者Doc Pomus的感人故事，以及最後一支舞所傳達的真諦。討論中還比較了現代約會文化與過去的差異，並強調音樂在情感連結中的重要角色。對這集有感嗎？歡迎來留言！ In this episode, we analyze the song "Save the Last Dance for Me," famously covered by Michael Bublé. John and Shimin discuss its cultural significance and relationship themes, challenging the notion of its simplicity. We explore the song’s history and emotional depth, focusing on Doc Pomus's inspiring backstory and the meaning behind the last dance. The conversation reflects on modern dating dynamics compared to the past, highlighting music's role in fostering emotional connections.

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep.K887: SpaceX Achieves Historic Milestone with Revolutionary Rocket Landing Highlights 主題摘要：SpaceX achieved a historic first by successfully catching its Super Heavy booster with mechanical arms during landing, demonstrating significant progress in developing reusable rocket technology for space exploration.The Starship test flight demonstrated dual success: the booster's precise capture and the upper stage's accurate ocean landing, despite post-landing explosion, fulfilling both major mission objectives.This achievement has significant implications for NASA's space program, with $2.8 billion invested in Starship development, bringing us closer to regular space travel and future lunar missions. In a groundbreaking achievement for space exploration, SpaceX successfully completed its fifth test flight of the Starship rocket system, marking a significant advancement in reusable rocket technology. The most remarkable aspect of this mission was the unprecedented capture of the Super Heavy booster, the rocket's lower section, by mechanical arms at the launch tower. This innovative landing method, attempted for the first time, demonstrates SpaceX's progress toward developing fully reusable spacecraft for future missions to the Moon and Mars. The successful capture was met with enthusiastic celebration from SpaceX engineers, who declared it "a day for the history books." 在太空探索領域中， SpaceX 成功完成了 Starship 火箭系統的第五次測試飛行，顯示出突破性成就：可重複使用火箭技術的重大進展。此次任務最引人注目的部分是首次以機械臂成功捕捉 SpaceX 超級重型推進器，也就是火箭的下半部分。這種創新的降落方式是首次嘗試，展現了 SpaceX 在開發可完全重複使用的太空船方面的進展，為未來登月及火星任務奠定基礎。SpaceX 的工程師們以熱烈的歡呼慶祝這次成功，並宣告這是「寫入歷史的一天」。 The test flight began at sunrise from SpaceX's Boca Chica facility in Texas, where the massive rocket system, consisting of two parts - the Super Heavy booster and the Starship upper stage - lifted off as planned. After reaching an altitude of approximately 40 miles, the two sections separated perfectly. The Super Heavy booster then performed an intricate maneuver, navigating back to the launch site where it was caught by the tower's mechanical arms, nicknamed "chopsticks." This achievement was particularly impressive given the complex nature of the operation and the numerous criteria that needed to be met for the landing attempt. 測試飛行在德克薩斯州博卡奇卡設施的日出時分展開並如期升空，這個龐大的火箭系統由兩個部分組成—— SpaceX 超級重型推進器和上層的 SpaceX 星艦。在到達約 40 英里的高度後，兩個部分完美分離。隨後，SpaceX 超級重型推進器執行了一串複雜的動作，導航返回發射場，被暱稱為「筷子」的發射塔機械臂成功捕捉。考慮到操作的複雜性和需要滿足的諸多降落條件，這項成就格外令人印象深刻。 Meanwhile, the Starship upper stage continued its journey, reaching an altitude of nearly 90 miles and achieving speeds of 17,000 miles per hour before making a precise landing in the Indian Ocean. The spacecraft's re-entry was notably successful, with improved heat-shielding tiles protecting it during the descent. Although the vehicle exploded after splashdown, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the ship had landed exactly as planned, marking the completion of both major mission objectives. 與此同時，上段的 SpaceX 星艦繼續其航程，到達近 90 英里的高度，速度達到每小時 17，000 英里，最後精確地降落在印度洋。太空船重返大氣層的過程相當成功，改良後的隔熱瓦在下降過程中提供了良好的保護。儘管載具在落海後爆炸，SpaceX 執行長伊隆．馬斯克確認太空船已如期精確著陸，顯現兩大主要目標任務已完成。 This successful test flight represents a crucial step forward for both SpaceX and NASA's space exploration goals. The U.S. space agency has invested $2.8 billion in SpaceX's Starship development, aiming to use the vehicle for future lunar missions. The ability to catch and rapidly redeploy the Super Heavy booster significantly reduces the need for complex ground hardware and brings us closer to the reality of regular space travel. Former astronaut Chris Hadfield praised the achievement on social media, describing it as "an enormous step forward in human capability" and expressing excitement for humanity's collective future in space exploration. 這次成功的試飛為 SpaceX 和美國太空總署（NASA）的太空探索目標邁出了關鍵的一步。NASA 已投資 28 億美元於 SpaceX 的星艦開發計畫，期望未來能應用於月球任務。能夠捕捉並快速重新部署SpaceX 超級重型推進器的能力，大幅減少了對複雜地面硬體設施的需求，使我們更加接近實現常態化的太空旅行。前太空人克里斯．哈德菲爾德在社群媒體上讚揚這項成就，稱其為「人類能力的重大進展」，並對人類在太空探索方面的共同未來表達期待。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字：Exploration (Ex-plo-ra-tion): In a groundbreaking achievement for space exploration, SpaceX successfully completed its fifth test flight of the Starship rocket system.Reusable (Re-us-a-ble): The most remarkable aspect of this mission was the unprecedented capture of the Super Heavy booster, marking a significant advancement in reusable rocket technology.Criteria (Cri-te-ri-a): This achievement

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- Topic: Sellout Culture Is a Problem for Pro Golf Even if you don’t play or follow golf — which I don’t — you’re probably aware of the controversy now engulfing the game. A number of the world’s top-ranked pro players, notably Phil Mickelson, made extremely lucrative deals to play in a new tour, the LIV Golf International Series, sponsored by Saudi Arabia. The PGA Tour, which has traditionally dominated the sport, responded by suspending 17 of these players. 即便不打或不追高球新聞—我也沒追—你也可能知道現在這項運動捲入爭議。一些世界頂級職業球員，尤其是米克森，達成極其有利可圖的交易參加沙烏地阿拉伯贊助的新巡迴賽，即LIV高球國際系列賽。傳統上主導這項運動的職業高球美巡賽（PGA Tour）對此做出回應，將其中17名球員禁賽。 The Saudis are obviously engaged in reputation-laundering — greenswashing? — in an attempt to make people forget about the atrocities their regime has perpetrated. It’s less clear what motivated the PGA. Did it consider the LIV series flawed, not a proper golf tour? Was it attempting to squash competition? Or was the problem with the LIV series’ sponsors? 沙國顯然在清洗名聲—是在「漂白」嗎？試圖讓人們忘記他們政權所犯下的暴行。目前還不太清楚什麼原因驅使PGA這樣做。它是否認為LIV系列賽有缺陷，不是個像樣的高球巡迴賽？它會不會是在試圖壓制競爭嗎？或是LIV系列賽贊助者的問題？ PGA attendees surveyed by ProGolf weekly were in no doubt: An overwhelming majority attributed Mickelson’s exclusion to “media/cancel culture.” And I hope they’re right. I mean, if getting paid big bucks to provide favorable PR to a regime that deals with critical journalists by killing them and dismembering them with a bone saw doesn’t warrant cancellation, what does? And yet Mickelson and others were willing to provide that PR. 接受《ProGolf》周刊調查的PGA與會者均無疑問，絕大多數將米克森遭剔除歸因於「媒體/取消文化」。我希望他們是對的。我的意思是，拿大錢幫一個政權提供公關服務，而這個政權把批評他們的記者殺掉還肢解，如果這不是一個取消的正當理由，那什麼才是？而米克森和其他人卻願意提供這種公關服務。 So if you ask me, the real story here isn’t that the PGA may (or may not) have found a line it won’t cross. It is that so many members of the American elite evidently have no such lines. 所以，若你問我，情況並非PGA可能（或可能沒有）找到一條不會跨越的線，而是這個美國菁英組織許多成員明顯沒有這樣的界線。 What explains the rise of sellout culture? Tax cuts may have played a role: Selling your soul becomes more attractive when you get to keep more of the proceeds. Soaring income inequality may inspire envy, a desire to keep up with the super-elite. And there is surely a process of normalization: Everyone else is selling out, so why shouldn’t I join the party? 如何解釋出賣文化興起？減稅可能起到一定作用：當你能保留更多收益時，出賣你的靈魂就變得更有吸引力。日益嚴重的收入不平等可能會引發嫉妒，讓人渴望跟超級菁英攀比。當然，這是一個正常過程：其他人都在出賣，那我為何不入群呢？ Kids used to look up to public figures, sports stars in particular, as role models. Do they still? Can they, given what public figures will do if the checks are big enough? 以前孩子們常把受人尊敬的公眾人物作為榜樣，尤其是體育明星。他們還會嗎？考慮到支票夠大時公眾人物竟然這樣做，他們還能嗎？Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6413966 Next Article Topic: Why Are There More Successful Older Golfers Today? From the 18th fairway in the final group of the British Open in 2009, Tom Watson, the five-time Open champion, hit a shot that flew right at the pin. For a moment, it looked like Watson, then age 59, would win the tournament for a record sixth time and become the oldest player to win a major championship. 2009年英國公開賽最後一組第18洞的球道上，五屆冠軍華森一揮直飛旗桿。一時間，當時59歲的華森似乎將贏得創紀錄的第六座英國公開賽冠軍，並成為最年長的四大賽冠軍。 A firm bounce sent the ball off the back of the green, and Watson needed three more shots to get the ball into the hole. That dropped him into a tie for first. In the four-hole playoff, he ran out of gas and lost by six shots. 小白球強力彈跳後滾出果嶺後方，華森又花了三桿才把球送進洞裡。這使他落到並列領先。四洞延長賽，他精力耗盡，最後輸六桿。 A decade ago, the idea of an older golfer contending in, let alone winning, a major championship was something few considered. That was still the time when most golfers petered out in their mid-40s and kicked around the golf world before having a brief resurgence on the Champions Tour when they turned 50. 10年前，很少人料想得到年長的高球選手會參加四大賽，遑論拿冠軍。當時，大多數高球選手在45歲左右開始淡出，到滿50歲參加「冠軍」（譯註：長春）巡迴賽散發短暫餘暉前，其間在高球界四處晃晃。 Leading these middle-age mavericks is Phil Mickelson, 51, won the PGA Championship in May. He beat Brooks Koepka, a four-time major winner, and Louis Oosthuizen, the 2010 British Open champion, who are both in their 30s. 這些不服老的中年高球選手領導人物是剛滿51歲的米克森，他在今年5月贏得PGA錦標賽冠軍。擊敗了都是30多歲的四屆四大賽冠軍得主科普卡與2010年英國公開賽冠軍歐蘇森。 “All these guys have taken a new approach,” said Dave Phillips, co-founder of the Titleist Performance Institute, which focuses on golf and fitness. “There’s a lot of money out there. They realize they can still compete with the younger guys, but they need to spend more time on their body a

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 1.Sam Walton (Walmart Founder) Quote: "There is only one boss: the customer. And hecan fire everybody in the company from the Chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else." Samuel Moore Walton was born in 1918 inKingfisher, Oklahoma, during the Great Depression. Before creating the world's largest retail chain, he worked multiple jobs, including waiting tables and delivering newspapers. In 1945, he borrowed $20,000 from his father-in-law to buy his first retail store, a Ben Franklin franchise in Newport, Arkansas. Walton revolutionized retail by focusing on small rural towns that other retailers ignored. He would fly his own plane to visit stores and scout locations, accumulating over 230,000 flight hours. His first Walmart opened in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas, and he introduced innovative practices like computerized inventory systems and profit-sharing with employees. Despite becoming one of the richest people in America, Walton maintained his modest lifestyle, driving the same 1979 Ford F-150 pickup truck and living in the same small house. He even continued visiting stores until shortly before his death in 1992, showing his dedication to hands-on management. Walton received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 for his contributions to American retail and job creation. 山姆·沃爾頓（沃爾瑪創辦人） 名言：「公司裡只有一個老闆：顧客。他可以用腳投票，只要把錢花在別處，就能讓從董事長以下的所有人都丟掉飯碗。」 山姆·摩爾·沃爾頓1918年生於奧克拉荷馬州金費舍，正值經濟大蕭條時期。在創立全球最大零售連鎖企業之前，他打過多份工，包括當服務生和送報員。1945年，他向岳父借了2萬美元，在阿肯色州紐波特買下第一間零售店，是一家班·富蘭克林加盟店。沃爾頓專注經營其他零售商忽視的小型鄉鎮，徹底改變了零售業。他開自己的飛機視察店面和勘查地點，累積超過23萬飛行小時。1962年，他在阿肯色州羅傑斯開設第一家沃爾瑪，並推出創新做法，如電腦化庫存系統和員工分紅制度。儘管成為美國首富之一，沃爾頓保持簡樸作風，開著同一輛1979年的福特F-150皮卡車，住在同一間小房子裡。直到1992年去世前不久，他仍堅持親自到店巡視，展現他對親力親為管理的堅持。沃爾頓因對美國零售業和就業市場的貢獻，於1992年獲頒總統自由勳章。 2. Jeff Bezos (Amazon Founder) Quote: "I knew that if I failed I wouldn't regret that,but I knew the one thing I might regret is not trying." Trivia (90 seconds): Born in 1964 in Albuquerque, NewMexico, Jeff Bezos showed entrepreneurial spirit from an early age. He graduated as valedictorian of his high school and studied computer science at Princeton University. Before founding Amazon, he worked on Wall Street and became the youngest senior vice president at investment firm D.E. Shaw. In 1994, Bezos read that internet usage was growing by 2,300% annually, which inspired him to start an online bookstore. He wrote Amazon's business plan while driving cross-country from New York to Seattle with his wife MacKenzie. Initially operating from his garage, Amazon sold its first book in July 1995. Bezos chose Seattle because of its large tech talent pool and proximity to a major book distributor. He based early decisions on what he called the "regret minimization framework," asking himself what he would regret least when he was 80 years old. Despite early skepticism from investors and media (who called Amazon "Amazon.bomb" during the dot-com bust), Bezos maintained his long-term vision, famously saying Amazon would be "willing to be misunderstood for long periods of time." 傑夫·貝佐斯（亞馬遜創辦人） 名言：「我知道失敗不會讓我後悔，但不去嘗試可能會讓我後悔。」 出處：2001年接受成就學院訪談 傑夫·貝佐斯1964年生於新墨西哥州阿爾伯克基，從小就展現企業家精神。他以高中第一名的成績畢業，進入普林斯頓大學主修電腦科學。創立亞馬遜之前，他在華爾街工作，成為投資公司D.E.Shaw最年輕的資深副總裁。1994年，貝佐斯讀到網路使用率年增2300%的報導，因此萌生創辦線上書店的想法。他在和妻子麥肯齊開車從紐約橫越美國到西雅圖的途中，擬定了亞馬遜的營運計畫。亞馬遜最初在他的車庫營運，1995年7月賣出第一本書。他選擇西雅圖是因為當地有豐富的科技人才和主要書商。他的早期決策都基於「後悔最小化原則」，問自己80歲時最不會後悔的選擇是什麼。儘管早期投資人和媒體持懷疑態度（網路泡沫時期稱亞馬遜為「炸彈」），貝佐斯堅持長遠眼光，他有句名言：「我們願意被誤解很長一段時間。」 3. IngvarKamprad (IKEA Founder) Quote: "Making mistakes is the privilege of the active.It is always the mediocre people who are negative, who spend their time proving that they were not wrong." Trivia (90 seconds): Ingvar Kamprad was born in 1926 inSmåland, Sweden. He began his entrepreneurial journey at age five, buying matches in bulk and reselling them to neighbors. The name IKEA combines his initials (IK) with the first letters of Elmtaryd and Agunnaryd, the farm and village where he grew up. He founded IKEA in 1943 at age 17, initially selling small household items like picture frames and pencils. The company's breakthrough came in 1956 when an employee removed the legs of a table to fit it into a car, inspiring IKEA's flat-pack furniture concept. Despite his wealth, Kamprad was known for his frugal lifestyle – he flew economy class, drove an old Volvo, and encouraged a corporate culture of cost-consciousness. He had dyslexia, which influenced IKEA's produc

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- In this episode of 15Mins Cafe, we examine the cultural significance of driving experiences, comparing our journeys to obtaining driver's licenses in South Africa and Taiwan. We discuss the unique aspects of each country's learner's license system, our personal challenges, and our excitement for upcoming car models in 2024. Patrick and I reflect on manual versus automatic transmission, modern vehicle preferences, and the rise of electric cars. Through relatable anecdotes and driving-related idioms, we explore how navigating the roads mirrors our life journeys, making for a humorous and insightful discussion. 在這一集的15Mins 英語咖啡館中，我們探討駕駛經驗的文化意義，比較在南非和台灣考取駕照的不同歷程。我們討論了兩國考照制度的獨特之處、個人在考照過程中所面臨的挑戰，以及對2024年即將推出的新車款的期待。Patrick和我分享了對手排車和自排車的看法、現代汽車的偏好，以及電動車的崛起。透過生動的軼事分享和與開車相關的俗語，我們探索了如何在人生道路上駕駛前行，帶來一場既幽默又富有洞察力的對談。

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep.K883: Hello Kitty at 50: The Global Icon That Transcends Cultures Highlights 主題摘要：Hello Kitty's success stems from her unique adaptability and the Japanese concept of "kawaii," allowing her to remain relevant across different cultures and generations while maintaining her core appeal.Despite her cat-like appearance, Hello Kitty is officially a British schoolgirl with a detailed backstory, including family members and pets, which helps create deeper emotional connections with fans worldwide.The character's 50-year journey from a simple decoration to an $80 billion global phenomenon demonstrates how a well-crafted brand can transcend cultural boundaries and become a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures. Hello Kitty, the beloved character created by Japanese company Sanrio, celebrates her remarkable 50th birthday this November, marking half a century of unprecedented cultural influence and commercial success. What began as a simple decoration on a coin purse in 1974 has evolved into a global phenomenon worth over $80 billion, captivating audiences across generations and continents. From humble beginnings to worldwide recognition, her journey represents one of the most successful character franchises in history. 深受喜愛的角色 Hello Kitty 由日本三麗鷗公司所創造，今年十一月迎來其意義非凡的五十歲生日，標誌著半世紀以來前所未有的文化影響力與商業成就。從 1974 年最初只是錢包上的簡單裝飾，發展至今已成為價值超過 800 億美元的全球現象，吸引著跨世代、不同大陸的觀眾。從最初簡單的開始到今天的世界知名，她的旅程代表了史上最成功的角色品牌之一。 Despite her feline appearance, Hello Kitty is officially not a cat but rather a British schoolgirl named Kitty White. Standing five apples tall and weighing three apples, she lives in London with her parents and twin sister Mimmy. Her character profile includes charming details like her love for baking cookies, playing piano, and her mother's homemade apple pie. This carefully crafted backstory has helped create a deeper connection with fans worldwide. She even has her own pets: a Persian cat named Charmmy Kitty and a white Djungarian hamster called Sugar, adding layers to her character that appeal to diverse audiences. 儘管外表像貓，Hello Kitty 官方設定其實不是貓，而是一位名叫 Kitty White 的英國女學生。她身高五個蘋果、體重三個蘋果，與父母和雙胞胎妹妹 Mimmy 一起住在倫敦。她的角色設定包含許多迷人的細節，例如喜歡烤餅乾、彈鋼琴，以及最愛媽媽做的蘋果派。這些精心設計的背景故事幫助她與全球粉絲建立更深層的連結。她還養了自己的寵物：一隻波斯貓 Charmmy Kitty 和一隻三線鼠 Sugar，為她的角色增添了更多層次，吸引不同群眾。 The secret to Hello Kitty's enduring success lies in her remarkable adaptability and the concept of "kawaii" - the Japanese word for "cute" that encompasses a broader cultural significance. Under the guidance of three successive female designers, most notably Yuko Yamaguchi since 1980, Hello Kitty has remained both timeless and contemporary. Her mouthless face allows people to project their own emotions onto her, making her relatable across different cultures and contexts. This versatility has led to countless collaborations, from luxury brands to everyday products, and even earned her roles as a UNICEF children's ambassador and Japan's tourism ambassador. The character's ability to evolve while maintaining her core appeal has been crucial to her longevity in the fast-paced world of popular culture. Hello Kitty 經久不衰的成功秘訣在於她非凡的適應力，以及「可愛」（kawaii）這個日文概念——它不僅僅是可愛，更包含更廣泛的文化意涵。在三位女性設計師的相繼帶領下，特別是自 1980 年起的山口裕子（Yuko Yamaguchi），Hello Kitty 既保持經典又與時俱進。她沒有嘴巴的臉孔讓人們可以投射自己的情緒，使她在不同文化和情境中都能引起共鳴。這種多變性使她獲得了無數合作機會，從奢侈品牌到日常用品，甚至擔任聯合國兒童基金會（UNICEF）兒童大使和日本觀光大使。這個角色在保持核心魅力的同時能夠不斷進化，是她在瞬息萬變的流行文化中長盛不衰的關鍵。 As Hello Kitty enters her sixth decade, her influence shows no signs of diminishing. The character has embraced modern platforms, attracting millions of followers on TikTok and appearing in various digital formats. Recent celebrations of her 50th anniversary have included museum exhibitions, theme park spectacles, and special merchandise collections worldwide. Even Britain's King Charles acknowledged her cultural significance during a state banquet with Japan's Emperor Naruhito, demonstrating how this kawaii icon has become a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures. Hello Kitty's journey from a simple character to a global phenomenon reflects not just successful marketing but also the power of creating a symbol that resonates with universal human emotions and experiences. Her story continues to inspire new generations, proving that some cultural icons truly are timeless. 隨著 Hello Kitty 邁入第六個十年，她的影響力絲毫未減。這個角色已經擁抱現代平台，在 TikTok 上吸引了數百萬追隨者，並以各種數位形式出現。近期為慶祝她五十週年所舉辦的活動包括博物館展覽、主題樂園表演，以及全球限定商品系列。就連英國查爾斯國王在與日本德仁

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- Topic: Drinking any amount of alcohol causes damage to the brain There is no such thing as a "safe" level of drinking, with increased consumption of alcohol associated with poorer brain health, according to a new study. 根據一項新研究，沒有所謂的「安全」飲酒量，飲酒量增加與大腦健康狀況較差有關。 In an observational study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, researchers from the University of Oxford studied the relationship between the self-reported alcohol intake of some 25,000 people in the UK, and their brain scans. 在一項尚未經過同行評審的觀察性研究中，牛津大學的研究人員，研究英國約2萬5000人報告的飲酒量，和與他們的大腦掃描圖像之間的關係。 The researchers noted that drinking had an effect on the brain’s gray matter － regions in the brain that make up "important bits where information is processed," according to lead author Anya Topiwala, a senior clinical researcher at Oxford. 研究人員指出，飲酒對大腦的灰質有影響，灰質是構成「重要資訊處理位元」的大腦部位，牛津大學高級臨床研究員托皮瓦拉說。 The team also investigated whether certain drinking patterns, beverage types and other health conditions made a difference to the impact of alcohol on brain health. 研究團隊還調查了特定的飲酒習慣、酒精飲料類型和其他健康狀況，是否會改變酒精對大腦健康的影響程度。 Next Article Topic: Scientists have taught bees to smell the coronavirus 科學家教導蜜蜂嗅出冠狀病毒 Scientists in the Netherlands have trained bees to identify COVID-19 through their sense of smell, according to a press release from Wageningen University. 瓦赫寧恩大學發布新聞稿聲稱，荷蘭科學家已訓練蜜蜂透過嗅覺，識別2019冠狀病毒病（COVID-19，武漢肺炎）。 The research was conducted on more than 150 bees in Wageningen University’s bio-veterinary research laboratory. 這項研究是在瓦赫寧恩大學生物獸醫研究實驗室對150多隻蜜蜂進行的。 The scientists trained the bees by giving them a treat — a sugar-water solution — every time they were exposed to the scent of a mink infected with COVID-19. Each time the bees were exposed to a non-infected sample, they wouldn’t get a reward. 科學家透過獎勵糖水溶液來訓練蜜蜂，每次蜜蜂在聞到感染COVID-19的貂身上氣味時，都會獲得獎勵。如果蜜蜂聞到的是沒被感染病毒的氣味樣本，則不會獲得獎勵。 Eventually, the bees could identify an infected sample within a few seconds — and would then stick out their tongues like clockwork to collect the sugar water. 最終，這些蜜蜂可以在幾秒鐘內識別出感染的樣本，而且牠們的舌頭會像發條一樣，伸出來吸取糖水。 Bees aren’t the first animals to detect COVID-19 by scent. Researchers have also trained dogs to distinguish between positive and negative COVID-19 samples from human saliva or sweat with fairly high levels of accuracy. 蜜蜂不是第一種透過氣味識別COVID-19的動物。研究人員也曾訓練狗區分來自人類唾液或汗液的陽性和陰性COVID-19樣本 ，準確率相當高。 Topic: Whale of a time: NYC offers walk-up vaccinations for all Appointments are no longer mandatory at any of the coronavirus vaccination sites run by New York City, including its newest and maybe coolest location： beneath the giant blue whale at the Museum of Natural History. 任何紐約市設立的新型冠狀病毒疫苗接種處，不再強制要求預約，包括最新設立、或許也是最酷的地點：位於自然歷史博物館巨大藍鯨下的接種處。 Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Friday that the city will now be accepting walk-ins at all its vaccination sites. "You can just walk up and get vaccinated," he said. 市長白思豪週五宣布，該市所有接種站現在接受隨到隨登記接種，「你可以直接進來接種疫苗」。 The expansion of walk-in service comes as supplies of the vaccine have increased. 擴大實施現場登記接種，是在疫苗供應量已經增加之際推出。 Just weeks ago, most people trying to get an appointment for a vaccination in the nation’s biggest city had to game online appointment systems in which scarce slots would be snapped up in moments. 僅在數週之前，在這個全美最大城市，大多數要預約接種時間的人還得在網路預約系統上賭運氣，稀少的名額一下子就會被搶光。 Next Article Topic: Serbian diner thanks those getting COVID shots with plates of roast meat （感謝客人打新冠疫苗 塞爾維亞餐館請吃烤肉） Get a COVID-19 vaccine and you will be served a plate of spit-roast ox or wild game goulash for free - in the Serbian city of Kragujevac. 塞爾維亞「米盧廷圖書館」餐廳招待接種疫苗的顧客吃牛肉大餐。（路透資料照） 在塞爾維亞克拉古耶瓦茨，只要接種新冠肺炎疫苗，就能免費獲得一盤烤牛肉串或野味燉牛肉。 Restaurateur Stavro Raskovic offered the popular local dishes as his way of promoting vaccination and campaigning for the full reopening of the country’s restaurants, cafes and bars. 餐館老闆斯塔夫羅．拉斯科維奇端出這2道受歡迎的本地菜餚，作為推廣疫苗及推動該國餐廳、咖啡廳、酒吧全面重新營業的方式。 Lockdowns in 2020 and partial restrictions this year have driven Biblioteka kod Milutina (Milutin’s Library) restaurant to the brink of closure, he said. 他說，2020年的封城及今年的局部封鎖措施，讓「米盧廷圖書館」餐廳瀕臨停業。 "Our trade, catering, has been particularly hit... and if this (vaccination) is the way out, then we wanted to contribute." 「我們的生意、外燴服務尤其受到影響…若這（疫苗）是解決方法，我們想要出一份力。」 Local health authorities turned the restaurant into a vaccination point to deliver shots made by Pfizer/BioNtech, and China’s Sinopharm. 當地衛生當局把餐廳變成疫苗接種點，提供輝瑞／BNT疫苗和中國國藥集團疫苗。 "Today we have vaccines from bo

【本集節目由NordVPN 贊助播出】 NordVPN 獨家優惠 ➼ https://nordvpn.com/fifteenminutes 使用專屬折扣碼 【 fifteenminutes 】購買優惠方案即加贈 4 個月 並享有 30 天試用期，可隨時取消，完全零風險！ ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb VIP會員文章主題許願表單：https://forms.gle/xyHoPydBr6LLFL9q8 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 歡迎回到《Teacher's Lounge 幕後教師室》！本週的值班老師是 John 老師和阿鍵老師。你有出差經驗嗎？或是你經常需要出差呢？今天讓我們來聊聊 Business Trip 這個主題！ 本集節目中，阿鍵老師分享了在中亞地區的出差經驗。從極度現代化的杜拜，到保有傳統文化的亞美尼亞，兩個截然不同的國家令人印象十分深刻。另外提到商務差旅，上網和資安需求也是不可或缺。阿鍵老師也說，要是當時能認識 NordVPN 這類工具就好了，它內建的加密功能和雲端空間能讓商務差旅過程更安心！ 聽完本集歡迎到FB/IG私訊或留言分享心得。別忘了，想要獲得更多精彩內容，歡迎訂閱我們的 VIP 會員，還能享有主題許願喔！ https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 台北嘿掰講Episode 15 - Luxury toilet paper a hit in Taiwan 每週更新的播客，來聽聽Gavin跟John這禮拜討論台灣高級衛生紙 #Taipeibanter＃台北嘿掰講 In Taiwan, which variety of toilet paper currently sells the best? The answer may not be the one you were expecting. Household sanitary paper manufacturers have this year discovered that 3-ply toilet tissue has emerged as a force to be reckoned with within the market, with sales volumes jumping 20 percent. Toilet tissue impregnated with balsam and forest-friendly, recycled alternatives have all exhibited strong sales performance. The industry is speculating that Taiwan is gradually moving toward becoming an M-shaped society, as consumer purchasing power becomes more polarized. 在台灣，現在哪一種衛生紙最好賣？答案可能跌破不少人眼鏡。家用紙業者發現，今年以來價格較高的三層衛生紙異軍突起，銷售量大增二成；添加乳霜的衛生紙、不砍樹的再生紙衛生紙，也都有不錯的銷售成績。業者推測，應與台灣走向Ｍ型社會，消費力逐漸兩極化有關。 Household sanitary paper manufacturers have discovered that 3-ply loo paper is selling like hot cakes. For example, for US wholesaler Costco, in addition to its own-brand Kirkland toilet paper, other 3-ply offerings from Kleenex and established brand May Flower, have all been selling well. According to papermaking conglomerate YFY, although 2-ply toilet paper still constitutes the bulk of the market, sales volumes of 3-ply have been gradually increasing, with some lines becoming best-sellers. Papermakers are now rushing to ramp up production and supply of 3-ply. 家紙業者發現，「三層衛生紙超好賣」，以美式賣場好市多為例，除了自有品牌Kirkland外，目前銷售的舒潔以及先前銷售的五月花都相當受歡迎，這些都是「三層衛生紙」。永豐餘控股指出，雖然目前二層衛生紙仍是市場主流，但三層衛生紙的銷售額逐年成長，部分通路甚至是「三層衛生紙最好賣」，因此紙廠會儘可能將產能供應三層衛生紙。 According to YFY, in 2016 sales revenue for 3-ply toilet paper totalled NT$870 million but broke the NT$1billion mark last year: a year-on-year increase of nearly 19 percent and 16 percent market share. 永豐餘指出，二○一六年台灣市場三層衛生紙銷售金額僅八．七億元，二○一七年已突破十億元，年增近百分之十九，且在衛生紙產品的占比提升至百分之十六。 This year, YFY launched a premium 3-ply version of its flagship May Flower toilet paper to appeal to consumers who demand a superior quality feel and softness. Cheng Loong Corp, which markets a top-of-the-range 3-ply extra-thick, 50-percent-more-absorbent toilet paper under the Andante brand, has seen a 20 percent increase in sales of the product since the beginning of this year. 永豐餘今年就主打旗下「五月花」三層衛生紙，訴求高質感、柔軟的特性。正隆的「春風」三層衛生紙，則主打「三層厚手、吸水力提升百分之五十」，今年以來銷售量大增二成。 As for the cause of mushrooming sales of 3-ply toilet paper, the industry believes Taiwan’s consumer market is becoming “M-shaped.” Although many Taiwanese consumers still count every penny, consumers on the right lobe of the “M” curve attach a greater degree of importance to quality, the environment and functionality, and are willing to fork out more cash to buy products perceived to be of a higher quality. 對於三層衛生紙銷售成長的主因，業者認為，台灣的消費市場出現Ｍ型化趨勢，雖然有不少消費者仍對價格錙銖必較，但在Ｍ型右方的消費者更重視品質、環保、功能等，願意花較多的錢買品質更好的產品。 Taipei Banter, where John and Gavin talk about the interesting things around the world. Article referred in the podcast:http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2018/09/04/2003699732

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 最近的新聞充滿各種「演唱會」，從周杰倫、劉德華到十一月開搶的YOASOBI。這週的《英語咖啡館》John老師和 Angel 老師要來談各自參加演唱會的經驗，同時聊聊台灣的各個演出場地！ 從新落成的台北大巨蛋，到老字號的小巨蛋，還有在高雄的高雄國家體育場，你去過幾個呢？另外還有很多比較小規模的場地像是TICC, 比較新的北流或是Zepp New Taipei, 越來越多國際表演者前來台灣演出。你知道其中誰最讓我們難忘且回味嗎？ 來信跟我們分享你最難忘的演唱會與場地喔～

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀VIP Ep.K879: Microsoft Transforms Copilot into a Digital Companion Highlights 主題摘要：Microsoft has updated Copilot to be more than a productivity tool, transforming it into an AI companion with a warmer personality that offers encouragement and advice alongside information.The new Copilot features advanced capabilities like voice interactions, image interpretation, and integration with Microsoft Edge, all designed with user privacy in mind.While Copilot represents a shift towards more personalized and emotionally intelligent AI assistants, balancing AI assistance with genuine human connections remains a crucial consideration. Microsoft has unveiled a major update to its AI chatbot, Copilot, aiming to create a more personalized and user-friendly experience. This redesign marks a significant step towards developing an "AI companion" that goes beyond being just a productivity tool. The update comes at a time when many people still struggle to trust AI tools and haven't fully integrated them into their daily lives. 微軟最近公布了其 AI 聊天機器人 Copilot 的重大更新，旨在創造更個人化、更友善的使用體驗。這次的重新設計標誌著朝向開發「人工智慧伴侶」的重要一步，超越了單純的生產力工具。這項更新恰逢許多人仍在努力信任 AI 工具，尚未將其完全融入日常生活之際。 The new Copilot comes with enhanced capabilities, including real-time voice interactions and the ability to interpret images and text on users' screens. Microsoft claims it's one of the fastest AI models available. However, the most notable innovation is the chatbot's new personality. Copilot now interacts with users in a warmer tone, offering not only information but also encouragement, feedback, and advice for everyday challenges. This approach helps Copilot stand out in the growing field of general-purpose AI chatbots. 新版 Copilot 具備更強的功能，包括即時語音互動以及解讀使用者螢幕上圖像和文字的能力。微軟聲稱這是市面上最快速的人工智慧模型之一。然而，最引人注目的創新是聊天機器人的全新個性。Copilot 現在以更溫暖的語調與使用者互動，不僅提供資訊，還能在日常生活的挑戰中給予鼓勵、回饋和建議。這種方法幫助 Copilot 在日益增長的通用 AI 聊天機器人領域中脫穎而出。 These changes reflect Microsoft's vision for the future of AI in people's daily lives. Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft AI CEO, believes that AI will become more than just a tool; it will be a digital friend that users turn to for various tasks and support. The company has invested in developing Copilot's personality, employing a team of creative directors, language specialists, and psychologists to refine the AI's conversational abilities. This effort aims to create a balance between making Copilot feel familiar and friendly while still maintaining appropriate boundaries. 這些變化反映了微軟對 AI 在人們日常生活中的未來願景。微軟人工智慧執行長 Mustafa Suleyman 認為， AI 將不僅僅是一個工具，它將成為一個數位朋友，使用者可以向它尋求各種任務和支持。公司投入資源開發 Copilot 的個性，聘請了一個由創意總監、語言專家和心理學家組成的團隊來精進 AI 的對話能力。這項努力希望在讓 Copilot 感覺親切友好的同時，仍保持適當的界限之間取得平衡。 The updated Copilot introduces several new features. Users can now have voice conversations with the AI, choosing from four different voice options designed to sound natural without imitating specific individuals. A "daily" feature provides weather and news updates, sourced from partnerships with reputable news outlets. Integration with Microsoft Edge allows for quick access to Copilot's assistance directly from the browser's address bar. For more adventurous users, "Copilot Labs" offers experimental features like "Think Deeper" for complex reasoning and "Copilot Vision" for visual analysis. Microsoft emphasizes that these new capabilities, especially those involving screen viewing, are designed with user privacy in mind. All Copilot Vision sessions are opt-in, and the content it sees is not stored or used for training. 更新後的 Copilot 引入了幾項新功能。使用者現在可以與 AI 進行語音對話，從四種不同的語音選項中選擇，這些語音選項設計得自然，而不模仿特定個人。「每日」功能提供天氣和新聞更新，這些資訊來自與知名新聞媒體的合作。與微軟 Edge 瀏覽器的整合允許直接從瀏覽器的網址列快速存取 Copilot 的協助。對於更愛冒險的使用者，「Copilot Labs」提供實驗性功能，如用於複雜推理的「Think Deeper」和用於視覺分析的「Copilot Vision」。微軟強調，這些新功能，特別是那些涉及螢幕查看的功能，設計時考慮到了使用者隱私。所有 Copilot Vision 行程都是自訂加入，並且看到的內容不會被儲存或用於訓練。 As AI technology continues to evolve, Microsoft's approach with Copilot showcases a shift towards creating more personalized and emotionally intelligent AI assistants. The company's focus on developing an AI companion that can provide both practical help and emotional support signals a new direction in how we might interact with AI in the future. 隨著 AI 技術持續發展，微軟對 Copilot 的做法展示了朝向創造更個人化、情感智能 AI 助理的轉變。公司專注於開發能夠提供實際幫助和情感支援的人工智慧伴侶，這也預示著我們未來與 AI 互動方式的新方向。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字：Companion (Com-pan-ion): Microsoft Transforms Copilot into a Digital CompanionInterpret (In-ter-pret): The new Copilot

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- Topic: Newspapers in New York, Like Their Readers, Are Vanishing Kenny Hospot is in some ways a typical reader of The Daily News. He’s a construction worker from Queens who’s lived in the city most of his life. He always liked reading the comics and the horoscope in The News. 就某些方面而言，肯尼．霍斯帕堪稱每日新聞報的典型讀者。他是紐約市皇后區的一個建築工人，這一生大多數時間都住在這個城市。他一向愛看該報的漫畫和星座運勢。 How long since he last bought a copy of the paper? Hospot laughed. “I would say like 15 years.” 他上一次買這份報紙是多久之前？霍斯帕笑了，「我看大概有15年了吧。」 Kamel Brown is another archetypal customer for New York’s Hometown Newspaper, as The Daily News styles itself. He’s a maintenance worker for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. He’s 55 years old. He grew up buying the paper for his grandmother in Brooklyn. “When she was finished reading it, I’d pick it up, flip back and start with the sports,” Brown said. 對於自我定位為紐約家鄉報紙的每日新聞報，凱默．布朗是另一種典型讀者。他是都市交通局的維修工人，55歲。他在布魯克林區的成長過程中，常幫祖母買這份報紙。布朗說：「她看完後，我會拿過來，翻回去，從運動版開始看。」 He doesn’t remember the last time he bought it. When he paged through a copy at a friend’s home this past week, he was unimpressed. 他不記得上次買這份報紙是何時。過去這一周的某日他在友人家翻閱一分報紙時，很無感。 Tristan Dominguez, on the other hand, is still a big Daily News fan. “It’s the only place you see anything local,” Dominguez said at a bodega in Washington Heights, where a stack of papers sat behind the counter. 另一方面，崔斯坦．多明奎茲仍是新聞報的大粉絲。「這是你唯一能看到在地新聞的地方。」多明奎茲在華盛頓高地的一家雜貨店內說，櫃檯後方有一大疊報紙。 He reads the paper mostly online and through Twitter. 他大多數是上網或透過推特看這份報紙。 All of this helps explain why there was an air of inevitability about the news Monday that the organization was laying off half its editorial staff. 這些例子亦可說明，當這家報社決定資遣編輯部一半員工的消息周一（7月23日）傳出時，為何外界會覺得此事似難避免。 Once upon a time, The Daily News sold more than 2 million papers a day. Now its circulation is only about a tenth of that, and the paper’s non-hometown owner, the Chicago-based media company Tronc, which bought the paper in 2017, does not have the patience for non-profitability that the prior owner, Mort Zuckerman, did. 每日新聞報曾經一天賣出200萬分以上，現在發行量大約只剩十分之一。這家報社的非在地老闆、芝加哥的媒體公司Tronc，2017年買下每日新聞報，對於它未能獲利，並沒有前任老闆莫特．札克曼那般的耐性。 At a cultural moment when the very idea of New York City as a hometown is quickly dissolving, and when most people get their news from some sort of glowing screen, the thirst for local ink is not what it used to be. 在當下這個文化時刻，將紐約市當作家鄉的想法正在快速瓦解，而且大多數人是從某種閃爍的螢幕獲得新聞，對於在地新聞文字報導的渴求已不如以往。 And those who do crave hard-hitting coverage that holds officials accountable for the state of the city were not pleased to hear about the layoffs. 對於那些渴望看到逼官員為城市現況負起責任的強烈抨擊報導的人，聽到前述資遣消息並非樂事。 “You need those old-school people because they know what they’re doing,” Rosanne Nunziata, a manager at the New Apollo Diner in downtown Brooklyn, said of The Daily News’ staff of veteran shoe-leather reporters, many of whom are now pounding the pavement in search of employment. “They know how to sneak in and get their stories, and know how to get witnesses to talk and do their thing.” 布魯克林鬧區「新阿波羅餐館」經理羅珊娜．努齊亞塔說：「你需要這些老派人士，因為他們知道自己在做什麼。」她指的是新聞報本分且資深的記者，這些人中有不少正在路上奔走著找工作。「他們知道如何潛入並取得新聞，也知道如何讓目擊者開口，做好他們的工作。」 The New York Post, The Daily News’ longtime rival for tabloid dominance, has seen its circulation plummet, too. Rupert Murdoch, whose News Corp. owns The Post, has long tolerated the paper’s unprofitability, but there may come a time when his successors have far less stomach for red ink. 每日新聞報的長期對手，爭奪八卦小報霸主地位的紐約郵報，發行量也持續大跌。擁有紐約郵報的新聞集團老闆魯柏．梅鐸，長期容忍這家報紙未能獲利。但是也許有一天，他的接班人對赤字的容忍度會小得多。 Source article: https://paper.udn.com/udnpaper/POH0067/330084/web/ Next Article Topic: Dumplings tempt New Yorkers with pizza, peanut butter flavors - and no human contact New Yorkers can now get their dumpling fix from an automat with no human contact, and the adventurous can order flavors ranging from pepperoni pizza to peanut butter and jelly. 紐約客現在可由一套不需要與人接觸的自動販賣機為他們料理餃子，喜歡嘗試新鮮的人可從義式臘腸披薩到花生醬、果醬等口味中選購。 While the Brooklyn Dumpling Shop in the city’s East Village offers traditional pork and chicken bite-sized treats, chicken parm or Philly cheesesteak are also on the menu. 位於這座城市東村的布魯克林餃子店，提供一口大小的傳統豬肉、雞肉餡點心，菜單上也有焗烤雞肉，或是費城牛肉起司三明治。 Spurred by the pandemic and technology advances, the Brooklyn Dumpling Shop is delivering food via automat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 在這場疫情以及科技進步的帶動下，布魯克林餃子店正透過自動販賣機，全年無休24小時出餐。 "Embrace technology, because technology is something that has to be embraced by hospi

【本集節目由Speak 贊助播出】  Speak AI 英文口說 App 新註冊會員還有七天免費試用 ：https://bit.ly/15MinsToday 你是不是常常想練英文口說，卻找不到人陪你聊天，或是不知道怎麼有效練習？ 跟大家分享一個能讓你練習開口說英文的APP， Speak AI 英文口說 App！ Speak從真人影音課程、口說練習功能到 AI 對話，主打 Speak Method (Speak 學習法)，從吸收、練習到應用，有效讓用戶從輸入到輸出練習英文口說，是真的有意識學習，而不只是聊天。就像有位私人家教在身邊指導。 Speak，助你更有自信開口說英文！ ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 歡迎回到《Teacher's Lounge 幕後教師室》這幾天受到強烈颱風影響，希望各位聽眾朋友都平安無事。我們也很感謝在風雨中依然陪伴著我們的你！ 本集節目中，John老師和阿鍵跟大家分享了一些令人驚喜的數據：如果你這一年來持續收聽我們的節目，相當於上了整整100小時的英語課程，或是讀完3-4本哈利波特囉 說到這裡，我們也想跟大家分享一個好消息：通勤學英語的訂閱制即將邁入第二年了！在新的一年裡，我們會持續為大家帶來更多有趣且實用的英語加值內容，繼續陪伴大家的英語學習之路。 聽完本集歡迎到FB/IG私訊或留言分享心得。別忘了，想要獲得更多精彩內容，歡迎訂閱我們的 VIP 會員，還能享有主題許願的特權喔： https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 1. Netflix / Amazon Prime 網飛與雅馬遜串流服務 2. feeble adj. - 不驚艷 3. skeptical adj. -帶有疑慮 4. 7-day trial - 七天鑑賞 5. content n . - 內容 6. Chinese subtitles - 中文字幕 7. prime channel - 主要的頻道 8. The Grand Tour: 9. sth is/isn't worth it - sth值得/不值得 10. stream v. - 串流 11. device n. - 裝置 12. stand-up comedy - 單人脫口秀(單人相聲) 13. Louis C.K. 14. resonate v. - 共鳴 15. perspective n. - 觀點 16. subscribe v. - 訂閱 17. follow v. - 追蹤 18. cable TV - 第四台

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 想要這集的VIP學習筆記 (內含主題討論逐字稿、常用慣用語片語及同義字、聽力小測驗)？ 更多的加值內容成為VIP會員：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday This week Lydia is going to fill us in on the latest trends in UI and UX in 2025. A lot is happening in the tech space lately, especially with AI. However, outside AI, the user-centric design space is also moving forward at a rapid pace. This year we've seen the latest in AR/VR as well as accessibility features. Out of the five trends that Lydia is going to share with us in this episode, what other trends are you seeing? Send in your observations and we will give you a shout out in the next episode! Hope you will enjoy this episode with us as much as we enjoyed producing it! 更多15Mins Cafe節目: www.15mins.today/15mins-cafe 歡迎主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected]

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep.K875: South Korea Takes Bold Step to Revive Economy with Interest Rate Cut Highlights 主題摘要：The Bank of Korea has cut its key interest rate to 3.25%, marking the first reduction in over four years, in an effort to stimulate South Korea's sluggish economy.The decision was influenced by slow domestic demand recovery, stabilizing inflation, and a cooling housing market, but the BOK remains cautious about further rate cuts.While aiming to boost economic growth, the BOK is balancing stimulation with financial stability concerns, particularly regarding household debt, and will continue monitoring market conditions closely. South Korea's central bank, the Bank of Korea (BOK), has made a significant move to stimulate the country's sluggish economy. The BOK cut its key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, bringing it down to 3.25%. This marks the first rate reduction in over four years, signaling a shift in the bank's monetary policy. The decision comes after a long period of rate increases, which began in August 2021 and saw the rate climb to a 15-year high of 3.5% in January 2023. 南韓中央銀行──韓國銀行（Bank of Korea，BOK）採取重大行動以刺激該國疲軟的經濟。韓國銀行將其關鍵利率下調 0.25 個百分點，降至 3.25％。這是四年多以來的首次降息，顯示著該行貨幣政策的轉變。此決定是在長期升息後做出的，升息始於 2021 年 8 月，並在 2023 年 1 月將利率推升至 15 年來的最高水平 3.5％。 The decision to lower interest rates comes as South Korea faces mounting economic challenges. The BOK cited a slow recovery in domestic demand and a sluggish pace of economic growth as primary reasons for the rate cut. Additionally, the bank noted that inflation has shown signs of stabilizing, with the consumer price inflation easing to 1.6% in September, below the policy target of 2%. This economic environment provided room for the central bank to take action without risking excessive inflation. The cooling housing market in the greater Seoul area also contributed to the decision, as it has led to a slower increase in household debt. 降息決定是在南韓面臨日益嚴峻的經濟挑戰之際做出的。韓國銀行援引國內需求復甦緩慢和經濟增長步伐遲緩作為降息的主要原因。此外，該行指出通貨膨脹已呈現穩定跡象，9 月份消費者物價通膨率降至 1.6％，低於 2％ 的政策目標。這種經濟環境為中央銀行採取行動提供了空間，而不會冒過度通膨的風險。首爾大都會區房地產市場降溫也促成了這一決定，因為它導致家庭債務增長放緩。 Despite the rate cut, the BOK remains cautious about further reductions. Governor Rhee Chang-yong described the move as a "hawkish cut," indicating that the bank still favors relatively tight monetary conditions. The central bank is keeping a close eye on various factors, including the recovery of domestic demand, economic conditions in major countries, and trends in information-technology exports. The ongoing crisis in the Middle East also poses potential risks to fuel prices, exchange rates, and public utility costs, which could impact the country's economic outlook. These uncertainties underscore the need for careful monitoring and potential adjustments to monetary policy in the future. 儘管降息，但韓國銀行對進一步降息仍持謹慎態度。行長李昌鏞（Rhee Chang-yong）將此舉描述為「鷹派式降息」，表明該行仍傾向於相對緊縮的貨幣條件。中央銀行正密切關注各種因素，包括國內需求的復甦、主要國家的經濟狀況以及資訊科技出口的趨勢。中東地區持續的危機也對燃料價格、匯率和公用事業價格構成潛在風險，可能影響該國的經濟前景。這些不確定因素凸顯了未來需要謹慎監測並可能調整貨幣政策的必要性。 The rate cut is expected to have far-reaching effects on South Korea's economy. It aims to encourage borrowing and spending, potentially boosting economic growth. However, the BOK remains vigilant about the potential risks associated with household debt, which has been a concern in recent years. The bank projects South Korea's economy to grow at 2.4% this year, down from 2.6% in 2023. As the country navigates these economic challenges, the central bank's decision reflects a delicate balance between stimulating growth and maintaining financial stability. The move has been welcomed by government officials, including Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, who sees it as a positive step towards revitalizing the economy. However, the BOK has indicated that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and make decisions based on the stability of financial markets, suggesting a cautious approach to future rate adjustments. 預計降息將對南韓經濟產生深遠影響。它旨在鼓勵借貸和支出，可能會促進經濟增長。然而，韓國銀行對家庭債務相關的潛在風險保持警惕，這在近年來一直是一個令人擔憂的問題。該行預測南韓經濟今年將增長 2.4％，低於 2023 年的 2.6％。隨著該國應對這些經濟挑戰，中央銀行的決定反映了在刺激增長與維持金融穩定之間的微妙平衡。政府官員對此舉表示歡迎，包括財政部長崔尚穆（Choi Sang-mok），他認為這是振興經濟的積極一步。然而，韓國銀行表示將繼續密切監測局勢，並根據金融市場的穩定性做出決策，這暗示著未來利率調整將採取謹慎行動。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字：Sluggish (Slug-gish): The decision to lower interest rates comes as South Korea faces mounting economic challenges. The BOK cited a slow recovery in domestic demand and a sluggish pace

【本集節目由Speak 贊助播出】  Speak AI 英文口說 App 新註冊會員還有七天免費試用 ：https://bit.ly/15MinsToday 你是不是常常想練英文口說，卻找不到人陪你聊天，或是不知道怎麼有效練習？ 跟大家分享一個能讓你練習開口說英文的APP， Speak AI 英文口說 App！ Speak從真人影音課程、口說練習功能到 AI 對話，主打 Speak Method (Speak 學習法)，從吸收、練習到應用，有效讓用戶從輸入到輸出練習英文口說，是真的有意識學習，而不只是聊天。就像有位私人家教在身邊指導。 Speak，助你更有自信開口說英文！ ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- Topic: In Race for Tuition-Free College, New Mexico Stakes a Claim As universities across the United States face steep enrollment declines, New Mexico’s government is embarking on a pioneering experiment to fight that trend: tuition-free higher education for all state residents. 隨著美國各地大學入學人數急劇下滑，新墨西哥州政府正著手進行一項開創性實驗來應對這一趨勢：為全州居民提供免學費高等教育。 After President Joe Biden’s plan for universal free community college failed to gain traction in Congress, New Mexico, one of the nation’s poorest states, has emerged with perhaps the most ambitious plans as states scramble to come up with their own initiatives. 在美國總統拜登的全民免費社區大學計畫未能獲得國會支持後，美國最窮的州之一新墨西哥州提出的計畫，可能是各州爭相提出行動倡議中最具雄心的一個。 A new state law approved in a rare show of bipartisanship allocates almost 1% of the state’s budget toward covering tuition and fees at public colleges and universities, community colleges and tribal colleges. All state residents from new high school graduates to adults enrolling part-time will be eligible regardless of family income. The program is also open to immigrants regardless of their immigration status. 一項新的州法在兩黨罕見合作下通過，將州預算的1%用於支付公立大學、社區大學與部落學院的學費。所有州民，從剛畢業的高中生到參加兼職教育的成人都有資格參加，無論家庭收入。該計畫也向移民開放，無論他們的移民身分如何。 Some legislators and other critics question whether there should have been income caps and whether the state, newly flush with oil and gas revenue, can secure long-term funding to support the program beyond its first year. The legislation, which seeks to treat college as a public resource similar to primary and secondary education, takes effect in July. 一些議員和其他批評人士質疑是否應設所得限制，以及剛獲大量石油與天然氣收入的該州是否能在計畫實施第一年後，獲得長期資金支持。這項立法將於7月生效，旨在將大學視為與中小學教育類似的公共資源。 Although nearly half the states have embraced similar initiatives that seek to cover at least some tuition expenses for some students, New Mexico’s law goes further by covering tuition and fees before other scholarships and sources of financial aid are applied, enabling students to use those other funds for expenses such as lodging, food or child care. 儘管近半的州已採取類似舉措，想幫一些學生支付至少部分學費和雜費，新墨西哥州法律更進一步，在申請其他獎學金和學費補助前，先支付學雜費，讓學生能使用其他資金，支付如住宿、食物或兒童照顧等費用。 “The New Mexico program is very close to ideal,” said Michael Dannenberg, vice president of strategic initiatives and higher education policy at the nonprofit advocacy group Education Reform Now. Considering the state’s income levels and available resources, he added that New Mexico’s program is among the most generous in the country. 非營利倡議組織Education Reform Now策略倡議暨高教政策副總裁丹能貝格說：「新墨西哥的計畫非常貼近理想。」他表示，考量收入水準與可用資源，新墨西哥州的計畫是全美最慷慨的。 Dannenberg emphasized that New Mexico is going beyond what larger, more prosperous states like Washington and Tennessee have already done. Programs in other states often limit tuition assistance to community colleges, exclude some residents because of family income or impose conditions requiring students to work part time. 丹能貝格強調，新墨西哥州正超越華盛頓和田納西這些更大、更繁榮的州所做的事。其他州通常限制對社區大學的學費補助，因家庭收入排除一些州民，或要求學生兼職。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6329103 Next Article Topic: Colleges Slash Budgets in the Pandemic,With ‘Nothing Off-Limits’ Ohio Wesleyan University is eliminating 18 majors. The University of Florida’s trustees last month took the first steps toward letting the school furlough faculty. The University of California, Berkeley, has paused admissions to its doctoral programs in anthropology, sociology and art history. 美國俄亥俄衛斯理大學取消了18個科系。佛州大學董事會9月採取初步措施，目標是讓校方有權放教師無薪假。柏克萊加州大學則暫停招收人類學、社會學和藝術史的博士班學生。 As it resurges across the country, the coronavirus is forcing universities large and small to make deep and possibly lasting cuts to close widening budget shortfalls. By one estimate, the pandemic has cost colleges at least $120 billion, with even Harvard University, despite its $41.9 billion endowment, reporting a $10 million deficit that has prompted belt tightening. 由於全美各地新冠肺炎疫情再度惡化，美國各大學不論規模大小，都被迫大砍支出，以彌補逐漸擴大的預算缺口，刪減的支出可能長期都不會恢復。有人估計，疫情至少使美國各大學合計損失1200億美元，就連坐擁419億美元辦學基金的哈佛大學也出現1000萬美元預算赤字，被迫勒緊褲帶。 The persistence of the economic downturn is taking a devastating financial toll, pushing many to lay off or furlough employees, delay graduate admis

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 歡迎收聽這週《Teacher's Lounge 幕後教師室》！本週 John 老師和阿鍵老師要跟大家分享一下，在我們發送VIP會員週年慶的線上聚會活動時所收到的留言與回覆。我們VIP家族們真的很可愛，也很有愛，讓我們老師們真的都很感動與被激勵到。 這次幕後教師室裡又透露了一些John老師南非生活的點滴，上次分享了一些後有家族們來敲碗。如果你也喜歡聽聽一些國外生活的趣事，歡迎繼續敲碗嚕～ 聽完本集歡迎到FB/IG私訊或留言分享心得。別忘了，想要獲得更多精彩內容，歡迎訂閱我們的 VIP 會員，還能享有主題許願的特權喔！​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 1. Binge shopping - 瘋狂購物 2. Availability / Unavailability - 可取得性/非可取得性 3. Shipping - 運送 4. being big on sth - 非常喜好 sth 5. Pay upfront - 先付錢 6. Pay on delivery - 貨到付款 7. Buyer rating - 買家評定 8. International couriers - 國際貨運公司 9. Convenience stores - 便利商店 10. Capsules - 膠囊 (Nespresso 膠囊咖啡) 11. Credit card - 信用卡 12. Seller's rating - 賣家評定 13. Legitimate seller/company - 合法/合規則的賣家 14. Browse (v.) - 遊覽

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- This week Klim will update us on the latest announcement of the Michelin Guide in Taiwan. This year the most number of stars were awards in the whole guide for Taiwan, and that means it's going to be more and more difficult to book restaurants and eateries. That's not all, average joes like me always gets confused about with Bidebndum or Bib Gourmand is. Klim will also shed some light on this for us. Which Bib Gourmand or Michelin starred restaurant do you often eat at? Share your experience with us and we will give you a shout out in the next episode! Hope you will enjoy this episode with us as much as we enjoyed producing it! 更多15Mins Cafe節目: www.15mins.today/15mins-cafe 歡迎主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected]

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀VIP Ep.K871: Rafael Nadal's Retirement: The End of a Tennis Era Highlights 主題摘要：Rafael Nadal, one of tennis's greatest players, has announced his retirement due to persistent injuries, marking the end of an era after nearly two decades of dominance.Nadal's extraordinary career includes 22 Grand Slam titles and 14 French Open victories, showcasing his unparalleled skill, work ethic, and sportsmanship both on and off the court.Nadal's retirement, following Federer's, leaves Djokovic as the last of the "Big Three", signaling the conclusion of men's tennis's golden era and prompting tributes from players and fans worldwide. Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has announced his retirement from professional tennis. This news marks the end of an era in the sport, as Nadal has been a dominant force for nearly two decades. The Spanish champion's decision comes after a series of injuries that have limited his ability to compete at the highest level. 納達爾（Rafael Nadal），這位史上最偉大的網球選手之一，已宣布從職業網壇退役。這個消息標誌著這項運動一個時代的終結，因為納達爾近二十年來一直是網壇的主宰力量。這位西班牙冠軍的決定，是在一連串傷病限制了他在最高水平競技的能力之後做出的。 Nadal's career has been nothing short of extraordinary. With 22 Grand Slam titles, including an incredible 14 French Open victories, he has left an indelible mark on tennis history. His uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, revealed that Rafa had hoped to play for one more season, particularly on his favorite clay courts. However, persistent injuries have forced the Spanish champion to end his career earlier than he might have wished. Toni Nadal told Marca, "Rafa would have liked another good season on clay and that means winning or at least performing at a good level." 納達爾的職業生涯可謂非凡卓越。他贏得了 22 座大滿貫冠軍，其中包括驚人的 14 次法國公開賽勝利，在網球史上留下了不可磨滅的印記。他的叔叔兼前教練托尼・納達爾透露，拉斐爾本希望再打一個賽季，特別是在他最愛的紅土球場上。然而，持續的傷病迫使這位西班牙冠軍比他可能希望的更早結束職業生涯。托尼・納達爾告訴《馬卡報》，「拉斐爾本想在紅土上再有一個好賽季，這意味著贏得比賽或至少表現得很好。」 Throughout his career, Nadal has been known for his incredible work ethic, fighting spirit, and sportsmanship. He has been a role model both on and off the court, earning respect from fans, fellow players, and coaches alike. His rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have produced some of the most memorable matches in tennis history, pushing the sport to new heights of popularity and excellence. Nadal's unique playing style, characterized by his powerful topspin forehand and exceptional court coverage, has made him virtually unbeatable on clay and formidable on all surfaces. 納達爾的整個職業生涯以其驚人的職業道德、鬥志和體育精神而聞名。他在場內場外都是人們的榜樣，贏得了球迷、同行和教練的尊重。他與費德勒（Roger Federer）和喬科維奇（Novak Djokovic）的競爭產生了一些網球史上最難忘的比賽，將這項運動推向熱門程度和卓越性的新高峰。納達爾獨特的打法，以其強大的上旋正手和出色的場上覆蓋率為特點，使他在紅土上幾乎無人能敵，在所有場地上都令人生畏。 Nadal's retirement draws a line under what many consider to be the golden era of men's tennis. His departure, following Federer's retirement two years ago, leaves Djokovic as the last remaining member of the "Big Three". While new stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are emerging, Nadal's absence will be deeply felt in the tennis world. As Nadal prepares for his final appearance at the Davis Cup Finals in November, fans around the globe are preparing to bid farewell to one of the sport's true legends. His retirement has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow players and fans alike. Roger Federer wrote on Instagram, "What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come." These sentiments echo the feelings of tennis fans worldwide as they prepare to say goodbye to a player who has given his all to the sport until he simply couldn't anymore. 納達爾的退役為許多人認為是男子網球的黃金時代畫上了句號。繼費德勒兩年前退役之後，他的離去使得喬科維奇成為「三巨頭」中最後一位在役的成員。雖然像卡洛斯・艾卡拉茲（Carlos Alcaraz）和揚尼克・辛納（Jannik Sinner）這樣的新星正在崛起，但納達爾的缺席將令網球界感受強烈。目前納達爾準備在十一月的台維斯盃決賽中最後一次亮相時，全球球迷正準備向這位體壇真正的傳奇告別。他的退役引發了同行和球迷的大量致敬。費德勒在 Instagram 上寫道：「多麼輝煌的職業生涯啊，拉斐爾！我一直希望這一天永遠不會到來。」這些感言呼應了全世界網球迷的心聲，他們正準備向一位全身心投入這項運動直到再也無法繼續的選手道別。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字：Retirement (Re-tire-ment): Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has announced his retirement from professional tennis.Persistent (Per-sist-ent): However, persistent injuries have forced the Spanish champion to end his career earlier than he might have wished.Unbeatable (Un-beat-a-ble): Nadal's unique playing style, characterized by his powerful topspin forehand and exceptional court coverage, has made him virtually unbeatable on clay and formidable on all surfaces.Formidable (For-mi-da-ble): N

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- Topic: Water-Stressed India Seeks a Tap for Every Home The pipes are laid, the taps installed and the village tank is under construction — all promising signs that, come spring, Girja Ahriwar will get water at her doorstep and finally shed a lifelong burden. 管子鋪好，水龍頭裝好，村子的水槽正在建造。這些充滿希望的跡象顯示，春季來臨時，吉爾嘉．艾里瓦可以在家門口取到水，而且終於解除長期以來的負擔。 “I go out and put the jerrycans in the queue at around 5 a.m. and wait there with the children,” Ahriwar, a mother of three who lives in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, said about her routine of fetching from the village hand pump. “Sometimes it could take five or six hours. I have to stay there because if I leave, someone else moves ahead.” 「我大約在清晨5時出門，把大水桶排進隊伍，然後和孩子們一起等待」，住在印度中部中央邦、三個孩子的媽艾里瓦說，她的例行公事就是從村子的手動泵浦取水，「有時候得花五或六個小時，我必須一直留在這裡，因為如果我離開了，其他人就會搶先往前」。 India, one of the world’s most water-stressed countries, is halfway through an ambitious drive to provide clean tap water by 2024 to all of the roughly 192 million households across its 600,000 villages. About 18,000 government engineers are overseeing the $50 billion undertaking, which includes hundreds of thousands of contractors and laborers who are laying more than 2.5 million miles of pipe. 印度是全世界用水最吃緊的國家之一，在2024年之前提供60萬個村落共約1億9200萬戶乾淨自來水，這項宏大的計畫已進行到一半。約1萬8000名政府工程師監督規模500億美元的工程，包括數十萬名包商和工人，鋪設超過250萬哩的水管。 The project has a powerful champion in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has slashed through India’s notorious red tape and pushed aside thorny political divisions to see it through. His success thus far helps explain his dominance over the country’s political landscape. 這項計畫有個有力的擁護者：總理莫迪，他打破印度惡名昭彰的官僚作風，把棘手的政治分歧暫放一邊，推動計畫。目前為止他的成功也顯示他在這個國家政治版圖的主導力。 Modi has remained popular despite a weak economy and a bungled initial response to the coronavirus that left hundreds of thousands dead. He has increasingly relied on communal politics, continuing to consolidate a Hindu nationalist base he has worked for decades to rally. 即使經濟疲弱，且一開始對新冠病毒的笨拙反應造成數十萬人死亡，莫迪仍舊廣得人心。他日漸依賴宗教團體式政治，持續鞏固印度教國族主義基本盤，他投注數十年整合這些勢力。 But the mission to deliver water to every household combines two of Modi’s political strengths: his grasp of the day-to-day problems of hundreds of millions of India’s poor and his penchant for ambitious solutions. Modi, who grew up in a poor village, has spoken emotionally about his own mother’s hardship in fetching water. 不過，將水送到所有家戶的任務，結合莫迪的兩個政治力量：他對印度數億貧窮人口日常問題的理解，以及喜好採取極具雄心的解決方案。在貧窮村莊長大的莫迪，曾充滿感情的談到母親以前取水的困難。 About one-sixth of India’s households had a clean water tap when the program, called Jal Jeevan Mission, began in 2019. Now, almost half have one. 當這個「水生活任務」2019年開始時，印度家戶有潔淨自來水者約六分之一。現在，幾乎一半。 “You rarely have this drive from the government, the head of state, and it is well funded. Behind the concept, there is budget,” said Nicolas Osbert, who leads the UNICEF water and sanitation unit in India. “All social sectors were impacted by COVID. Not this one. This one was preserved.” 「你很少能從政府或國家領袖獲得這種推動力，而且資金充裕。在這個概念後面，重點是預算」，聯合國兒童基金會印度分部水資源和衛生主管歐斯柏特說，「所有社福單位都遭遇新冠病毒衝擊，但這個沒有，這個計畫保留下來」。 The country’s water problem speaks to the mismatch between its global economic ambitions and the dire conditions of much of its 1.4 billion population, two-thirds of whom still live in rural areas. 這個國家的用水問題顯示，其全球經濟野心和14億人口中許多人的悲慘情況，頗不相配。印度人口三分之二住在鄉村地區。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6034821 Next Article Topic: Typhoonless year brings water shortage in fall/winter Most years, Taiwan is hit by typhoons during the summer and fall, but we have yet to see a typhoon this year. This unusual situation has put pressure on water supply levels in reservoirs around Taiwan. 台灣每年夏、秋兩季颱風頻繁，但詭異的是，今年截至目前為止，竟無任何一個颱風登陸台灣，造成水庫缺水問題。 Due to global warming, the typhoons generated in the Pacific Ocean this year have all moved northward, bypassing Taiwan. Although successive fronts and afternoon showers have brought rainfall, it was only fragmented, covering limited areas and did little to replenish reservoirs. As a result, the reservoir storage this year is lower than in previous years. 這是因為全球暖化之影響，今年大平洋生成的颱風往北移，導致沒有任何一個颱風進來台灣，雖然陸續有鋒面及午後陣雨帶來雨量，但下雨範圍多為局部地區，導致水庫蓄水量較往年低。 According to the Water Resource Agency, as of 2pm yesterday, the Shihmen Reservoir’s water storage was 44 percent of capacity, the Feicuei Reservoir’s was 62.3 percent and the Zengwen Reservoir’s was 31.3 percent. Two of the three major water reservoirs have less than 50 percent of their w

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 1.Ella Fitzgerald (Jazz) Quote: "It isn't where you came from, it's where you're going that counts." Ella Fitzgerald, known as the "First Lady of Song" and "Queen of Jazz," was born in 1917 in Newport News, Virginia. Her career spanned nearly six decades, during which she won 13 Grammy Awards and sold over 40 million albums. Fitzgerald was known for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, and "scat" singing ability. She rose to fame despite a challenging childhood, including a period of homelessness. In 1934, she won an amateur contest at the Apollo Theater, which launched her singing career. Fitzgerald broke racial barriers, becoming the first African American woman to win a Grammy in 1958. She collaborated with many jazz greats, including Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Despite her fame, Fitzgerald remained humble, often suffering from stage fright before performances. Her ability to sing in multiple languages made her an international star, and she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992. Ella Fitzgerald's resilience, talent, and dedication to her craft continue to inspire musicians and music lovers worldwide. 艾拉·費茲傑拉（爵士樂） 名言：「重要的不是你從哪裡來，而是你要去哪裡。」 艾拉·費茲傑拉，被尊稱為「歌壇第一夫人」和「爵士樂女王」，1917年出生於美國維吉尼亞州紐波特紐斯。她的演藝生涯橫跨近六十年，贏得13座葛萊美獎，專輯銷量超過四千萬張。費茲傑拉以音色純淨、咬字清晰，以及「口技爵士」聞名。儘管童年坎坷，甚至曾無家可歸，她仍然成功嶄露頭角。1934年，她在阿波羅劇院的業餘比賽中獲勝，由此開啟了她的歌唱事業。費茲傑拉打破種族藩籬，1958年成為首位獲得葛萊美獎的非裔美國女性。她與路易斯·阿姆斯壯、杜克·艾靈頓等爵士樂大師合作無間。儘管聲名顯赫，費茲傑拉始終保持謙遜，演出前常感到怯場。她能以多種語言演唱，成為國際巨星，並於1992年獲頒美國總統自由勳章。艾拉·費茲傑拉的堅韌、才華和對音樂的執著，至今仍啟發著世界各地的音樂人和樂迷。 2.Ray Charles (R&B) Quote: "I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me – like food or water." Ray Charles, often called "The Genius," was born in 1930 in Albany, Georgia. He lost his sight completely by the age of seven due to glaucoma, but this didn't stop him from becoming one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Charles pioneered the genre of soul music in the 1950s by combining rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz. He learned to read, write, and arrange music in Braille, which allowed him to compose his own songs. Charles was one of the first African American musicians to be given artistic control by a mainstream record company. He won 17 Grammy Awards and was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987. Despite his success, Charles struggled with heroin addiction for nearly 20 years before successfully overcoming it in 1965. He was known for his distinctive raspy voice and his ability to convey deep emotion through his music. Ray Charles' influence extended beyond music; he was a prominent supporter of the Civil Rights Movement and refused to play to segregated audiences. His life story was portrayed in the 2004 biographical film "Ray," which won several Academy Awards. 雷·查爾斯（節奏藍調） 名言：「我生來就有音樂在體內。音樂是我身體的一部分，就像我的肋骨、腎臟、肝臟、心臟一樣。就像我的血液。當我來到這個世界時，它就已經是我體內的一股力量了。對我來說，它像食物或水一樣必不可少。」 雷·查爾斯，常被稱為「天才」，1930年出生於美國喬治亞州奧爾巴尼。他七歲時因青光眼完全失明，但這並沒有阻止他成為20世紀最具影響力的音樂家之一。查爾斯在1950年代開創了靈魂樂流派，將節奏藍調、福音音樂和爵士樂融合在一起。他學會了用盲文閱讀、書寫和編排音樂，使他能夠創作自己的歌曲。查爾斯是首批獲得主流唱片公司給予藝術控制權的非裔美國音樂家之一。他贏得了17座葛萊美獎，並在1987年獲頒葛萊美終身成就獎。儘管事業有成，查爾斯曾與海洛因成癮抗爭近20年，最終在1965年成功戒毒。他以獨特的沙啞嗓音和傳達深沉情感的能力聞名。雷·查爾斯的影響力不僅限於音樂領域；他也是民權運動的重要支持者，拒絕在種族隔離的場合表演。他的人生故事被改編成2004年的傳記電影《雷》，該片獲得多項奧斯卡獎。 3.B.B. King (Blues) Quote: "The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you." B.B. King, born Riley B. King in 1925 on a cotton plantation in Mississippi, became known as the "King of the Blues." He got his nickname "B.B." from "Beale Street Blues Boy," a moniker he earned as a young musician in Memphis. King's guitar, which he famously named "Lucille," has an interesting story behind it. In 1949, King ran into a burning building to save his guitar from a fire caused by two men fighting over a woman named Lucille. From then on, he named all his guitars Lucille as a reminder never to fight over women or run into burning buildings. King developed a unique guitar style, characterized by his bent notes and vibrato, which influenced countless blues and rock guitarists. Despite only having a fifth-grade education, King was awarded honorary doctorates from several universities. He performed an average of 300 shows a year well into his 70s. B.B. King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 1. 喪茶文化 Sung tea "喪"茶跟負能量次文化 播客 Podcast 2. Sung tea menu “Sang” culture, which revels in often-ironic defeatism, is fueled by internet celebrities, through music and the popularity of certain mobile games and TV shows, as well as sad-faced emojis and pessimistic slogans. While “sang” can be a pose or affectation, despondency among a segment of educated young people is a genuine concern for President Xi Jinping and his government, which prizes stability. “Sang” culture, which revels in often-ironic defeatism, is fueled by internet celebrities, through music and the popularity of certain mobile games and TV shows, as well as sad-faced emojis and pessimistic slogans. While China’s roughly 380 million millennials - or those aged about 18 to 35 - have opportunities that earlier generations would have found unimaginable, they also have expectations that are becoming harder to meet. 3. Gudetama 蛋黃哥

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- Gen Z quiz: https://www.wikihow.com/Gen-Z-Slang-Quiz Remember Angel previously talked about her encounters with the newcomers at work? This episode, we are taking on a Gen Z slang challenge to see who can truly communicate with the younger generation. Why don't you take the quiz along with us and tell us who you beat (Me or Angel) in the quiz? Share with us and we will give you a shout out! Hope you will enjoy this episode with us as much as we enjoyed producing it! 更多15Mins Cafe節目: www.15mins.today/15mins-cafe 歡迎主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected]

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep.K867: Hurricane Helene: A Devastating Force Across the Southeastern US Highlights 主題摘要：Hurricane Helene devastated the southeastern US, particularly North Carolina, causing over 200 deaths and widespread destruction. It's the deadliest mainland US hurricane since Katrina in 2005.The storm's impact was catastrophic, leaving hundreds missing and nearly 780,000 homes without power. Massive flooding and landslides have complicated rescue and aid distribution efforts.Despite ongoing recovery efforts, including federal assistance and National Guard deployment, the region remains on high alert as the Atlantic hurricane season continues with more storms brewing. Hurricane Helene, the strongest storm ever to hit Florida's Big Bend region, has left a trail of destruction across the southeastern United States. The hurricane, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm, has claimed over 200 lives, making it the deadliest mainland US hurricane since Katrina in 2005. 颶風海倫（Hurricane Helene），這場有史以來襲擊佛羅里達州大彎地區（Florida's Big Bend）最強烈的風暴，在美國東南部留下了一條破壞的軌跡。這場以四級颶風登陸的風暴已奪走超過 200 條生命，成為自 2005 年卡崔娜（Katrina）颶風以來美國大陸最致命的颶風。 The impact of Helene has been catastrophic, with North Carolina bearing the brunt of the damage. More than half of the reported deaths occurred in this state, where entire communities were uprooted by the storm's fury. The mountainous area around Asheville was particularly hard-hit, with residents describing scenes of "complete pandemonium." Massive flooding, landslides, and widespread power outages have left tens of thousands without basic necessities like electricity and running water. As one Asheville native, Samuel Hayes, put it, "It's going to take us a long time to clean this up." 海倫颶風的影響是災難性的，北卡羅萊納州首當其衝。超過一半的死亡案例發生在這個州，整個社區被風暴的怒火連根拔起。阿什維爾周圍的山區受創尤其嚴重，居民形容場景如同「完全混亂」。大規模的洪水、山崩和廣泛的停電使得數萬人失去電力和自來水等基本必需品。正如阿什維爾的原住民山繆・海耶斯所說：「需要很長的時間才能清理乾淨。」 The storm's effects were felt across multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. In Florida's Keaton Beach, residents returned to find their homes completely destroyed. Eric Church, a local resident, stood in disbelief before the wreckage of his house, saying, "Man, I just lost my house. I have nowhere else to go." The devastation in some areas was so severe that officials have deemed it unsafe for residents to return, as is the case in Cedar Key, Florida. 風暴的影響遍及多個州，包括佛羅里達州、喬治亞州、南卡羅萊納州和維吉尼亞州。在佛羅里達州的基頓海灘，居民返回時發現他們的家園完全被摧毀。當地居民艾瑞克・丘奇站在他房子的廢墟前，難以置信地說：「天啊，我剛失去了我的房子。我無處可去。」某些地區的破壞如此嚴重，以至於官員認為居民返回是不安全的，佛羅里達州的錫達礁就是這種情況。 Rescue and recovery efforts are in full swing, with over 6,700 National Guard members deployed across 16 states. The federal government has also sent 1,000 active-duty soldiers to assist. However, the task is enormous. Hundreds of people are still missing, and nearly 780,000 homes remain without power almost a week after the hurricane made landfall. The flooding has made many roads impassable, complicating aid distribution to hard-hit areas. In response, private citizens have stepped in to help, using everything from mules to helicopters to deliver supplies to remote communities. 救援和恢復工作正全力進行，超過 6,700 名國民警衛隊成員已部署到 16 個州。聯邦政府也派遣了 1,000 名現役士兵協助。然而，任務是艱鉅的。數百人仍下落不明，颶風登陸近一週後，將近 78 萬戶家庭仍然斷電。洪水使許多道路無法通行，使得援助物資難以運送到受災嚴重的地區。為此，私人公民也挺身而出，利用從騾子到直升機等各種方式，將物資送到偏遠社區。 As affected areas begin the long process of rebuilding, President Joe Biden has toured the devastated regions, promising federal support. "I see you, I hear you, I grieve with you, and I promise you we have your back," Biden told residents in Ray City, Georgia. The president has approved federal disaster assistance for survivors in the affected states. However, with the Atlantic hurricane season continuing until the end of November and two more storms brewing, the region remains on high alert, bracing for potential further challenges in the coming months. 當受災地區開始漫長的重建過程時，美國總統喬・拜登也視察了災區，承諾聯邦政府的支持。拜登告訴喬治亞州雷城的居民：「我看到你們，我聽到你們，我與你們同悲，我承諾我們會支持你們。」總統已批准為受災州的倖存者提供聯邦災難援助。然而，由於大西洋颶風季節將持續到 11 月底，且還有兩場風暴正在醞釀，該地區仍然保持高度警惕，為未來幾個月可能面臨的進一步挑戰做好準備。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字：Deadliest (Dead-li-est): The hurricane, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm, has claimed over 200 lives, making it the deadliest mainland US hurricane since Katrina in 2005.Catastrophic (Cat-a-stroph-ic): The impact of Helene has been catastrophic, with North Carolina bearing the brunt of the damage.Pandemonium (Pan-de-mo-ni-um): The

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- Topic: About scientific research - Certain Junk Foods Could Be Messing With Your Brain’s Appetite Control, Study Finds Emerging evidence in humans suggests a typically Western high-fat, high-sugar ’junk food’ diet can quickly undermine your brain’s appetite control. 在人類中新發現的證據顯示，含有高脂高糖「垃圾食物」的典型西方飲食，可以快速破壞大腦對食慾的控制。 After indulging in a week-long binge of waffles, milkshakes and similarly rich foods, researchers in Australia found young and healthy volunteers scored worse on memory tests and experienced a greater desire to eat junk food, even when they were already full. 狂吃鬆餅、奶昔和類似的高脂食物一週後，澳洲研究人員發現，年輕健康的志願者在記憶力測試中成績欠佳，而且對垃圾食物更有食慾，甚至在吃飽之後還想吃。 The findings suggest something is amiss in the hippocampus - a region of the brain that supports memory and helps to regulate appetite. When we are full, the hippocampus is thought to quieten down our memories of delicious food, thereby reducing our appetite. 研究結果顯示問題出在海馬體，這個區域在大腦中支援記憶力，協助調節食慾。我們吃飽之後，海馬體被認為會使美食記憶不再活躍，從而降低食慾。 When it’s disrupted, this control can be seriously undermined. 當海馬體受到擾亂，對食慾的控制也會受到嚴重破壞。 Over the years, extensive research on juvenile mice has found the function of the hippocampus is very sensitive to ’junk food’ , but this has only recently been observed in young and healthy humans. 近年來對幼鼠進行的廣泛研究發現，海馬體對「垃圾食物」很敏感，但最近才在年輕健康的人群中發現這一問題。 Next Article Topic: Squatting or kneeling is better for your posture than sitting all day, anthropologists claim 人類學家：蹲姿或跪姿比坐一整天來得好 Resting postures such as squatting or kneeling may be better for health because they require more muscle activity than sitting on a chair, researchers claim. 研究人員聲稱，蹲或跪這類休息姿勢也許更有益於身體健康，因為它們比坐在椅子上需要更多的肌肉活動。 The findings are based on data gathered from a hunter-gatherer population in Tanzania who wore devices that measured physical activity as well as periods of rest. 這些發現是根據從坦尚尼亞一個狩獵採集部落收集來的數據，這個部落的人佩戴裝置來測量他們的體力活動和休息時間。 Anthropologists from the US found that despite being sedentary for almost 10 hours each day, equivalent to clocking a shift in the office at the desk, the Hazda people appeared to lack the markers of chronic diseases associated with long periods of sitting. 美國的人類學家發現，儘管哈茲達部落的人每天靜止不動的時間將近10個小時，相當於在辦公桌前上一天班，但他們似乎並未出現久坐帶來的慢性病跡象。 They believe this is down to the ‘active rest postures’ used by the tribe. 他們相信，這歸結於該部落使用的「主動休息姿勢」。 Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1368761 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1367176 Next Article Topic: Aboriginal canoe sets out on voyage to Japan for research An Aboriginal Amis canoe is set to sail from Taiwan’s Taitung County to Japan’s Yonaguni Island some time between Monday and July 13. Organized by Taiwan’s National Museum of Prehistory and Japan’s National Museum of Nature and Science (NMNS), the voyage is part of the NMNS’ research on people’s movement from Taiwan to Japan in ancient times. 一艘原住民阿美族的獨木舟，預計在週一至七月十三日間，從台灣的台東縣航向日本的與那國島。該活動是由國立台灣史前文化博物館，及日本的國立科學博物館合辦，此航行是科博館研究的一部分，旨在探討古代人們從台灣到日本的遷徙活動。 According to archaeologists, some of the early inhabitants of Japan most likely traveled from Taiwan to the Ryukyu Islands on similar wooden vessels during the Paleolithic, about 30,000 years ago. The canoe will have to cross the Kuroshio Current (the Black Current) and travel around 205km to Yonaguni Island, Japan’s westernmost island in Okinawa Prefecture. 根據考古學家們指出，日本的某些早期居民，極有可能是搭乘著類似的木筏，自台灣來到沖繩列島，當時大約是距今三萬年的舊石器時代。這艘獨木舟必須跨越「黑潮」洋流，航行約兩百零五公里至沖繩縣、位於全日本最西端的與那國島。 The research team failed to complete a voyage on an Amis bamboo raft last year and the year before that, because the boats used were not strong enough for the big waves. This time around, a canoe made of cedar will be used in the adventure, which is expected to take 2 to 3 days. 研究團隊去年、前年均嘗試以阿美族竹筏渡海，但因竹筏不夠堅固無法抵擋大浪沖擊，最終挑戰失敗。本次冒險則改用以雪松打造的獨木舟，預計需二到三天才能完成整趟航程。 Source article: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2019/06/20/2003717213 Next Article Topic: Researchers ‘reboot’ pig brains hours after animals died The brains of decapitated pigs can be partially revived several hours after the animal has died, researchers have revealed, with some of the functions of cells booted back up when an oxygen-rich fluid is circulated through the organ. 研究人員近日指出，宰殺後的豬隻大腦在死亡數個小時之後，仍然可以被「部分復甦」──藉由一種富含氧氣的液體在器官中進行循環，死亡豬隻的腦細胞部分功能被重新啟動。 The scientists stress that the brains do not show any signs of consciousness — for example, there was no sign that different parts

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 歡迎回到《Teacher's Lounge 幕後教師室》！本週的值班老師是 John 老師和阿鍵老師。天氣入秋，這兩天終於氣候涼些了，你的國慶假期是怎麼過的呢？ 本集節目裡，我們聊到了最近一則與美國營養午餐文化相關的新聞，也分享了John老師和阿鍵過去在南非和英國吃冷便當的經驗。比較起來，台灣的Uber和Panda真的是太方便了吧！ 最後也要跟大家說，通勤學英語正在忙一件大事，就是我們的訂閱制即將滿週年啦！老師群正在預備著與大家空中相會，敬請期待啦！ 聽完本集歡迎到FB/IG私訊或留言分享心得。別忘了，想要獲得更多精彩內容，歡迎訂閱我們的 VIP 會員，還能享有主題許願的特權喔！​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 暑假放完了，也忙完這陣子！嘿掰講又繼續啦！ 這禮拜Gavin 想在我的名字上找碴～ 1. Johan -約翰 ; John - 強 2. I am in the john - 我在洗手間裡 3. Ladies of the night （性工作者）call their customers John. （用常見的名字用來給恩客隱私） 4. I need your John Hancock - 我需要你的簽名 5. John Doe / Jane Doe - 無名氏，未辨識的人 6. Lazy susan - 桌轉盤 7. Bob's your uncle - 就這樣，結束了 8. Murphy's law - 墨菲定律 9. In like flynn - 用關係很輕易的得到機會/成功 10. Davie Jone's locker - 去深海 11. Pleased as Punch - 很開心快樂 （由來-Punch and Judy 布偶秀） 12. Jack of all trades, master of none - 什麼都會一點，都不在行 13. Keep up with the Jones' - 更進/追上你鄰居 14. Peeping Tom - 偷窺者 15. Take the Mickey out of sb. - 開sb.玩笑 16. The real Mccoy - 正牌的，正確的人or事or物

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- This week is a special week for us here in Taiwan! It is the National Day of Taiwan on October 10th! Patrick will give us the trivia to not just the Double Tenth Day, but also some brands and events that happened in 1911. How are you spending this years National Day holiday? Let us know and we will give you a shout out! Hope you will enjoy this episode with us as much as we enjoyed producing it! 更多15Mins Cafe節目: www.15mins.today/15mins-cafe 歡迎主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected]

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀VIP Ep.K863: Meta Connect 2024: A Glimpse into the Future of AR and AI Highlights 主題摘要：Meta unveiled the "Orion" AR glasses prototype, showcasing advanced features like hologram display and gesture tracking in a regular glasses form factor, signaling a major step towards wearable AR technology.The new Quest 3S VR headset, priced at $299, offers a more affordable entry point to virtual reality, demonstrating Meta's commitment to making VR technology more accessible to mainstream consumers.Meta's AI advancements, including updates to Ray-Ban smart glasses and the Llama 3.2 model, highlight the company's focus on integrating AI into everyday devices and expanding its capabilities across social platforms. Meta's annual Connect event, held in September 2024, showcased the company's latest innovations in augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled a range of new products and features, highlighting Meta's commitment to shaping the future of technology. Meta 年度 Connect 大會於 2024 年 9 月舉行，展示了該公司在擴增實境（AR）和人工智慧（AI）方面的最新創新。執行長祖克柏公開了一系列新產品和功能，表明 Meta 致力於塑造科技未來的承諾。 The star of the show was undoubtedly the "Orion" AR glasses prototype. Although not yet available for purchase, these glasses represent a significant step towards truly wearable AR technology. Unlike bulky headsets, Orion aims to pack advanced features into a form factor resembling regular glasses. The prototype boasts tiny projectors that display holograms on the lenses, along with sensors for tracking voice, eye movement, and hand gestures. While a release date remains uncertain, Meta hinted at a launch in the "near future." 本次展會的亮點無疑是「獵戶座」（Orion）AR 眼鏡原型。儘管尚未上市，這款眼鏡代表了向真正可穿戴 AR 技術邁進的重要一步。與笨重的頭戴式裝置不同，獵戶座旨在將先進功能融入類似普通眼鏡的外形中。這款原型配備了微型投影機，可在鏡片上顯示全息影像，還有用於追蹤語音、眼球運動和手勢的感應器。雖然發售日期尚未確定，但 Meta 暗示將在「不久的將來」推出。 On the more accessible front, Meta introduced the Quest 3S, a budget-friendly virtual reality (VR) headset priced at $299. This new model offers a more affordable entry point into VR, with some compromises in resolution and storage compared to its higher-end sibling, the Quest 3. The Quest 3S is set to begin shipping on October 15, marking Meta's continued push to make VR technology more mainstream. 在更易入手的產品方面，Meta 推出了售價 299 美元的 Quest 3S，這是一款經濟實惠的虛擬實境（VR）頭戴裝置。相較於其高階版本的 Quest 3，這款新機型在解析度和儲存空間方面有所妥協，但提供了更實惠的 VR 入門選擇。Quest 3S 將於 10 月 15 日開始出貨，標誌著 Meta 持續推動 VR 技術普及化的努力。 AI advancements were another key focus of the event. Meta announced updates to its Ray-Ban smart glasses, integrating new AI features without changing the hardware. These enhancements include improved voice commands, the ability to set reminders based on objects in view, and better language translation capabilities. The company also revealed updates to its Meta AI assistant, introducing celebrity voices and expanding its capabilities across Meta's social media platforms. AI 進展是本次活動的另一個重點。Meta 宣布對其雷朋（Ray-Ban）智慧眼鏡進行更新，在不改變硬體的情況下整合新的 AI 功能。這些增強功能包括改進的語音命令、根據視野中的物體設置提醒的能力，以及更優秀的語言翻譯能力。該公司還公布了對 Meta AI 助理的更新，引入名人聲音並擴展其在 Meta 社交媒體平台上的功能。 Meta's open-source AI model, Llama 3.2, now includes vision capabilities, allowing it to analyze and describe images. This puts it in direct competition with similar features offered by other tech giants. Additionally, Meta's AI can now edit photos with text prompts, performing tasks like adding or removing objects or changing backgrounds. Meta 的開源 AI 模型 Llama 3.2 現在包含視覺能力，可以分析和描述圖像。這使其與其他科技大廠提供的類似功能直接競爭。此外，Meta 的 AI 現在可以通過文字提示編輯照片，執行添加或移除物體或更改背景等任務。 Meta Connect 2024 painted a picture of a future where AR and AI technologies seamlessly blend into our daily lives. From glasses that can display holograms to AI assistants that understand natural language, Meta is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in human-computer interaction. Meta Connect 2024 勾勒出一幅 AR 和 AI 技術無縫融入我們日常生活的未來圖景。從可顯示全息影像的眼鏡到能理解自然語言的 AI 助理，Meta 正在推動充滿人機互動可能性的界限。 However, these advancements also raise important questions about privacy and data security. As Meta continues to innovate, balancing technological progress with ethical considerations will be crucial in shaping the future of digital experiences. The company's success will depend not only on the capabilities of its products but also on how well it addresses concerns about user privacy and responsible AI use. 然而，這些進展也引發了有關隱私和資料安全的重要問題。隨著 Meta 持續創新，平衡技術進步與倫理考量將是塑造數位體驗未來的關鍵。該公司的成功不僅取決於其產品的能力，還取決於如何有效解決使用者隱私和負責

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- Topic: About Technology - ’Smart crib’ aims to help rockabye baby As every new parent knows, sleep can go out the window after the arrival of a newborn. 如每對剛生孩子的爸媽所知，新生兒到來後，再也沒有夜夜好眠。 That was certainly the case for parents Radhika and Bharath Patil, who seeking relief for their own disrupted sleep patterns, put their electronic engineering backgrounds together to create a "smart crib". 這確實就是拉德西卡和巴拉特‧帕蒂爾的狀況，這對父母正在補救自身混亂的睡眠模式，結合他們的電子工程背景，創造了一個「智慧嬰兒床」。 Their crib, powered by artificial intelligence, combines a baby monitor, rocker, bassinet and crib in one. 他們把一台嬰兒監視器、弧形搖桿、搖籃和嬰兒床合而為一，由人工智慧來驅動嬰兒床。 "It’s not the amount of work around the baby that tires the parents, it’s the lack of sleep," Radhika Patil, Cradlewise chief executive, told Reuters in an interview. 「智慧搖籃」執行長拉德西卡‧帕蒂爾在訪問中告訴路透，「並非圍繞著嬰兒的工作量累到父母，而是睡眠不足。」 Early detection is key, she said, adding that the sooner parents can detect the baby waking up, the easier it is to get the child to fall back asleep. 她說，早期偵測是關鍵，並補充指出，父母越早發現嬰兒醒來，就越容易讓他們的孩子再度入睡。 "Once you put the baby in, the crib takes care of everything. That’s the aim," Bharath Patil said. 巴拉特‧帕蒂爾說，「只要把嬰兒放進去，嬰兒床就顧好每件事。這就是目的。」 Next Article Topic: New Thoughts on Math Of Effective Baby Talk It has been nearly 20 years since a landmark education study found that, by age 3, children from low-income families have heard 30 million fewer words than more affluent children, putting them at an educational disadvantage before they have begun school. 將近20年前，一項具有里程碑意義的教育研究發現，低收入戶兒童到了3歲時，已比家庭較富裕的兒童少聽到3000萬個字彙，以致就學前即已處於教育上的劣勢。 Now, a growing body of research is challenging the notion that merely exposing poor children to more language is enough to overcome the deficits they face. The quality of the communication between children and their parents and caregivers, the researchers say, is of much greater importance than the number of words a child hears. 如今，越來越多的研究向此一觀念提出挑戰，不認為光是讓貧窮兒童暴露於更多語言，就能克服他們所面對的不足。這些研究人員指出，兒童與父母及看顧者之間的溝通品質，遠比兒童聽到多少字彙來得重要。 A study presented last month at a White House conference on “bridging the word gap” found that among 2-year-olds from low-income families, quality interactions involving words — the use of shared symbols (“Look, a dog!”); rituals (“Want a bottle after your bath?”); and conversational fluency (“Yes, that is a bus!”) — were a far better predictor of language skills at age 3 than any other factor . 上月在白宮「縮小字彙差距」會議中發表的一項研究結果發現，對2歲的低收入戶兒童而言，和字彙相關的優質互動，例如使用共通的符號（「看哪，一隻狗！」）；固定程序（「洗完澡想喝瓶奶？」）；流暢的對話（「是的，這是一輛公車！」），在預測3歲兒童語言技巧方面，是遠勝於其他因素的更好指標。 “It’s not just about shoving words in,” said Kathryn Hirsh- Pasek, a professor of psychology at Temple University in Philadelphia and lead author of the study. “It’s about having these fluid conversations around shared rituals and objects, like pretending to have morning coffee together or using the banana as a phone. ” 費城天普大學心理學教授、該研究報告主要作者凱瑟琳．赫許─巴塞克說：「它不光是塞進字彙而已，它與圍繞著共有的固定程序和物件的流暢對話有關，例如佯裝一起喝晨間咖啡，或是拿香蕉當電話打。」 In a related finding, published in April, researchers who observed 11- and 14-month-old children in their homes found that the prevalence of one-on-one interactions and frequent use of parentese — the slow, highpitched voice commonly used for talking to babies — were reliable predictors of language ability at age 2. The total number of words had no correlation with future ability. 四月發表的一項相關研究中，研究人員觀察11個月和14個月大孩子在家中的生活情形，發現經常一對一互動，以及頻繁使用「父母語」，也就是父母常用的，對嬰兒說話的那種緩慢、高音調聲音，是2歲兒童語言能力的可靠預測指標。字彙的總數量與兒童的未來能力無關。 Even the 1995 study that introduced the notion of the 30-million- word gap, conducted by the University of Kansas psychologists Betty Hart and Todd R. Risley, found that parental tone, responsiveness and use of symbols affected a child’s I.Q. and vocabulary. 引進3000萬字彙差距概念的那項研究發表於1995年，由堪薩斯大學心理學家貝蒂．哈特和陶德．Ｒ．里斯利所完成，即使那項研究也發現，父母的語氣、反應和符號的使用，對兒童的智商高低和詞彙多寡均有影響。 But this year’s studies are the first time researchers have compared the impact of word quantity with quality of communication. 不過，今年的研究，是研究人員首次將字彙數量和溝通品質的影響作比較。 For the new study, Dr. Hirsh- Pasek and colleagues selected 60 low-income 3-year-olds with varying degrees of language proficiency from a long-term study of 1,300 children from birth to age 15. 在新研究中，赫許─巴塞克和同事，在參與一項從出生到15歲長期研究的1300名兒童中，挑選出60名3歲的低收入戶兒童，語言能力程度各不相同。 The quality of communication accounted for 27 percent of variation in expressive language skills one year later, Dr. Hirsh-Pasek said. 赫許─巴塞克說，1年後，優質溝通占表達語言技巧差異的27％。 But those who

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 幕後教師室Teacher's Lounge Ep.51: IG英美小測驗的解答與家族們的Shout out! Jan's review of the IG quizzes Hello通勤家族們！本週阿鍵老師來跟我們一起review一下過去幾週的IG英美小測驗，你都有答對嗎？ 時不時醬老師都會有些小彩蛋給大家娛樂一下喔～ 喜歡我們IG上的小測驗要記得多多分享與來答題！ 有希望我們Teacher's Lounge聊些什麼主題嗎？歡迎來信留言喔。

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) -------------------------------

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- This week we have Shimin in the house! In this episode, Shimin is going to share with us another Grammy award-winning artist, Nicole Zuraitis. Apart from her voal talent, she is also a A-grade pianist and performs regularly with her husband's band. This song is more for the seasoned adults, it's a piece that is poetic in its lyrics as well as its melody. 20 Seconds by Nicole Zuraitis: https://youtu.be/vmBQ6xDHhGw?si=-qSdGcltNKicfaq5 Do you resonate with the song? Share your thoughts and experience with us and we will give you a shout out! Remember to hold your thumbs and support Shimin for winning a GBA award! Stay tuned for good news on October 12th~ Hope you will enjoy this episode with us as much as we enjoyed producing it! 更多15Mins Cafe節目: www.15mins.today/15mins-cafe 歡迎主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected]

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep.K859: Big Companies Tighten Return-to-Office Rules Highlights 主題摘要：PwC is implementing a stricter return-to-office policy, requiring UK employees to spend at least 60% of their time in the office or with clients, reflecting a broader trend among major companies.Tech giants and financial institutions like Amazon, Meta, and JPMorgan Chase are also enforcing similar policies, citing the importance of in-person collaboration for productivity and company culture.Experts suggest a balanced approach might be more effective, recommending that companies seek equilibrium between employee needs and business requirements in their hybrid work models. In a significant move, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), one of the world's largest consulting and accounting firms, has announced a stricter return-to-office policy for its UK employees. Starting January 2024, PwC staff will be required to spend at least three days a week, or 60% of their time, in the office or with clients. This marks an increase from the previous two to three-day requirement. To ensure compliance, the company plans to monitor employees' locations using data tracking. This new policy aims to provide clarity and consistency across the business. 在一項大動作中，全球最大的諮詢和會計公司之一資誠聯合會計師事務所（PwC）宣布對其英國員工實施更嚴格的重返辦公室政策。從 2024 年 1 月開始，普華永道的員工被要求每週至少有三天，或 60% 的時間在辦公室或與客戶在一起。這比之前要求的每週兩到三天有所增加。為確保政策執行，公司計劃使用數據追蹤來監控員工的位置。這項新政策旨在為整個企業提供明確性和一致性。 PwC's decision reflects a growing trend among major companies to bring employees back to the workplace as the COVID-19 pandemic subsides. The firm believes that face-to-face interactions are crucial for building strong relationships with clients and creating a positive learning environment. Laura Hinton, PwC UK's Managing Partner, stated that this change "feels right for our business and right for our people, given our focus on client service, coaching, and learning and development." The company argues that being physically together offers clients a differentiated experience and fosters a better environment for learning and coaching. 資誠的決定反映了隨著新冠肺炎（COVID-19）疫情消退，大型公司將員工帶回工作場所的普遍趨勢。該公司認為，面對面互動對於建立與客戶的緊密關係和創造積極的學習環境至關重要。資誠的英國管理夥伴蘿拉・欣頓表示，這個變化「對我們的業務和員工來說都是合適的，考慮到我們專注於客戶服務、指導和學習發展」。公司認為，真人在場可以為客戶提供差異化的體驗，並為學習和指導創造更好的環境。 Other tech giants and financial institutions have also implemented similar policies. Amazon and Meta now require employees to be in the office at least three days a week. Amazon has even warned that non-compliance could jeopardize promotions or lead to termination. JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs have taken steps to reduce remote work as well. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has been particularly vocal about the flaws associated with working from home. These companies argue that in-person collaboration is essential for productivity, innovation, and maintaining company culture. However, the shift back to office-based work has not been without controversy, with some employees expressing concerns about work-life balance and flexibility. 其他科技巨頭和金融機構也實施了類似的政策。亞馬遜和 Meta 現在要求員工每週至少在辦公室工作三天。亞馬遜甚至警告，不遵守規定可能會危及晉升機會或導致解雇。摩根大通、摩根史坦利和高盛也採取措施減少遠距工作。摩根大通執行長傑米・戴蒙直言不諱地指出了在家工作的缺陷。這些公司認為，面對面的合作對於提高生產力、促進創新和維護公司文化至關重要。然而，重返辦公室的轉變並非沒有爭議，一些員工對工作生活的平衡和靈活性表示擔憂。 While many companies are pushing for a return to the office, experts suggest that a balanced approach might be more effective. Claire McCartney from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) notes that companies with hybrid working models generally rate the performance of remote employees positively. She advises employers to seek a balance that meets both employee needs and business requirements. McCartney emphasizes that it makes good business sense for employees or teams to be together on specific days, rather than requiring everyone in the office due to a lack of trust in remote work performance. As the debate continues, it's clear that the future of work will likely involve a mix of in-office and remote options, with companies fine-tuning their policies to find the right balance for their specific needs and culture. The challenge lies in creating an environment that fosters collaboration and innovation while still offering the flexibility that many employees have come to value during the pandemic era. 儘管許多公司正在推動重返辦公室，但專家建議採取更平衡的方法可能更有效。英國特許人事與發展協會（Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development，CIPD）的克萊爾・麥卡特尼指出，採用混合工作模式的公司普遍對遠距員工的表現評價良好。她建議雇主尋求平衡，以滿足員工

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- Topic: In Amsterdam, Floating Homes That Only Look Like Ships When Karen Bosma first moved her boat to the Borneokade, northeast of Amsterdam’s bustling city center, in 1999, the neighborhood was barely more than a cluster of commercial docks and underused warehouses. 凱倫．博斯馬1999年剛把她的船移到荷蘭首都阿姆斯特丹熱鬧市中心東北方的波諾卡德時，這一帶幾乎只有成排商船船席和不常使用的倉庫。 “It was for poor people — a lot of artists lived on boats,” she said, sitting in her neat, cozy living room just below the waterline. 博斯馬坐在她整潔舒適的客廳裡回憶說：「當時這是窮人聚居區，很多藝術家住在船上。」客廳就在吃水線下方。 In the quarter century since, Bosma, a 62-year-old social worker, and her husband have raised two sons on the Distel, a 1912 82-foot freighter, which — stripped of its engine, fuel tanks and cargo hold — is one of Amsterdam’s iconic houseboats, with a seagoing hull, wheelhouse and curtained windows. 此後的四分之一個世紀，現年62歲的社工博斯馬和先生，在這艘船上把兩個兒子帶大。這艘船名叫「迪斯特爾」，是1912年打造的貨船，長25公尺，引擎、燃料槽和貨艙都已去除，是阿姆斯特丹著名船屋之一，具備遠洋船船體、舵手室和裝上窗簾的窗子。 Three boats down lies the B18, an elegant 131-foot, 2 1/2-story floating mansion (with more than 3,000 square feet of interior space) that shows just how perfectly the soul of a luxury yacht combines with open-space living and elegant living quarters. 三艘船以外停泊著B18，是雅緻的兩層半水上豪宅，長40公尺，室內面積超過279平方公尺（約84坪），顯示奢華遊艇的精髓如何與室外生活和優美的室內起居空間完美結合。 “It has to be a ship on the outside and a house on the inside,” said Gijs Haverkate, 53, who created the vessel and lives on it with his family. 53歲的哈福卡特造了B18，並與家人住在船上，他說：「B18必須外觀是艘船，內部是個家。」 In the Dutch capital, houseboats have gone upmarket. The new owners are wealthy and discerning, interested in new designs, upgraded comfort and sustainability. 在阿姆斯特丹，船屋已變得高檔了。新一批船屋主人富裕且有品味，對新設計、更高的舒適感和永續性都很感興趣。 Haverkate, a designer by trade, hopes his boat will inspire others to build on the water. He runs UrbanShips, a company that builds customized houseboats designed to look like ships. 哈福卡特以設計為業，希望他的船能激勵別人在水上蓋房子。他經營「都市船」公司，依照客戶需求打造看來像船隻的船屋。 After years of serving as a relatively cheap place to live in an expensive city, Amsterdam’s houseboats — or rather the spaces they float — have become popular and expensive, with prices increasing 30% to 40% over the past five years alone, according to Jon Kok, one of the city’s best known houseboat real estate agents. 阿姆斯特丹的船屋（更確切地說，是承載船屋的水面），原本的功用是在這昂貴的城市中作為相對廉價的住所，多年下來卻變得大受歡迎且價格高漲，阿姆斯特丹最知名船屋仲介公司之一「約翰科克」資料顯示，單單這五年來，船屋價格就漲了三到四成。 The whale’s share of the price increase comes from the value of the berth, not the ship. 船屋價格上漲，主要是因為船席變得更值錢，而不是船體本身。 A typical Amsterdam canal berth might be worth close to a half-million dollars, depending on its location and how big a ship it will allow; some of the older, unrenovated ships in those berths might be worth only $20,000 (building a new ship, of course, is much more expensive). 一個典型的阿姆斯特丹運河船席，可能就要近50萬美元，視地點和可容下多大船隻而定。停在這種船席上的一些老舊未翻新船隻，可能只值兩萬美元。（當然，造新船貴得多。） But in this gentrification debate, the cost of new berths is less important than the architecture of the ship — and whether they ever served as actual commercial ships. 不過，在討論船屋愈來愈高級的話題時，新船席的價格並不如船隻的設計美感和是否曾作為真正的商船來得重要。 Once populated by converted working boats, the canal now holds an increasing number of floating houses designed to look like oceangoing vessels but with hardly any of the working features of a real boat. 阿姆斯特丹的運河曾經滿是工作船改造後的船屋，現在有愈來愈多的水上房屋，設計成外觀像遠洋船，但實際上幾乎不具備真正船隻的功能。 Source article: https://paper.udn.com/udnpaper/POH0067/348587/web/#2L-16188816L Next Article Topic: Japan has so many vacant homes it’s giving them away Four years ago, Naoko and Takayuki Ida were given a house in the small town of Okutama, in Tokyo prefecture. For free. 4年前，井田直子與孝之得到一棟位於東京都小鎮奧多摩的房子。不用錢。 A free house may sound like a scam. But Japan faces an unusual property problem： it has more homes than people to live in them. 免費的房子聽起來像是騙局。但日本正面臨一項不尋常的房地產問題：房屋數量多於入住人數。 In 2013, there were 61 million houses and 52 million households, according to the Japan Policy Forum. And the situation is poised to get worse. 「日本政策論壇」指出，2013年時有6100萬間房子與5200萬戶家庭。而且，這種情況還會日益惡化。 Japan’s population is expected to decline from 127 million to about 88 million by 2065, according to the National Institute of Population and Social Security, meaning even fewer people will need houses. As young people leave rural areas for city jobs, Japan’s countryside has become haunted by deserted "ghost houses." 根據（日本）「國立社會保障、人口問題研究所」，預料日本人口到了2065年，會從1億2700萬減至約8800萬，意味需要房屋的人會更少。隨著年輕人為了在都市工作離開鄉間，日本鄉間已

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- Hello通勤家族們！本週是爵士之詩的詩詩老師來作客，除了要跟大家分享她入圍廣播金鐘獎的喜悅外，也要請大家一同集氣讓我們15Mins老師把獎拿下～！ 再來希望大家也在各領域上，不斷地努力準備好自己，讓每次的機會都變成改變你人生的轉折點。 有希望我們Teacher's Lounge聊些什麼主題嗎？歡迎來信留言喔。

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- Excerpt 摘要: King Willem-Alexander, reigning monarch of the Netherlands, revealed in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he'd regularly flown flights for a subsidiary of the Dutch flag carrier for over two decades. Calling the part-time role a "hobby," the King says that he'd taken to the cockpit as a co-pilot of KLM Cityhopper -- the airline's short-haul carrier -- flights for over 21 years. The King told the newspaper that he used the twice-monthly flights with KLM to decompress from his royal duties, with his pastime allowing him to fully concentrate on the task at hand. Britain's heir to the throne, Prince Charles, is a qualified pilot, and his two sons, William and Harry, flew helicopters in their previous military careers -- William, a search and rescue chopper and Harry, Apache helicopters in Afghanistan. Article discussed: http://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/netherlands-king-willem-alexander-klm-pilot/index.html

------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP加值內容與線上課程 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP訂閱FAQ: https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 社會人核心英語有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎留言你對這集的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] ------------------------------- 以下是此單集逐字稿 (播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網) ------------------------------- You must have stayed up all night watching some of the greatest athletes and sportsmen/sportswomen compete in the biggest game of the year! Have you ever wondered what foods were available at the cafeterias? In this episode, Klim and I discuss the menu that the world's top athletes got to have at the biggest game this year in Paris. What do you think is your favorite dish? Share it with us and we will give you a shout out for sharing! Hope you will enjoy this episode with us as much as we enjoyed producing it! 更多15Mins Cafe節目: www.15mins.today/15mins-cafe 歡迎主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected]