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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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) ------------------------------- Reference: https://www.engadget.com/threads-may-finally-launch-in-europe-in-december-124054154.html This year Meta launched Threads to counter Twitter in its dwindling state. It came on strong and fast, but also lost steam fast. Lydia and I discusses our opinions on some of the factors that may relate to fall of Threads, and also would like your comment on your experience with Threads. Let us know using the comment link! 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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.K699: Americans Turn to 'Doom Spending' Amid Economic Worries Highlights 主題摘要：Rise of "Doom Spending": A significant 27% of Americans resort to "doom spending" amid economic worries, contributing to increased debt and declining savings rates.Youth Financial Concerns: Younger generations, especially Gen Z and millennials, express heightened anxiety about future job prospects, wages, and overall economic stability.Pessimism and Financial Strain: The study reveals a pervasive financial anxiety, with 96% of Americans worried about the economy, leading to increased spending, rising debt, and declining optimism about the future. In the face of mounting economic concern, a staggering 96% of Americans find themselves anxious about the current state of the economy. This collective worry has not only permeated their financial outlook but has also given rise to a coping mechanism known as "doom spending." According to a study conducted by Qualtrics on behalf of Intuit Credit Karma, more than a quarter (27%) of Americans resort to this form of spending to alleviate stress, while nearly one third (32%) have accumulated more debt in the past six months, exacerbating their financial strain. 面對不斷升溫的經濟問題，高達96%的美國人發現自己對當前的經濟狀態感到焦慮。這種共同的擔憂不僅滲透了他們的財務前景，還催生了一種被稱為「末日消費」的應對機制。根據Qualtrics體驗管理公司代表Intuit Credit Karma財務顧問公司進行的一項用戶研究，超過四分之一（27%）的美國人採取末日消費的形式來緩解壓力，而近三分之一（32%）在過去六個月中積累了更多債務，加劇了他們的財務壓力。 The study reveals that top economic concerns include inflation (56%), rising living costs (50%), and the challenge of unaffordable housing (23%). For 48% of respondents, the fear of not having enough money for necessities like food, clothing, and rent is the most worrisome aspect of a struggling economy. Furthermore, younger generations, particularly Gen Z, express concerns about future job prospects, with 23% fearing a lack of high-paying jobs and 21% worrying about decreasing wages. 該研究顯示，美國人最關心的經濟問題包括通貨膨漲（56%）、生活費用上升（50%）和無法負擔的住房難題（23%）。對於48%的受訪者來說，擔心沒有足夠的錢支付食物、衣物和房租等生活必需品是經濟困境最令人擔憂的方面。此外，年輕一代，特別是Z世代，對未來的就業前景表示擔憂，其中23%擔心缺乏高薪工作，21%擔心工資下降。 Financial anxiety is widespread, affecting two-thirds of Americans, with Gen Z and millennials being the most affected at 71%. In response to this stress, many Americans engage in "doom spending," defined as spending money despite economic concerns. This behavior is particularly prevalent among younger generations, with 35% of Gen Z and 43% of millennials admitting to it. 經濟焦慮在美國人中普遍存在，影響了三分之二的人，其中Z世代和千禧世代受影響最大，達到71%。作為應對這種壓力的手段，許多美國人參與了「末日消費」，意思是儘管存在經濟問題，仍然進行消費。這種行為在年輕一代中尤為普遍，有35%的Z世代和43%的千禧世代承認參與其中。 Despite deteriorating financial situations for half of Americans in the last six months, 27% report increased spending. This surge in spending is especially prominent among Gen Z (33%) and millennials (34%), contributing to a rise in overall debt levels, which increased for 32% of Americans in the same period. 儘管過去六個月中一半的美國人財務狀況惡化，但有27%的報告顯示支出反而增加。這種支出的激增在Z世代（33%）和千禧世代（34%）尤其明顯，促使整體債務水平上升，32%的美國人在此時期中增加了債務。 The impact of "doom spending" is evident in declining savings rates, as 47% of Americans state that the amount of money saved has decreased in the last six months. Currently, over half of Americans (52%) estimate having less than $2,000 in savings or none at all. 「末日消費」的影響在儲蓄率下降中顯而易見，有47%的美國人表示過去六個月儲蓄的金額已經減少。目前，超過一半的美國人（52%）估計他們的儲蓄不足2,000美金，或者根本沒有儲蓄。 The study also sheds light on the growing pessimism about the economy's future, with 24% of Americans expressing a lack of optimism for 2024. This sentiment is particularly prevalent among older generations, with 40% of respondents aged 57 or above sharing this view. On a more hopeful note, 24% of optimistic respondents believe inflation will stabilize, while 13% anticipate an increase in wages, and 12% expect improvements in the job market. 該研究還顯示了對未來經濟的悲觀情緒正在增長，有24%的美國人對2024年表達了缺乏樂觀。這種情緒在年長的一代中尤為普遍，57歲以上的受訪者中有40%分享了這個觀點。對於樂觀的受訪者來說，24%表示他們希望通脹會穩定，而其他人則希望工資增加（13%）和就業市場改善（12%）。 In light of these findings, financial experts recommend a proactive approach to managing stress and improving financial well-being. Courtney Alev, a consumer financial advocate at Credit Karma, suggests conducting a thorough financial assessment, tracking income and expenses, and devising a spending plan. Practical steps, such as using cash instead of cards and deleting stored online card information, are also recommended to curb unnecessary spending. 鑒於這些發現，金融專家建議採取積極的方法來應對壓力並改善財務狀況。Credit Karma的消費者金融權益保護員Courtne

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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 hospitality（business）to thrive," said 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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》，《15Mins Cafe》上了這麼多堂音樂課，終於輪到詩敏老師來到幕後教師室啦。2023年John老師和詩敏老師都覺得超級忙，同時也有好多的學習機會，還習得了時間管理大師的技巧！ 對於詩敏老師來說，就算是忙也不願意放掉任何機會，因此不管是藥師的工作，歌手的Live Show，廣播節目或是Podcast節目，甚至活動的主持工作也都在今年拓展開來。原來詩敏老師在求學階段是資優班的天才學生，而學習英文其實除了應付考試外，更多的是挑戰性和好玩，詩敏老師實際上也曾透過當背包客來精進英語的能力喔！ 我們透過詩敏老師的例子，趁這集鼓勵各位通勤家族，真的不必太過在意自己的英語程度，而要以溝通為初心，開放心態面對學習，比如說可以設定旅行或者是交外國朋友的目標，參與語言交換、社團活動和多多利用線上資源。詩敏老師在本集節目中也有介紹每個月的音樂品酒會，歡迎大家一同參與，享受輕鬆的學習氛圍，快來收聽這集的幕後教師室吧！ 「社會人核心英語」完課榜這裡看：https://www.15mins.today/be-essentials

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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)？ 加入VIP訂閱：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday This week, Patrick and I discusses the idioms that we often use that is related to countries. It's so interesting how many idioms derived from Shakespeare's work! Which is your favorite country in the world? Perhaps there's an idiom too about that country. Find out and let us know, and we will share it with the rest of the 15Mins family~ Let us know using the comment link. Hope you will enjoy this episode with us as much as we enjoyed producing it!

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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.K695: X, Formerly Twitter, Now Collects Biometric Data and Job History Highlights 主題摘要：Expansion of User Data Collection: X, formerly Twitter, has expanded its data collection practices to include biometric information and employment details, broadening the range of personal data users may share.Enhanced Security Measures for Premium Users: X Premium users can opt to provide a government ID and selfie for verification. Biometric data extracted from these sources aims to bolster security and reduce impersonation attempts on the platform.Strategic Shift Toward a Comprehensive Platform: The changes align with Twitter's evolution under Elon Musk, envisioning a transformation into an "everything app." X's move reflects a broader industry trend of social media platforms diversifying data collection practices and services. X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, recently announced that it may gather biometric data and employment information from its users. This move marks an expansion in the range of personal data that users might share with the platform. The company unveiled these changes in an update to its privacy policy, introducing two new sections addressing this data collection practice. X，這個之前被稱為Twitter的社交媒體平台，最近宣布可能會從其用戶資料收集生物辨識數據和就業信息。這個行動表示用戶可能與該平台分享的個人資訊範圍的延伸。該公司在其隱私政策的更新中揭示了這些變化，引入了兩個新的部分來處理這項數據收集行動。 One of the newly added sections discusses the collection of biometric information. According to the policy, with user consent, X may collect and utilize biometric data for purposes related to safety, security, and identification. Additionally, another section labeled "job applications" reveals that X could now gather users' employment and educational histories, along with other details such as employment preferences, skills, job search activity, and engagement. This data might be used to recommend job opportunities to users, share information with potential employers, or target users with relevant advertisements. 其中一個新添加的部分討論了生物辨識信息的收集。根據該政策，在用戶同意的情況下，X可能會收集和利用生物辨識數據，用於與安全、保安和身份識別相關的目的。此外，另一個名為“工作申請”的部分顯示，X現在可以收集用戶的就業和教育歷程，以及其他詳細資訊，如就業偏好、技能、求職活動和參與度。這些數據可能用於向用戶推薦工作機會，與潛在雇主分享資訊，或針對用戶提供相關廣告。 For X Premium users, the company offers the option to provide a government ID and a selfie image for verification purposes. X may extract biometric data from both the government ID and selfie image for matching purposes, enhancing security and reducing impersonation attempts on the platform. 對於X的高級用戶，該公司提供了出示政府身份證件和自拍照片以進行驗證的選項。X可能會從政府身份證件和自拍照片中提取生物辨識數據以進行匹配，增強安全性，減少在平台上身份冒用的嘗試。 These changes align with the data collection practices of many of X's competitors. However, it signifies an expansion of company's interests into new categories of user data. These policy adjustments come as owner Elon Musk envisions transforming the platform into an "everything app," potentially offering financial services and other features akin to the popular Chinese app WeChat. 這些變化與X許多競爭對手的數據收集行為一致。但它標誌著公司對新類別用戶數據的延伸和興趣。這些政策調整出現在X所有者伊隆·馬斯克（Elon Musk）計劃將該平台轉變為一個“萬能應用程式”，可能提供類似於流行的中國應用程式微信的金融服務和其他功能的情況。 Furthermore, these changes are occurring in the context of global regulatory initiatives that require social media companies to verify the ages of their users. Several age-assurance services demand that users submit copies of their government-issued IDs or selfies for analysis by artificial intelligence algorithms. However, a recent development saw a federal judge temporarily block an Arkansas law that mandated age verification for social media platforms just hours before it was scheduled to take effect. 此外，這些變化也發生在全球監管倡議的背景下，這些倡議要求社交媒體公司驗證其用戶的年齡。一些年齡驗證服務要求用戶提交其政府發放的身份證副本或自拍照片，然後由人工智慧進行分析演算。然而，最近的發展是，聯邦法官在該法律預定生效前幾小時暫時封鎖了阿肯色州的一項法律，該法律要求社交媒體平台進行年齡驗證。 In conclusion, X's decision to collect biometric data and job history from its users represents a significant shift in its data collection practices. With this move, X joins other social media platforms in diversifying the types of information they gather from users. These changes reflect the platform's evolving vision under Elon Musk's ownership and its pursuit of becoming a comprehensive "everything app." Meanwhile, the debate over age verification requirements for social media platforms continues to unfold in the ever-evolving landscape of online privacy and regulation. 總之，X決定從其用戶收集生物辨識數據和工作歷程，這表現了其數據收集行為的重大轉變。通過這項行動，X加入了其他社交媒體平台的行列，使它們從用戶那裡收集的信息類型變得多樣化。這些轉變反映了該平台在伊隆·馬斯克所有權下不斷演變的願景，以及成為一個全面的“萬能應用程式”的追求。與此同時，

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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: Collins Dictionary picks ‘NFT’ as word of the year Collins Dictionary has chosen the term NFT as its word of the year after surging interest in the digital tokens that can sell for millions of dollars brought it into the mainstream. 《柯林斯詞典》於近日選出「NFT」為年度詞彙！該數位貨幣交易動輒高達數百萬美元，各界對它的興趣大增，並成功打入主流市場。 NFT is short for non-fungible token. Collins defines it as “a unique digital certificate, registered in a blockchain, that is used to record ownership of an asset such as an artwork or a collectible.” NFT是「非同質代幣」的縮寫，《柯林斯詞典》將NFT定義為「一種基於區塊鏈的獨特數位認證，用於記錄藝術品或收藏品等資產的所有權。」 Most people didn’t know what an NFT was until this year, when sales boomed, sparked in large part by artist Beeple’s March auction of a digital collage NFT for nearly US$70 million (approximately NT$2 billion). Experts at Collins said they chose NFT because of its “meteoric rise in usage,” up 11,000 percent this year. 人們原本對NFT很陌生，但自從數位藝術家畢波今年三月以近七千萬美元（近二十億台幣）的天價，售出一件數位拼貼作品後，NFT熱潮隨即興起，人們紛紛將目光投向NFT市場。柯林斯的專家表示，NFT一詞的使用量「迅速竄升」，今年已增長一百一十倍。 “NFTs seem to be everywhere, from the arts sections to the financial pages and in galleries and auction houses and across social media platforms,” said Alex Beecroft, managing director of Collins Learning. But whether NFT will have a lasting influence is yet to be determined, he added. 「柯林斯學習」的總經理比克羅夫特表示︰「NFT似乎無所不在，從藝術領域到金融版面，並且在畫廊、拍賣會還有社交平台都有它的蹤影。」他補充︰「但NFT是否會產生持久的影響，仍有待觀察。」Source article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2021/12/06/2003769067 Next Article Topic: Art Museums Are Struggling to Weed Out the Vandals From the Visitors For Hans-Peter Wipplinger, the director of Vienna’s Leopold Museum, the past few weeks have been challenging. As climate protesters across Europe stepped up their attacks against art, Wipplinger took measures to protect his storied collection, which includes famous paintings by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. Bags were banned; coats, too. The museum hired extra guards to patrol its five floors. 對維也納立奧波德博物館館長維普林格來說，過去幾周充滿挑戰。隨著歐洲各地氣候抗議者加大對藝術品的攻擊力道，維普林格採取措施保護他的著名收藏，包括克林姆和席勒的名畫。禁止包包，外套也是。博物館雇用額外警衛巡視五個樓層。 It didn’t work. Last week, members of a group called Last Generation walked into the museum and threw black liquid at one of Klimt’s major works, “Death and Life.” A protester had sneaked the liquid into the museum in a hot water bottle strapped to his chest, Wipplinger said. 但沒有成功，上周一個名為「最後一代」團體的成員走進博物館，向克林姆主要作品之一《死亡與生命》潑灑黑色液體。維普林格說，一名抗議者將這種液體裝在一個熱水瓶內偷偷帶進博物館。 The Klimt, protected by glass, was unharmed. But Wipplinger said his security team could only have stopped the attack by subjecting visitors to invasive body searches, “like at the airport.” He didn’t want to even consider that prospect, he added. 受玻璃保護的克林姆作品雖毫髮無損，但維普林格說，他的保安團隊恐怕只能對訪客進行侵入式搜身 來阻止攻擊，「就像在機場一樣」。他還表示，他甚至不想考慮這一可能性。 With the attacks showing no sign of abating, museum directors across Europe are settling into a nervous new equilibrium, fearful for the works in their care but unwilling to compromise on making visitors feel welcome. So far, nothing has been permanently damaged. But many fear that an accident or an escalation in the protesters’ tactics could result in a masterpiece being destroyed. 由於攻擊沒有減弱跡象，歐洲各地博物館館長正陷入一種緊張的新平衡狀態，擔心自己照顧的作品受到損害，但又不願在讓訪客感覺賓至如歸的問題上妥協。到目前為止，還沒有任何永久性的損壞，但許多人擔心，若發生意外或抗議者升級策略，恐導致名作被毀。 The actions, which began in Britain in June, are already increasing in frequency and daring. At first, protesters glued themselves to the frames of famous paintings, but since footage of activists splattering Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” with tomato soup spread rapidly on social media in October, masterpieces have been doused in pea soup, mashed potatoes and flour. 這些行動於6月在英國開始，如今已日益頻繁，愈來愈大膽。最初，抗議者將自己黏在名畫畫框上，但自從10月活動人士向梵谷《向日葵》潑灑番茄湯影片在社群媒體上迅速傳播以來，名作陸續被潑上豌豆湯、馬鈴薯泥以及麵粉。 Those works were all protected by glass, and the protesters’ projectiles never touched an artist’s brushstroke. Yet, last month, protesters in Paris poured orange paint directly onto a silver Charles Ray sculpture outside the Bourse de Commerce contemporary art space. (A Bourse de Commerce spokesperson said the sculpture was cleaned within a few hours.) 這些作品都有玻璃保護，抗議者的投擲物從未接觸到藝術家的畫作。然而，巴黎的抗議者上月將橘色油漆直接倒在商業交易所當代藝術空間外查爾斯．雷的銀色雕像上。（法國商業交易所一名發言人說，這座雕像在數小時內就被清理乾淨了。） In a statement last month signed by the leaders of more than 90 of the world’s largest art institutions, museum administrators said they were “deeply shaken” by the protesters’ “risky endangerment” of artworks. 在全球90多間最大藝術機構負責人上月簽署的一

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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) ------------------------------- 加入VIP訂閱！更多單集、學習筆記與加值內容等著你：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday 歡迎回到 Teacher's Lounge 幕後教師室，本集值班的老師是John&Patrick！ 聽了這麼多集的《英語時光機》，但是你聽過《週報時光機》嗎？Patrick老師在本集節目中，和大家一起回顧了今年整年的節目心得，像是各種台灣之最或是世界品牌，還有我們也聊到Patrick老師今年終於首次造訪日本。不知道各位比較喜歡東京的快節奏，或是關西京都、大阪的悠閒氛圍呢？ John老師在本集則是提到了今年第四季的時候，受到政府人力發展中心的邀約，前往擔任社群媒體課程的講師，執行了兩場workshop，並與許多長官們分享自媒體的經營技巧。這部分真的是印象深刻，而且還聽說迴響很不錯，明年還想再邀約John老師去開課喔！ 最後我們持續邀請收聽節目的你，來一起成為節目的一部分。不管是透過私訊、Email或是填寫表單都可以，快來跟我們聯絡，告訴我們你在學習上的困難、問題或是各種想法吧！ 「社會人核心英語」完課榜這裡看：https://www.15mins.today/be-essentials

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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.K691: The Impact of Right to Repair Laws on Technology: A Shift towards Sustainability Highlights 主題摘要：Environmental Impact: Right to repair laws aim to extend device lifespans, reducing electronic waste and lessening the extraction of rare-earth metals, benefitting the environment.Economic Incentives: Consumers can benefit economically from independent repair services, challenging the throwaway culture and offering more affordable options than official repairs.Global Legislative Momentum: The right to repair movement, gaining traction globally, seeks to legislate against planned obsolescence, promoting more durable and repairable technology, fostering sustainability. In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the ability to repair devices is becoming increasingly challenging. Surera Ward, owner of Girls Fix It, a tech repair service in Pennsylvania, highlights the difficulties in obtaining specialized tools and overcoming manufacturer-imposed obstacles during repairs. With the rise of "parts pairing" and unique serial numbers, repairing electronic devices has become even more complex. However, new consumer rights laws in the US and Europe aim to empower users to repair their devices, potentially reshaping the technology industry. 在科技快速演進的環境中，設備維修能力變得愈來愈具挑戰性。 Girls Fix It 的老闆 Surera Ward ，來自一家位於賓夕凡尼亞州的科技維修服務，強調在進行修復過程中獲取專業工具和克服製造商強加的障礙的困難。隨著「零件配對」和專屬的序號的興起，修復電子設備變得更加複雜。然而，美國和歐洲的新消費者權利法目標賦予用戶修復設備的權力，有望重新塑造科技產業。 As these laws gain traction, there is hope that they will not only extend the lifespan of devices but also reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste. The prevailing trend of consumers replacing devices rather than opting for official manufacturer repairs contributes to the growing issue of electronic waste. The European Environment Agency reveals that many electronic goods have a lifespan 2.3 years shorter than intended, leading to excessive waste production and the extraction of rare-earth metals for new devices. 隨著這些法律獲得推動，人們希望它們不僅能延長設備的壽命，還能減少電子垃圾對環境的影響。消費者更傾向於更換設備而非選擇官方維修服務的趨勢加劇了電子垃圾的問題。歐洲環境署指出，許多電子商品的壽命比預期短2.3年，這導致過量廢物的產生和為新設備提取稀有金屬的問題。 The push for the right to repair is not solely driven by environmental concerns but also by economic factors. Independent repair services like Girls Fix It often offer more affordable options than official repair services, urging consumers to reconsider replacing their devices. The high cost and limited accessibility of official repairs often discourage users, contributing to the throwaway culture prevalent in the tech industry. 維修權的推動不僅僅是受到環境問題的驅使，還包括經濟因素。像 Girls Fix It 這樣的獨立維修服務通常提供比官方維修服務更經濟實惠的選擇，敦促消費者重新考慮是否更換設備。官方維修的高昂成本和有限的交通便利度通常使用戶望而卻步，助長了科技產業普遍的拋棄文化。 The right to repair movement is gaining momentum globally, with initiatives at both the national and European levels. Legislative efforts aim to break the cycle of planned obsolescence and encourage manufacturers to produce more repairable and durable products. The European Union, for instance, has been at the forefront of advocating for the right to repair, prompting changes such as common chargers for electronic devices to reduce costs for consumers. 維修權運動在全球範圍內的發展日漸強盛，不管是在國家或歐洲兩個層面都有相關倡議。立法的努力方向是要打破計劃淘汰的循環，鼓勵製造商生產更容易維修和更耐用的產品。例如，歐盟一直在倡導維修權，例如為電子設備提供通用充電器以降低消費者成本等改變。 Looking ahead, the impact of these legislative changes on the design and production of tech products remains uncertain. While hardware adjustments may not be necessary for devices to be more repairable, there is a call for manufacturers to adopt practices that prioritize repairability. The vision includes a future where devices come with interchangeable batteries and repair stores flourish with accessible spare parts. Ultimately, the right to repair may usher in a new era of sustainable technology, challenging the current norms and fostering a shift towards a more environmentally conscious and economically feasible tech industry. 展望未來，這些法律變革對科技產品的設計和生產的影響仍然不確定。雖然可能不需要對硬體進行調整以使設備更容易維修，但人們仍呼籲製造商優先考慮可維修性的做法。未來的願景包含：設備配備可替換的電池，以及維修店因有易於取得的備用零件而蓬勃發展。最終，維修權可能開啟一個新的可持續技術時代，挑戰當前的規範，促進向更具環保意識和經濟可行性的科技產業轉變。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字：Obstacle (ob-sta-cle): Surera Ward highlights the difficulties in obtaining specialized tools and overcoming manufacturer-imposed obstacles during repairs.Environmental (en-vi-ron-men-tal): There is hope that they will not only extend the lifespan of devices but also reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste.Legislative (le-gis-la-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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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: Covid-Inspired ‘Silent Cut Haircutting Service Gains Popularity in Japan Devised by a Tokyo hair salon during the Covid-19 pandemic to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the ‘Silent Cut’ service is becoming increasingly popular in Japan. 在武漢肺炎（Covid-19）疫情期間，日本東京一家髮廊為防止病毒傳播而推出「無聲剪髮」服務，在日本愈來愈受歡迎。 As a way of curbing the spread of the coronavirus during the Covid-19 pandemic, authorities in Japan started promoting “no conversation” or “less conversation” policies in schools, shops and supermarkets. One Tokyo salon decided to implement the ‘silent cut’ service and it proved so popular that others quickly followed suit. 做為在Covid-19大流行期間遏制冠狀病毒傳播的一種方式，日本當局開始提倡在學校、商店和超市「不交談」或「少交談」。東京一家髮廊決定實施「無聲剪髮」服務。事實證明，這項服務非常受歡迎，其他髮廊也紛紛跟進。 As it turns out, hairstylists prefer the silent cut as well, with many claiming that they were taught to chat up clients in their apprenticeship. 事實證明，髮型師也更喜歡無聲剪髮，許多髮型師表示，他們在學徒期間需要學習如何與客人搭訕。 Next Article Topic: We’re hiring: Babies wanted for Japan nursing home 我們正在招聘：日本療養院需要嬰兒 A nursing home in southern Japan is “hiring” babies for a very important job — to keep its elderly residents company and make them smile. 日本南部一間療養院正在招聘嬰兒，擔任非常重要的職位──陪伴年長居民、讓他們開心。 A job advert pinned to the wall informs would-be workers they will be compensated for their services in diapers and powdered milk. 一個釘在牆上的工作廣告告知未來的員工，他們將會收到尿布和配方奶做為服務報酬。 New recruits at the facility in Kitakyushu must be under four years old, and their guardians have to sign a contract stipulating that the babies and toddlers can show up for work “whenever they feel like it.” 這間北九州機構的新成員必須小於4歲，而且他們的監護人必須簽署一份合約，明文規定嬰兒和學步幼童可以依照他們的意願，想上班的時候再出現。 More than 30 babies have been signed up so far, tasked with lifting the spirits of more than 100 residents who are mostly in their 80s. 至今已有超過30名嬰兒報名，他們被賦予提升逾百名居民興致的任務，這些居民大多超過80歲。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1555385 Next Article Topic: What’s behind strained China-Japan relations Japan and China on Thursday last week marked the 50th anniversary of the 1972 normalization of their ties, but there isn’t much of a celebratory mood. Improved ties between Asia’s two biggest economies are considered vital to the region’s stability and prosperity, but they remain at odds over disputed East China Sea islands and China’s growing military and economic assertiveness in the region. Here are the key issues in the often strained relations between these powerhouse neighbors: 日本和中國上週四慶祝一九七二年兩國關係正常化五十週年，但並沒有太多慶祝的氣氛。亞洲最大的兩個經濟體間關係之改善，咸認攸關亞洲的穩定與繁榮，但對於有領土爭端的東海島嶼，以及中國軍事和經濟上在該區域愈趨強勢，兩國的立場仍然分歧。這兩個鄰近的強國經常處於緊張的關係，以下是其中幾個關鍵問題： TERRITORIAL DISPUTES A huge source of contention is an uninhabited group of Tokyo-controlled, Beijing-claimed East China Sea islands called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Japan insists that the islands, which once hosted a Japanese seafood factory, are part of its territory, both historically and by international law. China says they were stolen by Japan in 1895 and should have been returned at the end of World War II. The disputed islands are surrounded by rich fishing grounds and undersea oil deposits, and Japan accuses China of suddenly making its territorial claims after the undersea resources were found in a 1969 United Nations report. The 1972 normalization communique did not deal with the issue, but the dispute intensified after Japan’s government in 2012 nationalized the Senkaku islands, leading to violent protests across China. Chinese coast guard and fishing boats are regularly found in the area, routinely intruding on Japanese waters. 領土爭端 一個主要的爭論是東京所控制、北京聲稱擁有主權的東海無人島群，在日本稱為尖閣諸島，在中國稱為釣魚島。日本堅稱，日本曾在這些島嶼設有海產工廠，無論就歷史或國際法而言，這些島都是日本領土的一部分。中國說這些島是在一八九五年被日本偷走，日本應該在二戰結束時將其歸還。這些有爭端的島嶼，周圍環繞著富饒的漁場，海底石油儲量豐沛，日本指責中國是在一九六九年聯合國報告發現海底資源後才忽然提出領土主張。一九七二年的兩國關係正常化公報並未處理此問題，但日本政府二○一二年將尖閣諸島國有化後，爭端愈演愈烈，在中國各地引發了暴力抗議。中國海岸警衛隊及漁船常在此區域出現，經常侵犯日本水域。 FEAR OF TAIWAN EMERGENCY Japan, along with its security ally the US, has openly criticized increased Chinese activities in the South China Sea. Tokyo has also pushed for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. China claims Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, and has threatened to annex it by force if necessary. With a US-China trade war and naval tensions on the rise in the area, Japan is increasingly worried about Taiwan emergencies. China’s increased joint military drills with Russia near Japanese coasts have also irked Japan. Tokyo is shifting its military posture towa

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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) ------------------------------- 加入VIP訂閱！更多單集、學習筆記與加值內容等著你：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday 歡迎回到 Teacher's Lounge 幕後教師室，邁入今年的最後一個月，天氣也開始變冷，許多公司正在進行年底考核，你是不是也有對自己做各種年度檢視呢？ John老師本週碰到一位學生，他說覺得今年的新年心願讓自己感到很挫敗，怎麼一回事呢？我們在訂定目標的時候，有一項很重要的是可執行度，原子習慣（Atomic Habits）這本書中有提到建立習慣非常關鍵。舉例來說，就好像我們的身體體質養好了，姿勢正確了，去練習各種體育項目都能事半功倍，而不是單純追求我要舉多重，我要跑多長多久配速要多快。 本集節目還有提到11月「社會人核心英語」課程英雄榜，以及Spotify的年度回顧。 15Mins Today 通勤學英語也想趁機對大家喊話：有用Spotify收聽的人快去看看自己的年度回顧，如果看到通勤學英語出現在你的排行榜，記得在IG限動 @15mins_today 跟我們分享喔！ Spotify Wrapped: https://www.spotify.com/us/wrapped/ 「社會人核心英語」完課榜這裡看：https://www.15mins.today/be-essentials

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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.K687: The Healing Power of Melancholy: Music's Impact on Pain Perception Highlights 主題摘要：Music as Pain Relief: Certain music, especially melancholic tunes, can temporarily reduce pain perception, providing a unique and side-effect-free approach to managing physical discomfort.Emotional Connection: The study highlights the emotional impact of music, revealing that bittersweet and moving songs are more effective in relieving pain than calming or cheerful tunes.Health Benefits of Music: Beyond pain relief, embracing music—whether melancholic or upbeat—offers various health benefits, including stress reduction and improved sleep, encouraging its therapeutic exploration. Listening to music may offer more than just a pleasant auditory experience; it could serve as a temporary remedy for physical pain, according to a recent study featured on CNN. The research suggests that certain types of music, particularly those with bittersweet and emotional themes, can alleviate individuals' perception of pain. Notably, the study found that the most effective pain relievers were sad songs, capable of tapping into the emotional dimensions of our experiences. 根據CNN最新報導，聆聽音樂可能不僅是帶來愉悅的聽覺體驗，還可能成為緩解身體疼痛的暫時良方。研究表明，特定類型的音樂，尤其是那些帶有苦澀和情感主題的音樂，能夠減輕人對疼痛的感知。值得注意的是，研究發現最有效的止痛劑是能夠觸動我們情感維度的悲傷音樂。 The study, conducted with 63 young adults, involved participants selecting two of their favorite songs—one representing their all-time favorite and the other a song they would bring to a desert island. Additionally, participants chose from a set of unfamiliar relaxing instrumental songs. The impact of these songs on pain perception was evaluated through a series of 7-minute sessions where participants listened to their favorite music, the relaxing instrumental songs, a scrambled version of both, or sat in silence. A hot object was applied to their left inner forearms to simulate a painful experience. + Sure? 這項研究涉及63名年輕成人，參與者選擇了兩首他們最喜歡的歌曲，其中一首代表他們的最愛，另一首是他們會帶到荒島上的歌曲。此外，參與者還可以從一組不熟悉的輕鬆演奏曲中進行選擇。通過一系列7分鐘的會話，參與者在聽他們最喜歡的音樂，輕鬆的演奏曲，兩者的混合版，或者靜坐中評估這些歌曲對疼痛知覺的影響。過程中一個發熱物被放置在他們的左前臂內側，以模擬疼痛感。 Results revealed that individuals reported feeling less pain when listening to their favorite songs compared to hearing unfamiliar relaxing tunes or sitting in silence. Interestingly, songs with bittersweet and moving themes were more effective in reducing pain than calming or cheerful ones. Lead study author Darius Valevicius, a doctoral student of neurosciences at the University of Montreal, highlighted the significance of this finding, suggesting that people intuitively turn to melancholic music for its pain-relieving effects. 結果顯示，與聽不熟悉的輕鬆曲調或靜坐相比，當參與者聽他們最喜歡的歌曲時，他們報告感覺到的疼痛較少。有趣的是，具有苦澀和動人主題的歌曲在減輕疼痛方面比安撫或愉悅的歌曲更為有效。研究的主要作者，蒙特婁大學神經科學博士生Darius Valevicius，強調了這一發現的重要性，暗示人們本能地轉向憂鬱音樂以獲得緩解疼痛的效果。 The study also explored the connection between listening to bittersweet songs and experiencing chills, commonly associated with pleasurable music. While not thoroughly examined, researchers hypothesized that these musical chills might contribute to pain-blocking effects, possibly through a mechanism known as sensory gating. Although music may reduce pain perception by approximately 10%, experts caution that it is not a substitute for medical intervention. Nevertheless, embracing music, whether melancholic or upbeat, offers various health benefits, including stress reduction and improved sleep. The findings encourage individuals to explore the therapeutic potential of music for enhancing well-being. 該研究還探討了聆聽苦澀音樂與感受放鬆之間的聯繫，放鬆通常與愉悅的音樂相關。雖然沒有進行深入研究，研究人員假設這些音樂帶來的放鬆可能通過一種稱為感覺閘門的機制對阻擋疼痛產生影響。儘管音樂可能將疼痛知覺降低約10％，專家提醒這不能替代醫學干預。然而，擁抱音樂，不論是憂鬱還是愉悅的曲子，都能帶來各種健康的益處，包括釋放壓力和改善睡眠。這些發現也鼓勵了人們探索音樂對提升身心健康的治療潛力。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字：Particularly (par-ti-cu-lar-ly): The research suggests that certain types of music, particularly those with bittersweet and emotional themes, can alleviate individuals' perception of pain.Instrumental (in-stru-men-tal): Additionally, participants chose from a set of unfamiliar relaxing instrumental songs.Melancholic (me-lan-cho-lic): Lead study author Darius Valevicius, a doctoral student of neurosciences at the University of Montreal, highlighted the significance of this finding, suggesting that people intuitively turn to melancholic music for its pain-relieving effects.Pleasurable (plea-su-ra-ble): The study also explored the connection between listening to bittersweet songs and experiencing chills, commonly associat

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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 space - NASA and Tide team up to do laundry in space Tide is going to outer space. The Procter & Gamble brand is partnering with NASA to keep astronauts’ spacesuits fresh, even on Mars. 汰漬正在前往外太空。這個寶鹼公司的品牌正與美國航太總署合作，維持太空人太空服的乾淨，即便是在火星。 Company and NASA scientists have created a fully degradable detergent that will clean clothes without wasting water. 該公司與NASA科學家已經創造一款完全可自然分解的洗滌劑，不用浪費水就能潔淨衣物。 Over the next decade, they’ll be testing fabric care products, including Tide pens and wipes, at the International Space Station and on missions to the moon and Mars. 在未來10年中，他們將在國際太空站與登月、登火星的任務中，測試織物照護產品，包括汰漬的筆與濕紙巾。 The months or even years that astronauts spend away from Earth means that their spacesuits and clothes can become smelly and stained. Clothes have to be reworn several times before they are ejected with other waste into the atmosphere or sent back to Earth as trash. A crew member will receive 160 pounds of clothes per year through resupply shipments. 太空人離開地球數月，甚至數年的時間，意味著他們的太空服與衣物會變臭且染色。這些衣物與其他廢物被拋入大氣層或當成垃圾送回地球前，必須重複穿著許多次。1名組員每年將透過補給，拿到160磅重的衣物。 Next Article Topic: Russia wants to return to Venus, build reusable rocket 俄羅斯希望重返金星，打造可重複使用的火箭 The head of Russia’s space agency said Friday that Roscosmos wants to return to Venus and bring back soil samples and build spacecraft that will surpass Elon Musk’s rockets. 俄羅斯太空機構負責人週五說，俄羅斯航太太空活動國有公司（Roscosmos）想重返金星 ，帶回土壤樣本，並打造超越（太空探索科技公司）創辦人穆斯克的火箭的太空船。 "We are making a methane rocket to replace the Soyuz-2," Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin said in an interview with state news agency RIA Novosti. 「我們正在打造一種甲烷火箭取代聯合2號火箭（Soyuz-2）」，俄羅斯航太總裁羅戈辛在接受國營「俄羅斯新聞社」訪問時說。 He said it will be a reusable space complex, noting that it will be possible to use its first stage at least 100 times. 他說，新火箭將是可以重複使用的太空綜合體，並強調第一節將有望重複使用至少100次。 "Of course we are looking at what our American colleagues are doing," said Rogozin. "But our engineers are trying to take a shortcut － not to repeat what our SpaceX colleagues are doing but surpass them." 「我們當然有在關注美國同業的進展」，羅戈辛說。「但我們的工程師正試圖抄近路—不是重複SpaceX在做的事，而是超越他們。」Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1457274; https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/paper/1395146 Next Article Topic: Why Tom Hanks turned down Jeff Bezos’ offer to go to space Jeff Bezos offered Tom Hanks a ride to space on his Blue Origin rocket, but it came at a price. （亞馬遜創辦人）傑夫‧貝佐斯曾邀請（好萊塢男星）湯姆‧漢克搭乘他的「藍源」火箭上太空，但要付出代價。 The actor confirmed that Bezos had asked him during an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on Tuesday, saying if he accepted the offer he was expected to pay. 這名男星週二現身（電視節目）「吉米金默現場秀」時證實，貝佐斯曾邀約他（上太空），並說若他接受（邀約），應該要付錢。 "Well yeah, provided I pay," Hanks said. "It costs like $28 million or something like that. And I’m doing good, Jimmy — I’m doing good — but I ain’t paying $28 million. You know what, we could simulate the experience of going to space right now." 「是啊，若我付錢（就能上太空），」漢克說。「大概要2800萬美元左右。我算是事業有成，吉米—我混得還不錯—但我才不要付2800萬。你知道嗎，我們現在就可以模擬上太空的經驗。」 Hanks, who appeared to promote his new movie "Finch," mimicked shaking in a rocket while in his chair, saying, "I don’t need to spend 28 million bucks to do that." 上節目宣傳新片「芬奇的旅程」的漢克（語畢）便在椅子上模仿搭火箭（上太空時）身體抖動的模樣，並說「我才不要花2800萬來做這種事。」 Next Article William Shatner says Prince William is ’missing the point’ of space tourism 威廉沙特納說 威廉王子沒搞懂太空旅行的真諦 William Shatner is firing a rhetorical rocket back at Prince William after the future king criticized space tourism. 在（英國）威廉王子出言批評太空觀光後，（男星）威廉‧沙特納反唇相譏，還擊這位未來國王。 Shatner, who blasted into space on one of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ rockets, said the British royal has "got the wrong idea" by saying that solving problems on Earth should be prioritized over tourist trips to space. 搭乘亞馬遜創辦人傑夫‧貝佐斯的一艘火箭上太空的沙特納說，宣稱解決地球上的問題應優先於太空旅行的這位英國王室成員，「搞錯了」。 The 90-year-old "Star Trek" actor said that a power generating base could be constructed 250 miles above the Earth and used to supply homes and businesses below. "The prince is missing the point," he added. 這位90歲「星際爭霸戰」男演員說，距離地表250英里的上空可以蓋一座發電基地，用來供應地面住家與建築（所需）。「王子沒搞懂（太空旅行的真諦），」他補充道。 Without mentioning names, William criticized billionaires focused on space tourism in an interview Thursday with the BBC, saying they should invest more time and money in saving Earth. 威廉週四接受英國廣播公司訪問時，在未指名道姓的情況下批評億萬富豪聚焦太空觀光的現象，指稱富豪們應將更多時間與金錢投資於拯救地球。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1498987 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1499857 Next Article

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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，本週的值班教師是年底忙到爆的Angel老師，帶來了飛機上緊急事故的故事要來和John老師聊聊並跟大家分享！ 在出遠門或搭乘交通工具的時候，接受工作人員的協助並配合指示真的很重要，在行業內的Angel老師對這點深有體會，並且不管是安全培訓或是應急反應，都跟平時聊天用的英語不太一樣。特別是這集內提到的醫療救急情況，還要看藥單或是跟患者家屬溝通，在事件當下真的沒有時間反應，平時的累積內化以及聽和說的練習真的很關鍵！ 你平時有練習聽說的習慣嗎？沒有英語的環境？沒關係！記得跟著我們的國際時事跟讀一起練習，英語上手就是這麼輕鬆。如果你在學習英語的過程中有遇到任何瓶頸或挫折，歡迎透過表單告訴John老師，我們會在每週六的幕後教師室分享我們的學習秘訣，陪伴大家一起學習變強！

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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)？ 加入VIP訂閱：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday Summary: 討論文章: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_a_Wonderful_World This week we're back with Shimin's music talk. Armstrong is a distinct last name with many famous people that we got to know. If you listen to Jazz and the oldies, you would know Louis Armstrong. An iconic artist that started as a trumpeter and then later as a singer. Shimin and I will be covering the lyrics to one of his signature hits - What A Wonderful World. Hope you will enjoy this episode with us as much as we enjoyed producing it! 更多Vocab Podcast節目: https://www.15mins.today/vocab 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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.K683: Google Pixel 8 Pro: A Closer Look at the New Premium Flagship Highlights 摘要：Matte Glass Back and Camera Upgrades: The Pixel 8 Pro features a matte glass back and substantial camera improvements, including a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens, enhancing its design and photography capabilities.Impressive Display and Durability: The device boasts an impressive 6.7-inch OLED display with a wide range of refresh rates, and it uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced durability, making it a compelling choice.Innovative Features: The article highlights innovative features like a built-in temperature sensor but questions their practicality.  I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with the upcoming Google Pixel 8 Pro, and while it bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, it brings several meaningful upgrades. The most noticeable change is the matte glass back, a first for the Pixel Pro lineup. Although the exterior remains quite similar, the real improvements lie within the device, particularly in the camera system. 最近，我有機會花一些時間體驗即將推出的Google Pixel 8 Pro，盡管它與前代相似之處很多，但它仍帶來了一些有意義的升級。最明顯的變化是採用了霧面玻璃背板，這是Pixel Pro系列的首次嘗試。儘管外觀保持相似，但真正的改進點在於設備內部，特別是在相機系統方面。 Testing camera upgrades in a controlled environment can be challenging, but despite difficult lighting conditions, the pictures captured with the new cameras left a positive impression. The Pixel 8 Pro features a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens, a 50-megapixel primary wide lens, and a 48-megapixel 5x telephoto lens, offering a noticeable improvement over the previous model. 在特定環境下測試相機的升級可能具有挑戰性，但儘管光線條件較差，新相機拍攝的照片給人留下了良好的印象。Pixel 8 Pro搭載了一個4800萬像素的超廣角鏡頭、一個5000萬像素的主鏡頭和一個4800萬像素的5倍望遠鏡頭，相對上一代機型有明顯改進。 Software enhancements include new manual "Pro" controls for fine-tuning photography settings and improved skin tone accuracy. The "Best Take" feature allows you to swap individual faces in group photos for a perfect shot. While these sound promising, a thorough evaluation will be necessary in the full review. The Magic Eraser, which automatically removes unwanted elements from photos, continues to work well, as seen in previous Pixel phones. 軟體升級包括新的手動“專業”控制，用於微調攝影設定，以及提高膚色準確度。 "最佳拍攝"功能允許您在團體照中選出每個人當下最好的表情，以實現完美拍攝。儘管這些功能聽起來很有潛力，但需要在全面評測中進一步測試。魔法橡皮擦功能，它可以自動刪除照片中不需要的元素，延續自前代的Pixel手機，並且依然表現出色。 One intriguing addition to the Pixel 8 Pro is a built-in temperature sensor located on the camera bump. The purpose of this sensor, as demonstrated with an included thermometer app, seems to be limited to measuring the temperature of various surfaces. While it's a unique feature, it's unclear how it will be of practical use beyond novelty. Pixel 8 Pro中一個引人注目的新功能是內置的溫度感應器，位於相機凸起處。該感應器的目的就如附帶的溫度計應用程序所展示，似乎僅限於測量不同表面的溫度。儘管這是一個獨特的功能，但除了新奇之外，還沒有更具體的實際應用。 The device's 6.7-inch OLED display now supports a wide range of refresh rates, from 1 to 120 Hz, and boasts a "Super Actua" display that offers exceptional brightness. It can achieve up to 1,600 nits in HDR mode and 2,400 nits outdoors in direct sunlight, significantly improving upon last year's model. The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which protects the screen, promises enhanced durability. 該設備的6.7英吋OLED螢幕現在支援多種更新率，從1到120赫茲，並擁有"Super Actua"顯示，提供卓越的亮度。在HDR模式下，它可以達到最高1600尼特的亮度，並在陽光下達到2400尼特，顯著優於去年的機型。保護螢幕的康寧Gorilla Victus 2玻璃則確保了更強的耐用性。 The Pixel 8 Pro exudes a premium feel with its rounded edges and grippy polished aluminum sides. The matte glass back not only looks stylish in all color options but also feels comfortable in the hand. While the device appears to be an iterative update, the enhanced camera specifications and the new Tensor G3 processor hold the potential for significant improvements. We eagerly await the full review to uncover the full capabilities of Google's latest flagship smartphone. Pixel 8 Pro的圓角邊緣和握感極佳的拋光鋁合金側邊散發著高級感。霧面玻璃背板不僅在所有顏色選擇中都顯得時尚，而且手感舒適。雖然該設備似乎是一個例行的升級，但增強的相機規格和新的Tensor G3處理器都隱藏著巨大的潛力。我們熱切期待著完整的評測，以揭開Google最新旗艦智能手機的全部功能。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字：Iterative (It-er-a-tive): "While the device appears to be an iterative update."Durability (Du-ra-bil-i-ty): "The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 promises enhanced durability."Intriguing (In-tri-guing): "One intriguing addition to the Pixel 8 Pro is a built-in temperature sensor."Capabilities (Ca-pa-bil-i-ties): "We eagerly await the full review to uncover the full capabilities of Google's latest flagship smartphone."Exceptional (Ex-cep-tion-al): "The device's 6.7-inch OLED display boas

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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，日本鄉間已充斥遭棄置的「鬼屋」。 It’s predicted that by 20

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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) ------------------------------- 歡迎來到這集的 Teacher's Lounge 幕後教師室，本週是由John老師和Patrick老師值班，來跟大家聊聊最近的情況！ 這禮拜是美國的重要節慶感恩節（Thanksgiving），雖然近年來感恩節被商人洗腦成為黑色星期五（Black Friday）和網路星期一（Cyber Monday）的兩大折扣日，但一開始畢竟還是個感恩兼紀念的日子，藉這個機會，John老師和Patrick老師就趁機來感謝聽眾朋友、通勤家族們。不管是最近的訂閱制度，或是一直以來的收聽與支持，其實都或多或少地在製作節目的過程中mean something鼓勵著我們。 而對於我們創作者來說，若是在回饋的時候看到聽眾朋友留言告訴我們在哪個時候聽到的東西對他產生了什麼幫助、或是派上了什麼用場，其實就是最棒的讚美啦！祝福大家都能在通勤學英語精心錄製的節目、筆記、VIP加值內容中得到收穫，學習的路上有我們陪伴😇

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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.K679: Costco的制勝策略：將購物者變成狂粉 Costco's Winning Strategy: Turning Shoppers into Avid Fans Highlights 摘要：Costco's Success Recipe: Costco's success hinges on its unique blend of exclusivity, unwavering dedication to value, and strategic shopping experience design.Customer Obsession: The company's ability to create customer obsession through its tactics, such as exclusive memberships and nostalgic appeal, results in a legion of devoted fans.Profitability and Loyalty: Costco's commitment to low prices, high-quality products, and strong supplier relationships, coupled with its thriving membership program, contributes to impressive profitability and customer loyalty. Costco, the membership-only retail giant, has succeeded in cultivating a fanatical following among its 94 million members worldwide. From its irresistible $5 rotisserie chickens to the allure of free samples, Costco has mastered the art of inspiring customer obsession. This article delves into how the company employs a variety of strategies to transform casual shoppers into ardent Costco fans. Costco，這家只對會員開放的零售巨頭，在全球9400萬會員中培養了一批狂熱的追隨者。從令人難以抗拒的5美元烤雞到免費樣品的誘惑，Costco已經掌握了激發顧客痴迷的功夫。本文深入探討了該公司採用多種策略，將普通消費者轉變為Costco的狂熱粉絲。 One of Costco's primary tactics is the exclusivity offered through its membership program. To shop at Costco's warehouse-like stores, consumers are required to purchase an annual membership, costing $60 for households or businesses and $120 for executive members. This membership requirement not only adds an air of exclusivity to the store but also triggers a psychological phenomenon where customers feel the need to justify their investment by shopping frequently and buying more. This exclusivity is reinforced by the fact that you must be a member to even enter the store. Costco的主要策略之一是通過其會員計劃提供的獨家性。要在Costco的倉庫式商店購物，消費者需要購買年度會員資格，家庭或企業會員需支付60美元，而高級會員則需支付120美元。這種會員資格要求不僅為商店增添了排他性，還引發了一種心理現象，即顧客感到有必要通過頻繁購物和購買更多商品來證明他們的投資。而必須持有會員資格才能進入商店這點更強化了這種排他性。 Costco's dedication to value is another cornerstone of its strategy. The company's emphasis on offering high-quality products at the lowest prices is central to its appeal. Costco prides itself on being an "item business," curating a selection of around 3,700 to 3,800 top-tier products, as opposed to the overwhelming array of items in a Walmart supercenter. The commitment to offering value is exemplified in popular products like the $4.99 rotisserie chicken and the $29.99 sheet cake that serves 48 people. Costco's approach is not to maximize profits but to find the lowest price that still ensures a fair return, making customers loyal to the brand. Costco對價值的追求是其策略的另一基石。公司強調以最低價格提供高品質的產品，這是其吸引人的核心。Costco以“商品業務”為榮，精選大約3700至3800個頂級產品，而不是像沃爾瑪超市裡琳琅滿目的商品。對價值的承諾也在暢銷商品中得以體現，比如售價4.99美元的烤雞和29.99美元能夠供應48人食用的蛋糕。Costco的方法並不追求將利潤最大化，而是在確保公平回報的前提下找到最低價格，使顧客忠於品牌。 Furthermore, Costco enhances the shopping experience by strategically designing store layouts that guide customers through the entire store, ensuring they encounter a variety of appealing items, both necessary and impulse buys. Shoppers are tempted by free samples and occasional freebies, such as massages, all of which contribute to making customers more relaxed and less disciplined, leading to increased sales. Costco's ever-changing lineup of surprise deals, alongside its staples like Kirkland Signature brand products, ensures that shoppers always find something interesting and exciting during their visit. 此外，Costco通過精心設計的商店布局增強了購物體驗，引導顧客瀏覽整個商店，確保他們遇到各種吸引人的商品，既有必需品也有衝動購物型商品。顧客會受到免費樣品和偶爾福利的誘惑（例如按摩），這些都有助於使顧客更加放鬆，減少自律感，從而增加銷售額。Costco不斷變化的驚喜優惠產品系列，以及其固定的Kirkland Signature品牌產品，確保顧客在訪店期間總是能夠找到有趣和令人興奮的東西。 Costco's nostalgic appeal is another driver of customer loyalty. The company originally catered to an older, affluent demographic, the baby boomer generation, but now its appeal has passed down to their children and grandchildren. Many consumers remember visiting Costco with their families, and this shared nostalgia is a key element of the brand's identity. These factors, along with the company's commitment to low prices and high-quality products, have resulted in a legion of devoted Costco fans. Costco's approach may be a template for other retailers aiming to turn shoppers into enthusiastic supporters of their brand. Costco的懷舊吸引力是客戶忠誠度的另一個驅動力。該公司最初面向的是年長的富裕消費者，即嬰兒潮一代，但現在其吸引力已傳給了他們的子孫輩。許多消費者記得與家人一起去Costco購物，這種共同的懷舊感成為品牌形象的關鍵元素。這些因素加上公司對低價和高品質產品的承諾，使Costco擁有一批忠實的粉絲。Costco的作法有望成為其他零售同業將購物者變成品

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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: Russia's Villages, and Their Culture, Are 'Melting Away' With its winding dirt lanes framed by lilacs, quaint wooden houses and graceful onion-domed church, the tiny farming hamlet of Baruta was once a postcard of Russian bucolic bliss. 俄國西北部普斯科夫區域的巴魯塔小農村曾是俄國田園的幸福象徵，蜿蜒的土路旁盡是丁香、古雅的木屋和優美的洋蔥圓頂教堂。 No longer. More people lie in the tightly packed church cemetery than inhabit the village. Agriculture is slowly withering, too. 此景不再。在擁擠不堪的教堂墓地安息的人，比住在村裡的多。農業也逐步衰退。 With Russia's natural population growth entering an extended period of decline, villages like Baruta are disappearing from across the country’s continental expanse. 由於俄國人口的自然增長進入長期衰退期，像巴魯塔這樣的村落正從廣袤的俄國大陸各地消失。 "We have not had a wedding or a baptism for quite some time — we mostly have funerals," said a resident, Alexander Fyodorov, 59, one of just 17 men left in what was a thriving collective of some 500 farmers. 59歲居民費奧多羅夫說：「我們好一段時間沒有婚禮或洗禮了——多半是喪禮。」他曾是一個約有500農民、蓬勃發展的集體農場的一分子，如今農場只剩下17個男人，他是其中之一。 President Vladimir Putin frequently cites hardy population growth as a pillar of restoring Russia's place atop the global order. There is a pronounced gap, however, between the positive terms in which Putin and his advisers habitually discuss demographic trends and the reality of the numbers. 俄國總統普亭常說，強勁的人口成長是讓俄國重居新全球之首的基礎。不過，普亭與顧問們討論人口趨勢時慣常使用的正面詞語，和真實人口數目差距甚大。 Russians are dying faster than they are being born, demographers said. Given the general hostility toward immigration, the question is to what degree the population of 146 million, including annexed Crimea, might shrink. 人口學者說，俄國人死亡的速度比出生快。在俄國人普遍對移民懷有敵意的情況下，俄國總數1億4600萬（包括兼併來的克里米亞）的人口勢將減少，問題只在減幅的大小。 The number of deaths exceeded the number of births in 2016 by a few thousand, and the prognosis for the years ahead is poor. From 2013-2015, extremely modest natural growth peaked in 2015 with just 32,038 more births than deaths. 去年俄國死亡人數超越出生人數幾千人，未來幾年前景也不樂觀。2013到2015年極微小的人口自然增長在2015年達到高峰，出生數只比死亡數多3萬2038人。 "The statistics and the propaganda are very different things," said Natalya V. Zubarevich, an expert in social and political geography at Moscow State University. 莫斯科國立大學社會與政治地理學專家祖巴列維奇說：「統計數字和宣傳大不相同。」 In terms of population loss, Pskov, which borders Latvia and parts of Estonia, is among the worst hit regions in Russia. The population peaked at around 1.8 million in the 1920s, said Andrei Manakov, a demographer at Pskov State University. It is down to 642,000, and projected to drop to about 513,000 by 2033. 普斯科夫與拉脫維亞和愛沙尼亞部分地區接壤，是俄國人口減少最嚴重的區域之一。普斯科夫國立大學人口學者馬納科夫說，1920年代這裡的人口達到高峰，約180萬。現在降到64萬2千人，料將在2033年前降到大約51萬3千人。 Researchers estimate that out of 8,300 area villages in 1910, 2,000 no longer have permanent residents. 研究人員估計，1910年這裡的8300個地區村落中，2000個不再有常住居民。 Under the most optimistic projections by demographers, Russia’s population by 2050 will stay the same, about 146 million, if immigration from Central Asia — which has also been dropping — balances out low birthrates. Less optimistic figures put the population around 130 million by 2050, and the most pessimistic say fewer than 100 million. 人口學者最樂觀的預測是，如果來自中亞的移民（也正在逐漸減少）能彌補俄國的低出生率，2050年俄國人口會跟現在一樣，大約1億4600萬。較不樂觀的數據是2050年人口約為1億3000萬，最悲觀的是不到1億。Source article: https://paper.udn.com/udnpaper/POH0067/318780/web/ Topic: Russia reaches out to OPEC as Riyadh opens oil taps The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak in China and its rapid spread has taken its toll on the global economy, driving down demand for oil in the first weeks of 2020. 在中國爆發的武漢肺炎冠狀病毒迅速蔓延，讓全球經濟遭受巨大損失，對石油的需求在二〇二〇年開年數週便降低了。 In response, in the scheduled meeting on March 5-6 in Vienna, Saudi Arabia and other OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) states called for OPEC+ to a make drastic cut of 1.5 million barrels per day to reduce supply by a total of 3.6 million barells per day — insisting on a non-OPEC agreement. However, Russia rejected the plan. When the OPEC+ talks collapsed, the OPEC oil cartel scrapped all output limits. A dispute then broke out. 因應此情況，沙烏地阿拉伯與其他石油輸出國組織（OPEC）國家三月五日至六日在維也納所舉行的例行會議中，便要求OPEC+國家每日大幅減產一百五十萬桶，讓石油每日供應總量減少三百六十萬桶，並堅持非屬OPEC之產油國也須共同遵守此協議。但俄羅斯拒絕了此計畫，談判破裂，OPEC這石油壟斷利益集團便取消了所有產量限制，爭端於焉爆發。 Russian oil companies had opposed such cuts, fearing loss of market share and of competitiveness against US shale production. They had previously in December agreed on a milder production cut of 500,000 barrels in 2020, and Russia wanted this to continue. 俄羅斯的石油公司曾對這種減產措施加以反對，擔心會失去市佔率，也會失去對美國頁岩油的競爭力。他們去年十二月曾同意一項較溫和的減

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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) ------------------------------- 歡迎回到第14集的Teacher's Lounge幕後教師室，本集的值班教師是我們的數位行銷專家Lydia和Cariya！ 在與John老師聊天的過程中，Lydia分享了她在行銷路上的心路歷程，以及對於數據分析的熱情。同時，Cariya也分享了在電商領域的獨到見解，強調了在快速變化的數位環境中學習和應用新工具的重要性，鼓勵大家多多接觸最新的事物。 此外，我們也提到了電商近期的變革，除了AI和自動化的結合外，分析和洞察力變得更加重要。而在電商和行銷的領域，每天都有新的東西可學，這種不斷進步的感覺是讓人持續投入並享受這份工作的原因。 各位通勤家族要是對電商有興趣，可以到「電商讀書會」聽更多的相關內容。如果有什麼想法或是學習上碰到的困難，也可以透過回饋的表單來留言給15Mins教師群，之後就有機會在幕後教師室和大家分享我們的做法喔！ 「社會人核心英語」完課榜這裡看：https://www.15mins.today/be-essentials

------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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: 歡迎來到15Mins Cafe 的英語時光機單元。This week Patrick and I will share some idioms that are related to colors and we'll also talk about where these idioms can be used. 光聽不過癮？想要更多學習內容？ 15Mins Cafe的加值內容 - VIP學習筆記 (包含逐字稿、常用片語慣用語、同義字、與聽力測驗)，請到 https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday 訂閱！加入訂閱VIP，每週學習筆記寄到你Email信箱！ + Sure?

------------------------------- 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 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 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.K675: Vegan Egg Market Set to Soar by Almost $1 Billion by 2028 Highlights 主題摘要：The vegan egg market is expected to experience substantial growth, with a projected increase of over $910 million between 2022 and 2027.The growing popularity of plant-based products, driven by health and environmental considerations, is a primary factor fueling this market expansion.North American consumers, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, are pivotal in driving the growth of the plant-based egg market, with the market set to increase by 42% in this region. The vegan egg market is poised for substantial growth, with a projected increase of over $910 million between 2022 and 2027, as revealed by a recent report from Technavio. This research firm has estimated that the market will experience a compound annual growth rate of 8.28% during this period, highlighting the increasing appeal of vegan eggs to consumers embracing plant-based diets. 根據Technavio最近的報告，素食蛋市場有望實現顯著增長，預計在2022年至2027年之間將增加超過9.1億美元。這家研究公司估計，在此期間市場的複合年增長率將達到8.28％，突顯出素食蛋對崇尚植物性飲食的消費者越來越大的吸引力。 Technavio, in a press release, emphasized that the burgeoning popularity of plant-based products is a primary driver of this market growth. Vegan eggs have gained favor among individuals due to their perceived health, environmental, and ethical advantages. Consumers are increasingly open to plant-based egg alternatives, leading to the upward trajectory in demand. Technavio在一份新聞稿中強調，植物性產品的迅速普及是這個市場增長的主要驅動力。素食蛋因其被認為有益健康、環保和道德的優勢而受到人們的喜愛。消費者對植物蛋替代品的態度越來越開放，從而導致了需求的提升。 Furthermore, this trend is not solely driven by ethical and environmental considerations but also by nutritional factors. Vegan eggs stand out as they are free from saturated fats and cholesterol, offering a healthier option when compared to traditional chicken eggs. 此外，推動這個趨勢的不僅是道德和環保考量，還有營養的因素。素食蛋之所以脫穎而出，是因為它不含飽和脂肪和膽固醇，相對於傳統雞蛋而言，提供了更健康的選擇。 In addition to the vegan egg market, Technavio also predicts significant growth in the broader vegan food market and the vegan cheese market, with estimated compound annual growth rates of 12.07% and 7.97%, respectively. 除了素食蛋市場外，Technavio還預測更廣泛的素食食品市場和素食乳酪市場將大幅增長，預計複合年增長率分別為12.07％和7.97％。 North American consumers are expected to play a pivotal role in driving the growth of the plant-based egg market, contributing to 42% of its expansion. Key players in the industry, such as Bobs Red Mill Natural Foods Inc., Eat Just Inc., and Evo Foodtech Pvt. Ltd., are offering an array of vegan egg products. 北美消費者預計將在推動植物蛋市場增長方面發揮關鍵作用，佔市場擴張的42％。業界的主要參與者，如Bobs Red Mill Natural Foods Inc.、Eat Just Inc.和Evo Foodtech Pvt. Ltd.，將提供各類的素食蛋產品。 Apart from North America, the study identifies Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, India, South Korea, Australia, and Japan as key countries contributing to the growth of the vegan egg market. 除了北美外，該研究還指出德國、英國、西班牙、印度、韓國、澳大利亞和日本等國家是素食蛋市場增長的關鍵參與者。 This projection aligns with the broader trend of increasing popularity of plant-based foods in both grocery stores and restaurants. For example, Hershey introduced a plant-based Reese's Cup in March, and an Israeli company unveiled a chickpea protein-based burger in April. As the world continues to embrace the benefits of plant-based eating, the future looks bright for the vegan egg market with significant growth expected in the coming years. 這一預測符合植物性食品在雜貨店和餐廳中越來越受歡迎的更廣泛趨勢。例如，好時巧克力（Hershey）在三月份推出了植物基的Reese's杯形巧克力，以色列公司則在四月份推出了一款使用鷹嘴豆蛋白的漢堡。隨著全球繼續推崇植物性飲食的好處，素食蛋市場的未來前景光明，預計未來幾年將實現顯著增長。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字：Pivotal (piv-ot-al): United States, Canada, and Mexico, are pivotal in driving the growth of the plant-based egg market.Trajectory (tra-jec-to-ry): Consumers are increasingly open to plant-based egg alternatives, leading to the upward trajectory in demand.Popularity (pop-u-lar-i-ty): This projection aligns with the broader trend of increasing popularity of plant-based foods in both grocery stores and restaurants.Burgeoning (bur-geon-ing): Technavio, in a press release, emphasized that the burgeoning popularity of plant-based products is a primary driver of this market growth.Advantage (ad-van-tage): Vegan eggs have gained favor among individuals due to their perceived health, environmental, and ethical advantages. Reference article: https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/vegan-egg-market-projected-grow-nearly-1-billion-2028-report

------------------------------- 加入訂閱制 VIP會員! ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 「社會人核心英語」有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 以下有參考逐字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- Topic: World’s biggest plant discovered off Australian coast The largest known plant on Earth - a seagrass roughly three times the size of Manhattan - has been discovered off the coast of Australia. 地球上已知的最大植物－大約是曼哈頓面積3倍大的一種海草－已在澳洲海岸外被發現。 Using genetic testing, scientists have determined a large underwater meadow in Western Australia is in fact one plant. 使用基因測定，科學家已判定在西澳洲的一片大型水下草甸其實是一棵植物。 It is believed to have spread from a single seed over at least 4,500 years. The seagrass covers about 200 sq km , researchers from the University of Western Australia said. 據信這片草甸從一顆種子擴散而成，歷時至少4500年。西澳洲大學的研究人員說，這棵海草覆蓋的面積約200平方公里。 The team stumbled upon the discovery by accident at Shark Bay, about 800km north of Perth. They had set out to understand the genetic diversity of the species - also known as ribbon weed - which is commonly found along parts of Australia’s coast. 研究團隊在伯斯北方約800公里的鯊魚灣意外找到這發現。他們先是著手了解這些常在澳洲部份海岸被發現的物種－也被稱為絲帶海草－的基因多樣性。 Researchers collected shoots from across the bay and examined 18,000 genetic markers to create a "fingerprint" from each sample. They had aimed to discover how many plants made up the meadow. 研究人員從整個鯊魚灣蒐集幼芽，並且檢視了1萬8000個基因標記來為每個樣本製造「指紋」。他們原本目標是要找出有多少棵植物構成這片草甸。 "The answer blew us away - there was just one!" said Jane Edgeloe, the study’s lead author. 該研究主要作者珍．艾吉羅說：「這個答案讓我們大吃一驚，居然只有一棵！」 Next Article Topic: Not a square to spare: Australian shops ration toilet paper amid coronavirus panic 一張都不分：澳洲商店在冠狀病毒恐慌中限購衛生紙 Australia’s major grocers put strict limits on purchases of toilet paper on Wednesday, after shoppers stripped shelves in a rush of panic buying spurred by fears over a coronavirus. 在購物者因冠狀病毒掀起的恐慌而倉皇大肆搶購，將貨架上商品一掃而空後，澳洲大型零售商店週三對購買衛生紙祭出嚴格限制。 The demand for toilet paper, in particular, has sparked the trending hashtags #toiletpapergate and #toiletpapercrisis on Twitter, along with photographs of overloaded shopping trolleys, and calls for calm from baffled officials. 尤其，對衛生紙的需求已經在「推特」掀起「衛生紙門」和「衛生紙危機」熱門話題標籤，以及一張張堆到爆滿的購物車照片，和對此難以理解的官員喊話呼籲冷靜。 The biggest grocery chain, Woolworths Group Ltd, limited sales to four packs a shopper, to keep up stock levels while suppliers ramp up production. 在供應商加速生產的同時，最大連鎖零售商Woolworths集團為了維持存貨量，限制每人最多購買4袋。 Shoppers have swooped on other products also. Costco has put limits on purchases of milk, eggs, rice, disinfectants and soap. 購物者也搶購其他商品。好市多限制牛奶、雞蛋、米、消毒殺菌品和肥皂的購買量。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1523717 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1361291?fbclid=IwAR3kVmMFa5gdommS4R4Ftm8HzoQ7DeQzQ5yjoI0jTvkQDeAtMfTFjDfgQCI Next Article Topic: Australian prison to be evacuated after mice move in A plague of mice that has ravaged vast swathes of eastern Australia has forced the evacuation of a prison while authorities repair gnawed electrical wiring and clear dead and decaying mice from walls and ceilings. 一場蹂躪澳洲東部廣泛地區的鼠疫，已迫使一間監獄全員撤離，好讓當局修復被啃咬的電線，以及清除牆壁和天花板裡死亡發臭的老鼠。 Around 200 staff and 420 inmates will be transferred from the Wellington Correctional Center in rural New South Wales state to other prisons in the region. 新南威爾斯州鄉下的威靈頓矯正所，將撤離約200名職員和420名受刑人到區內其他監獄。 Millions of mice have caused havoc in the grain-growing region of Australia’s most populous state for months, devouring crops and haystacks as well as invading homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and prisons. 數月來，上百萬隻老鼠在澳洲人口最稠密的穀物栽植地區大肆破壞，吃光作物和乾草，還入侵住家、商店、學校、醫院和監獄。 The most common complaint about the plague is an ever-present stench of mice urine and decaying flesh. People report being bitten by mice in bed. Mouse carcasses and excrement in roof guttering are polluting farmers’ water tanks and causing sickness. 對鼠疫最常見的抱怨，是前所未聞的老鼠尿液和腐敗屍體的惡臭。有人通報躺在床上時被老鼠咬。屋頂排水系統內的鼠屍和鼠便，也污染農夫的儲水槽，並帶來疾病。 Next Article Australian ute whizzes across seven lanes of traffic unscathed澳洲休旅車呼嘯穿越七車道而毫髮無傷 Australian police captured dramatic footage of a white truck speeding unscathed across seven lanes of traffic in a once-in-a-lifetime incident. 在一起難得一見的事件中，澳洲警方拍攝到一輛白色卡車加速橫越七車道卻毫髮無傷的戲劇性影片。 Though a mere five seconds, the riveting video shows a Toyota Hilux truck in Australia’s Northern Territories drive over a sandy median, narrowly avoid a collision with another car in three lanes of moving vehicles, thread through two lanes of stationary cars, bounce across two empty lanes and then hurtle toward a line of storefronts. 雖然僅有五秒，這段精彩影片顯示，澳洲北領地的一輛豐田Hilux卡車駛過一個沙地分隔島，在三個車輛行駛中的車道上差點就撞上另一輛車，接著越過兩線車輛靜止的車道，再彈越過兩個空車車道，衝向一排店面。 The dri

------------------------------- 訂閱制VIP會員 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 「社會人核心英語」有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 以下有參考逐字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- 歡迎回到週六的 Teacher's Lounge 《幕後教師室》。本週的 Teacher's Lounge 由完成了社會人核心英語課程的七位同學開場，恭喜這些同學努力完成了課程！ 話說在幾週以前的幕後教師室我們有提過生字卡（flash card）或是單字遊戲吊死鬼（hangman），於是阿鍵老師就想到，曾經自己也使用了Android手機上的APP來輔助學習，雖然這類的APP只能針對特定技巧加強，對於基礎能力的聽說讀寫幫助較有限，但當時阿鍵為了考試真的是下載了好幾款的考古題來刷題，也在短時間內熟悉了多益的題型，對考試的幫助可以說不小啊！ 隨後，John老師分享了一個強大的網頁工具《YouGlish》，這個網頁工具可以搜索YouTube的影片，找到與你輸入的文字相同的片段，幫助理解短句和俚語的使用情境。不管是在加強記憶或是趣味性上都非常優秀！ 最後我們也鼓勵還未完成社會人核心英語課程的同學，每天抽點空檔聽一兩段，很快你也會到達完課英雄榜啦！ 「社會人核心英語」完課榜這裡看：https://www.15mins.today/be-essentials

------------------------------- 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)？ 加入VIP訂閱 ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 「社會人核心英語」有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 以下有參考逐字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- Summary: 討論文章: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/cruise-ship-etiquette-bad-behaviors-avoid/index.html Angel and her dad recently took their first ever cruise. In this episode, we will uncover the good and bad of going on a cruise. Have you ever been on a cruise before? Leave us a comment about your experience! Hope you will enjoy this episode with us as much as we enjoyed producing it! 更多15Mins Cafe節目: https://www.15mins.today/vocab 歡迎主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected]

------------------------------- 快加入VIP訂閱！更多加值內容、筆記、單集等著你～ ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 「社會人核心英語」有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 以下有參考逐字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀VIP Ep.K671: Fast Fashion Brands Prepare for EU's Push to Tackle Clothing Waste Highlights 摘要：European fashion industry is facing a mounting challenge of clothing waste. Despite efforts, only a fraction of clothing is recycled, necessitating urgent change.Fast fashion brands like Inditex are responding to EU initiatives by investing in recycling and sustainability goals, though overconsumption remains a significant issue.To achieve the EU's ambitious recycling targets, substantial investment and innovation are needed in textile waste processing, along with changes in consumer behavior. On the outskirts of Barcelona, a warehouse hums with activity as women diligently sort through piles of used clothing, including T-shirts, jeans, and dresses. This modest operation represents just the beginning of a broader effort to address Europe's mounting problem of discarded fashion. In response to new European Union (EU) initiatives aimed at curbing the fashion industry's environmental impact, organizations like Moda Re, a garment reuse and recycling charity, are ramping up their efforts to recycle and repurpose clothing. Within a year, Moda Re plans to double its annual handling capacity to 40,000 metric tonnes, with support from companies like Inditex, the owner of Zara. 在巴塞羅那市郊，一座倉庫充滿了活力，女性們正在勤奮地分類使用過的衣物，包括T恤、牛仔褲和洋裝。這個謙卑的運作僅代表了一個更廣泛的努力的開始，以應對歐洲積壓的廢棄時尚問題。為應對針對時尚業環境影響的新歐洲聯盟（EU）倡議，像Moda Re這樣的服裝重複使用和再利用慈善機構正在加大努力，以回收和重新利用服裝。在一年內，Moda Re計劃將其年處理能力翻倍，達到4萬公噸，得到了像Zara的所有者Inditex等公司的支持。 In Spain, fashion giants such as H&M, Mango, and Inditex have come together to form a non-profit association to manage clothing waste. This collaborative effort aligns with an EU law requiring member states to separate textiles from other waste beginning in January 2025. Despite these initiatives, the European Commission reported that less than a quarter of the 5.2 million tonnes of clothing waste generated in Europe is recycled each year, with the remainder ending up in landfills. This unsustainable practice underscores the urgent need for change in the textile industry. 在西班牙，像H&M、Mango和Inditex這樣的時尚巨頭已經聯合組成一個非營利協會來管理服裝廢棄物。這種協作努力符合一項EU法律，該法律要求自2025年1月開始，成員國必須將紡織品與其他廢棄物分開處理。儘管有這些倡議，歐洲委員會報告稱，歐洲每年產生的520萬公噸衣物廢棄物中，不到四分之一被回收利用，其餘的最終進入垃圾填埋場。這種不可持續的做法凸顯了紡織業迫切需要改變的需求。 Fast fashion, characterized by the production and sale of low-cost clothing with short lifespans, has been identified as a major contributor to climate change and environmental damage by the EU. Inditex, for instance, has pledged to incorporate 40% recycled fibers into its garments by 2030 as part of its sustainability goals. However, addressing the core issue of overconsumption remains a significant challenge, according to Dijana Lind, an ESG analyst at Union Investment. 快時尚以生產和銷售壽命短的低價衣物為特徵，被EU識別為導致氣候變化和環境破壞的主要因素。例如，Inditex已承諾在2030年之前將40％的回收纖維納入其服裝中，作為可持續性目標的一部分。然而，根據Union Investment的ESG分析師Dijana Lind的說法，解決過度消費的核心問題仍然是一個重大挑戰。 Meeting the EU's ambitious goal of recycling 2.5 million tonnes of textile waste by 2030 requires substantial investment. Consultancy firm McKinsey estimates that between 6 and 7 billion euros will be needed for textile waste processing and recycling infrastructure. While some progress has been made, there is consensus that more must be done. Companies like Inditex have taken steps by investing in recycling initiatives, but the road ahead is marked by obstacles, including the development of cost-effective recycling techniques and the need to change consumer behavior. 實現EU到2030年回收250萬公噸紡織廢棄物的宏偉目標需要大量投資。管理顧問公司麥肯錫估計，到2030年，紡織廢棄物處理和回收基礎設施將需要約60億到70億歐元的投資。雖然已經取得了一些進展，但共識是必須做更多。像Inditex這樣的公司已經採取了投資回收倡議的措施，但前路充滿了障礙，包括開發具有成本效益的回收技術和改變消費者行為的需求。 In conclusion, as the EU intensifies its focus on reducing clothing waste and promoting sustainability in the fashion industry, companies are taking steps to adapt. These efforts include increased recycling capacity, collaboration among major fashion players, and investment in technology and market interventions. Nevertheless, significant challenges lie ahead in achieving the EU's ambitious targets for textile waste reduction and recycled content in garments. The fashion industry faces a pressing need for increased innovation and consumer awareness to create a more sustainable future. 總之，隨著EU加大減少服裝廢棄物並在時尚業中推廣可持續性的重心，公司正在采取措施適應。這些努力包括增加回收能力、主要時尚企業之間的協作以及投資技術和市場干預。然而，實現EU對紡織廢棄物減少和服裝中回收內容的宏偉目標仍然面臨著重大挑戰。時尚業迫切需要增加創新和消費者意識，以創建更可持續的未來。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字：Di

------------------------------- 10/23~10/31 招募訂閱制 創始VIP會員! 創始優惠只有一次 把握機會～ ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP會員文章主題許願表單：https://forms.gle/xyHoPydBr6LLFL9q8 ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 「社會人核心英語」有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 以下有參考逐字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 -------------------------------

------------------------------- 10/23~10/31 招募訂閱制 創始VIP會員! 創始優惠只有一次 把握機會～ ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP會員文章主題許願表單：https://forms.gle/xyHoPydBr6LLFL9q8 ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 「社會人核心英語」有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 以下有參考逐字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- 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)？ 加入VIP訂閱：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday Summary: 討論文章: https://genius.com/Fred-hersch-and-esperanza-spalding-a-wish-lyrics This week we have a new co-host! The one-and-only Radio DJ and Jazz singer Shimin~ This week she will introduce to us one of the living Jazz legends - Fred Hersch. We'll be covering the lyrics to one of his signature hits - the Wish. Hope you will enjoy this episode with us as much as we enjoyed producing it!

------------------------------- 10/23~10/31 招募訂閱制 創始VIP會員! 創始優惠只有一次 把握機會～ ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP會員文章主題許願表單：https://forms.gle/xyHoPydBr6LLFL9q8 ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 「社會人核心英語」有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 以下有參考逐字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 -------------------------------

------------------------------- 10/23~10/31 招募訂閱制 創始VIP會員! 創始優惠只有一次 把握機會～ ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP會員文章主題許願表單：https://forms.gle/xyHoPydBr6LLFL9q8 ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 「社會人核心英語」有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 以下有參考逐字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep.K667: Megan Rapinoe: Leaving a Remarkable Legacy in Her Final US Game Highlights 主題摘要：Megan Rapinoe's illustrious career combines sporting success with unwavering activism, leaving behind an indelible legacy of both on and off the field.Her unapologetic stance on various social issues, including racial equality and pay parity, has made her an influential figure in the fight for change.Despite a missed penalty in her final World Cup appearance, Rapinoe's legacy as a pioneer in women's soccer and an advocate for equality remains unrivaled. Megan Rapinoe, a legendary figure in international sports, is set to bid farewell to her illustrious career, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that extends far beyond the soccer pitch. With two World Cup titles, an Olympic gold medal, and a trailblazing journey of activism, philanthropy, and fashion, the 38-year-old midfielder from California has made an indelible mark on the world of sports and society at large. In her final appearance for the US Women's National Team (USWNT) against South Africa in Chicago, fans will have the opportunity to celebrate her remarkable contributions. 梅根·拉皮諾，國際體育界的傳奇人物，即將告別輝煌的職業生涯，她留下的非凡遺產遠遠超出了足球場的範圍。這位來自加利福尼亞州的38歲中場球員擁有兩個世界杯冠軍、一枚奧運金牌，以及在行動主義、慈善事業和時尚方面的開拓之旅，她在體育界和社會大眾中留下了難以磨滅的印記。在芝加哥對陣南非的比賽中，她代表美國女足國家隊（USWNT）最後一次出場，球迷們將有機會慶祝她卓越的貢獻。 Rapinoe's international career has been nothing short of spectacular, boasting 203 appearances, 63 goals, and 73 assists for her country. She achieved the pinnacle of success with two World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019, along with an Olympic gold medal in 2012. However, it was in 2019 that Rapinoe's star shone brightest when she secured the Ballon d'Or Féminin and FIFA's The Best award, establishing herself as the world's best women's player. 拉皮諾的國際生涯絕對令人驚嘆，她為國家隊出場203次，打進63球，助攻73次。她在2015年和2019年兩次獲得世界杯冠軍，並在2012年奧運會上獲得金牌，達到了他的成功巔峰。然而，正是在2019年，拉皮諾的星光最為璀璨，她獲得了女足金球獎和國際足聯最佳球員獎，奠定了自己作為世界最佳女足球員的地位。 Beyond her on-field achievements, Rapinoe is known for her unapologetic activism. She fearlessly championed causes such as racial equality, women's rights, pay parity, and LGBTQ+ issues. Her iconic pose after scoring two goals against France in the 2019 World Cup quarterfinals became a symbol not just of sporting success but also of her activism. 除了在球場上的成就，拉皮諾以她毫不妥協的行動主義而聞名。她無畏地支持種族平等、婦女權益、工資平等和LGBTQ+等各種議題。她在2019年世界杯八強賽中攻入兩球後的標誌性慶祝動作，不僅代表著體育上的成功，還代表著她的行動主義。 Throughout her career, Rapinoe faced criticism for her principled stands. She knelt during the national anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick's protests against racial injustice and police brutality, a move that didn't sit well with everyone. Even former President Donald Trump publicly clashed with Rapinoe when she stated her refusal to visit the White House if the US won the World Cup in 2019. Nevertheless, Rapinoe's determination remained unshaken. 在她的職業生涯中，拉皮諾因其原則立場而飽受批評。她在國歌演奏時跪下，以聲援科林·卡佩尼克與抗議種族不公和警察暴行，此舉動並未受到所有人認同。甚至前總統唐納·川普也公開與拉皮諾發生爭執，當時她表示如果美國在2019年世界杯中獲勝，她將拒絕訪問白宮。儘管如此，拉皮諾的決心始終未曾動搖。 In 2022, she was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden for her advocacy work. Rapinoe's influence extended to the fight for equal pay, where she played a pivotal role in the women's national team's battle against gender discrimination, ultimately securing an agreement that granted equal pay to both the women's and men's teams. 在2022年，喬·拜登總統授予她總統自由勳章，以表彰她的倡議行動。拉皮諾的影響力擴展到爭取工資平等的鬥爭中，她在女子國家隊對抗性別歧視的過程發揮了關鍵作用，最終達成協議，使女子隊和男子隊在所有友誼賽和比賽中都獲得相同的薪酬。 Although Rapinoe's last World Cup appearance in 2023 ended in heartbreak with a missed penalty, her legacy remains untarnished. Her experience and quality on the field will be deeply missed, but her impactful work and advocacy will undoubtedly continue. As her teammate Kelley O'Hara aptly summarized, Megan Rapinoe is truly "one of a kind," leaving behind an unparalleled legacy that transcends the realm of sports. 盡管拉皮諾在2023年的最後一次世界杯亮相以點球失誤而告終，但她的遺產仍然不可動搖。她在球場上的經驗和品質將被深深懷念，但她富有影響力的行動與倡議無疑將繼續下去。正如她的隊友凱利·奧哈拉在今年的女子世界杯總結所說，梅根·拉皮諾確實是“獨一無二”的，留下了超越體育領域的無與倫比的遺產。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字：Philanthropy (phi-lan-thro-py): With two World Cup titles, an Olympic gold medal, and a trailblazing journey of activism, philanthropy, and fashion, the 38-year-old midfielder from California has made an indelible mark on the world of sports and society at large.Criticism (crit-i-cism): Throughout

------------------------------- 10/23~10/31 招募訂閱制 創始VIP會員! 創始優惠只有一次 把握機會～ ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP會員文章主題許願表單：https://forms.gle/xyHoPydBr6LLFL9q8 ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 「社會人核心英語」有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 以下有參考逐字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- Topic: Surging shipping rates pose new headwind for the global economy Shocks to supply chains are engulfing a wider swath of the global economy as the pandemic rages on, threatening to stifle Asia’s trade-led recovery just as soaring freight rates make it harder for businesses to weather another year like 2020. 疫情肆虐，衝擊供應鏈，全球經濟受創幅度加巨；高昂的運費，讓企業更難再熬過如二○二○年般艱難的一年，以貿易為主導之亞洲經濟，復甦之路恐窒礙難行。 Shortages of consumer goods like paper towels and work-from-home gear early in the COVID-19 crisis have given way to parts shortfalls in one of the most globally integrated of industries: auto manufacturing. 武漢肺炎（新型冠狀病毒病，COVID-19）危機初期的紙巾與在家工作用品等消費品之短缺，已轉為汽車製造業的零件短缺──造車業為全球整合程度最高的工業之一。 Compounding the industrial imbalances are transport woes plaguing consumer and healthcare sectors still dealing with a dearth of available shipping containers to move components and finished products out of China, Taiwan, South Korea and Asia’s other export powers. 消費與醫療保健業所面臨之運輸困難，使工業的失衡狀況加劇──由於貨櫃短缺，零組件及製成品很難由中國、台灣、韓國及亞洲其他出口大國運出。 Nerijus Poskus, vice president for global ocean at San Francisco-based freight forwarder Flexport Inc, reckons the world needs the equivalent of 500,000 more 20-foot containers — roughly enough to fill 25 of the largest ships in operation — to satisfy the current demand. In the meantime, standard container rates on transpacific routes are quadruple what they were a year ago. And that is before equipment surcharges and premiums for guaranteed loading are added. 總部設於舊金山的運輸公司「飛協博」全球海洋副總裁奈瑞尤斯‧帕司克斯估計，若要滿足當前需求，全世界需要再增加五十萬個二十呎貨櫃──大約可裝滿二十五艘目前最大的船舶。而且現在跨太平洋航線的標準貨櫃運價是一年前的四倍，這還不包括設備附加費及保證裝載的額外費用。 “Anyone paying the freight bills in 2020 though knows the true cost of shipping is much higher than even the recently increased rates,” Poskus said. “We expect that to only increase in 2021.” 「雖然在二○二○年支付運費的人都知道，真正的運輸成本甚至比最近上漲的運費還要高」，帕司克斯表示。「我們預計在二○二一年只會繼續上漲」。 The unstoppable rise in container shipping costs is borne out by December figures recently announced by Taiwan’s three major shipping companies — Evergreen Marine Corp, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp and Wan Hai Lines Ltd — which saw a record-breaking year-on-year surge of revenue at 58.8 percent, 35.19 percent and 75.71 percent respectively. 貨櫃海運運價一路走高，勢不可擋，台灣貨櫃三雄──長榮、陽明、萬海──近日公布二○二○年十二月營收，分別年增百分之五十八點八、百分之三十五點一九、百分之七十五點七一，皆同步創下歷史新高。 Source article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2021/01/18/2003750759 Next Article Topic: The world is dependent on Taiwan for semiconductors As China pushes the world to avoid official dealings with Taiwan, leaders across the globe are realizing just how dependent they have become on the island democracy. 中國迫使世界斷絕與台灣的正式往來，此時全球的領導人卻了解到，他們對這民主島國的依賴程度已如此之深。 Taiwan is being courted for its capacity to make leading-edge computer chips. That is mostly down to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), the world’s largest foundry and go-to producer of chips for Apple Inc smartphones, artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. 台灣以其製造先進電腦晶片的能力而備受青睞。這主要歸功於台灣積體電路製造公司﹝簡稱台積電﹞。台積電是全球最大的晶圓代工廠，也是蘋果公司智慧型手機、人工智慧及高效能運算晶片的首選製造商。 Taiwan’s role in the world economy largely existed below the radar until it came to recent prominence as the auto industry suffered shortfalls in chips used for everything from parking sensors to reducing emissions. With carmakers including Germany’s Volkswagen AG, Ford Motor Co of the US and Japan’s Toyota Motor Corp forced to halt production and idle plants, Taiwan’s importance has suddenly become too big to ignore. 台灣在世界經濟中的角色大多不為人所注意，直到最近由於汽車工業的晶片短缺（由倒車雷達至減少排放等皆須用到晶片），台灣才成為全世界眾所矚目之地。包括德國福斯汽車、美國福特汽車及日本豐田汽車在內的汽車製造商被迫停止生產、將工廠閒置，台灣的重要性因此也突然變得不可忽視。 That is not to say Taiwan is the only player in the semiconductor supply chain. The US still holds dominant positions, notably in chip design and electronic software tools; ASML Holding NV of the Netherlands has a monopoly on the machines needed to fabricate the best chips; Japan is a key supplier of equipment, chemicals and wafers. 這並不是說台灣是半導體供應鏈中的唯一角色。美國仍居主導地位，特別是在晶片設計和電子軟體工具方面；製造最佳晶片所需之機器是由荷蘭的艾司摩爾所壟斷；日本則是設備、化學品和晶圓的主要供應國。 However, as the emphasis shifts to ever smaller, more powerful chips that require less energy, TSMC is increasingly in a field of its own. It has also helped Taiwan form a comprehensive ecosystem around it: ASE Technology Holding is the world’s top chip assembler, while MediaTek has become the largest smartphone chipset

------------------------------- 10/23~10/31 招募訂閱制 創始VIP會員! 創始優惠只有一次 把握機會～ ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP會員文章主題許願表單：https://forms.gle/xyHoPydBr6LLFL9q8 ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 「社會人核心英語」有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 以下有參考逐字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- 好久沒有在Live Podcast上見了！這次不定期的開了一個session 告訴大家我們沒有忘記大家心心念念的Live Podcast ～ 今天John老師要來聊聊大家覺得2.0如何？VIP訂閱制的加值內容有沒有「社會人核心英語」完課的家族們啊？

------------------------------- 10/23~10/31 招募訂閱制 創始VIP會員! 創始優惠只有一次 把握機會～ ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday VIP會員文章主題許願表單：https://forms.gle/xyHoPydBr6LLFL9q8 ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 「社會人核心英語」有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 以下有參考逐字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- Summary: 歡迎來到15Mins Cafe 的英語時光機單元。This week Patrick and I go through some iconic brands and their slogans in the spirit and beer categories. These brands' backstories and slogans definitely helped us appreciate the hard work they put in over the hundred years! 光聽不過癮？想要更多學習內容？ 15Mins Cafe的加值內容 - VIP學習筆記 (包含逐字稿、常用片語慣用語、同義字、與聽力測驗)， 請到 https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday 訂閱！加入訂閱VIP，每週學習筆記寄到你Email信箱！

------------------------------- 10/23~10/31 招募訂閱制 創始VIP會員! 創始優惠只有一次 把握機會～ ------------------------------- 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday 如何訂閱與匯入VIP單集FAQ：http://www.15mins.today/blog/vip-faq ------------------------------- 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 「社會人核心英語」有聲書課程連結：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入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] ------------------------------- 以下有參考逐字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep.K663: José Andrés Unveils 6 Spanish Culinary Secrets Highlights 主題摘要：Rediscovering Spanish Cuisine: Chef José Andrés unveils the true essence of Spanish cuisine, challenging common misconceptions and enticing viewers to savor authentic dishes.Tapas as a Way of Life: Tapas culture extends beyond small plates, embodying a social way of enjoying food, family, and friends.Culinary Diversity in Spain: Spain's regions offer a rich variety of dishes influenced by history and culture, from paella in Valencia to royal pastries in Madrid. Chef José Andrés takes us on a culinary voyage through Spain in his captivating series, "José Andrés and Family in Spain." As he introduces his daughters to various Spanish regions and their unique culinary traditions, he reveals the true essence of Spanish cuisine. This delightful series tantalizes your taste buds and inspires exploration of Spain's diverse culinary landscapes. 何塞·安德烈主廚在他引人入勝的系列節目《何塞·安德烈和西班牙之家》中帶領我們穿越西班牙的烹飪之旅。當他向他的女兒介紹不同的西班牙地區和他們獨特的烹飪傳統時，他透露了西班牙料理的真正精髓。這個令人愉悅的系列節目讓您的味蕾得到滋潤，並激發了對西班牙多樣化美食風光的探索。 The Real Paella: Chef Andrés dispels misconceptions about paella. True Valencian paella excludes seafood, chorizo, or peas. It features ten core ingredients: olive oil, rabbit, chicken, green beans, white beans, tomato, rice, salt, saffron, and water. This revelation invites you to savor authentic paella. 真正的西班牙燉飯：安德烈主廚打破了關於燉飯的誤解。真正的瓦倫西亞西班牙燉飯不包括海鮮、西班牙香腸或青豆。它包括十個核心成分：橄欖油、兔肉、雞肉、綠豆、白豆、番茄、米、鹽、番紅花和水。這個秘訣讓你品嚐正宗的燉飯。 Tapas, A Way of Life: Tapas are more than small plates; they represent a way of enjoying food, family, and friends. The term "tapas" derives from "tapar," meaning "to cover." People placed bread or small sandwiches on drinks to protect them from dust and insects. Today, tapas culture invites diners to savor a variety of flavors, as Chef Andrés demonstrates by ordering an array of tapas. 西班牙小菜，一種生活方式：西班牙小菜不僅是一小碟的菜；它們代表一種享受食物、家庭和朋友的方式。詞語“tapas”源自“遮蓋”的西班牙詞“tapar”。人們曾將麵包或小三明治放在飲料上，以防止灰塵和昆蟲。如今，西班牙小菜文化邀請食客們品味各種風味，正如安德烈主廚演示，他點了一整排的小吃。 Catalonia's Mar y Montaña: Catalonia, known for Barcelona, offers its twist on surf and turf, "mar y montaña." This traditional dish combines chicken and Mediterranean lobster with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and an unexpected spice. Chef Andrés, a Catalonia native, shares the story behind this culinary gem, encouraging viewers to try it. 加泰隆尼亞的海鮮飯：以巴塞隆納聞名的加泰隆尼亞為“海鮮飯”提供了獨特的風味。這道傳統菜餚將雞肉和地中海龍蝦與洋蔥、大蒜、番茄和出奇不意的香料結合在一起。加泰隆尼亞出生的安德烈主廚分享了這個美食背後的故事，鼓勵觀眾嘗試一下。 Moorish Influences: The Moors' 500-year presence in Andalusia left a lasting impact on the region's cuisine. They introduced artichokes, known as "alcachofas" in Spanish. Arabic influence is evident in many Spanish dishes and ingredients. Chef Andrés highlights "alcachofas confitadas con jamón ibérico," artichokes with ham and egg yolk. 摩爾人的影響：摩爾人在安達魯西亞地區停留了500年，對該地區的烹飪產生了深遠的影響。他們引入了被稱為“alcachofas”的洋薊。阿拉伯文化的影響在許多西班牙菜餚和食材中都很明顯。安德烈主廚介紹了“伊比利火腿燉菜”，這是一道包括洋薊、火腿和蛋黃的菜餚。 Madrid's Royal Pastries: Madrid, Spain's capital, has a unique culinary heritage as the home of the Spanish royal family. Chef Andrés introduces "council cookies," lemon cookies with royal origins. These treats were created to occupy a young King Alfonso XIII during lengthy meetings, showcasing Madrid's rich history and diverse cuisine. 馬德里的皇家糕點：西班牙首都馬德里作為西班牙皇室的家園，擁有獨特的烹飪遺產。安德烈主廚向觀眾介紹了“評議會餅乾”，這是一種發源自皇室的檸檬餅乾。這些點心是為了在長時間的會議期間讓年幼的阿方索十三世王子不會無聊而作的，展示了馬德里豐富的歷史和多樣化的美食。 Asturian Cider Tradition: Born in Asturias, Chef Andrés sheds light on the region's love for hard apple cider, which holds a special place in Asturian culture. Despite Spain's wine reputation, Asturias produces an impressive 10 million gallons of cider annually. The method of pouring cider from a height gives it a distinctive foam head, creating a unique drinking experience. 阿斯圖里亞斯的蘋果酒傳統：出生在阿斯圖里亞斯的安德烈主廚為我們展示了該地區對硬蘋果酒的熱愛。儘管西班牙以葡萄酒聞名，但阿斯圖里亞斯每年生產的硬蘋果酒高達1000萬加侖。將蘋果酒從高處倒入玻璃杯，這種方法使它具有與眾不同的泡沫層，創造了獨特的飲用體驗。 Chef José Andrés invites us to explore Spanish cuisine's nuances, tantalizing our senses, and encouraging us to appreciate the rich diversity of flavors and traditions that compose this vibrant culinary landscape. Whether craving authentic paella, savoring tapas with friends, or indulging in mar y montaña, Spanish cuisine offers a treasure trove of culinary delights waiting to be discovered. 何塞·安德烈主廚邀請我們探索西班牙料理的細微差別，挑逗我們的感受，並鼓勵我們欣賞構成這個充滿活力美食風光的豐富多樣

------------------------------- 強化英語課程資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] ------------------------------- 以下有參考文字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- Topic: About the Internet - First-ever tweet sold for around NT$82.3 million 由推特（Twitter）創辦人杜錫（Jack Dorsey）發出的史上第一條推文，今天被當作「不可替代代幣」（NFT）拍賣出去，得標價飆破290萬美元（約新台幣8230萬元）。 The first-ever tweet by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey was auctioned off on Tuesday as an “non-fungible token” (NFT), with the bid surpassing US$2.9 million (around NT$82.3 million). 拍賣平台Valuables by Cent的一則推文說：「杜錫同意了@sinaEstavi這個帳號所喊出的291萬5835.47美元。」 A tweet from the auction platform “Valuables by Cent” read that “Jack accepted the offer from sinaEstavi for $2915835.47.” Valuables by Cent表示：「現在這則推文已在區塊鏈（blockchain）上打造好了。」 The auction account added that the tweet is now “minted on blockchain.” 得標者的帳號資料顯示，擁有@sinaEstavi帳號的是區塊鏈技術相關的新創公司Bridge Oracle執行長艾斯塔維（Sina Estavi）。 The winner’s account details show that Sina Estavi, CEO of Bridge Oracle, a blockchain technology start-up, owns the @sinaEstavi account. 杜錫表示，他將把這次拍賣所得捐給慈善機構。 Dorsey explained that all proceeds from the auction will be donated to charities. 2006年3月21日，杜錫在鍵盤打下：「剛剛設定好我的推特」（just setting up my twttr）這樣平凡無奇的話，發出後成了史上第一條推文，同時正式啟用推特這個全球通用的平台，後來在公民社會中，成為一股具爭議又占主導地位的力量。 The sold-tweet was first tweeted on March 21, 2006, with Dorsey writing, “just setting up my twttr.” Such a mundane statement became the first tweet ever sent and officially launched Twitter, a global platform that has since become a controversial and dominant force in civil society. 艾斯塔維在推文中說：「我覺得再過幾年，人們會意識到那則推文的真正價值，正如同名畫『蒙娜麗莎』（Mona Lisa）一樣。」 “I think years later people will realize the true value of this tweet, like the Mona Lisa painting,” Estavi tweeted regarding his new purchase. 這次杜錫推文的拍賣，凸顯了人們對「不可替代代幣」（non-fungible token, NFT）的興趣激增。 The auction of Dorsey’s tweet also highlights the surge of interest in non-fungible tokens (NFT). 不可替代代幣是在加密貨幣（cryptocurrencies）之後，運用同樣的區塊鏈技術，把物件轉變為虛擬蒐藏家的東西，且無法複製。 Non-fungible tokens uses the same blockchain technology, after cryptocurrencies, to transform objects into virtual collectors’ items that cannot be replicated. 杜錫今天推文感謝@sinaEstavi，並表示，這次拍賣的所得，已經捐給在東非幫助窮人的非營利組織GiveDirectly。 Dorsey tweeted his thanks to Estavi on Tuesday and added that the proceeds from the auction were donated to GiveDirectly, a nonprofit organization that helps the poor in East Africa. Next Article Topic: CNN也報台灣鮭魚之亂！美網友讚：願意改名甜甜圈 | Taiwan’s ‘salmon name-change’ inspires U.S. social media users 知名連鎖壽司店「壽司郎」於17、18日推出優惠活動，只要名字有「鮭魚」兩字的人，可以免費享用整桌的餐點，意外掀起全台鮭魚改名之亂。 Sushi restaurant chain “Sushiro” launched a promotion on March 17 and March 18 by announcing it would give away free sushi to anyone who had “salmon” (鮭魚) in their names, leading to a name-changing frenzy in Taiwan. 而此台灣人瘋鮭魚現象也吸引到外國媒體注意，其中CNN也在19日報導，台灣人為了享有優惠，已有近140位在正式改名，於身分證上大現「鮭魚」兩字。 The phenomenon gradually attracted the attention of international media, with CNN reporting on Thursday that owing to the promotion, around 140 Taiwanese have officially changed their names to include the word “salmon.” CNN 表示此風潮已引來內政部的不滿，提醒大眾台灣法律規定每人一生中有三次改名機會。 CNN added that the situation has led the Ministry of Interior to issue a statement cautioning Taiwanese that they only get three chances to change their names in a lifetime. 繼CNN和BBC等外媒陸續報導後，台人瘋鮭魚事件也引發外國網友的注意，其中有人表示沒想到台灣人也有失去理智的時候，但也有人寫道，身為一個月光族，如果改名可以讓他吃到免費壽司他也願意。 Following media outlets like CNN and BBC’s reports, Taiwaneses’ name-changing craze also reached the ears of U.S. social media users with some commenting they didn’t expect the day Taiwanese would lose their minds. However, others wrote that as a broke millennial, if changing their names would mean getting free sushi, then they were all for it. 更有外國網友開始呼籲美國其他連鎖店開始推類似的活動，並問道自己如果把名字改成「T-Bone」（丁骨牛排）或是「Donut」（甜甜圈），能不能在牛排館和Krispy Kreme獲得免費的餐點。 Some also called on American chain restaurants to try similar promotions, with one volunteering to change their name to “T-bone” while another wanted “Donut” so that they could get freebies from Krispy Kreme. Source article: https://chinapost.nownews.com/20210323-2277586 ; https://chinapost.nownews.com/20210319-2222391 Next Article Topic: Uber will ban passengers with low ratings Uber passengers who habitually leave their trash behind and disrespect their drivers may soon get the boot. 習慣性留下垃圾以及不尊重駕駛的Uber乘客，很快就會無法再使用Uber。 The ride-hailing company announced Tuesday that riders with ratings that are ’’significantly below average’’ may lose access to the app, part of a rollout of the company’s updated community guidelines, which riders must abide by to continue using the service. 這家叫車公司週二宣布，評分「大幅低於平均值」的乘客，可能會無法存取Uber的app，為該公司的

------------------------------- 強化英語課程資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] ------------------------------- 以下有參考文字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- 號外！本集 Teacher's Lounge 幕後教師室 John老師和阿鍵老師帶來了熱騰騰的VIP訂閱服務介紹，特別是訂閱的附加價值，以及如何透過它來深化學習與參與！ 節目一開始，我們先分享了通勤學英語2.0的改版消息，解釋了升級的目的，希望提供更多的內容和學習資源。接著帶出了訂閱VIP的加值服務。 我們推出的三個訂閱計劃包含：國際時事跟讀VIP、英語咖啡館VIP和學習大補帖（我全都要），每種訂閱VIP都是針對不同需求來強化。另外還有一個特別的優惠，如果總訂閱數達到一千人，我們將向所有訂閱者提供限期收聽的 "社會人核心英語" 有聲書課程（原價1,500買斷）。 最後，從10月23日至10月31日有超值的創始會員優惠價。把握這個千載難逢的機會，讓您能以每月128元的價格享受終身受益的訂閱服務。下週一就下手，不要錯過這個創始會員超級早鳥優惠！

------------------------------- 強化英語課程資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] ------------------------------- 以下有參考文字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep.K662: McDonald’s Increases Royalty Fee for New Franchise Operators in the US and Canada Highlights 摘要：McDonald's Raises Royalty Fee: McDonald's is increasing the royalty fee for new franchise operators in the US and Canada from 4% to 5% to align with international standards.Impact only New Franchisees: The change primarily affects new franchisees, while existing operators are not impacted, marking a strategic shift in the company's approach.Franchise Importance: Franchises are vital to McDonald's, with about 95% of its locations operated by franchisees, making this adjustment significant for the company's long-term growth and competitiveness. McDonald’s is set to implement a significant change in its franchise operation structure in the United States and Canada, marking the first such alteration in nearly three decades. Effective from January 1, the fast-food giant will raise the royalty fee for franchise operators initiating new restaurants in these regions from 4% to 5% of their monthly sales. This fee, termed "royalty," is vital for McDonald's franchise operators, and this development aims to bring the North American market in line with international standards, where the 5% royalty rate is more common. 麥當勞即將對其在美國和加拿大的特許經營結構進行重大調整，這是近三十年來的首次變動。從明年一月一日起，這家快餐巨頭將把開設新餐廳的授權費率從每月銷售額的4%提高到5%。這個被稱為“授權金”的費用對麥當勞的加盟主至關重要，這項變化主要是想將北美市場與國際接軌，國際上5%的授權金更為常見。 However, it's essential to note that this modification will not impact all franchise operators. Those who are already running McDonald’s outlets and extend their leases or decide to sell their franchises to others will continue to pay the existing rate. The new rate will only apply to individuals opening a McDonald’s franchise for the first time or purchasing an existing restaurant under specific circumstances. This move also comes with a change in terminology, as McDonald’s will cease using the terms "service fee" or "service charge" in favor of "royalty" to reduce potential confusion. 然而，值得注意的是，這項改動不會對所有加盟主產生影響。那些已經在經營麥當勞餐廳並且延長了租約或決定將其加盟權出售給其他人的加盟主將繼續支付現有的費率。新的費率僅適用於首次開設麥當勞連鎖餐廳或在特定情況下購買現有餐廳的個人。此舉還伴隨著術語上的變化，麥當勞將不再使用“服務費”等術語，而改用“授權金”，以減少潛在的混淆。 McDonald's highly values its franchise system, with approximately 95% of its restaurants globally being operated by franchisees. Franchise operators pay the royalty fee to access the McDonald's brand and expertise, among other benefits. Additionally, they contribute to expenses such as restaurant renovations, which have, in the past, led to some tensions between franchise operators and the company. In 2018, the National Owners Association was formed, marking the first advocacy group created by McDonald's franchise operators. 麥當勞高度重視其加盟體系，全球約95%的麥當勞餐廳由加盟主經營。加盟者支付權利金以獲取麥當勞品牌和專業技術等好處。此外，他們還承擔了餐廳裝修等費用，這在過去曾導致加盟主與公司之間的關係緊張。2018年，麥當勞加盟主們成立了他們的首個權益團體，即“全國業主協會”。 While McDonald’s anticipates that the initial impact of this change will be limited, affecting only a relatively small number of restaurants in the US and Canada, it expects the rate to apply to more restaurants over time. With over 13,400 McDonald’s locations in the US and more than 40,300 globally. McDonald's CEO, Chris Kempczinski, emphasizes the need to make decisions for the long term to ensure continued success, a strategy that aligns with the company's impressive growth, including a 10.3% increase in sales at US locations during the quarter ending June 30. 儘管麥當勞預計這個變化的初步影響有限，僅影響美國和加拿大的相對少數餐廳，但隨著時間的推移，這個費率將適用於更多的餐廳。美國有超過13,400家麥當勞餐廳，全球則有超過40,300家。麥當勞執行長克里斯強調了需要做出長期決策以確保持續成功的必要，這個策略與公司強力的增長相符，包括截至6月30日結束的季度裡，美國分店的銷售額增長了10.3%。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字：Franchise (Fran-chise): "Effective from January 1, the fast-food giant will raise the royalty fee for franchise operators initiating new restaurants in these regions from 4% to 5% of their monthly sales."Renovations (Re-no-va-tions): "They also contribute to expenses such as restaurant renovations, which have, in the past, led to some tensions between franchise operators and the company."Advocacy (Ad-vo-ca-cy): In 2018, McDonald’s franchise operators formed their first-ever advocacy group, the National Owners Association.Anticipates (An-ti-ci-pates): While McDonald’s anticipates that the initial impact of this change will be limited, affecting only a relatively small number of restaurants in the US and Canada.Impressive (Im-pres-sive): McDonald's CEO, Chris Kempczinski, emphasizes the need to make decisions for the long term to ensure continued success, a strategy that aligns with the company's impressive growth. Referenc

------------------------------- 強化英語課程資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] ------------------------------- 以下有參考文字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep.K661: Nighttime Harvesting in Bordeaux: A Response to Climate Change Highlights 摘要：Adapting to Climate Change: Nighttime harvesting in Bordeaux is a response to climate change, helping maintain grape quality amid rising temperatures.Financial and Environmental Benefits: Beyond quality, nighttime harvesting offers financial benefits by reducing energy costs and environmental benefits by limiting refrigeration needs.Industry-Wide Adoption: This practice, common in hot regions like Australia and California, is gaining acceptance in Bordeaux and may extend to red grapes as climate change accelerates. In France's renowned Bordeaux region, winemakers are adopting an unconventional approach to grape harvesting – doing it at night. This shift in tradition is not only driven by the pursuit of top-quality wines but is also a direct response to the challenges posed by climate change. With temperatures soaring during late heatwaves, harvesting at night has become essential to preserve grape freshness and taste. 在法國著名的波爾多地區，釀酒師們正在採用一種非常規的方式來採收葡萄 - 夜間收成。這種傳統的轉變不僅是為了追求最高品質的葡萄酒，也是對氣候變化挑戰的直接回應。隨著後期熱浪，氣溫升至高點，夜間收成已經變得十分關鍵，以保持葡萄的新鮮度和口感。 As the clock strikes 5 am, a harvester equipped with powerful headlights gently maneuvers along rows of vines, ensuring each grape is picked at its peak. Loic Malherbe, a seasoned harvester, explains that this nocturnal practice is all about maintaining grape quality and preserving equipment and the well-being of those involved. Although it may seem unconventional, it is becoming increasingly common in several winemaking regions with scorching summers and is likely to grow in popularity as climate change continues to impact viticulture. 當清晨五點的鐘聲敲響時，一台配備強大車頭燈的收割機緩緩地沿著一排排葡萄樹穿梭，確保每一顆葡萄都能在其最好的時刻被採摘。經驗豐富的採摘工梅爾貝（Loic Malherbe）解釋說，這種夜間的做法主要是為了保持葡萄的品質，同時也是為了保護設備和相關人員的身體健康。儘管這種做法可能看起來不合常規，但在一些夏季酷熱的釀酒地區已經變得越來越普遍，並且隨著氣候變化的持續影響，這種做法很可能會越來越流行。 Beyond the pursuit of quality, nighttime harvesting also offers a financial advantage to struggling vineyard owners. Kees van Leeuwen, a viniculture professor at Bordeaux Sciences Agro University, highlights the energy-saving benefits of harvesting in cooler temperatures. Refrigeration costs are significantly reduced as grapes can be transported without the need for cooling during the journey to the pressing facilities. 除了追求品質之外，夜間收成還為陷入困境的葡萄園主提供了經濟上的優勢。波爾多農業科學大學（Bordeaux Sciences Agro University）的葡萄栽培學教授李文（Kees van Leeuwen）強調，在較低溫度下進行收成有助於節省能源。由於在送往壓榨工廠的過程中不需要冷藏，葡萄的冷卻成本因此大幅降低。 In Bordeaux, one of France's protected designation regions, nighttime harvesting has primarily been associated with white and rosé wines. Vineyard owner Stephane Heraud, who also leads the cooperative Vignerons de Tutiac, acknowledges the potential challenges posed by nighttime harvesting for red wines, as it may lead to unwanted oxidation. To counter this, dry ice is spread over the grapes, maintaining low temperatures and reducing oxygen levels during transportation to the cooperative. 波爾多是法國的指定保護產區，夜間收成主要與白葡萄酒和粉紅酒相關。葡萄園主埃羅（Stephane Heraud）同時也是Vignerons de Tutiac合作社的負責人，他認為夜間收成會對紅葡萄酒帶來挑戰，因為夜間採收可能導致氧化問題。為了解決這個問題，他會在葡萄上撒上乾冰，以保持低溫並減少在運送至合作社期間的氧氣含量。 Tutiac, known for its pesticide-free rosé, has gained recognition for its quality. Night harvesting plays a pivotal role in producing light-colored and clear rosé wines by limiting the transfer of color from grape skins to the juice. This environmentally conscious approach has attracted attention, even challenging the traditional rosé producers from the Provence region. Tutiac以無農藥的粉紅酒聞名，其品質已經得到認可。夜間收成對生產淺色和透明的粉紅酒發揮了關鍵作用，它限制了葡萄皮的顏色轉移到果汁中。這種環保的做法吸引了關注，甚至對普羅旺斯地區的傳統粉紅酒製造商造成了挑戰。 Nighttime harvesting is not unique to Bordeaux. It has long been practiced in regions like Australia and California, driven by the necessity of coping with extreme heat. As climate change continues to accelerate, this practice is gradually gaining acceptance in Bordeaux, and experts like Van Leeuwen suggest that it may eventually extend to red grape varieties, which constitute the majority of Bordeaux's wine production. 夜間收成不僅存在於波爾多。出於應對極端高溫的需求，它在澳洲和加州等地區早已成為常態。隨著氣候變化的不斷加劇，這種做法在波爾多正逐漸被接受，如同李文等專家建議，夜間採收最終可能會擴展到佔據波爾多葡萄酒產量最多的紅葡萄上。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字：Challenges (Chal-len-ges): This shift in tradition is not only driven by the pursuit of top-quality wines but is also a direct response to the challenges posed by climate change.Viniculture (Vin-i-cul-ture): Kees van Leeuwen, a professor of viniculture at Bordeaux Sciences Agro University.Nocturnal (Noc-tur-nal): This nocturnal p

------------------------------- 強化英語課程資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] ------------------------------- 以下有參考文字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- Summary: 討論文章: https://d3.harvard.edu/platform-digit/submission/coupang-changing-the-face-of-retail-and-distribution/ This week Lydia, Cariya and I discuss why Coupang, the South Korean mobile-commerce website is becoming a threat to other e-commerce platforms in Taiwan. 這週的英語咖啡館也會讓大家試閱之後「英語咖啡館訂閱制VIP」會得到的Podcast逐字稿與學習筆記，我們下週10/23會開始推廣新的訂閱制方案，請大家多多支持！ 本集英語咖啡館VIP學習筆記試閱：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5bxsab

------------------------------- 強化英語課程資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] ------------------------------- 以下有參考文字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep.K660: International Cooperation in Space: US Astronaut and Russian Cosmonauts Dock with ISS Highlights 摘要：International Unity in Space: The successful docking of a US astronaut and Russian cosmonauts at the ISS underscores how space exploration promotes international collaboration, transcending geopolitical tensions on Earth.Cosmic Camaraderie: In space, astronauts and cosmonauts demonstrate a unique bond, taking care of each other regardless of their national backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of cooperation beyond our planet.Space Diplomacy and Expanding Partnerships: While Earth faces political challenges, Russian President Vladimir Putin explores space cooperation with China, showcasing the potential for diplomacy and collaboration beyond our planet's boundaries. In a remarkable display of international cooperation, two Russian cosmonauts and a US astronaut successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, despite heightened tensions between Moscow and Washington due to the Ukraine conflict. The journey commenced when Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub, along with NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara, lifted off from Kazakhstan's Baikonur cosmodrome aboard the Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft. 儘管莫斯科與華盛頓之間的緊張局勢因為烏克蘭衝突而加劇，但兩名俄羅斯太空人和一名美國太空人成功對接國際太空站（ISS）的一刻仍展示了令人驚嘆的國際合作。此次旅程開始於俄羅斯航太（Roscosmos）太空人奧列格·科諾年科（Oleg Kononenko）和尼古拉·喬布（Nikolai Chub）以及美國國家航空暨太空總署（NASA）太空人羅勒·奧哈拉（Loral O'Hara）在哈薩克的拜科努爾太空發射場搭乘聯盟MS-24號太空船升空。 Just three hours later, the crew safely arrived at the ISS, where they joined three Russians, two Americans, a Japanese astronaut, and a representative from the European Space Agency. This collaborative effort stands in stark contrast to the deteriorating US-Russia relations triggered by Moscow's actions in Ukraine last year. 僅僅三個小時後，這組人員成功抵達了國際太空站，與三名俄羅斯人、兩名美國人、一名日本人以及一名歐洲太空總署代表會合。這樣的協力合作與去年莫斯科在烏克蘭的行動引發的美俄關係惡化形成鮮明對比。 During a preflight press conference, Oleg Kononenko emphasized the unique camaraderie experienced in space, stating, "unlike on Earth," cosmonauts and astronauts genuinely look out for each other. He highlighted the strong bonds formed in space, where communication is essential, saying, "We hear each other there, and we understand each other, and we are very sensitive to our relationships. We always take care of each other." 在發射前的記者會上，奧列格·科諾年科強調了太空中體驗到的獨特友情，他表示：「與在地球上不同，太空人間真正的互相照顧。」他強調了在太空中形成的牢固聯繫，在那裡溝通至關重要，他說：「我們在那裡互相傾聽，我們互相理解，我們對彼此的關係非常敏感。我們總是照顧彼此。」 Loral O'Hara also praised the ISS for its role in fostering cooperation among nations, describing it as a legacy that brings countries together. She expressed her excitement about joining the waiting crewmates aboard the station. 羅勒·奧哈拉也讚揚了國際太空站在促進各國合作方面所發揮的作用，稱其為一個將各國團結在一起的遺產。她對於加入在太空站等待他們的團隊感到興奮。 While Kononenko, aged 59, and Chub, aged 39, were scheduled for a year-long stay on the ISS, O'Hara, aged 40, was planned to spend six months in space. This mission marked the first journey into space for both O'Hara and Chub, with Chub revealing that traveling to space had been his lifelong dream. 儘管科諾年科（59歲）和喬布（39歲）計劃在國際太空站上停留一年，奧哈拉（40歲）則計劃在太空中度過六個月。對於奧哈拉和喬布來說，這是他們首次進行太空任務，喬布透露，太空旅行一直是他一輩子的夢想。 The trio succeeded Russian cosmonauts Dmitry Petelin and Sergey Prokopyev, as well as NASA astronaut Frank Rubio, who had spent a year aboard the ISS. Their return, initially scheduled for March, had to be extended due to damage to their vessel, the Soyuz MS-22, caused by a suspected tiny meteoroid, resulting in a coolant leak. They are set to return to Earth on the Soyuz MS-23, according to Roscosmos. 這三人接替了在國際太空站上待了一年的俄羅斯太空人德米特里·佩特林和謝爾蓋·普羅科皮耶夫以及美國太空人弗蘭克·魯比奧。他們的返回計劃原定於三月，但由於他們的太空船聯盟MS-22號船體被一顆疑似小流星毀損，導致冷卻液泄漏，不得不延期。根據俄羅斯航太的說法，他們將搭乘聯盟MS-23返回地球。 Despite the ongoing challenges and tensions on Earth, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been exploring opportunities to strengthen space cooperation with China. This comes as Western nations continue to condemn and impose sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine. Recently, Putin hosted North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome to discuss the possibility of sending a North Korean into space, further demonstrating the international nature of space exploration. 儘管地球上的挑戰和緊張局勢仍在持續，但俄羅斯總統弗拉迪米爾·普丁一直在探索與中國加強太空合作的機會。這是因為西方國家繼續譴責俄羅斯在烏克蘭的行動並對其實施制裁。最近，普丁在俄羅斯東方太空發射場招待了北韓領導金正恩，兩人討論了將一名北韓人送入太空的可能性，進一步展示了太空探索的國際性。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字：Cosmonaut (Cos-mo-naut): The trio succeeded Russian cosmonauts Dmitry Petelin and Sergey Prokopyev, as well as NASA astrona

------------------------------- 強化英語課程資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] ------------------------------- 以下有參考文字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep.K659: China's Youth Embrace the "Great Resignation" Trend Highlights 摘要：Chinese youth are increasingly leaving their corporate jobs in search of more meaningful and fulfilling lives, mirroring the global "Great Resignation" trend.The education system's expansion has led to a significant gap between the skills of Chinese workers and the jobs available to them.China faces potential long-term challenges due to a shrinking workforce caused by declining birth rates and an aging population, which may be exacerbated by the resignation trend. In China's Zhejiang province, a peculiar trend is emerging as young people celebrate quitting their jobs with elaborate resignation parties. Liang, a 27-year-old former banker, recently experienced one such celebration. Friends adorned him with flowers under a banner that boldly declared, "We're done with this bullsh*t job!" These resignation parties feature traditional elements like gongs, drums, lanterns, and "double happiness" signs, reminiscent of wedding ceremonies. Liang's decision to leave a stable, well-paying job may seem perplexing, given China's uncertain economic climate and record-high youth unemployment. However, he's not alone in seeking a happier, more fulfilling life beyond corporate drudgery. 在中國浙江省，一種奇特的趨勢正在興起，年輕人正在以精心籌備的辭職派對來慶祝離職。27歲的梁姓前銀行員最近就經歷了這樣一次慶祝活動。朋友們為他戴上鮮花，並在旗幟下大聲宣告：“我們已經受夠了這份爛工作！”這些辭職派對包括銅鑼、鼓樂、紅燈籠和「囍」字標誌等傳統元素，令人聯想到婚禮儀式。梁決定離開一份穩定而高薪的工作，可能看似令人困惑，尤其是在中國經濟環境不明朗以及年輕人失業率創記錄高峰的情況下。然而，他並不是唯一一個希望擺脫公司苦工，尋找更快樂、更有意義生活的人。 Liang's dissatisfaction with his former job stemmed from the monotony and stifled creativity he encountered in the bank's public relations department. He felt that innovative ideas went unappreciated and eventually disappeared. This sentiment resonates with many young Chinese workers who have embarked on similar journeys. The internet is abuzz with stories of individuals who have experienced a significant boost in happiness after quitting their jobs. 梁對他前工作的不滿源自於他在銀行公共關係部門遇到的單調和創意受限。他感到創新的想法不被重視，最終消失無蹤。這種情感與許多年輕中國勞工的類似經歷相呼應。網路上充斥著許多辭職後幸福感大幅提升的人的故事。 Social media platforms in China are flooded with posts about resignation parties, with most participants in their twenties citing various reasons for leaving, including low wages and burnout. According to Maimai, China's equivalent of LinkedIn, 28% of the surveyed employees across various sectors resigned in 2022, with double that number intending to do so. While a similar "Great Resignation" movement occurred in the United States, the trend appears to be just beginning in China. 中國的社群媒體平台上充斥著關於辭職派對的貼文，大多數參與者都是二十多歲的年輕人，他們列舉了各種離職原因，包括低薪和工作倦怠。根據中國的「脈脈」，相當於中國版的LinkedIn，2022年在不同行業受訪的員工中，有28%在該年辭職，計劃辭職但尚未辭職者則是兩倍的人數。這種「大規模辭職」運動從美國發生，而這個趨勢在中國似乎才剛要開始。 The root cause of this disillusionment among young Chinese workers can be traced back to their childhoods, characterized by intense academic competition and the relentless pursuit of corporate success. The one-child policy and high parental expectations have placed immense pressure on this generation. They believed that their sacrifices would lead to financial success, only to face the harsh reality of stagnating salaries and high unemployment rates. 年輕中國勞工這種幻滅感的根本原因可以追溯到他們的童年，這段時間充滿了激烈的學術競爭和對企業成功的不懈追求。一胎化政策和高度的家長期望給這一代人帶來了巨大的壓力。他們曾相信，付出的犧牲將帶來財務成功，但最終卻面臨了薪資停滯和高失業率的殘酷現實。 Furthermore, there is a significant mismatch between the education levels of many Chinese workers and the jobs available to them. The education system in China has expanded rapidly, leading to a surplus of highly educated individuals in jobs that don't require advanced skills. This discrepancy has contributed to low job satisfaction among workers. 此外，許多中國勞工的教育水平與他們所從事的工作之間嚴重不符。中國的教育體系發展迅速，導致了過多受過高度教育的人在不需要高級技能的工作中工作。這種差異導致勞工較低的工作滿意度。 As China grapples with these challenges, it faces a long-term issue – a shrinking workforce due to declining birth rates. This demographic shift poses economic problems, as a smaller working-age population will need to support a growing elderly population. The "Great Resignation" trend could potentially impact fertility rates, further exacerbating the country's demographic issues. 在應對這些挑戰的同時，中國面臨著一個長期問題—由於出生率下降，勞動市場的人數不斷減少。這種人口結構的變化帶來了經濟問題，因為較少的勞動年齡層需要支持不斷增長的老年人口。「大規模辭職」趨勢可能會對生育率產生潛在影響，進一步加劇中國的人口問題。 The rise of resignation parties and the "Great Resignation" trend among China's youth is a reflection of their desire for more meaningful and fulfilling lives. It highlights the challenges posed by a competitive education system, job market mismatch, and demog

------------------------------- 強化英語課程資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] ------------------------------- 以下有參考文字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- Topic: About Canada - Quebec unlocks world’s only maple syrup strategic reserve Quebec Maple Syrup Producers（QMSP）is releasing more than half of the world’s only strategic reserve of 45 million kg of maple syrup to keep up with soaring demand - avoiding a sticky situation for pancake lovers. 魁北克楓糖漿商會（QMSP）正釋出全球僅有的4500萬公斤楓糖漿戰略儲備的逾半儲量，以滿足高漲的需求，避免鬆餅迷無楓糖可吃。 Sales of maple syrup have climbed since the pandemic spread in 2019 and led to more people eating at home. Adding to the syrup squeeze, Quebec’s harvest in 2020 was the smallest in three years due to unusually warm weather. 自2019年疫情蔓延、導致人們更常在家吃飯以來，楓糖漿銷量一飛衝天。由於不尋常的溫暖氣候影響，魁北克省2020年的收成量創下3年新低，也使楓糖漿更加缺貨。 The Global Strategic Maple Syrup Reserve spans 24,805 square meters, the equivalent of five football fields, securing syrup in sterilized 170-liter barrels. 「全球策略性楓糖漿保留計畫」的儲備廠佔地2萬4805平方公尺，相當於5座足球場，楓糖漿則密封在170公升的滅菌桶中。 QMSP is also approving 7 million new taps during the next three years, a 14% increase, to bolster production. QMSP也同意在3年內增採700萬棵楓樹，約增加14％，以提升楓糖漿生產量。 Next Article Topic: To keep coronavirus out, Canada’s smallest province kept the rest of the country away 為了不讓新冠病毒進入 加拿大最小省分與全國其他地方保持距離 In the winter months, when icy conditions keep most people from traveling by sea, there are only two ways to enter Prince Edward Island: by plane or an eight-mile bridge. 在（因海面）冰凍以致大多數人無法搭船（上島）的冬季月份，只有兩種方式可以進入愛德華王子島：搭機或（開車走）8英里長的橋。 When the novel coronavirus started spreading around the world early this year, Canada’s smallest province, off the country’s eastern coast north of Nova Scotia, found itself at a geographical advantage. The island’s remoteness, paired with an aggressive isolation campaign that restricted nonessential travel and enforced two-week quarantines for those arriving in the province, paid dividends. 當今年稍早新冠病毒開始蔓延全球之際，這個位於加拿大東岸外海、新斯科舍省以北的加國最小省分，發現自己享有地理上的優勢。該島的偏僻性，再加上限制非必要旅遊以及蒞臨該省者強制檢疫2週的激進隔離活動，獲致良好效果。 By late April, as death counts were ticking upward in other parts of Canada and soaring in the United States, the province had confirmed just 27 cases of the virus — all of them linked to off-island travel. None of those patients was hospitalized, and no one died. 到了4月底，當加拿大其他地區的死亡人數向上攀升，美國的死亡人數也一飛沖天之際，該省只有27起新冠病毒確診病例─所有病例都與島外差旅有關。這些患者中無人住院，也無人死亡。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1506234 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1388474 Next Article Topic: Fly south or roost? Canadian ’snowbirds’ weigh Florida mid-pandemic Birds of a feather normally flock together, but the pandemic has divided Canada’s "snowbird" warm weather migrants into two camps：those staying home this winter and those heading to Florida no matter the cost. 通常來說，物以類聚，但是這場疫情已經使加拿大每年遷徙到氣候溫暖區的「雪鳥族」分成兩陣營：待在家鄉過冬，以及不計代價前往佛州者。 Nearly a million Canadians make the annual pilgrimage, fleeing to the southern United States to pass what would otherwise be gray and snowy months with their toes tucked in the sand and ocean breeze in their hair. 每年有將近100萬名加拿大人飛奔到美國南方，享受漫步沙灘、和煦海風吹過髮梢，度過在家鄉會是滿是灰白雪世界的幾個月。 The coronavirus has led a majority to forgo the trip this year － but for those flouting Canada’s repeated calls to stay put, the price tag on winter at the beach has skyrocketed. 新型冠狀病毒導致今年大多數人放棄這趟旅程，但是對那些不顧加拿大一再呼籲不要旅行的人來說，到南方沙灘過冬的代價飛漲。 Each plane ticket costs Can$500 and hauling the vehicle 55 miles across the border sets customers back $1,000. 每張機票要500加幣，把車子運送55英里越過邊境，則要花上1000加幣。 Next Article Canadian officials warn drivers not to let moose lick their cars 加拿大官員警告駕駛 不要讓駝鹿舔他們的車 Officials in Jasper, an alpine town in Canada’s Alberta province, have put up signs asking motorists to avoid allowing moose to lick the salt off their cars. 加拿大亞伯達省高山小鎮賈斯柏的官員們，已經張貼標語要求駕駛人不得允許駝鹿舔他們車外的鹽。 "They’re obsessed with salt, it’s one of the things they need for the minerals in their body," Jasper National Park spokesman Steve Young told CNN. "They usually get it from salt lakes in the park, but now they realized they can also get road salt that splashes onto cars." 「他們癡迷於鹽，鹽是其中一種牠們身體必需的礦物質」，賈斯柏國家公園發言人史蒂夫．楊告訴美國有線電視新聞網，「他們通常會從公園的湖鹽獲取它（礦物質），但現在他們知道，他們也能從濺在車上的路鹽得到」。 At the Jasper National Park, where people often park on the side of the road in hopes of catching a glimpse of the moose, letting the animals near your car is actually a serious danger. 賈斯柏國家公園內時常有人停車在路邊，希望能得到駝鹿的注意，但讓動物接近你的車，其實是非常危險的。 By allowing moose to lick the salt off your car, they will become habituated with being around cars. That poses a risk to both the animals and the drivers who can accidentally crash into t

------------------------------- 強化英語課程資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] ------------------------------- 以下有參考文字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- 你的學習倦怠了嗎？有時候我們會被學習的挫敗感壓垮，這時不妨回歸原點，想想我們還是幼兒時都怎麼邊學習邊玩的！ 上週的Teacher's Lounge我們聊了沒時間該怎麼學，這集John老師和Patrick老師，則要分享許多透過遊戲來學習的有趣方法，教大家如何透過遊戲來輕鬆提高英語水平。 首先我們提到了一個經典的"Hangman"吊死鬼的遊戲。大多數學英語的人都玩過這個單字猜謎活動，不僅可以擴展單字量，還可以提高注意力和記憶力。除此之外，我們還介紹了"Pictionary"你畫我猜，通過畫圖和猜測來學習成語和單詞，也是John老師常玩的遊戲之一。綜藝節目裡的瞎拼ABC能逼參賽的人擠出全部會用的字，也是個能讓學習變得更加有趣的遊戲！ 透過遊戲的方式學習英語，能吸引注意力和提高學習的效率。在學習碰到瓶頸時建議你嘗試看看，例如與朋友一起參加遊戲，或者在聚會中安排有趣的英語遊戲環節，都能提高學習的樂趣和效果，還可以增強口語表達能力！ 如果你在學習英文的時候碰到了任何的困難，歡迎讓我們知道，John老師和通勤老師群會在幕後教師室幫你解答，陪你一起學得更有效，Teacher's Lounge, see you next week!

------------------------------- 強化英語課程資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] ------------------------------- 以下有參考文字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep.K658: Saudi Arabia's Ambitious Soccer Revolution Saudi Arabia is making headlines in the world of soccer with its ambitious efforts to reshape the global soccer landscape. The country's actions have raised eyebrows and sparked debate about its motivations. While many criticize it as "sportswashing," Saudi Arabia's significant investments in soccer have far-reaching implications that go beyond the sport itself. 沙烏地阿拉伯正以其雄心勃勃的努力在全球足球領域掀起話題，試圖重新塑造全球足球版圖。該國的行動引起關注，並引發了有關其動機的辯論。雖然許多人批評它是“運動洗白”，但沙烏地阿拉伯對足球的重大投資具有超越體育本身的深遠影響。 One of the most eye-catching moves was when Al-Hilal, a Saudi Arabian club, reportedly attempted a $1.1 billion bid to sign French soccer sensation Kylian Mbappé. Despite Mbappé rejecting the offer, other high-profile transfers, such as Neymar Jr. joining Al-Hilal, have demonstrated Saudi Arabia's determination to transform its domestic soccer league into a star-studded competition. In a record-breaking transfer window, Saudi Pro League (SPL) clubs spent nearly $1 billion to acquire 94 overseas players from top European leagues, signaling their seriousness. 最引人注目的行動是沙烏地新月足球俱樂部（Al-Hilal）據報試圖以高達11億美元的價格簽下法國足球巨星基利安·姆巴佩（Kylian Mbappé）。儘管姆巴佩拒絕了這一報價，但其他高知名度的轉會，例如內馬爾（Neymar Jr.）的加盟，表明了沙烏地阿拉伯改造其國內足球聯賽成為星光熠熠競爭的決心。在一個創紀錄的轉會窗口中，沙烏地職業足球聯賽（SPL）俱樂部花費近10億美元，從歐洲頂級聯賽獲得了94名海外球員，顯明了他們的認真程度。 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has openly acknowledged the term "sportswashing" but remains undeterred, emphasizing the economic benefits of sports investment. Saudi clubs, including those owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), have attracted some of the biggest names in soccer. This strategy is aimed at enhancing competitiveness and developing local talent while bolstering the country's global standing in the sport. 沙烏地阿拉伯王儲穆罕默德·本·薩爾曼公開承認了“運動洗白”這一術語，但他並未感到氣餒，強調體育投資的經濟利益。包括沙烏地阿拉伯公共投資基金（PIF）所擁有的在內，俱樂部吸引了一些足球界的知名人物。這個策略目標在增強競爭力，培養本地人才，同時提升國家在這項運動中的全球地位。 Saudi Arabia's soccer revolution serves multiple purposes. It appeals to the country's young population, offering them a thriving soccer industry and diverting potential social unrest. Additionally, the nation's aspirations to host major sporting events like the FIFA Club World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup showcase its commitment to becoming a sporting hub. However, these efforts also raise concerns about transparency, human rights, and the potential influence of Saudi wealth in the global sports landscape. 沙烏地阿拉伯的足球革命具有多重目標。它吸引了國內年輕人口，為他們提供了一個蓬勃發展的足球產業，分散了潛在的社會動盪。此外，該國希望主辦像FIFA世界杯和亞足聯亞洲盃等重大體育賽事，展示了其成為體育中心的承諾。然而，這些努力也引起了有關透明度、人權以及沙烏地阿拉伯財富在全球體育領域潛在影響的擔憂。 Saudi Arabia's foray into soccer is a complex story, blending economic aspirations with political considerations. While it seeks to elevate its soccer prowess, the world watches closely, both excited by the potential and wary of the implications for the future of the sport. 沙烏地阿拉伯對足球的投入是一個複雜的故事，將經濟抱負與政治考量融合在一起。儘管它試圖提升其足球實力，但全球也都在密切關注，既對其潛力感到興奮，又對這項運動的未來充滿警惕。 Reference article: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/20/sport/saudi-arabia-soccer-spl-bin-salman-intl-spt-cmd-dg/index.html

------------------------------- 強化英語課程資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] ------------------------------- 以下有參考文字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep.K657:Singapore Police Seize $1.75 Billion in Luxury Items in Money Laundering Crackdown Singapore authorities have revealed that they have made significant advancements in uncovering a massive money laundering operation, resulting in the seizure of luxury items, gold bars, and other assets valued at a staggering $1.75 billion. This revelation marks a major development in an ongoing crackdown on organized criminal activities, including scams and online gambling. The police initiated further operations against a group of foreign nationals suspected of being involved in laundering the proceeds of these illicit activities, significantly impacting Singapore's reputation as a global financial hub renowned for its low crime rates and clean image. 新加坡當局透露，他們在揭露一起大規模洗錢行動中取得了重大進展，結果查獲了價值驚人的17.5億美元的奢侈品、金條和其他資產。這項發現彰顯了對有組織的犯罪活動，包括詐騙和線上博弈的持續打擊取得了重大發展。警方對一群涉嫌參與將這些非法活動收益洗白的外國人展開了進一步的行動，這對新加坡以其低犯罪率和清廉形象聞名的全球金融中心形象造成了重大衝擊。 Last month, the police conducted a series of raids across the city-state, resulting in the seizure or freezing of properties, vehicles, luxury goods, and gold bars worth $731 million. Nine individuals, comprising men and a woman from Cyprus, Turkey, China, Cambodia, and Vanuatu, have already been charged in court in connection with this complex case. The latest operations have expanded the total estimated value of seized or frozen assets to an astonishing $1.75 billion. This includes the discovery of bank accounts with an estimated value exceeding $824 million and a substantial cash sum of over $55 million. 上個月，警方在這個城市國家進行了一系列突襲，導致價值7.31億美元的財產、車輛、奢侈品和金條被查封或凍結。與這個複雜案件有關的已經有來自賽普勒斯、土耳其、中國、柬埔寨和萬那杜共和國的八名男子和一名女子被提起訴訟。最新的行動已經擴大了被查封或凍結資產的總估值，達到了驚人的17.5億美元。這包括發現估值超過8.24億美元的銀行帳戶和超過5500萬美元的大筆現金。 In addition to these monetary assets, authorities have also confiscated 68 gold bars, 294 luxury bags, 164 high-end watches, 546 pieces of jewelry, 204 electronic devices, and cryptocurrencies valued at more than $28 million. Furthermore, prohibition of disposal orders has been issued against more than 110 properties and 62 vehicles with a combined estimated value exceeding $906 million, along with bottles of liquor, wine, and various ornaments. The investigations into this extensive money laundering scheme are still ongoing, reflecting the complexity of the case. 除了這些貨幣資產外，當局還沒收了68塊金條、294個奢侈包、164只高檔手錶、546件珠寶、204個電子設備和價值超過2800萬美元的加密貨幣。此外，已對超過110處房產和62輛車輛發出了不得處置的命令，總估值超過9.06億美元，還有各種酒類、葡萄酒和各種擺設飾品。針對這起大規模洗錢計劃的調查仍在進行中，反映了案件的複雜性。 The Monetary Authority of Singapore had previously indicated that the arrests were the result of financial institutions reporting suspicious transactions, including dubious fund flows, inadequate documentation regarding the source of wealth or funds, and inconsistencies in the information provided. This incident has brought to light the vulnerability of Singapore, as a global financial hub, to transnational money laundering and terrorism financing risks. In response, the Monetary Authority of Singapore has pledged to collaborate with financial institutions to bolster defenses against such risks, warning of strict action against institutions that fail to meet compliance requirements or have insufficient controls in place to counter these threats. This ongoing investigation underscores the importance of robust financial safeguards in preserving Singapore's reputation as a secure and transparent financial center. 新加坡金融管理局先前曾表示，逮捕行動是金融機構報告可疑交易的結果，包括可疑的資金流動、有關財富或資金來源的不充分文件以及提供的信息存在不一致或迴避行為。此事件暴露了新加坡作為全球金融中心在跨國洗錢和恐怖主義融資風險前的脆弱性。對此，新加坡金融管理局承諾將與金融機構合作，加強對於這些風險的防範，並警告將對違反合規要求或控制不足以對抗這些威脅的金融機構採取嚴厲行動。這項持續進行中的調查凸顯了強大的金融保障措施對於保護新加坡作為一個安全透明的金融中心聲譽的重要性。 Reference article: https://apnews.com/article/singapore-money-laundering-asset-seizure-7640db7f784c05ac9024ef877aba1045

------------------------------- 強化英語課程資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 歡迎針對這一集留言你的想法： 留言連結 官方網站：www.15mins.today 加入Clubhouse直播室：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 訂閱YouTube頻道：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] ------------------------------- 以下有參考文字稿～ 各播放器有不同字數限制，完整文稿可到官網搜尋 ------------------------------- Summary: 討論文章: https://www.springtomorrow.com/what-to-buy-from-taiwan-beauty/ In the past few decades, Taiwan has made a name in its beauty product category. Many tourists around the world would shop affodable and high-quality facial masks as souvenir. In this episode Angel and I will talk about where and what beauty products to shop in Taiwan. 歡迎來分享給我跟Angel老師 Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. Lip balm n. 護唇膏 Lip balm for men is often used in winter time when your lips can dry and crack. 男性用護唇膏通常都是冬天會讓嘴唇乾燥裂開的時候。 2. Rotate v. 輪轉/輪替 I like to mix-and-match and rotate my what I wear over a week. 每週我都會輪替我混搭的衣服。 3. Attire n. 穿著/服裝 Nowadays, the office workplace does not require you to wear formal attire most of the time. 在現在的時代，辦公室不會要求你多數時間穿正式服裝。 更多Vocab Podcast節目: https://www.15mins.today/vocab 歡迎主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected]