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通勤學英語 15Mins Today

通勤學英語 15Mins Today

1,341 episodes — Page 17 of 27

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K628: 微軟野心勃勃的收購計劃在英國面臨監管阻礙

------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K628: Microsoft's Ambitious Acquisition Faces Regulatory Hurdles in the UK Microsoft's prolonged attempt to acquire the maker of Call of Duty, Activision Blizzard, is approaching a crucial point, as the UK's competition regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), concludes its public consultation on the matter. The CMA will review feedback from the public, submitted over the past week, along with Microsoft's revised proposal to determine whether they will reverse their decision to block the technology giant's takeover bid. The proposed merger has encountered challenges worldwide, with regulators expressing concerns about potential monopolistic power in the gaming market and its impact on consumer choice. 微軟在收購《決勝時刻》系列遊戲開發商動視暴雪的長期努力即將迎來關鍵時刻,因為英國的競爭與市場管理局(CMA)結束了對此事的公開諮詢。CMA 將審查過去一周內公眾提交的意見,以及微軟的修訂提案,以決定是否會撤銷他們阻止這家科技巨頭收購的決定。這項合併計畫的提案在全球各地都有遇到挑戰,監管機構對於在遊戲市場潛在的壟斷力量以及對消費者選擇的影響表示關切。 To address these concerns, Microsoft has entered into 10-year agreements with Sony and Nintendo, ensuring that Call of Duty will be available on PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. Additionally, Microsoft committed to making all Activision Blizzard games accessible on other cloud gaming platforms for the next decade. However, the CMA remains wary of the potential threat the merger poses to the fast-growing cloud gaming market, where games are streamed rather than downloaded. 為了應對這些擔憂,微軟與索尼和任天堂簽訂了為期 10 年的協議,確保《決勝時刻》將在 PlayStation 和任天堂的遊戲主機上玩得到。此外,微軟還承諾在未來十年內讓所有動視暴雪的遊戲在其他雲端遊戲平台上可用。然而,CMA 仍對這項合併計劃可能對快速增長的雲端遊戲市場造成威脅保持警惕,雲端遊玩是一種無需下載,直接以串流來播放遊戲的方式。 George Osborn, director of policy communications at Taso Advisory, suggests that the UK regulator is aiming to establish a robust regulatory environment for the technology sector, intending to position the UK as a tech superpower. He observes that the regulator's decision to block the merger aligns with the stance taken by both the US and the EU, pushing Microsoft back to the negotiating table. Despite gaining approval in the EU and China, the approval in the UK remains a significant milestone for Microsoft to complete the acquisition. Taso 諮詢公司的公關策略傳播總監喬治·奧斯本認為,英國監管機構的目標是為科技行業建立強大的監管環境,以使英國成為科技超級大國。他觀察到監管機構阻止此次合併計劃與美國和歐盟採取的立場一致,迫使微軟重新回到談判桌。儘管在歐盟和中國獲得了批准,但在英國獲得批准仍然是微軟收購有待完成的一個重要里程碑。 The UK's gaming industry, generating nearly half of all entertainment sector revenue according to 2022 figures by the Entertainment Retailers Association, is a critical factor fueling Microsoft's interest in the deal. Notably, the lucrative mobile game Candy Crush is one of the key attractions for Microsoft in this acquisition. While the CMA has reiterated its stance on blocking the deal over concerns in the cloud gaming market, it also states that it will independently evaluate any restructuring efforts by Microsoft to address these concerns or claims regarding substantial changes in circumstances before reaching a final decision. The regulator is expected to deliver its verdict by 29 August. 根據 2022 年由娛樂零售商協會發布的數據,英國的遊戲產業收入幾乎佔據了娛樂行業總收入的一半,這是引發微軟對這項交易產生興趣的一個關鍵因素。值得注意的是,在這次收購中,對微軟具有吸引力的一個主要因素是盈利豐厚的手遊《Candy Crush》。儘管 CMA 重申其阻止合併計劃的立場是基於對雲端遊戲市場的擔憂,但監管機構同時表示,在做出最終判決前,仍會獨立評估微軟為解決這些擔憂或對相關情況做出重大實質變更聲明的任何重組行動。監管機構預定將在 8 月 29 日前做出裁決。 Reference article: https://news.sky.com/story/microsofts-determined-to-buy-the-maker-of-call-of-duty-but-will-the-uk-allow-it-12933327

Aug 21, 20234 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K627: 台灣「年輕的心,有我傾聽」計畫關注青少年心理健康

------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K626: Taiwan's 'Listening to Young Hearts' Initiative: Addressing Youth Mental Health Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare has taken a significant stride towards addressing the pressing issue of youth mental health with the launch of the "Listening to Young Hearts" initiative, also known as the "Youth Mental Health Support Program." Developed in collaboration with major public, educational, and professional associations, including the Taiwan Society of Psychiatry and the National Association of Clinical Psychologists, the program aims to proactively tackle the growing concerns surrounding mental health among young people in the country. At the forefront of this crucial endeavor stands the spokesperson, renowned psychiatrist Dr. Deng Huiwen, whose expertise and advocacy amplify the program's mission. 台灣衛生福利部推出「年輕的心,有我傾聽」計畫,又稱為「年輕族群心理健康支持方案」,這個重要的計畫期望能積極應對青少年心理健康的緊迫問題。該計畫是與台灣精神醫學會、全國臨床心理師公會等多個主要公共、教育和專業協會共同合作推動的,目標積極應對國內青少年心理健康方面不斷增加的擔憂。計畫的代言人是知名精神科醫師鄧惠文,其專業知識和倡議進一步強化了該計畫的使命。 A mounting concern is the increasing prevalence of depression among young individuals, accompanied by the disconcerting trend of low rates of seeking medical help. Shockingly, more than 50% of young individuals experiencing depression choose not to seek assistance. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has brought attention to the barriers that deter young people from seeking help, such as financial constraints and lack of awareness regarding available support. According to National Health Insurance data spanning from 2016 to 2021, there has been a striking 47% rise in young people diagnosed with mental health conditions. Notably, a staggering 70% of calls made to the support helpline were related to depression tendencies, family issues, and interpersonal conflicts. 一個日益嚴重的問題是,青少年憂鬱症的發病率持續上升,同時就醫率卻不容樂觀。而令人震驚的,超過50%的青少年患有憂鬱症卻選擇不求助。一項發表在《美國醫學會期刊》的研究引起了人們對阻礙青少年求助的障礙的關注,例如經濟壓力和缺乏對可用支持的了解。根據從2016年至2021年的全民健康保險數據顯示,青少年診斷出心理健康問題的人數驚人增加了47%。值得注意的是,有70%的安心專線來電與憂鬱傾向、家庭問題和人際衝突有關。 In recent years, research has shown a disconcerting 20% increase in depression rates among young individuals over the past decade. The importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment cannot be overstated, as it plays a critical role in preventing the development of severe mental illnesses. Yet, alarmingly, nearly 40% of young individuals with symptoms of depression do not seek professional help. This highlights the pressing need to address the critical concerns of "early-onset depression" and "low treatment-seeking rates" among the youth population in Taiwan. 近年來的研究顯示,青少年憂鬱症發病率在過去十年中令人擔憂地增加了20%。早期診斷和及時治療的重要性不言而喻,這對於預防嚴重的精神疾病發展至關重要。然而,令人警覺的是,近40%的患有憂鬱症症狀的青少年不尋求專業幫助。這突顯了解決「早發性憂鬱症」和「低就醫率」等重要問題對台灣年輕族群心理健康的迫切需求。 To mitigate these challenges, the "Listening to Young Hearts" initiative commences on August 1, offering young individuals aged 15 to 30 three free counseling sessions to encourage proactive help-seeking behavior. One of the key objectives of the program is to raise awareness about available counseling services and improve accessibility to mental health resources. Additionally, the initiative aims to enhance the referral process for high-risk cases, ensuring those in dire need of support are efficiently connected to appropriate services. 為了應對這些挑戰,「年輕的心,有我傾聽」計畫將於8月1日開始,為15至30歲的年輕人提供三次免費心理諮商,鼓勵他們主動尋求幫助。該計畫的一個主要目標是提高大眾對心理諮商服務的認知,並改善心理健康資源的可及性。此外,計畫還期望加強高風險案例的轉介程序,確保急需幫助的人能夠迅速連接到適當的服務。 The Ministry of Health and Welfare envisions the "Listening to Young Hearts" initiative as a beacon of hope, empowering young people to seek help and promoting a comprehensive mental health support network. Collaboration with the Ministry of Education is part of the holistic approach to establish a "Campus Suicide Case Care and Referral Process." Furthermore, the introduction of the "Australian Mental Health First Aid Kit" aims to create a supportive environment that fosters better mental health understanding and empathy. 衛生福利部希望「年輕的心,有我傾聽」計畫成為一線希望,鼓勵年輕人尋求幫助,並促進全面的心理健康支持網絡的建立。與教育部的合作是推動全面健康支持的一部分,並建立「校園自殺個案關懷轉介流程」。此外,引進「澳洲心理急救包」旨在創建一個支持性的環境,培養更好的心理健康理解和同理心。 By taking these decisive steps, Taiwan strives to cultivate an environment that encourages young individuals to prioritize their mental well-being and embrace the available resources. The "Listening to Young Hearts" initiative serves as a stepping stone towards building a society that acknowledges the significance of mental health and provides unwavering support to its younger generation. 透過這些

Aug 20, 20235 min

回顧星期天LBS - 日本相關時事趣聞 2022 All about Japan

------------------------------- 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: JR East to raise fares by 10 yen to improve disabled accessibility East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) will become the first railway operator to hike passenger fares and use the funds to improve accessibility for the disabled. 東日本旅客鐵道公司(JR東日本)將成為第一家調漲客運票價,並將這筆資金用來改善供殘障人士使用的無障礙設施的鐵道業者。 The plan is to tack on 10 yen (8 cents) to a ticket for JR East’s 16 major lines, including the Yamanote, Chuo and Keihin-Tohoku lines. The increase will go into effect from spring 2023. 該計畫是要將包括山手線、中央線與京濱東北線等16條JR東日本主要路線的票價調漲10日圓(8美分)。新的票價將自2023年春天起生效。 The transport ministry in December 2021 created a new system of adding fares to a ticket to pay for the installation of platform safety doors and elevators at train stations. (日本)國土交通省在2021年12月創設一項新制度,將調漲的票價金額用來支付在車站設置月台安全門與電梯的費用。 Ministry officials said JR East is the first railway company to announce a specific plan. 國土交通省官員說,JR東日本是第一個(因應該制度)宣布明確計畫的鐵道業者。 Next Article Topic: Tasty TV: Japanese professor creates flavorful screen 美味的電視:日本教授發明有滋味的螢幕 Japan’s Meiji University professor Homei Miyashita has developed a prototype lickable TV screen that can imitate food flavors, another step towards creating a multi-sensory viewing experience. 日本明治大學教授宮下芳明發明出一款可舔式原型電視螢幕,具有模仿食物味道的功能,朝創造多感官收視體驗邁進另一步。 The device, called Taste the TV (TTTV), uses a carousel of 10 flavor canisters that spray in combination to create the taste of a particular food. The flavor sample then rolls on hygienic film over a flat TV screen for the viewer to try. 這個名為「品嚐電視」的裝置內部設置裝有10種口味的罐子,可噴出調製成特定食物的味道,再輸送到平面電視螢幕的衛生薄膜上,讓觀看者品嚐。 In the COVID-19 era, this kind of technology can enhance the way people connect and interact with the outside world, said Miyashita. 宮下說,在新冠肺炎流行時期,這樣的科技可改善人們與外界連結和互動的方式。 "The goal is to make it possible for people to have the experience of something like eating at a restaurant on the other side of the world, even while staying at home," he said. A commercial version would cost about 100,000 yen to make. 他說:「目標是讓人們即使待在家,也能擁有類似於在世界另一端上餐廳吃飯的體驗。」商業機製作成本約為10萬日圓(約2萬4300台幣)。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1510384 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1510139 Next Article Topic: Shinzo Abe - Japan’s longest-serving prime minister Shinzo Abe smashed records as Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, championing ambitious economic reform and forging key diplomatic relationships while weathering scandals. 安倍晉三打破了日本首相任期的最長紀錄,他支持雄心勃勃的經濟改革,並在經歷醜聞的同時建立了關鍵的外交關係。 Nearly two years after poor health forced him to leave office, the 67-year-old was shot during a campaign event in the western region of Nara on Friday last week. 在他因健康狀況不佳而被迫下台後兩年,六十七歲的他上週五在奈良西部地區一場競選活動中被槍殺。 Abe was a sprightly 52 when he first became prime minister in 2006, the youngest person to occupy the job in the postwar era. 安倍在二○○六年首次擔任首相時年僅五十二歲,是戰後日本最年輕的首相。 He was seen as a symbol of change and youth, but also brought the pedigree of a third-generation politician groomed from birth by an elite, conservative family. Abe’s first term was turbulent, plagued by scandals and discord, and capped by an abrupt resignation. 他被視為變革與年輕的象徵,但他也是出身精英保守家庭的政治家族第三代。 安倍的第一個任期動盪不安,飽受醜聞與不和的紛擾,並以突然辭職告終。 - They called it ‘Abenomics’ - He ran again, and Japan’s revolving prime ministerial door brought him back to office in 2012. It ended a turbulent period in which prime ministers sometimes changed at a rate of one a year. With Japan still staggering from the effects of the 2011 tsunami and subsequent nuclear disaster at Fukushima — and a brief opposition government lashed for flip-flopping and incompetence — Abe offered a seemingly safe pair of hands. 他再次參選,日本的首相旋轉門讓他在二○一二年再度擔任首相。 這終結了日本首相更替頻繁(有時只做了一年便下台)的動盪時期。 當時日本仍因二○一一年海嘯及之後福島核災的影響而步履蹣跚,以及短暫執政、被批評為政策出爾反爾及無能的反對黨政府——在此情況下,安倍看來是穩健的選擇。 And he had a plan: Abenomics. The scheme to revive Japan’s economy — the world’s third-biggest, but more than two decades into stagnation — involved vast government spending, massive monetary easing and cutting red tape. Abe also sought to boost the country’s flagging birth rate by making workplaces more friendly to parents, particularly mothers. 而且他有個計畫:「安倍經濟學」。 重振日本——這世界第三大經濟體,但已陷入停滯二十多年——經濟的計畫,有賴大量政府支出、大規模貨幣寬鬆,以及削減繁文縟節。 He pushed through controversial consumption tax hikes to help finance nurseries and plug gaps in Japan’s overstretched social security system. While there was some progress with reform, the economy’s bigger structural problems remained. Deflation proved stubborn and the economy was in recession even before

Aug 19, 20239 min

幕後教師室Teacher's Lounge Ep.2: 宅錄發燒友的動力 From zero to hero

------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎回到 Teacher's Lounge Episode 2!! 本集是由 John 老師和阿鍵帶來的心得分享,不知道Teacher's Lounge是甚麼的朋友趕快回去聽上周的第一集! 這集的內容包含了我們對錄音和 Podcast 的熱情和經驗談,我們毫不保留地分享從小白初學者到入門創作者的心路歷程,並對於幾項關鍵的成功因素進行了探討。 節目中,John老師和阿鍵強調了選擇合適的設備:例如錄音器材和環境的重要性。我們討論了動態麥克風與電容麥克風的優勢差異,並介紹業界常見的強大工具—RodeCaster Pro 2,讓大家得以一窺錄音製作背後的苦心。另外節目裡也聊到了心理學和學習領域的達克效應,這種現象某種程度上催促了我們自己持續學習和不斷進步。 最後,John老師和阿鍵也想鼓勵大家,不妨試著把自己的愛好錄下來放到 YouTube 或 Podcast 上。或許可以點燃你的靈魂,讓你找到自我實現的熱情和夢想的勇氣喔!一起來聽這集,讓John老師和阿鍵帶你探索Podcast的奇妙世界!

Aug 18, 202340 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K626: 革命性的「室溫超導體」LK-99引發全球爭議

------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K627: Revolutionary 'Room-Temperature Superconductor' LK-99 Sparks Global Debate Scientists from Korea University recently made headlines with their claim of discovering a groundbreaking "room-temperature superconductor" called LK-99, which has garnered widespread attention in the field of solid-state physics. If verified, this discovery could have transformative implications for various industries, including electronics, energy, and medical imaging. However, the scientific community remains cautious, awaiting replication and peer validation to confirm the legitimacy of the claims. 來自韓國大學的科學家最近因宣稱發現一種名為LK-99的突破性「室溫超導體」而成為新聞頭條,該發現在固態物理領域引起廣泛關注。一旦證實為真,此一發現將對電子、能源和醫學影像等多個產業產生革命性的影響。然而,科學界對此仍抱持謹慎的態度,等待複製實驗和同行驗證以確認其合法性。 Superconductors, materials that enable electricity to flow without resistance, have been pursued in physics for over a century. Initially, superconductivity was observed in materials only at extremely low temperatures near absolute zero, making practical applications challenging. Subsequent research identified a few "high-temperature" superconductors, but they still required significant cooling. The novelty of the Korean researchers' claim lies in LK-99's ability to maintain superconductivity at temperatures up to around 127°C, which could revolutionize various technological fields. 超導體是一種能使電流在其內部流動而不受任何阻力影響的材料,在物理學領域被追求已有一個多世紀。最初,人們只在接近絕對零度的極低溫下觀察到超導現象,使實際應用變得困難。隨後的研究發現了一些所謂的「高溫」超導體,但仍需進行大量冷卻。韓國研究者宣稱的突破性在於LK-99能在高達約127°C的溫度下保持超導性,這可能會顛覆各種技術領域。 The material composition of LK-99 consists of copper, lead, phosphorus, and sulfur, rendering it cost-effective and readily available for potential industrial applications. The prospect of room-temperature superconductors has sparked excitement, with possibilities ranging from faster microchips and more efficient electric motors to lossless electricity transmission and improved medical scanners. Quantum computing, a field that relies heavily on superconducting materials, could also benefit significantly from room-temperature superconductors, potentially eliminating the need for bulky refrigerators. LK-99的材料組成包括銅、鉛、磷和硫,使它在潛在的工業應用中成本效益高且易於獲得。室溫超導體的前景令人興奮,可能帶來更快的微晶片、更高效的電動馬達、無損電力傳輸和改進的醫學掃描器等多種應用。強烈依賴超導材料的量子計算領域也可能因室溫超導體而大大受益,潛在地消除冰箱這樣笨重的設備需求。 Despite the enthusiasm, skepticism abounds within the scientific community. The papers detailing LK-99 are preprints, yet to undergo peer review or publication in reputable scientific journals. Researchers worldwide have attempted to replicate LK-99's properties, but so far, none of these efforts have been successful. Some scientists synthesized the material for testing purposes, while others evaluated LK-99 using theoretical methods. Both approaches have yet to provide direct evidence of superconductivity. 儘管消息如此狂熱,科學界仍充斥著懷疑。LK-99的論文屬於預印本,尚未經過同行評審或在知名科學期刊上發表。全球的研究人員已試圖複製LK-99的特性,但迄今為止這些努力尚未成功。有些科學家合成了該材料進行測試,而其他人則使用理論方法評估LK-99。然而,這兩種方法均尚未提供直接證據證明其超導性。 Reference article: 1. https://www.timesnownews.com/technology-science/scientists-discovery-of-room-temperature-superconductor-sparks-global-interest-article-102437880 2. https://siliconangle.com/2023/08/04/superconducting-lk-99-material-draws-raised-eyebrows-scientists-going-viral/

Aug 17, 20233 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K625: 零售和餐飲業銷售持續增長批發業面臨挑戰

------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K625: Retail and Food & Beverage Sales Show Growth, While Wholesale Sector Struggles According to a recent report by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the domestic retail, and food and beverage sectors experienced significant growth in sales last month. Retail sales reached NT$371.9 billion (US$11.86 billion), marking a 13.9 percent year-on-year increase, while food and beverage sales surged to NT$83.4 billion, showing an impressive 34.7 percent rise compared to the previous year. On the other hand, the wholesale sector faced challenges, experiencing an eighth consecutive month of decline due to weak demand and inventory adjustments. 根據經濟部最近的報告,國內零售和餐飲業上個月銷售額顯著增長。零售銷售額達到3719億新台幣(約118.6億美元),較去年同期增長13.9%,而餐飲業銷售額激增至834億新台幣,較去年同期增長34.7%。然而,批發業面臨挑戰,連續第八個月出現銷售下滑,原因是需求疲弱和庫存調整。 The growth in retail sales last month was primarily driven by department stores, which reported a remarkable 30.4 percent increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, sales of automobiles, motorbikes, and related components soared by 45 percent, while clothing and accessories sales rose by 22.2 percent. However, sales of information and communications technology products, home appliances, and household equipment experienced a decline of 5.5 percent annually. Supermarkets and hypermarkets also faced a dip in sales, with a respective decrease of 5 percent and 7.2 percent. 上個月的零售業銷售額增長主要得益於百貨公司,銷售額較去年同期大增30.4%。此外,汽車、摩托車及相關零組件的銷售飆升了45%,而服飾和飾品銷售增長了22.2%。然而,資訊及通訊科技產品、家電和家用設備的銷售較去年同期下降5.5%。超市和量販店的銷售額也分別下降了5%和7.2%。 The food and beverage sector's growth was attributed to catering service providers, which reported an impressive 71.8 percent rise in sales year-on-year. This increase was boosted by airlines adding more passenger flights, leading to higher demand for in-flight meals. Restaurant sales also surged by 36.1 percent, supported by the holiday effect of the Dragon Boat Festival and teacher appreciation banquets during the graduation season. Additionally, beverage sales increased by 16 percent, driven by higher demand for cold drinks amidst hot weather. 餐飲業的增長歸因於餐飲服務供應商,銷售額較去年同期驚人的增長了71.8%。此增長得益於航空公司增加了客運航班,推動了機上餐飲的需求。餐廳銷售額也較去年同期增長了36.1%,受到端午節和畢業季謝師宴對餐飲需求的提振。此外,飲料銷售額因炎熱天氣下對冷飲的需求增加而增長了16%。 In the second quarter of the year, retail sales continued to perform well, rising by 12.7 percent year-on-year, reaching NT$1.12 trillion. The first six months of the year witnessed a record high in retail sales, totaling NT$2.23 trillion, showing a 9 percent growth. The food and beverage sector also experienced remarkable growth, with sales in the second quarter rising by 36.9 percent to NT$248.6 billion and sales in the first six months reaching a record high of NT$503.8 billion, a growth of 26.3 percent. However, the wholesale sector faced ongoing challenges, reporting an 11.4 percent decline in sales last month, amounting to NT$965.5 billion. The second quarter saw a 13.1 percent drop in wholesale sales, totaling NT$2.82 trillion, and sales for the first six months declined by 12.3 percent, amounting to NT$5.61 trillion. 在今年第二季度,零售業銷售持續表現強勁,較去年同期增長12.7%,達到1.12兆新台幣。上半年的零售銷售額創下新高,總計達2.23兆新台幣,增長了9%。餐飲業也取得了顯著增長,第二季度銷售額較去年同期增長36.9%,達到2486億新台幣,上半年銷售額則達到5038億新台幣,較去年同期增長26.3%。然而,批發業面臨持續的挑戰,上個月銷售額下降了11.4%,達到9655億新台幣。第二季度批發銷售額總計2.82兆新台幣,較去年同期下降13.1%,上半年銷售額下降了12.3%,達到5.61兆新台幣。 The Ministry of Economic Affairs predicts that this month's retail and food and beverage sales will continue to rise as more people are willing to spend during the summer vacation. Additionally, auto dealers are planning larger promotional campaigns ahead of Ghost Month, the seventh month of the lunar calendar, which is generally considered an inauspicious time to purchase new vehicles. However, the wholesale sector is expected to face further challenges, as the global economy's growth momentum remains sluggish and end-market demand continues to be weak. 經濟部預測,本月零售和餐飲業的銷售將繼續增長,因為更多人在暑假期間願意消費。此外,汽車經銷商計劃在鬼月前進行更大規模的促銷活動,而鬼月是農曆七月,通常被認為不吉利的購車時期。然而,預計批發業將面臨進一步的挑戰,因為全球經濟增長動力仍然遲緩,終端市場需求持續疲弱。 Reference article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2023/07/25/2003803685

Aug 16, 20235 min

精選詞彙播客Vocab Ep.178: 當個全職小孩會比較幸福嗎 The full-time children trend

------------------------------- 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: + Sure? 討論文章: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/26/economy/china-youth-unemployment-intl-hnk/index.html In 2023, a new social phenomenon is sweeping across Mainland China. The fierce competition in the job market and the high unemployment is pressuring many youths to stay home and become full-time children. This week Angel and I talk about some of the challenges the youth is facing today. Please comment below or email us about your opinion on the full-time children trend. 歡迎來分享給我跟Angel老師 Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. Foresee v. 預見/未卜先知 College students can't foresee the opportunities in the job market before they graduate. 大學生無法預測畢業後的就業市場機會。 2. Complement v. 補足/輔助 Angel's friend should find a job that complements his profession. Angel老師的朋友應該找個工作能夠輔助他的專業。 3. One in five 五個人裡有一人 One in five fresh graduates in China are going to be unemployed. 五位應屆畢業生會面臨失業。 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]

Aug 15, 202337 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K624: 台灣表演藝術團將在亞維農和愛丁堡展現文化多樣性

------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K624: Taiwanese Performing Arts Groups to Showcase Cultural Diversity in Avignon and Edinburgh Eight Taiwanese performing arts groups have been selected to participate in two renowned international festivals, namely the Festival d'Avignon and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Ministry of Culture announced this exciting opportunity, with the Festival Off Avignon taking place from July 7 to 27 in the vibrant city of Avignon, France. Among the selected Taiwanese groups are Formosa Circus Art, Lei Dance Theater, Hung Dance, and Kuo-shin Chuang Pangcah Dance Theater. 有八個台灣表演藝術團被選中參與兩個知名的國際藝術節,分別是亞維農藝術節(Festival d'Avignon)和愛丁堡國際藝穗節(Edinburgh Fringe Festival)。文化部宣布了這個令人興奮的機會,亞維農藝術節將於7月7日至27日在法國充滿活力的城市亞維農舉行。被選中的台灣團隊包括FOCA福爾摩沙馬戲團、艸雨田舞蹈劇場、翃舞製作和莊國鑫原住民舞蹈劇場。 Lei Dance Theater will present their captivating performance, titled Flow (逐流), which aims to engage the audience with their inner selves through a series of metaphors and allusions. Formosa Circus Art, on the other hand, will stage Circus As Folks (嘛係人), delving into the psyche of circus performers and exploring the delicate balance between their on-stage and off-stage roles. These descriptions, provided by the groups to the culture ministry, give a glimpse into the artistic depth of their presentations. 艸雨田舞蹈劇場將呈現他們迷人的表演,名為《逐流》,旨在通過一系列隱喻和影射與觀眾內心互動。福爾摩沙馬戲團則將上演《嘛係人》,深入探索馬戲演員的心理,探討他們在舞台內外角色之間的微妙平衡。這些團隊向文化部提供的描述讓我們得以一窺作品的藝術深度。 Hung Dance's Birdy (翃舞製作) seeks to evoke the emotional state of anxiety and restlessness through physical contact between dancers, offering a unique experience for the audience. Kuo-shin Chuang Pangcah Dance Theater draws inspiration from the rituals performed during the Amis harvest festival for their performance, Sakero. Both productions promise to captivate and inspire festival-goers attending the Festival Off Avignon. 翃舞製作的《Birdy》通過舞者之間的身體接觸喚起焦慮和不安的情緒狀態,為觀眾提供了獨特的體驗。莊國鑫原住民舞蹈劇場以阿美族豐年祭儀式為靈感創作了《Sakero》。這兩個演出保證能吸引和啟發參加亞維農藝術節的觀眾。 Moving on to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, renowned as one of the largest arts and culture festivals worldwide, four Taiwanese performing arts groups will be featured as part of the "Taiwan Season" program, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture. The groups selected for this prestigious event are Double & Cross Theater Group, Eye Catching Circus, The Double Theater, and 0471 Acro Physical Theater. 轉到愛丁堡國際藝穗節,這個世界上最大的藝術與文化節之一,將有四個台灣表演藝術團參與由文化部贊助的「台灣季」計劃。參加這個備受推崇活動的團隊包括両両製造聚團、創造焦點、複象公場和0471特技肢體劇場。 Double & Cross Theater Group will present World in a Word (一字一世界), a family-friendly production that encourages personal interactions through different sounds and shapes. Eye Catching Circus's performance, titled #Since1994, offers a reflection of contemporary views on women. The Double Theater's The Way Back (回家) utilizes lights, sounds, words, and puppetry to provide a thought-provoking commentary on today's world. Lastly, 0471 Acro Physical Theater will stage Duo, delving into the dynamic nature of personal relationships. 両両製造聚團將呈現《一字一世界》,這是一個適合全家觀賞的作品,通過不同的聲音和形狀鼓勵個人互動。創造焦點的表演《#Since1994》反映了當代對於女性的觀點。複象公場的《回家》利用燈光、聲音、文字和木偶戲對當今世界進行了發人深省的評論。最後,0471特技肢體劇場將上演《Duo》,深入探索個人關係的動態本質。 Minister of Culture Shih Che expressed his enthusiasm, stating that these diverse performing arts groups represent Taiwan's cultural identity. He hopes that their performances will successfully showcase Taiwan's rich artistic heritage to audiences abroad. 文化部部長史哲充滿了熱情,表示這些多樣化的表演藝術團體代表了台灣的文化身份。他希望他們的演出能夠成功向海外觀眾展示台灣豐富的藝術傳承。 Reference article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/06/21/2003801909

Aug 14, 20234 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K623: AI機器人成為照顧機構的潛力搭檔

------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K623:AI Robots as Potential Companions in Care Homes: A Promising Future According to Nadia Magnenat Thalmann, a professor and robotics expert from the University of Geneva, AI-powered social robots like Nadine have the potential to play a significant role in caring for the sick and elderly. Nadine, with its human-like gestures and expressions, offers continuous availability, unlike human carers who often face time constraints. Thalmann, who served as the model for Nadine's appearance, believes that these robots could prove more effective in providing care, presenting a compelling solution for the increasing demand for healthcare professionals worldwide. 根據來自日內瓦大學的教授兼機器人專家Nadia Magnenat Thalmann的說法,像「娜丁」(Nadine)這種由人工智慧(AI)驅動的社交機器人有潛力在照顧病患和老年人方面擔任重要腳色。娜丁擁有人類般的姿態和表情,提供持續的可用性,這與經常面臨時間限制的人類照顧者不同。作為娜丁長相的提供人,Thalmann教授認為這些機器人在提供照顧方面可能更有效,為全球對醫療保健專業人員的需求升高提出了一個強力的解決方案。 During a conference organized by the International Telecommunication Union in Geneva, Thalmann emphasized the importance of AI and robots in helping achieve global goals, particularly in the healthcare sector. The competition for nurses and carers has intensified due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a staffing crisis in care homes. Many experts believe that humanoid robots, like Nadine, could alleviate this crisis in the future. 在日內瓦國際電信聯盟主辦的一次會議上,Thalmann強調了人工智慧和機器人在實現全球目標,特別是在醫療保健領域中的重要性。由於COVID-19大流行,護士和照顧者的人力競爭加劇,導致照顧機構出現人手短缺的危機。許多專家認為,像娜丁這樣的人形機器人未來可能有助於緩解這一危機。 Nadine's capabilities were showcased during the conference, highlighting its conversational skills and ability to engage with individuals. The robot mentioned its past experience of interacting with residents at a nursing home in Singapore, where it engaged in activities such as talking, singing, and playing bingo. Nadine expressed its satisfaction in helping the elderly with their needs and stated its belief that robots can be valuable assets in providing care and assistance to vulnerable individuals. 在那場會議上娜丁展示了她的能力,特別是她的對話技巧和與個人互動的能力。她提到了過去在新加坡一家養老院與居民互動的經驗,參與諸如聊天、唱歌和玩賓果等活動。娜丁表達了自己對於幫助老年人達成需求的滿足感,並表示相信機器人可以成為為弱勢族群提供照顧和援助的寶貴資產。 In addition to Nadine, other robots were also on display at the conference. One such example is 'PARO,' a baby seal robot designed to assist patients with dementia and Parkinson's disease. Another robot, Grace, serves as a nursing assistant. Thalmann informed the audience that Nadine recently underwent an upgrade with the integration of the AI model GPT-3, enhancing its interaction and conversation skills, enabling it to express more complex concepts. Nadine conveyed its gratitude to Thalmann for creating it and expressed pride in being her creation. 除了娜丁之外,會議上還展示了其他機器人。其中一個例子是“PARO”,一個用來幫助失智症和帕金森氏症患者的小海豹機器人。另一個機器人Grace則擔任護理助手的角色。Thalmann告訴觀眾,娜丁最近升級了AI模型GPT-3,增強了其互動和對話的技巧,使其能夠表達更複雜的概念。娜丁向Thalmann表達了對她創造自己的感激之情,並對於能成為她的創作感到自豪。 Reference article: https://www.reuters.com/technology/ai-robots-could-play-future-role-companions-care-homes-2023-07-06/

Aug 13, 20234 min

回顧星期天LBS - 世界經濟相關時事趣聞 All about 2022 World Economy

------------------------------- 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: 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 vendor. 但是,隨著重點轉移到體積更小、功能更強大且用電更少的晶片上,台積電便愈發自成體系。台積電也幫助台灣建構了一個全面的生態系統,以台積電為中心:日月光是世界頂尖的晶片封測廠,而聯發科技已成為智慧型手機晶片組最大的供應商。 A big worry is that T

Aug 12, 20238 min

幕後教師室Teacher's Lounge Ep.1: John老師的咖啡跟儀式感 What's in a ritual?

------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------- 歡迎收聽第一集的Teacher's Lounge, 在這裡你能聽到來自主持人們的真實對話,本集是由John老師和阿鍵陪大家聊聊我們的日常! 首先John老師和阿鍵探討了平時除了工作外的嗜好,包含了手沖咖啡哲學等等,並延伸到了儀式感(Ritual),透過將日常習慣內化為儀式,不僅可以讓我們快速切換狀態,更可以通過一系列細微的儀式來提升學習效果,讓大家在語言學習旅程中更有方向感。 提到追劇和Netflix時,我們對於台灣人對字幕的使用也有不少想法,希望能帶給各位更多關於聽力的思考。 最後我們則提到了「不喂養式學習」的理念,挑戰傳統填鴨式教育(Spoon-feeding)的觀念。John老師與阿鍵各自分享了在自主學習中的收穫,鼓勵大家勇於面對語言學習的挑戰。 我們希望與你一同探索語言學習的樂趣與價值,如果你對於本集內容有任何想法,歡迎透過信箱或私訊告訴我們。敬請期待下一集的Teacher's Lounge!

Aug 11, 202324 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K622: 科學家在哥斯大黎加動物園發現前所未有的鱷魚「孤雌生殖」

------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K622: Scientists Discover Unprecedented "Virgin Birth" of Crocodile at Costa Rica Zoo Researchers have made an extraordinary finding at a zoo in Costa Rica, as they document the first-known case of a "virgin birth" by a crocodile that had been isolated for 16 years. The female American crocodile laid 14 eggs in 2018 within her enclosure, a relatively common occurrence among captive reptiles. However, the true surprise came when one of the eggs was discovered to contain a fully formed stillborn baby crocodile after three months of incubation. 研究人員在哥斯大黎加的一個動物園達成了一項非凡的調查,他們記錄了鱷魚「孤雌生殖」的首例,而這隻鱷魚在動物園獨居了16年。這隻美洲鱷於2018年在圈養環境下產下了14個蛋,這對圈養爬行動物來說是相對常見的現象。然而,真正的驚喜出現在經過三個月孵化後,其中一個蛋被發現含有一隻完整的鱷魚寶寶死胎。 In a study published in the journal Biology Letters, scientists examined the genetic composition of the crocodile fetus. They identified DNA sequences indicating that the fetus resulted from facultative parthenogenesis (FP), a form of reproduction that does not involve the genetic contribution of males. Although this phenomenon, also known as a "virgin birth," has been observed in other species such as fish, birds, lizards, and snakes, this marks the first recorded instance in a crocodile. 在發表於《生物學報》期刊的研究中,科學家們檢驗了這隻鱷魚胎兒的基因組成。他們發現DNA序列表明這個胎兒是由「真孤雌生殖」(FP)產生的,即無需雄性基因參與的一種繁殖形式。雖然這種現象,也被稱為「處女生殖」,在其他物種如魚類、鳥類、蜥蜴和蛇類中已被觀察到,但這是首次在鱷魚中出現的記錄。 FP occurs when a female's egg cell develops into a viable offspring without being fertilized by a male's sperm cell. During the process of egg cell formation, a precursor cell divides into four cells. While one of these cells becomes the egg cell itself, retaining essential cellular structures and cytoplasm, the remaining cells contain extra genetic material. One of these additional cells functions similarly to a sperm cell, fusing with the egg and initiating the process of fertilization. 「真孤雌生殖」是指雌性的卵細胞在沒有雄性精子受精的情況下發育成一個能夠存活的後代。在卵細胞形成過程中,一個前體細胞分裂成四個細胞。其中一個細胞成為卵細胞本身,保留著關鍵的細胞結構和細胞質,而其他細胞則含有額外的遺傳物質。其中一個額外的細胞類似於精子細胞,與卵細胞融合,啟動了受精的過程。 The American crocodile is currently classified as vulnerable and faces the risk of extinction in the wild. The study suggests that FP may be more prevalent among species nearing extinction. The scientists believe that the Costa Rica "virgin birth" could provide valuable insights into the reproductive capabilities of ancient crocodile ancestors that existed during the Triassic Period, approximately 250 million years ago. The findings could offer new knowledge about the reproductive mechanisms of archosaurian relatives, including members of Pterosauria and Dinosauria. 美洲鱷目前被列為易危物種,面臨野外滅絕的風險。研究表明,「真孤雌生殖」在接近滅絕的物種中可能更為普遍。科學家們認為哥斯大黎加的「處女生殖」發現可能為早在約2.5億年前三疊紀時期存在的古代鱷魚祖先的繁殖能力提供寶貴的洞察資料。這些發現可為翼龍目和恐龍亞目等主龍類近親相關的繁殖機制提供新的知識。 Reference article: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/scientists-find-crocodile-virgin-birth-costa-rica-zoo-2023-06-07/

Aug 10, 20233 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K621: 減少碳排放:歐盟的目標與政策

------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K621: Reducing Carbon Emissions: EU Targets and Policies The European Union has set ambitious targets to combat climate change as part of the European Green Deal. The recently adopted European Climate Law commits the EU to reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, a significant increase from the current 40% reduction target. Additionally, the Climate Law legally binds the EU to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. To realize these objectives, the EU has introduced the Fit for 55 in 2030 package, comprising a series of interconnected revised and new laws related to climate and energy. 歐洲聯盟為應對氣候變化設定了雄心勃勃的目標,作為歐洲綠色協議的一部分。最近通過的歐洲氣候法案承諾歐盟到2030年至少減少55%的淨溫室氣體排放,相較目前的40%減排目標有顯著增加。此外,氣候法案使歐盟在2050年實現氣候中和成為法律約束。為了實現這些目標,歐盟推出了Fit for 55 in 2030計劃,其中包括一系列相互關聯的修訂法律和與氣候和能源相關的新法律。 To tackle carbon emissions from the industry, the EU has implemented the Emissions Trading System (ETS), the world's leading carbon market. Under this system, companies must obtain permits for each tonne of CO2 they emit and acquire these permits through auctions. The ETS covers about 40% of total EU greenhouse gas emissions, including around 10,000 power stations and manufacturing plants within the EU. To align with the emission reduction targets of the European Green Deal, the ETS underwent a significant update in April 2023, with emissions cuts set at 62% by 2030, based on 2005 levels. 為應對工業產生的碳排放,歐盟實施了排放交易系統(ETS),這是世界領先的碳市場。根據這一系統,公司必須為每噸二氧化碳排放獲得許可證,並通過拍賣獲取這些許可證。ETS覆蓋了約40%的歐盟溫室氣體排放,包括約10,000個位於歐盟境內的發電站和製造廠。為了與歐洲綠色協議的減排目標相符,ETS在2023年4月經歷了重大更新,將2030年的排放目標設定為2005年總排放量的38%。 Efforts to reduce emissions in the transportation sector have become a major focus for the EU. Civil aviation contributes to 13.4% of total CO2 emissions from EU transport, prompting the implementation of a revised Emissions Trading System for aviation, covering all flights departing from the European Economic Area. The EU aims to phase out free allocations for aviation by 2026 and promote the use of sustainable aviation fuels. For maritime transport, the ETS will also be extended, targeting a 2% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from ships by 2025 and an 80% reduction by 2050, applying to ships over a gross tonnage of 5,000. 減少運輸領域的排放已成為歐盟的主要焦點。民航業佔歐盟運輸總量13.4%的CO2排放,促使對民航業進行修訂版本排放交易系統的實施,該系統涵蓋所有從歐洲經濟區出發的航班。歐盟計劃在2026年之前逐步取消對民航業的免費配額,並推廣使用永續的航空燃料。對於海運,ETS也將得到擴展,目標是到2025年將超過5,000噸總噸位的船舶的溫室氣體排放減少2%,並在2050年將其減少80%。 The energy sector plays a significant role in EU greenhouse gas emissions, with fuel combustion accounting for over three-quarters of the total. To address this, the EU aims to decrease energy consumption and increase the use of cleaner energy sources, reducing dependence on non-EU imports. One approach involves curbing energy consumption, with targets set for a reduction of at least 40% in final energy consumption and 42.5% in primary energy consumption by 2030. Additionally, the EU aims to boost the share of renewable energy in its final energy consumption to 42.5% by 2030, with individual countries targeting 45%. 能源領域在歐盟的溫室氣體排放中發揮著重要作用,燃料燃燒占總量的四分之三以上。為應對這一情況,歐盟目標降低能源消耗,並增加乾淨能源的使用,減少對非歐盟進口的依賴。其中一種方法是限制能源消耗,到2030年設定最終能源消耗至少減少40%和初級能源消耗至少減少42.5%的目標。此外,歐盟目標增加其最終能源消耗中可再生能源的佔比,到2030年達到42.5%,而各個國家的目標則為45%。 The EU's commitment to reducing carbon emissions is at the forefront of its climate change efforts. With the adoption of the European Climate Law and the Fit for 55 in 2030 package, the EU aims to lead the way in mitigating climate change and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Through measures like the Emissions Trading System and promoting sustainable fuels, the EU is addressing emissions from various sectors, including industry, transport, and the energy sector. By harnessing the power of forests and regulating other greenhouse gases, the EU strives to combat climate change on a global scale, contributing to the fulfillment of the Paris Agreement. 歐盟對減少碳排放的承諾是其對氣候變化努力的首要工作。隨著《歐洲氣候法》和Fit for 55 in 2030計劃的通過,歐盟目標要先減緩氣候變化,並在2050年實現氣候中和。通過排放交易系統和推廣永續燃料等措施,歐盟正在處理來自工業、運輸和能源等各個領域的排放。通過善用森林的力量和監管其他溫室氣體,歐盟努力在全球範圍內應對氣候變化,並為履行《巴黎協定》做出貢獻。 Reference article: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20180305STO99003/reducing-carbon-emissions-eu-targets-and-policies

Aug 9, 20235 min

精選詞彙播客 Vocab Ep.177: 雙J論 - 新世代新鮮人欠缺的軟實力 Soft skills for fresh grads

------------------------------- 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: + Sure? 討論影片: https://youtu.be/A1hJlRG51Sk + Sure? WSJ journalist and expert sit down and discuss the recent trends in fresh graduate training in the workplace. This week on J&J, Jemmy and I go over some of the areas fresh graduates can improve on to adapt faster to the workplace. 歡迎通勤家族來留言回饋「哪個軟實力你認為是最重要的」到[email protected] ,會在節目裡給予特殊Shout out! 喜歡我們討論人資、職涯、外商工作相關主題,請留言支持我們雙J論! Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. Smart-casual n. 俐落的、時髦的穿搭 Smart-casual dress code at work often means you can wear casual clothes, but with a suit jacket. 俐落時髦的上班穿著通常意思是你可以穿的很休閒,不過要加上西裝外套。 2. Conflict resolution n. 衝突處理 It takes finesse to deal with people, making conflict resolution a very important soft skill. 處理人相關的事都需要細膩度,所以衝突管理就變成一個非常重要的軟性技能。 3. Office dynamics n. 辦公室關係 When starting out at a new company, it is alway good to quickly understand the office dynamics. 在一開始進入新公司時,快速的了解辦公室裡不同的關係是有幫助的。 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]

Aug 8, 202332 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K620: 未來的辦公室:融合居家的舒適與企業奢華感

------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K620:The Future Office: A Blend of Home Comforts and Corporate Luxuries Picture yourself in the suburban town of Bethesda, Maryland, juggling a full-time job and family responsibilities. The pandemic compelled you to create a cozy home office that suits your needs perfectly. Although it's wonderful to be more available to your children and enjoy the convenience of working from home, there are times when you yearn for uninterrupted focus, personal grooming, and casual interactions with your boss. Can the office of the future offer the best of both worlds? Companies like Marriott International are betting on it. They are reimagining office spaces to compete with the appeal of remote work, providing amenities and design features that prioritize employee comfort and satisfaction. 想像一下自己身處馬里蘭州貝塞斯達的郊區小鎮,全職工作同時負責家庭事務。疫情迫使您打造了一個舒適的居家辦公室,完美地滿足了您的需求。雖然能夠更方便地照顧孩子並在家工作很棒,但有時您渴望能夠專注地工作、獲得個人美容照顧,並與老闆隨意交流。未來的辦公室是否能夠兼具兩者的優點呢?像萬豪國際這樣的企業正在賭上這點。他們正在重新設計辦公空間,以與遠程工作的吸引力競爭,提供注重員工舒適和滿意度的設施和設計特點。 Marriott's new 785,000-square-foot headquarters in downtown Bethesda, designed by the renowned architecture firm Gensler, is a testament to this concept. The office resembles a combination of a hotel, spa, restaurant, and library. It houses a public plaza, coffee shop, dining hall with outdoor seating, gym, childcare center, doggy daycare, and spa, making it feel like a comfortable oasis rather than a typical office. This new office concept aims to draw employees back by offering a myriad of perks that enhance their work experience. 萬豪國際在貝塞斯達市中心新建的佔地785,000平方英尺的總部,由著名的建築公司Gensler設計,成為了這個概念的實證。這個辦公室結合了旅館、SPA中心、餐廳和圖書館的元素。設施部分有公共廣場和咖啡店,帶室外座位的餐廳,健身房和托兒中心,還有寵物狗托管和SPA中心。這使辦公室更像是個舒適的綠洲,而不是一個典型的辦公室。這種新的辦公室概念目標通過提供各種福利來吸引員工回到辦公室,強化他們的工作體驗。 While remote and hybrid work remain popular, many companies are planning new office spaces to maintain productivity and foster company culture. However, they must now consider creating offices that employees genuinely want to return to, even when remote work is an option. The key lies in designing environments that prioritize employee well-being and offer amenities that go beyond the traditional office perks. Designers are now focusing on private meeting spaces, flexible one-person offices, gyms, childcare, and other services that cater to employees' needs. 雖然遠程和混合工作仍然受歡迎,但許多公司正在計劃新的辦公空間,以保持生產力並培養企業文化。然而,他們現在必須考慮如何在遠程工作也是一個選項的情況下,創建員工真正願意回到辦公室的辦公環境。這個關鍵在於設計環境,將員工的福祉放在首位,提供超越傳統辦公場所福利的設施。設計師現在專注於私人會議空間、彈性的單人辦公室、健身房、托兒所和其他符合員工需求的服務。 The new office aims to provide a comfortable and even luxurious atmosphere, rivaling the comforts of working from home. This shift in focus calls for more natural light, outdoor spaces, and a central urban location that welcomes the surrounding community. It's about transforming the workplace into a space that is not just convenient but also enjoyable, earning its appeal even in the face of remote work options. 未來的辦公室期望提供舒適甚至豪華的氛圍,與在家工作的舒適相媲美。這種轉變重點加強了更多的自然光、室外空間,以及位於市中心且融入周圍社區的位置。辦公環境的轉變不僅要方便,還要讓人感到愉悅並享受,製造讓員工在能選擇遠程工作的情況下仍然願意回到辦公室的吸引力。 Architects and designers see this moment as an opportunity to implement innovative ideas and create workplaces tailored to specific company needs and worker preferences. They are rethinking office layouts and furniture choices to compete with the comforts of home environments. Companies are involving employees in the design process to gather insights and create spaces that truly represent the organization's values and foster strong employee connections. 建築師和設計師把這個時刻視為實施創新理念、打造適應特定公司需求和員工偏好工作場所的機會。他們正在重新考慮辦公場所的佈局和家具選擇,以與舒適的居家環境競爭。公司正在將員工納入設計過程,以獲取其見解,創建真正代表組織價值觀並促進員工連結的空間。 The debate over the necessity of physical office spaces still remains. While remote work has demonstrated its viability, these new office concepts emphasize the importance of having a space where employees can come together, understand their organization's ethos, and strengthen their sense of belonging. The future office blends the comforts of home with the luxuries of corporate life, creating a workspace that is not only functional but also inspiring and enjoyable, enticing employees to step away from the comforts of home and return to the office. 對於是否有必要建立實體辦公空間的辯論仍在繼續。雖然遠程工作已證明其可行性,但這些新的辦公概念強調了擁有聚集空間的重要性,讓員工能夠聚集,理解公司的精神,加強對工作的歸屬感。未來的辦公室將居家的舒適與企業生活的奢華融合在一起,創造出一個不僅包含功能性,而且激勵人心、令人愉快的工作空間,吸引員工走出家的舒適,回到辦公室。 Reference article: https://www.wired.com/story/welcome-to-the-comfy-office-of-the-future/

Aug 7, 20235 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K619: 印度禁止稻米出口引發全球震盪,美國稻米市場仍保持穩定

------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K619: India's Rice Ban Creates Global Ripples, but US Rice Market Remains Stable Last month, India's sudden ban on the export of non-basmati white rice caused panic among some US shoppers and raised concerns about destabilizing rice supplies worldwide. The move impacted importers and loyal consumers of Indian-grown non-basmati varieties, especially in Southeast Asia and West Africa, where India is a significant rice supplier. However, the United States, which primarily relies on domestic rice production, remains in a favorable position with a healthy yield this year. 上個月,印度突然禁止非印度香米的出口,導致一些美國消費者陷入恐慌,並引發了全球稻米供應不穩的擔憂。此舉影響了印度種植的非印度香米品種的進口商和忠實消費者,特別是東南亞和西非地區,印度在這些地區是一個重要的稻米供應國。然而,美國主要依靠國內稻米生產,今年的產量良好,仍處於有利地位。 India's ban affects approximately 15% of its rice trade and aims to lower rice prices and secure availability in the country. Despite the ban's intentions, it has sent the Asian market into a state of concern, leading to worries about food inflation, particularly in countries heavily reliant on Indian rice imports. The Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Senegal are among the countries most impacted. 印度的禁令影響了約15%的稻米貿易,旨在降低稻米價格,確保國內供應。儘管此禁令的用意明確,但它仍讓亞洲市場感到擔憂,尤其是對於那些在很大程度上依賴印度稻米進口的國家,如菲律賓、馬來西亞、越南、奈及利亞、象牙海岸和塞內加爾。 While there is hope that the ban is a precautionary measure and might be lifted soon if India's rice supply remains steady, potential ramifications in the global market are expected. Once the ban is lifted, a flood of Indian rice could enter the market, causing fluctuations and an emotional over-correction. 雖然人們希望這項禁令是一項預防措施,並且如果印度的稻米供應保持穩定,禁令可能很快會被解除,但全球市場仍可預期將面臨潛在的影響。禁令解除後,大量印度稻米可能湧入市場,引起波動和情緒上的過度校正回歸。 In contrast, the United States enjoys a stable rice market this year. Previously, US rice farmers faced challenges due to drought, leading some to switch to more lucrative crops. However, favorable conditions this year, including significant rainfall and snowfall in California, have resulted in a healthy and robust US rice crop. The US primarily imports specialty and fragrant rice, with domestic rice production satisfying about 70-80% of the domestic market. 相對於印度,今年美國的稻米市場保持穩定。此前由於乾旱,美國的稻農面臨挑戰,導致一些農民轉種更有利可圖的作物。然而,今年的有利條件,包括加利福尼亞州的豐沛降雨和降雪,導致美國稻米成長健康茁壯。美國主要進口特殊米和香米,國內稻米產量滿足了七到八成的國內市場。 The ban significantly impacts the specialty rice market in the United States, particularly businesses and customers dependent on non-basmati rice. Importers and distributors of non-basmati Indian rice in the US are facing challenges due to halted exports. Some grocery stores have witnessed a surge in shoppers buying Indian rice in response to the news. 這項禁令對美國的特殊米市場產生重大影響,尤其是那些依賴非印度香米的企業和消費者。在美國,進口印度非印度香米的進口商和分銷商面臨著由於出口停止而帶來的挑戰。一些食品雜貨店也看到顧客因應消息而大量購買印度稻米。 Despite the concerns, US rice producers and distributors assure consumers that there is enough rice to meet demand, and they discourage panic-buying. The situation has prompted some importers to explore alternatives such as parboiled rice, which is not affected by the ban. Importers are hopeful that exemptions will be made for non-basmati varieties favored by expat communities. 儘管有這些考量,美國的稻米生產商和分銷商向消費者保證,有足夠的稻米能供應需求,並且不鼓勵恐慌性購買。此情況促使一些進口商尋求替代品,例如不受禁令影響的蒸穀米(半熟米)。進口商們希望對外籍人士喜歡的非印度香米品種給予豁免。 Reference article: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/03/business/india-rice-export-ban/index.html

Aug 6, 20234 min

回顧星期天LBS - 紐約相關時事趣聞 All about 2022 New York

------------------------------- 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: 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 shop’s owner Stratis Morfogen. 「擁抱科技,因為餐旅(業)要蒸蒸日上,就得擁抱科技」,店老闆

Aug 5, 20239 min

15Mins Live Podcast - 本季最終回 聊的最深的團圓聚 Live Finale

------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------- 這集是我們這季最後一次15Mins Live Podcast。 在持續一年多每週一風雨無阻的主持Live Podcast,我們將會暑休一下,進行設計調整後再出發! 最後一集,更多家族們上來聊了他們一路收聽通勤學英語的感想以及收穫,我與阿鍵總編輯在同一個我的「工作室」裡一起主持Live,也收到大家熱情的回饋還有滿滿的學習分享! 討論主題:你當時如何知道15Mins你眼中的15Mins是如何?最喜歡的節目?那一集是你最愛的/最有印象的希望後續老師們推出什麼? 那你呢?有沒有什麼話想對老師群說的呢?歡迎來信 [email protected] 或私訊我們FB或IG。 敬請期待我們下一季!我們下季再見!

Aug 4, 20232h 27m

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K618: 高齡寵物的照護成為台北寵物展重點

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K618: Caring for Older Pets in Focus at Chanchao Taipei Pets Show The annual Chanchao Taipei Pets Show once again delighted pet owners with its display of the latest snacks, services, and trinkets for their beloved companions. However, this year, many visitors were particularly interested in discovering ways to ensure a comfortable life for their aging pets. The CEO of a pet care clinic, Andy Wang, noted that his booth attracted a significantly larger crowd this year. He attributed this to the growing awareness among pet owners about the unique challenges associated with caring for senior dogs and cats. 一年一度的台北寵物展再次以展示最新的零食、服務和小飾品來取悅寵物和飼主。然而,今年許多的觀展人對於如何確保他們年邁的寵物活得更加舒適特別感興趣。寵物看護診所的CEO王維平指出,他的攤位今年吸引了更多人。他認為,這是由於飼主對於照顧老年狗和貓所需面臨的獨特挑戰越來越有感。 Wang explained that his clinic has been promoting pet healthcare at the show since 2021. This is because the increasing number of pet owners in Taiwan has resulted in more people facing situations where their furry friends require specialized care. Wang highlighted that pets suffering from cognitive dysfunction, sight loss, or needing assistance with feeding and urine extraction require specific attention. Given that approximately one out of every four or five households in Taiwan owns a pet, the demand for these services is likely to be substantial, as mentioned by Taiwan Animal Protection Monitor Network secretary-general, Ho Tsung-hsun. 王維平說明,他的診所自2021年起就在展會上宣傳寵物健康護理。這是因為台灣飼主的數量增加,導致更多人需要給毛小孩提供專業的護理。他強調,患有認知功能障礙、視力喪失、需要進食和排尿協助的寵物需要特別關注。考慮到大約四分之一或五分之一的台灣家庭有養寵物,台灣動物保護行政監督聯盟秘書長何宗勳提到這些服務的需求可能非常巨大。 At the Chanchao Taipei Pets Show, Wang aimed to raise awareness about lesser-known options available to pet owners, including palliative care. Palliative care focuses on enhancing comfort and improving the quality of life for pets during the final phase of their lives. Wang's booth also offered free Q&A sessions where veterinarians provided recommendations based on inquiries from pet owners. One of the most common questions posed to his booth was regarding health food products for disabled pets who were unable to visit a veterinarian due to their poor health. 在台北寵物展,王維平的目標是提高飼主對於一些較鮮為人知選項的認識,包括緩和療護。緩和療護著重於增加寵物在生命最後階段的生活舒適度和生活品質。他的攤位還提供免費的諮詢,獸醫根據飼主的提問提供建議。他的攤位上最常見的問題之一是想了解殘疾寵物的專用保健品,這些寵物因為健康狀況不佳而無法去看獸醫。 Wang emphasized that the Q&A service mirrored the basic healthcare consulting services provided by his clinic. Even if the solutions offered may not strictly adhere to scientific principles, they strive to address the needs of pets in the advanced stages of disease. Wang acknowledged that 70 percent of the Taiwanese public have faith in folk religions, and therefore, his clinic also provides rituals that offer spiritual comfort, such as lighting worship candles (光明燈) for pets. The Chanchao Taipei Pets Show, held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, showcases over 1,000 booths featuring the latest innovations in pet products. 王維平強調,問答服務反映了他的診所提供的基本健康諮詢服務。即使所提供的解決方案可能不嚴格遵循科學原則,但它們致力於滿足疾病晚期寵物的需求。他也認為,台灣七成的民眾信仰民間宗教,因此,他的診所也提供一些提供精神安慰的儀式,例如為寵物點光明燈。本次的台北寵物展在台北南港展覽館舉行,展覽攤位超過1,000個,並有各種最新的寵物產品。 Reference article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/07/10/2003802973

Aug 3, 20234 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K617: 永恆偶像芭比以及她的塑膠歷史

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K617: Barbie, A Timeless Icon with a Plastic Past The movie released on July 21 has reignited interest in the 63-year-old plastic doll that has captivated the world, but behind her popularity lies a complex history. Let's explore some of the fascinating aspects of Barbie. 於7月21日上映的電影重新點燃了人們對這個63歲塑膠娃娃的興趣,她早已征服全球,但她受歡迎的背後有著一段複雜的歷史。讓我們來探索一些關於芭比的迷人過往。 Barbie was brought to life in 1959 by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, who drew inspiration from her daughter Barbara's fascination with paper dolls. Handler saw an opportunity to empower and inspire girls by introducing a three-dimensional doll that could embody limitless possibilities. 芭比於1959年由羅絲·漢德勒(Ruth Handler)創造,她是美泰兒的聯合創始人,靈感來自她女兒芭芭拉對紙娃娃的著迷。漢德勒看到了一個透過展現無限可能性的立體洋娃娃,來賦予和激勵女孩們能力的機會。 Barbie quickly became a sensational success, with 300,000 dolls sold in the first year alone. Since then, it is estimated that over a billion dolls have found their way into the hearts of children worldwide, and even adults have not been immune to her charm. With the highly anticipated Barbie movie, written by indie icons Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig, and directed by Gerwig, the timeless allure of 63-year-old Barbie continues, especially with the charismatic Margot Robbie portraying her on screen. 芭比很快取得了驚人的成功,僅在第一年就售出30萬個洋娃娃。此後,估計有超過10億個洋娃娃進入世界各地的兒童心中,甚至成年人也無法抵擋她的魅力。隨著備受期待的芭比電影,由獨立電影指標諾亞·波拜克(Noah Baumbach)和葛莉塔·潔薇(Greta Gerwig)編寫,並由潔薇執導,這位63歲芭比的恆久魅力依然存在,尤其是由迷人的瑪格·羅比(Margot Robbie)在銀幕上飾演她。 Barbie's introduction coincided with the post-war era when plastic was considered a fantastic innovation. It revolutionized toymaking and earned Barbie and other plastic toys a place in the National Toy Hall of Fame's inaugural class in 1998. Unlike some of her peers, Barbie's composition involves multiple types of plastics, including PVC, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), styrenic block copolymer (SBC), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). 芭比的登場正值戰後時期,當時塑膠被視為一個奇妙的創新。這個革命性發明改變了玩具製造業,使芭比和其他塑膠玩具於1998年入選國家玩具名人堂的首批名人。與其他一些同輩不同,芭比的組成材料包括多種塑膠,包括聚氯乙烯(PVC)、乙烯醋酸乙烯(EVA)、ABS樹脂(ABS)、苯乙烯共聚物(SBC)和聚對苯二甲酸丁二酯(PBT)。 While Mattel has been secretive about its manufacturing process and materials, an article from Design Life-Cycle in 2013 highlighted several material innovations introduced in 2000. These advancements aimed to make Barbie even more appealing, with new elastomers providing a lifelike body, engineering thermoplastics enhancing her complexion, and water-based paints with potential environmental benefits for her face. 儘管美泰兒對其製造過程和材料保持神秘,但2013年的《設計生命週期》(Design Life-Cycle)的一篇文章強調了2000年引入的幾項材料創新。這些創新旨在使芭比更具吸引力,新的彈性體使她擁有逼真的身體,工程熱塑性材料使她的氣色更好,而水性顏料使她的臉對環境有潛在的益處。 In line with growing environmental consciousness, Mattel took a step forward in 2021 by launching the Barbie Loves the Ocean collection. This range includes three dolls made from recycled ocean-bound plastic waste, reflecting the brand's commitment to sustainability. 配合日益增長的環保意識,美泰兒在2021年推出了“芭比愛海洋”(Barbie Loves the Ocean)系列。這一系列包括三個由回收的海洋塑膠垃圾製成的洋娃娃,體現了品牌對永續性概念的承諾。 As we celebrate Barbie's global impact, it's essential to acknowledge the advancements and changes she has undergone over the years. From her origins as a plastic doll from El Segundo, CA, to her transformation into an icon that inspired generations, Barbie remains a symbol of resilience and progress. 在我們慶祝芭比帶來的全球影響力時,必須承認她多年來經歷的進步和變化。從她作為來自加州瑟袞多(El Segundo)的塑膠娃娃起源,到她搖身一變為激勵幾代人的偶像,芭比仍然是堅韌和進步的象徵。 Reference article: https://www.designnews.com/materials/barbie-original-material-girl

Aug 2, 20234 min

精選詞彙播客Vocab Ep.176: 雙語 Vocab ft. 週報時光機 品牌與他們的行銷口號 Brands and their slogans

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- Uber: “Move the way you want.” 即時體驗,火速享受服務 Uber成立於2009年,兩位創辦人成立該故事的原因,一個是因為在跨年夜搭計程車,花費了超高的計程車費,另一個則是在大雪紛飛的夜晚,攔不到計程車。2014年業務出現變化,成立了Ubereats,成立的十年後,2019年正式公開上市。 然而, 2019 年 IPO 之前,投資人認為Uber估值高達 1200 億美元。上市之後,表現卻不如預期,估值剩下690億美元,幾乎腰斬。 目前Uber的業務範圍遍及70個國家,曾經的Slogan everyone’s private driver改成了Move the way you want 根據2022年的財報,Uber在當年全球的運輸次數高達76億次,不過受疫情影響,當年獲利呈現虧損,近期隨著解封以及旅遊人潮回歸,財報逐漸邁向轉虧為盈。 Airbnb: “Belong anywhere.” 找到任何地方的歸屬感 Airbnb 成立於 2008年,最初2007年是由兩位大學生(Brian Chesky和​​Joe Gebbia)與一張床墊開始的。他們將床墊擺在客廳並且租給陌生人,藉此賺錢以幫助他們支付學費。2008年另一位室友(Nathan Blecharczyk)一同創立公司,全名叫做AirBed & Breakfast 截至2022年底,Airbnb 的房東數量已超過 400 萬,幾乎在全球每個國家/地區接待了 14億名房客。 Belong anywhere這個口號是在 2014 年出現,當時這個價值數十億美元的短期租賃平台意識到他們的客戶不僅僅將他們的服務視為讓旅行更輕鬆的工具,而是讓觀光一整天後的夜晚,能夠享有回到家的舒適感。因此Airbnb推出這句標語,希望自家的服務,能夠完美達到這項目的,把所有對旅人感到陌生的環境,轉變成最熟悉,如同家鄉的存在。 M&M’s: 'Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands' (只溶你口,不溶你手) M&M’s 巧克力創辦人為Forrest Mars,據說他觀察到戰場上的士兵喜歡類似聰明豆的糖果,因而產生了製作M&M’s巧克力的靈感,到了1940年代,他返回到美國在紐澤西州成立工廠生產這種巧克力,並且在1941年取得專利。 Forrest mars同時也是知名食品公司瑪氏食品創辦人Frank Mars跟第一任妻子所生的兒子。即使Frank是與第二任妻子成立瑪氏食品,但Forrest在一開始曾幫助過父親創業,只是兩人對於公司的未來展望有所分歧,才導致Forrest於1930年代移居歐洲,卻也在歐洲得到了M&m’s巧克力豆的靈感,1940年代才返回美國推出M&M’s巧克力。 1950年代開始,M&M’s在自家巧克力上特別印製了M的字母,用來區別自家產品與其他山寨版的差異,更在1954年推出了花生版本的M&M’s 冷知識1:M&M’s最早的顏色組合: 一包有五種顏色:棕色、紅色、橙色、黃色、綠色OR紫色,後來紫色被藍色給取代 冷知識2:M&M’s的M分別是Mars & Murrie,後者曾經是另一家美國巧克力大廠Hershey’s的高階主管,當年Mars因二戰爆發,擔心歐洲巧克力原料會短缺,因此找上Murrie協助供應巧克力豆的原料,為了報答Murrie的鼎力相助,因此產品命名M&M’s。 冷知識3:於 1981 年成為第一個飛入太空的糖果。 1981年4月12日這一天,因美國國家航空暨太空總署(NASA),順利將太空梭哥倫比亞號在佛羅里達州發射升空,執行代號為「STS-1」的太空任務。當時的太空人要求將M&M's作為糧食一起攜帶,成就了這項糖果得到第一個進入太空的里程碑。

Aug 1, 202337 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K616: 歐洲氣候變遷的事實和數據

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K616: Climate Change in Europe: A Look at Facts and Figures Climate change is an issue of global concern, and its impact on Europe is significant. This article delves into essential facts and figures that shed light on various aspects of this challenge, encompassing its causes, consequences, and evolution. 氣候變遷是全球關注的議題,其對歐洲的影響非常重大。本文深入探討了這一挑戰的各個方面,包括其原因、後果和演變,並呈現了相關的重要事實和數據。 While carbon dioxide (CO2) remains the most well-known greenhouse gas, it constitutes approximately 80% of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the EU as of 2021. However, other greenhouse gases, though present in smaller quantities, can have a more substantial warming effect. For example, methane accounted for 12% of the EU's greenhouse gas impact in the same year. Some greenhouse gases occur naturally, but human activities contribute to their accumulation. Additionally, man-made gases like fluorinated gases, commonly used in industries, possess a global warming potential several thousand times stronger than CO2. 儘管二氧化碳(CO2)仍然是最為人熟知的溫室氣體,在2021年歐盟的溫室氣體排放中,它占了約80%。然而,其他溫室氣體雖然數量較少,卻可能具有更大的升溫效應。例如,甲烷在同一年中佔了歐盟溫室氣體影響的12%。有些溫室氣體是大自然自然生成的,但人類活動也導致了它們的累積。此外,工業中常用的氟化氣體等人造氣體的全球暖化潛勢往往是CO2的數千倍強。 Among the largest greenhouse gas emitters worldwide in 2019, the EU ranked fourth, following China, the United States, and India. However, the EU's share of global greenhouse gas emissions decreased from 15.2% in 1990 to 7.3% in 2019. Within the EU, the top five emitters in 2019 were Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and Spain. The energy sector accounted for 77.01% of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU in 2019, followed by agriculture (10.55%), industry (9.10%), and the waste sector (3.32%). 在2019年全球最大的溫室氣體排放國中,歐盟排名第四,僅次於中國、美國和印度。然而,已從1990年的佔比15.2%,進步到2019年僅佔全球溫室氣體排放的7.3%。在歐盟內,2019年排放量最高的五個國家是德國、法國、意大利、波蘭和西班牙。2019年,能源類別佔了歐盟溫室氣體排放的77.01%,其次是農業(10.55%)、工業(9.10%)和廢物處理部門(3.32%)。 Since setting a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels, the EU has made significant progress. By 2015, emissions had already decreased by 22% compared to 1990 levels. Subsequently, in 2014, the EU established a new objective to reduce emissions by at least 40% by 2030, using 1990 as the baseline. According to the European Environmental Agency's projections based on EU measures in 2017, the anticipated reduction may fall short, reaching around 30% by 2030. As a result of climate change, Europe is experiencing various impacts, varying from region to region. These effects include biodiversity loss, forest fires, declining crop yields, and rising temperatures. Additionally, climate change is impacting people's health, leading to fatalities during heatwaves. 自從設定了到2020年將溫室氣體排放減少20%的目標,歐盟已取得了顯著進展。到2015年,排放量已經比1990年的水平減少了22%。隨後,在2014年,歐盟制定了新的目標,以1990年為基準,到2030年將溫室氣體排放量至少降低40%。根據歐洲環境署在2017年歐盟措施的預測,預計到2030年,減排量可能會難以達標,約為30%左右。由於氣候變遷,歐洲正面臨著不同區域的各種影響。這些影響包括生物多樣性損失、森林火災、農作物產量下降和氣溫上升。此外,氣候變遷也影響著人們的健康,導致熱浪期間的死亡人數增加。 Transportation is the only sector that continues to witness higher emissions compared to 1990 levels. It contributes nearly 30% of the EU's total CO2 emissions, with road transport being responsible for 72% of that figure. Cars and vans alone account for about 15% of the EU's CO2 emissions. However, alternative modes of transportation, such as buses, currently offer a cleaner option, especially when considering that cars can be shared among multiple individuals, making them a more environmentally friendly choice. 交通運輸是唯一一個排放量仍高於1990年水平的部門。它貢獻了歐盟總CO2排放量的近30%,其中72%來自道路交通。單單客車和貨車就占了歐盟CO2排放量的約15%。然而,現在其他交通方式,像是公共汽車,是一種更乾淨的選擇,或者特別考慮到汽車的共享使用,也能使其成為更環保的選擇。 Aviation and shipping, while comprising less than 3.5% of the EU's total greenhouse gas emissions, have been the fastest-growing sources. Emissions from planes are projected to increase up to 10 times higher in 2050 compared to 1990 levels, while emissions from ships could rise by up to 50%. 雖然國際航空和航運的溫室氣體排放量在歐盟總排放中僅佔不到3.5%,但它們是增長最快的源頭。預計到2050年,飛機排放量可能比1990年增加多達10倍,而船舶排放量則可能增加多達50%。 The EU plays a vital role in UN climate change negotiations and has signed the Paris Agreement, with all EU countries as signatories. They coordinate their positions and set common emission reduction goals at the EU level to collectively combat climate change. 歐盟在聯合國氣候變化談判中扮演著重要角色,並簽署了《巴黎協定》,所有歐盟國家都是簽署國。他們協調立場,在歐盟層面確定共同的減排目標,共同應對氣候變化。 Reference article: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20180703STO07123/climate-change-in-europe-facts-and-figures

Aug 1, 20235 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K615: AI加速美國政府的行政流程

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K615: AI Accelerates Administrative Processes in US Government With the emergence of AI, various industries have been exploring its potential applications, including government agencies. The Yokosuka City Government in Japan has leveraged ChatGPT to enhance the efficiency of document processing, such as sentence modification, summarization, grammar and spelling checks. Similarly, government agencies in the United States, like the New Mexico Human Services Department, are implementing AI systems to handle internal emails. These advancements aim to streamline administrative processes and improve productivity. 隨著AI的出現,各行各業都在探索其應用潛力,包括政府機構。日本的橫須賀市政府已利用ChatGPT來提高文件處理的效率,包括修飾句子、總結、文法和拼寫檢查。無獨有偶的,美國的政府機構,如新墨西哥州公共服務部,正在實施AI系統來處理內部郵件。這些進展旨在簡化行政流程並提高生產力。 The New Mexico Human Services Department is actively working towards implementing an automated workflow system, similar to ChatGPT, to enhance communication efficiency and task execution speed. For instance, they have recently introduced an intelligent chatbot program that automatically responds to citizen inquiries regarding social welfare programs. Citizens can inquire about subsidy eligibility, implementation dates, and program details. If the AI's response is unsatisfactory, the system will connect them with on-site staff. This system creates more opportunities for employees to interact with citizens, enabling them to focus on addressing complex issues rather than routine tasks. 新墨西哥州公共服務部正在積極努力實施一個類似於ChatGPT的自動化工作流程系統,以提高溝通效率和任務執行速度。例如,他們最近推出了一個AI聊天機器人,能自動回覆公民對社會福利計劃的詢問。公民可以詢問補助資格、實施日期和計劃細節。如果對AI的回覆不滿意,系統將為其轉接至真人服務。這個系統為員工創造了更多與公民互動的機會,使他們能夠專注在解決複雜的問題,而不是一些例行工作。 As a technology vendor for the New Mexico state government, SS&C Blue Prism's consultant director, Brad Hairston, believes that the public sector needs extensive adoption of automation technologies to cope with increasingly complex administrative processes. One remarkable application of AI in the New Mexico government is the acceleration of newborn registration. Since 2020, the state government has collaborated with technology companies such as IBM and SS&C Blue Prism to develop an automated process, codenamed "baby bot." This system integrates hospital information systems and utilizes an AI chatbot to register newborns swiftly, completing the process in just 10 minutes. Previously, this procedure involved manual form filling and mailing, taking nearly a month for completion. 作為新墨西哥州政府的技術供應商,SS&C Blue Prism的顧問總監Brad Hairston認為,公共部門需要廣泛采用自動化技術來應對日益複雜的行政流程。AI技術在新墨西哥州政府的一個顯著應用是加速新生兒登記,自2020年以來,州政府與IBM和SS&C Blue Prism等技術公司合作開發了一個代號"baby bot"的自動化流程。該系統整合了醫院信息系統,利用AI聊天機器人快速註冊新生兒,完成整個過程只需10分鐘。此前,整個流程需要手動填寫表格,郵寄給州政府機構處理,需要近一個月的時間。 Despite differing opinions within the US government regarding AI adoption, the New Mexico state government plans to integrate AI tools into various departments and accumulate more data for analysis and decision-making purposes. The implementation of AI systems is expected to save over 100,000 work hours annually. While these AI tools are relatively new, it may take some time for governments to establish their credibility and ensure compliance with regulations, as mentioned by Anthony Boese, a researcher at the National Artificial Intelligence Institute (NAII). Nonetheless, Joseph Tighe, the director of the New Mexico Human Services Department, expressed the state's commitment to integrating more departmental systems and harnessing data to assist in analysis and provide decision-making recommendations in the future. 儘管美國政府對於AI的採用存在不同意見,但新墨西哥州政府計劃將AI工具整合至各個部門,累積更多數據以進行分析和決策。實施AI系統後每年預計能節省超過10萬個小時的工作時數。儘管這些AI工具相對較新,但正如國家人工智能研究所(NAII)的研究員Anthony Boese所提到的,政府可能需要一點時間來建立它們的可信度並確保符合法規;而新墨西哥州公共服務部主任Joseph Tighe也表示,該州致力於更多部門系統的整合,並利用數據進行分析,提供未來的決策建議。 Reference article: https://buzzorange.com/techorange/2023/05/23/ai-digital-worker/

Jul 30, 20234 min

回顧星期天LBS - 嬰兒相關時事趣聞 All about 2022 babies

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 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] ------------------------------- 以下有此單集搭配文稿喔~ ------------------------------- Topic: About Technology - ’Smart crib’ aims to help rockabye baby As every new parent knows, sleep can go out the window after the arrival of a newborn. 如每對剛生孩子的爸媽所知,新生兒到來後,再也沒有夜夜好眠。 That was certainly the case for parents Radhika and Bharath Patil, who seeking relief for their own disrupted sleep patterns, put their electronic engineering backgrounds together to create a "smart crib". 這確實就是拉德西卡和巴拉特‧帕蒂爾的狀況,這對父母正在補救自身混亂的睡眠模式,結合他們的電子工程背景,創造了一個「智慧嬰兒床」。 Their crib, powered by artificial intelligence, combines a baby monitor, rocker, bassinet and crib in one. 他們把一台嬰兒監視器、弧形搖桿、搖籃和嬰兒床合而為一,由人工智慧來驅動嬰兒床。 "It’s not the amount of work around the baby that tires the parents, it’s the lack of sleep," Radhika Patil, Cradlewise chief executive, told Reuters in an interview. 「智慧搖籃」執行長拉德西卡‧帕蒂爾在訪問中告訴路透,「並非圍繞著嬰兒的工作量累到父母,而是睡眠不足。」 Early detection is key, she said, adding that the sooner parents can detect the baby waking up, the easier it is to get the child to fall back asleep. 她說,早期偵測是關鍵,並補充指出,父母越早發現嬰兒醒來,就越容易讓他們的孩子再度入睡。 "Once you put the baby in, the crib takes care of everything. That’s the aim," Bharath Patil said. 巴拉特‧帕蒂爾說,「只要把嬰兒放進去,嬰兒床就顧好每件事。這就是目的。」 Next Article Topic: New Thoughts on Math Of Effective Baby Talk It has been nearly 20 years since a landmark education study found that, by age 3, children from low-income families have heard 30 million fewer words than more affluent children, putting them at an educational disadvantage before they have begun school. 將近20年前,一項具有里程碑意義的教育研究發現,低收入戶兒童到了3歲時,已比家庭較富裕的兒童少聽到3000萬個字彙,以致就學前即已處於教育上的劣勢。 Now, a growing body of research is challenging the notion that merely exposing poor children to more language is enough to overcome the deficits they face. The quality of the communication between children and their parents and caregivers, the researchers say, is of much greater importance than the number of words a child hears. 如今,越來越多的研究向此一觀念提出挑戰,不認為光是讓貧窮兒童暴露於更多語言,就能克服他們所面對的不足。這些研究人員指出,兒童與父母及看顧者之間的溝通品質,遠比兒童聽到多少字彙來得重要。 A study presented last month at a White House conference on “bridging the word gap” found that among 2-year-olds from low-income families, quality interactions involving words — the use of shared symbols (“Look, a dog!”); rituals (“Want a bottle after your bath?”); and conversational fluency (“Yes, that is a bus!”) — were a far better predictor of language skills at age 3 than any other factor . 上月在白宮「縮小字彙差距」會議中發表的一項研究結果發現,對2歲的低收入戶兒童而言,和字彙相關的優質互動,例如使用共通的符號(「看哪,一隻狗!」);固定程序(「洗完澡想喝瓶奶?」);流暢的對話(「是的,這是一輛公車!」),在預測3歲兒童語言技巧方面,是遠勝於其他因素的更好指標。 “It’s not just about shoving words in,” said Kathryn Hirsh- Pasek, a professor of psychology at Temple University in Philadelphia and lead author of the study. “It’s about having these fluid conversations around shared rituals and objects, like pretending to have morning coffee together or using the banana as a phone. ” 費城天普大學心理學教授、該研究報告主要作者凱瑟琳.赫許─巴塞克說:「它不光是塞進字彙而已,它與圍繞著共有的固定程序和物件的流暢對話有關,例如佯裝一起喝晨間咖啡,或是拿香蕉當電話打。」 In a related finding, published in April, researchers who observed 11- and 14-month-old children in their homes found that the prevalence of one-on-one interactions and frequent use of parentese — the slow, highpitched voice commonly used for talking to babies — were reliable predictors of language ability at age 2. The total number of words had no correlation with future ability. 四月發表的一項相關研究中,研究人員觀察11個月和14個月大孩子在家中的生活情形,發現經常一對一互動,以及頻繁使用「父母語」,也就是父母常用的,對嬰兒說話的那種緩慢、高音調聲音,是2歲兒童語言能力的可靠預測指標。字彙的總數量與兒童的未來能力無關。 Even the 1995 study that introduced the notion of the 30-million- word gap, conducted by the University of Kansas psychologists Betty Hart and Todd R. Risley, found that parental tone, responsiveness and use of symbols affected a child’s I.Q. and vocabulary. 引進3000萬字彙差距概念的那項研究發表於1995年,由堪薩斯大學心理學家貝蒂.哈特和陶德.R.里斯利所完成,即使那項研究也發現,父母的語氣、反應和符號的使用,對兒童的智商高低和詞彙多寡均有影響。 But this year’s studies are the first time researchers have compared the impact of word quantity with quality of communication. 不過,今年的研究,是研究人員首次將字彙數量和溝通品質的影響作比較。 For the new study, Dr. Hirsh- Pasek and colleagues selected 60 low-income 3-year-olds with varying degrees of language proficiency from a long-term study of 1,300 children from birth to age 15. 在新研究中,赫許─巴塞克和同事,在參與一項從出生到15歲長期研究的1300名兒童中,挑選出60名3歲的低收入戶兒童,語言能力程度各不相同。 The quality of communication accounted for 27 percent of variation in expressive language skills one year later, Dr. Hirsh-Pasek said. 赫許─巴塞克說,1年後,優質溝通占表達語言技巧差異的27%。 But those who urge parents to talk to their children more say increased quan

Jul 29, 20239 min

15Mins Live Podcast - 第一季倒數和John老師聊你不知道的15mins Come and have a chat with John

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 是的!7/31將是我們這季最後一次15Mins Live Podcast。 在持續一年多每週一風雨無阻的主持Live Podcast,John老師打算給老師群時間暑休一下,我們調整節目後再出發! 這次Live Podcast,John老師帶著大家回顧一下他們對Live Podcast的點滴,並用了以下的QA來聊聊對通勤學英語、Live Podcast以及近期的線上有聲書課程的分享。 討論主題:你當時如何知道15Mins你眼中的15Mins是如何?最喜歡的節目?那一集是你最愛的/最有印象的希望後續老師們推出什麼? 那你呢?有沒有什麼話想對老師群說的呢?歡迎來下週一的Live Podcast來參加這一季最後一場單元!

Jul 29, 20233h 43m

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K614: 魔法冒險:探索東京的華納兄弟影城和香港的巨大黃色雙鴨

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K614: Magical Adventure: Discover Tokyo's Warner Brothers Studio Tour and Hong Kong's Giant Rubber Ducks Welcome to this captivating guide, where we invite you to embark on two extraordinary adventures that will ignite your imagination and create lasting memories. Prepare to be enchanted as you explore the mesmerizing Warner Brothers Studio Tour in Tokyo, a haven for Harry Potter fans, and experience the whimsical charm of the giant rubber ducks in Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour. 歡迎來到這個迷人的指南,我們邀請您展開兩個非凡的冒險,點燃您的想像力,留下持久的回憶。準備好在東京探索迷人的華納兄弟影城之旅,這是哈利波特粉絲的天堂;同時體驗香港維多利亞港的巨型黃色小鴨帶來的奇妙魅力。 Unleash your inner wizard at the Warner Brothers Studio Tour in Tokyo, an enchanting theme park that transports you to the magical world of Harry Potter. Located in the heart of Tokyo, this immersive experience allows you to step into iconic film locations such as Diagon Alley and the Ministry of Magic. As you stroll through the bustling streets, browse whimsical shops, and marvel at the intricate details that brought J.K. Rowling's vision to life, you'll feel the excitement and wonder of the Harry Potter universe. Warner Brothers Studio Tour Tokyo offers a unique and captivating dimension to the world of Harry Potter, creating an unforgettable experience for fans and visitors alike. 在東京的華納兄弟影城之旅中,釋放您內心的巫師,進入哈利波特的魔法世界。這個浸入式的主題公園位於東京的中心地帶,讓您踏進象徵性的電影場景,如對角巷和魔法部。當您漫步於繁華的街道,瀏覽奇幻的商店,並驚歎於呈現J.K.羅琳幻想的細節時,您將感受到哈利波特宇宙的興奮和奇蹟。東京華納兄弟影城之旅為哈利波特的世界提供了獨特而迷人的視角,為粉絲和遊客創造了一次難忘的體驗。 While exploring the vibrant city of Hong Kong, make sure to visit Victoria Harbour, where an unexpected surprise awaits – giant rubber ducks! Created by the talented Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, these whimsical installations have captured the hearts of visitors worldwide. As the colossal inflatable ducks serenely float on the water's surface, they add a playful touch to the harbor's picturesque scenery. Originally inspired by a world map and a rubber duck, Hofman's art installation has become an iconic symbol of joy and wonder. Take a leisurely stroll along Victoria Harbour and let the charm of the giant rubber ducks bring a smile to your face. 在探索充滿活力的香港時,務必拜訪維多利亞港,那裡有一個意想不到的驚喜等著您—巨型黃色小鴨!這些充滿奇趣的裝置由荷蘭藝術家弗洛倫泰因·霍夫曼(Florentijn Hofman)創作,已經征服了世界各地的遊客的心。當這些巨大的充氣鴨子在水面上平靜漂浮時,為港口的風景增添了一絲嬉戲的氛圍。最初靈感來自世界地圖和黃色小鴨,霍夫曼的藝術裝置已成為喜悅和奇蹟的標誌性象徵。漫步於維多利亞港,讓巨型黃色小鴨的迷人魅力帶給您微笑。 Both attractions offer a delightful escape from reality, providing a sense of wonder and joy. Whether you are a devoted Harry Potter enthusiast or simply appreciate the whimsy of giant rubber ducks, these experiences will leave you spellbound. When planning your visit to either Tokyo or Hong Kong, it's important to consider the high demand for tickets during peak seasons. Be sure to check availability and book your tickets in advance to secure your spot and make the most of your visit. 這兩個景點都提供了愉快且遠離現實的機會,帶來驚奇和歡樂。無論您是熱衷的哈利波特迷,還是單純欣賞巨型黃色小鴨的奇趣,這些體驗都將讓您為之驚嘆。在計劃您的東京或香港之行時,要考慮到票務在旺季時的高需求。請務必查詢開放時間並提前預訂門票,以確保您的位置,並充分利用您的造訪。 Immerse yourself in the magic of these distinct worlds, whether you choose to explore Tokyo's Warner Brothers Studio Tour or witness the whimsical charm of the giant rubber ducks in Hong Kong. Both attractions promise unforgettable experiences that will enchant visitors of all ages. Allow yourself to be captivated by the wonders of the Harry Potter universe or the delightful presence of the giant rubber ducks. These remarkable attractions will ignite your sense of wonder and leave you with cherished memories that will last a lifetime. 沉浸於這兩個獨特世界的魔法中,無論您選擇探索東京的華納兄弟影城之旅,還是目睹香港的巨型黃色小鴨的奇妙魅力,這些景點都保證能為全年齡層的遊客提供難忘的體驗。讓自己沉醉在奇幻的哈利波特宇宙或討喜的巨型黃色小鴨,這些卓越的景點將點燃您的奇思妙想,留下珍貴的回憶,讓你終生難忘。 Reference article: 1. https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/harry-potter-park-tokyo-hopes-enchant-asian-fans-2023-06-14/ 2. https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/two-giant-rubber-ducks-debut-hong-kong-bid-drive-double-happiness-2023-06-09/

Jul 27, 20234 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K613: 難以置信的友誼:威斯康辛州男子與魚建立牢不可破的羈絆

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K613: Unlikely Friendship: Wisconsin Man and Fish Form Unbreakable Bond A heartwarming tale has emerged from Wisconsin, where a man has forged an extraordinary connection with a wild fish, meeting at the same spot every summer. 一個令人感動的故事來自威斯康辛州,一名男子與一條野生魚建立了難以想像的聯繫,每年夏天在同一個地點相遇。 Rex Colubra, a 40-year-old print-shop worker and animal enclosure maker, reportedly became "friends" with a smallmouth bass during a dive in September 2021. News agency SWNS shared the incredible story of their unlikely bond. 40歲的雷克斯·科魯布拉(Rex Colubra)是一名印刷廠工人和動物圍欄製造商,據報導,他在2021年9月的一次潛水中與一條小口黑鱸「交朋友」。新聞機構SWNS分享了這個難以置信的故事,描述了他們之間不太尋常的羈絆。 Their initial encounter led to a unique friendship, with Colubra affectionately naming the fish Elvis. Since then, the duo has continued to reunite annually when Colubra returns to the lake where Elvis resides. 他們的初次相遇導致了一段獨特的友誼,科魯布拉深情地給這條魚取名為艾維斯。從那時起,每當科魯布拉返回艾維斯所在的湖泊時,這對奇特的組合就會每年相聚一次。 Colubra revealed that his fishy companion can even display signs of jealousy if other fish come too close to him. "I even taught him a call," said Colubra. "I will do a gulping grunt sound with my throat, and he'll come find me." Elvis will fiercely defend Colubra by warding off any other fish that venture too near. 科魯布拉透露,他的魚朋友甚至會表現出嫉妒的跡象,如果其他魚太靠近他,「我甚至教會了他一個叫聲,」科魯布拉說。「我會用喉嚨發出一個喝水的聲音,他就會來找我。」艾維斯會堅決保護科魯布拉,驅趕任何靠近的其他魚類。 Describing their first meeting, Colubra shared, "It was like any other dive; I was checking out a new spot, and all these fish were coming up to me." However, one fish stood out from the rest, fearlessly remaining by Colubra's side even after he emerged from the water. The fish continued to linger in the shallows, maintaining a close connection. 科魯布拉分享了他們的第一次相遇,他說:「那就像是其他潛水一樣,我正在查看一個新的地點,所有魚都靠近我。」然而,有一條魚從其他魚中脫穎而出,即使科魯布拉從水中出來,這條魚仍然無畏地待在他身邊。這條魚繼續在淺水區徘徊,保持著密切的聯繫。 When Colubra returned to the same spot two weeks later, Elvis recognized him and approached him, demonstrating their unique bond. Colubra also mentioned that he fed the fish some crawfish during this encounter. 當科魯布拉兩周後回到同一個地點時,艾維斯認出了他並接近他,展示了他們獨特的聯繫。科魯布拉還提到,在這次相遇中,他餵了這條魚一些小龍蝦。 Elvis's unwavering devotion is unmistakable. Colubra mentioned that the fish follows him around and gazes into his eyes. Identifying Elvis is easy for Colubra, as the fish bears a distinctive scar on its face, likely from a previous encounter with a fisherman. 艾維斯的忠誠毋庸置疑。科魯布拉提到,這條魚跟著他走,凝視著他的眼睛。科魯布拉很容易辨認艾維斯,因為這條魚臉上有一個獨特的疤痕,很可能是以前被漁夫捕獲時留下的。 Despite their strong bond, there have been moments when Colubra feared the worst—that Elvis had passed away. However, their connection has endured, bringing joy and amazement to all who hear their remarkable story. 儘管他們有著強烈的羈絆,但仍有些時刻,科魯布拉擔心最壞的情況—艾維斯的死去。然而,他們的聯繫一直持續下去,為聽到這個非凡故事的所有人帶來喜悅和驚奇。 This heartwarming tale serves as a reminder of the profound connections that can form between humans and the animal kingdom. It showcases the beauty of unexpected friendships and the capacity for creatures to display loyalty and affection. The enduring bond between Colubra and Elvis is a testament to the power of compassion and the ability to find companionship in even the most unlikely of places. 這個溫馨的故事提醒著人們,人類和動物界之間可以形成深厚的聯繫。它展示了意料外友誼的美麗,以及生物展示忠誠和愛的能力。科魯布拉和艾維斯之間持久的羈絆是對慈愛心和在最不可能的地方尋找陪伴者的力量的證明。 Reference article: https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/wisconsin-man-reportedly-friends-fish-visiting-pal-summer-lake

Jul 26, 20233 min

精選詞彙播客Vocab Ep.175: 你會看你伴侶的社群帳號嗎 Why do you need to see your spouse's social media account?

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/07/16/2003803266 From the news article about a a recent court case, the judge sentenced a man for violating his wife's privacy by logging into her social media account. This week Angel and I talk about why we need couples have insecurities and the difference between men and women. Please comment below or email us about whether you also want to check your spouse's social media account? 歡迎來分享給我跟Angel老師 Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. An affair n. 外遇 When men hide something, most would immediately suspect him of having an affair. 當男人隱瞞事情時,多數會懷疑他在外遇中。 2. Insecure adj. 不安全 In the beginning of a relationship, women can feel insecure about their relationship status. 在感情一開始時,女性可能都會對感情狀況有不安全感。 3. Privacy n. 隱私權 Now we know that it is illegal to invade your spouse's privacy. 現在我們知道違反你伴侶隱私權是犯法的。 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]

Jul 25, 202327 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K612: 圖書館藏書在借出119年後完好歸來

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K612: Library Book Returns Home After 119 Years in Remarkable Condition A remarkable story unfolds as a long-lost book finds its way back to the New Bedford Free Public Library in Massachusetts after an astonishing 119 years. The book in question is "An Elementary Treatise on Electricity" by James Clerk Maxwell, a scientific text that was checked out on February 14, 1904. The incredible journey of this book finally came to light when a librarian at West Virginia University Libraries stumbled upon it during the sorting of a recent book donation. 一個驚奇的故事展開,一本失而復得的書在經過119年後回到了麻薩諸塞州的新伯福免費公共圖書館。這本書是詹姆斯·克拉克·麥克斯韋爾的《電學初論》,是一本科學文獻,於1904年2月14日被借出。這本書的驚人旅程最終在西維吉尼亞大學圖書館的一位圖書館員在最近的一次書籍捐贈整理中被偶然發現。 The curator of rare books, Stewart Plein, immediately recognized the significance of the discovery. Notably, the book had not been stamped "withdrawn," indicating that it had not been discarded despite its overdue status. Realizing that the treatise belonged to the New Bedford library, Plein reached out to Jodi Goodman, the special collections librarian, to share the exciting news. Olivia Melo, the director of the New Bedford Public Library, marveled at the book's pristine condition, suggesting that it had been well-preserved and possibly passed down through generations. 稀有書籍館長斯圖爾特·普林立即意識到這個發現的重要性。值得注意的是,這本書並沒有被蓋上“撤銷”印章,表示儘管超過了歸還期限,但本書並沒有被廢棄。普林意識到這本論文屬於新伯福圖書館後,便與特藏圖書管理員喬迪·古德曼聯絡,分享了這個令人興奮的消息。新伯福公共圖書館館長奧利維亞·梅洛對這本書的完好狀態感到驚嘆,表示它被保存得很好,並且可能是代代相傳。 Although the cranberry-colored copy of Maxwell's treatise is not considered a rare edition, it provides a valuable glimpse into the time when humanity was still exploring the potential of electricity. Published in 1881, just two years after Maxwell's passing in 1879, the treatise captures the curiosity and wonder of an era embracing the possibilities of this emerging force of nature. Melo acknowledged that while the library occasionally receives books overdue by a decade or so, the return of a book after a century or more is a truly exceptional event. 盡管這本麥克斯韋爾論文的紅莓色版本不被認為是稀有版,但它提供了一個寶貴的視角,讓人窺見人類仍在探索電力潛力的時代。該書於1881年出版,僅在麥克斯韋爾於1879年去世後的兩年問世,記錄了一個時代對這種新興自然力量的好奇和驚奇。梅洛相信,雖然圖書館偶爾會收到逾期十年左右的書籍,但一本經過一個世紀以上才歸還的圖書確實是個非常特殊的事件。 The story of the book's return serves as a testament to the enduring value of printed books in an age dominated by digital information. Melo emphasized that printed books possess an irreplaceable quality, providing a tangible connection to the past and ensuring their longevity. Reflecting on the significance of the returned treatise, she expressed appreciation for the printed word's ability to transcend time. In terms of late fees, it was noted that the library's maximum late fee limit is $2, underscoring the symbolic nature of the book's return rather than any financial implications. 這本書回歸的故事證明了在數位資訊主導的時代中,印刷書的恆久價值。梅洛強調印刷書籍具有不可替代的性質,能夠提供與過去的有形連結並保證它們的長久存在。回顧這本回歸論文的重要性,她對印刷文字跨越時間的能力表示讚賞。至於逾期費用,據悉該圖書館的最高滯納金限額為2美元,這也強調了本書回歸的象徵意義,並非關於任何財務影響。 Reference article: https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/library-book-electricity-returned-after-119-years-good-shape

Jul 24, 20234 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K611: 逆齡回春:韓國人擁抱國際年齡系統,體驗青春變革

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K611: Aging Backwards: South Koreans Embrace International Age System, Experience Youthful Transformation In a significant legal change, every person in South Korea has experienced a sudden reduction in age by at least one year. This adjustment comes as the country adopts the internationally recognized age counting system, replacing one of its two traditional methods. Previously, individuals were considered one year old at birth, accounting for the time spent in the womb. The implementation of the new law took effect on Wednesday, resulting in South Koreans instantly becoming a year or two younger. 在一項重大的法律變革中,每個韓國人都突然減少了至少一歲的年齡。這項調整是由於該國採用了國際認可的年齡計算系統所引起的,取代了現行兩種傳統年齡算法的其中一種。在此之前,人們出生時被計算為一歲,算入了在母親體內的時間。新法律的實施從周三開始生效,導致韓國人立即變年輕了一到兩歲。 The conventional "Korean age" system, where individuals aged up by one year every January 1st regardless of their actual birth date, has now been replaced. Under the previous system, someone born on New Year's Eve would turn two years old on New Year's Day. In contrast, the alternative method, known as "counting age," treated individuals as zero at birth but incremented their age by one every January 1st. For example, a person born on New Year's Eve would turn one on New Year's Day. While the "counting age" method is still utilized in many legal contexts, such as determining the legal drinking age, the recent legal change could result in South Koreans having their ages reduced on official documents. 過去傳統的"韓國年齡"系統,不論實際出生日期如何,每年的1月1日人們都增長一歲的年齡,現已被取代。在以前的制度下,元旦出生的人在新年的第一天就滿兩歲。相比之下,另一種稱為"虛歲"的方法,將人出生時視為零歲,但每年的1月1日年齡增長一歲。例如,元旦出生的人在新年的第一天就滿一歲。雖然"虛歲"方法在許多法律情境中仍在使用,例如確定法定飲酒年齡,但最近的法律變化可能導致韓國人在官方文件上的年紀減少。 Minister of government legislation, Lee Wan-kyu, stated during a briefing that the new age calculation method is expected to alleviate legal disputes, complaints, and social confusion related to age calculations. Since the 1960s, South Korea has used the international norm of starting from zero at birth and incrementing age by one on each birthday for medical and legal documentation. However, many South Koreans continued to use the traditional method in daily life. A government survey conducted in September of the previous year indicated that 86% of respondents intended to adopt the international age system in their everyday lives once the new law was implemented. 韓國法制處處長李完揆在一次簡報中表示,新的年齡計算方法有望減少與年齡計算相關的法律紛爭、投訴和社會混亂。自1960年代以來,韓國一直使用國際慣例,即從出生時的零歲開始,每逢生日年齡增加一歲,用於醫療和法律文件。然而,許多韓國人在日常生活中繼續使用傳統計法。去年9月進行的一項政府調查顯示,86%的受訪者打算在新法律實施後在日常生活中改用國際年齡系統。 The shift to the internationally recognized age system has been met with enthusiasm among South Koreans. Choi Hyun-ji, a 27-year-old office worker in Seoul, expressed excitement about the adjustment: "I was about to turn 30 next year [under the traditional Korean age system], but now I have some more time earned, and I love it." Many citizens share this sentiment, enjoying the feeling of becoming younger overnight. With the implementation of the new law, South Koreans have embraced the opportunity to recalibrate their ages and adopt the age system recognized worldwide. 韓國人對轉向國際認可的年齡系統表示熱情。一名首爾的27歲上班族崔賢智(音譯)對這項調整表示興奮:“根據傳統的韓國年齡算法,我明年將年滿30歲,但現在多了一些時間,我喜歡這種感覺。”許多市民都有同樣的感受,享受一夜之間變年輕的感覺。隨著新法的實施,韓國人已經接受了重新校準年齡並採用全球認可的年齡系統的機會。 Reference article: https://news.sky.com/story/south-koreans-instantly-become-younger-under-new-age-counting-system-12910916

Jul 23, 20234 min

回顧星期天LBS - 菲律賓相關時事趣聞 2022 All about Philippines

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 優惠「社會人核心英語」有聲書課程: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: Why the Philippines Is a Hoops Haven Go to any street corner in the Philippines. Any village. Any beach. Even a church. You’re likely to see a basketball jersey. 在菲律賓隨便去到哪個街角,哪個村落,哪個海灘,甚至哪個教堂,你應該都會看到籃球衣。 “It’s often described as a religion,” Carlo Roy Singson, managing director of NBA Philippines, said in an interview. 美國國家籃球協會(NBA)菲律賓分會總監辛松受訪時說:「大家常說,籃球就是菲律賓人的宗教。」 Indeed, basketball is ingrained in Filipino culture and has been for more than a century. The sport’s permeation of a country of about 105 million began in the late 1800s, when Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. 的確,籃球在菲律賓文化扎根已超過一個世紀。 籃球於19世紀末傳入這個目前有一億零五百萬人口的國家,終至遍布每個角落。1898年西班牙在美西戰爭中戰敗,把菲律賓割讓給美國。 A large facet of the introduction of the fledgling game was Christian missionaries, who were part of the YMCA, or Young Men’s Christian Association. The game’s inventor, Dr. James Naismith, conceived of the sport at what was then known as the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. 籃球這個新興運動傳入菲律賓,很大一部分是靠基督教傳教士,這些傳教士是基督教國際社會服務團體「基督教青年會」(YMCA)的成員。籃球發明人奈史密斯博士就是在美國麻州春田市當時名為「國際YMCA訓練學校」的地方,想出籃球這種運動。 To take a round object and throw it into a peach hoop, as Naismith pictured it, could be a character-building endeavor. Soon after he invented it, missionaries began spreading it around the world, particularly in the Far East and the Philippines, in U.S.-controlled areas — a kind of sports imperialism. 奈史密斯設想,拿起一個球形物並將它丟進一個桃木筐,這種努力過程可以培養品格。在他發明籃球後不久,傳教士開始把這種運動傳布到世界各地,尤其是美國控制的遠東地區和菲律賓,算是一種運動殖民。 The NBA and its players, recognizing the sport’s popularity in the Philippines, have invested time there in recent years. In 2013, the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers played a preseason game there. According to a spokesman for the league, the NBA’s Facebook page has 7.3 million followers from the Philippines, the largest of any country outside of the United States. NBA及其運動員認識到籃球在菲律賓大受歡迎,近年在菲律賓投入許多時間。2013年,休士頓火箭隊和印第安納溜馬隊在菲律賓打了場季前賽。根據NBA發言人的說法,NBA臉書專頁有730萬名粉絲來自菲律賓,菲律賓是美國之外最大的粉絲來源國。 This all began in the early 1900s, when basketball was introduced into schools in the Philippines. In 1913, the first Far Eastern Championship Games — an early version of what is now known as the Asian Games — took place in Manila, featuring several East Asian countries taking part in Olympics-style competitions, including basketball. 這一切全始於20世紀初,當時籃球傳入菲律賓各級學校。1913年,亞洲運動會前身、第一屆遠東運動會在馬尼拉舉行,幾個東亞國家參與奧運式的競賽,包括籃球。 It was the first of 10 biennial events, before disagreements between the countries disbanded the games. The Philippines won gold in nine of them. 遠東運動會兩年一次,總共辦過十次,後來因為各國意見不合而停辦。菲律賓在其中九次贏得籃球金牌。 The country’s population took to the sport en masse. In 1936, its national team made the Olympics and finished fifth. At the 1954 FIBA World Championship, the Philippines won a bronze medal, the best finish for an Asian country. 菲律賓舉國上下都愛上籃球。1936年,菲律賓國家隊打進奧運並拿下第五名。在1954年世界杯男籃錦標賽中,菲律賓贏得銅牌,寫下亞洲國家最佳成績。 Two decades later, in 1975, the Philippine Basketball Association, Asia’s first basketball league, was created. These games kept the sport at the forefront of Filipino culture and helped grow interest throughout the 20th century. 20年後,1975年,菲律賓職業籃球聯賽開打,是亞洲第一個職業籃球聯賽。這些比賽讓籃球處在菲律賓文化的重要位置,並在整個20世紀激發菲律賓人對籃球的興趣。Source article: https://paper.udn.com/udnpaper/POH0067/341713/web/#2L-15029994L Next Article Topic: About Philippines - Sinking feeling: Philippine cities facing ’slow-motion disaster’ When Mary Ann San Jose moved to Sitio Pariahan more than two decades ago, she could walk to the local chapel. Today, reaching it requires a swim. 當瑪莉.安.聖荷西20多年前搬到西堤歐帕里翰時,她還能走路到當地的禮拜堂,如今卻得游泳才能到達。 The main culprit is catastrophic subsidence caused by groundwater being pumped out from below, often via unregulated wells for homes, factories, and farms catering to a booming population and growing economy. 主因是抽取地下水造成的災難性地層下陷,通常是經由未受管制的家庭、工廠和農田水井抽取,目的是應付人口暴增及經濟成長所需。 The steady sinking of coastal towns in the northern Philippines has caused Manila Bay’s water to pour inland and displace thousands, posing a greater threat than rising sea levels due to climate change. 菲國北部沿海城鎮持續下陷,讓馬尼拉灣的海水湧向內陸,造成數千人無家可歸,威脅更甚於氣候變遷所引發的海平面上升。 The provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan have sunk between four and six centimeters annually since 2003, according to satellite monitoring. By comparison, the UN estimates average sea level rise globally is about three millimeters per year. 衛星觀測顯示,從2003年起,班巴加省和布拉坎省每年地層下陷達4到6公分。相較之下,聯合國估測,全球海平面平均每年上升約3公釐。 Next Article: Topic: Philippin

Jul 22, 20239 min

15Mins Live Podcast - 換句話說系列 – 人很好與好笑還有什麼說法Other ways to say “nice” and “funny”

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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 ------------------------------- 主題:換句話說系列 – 人很好與好笑還有什麼說法Other ways to say “nice” and “funny” Other ways to say: NICE Amiable 藹然可親 She is a gentle, funny, amiable person. Pleasant 和藹的 They spent a pleasant evening together. Charming 迷人 There are lots of charming little restaurants along the river. Delightful 愉快 There is a delightful little garden behind the house. Kind 和善 It was kind of you to help them. Other ways to say: FUNNY Entertaining 懂招待/娛樂 Cat videos on You Tube are entertaining: I could spend hours watching them! Amusing 有趣/滑稽 Reading Calvin and Hobbes comics is amusing. Comical 滑稽/搞笑 I must have looked comical in that big hat. Goofy 笨笨/愚蠢的 Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg are so goofy in the Dick in a Box video. Hilarious 爆笑/狂笑 Have you ever seen Natalie Portman rap? It's hilarious! 分享時間               Tell a personal experience related to something / experience that you would use “nice” and “funny”Pick 4 words and make sentences

Jul 22, 20231h 11m

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K610: 警方在國家公園加強巡邏以保護陸蟹

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 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] ------------------------------- 以下有此單集搭配文稿喔~ ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K610: Police Increase Patrols in National Park to Protect Land Crabs The National Police Agency (NPA) announced on Friday that police officers are implementing measures to prevent the illegal hunting of land crabs in Tainan's Taijiang National Park, aiming to safeguard the crustaceans' reproduction. According to the NPA's Seventh Special Corps, patrols will be conducted in the park during the breeding season of Cardisoma carnifex, which occurs annually from July to August. 內政部警政署(NPA)於星期五宣布,警察正在實施措施,以防範在台南市台江國家公園對陸蟹的非法捕捉,希望能保護這些甲殼類動物的繁殖。根據警政署保安警察第七總隊的聲明,將在該公園進行巡邏,因為兇狠圓軸蟹(Cardisoma carnifex),台灣最大的陸蟹物種,每年七月到八月之間的繁殖季即將到來。 During these two months, female land crabs transport their eggs from the windbreak near Chengxi Menghuan Pond to the beach after sunset, where they are laid in the water. The Seventh Special Corps emphasized that this journey poses potential dangers to the crabs, including being run over by vehicles or caught and consumed by individuals. To mitigate these risks, the Corps will regulate traffic on the road along Cingcaolun Bank, ensuring the safety of the land crabs during the nighttime. 在這兩個月裡,母陸蟹在日落後從城西夢幻湖附近的遮風帶搬運著牠們的卵到海灘上,並放入水中。第七總隊強調這段旅程對陸蟹來說存在潛在的危險,包括被車輛撞到或被人類捕捉並食用。為了減少這些風險,總隊將規範青草崙堤防道路上的交通,確保夜間陸蟹的安全。 According to the Seventh Special Corps, individuals who capture and hunt land crabs within national parks may face penalties of up to NT$1,000 for violating the National Park Act. If substantial harm is caused, offenders can be detained or sentenced to a maximum of one year in prison. In response to these regulations, two local volunteers dedicated to protecting land crabs expressed their disappointment on social media regarding the lack of ecological conservation awareness among some people. 根據第七總隊的說法,在國家公園內捕捉和狩獵陸蟹的人可能會面臨高達新台幣1,000元的罰款,違反了《國家公園法》。如果造成重大損害,違規者可能會被拘留或判處最高一年的監禁。作為對這些法規的回應,兩位致力於保護陸蟹的當地志願者在社交媒體上表達了對某些人缺乏生態保育意識的失望。 Sharing his experience on Facebook, Chuang Chih-hsun, along with his brother Chuang Chih-shan, encountered two migrant workers who had captured over 100 land crabs to share with their acquaintances while returning from their duty of monitoring land crabs. The Chuang brothers had been safeguarding land crabs outside the park along the Yanshui River, where the crabs are not legally protected, unlike within the park. Chuang Chih-hsun expressed his distress, as he and his brother have spent more than a decade dedicated to land crab conservation under their parents' guidance. Despite this disheartening encounter, the brothers remain committed to their cause. 莊智巽在臉書上分享了他和他的兄弟莊智善的經歷,他們在監護陸蟹的任務結束後,在返回途中遇到了兩名外籍勞工,他們捕捉了100多隻陸蟹打算與朋友分享。莊家兄弟一直在鹽水溪沿岸的公園外保護陸蟹,因為這些地區的陸蟹並沒有受到法律的保護,不像公園內的陸蟹。莊智巽表達了他的痛苦,因為他和他的兄弟在父母的指導下致力於保護陸蟹已經超過十年。儘管遭遇了這令人沮喪的事情,兄弟們仍然堅守自己的想法。 The local agriculture bureau acknowledges the limitations of their authority in preventing the catching of land crabs outside national parks, as they are not protected in those areas. However, they aim to persuade individuals through education and ethical appeals to refrain from capturing land crabs. The joint efforts of the police, dedicated volunteers like the Chuang brothers, and public awareness initiatives can contribute to the conservation of land crabs and their habitats, preserving the biodiversity and ecological balance of the national park. 當地農業局承認他們在阻止國家公園以外的地區捕捉陸蟹方面的權限有限,因為這些地區的陸蟹並沒有受到保護。然而,他們希望通過教育和道德呼籲說服個人不要捕捉陸蟹。警方以及莊家兄弟這樣的志願者和公眾意識倡議的共同努力有助於保護陸蟹及其棲息地,維護國家公園的生物多樣性和生態平衡。 Reference article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/07/09/2003802920

Jul 20, 20234 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K609: 追蹤馬斯克私人噴射機的帳號在Threads上找到了新家

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 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] ------------------------------- 以下有此單集搭配文稿喔~ ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K609: Tracking Elon Musk's Jet Account Finds a New Home on Threads After being suspended from Twitter for tracking Elon Musk's private jet, the popular account "Elon Musk's Jet" has found a new home on the social media app Threads. The owner, Jack Sweeney, announced the arrival of the account on Threads with its first post last week, marking a fresh start for the dedicated followers of Elon Musk's travels. 因追蹤埃隆·馬斯克的私人噴射機而被Twitter停用的熱門帳號「埃隆·馬斯克的噴射機」現已在社交媒體應用程式Threads上找到了新家。該帳號的所有者傑克·斯威尼(Jack Sweeney)在上週首帖中宣布了該帳號在Threads上的到來,為埃隆·馬斯克旅程的忠實追隨者們帶來了新的開始。 Threads, which was launched on Wednesday as an offshoot of Instagram, offers users the ability to post text content. The app has already gained significant traction, with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reporting 70 million new sign-ups in just a few days. However, legal concerns have arisen as an attorney representing Musk-owned Twitter has suggested the possibility of taking legal action against Threads, alleging the unauthorized use of Twitter's trade secrets and other intellectual property. Threads是Instagram的分支應用程式,於上週三推出,允許用戶發布文字內容。該應用程式已經獲得了顯著的關注,Meta首席執行官馬克·扎克伯格(Mark Zuckerberg)報告稱僅在幾天內就有7000萬名新用戶註冊。然而,隨之而來的法律問題使得馬斯克旗下的Twitter律師提出了可能對Threads提起訴訟的可能性,指控該應用程式未經授權使用Twitter的商業機密和其他知識產權。 In response to the accusations made by Musk's attorney, Meta officials have denied any wrongdoing, with Andy Stone, the communications director, stating that none of the Threads engineering team members are former Twitter employees. The controversy surrounding Threads highlights the intense competition and legal battles among social media platforms, as they vie for users and seek to protect their intellectual property rights. 作為對馬斯克律師的指控的回應,Meta官方否認了任何不當行為,傳媒總監安迪·斯通(Andy Stone)表示Threads的工程團隊成員中沒有任何前Twitter員工。Threads引起的爭議凸顯了社交媒體平台之間的激烈競爭和法律戰爭,它們競爭用戶並努力保護其知識產權。 The individual behind the suspended Twitter account, Jack Sweeney, rose to prominence for publicly sharing transponder information from Elon Musk's private plane, disclosing its take-off and landing locations. Initially, Musk had allowed the account to remain on Twitter, citing the importance of free speech. However, he later reversed his decision and suspended the account, claiming it violated physical safety concerns. Sweeney then returned to Twitter with a new account named ElonJet but Delayed, which now provides information on Musk's plane on a 24-hour delay. In addition to Twitter, Sweeney maintains similar accounts on other social media platforms, including Instagram and Bluesky, where he tracks planes used by notable figures such as Mark Zuckerberg, former President Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Jeff Bezos, Kim Kardashian, and Taylor Swift. 該被停用的Twitter帳號背後的個體傑克·斯威尼因公開分享埃隆·馬斯克私人飛機的信標信息,披露其起降位置而聲名大噪。起初,馬斯克允許該帳號在Twitter上繼續存在,並稱這是言論自由的體現。然而,他後來改變了決定並停用了該帳號,聲稱其違反了身體安全問題。斯威尼隨後以一個名為「埃隆延遲噴射機」(ElonJet but Delayed)的新帳號回到Twitter上,該帳號對馬斯克的飛機提供24小時延遲的信息。除了Twitter,斯威尼還在其他社交媒體平台上維護著類似的帳號,包括Instagram和Bluesky,他追蹤的飛機還包括馬克·扎克伯格、前總統特朗普、佛羅里達州州長羅恩·德桑提斯、傑夫·貝索斯、金·卡戴珊和泰勒·斯威夫特等知名人士。 Reference article: https://www.npr.org/2023/07/09/1186680246/elon-musk-private-jet-twitter-threads

Jul 19, 20233 min

精選詞彙播客Vocab Ep.174: 當你嚐到人生第一口自由的感覺 What was your first scooter or car like?

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 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] ------------------------------- 以下有此單集搭配文稿喔~ ------------------------------- Summary: 討論文章: https://news.tvbs.com.tw/english/2168887 Scooter sales are on the rise in Taiwan and this week, Angel and I talk about my fear of scooters and Angel's first scooter. For many people, their first scooter is an extremely memorable experience in their lives, what about you? Please comment below or email us about your first car or first scooter. What was it like for you? 歡迎來分享給我跟Angel老師 Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. Windscreen n. 擋風玻璃 In the old days, one could get an optional windscreen for their Vespas. 過去的時代,是可以加裝當風玻璃在Vespa上的。 2. Gas (sth) up ph.v. 替sth加油 If I drive my parent's car, I would gas up the car when its empty. 如果我開我爸媽的車,我都會幫忙加油。 3. Spare tyre n. 備胎 People who drive must know how to change your own spare tyre. 有開車的人必須懂如何換備胎。

Jul 18, 202340 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K608: 玉山國家公園提供與熊類對峙時的小秘訣

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 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] ------------------------------- 以下有此單集搭配文稿喔~ ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K607: Tips for Bear Encounters in Yushan Park The Yushan National Park Administration recently released helpful advice on how to prevent encounters with Formosan black bears, following a survey that identified the mountain as the most significant habitat for this endangered species in Taiwan. With elevations ranging from 300m to 3,952m above sea level, Yushan boasts alpine features that make it one of Taiwan's most valuable nature preserves, particularly for the Formosan black bear population. According to the latest survey conducted by the park authorities, the number of bears in the park has been steadily increasing and currently stands at approximately 300. 玉山國家公園管理處最近針對如何避免與台灣黑熊相遇提供了有用的建議,這是在一項調查顯示該山區是這個瀕危物種最重要的棲息地後發布。玉山地勢特殊,海拔從海平面300公尺到3,952公尺不等,園區官員表示這些特點使其成為台灣最豐富的自然保護區之一,尤其對於台灣黑熊族群而言更是如此。根據園區當局最新的調查,園區內熊的數量一直在穩定增加,目前大約有300隻。 Formosan black bears are frequently sighted in various areas of the park, such as Tataka, the Batongguan Traversing Trail, and the South Cross-Island Highway, which are popular among hikers. With the recent Dragon Boat Festival, a significant influx of visitors is expected to visit the mountain. In light of this, park officials have provided five key recommendations to minimize the chances of bear encounters. 台灣黑熊經常出現在園內的各個地區,例如塔塔加、八通關越嶺古道和南橫公路等深受登山健行者歡迎的地方。隨著最近的端午節期,預計將有大量的遊客前往山區。有鑑於此,園區職員提供了五項重要建議,以降低與熊相遇的機會。 Firstly, if visitors spot a bear from a distance, it is crucial to remain calm and avoid startling the animal. Leaving the area promptly and quietly is advised, without making loud noises or sudden movements. Secondly, carrying a bear bell or whistle can help deter bears from approaching. The sound emitted by these items tends to keep animals at a distance. Thirdly, it is important to package food properly to prevent its smell from attracting bears. Additionally, individuals should refrain from leaving trash or food waste in Yushan, as this can encourage bears and other animals to develop a habit of seeking food from humans. Lastly, visitors are advised not to bring pets along, both to minimize the risk of disease transmission and to ensure the safety of other park visitors. 首先,如果遊客從遠處發現熊,最重要的是保持冷靜並避免驚嚇動物。建議立即並且安靜地離開該區域,不要發出聲音或突然的動作。其次,攜帶熊鈴或哨子可以幫助阻止熊靠近。這些物品發出的聲音通常可以讓動物保持距離。第三,適當地包裝食物以防止其氣味吸引熊。此外,人們應該避免在玉山留下垃圾或食物殘渣,因為這可能會促使熊和其他動物養成向人類尋求食物的習慣。最後,建議遊客不要攜帶寵物,這既可以減少疾病傳播的風險,也可以確保其他遊客的安全。 In the event of encountering a bear or spotting traces of one, visitors should promptly notify the park authorities through the online reporting system available at URL . This enables the park to respond effectively and take appropriate measures. In related news, the Kenting National Park Headquarters announced an unprecedented migration of purple butterflies across County Highway 200 on the Hengchun Peninsula. Due to recent heavy rains in Pingtung County, an astonishing number of milkweed butterflies, with over 100,000 in total, have been observed crossing the highway at a rate of up to 1,200 per minute. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and drive at speeds below 40kph when passing through the area, as these delicate creatures can easily be crushed by faster-moving vehicles. 如果遇到熊或發現熊的痕跡,遊客應立即通過線上舉報系統向公園管理處報告,網址是www.ysnp.gov.tw/BlackBearNotification/C004400。這樣可以使公園能夠有效地回應並採取適當的措施。另外,墾丁國家公園管理處宣布,在恆春半島的200號縣道上,出現了數量空前的紫色蝴蝶遷徙現象。由於屏東縣最近的大雨,每分鐘有多達1,200隻斑蝶越過公路,總數超過十萬隻。當地呼籲駕駛者在通過該區域時降低速度至40公里/小時以下,因為這些脆弱的生物很容易被速度較快的車輛擊碎。 Reference article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/06/21/2003801907

Jul 17, 20234 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K607: 抖音網紅策劃自己的葬禮以測試家人的反應

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 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] ------------------------------- 以下有此單集搭配文稿喔~ ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K606: TikToker Stages Own Funeral to Test Family's Reactions A Belgian TikToker, David Baerten, made headlines recently after he faked his own death as part of a social experiment. Seeking to uncover who truly cared about him, Baerten and his family decided to stage a funeral and observe the reactions of their friends and relatives. 比利時的抖音網紅 David Baerten 最近因為假裝自己死亡的社會實驗而登上了新聞頭條。為了找出誰真正在乎他,Baerten 和他的家人決定舉行一個葬禮,觀察他們的朋友和親戚的反應。 In an effort to spread the news of Mr. Baerten's demise, one of his children took to social media and penned a heartfelt tribute to her father. The message conveyed sorrow and love, expressing the family's grief and their enduring memories of him. This post garnered attention, and it led to numerous family members and friends attending the funeral to pay their respects. 為了傳播 Baerten 先生去世的消息,其中一個孩子在社群媒體上撰寫了一篇對父親的深情致辭。這則訊息傳達了悲傷和愛,表達了家人的悲痛和對他的回憶。這篇帖子引起了關注,並且吸引了許多家人和朋友前來參加葬禮以表達哀悼之情。 The staged funeral, held near the city of Liège, drew a considerable crowd of mourners dressed in black. Anticipating a somber ceremony, attendees were taken aback when a helicopter suddenly descended upon the scene. Captured on a TikTok video posted by one of the funeral-goers, the surprising footage shows Mr. Baerten stepping out of the helicopter, accompanied by a camera crew. As he made his appearance, emotions ran high, with some family and friends rushing towards him for tearful reunions, while others remained bewildered and perplexed. 這個在列日市附近舉行的假葬禮吸引了許多身著黑服的哀悼者。與預期的莊重儀式不同處在於,參加者們驚訝地看到一架直升機突然降落在現場。由一名出席者發布在抖音的短片捕捉到了令人驚訝的鏡頭,畫面上 Baerten 先生從直升機上走出來,並有攝影隊伍陪同。隨著他的出現,現場情緒沸騰,有些家人和朋友充滿淚水的衝向他團聚,而其他人則感到困惑和茫然。 Explaining his unconventional prank, Mr. Baerten revealed that he had staged his death to gauge the reactions of his extended family, feeling undervalued and neglected by them. He expressed his disappointment, mentioning that he was rarely included in family gatherings and events. By orchestrating this elaborate scheme, he aimed to impart a life lesson, emphasizing the importance of cherishing loved ones while they are still alive. Surprisingly, Mr. Baerten shared that some family members who hadn't attended the funeral reached out to him afterward, demonstrating their concern and proving who genuinely cared about him. Reflecting on the outcome, he stated, "So in a way, I did win." 解釋這個不尋常的惡作劇時,Baerten 先生透露他假裝死亡是為了衡量他廣大家庭的反應,他感到自己被低估和忽視。他表達自己的失望,提到自己很少被邀請參加家庭聚會和活動。他通過這個精心安排的計劃,目標在傳達人生課題,強調在親人還在世時珍惜他們的重要性。令人驚訝的是,Baerten 先生分享了一些未參加葬禮的家人事後與他聯絡,顯示出他們的關心,證明了誰真正在乎他。回顧結果,他說:"所以在某種程度上,我贏了"。 Reference article: https://news.sky.com/story/tiktoker-fakes-his-own-death-to-find-out-who-cares-and-then-shows-up-at-the-funeral-12902143

Jul 16, 20234 min

回顧星期天LBS - 蘋果公司相關時事趣聞 All about 2022 Apple

小額贊助支持本節目: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s 留言告訴我你對這一集的想法: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments ------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 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] ------------------------------- 以下有此單集搭配文稿喔~ ------------------------------- Topic: Apple Feels the Sting From an Oscar Slap Apple has a Will Smith problem. 蘋果有個威爾史密斯的麻煩。 Smith is the star of “Emancipation,” a film set during the Civil War era that Apple envisioned as a surefire Oscar contender when it wrapped filming earlier this year. But that was before Smith strode onto the stage at the Academy Awards in March and slapped comedian Chris Rock, who had made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. 史密斯是「解放」(暫譯)的主角,這部設定於南北戰爭期間的電影今年初拍攝殺青時,蘋果視為奧斯卡必勝參賽者,但那是在3月的奧斯卡頒獎典禮前。史密斯在典禮時走上舞台,掌摑喜劇演員克里斯洛克,因為他開了史密斯妻子、潔達蘋姬史密斯的玩笑。 Will Smith, who also won best actor that night, has since surrendered his membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and has been banned from attending any Academy-related events, including the Oscar telecast, for the next decade. 威爾史密斯那晚贏得最佳男主角獎,那之後他退回美國影藝學院會員資格,且被禁止未來十年參加所有學院相關活動,包括奧斯卡獎。 Now Apple finds itself left with a $120 million unreleased awards-style movie featuring a star no longer welcome at the biggest award show of them all and a big question: Can the film, even if it succeeds artistically, overcome the baggage that now accompanies Smith? 現在蘋果發現,它花1.2億美元拍攝這部符合奧斯卡得獎風格的未上映電影,片中明星在這個最大獎項會場卻已不再受歡迎。一個很大問題是:即使在藝術上成功了,這部電影如今能夠克服史密斯帶來的包袱嗎? According to three people involved with the film who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the company’s planning, there have been discussions inside Apple to release “Emancipation” by the end of the year, which would make it eligible for awards consideration. Variety reported in May, however, that the film’s release would be pushed into 2023. 要求匿名談論蘋果公司計畫的三名參與電影人士說,蘋果內部曾討論在今年底前上映「解放」,好讓電影符合獎項考慮資格。然而,「綜藝」雜誌5月報導,電影上映可能推遲到2023年。 When asked for this article how and when it planned to release “Emancipation,” Apple declined to comment. 當被問到計畫如何及何時上映「解放」時,蘋果拒絕置評。 “Emancipation,” directed by Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day”) and with a script by William Collage, is based on the true story of a slave known as “Whipped Peter,”who joined the Union Army while still in the South. 「解放」由「震撼教育」導演安東尼法奎執導,編劇為比爾克爾吉,根據一名叫做「鞭傷彼得」的奴隸,在南方加入聯邦軍的真實故事改編。 Apple set up a general audience test screening of “Emancipation” in Chicago earlier this year, according to three people with knowledge of the event who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not permitted to discuss it publicly. They said it generated an overwhelmingly positive reaction, specifically for Smith’s performance, which one of the people called “volcanic.” Audience members, during the after-screening feedback, said they were not turned off by Smith’s recent public behavior. 根據三名知曉活動、但不被允許公開談論此事而匿名的人士表示,蘋果今年初在芝加哥進行一場針對一般大眾的「解放」試映。他們說,電影得到驚人的正面反應,特別是史密斯的演技,有人形容為「有如火山爆發」。在試映結束後的觀眾回饋中,有人說他們不會因為史密斯最近的公開行為而討厭他。 Smith largely disappeared from public view following the Oscars. But in July, he released a video on his YouTube channel in which he said he was “deeply remorseful” for his behavior and apologized directly to Rock and his family. 奧斯卡獎典禮後,史密斯幾乎自公眾目光中消失。但他7月在自己的YouTube頻道上傳一段影片,表示對自己的行為「深感悔恨」,並直接向洛克及其家人道歉。 Next Article Topic: Apple’s Eye-Catching New Home Disrupts Silicon Valley Things change when a spaceship comes to town. Tourists stroll by, whipping out their iPhones to get a photo. New businesses move in. And real estate prices go up even more. 當太空船來到城裡,許多事情都變了。遊客在這裡流連,迅速拿出iPhone拍照。新商家進駐。房地產價格漲得更高。 Apple’s new home in Cupertino — the centerpiece being a $5 billion, four-story, 2.8 million-square-foot ring that can be seen from space and that locals call the spaceship — is still getting some final touches, and employees have just started to trickle in. The full squadron, about 12,000 people, will arrive in several months. But the development of the headquarters, a 175-acre area officially called Apple Park, has already helped transform the surrounding area. 蘋果公司在加州古柏迪諾市的新家——核心是耗資50億美元(合台幣約1500億元),面積280萬平方英尺(約7萬9000坪)的4層樓環狀建物,能從太空中看到,當地人稱為太空船——仍處在最後裝修階段,員工才剛開始陸續遷入。總計1萬2000人將在數月內入駐。 不過,蘋果新總部修建已推動周邊地區的變化。新總部占地175英畝(約21萬坪),正式名稱是蘋果園區。 In Sunnyvale, a town just across the street, 95 development projects are in the planning stages. The city manager, Deanna J. Santana, said she had never seen such action before. In Cupertino, a Main Street Cupertino living and dining complex opened in early 2016. This downtown enclave includes the Lofts, a 120-unit apartment community opening this fal

Jul 15, 202311 min

15Mins Live Podcast - 跟讀挑戰 – 星巴克在台灣慶祝25週年Starbucks celebrates 25 years in Taiwan

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 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] ------------------------------- 以下有此單集搭配文稿喔~ ------------------------------- Starbucks celebrates 25 years in Taiwan 星巴克在台灣慶祝25週年 Starbucks Taiwan is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an exhibition running until July 23 at Hall 2 of the 1914 Huashan Cultural and Creative Park. 星巴克台灣正在舉辦其25週年紀念展覽,該展覽將持續至7月23日,在1914華山文化創意產業園區的第二展覽館進行。 The exhibition features stories about the coffee chain's commitment to the environment, staff development, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). It also offers a range of limited edition items such as teddy bears emblazoned with the 25th-anniversary logo, a commemorative shopping bag, and "NAVY" reusable cups made from recycled rice husk, per Starbucks' website. 該展覽介紹了咖啡鏈對環境、員工發展以及企業社會責任(CSR)的承諾故事。此外,還提供了一系列限量版商品,例如印有25週年慶紀念標誌的泰迪熊,紀念購物袋,以及由回收稻殼製成的“NAVY”可重用杯,如星巴克官網所述。 Starbucks has also announced a three-day 2-for-1 promotion from Monday to Wednesday (July 10–12) for a variety of hot and cold beverages between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The promotion applies to in-store purchases and is limited to the purchase of two drinks, enabling the purchaser to collect four drinks at once, Starbucks Taiwan said. 星巴克還宣布了一項為期三天的買一送一優惠,從週一到週三(7月10日至12日),供應各種熱飲和冷飲,時間為上午11點至下午8點。這項優惠適用於店內購買,並且購買兩杯飲品即可一次獲得四杯飲品,星巴克台灣表示。 The promotion is dependent upon supply at each store and excludes Frappuccino-series drinks, macchiato, nitrogen cold brew coffee, canned drinks, pour-over coffee, siphon coffee, and alcoholic beverages. The promotion is also not applicable to drive-thru services, delivery, mobile pre-orders, or special Starbucks outlets at airports, high-speed rail stations, national highway rest stops, or Chi Mei Museum. 這項促銷活動取決於每家店的供應情況,並不包括星冰樂系列飲料,瑪奇朵,液氮冷萃咖啡,罐裝飲料,手沖咖啡,虹吸式咖啡和酒精飲料。該促銷活動也不適用於得來速服務,外送,手機預訂,或是位於機場,高鐵站,國道休息站,或奇美博物館的特殊星巴克分店。 小測驗時間            What is another name for a “two-for-one” promotion?Can you get a discounted iced or hot coffee if you order through the mobile app?

Jul 14, 20231h 19m

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K606: 蘋果公司調整 iPhone 輸入法的自動選字功能問題終於解決

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 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] ------------------------------- 以下有此單集搭配文稿喔~ ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K606: Apple to Adjust iPhone Autocorrect Feature: Ducking Finally Gets its Due Apple made a notable announcement at its recent developers' event regarding an upcoming tweak to the autocorrect function on iPhones. The company aims to address one of the most common frustrations faced by users when the autocorrect feature substitutes expletives with the word "ducking." Craig Federighi, Apple's software chief, explained that the keyboard will now learn and recognize words users intentionally want to type, including those that are commonly corrected to "ducking." This adjustment seeks to alleviate the annoyance caused by the autocorrect feature, which has often led to humorous or exasperating text messages. 蘋果公司在最近的開發者活動上宣布了一項重要消息,即是將對 iPhone 的自動選字功能進行調整。蘋果致力於解決使用者常常遇到的煩惱,就是自動選字功能將髒話替換為「ducking」這個詞。蘋果的軟體主管克雷格·費德里吉(Craig Federighi)解釋說,現在鍵盤將學習和識別使用者有意要輸入的詞,包括那些經常被更正為「ducking」的詞。這項調整目的是減輕自動選字功能帶來的困擾,因為這通常會導致使用者發送搞笑或令人懊惱的訊息。 The iPhone's autocorrect feature has always had its idiosyncrasies, often substituting misspelled words with what it deems as a more logical alternative. Unfortunately, this well-intentioned behavior can sometimes change the meaning of a sentence or phrase. Consequently, users have often found themselves sending follow-up messages expressing frustration with the autocorrect's unexpected corrections. The particular substitution of "ducking" has been a long-standing source of amusement or irritation, depending on how frequently users have had to rewrite their texts or vent their frustrations at their devices. iPhone 的自動選字功能一直有其特殊之處,經常將拼錯的詞替換為其認為更合理的替代詞。不幸的是,這種善意的行為有時會改變整個句子或詞組的意思。因此,使用者發現自己必須經常發送後續的訊息,來對自動選字造成的意外致歉。特別是「ducking」這種替換一直是個老問題,依照使用者多次編寫訊息或對設備發泄不滿的程度,這個問題也許令人感到幽默或頭痛。 In addition to addressing the autocorrect issue, Apple had several other announcements on its agenda during the event. One of the highlights was the introduction of an expensive mixed-reality headset. The company also provided details about its plans for a desktop revamp and a laptop overhaul. These updates indicate Apple's commitment to continuous innovation and its aim to cater to the evolving needs and preferences of its user base. 除了解決自動選字問題,蘋果在此次活動中還有其他幾個重要公告。其中一項亮點是推出了昂貴的混合現實頭盔。公司還提供了桌上型電腦重新設計和筆記型電腦翻修的詳細資訊。這些更新表明蘋果致力於不斷創新,並目標滿足不斷變化的用戶需求和偏好。 Apple's stock reached an all-time high on Monday, with the company's market valuation nearing $3 trillion. This remarkable achievement underscores the immense success and dominance of the iPhone, contributing to a staggering 280% increase in Apple's shares over the past five years. While the autocorrect adjustment is a relatively small aspect of Apple's overall product offerings, it demonstrates the company's dedication to refining user experience and addressing common grievances. 蘋果股票在星期一創下歷史新高,市值接近 3 兆美元。這個驚人成就凸顯了 iPhone 的巨大成功和主導地位,在過去五年裡,蘋果的股票價值驚人的增長了 280%。雖然自動更正的調整只是蘋果整體產品組合中相對較小的一部分,但它顯示了該公司致力於改進用戶體驗和解決常見問題的決心。 Reference article: https://www.reuters.com/technology/about-ducking-time-apple-tweak-iphone-autocorrect-function-2023-06-05/

Jul 13, 20233 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K605: Netflix影集帶台灣見證#MeToo浪潮

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 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] ------------------------------- 以下有此單集搭配文稿喔~ ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K605: Taiwan Witnesses MeToo Movement Surge Following Netflix Show Taiwan has recently experienced a surge in allegations of sexual harassment and assault, triggered by a Netflix show that many believe has sparked a local MeToo movement. In the past two weeks, over 90 individuals have come forward, accusing people from various sectors across the island. Initially centered on politics and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), where several senior officials have resigned, the allegations have now spread throughout Taiwanese society, targeting doctors, professors, sporting umpires, and YouTubers. Notably, a Polish diplomat was accused of sexual assault by a think tank researcher. 台灣在Netflix的一部節目之後,最近的性騷擾和性侵指控激增,許多人相信這部戲激發了台灣本土的MeToo運動。在過去的兩週中,超過90人站出來,指控島上來自各個行業的人士。最初的指控集中在政治和執政的民主進步黨(DPP),其中有幾名高級官員辭職,但現在已經蔓延到台灣社會的各個角落,針對的對象包括醫生、教授、體育裁判和YouTuber。值得注意的是,一名波蘭外交官被智庫研究員指控性侵。 For many women in Taiwan, this moment has been long-awaited in a society that has otherwise received global praise for its progressive politics and commitment to gender equality. President Tsai Ing-wen, the first female leader of the island, has offered an apology and pledged to implement reforms. Dr. Liu Wen, a social commentator from Taiwan's Sinica Academia, stated that the magnitude of these revelations is unprecedented, with underlying issues in different industries being exposed simultaneously for the first time. 對於台灣的許多女性來說,這是他們期待已久的時刻,因為台灣社會在進步政治和性別平等方面受到全球的稱讚。台灣首位女性領導人蔡英文總統已經表示道歉並承諾進行改革。台灣中央研究院社會評論家劉文博士表示,此次爆料的規模是前所未有的,不同行業的潛在問題首次同時被揭露。 The movement's inspiration can be traced back to a local TV drama called "Wave Makers," which aired on Netflix in late April. The show revolves around Taiwanese political staffers working on an election campaign. A pivotal scene in the series, where a young female aide confides in her mentor, a party spokeswoman, about the sexual harassment she endured from a male colleague, has been credited as the catalyst for Taiwan's MeToo moment. This scene resonated with viewers, prompting them to speak out against similar experiences. 這場運動的靈感可以追溯到一部名為《人選之人─造浪者》的當地電視劇,在四月底在Netflix上播出。這部劇圍繞著台灣政治幕僚在一個選舉活動中的工作。劇集中的一個關鍵場景是一名年輕女助手向她的導師──一名黨內女性發言人──吐露自己遭受男同事性騷擾的經歷,這個場景被認為是台灣MeToo運動的觸媒。這個場景引起了觀眾的共鳴,激勵他們對類似經歷發聲。 The response to these allegations has been significant given Taiwan's emphasis on gender equality. President Tsai promptly acknowledged the victims' experiences and expressed gratitude for their bravery in coming forward. Recognizing the need for societal education, she offered apologies on behalf of her party, emphasizing that those speaking out are victims, not troublemakers. With Taiwan approaching a presidential election in January, the MeToo movement holds particular importance. William Lai, the chairman and candidate of the DPP, apologized for the party's shortcomings and called for reforms to strengthen sexual harassment laws, promising not to let the matter be overlooked. 對於這些指控的回應在台灣的性別平等背景下具有重要意義。蔡總統迅速認同了受害者的經歷,並對他們的勇氣表示感謝。她也代表黨派向社會教育做的不足致歉,強調發聲的人是受害者,而不是惹事者。隨著台灣明年一月的總統選舉逼近,MeToo運動尤其重要。民進黨主席兼候選人賴清德為黨的不足道歉,呼籲改革以加強性騷擾法律,並承諾不讓這個問題被忽視。 This ongoing MeToo movement signifies a critical time for Taiwan's efforts to address gender and sexual abuse. Although some people appreciate the conversations sparked by the TV show, skepticism remains regarding lasting change and the availability of supportive supervisors in real life. As the movement unfolds, Taiwan faces both a reckoning and an opportunity to effect meaningful progress in combating sexual harassment and assault. 這場持續的MeToo運動標誌著台灣努力解決性別和性虐待問題的重要時刻。儘管有些人欣賞這部電視劇所引發的討論,但人們對是否能持續變革和現實中提供支援的高層監督者仍然持懷疑態度。隨著運動的展開,台灣面臨一次檢視的機會,並有機會在打擊性騷擾和性侵方面實現有意義的進展。 Reference article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65875474

Jul 12, 20234 min

精選詞彙播客Vocab Ep.173: 比快時尚還快的電商來了 Shein and Temu is coming hard-and-fast

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 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] ------------------------------- 以下有此單集搭配文稿喔~ ------------------------------- Summary: 討論文章: https://africa.businessinsider.com/lifestyle/a-mailman-said-hes-temu-tired-and-jokingly-pleaded-with-people-to-stop-ordering-so/7pznj9r This week, Angel and I talk about the new contender in the Taiwan e-commerce market and also the platform that is taking the US by storm - Shein and Temu. So, what is your latest summer purchase? 歡迎告訴我跟Angel老師 Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. Taking sth by storm idiom. 大獲成功 E-commerce platforms like Shein is taking the US by storm. 電商平台如Shein在美國非常成功。 2. Go bargain hunting ph. 找便宜/特價品 In times of high inflation, people always go bargain hunting online. 在高通膨的時代,多數人都去網路上找特價品。 3. Real-time adj. 即時 Fast fashion is no longer the trend, real-time fashion is. 快時尚已不是趨勢,即時時尚才是。 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]

Jul 11, 202338 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K604: 纖維素薄膜:潛在的無電冷氣替代品

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 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] ------------------------------- 以下有此單集搭配文稿喔~ ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K604: Cellulose Film: A Potential Electricity-Free Air Conditioning Alternative With the increasing impact of climate change, summers are becoming hotter, leading to the widespread use of air conditioning in many Taiwanese households. However, not all homes worldwide have access to such cooling systems. So, what can be done when the heat becomes unbearable? A promising solution may lie in a new type of cellulose material. Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed an innovative thin film that actually becomes cooler when exposed to direct sunlight. This cellulose-based material shows great potential as an electricity-free alternative to traditional air conditioning systems. 隨著氣候變遷的不斷加劇,夏季變得越來越炎熱,許多台灣家庭廣泛使用冷氣。然而,世界各地並非所有家庭都有冷氣系統。那麼,當天氣變得無法忍受時該怎麼辦?一種具有潛力的解決方案可能就在一種新型的纖維素材料中。劍橋大學的研究人員開發出一種創新的薄膜,當暴露在陽光下時實際上會變得更冷。這種基於纖維素的材料有望成為一種無需電力的傳統冷氣系統的替代品。 The film operates through passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC), effectively dissipating heat without raising the temperature of the surrounding air. Cellulose is one of the few plant-based compounds capable of achieving PDRC. By extracting "cellulose nanocrystals" (CNC) from sources like wood and other plants, the researchers created a suspension by dispersing CNC in water. Through the process of evaporation, a flexible arrangement of crystals is formed, which can then be coated onto white ethyl cellulose sheets, resulting in a captivating double-layered, rainbow-colored thin film. 該薄膜通過被動日間輻射冷卻(PDRC)運作,有效地散熱而不使周圍空氣的溫度升高。纖維素是少數能夠實現PDRC的植物基化合物之一。研究人員從木材和其他植物來源中提取出"纖維素奈米結晶"(CNC),並將CNC分散在水中,形成一種懸浮液。通過蒸發過程,形成了一種靈活的晶體排列,可以塗在白色乙基纖維素片上,形成一種迷人的雙層彩虹色薄膜。 In 2023, the University of Cambridge researchers showcased this experimental film at the American Chemical Society conference. When subjected to direct sunlight, the film displayed a temperature reduction of approximately 7 ℉ compared to the surrounding air. A square meter of this thin film generates cooling power exceeding 120 watts, which is comparable to the cooling effect provided by an air conditioner in a home without access to external power sources. The widespread application of this material on buildings and vehicles could significantly reduce the reliance on traditional air conditioning units. 2023年,劍橋大學的研究人員在美國化學學會會議上展示了這種實驗性薄膜。在直射陽光下,與周圍空氣相比,薄膜的溫度降低了約7華氏度。每平方米的薄膜產生的冷卻功率超過120瓦,這相當於家中沒有外部電源的冷氣的冷卻效果。如果將這種材料廣泛應用於建築物和車輛上,可以顯著減少對傳統冷氣的依賴。 An interesting characteristic of the cellulose film is its ability to reflect visible light, creating a colorful appearance similar to that of soap bubbles. Unlike other materials, the cellulose film achieves this without the need for additional pigments, as they would hinder the film's PDRC capabilities. This unique feature makes it highly suitable for applications that prioritize aesthetics, such as residential and automotive designs. Furthermore, there is potential for the film to mimic the appearance of wood finishes, expanding its range of applications. This avenue of research represents the team's next focus. 纖維素薄膜的一個有趣特點是它能夠反射可見光,創造出類似於肥皂泡沫的多彩外觀。與其他材料不同,這種纖維素薄膜無需添加額外的顏料即可實現這一效果,因為顏料會影響薄膜的PDRC能力。這種獨特的性質非常適合用在住宅和汽車設計等注重審美的地方。此外,該薄膜還具有模仿木質飾面的潛力,擴大了應用範圍。這是團隊下一個研究方向的重點。 Reference article: https://ccc.technews.tw/2023/06/09/cellulose-electricity-free-air-conditioning/

Jul 10, 20234 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K603: 韓國便利商店見證金條販售機的需求增長

------------------------------- 活動資訊 ------------------------------- 「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: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 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] ------------------------------- 以下有此單集搭配文稿喔~ ------------------------------- 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K603: 韓國便利商店見證金條販售機的需求增長 Korean Convenience Stores See Rising Demand for Gold Bars Sold in Vending Machines Convenience stores in South Korea are witnessing a surge in the sale of gold bars through vending machines, driven by the increasing value of gold amid global inflationary pressures. GS Retail, a leading convenience store chain, reported that sales of gold bars at their stores reached $19 million in the nine months leading up to May. Since the introduction of vending machines selling gold bars in September, the popularity of this investment option has grown significantly. 在全球通貨膨脹壓力日益增加的情況下,韓國的便利商店通過自動販賣機見證了黃金銷量的激增。領先的連鎖便利商店公司GS Retail報告提到,他們的便利商店在截至5月的九個月裡,金條的銷售額達到了1900萬美元。自從去年9月開始推出販售金條的販賣機以來,這種投資方式顯而易見的越來越受歡迎。 GS Retail operates over 10,000 convenience stores throughout South Korea and offers gold bars in five different sizes, ranging from 0.13 ounces to 1.3 ounces. The prices of these gold bars are adjusted daily in accordance with the international gold market rates. The convenience and accessibility of purchasing gold bars at local stores have appealed to customers, especially the younger generation. People in their 20s and 30s have emerged as the primary buyers, viewing physical gold as a reliable investment during a time of continuous value appreciation. GS Retail在韓國擁有超過10,000家便利商店,提供五種不同尺寸的金條,重量從0.13盎司到1.3盎司不等。這些黃金條的價格根據國際黃金市場的行情每天調整。在本地商店購買金條的便利性和低門檻的特點吸引了許多顧客,尤其是年輕一代。20多歲和30多歲的人群成為主要的買家,認為實物黃金是一種在持續升值時期可靠的投資方式。 In response to the growing demand, GS Retail plans to expand the availability of gold bars to more outlets. Currently, 29 convenience stores offer this investment option, but the company aims to increase the number to 50 by the end of the year. The smallest gold bar, weighing 0.13 ounces, is particularly popular among buyers and is priced around $225. The convenience store representative emphasized that the rising interest in gold bars is a result of people seeking a safe-haven investment to protect against inflationary risks. 為應對不斷增長的需求,GS Retail計劃將金條的供應擴大到更多的商店。目前,有29家便利商店提供這種投資方式,但該公司計劃在年底前增加到50家。最小的黃金條重0.13盎司,特別受到買家的歡迎,價格約為225美元。便利商店的代表強調,對金條的興趣上升源於人們尋求安全的投資避風港以抵禦通脹風險的結果。 According to Professor Lee Eun-hee from Inha University, the recent increase in gold prices can be attributed to factors such as the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and concerns about inflation. She suggests that while purchasing a gold bar from a convenience store may seem like a fun activity, it is important to view it as a serious investment. The ease of accessibility and the familiar environment of convenience stores contribute to the popularity of gold bars as an investment option for the general public. 據來自仁荷大學的李恩熙(音譯)教授表示,黃金價格最近的上漲可以歸因於矽谷銀行的崩潰和對通貨膨脹的擔憂等因素。她建議,儘管在便利店購買金條可能看起來像一個有趣的活動,但重要的是將其視為一項嚴肅的投資。便利商店的易於接觸和熟悉的環境有助於將黃金作為普羅大眾的投資選擇而受到歡迎。 Reference article: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2023/06/16/Korea-gold-bars-vending-machines-convenience-stores/4781686942588/

Jul 9, 20234 min

回顧星期天LBS - 旅行相關時事趣聞 All about 2022 travel

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments About Japan - Asia Welcomes Travelers, but Japan Says, Not Yet In a normal year, this would be peak season for tourism to Japan. But as the cherry blossoms burst into bloom along Kyoto’s ancient, temple-lined alleys and boat tours ply the waters of Tokyo’s flower-lined rivers, Japanese tourists largely have the spectacular display to themselves. 在正常情況的年份,此時正是日本旅遊旺季。但隨著櫻花盛開於古剎林立的京都巷弄,以及遊覽船往返花卉夾道的東京河川的水域,這些盛況大抵上僅限日本的遊客獨享。 The country sealed its borders to most foreign travelers early in the pandemic and has only recently begun to allow a slow drip of students and business people to return. 該國在武漢肺炎疫情大流行之初就對大多數外國旅客封鎖邊境,直到最近才允許留學生與商務客慢慢回流。 Those hoping to visit Japan for fun, shouldn’t hold their breath. Despite the national tourism organization’s wishful thinking, Koichi Wada, the head of Japan’s tourism agency, told parliament last month that“it’s exceedingly difficult to forecast the long-term trends for inbound tourism.” 那些希望能赴日觀光旅遊的人可有得等了。儘管日本國家旅遊局想得很美,日本觀光廳長官和田浩一上個月告訴國會,「很難預測入境觀光的長期趨勢。」 Next Article Topic: Vietnam plans border reopening, includes Taiwanese among list of potential travelers 越南因應疫情暫停國際觀光客到訪已逾一年半,慶和省近日研擬重新恢復國際旅遊,並將台灣旅客視為潛在目標族群。越南知名渡假景點芽莊市就位於慶和省。 Taiwan is on the list of potential countries allowed to send travelers to Vietnam as the nation’s Khanh Hoa Province (慶和省) recently released plans to reopen borders for international travelers. 網路媒體越南快訊(VnExpress)引述越南政府網報導,慶和省(Khanh Hoa)政府昨天向越南文化體育旅遊部遞交兩階段的疫苗護照計畫草案,歡迎外國旅客搭乘包機前來旅遊。 According to VnExpress, Khanh Hoa’s local government submitted a draft of a two-stage vaccine passport program to the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (越南文化體育旅遊部) on Oct. 5 hoping to welcome foreign travelers into the region. 第一階段從11月起至年底,外國旅客須搭乘包機抵達,並待在金蘭市(Cam Ranh)的渡假村裡。第二階段則是明年初至明年3月,屆時旅客將能造訪更多景點與芽莊市的渡假村。 The first stage is scheduled to begin near the end of November, and travelers need to take charter flights to the country and stay at the resort at Cam Ranh (金蘭市), the proposal stated. The second stage is planned to start from January to March 2022, during which visitors will be able to visit more attractions and resorts in Nha Trang (芽莊市). 慶和省將鎖定來自COVID-19(2019冠狀病毒疾病)疫情防範得宜且疫苗施打率高的國家與地區的旅客,例如中國、日本、韓國、台灣、俄羅斯、澳洲、法國、德國以及部分北美國家。 Khanh Hoa Province currently welcomes travelers from countries whose COVID-19 situation has been successfully controlled and have a high vaccination rate for its population. As of Tuesday, countries that fit both categories according to the local government include China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Russia, Australia, France, Germany, and some areas in North America. 旅客必須要持有完整的疫苗接種證書,且所施打的疫苗廠牌必須獲越南核可。 Travelers need to show vaccination proof and the vaccine manufacturers need to be recognized by the Vietnamese government. 目前越南共計核准8款疫苗緊急使用,包括阿斯特捷利康(AstraZeneca,AZ)、嬌生(Johnson & Johnson)、莫德納(Moderna)、輝瑞BNT(Pfizer-BioNTech)、俄羅斯衛星-V(Sputnik V)、中國國藥(Sinopharm)、Hayat-Vax、阿布達拉(Abdala)。 As of press time, Vietnam has authorized 8 types of vaccines, including AstraZeneca (AZ), Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sputnik V, Sinopharm, Hayat-Vax and Abdala. Source article: https://chinapost.nownews.com/20211008-2813742 Next Article Topic: Airlines targeting post-pandemic ‘revenge travel’ The blow caused to the airline industry by the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially felt by budget airlines, which mostly operate narrow-bodied passenger jets and have therefore been unable to develop a sideline in air freight during the pandemic. According to one academic’s analysis, when the outbreak stabilizes, businesses are targeting a trend in so-called “revenge travel.” However, she also hopes that, rather than the pre-pandemic price wars between budget airlines, the consolidation that has taken place during the pandemic will restore healthy competition in the industry. 疫情衝擊航空界,其中廉航受限於機隊多為窄體客機,無法發展貨運,受疫情衝擊更大。學者分析,業者瞄準疫情穩定後的「報復性出遊」,但也希望疫情前廉航削價競爭的情況,能因疫情重整,回歸良性競爭。 According to associate professor Melody Dai of National Cheng Kung University’s Department of Transportation and Communication Management Science, costs per flight have not changed during the pandemic, but if carriers are required to implement social-distancing seating plans, leaving empty seats between passengers, this would eat into airlines’ profit margins, causing a fresh headache for the industry. Dai says she hopes that budget airlines will manage to survive, since they help stimulate Taiwan’s domestic tourism sector as well as the wider economy. 成大交通管理學系副教授戴佐敏說,每航班成本不變、但座位未來若須採間隔座導致收入減少,確實是疫後的難題,希望廉航仍有生存空間,對促進觀光與經濟有正面幫助。 Dai says that choosing to operate flights during the pandemic is a test of airlines’ ability to sustain losses, but the crisis may also prove to be a turnaround for the industry. Dai says there are many variables to the pandemic. She says that once the outbreak stabilizes, if the demand for “revenge travel” exceeds supply, this could resolve the pre-pandemic situation of su

Jul 9, 20236 min

15Mins Live Podcast - 英語慣用語系列 – 假期與旅行相關的慣用語 Idioms related to travel and holidays

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 1️. To Take Things Easy 不緊張/慢慢來 Meaning: to relax Example:After a lot of persuading he finally agreed that we both needed time to take things easy for a bit.At this pretty traditional cottage, guests can simply sit back and take things easy. 2️. Off The Beaten Track 遊客不常光顧的地方 Meaning: isolated and quiet, not visited by many tourists Example:My last holiday was brilliant. No internet or traffic or anything like that for a whole week. It was completely off the beaten track. 3. As Brown As A Berry 皮膚曬得黝黑 Meaning: very suntanned Example:When I arrived home after my holidays I was as brown as a berry and felt great. 4. To Get Away From It All 拋開這一切 Meaning: to escape from your daily problems Example:We decided to go to a desert island so that we could get away from it all. 5. To Hit The Road啟程/出發 Meaning: to set off, to start a journey Example:We’ve got a long way to go before it gets dark. Let’s hit the road. 練習時間: 請使用二到三個慣用語來分享個人體驗或 Please think of two to three scenarios where you can use these idioms or share a story using the idioms.

Jul 7, 20231h 3m

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K602: 馬斯克和祖克柏的"鐵籠戰"在社群網站上掀起風暴

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K601: Musk and Zuckerberg's Cage Match Challenge Takes Social Media by Storm Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of Twitter, and Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook and CEO of Meta, have caused a stir on social media with their agreement to participate in a cage fight. The exchange began when Musk posted a tweet expressing his willingness to engage in a cage match, to which Zuckerberg responded with a challenge to "send me location." The online community eagerly awaits the outcome of this potential showdown. 特斯拉CEO兼Twitter所有人伊隆·馬斯克以及Facebook聯合創始人、Meta首席執行官馬克·祖克柏,因同意進行一場鐵籠對戰而在社交媒體上引起了轟動。此交流始於馬斯克發布的一條推文,表達了他參與鐵籠對戰的意願,對此,祖克柏回應道:“告訴我地點。”網友們熱切期待這場潛在的對決發展。 Musk suggested the "Vegas Octagon" as the location for the fight, referencing the competition mat used in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bouts. The prospect of these two prominent tech billionaires stepping into the ring has generated widespread speculation and excitement. However, Musk's subsequent tweets featuring walruses and humorous remarks about his lack of workout routine have raised doubts about the seriousness of his challenge. 馬斯克提議以“賭城八角籠”作為對戰地點,這是參加終極格鬥冠軍賽(UFC)比賽時使用的競技場。這兩位知名科技億萬富翁走上擂台的前景引起了廣泛的猜測和興奮。然而,馬斯克之後在推文中加入海象的影片以及對他自己缺乏鍛煉的幽默評論,引發了人們對他是否嚴肅看待挑戰的質疑。 While Zuckerberg, aged 39, has been training in mixed martial arts (MMA) and has even won jiu-jitsu tournaments, Musk, who is turning 52 soon, has no prior training in combat sports. Despite this, fight sports journalist Nick Peet believes there is a real possibility that the match could take place due to Musk's eccentric character and his reluctance to back down. Peet favors Zuckerberg, considering his younger age and smaller stature, but acknowledges that Musk's unpredictability adds an element of uncertainty to the potential outcome. 39歲的祖克柏一直在接受綜合格鬥(MMA)訓練,甚至贏得了巴西柔術比賽,而即將52歲的馬斯克在格鬥運動方面沒有任何訓練經歷。儘管如此,格鬥體育記者尼克·皮特相信由於馬斯克古怪的個性和他不願退縮的態度,這場比賽有可能真的發生。皮特支持祖克柏,考慮到他較小的年紀和身材,但他也承認馬斯克的不可預測性給這場對戰的結果增添了不確定性。 This lighthearted exchange between Musk and Zuckerberg comes amidst ongoing competition in the tech industry. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, recently unveiled plans for a text-based social network that could rival Musk's platform, Twitter. Known as P92, this network may attract users who already follow accounts on Instagram and potentially draw users from decentralized platforms like Mastodon. As the two tech giants engage in a virtual battle, their cage match challenge adds a new dimension to their rivalry. 這場馬斯克和祖克柏之間的輕鬆交流是在科技業不斷的競爭激烈下發生。Meta作為Facebook和Instagram的母公司,最近公布了一個名為P92的基於文本的社交網路計劃,可能與馬斯克的平台Twitter競爭。這個平台可以讓用戶關注他們已經在Instagram上關注的帳號,並可能吸引來自像Mastodon這樣的去中心化平台的用戶。當這兩位科技巨頭進行虛擬戰爭時,這場鐵籠戰為他們之間的競爭增加了新的面向。 Reference article: 1. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-65981876 2. https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2023/06/22/musk-picks-vegas-for-zuckerberg-cage-match-challenge.html

Jul 6, 20233 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K601: Nvidia執行長在台北電腦展上展示突破性的生成式人工智慧平台

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K601: Nvidia CEO Unveils Groundbreaking Generative AI Platforms at Computex Taipei During his keynote speech at Computex Taipei, Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, introduced a range of innovative platforms and services that harness the power of generative AI across various industries. Addressing an audience of approximately 4,000 attendees, Huang emphasized the significance of accelerated computing and AI, stating that they represent a transformative era in computing. 在台北電腦展上的主題演講中,Nvidia的執行長黃仁勳介紹了一系列創新的平台和服務,利用生成式人工智慧在不同行業中發揮其強大的能力。黃仁勳在約四千名與會者的面前強調了加速運算和人工智慧的重要性,並表示它們代表了電腦運算的一個轉型時代。 One of the groundbreaking technologies unveiled by Huang was Nvidia's Avatar Cloud Engine (ACE) for Games, which provides developers with a foundry service to create and deploy custom AI models for speech, conversation, and animation. Huang explained that ACE for Games enables lifelike interactions and conversations between game characters and players, revolutionizing the gaming experience by enhancing interactivity and immersion. 黃仁勳公佈的其中一項突破性技術是 Nvidia 的遊戲用 Avatar Cloud Engine (ACE),開發者可以利用這個服務建立並部署用於語音、對話和動畫的自訂人工智慧模型。他解釋說,ACE for Games 可以實現遊戲角色與玩家之間逼真的互動和對話,從而革新遊戲體驗,提升了互動性和沉浸感。 In addition to the gaming sector, Huang also introduced the DGX GH200 Grace Hopper Superchip, a powerful AI supercomputer designed for businesses in need of top-tier AI performance. Combining the energy-efficient Nvidia Grace CPU with the high-performance Nvidia H100 Tensor Core GPU, the GH200 facilitates the development of large language models for generative AI chatbots, intricate algorithms for recommender systems, and graph neural networks utilized for fraud detection and data analytics. 除了遊戲領域,黃仁勳還推出了 DGX GH200 Grace Hopper 超級晶片,這是一款針對需要頂級人工智慧性能的企業所設計的強大人工智慧超級電腦。GH200 將節能的 Nvidia Grace CPU 與高性能的 Nvidia H100 Tensor Core GPU 結合在一個超級晶片中,有助於開發用於生成式人工智慧聊天機器人的大型語言模型,以及推薦系統的複雜演算法和用於詐騙檢測和數據分析的圖像神經網絡。 Another significant announcement was the Nvidia Spectrum-X, a networking platform aimed at enhancing the efficiency and performance of Ethernet-based AI clouds. This cutting-edge technology promises to optimize the networking capabilities required for AI-intensive applications, thereby contributing to more streamlined and efficient AI infrastructure. 另一項重要的消息是 Nvidia Spectrum-X,這是個以提高以太網為基礎的人工智慧雲效能和性能為目的網絡平台。這項尖端技術有望優化人工智慧密集應用所需的網絡功能,從而為人工智慧基礎設施提供更加流暢和高效的支援。 Huang's keynote speech at Computex Taipei highlighted the remarkable potential of generative AI and its impact on various sectors. With the introduction of ACE for Games, the DGX GH200 Grace Hopper Superchip, and the Nvidia Spectrum-X, Nvidia continues to spearhead advancements in AI technology. As Huang aptly described, accelerated computing and generative AI are ushering in a new era that has garnered global attention and investment, with industries ranging from scientific computing to large-scale language model training adopting these transformative technologies. 黃仁勳在台北電腦展的主題演講中突出了生成式人工智慧的巨大潛力以及其對各個行業的影響。藉由引入 ACE for Games、DGX GH200 Grace Hopper 超級晶片和 Nvidia Spectrum-X,Nvidia 在人工智慧技術的推展將持續領先。正如黃仁勳所說,加速運算和生成式人工智慧正在引領著一個受到全球關注和投資的新時代,從科學運算到大規模語言模型訓練,各個行業都在學習採納這些革命性的技術。 Reference article: https://focustaiwan.tw/sci-tech/202305290014

Jul 5, 20234 min

精選詞彙播客 Vocab Ep.168: 雙J論 - 需要用AI的新工作 Jobs are requiring experience with ChatGPT

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Summary: 討論文章: https://www.businessinsider.com/jobs-roles-companies-want-ai-chatgpt-experience-salary-2023-6 ChatGPT has taken the world by storm this year and many experts foresee people with AI experience replacing jobs in the near future. This week on J&J, Jemmy and I go through a couple of jobs that are already requiring experience with AI. 歡迎通勤家族來信回饋「你對未來遠距工作的預測」到[email protected] ,會在節目裡給予特殊Shout out! 喜歡我們討論人資、職涯、外商工作相關主題,請留言支持我們雙J論! Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. Workflow n. 工作流程 Marketing agencies want people who are capable of executing our AI-enabled workflows. 行銷公司需要有能力執行處裡已導入AI的工作流程。 2. Fine-tune v. 微調 Staff knowing how to "fine-tune" ChatGPT prompts would help improve the quality of the company's data analysis. 懂如何微調ChatGPT指令的員工可幫助公司提升數據分析的品質。 3. Vulnerability n. 漏洞/易傷的地方 AI engineers need to identify "potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities" in the company's large language model. AI工程師需要點出公司大型語言模型裡的弱點與漏洞。 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]

Jul 4, 202337 min

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K600: 谷歌、三星和高通:發表混合實境技術挑戰蘋果霸主地位

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法: https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K600: Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm: New Players in the MR Market Challenge Apple's Dominance Similar to smartphones, the release of Apple's highly anticipated mixed reality (MR) headset has the potential to ignite a battle between Apple and the Android camp in the MR market. Besides the well-known Meta, other tech giants from the Android camp, including Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm, are discreetly entering the MR battlefield. The development of the operating system plays a vital role in this competition, but the question remains: Will they follow the trend of abandoning their efforts, as seen in the past? 與智慧型手機類似,蘋果高度期待的混合實境(MR)頭盔的推出有可能在MR市場引發蘋果和安卓陣營之間的競爭。除了眾所周知的Meta之外,其他來自安卓陣營的科技巨頭,包括谷歌、三星和高通,正在悄悄進入MR戰場。操作系統的開發在這場競爭中起著至關重要的作用,但問題是:他們是否會像過去一樣放棄自己的努力呢? The MR war among major tech companies has begun silently. While Apple received massive attention and generated hype during this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC23), Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm from the Android camp have also been quietly working on their MR products. Business Korea reported that Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm are currently developing MR products. Google is focusing on an MR operating system, while Samsung and Qualcomm are responsible for developing MR hardware and dedicated chips, respectively. These products are anticipated to be launched as early as this year. 主要科技公司之間的MR之戰已經悄悄展開。蘋果在今年的全球開發者大會(WWDC23)上引起了廣泛關注和熱潮,而來自安卓陣營的谷歌、三星和高通也一直在默默地研發他們的MR產品。據《Business Korea》報導,谷歌、三星和高通目前正在開發MR產品。谷歌專注於MR操作系統的開發,而三星和高通分別負責開發MR硬件和專用芯片。這些產品有望在今年早些時候推出。 The first-time collaboration within the Android camp may lead to the creation of thinner and lighter MR products. Apple recently introduced the Vision Pro MR headset, with CEO Tim Cook stating, "Apple Vision Pro will usher in a new era of spatial computing." In February of this year, Samsung filed a trademark application for Galaxy Glasses with the South Korean Intellectual Property Office. Industry insiders cited by Business Korea suggest that Samsung's MR product may be thinner and resemble glasses, in contrast to Apple's Vision Pro, which has a design reminiscent of ski goggles. 安卓陣營內首次的合作可能會帶來更輕薄的MR產品。蘋果最近推出了Vision Pro MR頭盔,執行長庫克表示:「蘋果Vision Pro將開啟一個空間計算的新時代。」今年2月,三星向韓國特許廳提交了Galaxy Glasses的商標申請。《Business Korea》引用了業內人士的說法,三星的MR產品可能會更薄,外觀類似眼鏡,而不像蘋果的Vision Pro那樣像滑雪眼鏡。 During the Google I/O conference in May, Sameer Samat, Google's Vice President of Product, revealed the company's collaboration with Samsung in the extended reality (XR) field, which encompasses augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR). Samat also mentioned that more information would be shared later this year. This collaboration marks the Android camp's first entry into the MR market. Previously, Google had launched the VR project Daydream, which was eventually discontinued after a few years. Samsung, on the other hand, released a virtual reality (VR) headset in 2014 but has not introduced any significant updates since then. 在5月的谷歌I/O大會上,谷歌產品副總裁Sameer Samat透露了該公司與三星在延展實境(XR)領域的合作,該領域涵蓋擴增實境(AR)、虛擬實境(VR)和混合實境(MR)。Samat還提到將在今年晚些時候分享更多信息。這次合作標誌著安卓陣營首次進入MR市場。此前,谷歌曾推出VR項目Daydream,但幾年後最終停止了該項目。三星則在2014年推出了一款虛擬現實(VR)頭盔,但此後沒有推出任何重要的更新。 With the entrance of the Android camp into the MR market, the potential for MR development has garnered significant attention. Current VR headsets in the market, such as ByteDance's Pico and Meta (owned by Facebook), are based on customized versions of the Android operating system. However, the Android camp currently lacks a dedicated operating system for VR applications. In contrast, Apple's Vision Pro operates on visionOS, an operating system specifically developed for MR. As the Android camp follows Apple's footsteps in developing MR devices, the industry is closely monitoring the growth potential of this market. Market research firm Counterpoint Research estimates that global shipments of XR headsets will grow from 18 million units in 2022 to 110 million units in 2025, eventually reaching 1 billion units by 2030. 隨著安卓陣營進入MR市場,MR開發的潛力引起了極大的關注。目前市場上的VR頭盔,如字節跳動的Pico和Facebook旗下的Meta,都是基於定制版安卓系統。然而,安卓陣營目前缺乏專用的VR應用程式操作系統。相比之下,蘋果的Vision Pro運行在專門為MR開發的visionOS操作系統上。隨著安卓陣營在開發MR設備方面步上蘋果的後塵,業界正在密切關注這個市場的增長潛力。市場研究公司Counterpoint Research估計,全球XR頭盔的出貨量將從2022年的1800萬台增長到2025年的1.1億台,最終在2030年達到10億台。 Reference article: https://buzzorange.com/techorange/2023/06/09/googel-samsung-qualcomm-join-mr-battle/

Jul 3, 20235 min