通勤學英語 15Mins Today

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.K558: Chinese Start-up Launches Long-Distance Kissing Machine for Remote Lovers Beijing-based Siweifushe has released the MUA, a long-distance kissing machine that collects and transmits users' kiss data through motion sensors hidden in silicon lips. The kissing machine captures and replays sound, and slightly warms up during kissing, giving users a more authentic experience. The MUA, named after the sound people commonly make when blowing a kiss, also enables users to download kissing data submitted via an accompanying app by other users. 總部位於北京的思維輻射公司推出了名為可能吻（MUA）的遠距離接吻神器，該機器透過隱藏在矽膠嘴唇的動作感應器收集並傳輸用戶的接吻數據。接吻神器還可以捕捉和重現聲音，在接吻過程中輕微加熱，讓使用者體驗更加真實。可能吻以人們接吻時的聲音來命名，還可以讓使用者下載其他用戶通過專屬應用程式上傳的接吻數據。 The MUA was inspired by China's frequent and lengthy lockdown measures during the three-year COVID-19 pandemic, which limited physical contact. Siweifushe's inventor, Zhao Jianbo, who was in a relationship during the lockdown, focused his graduate project at the Beijing Film Academy on the lack of physical intimacy in video calls. The product was launched on Jan. 22 and has been priced at around 260 yuan ($38). 這個產品的靈感來自於中國在 COVID-19 疫情的三年間頻繁、長期且廣泛實施的封鎖措施，這些措施限制了人與人的身體接觸。思維輻射的發明者趙建波（Zhao Jianbo，音譯）在封鎖期間與一位女友交往，他在北京電影學院的畢業製作項目中專注於探討在視訊通話中缺乏身體親密接觸的問題。該產品於1月22日推出，定價約為260元人民幣（約38美元）。 Within two weeks of its release, the firm had sold over 3,000 kissing machines and received about 20,000 orders. To use the device, lovers must download an app onto their smartphones and pair their kissing machines, which they plug into the phone charging port. The device is available in several colors, but with the same unisex lips. 在發行的兩週內，該公司已經售出了超過3,000台接吻神器並收到了約20,000份訂單。情侶們必須將接吻神器插入手機的充電口並下載應用程式，才能使用該設備。親吻神器提供多種嘴唇顏色，但唇型是採中性的設計。 Some users have said that the device was intriguing, but others said it made them feel uncomfortable. The lack of tongue was a top complaint, and some commentators on social media site Weibo also expressed concern that the device could be used for online erotic content, which is strictly regulated in China. However, Zhao said his company complies with regulations, and there is little they can do about how people use the device. 一些用戶表示該設備很有趣，但也有人表示該設備讓他們感到不舒服。最多人抱怨的點是缺少舌頭，社交媒體微博上的一些評論者也擔心該設備可能被用於網路色情內容，而這在中國是嚴格受到監管的。然而，趙建波表示他的公司符合監管要求，他們對人們如何使用該設備沒有太多控制力。 The MUA is not the first remote kissing device. Researchers at Tokyo's University of Electro-Communications invented a "kiss transmission machine" in 2011, and Malaysia's Imagineering Institute made a similar gadget called the "Kissinger" in 2016. Siweifushe's kissing machine offers an innovative way for couples to stay connected during periods of physical separation. 可能吻不是第一個遠距接吻設備，東京電気通信大學的研究人員在2011年發明了「親吻傳輸機」，馬來西亞的 Imagineering 研究所在2016年製作了一個名為「Kissinger」的類似裝置。思維輻射的親吻神器提供了一種創新的方式，讓分隔兩地的情侶能保持聯繫。Reference article: https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/chinese-firm-invents-lockdown-inspired-kissing-machine-remote-lovers-2023-03-23/

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.K557: Samsung to Cut Chip Production Amid 96% Drop in Profits Samsung Electronics, the world's largest memory chip maker, announced on Friday that it would make a significant cut to its chip production due to the sharp decline in global demand for semiconductors, which has sent prices plunging. The move follows a 96% drop in first-quarter profits, worse than expected. Other chipmakers, including SK Hynix and Micron Technology, have also reduced their production. 因全球對半導體的需求急劇下降，導致價格暴跌，全球最大晶片製造商三星在周五宣布將減少晶片產量。這個決定是在第一季利潤下跌96%之後做出的，這一利潤下跌情況比預期還糟。其他芯片製造商，包括SK海力士和美光科技，也已經減少了產量。 Smartphone and personal computer makers ramped up purchases of chips during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a global chip shortage. However, demand has waned as consumers cut back on bigger purchases amid the cost of living crisis, with food and energy bills soaring. 在Covid-19大流行期間，智慧型手機和個人電腦制造商大量購買晶片，導致全球晶片短缺。然而，隨著消費者在生活成本如食品和能源開支的危機下，需求逐漸減少。 Samsung said demand had dropped because of a weaker world economy and companies buying fewer chips as they run down their inventories. "We are lowering the production of memory chips by a meaningful level, especially that of products with supply secured," the company said, referring to customers with sufficient inventories. 三星表示，需求下降是因為全球經濟疲軟，企業試圖透過降低購買量來減少晶片的庫存。針對此三星表示：「我們正在大幅度降低記憶體晶片的生產，特別是供應充足的產品。」 Despite the cut, Samsung said it would continue to invest in infrastructure and research. However, it did not say whether it was sticking to its investment plans for this year. SK Hynix said in October it would more than halve its capital spending in 2023 compared with 2022, while Micron cut its investment plans by more than 30% in September. 儘管進行了減產，三星表示將繼續投資基礎設施和研究。但是，公司沒有說明是否會堅持今年的投資計劃。SK海力士去年十月表示，將在2023年將資本支出削減超過一半，而美光則在9月份削減了30%以上的投資計畫。 The news of the production cuts did not seem to worry investors, who hope that the output cut will support chip prices, which have fallen by 70% over the past nine months. Analysts are forecasting that Samsung's chip division, which usually generates about half of group profits, will report a record loss of 2.1tn won in the quarter. 減產的消息似乎沒有引起投資者的擔憂，他們希望減少產量能支撐晶片價格，過去九個月晶片價格已經下跌了70%。分析師預測，三星的晶片部門通常產生集團利潤的一半，將在該季度報告2.1兆韓元的紀錄虧損。 "The fact that the number one market share firm is joining production cuts lifted shares. SK Hynix and Micron have declared production cuts but only Samsung had not, so the market was watching for it. Today's production cut signal casts a positive outlook for a memory chip rebound in the second half of the year," said John Park, an analyst at Daishin Securities. “市場份額第一的公司加入減產的事實提振了股票。SK海力士和美光已經宣布減產，但只有三星沒有，所以市場正在關注它。今天的減產信號為記憶體帶來了積極的前景，期待下半年的晶片反彈”，大信證券分析師John Park表示。 Samsung's estimated operating profit fell to 600bn won between January and March, from 14.12tn won a year earlier, the lowest profit for any quarter in 14 years. The company will report detailed figures later this month. 三星電子估計其營運利潤在一月至三月間從去年同期的14.12兆韓元下降至6000億韓元，是14年來任何一個季度的最低收益。公司將在本月晚些時候公布詳細數字。Reference article: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/apr/07/samsung-to-cut-chip-production-as-profits-plunge

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.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2023/04/02/2003797166 Taiwan government collected tax surplus for the year 2021-2022 and decided to reimburse all Taiwan citizens NT6000. This week, Angel and I discuss where the NT6000 come from and how we are going to spend the money. Tell us how you plan to spend your NT6000! 歡迎投稿有趣的主題給醬老師與Angel老師 Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. Surplus n. 結餘/過剩 Taiwan government decided to reimburse the tax surplus to the citizens. 台灣政府決定要將稅收餘額發放給國民。 2. PR stunt n. 公關噱頭 O-bank distributed the money ahead of time as a PR stunt. 王道銀行提前撥款作為公關噱頭。 3. Mommy's boy / Mama's boy n. 媽寶 John is going to be a good mommy's boy and give the NT6000 to his mom. John老師會當一個好媽寶並給媽媽NT6000。 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]

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.K556: Disney Fan Completes Global Ride Challenge Visiting All 12 Disney Parks in 12 Days Nathan Firesheets, a dedicated Disney fan, completed his ambitious project, The Disney Global Ride Challenge, by visiting all 12 Disney theme parks across the globe in just 12 days. This amazing feat involved taking a ride on all 216 operating rides at the parks, starting from Disneyland Paris on March 8th and ending at Florida's Magic Kingdom on 19th Sunday. 納森·菲爾西茲（Nathan Firesheets）是一名迪士尼的狂粉，完成了他雄心勃勃的挑戰計畫 - 迪士尼全球制霸（The Disney Global Ride Challenge），他在短短的12天內遊覽了全球12個迪士尼主題樂園。這項驚人的成就包括乘坐所有216個運營的遊樂設施，從3月8日的巴黎迪士尼樂園開始，並在19號週日結束於佛羅里達州的魔法王國。 The days in between saw Firesheets visit Walt Disney Studios, Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. "It was pretty awesome and kind of surreal," Firesheets told KTLA-TV. "I still can't quite believe I did it." 期間，菲爾西茲遊覽了華特迪士尼工作室、上海迪士尼樂園、香港迪士尼樂園、東京迪士尼樂園、東京迪士尼海洋、迪士尼樂園、迪士尼加州探險樂園、Epcot新世紀樂園、動物王國和好萊塢工作室。 菲爾西茲告訴KTLA-TV：「這非常棒，有點超現實，我仍然無法相信我做到了。」 Firesheets's dedication to this challenge enabled him to hit every operating ride at each park, totaling to 216 rides. This would have been an incredible journey for any Disney fan to experience. 菲爾西茲對這個挑戰的奉獻精神使他成功體驗了每個樂園的所有運營遊樂設施，總計216個遊樂設施。這對任何迪士尼粉絲來說都是一段難以置信的旅程。 While Firesheets did not disclose how much money he spent on his project, it is certain that his journey will inspire other Disney fans to embark on similar adventures. The Disney Global Ride Challenge is a testament to the magic that the Walt Disney Company creates, bringing people from different parts of the world together to enjoy the unique experience that each park offers. 雖然菲爾西茲沒有透露他在這個計畫上花費了多少錢，但可以肯定的是，他的旅程將激勵其他迪士尼粉絲踏上類似的冒險之旅。迪士尼全球制霸挑戰是華特迪士尼公司所創造的魔力的見證，將來自世界各地的人們聚集在一起，享受每個樂園提供的獨特體驗。 Firesheets's story is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Disney brand and the passion it inspires in fans all around the world. His remarkable achievement demonstrates that with determination and a little bit of magic, anything is possible. The Disney Global Ride Challenge is a reminder of the importance of chasing one's dreams and living life to the fullest. 菲爾西茲的故事是迪士尼品牌的持久吸引力以及激發全球粉絲熱情的證明。這份卓越成就證明，只要有決心和一點點的魔力，一切皆有可能達成。迪士尼全球制霸計畫提醒了我們，追尋夢想和充實人生的重要性。Reference article: https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2023/03/21/disney-parks-12-days/5001679431663/

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.K555: Vending Machine in Rural Japan Sells Meat from Trapped Bears A remote town in Japan is now selling bear meat from a vending machine. The town of Semboku, located 400 km north of Tokyo in Akita prefecture, sources its supply of meat from Asian black bears, a species listed as vulnerable. The bears are caught in traps or in the mountains by hunters, as they come into town to forage for food. The vending machine was set up by Daishi Sato, who owns a soba noodle shop in the town. 日本的一個偏遠小鎮現在可以從自動販賣機購買熊肉。這個名為仙北市的小鎮位於秋田縣，距離東京北部約400公里，該地的熊肉來源於被獵人用陷阱或在山上捕獲，來到鎮上覓食的亞洲黑熊，此物種被列為易危物種。這台自動販賣機是由鎮上一家蕎麥麵店的店主Daishi Sato設立的。 According to Sato, the hunters set up traps or shoot the bears as they pose a danger to the residents of the town. He claims that the meat from trapped bears is tastier since the blood is drained immediately. While Asian black bears are listed as vulnerable, it is legal to eat them in Japan. Sato hopes that tourists who visit the town will buy the bear meat, as it is not a common delicacy. Sato表示，由於熊進入城鎮覓食會對當地居民造成危險，所以獵人會設置陷阱或射擊熊。他聲稱，被陷阱捕獲的熊肉更加美味，因為肉中的血液在當下已經抽取處理。雖然亞洲黑熊被列為易危物種，但在日本食用是合法的。Sato希望來訪的遊客可以購買熊肉，因為這是不常見的美食佳餚。 The vending machines in Japan offer a wide variety of products, ranging from snacks, drinks, and surgical masks to exotic items such as edible insects and whale meat. Sato sells seven to ten packs of 250 grams, which cost 2,200 yen ($16.75) each on average per week. Last year, the Japanese government reported 75 injuries and two deaths caused by bear attacks. One of the deaths was reported in Akita. 日本的自動販賣機提供各種各樣的產品，從小吃、飲料和口罩到較為特別的商品，如可食用昆蟲和鯨魚肉。Sato每周平均銷售7至10個250克的熊肉包裝，每個售價2,200日元（約合16.75美元）。去年，日本政府報告了75起因熊攻擊而受傷和兩起死亡事件，其中一起死亡事件就發生在秋田縣。 The vending machine selling bear meat has generated mixed reactions from the public. While some people have expressed their concern over the selling of meat from a vulnerable species, others have welcomed the initiative. Some have also pointed out that the vending machine may help to address the issue of food shortage in the forests, which has led to bears coming into inhabited areas. 值得一提的是，販售熊肉的自動販賣機引起了公眾的不同反應。一些人對售賣易危物種的肉類表示關注，而另一些人則對這一舉措表示歡迎。有人指出，這台自動販賣機可能有助於向大眾強調森林食物短缺的問題，進而減少熊類進入人類居住區的機會。 In conclusion, the vending machine selling bear meat in the remote town of Semboku, Japan, has attracted the attention of locals and tourists alike. While the initiative may be controversial, it offers a unique culinary experience for those who are adventurous enough to try it. The vending machine is also a reminder of the delicate balance between humans and wildlife in rural Japan, where bear attacks have become a growing concern. 總之，偏遠日本小鎮仙北市的熊肉自動販賣機引起了當地居民和遊客的注意。儘管這可能引起爭議，但對於那些富有冒險精神嘗試的人而言，它提供了獨特的美食體驗。此外，這台自動販賣機也提醒人們，在日本農村地區，人類與野生動物之間的平衡處於極其脆弱的情況，熊類的攻擊已然成為日益嚴重的問題。Reference article: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/vending-machine-remote-japan-town-sells-meat-intruding-bears-2023-04-06/

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Topic: The ‘Right to Repair’ Movement Gains Ground If you buy a product — a car, a smartphone, or even a tractor — and it breaks, should it be easier for you to fix it yourself? 如果你買了一個產品，例如一輛汽車、一部智慧型手機，甚至是一台拖拉機，結果它壞了，是不是應該讓你自己修理起來更容易些呢？ Manufacturers of a wide range of products have made it increasingly difficult over the years to repair things, for instance by limiting availability of parts or by putting prohibitions on who gets to tinker with them. It affects not only game consoles or farm equipment, but cellphones, military gear, refrigerators, automobiles and even hospital ventilators, the lifesaving devices that have proved crucial this year in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. 多年來，許多種產品的製造商都讓維修變得愈來愈困難，比如限制零件的取得，或對何人有權動手維修施加限制。受影響的產品不止於遊戲主機或農用機具，還有手機、軍用設備、冰箱、汽車，甚至包括今年對抗新冠病毒疫情發揮關鍵作用的救生設備—醫院裡的呼吸器。 Now, a movement known as “right to repair” is starting to make progress in pushing for laws that prohibit restrictions like these. 現在，一項名為「維修權」的運動在推動禁止此類限制的立法上，正取得進展。 In August, Democrats introduced a bill in Congress to block manufacturers’ limits on medical devices, spurred by the pandemic. In Europe, the European Commission announced plans in March for new right-to-repair rules that would cover phones, tablets and laptops by 2021. 今年8月，美國民主黨因防疫需要而在國會提出一項法案，旨在阻止製造商對醫療裝置設下限制。在歐洲，歐盟執行委員會3月宣布了新的維修權規定計畫，在2021年以前實施，涵蓋手機、平板電腦和筆記型電腦。 And in more than 20 statehouses nationwide, right-to-repair legislation has been introduced in recent years by both Republicans and Democrats. 近年來，在全美國20多個州的議會裡，共和黨和民主黨都提出了維修權法案。 Over the summer, the House advanced a funding bill that includes a requirement that the Federal Trade Commission complete a report on anti-competitive practices in the repair market and present its findings to Congress and the public. 今年夏天，眾議院推動了一項資助法案，其中責成聯邦貿易委員會做成一份關於維修市場反競爭行為的報告，並向國會和民眾提交調查結果。 The goal of right-to-repair rules, advocates say, is to require companies to make their parts, tools and information available to consumers and repair shops in order to keep devices from ending up in the scrap heap. They argue that the rules restrict people’s use of devices that they own and encourage a throwaway culture by making repairs too difficult. 倡議人士表示，維修權規定的目的是要求企業向消費者和維修商家提供零組件、工具及資訊，以免這些裝置最終被扔進垃圾堆。他們主張，目前的慣例對人們使用自己的裝置設下限制，並透過讓維修變得太過困難的方式，助長了一種用完即丟的文化。 They also argue that it’s part of a culture of planned obsolescence — the idea that products are designed to be short-lived in order to encourage people to buy more stuff. That contributes to wasted natural resources and energy use at a time when climate change requires movement in the opposite direction to rein in planet-warming emissions. 他們還認為，這是一種計畫性淘汰文化的一部分，即為了鼓勵人們購買更多東西，產品被設計成短命的。在氣候變遷需要採取反向行動來控制溫室氣體排放的此際，這助長了自然資源的浪費以及能源的使用。 Manufacturing a new device or appliance is still largely reliant on polluting sources of energy — electricity generated from burning fossil fuels, for instance — and constitutes the largest environmental impact for most products. 製造一種新設備或裝置在很大程度上，仍仰賴會造成汙染的能源，例如燃燒化石燃料產生的電力，對大多數產品而言，這正是構成最大環境影響的因素。 Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/5015841 Next Article Topic: UK gamers and politicians take aim at console ’scalpers’ Furious British gamers and lawmakers are training their sights on "scalpers" who are buying up coveted PS5 and Xbox consoles and selling them online at vastly inflated prices. 氣沖沖的英國玩家和議員將焦點指向「黃牛」，這些黃牛買光搶手的PS5、Xbox電玩主機，然後在網路上以大幅灌水的價格出售。 The popular consoles have also been hard to come by in other parts of the world, but in Britain anger has boiled over to the point where some lawmakers want to ban the practice of reselling them online at higher prices. 這些熱門電玩主機在世界其他地方也一機難求，但是在英國掀起的怒火已沸騰，一些議員為此打算禁止網路高價轉售的作法。 While a PS5 normally costs between £360 and £450 depending on the model, its median resale price on sites like eBay is £650-£750, according to US researcher Michael Driscoll. 根據美國研究員麥可．德里斯考的說法，通常一部PS5依版本差異，售價在360英鎊到450英鎊之間，但在諸如「電子海灣」的網站上轉售價中位數為650到750英鎊不等。 Next Article Topic: Singaporean student plays Pokemon on ingenious ‘Melonboy’ 想像你搭捷運時突然有個年輕男子拿著一顆鑲有小螢幕的西瓜淡定的坐到你旁邊，開始認真的玩。 Imagine that you are on the MRT and a young man sitting next to you is playing video games on a watermelon-like console. 近期，就有新加坡民眾在捷運上目睹這奇葩的一幕。一位星國少年自製了一台「西瓜Game Boy」，上面不僅有螢幕和實體的按鈕，裡面還裝載了近期最流行的寶可夢遊戲軟體。 That’s the unusual sight some people recently experienced in Singapore when a teenager was seen playing “Pokemon Go” on a self-built console made of a watermelon, a screen and some buttons. 就讀新加坡管理大學的Cedrick Tan，近日在YouTube上分享了自製的水果寶可夢GameBoy，揭露製作過程和最後實驗結果。 Cedrick Tan, a student from the Singapore Management University, has been tinkering with the project on YouTube which has led to him building his own version of Pokemon Emerald inside a fruit. 一向天馬行空的他其實已經有無數的作品，包括將一個地圖放進虛擬實境和利用微軟Excel發送訊息至通訊軟體Telegram。如今他又再次突破自己，將遊戲機成功的裝進蔬果內。 An avid creator, Tan’s long list of projects include turning a map into a blank canvas for augmented reality, finding a way to send

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 即刻加入15Mins通勤學英語直播室，每週一9pm等你來說英文 : https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k Get the ball rolling 開始行動Definition: This expression means to start a process or set something in motion, usually by taking the first step or action. It's often used when discussing the initiation of projects or tasks and encourages people to begin working on them without further delay. Example 1: To get the ball rolling on the new employee orientation, we need to schedule a meeting with all department heads. Example 2: Let's get the ball rolling on the performance review process by setting deadlines for self-evaluations. 2. Touch base 保持聯繫 Definition: The idiom "touch base" is used when someone wants to make a brief contact with another person, often to discuss a specific issue, provide an update, or simply maintain communication. It implies checking in with someone without necessarily having a long or detailed conversation. Example 1: I'll touch base with the candidates next week to schedule their interviews. Example 2: It's important to touch base with our remote employees regularly to ensure they feel connected and supported. 3. Take the bull by the horns 抓住問題的要害 Definition: This idiom encourages facing a challenge or difficult situation head-on, with confidence and determination. It suggests not avoiding or delaying confronting a problem but rather taking decisive action to resolve it. By addressing the issue directly, one demonstrates courage and assertiveness, often leading to quicker and more effective solutions. Example 1: When tackling a complex project, it's best to take the bull by the horns and create a clear plan of action. Example 2: Instead of avoiding the difficult conversation, take the bull by the horns and address the issue directly. 4. Go the extra mile 多付出努力 Definition: To "go the extra mile" means to put in more effort than is required or expected in order to achieve a goal or accomplish a task. This expression highlights the importance of exceeding the minimum requirements and demonstrating a strong work ethic. It suggests that those who are willing to go above and beyond their basic duties can achieve greater success and recognition, both personally and professionally. Example 1: Our HR team should go the extra mile in ensuring that employees feel valued and appreciated. Example 2: In today's competitive job market, candidates who go the extra mile in their applications are more likely to stand out. 5. Rise to the occasion 迎難而上 Definition: The idiom "rise to the occasion" means to perform well under challenging circumstances or in high-pressure situations. It suggests that individuals can step up and excel even when faced with adversity or difficulties. This expression is often used to commend people who demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and the ability to overcome obstacles in order to achieve their goals or fulfill their responsibilities. Example 1: When our team faced a tight deadline, everyone rose to the occasion and worked tirelessly to meet the target. Example 2: As a leader, it's important to rise to the occasion and support your team during difficult times. 6. Light a fire under someone 激勵某人 Definition: To "light a fire under someone" means to encourage or motivate them to take action, often by applying pressure, setting deadlines, or providing incentives. This idiom implies that sometimes individuals need an external push or a sense of urgency to become more proactive and engaged in their tasks or responsibilities. By lighting a fire under someone, you are pushing them to move more quickly and with greater focus, potentially leading to better results and achievements. Example 1: To increase productivity, our HR department decided to light a fire under the team by implementing performance-based incentives. Example 2: The HR manager lit a fire under the recruitment team to speed up the hiring process and meet the company's growing needs. 練習時間: 請使用二到三個慣用語來分享自身小故事 Please think of two to three scenarios where you can use these idioms or share a story using the idioms.

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.K554: Japan to Restrict Some Computer Chip-Making Exports as US-China Tech War Rages On Japan's government has announced plans to restrict exports of 23 types of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, joining the US and the Netherlands in taking action against China in the ongoing tech war. The measures will apply to major technology companies such as Tokyo Electron and Nikon and will range from tools used to clean silicon wafers to immersion lithography machines. The policy is set to be implemented in July after being subject to public comment. The move comes after the US and the Netherlands adopted similar restrictions on microchip exports. 隨著美中科技戰爭的持續進行，日本政府宣布計畫限制出口23種半導體製造設備，加入美國和荷蘭對中國的行動。措施將適用於東京電子和Nikon等主要科技公司，並包括用於清潔矽晶片的工具，以及沉浸式光刻機。政策將在經過公眾意見徵詢後於七月實施。此舉是在美國和荷蘭採取類似限制微晶片出口後所做出的決定。 The global microchip supply chain has become a battleground in the US-China tech war, with semiconductors powering everything from mobile phones to military hardware. Washington has imposed export controls on microchips to China, and China has responded by labelling the US a "tech hegemony." However, Japan's trade and industry ministry did not mention China or the US in its announcement, instead stating that the measures would contribute to international peace and stability. 全球微晶片供應鏈已成為美中科技戰爭的戰場，半導體驅動著從手機到軍用硬體的所有事物。華盛頓對向中國出口微晶片實施出口管制，中國則回應稱美國為“技術霸權”。然而，日本貿易和工業部在宣布中沒有提到中國或美國，而是聲稱這些措施將有助於國際和平與穩定。 According to Japanese trade minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, the restrictions were not coordinated with the US. He added that if Japanese exports were not being reappropriated for military use, they would continue exporting and the impact on companies would be limited. The announcement was made as Japan's foreign minister, Yoshimasa Hayashi, prepared to visit Beijing to meet his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang for "an honest and frank discussion to create a constructive and stable relationship." 根據日本貿易大臣西村康稔的說法，限制措施並非與美國協調一致。他補充說，如果日本的出口未被重新配置為軍事用途，將會繼續出口，對公司的影響將會有限。此項公告發布時，日本外務大臣林芳正準備訪問北京，會晤他的中國對應人秦剛，進行“坦誠和實質性的討論，以建立建設性和穩定的關係。” The Japanese restrictions will affect exports of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, including lithography machines, which use lasers to print tiny patterns on silicon as part of the manufacturing process of microchips. The move is expected to have a significant impact on the global microchip supply chain as Japan is a key producer of semiconductor equipment, alongside the US and the Netherlands. 日本的限制將影響半導體製造設備的出口，包括光刻機，一種使用雷射在矽晶片上印刷微小圖案的機器，是半導體製程的一部分。此舉預計對全球晶片供應鏈產生重大影響，因為日本是半導體設備的主要生產國之一，與美國和荷蘭並列。 As the US-China tech war rages on, countries around the world are grappling with the question of how to balance national security concerns with the need to maintain a global supply chain for microchips, which are a crucial component in the production of many everyday items. With Japan's announcement, it seems that the trend of restricting microchip exports is set to continue, further complicating the already complex relationship between China and the rest of the world. 隨著美中科技戰爭的持續，世界各國正試圖平衡國家安全和維持微晶片全球供應鏈的需求，微晶片是許多日常物品生產的重要組件。隨著日本的宣布，似乎限制微晶片出口的趨勢將繼續，進一步複雜化中國和世界其他國家之間已經複雜的關係。Reference article: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-65134017

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.K553: Miami Seaquarium to return oldest captive killer whale, Lolita, to her natural habitat Lolita, the 56-year-old killer whale, who has been living in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium in Florida for more than five decades, will be released back into her home waters in the Pacific Northwest within the next two years. The announcement was made by the aquarium on Thursday in partnership with the non-profit organization, Friends of Lolita. The NFL football team owner of the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay, will fund the relocation of Lolita, also known as Tokitae or Toki, to the North Pacific Ocean. 56歲的虎鯨Lolita在佛羅里達州邁阿密海洋公園被囚禁了超過五十年，現在將在未來兩年內釋放回她在太平洋西北部的家鄉。這項消息是海洋公園與非營利組織Friends of Lolita於星期四宣布的。NFL足球隊印第安納波利斯小馬隊的老闆Jim Irsay將資助Lolita遷移回北太平洋的費用。 Lolita is a female Southern Resident killer whale and was one of the many orcas captured during the captivity programmes that occurred in the 1970s. These programmes led to the endangerment of the orca population, which was recognized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in 2005. Lolita group’s capture led to the separation of many Southern Resident killer whales from their pods. However, Lolita has been living alone for over 40 years as her companion, Hugo, died in 1980. Lolita是一頭雌性南部原生虎鯨，是1970年代為數眾多被捕獲的虎鯨之一。在2005年，美國國家海洋和大氣管理局承認當年的捕捉計畫導致了虎鯨族群陷入瀕危。Lolita這一批虎鯨的捕獲導致許多南部原生虎鯨被迫與自己的族群分開。然而，自1980年她的同伴Hugo去世後，Lolita獨自生活了超過40年。 Experts have cautioned the release of Lolita back into the wild, considering her age and her long period of captivity, which could make it challenging for her to forage on her own. Consequently, the orca will likely spend her remaining days in a sea pen, where she can feel her 'home waters' and reconnect acoustically with her pod. Nonetheless, animal rights activists have continued to advocate for the release of the remaining Southern Resident orcas that are still in captivity. 專家們對Lolita回歸野外表示慎重，考慮到她的年齡和長期囚禁的情況，這可能會使她獨自覓食變得具有挑戰性。因此，這頭虎鯨可能會在一個海洋圈中度過其餘的日子，以便她可以感受到自己的“家鄉水域”並重新與自己的族群進行交流。儘管如此，動物保育人士仍在繼續呼籲釋放仍在囚禁中的南部原生虎鯨。 Lolita's relocation is a significant step towards freeing animals from captivity, and it is a symbolic victory, according to Jason Colby, an environmental historian and professor at the University of Victoria. He adds that it would be a great success if Lolita's release would encourage people to commit to ensuring that the orca family has a safe place to live. 邁阿密海洋公園宣布Lolita的退役是讓動物擺脫囚禁的重要一步，根據維多利亞大學的環境歷史學教授Jason Colby的說法，這是一個象徵性的勝利。他也聲明，如果Lolita的釋放可以鼓勵人們致力於確保虎鯨家族有一個安全的居住地，那將是一個極大的成功。 In 2021, Lolita's retirement was announced by the Seaquarium, and Eduardo Albor, the CEO of The Dolphin Company, praised animal rights activists and the Seaquarium team for working together towards the release of the captive killer whale. As the world anticipates Lolita's return to her natural habitat, the partnership between the Miami Seaquarium and Friends of Lolita will ensure that Lolita's journey back home is successful. 在2021年，海洋公園宣布了Lolita的退休，The Dolphin Company的執行長Eduardo Albor表揚了動保人士和海洋公園團隊同心協力釋放這隻被囚禁虎鯨的努力。隨著全球期待Lolita回歸其自然棲息地，邁阿密海洋公園和Friends of Lolita將合作確保Lolita回家的路平安順遂。

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://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/unusual-airlines/index.html When talking about traveling internationally, post 2000s we only know of budget airlines and regular airlines that dominated the routes around the world. Now, for the ultra-rich people, we've also got private jets. Back in the day when airlines were still developing and for the limited few, we had many odd airlines that tried to serve different markets. In this episode, Angel and I discuss some of the odd airlines that existed in history. Tell us which one you think is the oddest one of them all! 歡迎投稿有趣的主題給醬老師與Angel老師 Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. Cargo hold n. 行李艙 If you travel with your pet, they would have to stay in a cage tucked in the cargo hold. 如果你想跟著寵物一起旅遊，那你的寵物需要待在籠子裡放在行李艙。 2. Eye candy n. 吸睛的事物 Hooters girls are the eye candy that attracts customers. Hooters女孩穿著吸睛來吸引客人。 3. Ash tray n. 煙灰缸 According to Angel, new planes still have ash trays installed. 根據Angel老師，新的飛機還是有裝置煙灰缸。 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]

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.K552: Cultured Meat Company Unveils Giant Meatball Made with DNA of Extinct Mammoth Vow, an Australian cultured meat company, has revealed a giant meatball made with the DNA of an extinct woolly mammoth at the Nemo Science Museum in the Netherlands. The meatball was made to encourage people to discuss cultured meat as a more sustainable alternative to traditional meat. The company used sheep cells that were inserted with a mammoth gene called myoglobin, which is responsible for the aroma, taste and color of meat. The DNA sequence of the mammoth had a few gaps, so African elephant DNA was also inserted to complete it. 澳洲培養肉公司Vow在荷蘭的Nemo科學博物館展示了一個使用絕種猛瑪象DNA製作的巨型肉丸，旨在鼓勵人們討論以培養肉作為傳統肉類的永續替代品。該公司使用羊細胞，並插入一種名為肌紅蛋白的猛瑪象基因，負責調節肉的氣味、口感和顏色。由於猛瑪象的DNA序列有些空缺，因此還插入了非洲象的DNA以進行補完。 Vow's Chief Scientific Officer, James Ryall, explained that the meatball's myoglobin gene was responsible for its unique smell, taste, and color. Ryall highlighted that they did not create actual animals like in the movie Jurassic Park, but the process involved inserting genes into sheep cells to create the mammoth meatball. Vow chose the mammoth as it was an extinct animal that scientists believe went extinct due to climate change. Vow的首席科學家詹姆斯·賴爾（James Ryall）解釋道，肉丸的肌紅蛋白基因負責賦予其獨特的氣味、味道和顏色。賴爾強調，他們沒有像電影《侏羅紀公園》中那樣創造實際的動物，而是通過將基因插入羊的細胞來製作長毛象肉丸。Vow選擇猛瑪象，因為科學家認為它是因為氣候變遷而絕種的動物。 Vow aims to promote the use of cultured meat in the European Union, where it is currently not regulated as food. Vow's founder, Tim Noakesmith, stated that they wanted to create something entirely different from traditional meat. The meatball, which has an aroma similar to crocodile meat, is not currently available for consumption. According to Noakesmith, the protein in the mammoth meat is 4,000 years old, and the company will conduct rigorous testing before bringing it to market. Vow旨在推廣培養肉在歐盟的使用，目前培養肉作為食品尚未受到規範。Vow的創始人提姆·諾克史密斯（Tim Noakesmith）表示，他們希望創造一些完全不同於傳統肉的產品。這個肉丸的氣味類似鱷魚肉，目前還不適合食用。諾克史密斯表示，肉中的蛋白質已經有4000年的歷史，公司將在將其推向市場之前進行嚴格的測試。 The company used an alternative to the usual method of creating cultured meat, which involves using blood from a dead calf. Vow's process did not involve killing any animals. The mammoth meatball is an example of the possibilities of using cultured meat to produce food in a more sustainable manner. Vow hopes to raise awareness about this alternative source of meat and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable food system for the future. 該公司採用了與通常創造培養肉的方法不同的替代方法，通常方法包括使用死去小牛犢的血液，Vow的過程不涉及殺死任何動物。這個猛獁肉丸是使用培養肉製作食品的可能性之一，以更永續的方式生產食品。Vow希望提高人們對這種替代肉源的認識，最終為未來的永續食品系統做出貢獻。Reference article: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/giant-meatball-extinct-mammoth-unveiled-netherlands-2023-03-28/

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.K551: Scientists sequence Beethoven's genome, revealing insights into his liver disease but not his hearing loss Genetic analysis of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair has revealed new information about the composer's health. Using five locks of Beethoven's hair, researchers have sequenced his genome nearly two centuries after his death. The analysis revealed that Beethoven was genetically predisposed to liver disease and had hepatitis B, in addition to his heavy alcohol consumption. The findings suggest that there were multiple factors behind his liver disease, including genetics, viral infection, and alcohol. The study, led by the University of Cambridge biological anthropologist Tristan Begg, was published in the journal Current Biology. 通過分析路德維希·范·貝多芬的頭髮，基因分析揭示了作曲家健康方面的新信息。研究人員使用貝多芬的五縷頭髮，在他離世近兩個世紀的時間後對他的基因組進行了序列化。分析結果顯示，貝多芬在基因上容易患肝病，並且患有乙型肝炎，除此之外，他還經常飲酒。研究結果表明，貝多芬的肝病有多種因素，包括基因、病毒感染和酒精。由劍橋大學生物人類學家特里斯坦·貝格（Tristan Begg）領導的這項研究發表在《當代生物學》期刊上。 While the study shed light on Beethoven's liver disease, it failed to identify the genetic explanation for his hearing loss. The composer started experiencing progressive hearing loss at age 29 and was completely deaf by age 44, but continued to compose masterpieces. The researchers were unable to find a genetic explanation for Beethoven's hearing loss, but several possible explanations could not be reliably or comprehensively evaluated. 雖然這項研究揭示了貝多芬的肝病，但它未能確定其聽力喪失的基因解釋。貝多芬從29歲開始逐漸失聰，44歲時完全失聰，但仍繼續編曲創作。研究人員未能找到貝多芬聽力喪失的基因解釋，對於研究發現的幾種可能無法進行可靠或全面的評估。 Despite not finding a cause for Beethoven's hearing issues, the study explored the composer's ancestry, revealing an unexpected detail. Genetic data from Beethoven and five living relatives revealed that there had been a child resulting from an extramarital relationship on his father's side of the family in the generations before the composer's birth. 儘管未能找到貝多芬聽力問題的成因，但這項研究探索了作曲家的家族史，揭示了一個意外的細節。貝多芬和五名在世親屬的基因數據顯示，在作曲家出生之前的幾代人中，他父親的家族中有一個因婚外情生下的私生子。 The researchers analyzed eight locks of hair from public and private collections in the United States and Europe, determining that five of them matched and were almost certainly authentic. The best-preserved lock, called the Stumpff Lock, was used to sequence Beethoven's genome. The DNA was severely degraded, making it hard to assemble a genome, but the study was valuable in understanding Beethoven's health and accurately conveying the facts of his biography. Beethoven's music continues to inspire millions nearly 200 years after his death. 研究人員從美國和歐洲的公共和私人收藏中分析了八束貝多芬的頭髮，確定其中五束是匹配且幾乎可以肯定是真實的。最好保存的一束頭髮，名為Stumpff Lock，被用來對貝多芬的基因組進行序列分析。DNA已經嚴重分解，很難組裝基因組，但這項研究對了解貝多芬的健康狀況以及準確傳達他傳記的事實非常有價值。貝多芬的音樂在他去世近200年後仍然啟發著數百萬人。Reference article: https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/science/locks-hair-compose-symphony-genetic-information-beethoven-2023-03-22/

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Topic: Traditional Toys May Beat Gadgets in Language Development 嬰兒筆電，嬰兒手機，交談農場，這些都是當前推出快速又先進的玩具，許多被當成激發嬰兒語言技能的工具行銷。 Baby laptops, baby cellphones, talking farms — these are the whirring, whiz-bang toys of the moment, many of them marketed as tools to encourage babies' language skills. 不過，新研究報告質疑這類電子玩具是否會使嬰兒跟父母的口頭交流減少，這種交流對認知發展極其重要。 But a new study raises questions about whether such electronic playthings make it less likely that babies will engage in the verbal give-and-take with their parents that is so crucial to cognitive development. 發表於「美國醫學會小兒科學期刊」的該研究報告發現，嬰兒與父母玩廣告中特別宣傳能促進語言發展的電子玩具時，父母說話及對嬰兒發聲的回應，要比玩傳統玩具如積木或閱讀硬頁書時來得少。嬰兒玩電子玩具時發聲也較少。 The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that when babies and parents played with electronic toys that are specifically advertised as language-promoters, parents spoke less and responded less to baby babbling than when they played with traditional toys like blocks or read board books. Babies also vocalized less when playing with electronic toys. 帶領研究的弗拉格斯塔夫北亞利桑納大學傳播科學與溝通障礙副教授安娜．索沙說：「我的直覺是，他們讓嬰兒跟玩具互動，自己退居一邊。」 "My hunch is that they were letting the baby interact with the toy and they were on the sidelines," said Anna V. Sosa, an associate professor of communications science and disorders at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, who led the study. 這項研究建立在日漸增多的一些研究結果之上，既有結果顯示電子玩具和電子書可能使父母較少與小孩進行最有意義類型的口語交流。 天普大學心理學教授凱西．赫許帕塞克說：「當使用這類工具與裝置時，父母們就會閉口。你做的是更多行為規範，像是『別碰那』或『做這個』，甚至啥也不做，因為電子書與玩具已代勞了。」赫許帕塞克未參加上述研究，但此前對電子書跟電子形狀分類盒的研究有類似發現。 The study builds on a growing body of research suggesting that electronic toys and e-books can make parents less likely to have the most meaningful kinds of verbal exchanges with their children. "When you put the gadgets and gizmos in, the parents stop talking," said Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, a professor of psychology at Temple University who was not involved in the new study, but who has found similar effects with e-books and electronic shape-sorters. "What you get is more behavioral regulation stuff, like 'don't touch that' or 'do this,' or nothing because the books and toys take it over for you." 她並補充道：「玩玩具應是玩具只占10%，90％由小孩做主，許多這些電子玩具卻是玩具占了90%以上，小孩只能補白。」 索沙說，她對結果感到驚訝。她原本預期一些父母嬰兒組玩某種玩具時說話較多，而其他組則是在玩另種玩具時說較多話。 She added, "A toy should be 10 percent toy and 90 percent child, and with a lot of these electronic toys the toy takes over 90 percent and the child just fills in the blank." Sosa said she was surprised by the results. She had expected some parent-baby pairs would talk more with one type of toy, while others would talk more with another. 然而，結果卻幾乎一致。玩電子玩具時父母平均每分鐘說40字，少於玩傳統玩具的56字，及讀書時的67字。 But the results were consistent almost across the board. When electronic toys were being used, parents said about 40 words per minute, on average, compared with 56 words per minute for traditional toys and 67 words per minute with books. 這是個小型研究，共26個家庭參與，多為受過良好教育的白人家庭。因此研究人員說，若以更大、更多樣化的群體為研究對象，結果可能不同，但這個研究仍值得注意，因為它盡力捕捉現實世界中無研究人員觀看下的居家親子遊戲時間。 The study was small — 26 families — and most were white and educated. So the researchers say the results might be different with a larger and more diverse group. But the study is notable because it sought to capture real world parent-child playtime in their homes without researchers watching. Source article: https://paper.udn.com/udnpaper/POH0067/292769/web/ Next Article Topic: Boffin Barbie- toy creator honors vaccine co-creator Toy giant Mattel said Wednesday last week it hoped to “inspire the next generation” after creating a model of its iconic Barbie doll in honor of Sarah Gilbert, co-creator of the Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. 玩具大廠美泰兒公司上週三表示，為表彰牛津／阿斯捷利康冠狀病毒疫苗之共同發明人莎拉‧吉伯特，該公司為其著名產品芭比娃娃開發了新款，希望能「鼓舞下一代」。 Gilbert said she found the news “very strange” but hoped “children who see my Barbie will realize how vital careers in science are to help the world around us.” 吉伯特聽聞此消息，說她覺得「挺怪的」，但希望「看到我的芭比娃娃的孩子們會了解，科學職業對幫助我們周遭的世界是多麼重要」。 “My wish is that my doll will show children careers they may not be aware of, like a vaccinologist.” The toy company created models in honor of five other women in the sciences: US healthcare workers Amy O’Sullivan and Audrey Cruz, Canadian campaigner Chika Stacy Oriuwa, Brazilian researcher Jaqueline Goes de Jesus and Australian medic Kirby White. 「希望我的玩偶會向孩子們展示他們可能不知道的職業，比如說疫苗學家」。 這家玩具公司也設計了其他款式，來表彰五位科學界的女性：美國醫護人員艾米‧奧沙利文及奧黛莉‧克魯茲、加拿大活動人士奇卡‧史岱西‧奧里瓦、巴西研究人員賈克琳‧戈耶思‧德‧杰索斯，以及澳洲醫師克兒比‧懷特。 “Barbie recognizes that all frontline workers have made tremendous sacrifices when confronting the pandemic and the challenges it heightened,” said Lisa McKnight, senior vice president of Barbie and dolls at Mattel. 美泰兒公司芭比娃娃及玩偶部門高級副總裁麗莎‧麥克奈特表示：「芭比肯定所有前線工作人員，在面對疫情大流行及加劇的挑戰時，都做出了巨大犧牲」。 “To shine a light on their efforts, we are sharing their stories and leveraging Barbie’s platform to inspire the next generation to take after these heroes and give back.” “Our hope is to nurture and ignite the imaginations of children playing out the

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 即刻加入15Mins通勤學英語直播室，每週一9pm等你來說英文 : https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 在15Mins我們認為英語學習應該是：用最自然的方式學習在全英語，中文為輔的環境Output 可以大於 Input生活工作之餘都有機會學習學到的明天就可以用 （從生活強關聯事物開始吸收） 英語學習解謎思不是學科，是技能自然語言學習都是從聽跟說開始溝通才是語言的核心 學了很久都還是不會都專注input 而不是output原子習慣 - 學習目標是該 建立平時的input-output系統 不是學幾個字/背了幾套文法每週英語學習應用時間不固定，無法加倍使用 e.g. 一週多少小時使用中文vs英文 想要收到通勤學英語起手式操作手冊，追蹤FB粉專與IG留言或私訊「我想要自然的學習英語」，John老師親自送你操作手冊跟海量學習資源！

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.K550: Blackpink's Kaohsiung Concerts Boost Local Night Market Sales The recent Kaohsiung concerts of the popular South Korean pop band, Blackpink, have resulted in a significant increase in local night market sales, according to the Kaohsiung City Government. More than 90,000 fans attended the two concerts held on Saturday and Sunday at the Kaohsiung National Stadium. To encourage concertgoers to shop locally, the government offered NT$50 vouchers to those who showed their ticket stubs. 據高雄市政府表示，南韓流行天團Blackpink最近在高雄的兩場演唱會大大提高了當地夜市的銷售額。在上週六和週日於高雄國家體育場舉行的兩場演唱會共吸引了超過90,000名歌迷入場觀看。為了鼓勵觀眾在本地購物，政府向出示門票的觀眾提供50新台幣的消費券。 The Liouhe Night Market saw a surge in crowds during the weekend, with almost all seats occupied until 1:30 am. Chuang Chi-chang, the market's management committee head, stated that the night market vendors saw sales double, and stall owners had stocked up in anticipation of increased customers. 六合夜市周末的人潮激增，幾乎所有座位都被占據到凌晨1:30。市場管理委員會主席莊其章表示，夜市攤販的銷售額翻了一倍，攤主已經存貨，預期客源會增加。 The Rueifong Night Market and Shinkuchan Shopping District also experienced a 20-30 percent increase in sales over the weekend. The city government expects the series of concerts this month and next month to draw at least 400,000 visitors, benefiting over 100 stall owners in night markets and 45 businesses partnering with a government program. 瑞豐夜市和新崛江商圈在周末的銷售額也同樣增加了20%至30%。市政府預計本月和下個月的一系列演唱會將吸引至少40萬名遊客，使超過100個夜市攤位的攤主和45家參與政府計劃的企業受益。 Upcoming performances by Taiwanese rock band Mayday, Taiwanese pop diva A-mei, and the Megaport Festival are expected to further boost sales in the area. Mayday will hold four days of concerts from March 30 to April 2, while A-mei will perform on April 3-5, 8-9, and 14-16. This year's Megaport Festival is scheduled for April 1 and 2. 即將到來的台灣搖滾樂隊五月天、台灣流行歌后阿妹和Megaport音樂節，也有望進一步促進高雄的銷售額。五月天將於3月30日至4月2日舉行四天的演唱會，而阿妹將在4月3日至5日、8日至9日以及14日至16日舉辦表演。今年的Megaport音樂節定於4月1日和2日舉行。 Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai expressed his gratitude to Blackpink and their fans in a post on Facebook. He also commended the personnel who assisted in directing crowds at public transportation facilities after the concerts, which helped clear the areas in less than 90 minutes. 高雄市長陳其邁在Facebook上感謝Blackpink及其粉絲，同時也讚揚協助指揮演唱會後的公共交通人員，幫助在不到90分鐘內疏散了現場。 The city government's efforts to support local businesses and promote tourism through concerts and events have proven successful, boosting the local economy and attracting visitors to Kaohsiung. With upcoming performances by prominent artists and festivals, the city's night markets are expected to continue thriving. 市政府通過舉辦音樂會和活動來支持當地企業和促進旅遊的努力已經取得成功，推動當地經濟發展並吸引遊客到訪高雄。隨著即將到來的知名藝人和音樂祭，預計高雄的夜市將繼續蓬勃發展。Reference article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/03/21/2003796463

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.K549: Google Launches Artificial Intelligence Tool Bard to Compete with ChatGPT Google has announced the release of Bard, a new artificial intelligence tool that directly competes with ChatGPT. Initially, access to Bard will be limited to residents in the United States and the United Kingdom, but the company plans to expand access to more countries and languages over time, according to a blog post authored by Google and Bard. Until now, Bard was only available to "trusted testers." 谷歌宣布推出 Bard，這是一個與 ChatGPT 正面競爭的新人工智慧工具。根據由谷歌和 Bard 共同撰寫的部落格文章，最初，Bard 的使用權將僅限於美國和英國的用戶，但該公司計劃隨著時間的推移擴大使用權的範圍至更多的國家和語言。目前為止，Bard 只開放給「可信任的測試人員」使用。 Powered by a large language model, Bard will be updated with newer and more capable models as time goes on. To achieve this, Google is seeking feedback from more users, following earlier testing. While exciting, the blog's authors note that these models are not without their flaws. Bard 由一個大型語言模型提供支持，隨著時間的推移，它將進化為更新且更多功能的模型。為了實現這一點，谷歌正在尋求更多用戶的反饋，跟進早期的測試。儘管令人興奮，部落格的作者指出這些模型並非沒有缺陷。 "Because they learn from a wide range of information that reflects real-world biases and stereotypes, those sometimes show up in their outputs. And they can provide inaccurate, misleading or false information while presenting it confidently," according to Google. 「因為它們從反映現實世界偏見和刻板印象的各種信息中學習，這些問題有時會顯示在它們的輸出中。它們可能會充滿自信的提供不準確、具誤導性或錯誤的信息。」谷歌表示。 Bard is intended to make visiting Google Search simpler, with users able to click "Google it" to see query suggestions in a new tab. Google has hinted at deeper integration of these models into Search. "Our work on Bard is guided by our AI Principles, and we continue to focus on quality and safety. We’re using human feedback and evaluation to improve our systems, and we’ve also built in guardrails, like capping the number of exchanges in a dialogue, to try to keep interactions helpful and on topic," it said. "Bard is an experiment." Bard 旨在讓使用谷歌搜索更加簡單，用戶可以點擊「Google it」在新標籤中查看查詢建議。谷歌暗示將更深入地將這些模型整合到搜索中。「我們的 Bard 工作是根據我們的 AI 原則指導的，我們繼續關注質量和安全性。我們使用人類反饋和評估來改善我們的系統，並且我們還建立了保護措施，比如在對話交流的次數中設定上限，來試圖讓互動更有幫助且更符合討論主題。」它說。 “Bard是一場實驗。” Reference article: https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/google-opens-access-chatgpt-rival-bard

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.K548: Taiwan Ranks Second-Happiest in East Asia According to UN Report Taiwan has been ranked the second-happiest country in East Asia and the fourth-happiest in Asia, according to the World Happiness Report released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The report surveyed more than 150 countries and territories over a three-year period to evaluate happiness levels based on six factors: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption. 根據聯合國永續發展方法網路公布的《世界幸福報告》，台灣是在東亞地區排名第二，並在整個亞洲地區排名第四幸福的國家。報告在三年內對150多個國家和地區進行調查，評估了六項因素：社會支持、收入、健康、自由、慷慨和反貪腐，以評估全球各國的幸福水平。 While Israel ranked 4th globally, Singapore ranked 25th, and the United Arab Emirates ranked 26th, Taiwan was able to secure the 27th place worldwide. Although Taiwan was outperformed by Singapore in the East Asia grouping, the country was able to rank ahead of Japan, which ranked 47th globally. In the previous report, Taiwan was ranked first in East Asia and fourth in the broader Asia grouping. 以全球排名來看，以色列排名第4，新加坡排名第25，阿聯酋排名第26，而台灣排名第27。雖然在東亞地區台灣的表現不如新加坡，但它在全球排名中勝過了第47的日本。在前一次報告中，台灣在東亞地區排名第一，在更廣泛的亞洲地區排名第四。 Finland retained its title as the world's happiest country for the sixth year in a row. The Nordic country's welfare system, equality, and trust in government are factors that contribute to its top ranking. Denmark, Iceland, Israel, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and New Zealand followed as the top 10 happiest countries. 芬蘭連續第六年蟬聯全球最幸福國家。這個北歐國家的福利制度、平等和公民對政府的信任是其排名最高的因素。丹麥、冰島、以色列、荷蘭、瑞典、挪威、瑞士、盧森堡和紐西蘭緊隨其後，排名前十最幸福的國家。 The report highlighted that Nordic countries score high for both happiness and equality, which can be attributed to their high levels of personal and institutional trust. The United States was ranked 15th, while China and Hong Kong ranked 64th and 82nd, respectively. Ukraine's ranking rose to 92nd, up from 98th the previous year, despite being invaded by Russia. Afghanistan remained at the bottom of the report. 報告強調北歐國家在幸福和平等方面得分很高，這是由於他們對機關組織以及個人的高度信任。美國排名第15名，而中國和香港分別排名第64和第82名。儘管遭到俄羅斯入侵，烏克蘭的排名從前一年的98名升至第92名。阿富汗在此份報告中則蟬聯排名最不幸福的國家。 Taiwan's high ranking can be attributed to its effective handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been praised globally. The country's low number of COVID-19 cases, effective vaccine distribution, and low fatality rate have contributed to its happiness ranking. Additionally, Taiwan's stable political environment, freedom of speech, and personal safety are factors that contribute to its high happiness levels. 台灣的高名次可以歸功於其在COVID-19疫情期間的有效應對廣受世界讚譽。台灣相對低的COVID-19確診數量、有效的疫苗分配和低死亡率促成了其幸福排名。此外，台灣穩定的政治環境、言論自由和個人安全等因素也是其高幸福水平的原因。 The World Happiness Report serves as a reminder that happiness is not just about financial wealth. While economic factors play a role in happiness levels, social support, health, and trust in government are equally important. Taiwan's high ranking is a testament to its society's resilience and ability to cope with challenges. 《世界幸福報告》提醒人們幸福不僅僅與財富有關。雖然經濟因素對幸福水平起著作用，但社會支持、健康和對政府的信任同樣重要。台灣的高排名證明了其社會的韌性和應對挑戰的能力。Reference article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/03/22/2003796538

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.K547: German ice cream parlor offers cricket-flavored scoops A German ice cream store is selling an unusual flavor of ice cream that has crickets in it. The store is located in Rottenburg am Neckar, in southern Germany. The owner of the store, Thomas Micolino, likes to create different flavors of ice cream that are not the typical ones like chocolate or strawberry. In the past, he has made ice cream with liver sausage and Gorgonzola cheese, and even gold-plated ice cream that costs €4 ($4.25) per scoop. 德國一家冰淇淋店正在出售一種不尋常的口味，其中包含了蟋蟀。這家店位於德國南部的Rottenburg am Neckar。店主Thomas Micolino喜歡創造不同於典型口味如巧克力或草莓的冰淇淋。過去，他曾製作過肝腸膶味和戈爾貢佐拉奶酪味的冰淇淋，甚至還有每球售價4歐元（4.25美元）的鍍金冰淇淋。 Micolino wanted to try something new and different, so he decided to make ice cream with crickets. He used cricket flour, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and honey to make the ice cream, and put dried whole crickets on top. He said that the ice cream has a yummy taste, but some people are disgusted by the idea of eating insects. Micolino想試試新奇的東西，於是他決定做蟋蟀口味的冰淇淋。他使用了蟋蟀粉、重奶油、香草精和蜂蜜製成冰淇淋，還在上面放了干的整隻蟋蟀。他說，這種冰淇淋口味美味，但有些人對食用昆蟲的想法感到厭惡。 The reason that Micolino can make ice cream with crickets is because of a law in the European Union that allows people to use insects in food. The law says that crickets can be frozen, dried, or used as a powder. The European Union has already approved using migratory locusts and flour beetle larvae in food. Micolino之所以能做蟋蟀口味的冰淇淋，是因為歐盟有一項法律允許人們在食物中使用昆蟲。法律規定，蟋蟀可以被冷凍、晾乾或用作粉末。歐盟已經批准在食物中使用遷移性蝗蟲和麵粉蟲幼蟲。 Some customers like the new flavor of ice cream and say that it is delicious. Konstantin Dick, one of Micolino's customers, said that the ice cream is very tasty and edible. Another customer, Johann Peter Schwarze, liked the creamy consistency of the ice cream but said that he could still taste the cricket in it. 一些顧客喜歡這種新口味的冰淇淋，並表示它很美味。其中一位Micolino的客戶Konstantin Dick表示，這種冰淇淋非常美味可口。另一位客戶Johann Peter Schwarze則喜歡冰淇淋的奶油質地，但說他仍能品嘗到蟋蟀的味道。 Micolino's cricket-flavored ice cream is a unique and adventurous flavor that not everyone will like, but some customers are enjoying it. Micolino likes to try new things and make different kinds of ice cream, so it's possible that he will create more interesting flavors in the future. Micolino的蟋蟀口味冰淇淋是一種獨特和具冒險精神的口味，並不是每個人都會喜歡，但一些顧客正在享受它。Micolino喜歡嘗試新事物，製作不同種類的冰淇淋，因此未來他可能會創造更有趣的口味。Reference article: https://apnews.com/article/germany-cricket-flavored-ice-cream-30ec8248ff14db3d842316e7b8e68bf7

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.K546: Universal Parks & Resorts Unveils New Name: Get Ready to Explore the Universal Destinations & Experiences! Universal Parks & Resorts, the parent company of popular theme parks like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, is rebranding itself with a new name - Universal Destinations & Experiences. The rebranding comes as a way to better reflect the vast array of experiences and attractions that the company offers in multiple locations, including Florida, Southern California, Japan, and China. 環球主題樂園度假區是知名主題樂園，例如哈利波特的巫師世界和蜘蛛人的驚奇冒險，現在以新名稱重新定位自己 - 環球目的地與體驗（Universal Destinations & Experiences）。這次重新定位是為了更好地反映該公司在多個地點（包括佛羅里達、南加州、日本和中國）提供的多樣化體驗和景點。 The rebranding announcement comes after Universal Parks & Resorts announced two new projects - a children's park in Frisco, Texas, and an immersive horror entertainment experience based on Universal's classic horror films in Las Vegas. The new name is seen as a way for the company to more effectively communicate the range of offerings that are available to guests. 環球主題樂園度假區宣布兩個新項目之後，即位於德克薩斯州弗里斯科的兒童樂園，以及基於環球經典恐怖電影的沉浸式恐怖娛樂體驗在拉斯維加斯推出。新名稱被認為是該公司更有效地傳達給遊客可用的各種選擇的一種方式。 According to Mark Woodbury, the chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, the new name is a reflection of the company's desire to be the "destination of choice" for visitors in existing and future markets. The new name represents a commitment to providing guests with unparalleled experiences that they won't find anywhere else. 根據環球目的地與體驗的董事長兼首席執行官Mark Woodbury所說，新名稱反映了該公司希望成為現有和未來市場遊客的“首選目的地”的願望。新名稱代表著該公司致力於為遊客提供他們在其他地方找不到的卓越體驗。 Universal Destinations & Experiences offers an array of attractions and experiences that cater to a diverse range of interests, from thrilling roller coasters and interactive rides to immersive experiences based on popular franchises like Harry Potter and Jurassic Park. With the rebranding, the company hopes to continue to be a leader in the theme park industry and offer visitors an unforgettable experience at any of its global locations. 環球目的地與體驗提供一系列的景點和體驗，迎合了各種不同的興趣，從刺激的過山車和互動遊戲到基於流行品牌如哈利波特和侏羅紀公園的沉浸式體驗。通過重新定位，該公司希望繼續成為主題樂園行業的領導者，並在其全球各地的任何地方為遊客提供難忘的體驗。Reference article: https://apnews.com/article/universal-theme-park-name-change-e97a3ab13a9083d5111ecb9615656a15

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Topic: In Race for Tuition-Free College, New Mexico Stakes a Claim As universities across the United States face steep enrollment declines, New Mexico’s government is embarking on a pioneering experiment to fight that trend: tuition-free higher education for all state residents. 隨著美國各地大學入學人數急劇下滑，新墨西哥州政府正著手進行一項開創性實驗來應對這一趨勢：為全州居民提供免學費高等教育。 + Sure? After President Joe Biden’s plan for universal free community college failed to gain traction in Congress, New Mexico, one of the nation’s poorest states, has emerged with perhaps the most ambitious plans as states scramble to come up with their own initiatives. 在美國總統拜登的全民免費社區大學計畫未能獲得國會支持後，美國最窮的州之一新墨西哥州提出的計畫，可能是各州爭相提出行動倡議中最具雄心的一個。 A new state law approved in a rare show of bipartisanship allocates almost 1% of the state’s budget toward covering tuition and fees at public colleges and universities, community colleges and tribal colleges. All state residents from new high school graduates to adults enrolling part-time will be eligible regardless of family income. The program is also open to immigrants regardless of their immigration status. 一項新的州法在兩黨罕見合作下通過，將州預算的1%用於支付公立大學、社區大學與部落學院的學費。所有州民，從剛畢業的高中生到參加兼職教育的成人都有資格參加，無論家庭收入。該計畫也向移民開放，無論他們的移民身分如何。 Some legislators and other critics question whether there should have been income caps and whether the state, newly flush with oil and gas revenue, can secure long-term funding to support the program beyond its first year. The legislation, which seeks to treat college as a public resource similar to primary and secondary education, takes effect in July. 一些議員和其他批評人士質疑是否應設所得限制，以及剛獲大量石油與天然氣收入的該州是否能在計畫實施第一年後，獲得長期資金支持。這項立法將於7月生效，旨在將大學視為與中小學教育類似的公共資源。 Although nearly half the states have embraced similar initiatives that seek to cover at least some tuition expenses for some students, New Mexico’s law goes further by covering tuition and fees before other scholarships and sources of financial aid are applied, enabling students to use those other funds for expenses such as lodging, food or child care. 儘管近半的州已採取類似舉措，想幫一些學生支付至少部分學費和雜費，新墨西哥州法律更進一步，在申請其他獎學金和學費補助前，先支付學雜費，讓學生能使用其他資金，支付如住宿、食物或兒童照顧等費用。 “The New Mexico program is very close to ideal,” said Michael Dannenberg, vice president of strategic initiatives and higher education policy at the nonprofit advocacy group Education Reform Now. Considering the state’s income levels and available resources, he added that New Mexico’s program is among the most generous in the country. 非營利倡議組織Education Reform Now策略倡議暨高教政策副總裁丹能貝格說：「新墨西哥的計畫非常貼近理想。」他表示，考量收入水準與可用資源，新墨西哥州的計畫是全美最慷慨的。 Dannenberg emphasized that New Mexico is going beyond what larger, more prosperous states like Washington and Tennessee have already done. Programs in other states often limit tuition assistance to community colleges, exclude some residents because of family income or impose conditions requiring students to work part time. 丹能貝格強調，新墨西哥州正超越華盛頓和田納西這些更大、更繁榮的州所做的事。其他州通常限制對社區大學的學費補助，因家庭收入排除一些州民，或要求學生兼職。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6329103 Next Article Topic: Colleges Slash Budgets in the Pandemic,With ‘Nothing Off-Limits’ Ohio Wesleyan University is eliminating 18 majors. The University of Florida’s trustees last month took the first steps toward letting the school furlough faculty. The University of California, Berkeley, has paused admissions to its doctoral programs in anthropology, sociology and art history. 美國俄亥俄衛斯理大學取消了18個科系。佛州大學董事會9月採取初步措施，目標是讓校方有權放教師無薪假。柏克萊加州大學則暫停招收人類學、社會學和藝術史的博士班學生。 As it resurges across the country, the coronavirus is forcing universities large and small to make deep and possibly lasting cuts to close widening budget shortfalls. By one estimate, the pandemic has cost colleges at least $120 billion, with even Harvard University, despite its $41.9 billion endowment, reporting a $10 million deficit that has prompted belt tightening. 由於全美各地新冠肺炎疫情再度惡化，美國各大學不論規模大小，都被迫大砍支出，以彌補逐漸擴大的預算缺口，刪減的支出可能長期都不會恢復。有人估計，疫情至少使美國各大學合計損失1200億美元，就連坐擁419億美元辦學基金的哈佛大學也出現1000萬美元預算赤字，被迫勒緊褲帶。 The persistence of the economic downturn is taking a devastating financial toll, pushing many to lay off or furlough employees, delay graduate admissions and even cut or consolidate core programs like liberal arts departments. 經濟持續疲軟造成極其嚴重的財務災情，迫使許多大學裁員或放無薪假，推遲研究所學生入學，甚至取消或合併文科等核心學程。 The University of South Florida announced last month that its College of Education would become a graduate school only, phasing out undergraduate education degrees to help close a $6.8 million budget gap. In Ohio, the University of Akron, citing the coronavirus, successfully invoked a clause in its collective-bargaining agreement in September to supersede tenure rules and lay off 97 unionized faculty members. 南佛州大學上個月宣布，其教育學院將只留下研究所，分階段取消大學部，以彌補680萬美元的預算缺口。在俄亥俄州，艾克朗大學以疫情為由，在9月成功援用團體協約一項條款取代任期規則，裁掉97名加入工會的教師。 “We haven’t seen a budget crisis like this in a generation,” said Robert Kelchen, a Seton Hall University associate professor of higher education who has been tr

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 即刻加入15Mins通勤學英語直播室，每週一9pm等你來說英文 : https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k Starting 起頭 The thing about… is… What I find most interesting about… is… Abbreviating 簡述 In a nutshell, To cut a long story short… Sequencers 順序詞 First of all, To begin with, First and foremost, Secondly, Finally, Last but not least, And to top it all off, Addition 增加 What’s more, On top of that, Besides that, Apart from that, Another thing to consider is… We shouldn’t forget that… It’s also worth bearing in mind that… Contrast/Comparison 對比/比較 On the one hand, on the other hand, But actually… But in actual fact… However Whereas/while Conclusion 結論 So to sum up, So in summary, So to wrap up, So as I was saying, All in all, Example Pitch: Pitch 1: Starting with our latest mobile app, TechSecure, I'd like to highlight its innovative features. First and foremost, it provides top-notch security for your data. On top of that, it's extremely user-friendly. In a nutshell, TechSecure is the ultimate solution for keeping your personal information safe and secure. Pitch 2: To begin with, our new electric bike, the E-Commuter, is revolutionizing urban transportation. What I find most interesting about the E-Commuter is its impressive range and speed. Besides that, it's also environmentally friendly. So to wrap up, the E-Commuter will change the way you travel, making your daily commute more enjoyable and sustainable. 分享時間： 利用以上的簡報單字，選以下的主題做個30秒電梯簡報Modern cinema ; Tourism in your city ; The ideal holiday ; The perfect weekend ; The most useful thing you own

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.K545: Growing Space Debris Prompts Action from Government and Investors As the number of commercial satellites launched into orbit increases rapidly, the risk of collisions and hazardous debris also rises. In response, the US government is setting new space hygiene norms, while private companies are investing in ways to tackle the messy orbital environment. Billions of dollars of assets are at stake, including the orbital devices crucial to navigation and communication used by industries and people globally. 隨著商業衛星進入軌道的數量迅速增加，碰撞和危險垃圾的風險也在上升。為此，美國政府正在設定新的太空衛生標準，而私人公司正在投資於解決混亂的軌道環境的方式。涉及數十億美元的資產，包括全球工業和人們使用的導航和通訊關鍵的軌道設備。 U.S. Space Command recently released a report that includes a section on space debris, urging space players to dispose of their defunct satellites safely and notify other operators if any problems with their spacecraft might pose a debris hazard. The report also aims to steer military norms in orbit to prevent potential space weapon attacks that could generate more debris. 美國太空司令部最近發布了一份報告，其中包括有關太空垃圾的部分，敦促太空玩家安全處理其不再使用的衛星，並通知其他運營商，如果他們的航天器存在可能構成垃圾危害的問題。該報告還旨在引導軌道上的軍事規範，以防止潛在的太空武器攻擊可能產生更多的垃圾。 Astroscale, a Tokyo-based company, is testing a debris removal device called ELSA, designed to latch onto defunct satellites and drag them toward Earth's atmosphere for fiery disposal. The company recently closed a $76 million funding round, which included Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa as an investor. 總部位於東京的Astroscale正在測試一種名為ELSA的垃圾清理裝置，旨在鉤住不再使用的衛星並將它們拖向地球大氣層進行火化處理。該公司最近完成了一輪7600萬美元的融資，其中包括日本億萬富翁前澤友作。 Astroscale is one of several companies developing in-space satellite servicing to extend the lifespan of broken or fuel-spent spacecraft. The mission extension concepts have sprouted a patchwork of other companies looking to build on the momentum. Astroscale是幾家正在開發太空衛星服務以延長損壞或燃料用盡航天器壽命的公司之一。任務擴展概念已經催生了一系列其他公司，希望借此機會發展壯大。 While governments try to tackle international rules, the immediate response to the littering of orbit is coming in large part from the private sector. Industry-specific policies for space behavior similar to the norms proposed by U.S. Space Command are urgently needed before a catastrophic collision occurs that could lead to burdensome regulations. 雖然各國政府試圖解決國際規則問題，但對軌道垃圾的即時響應很大程度上來自私人部門。在發生可能導致繁重法規的災難性碰撞之前，急需制定類似於美國太空司令部提出的針對太空行為的產業特定政策。 Experts say that ensuring a sustainable space domain is essential for the growth of the space economy. Governments and private companies must work together to solve the debris problem and mitigate it to an acceptable level. By doing so, the space domain can grow while keeping the environment sustainable. 專家表示，確保可持續的太空領域對於太空經濟的增長至關重要。政府和私人公司必須攜手解決垃圾問題，並將其降至可接受的水平。這樣做可以實現太空領域的增長，同時保持環境的可持續性。Reference article: https://www.xm.com/tw/research/markets/allNews/reuters/as-space-junk-threat-grows-government-and-investors-seek-solutions-53492700

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.K544: Study Links Erythritol, a Popular Sugar Substitute, to Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke Erythritol, a type of sugar substitute, has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, according to a new study. The substance is often used to sweeten low-sugar products such as stevia, monkfruit and keto foods. People with existing risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, were found to be twice as likely to experience a heart attack or stroke if they had high levels of erythritol in their blood. The study also found that erythritol causes blood platelets to clot more easily, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. 一項新研究指出，一種流行的糖替代品——赤藓糖醇與心臟病發作和中風風險增加有關。這種物質常被用來為低糖產品添加甜味，例如甜菊萃取物、羅漢果及生酮飲食。研究發現，如果患有糖尿病等心臟病風險因素的人血液中赤藓糖醇水平高，他們發生心臟病發作或中風的風險會增加一倍。此外，赤藓糖醇會導致血小板更容易凝結，進而引發心臟病發作或中風。 Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is naturally found in many fruits and vegetables. It is used as a zero-calorie sugar substitute because it has about 70% of the sweetness of sugar. The substance has become very popular in the food industry as an additive to low-carb and diabetes-labeled products. It is also a key ingredient in many natural stevia and monkfruit products, which are several hundred times sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount of erythritol is needed to make up the bulk of the product. 赤藓糖醇是一種糖類醇，天然存在於許多水果和蔬菜中。它被用作零熱量糖替代品，因為其甜度約為糖的70%。由於其添加於低碳水化合物和糖尿病標籤產品中的效果明顯，因此赤藓糖醇在食品工業中變得非常受歡迎。它也是許多天然甜菊萃取物和羅漢果產品的主要成分，這些產品比糖甜數百倍，因此只需少量的赤藓糖醇即可構成產品的大部分。 The study was conducted by the Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute. The researchers analyzed 1,157 blood samples from people at risk for heart disease collected between 2004 and 2011. They found that higher levels of erythritol were connected to a greater risk of heart attack, stroke or death within three years. The researchers believe that the substance causes blood platelets to clot more easily, which can lead to cardiovascular problems. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, people with existing risk factors for heart disease may want to limit their intake of erythritol. 這項研究是由克利夫蘭診所蓋纳研究所心血管診斷和預防中心進行的。研究人員分析了2004年至2011年間收集的1,157份心臟病風險人群的血液樣本。他們發現，較高的赤藓糖醇水平與三年內心臟病發作、中風或死亡的風險增加有關。研究人員認為，赤藓糖醇會導致血小板更容易凝結，進而引發心血管問題。但需要進一步研究來確認這些發現。在此期間，具有心臟病風險因素的人可能需要限制其攝取。Article referenced from: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/27/health/zero-calorie-sweetener-heart-attack-stroke-wellness

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.K543: TikTok Develops Parental Control Tool to Block Inappropriate Content TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media app, has announced that it is developing a new tool that will allow parents to block certain content containing specific words or hashtags. The tool is still in its early stages, and TikTok has said it will consult with parenting and youth organisations to design it. The move comes as the app continues to face scrutiny globally over concerns around data protection and its links to the Chinese government. 中國所有的社交媒體應用程式TikTok宣布正在開發一種新工具，讓家長可以封鎖特定字詞或標籤的內容。該工具仍處於初期階段，TikTok表示將與家長和青年組織進行協商以進行設計。此舉是因為TikTok在全球範圍內仍然面臨著關於數據保護和與中國政府的聯繫等問題而受到關注。 TikTok has become popular with younger users, but its reputation has been damaged by accusations that it has not done enough to protect children from inappropriate content. Governments around the world have banned the app from government-owned phones over security concerns. Recently, the European Parliament has told staff to remove TikTok from their work devices due to data protection concerns. TikTok已成為年輕用戶的熱門應用，但其聲譽因被指控未能保護兒童免受不當內容而受損。各國政府基於安全顧慮已禁止政府擁有的手機使用該應用。最近，歐洲議會因數據保護問題告訴員工刪除在其工作設備上的TikTok應用。 In addition to the parental control feature, TikTok has also announced other measures aimed at protecting young users, such as time limits on usage. Users under 18 will be limited to one hour per day, and those who exceed this limit will receive a prompt encouraging them to set time limits. Parents will be able to set custom time limits depending on the day of the week. TikTok has said that it will continue to work on improving its safety features for young users. 除了家長控制功能外，TikTok還宣布了其他旨在保護年輕用戶的措施，例如使用時間限制。18歲以下的用戶每天只能使用一個小時，超過此限制的用戶將收到提示，鼓勵他們設置時間限制。家長可以根據每週的日期設置自定義時間限制。TikTok表示將繼續努力改進其針對年輕用戶的安全功能。Article referenced from: https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/0301/1359676-tiktok-to-develop-parental-control-tool/

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.K542: In a California Town, Farmworkers Start From Scratch After Surprise Flood Until the floodwaters came, until they rushed in and destroyed nearly everything, the little white house had been Cecilia Birrueta’s dream. 在洪水來臨、衝進屋內並幾乎摧毀一切以前，這棟小白房是西西莉亞．畢魯耶塔的夢想結晶。 She and her husband bought the two-bedroom fixer-upper 13 years ago, their reward for decades of working minimum-wage jobs, first cleaning houses in Los Angeles and now milking cows and harvesting pistachios in California’s Central Valley. 她與丈夫13年前買下這棟待翻新的兩房老屋，是兩人數十年來從事最低工資工作的回報，起初在洛杉磯當家務清潔人員，如今在加州中央谷地擔任牛奶工人和收割開心果。 The couple replaced the weathered wooden floors, installed a new stove and kitchen sink, and repainted the living room walls a warm burgundy. Here, they raised their three children, the oldest now at the University of California, Davis. 兩人把殘破的木地板換新、增添了新爐灶及廚房流理台，並將客廳牆面重新粉刷成溫暖的酒紅色。他們在這裡養育三個孩子，老大如今已是戴維斯加州大學學生。 Birrueta and her husband felt content. Until last month. Until the floodwaters came. 畢魯耶塔和丈夫感到很滿足。直到上月。直到洪水來臨。 A brutal set of atmospheric rivers in California unleashed a disaster in Planada, an agricultural community of 4,000 residents in the flatlands about an hour west of Yosemite National Park. During one storm in early January, a creek just outside of town busted through old farm levees and sent muddy water gushing into the streets. 一連串猛烈大氣河流肆虐加州，在普拉那達造成一場災難。這是一個4000人口的農業社區，位於優勝美地國家公園以西約一小時車程的平地上。一月稍早一場暴雨讓鎮外一條小溪暴漲，溪水衝潰老舊的農場堤防，泥流湧進街道。 For several days, the entire town looked like a lagoon. Weeks after record-breaking storms wreaked havoc across California and killed at least 21 people, some of the hardest-hit communities are still struggling to recover. 有好幾天，整個小鎮看起來就像一座潟湖。在破紀錄大雨肆虐整個加州導致至少21人喪生的數周後，一些受創最嚴重的社區仍在努力恢復。 The flood ruined the two cars owned by Birrueta and her family and destroyed most of their clothes. The walls with the burgundy paint that she had picked out had rotted through. 洪水毀了畢魯耶塔與家人的兩輛汽車，並破壞他們的大部分衣物。她挑選的酒紅色漆粉刷的牆面，也被洪水泡爛。 Birrueta, her husband and their 14-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter had to move into a camp that typically houses migrant farmworkers, who arrive each spring with few belongings and the hope of building a life like the Birruetas had. There, 41 families from Planada are staying in long beige cabins and relying on space heaters for warmth because the camps lack furnaces. 畢魯耶塔和她丈夫以及他們的14歲兒子與10歲女兒，不得不住進通常容納農場移工的營地，這些農工每年春天會來，帶著為數不多的行李，期待建立如畢魯耶塔曾經擁有的生活。在那裡，41個來自普拉那達的家庭住在淺褐色長型小棚屋裡，在沒有暖氣爐的營地倚賴移動式電暖器取暖。 “We came as immigrants, we started with nothing,” said Birrueta, 40, who was born in Mexico. “We bought a place of our own that we thought would be safe for our kids, and then we lost it. We lost everything.” 「我們以移民身分到來，白手起家」，出生於墨西哥、今年40歲的畢魯耶塔說，「我們買下一塊自己的地方，以為能讓孩子們安全，然後我們失去了它。我們失去了所有。」 The recent floods dealt a painful blow to a community in which more than one-third of households are impoverished. Roughly one-fourth of residents are estimated to be undocumented immigrants, making them ineligible for some forms of disaster relief. 最近的洪水對這個逾三分之一家庭為貧困戶的社區造成了慘痛打擊。根據估計，此地約四分之一居民為無證移民，讓他們無法領取某些形式的災害津貼。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/7023972

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.K541: A heart-Shaped Potato Chip Worth $120K Accidentally Eaten by Woman in England A woman from Oswestry, Shropshire, in England, unknowingly ate a valuable heart-shaped potato chip that could have earned her a massive cash prize in the "Heart Shaped Crisp Hunt" contest hosted by Walkers. Dawn Sagar found the chip, which was worth over $120,000, in a bag of Walkers, but was not aware of the competition at the time. After taking a photo of the chip and sharing it with friends, Sagar ate it before realizing its value. 一名英國Shropshire的Oswestry女子無意間吃掉了一片價值超過12萬美元的有價值的心形馬鈴薯片，該片本可以在Walkers主辦的“心形薯片狩獵”比賽中贏得巨額獎金。Dawn Sagar在一袋Walkers薯片中發現了這片薯片，但當時不知道比賽的存在。在拍下這片薯片的照片並與朋友分享後，Sagar才發現自己已經將它吃掉，也沒有意識到其價值。 Walkers announced in a press release that they are giving away £100,000 to whoever finds the "best heart shaped crisp" in their Walkers packet of crisps. The winner must find a symmetrical heart-shaped chip to be eligible for the prize. Sagar's chip could have been a perfect match, but since she ate it before submitting it to the competition, she is not eligible for the prize. Walkers在一份新聞稿中宣布，他們將向在Walkers薯片包中找到“最佳心形薯片”的人贈送10萬英鎊。贏家必須找到一塊對稱的心形薯片才有資格獲得獎金。Sagar的薯片可能是完美的匹配，但由於她在提交之前就吃掉了它，所以她沒有資格獲得獎金。 Despite Sagar's unfortunate incident, the competition is still ongoing, and the lucky winner has a chance to earn the hefty prize money. Walkers is encouraging people to find "big hearts, small hearts, bubbly hearts, crispy hearts - we want to see them all!" and submit their findings to the competition. 儘管Sagar遺憾失敗，但比賽仍在進行中，幸運的贏家仍有機會獲得巨額獎金。Walkers鼓勵人們尋找“大心形、小心形、泡泡心形、酥脆心形——我們想看到所有的心形薯片！”並將其提交到比賽中。 Sagar is not the only person to miss out on the cash prize; an Englishman shared a TikTok video last month documenting "What I Eat In A Day," and can be seen eating a heart-shaped chip. He then asked TikTok users to tag Walkers in hopes to "sort the situation out." A Walkers representative told the BBC that the competition is still ongoing, and "all is not lost." Love comes in many forms, and so can heart-shaped crisps! Sagar不是唯一錯過獎金的人；上個月，一名英國人在TikTok上分享了他的“一日飲食”，其中可以看到他吃掉了一片心形薯片。然後，他要求TikTok用戶標記Walkers，希望“解決這個問題”。Walkers的代表告訴BBC，比賽仍在進行中，“一切還沒有失去”。愛有很多形式，心形薯片也是如此！Reference article: https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/woman-accidentally-eats-heart-shaped-potato-chip-worth-120k-i-didnt-realize

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Topic: Junk food habit affects sleep quality French fries and hamburgers are popular with teenagers. Everyone knows that these high-calorie foods can lead to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and high blood pressure, but, according to a report published by Medical Xpress, a study led by the University of Queensland in Australia has found that eating too much junk food can also have an impact on teenagers’ sleep quality. 薯條、漢堡等速食及飲料很受青少年喜愛。眾所皆知這些高熱量食物會導致慢性疾病，如心臟病和高血壓等。不過，「醫療快訊」報導，澳洲昆士蘭大學帶領的一項研究發現，吃過多的垃圾食品還會影響青少年的睡眠品質。 According to the research results, teenagers who drink more than three soft drinks per day were 55 percent more likely to report sleep disturbance than those who only drink one cup per day. Males who ate fast foods on more than four days per week were 55 percent more likely to report sleep disturbance than those who ate them only once a week, while females were 49 percent more likely to do so. 根據研究結果，每天喝三杯以上飲料的青少年自稱有睡眠障礙的機率，比每天只喝一杯軟飲料的青少年高百分之五十五。每週吃四天以上速食的男性自稱有睡眠障礙的機率，比那些每週只吃一次速食的男性高百分之五十五，而女性的機率高出百分之四十九。 This global study examined unhealthy diets and stress-related sleep disturbance in high school students from 64 countries. The study found that 7.5 percent of adolescents reported having stress-related sleep disturbance, which was more common among females than males and increased with more frequent consumption of carbonated soft drinks, as did the occurrence of sleep problems. Because carbonated drinks often contain caffeine and large amounts of sugar, while fast foods are high in energy but poor in nutrients, long-term consumption can cause nutritional imbalances. 這是一項針對全球不健康飲食和與壓力有關的睡眠障礙研究，涉及來自六十四個國家的高中生。研究表明，百分之七點五的青少年自稱有壓力相關的睡眠障礙，其中女性比男性更常見，且隨著碳酸飲料的頻繁飲用而增加，睡眠障礙的比率也愈高。因為碳酸飲料通常含有咖啡因和高糖分，而快餐食品高熱量但較缺乏營養，長期攝取會營養不均衡。 These data were collected from global health surveys conducted by the WHO between 2009 and 2016, which included about 170,000 students aged 12 to 15 years from 64 low, middle and high-income countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, South America and the eastern Mediterranean. 這些數據收集自二○○九年至二○一六年世界衛生組織的全球健康調查，其中包括來自東南亞、非洲、南美部分地區和地中東海東部地區的六十四個低、中、高收入國家的約十七萬名十二至十五歲的學生。 The research team said that frequent intake of soft drinks and eating of fast foods is closely associated with sleep problems in teenagers, and that this phenomenon is particularly clear in high-income countries. The research team said that these findings are worrying because poor-quality sleep has an adverse impact on adolescent health and cognitive development. They suggested that policies should be formulated that target these unhealthy behaviors. 研究團隊表示，青少年經常喝飲料、吃速食與睡眠障礙之間關聯密切，這現象尤其在高收入國家特別明顯。研究團隊指出，這些發現令人擔憂，因為睡眠品質差會對青少年的健康和認知發展產生不利影響。他們建議應針對這些不健康的行為制定相關政策，使青少年能健康成長。 Source article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2021/01/05/2003749938 Next Article Topic: Cognitive decline linked to ultraprocessed food, study finds Too many daily calories from highly processed foods like lunch meats, frozen dinners, and packaged cookies may speed up cognitive decline, a new study suggests. 一項新的研究表明，每天從午餐肉、冷凍晚餐和包裝餅乾等高度加工食品攝入過多卡路里，可能會加速認知能力下降。 In the study, researchers examined the diets and cognitive function test results of more than 8,000 adults in Brazil. At the start of the study, participants consumed an average of about 2,850 calories a day. About 28 percent of their daily calories came from highly processed foods. 在這項研究中，研究人員檢視巴西8000多名成年人的飲食和認知功能測試結果。在研究開始時，參與者平均每天消耗約2850卡路里的熱量。他們每天有約28％的卡路里來自高度加工食物。 After about nine years of follow-up, cognitive test scores for memory and executive function declined the most for participants who ate the most highly processed foods. 經過約9年追蹤，吃加工食品最多的參與者，其記憶力和執行功能的認知測試分數下降幅度最大。 Ultraprocessed foods are defined as “industrial formulations of food substances (oils, fats, sugars, starch, and protein isolates) that contain little or no whole foods and typically include flavorings, colorings, emulsifiers, and other cosmetic additives,” according to the study. 根據這項研究，超加工食品被定義為「食品物質（油、脂肪、糖、澱粉和蛋白質分離物）的工業配方，含極少或不含全天然食品，通常包括調味劑、色素、乳化劑和其他化妝品添加劑」。 Next Article Topic: Taiwan gourmets shocked at Pizza Hut’s newest cilantro, century egg-flavored delight 必勝客最近傳出將推出「香菜皮蛋豬血糕比薩」，交雜台式料理讓最勇猛的台灣人都震驚。 Pizza Hut is about to release a new “cilantro, century egg pig’s blood cake pizza” (香菜皮蛋豬血糕比薩) whose chaotic combination of flavors is poised to shock even the most daring Taiwanese gourmet. 據網友所述，此比薩將結合台灣各式道地美食，而這個消息也引來熱議。 According to social media users, the new pizza will combine many well-known traditional Taiwanese street foods, and the announcement sparked intense discussions online. 許多人表示當每道口味都那麼重的時候就不會那麼美味，也有人開玩笑的問必勝客「到底有多討厭義大利」。 Many thought that the flavors were too strong and would clash. Social media users even teased Pizza Hut, commenting “how much do you hate Italy?” 必勝客之前也已推出過眾多奇特的口味，其中包括臭豆腐、麻辣鍋、拉麵、榴槤和湯圓等。 Pizza Hut had launched many unusual pizza flavors in the past, including stinky tofu, spicy hot pot, ram

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 即刻加入15Mins通勤學英語直播室，每週一9pm等你來說英文 : https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k Other ways to say: FAMOUS Well-known 聞名/眾所周知 She's most well-known for her TV work. Notable 顯著/值得注意 1998 was notable because British teams performed badly. Renowned 著名/大名鼎鼎 The coast is renowned for its beautiful beaches. High-profile 受關注/高調 The club has signed several high-profile players over the summer. Prominent 傑出/有名 Vincente's family was prominent in the wine trade. Other ways to say: RICH Wealthy 富裕 A lot of wealthy people have their own personal trainer. Prosperous 繁榮 The town is increasingly prosperous. Affluent 富裕的 Cigarette smoking used to be commoner among affluent people. Well-off (informal) 小康 My family was quite well-off. Loaded (slang) 砵滿盆滿 His new girlfriend's absolutely loaded. 分享時間:Tell a personal experience related to something / experience that is about the rich and famousPick 4 words and make sentences

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.K540: Snakes, Lizards and Desserts Meet in Malaysia's First Reptile Café Malaysian reptile enthusiast Yap Ming Yang has opened Malaysia's first reptile cafe, hoping to encourage visitors to appreciate snakes and lizards as much as they do furry animals such as dogs and cats. The cafe, located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, features bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and corn snakes, which are commonly bred in the country. Customers can hold and pet the scaly animals while ordering drinks and food, including desserts. 馬來西亞爬蟲類愛好者Yap Ming Yang開設了馬來西亞第一家爬蟲咖啡館，希望鼓勵遊客像喜歡狗和貓一樣喜歡蛇和蜥蜴。這家咖啡館位於吉隆坡市郊，設有常見的鬍鬚龍、豹紋壁虎和玉米蛇等品種，這些動物在該國繁殖普遍。顧客在點飲料和食物，包括甜點時可以撫摸這些有鱗片的動物。 Yap, who has a background in environmental science and is part of a community of Malaysians interested in herpetology, believes that reptiles and snakes are often overlooked in favor of furry animals. He hopes that by showing the public how interesting and unique these animals are, they will develop a better outlook on reptiles and less-loved animals. Children are among the customers who visit the cafe, providing an opportunity to educate them about the importance of wildlife conservation. 擁有環境科學背景並且是一群熱愛爬蟲學的馬來西亞人社區的一員，Yap認為爬蟲類和蛇往往被忽視，而更受人喜愛的是毛茸茸的動物。他希望透過向公眾展示這些動物有多麼有趣和獨特，讓人們對爬蟲類和其他不受歡迎的動物有更好的看法。許多小孩也是咖啡館的顧客，這提供了一個教育他們野生動物保護重要性的機會。 Although Malaysia is rich in biodiversity, it is also a major source for illegally trafficked wildlife. By showcasing these animals in a pet-friendly and educational setting, the reptile cafe may help promote responsible pet ownership and discourage the illegal trade of wildlife. Yap's cafe is an innovative way to raise awareness and appreciation for reptiles and to promote their conservation. 雖然馬來西亞生物多樣性豐富，但也是非法走私野生動物的主要來源國。透過在一個寵物友善和教育性的環境中展示這些動物，爬蟲咖啡館可能有助於促進負責任的寵物飼養方式，並遏制野生動物非法貿易。Yap的咖啡館是提高人們對爬蟲類的認識和欣賞，促進其保護的創新方式。Article referenced from: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/snakes-lizards-desserts-meet-malaysias-first-reptile-cafe-2023-02-27/

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.K537: Beyond Meat's Upbeat 2023 Revenue Forecast and Cost Controls Boost Shares Despite Inflation Concerns Beyond Meat's Upbeat 2023 Revenue Forecast and Cost Controls Boost Shares Despite Inflation Concerns Beyond Meat, the plant-based meat producer, announced a revenue forecast for 2023 that is slightly higher than analysts' predictions. Despite concerns about high inflation and slow growth, the company expects to generate between $375 million and $415 million in revenue next year. Beyond Meat's shares rose by more than 13% after the announcement, as investors were encouraged by the company's plans to double down on cost controls. However, analysts caution that Beyond Meat has had to lower its guidance multiple times in the past few years, and increased competition and consumers trading down to cheaper products may hurt growth. Beyond Meat發表了2023年的收益預測，略高於分析師的預測。儘管存在高通脹和經濟增長放緩的問題，該公司預計明年將創造3.75至4.15億萬美元的收入。在公司計劃加倍控制成本的鼓舞下，Beyond Meat的股價上漲了逾13％。然而，分析師提醒稱，Beyond Meat在過去幾年中不得不多次降低預測，且增加的競爭和消費者轉向更便宜的產品可能會損害公司的增長。 Beyond Meat expects to reduce operating expenses by 22% in 2023, compared to a 9% increase in 2022. The company's net revenue fell 21% to $79.9 million in Q4 2022 compared to the previous year, but still beat analysts' expectations. The net loss for the company narrowed to $66.9 million, or $1.05 per share, in Q4 2022, which was better than analysts' estimates. Beyond Meat had previously announced that it was targeting cash flow positive operations in the second half of 2023. Beyond Meat預計在2023年將運營開支降低22％，而2022年則增加了9％。該公司2022年第四季度的凈收入與去年同期相比下降了21％，但仍超出了分析師的預期。公司的凈虧損在2022年第四季度縮小至6690萬美元，每股虧損1.05美元，優於分析師的預估。Beyond Meat之前已宣布，公司將在2023年下半年實現正現金流。 Despite concerns about inflation and competition, Beyond Meat's cost control measures and optimistic revenue forecast have encouraged investors. However, analysts caution that the company has had to lower its guidance multiple times in the past few years, and competition and cost pressures may impact future growth. 儘管存在通脹和競爭的問題，Beyond Meat的成本控制措施和樂觀的收益預測鼓舞了投資者。然而，分析師提醒稱，公司在過去幾年中曾多次降低預測，競爭和成本壓力可能會影響未來的增長。Article referenced from: https://www.agriculture.com/markets/newswire/update-3-beyond-meats-upbeat-2023-revenue-forecast-cost-controls-lift-shares

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 1. To make hay while the sun shines （打鐵趁熱） Hay（乾草）是農場、牧場重要的動物飼料。乾草的組成包含麥草、豆類植物的莖和葉，苜蓿芽等等，要取得乾草，必須在植物開花前，就進行收割，而且據說乾草的保存並不容易，天氣如果太乾燥或太炎熱，有時候容易造成乾草堆起火，造成農場火災；如果太潮濕，乾草容易滋生細菌，其中的營養價值也會降低。 這句諺語形容，當農夫收割新鮮的草後，他們會把握陽光普照的日子，在太陽底下將乾草曬乾，以利後續製作成乾草堆，因此延伸出打鐵趁熱之意。 The idiom "make hay while the sun shines" means to take advantage of an opportunity while it is available or to make use of favorable conditions while they last. The phrase originated from the practice of farmers harvesting hay on dry, sunny days when the hay is more likely to dry quickly and prevent it from rotting. Thus, the phrase is often used to encourage people to act quickly and make the most of a good situation before it passes or becomes less advantageous Example Sentences: "I know you're tired, but we should finish this project while we have the chance. Let's make hay while the sun shines." "The stock market is doing well right now, so it's a good time to invest. You should make hay while the sun shines." "We're going on vacation next week, so let's finish all our work before we go. We need to make hay while the sun shines." 2. Once in a blue moon （鮮少地、罕見地） Blue moon不是字面上的藍月，而是形容同一個月分當中，出現的第二個滿月。按照慣例，我們每個月都會見到一次滿月，由於我們在日期上只有一天一天，沒有所謂0.5天這種數字，再加上有些月份30天、有些31天，按照精準計算，滿月大約每 29 天發生一次，因此偶爾一個月會有兩次滿月。根據NASA計算，大約每隔兩年半會發生一個月內出現兩個滿月。據說今年2023年，8月底有機會出現Blue moon！ 也因為每兩年半左右，才會出現一次這樣的現象，所以才衍伸出了Once in a blue moon這樣的用法，有點類似成語「鐵樹開花」，形容少見、難得一見的現象。 The idiom "once in a blue moon" means something that happens very rarely, almost never, or very infrequently. It refers to the occurrence of a second full moon within the same calendar month, which is a relatively rare event. A blue moon is not actually blue in color, but rather a term used to describe the rare phenomenon of two full moons appearing in a single month. This idiom is often used to describe an event that is unusual, unexpected, or happens only very occasionally Example Sentences: "I only see my old college friends once in a blue moon, since we all live in different parts of the country now." "I don't usually go out to eat at fancy restaurants, but I decided to treat myself once in a blue moon." "The last time we had a snowstorm like this was once in a blue moon, over a decade ago." 3. Written in the stars （命中注定） 這則諺語的來源不可考，不過這讓我想到，中世紀人們開始流行觀星、占卜等神秘學，「寫在星星裡」讓人聯想到所謂的觀星象，窺探命運的感覺。 講到星星，就不得不提家喻戶曉的兒歌小星星，小星星的歌詞是一位英國女詩人，Jane taylor於1806年所發表，描述他眼裡看到的星星。雖然是一首來自英國的兒歌，但它的旋律卻是來自18世紀的一首法國童謠，同樣的旋律也被應用在了Alphabet Song。 The phrase "written in the stars" refers to the idea that fate or destiny has already predetermined a certain outcome or event. It suggests that something is inevitable or unavoidable, as if it has been written in the heavens. The origin of the phrase can be traced back to ancient beliefs about astrology and the idea that the positions and movements of the stars can influence human affairs. In modern usage, the phrase is often used to describe the feeling that something is meant to be, or that a certain outcome is inevitable, even if the reasons for that feeling are unclear or unexplainable Example Sentences: "Even though we come from different backgrounds and have faced many obstacles, I know that our love is written in the stars." "The success of their business seemed to be written in the stars, as every decision they made seemed to lead them closer to their goals." When they first met, it was like they were destined to be together - their connection was written in the stars. "Some people believe that their life path is predetermined and written in the stars, while others believe that they have the power to shape their own destiny."

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.K537: In Town Where Train Derailed, Lawyers Are Signing Up Clients in Droves In the four weeks since a freight train derailed in East Palestine and released more than 100,000 gallons of toxic chemicals, lawyers have poured into the little town, signing up clients, gathering evidence and already filing more than a dozen lawsuits in federal court on behalf of local residents. 美國一列貨運火車在俄亥俄州東巴勒斯坦鎮脫軌，釋放超過十萬加侖有毒化學物質。事發四周內，律師湧入小鎮與客戶簽約、蒐證，並已代表當地居民在聯邦法院提出超過十二起訴訟。 Their message overall has been one of warning: It may be months, years or possibly even decades before the derailment’s ultimate effect on people’s health, property values or the soil and water becomes clear. 他們的訊息總體而言是警訊之一：火車脫軌對當地居民健康、財產價值和土壤及水源的最終影響，可能要經過數月、數年甚至數十年才會變得清楚。 Further, the lawyers say, early moves by Norfolk Southern, the operator of the train, suggest that getting comprehensive answers from the company will not be easy. 此外，代表當地居民提出訴訟的律師們表示，脫軌列車營運商諾福克南方鐵路公司在事故發生初期的舉措顯示，要從該公司得到全面的答覆並不容易。 Among a public that is deeply skeptical of official test results — Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, and other state and federal officials say they have not shown anything alarming so far — or camera-friendly efforts at reassurance, these warnings have resonated. 共和黨籍俄亥俄州州長狄懷恩和其他州與聯邦官員都說，目前為止官方測試結果都沒有令人憂心的情況，但對官方測試或在鏡頭前發表的安撫言論深感懷疑的大眾而言，這些警訊已經引發了共鳴。 “They get what’s happening,” Rene Rocha, a lawyer with personal injury firm Morgan & Morgan, said during a state hearing about the derailment Thursday in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, just across the border from East Palestine. 在與東巴勒斯坦接壤的賓州比佛郡一場關於脫軌事件的州聽證會上，「摩根與摩根」律師事務所人身傷害律師羅查周四表示：「他們明白發生了什麼事。」 Referring to residents there who had spoken at the hearing about headaches, coughs and other classic symptoms of chemical exposure, he added: “They see they’re not getting the truth from the politicians and the company. That leaves the lawyers.” 羅查提到居民們在聽證會上說，他們出現頭痛、咳嗽和其他暴露在化學物質的典型症狀，他表示：「他們認為自己沒有從政治人物和公司那得到真相。那就讓律師來做。」 The huge scale of the chemical burn-off and the harrowing images of the fire, as well as the intense politicization of it all, have made the derailment in East Palestine among the most high-profile environmental disasters in the country in years. 大規模化學物質燃燒和可怕的火災畫面，加上這一切強烈政治化，已使東巴勒斯坦脫軌事件成為美國近年來最引人注目的環境災難。 The legal machinations are in their early stages. Cases might ultimately be consolidated as class-action or multidistrict litigation; most of the suits will almost surely end up bundled before one or several federal judges in an Ohio courtroom. 法律方面的勾心鬥角還處於早期階段。案件最終可能合併為集體訴訟和多地區訴訟，大多數訴訟幾乎肯定最終會由俄亥俄州法庭一名或多名聯邦法官一併處理。 Norfolk Southern may offer some sort of resolution voluntarily, whether by setting up a compensation fund with an independent administrator or establishing a court-supervised medical monitoring program, where people could come for free testing related to possible health effects. 諾福克南方鐵路公司可能會自願提供某些解決方案，不管是設立有獨立管理人的賠償基金，或建立由法院監管的醫療監測計畫，民眾能就可能發生的健康影響接受免費檢測。 The company has already been paying $1,000 in “inconvenience compensation” to people who had to evacuate. Although Norfolk Southern insists that the payments do not curtail anyone’s right to sue, many are skeptical. 諾福克南方鐵路公司已向被撤離的民眾支付一千美元的「不便補償金」。儘管該公司堅稱，付補償金不會限制任何人提出訴訟的權利，但許多人持懷疑態度。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/7008051

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.K537: UK’s Sunak tries to win over skeptics to his Brexit deal UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak traveled to Belfast on Tuesday last week to sell his landmark agreement with the European Union to its toughest audience: Unionist politicians who fear post-Brexit trade rules are weakening Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom. 英國首相里希．蘇納克上週二前往北愛爾蘭首府貝爾法斯特，向最嚴苛的聽眾──擔心英國脫歐後的貿易規則削弱北愛爾蘭在英國之地位的北愛民主聯盟黨政客──推銷他與歐盟達成的具里程碑意義的協議。 The UK and the 27-nation EU announced Monday that they had struck a deal to resolve a dispute over Northern Ireland trade that has vexed relations since the UK left the bloc in 2020. The agreement will ease customs checks and other hurdles for goods moving to Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK that were imposed after Brexit to maintain an open border between the north and its EU neighbor, the Republic of Ireland. 英國與歐盟27國上週一宣布，他們已達成協議，解決自2020年英國脫歐以來一直困擾兩方關係的北愛爾蘭貿易爭端。該協議將放寬英國脫歐後強加於北愛爾蘭與英國其他地區之間的海關檢查，以及其他貨物轉運之障礙，以維持北愛與其歐盟鄰國愛爾蘭共和國之間的開放邊界。 The deal, dubbed the “Windsor Framework,” was hailed by London and Brussels as a breakthrough. But Northern Ireland’s British unionist politicians have yet to give it their blessing. Their support is key to restoring Northern Ireland’s semi-autonomous government, which has been toppled by the trade feud, leaving 1.9 million people without a functioning administration. 這稱為「溫莎框架」的協議，被倫敦及布魯塞爾譽為一項突破。但北愛爾蘭主張與英國統一的政客尚未表態支持。他們的背書是重啟北愛爾蘭半自治政府的關鍵，該政府已因貿易爭端被癱瘓，導致有190萬人口的北愛爾蘭沒有政府正常運作。 Sunak told the BBC the deal was “a huge step forward for the people of Northern Ireland” and he was confident politicians there would support it. 蘇納克對BBC表示，該協議是「北愛爾蘭人民向前邁出的一大步」，他相信北愛的政界會支持它。 The Democratic Unionist Party, which had governed alongside Irish nationalists Sinn Fein in the power-sharing administration, walked out of the government a year ago to protest the trade rules and has refused to return until they are scrapped or substantially rewritten. Under Northern Ireland’s political system, power is shared between Irish nationalists and British unionists, and neither side can govern without the other. 在權力分享政府中與愛爾蘭民族主義派的新芬黨共同執政的民主統一黨（DUP），一年前為抗議貿易規則而退出執政，並表示除非該貿易規則被廢除或大幅改寫，他們不會重返政府。在北愛爾蘭的政治體制下，權力由愛爾蘭民族主義派與英國統一派共享，任何一方都不能缺席執政。 DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson said Tuesday last week that the party would “take our time” to pore over the details of the deal before delivering its verdict. DUP領導人杰弗瑞．唐納森上週二表示，該黨將在做出裁決前「花時間」仔細研究該協議的細節。 Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK that shares a border with an EU member. When the UK left the bloc, the two sides agreed to keep the Irish border free of customs posts and other checks because an open border is a key pillar of Northern Ireland’s peace process. 北愛爾蘭是英國唯一與歐盟成員國接壤的地區。英國離開歐盟時，雙方同意讓愛爾蘭邊境免於海關檢查和其他檢查，因為開放的邊界是北愛爾蘭和平進程的重要支柱。 Instead, there are checks on some goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. That angered British unionist politicians in Belfast, who say the new trade border in the Irish Sea undermined Northern Ireland’s place in the UK. 但取而代之的，是對從英國其他地區進入北愛爾蘭的一些商品進行檢查。這激怒了貝爾法斯特的親英統派政客，說愛爾蘭海的新貿易邊界破壞了北愛爾蘭在英國的地位。 Sunak said the new Windsor Framework “removes any sense of an Irish Sea border,” removing checks on the vast majority of goods. It also gives Northern Ireland politicians a mechanism to challenge new EU trade rules that could apply in the region — a key unionist demand. 蘇納克表示，溫莎框架「消除了愛爾蘭海的任何邊界感覺」，取消了對絕大多數商品的檢查。它還為北愛爾蘭政客提供一個機制來挑戰可能適用於該地區的新歐盟貿易規則——這是親英統派的一個關鍵要求。 Business groups largely welcomed the deal, saying it would ease the burdens faced by companies and give Northern Ireland customers access to goods such as English sausages that were blocked under the original post-Brexit rules. 商業團體對這筆交易多表歡迎，稱這將減輕公司的負擔，並讓北愛爾蘭客戶能夠獲得英國脫歐後最初被禁的商品，例如英國香腸。 Some hard-line pro-Brexit politicians in Sunak’s governing Conservatives also were surprisingly positive about the deal. One key figure has yet to weigh in — former UK prime minister Boris Johnson, who negotiated the original Brexit divorce deal that Sunak has now rewritten. 蘇納克執政的保守黨中一些支持脫歐的強硬派政客對這項協議也出乎意料地持積極態度。 只有一位關鍵人物尚未發表意見——前首相鮑里斯．強森，他談判了最初的脫歐協議，蘇納克現在已經改寫了該協議。 The agreement was also welcomed by the White House, which said it was “grateful” the two sides could resolve the dispute. 該協議也受到白宮的歡迎，稱「感謝」雙方能夠解決爭端。Source article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2023/03/07/2003795599

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Topic: The Magazine Business, From the Coolest Place to the Coldest One I miss magazines. It’s a strange ache, because they are still sort of with us: staring out from the racks at supermarket checkout lines; fanned wanly around the table in hotel lobbies; showing up in your mailbox long after the subscription was canceled, like an ex who refuses to accept the breakup. 我懷念雜誌，這是一種奇怪的痛，因為它們在某種程度上仍與我們同在。超市排隊結帳時，它們從架上盯著我們；在飯店大廳桌子周圍憔悴晃動；取消訂閱很久後還會出現在信箱，像是拒絕接受分手的舊愛。 But they’re also disappearing. This accelerating erosion has not been big news during a time of pandemic, war and actual erosion, and yet the absence of magazines authoritatively documenting such events, or distracting from them, as they used to do with measured regularity, is keenly felt. 但它們也在消失。在疫情、戰爭與雜誌真的衰微的時期，這種加速衰微並不是什麼大新聞，但人們敏銳地感覺到，缺乏權威性雜誌來記錄這些事件，或像過去那樣定期的讓注意力從這些事情轉移。 Time marches on, or limps, but Life is gone. There’s no more Money. The print editions of their former sister publications Entertainment Weekly and InStyle, which once frothed with profit, stopped publishing in February. It’s been au revoir to Saveur and Marie Claire; shrouds for Playboy, Paper and O. (As I type this, people are tweeting about The Believer being bought by a sex-toy site.) 「時代」雜誌還在前進，或說蹣跚前行，但「生活」雜誌已經逝去。「金錢」雜誌沒了。它們以前的姊妹刊物「娛樂周刊」和「InStyle」印刷版曾獲利豐厚，但已在2月停止出版。大家向「Saveur」和「美麗佳人」告別，也讓「花花公子」、「紙」與O雜誌穿上壽衣。（就在我撰寫此文時，人們在推特上說「The Believer」被一個情趣用品網站收購了。) Two recent books — “Dilettante,” by Dana Brown, a longtime editor at Vanity Fair, and a new biography of Anna Wintour, by Amy Odell, formerly of cosmopolitan.com — are graveyards of dead or zombie titles that were once glowing hives of human whim. 最近出版的兩本書，「浮華世界」資深編輯達納．布朗的「Dilettante」及柯夢波丹前成員艾咪．歐德爾的安娜溫圖新傳記，有如亡者的墓地，或曾是人類奇想的光輝巢穴冠上了殭屍名號。 “There were so many magazines in 1994,” Brown writes. “So many new magazines, and so many great magazines. All the young talent of the moment was eschewing other industries and flocking to the business. It was the coolest place to be.” 布朗寫道：「1994年有很多雜誌。很多新雜誌，很多很棒的雜誌。當時所有年輕人才避開了其他行業，湧向這個行業。那是最酷的。」 Then suddenly the coldest. On the big fancy cruise ship that Brown had just boarded — Vanity Fair, where he’d been beckoned by Graydon Carter while a barback at the restaurant 44 — he and so many others then could only see the tip of an enormous iceberg they were about to hit: the internet. Smartphones, little self-edited monster magazines that will not rest until their owners die, were on the horizon. These may have looked like life rafts, but they were torpedo boats. 然後突然變成最冰冷的地方。布朗在44號餐廳吧檯用餐時，被總編輯卡特招攬，剛登上有如大型豪華郵輪的「浮華世界」，但他跟其他許多人只能看到他們即將撞上的巨大冰山一角：網路。智慧手機這種自我編輯、直到擁有者死去才會停止的小怪物雜誌也即將來臨。這些東西可能看起來像是救生艇，但它們其實是魚雷艦。 Every year, the American Society of Magazine Editors issues a handsome award, a brutalist-looking elephant called the Ellie, modeled after an Alexander Calder elephant sculpture. Any writer would be proud to have it on the mantelpiece. 每年，美國雜誌編輯協會都會頒發一項大獎，這是一頭野獸派風格、名叫「艾利」的大象獎座，模仿考爾德大象雕塑設計而成。作家都以把它放在壁爐上為榮。 The history of modern American literature is braided together with its magazines. The future can feel like a lot of loose threads, waving in the wind. 現代美國文學史與它的雜誌彼此交織在一起。未來就像是許多鬆散的線，在風中飄揚。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6379678 Next Article Topic: The Not-So-Glossy Future of Magazines One evening in mid-September, a gaggle of writers and bon vivant editors gathered by the outdoor fireplace and ivy-covered trellis of a West Village tavern. Steak was served, and the toasts lasted late into the night, the revelry trickling out to the nearby sidewalk. 九月中旬的一個夜晚，在西村的一家小酒館，一群作家和喜歡享受生活的編輯們聚集在一個室外壁爐和常春藤覆蓋的格狀架子旁。牛排上桌後，眾人杯觥交錯直到深夜，歡鬧聲流瀉到鄰近的人行道上。 It could have been a scene from the Jazz Age heyday of the Manhattan magazine set — or even the 1990s, when glossy monthlies still soaked up millions of dollars in advertising revenue, and editors in chauffeured town cars told the nation what to wear, what to watch and who to read. 這幕場景可能來自爵士時代曼哈坦雜誌業全盛時期，甚至是90年代，以亮光紙印刷的月刊還是廣告收入淹腳目，編輯們坐在司機駕駛的豪華轎車內，告訴全國該穿些什麼、欣賞什麼、閱讀什麼人的年頭。 This night, however, had an elegiac tinge. The staff of Vanity Fair was saluting the magazine’s longtime editor, Graydon Carter, who had announced that he was departing after a 25-year run. In the back garden of Carter’s restaurant, the Waverly Inn, star writers like James Wolcott and Marie Brenner spoke of their gratitude and grief. 不過，這一晚透著一種悲傷的況味。《浮華世界》的員工正向雜誌的長期總編輯葛雷登．卡特致敬。卡特在任職25年後，宣布即將離職。在卡特自家餐廳「韋佛利餐廳」的後花園中，一些明星作家如詹姆士．沃科特、瑪麗．布倫納都表達了他們的謝意和感傷。 Carter has always had a knack for trends. Within two weeks, three other prominent editors — from Time, Elle and Glamour — announced that they, too, would be stepping down. Another titan of the industry, Jann S. Wenner, said he planned to sell his controlling stake in Rolling Stone after a half-century. 卡特一向走在趨勢前端。不出兩星期，又有3位知名雜誌總編，分別是《時代》、《ELLE她》、《魅力》的總編也宣布準備下台。另一個業界巨頭，《滾石》創刊人詹恩．溫納則表示，打算出售他在《滾石》已保有半個世紀的控制性持股。 Suddenly, it seemed, long-standing predictions about t

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 即刻加入15Mins通勤學英語直播室，每週一9pm等你來說英文 : https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 摘取文章： https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4832353; https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4818874 ChatGPT launches boom in AI-written e-books on Amazon Using the AI software, which can generate blocks of text from simple prompts, Schickler created a 30-page illustrated children’s e-book in a matter of hours, offering it for sale in January through Amazon.com Inc's AMZN.O self-publishing unit. 使用可以從簡單提示產生文本塊的人工智慧軟件，Schickler在幾個小時內創作了一本30頁的插圖兒童電子書，並於一月份通過亞馬遜公司的自助出版單位出售。 In the edition, Sammy the Squirrel, crudely rendered also using AI, learns from his forest friends about saving money after happening upon a gold coin. He crafts an acorn-shaped piggy bank, invests in an acorn trading business and hopes to one day buy an acorn grinding stone. 在這個繪本中，使用AI繪圖的Sammy松鼠，在遇到一枚金幣後向他的森林朋友學習儲蓄。他製作了一個橡子形狀的存錢罐，投資於橡子交易業務，希望有一天能買下一個橡子研磨石。 "The Wise Little Squirrel: A Tale of Saving and Investing," available in the Amazon Kindle store for $2.99 - or $9.99 for a printed version - has netted Schickler less than $100, he said. While that may not sound like much, it is enough to inspire him to compose other books using the software. 他表示，“聰明小松鼠：關於儲蓄和投資的故事”在亞馬遜Kindle商店售價為2.99美元，印刷版本售價為9.99美元，他所獲得的收益不到100美元。儘管這聽起來不算多，但這已足以激發他使用這種軟件創作其他書籍的靈感。 Taiwan defeats the Netherlands 9-5 at the World Baseball Classic The Dutch team established an early lead, but Taiwan took the score to 1-1, CNAreported. From there, Taiwan fortified its position and never looked back, reaching 5-1 by the bottom of the second inning. 荷蘭隊一開始取得領先優勢，但根據中央社報導，台灣追平比數為1比1。從那時起，台灣就鞏固了自己的位置，並且在第二局下半場以5比1領先。 The Netherlands clawed back to 5-2 at the top of the third inning but soon faced a renewed effort by Team Taiwan, with the inning ending at 7-2 in favor of the hosts. Chen Chieh-hsien (陳傑憲) took the team’s lead up to 8-2 in the fourth inning. 荷蘭隊在第三局上半場反撲至5比2，但隨即面臨台灣隊的再度努力，最終以7比2結束該局，主場優勢明顯。陳傑憲在第四局將台灣隊的領先優勢擴大至8比2。 The score did not change again until the eighth inning, when Juremi Profar and Wladimir Balentien helped the Dutch team reach 8-4. However, before the end of the inning, Taiwan’s Lin Li (林立) added a point, with the Dutch making a last desperate effort to reach 9-5. 比數一直保持不變，直到第八局，Juremi Profar和Wladimir Balentien幫助荷蘭隊追至8比4。然而，在該局結束前，台灣的林立加入了一分，荷蘭隊最後拼盡全力，以9比5落敗。 The Dutch team had come out on top of Pool A by beating Cuba 4-2 and Panama 3-1, while Taiwan lost to Panama 12-5 before defeating Italy 11-7, holding second place in the pool tied with the Italian team. 荷蘭隊通過以4比2擊敗古巴和以3比1擊敗巴拿馬，脫穎而出成為A組的領頭羊，而台灣隊在以12比5輸給巴拿馬之後，以11比7擊敗義大利，與義大利隊並列小組第二。

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.K536: About Germany - Germany wants to reuse data centers’heat. No one is buying it Germany wants to force its power-hungry data centers to harness excess heat for warming residential homes — an effort which the industry warns is likely to fall flat. 德國希望強制能源用量大的數據中心，善用其多餘熱能為住宅提供暖氣，但產業界警告，這項努力可能失敗。 While in theory an innovative way to reduce the industry’s immense carbon footprint, experts have pointed to a flaw in the government’s proposal: potential recipients of waste heat are not being compelled to take it. 儘管在理論上這是減少產業龐大碳足跡的創新方法，但專家指出，政府這項提案有瑕疵：多餘熱能的潛在接受者並非一定得採用。 “The challenge here is finding someone who can use that heat economically, ”according to Ralph Hintemann, senior researcher at the data center lobby group Borderstep. 根據數據中心遊說團體「邊境組織」高級研究員拉夫‧興特曼說法，「此事的挑戰在於，找到能節約使用這些熱能的人」。 The energy efficiency law being prepared by the government aims to save some 500 terawatt-hours of energy by 2030. 政府正在籌備的這項能源效率法，目標是要在2030年前省下約500兆瓦時的能源。 Next Article German ballet director suspended over feces attack on critic 德國芭蕾舞導演因糞便攻擊評論家而被停職 A German newspaper critic had animal feces smeared on her face in the city of Hannover by a ballet director who apparently took offense at a review she wrote. 一名德國報紙評論家在漢諾威市被一名芭蕾舞導演用動物糞便塗抹在她的臉上，該芭蕾舞導演顯然對她寫的評論感到生氣。 The Hannover state opera house apologized for the incident and said Monday that it was suspending ballet director Marco Goecke with immediate effect. 漢諾威國家歌劇院為此事件道歉，並於週一表示，將立即解除芭蕾舞團導演馬爾科·戈克的職務。 The daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported that a furious Goecke approached its dance critic, Wiebke Huester, during the interval of a premiere at Hannover’s opera house on Saturday and asked what she was doing there. It said that the two didn’t know each other personally. 《法蘭克福廣訊報》日報報導說，週六在漢諾威歌劇院舉行的首演中場休息時段，憤怒的戈克走近了該報舞蹈評論家維布克·休斯特，問她在那裡做什麼。據說兩人彼此不認識。 He then pulled out a paper bag with animal feces and smeared her face with the contents before making off through a packed theater foyer, the newspaper said. Huester identified the substance as dog feces and said she had filed a criminal complaint, German news agency dpa reported. 該報稱，他隨後拿出一個裝有動物糞便的紙袋，將裡面的東西塗在她臉上，然後穿過擁擠的劇院門廳離開。據《德新社》 報導，休斯特鑑定該物質為狗糞，並表示她已提起刑事訴訟。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1568485 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1568054

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.K535: About the US - Seattle schools sue tech giants over social media harm The public school district in Seattle has filed a novel lawsuit against the tech giants behind TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Snapchat, seeking to hold them accountable for the mental health crisis among youth. 西雅圖的公立學區對TikTok、Instagram、臉書（Facebook）、YouTube和Snapchat背後的科技巨頭提出一項新的訴訟，試圖讓它們對青少年的心理健康危機負責。 Seattle Public Schools filed the lawsuit Friday in U.S. District Court. The 91-page complaint says the social media companies have created a public nuisance by targeting their products to children. 西雅圖公立學校週五在美國地方法院提起訴訟。這份長達91頁的訴狀指稱，這些社群媒體公司將旗下產品鎖定兒少，已造成公害。 It blames them for worsening mental health and behavioral disorders including anxiety, depression, disordered eating and cyberbullying; making it more difficult to educate students; and forcing schools to take steps such as hiring additional mental health professionals, developing lesson plans about the effects of social media, and providing additional training to teachers. 訴狀指控它們導致（兒少）心理健康和行為障礙惡化，包括焦慮、憂鬱、飲食失調和網路霸凌，使得教育學生變得更加困難，迫使學校採取相關措施，例如雇用更多心理健康專業人員、制定有關社群媒體影響的課程計畫，以及為教師提供額外培訓。 Next Article Massachusetts woman accused of assaulting officers with swarm of angry bees （釋放狂暴蜜蜂襲警 麻薩諸塞州女子挨告） Rorie Woods, a 55-year-old professional beekeeper from Massachusetts, stands accused of using a swarm of bees as a dangerous weapon while deputies were trying to serve an eviction notice. 麻薩諸塞州55歲專業蜂農羅莉‧伍茲，在縣警準備執行驅逐令時，把一大群蜜蜂當成對付警察的危險武器，因而遭到控罪。 The incident unfolded when Woods drove a SUV to the home in Longmeadow, towing a stack of beehives. At arriving, she exited the vehicle and tried to open the lids to unleash the bees. 這起事件發生在伍茲開著一台休旅車、後頭拖著一堆蜂箱前往朗梅多的一戶住宅時。抵達後，她下車試圖打開蓋子放出蜜蜂。 A sheriff’s deputy tried to stop her, but as the bees started getting out and circling the area, he pulled back. Woods then smashed the lid of one hive, agitating the bees. They swarmed the area, stinging several officers and bystanders who were nearby. 一名縣警試圖阻止她，但因蜜蜂開始飛出並四處盤旋，他不敢上前。伍茲之後砸開其中一個蜂箱的蓋子，激怒這些蜜蜂，一大群蜜蜂衝出，叮咬多名警員和附近的路人。 Meanwhile Woods put on a professional beekeeper suit to protect herself. 與此同時，伍茲穿上專業的蜂農服裝保護自己。 The residence belonged to a man who had been litigating against his removal for years, garnering support of anti-eviction activists, including Woods. 這個住所住著一名多年來持續就驅逐令進行爭訟的男子，此事受到反驅逐志工的支持，包括伍茲。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1571057

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.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4825377 For the past few months, Taiwan is struggling with it egg shortage that's now crossed over to chicken wings. Due to the culling policy of Avian Flu, chicken are being culled at an alarming rate and chicks are not grown fast enough. In this episode, Angel and I talk about what is driving the netizens in Taiwan crazy. 留言告訴麥當勞剔除的餐點裡，有那個是你最不能接受的! Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. Remove v. 去除/拿走/剔除 Mcdonald's Taiwan removed some of their menu items. 麥當勞台灣剔除了菜單上部分品項。 2. Discontinue v. 停產/停止 Companies would discontinue their product or services when they can't turn a profit anymore. 當企業無法賺取利潤通常他們會停產或停止提供服務。 3. Urban myth n. 都市傳說 It's an urban myth that Evian mineral water would make your hair fall off. Evian礦泉水會讓你掉頭髮是個都市傳說。 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]

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.K534: Earthquakes Destroy. People Rebuild. She wanted to retrieve her medicine, and if memory serves all these years later, also a hairbrush and a photograph from her apartment. 她想拿回她的藥，若經過這麼多年沒記錯的話，還想拿回一把梳子跟她公寓裡的一張照片。 It was in 2009, a couple of days after an earthquake flattened L’Aquila, the capital of Abruzzo, in central Italy. Authorities had closed the city to residents, but the woman and her sister had sneaked in. I found her leaning on a cane in a broken, empty plaza staring up at a midcentury building that the quake had somehow sheared horizontally so that it looked like a pot with its lid askew. 那是在2009年，義大利中部阿布魯佐大區首府拉奎拉遭地震夷成平地的幾天後。當局已禁止居民進入該城，但這位婦女跟她妹妹偷溜進去。我發現，她站在一個破敗、空曠的廣場上，拄著一根拐杖盯著一座上世紀中葉的建築物，地震不知以何種方式水平橫切該建築物，看起來就像一個蓋子歪掉的鍋子。 She asked for help. 她尋求援助。 From afar, we measure catastrophes like the calamity in Turkey and Syria by totaling the numbers of dead and buildings destroyed. Reports describe a spectacularly wide disaster zone, recovery efforts that are too slow, leaving untold hundreds and possibly thousands of victims still buried, alive and dead, under the rubble — and hundreds of thousands more in the cold without homes, food, drinking water or medical supplies. 從遠處看，我們透過罹難人數和建築物被摧毀總數，衡量像土耳其和敘利亞的災難。有報導描述一個驚人的廣大災區，復原工作過於緩慢，數百名甚至數千名受害者恐仍被埋在廢墟下，生死未卜，還有數十萬人在寒冷環境中生活，沒有房子、食物、飲用水或醫療用品。 It is too much to process, the loss of lives and history. The tiny Jewish community in Antakya, in central Turkey, dates back 2,500 years. The head of the community and his wife both died in the quake. The city’s synagogue is now gone. 生命和歷史的逝去讓人難以接受。土耳其中部安塔基亞的小猶太社區可追溯至2500年前。社區負責人和他的妻子都在地震中喪生。這座城市的猶太教堂現已不復存在。 The Habibi Neccar Mosque collapsed, too. The earthquake’s destruction was ecumenical. The mosque dates back to 638. It was a church and a mosque, depending on who ruled the city. Over the centuries, authority passed from the caliphs to the Byzantines, who succumbed to Seljuks, who were ousted by the Crusaders, who ceded to Mamluks, who were replaced by Ottomans, and eventually Antakya was annexed by Turkey. The quake erased whole swathes of history. 哈比卜內卡清真寺也倒塌了。地震造成廣泛破壞。這座清真寺的歷史可追溯至公元638年。它是一座教堂，也是座清真寺，取決於誰統治這座城市。數個世紀以來，權力從哈里發傳到屈服於塞爾柱人的拜占庭，十字軍驅逐塞爾柱人後將城市割讓給馬木留克人，馬木留克人則被鄂圖曼人取代，最終安塔基亞被土耳其併吞。地震則抹去了整個歷史。 The biblical city of Antioch, Antakya is also where the word “Christian” was supposedly first used. The Apostle Peter led the church there before establishing a church in Rome. Paul preached in Antioch. The quake collapsed the St. Paul Orthodox Church, as well. 安塔基亞是聖經中的安提阿城，據說也是「基督徒」一詞首次被使用的地方。使徒彼得建立羅馬教會以前，曾在當地帶領基督教。保羅也在安提阿傳道。地震也使得聖保羅東正教教堂倒塌。 L’Aquila, like Antakya, lies in a notorious earthquake zone. A quake in L’Aquila in 1349 killed 800 residents; another in 1703 killed more than 3,000, prompting Pope Clement XI to send priests and nuns freed of their celibacy to repopulate the city. 拉奎拉和安塔基亞一樣，位在惡名昭彰的地震帶上。拉奎拉1349年的一場地震，造成800個居民喪生，1703年的另一場地震導致3000多人死亡，促使教宗克勉十一世派遣不再守貞的神父和修女，提供這座城市新生命。 You may rightly ask about the logic of rebuilding time and again in these risky places. But logic is not the point. 你可能會問，在這些危險地方一次又一次重建的邏輯為何，但邏輯並不是重點。 Cities are only nominally bricks and mortar, after all. To residents they are repositories of a hairbrush and a photograph — collective threads of a social fabric that, over time, weave together a life, a family, a history, a neighborhood, a community. 城市畢竟只是表面上的實體建築。對居民來說，它們是一把梳子和一張照片的倉庫，一個社會結構的集體線索，將一個生活、一個家庭、一段歷史、一個鄰居和一個社區逐漸編織在一起。 The city was still a shambles. But it was home. 這座城市仍然一片狼藉，但它是家。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6994223

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.K533: At the Oscar Nominees Luncheon, a Crowd in Cruise Control For the privileged few embarking on an Oscar campaign, the path to a nomination asks you to hobnob with so many of the same people that over the course of many months, your competitors can begin to feel like classmates. 對於有幸出席奧斯卡活動的佼佼者來說，入圍之路得先與數不清的同行打交道，數個月下來，原本的競爭者可能開始感覺像同學了。 But on Monday afternoon, at a luncheon held in Beverly Hills, California, for this year’s Oscar nominees, the arrival of a new student caused quite a stir. 但周一下午在加州比佛利希爾頓酒店為今年奧斯卡入圍者舉行的午宴上，一名前來報到的新生引發轟動。 That would be Tom Cruise, nominated this year as a producer of the megahit best picture contender “Top Gun: Maverick.” He was among the first notable names to walk into the ballroom of the Beverly Hilton. The 60-year-old star had sat out both the Golden Globes and the Critics Choice Awards this season, so many of his fellow nominees were encountering him for the first time. Before long, the ballroom had turned into a massive meet-and-greet. 他是湯姆克魯斯，入圍今年最佳影片的熱門大片「捍衛戰士：獨行俠」製片人之一。他是最先踏入比佛利希爾頓會場的幾位名人之一。這名60歲巨星缺席了本季的金球獎及美國影評人獎，很多一起入圍的人是首次見到他。午宴不久後就變成一場大型見面會。 “I love you, I love you, oh, my God!” said “Everything Everywhere All at Once” star Ke Huy Quan, who hopped in place, exclaiming, “I want a picture with this man!” before seizing a selfie with Cruise. Director Guillermo del Toro went over for an embrace, as did nominated actors Brendan Fraser, Angela Bassett and Michelle Williams. Cruise even posed for pictures with Steven Spielberg, a once-frequent collaborator whom the star has not been publicly photographed with in over a decade. 「我愛你，我愛你，喔我的天！」「媽的多重宇宙」演員關繼威興奮得跳不停，大喊「我要跟這男人合照」然後與湯姆克魯斯自拍。導演吉勒摩戴托羅跑去跟湯姆克魯斯擁抱，入圍演員獎項的布蘭登費雪、安琪拉貝瑟、蜜雪兒威廉絲也一樣。湯姆克魯斯甚至與過去常合作、但已逾十年未公開同框的導演史蒂芬史匹柏合影。 The nominees luncheon is supposed to be an egalitarian affair where big stars and behind-the-scenes technicians are on equal footing, but there was no mistaking Cruise as the ballroom’s top dog: He had the gravitational pull of the sun and its burnt-orange countenance, too. 奧斯卡入圍午宴本該是一場幕前明星與幕後技術人員以平等身分相見的聚會，但湯姆克魯斯無疑是宴會廳裡的頭號人物：他自帶太陽般的引力，也擁有如烈日煥發的焦橙臉龐。 Still, simply making it to Cruise took some time: In the schmoozy hour before lunch was served, he was so mobbed by his fellow nominees that he was hardly able to move more than a few feet. I watched for a while as “Elvis” star Austin Butler drifted with slow, inexorable determination toward Cruise, who finally pulled the younger man toward him by clamping a hand on his shoulder like a stapler. For several minutes, they were locked in such a tight bro-embrace that it was impossible to discern what they were talking about. 單單要接近湯姆克魯斯就得花上不少時間：在用餐前的交流時間，入圍者們將他團團圍住，他幾乎無法移動幾步。我看著飾演「貓王」的明星奧斯汀巴特勒緩慢卻堅定地朝他一步步走去，而湯姆克魯斯最終伸出手，像支釘書機一樣一把按在這年輕人的臂膀上，將他拉向自己。有好幾分鐘時間，他們像兄弟一般緊緊擁抱，兩人到底說了些什麼，其他人根本不可能得知。 So instead, I made my way to “Top Gun: Maverick” producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who observed the scene serenely just a few feet away. “It’s my first time at the luncheon,” said the newly nominated producer, who’s better known for making explosive action movies than Oscar fare. “After 50 years in the business, I finally get here.” 我見狀後移動到「捍衛戰士：獨行俠」另一製片傑瑞布洛克海默身邊，他在幾英尺外平靜的看著這一幕。「這是我第一次參加奧斯卡午宴」，這位剛入圍的製片主要以激烈的動作片聞名，而非奧斯卡電影，「在這一行打滾五十年後，我終於來到這兒了」。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/7008044

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Topic: Sellout Culture Is a Problem for Pro Golf Even if you don’t play or follow golf — which I don’t — you’re probably aware of the controversy now engulfing the game. A number of the world’s top-ranked pro players, notably Phil Mickelson, made extremely lucrative deals to play in a new tour, the LIV Golf International Series, sponsored by Saudi Arabia. The PGA Tour, which has traditionally dominated the sport, responded by suspending 17 of these players. 即便不打或不追高球新聞—我也沒追—你也可能知道現在這項運動捲入爭議。一些世界頂級職業球員，尤其是米克森，達成極其有利可圖的交易參加沙烏地阿拉伯贊助的新巡迴賽，即LIV高球國際系列賽。傳統上主導這項運動的職業高球美巡賽（PGA Tour）對此做出回應，將其中17名球員禁賽。 The Saudis are obviously engaged in reputation-laundering — greenswashing? — in an attempt to make people forget about the atrocities their regime has perpetrated. It’s less clear what motivated the PGA. Did it consider the LIV series flawed, not a proper golf tour? Was it attempting to squash competition? Or was the problem with the LIV series’ sponsors? 沙國顯然在清洗名聲—是在「漂白」嗎？試圖讓人們忘記他們政權所犯下的暴行。目前還不太清楚什麼原因驅使PGA這樣做。它是否認為LIV系列賽有缺陷，不是個像樣的高球巡迴賽？它會不會是在試圖壓制競爭嗎？或是LIV系列賽贊助者的問題？ PGA attendees surveyed by ProGolf weekly were in no doubt: An overwhelming majority attributed Mickelson’s exclusion to “media/cancel culture.” And I hope they’re right. I mean, if getting paid big bucks to provide favorable PR to a regime that deals with critical journalists by killing them and dismembering them with a bone saw doesn’t warrant cancellation, what does? And yet Mickelson and others were willing to provide that PR. 接受《ProGolf》周刊調查的PGA與會者均無疑問，絕大多數將米克森遭剔除歸因於「媒體/取消文化」。我希望他們是對的。我的意思是，拿大錢幫一個政權提供公關服務，而這個政權把批評他們的記者殺掉還肢解，如果這不是一個取消的正當理由，那什麼才是？而米克森和其他人卻願意提供這種公關服務。 So if you ask me, the real story here isn’t that the PGA may (or may not) have found a line it won’t cross. It is that so many members of the American elite evidently have no such lines. 所以，若你問我，情況並非PGA可能（或可能沒有）找到一條不會跨越的線，而是這個美國菁英組織許多成員明顯沒有這樣的界線。 What explains the rise of sellout culture? Tax cuts may have played a role: Selling your soul becomes more attractive when you get to keep more of the proceeds. Soaring income inequality may inspire envy, a desire to keep up with the super-elite. And there is surely a process of normalization: Everyone else is selling out, so why shouldn’t I join the party? 如何解釋出賣文化興起？減稅可能起到一定作用：當你能保留更多收益時，出賣你的靈魂就變得更有吸引力。日益嚴重的收入不平等可能會引發嫉妒，讓人渴望跟超級菁英攀比。當然，這是一個正常過程：其他人都在出賣，那我為何不入群呢？ Kids used to look up to public figures, sports stars in particular, as role models. Do they still? Can they, given what public figures will do if the checks are big enough? 以前孩子們常把受人尊敬的公眾人物作為榜樣，尤其是體育明星。他們還會嗎？考慮到支票夠大時公眾人物竟然這樣做，他們還能嗎？Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6413966 Next Article Topic: Why Are There More Successful Older Golfers Today? From the 18th fairway in the final group of the British Open in 2009, Tom Watson, the five-time Open champion, hit a shot that flew right at the pin. For a moment, it looked like Watson, then age 59, would win the tournament for a record sixth time and become the oldest player to win a major championship. 2009年英國公開賽最後一組第18洞的球道上，五屆冠軍華森一揮直飛旗桿。一時間，當時59歲的華森似乎將贏得創紀錄的第六座英國公開賽冠軍，並成為最年長的四大賽冠軍。 A firm bounce sent the ball off the back of the green, and Watson needed three more shots to get the ball into the hole. That dropped him into a tie for first. In the four-hole playoff, he ran out of gas and lost by six shots. 小白球強力彈跳後滾出果嶺後方，華森又花了三桿才把球送進洞裡。這使他落到並列領先。四洞延長賽，他精力耗盡，最後輸六桿。 A decade ago, the idea of an older golfer contending in, let alone winning, a major championship was something few considered. That was still the time when most golfers petered out in their mid-40s and kicked around the golf world before having a brief resurgence on the Champions Tour when they turned 50. 10年前，很少人料想得到年長的高球選手會參加四大賽，遑論拿冠軍。當時，大多數高球選手在45歲左右開始淡出，到滿50歲參加「冠軍」（譯註：長春）巡迴賽散發短暫餘暉前，其間在高球界四處晃晃。 Leading these middle-age mavericks is Phil Mickelson, 51, won the PGA Championship in May. He beat Brooks Koepka, a four-time major winner, and Louis Oosthuizen, the 2010 British Open champion, who are both in their 30s. 這些不服老的中年高球選手領導人物是剛滿51歲的米克森，他在今年5月贏得PGA錦標賽冠軍。擊敗了都是30多歲的四屆四大賽冠軍得主科普卡與2010年英國公開賽冠軍歐蘇森。 “All these guys have taken a new approach,” said Dave Phillips, co-founder of the Titleist Performance Institute, which focuses on golf and fitness. “There’s a lot of money out there. They realize they can still compete with the younger guys, but they need to spend more time on their body and what they fuel their body with.” 高球與健身專門機構「冠軍競技表現研究所」共同創辦人戴維．菲利普斯說：「這些人都採取一種新方法。比賽獎金很高。他們意識到自己仍可跟年輕人競爭，只是需要花更多時間在身體及強化身體的物質上面。」 Phillips said what Mickelson and the others were doing provided lessons for older golfers. “It’s not strength, but the recovery and the downtime that matter,” he said. “It’s letting your body recover. Everyone wants to get fitter, stronger, faster. They’re upset when they don’t see the results. But what they’re doing is fatiguing to the body more so than a round of golf.” 菲利普斯說，米克森和其他人的作為，幫年

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 即刻加入15Mins通勤學英語直播室，每週一9pm等你來說英文 : https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 1. Acid test– 酸值測試 Meaning: A decisive test where the findings show the worth or quality of something. Example: “This beta test will be the acid test needed for our project to receive funding.” 2. The problem is between the keyboard and the chair- 問題是在鍵盤與椅子中間 Meaning: The problem was caused by the fault of the user. Also seen as the acronym PICNIC: Problem In Chair Not In Computer Example: “The glitch in that game seems to be a problem between the keyboard and the chair.” 3. Fire on all cylinders- 點燃全汽缸 Meaning: The system is working as well as it can. Example: “Our network is firing on all cylinders after the update.” 4. Get your wires crossed- 線打結了 Meaning: People misunderstanding each other when making plans or giving directions. Example: “We must have gotten our wires crossed the other day because he wasn’t at the meeting at noon as planned.” 5. Pull the plug- 拔插頭 Meaning: To end a project. Example: “It looks like time to pull the plug on this coding class.” 練習時間: 請使用二到三個慣用語來分享自身小故事 Please think of two to three scenarios where you can use these idioms or share a story using the idioms.

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.K532: About Animals - Dogs in costumes take over at Rio Carnival street party As Rio de Janeiro kicked off its Carnival on Saturday, about 100 dogs barked and wagged their tails to the tune of samba music as they paraded in front of pet lovers in a canine costume competition. 里約熱內盧週六揭開狂歡節序幕，將近100隻狗兒在犬類服裝比賽的寵物愛好者面前遊行，隨著森巴音樂曲調吠叫和搖尾巴。 The “Blocao” — a mixture of “bloco” which refers to Carnival street parties and “cao,” or dog in Portuguese — brought about 300 people to Rio’s Barra da Tijuca. Dog costumes ranged from fairies, and superheroes to clowns and cartoon characters. 「狗狗狂歡節街頭派對」（Blocao）——「bloco」（指狂歡節街頭派對）和「cao」（葡萄牙語的狗）的混合體——把將近300人帶到了里約熱內盧的巴拉達蒂茹卡。狗狗的服裝從仙女、超級英雄到小丑和卡通人物都有。 Edson Chianca, 36, brought his 12-year-old Saori to the parade in a Minnie Mouse costume. He dressed the same way so the pair matched. 36歲的埃德森．奇安卡帶著他12歲的「沙織」穿著米妮老鼠的服裝參加了遊行。他穿得一樣，所以這對很匹配。 Marco Antonio Vieira, the organizer of Blocao, said he has no intention of humanizing pets with the pet parade and the contest that picks the top five best dressed dogs. 「狗狗狂歡節街頭派對」組織者馬爾科．安東尼奧．維埃拉表示，他無意藉由寵物遊行和比賽選出前五名最佳穿著狗狗，來使寵物人性化。 “Thirty years ago they lived in our backyard, now they live on our beds. It is good for them to be with the owner. When the dog sees the owner happy, he is happy too,” Vieira said. 維埃拉說，「30年前牠們住在我們的後院，現在牠們在我們的床上生活。和主人在一起，對牠們有好處。當狗看到主人開心時，牠也會開心。」 Next Article Herd the news? Wild boar piglet adopted by cows 你「豬」道嗎？小野豬被牛群收養 A cow herd in the central German community of Brevoerde has adopted a lone wild boar piglet. 德國中部布雷弗爾德村的一個牛群，收養了一隻落單的野豬幼崽。 Farmer Friedrich Stapel told the dpa news agency that it had likely lost its group when they crossed a nearby river. 農夫弗里德里希‧斯塔佩爾向「德新社」表示，這隻小野豬可能是在橫渡附近一條溪流時，和其他野豬失散。 Stapel said while he knows what extensive damage wild boars can cause, he can’t bring himself to chase the animal away. 斯塔佩爾說，雖然他知道野豬可能帶來的巨大損害，但他不忍心把牠趕走。 The local hunter has been told not to shoot the piglet — nicknamed Frieda — and in winter Stapel plans to put it in the shed with the mother cows. 當地獵人已被告知不要射殺這隻暱稱弗里達的小豬，斯塔佩爾還準備在冬天來的時候，讓小豬和牛媽媽們一起待在牛棚。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1568956 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1568602

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.K531: About Tech - Crab and lobster shells could be used to make renewable batteries The researchers in Maryland have developed batteries that use a product derived from crustacean shells to store energy. 美國馬里蘭州科學家已經開發出一種電池，它是從甲殼動物的殼提取用於儲存能源的物質製成。 As the world transitions towards deploying green energy solutions and electric vehicles, the batteries being used for such technology also need to be eco-friendly. 當世界向使用綠色能源解決方案和電動汽車過渡時，這種科技使用的電池也必須是環保的。 Crustaceans have exoskeletons made of cells that contain chitin, a kind of polysaccharide that makes their shells hard. 甲殼類動物的外骨骼由含有甲殼素的細胞組成，這是一種讓牠們外殼堅硬的多醣。 Through chemical processing and adding acetic acid aqueous solution, chitin can ultimately be synthesised into a firm gel membrane and used as an electrolyte for a battery. 透過化學加工並加入醋酸水溶液，甲殼素最終可以被合成凝膠膜，作為電池的電解質。 By combining this chitosan electrolyte with zinc, a naturally occurring metal increasingly used to make batteries that are cheap and safe, scientists were able to create a renewable battery. 藉由將這種甲殼素電解質和鋅混和，科學家得以製造再生電池。鋅是一種日漸用於製作電池使之便宜且安全的天然金屬。 Next Article New stick-on ‘sonar’ device lets you watch your own heart beat 新黏貼聲納裝置讓你監測自己的心跳 Imagine having a watch that could live-stream your heart as it beats in your chest. 想像當心臟在胸口跳動時，擁有一支可以直播心跳的手錶。 Researchers just unveiled a wearable ultrasound patch — something like a Band-Aid with sonar. 研究人員剛推出一個穿戴式的超音波貼片，它就像是有著聲納的OK蹦。 This stick-on device offers a flexible way to see deep inside the body. Ultrasound maps tissues and fluids by recording how sound waves bounce off of them. 這個黏貼裝置提供一個探測身體深處的彈性方法。超音波透過紀錄聲波如何從組織和血液上反彈，來繪製它們。 The new patch can work for up to 48 hours straight — even while you’re moving around a lot, like when you play a sport. 這款新貼片可以連續使用長達48小時，即便是在遊走移動的情況下，例如運動。 In many poorer countries, access to hospitals — and their high-power imaging machines — can be limited. 在許多較貧困的國家，就醫並取得高功率成像機器的機會可能有限。 But the new device “has a huge potential” to aid people in these parts of the world, Aparna Singh, a biomedical engineer at Columbia University said. 但是哥倫比亞大學生物醫學工程師阿帕娜．辛格表示，這個新的裝置擁有巨大的潛能，能夠幫助世界上這些地區的民眾。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1569161 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1566618

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.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4769567 Taiwan's Pizzahut is well known for its odd, fusion, seasonal menus in the recent years. In this episode, Angel and I go through the ingredients and take on the naming challenge for each new pizza flavors. Tell us down below, which ones you have tried!歡迎投稿有趣的主題給醬老師與Angel老師 Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. Red rice yeast n. 紅糟 Red rice yeast ba-wan is a famous dish from Hsinchu. 紅糟肉圓是來自新竹的名菜。 2. Filthy rich idiom. 非常富有 People who buys luxury goods all the time are filthy rich. 常買精品的人都是非常有錢。 3. CCR (Cross-Culture Romance) n. 跨文化戀情 The fusion of east and west in a pizza is like CCR. 東西合璧的比薩就像跨文化戀情一樣。 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]

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.K530: After Gutting Youth Services, Can U.K. Cut Youth Crime? The Marcus Lipton Youth Club is the last dedicated youth center still standing in its pocket of south London. 馬可斯．利普頓青年俱樂部是倫敦南部最後一個專門的青年中心，至今仍屹立。 But it is teetering. Nearly half of London’s youth centers have closed in the past decade as Britain has cut money for youth services, as well as for welfare, schools and drug and alcohol treatment, according to the most recent available data. Marcus Lipton used to count on hundreds of thousands of pounds a year in government funding. Now, it gets nearly zero. 但它正搖搖欲墜。根據最新數據，由於英國削減青年服務，以及福利、學校和毒品與酒精治療的資金，過去十年倫敦有將近一半青年中心關閉。馬可斯．利普頓過去仰賴政府每年數十萬英鎊補助，如今幾乎為零。 “Just look around you,” said Ira Campbell, 55, the manager of the club, which offers counseling, warm meals and sports for young people. “This place is a safe haven.” 該俱樂部為青年提供諮詢、熱騰騰餐點跟運動，55歲經理坎伯說：「看看你周圍，這是一個安全避風港。」 Marcus Lipton lies in the shadow of the Loughborough Estate public housing project, where two of the Conservative government’s longtime priorities — fighting crime and trying to reduce the budget deficit — collide. 馬可斯．利普頓俱樂部正籠罩在拉夫堡莊園公共住宅計畫的陰影下，保守黨政府長期兩大優先施政項目—打擊犯罪跟試圖減少預算赤字，在該計畫有所衝突。 Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is building new prisons and recruiting more police officers as part of his party’s pledge to be tough on crime. He has also proposed a budget that would make deep spending reductions in the coming years, forcing officials to find savings in programs that have already been whittled to the bone during a decade of austerity. 英國首相蘇納克正建造新的監獄，並招募更多警察，這是他的政黨嚴厲打擊犯罪承諾的部分行動。他還提出一項預算計畫，未來幾年將大幅削減支出，迫使官員們在十年撙節政策期間已被嚴重削減的項目再設法省錢。 Budget cuts during that decade, instituted in response to the global financial crisis of 2008, hit the poorest neighborhoods of Britain’s capital particularly hard, according to the Institute for Government, an independent research group in London. Those neighborhoods are also where serious youth violence, like homicide, has risen or remained disproportionately high after austerity, data from the office of London Mayor Sadiq Khan shows. 倫敦獨立研究機構政府研究所指出，為因應2008年全球金融危機，這十年間實施的預算刪減對英國首都最窮困社區的打擊尤為嚴重。根據倫敦市長卡恩辦公室的數據，這些社區也是在撙節開支政策實施後，凶殺案之類嚴重青年暴力事件有所上升或依舊居高不下的地方。 Annual knife violence involving teenage victims in the city increased by nearly 40% to 5,332 in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic began, from 3,809 in 2012, according to police figures obtained by The New York Times. (There was later a dip in serious youth violence during virus-related lockdowns, most likely because of reduced social contact.) 紐約時報從警方獲得的數據顯示，在新冠病毒大流行開始前的2019年，倫敦市涉及受害者為青少年的持刀暴力事件，從2012年的3809件增加近40%至5332件。（後來在與病毒有關的防疫封鎖期間，嚴重青年暴力事件有所減少，很可能是因為社會接觸減少。） Residents of the Loughborough Estate, already frustrated by sharply rising utility bills and food costs, say that the government would rather pay to lock up young people than spend money on projects that might provide them with positive activities or help their parents to make ends meet. 已對急劇上漲水電費與食物價格感到沮喪的拉夫堡莊園居民們說，政府寧願花錢把年輕人關起來，也不願資助可為他們提供正面活動的計畫，或幫助他們的父母維持生計。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6978804

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.K529: Combating Disinformation Wanes at Social Media Giants YouTube, like other social media platforms, spent years expanding its efforts to tackle misinformation after the 2016 election. It hired policy experts and content moderators and invested in more technology to limit the reach of false narratives. Not anymore. 2016年美國大選後，YouTube和其他社群平台一樣，花數年時間擴大其處理錯誤訊息的努力。該公司聘請政策專家與內容審核員，並投資更多技術來限制假論述的傳播。現在沒有了。 Last month, the company, owned by Google, quietly reduced its small team of policy experts in charge of handling misinformation, according to three people with knowledge of the decision. The cuts, part of the reduction of 12,000 employees by Google’s parent company, Alphabet, left only one person in charge of misinformation policy worldwide, one of the people said. 三名知情人士透露，谷歌旗下的這家公司悄悄減少負責處理錯誤訊息的政策專家小組。其中一人表示，這次裁員是谷歌母公司字母削減1.2萬名員工行動的一部分，只留下一個人負責全球錯誤訊息政策。 The cuts reflect a trend across the industry that threatens to undo many of the safeguards that social media platforms put in place in recent years to ban or tamp down on disinformation — like false claims about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian war in Ukraine or the integrity of elections around the world. Twitter, under its new owner, Elon Musk, has slashed its staff, while Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has shifted its focus and resources to the immersive world of the metaverse. 裁員反映了整個產業的一種趨勢，恐破壞社群媒體平台近年為禁止或遏制假訊息所實施的許多防護措施，例如有關新冠疫情大流行、俄烏戰爭或世界各地選舉公正性的虛假說法。推特在新老闆馬斯克領導下大幅裁員，擁有臉書、Instagram和WhatsApp的Meta，則將重點和資源轉移至沉浸式的元宇宙世界。 Faced with economic headwinds and political and legal pressure, the social media giants have shown signs that fighting false information online is no longer as high a priority, raising fears among experts who track the issue that it will further erode trust online. 遭逢經濟逆風及政治與司法壓力的這些社群媒體巨頭，已表明打擊網路虛假消息不再是當務之急，讓追蹤此議題的專家擔心，這將進一步削弱網路上的信任。 “I wouldn’t say the war is over, but I think we’ve lost key battles,” said Angelo Carusone, the president of the liberal media watchdog Media Matters for America. After years of efforts, he described a mounting sense of fatigue in the struggle. “I do think we, as a society, have lost the appetite to keep battling. And that means we will lose the war.” 自由派媒體監督機構「美國媒體事務」的卡魯桑表示：「我不會說戰爭結束了，但我認為我們輸掉關鍵戰役。」經過多年努力，他描述這場抗爭中愈來愈強烈的疲勞感。「我的確認為，我們整個社會已失去繼續戰鬥的興趣。這意味我們將輸掉這場戰爭。」 The companies maintain they remain diligent, but the efforts to combat false and misleading information online — which arguably peaked during the COVID pandemic and the 2020 presidential election — have waned at a time when the problem of misinformation remains as pernicious as ever with a proliferation of alternative sites competing for users. 這些公司堅稱他們仍很勤奮，但打擊網路虛假及誤導資訊的行動已有所減弱，這些假訊息在新冠疫情大流行與2020年總統大選期間達到巔峰，隨著替代網站激增且競相爭奪用戶，假訊息問題仍像以往那樣有害。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6994226

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Topic: Russia's Villages, and Their Culture, Are 'Melting Away' With its winding dirt lanes framed by lilacs, quaint wooden houses and graceful onion-domed church, the tiny farming hamlet of Baruta was once a postcard of Russian bucolic bliss. 俄國西北部普斯科夫區域的巴魯塔小農村曾是俄國田園的幸福象徵，蜿蜒的土路旁盡是丁香、古雅的木屋和優美的洋蔥圓頂教堂。 No longer. More people lie in the tightly packed church cemetery than inhabit the village. Agriculture is slowly withering, too. 此景不再。在擁擠不堪的教堂墓地安息的人，比住在村裡的多。農業也逐步衰退。 With Russia's natural population growth entering an extended period of decline, villages like Baruta are disappearing from across the country’s continental expanse. 由於俄國人口的自然增長進入長期衰退期，像巴魯塔這樣的村落正從廣袤的俄國大陸各地消失。 "We have not had a wedding or a baptism for quite some time — we mostly have funerals," said a resident, Alexander Fyodorov, 59, one of just 17 men left in what was a thriving collective of some 500 farmers. 59歲居民費奧多羅夫說：「我們好一段時間沒有婚禮或洗禮了——多半是喪禮。」他曾是一個約有500農民、蓬勃發展的集體農場的一分子，如今農場只剩下17個男人，他是其中之一。 President Vladimir Putin frequently cites hardy population growth as a pillar of restoring Russia's place atop the global order. There is a pronounced gap, however, between the positive terms in which Putin and his advisers habitually discuss demographic trends and the reality of the numbers. 俄國總統普亭常說，強勁的人口成長是讓俄國重居新全球之首的基礎。不過，普亭與顧問們討論人口趨勢時慣常使用的正面詞語，和真實人口數目差距甚大。 Russians are dying faster than they are being born, demographers said. Given the general hostility toward immigration, the question is to what degree the population of 146 million, including annexed Crimea, might shrink. 人口學者說，俄國人死亡的速度比出生快。在俄國人普遍對移民懷有敵意的情況下，俄國總數1億4600萬（包括兼併來的克里米亞）的人口勢將減少，問題只在減幅的大小。 The number of deaths exceeded the number of births in 2016 by a few thousand, and the prognosis for the years ahead is poor. From 2013-2015, extremely modest natural growth peaked in 2015 with just 32,038 more births than deaths. 去年俄國死亡人數超越出生人數幾千人，未來幾年前景也不樂觀。2013到2015年極微小的人口自然增長在2015年達到高峰，出生數只比死亡數多3萬2038人。 "The statistics and the propaganda are very different things," said Natalya V. Zubarevich, an expert in social and political geography at Moscow State University. 莫斯科國立大學社會與政治地理學專家祖巴列維奇說：「統計數字和宣傳大不相同。」 In terms of population loss, Pskov, which borders Latvia and parts of Estonia, is among the worst hit regions in Russia. The population peaked at around 1.8 million in the 1920s, said Andrei Manakov, a demographer at Pskov State University. It is down to 642,000, and projected to drop to about 513,000 by 2033. 普斯科夫與拉脫維亞和愛沙尼亞部分地區接壤，是俄國人口減少最嚴重的區域之一。普斯科夫國立大學人口學者馬納科夫說，1920年代這裡的人口達到高峰，約180萬。現在降到64萬2千人，料將在2033年前降到大約51萬3千人。 Researchers estimate that out of 8,300 area villages in 1910, 2,000 no longer have permanent residents. 研究人員估計，1910年這裡的8300個地區村落中，2000個不再有常住居民。 Under the most optimistic projections by demographers, Russia’s population by 2050 will stay the same, about 146 million, if immigration from Central Asia — which has also been dropping — balances out low birthrates. Less optimistic figures put the population around 130 million by 2050, and the most pessimistic say fewer than 100 million. 人口學者最樂觀的預測是，如果來自中亞的移民（也正在逐漸減少）能彌補俄國的低出生率，2050年俄國人口會跟現在一樣，大約1億4600萬。較不樂觀的數據是2050年人口約為1億3000萬，最悲觀的是不到1億。Source article: https://paper.udn.com/udnpaper/POH0067/318780/web/ Topic: Russia reaches out to OPEC as Riyadh opens oil taps The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak in China and its rapid spread has taken its toll on the global economy, driving down demand for oil in the first weeks of 2020. 在中國爆發的武漢肺炎冠狀病毒迅速蔓延，讓全球經濟遭受巨大損失，對石油的需求在二〇二〇年開年數週便降低了。 In response, in the scheduled meeting on March 5-6 in Vienna, Saudi Arabia and other OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) states called for OPEC+ to a make drastic cut of 1.5 million barrels per day to reduce supply by a total of 3.6 million barells per day — insisting on a non-OPEC agreement. However, Russia rejected the plan. When the OPEC+ talks collapsed, the OPEC oil cartel scrapped all output limits. A dispute then broke out. 因應此情況，沙烏地阿拉伯與其他石油輸出國組織（OPEC）國家三月五日至六日在維也納所舉行的例行會議中，便要求OPEC+國家每日大幅減產一百五十萬桶，讓石油每日供應總量減少三百六十萬桶，並堅持非屬OPEC之產油國也須共同遵守此協議。但俄羅斯拒絕了此計畫，談判破裂，OPEC這石油壟斷利益集團便取消了所有產量限制，爭端於焉爆發。 Russian oil companies had opposed such cuts, fearing loss of market share and of competitiveness against US shale production. They had previously in December agreed on a milder production cut of 500,000 barrels in 2020, and Russia wanted this to continue. 俄羅斯的石油公司曾對這種減產措施加以反對，擔心會失去市佔率，也會失去對美國頁岩油的競爭力。他們去年十二月曾同意一項較溫和的減產計畫，將在二〇二〇年減產五十萬桶，俄羅斯希望維持此計畫。 Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest crude exporter, responded on March 8 by announcing unilateral price cuts with its biggest price cut in 20 years in a bid to win market share. This prompted the oil price to plummet and fueled huge drops on stock markets the following day. 三月八日星期日，世界最大的原油出口國沙烏地阿拉伯對此做出回應，單方面宣佈降低油品價格，以贏得市佔率，此為二十年來最大降幅。這使得油價暴跌，並引發了三月九日星期一的股市大跌。 By March 9, oil had fallen to as low as US$31 from about US$66 at the end of 2019 as Riyadh said i

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 即刻加入15Mins通勤學英語直播室，每週一9pm等你來說英文 : https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k Types of questions to ask to communicate effectively 啟動型問題The kickstart question: A good opening question is key, and asking a kickstarter like this will begin the conversation quickly and effectively—no need for useless banter. This question gets right down to business without being too aggressive or pointed. Example: What’s on your mind? What are your thoughts? What do you think of the issue? 專注型問題The focus question: So that you can really hone in on an issue, first find out directly from the source exactly what it is—before you’ve jumped in to help with something that isn’t the real problem. Example: What’s the real challenge here? What are the key issues? Do we know what the main problem is? 根本型問題The foundation question: Find out what your team member wants. It’s as simple as that. They might want something small or big, and thanks to this question, you’ll learn which—while leaving them feeling empowered. Example: What do you need? What kind of help do you want? What exactly do we need to solve this? 策略型問題The strategic question: Everyone needs a little help prioritizing now and then. This question will help the other person understand that they can drop a task to make room for something more important, so they don’t feel as though they are constantly taking on more without there being any room for relief. Example: If you’re saying yes to this, what are you saying no to? 分享時間               What was the one issue you helped a co-worker clarify/ resolve?What are other important tips for effective listening and questions?

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.K529: About Iceland - Why it’s perfectly normal to see baby puffins thrown off cliffs in Iceland each year Watching thousands of baby puffins being tossed off a cliff is perfectly normal for the people of Iceland’s Westman Islands. The chicks of Atlantic puffins hatch in burrows on high sea cliffs. 對冰島威斯特曼群島居民來說，看見數千隻小海鸚被丟下懸崖相當平常。大西洋海鸚幼鳥在海邊懸崖高處的洞穴裡孵化。 When they’re ready to fledge, they fly from their colony and spend several years at sea until they return to land to breed. Pufflings have historically found the ocean by following the light of the moon. 當牠們羽翼豐滿準備展翅飛翔時，就會離開巢穴，花費數年待在海上直到返回陸地繁殖。歷史上，海鸚能跟隨月光找到海洋。 Many residents of the Westman Islands spend a few weeks in August and September collecting wayward pufflings that have crashed into town after mistaking human lights for the moon. 威斯特曼群島上許多居民會在8月和9月間花費數週把偏離方向的海鸚集中起來，在牠們把人為燈光誤認為月亮，墜入城鎮後。 Releasing the fledglings at the cliffs the following day sets them on the correct path. 隔天在懸崖邊釋放幼鳥，使牠們走上正確的道路。 Next Article Iceland recommends hugging trees instead of people 冰島建議人們用抱樹取代抱人 With countries imposing lockdown to block the spread of the virus, the Icelandic Forestry Service has taken a weird approach to the situation. 隨著各國實施封鎖措施防堵病毒傳播，冰島林業局採取一個奇怪的方法處理這種情況。 The Icelandic Forestry Service has asked citizens to hug trees and plants while maintaining social distancing. Forest rangers at Hallormsstaður National Forest in East Iceland are cleaning up the snow from roads so locals can go and hug trees. 冰島林業局讓公民去抱樹與植物，同時保持社交距離。冰島東部Hallormsstaður國家森林的森林保育員，正在清理路上的積雪，以便當地人可以去抱樹。 "When you hug [a tree], you feel it first in your toes and then up your legs and into your chest and then up into your head," forest ranger Þór Þorfinnsson tells the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service. "It’s such a wonderful feeling of relaxation and then you’re ready for a new day and new challenges." 「當你抱住（一棵樹），你會感覺到它先是出現在你的腳趾，接著上到你的小腿，並且進入你的胸膛，進入你的頭」，森林保育員索芬森告訴冰島國家廣播公司，「這是一個奇妙的放鬆感受，然後你就會準備好面對新的一天與新的挑戰」。 Þorfinnsson recommends that not everyone should embrace the first tree they see; potential huggers should venture deeper into the forest. 索芬森建議，不是每個人都應該擁抱看見的第一棵樹，有潛力的擁抱者應該冒險進入森林深處。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1567879; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1367430