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.K519: Divided US Republicans name Kevin McCarthy House speaker Republican favorite Kevin McCarthy was finally elected speaker of the US House of Representatives early Saturday last week, ending a paralyzing standoff with right-wing holdouts that raised concerns about his party’s ability to exercise power in Congress. 上週六凌晨，共和黨熱門人選凱文‧麥卡錫終於當選美國眾議院議長，結束了與右翼勢力的僵持局面，這僵局令人對共和黨是否能在國會行使權力感到憂心。 McCarthy’s victory required an historic 15 rounds of voting and was secured only after a late-night session of high drama that saw Republican members almost come to blows as tempers flared. 經過了歷史性的15輪投票，議事挑燈夜戰、共和黨成員幾乎上演全武行的火爆場面後，麥卡錫才得以勝出。 It also required major concessions to the small group of Republican conservatives who had opposed his candidacy, and turned what would normally be a showcase of party unity into a days-long display of internal division. 麥卡錫之所以能勝選，其中因素還包括反對他參選的一小群共和黨保守派做出重大讓步，讓這通常是展示黨內團結的場合變成長達數天的內部分裂家醜外揚。 The speaker wields key influence in Washington by presiding over House business and is second in line to the presidency, after the vice president. 美國眾議院議長在華盛頓主持眾議院事務，影響力很大，是美國總統的第二順位繼承人，僅次於副總統。 As he accepted the gavel in the early hours of Saturday, McCarthy, who was backed by former US president Donald Trump, outlined the Republicans’ aggressive lines of attack ahead of the 2024 presidential race. 獲前總統唐納‧川普背書的麥卡錫，在接下議事槌時概述了共和黨在2024年總統大選之前的激進路線。 He vowed to “pass bills to fix the nation’s challenges, from the wide open Southern border to ‘America last’ energy policies, to woke indoctrination in our schools.” 他誓言「通過法案來解決國家所面臨的挑戰，從門戶洞開的南部邊境到『美國最後』的能源政策，再到我們學校中的思想覺醒」。 On “America’s long-term challenges -- the debt and the rise of the Chinese Communist Party -- Congress must be with one voice,” the 57-year-old Californian told the House. 這位57歲的加州人對眾議院表示，「對於美國的長期挑戰——債務和中國共產黨的崛起——國會必須口徑一致」。 McCarthy, who represents the conservative enclave of Bakersfield, California, has been in politics since his late teens. The son of a firefighter and grandson of a cattle rancher, he married his high school sweetheart. 麥卡錫代表加州的保守派飛地貝克斯菲爾德，他從十多歲就踏入政壇。 他是消防員之子、養牛場主之孫，娶了高中時代的戀人為妻。 His career has soared since he became the minority Republican leader in the California Assembly in 2003, just one year after being elected. 當選加州議員僅一年後，他在2003年成為加州議會的少數派共和黨領袖，自此他的從政之路步步高升。 Four years later, he was elected to Washington, and moved rapidly up the ladder in the House as a team player and organizer who readily bared his ambition to become party leader. 四年後，他獲選進入華盛頓國會殿堂，並作為合群的團隊成員及動員者在眾議院迅速晉升，並毫不遲疑展現成為黨魁的抱負。 Affable in the face of adversity, and a prolific fundraiser for his fellow lawmakers, McCarthy is no policy strategist or conservative ideologue. 麥卡錫在逆境中表現得和藹可親，且經常為其他議員募款，他既不是政策戰略家，也不是保守派思想家。 Instead, his rise has come from his willingness to tackle the tricky task of trying to keep his party -- which has been turned upside down by Trump -- on the rails and focused on opposing the Democrats’ agenda. 相反地，他的崛起是因為他願意解決一項棘手的任務，即試圖讓他的政黨——已經被川普搞得天翻地覆——保持正常運轉，並聚焦反對民主黨的議程。 But it remains to be seen if he can charm hardline conservative dissidents. McCarthy’s seeming lack of deep ideological underpinnings and his skepticism of party hardliners has made him a regular target of the Republican right, especially Trump supporters. 但他是否能夠吸引持不同政見的強硬保守派，仍有待觀察。 麥卡錫似乎缺乏深刻的意識形態基礎，而且他對黨內強硬派持懷疑態度，這使他經常成為共和黨右翼的攻擊目標，尤其是川普的支持者。 Source article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2023/01/10/2003792288

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.K518: Prestige Films, Made for Oscar, Fail to Impress A year ago, Hollywood watched in despair as Oscar-oriented films like “Licorice Pizza” and “Nightmare Alley” flatlined at the box office. The day seemed to have finally arrived when prestige films were no longer viable in theaters and streaming had forever altered cinema. 一年前，好萊塢絕望地看著以奧斯卡獎為目標的「甘草糖披薩」和「夜路」處於票房低谷。這一天似乎終於來了，藝術導向的電影無法在電影院存活，串流媒體永遠改變影業。 But studios held out hope, deciding that November 2022 would give a more accurate reading of the marketplace. By then, the coronavirus would not be such a complicating factor. This fall would be a “last stand,” as some put it, a chance to show that more than superheroes and sequels could succeed. 然而，片廠仍抱持希望，認為2022年11月能更準確解讀市場。屆時，新冠疫情就不會是如此複雜的因素。正如一些人所說，今年秋季會是「最後一搏」，是證明不是只有超級英雄和續集能在電影院大賣的機會。 It has been carnage. 結果是場大屠殺。 One after another, films for grown-ups have failed to find an audience big enough to justify their cost. “Armageddon Time” cost roughly $30 million to make and market and collected $1.9 million at the North American box office. “Tár” cost at least $35 million, including marketing; ticket sales total $5.3 million. Universal spent around $55 million to make and market “She Said,” which also took in $5.3 million. “Devotion” cost well over $100 million and has generated $14 million in ticket sales. 一部接一部供成人觀賞的電影未能吸引夠多觀眾，以打平製作成本。10月在美國上映的「世界末日」斥資約3000萬美元製作和行銷，在北美獲190萬美元票房。「Tár塔爾」包含行銷斥資至少3500萬美元，票房收入只有530萬美元。環球影業花費約5500萬元製作和行銷「她有話要說」，票房也只有530萬美元。「決戰38度線」製片成本遠超過1億美元，創造1400萬美元票房。 Even a charmer from box office king Steven Spielberg has gotten off to a humdrum start. “The Fabelmans,” based on Spielberg’s adolescence, has collected $5.7 million in four weeks of limited play. Its budget was $40 million, not including marketing. 即使是票房之王史蒂芬史匹柏的討喜之作，也只落得差強人意的起步。以史蒂芬史匹柏青少年時期為藍本的電影「法貝爾曼」以有限上映方式播放四周，創造570萬美元票房。該片預算為4000萬美元，不包括行銷。 What is going on? 這是怎麼回事？ The problem is not quality; reviews have been exceptional. Rather, “people have grown comfortable watching these movies at home,” said David A. Gross, a film consultant who publishes a newsletter on box office numbers. 問題不在品質，這些電影一直被評為傑出作品。出版票房數據簡報的電影顧問格羅斯表示，原因反是「人們日益習慣在家中觀賞」。 Ever since Oscar-oriented films began showing up on streaming services in the late 2010s, Hollywood has worried that such movies would someday vanish from multiplexes. The diminishing importance of big screens was accentuated in March when, for the first time, a streaming film, “CODA,” from Apple TV+, won the Academy Award for best picture. 2010年代晚期，這些以奧斯卡為目標的電影開始出現在串流媒體，好萊塢就開始擔心這類電影總有一天會從影城消失。大螢幕重要性的式微在3月更明顯，當時Apple TV+推出的「樂動心旋律」獲得奧斯卡最佳影片獎，是串流電影首例。 This is about more than money. Hollywood sees the shift as an affront to its identity. Film power players have long clung to the fantasy that the cultural world revolves around them, as if it were 1940. But that delusion is hard to sustain when their lone measuring stick — bodies in seats — reveals that the masses can’t be bothered to come watch the films that they prize most. Hollywood equates this with cultural irrelevancy. 這不僅是錢的問題。好萊塢認為這種變遷是侮辱其身分。電影製片大廠長久以來抱持文藝界繞著他們轉動的幻想，好像現在還是1940年。但這種錯覺難以維持，因為作為他們唯一衡量標準的觀眾人數顯示，民眾懶得前往電影院觀賞他們最重視的電影。好萊塢卻以不合時宜的觀點看待此事。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6925560

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Topic: Macron Tries to Get France to Work The sign on the window of Red Rhino, a popular barbecue restaurant in central Paris, has been up for a month: “Closed until further notice due to lack of personnel.” Bus and train service has been cut back in the tourist city of Lyon amid a dearth of drivers. In the Loire Valley, tons of vegetables went unharvested in the summer as thousands of picking jobs were left unfilled. 法國巴黎市中心一家人氣燒烤店「紅犀牛」櫥窗招牌已立了一個月：「人手不足，暫停營業至另行通知」。因司機不足，東南部觀光城市里昂的客運和鐵路已減班。在西部羅亞爾河谷，由於數千個採菜工作懸缺，去年夏季有成噸蔬菜無人採收。 Economic activity has fitfully revved up again in France and across Europe since the end of COVID-19 lockdowns, only to be knocked back by the effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Even so, employers in numerous industries remain desperate to hire, with a range of businesses still not finding the workers needed to operate at capacity. 新冠疫情防疫封鎖結束以來，法國乃至全歐洲的經濟活動已陸續再次活絡，孰料又遭俄烏戰爭效應擊退。儘管如此，諸多產業的雇主依然需人孔急，一些企業仍未覓得產能全開所需的勞工。 All of which has prompted France, Europe’s second-largest economy, to seek a variety of solutions — all of them politically combustible. 這些狀況已促使歐洲第二大經濟體法國尋求各種解決之道，而這些解方都會引爆政治爭議。 President Emmanuel Macron’s government is proposing a fast-track legalization for migrants in the country illegally who want to work in sectors facing staff shortages. 總統馬克宏領導的政府提議，非法居留法國的移民若願意在面臨缺工行業上班，就可快速合法化。 For added measure, the government is moving to tighten France’s famously generous unemployment system, with its lengthy benefits, in a bid to cycle jobless people more quickly back into the workforce. 馬克宏政府還採額外措施，收緊以長期給付而慷慨聞名的法國失業制度，設法加快失業者重回職場的周期。 The plans have met with resistance from different ends of the political spectrum. Lawmakers from France’s rising far right say a growing influx of migrants must be brought under tighter control and that French nationals should be given priority for jobs. The country’s powerful labor unions are warning that measures to cut jobless benefits risk pushing the unemployed toward poverty. 相關改革計畫已招致法國政治光譜兩端的反對。法國崛起的極右派國會議員指稱，愈來愈多移民湧入，必須更嚴格控制，法國國民應享有優先工作權。法國強勢的工會正警告，削減失業給付恐將失業者推向貧困。 For thousands of businesses that form the backbone of the economy, the double-barreled approach has become necessary to help fix to what appears to be a permanent shift in workplace dynamics since the pandemic, as European workers in droves switch jobs or decide not to return to strenuous work that demands early or late hours on relatively low pay. Over half a million people in France resigned in the first three months of the year, the highest level in 15 years, France’s statistics agency reported. 對形成法國經濟骨幹的數以千計企業而言，前述雙管齊下方法已不可或缺，才能有助化解新冠疫情以來職場動態似乎出現的永久性轉變，也就是歐洲大批勞工換工作，或決定不回到相對低薪還要求一早或很晚上班的勞累工作。法國統計局通報，2022年第一季全法有50多萬人辭職，創15年來新高。 “Our society after the pandemic has a different outlook,” said Thierry Marx, a Michelin-starred French chef who is the president of UMIH, France’s influential trade association of restaurants and hotels. “People are saying, I don’t want to have a sacrificial relationship to work.” 法國頗具影響力的餐廳與旅館同業公會「旅館餐飲職業產業聯盟」主席、法籍「米其林」星級主廚馬克斯說，「疫情之後我們社會出現一個不同的觀點，如今人們會說，我不想為工作犧牲奉獻」。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6909797 Next Article Topic: Wanted in France: Thousands of Workers as Hotels and Restaurants Reopen For six months, Christophe Thiriet has waited for France’s grinding national lockdowns to be lifted so he can reopen his company’s restaurants and hotels in a picturesque corner of eastern France and recall the 150 employees who were furloughed months ago. 六個月來，克里斯多弗．提希耶一直等待折磨人的法國全國封城解除，好讓公司設在如詩如畫的法國東部的餐廳和飯店能重新開張，並召回數個月前放無薪假的一百五十位員工。 But when he asked them to return for a reopening in mid-May, he faced an unexpected headache: At least 30 said they wouldn’t be coming back, leaving him scrambling to hire new workers just as he needed to swing into action. 但是當他要求他們於五月中旬重新開業時復職，卻面臨意料之外的頭痛狀況：至少三十人說他們不會回來，讓他在需要積極展開行動之際急著雇請新員工。 “When you close things for so long, people think twice about whether they want to stay,” said Thiriet, a co-manager of the Heintz Group. 「當你關店太久，人們會三思是否要留下。」海因茲集團共同經理人提希耶說。 Restaurants and hotels across the country are facing the same problem. After months on furlough, workers in droves are deciding not to return to jobs in the hospitality industry. 全國各地的餐廳和飯店正面臨相同問題。在數個月的無薪假後，成群的勞工決定不返回在餐旅業的工作。 A shortfall of perhaps as many as 100,000 restaurant and hotel workers is especially troubling, because hundreds of thousands of people are looking for work after France’s worst recession in decades. Employers say it is becoming harder to lure job seekers to an industry whose future is more or less tethered to the vagaries of the coronavirus and the uncertainty of vaccine campaigns. 餐廳和飯店工作者的短缺可能多達十萬人，這一點格外令人憂慮，因為在法國經歷數十年來最嚴重的經濟衰退後，此際有數十萬人正在找工作。雇主說，這個產業未來或多或少受制於新冠病毒的變化莫測，以及疫苗推廣的不確定性，要吸引求職者變得更困難。 The missing manpower conundrum has emerged as thousands of hotels and restaurants that survived the crisis pivot toward trying to make up for an 80% plunge in busines

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 主題: 英語慣用語系列 – 運動相關的慣用語 Sports related idioms 1. To drop the ball – 犯錯了/失誤了 Example: “You dropped the ball when you rejected that job offer.” When you drop the ball, it means you made a stupid mistake or forgot something really important. In some situations, it also means you have given up before reaching your goal…which is definitely a mistake! 2. To give your best shot- 做出最好 Example: “Give this audition your best shot – you won’t regret it!” Sometimes we feel insecure and worried, but we want something so much that we still decide to go after it. It could be a job interview, an audition, getting a date or moving abroad. In those situations, we must “give our best shot” – this means trying your best. 3. To be out of (someone’s) league- 高攀不上 Example: “She will never want to date me, look at her! She’s out of my league.” When somebody is out of your league, it means they are much better or more successful than you are. 4. To stay ahead of the game- 保持領先 Example: “The deadline for the report is tomorrow, but I want to be ahead of the game, so I finished it yesterday.” A smart way to be professional is to be prepared. Sometimes we have to predict what our competitors will do and know what their next move is going to be. 5. To throw in the towel- 放棄/投降 Example: “Are you going to throw in the towel just because your boss fired you? You can’t! Get up and look for a new job!” Have you ever felt like giving up on something that felt very important to you? Maybe you were tired, exhausted, frustrated. If your answer is yes, it means you have wanted to “throw in the towel”. 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 sports related idioms or share a story.

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.K517: About regulations - Obnoxiously loud car? A traffic camera might be listening After the relative quiet of the pandemic, New York City has come roaring back. Just listen: Jackhammers. Honking cars and trucks. Rumbling subway trains. Sirens. Shouting. 在（武漢肺炎）疫情大流行期間的相對寧靜後，紐約市已開始咆哮回來。只要傾聽：電鑽、鳴喇叭的汽車和卡車、轟隆作響的地鐵、警報器、呼喊。 Over the years, there have been numerous efforts to quiet the cacophony. One of the latest: traffic cameras equipped with sound meters capable of identifying souped-up cars and motorbikes emitting an illegal amount of street noise. 多年來，人們做出許多努力來平息這種噪音。其中一項最新努力：配備聲級計的交通攝影機，能夠識別發出非法街頭噪音的改裝汽車和摩托車。 At least 71 drivers have gotten tickets so far for violating noise rules during a yearlong pilot program of the system. The city’s Department of Environmental Protection now has plans to expand the use of the roadside sound meters. 在該系統為期1年的試驗期間，迄今至少有71名司機因違反噪音規定而收到罰單。紐約市環保局現在計畫擴大路邊聲級計的使用範圍。 New York City already has one of the most extensive noise ordinances in the country, setting allowable levels for a host of noisemakers, such as jackhammers and vehicles. 紐約市的規定是全美範圍最廣泛的噪音法規之一，為許多噪音製造者設定了可容許的標準，例如電鑽和車輛。 Next Article New smoking ban starts at Miami Beach parks and beaches新禁煙令從邁阿密海灘市的公園與海灘開始實施 Starting New Year’s Day, you can still wear bikinis on the beaches of Miami Beach, but forget about showing any butts — cigarette butts, that is. 元旦開始，你還是可以在邁阿密海灘市的海灘穿比基尼，但別想秀屁股——是說煙屁股。 A smoking ban is being implemented Sunday after the stroke of midnight at all Miami Beach municipal parks and public beaches. Under the new measure, a person can be fined $100 and spend up to 60 days in jail for a first-time violation. 週日午夜鐘聲響後，所有邁阿密海灘市市立公園和公共海灘實施起禁煙令。根據新措施，民眾首次違規即可罰100美元並坐牢最多60天。 Miami Beach City Commissioner Alex Fernandez said he sponsored the measure to keep the city’s beaches pristine and protect sea turtles, seabirds and other wildlife. According to the Ocean Conservancy, cigarette butts are the most commonly recovered item during coastal cleanup efforts. 邁阿密海灘市市政委員亞歷克斯．費爾南德斯說，他支持這項措施以保該市海灘不受污染，並保護海龜、海鳥和其他野生生物。根據海洋保護協會，煙頭是沿海清理工作中最常被回收的物品。 “This paradise is an important economic engine,” Fernandez said in a statement. “Cigarette butts are not the butts our 18 million visitors want to see. This new law will help keep our paradise clean and beautiful.” 「這個天堂是個重要的經濟引擎」，費爾南德斯在一份聲明中說道。「煙蒂不是我們1800萬名遊客想看的屁股。這部新法將有助我們的天堂保持乾淨美麗。」Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1563904 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1562621

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.K516: About soccer - Neymar ’psychologically destroyed’ by World Cup exit Neymar said Saturday he was "psychologically destroyed" by Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup in a penalty shootout defeat to Croatia and admitted it hurt more than any other loss in his career. 內馬爾週六說，巴西在12碼戰中敗給克羅埃西亞，從世界盃中淘汰，令他「心理上被擊垮」，並且承認此事對他的傷害，超過他生涯中其他任何一場敗仗。 Neymar scored a superb individual effort to equal Pele’s record goalscoring haul of 77 goals for the Selecao in Friday’s match that finished 1-1 after extra time. 週五的比賽經過延長賽後，以1比1平手，內馬爾在這場比賽中締造個人絕佳成績，追平比利為巴西國家足球隊踢進77球的紀錄。 But he never got to take a spot kick in the shootout that Croatia won 4-2 to move into the semi-finals. 但是他在12碼大戰中還沒上陣，克羅埃西亞就以4比2獲勝進入準決賽。 "I am psychologically destroyed," Neymar said in an Instagram message. 「我心理上被擊垮」，內馬爾在Instagram上發文說。 Next Article Germany crash out of World Cup despite 4-2 defeat of Costa Rica （儘管以4比2擊敗哥斯大黎加，德國仍在世界盃中被淘汰） Germany crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage for the second time in succession despite a 4-2 win against Costa Rica on Thursday. 德國儘管在週四以4比2贏得對哥斯大黎加之戰，但仍連續第2屆在世界盃小組賽階段就被淘汰出局。 The four-time World Cup winners came into the match needing a win but were also relying on the result of Japan’s game with Spain to progress. 這支4屆世界盃冠軍贏家帶著需要一場勝利展開這場比賽，但要晉級也得看日本與西班牙之戰的結果。 But the Germans were eliminated due to goal difference as Japan followed up their defeat of Germany with another shock result by beating Spain 2-1. 不過，在日本繼擊敗德國隊，再次爆冷以2比1擊敗西班牙之後，由於進球數差異，德國遭到淘汰。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1563324 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1562052

歡迎留言或投稿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/4769725 Netizens in Taiwan are outraged by the 2 make-up days in February. Taiwan happens to be the only country that has make-up days in exchange for days taken off to allow for long weekends. What is the rationale behind this sytem? Why don't you comment down below whether you like make-up days or not！歡迎投稿有趣的主題給醬老師與Angel老師 Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. Make-up day n. 彈性補班/補課 February 18th is a make-up day for a day off on the 27th. 二月十八要補二十七日的放假。 2. Dilemma n. 窘境/進退兩難 No work no pay puts freelancers in a dilemma on a weekend make-up day. 沒工作就沒有錢讓自由工作者在週末補班進退兩難。 3. Standby n. 待命 LINE groups today puts all employees on standby. 現在LINE群組讓所有員工都處於待命狀態。 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.K515: Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ Review: Her Lonely Heart Calls No one could sing like Whitney Houston, and Kasi Lemmons, the director of the biopic “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” only rarely asks her lead, Naomi Ackie, to try. This is a jukebox retelling of Houston’s parabola from sweatshirts to sequins, from church choir girl to tabloid fixture, from her teenage romance with Robyn Crawford, the woman who would continue on as her creative director, to her volatile marriage to Bobby Brown, who slithers into the movie licking his lips like he’s hungry to eat her alive. 沒有人能像惠妮休斯頓那樣唱歌，而惠妮休斯頓傳記電影「與你共舞」導演卡茜萊蒙斯，也沒有要求她的女主角娜歐蜜艾基如此做。這部片改編自惠妮一生的高低起伏與光碟點唱機般的金曲匯集，涵蓋她從運動衫穿到亮片禮服，從教會唱詩班女孩到八卦報刊熟面孔，從她青少女時期與羅蘋克勞福的一段情，這位女性後來成為她的創意總監，還有她和巴比布朗不穩定的婚姻，他潛伏在片中舔著嘴唇的樣子，彷彿恨不得生吞她。 Those beats are here. But it’s the melodies that matter, those moments when Ackie opens her mouth to channel Houston’s previously recorded songs. We’ve heard Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” countless times, and Lemmons bets, correctly, that the beloved hit will still seize us by the heart during the rather forthright montage she pairs with it, images of Houston marrying Brown, birthing her daughter Bobbi Kristina and honoring Nelson Mandela underneath a sky filled with fireworks. 這些情節盡在其中，然而當艾基開口和惠妮生前錄製歌曲對嘴的那些片段出現，音樂才是本片的重點。我們聽過惠妮演繹「我會永遠愛你」無數次，而萊蒙斯確信，這首備受喜愛的金曲，在她拼貼相對而言平鋪直敘的畫面播放之際，仍然能牢牢抓住我們的心，這些畫面包括惠妮和巴比布朗結婚，她生下女兒芭比．克莉斯汀娜，以及在煙火絢爛的天空下為曼德拉獻唱。 Ackie doesn’t much resemble the superstar, although her carriage is correct: eyes closed, head flung back, arms pushing away the air as if to make room for that mezzo-soprano. That the film sticks to Houston’s surfaces is half excusable. Screenwriter Anthony McCarten seems to find that the woman underneath the pop star shell was still struggling to define herself at the time of her death at the age of 48. At Houston’s final “Oprah” performance, re-created here, she belts an earnest ballad called, “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” 艾基和這位超級巨星並沒有那麼神似，但是她表演的神態是正確的：閉著雙眼，頭微微後仰，雙手向空中伸展，彷彿要為這位次女高音歌手開展空間。這部片執著於惠妮的表面，至少有一部分算是情有可原。編劇安東尼．麥卡坦似乎發現到這位在流行樂巨星外皮底下的女性真貌，直到48歲去世之前，她一直掙扎於定義自我。片中重現惠妮最後一次在「歐普拉溫芙蕾秀」的演出，她發自肺腑的高唱歌曲「我不知道我的力量（或譯「心的力量」）」。 Houston didn’t write her own material; she just sang like she did, courtesy of Cissy’s fastidious coaching. “God gives you a gift, you got to use it right,” Cissy lectures. Yet, Houston as seen here can only say yes or no to other people’s ideas of what she should sing, wear and do. Increasingly, she chooses opposition. Her successes are shared — but her mistakes are all hers. 惠妮自己沒有寫歌，她只是在母親西西嚴格的近身訓練下，照她所會的方式唱歌。「上帝給了妳這項天賦，妳必須好好使用。」西西如此訓誡。然而，關於她應該唱什麼歌，穿什麼衣服和做什麼事的旁人意見，片中的惠妮只能說好或不。漸漸地，她選擇唱反調。她的成功被大家瓜分，但失敗全歸咎於她一人。 Houston’s defiance is the movie’s attempt to answer the great mystery of her career: why she deliberately damaged her voice through smoking and hard drugs. “It’s like leaving a Stradivarius in the rain!” the legendary then-head of Arista Records Clive Davis yelps. 惠妮的叛逆，正是這部電影所嘗試解答、她的事業最大謎團：她為何故意用抽菸和毒品來傷害自己的嗓子？「這就像是把史特拉底瓦里琴放在雨中！」時任芒穗唱片老闆的樂壇傳奇人物克萊夫戴維斯大叫。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6892768

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.K514: Macron Tries to Get France to Work The sign on the window of Red Rhino, a popular barbecue restaurant in central Paris, has been up for a month: “Closed until further notice due to lack of personnel.” Bus and train service has been cut back in the tourist city of Lyon amid a dearth of drivers. In the Loire Valley, tons of vegetables went unharvested in the summer as thousands of picking jobs were left unfilled. 法國巴黎市中心一家人氣燒烤店「紅犀牛」櫥窗招牌已立了一個月：「人手不足，暫停營業至另行通知」。因司機不足，東南部觀光城市里昂的客運和鐵路已減班。在西部羅亞爾河谷，由於數千個採菜工作懸缺，去年夏季有成噸蔬菜無人採收。 Economic activity has fitfully revved up again in France and across Europe since the end of COVID-19 lockdowns, only to be knocked back by the effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Even so, employers in numerous industries remain desperate to hire, with a range of businesses still not finding the workers needed to operate at capacity. 新冠疫情防疫封鎖結束以來，法國乃至全歐洲的經濟活動已陸續再次活絡，孰料又遭俄烏戰爭效應擊退。儘管如此，諸多產業的雇主依然需人孔急，一些企業仍未覓得產能全開所需的勞工。 All of which has prompted France, Europe’s second-largest economy, to seek a variety of solutions — all of them politically combustible. 這些狀況已促使歐洲第二大經濟體法國尋求各種解決之道，而這些解方都會引爆政治爭議。 President Emmanuel Macron’s government is proposing a fast-track legalization for migrants in the country illegally who want to work in sectors facing staff shortages. 總統馬克宏領導的政府提議，非法居留法國的移民若願意在面臨缺工行業上班，就可快速合法化。 For added measure, the government is moving to tighten France’s famously generous unemployment system, with its lengthy benefits, in a bid to cycle jobless people more quickly back into the workforce. 馬克宏政府還採額外措施，收緊以長期給付而慷慨聞名的法國失業制度，設法加快失業者重回職場的周期。 The plans have met with resistance from different ends of the political spectrum. Lawmakers from France’s rising far right say a growing influx of migrants must be brought under tighter control and that French nationals should be given priority for jobs. The country’s powerful labor unions are warning that measures to cut jobless benefits risk pushing the unemployed toward poverty. 相關改革計畫已招致法國政治光譜兩端的反對。法國崛起的極右派國會議員指稱，愈來愈多移民湧入，必須更嚴格控制，法國國民應享有優先工作權。法國強勢的工會正警告，削減失業給付恐將失業者推向貧困。 For thousands of businesses that form the backbone of the economy, the double-barreled approach has become necessary to help fix to what appears to be a permanent shift in workplace dynamics since the pandemic, as European workers in droves switch jobs or decide not to return to strenuous work that demands early or late hours on relatively low pay. Over half a million people in France resigned in the first three months of the year, the highest level in 15 years, France’s statistics agency reported. 對形成法國經濟骨幹的數以千計企業而言，前述雙管齊下方法已不可或缺，才能有助化解新冠疫情以來職場動態似乎出現的永久性轉變，也就是歐洲大批勞工換工作，或決定不回到相對低薪還要求一早或很晚上班的勞累工作。法國統計局通報，2022年第一季全法有50多萬人辭職，創15年來新高。 “Our society after the pandemic has a different outlook,” said Thierry Marx, a Michelin-starred French chef who is the president of UMIH, France’s influential trade association of restaurants and hotels. “People are saying, I don’t want to have a sacrificial relationship to work.” 法國頗具影響力的餐廳與旅館同業公會「旅館餐飲職業產業聯盟」主席、法籍「米其林」星級主廚馬克斯說，「疫情之後我們社會出現一個不同的觀點，如今人們會說，我不想為工作犧牲奉獻」。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6909797

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Topic: Collins Dictionary picks ‘NFT’ as word of the year C ollins Dictionary has chosen the term NFT as its word of the year after surging interest in the digital tokens that can sell for millions of dollars brought it into the mainstream. 《柯林斯詞典》於近日選出「NFT」為年度詞彙！該數位貨幣交易動輒高達數百萬美元，各界對它的興趣大增，並成功打入主流市場。 NFT is short for non-fungible token. Collins defines it as “a unique digital certificate, registered in a blockchain, that is used to record ownership of an asset such as an artwork or a collectible.” NFT是「非同質代幣」的縮寫，《柯林斯詞典》將NFT定義為「一種基於區塊鏈的獨特數位認證，用於記錄藝術品或收藏品等資產的所有權。」 Most people didn’t know what an NFT was until this year, when sales boomed, sparked in large part by artist Beeple’s March auction of a digital collage NFT for nearly US$70 million (approximately NT$2 billion). Experts at Collins said they chose NFT because of its “meteoric rise in usage,” up 11,000 percent this year. 人們原本對NFT很陌生，但自從數位藝術家畢波今年三月以近七千萬美元（近二十億台幣）的天價，售出一件數位拼貼作品後，NFT熱潮隨即興起，人們紛紛將目光投向NFT市場。柯林斯的專家表示，NFT一詞的使用量「迅速竄升」，今年已增長一百一十倍。 “NFTs seem to be everywhere, from the arts sections to the financial pages and in galleries and auction houses and across social media platforms,” said Alex Beecroft, managing director of Collins Learning. But whether NFT will have a lasting influence is yet to be determined, he added. 「柯林斯學習」的總經理比克羅夫特表示︰「NFT似乎無所不在，從藝術領域到金融版面，並且在畫廊、拍賣會還有社交平台都有它的蹤影。」他補充︰「但NFT是否會產生持久的影響，仍有待觀察。」Source article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2021/12/06/2003769067 Next Article Topic: Art Museums Are Struggling to Weed Out the Vandals From the Visitors For Hans-Peter Wipplinger, the director of Vienna’s Leopold Museum, the past few weeks have been challenging. As climate protesters across Europe stepped up their attacks against art, Wipplinger took measures to protect his storied collection, which includes famous paintings by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. Bags were banned; coats, too. The museum hired extra guards to patrol its five floors. 對維也納立奧波德博物館館長維普林格來說，過去幾周充滿挑戰。隨著歐洲各地氣候抗議者加大對藝術品的攻擊力道，維普林格採取措施保護他的著名收藏，包括克林姆和席勒的名畫。禁止包包，外套也是。博物館雇用額外警衛巡視五個樓層。 It didn’t work. Last week, members of a group called Last Generation walked into the museum and threw black liquid at one of Klimt’s major works, “Death and Life.” A protester had sneaked the liquid into the museum in a hot water bottle strapped to his chest, Wipplinger said. 但沒有成功，上周一個名為「最後一代」團體的成員走進博物館，向克林姆主要作品之一《死亡與生命》潑灑黑色液體。維普林格說，一名抗議者將這種液體裝在一個熱水瓶內偷偷帶進博物館。 The Klimt, protected by glass, was unharmed. But Wipplinger said his security team could only have stopped the attack by subjecting visitors to invasive body searches, “like at the airport.” He didn’t want to even consider that prospect, he added. 受玻璃保護的克林姆作品雖毫髮無損，但維普林格說，他的保安團隊恐怕只能對訪客進行侵入式搜身 來阻止攻擊，「就像在機場一樣」。他還表示，他甚至不想考慮這一可能性。 With the attacks showing no sign of abating, museum directors across Europe are settling into a nervous new equilibrium, fearful for the works in their care but unwilling to compromise on making visitors feel welcome. So far, nothing has been permanently damaged. But many fear that an accident or an escalation in the protesters’ tactics could result in a masterpiece being destroyed. 由於攻擊沒有減弱跡象，歐洲各地博物館館長正陷入一種緊張的新平衡狀態，擔心自己照顧的作品受到損害，但又不願在讓訪客感覺賓至如歸的問題上妥協。到目前為止，還沒有任何永久性的損壞，但許多人擔心，若發生意外或抗議者升級策略，恐導致名作被毀。 The actions, which began in Britain in June, are already increasing in frequency and daring. At first, protesters glued themselves to the frames of famous paintings, but since footage of activists splattering Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” with tomato soup spread rapidly on social media in October, masterpieces have been doused in pea soup, mashed potatoes and flour. 這些行動於6月在英國開始，如今已日益頻繁，愈來愈大膽。最初，抗議者將自己黏在名畫畫框上，但自從10月活動人士向梵谷《向日葵》潑灑番茄湯影片在社群媒體上迅速傳播以來，名作陸續被潑上豌豆湯、馬鈴薯泥以及麵粉。 Those works were all protected by glass, and the protesters’ projectiles never touched an artist’s brushstroke. Yet, last month, protesters in Paris poured orange paint directly onto a silver Charles Ray sculpture outside the Bourse de Commerce contemporary art space. (A Bourse de Commerce spokesperson said the sculpture was cleaned within a few hours.) 這些作品都有玻璃保護，抗議者的投擲物從未接觸到藝術家的畫作。然而，巴黎的抗議者上月將橘色油漆直接倒在商業交易所當代藝術空間外查爾斯．雷的銀色雕像上。（法國商業交易所一名發言人說，這座雕像在數小時內就被清理乾淨了。） In a statement last month signed by the leaders of more than 90 of the world’s largest art institutions, museum administrators said they were “deeply shaken” by the protesters’ “risky endangerment” of artworks. 在全球90多間最大藝術機構負責人上月簽署的一份聲明中，這些博物館管理人員表示，抗議者對藝術品的「危險危害」，令他們「深感震驚」。 Yet, few museums appear to have taken bold steps to protect their collections. Norway’s National Museum and the Barberini Museum in Potsdam, Germany, have banned visitors from taking bags or jackets into their exhibition halls. Others have made no changes. 然而，似乎很少博物館採取大膽措施保護館藏。挪威國家博物館及德國波茨坦巴貝里尼博物館禁止遊客攜包包或夾克進入展覽廳，其他博物館則未做出任何改變。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6828062 Next Article Topic: Piet Mondrian artwork displayed upside d

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 主題：職場系列 - 開工如何歡迎同事歸來Welcome your colleagues back to work Source: https://simplynoted.com/blogs/news/welcome-back-to-work-messages Make it specific. 要具體 Acknowledge what they were doing and why they were away. This shows that you're aware of what's going on in their life and are interested enough to pay attention. This small detail can make a difference in how much your warm welcome back will resonate with them. Share a story about something that happened while they were gone. 分享能夠讓同事快速跟大家接軌的事 This can help your reunited coworker feel more connected with what they missed and give them helpful context as they ease back into their responsibilities. Ask how their break was and then use that knowledge to write a personalized message. 客製化你的歡迎 This is a simple conversation where you get some extra details to add into your message. You might find out where they went on vacation and then use that to add personal flair. Keep it positive! 正向This isn't a "dear sir or madam" message. This is a coworker and a friend! No need to be all business. Share good wishes to help ease your recipients well-being as they do the tough work of easing back into the swing of things. Examples:"We missed you, and we're so glad you're back!" "It's great to have you back in the office!" "We hope you had a great time, and we're happy to have you back."  Return from holidays"We can't wait to hear all about your vacation, welcome back!" "We're excited to have you back and can't wait to see all the amazing photos from your trip." "Welcome home! We missed you and can't wait to hear all about your adventures." Return from maternity leave"You are an amazing mom and we are excited to have you back at work." "Congratulations on your new arrival! We are so excited to have you back at work. Welcome back!" "Welcome home to your work family! We missed you and are so happy you're finally back."Return from sick leave"We're so glad you're feeling better and are able to be back with us again." "Welcome back to work! You were sorely missed but we're glad you're finally back and on the mend." "We hope you're feeling better and can't wait to have you back at work." 

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.K513: About Argentina - Argentine artist paints on inflation-hit banknotes Argentina’s cash has lost so much value in recent years that local artist Sergio Guillermo Diaz finds painting on even the most valuable banknotes has become affordable. 阿根廷鈔票的價值近年大幅衰減，以至於當地藝術家塞希歐‧古勒莫‧迪亞茲發現，就算在最有價值的紙幣上作畫，他也能夠負擔。 With annual inflation that likely neared 100% last year, the largest denomination of Argentine currency, the 1,000-peso bill, is worth around $5.60 officially or just $3 on parallel markets commonly used to skirt capital controls. 由於去年通膨年增率逼近100％，阿根廷最大面額貨幣1000披索，在正規市場僅值約5.6美元，在通常用以規避資本管制的平行市場上則僅值3美元。 "Nowadays it makes sense for me to paint on the largest denominated bill here in Argentina. Once I paint on it, I can sell it for much more than what the bill is worth," said Diaz. 迪亞茲說：「現在在阿根廷，我在最大面額的紙幣上作畫並不奇怪，反而畫在上面可以用比紙幣本身高很多的價格賣出去。」 On the banknotes he has painted pictures ranging from soccer star Lionel Messi lifting the World Cup to satirical images about the peso’s sharp depreciation in recent years. 他在紙幣上作畫的主題很多，從足球明星萊昂內爾‧梅西舉起世界盃獎盃，到對阿根廷披索近年狂貶值的諷刺圖案都有。 Next Article Argentina lakes turn pink but the outlook not rosy, environmentalists say 阿根廷湖泊變粉紅色，但環保人士說不妙 Two lakes in a far-flung coastal region of Patagonia, in Argentina, have turned fluorescent pink, as of yet unexplained phenomena that local environmentalists fear could be harmful and caused by industrial contamination. 2座位於阿根廷帕塔哥尼亞一處偏遠海岸地區的湖泊，變成螢光粉紅色，由於出現此現象的原因尚不明，當地環保人士擔心是工業污染所致，可能有害環境。 Local activist Pablo Lada told Reuters in an interview that the pink color could potentially be the result of a dye typically used to give prawns raised nearby their typically rose-colored hue. 當地環保運動者帕布羅．拉達受訪時向「路透」說，這個粉紅色可能是附近養殖明蝦常用來讓蝦子呈現粉紅色調的染料所致。 "I think that the pink lagoon uncovered a ...lack of treatment of this waste that has become a big problem," Lada said. 「我想，這個粉紅色湖揭露了…這種未經處理廢水已成為一大問題」，拉達說。 Local and regional environmental officials are investigating the cause and potential damage to the lakes but have yet to arrive at any conclusions. 當地和地區環境官員正在調查原因，以及對湖泊的潛在破壞，但尚未有結論。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1563482 ; https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/paper/1470155

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.K512: About Nature - Butterfly ‘tails’ might be part of an escape tactic Tail-like extensions on some butterfly wings may be more than just stylish. 有些蝴蝶翅膀末端像尾巴的延長部分可能不只是時髦。 These break-away parts may help them survive attacks by hungry predators, new data suggest. 新的資料指出，這些斷裂部分可以幫助牠們在遭到飢餓掠食者攻擊時存活下來。 Birds are known to attack eyespots or head-shaped patterns on butterfly wings. 目前已知鳥類會攻擊蝴蝶翅膀上的眼狀斑點或是頭形圖樣。 Because the tails tear off easily, attacked butterflies often can escape and fly away. 因為翅膀尾端容易脫落，被攻擊的蝴蝶通常能夠逃跑飛走。 Those tails distract birds away from the prey’s most vulnerable body parts. 那些尾巴可以分散鳥類對獵物最脆弱身體部位的注意力。 These eye-catching “tails” may have evolved as a decoy to keep hungry birds from grabbing a butterfly’s head or abdomen, scientists say. 科學家表示，這些吸引目光的尾巴可能已經逐步演化成誘餌，防止飢餓的鳥類抓住蝴蝶的頭部或腹部。 The tails of some moths can interfere with the echolocation tactics of hungry bats. 部分飛蛾的尾巴可以干擾飢餓蝙蝠的回聲定位戰術。 Next Article Escaped king cobra crawls back to Swedish Terrarium 逃脫的眼鏡王蛇爬回瑞典飼養箱 A venomous 2.2-meter (7 foot) king cobra that escaped from its home in a Swedish zoo has returned back home by itself, bringing a happy ending to over a week-long disappearance saga. 一條2.2公尺（7英尺）長、從瑞典動物園逃離的有毒眼鏡王蛇，已自行返家，為長達一週的失踪傳奇劃下圓滿句號。 “Houdini, as we named him, has crawled back into his terrarium,” CEO Jonas Wahlstrom of the Skansen Aquarium told the Swedish public broadcaster SVT on Sunday. 週日，斯坎森水族館的執行長喬納斯‧瓦爾斯壯告訴瑞典公共電視台（SVT）：「我們口中的『胡迪尼』（知名逃脫大師）已經爬回牠的飼養箱。」 The deadly snake, whose official name is Sir Vass, escaped on Oct. 22 via a light fixture in the ceiling of its glass enclosure at the aquarium. 這條致命的蛇正式名稱為「瓦斯爵士」，於10月22日經由水族館玻璃外殼天花板上的燈具逃脫。 As a result of an intensive search with X-ray machines, “Houdini” was located earlier this week in a confined space near the terrarium in the insulation between two walls. 園方利用X光機進行密集搜索，本週稍早找出「胡迪尼」的位置，牠身處靠近飼養箱、位於兩堵牆之間絕緣層中的一處密閉空間。 Holes were drilled into the walls where the snake was hiding but the cobra disappeared from the view of the X-ray cameras in the early Sunday. It turned out the snake had given up its freedom ride and crawled back to its terrarium. 蛇藏身的牆壁上被鑽了幾個洞，但這條眼鏡蛇週日稍早從X光攝影機的視野中消失了。原來這條蛇放棄自由行，爬回牠的飼養箱。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1561560 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1551362

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Summary: 討論文章: https://www.businessinsider.com/is-quiet-quitting-new-genz-tiktok-millennial-boomer-2022-8 This week John and Jemmy look at the new buzzwords in the office. Quiet quitting is not just a buzzword, but a phenomenon that's plaguing the workspace. Now that we are back in the office, the office morale and atmosphere has changed. 喜歡我們討論人資、職涯、外商工作相關主題，請留言支持我們雙J論！ Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. Quiet quitting v. 安靜離職 It is common for staff to quiet quit when they have become familiar with the job. 員工在熟悉工作後安靜離職是很常見的。 2. Slack off ph. 鬆懈/偷懶 It is easy to see who is slacking off when it comes to manual labor jobs. 很容易看出在勞力活裡誰再偷懶。 3. Buzzword n. 流行語/時髦用語 Quiet quitting is a top buzzword in 2022. 安靜離職再在2022年裡是熱門流行語。 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.K511: Early Disney Creation Will Soon Be Public Property For the first time, one of The Walt Disney Co.’s marquee characters — Mickey himself — is set to enter the public domain. “Steamboat Willie,” the 1928 short film that introduced Mickey to the world, will lose copyright protection in the United States and a few other countries at the end of this year, prompting fans, copyright experts and potential Mickey grabbers to wonder: How is the notoriously litigious Disney going to respond? 迪士尼公司招牌卡通人物之一米老鼠米奇，將首度納入「公眾領域」。1928年上映、將米奇介紹給世人的短篇電影「汽船威利號」，將於今年底在美國和其他一些國家失去版權保護，這使粉絲們、著作權專家與有意掠奪米奇的人納悶，出名愛打官司的迪士尼如何反應？ The matter is more complicated than it appears, and those who try to capitalize on the expiring “Steamboat Willie” copyright could easily end up in a legal mousetrap. 此事遠比表面複雜。那些試圖藉由汽船威利號版權到期牟利者，恐輕易落入一個法律的捕鼠器。 Only one copyright is expiring. It covers the original version of Mickey Mouse as seen in “Steamboat Willie,” an eight-minute short with little plot. This nonspeaking Mickey has a ratlike nose, rudimentary eyes (no pupils) and a long tail. 僅一個版權將到期，涉及片長不到8分鐘、幾乎沒有劇情的汽船威利號中原始版米老鼠。片中未開金口的米奇有個像老鼠的鼻子、發育不全的雙眼（沒有瞳孔）及一條長尾巴。 Later versions of the character remain protected by copyrights, including the sweeter, rounder Mickey with red shorts and white gloves most familiar to audiences today. They will enter the public domain at different points over the coming decades. 米奇這個人物此後的版本依然受版權保護，包括現在最為觀眾熟知，穿紅色短褲、戴一雙白色手套、更討人喜歡與更圓潤的米奇。在今後幾十年間，這些版本會在不同時候納入公眾領域。 “Disney has regularly modernized the character, not necessarily as a program of copyright management, at least initially, but to keep up with the times,” said Jane C. Ginsburg, an authority on intellectual property law who teaches at Columbia University. 在美國哥倫比亞大學執教的智慧財產權法權威金斯柏格表示，「迪士尼已定期優化米奇這個角色，未必是出於它的著作權管理方案，至少一開始是如此，而是旨在與時俱進」。 The expiration of the “Steamboat Willie” copyright means that the black-and-white short can be shown without Disney’s permission and even resold by third parties. (There may not be much sales value left, however. Disney posted it for free on YouTube years ago.) It also means that anyone can make use of the film and the original Mickey to further expression — to create new stories and artwork. 汽船威利號版權到期，意味這部黑白短片可在不經迪士尼同意下播映，甚至由第三方轉售。（然而，可能沒剩多少銷售價值，迪士尼幾年前就免費貼在影音分享平台YouTube上。）這也代表，任何人都能運用這部影片及原始版米奇去延伸表達，創作新的故事和作品。 Of course, it does get tricky: Disney also holds trademarks on its characters, including the “Steamboat Willie” version of Mickey Mouse, and trademarks never expire as long as companies keep submitting the proper paperwork. A copyright covers a specific creation (unauthorized copying), but trademarks are designed to protect against consumer confusion — to provide consumers assurance about the source and quality of a creation. 當然，此事的確變得微妙：迪士尼亦握有旗下各人物的商標，包含汽船威利號版的米老鼠。只要該公司持續提交適當文件，這些商標就永遠不會到期。一個版權涉及一個獨特的創作（未經授權的複製），但商標旨在保護消費者避免混淆誤認，提供消費者有關一項創作的來源與品質保證。 Boiled down, any public domain use of the original Mickey cannot be perceived as coming from Disney, Ginsburg explained. This protection is strong, she added, because the character, even in his early form, has such close association with the company. 金斯柏格解釋，簡言之，任何對公眾領域內原始版米奇的使用，不能被視為來自迪士尼。她補充說，由於米奇這個人物，甚至在他早期，都跟該公司有著如此密切的結合，因此對米奇的智財權提供強力保護。 Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6909811

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.K510: Streaming’s Golden Age Is Suddenly Dimming American television viewers have become accustomed to it: Dozens of premieres every month, hundreds of shows every year, a guarantee from Hollywood that there’s always going to be something new to watch. 美國電視觀眾對此已習以為常：每個月有數十部新片上架，每年有好幾百部片可看，好萊塢保證永遠有源源不絕的新影片可看。 But a new reality has become increasingly clear over the past few months in Hollywood: Peak TV has peaked. 但是過去幾個月來，一個新現實在好萊塢日趨明顯：電視黃金期已過巔峰。 The number of adult scripted series ordered by TV networks and streaming companies aimed for U.S. audiences fell by 24% in the second half of last year, compared with the same period of the year before last, according to Ampere Analysis, a research firm. Compared with 2019, it is a 40% drop. 根據研究公司安彼爾的分析，電視公司和串流公司所訂購、以美國觀眾為目標的成人導向影集數量，與前年同期相比，去年下半年下跌了24%。與2019年相比，則跌了40%。 For years, television executives tossed off billions of dollars on TV series to help build out their streaming services and chase subscribers. 多年來，電視台主管豪擲數十億美元於電視影集，欲建立自家串流服務並吸引訂戶。 But Wall Street soured on the buy-at-any-cost strategy starting in the spring, when Netflix, the streaming powerhouse, announced that it had lost subscribers for the first time in a decade. Netflix’s stock nose-dived, and other entertainment companies soon watched their share prices fall, too. Hollywood companies quickly shifted, putting a new emphasis on higher profits instead of raw subscriber counts. 但是，當串流巨擘網飛今年春季宣布，出現10年來首次訂戶數下滑時，華爾街嘲諷了這種「不惜代價買片」的策略。網飛股價一瀉千里，其他娛樂公司也很快看到自家股價跟著下跌。好萊塢迅速見風轉舵，轉而重視更高收益而非新訂戶數。 Then, in recent months, entertainment companies became increasingly anxious about a slowing economy, the cord-cutting movement and a troublesome advertising market. Since the summer, scores of executives have abruptly been dismissed, strict cost-cutting measures have been adopted, and layoffs have taken hold throughout the industry. 接著，近幾個月來，娛樂公司對於放緩的經濟、退訂風潮和混亂的廣告市場益發感到焦慮。自今年夏季以來，數十名主管突遭解雇，嚴格的降低成本方針已經實施，而且裁員席捲整個產業。 For the year, the deepest declines in the number of orders for scripted adult series in the United States were at Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery (which includes HBO and the Turner networks) and Paramount (which includes CBS, Paramount+ and Showtime). The series orders for U.S. audiences have fallen 22% to 27% at those three companies, according to Ampere. In the second half of the year, the drop-off in orders from the three companies was even steeper. 今年美國的成人導向影集訂購數量減少最多的公司是網飛、華納兄弟探索（擁有HBO和透納系列頻道）以及派拉蒙（擁有哥倫比亞廣播公司、派拉蒙+和Showtime電視網）。根據安彼爾，這三家公司針對美國觀眾的影集購買數量占比下跌了22%至27%。今年下半年，三家公司的購買量更是銳減。 There are a few outliers to this year’s trend: Apple TV+ and Amazon have increased the number of adult scripted series they have purchased this year. So has Disney, according to Ampere’s research. 根據安彼爾的研究，有幾家公司不受今年趨勢影響：Apple TV+和亞馬遜今年購買的成人導向影集數量增加了，迪士尼亦然。 In addition to TBS and TNT, digital giants like Facebook and YouTube, which were investing in original series just a few years ago, have mostly moved on. The CW, which was recently acquired by Nexstar, is looking for lower-cost programming. And there are numerous basic cable networks that in recent years have pulled back from original scripted programming ambitions. 除了TBS和TNT頻道，臉書和YouTube等數位巨擘也從幾年前開始投資原創影集，而且仍在繼續。最近剛被次星傳媒集團收購的CW電視網，正在尋找低成本節目。此外，為數不少的基層有線電視台近年已收回企畫原創影集的野心。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6925559

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Topic: Coronavirus Is Battering Africa’s Growing Middle Class 新冠重創非洲新興中產階級 As the coronavirus surges in many countries in Africa, it is threatening to push as many as 58 million people in the region into extreme poverty, experts at the World Bank say. But beyond the devastating consequences for the continent’s most vulnerable people, the pandemic is also whittling away at one of Africa’s signature achievements: the growth of its middle class. 世界銀行專家指出，新冠肺炎疫情在非洲多國急遽加重，恐將使多達5800萬人陷入極端貧窮（赤貧）。而且疫情除了給非洲大陸最弱勢者帶來毀滅性後果之外，還逐步削弱非洲一項指標性成就，也就是中產階級的成長。 For the last decade, Africa’s middle class has been pivotal to the educational, political and economic development across the continent. New business owners and entrepreneurs have created jobs that, in turn, gave others a leg up as well. 過去這十年，非洲中產階級在非洲大陸全境教育、政治和經濟的發展上，扮演著關鍵性的角色。新的企業主和創業者創造出就業機會，也從而幫了別人一把。 Educated, tech-savvy families and young people with money to spare have fed the demand for consumer goods, called for democratic reforms, expanded the talent pool at all levels of society, and pushed for high-quality schools and health care. 受過教育、熟諳現代科技且有閒錢的家庭和年輕人支撐了消費品的市場，提出了對民主改革的要求，擴大了社會各層次的人才庫，並鼓吹高品質的學校和醫療照護服務。 About 170 million out of Africa’s 1.3 billion people are now classified as middle class. But about 8 million of them could be thrust into poverty because of the coronavirus and its economic fallout, according to World Data Lab, a research organization. 非洲13億人口中，約有1.7億人現在被歸類為中產階級，不過，根據研究機構「世界資料實驗室」的說法，其中約800萬人可能因新冠肺炎疫情及其經濟衝擊而淪為窮人。 It’s a setback that may be felt for years to come. 這個挫敗可在未來幾年內感受到。 “The tragedy is that because Africa is not growing fast, this collapse of the middle class could take several years to recover,” said Homi Kharas, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and the co-founder of the World Data Lab. 華府智庫布魯金斯研究所高級研究員兼世界資料實驗室共同創辦人卡拉斯說：「不幸的是，非洲成長速度並不快，中產階級的潰縮可能得花上幾年才能恢復。」 Africa’s middle class tripled over the past 30 years, by some estimates, spurred by job opportunities in sectors like technology, tourism and manufacturing. 一些估計顯示，在科技、觀光和製造業等領域的就業機會帶動下，非洲中產階級人數過去30年間增為三倍。 But now that the region is facing its first recession in 25 years, millions of educated people living in urban centers could fall victim to the extreme income inequality that has defined Africa for decades. 不過，由於非洲遭逢25年來首次經濟衰退，數以百萬計住在都會區的受過教育者可能淪為極端收入不平等的受害者。極端收入不平等數十年來一直是非洲的特徵。 Kharas defined the middle class in Africa as households that spend anywhere between $11 and $110 per capita per day. 卡拉斯把非洲中產階級定義為，平均每人每天花費11美元到110美元（約台幣330元到3300元）的家庭。 The rising middle class has been “critical for the future prospects of African economies as they stimulate long-term growth, social progress, an inclusive and prosperous society and effective and accountable governance,” said Landry Signé, author of “Unlocking Africa’s Business Potential.” The coronavirus “will drastically delay wages and hold back the dreams of Africa’s middle class,” he said. 著有「解放非洲商業潛力」一書的賽恩說，中產階級崛起「對非洲的經濟前景至關重要，因為中產階級能促進長期成長、社會進步，造就具包容性且繁榮的社會，以及有效率且可問責的治理」。他說，新冠肺炎「將大幅延後薪水發放，並讓非洲中產階級難以圓夢」。 What distinguishes the middle class from the poor, said Razia Khan, chief economist for Africa and the Middle East at Standard Chartered bank, is the ability to earn a steady income. But because of the pandemic, many more people across Africa are at risk of being “knocked back into poverty” because of lack of jobs, unemployment benefits or any social safety net, she said. 渣打銀行非洲中東首席經濟學家拉奇雅．卡恩說，中產階級與窮人不同之處在於，他們有賺取穩定收入的能力。不過她說，由於疫情大流行，非洲各地有更多人可能因為缺乏就業機會、失業救濟金或任何社會安全網而被「打回貧窮」。 The pandemic is also posing a threat to nascent industries supported by governments in Africa in recent years to boost the number of middle-income earners. 疫情大流行還威脅到剛起步的一些產業。非洲各國政府近年來支持這些產業，冀以促進中所得人數的成長。 Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/4712407 Next Article Topic: South Africa is considering letting women have multiple husbands South Africa’s government is considering allowing women to have multiple husbands, a possibility that has thrown the country’s conservatives into uproar. 南非政府正在考慮允許女性擁有多名丈夫，這種可能性使該國保守派一片譁然。 The proposal to allow polyandry was included in a green paper from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, which hopes to make marriage more inclusive. 這項允許一妻多夫的提議已經被納入南非內政部的綠皮書中，希望使婚姻更具包容性。 South Africa has one of the world’s most liberal constitutions, embracing same-sex marriages for all and polygamy for men. 南非有世界上最自由的憲法之一，接受所有性別的同性婚姻與男性的一夫多妻。 Businessman and TV personality Musa Mseleku - who has four wives - is among those opposed to polyandry. 有四名妻子的企業家兼電視名人穆薩．姆斯萊庫是反對一妻多夫制的其中一人。 ’’This will destroy African culture.’’ Mseleku said. ’’The woman cannot now take the role of the man. It’s unheard of.’’ 「這會摧毀非洲文化。」姆斯萊庫說。「女性不能扮演男性的角色。這是前所未聞的。」 The idea that polyandry is not African was also prevalent among religious leaders, the Department of Home Affairs found. 內政部發現，一妻多夫「不非洲」的想法也流傳於宗教領袖中。 Next Topic: 11 S.African miners rescued, none still 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 跟讀挑戰 – 故宮文物與台灣KTV前十歌 National Palace Museum artifacts and top 10 KTV songs 摘取文章：https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4706552; https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4701669 National Palace Museum After confirming that three items in its archive had been damaged, the National Palace Museum has released more details about the incidents, including photos of the broken porcelain pieces. 在確認其檔案中的三件物品被損壞後，故宮博物院發布了有關該事件的更多細節，包括破碎瓷片的照片。 In a press conference, Wu said on Feb. 3, 2021 and April 7, 2022, while staff members were organizing artifacts, they discovered upon opening packages that a Ming dynasty (1368-1644) “yellow teacup with two green dragons” and a Qing dynasty (1636–1911) "yellow teacup with dragon pattern” were damaged. Additionally, on May 19, 2022, due to staff mishandling, a Qing dynasty “blue-and-white floral plate” fell and broke. 吳在新聞發布會上說，2021年2月3日和2022年4月7日，工作人員在整理文物時，打開包裝發現一個明朝（1368-1644）“黃茶杯兩青龍”和一個 清代（1636-1911）“龍紋黃茶杯”受損。此外，2022年5月19日，由於工作人員處理不當，一件清代“青花盤”摔碎。 Wu said the broken pieces were classified as “ordinary artifacts” and not “important artifacts” or “national treasure,” which was why the incidents did not warrant public announcements. The museum had been waiting to confirm liabilities before reporting that the “blue-and-white floral plate” had been broken due to mishandling. 吳說，這些碎片被歸類為“普通文物”，而不是“重要文物”或“國寶”，這就是為什麼這些事件不值得公開的原因。 博物館一直在等待確認責任，然後才報告“青花盤”因處理不當而損壞。 Top 10 KTV Mandarin songs in Taiwan While checking the latest list of the top 10 most popular KTV Mandopop songs in Taiwan, a PTT user noticed that an old Jay Chou (周杰倫) song is No. 7 on the list. The song is "Step Aside" (擱淺), which was first released in 2004. The list is based on the 10 most requested songs at Party World KTV clubs in Taiwan for Oct. 25-31. The PTT member also observed that half of the songs are by artists from China. Chinese singer Xiao Ah Qi (小阿七) seized the No. 1 spot with her song "Once upon a time" (從前說)​​​​. In second place was "Red Scarf" (如果可以) by WeiBird (韋禮安), followed by Power Station's (動力火車) "Love me true" (我很好騙), Zhang Yuan's (張遠) "Jia Bin" (嘉賓), Ren Ran's (任然) "Fei Niao He Chan" (飛鳥和蟬) rounding out the top five. In sixth place was Crowd Lu's (盧廣仲) "Your Name Engraved Herein" (刻在我心底的名字), followed by the aforementioned "Step Aside" by Jay Chou, and Jing Long's (井朧) "Bu Shan" (不刪). In ninth place was the rap song "50 Yuan Betel nut" (50元的檳榔) by Taiwanese Indigenous rapper CZ Dogg (潮州土狗), who is of Atayal and Paiwan descent. Taking the 10th spot was A Rong (阿冗) with his song "Yu Wo Wu Guan" (與我無關). 分享時間               What is your go-to song at KTVs?What’s your favorite memory of the National Palace Museum?

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 Points to remember about initiating small talkIt’s not about gossip in the workplace 不是八卦Your response need not be exact or specific 無需太認真It’s about warming up to the other person 讓互動慢慢加溫Start from broad, generic topics down to narrow, specific topics 宏觀到微觀 大綱主題Topics: Topic : Work and location 工作或地點  So, is this your first time here?  I work in (city), and where are you based?  How often do you have to travel for work?  How long have you been working here/there?  What do you like most/least about your job? Topic : Transport for work 交通  Do you commute to work, or do you live nearby?  How long does it take you to get to work?  Do you think the public transport here is better than in (city)? Topic : Holidays 度假假期  Where do you like to go on holiday?  What is the one of the best places you've visited?  Do you prefer to fly or take the car? Topic : Free time, Hobbies, Sport 休閒活動  What do you usually do at the weekend?  Do you like to watch/play football? Topic : Education and training 教育相關  Where did you go to college/university?  What did you study at college/university?  Would you recommend that course to others?  Do you speak any other languages? Topic : Food and drinks 飲食相關  Have you tried/Do you like the food here?  Do you know any good restaurants around here?  What is your favorite type of food? 雙人對話時間Exchange dialogues: Work in pairs. Take turns to initiate small talk.

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 主題: 英語慣用語系列 – 朋友相關的慣用語 Friend / Friendship related Idioms 1. Cross someone’s path This phrase originally implied that such a meeting included opposing a person or otherwise causing him trouble, but in the modern sense it doesn’t necessarily mean this. Example: Ann swore she would scream if a spider crossed her path. 2. Friends in high places This phrase means that one has friends who have important or influential positions. Example: Jim is very rude to other workers just because he has some friends in high places. 3. Be an item This is said about people who are dating, who have a romantic relationship with each other. Example: Kate and Richard began seeing each other and were an item for almost two years. 4. Birds of a feather A well-known expression which refers to people that have something in common, for example, interests, hobbies, or views about life. Example: My friend prefers the same clothes as me. Well, birds of a feather flock together. 5. Like two peas in a pod Two people or things that are very similar to each other, or go very well together. Example: Growing up with a pet dog, we were like two peas in a pod! 6. To hit it off To find yourself immediately and naturally friendly with someone Example: I totally hit it off with Peter after meeting him for the first time. 練習時間: 請使用二到三個慣用語來分享自身小故事 Use two to three idioms to share a personal story about your friendship.

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 主題: 跟讀挑戰 – 雙十煙火與必勝客出怪餅 National Day fireworks and exotic pizza 摘取文章：https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/cate/10 ; https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4676673 National Day fireworks A three-minute pyrotechnic spectacle took place at the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum (NPM) at 7:30 p.m. against the backdrop of music by Wu Bai (伍佰), a rock singer-songwriter born in Chiayi. 晚上 7 點 30 分，在故宮博物院南館舉行了一場三分鐘的煙火表演。 在嘉義出生的搖滾歌手伍佰的音樂背景下。 It has been 18 years since Chiayi last hosted the National Day fireworks display. Also to be featured in the nighttime celebrations on Oct. 10 is a drone show, the first on such an occasion that will beam patterns from a giant Taiwan flag to antiques from the NPM collection. 嘉義上一次舉辦國慶煙花匯演已經18年了。 在 10 月 10 日的夜間慶祝活動中，還有一場無人機表演，這是第一次在這樣的場合展示巨大的台灣國旗到 NPM 收藏的古董的圖案。 Multiple drone spectacles have been held in the run-up to Double Ten Day as warm-up events. The key visual for this year’s National Day celebrations was unveiled earlier this month, a design underscoring “defense” amid heightened cross-strait tensions. 作為熱身活動，在雙十日前舉行了多場無人機盛會。 今年國慶慶典的主視覺圖於本月初揭曉，該設計強調了兩岸緊張局勢加劇的“防禦”。 Pizza Hut Halloween pizza Pizza Hut Taiwan, which has made its name after introducing a series of exotic and peculiar flavors in recent years, on Tuesday (Oct. 4) announced its new Halloween flavor for 2022: tangyuan garlic chicken. 台灣必勝客，因近年推出一系列異域奇特風味而名聲大噪，週二（10月4日）公佈了2022年萬聖節新口味：湯圓蒜香雞。 The pie features ten large tangyuans decorated to look like eyeballs on the pizza crust as well as a ‘spider web’ made of black-colored Caesar sauce on its surface. In a Facebook post, Pizza Hut Taiwan wrote, “Please beware, this party might be so scary that everyone’s eyes pop out.” 餡餅有十個大湯圓，在披薩皮上裝飾得像眼球，還有一個由黑色凱撒醬製成的“蜘蛛網”。 台灣必勝客在臉書上寫道：“請注意，這個派對可能會嚇到所有人的眼睛。” According to the company, the pizza’s ingredients include chicken slowly stewed with fresh clams, garlic from local farmers in Yunlin, as well as sesame tangyuan. From the salt used in the clam chicken soup to the garlic, to the glutenous rice used to make tangyuan, are all used to ward off evil in various cultures. Pizza Hut Taiwan wrote that zombies and ghouls would be willing to risk “ascending” for the taste. 據該公司介紹，披薩的原料包括用新鮮蛤蜊慢燉的雞肉、雲林當地農民的大蒜以及芝麻湯圓。 從蛤蜊雞湯的鹽到大蒜，再到製作湯圓的糯米，在各種文化中都被用來辟邪。 台灣必勝客寫道，殭屍和食屍鬼願意冒險“攀登”以換取口味。 隨堂考 QUIZZHow many years ago did Chiayi last host the National Day fireworks?What is used as eye-balls and spider webs on the pizza?Name a few of the pizza’s ingredients

歡迎留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： 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 主題: 英語慣用語系列 – 死亡相關慣用語 Death related Idioms 1. A brush with death  與死神擦肩而過 If someone has a brush with death, they survived a situation where they could have died. Example: Paulo had a brush with death when he drove his car off the road. 2. One foot in the grave 一隻腳在墳墓裡 A less formal way to say that someone’s close to death is to say that they have one foot in the grave. Example: I wasn’t really surprised to hear that our neighbour had passed away; he’d had one foot in the grave for years. 3. Six Feet Under 六尺以下 It is customary to bury a coffin six feet in the ground. So when we say someone is six feet under, it means he/she is dead and buried. Example: Even though Michael Jackson is six feet under, his recordings are still making money. 4. Kick the bucket 翹辮子 From the people standing on buckets to commit suicide – the moment of death. Example: Sam achieved his goal of climbing Mount Everest before he kicked the bucket. 5. On your last legs 奄奄一息 Someone or something that is on its/their last legs is close to dying or failing to work. Example: I thought Granddad was on his last legs but he seems determined to stick around for a while!” 6. Over My Dead Body 除非我死了 It shows resistance in doing/ allowing to do something - under no circumstances. Example: You’re only 17! You’ll go to that party over my dead body! 練習時間: 請使用二到三個慣用語來分享自身小故事 Use two to three idioms to share a personal story about death.

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 Idioms about being busy 很忙的慣用語 1. Busy as a beaver It shows that you are busy indeed. Example: I am busy as a beaver these days; I couldn’t take out time for lunch. 2. A lot on one’s plate / A lot going on It shows that you have lot of work to do. Example: Today, there are a lot of things in my plate as I am supposed to do an extra work of my colleague who is on leave. 3. Slammed It is used to convey that you are being overloaded with work. Example: Because of yesterday’s pending work, I am slammed with a lot of work today. 4. Swamped This is a slang term used for describing yourself as being overworked. Example: I can’t take more projects as I am already swamped with lot of work. Expressions for saying “No” 說不的短例句 Saying no outright直接說不"Unfortunately, I have/am_________. I can help you another time."" Sorry, I have/am _______. I hope you understand.""No, I have/am_ this week.""Sadly, I cannot help with that. I'm not qualified for that type of work."Saying no politely 有禮貌的說不"I'm flattered by your offer, but no thank you.""That sounds fun, but I have a lot going on at home.""Thank you for thinking of me, but I can’t.""I would love to join you, but I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with work right now." 雙人對話時間Exchange dialogues: Work in pairs. Take turns to offer something and decline the offer.

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Article from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/during.html Drop. Cover. Hold on.  趴下、掩護、穩住 In most situations, you can protect yourself if you immediately:DROP down onto your hands and knees before the earthquake knocks you down. This position protects you from falling but allows you to still move if necessary.COVER your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) underneath a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, get down near an interior wall or next to low-lying furniture that won’t fall on you, and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.HOLD ON to your shelter (or to your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around.If you are inside, stay inside. 在室內時，待在室內 DO NOT run outside or to other rooms during an earthquake. You are less likely to be injured if you stay where you are. DO NOT stand in a doorway. You are safer under a table. In modern houses, doorways are no stronger than any other part of the house. Doorways do not protect you from the most likely source of injury − falling or flying objects. If you are in a high-rise building, drop, cover, and hold on. 在高樓時，趴下、掩護、穩住Move away from windows and outside walls.Stay in the building.DO NOT use the elevators. The electricity may go out, and the sprinkler systems may come on.If you are outside, stay outside. 在戶外時，待在戶外Move away from buildings, utility wires, sinkholes, and fuel and gas lines. The greatest danger from falling debris is just outside doorways and close to outer walls of buildings.Go to an open area away from trees, telephone poles, and buildings. Once in the open, get down low and stay there until the shaking stops.If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly and safely as possible. 在行車時，立刻停下找安全地方Move your car to the shoulder or curb, away from utility poles, overhead wires, and under- or overpasses.Stay in the car and set the parking brake. A car may jiggle violently on its springs, but it is a good place to stay until the shaking stops.Turn on the radio for emergency broadcast information. 隨堂考 What should you do when an earthquake hits ? + Sure?When you are in your bedroom?When you are in the mall?When you are in your car?

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 喜歡這樣的內容嗎？加入15Mins通勤學英語直播室，每週一9pm等你一起來說英文 : https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k 主題: 跟讀挑戰 – 政府普發6000與台灣彩卷Taiwan NTD6000 tax surplus rebate and CNY lottery 摘取文章：https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2023/01/05/2003792015 ; https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/01/15/2003792637 Taiwanese to receive NT$6,000 each from tax surplus The government plans to give each Taiwanese a one-off cash payment of NT$6,000 (US$195.35) as a rebate from what has been described as surplus tax revenue, Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) said yesterday. 行政院院長蘇貞昌昨日表示，政府計劃向每位台灣人一次性發放 6,000 新台幣（195.35 美元）的現金，作為對所謂盈餘稅收的返還。 The government would keep NT$40 billion of the NT$180 billion in surplus tax revenue in reserve and share the rest with the public, Su told reporters in Chiayi County. 蘇在嘉義縣告訴記者，政府將把新台幣 1800 億元的盈餘稅收中的新台幣 400 億元留作儲備，其餘與人民分享。 With the aim of “sharing the nation’s economic achievements with all citizens, young and old,” each Taiwanese would be given NT$6,000, Su said. 蘇說，為了“與所有公民，無論老少，共享國家的經濟成就”，每個台灣人將獲得新台幣 6,000 元。 The Ministry of Finance estimated that last year’s tax revenue could exceed the amount budgeted by NT$450 billion after the central government collected more than NT$3 trillion in tax revenue in the first 11 months of last year. 財政部估計，在去年前11個月中央政府徵收超過新台幣3兆元的稅收後，去年的稅收收入可能會超過新台幣4,500億元的預算。 The government would also distribute NT$70 billion of the total to local governments, while leaving a reserve of NT$180 billion that would be “shared with the people,” the statement said. 聲明說，政府還將把總額中的 700 億新台幣分配給地方政府，同時留下 1800 億新台幣的儲備金“與人民共享”。 Taiwan Lottery to add NT$900 million in prizes To celebrate the upcoming Year of the Rabbit and boost sales, Taiwan Lottery Co is to add NT$900 million (US$29.6 million) in prize money to the jackpots of several lotteries. 為慶祝即將到來的兔年並促進銷售，台灣彩票公司將向幾張彩票的頭獎中增加 9 億新台幣（2960 萬美元）的獎金。 The amount available would be the highest in six years, with major lotteries such as the Lotto 6/49, the Super Lotto and BINGO BINGO boasting much larger jackpots, Huang said. 黃說，可用金額將是六年來最高的，主要彩票如 Lotto 6/49、Super Lotto 和 BINGO BINGO 擁有更大的累積獎金。 The additional prize money for Lotto 6/49, which is the most popular lottery run by Taiwan Lottery, would be distributed in two parts according to the standard practice, Huang said. 黃說，根據標準做法，台灣彩票最受歡迎的樂透 6/49 的額外獎金將分為兩部分分配。 The Lotto 6/49, which requires ticket buyers to pick the correct six numbers from a total of 49 numbers to win the top prize, is usually held every Tuesday and Friday. Lotto 6/49 要求購票者從總共 49 個號碼中選出正確的 6 個號碼才能贏得頭獎，通常每週二和周五舉行。 As for the Super Lotto, ticket holders must have six winning numbers drawn from 38 numbers in the first set, and one winning number out of eight numbers in a second set to win the top prize, he said. 他說，至於超級樂透，持票人必須在第一組的38個號碼中抽出6個中獎號碼，並在第二組的8個號碼中抽取一個中獎號碼，才能贏得頭獎。 If the accumulated lottery jackpot for the top prize falls below NT$300 million, Taiwan Lottery would add NT$200 million to the jackpot from Monday next week to March 16, Huang said. 黃說，如果最高獎金的累計彩票頭獎低於新台幣 3 億元，台灣彩票將從下週一至 3 月 16 日期間增加新台幣 2 億元的頭獎。 分享時間               How do you plan to use with your NTD6000 tax surplus rebate?Which type of lottery do you buy? Why?

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.K509: About animals - Shakin’ bacon? Belgian researchers study pigs’ response to music Scientists in Belgium are investigating a farmer’s claim that different styles of music affect the behavior of his pigs. 比利時科學家正在調查一名農夫所說，不同類型的音樂會影響其豬隻行為之事。 Piet Paesmans first noticed the phenomenon when his son started singing a tune in the barn during a sluggish insemination session his sows seemed excited and started wagging their tails. 皮耶特‧帕斯曼斯最先注意到這個現象，是在一次閒適的授精作業時，他的兒子在豬舍裡唱起一段旋律，而母豬似乎很興奮，開始搖擺尾巴。 Paesmans has since created a playlist to coincide with different parts of the day. 在那之後，帕斯曼斯設計了一份播放清單，在一天中不同時段播放。 "Jolly dance songs are the biggest hits. When it’s really dynamic they even start dancing around and frolicking. Rock music is too strong, they don’t like it," he said. 他說：「歡快的舞曲最受歡迎。當歌曲真的很動感時，牠們甚至會開始跳舞作樂。搖滾樂則太強烈，牠們不喜歡。」 "A top athlete needs to be completely fit not only physically, but also mentally. And that’s just the same for pigs. When they are slaughtered, you can see when they’ve had too much stress. It’s really important for the quality of the meat." 「一名頂尖運動員不光身體狀況必須無懈可擊，心理狀況也得強健，豬也是一樣。當牠們被宰殺時，你可以看出牠們是否承受過多壓力。這對肉的品質真的很重要。」 Next Article Real snowbird in Southern California? Snowy owl to be exact真的雪鳥現蹤南加州？準確來說是雪鴞 Snowbirds are a common sight in Southern California in wintertime. A snowy owl to be exact. 雪鳥在南加州冬季很常見。準確來說是隻雪鴞。 Crowds of bird-watchers have been showing up regularly in an Orange County neighborhood to gawk at a snowy owl, a species normally found around the Arctic, Canada and several northern U.S. states. 橘郡有個街區經常出現目不轉睛地看著一隻雪鴞的賞鳥人潮，該物種通常出現在北極、加拿大附近和美國北部諸州。 It’s current home is a rooftop perch in the balmy city of Cypress. 牠現在的家位在氣候溫和宜人的賽普拉斯市一處屋頂邊緣。 “It is absolutely unique as a bird observation,” Vic Leipzig, who teaches birding at Saddleback College, told The Orange County Register this week. 在馬鞍背學院教導觀鳥的維克．萊比錫本週告訴《橘郡紀事報》，「做為觀鳥活動，這絕對是獨一無二的。」 The newspaper reported that local bird experts speculated that the owl could have arrived in Southern California aboard a ship or could be a captive bird that escaped. 該報報導指出，當地鳥類專家推測這隻貓頭鷹可能是搭船抵達南加州，也可能是一隻逃脫的圈養鳥。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1560986 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1560082

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.K508: About the US - Why are New York’s squirrels ‘splooting’? People strolling through New York City’s parks may be stopped in their tracks this summer by a squirrel sprawled out, face down, limbs outstretched and lying still. Don’t be alarmed, says the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation. They’re just “splooting.” 民眾今夏漫步穿梭於（美國）紐約市的公園時，可能會因為（看到）松鼠懶散癱趴、面朝下、四肢伸展靜止不動而駐足。別緊張，該市公園休憩局說，牠們只是在「splooting」。 A tweet by the parks agency earlier this week went viral online, confusing and delighting people in equal measure, after it advised: “If you see a squirrel lying down like this, don’t worry; it’s just fine...on hot days, squirrels keep cool by splooting (stretching out) on cool surfaces to reduce body heat.” 該局本週稍早一篇在網路上瘋傳的推文，既令人困惑又覺得有趣，因為該文建議：「若你看到松鼠像這樣趴著，別擔心，沒事的…松鼠在大熱天為保持涼爽，會在涼爽表面splooting（伸展四肢）以降低體溫。」 That sparked a rush of queries about what splooting means. But the word, of unknown origin, has been swirling around the internet for some time, popular among pet owners delighted at the sight of their dog or cat stretching out their hind legs in an amusing posture. 該推文引發一股詢問splooting是什麼意思的熱潮。但此起源不明的字在網路上已流傳一段時間，是樂見愛犬或愛貓以逗趣姿勢伸展後肢的寵物飼主間的流行語。 Next Article Arizona driver cited for carpooling with inflatable Grinch亞利桑那州駕駛因和充氣的鬼靈精共乘被傳訊 The Grinch came early for an Arizona driver who tried to pass off an inflatable figure of the Dr. Seuss character as a passenger. 一名試圖把蘇斯博士故事人物的充氣人偶拿來冒充乘客的亞利桑那州駕駛，一早迎來鬼靈精。 The Arizona Department of Public Safety says a state trooper last week noticed a car in a high-occupancy vehicle lane on Interstate 10 in Phoenix with a “Seusspicious-looking” green passenger. 亞利桑那州公共安全部說，一名州警上週注意到鳳凰城10號州際公路高乘載車道一輛汽車有一位「看起來很可疑」的綠色乘客。 While the gag may have caused the officer’s heart to grow, it did not stop the driver from getting cited for being in the HOV lane during a restricted time. 雖然這個惡作劇可能讓警官心跳加速，但未擋住這名駕駛因在限制時段上高乘載車道而被傳喚之路。 The agency, however, could not help but post a photo of the Grinch figure with the driver’s face blurred on its Twitter account. 不過，該單位忍不住在其推特帳戶發布了一張駕駛臉部模糊和鬼靈精人偶的照片。 They are urging motorists to follow traffic laws. 他們敦促駕車者遵守交通法規。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1561180 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1561359

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Summary: Many Asian tourists come to Taiwan not only for the food and sights. Fortune telling is also one of the major tourist attractions. In this episode, Angel and I share the top methods of fortune telling romance. Which is your favorite? Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. Fortune telling n. 算命 There are many fortune telling methods around the world. 世界上有許多不同的算命方式。 2. Tasseography n. 茶渣占卜法 Tasseography is a way to tell one's fortune from reading tea leafs. 茶渣占卜法是用解讀茶渣來進行算命的方式。 3. Context n. 情境 When you visit the God of Love, be sure to write down the full context of the relationship you are looking for. 去找月老時，確保要寫下你想要的完整感情情境。 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.K507: In a Rapidly Warming Arctic, Rain Where It Used to Snow As humans warm the planet, the once reliably frigid and frozen Arctic is becoming wetter and stormier, with shifts in its climate and seasons that are forcing local communities, wildlife and ecosystems to adapt, scientists said Tuesday in an annual assessment of the region. 科學家們周二在對北極地區的年度評估中表示，隨著人類使地球變暖，昔日非常寒冷和冰凍的北極正在變得更潮濕且多風雨，氣候與季節的變化正迫使當地社區、野生動物和生態系統進行調適。 Even though 2022 was only the Arctic’s sixth warmest year on record, researchers saw plenty of new signs this year of how the region is changing. 儘管2022年只是北極有紀錄以來第六溫暖的年份，但研究人員今年看到該地區正發生改變的許多新跡象。 A September heat wave in Greenland, for instance, caused the most severe melting of the island’s ice sheet for that time of the year in over four decades of continuous satellite monitoring. In 2021, an August heat wave had caused it to rain at the ice sheet’s summit for the first time. 例如，格陵蘭島9月熱浪導致島上冰蓋融化的嚴重程度，創衛星連續監測40多年來的同期之最。2021年8月的熱浪首度導致冰蓋頂部下雨。 “Insights about the circumpolar region are relevant to the conversation about our warming planet now more than ever,” said Richard Spinrad, administrator of the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “We’re seeing the impacts of climate change happen first in polar regions.” 美國國家海洋暨大氣總署署長史賓拉德說：「對極地地區的深入了解，跟我們關於地球暖化的討論比以往任何時候都更相關。我們看到氣候變遷的影響最先發生在極地地區。」 Temperatures in the Arctic Circle have been rising much more quickly than those in the rest of the planet, transforming the region’s climate into one defined less by sea ice, snow and permafrost and more by open water, rain and green landscapes. 北極圈氣溫上升速度一直比地球其他地區快上許多，這造成該地區的氣候不再由海冰、積雪和永凍土決定，而取決於開放水域、雨水與綠色景觀。 Nearly 150 experts from 11 nations compiled this year’s assessment of Arctic conditions, the Arctic Report Card, which NOAA has produced since 2006. This year’s report card was issued Tuesday. 來自11國近150名專家編纂今年的北極狀況評估報告，也就是美國國家海洋暨大氣總署2006年以來發布的《北極年度報告》。今年的報告在周二發布。 Between October 2021 and September, air temperatures above Arctic lands were the sixth warmest since 1900, the report card said, noting that the seven warmest years have been the last seven. Rising temperatures have helped plants, shrubs and grasses grow in parts of the Arctic tundra, and 2022 saw levels of green vegetation that were the fourth highest since 2000, particularly in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, northern Quebec and central Siberia. 報告中表示，北極在2021年10月到今年9月間的氣溫為1900年來第六高，並指最近7年是氣溫前七高的年份。氣溫上升有助於部分北極苔原地區植物、灌木及草的生長，2022年綠色植被水準創2000年以來第四高，尤其是在加拿大北極群島、魁北克北部及西伯利亞中部。 Indicators of sea ice rebounded this year after near-record-lows in 2021, but they were still below long-term averages, the assessment found. March is typically when the ice is at its greatest extent each year, September its lowest. At both points this year, ice levels were among the lowest since satellites have been making reliable measurements. 評估發現，2021年接近歷史低點後，海冰指標今年有所反彈，但仍低於長期平均水準。每年3月通常是海冰面積最大的時候，9月時則最小。在今年這兩個時間點，海冰冰層均是自衛星進行可靠測量以來最低。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6861249

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.K506: Piet Mondrian artwork displayed upside down for 75 years An artwork by the abstract Dutch painter Piet Mondrian has been hanging upside down in various galleries for 75 years, an art historian has said. 一名藝術史家說，荷蘭抽象畫家皮特‧蒙德里安的一幅作品，75年來在多個不同藝廊都被上下顛倒掛反了。 Despite the recent discovery, the work, entitled New York City I, will continue to be displayed the wrong way up to avoid it being damaged. 不過，儘管這項最近的發現，這幅名為「紐約市1號」的作品，將繼續以上下顛倒的方式展出，以避免畫作被損毀。 It has hung at the art collection of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia in Düsseldorf since 1980. 這幅作品1980年起一直掛在杜塞道夫的北萊茵—西伐利亞邦藝術品收藏館。 Curator Susanne Meyer-Büser noticed the longstanding error when researching the museum’s new show on the artist earlier this year, but warned it could disintegrate if it was hung the right side up now. 策展人蘇珊娜‧梅爾—布瑟今年稍早研究該館新推出的這名畫家展覽時，發現這個長期以來的錯誤，但她警告，如果現在用正確的方向掛，可能使這幅畫解體。 Next Article Manga artist falls for fake Mark Ruffalo, loses $500,000 漫畫家被假的馬克‧魯法洛迷倒，損失50萬美元 The latest work from veteran manga artist Chikae Ide follows her common theme of romance and relationships, but “Poison Love” is quite different than her previous pieces. （日本）資深漫畫家井出智香惠的最新力作，秉持其一貫的羅曼史與男女關係的主題，但（這部名為）「毒戀」（的漫畫）與其以往的作品大不相同。 First of all, it is based on a true story about a lovestruck woman in an international romance who gets swindled out of 75 million yen ($523,200). 首先，該作品是改編自真實故事，描述一名在跨國戀中被愛情沖昏頭的女子，被人騙走7500萬日幣（52萬3200美元）。 And secondly, the protagonists are Ide herself and a man she believed was Mark Ruffalo, the Hollywood actor who plays the Bruce Banner-Hulk character in the “Avengers” films. 其次，故事主人翁是井出本人，以及與一名她原以為是好萊塢男星馬克‧魯法洛的男子。魯法洛曾在「復仇者聯盟」系列電影中，扮演本名布鲁斯‧班纳的（漫威英雄）浩克。 Ide, 74, says she hopes her latest work, a confession of sorts, will help others avoid being scammed in online international romances. 74歲的井出說，希望她的最新力作或說告白，能協助其他人避免陷入國際網戀騙局。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1555570 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1555996

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Topic: Covid-Inspired ‘Silent Cut Haircutting Service Gains Popularity in Japan Devised by a Tokyo hair salon during the Covid-19 pandemic to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the ‘Silent Cut’ service is becoming increasingly popular in Japan. 在武漢肺炎（Covid-19）疫情期間，日本東京一家髮廊為防止病毒傳播而推出「無聲剪髮」服務，在日本愈來愈受歡迎。 As a way of curbing the spread of the coronavirus during the Covid-19 pandemic, authorities in Japan started promoting “no conversation” or “less conversation” policies in schools, shops and supermarkets. One Tokyo salon decided to implement the ‘silent cut’ service and it proved so popular that others quickly followed suit. 做為在Covid-19大流行期間遏制冠狀病毒傳播的一種方式，日本當局開始提倡在學校、商店和超市「不交談」或「少交談」。東京一家髮廊決定實施「無聲剪髮」服務。事實證明，這項服務非常受歡迎，其他髮廊也紛紛跟進。 As it turns out, hairstylists prefer the silent cut as well, with many claiming that they were taught to chat up clients in their apprenticeship. 事實證明，髮型師也更喜歡無聲剪髮，許多髮型師表示，他們在學徒期間需要學習如何與客人搭訕。 Next Article Topic: We’re hiring: Babies wanted for Japan nursing home 我們正在招聘：日本療養院需要嬰兒 A nursing home in southern Japan is “hiring” babies for a very important job — to keep its elderly residents company and make them smile. 日本南部一間療養院正在招聘嬰兒，擔任非常重要的職位──陪伴年長居民、讓他們開心。 A job advert pinned to the wall informs would-be workers they will be compensated for their services in diapers and powdered milk. 一個釘在牆上的工作廣告告知未來的員工，他們將會收到尿布和配方奶做為服務報酬。 New recruits at the facility in Kitakyushu must be under four years old, and their guardians have to sign a contract stipulating that the babies and toddlers can show up for work “whenever they feel like it.” 這間北九州機構的新成員必須小於4歲，而且他們的監護人必須簽署一份合約，明文規定嬰兒和學步幼童可以依照他們的意願，想上班的時候再出現。 More than 30 babies have been signed up so far, tasked with lifting the spirits of more than 100 residents who are mostly in their 80s. 至今已有超過30名嬰兒報名，他們被賦予提升逾百名居民興致的任務，這些居民大多超過80歲。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1555385 Next Article Topic: What’s behind strained China-Japan relations Japan and China on Thursday last week marked the 50th anniversary of the 1972 normalization of their ties, but there isn’t much of a celebratory mood. Improved ties between Asia’s two biggest economies are considered vital to the region’s stability and prosperity, but they remain at odds over disputed East China Sea islands and China’s growing military and economic assertiveness in the region. Here are the key issues in the often strained relations between these powerhouse neighbors: 日本和中國上週四慶祝一九七二年兩國關係正常化五十週年，但並沒有太多慶祝的氣氛。亞洲最大的兩個經濟體間關係之改善，咸認攸關亞洲的穩定與繁榮，但對於有領土爭端的東海島嶼，以及中國軍事和經濟上在該區域愈趨強勢，兩國的立場仍然分歧。這兩個鄰近的強國經常處於緊張的關係，以下是其中幾個關鍵問題： TERRITORIAL DISPUTES A huge source of contention is an uninhabited group of Tokyo-controlled, Beijing-claimed East China Sea islands called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Japan insists that the islands, which once hosted a Japanese seafood factory, are part of its territory, both historically and by international law. China says they were stolen by Japan in 1895 and should have been returned at the end of World War II. The disputed islands are surrounded by rich fishing grounds and undersea oil deposits, and Japan accuses China of suddenly making its territorial claims after the undersea resources were found in a 1969 United Nations report. The 1972 normalization communique did not deal with the issue, but the dispute intensified after Japan’s government in 2012 nationalized the Senkaku islands, leading to violent protests across China. Chinese coast guard and fishing boats are regularly found in the area, routinely intruding on Japanese waters. 領土爭端 一個主要的爭論是東京所控制、北京聲稱擁有主權的東海無人島群，在日本稱為尖閣諸島，在中國稱為釣魚島。日本堅稱，日本曾在這些島嶼設有海產工廠，無論就歷史或國際法而言，這些島都是日本領土的一部分。中國說這些島是在一八九五年被日本偷走，日本應該在二戰結束時將其歸還。這些有爭端的島嶼，周圍環繞著富饒的漁場，海底石油儲量豐沛，日本指責中國是在一九六九年聯合國報告發現海底資源後才忽然提出領土主張。一九七二年的兩國關係正常化公報並未處理此問題，但日本政府二○一二年將尖閣諸島國有化後，爭端愈演愈烈，在中國各地引發了暴力抗議。中國海岸警衛隊及漁船常在此區域出現，經常侵犯日本水域。 FEAR OF TAIWAN EMERGENCY Japan, along with its security ally the US, has openly criticized increased Chinese activities in the South China Sea. Tokyo has also pushed for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. China claims Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, and has threatened to annex it by force if necessary. With a US-China trade war and naval tensions on the rise in the area, Japan is increasingly worried about Taiwan emergencies. China’s increased joint military drills with Russia near Japanese coasts have also irked Japan. Tokyo is shifting its military posture toward southwestern Japan, including Okinawa and remote islands just east of Taiwan. China staged major military drills in areas surrounding Taiwan in August in an angry response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Taipei visit, and fired five ballistic missiles into waters near Okinawa. Fear of conflict over Taiwan adds to Japan’s urgent efforts to reinforce its military capabilities and boost its budget. Japan is currently revising its national security strategy, which is expected to ca

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments 主題: 英語慣用語系列 – 新年相關的慣用語 Idioms for the New Year 1. Turn over a new leaf 翻開新的一頁 /改變過去的方式 Meaning: Start behaving in a better, different way. Example: I've decided to turn over a new leaf this year, and do a lot more exercise. So I'm starting tomorrow! 2. A change is as good as a rest 改變就是最好的休息 Meaning: A change of occupation can be just as relaxing as a having a rest. Example: He seems so much happier since he started his new job! A change is as good as a rest, as they say. (The change of routine has refreshed him.) 3. Nothing ventured, nothing gained 不入虎穴，焉得虎子 Meaning: You can't expect to achieve anything if you don't take risks. Example: I'm going to apply to that university and work hard on my exams to get there. Nothing ventured, nothing gained! 4. Start with a clean slate 既往不咎 Meaning: Make a fresh start, or not connected to how things were before. Example: Last year he had a lot of problems so he is starting this year with a clean slate and a positive attitude. 5. Out with the old and in with the new. 舊的不去，新的不来 Meaning: We’re changing everything anew. Example: Shall we get rid of these curtains too? Yes. Out with the old and in with the new. 練習時間: 請使用二到三個諺語慣用語來分享自身小故事 Share you personal stories using the proverbs and idioms

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K505: About health - Napping regularly linked to high blood pressure and stroke, study finds People who often nap have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure and having a stroke, a large new study has found. 一項大規模新研究發現，經常小睡的人患高血壓和中風的風險更高。 Study participants who typically napped during the day were 12% more likely to develop high blood pressure over time and were 24% more likely to have a stroke compared with people who never napped. 與從不小睡的人相比，白天經常小睡的人隨著時間的推移，患高血壓的可能性增加12%，中風的可能 性增加24%。 If the person was younger than age 60, napping most days raised the risk of developing high blood pressure by 20% compared with people who never or rarely nap, according to the study published Monday in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal. 週一發表在美國心臟協會《高血壓》期刊上的一項研究稱，在60歲以下人群中，經常小睡者患高血壓的風險，比從不小睡或很少小睡的人增加20%。 The results held true even after researchers excluded people at high risk for hypertension, such as those with type 2 diabetes, existing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep disorders and who did night-shift work. 即使研究人員排除了高血壓高危人群，如患2型糖尿病、高血壓、高膽固醇、睡眠障礙和夜班工作的人群，研究結論仍然成立。 Next Article Billion young people may be at risk of hearing loss from headphones and loud venues 10億年輕人可能因耳機和嘈雜場所而聽力受損 Around one billion young people worldwide could be at risk of hearing loss from listening to headphones or attending loud music venues, a large review of the available research estimated on Wednesday. 一項對既有研究的大型分析報告週三估計，全球約有10億年輕人因使用耳機或出入嘈雜音樂場所，可能面臨聽力受損的風險。 The analysis published in the journal BMJ Global Health looked at data from 33 studies published in English, Spanish, French and Russian over the last two decades covering more than 19,000 participants aged between 12-34. 這篇發表在「英國醫學期刊全球健康」（BMJ Global Health）的分析報告，審視過去20年來以英語、西班牙語、法語和俄語發表的33項研究數據，對象涵蓋1萬9000多名從12歲到34歲不等的受試者。 It found that 24 percent of the young people had unsafe listening practices while using headphones with devices such as smartphones. And 48 percent were found to have been exposed to unsafe noise levels at entertainment venues such as concerts or nightclubs. 調查發現，24％的年輕人在使用耳機和智慧手機等設備時有不安全的聆聽習慣，並發現48％的受試者常常待在演唱會或夜店等娛樂場所，暴露於不安全的噪音環境。 Combining these findings, the study estimated that between 670 million to 1.35 billion young people could be at risk of hearing loss. 結合這些發現，該研究估計有6.7億至13.5億年輕人可能身處聽力受損風險。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1533237 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1553969

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.K504: About Tech - The Tamagotchi Breeder on Her 65th Generation of the Digital Pet Alicia Kostoglou, a sports teacher for disabled children by trade, has a side hobby that feels like a second job. 以身障兒童體育老師為業的艾麗西亞．科斯托格魯，擁有一個像是第二份工作的業餘興趣。 She’s currently taking care of four Tamagotchis at a time. 目前她同時照顧四隻電子雞。 These are actually the great-great-grandchildren of her original Tamagotchi pets. 實際上它們是她最初電子雞寵物的曾曾孫。 Her personal record so far is 65 generations in a row. 至今她的個人紀錄是連續養了65代電子雞。 “Every morning, I wake them up, I check to see if they’re hungry, then I clean up if they’ve pooped,” she said. “I give them a bath, then I clean their homes or play with them.” 她說，「我每天早上醒來，會查看確認它們是否餓了，要是它們先前有排便，就會清理。我給它們洗澡，然後會打掃它們的住所或是陪玩」。 As a Tamagotchi breeder, her goal isn’t simply to keep her creatures alive – she marries them off once they’ve reached adulthood, and then makes sure they have children so those can grow up and procreate, too. 身為電子雞飼主，她的目標不僅是讓她的動物活著，一旦它們成年，她會幫它們完婚，並且確保它們的小孩也能長大成人和生育。 Next Article Singapore plans S$300m to spur innovation in digital push 新加坡擬投資3億星幣推動數位化創新 Singapore will allocate a further S$300 million (US$222 million) to spur research in digital innovation as the government transforms the economy through technology. 新加坡將再提撥3億星幣（約2億2200萬美元）鼓勵數位化創新研究，做為政府藉由科技改變經濟的政策。 The amount, almost double the current budget, is part of the next phase of the National Research Foundation’s five-year plan ending 2020, Minister for Communications and Information S. Iswaran said during a parliamentary session. It will be used for research in the services and digital economy. 通訊及新聞部長易華仁告訴國會，該筆預算金額約為當前預算的兩倍，是下一階段「國家研究基金」五年計畫（至2020年截止）的一部分。它將用於數位化經濟服務研究。 Singapore will roll out artificial-intelligence and cloud-based solutions to every business sector by 2020, Iswaran said. The nation introduced a nationwide electronic invoicing network for businesses in January, and also has an initiative to help businesses securely exchange digital trade documents. 易華仁表示，新加坡將在2020年前針對各個商業領域，推出人工智慧與以雲端為基礎的解決方案。星國一月間推出企業的全國性電子發票網路，並主動協助企業安全地交換數位化貿易文件。 The Infocomm Media Development Authority plans to begin rolling out fifth-generation, or 5G, mobile-phone networks by 2020 to maintain Singapore’s "competitive edge in connectivity," Iswaran said. 易華仁說，資訊通信媒體發展局擬於2020年前開展第五代（5G）行動通訊，以維持新加坡的「通訊競爭優勢」。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1560255 ; https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/paper/1279952

想要雙J論單元繼續討論外商職場相關主題嗎： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Summary: 討論文章: https://www.inc.com/suzanne-lucas/elon-musk-can-fire-anyone-he-wants-to.html We are piloting the latest Vocab to include Human Resource (HR) related topics. Jemmy, my bud working at the HR solution provider firm came to chat about the mass firing at Twitter recently. 想要我們繼續討論人資、職涯、外商工作相關主題，請留言支持我們雙J論！ Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. C-Suite n. C字輩 / 最高主管層 Elon Musk fired 3 C-Suite executives on his first day at Twitter. 馬斯克在上任的第一天就炒三位最高主管的魷魚。 2. Golden parachute n. 黃金降落傘 失業補償金 The golden parachute clauses among the executives cost Elon $122million. 高階主管的黃金降落傘條款讓馬斯克付出一百二十二萬美金。 3. Severance n. 遣散費 Before signing the employment contract, it is wise to check the severance package. 在簽僱傭合約前，檢查一下相關遣散費用是聰明的。 更多Vocab Podcast節目: https://www.15mins.today/vocab 歡迎主題投稿/意見回覆 : [email protected] 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected]

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.K503: How to Hand Out Billions in Climate Subsidies? Very Carefully. John Podesta, President Joe Biden’s clean energy adviser, said the administration was working to ensure that a record $370 billion in new federal subsidies for electric vehicles, wind farms, batteries and other clean energy technologies is spent properly and avoids waste and abuse. 美國總統拜登的清潔能源顧問波德斯塔說，政府正努力確保創紀錄3700億美元的聯邦新補貼計畫，妥善的用於電動車、風電場、電池跟其他清潔能源技術，避免浪費和濫用。 Podesta said the White House would issue tax code guidelines by early next year to speed the delivery of the money and was meeting with inspectors general from across the federal government to get advice on ways to safeguard against fraud. 波德斯塔說，白宮將在明年年初前發布稅法指引，以加快資金發放，並跟聯邦政府各部門監察長會面，針對如何防止弊端獲得建議。 The internal watchdog at the Department of Energy, one of several agencies that is receiving an influx of money under the Inflation Reduction Act, has already warned that Secretary Jennifer Granholm's office does not have enough resources to properly monitor all the programs that will be created. 能源部是據「降低通膨法」獲得大量資金的幾個機構之一。能源部的內部監督機構已警告，部長葛蘭霍姆的辦公室沒有足夠資源來妥善監督所有即將創立的計畫。 Under the new law, the Department of Energy budget will grow from $45.3 billion to more than $100 billion in funds and $336 billion in loan authority. Another new law, the CHIPS and Science Act, will pump an additional $30.5 billion into the department. 根據新法律，能源部預算將從453億美元增加至超過1000億美元，以及3360億美元的貸款授權。另一項新法律「晶片與科學法」將為能源部額外注入305億美元。 Republicans, who will take control of the House in January, have suggested that they will investigate the Biden administration’s handling of the flood of tax rebates, loans and incentives under the landmark climate and tax law. 將於明年1月掌控眾議院的共和黨人說，他們將調查拜登政府如何根據這項具里程碑意義的氣候與稅務法，處理大量退稅、貸款與獎勵措施。 Podesta, who is responsible for overseeing the disbursement of the money, said complex rules expected from the Internal Revenue Service and other agencies would clarify who qualifies for various incentives and how the money will be doled out. 負責監督這筆錢發放的波德斯塔說，預計美國國稅局與其他機構將推出複雜規定，確定哪些人有資格獲得獎勵，以及這筆錢如何發放。 The federal dollars will be consequential to unleashing trillions of dollars in private-sector energy investments, he said. 他表示，這些聯邦資金將引發私人部門釋放數兆美元的能源投資。 “I’ve spent a fair amount of time listening to people who are anxious to invest in the United States as a result of this legislation and are preparing business plans assuming that those tax credits will have certainty,” Podesta said. He said the agencies were “on track” and would begin to issue official guidance “by the end of the year and early next year.” 波德斯塔說：「我花了相當多時間，傾聽因這項立法急於在美投資的人們意見，他們正準備營運計畫，並假定這些稅收抵免確定施行。」他表示，各機構正「按部就班」，並將在「年底跟明年初前」發布官方指引。 On Thursday, the White House made public a guidebook meant to help companies and consumers as well as state, local and tribal governments navigate the new law. Podesta said his aim was to create a road map that would especially help communities that disproportionately face pollution and climate hazards to take full advantage of the tax incentives. 白宮周四公布一份指引，目的是要幫助企業、消費者以及各州、地方與部落政府了解這項新法律。波德斯塔說，他的目標是擘劃一個路線圖，尤其要協助嚴重面臨汙染及氣候危害的社區，充分利用稅收獎勵措施。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6877302

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.K502: Vivienne Westwood, influential fashion maverick, dies at 81 Vivienne Westwood, an influential fashion maverick who played a key role in the punk movement, died Thursday last week at age 81. 龐克運動關鍵人物、引領風騷的時尚教母薇薇安．魏斯伍德，於上週四去世，享壽81歲。 Westwood’s fashion career began in the 1970s when her radical approach to urban street style took the world by storm, but she went on to enjoy a long career highlighted by a string of triumphant runway shows and museum exhibitions. 魏斯伍德的時尚生涯始於1970年代，她激進的城市街頭風格當時風靡全球。之後她仍盛名不墜，一場場成功的時裝秀與博物館展覽即為最佳註腳。 The name Westwood became synonymous with style and attitude even as she shifted focus from year to year, her range vast and her work never predictable. 魏斯伍德這名字成了風格與態度的代名詞，即便她聚焦的重心年年都在轉變，範圍之廣，其作品也總是出人意料。 As her stature grew, she seemed to transcend fashion. The young woman who had scorned the British establishment eventually became one of its leading lights, even as she kept her hair dyed that trademark bright shade of orange. 隨著地位越來越高，她似乎也超越了時尚。這位蔑視英國當權派的年輕女性，最後卻成為其領軍人物之一，儘管她的頭髮一直是染成亮橙色招牌形象。 Andrew Bolton, curator of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of New York, said Westwood and Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren — her onetime partner — “gave the punk movement a look, a style, and it was so radical it broke from anything in the past.” 紐約大都會博物館服裝藝術部策展人安德魯．波頓表示，魏斯伍德和性手槍樂團經理馬康‧麥拉林——她的前任伴侶——「給了龐克運動一種外觀、一種風格，非常激進，因而打破了過去的任何事物」。 “The ripped shirts, the safety pins, the provocative slogans,” Bolton said. “She introduced postmodernism. It was so influential from the mid-70s. The punk movement has never dissipated — it’s become part of our fashion vocabulary. It’s mainstream now.” 「破爛的襯衫、別針、挑釁的口號」，波頓說；「她引入了後現代主義。從70年代中期開始，它就很有影響力。龐克運動從未消失——它已成為我們時尚語彙的一部分。現在已是主流」。 Westwood’s long career was full of contradictions: She was a lifelong rebel honored several times by Queen Elizabeth II. She dressed like a teenager even in her 60s and became an outspoken advocate of fighting climate change, warning of planetary doom. 魏斯伍德漫長的職業生涯充滿矛盾：她一生都是反叛者，多次受到伊麗莎白二世女王的嘉獎。六十多歲時仍穿得像青少年，她也大力倡導對抗氣候變化，警示地球的毀滅。 In her punk days, Westwood’s clothes were often intentionally shocking, but she was able to transition from punk to haute couture without missing a beat, keeping her career going without stooping to self-caricature. 龐克時代的魏斯伍德，她的衣服常刻意驚世駭俗。但魏斯伍德能夠從龐克過渡到高級時裝而不失節奏，讓她的職業生涯得以延續，卻不致自打嘴巴。 “She was always trying to reinvent fashion. Her work is provocative, it’s transgressive. It’s very much rooted in the English tradition of pastiche and irony and satire. She is very proud of her Englishness, and still she sends it up,” Bolton said.Westwood was self-taught, with no formal fashion training. She told Marie Claire magazine that she learned how to make her own clothes as a teenager by following patterns. When she wanted to sell 1950s-style clothes at her first shop, she found old clothes in markets and took them apart to understand the cut and construction. 「她一直在努力重塑時尚。她的作品挑釁而具有侵略性，在很大程度上根植於英國的模仿、反諷及諷刺傳統。對於自己的英國身份，她感到很自豪，卻仍對它加以嘲諷」，波頓說。 魏斯伍德是自學成才的，並未受過正規的時尚培訓。她告訴《美麗佳人》（Marie Claire）雜誌說，她在十多歲時便學會按圖版製作自己的衣服。她想在她第一家店銷售1950年代風格的衣服時，她在市場找到舊衣，將其拆解，以了解剪裁與結構。 It was also an important step in an ongoing rapprochement between Westwood and the fashion world. The rebel eventually became one of its most celebrated stars, known for reinterpreting opulent dresses from the past and often finding inspiration in 18th-century paintings. 這也是魏斯伍德與時尚界之間持續和解的重要一步。這位反叛者最終成為最著名的明星之一，以重新詮釋過去的華麗禮服而聞名，並經常從18世紀的繪畫中尋求靈感。 But she still found ways to shock: Her 1987 Statue of Liberty corset is remembered as the start of the “underwear as outerwear” trend. 但她仍找到了驚世駭俗的方式：她1987年的自由女神像緊身胸衣令人印象深刻，被認為是「內衣外穿」潮流的開端。Source article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2023/01/03/2003791866

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Topic: France bans plastic packaging for fruit and veg A law banning plastic packaging for large numbers of fruits and vegetables has come into force in France as of New Year’s Day, to end what the government has called the “aberration” of overwrapped carrots, apples and bananas, as environmental campaigners and exasperated shoppers urged other countries to do the same. 法國一項於元旦生效的法律，禁止多種水果及蔬菜以塑膠包裝，讓政府所說的胡蘿蔔、蘋果與香蕉過度包裝的「脫軌現象」畫下句點。環保人士與惱怒的顧客也敦促其他國家採取同樣的措施。 Emmanuel Macron has called the ban on plastic packaging of fresh produce “a real revolution” and said France was taking the lead globally with its law to gradually phase out all single-use plastics by 2040. 法國總統艾曼紐‧馬克宏將生鮮蔬果的塑膠包裝禁令稱為「一場真正的革命」，他說法國領先全球制定了法律，要在二○四○年前逐步淘汰所有的一次性塑膠。 Spain will introduce a ban on plastic packaging of fruit and vegetables from 2023. For years, international campaigners have said unnecessary plastic packaging is causing environmental damage and pollution at sea. 西班牙將從二○二三年起，禁止使用塑膠包裝水果及蔬菜。國際倡議人士多年來不斷表示，不必要的塑膠包裝正造成環境破壞及海洋污染。 From New Year’s Day, France bans supermarkets and other shops from selling cucumbers wrapped in plastic, and peppers, courgettes, aubergines and leeks in plastic packaging. A total of 30 types of fruit and vegetables are banned from having any plastic wrapping, including bananas, pears, lemons, oranges and kiwis. 法國自元旦起禁止超市等商店銷售以塑膠包裹的黃瓜，以及用塑膠包裝的甜椒、櫛瓜、茄子與韭蔥。禁止使用任何塑膠包裝的共有三十種水果及蔬菜，包括香蕉、梨子、檸檬、柳橙與奇異果。 Packs over 1.5kg are exempt, as well as chopped or processed fruit. Some varieties, including cherry tomatoes or soft fruits such as raspberries and blueberries, are given longer for producers to find alternatives to plastic, but plastic packaging will be gradually phased out for all whole fruits and vegetables by 2026. 一點五公斤裝以上的蔬果，以及切成小塊或加工過的水果，則不受此限塑令規範。一些品種，包括櫻桃番茄，或是軟水果例如覆盆子及藍莓，其生產商可有較多的時間尋找塑膠替代品，但到了二○二六年，所有水果及蔬菜的塑膠包裝都將逐步淘汰。 With an estimated 37 percent of fruit and vegetables sold wrapped in plastic packaging in France in 2021, the government believes the ban will cut more than 1bn items of single-use plastic packaging a year. The environment ministry said there must be curbs on the “outrageous amount of single-use plastic in our daily lives.” 二○二一年在法國販售的水果及蔬菜，有百分之三十七是以塑膠包裝；法國政府據此估計，此禁塑令每年將減少十億件以上的一次性塑膠包裝。法國環境部表示，「我們日常生活中對一次性塑膠毫無節制的使用」必須加以約束。 Fruit and vegetables wrapped in layers of plastic have exasperated consumers not only in France but neighboring countries. Nearly three-quarters of British people have experienced “anxiety, frustration or hopelessness” at the amount of plastic that comes with their shopping and 59 percent think supermarkets and brands are not doing enough to offer refillable, reusable or packaging-free products, according to a poll commissioned by Friends of the Earth and City to Sea in June last year. 將水果及蔬菜以塑膠層層包裹，惹惱的不只是法國人，還有鄰近國家的消費者。去年六月由環保組織「地球之友」與「城市至海」所委託進行的一項民意調查發現，近四分之三的英國人對購物時用到的塑膠數量感到「焦慮、無力或絕望」，百分之五十九的人認為超市及品牌在提供可填充、可重複使用或無包裝產品方面做得不夠。Source Article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2022/01/11/2003771107 Next Article Topic: France bans unlimited sugary drink refills Restaurants and other spaces catering to the public in France have been banned from offering unlimited sugary drinks in an effort to reduce obesity. It is now illegal to sell unlimited soft drinks at a fixed price or offer them unlimited for free. 在法國，餐廳以及其他對公眾提供餐飲服務的場所，已被禁止無限量供應含糖飲料，以致力減少肥胖。以固定價格販售無限量的非酒精飲料，或無限量地免費供應它們，現在皆屬違法。 The World Health Organization （WHO） recommends taxing sugary drinks, linking them to obesity and diabetes. The new law in France targets soft drinks, including sports drinks containing added sugar or sweeteners. All public eateries, from fast-food joints to school canteens, are affected. The aim of the law is to "limit, especially among the young, the risks of obesity, overweight and diabetes" in line with WHO recommendations. 世界衛生組織（WHO）建議對含糖飲料課稅，並將它們與肥胖及糖尿病建立關連。法國這項新法鎖定的非酒精飲料，包括添加糖或甜味劑的運動飲料。所有公眾餐飲店，從速食店到學校餐廳都受到影響。該法的目的是「限制，特別是年輕族群，肥胖、過重與糖尿病風險」，以符合WHO的建議。 A recent Eurostat survey of adult obesity put the French at 15.3%, which is just below the EU average of 15.9%. France was slimmer than the UK （20.1%） but fatter than Italy （10.7%）. Past the age of 30, nearly 57% of French men are overweight or obese, according to a report published in October by the French medical journal Bulletin Epidemiologique Hebdomadaire. Some 41% of women in the same age category are also overweight or obese, the study found. 歐盟統計局近期針對成人肥胖的調查顯示，法國為15.3%，略低於歐盟平均值15.9%。法國比英國（20.1%）苗條，但比義大利肥胖（10.7%）。而根據法國醫學期刊「流行病學週報」去年10月刊登的一份報告，年過30歲後，近57%的法國男人過重或肥胖。同一年齡組有約41%女性也是過重或肥胖，該研究發現。 Next Article Topic: ’You’ve won your weight in oysters!’ - note in shells stops thieves（「你已贏得和你體重相當的生蠔！」 殼內放紙條阻偷竊） When thieves stole three tonnes of oysters from French 60-year-old shellfish farmer Christophe Guinot, he came up with a solution: planting secret notes inside oyster shells to help police track down the thieves. 在被小偷竊取3噸生蠔後，60歲的法國貝類養殖業者克里斯多福．朱諾特想出一

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Hey hey 通勤家族！Happy New Year 新年快樂！今年第一集 Live Podcast，老師群終於在同一個空間合體還首次加入了影像直播。 這集我考了我們通勤家族以及現場來賓Kuma有關15Mins Live Podcast以及老師群的冷知識。一起來聽看看你能答對幾題 XD~ 喜歡這樣的內容嗎？加入15Mins通勤學英語直播室，每週一9pm等你一起來說英文 : https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/46hm8k

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.K501: About New Zealand - New Zealand property owner stands out with “buy my house, get free Tesla”offer A New Zealand property owner is hoping to stand out from other sellers by offering a free Tesla to the person who buys their home. 紐西蘭1名屋主準備為買下其房屋的人免費提供1輛特斯拉電動汽車，希望這麼做可以令他有別於其他賣家。 The house - a seven-bedroom, five-bathroom property - has reportedly been on the market for weeks. The owner has thrown in the offer of a new car to try to sweeten the $1.8m deal. 據報導，這間7房5衛的房子已待售數週。賣家拋出送新車的提議，試圖讓180萬美元（約565萬台幣）的售價看起來更有甜頭。 New Zealand house prices have seen their biggest drop in 30 years and were down 10.9% in October - their 11th consecutive month of falling. 紐西蘭房價出現30年來最大降幅，10月跌價更達10.9％，已是連續11個月下滑。 "Rising mortgage rates continue to weigh on house prices and sale activity," said Kiwibank economists. 克威銀行經濟學家指出：「貸款利率攀高持續壓抑房價和買賣活動。」 After purchasing the property, the new owner would get to pick the car’s color - the Tesla Model Y has five options - and it will then be ordered and shipped straight from the manufacturer. 在買下房屋後，新屋主還得從特斯拉Model Y型號的5種顏色中挑出1種，製造商接獲訂單後就會直接把車送上門。 Next Article New Zealand to ban plastic shopping bags from next year － 紐西蘭明年起將禁用塑膠購物袋 New Zealand announced it will ban disposable plastic shopping bags by next July as the nation tries to live up to its clean-and-green image. 紐西蘭宣布，明年7月將禁用一次性塑膠購物袋，因為這個國家努力不辜負其乾淨且環保的形象。 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealanders use hundreds of millions of the bags each year and that some of them end up polluting precious coastal and marine waterways. 總理阿爾登說，紐西蘭人每年使用數億個袋子，結果其中有些污染了珍貴的海岸與海運航道。 A number of countries and states have introduced bans or restrictions on single-use plastic bags, including France, Belgium, Hawaii and California. But a major supermarket chain in Australia changed course several times this year after customers got angry about its plans to start charging shoppers for bags. Under its latest plan, customers at Coles stores will start paying for bags on Aug. 29. 許多國家與州政府已禁止或限制單次使用的塑膠袋，包括法國、比利時、夏威夷與加州等。不過，由於開始向消費者收取塑膠袋費用的計畫引發顧客不滿，澳洲一家大型連鎖超市今年數度改變措施。根據其最新計畫，科爾斯超市的消費者將從8月29日開始支付塑膠袋費用。 In New Zealand, a host on a radio station was hoping to start a consumer crusade to keep the bags after being inspired by what happened at Coles. Heather du Plessis-Allan told listeners on Newstalk ZB that plastic bags were a great invention. 在紐西蘭，一名電台主持人受到科爾斯事件的啟發，希望發動一場保住塑膠袋的消費者運動。希瑟．杜．普萊西斯—艾倫告訴Newstalk ZB電台的聽眾，塑膠袋是很棒的發明。 However, New Zealand’s Associate Minister for the Environment Eugenie Sage said that in New Zealand, the government was taking the lead so that all retailers could make the move fairly and at the same time. 不過，紐西蘭環境部副部長薩齊說，在紐西蘭，政府身先士卒，因此所有零售業者都可以正當且同時採取行動。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1559703 ; https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/paper/1228126

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.K500: About Thailand - In Thailand, Santa delivers presents on elephants A trunk, rather than a red nose, is what Rudolph would need to join a herd of elephants helping Santa Claus deliver presents in Thailand. 魯道夫需要象鼻而非紅鼻子，才能加入在泰國幫忙耶誕老人送禮物的象群。 Mahouts dressed as Santa led the gentle giants to a school in central Thailand to hand out Christmas presents to about 2,000 students this week, part of an annual tradition. 裝扮成耶誕老人的象夫們本週領著這些溫柔的大塊頭，來到泰國中部一所學校發禮物給將近2000名學生，這是年度傳統一環。 Students lined the school courtyard and hall while the elephants approached slowly and unfurled their trunks to give out balloons, toys and dolls. 學生們在學校庭院和禮堂排成一列，而大象們緩緩靠近並伸展牠們的鼻子，分發氣球、玩具和洋娃娃。 Next Article Thailand’s ’floating train’ a big hit as dam waters rise隨著大壩水位上升 泰國「漂浮列車」大受歡迎 Tickets have been selling out fast in Thailand for rides on a special "floating train", where passengers have been enjoying the illusion of aquatic rail travel due to a post-monsoon rise in water levels. 搭乘特殊「漂浮列車」的車票在泰國火速售罄，乘客在裡頭享受了因雨季後水位上升帶來的水上鐵路旅行幻覺。 The route starts in the capital Bangkok and passes through the Pasak Jolasid dam in Lop Buri province six hours away on an elevated track just above the water level, which officials say has been unusually high this year. 這條路線從首都曼谷起始，經過6小時穿越位於華富里府、高架軌道僅略高於水位的巴沙春拉西水壩，官員們說今年水位異常地高。 The train runs only at weekends between November and February and tickets have been sold out until New Year. 火車僅在11月和2月間的週末運行，到新年的車票已售罄。 "I’ve never seen anything like this before," said Bunyanuch Pahuyut, who was among 600 passengers who have travelled on the route on Sunday. 週日踏上這段旅程的600名乘客之一的布尼亞努克​​．帕胡尤特說，「我以前從沒看過這樣的東西。」

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Summary: Source: https://ltl-school.com/chinese-pick-up-lines/ For the first episode of Vocab in 2023, Angel and I will look at the top eight pick-up lines recommended by a blog post that works in Mandarin Chinese and English. Which is your favorite? Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. Cheesy adj. 俗氣的 There are many forums online that shares a lot of cheesy pick-up lines. 網路上有很多論壇分享很多俗氣的搭訕語。 2. Urban myth n. 都市傳說 Rich people picking up flight attendants in flight is an urban myth. 有錢人搭訕空姐空少是個都市傳說。 3. Dating n. 交往 Pick-up lines when used wisely, can improve your dating game. 在交往的時候用對了搭訕語可以加強你的戀愛互動。 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.K499: Deadly Disaster Turns Italy’s Focus to Illegal Construction A bulldozer paused and everything went silent in the night as a firefighter, spotting a pink sweater in a generator’s light, reached into the mud-caked debris. This time, it was only a sweater. 一台推土機停了下來，夜裡一片寂靜，消防員在發電機燈光下發現一件粉紅色毛衣，把手伸到泥濘的廢墟中。這次，它只是件毛衣。 Torrential rains last weekend sent a powerful landslide plowing through Casamicciola Terme, a port town on the southern Italian island of Ischia, killing 12 residents — including a newborn baby and two small children — and washing away houses and burying streets. This past week, rescue workers and volunteers continued to dig for survivors and to unearth the town from thick rivers of mud. 上周末的暴雨，導致義大利南部伊斯契亞島港口小鎮卡薩米喬拉泰爾梅發生土石流，造成12個居民死亡，包括1名新生兒與2名兒童，沖走了房屋還掩蓋街道。過去一周，救援人員與志工持續挖掘生還者，並從厚厚泥水中挖出城鎮。 But as some evacuees came back to search for their belongings, many felt an unwelcome scrutiny from a nation that was asking whether the island’s abundance of illegally constructed houses had increased the vulnerability of a town that sits in a geologically fragile zone across the bay from Naples. 但一些被撤離的人回來尋找他們的物品時，許多人感受到令人不快的檢視，整個國家都在質問，島上大量違建房屋，是否讓這座位於地質脆弱地帶、隔著海灣與那不勒斯相望的城鎮更容易受傷害。 Authorities have not clarified which buildings, if any, may have been illegally built. But a series of amnesties over decades from various Italian governments may have rendered most of them legal in any case. That has set off hand-wringing among politicians, including the far-right party of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and a bitter round of finger pointing over who was to blame. 當局還未確認哪些建築可能是違建，如果有的話。數十年來義大利歷任政府的一系列特赦，恐令它們當中的大多數都已合法。這讓政治人物不安，包含總理梅洛尼的極右派政黨，並就誰該為此負責展開激烈相互指責。 “We have no zoning plan since the 1960s,” Vincenzo Capuano, 64, a town resident, said as friends emptied his basement of mud one bucket at a time. “Politicians have never decided where residents can build here. There is no way to build legally.” 64歲鎮民卡普阿諾在朋友們一桶又一桶清理他的地下室泥漿時說：「自1960年代以來，我們就毫無區域規劃。政治人物從未決定可在哪裡蓋房。根本沒辦法合法建造。」 Illegal construction has blighted Italy’s coastlines, hilly landscapes and cities, but the practice is especially endemic in the poorer southern regions, including Campania. On Ischia, an island of 63,000 famous for its thermal baths, 27,000 requests for amnesty on illegal works are pending, from altered windows to entire homes. 違建破壞義大利的海岸線、丘陵景觀和城市，這種行為在較窮的南部地區尤其盛行，包括坎帕尼亞大區。在居民6萬3000人、以溫泉浴聞名的伊斯契亞島，目前有2萬7000份針對非法工程的赦免申請正等待處理，從修改窗戶到整棟房。 Italy has a long history of condoning these illegal constructions, and the anticipation that another amnesty will always arrive has prompted offenders to keep building illegally, marring some of the country’s most pristine beaches with shoddy, and unsightly, homes. 義大利長期縱容這些違建，人們對另一次特赦總會到來的預期，促使違法者繼續蓋違建，以粗製濫造、難看的房屋破壞該國一些最原始的海灘。 On the night of the landslide, mud pounded Via Celario and Via Santa Barbara, the most damaged residential streets, washing away about 10 homes. Within them, four children slept. The youngest, a 22-day-old infant, was found dead in his dead mother’s arms. 土石流當晚，塞拉里歐和聖巴巴拉是受災最嚴重的住宅區街道，約10棟房舍被土石流沖走，裡面睡著4個孩子。當中最小的是22天大的嬰兒，被發現死在他死去母親懷裡。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6845044

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.K498: Art Museums Are Struggling to Weed Out the Vandals From the Visitors For Hans-Peter Wipplinger, the director of Vienna’s Leopold Museum, the past few weeks have been challenging. As climate protesters across Europe stepped up their attacks against art, Wipplinger took measures to protect his storied collection, which includes famous paintings by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. Bags were banned; coats, too. The museum hired extra guards to patrol its five floors. 對維也納立奧波德博物館館長維普林格來說，過去幾周充滿挑戰。隨著歐洲各地氣候抗議者加大對藝術品的攻擊力道，維普林格採取措施保護他的著名收藏，包括克林姆和席勒的名畫。禁止包包，外套也是。博物館雇用額外警衛巡視五個樓層。 It didn’t work. Last week, members of a group called Last Generation walked into the museum and threw black liquid at one of Klimt’s major works, “Death and Life.” A protester had sneaked the liquid into the museum in a hot water bottle strapped to his chest, Wipplinger said. 但沒有成功，上周一個名為「最後一代」團體的成員走進博物館，向克林姆主要作品之一《死亡與生命》潑灑黑色液體。維普林格說，一名抗議者將這種液體裝在一個熱水瓶內偷偷帶進博物館。 The Klimt, protected by glass, was unharmed. But Wipplinger said his security team could only have stopped the attack by subjecting visitors to invasive body searches, “like at the airport.” He didn’t want to even consider that prospect, he added. 受玻璃保護的克林姆作品雖毫髮無損，但維普林格說，他的保安團隊恐怕只能對訪客進行侵入式搜身 來阻止攻擊，「就像在機場一樣」。他還表示，他甚至不想考慮這一可能性。 With the attacks showing no sign of abating, museum directors across Europe are settling into a nervous new equilibrium, fearful for the works in their care but unwilling to compromise on making visitors feel welcome. So far, nothing has been permanently damaged. But many fear that an accident or an escalation in the protesters’ tactics could result in a masterpiece being destroyed. 由於攻擊沒有減弱跡象，歐洲各地博物館館長正陷入一種緊張的新平衡狀態，擔心自己照顧的作品受到損害，但又不願在讓訪客感覺賓至如歸的問題上妥協。到目前為止，還沒有任何永久性的損壞，但許多人擔心，若發生意外或抗議者升級策略，恐導致名作被毀。 The actions, which began in Britain in June, are already increasing in frequency and daring. At first, protesters glued themselves to the frames of famous paintings, but since footage of activists splattering Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” with tomato soup spread rapidly on social media in October, masterpieces have been doused in pea soup, mashed potatoes and flour. 這些行動於6月在英國開始，如今已日益頻繁，愈來愈大膽。最初，抗議者將自己黏在名畫畫框上，但自從10月活動人士向梵谷《向日葵》潑灑番茄湯影片在社群媒體上迅速傳播以來，名作陸續被潑上豌豆湯、馬鈴薯泥以及麵粉。 Those works were all protected by glass, and the protesters’ projectiles never touched an artist’s brushstroke. Yet, last month, protesters in Paris poured orange paint directly onto a silver Charles Ray sculpture outside the Bourse de Commerce contemporary art space. (A Bourse de Commerce spokesperson said the sculpture was cleaned within a few hours.) 這些作品都有玻璃保護，抗議者的投擲物從未接觸到藝術家的畫作。然而，巴黎的抗議者上月將橘色油漆直接倒在商業交易所當代藝術空間外查爾斯．雷的銀色雕像上。（法國商業交易所一名發言人說，這座雕像在數小時內就被清理乾淨了。） In a statement last month signed by the leaders of more than 90 of the world’s largest art institutions, museum administrators said they were “deeply shaken” by the protesters’ “risky endangerment” of artworks. 在全球90多間最大藝術機構負責人上月簽署的一份聲明中，這些博物館管理人員表示，抗議者對藝術品的「危險危害」，令他們「深感震驚」。 Yet, few museums appear to have taken bold steps to protect their collections. Norway’s National Museum and the Barberini Museum in Potsdam, Germany, have banned visitors from taking bags or jackets into their exhibition halls. Others have made no changes. 然而，似乎很少博物館採取大膽措施保護館藏。挪威國家博物館及德國波茨坦巴貝里尼博物館禁止遊客攜包包或夾克進入展覽廳，其他博物館則未做出任何改變。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6828062

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 Europe, Doors Shut to Mideast Migrants Are Flung Open for Ukrainians Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has pushed tens of thousands of people out of their homes and fleeing across borders to escape violence. But unlike the refugees who have flooded Europe in crises over the past decade, they are being welcomed. 俄羅斯對烏克蘭的入侵已將數萬人趕出家園，並越過邊境逃離暴力。但與過去十年來湧入歐洲危機的難民不同，他們受到了歡迎。 Countries that have for years resisted taking in refugees from wars in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan are now opening their doors to Ukrainians as Russian forces carry out a nationwide military assault. More than 2.4 million refugees have left Ukraine, according to United Nations estimates, and at least half of them have crowded onto trains, jammed highways or walked to get across their country’s borders in what officials warn could become the world’s next refugee crisis. 多年來一直拒絕接收來自敘利亞，伊拉克和阿富汗戰爭的難民的國家現在正在向烏克蘭人敞開大門，因為俄羅斯軍隊在全國範圍內進行軍事攻擊。據聯合國估計，已有超過240萬難民離開烏克蘭，其中至少有一半擠在火車上，堵塞高速公路或步行到烏克蘭。越過他們國家的邊界，官員們警告說，這可能成為世界上下一個難民危機。 U.N. and U.S. officials described their concerted diplomatic push for Ukraine’s neighbors and other European nations to respond to the outpouring of need. President Joe Biden “is certainly prepared” to accept refugees from Ukraine, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said Thursday, but she noted that the majority of them would probably choose to remain in Europe so they could more easily return home once the fighting ended. 聯合國和美國官員描述了他們協調一致的外交努力，要求烏克蘭的鄰國和其他歐洲國家應對大量的需求。 白宮新聞秘書珍·普薩基（Jen Psaki）週四表示，總統喬·拜登（Joe Biden）"當然準備"接受來自烏克蘭的難民，但她指出，他們中的大多數人可能會選擇留在歐洲，這樣一旦戰鬥結束，他們就可以更容易地返回家園。 That means thousands will end up in countries led by nationalist governments that in past crises have been reluctant to welcome refugees or even blocked them. 這意味著成千上萬的人最終將進入由民族主義政府領導的國家，這些國家在過去危機中一直不願歡迎難民，甚至不願阻止他們。 In Poland, government officials assisted by American soldiers and diplomats have set up processing centers for Ukrainians. The Polish government is spending hundreds of millions of dollars on a border wall, a project it began after refugees and migrants from the Middle East tried to reach the country last year but ended up marooned in neighboring Belarus. 在波蘭，政府官員在美國士兵和外交官的協助下，為烏克蘭人建立了處理中心。波蘭政府正在花費數億美元修建邊境牆，該專案始於去年來自中東的難民和移民試圖到達該國，但最終被困在鄰國白俄羅斯。 The military in Hungary is allowing in Ukrainians through sections of the border that had been closed. Hungary’s hard-line prime minister, Viktor Orban, has previously called refugees a threat to his country, and his government has been accused of caging and starving them. 匈牙利軍方允許烏克蘭人通過已經關閉的部分邊界。匈牙利強硬派總理維克多·歐爾班（Viktor Orban）此前曾稱難民是對其國家的威脅，他的政府被指控將他們關在籠子里，使他們挨餓。 Farther west, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said that “of course we will take in refugees if necessary” in light of the crisis in Ukraine. 在更遠的西部，奧地利總理卡爾·內哈默爾（Karl Nehammer）表示，鑒於烏克蘭的危機，"如有必要，我們當然會接納難民"。 As recently as last fall, when he was serving as interior minister, Nehammer sought to block some Afghans seeking refuge after the Taliban overthrew the government in Kabul. 就在去年秋天，當他擔任內政部長時，內哈默爾試圖阻止一些阿富汗人在塔利班推翻喀布爾政府后尋求庇護。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6158664 Next Article Topic: Political football: War and peace by other means at the World Cup As Iran prepares to play diplomatic arch-rivals the US in the World Cup today, AFP looks at how geopolitics have spilled onto the pitch in previous World Cups: 伊朗準備在今天的世界盃足球賽跟外交宿敵美國交手，法新社檢視過去的世足賽，看看地緣政治如何蔓延到球場上： Mussolini’s ‘Blackshirts’: France v Italy, 1938 墨索里尼的「黑衫軍」：法國對義大利，1938年 Just a year before World War II broke out, defending champions Italy arrived in France with politics taking center stage in their clash with the hosts. Championed by Italy’s then-leader, fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, the team were booed when they came onto the pitch at the stadium near Paris. Undeterred, the Italians gave the fascist salute to the crowd and played in black shirts, a nod to the uniform worn by Mussolini’s notorious “Blackshirts” militia. Italy won the clash 3-1 and went on to win the competition. 就在第二次世界大戰爆發前一年，衛冕者義大利隊抵達法國，在與主辦國的衝突中，政治佔據了中心位置。義大利隊受當時義大利領導人、法西斯獨裁者貝尼托‧墨索里尼所支持，他們在巴黎近郊的球場上場時，被喝倒采。 義大利隊沒被嚇倒，向群眾行了法西斯式的敬禮，並身穿黑衣出賽，這是向墨索里尼臭名昭著的「黑衫軍」民兵制服致敬。 義大利以3-1擊敗法國，且之後贏得了冠軍。 Maradona’s moment: England v Argentina, 1986 馬拉度納的時刻：英格蘭對阿根廷，1986年 This highly charged clash took place in Mexico four years after Argentina’s defeat to Britain in the Falklands War. To the joy of their fans, Argentina took symbolic revenge, winning the quarter-final 2-1 with Diego Maradona scoring twice. His first goal was the infamous “Hand of God” goal, in which he punched the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Then a superb solo effort dubbed the goal of the century sealed victory. “It was a final for us. It was not about winning a match, it was about eliminating the English,” Maradona said. 這場發生在墨西哥的激烈衝突，是阿根廷在福克蘭戰爭敗給英國四年後。 令阿根廷球迷欣喜的是，阿根廷隊進行了象徵性的報復，在八強賽中以2-1擊敗英格蘭，迪亞哥‧馬拉度納進了兩球。他的第一個進球便是聲名狼藉的「上帝之手」進球──他用手擊球，讓球越過英格蘭守門員彼得‧希爾頓。

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 主題: 職場系列 –公司年度派對禮儀 The Dos and Don’ts of Christmas Office Party Etiquette 1. Do: Dress Appropriately 著裝得體 If you need help deciding what to wear to your company Christmas party, check in with your colleagues first to find out the dress code. You'll most likely receive an email from the HR department with all the details. Maybe the CEO wants everyone to wear ugly sweaters, so naturally, you would want to wear your ugliest sweater. 2.Don't: Eat or Drink Excessively 暴飲暴食 If you're tempted to overindulge in the free open bar, hors d'oeuvres, and buffet at your office holiday party, we strongly advise against it. Knocking back too many free-flowing cocktails or having your cup in the punch bowl all night equals a lot of trouble. 3. Do: Work the Room and Network 盡量與屋內的人互動聯誼 Your Christmas office party is an excellent opportunity to mingle with people you may otherwise never see in the office, so use your time wisely. Before you show up to the event, practice your elevator pitch because you never know who you could bump into. 4. Don't: Talk About Sensitive or Inappropriate Subjects 不討論敏感話題 When networking at your Christmas office party, there are certain subjects you should stay away from at all costs. Firstly, avoid controversial topics such as religion, politics, and off-color jokes. Secondly, don't complain or whine about anything. 5.Do: Time Your Entrance and Exit 計算你的入場與離場 Unless you're one of the organizers, we suggest you don't show up to your Christmas office party early or perfectly on time. Even if the event is at the office, take a break after work, freshen up, and come back. Arriving 15 to 30 minutes after it begins is totally acceptable. 6. Do: Say Your Goodbyes 與大家道謝說再見 It may seem suspicious if you sneak out of your Christmas office party without saying goodbye to your colleagues and new connections. While you won't have time to say goodbye to everyone, especially if it's a company-wide event, do your best to weave your way through the crowd and acknowledge the people you feel most comfortable with. 分享時間               Do you like company year-end dinner parties? Why or why not?What was your most memorable party?

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.K497: About air travel - Narita Airport branching out as COVID stalls air travel demand Tours of off-limits areas, wedding photos and a specialty craft beer are some ways in which Narita Airport, a key gateway to Japan, is trying to deal with sluggish demand for international flights. 參訪禁區、拍婚紗照，以及精釀啤酒特產，都是日本一大主要門戶成田機場試圖解決國際線需求疲軟的因應之道。 The operating company expects people who have refrained from traveling overseas during the novel coronavirus pandemic to forge connections with the airport in other ways than through flights. （成田機場）營運公司期待，在武漢肺炎疫情大流行期間避免出國的民眾，以搭機飛行以外的方式與該機場有所聯繫。 One morning in May, 36 people got off a double-decker bus on Runway A, the longest in the nation at 4,000 meters, at around 4:30 a.m. 今年5月某日清晨約4時30分，1輛雙層巴士上的36名乘客，在4千公尺長的全日本最長跑道的成田機場A跑道下車。 Tour participants walked 500 meters down the runway, which was lit up with aeronautical lights. Some posed for photos by lying down on the strip. 這群團客在亮著航空燈的跑道上走了500公尺，有些人還躺在跑道上擺姿勢拍照。 The first flight of the day landed just past 6 a.m., and the visitors watched by the side of the runway as airplanes landed and took off. 當天的頭一班航班在早上6點剛過降落，而且這群訪客便在跑道旁看著飛機起降。 Next Article ’Climate criminal’: Celebrities rapped over jet use「氣候罪犯」：名人被嚴厲批評過度使用噴射機 From a 14-minute flight by Drake’s private plane to Taylor Swift’s carbon footprint, celebrities are struggling to shake off a firestorm over their jet emissions amid the climate crisis. 從德瑞克一趟14分鐘的私人飛機旅行到泰勒絲的碳足跡，名人們正努力擺脫在氣候危機中他們的噴射機排放量帶來的風暴。 Fury erupted in July when reality star Kylie Jenner shared a picture to her 364 million Instagram users of her and her partner, rapper Travis Scott, in front of two jets with the caption: "you wanna take mine or yours?" 真人秀明星凱莉．珍娜7月與Instagram 3億6400萬用戶分享一張她和搭檔饒舌歌手崔維斯．史考特站在兩台噴射機前面的照片，圖說寫著，「你想要搭我的還是你的？」，引爆眾怒。 Critics on social media swiftly attacked Jenner, calling her a "climate criminal". 社群媒體上的批評者迅速攻擊珍娜，稱她「氣候罪犯」。 Then British sustainability marketing firm Yard named and shamed the "worst private jet CO2 emission offenders" among celebrities. 接著英國永續行銷公司雅德列舉了社會名流中「最糟糕的私人飛機二氧化碳排放罪犯」，使他們蒙羞。 Normally used to topping music charts, US pop star Taylor Swift headlined the unenviable list, prompting a torrent of social media outrage, memes and jokes that she was using her jet to pick up food. 過去通常在音樂排行榜名列前茅的美國流行音樂明星泰勒絲成為這份不值得稱羨的清單頭條，她之前使用噴射機取餐，在社群媒體上引發連續不斷的憤慨、迷因和玩笑。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1558565 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1557627

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.K496: About France - France to make condoms free at pharmacies for those aged 18-25 French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that condoms would be made available for free in pharmacies for 18- to 25-year-olds in a bid to reduce unwanted pregnancies among young people. 法國總統馬克宏週四表示，將在藥局免費為18至25歲的年輕人提供保險套，以減少年輕人意外懷孕。 "It’s a small revolution for contraception," Macron said during a health debate with young people in Fontaine-le-Comte, a suburb of Poitiers in western France. 「這是避孕方面的一場小革命」，馬克宏在法國西部普瓦捷市郊區楓丹勒孔特與年輕人進行健康辯論時說。 The move comes as health authorities have observed an increase in sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, in recent years. But it is also part of a broader public health campaign that has led France to expand free access to contraception and screening for sexually transmitted diseases. 近年來，衛生當局觀察到衣原體和淋病等性傳播感染有所增加，因此採取這項措施。但它也是更廣泛公衛運動的一環，該運動促使法國擴大免費獲得避孕藥具和篩查性病的範圍。 Next Article France bans work email after 6 p.m. 法國禁止晚上6點後處理公務電子郵件 France has long been seen as something of a paradise when it comes to labour rights, with it’s 35-hour week, long lunches and generous holidays. 說到勞工權益，法國長期以來被視為天堂，每週工作35小時、午休時間長，假期又多。 Now, a new legally-binding agreement effectively banning workers from after-hours work emails could be the icing on the gateau. 現在，一項具有法律約束力的新協議可能讓這個天堂好上加好：禁止員工下班後處理公務電子郵件。 The deal signed between employers’ federations and unions representing workers in the digital and consultancy fields stipulates that employees should switch off work emails after 6pm and employers must not pressure them to be electronically available after this time. 這項由數位與顧問產業雇主聯合會與工會簽訂的協議規定，員工應該在晚上6點後關閉工作用電子郵件，雇主不得施壓他們在這個時間後保持電子聯繫管道暢通。 Employees will no longer check their work-related email before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m., according to the agreement. The deal upholds the spirit of the 35-hour work week that France implemented in 1999. 員工將不再於上午9時前或晚上6時後查看工作相關電子郵件，根據這份協議。這項協議支持法國自1999年起實施的每週35小時工時精神。 1 million employees in the tech and consulting sectors will be covered by the new rule, the Guardian reports, including workers at the French offices of Google and Facebook. 這項新規定將適用於科技和顧問產業的100萬名受僱人員，衛報報導，包括法國的Google和Facebook員工。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1557826 ; https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/paper/774325

歡迎留言告訴我們你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cl81kivnk00dn01wffhwxdg2s/comments Summary: In the last week of the year, both Spotify and PS network are offering a glimpse of your listening and gaming habits in 2022. In this episode, Angel and I discuss some of the interesting data points we received from Spotify and PS. What is your PS stats and Spotify wrapped like? Comment down below! Vocabulary: 1. Playlist n. 歌單 Spotify allows users to share and browse user playlists. Spotify讓使用者可以分享以及遊覽其他使用者的歌單。 2. Rat race n. 永無止盡的競爭 Life is just like a big rat race. 人生就是一個永無止盡的競爭。 3. Annual fee n. 年費 PS plus charges an annual fee. PS plus是個需要付年費服務。 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.K495: Is ChatGPT the start of the AI revolution? Have you heard of ChatGPT yet? It’s a thrilling, vexing, ontologically mesmerizing new technology created by the research group OpenAI. It can solve all your problems and answer all your questions. Or at least it will try to. 你聽過ChatGPT嗎？這是OpenAI研究小組創建的令人興奮、令人煩惱、在本體論上令人著迷的新技術。它可以解決你所有的問題、回答你所有疑問。或者說，它至少會試試看。 In essence, ChatGPT is a bot trained to generate human-like responses to user inputs. Through the wonders of machine learning, it’s acquired a remarkably expansive skillset. On request, it can produce basic software code, rudimentary financial analysis, amusing poems and songs, spot-on imitations, reflective essays on virtually any topic, natural-language summaries of technical papers or scientific concepts, chat-based customer service, informed predictions, personalized advice, and answers — for better or worse — to just about any question. Unusually for a chatbot, it can learn as it goes, and thus sustain engaging open-ended conversations. It is, to borrow Arthur C. Clarke’s old formulation, “indistinguishable from magic.” 本質上而言，ChatGPT是一種機器人，經訓練後，對用戶的輸入可產生像人類般的回應。透過機器學習的奇妙機制，它習得非常廣泛的技能。它可以應要求生成簡單的軟體程式、基本的財務分析、有趣的詩和歌曲、準確的模仿、幾乎任何主題的反思性文章、用自然語言對技術論文或科學概念做出摘要、以聊天進行的客戶服務、有見識的預測、個人化的建議，以及回答幾乎所有的問題（無論好壞）。跟一般的聊天機器人所不同的是，它可以邊做邊學，因而維持引人入勝的開放式對話。借用科幻小說家亞瑟．C．克拉克所說的話來說，它「跟魔法沒什麼兩樣」。 Almost, anyway. One problem, which its creators concede, is that ChatGPT sometimes offers answers that are precise, authoritative and utterly wrong. A request for an obituary of Mussolini that prominently mentions skateboarding yields a disquisition on the dictator’s interest in the sport that happens to be entirely fictitious. Another soliciting advice for the Federal Reserve returns an essay that cites ostensibly legitimate sources, but that doctors the data to suit the bot’s purposes. Stack Overflow, a forum for coders, has temporarily banned responses from ChatGPT because its answers “have a high rate of being incorrect.” Students looking for a homework assistant should proceed with care. 總之差不多是這樣。其創建者承認的一個問題是，ChatGPT有時會提供準確、權威且完全錯誤的答案。要求在一篇墨索里尼的訃告中顯著提到滑板運動，結果是關於這位獨裁者對此運動之興趣的討論剛好是完全是虛構的。另一篇為美國聯準會徵求建議的文章，其中引用的出處表面上合法，但其數據已按機器人的目的被篡改。程式設計師論壇Stack Overflow暫時禁止來自ChatGPT的回覆，因為它的答案「錯誤率很高」。想要以它來協助家庭作業的學生應該小心。 The bot also seems easily confused. Try posing a classic riddle: “In total, a bat and a ball cost $1.10. If the bat costs $1.00 more than the ball, how much does the ball cost?” Haplessly for a robot, ChatGPT responds with the instinctive but wrong answer of $0.10. (The correct solution is $0.05.) The Internet’s hive mind has been joyfully cataloging other examples of the bot’s faults and frailties. 該機器人看來也很容易被搞糊塗。用一個經典的謎題試試：「一支球棒和一個球總共花費1.10美元。若球棒比球貴1.00美元，那麼球要多少錢」？對於機器人來說不幸的是，ChatGPT以0.10美元這直觀但錯誤的答案做出回應。（正確答案為 0.05美元。）網路的蜂群思維一直在愉快地記錄機器人錯誤及弱點的其他例子。 Such criticism feels misplaced. The fact is, ChatGPT is a remarkable achievement. Not long ago, a conversational bot of such sophistication seemed hopelessly out of reach. As the technology improves — and, crucially, grows more accurate — it seems likely to be a boon for coders, researchers, academics, policymakers, journalists and more, presuming that it doesn’t put them all out of work. Its effect on the knowledge economy could be profound. In previous eras, wars might’ve been fought for access to such a seemingly enchanted tool — and with good reason. 這樣的批評感覺是錯誤的。事實上，ChatGPT是一項了不起的成就。不久前，如此複雜的對話機器人似乎遙不可及。隨著技術的改進——且至關重要的是，它變得更加準確——它似乎有可能成為程式設計師、研究人員、學者、政策制定者、記者等的福音。（假設ChatGPT不會讓他們全都失業。）它對知識經濟的影響可能是深遠的。在過去的時代，戰爭可能是為了獲得這種看似迷人的工具而進行的——而且有充分的理由。Source article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2022/12/13/2003790595