通勤學英語 15Mins Today

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 你還記得上次聊過 Nano Banana 嗎？短短幾個月內，它已經在職場、學校甚至學術圈被大家瘋狂使用了！本週的《英語咖啡館》John 和 Cariya 老師要來帶大家一窺幾個 2026 年最具話題性的科技大趨勢。 據傳聞，接下來我們可能會看到要價 2,000 美元、展開後將近 7 吋且擁有四顆鏡頭的折疊 iPhone！除了硬體設備，AI 助理也迎來了全新突破，像是能幫你整晚自動寫程式的「Clawdbot」，甚至讓 Mac Mini 一度賣到缺貨！？另外，兩位老師也聊到了即將在世界各國擴大測試的自動駕駛計程車 (Robo-taxi) 以及走入家庭的「人形機器人」。如果是你，會願意花高價買單 AR 智慧眼鏡嗎？能安心接受機器人幫忙做家事嗎？ Do you remember when we talked about Nano Banana? In just a few months, it's already being used like crazy in workplaces, schools, and even academic circles! This week on English Cafe, John and Cariya explore several of 2026's most talked-about tech trends. According to rumors, we might soon see a foldable iPhone priced at $2,000 USD, unfolding to nearly 7 inches with four cameras! Beyond hardware, AI assistants have also achieved new breakthroughs, like "Clawdbot" that can automatically write code for you all night, even causing the Mac Mini to sell out at one point!? Additionally, the two teachers discuss robo-taxis that will soon expand testing worldwide and "humanoid robots" entering households. If it were you, would you be willing to pay top dollar for AR smart glasses? Could you comfortably accept robots helping with household chores?

「挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行」慶祝中國信託60週年！即日起至2026/3/31止，每天登入中國信託行動銀行APP加碼抽OPENPOINT點數10,000點(60份)、跨轉6元手續費優惠券(6萬份)。立即抽獎> https://fstry.pse.is/8t7uns 抽獎路徑>中國信託行動銀行APP>點選更多>任務牆 —— 以上為 Firstory Podcast 廣告 —— ----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep. L152: Sana-mania: Iron Lady Becomes Japan's Pop Idol Highlights 主題摘要Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has transformed the Japanese election into a pop culture phenomenon dubbed "Sana-mania," engaging youth like never before.While utilizing a carefully curated "cute" image to gain popularity, Takaichi maintains ultra-conservative policies and a hardline stance on defense.Securing a historic landslide victory, she now possesses a powerful mandate to reshape the nation's economy and constitution without significant opposition. Japanese politics has traditionally been the dull, predictable domain of elderly men in gray suits making obscure backroom deals, but Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has thoroughly shattered this exhausting mold. As the nation's first female leader, she has ignited a cultural wildfire dubbed "Sana-mania," transforming the typically staid election season into a vibrant, high-energy spectacle rivaling major pop star fandoms. This unprecedented shift has turned political apathy into feverish excitement, capturing the imagination of the electorate and drawing global attention to a democratic process that was once considered sleep-inducing. 日本政壇向來是身著灰西裝的高齡男性與晦澀密室協商的代名詞，既沈悶且乏味；然而，首相高市早苗已徹底粉碎了這令人疲乏的既定印象。作為日本首位女性領袖，她點燃了一股被稱為「早苗狂熱」的文化野火，將向來死氣沈沈的選舉季，轉變為一場熱度堪比流行巨星崇拜的政治奇觀。這種前所未見的轉變，將原本的政治冷感轉化為狂熱的興奮，不僅抓住了選民的想像力，更讓全球目光聚焦於這個曾經被視為令人昏昏欲睡的民主進程。 This viral phenomenon, locally known as "Sanakatsu," is continuously fueled by a youth-led obsession with her meticulously curated style and savvy digital presence. Fans avidly clamor to purchase the specific pink pens she wields in parliament and dissect her luxury handbags, while her X account commands millions of loyal followers. By showcasing heavy metal drumming skills and projecting an approachable, "commoner" persona, she has successfully re-engaged a younger demographic that had previously felt deeply alienated by the rigid stiffness and perceived irrelevance of traditional political discourse. 這股在日本當地被稱為「早苗活」的病毒式現象，源於年輕世代對其精心經營的個人風格與精湛數位操作的狂熱追逐。粉絲們爭相搶購她在國會使用的特定款粉紅鋼筆，熱烈剖析她的名牌手提包款式，而她的 X（前推特）帳號更坐擁數百萬名忠實追隨者。透過展現重金屬爵士鼓的才華並投射出親民的「庶民」人設，她成功重新連結了那些過去因傳統政治論述僵化、且認為政治與己無關而深感疏離的年輕族群。 However, strictly beneath the viral hashtags and fashionable accessories lies a steely political operator frequently compared to Britain’s "Iron Lady," Margaret Thatcher. Takaichi is an unapologetic ultra-conservative who champions drastically increased defense spending to counter regional threats and maintains fiercely hardline stances on both immigration and relations with China. Her signature "Sanaenomics" policy promises bold fiscal stimulus, skillfully blending populist economic relief with distinct nationalism designed to restore national pride and consolidate her power base across varied demographics. 然而，在病毒式傳播的主題標籤與時尚配件之下，隱藏的卻是一位常被比作英國「鐵娘子」柴契爾夫人的鐵腕政治操盤手。高市是一位毫不掩飾的極端保守派，她極力主張大幅增加國防預算以抗衡區域威脅，並在移民改革與對中關係上維持極度強硬的立場。她招牌的「早苗經濟學」承諾推行大膽的財政刺激政策，巧妙地將民粹主義式的經濟救濟與鮮明的民族主義結合，旨在重振國家榮耀並鞏固其跨越不同人口結構的權力基礎。 This hybrid strategy has proven devastatingly effective, securing her Liberal Democratic Party a historic supermajority of 316 seats in the lower house. This stunning landslide victory provides Takaichi with a clear, unshakeable mandate to aggressively reshape Japan’s constitution and economy without the usual fear of opposition interference. By successfully merging celebrity allure with iron-fisted governance, Takaichi has not only dominated the election but fundamentally rewritten the rules of Japanese political engagement for the modern era, proving that style can indeed be substance. 這種混合戰略已證明成效斐然，確保了她所領導的自民黨在眾議院奪下 316 席的歷史性絕對多數。這場令人震驚的壓倒性大勝，賦予高市早苗明確且不可動搖的授權，讓她能在無懼在野勢力干擾的情況下，大刀闊斧地推動修憲與經濟重塑。透過完美融合名人魅力與鐵腕治理，高市不僅主宰了這場大選，更從根本上為現代領導時代改寫了日本政治參與的遊戲規則，證明了「風格」本身即是強大的「實質」力量。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Spectacle [noun, a visually striking performance or event]: She transformed the election into a vibrant pop spectacle, drawing global attention to the process.Obsession [noun, the state of being obsessed with someone or something]: The phenomenon is fueled by a youth-led obsession with her curated style and digital presence.Alienated [adje

Topic: Maybe This Time, the Bikes Won’t End Up in the River In 2013, Rome pulled the plug on its bike share program after it ran out of money and cars kept double-parking in front of its bike racks. Last year, a Hong Kong company gave up after many of its green bicycles ended up in the Tiber river. Months later, a Singapore company bailed after Romans stole the yellow bikes and broke them down for parts. 2013年，由於經費用盡，加上老有汽車並排停在單車架前，羅馬終止了單車共享計畫。去年，在旗下許多綠色自行車落得葬身台伯河的下場後，一家香港公司打了退堂鼓。數月後，一家新加坡公司在羅馬人偷走其黃色單車並拆解拿走零件後，也離開了。 Rome has been a bike share wasteland, but Uber says things will be different for the shiny new red bikes it has introduced all over the city. 羅馬一直是單車共享難以生存的荒原，但優步宣稱，它在全市推出的閃亮紅色新單車會讓情況改觀。 “We’ve tested ours on Rome’s cobblestones,” said Michele Biggi, manager of Uber’s Jump electric-bike program in southwestern Europe, who added that previous competitors’ bikes weren’t up to the city’s demands and “could have fallen down with just a gust of wind.” 優步南歐地區Jump電單車計畫經理米歇爾．畢吉說：「我們已在羅馬的鵝卵石街道上做過測試」，並指以前競爭對手的單車未達到城市的要求，「可能光是一陣風吹過就倒下了」。 He has big plans for the Uber bikes, he said, which “will change Rome and give the city a new lifeblood.” 他說，他為優步單車制定宏偉計畫，這「將改變羅馬且給這座城市注入新的生命力」。 Uber and its competitors have already introduced similar pedal-assisted bikes and electric scooters in Paris; London; Lisbon, Portugal; Brussels and other cities that in several cases are overrun with rolling menaces. (Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, has decried “the scooter anarchy.”) But Rome, the first Italian city to get Uber’s electric-bicycle service, is not any other European city. 優步及其競爭對手已在巴黎、倫敦、里斯本、布魯塞爾及其他城市推出類似的助力單車和電動滑板車，而其中有些城市狀況連連。（巴黎市長安妮．伊達戈曾譴責「滑板車無政府狀態」）。然而，第一個獲得優步電動自行車服務的義大利城市羅馬，可不是任何其他歐洲城市。 Rome could be a bike-share dream in one respect: There is no shortage of demand. The city has only two finished subway lines (a third is perennially under construction), and buses come late, fail to show up and occasionally explode. 從某方面來說，羅馬可以成為共享單車的夢幻國度：不乏需求。該市只有兩條完工的地鐵線路（第三條一直在興建中），而公車則會晚點、不出現，偶爾還會爆炸。 Driving on the city’s notoriously clogged streets is a nightmare. Parking is worse. 在這個城市塞到爆的街道上開車有如噩夢一場，找地方停車更會要了老命。 But the obstacles to a bike share program are daunting: Rome’s infamous potholes, its mounds of uncollected trash, double-parked cars, a strong vandal spirit in place since the actual Vandals sacked Rome, and a local resistance to change and physical exertion. Rome’s embattled mayor, Virginia Raggi, urged Romans to show that the city is civilized after all. 但單車共享計畫遇到的阻礙也令人生畏：羅馬惡名昭彰的路面坑窪、成堆待收的垃圾、並排停放的汽車、自真正的汪達爾人洗劫羅馬以來就一直存在的強烈破壞精神，以及當地人對改變和體力消耗的抗拒。陷入困境的羅馬市長拉吉敦促羅馬市民，以行動證明這座城市畢竟是文明的。 “If we don’t want these bikes to be badly treated, guess who it is up to?” Raggi said at the Uber bikes’ unveiling Oct. 21. “Romans themselves are the first defense against degradation.” 拉吉10月21日在優步單車發布會上說：「如果我們不希望這些單車受到虐待，猜猜要靠誰呢？羅馬人自己是抵禦毀壞的第一道防線。」 The company is introducing a fleet of 2,800 bicycles that can be left practically anywhere, and they seem to be everywhere. 該公司正推出總數2800輛的自行車隊，使用後幾乎隨處皆可停放，而它們也似乎無所不在。 But not all Romans are fans. “Rome Is Gross” a well-known social media feed decrying the city’s degradation, has posted complaints about the high price of the Uber bikes, which cost 50 cents to unlock and then 20 cents for every minute of use. That is about the rate charged by car-sharing services. 但並非所有羅馬人都很喜歡。譴責城市退化的著名社交媒體消息「羅馬讓人噁心」抱怨優步單車收費高昂，解鎖價格為50美分，每用一分鐘收費20美分，這跟汽車共享服務費率差不多。 Source article: https://paper.udn.com/udnpaper/POH0067/347676/web/#2L-16028705L Next Article Topic : Bike-promoting Belgian minister finds own cycle stolen A Belgian minister arrived by bike to a news conference to promote cycling on Tuesday, only to find it had been stolen when he left half an hour later. 週二，比利時一位部長為了推廣騎自行車，騎單車至新聞發佈會現場，半小時後離開，卻發現自己的單車被偷了。 Ben Weyts, minister of mobility for the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders, unveiled a plan to invest 300 million euros （$320 million） in cycle lanes until 2019, as part of a wider program to promote alternative modes of transport. 班．維茨，荷語法蘭德斯區的交通部長，推出一項斥資3億歐元（3億2000萬美元）在2019年前興建自行車專用道的計畫，作為範圍更廣泛的推廣替代性交通模式的一部分。 "We left the bike in racks at the station and locked it," a spokesman for the minister said. "When we got back half an hour later, it was gone." 「我們把單車停在停車架上，還上了鎖，」該位部長的發言人說。「當我們半小時後回來，車就沒了。」 While Belgium is a country obsessed with cycling as a sport, cars are the main method of commuting to work, leading to some of the worst road congestion in Europe. 比利時仍堅信騎自行車是一種運動，汽車還是通勤上班的主要工具，使得比國的交通壅塞情況在歐洲數一數二。 The minister had to call his driver to pick him up from the station in Halle, just south of Brussels, the spokesman said, and hoped police would discover the bicycle thief with the help of security camera footage. 發言人說，部長只好打電話給他的司機，要司機到位於布魯塞爾南部的哈勒自行車站接人，自行車只能指望警方透過監視器影像的協助找出小偷。 Source article: http://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/paper/1079689 Next Article Topic: Bicycle helmets can prevent injury and death While riding a bicycle in New Taipei City’s Tamsui District on Oct. 15, author Chen Ro-jin

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 🎙️ 特別來賓:克寧老師!聊聊Podcast剪接時最想刪掉的Filler Words! 這集非常榮幸請到克寧老師來喝咖啡!讓阿鍵老師休息一下,換個口味!John老師和克寧老師要聊聊Podcaster剪接時的秘密:那些「嗯」「啊」「那個」「you know」「I mean」到底要不要剪?剪太多會不會太像念稿?保留多少才natural? 從Podcaster的角度到英語學習者的實戰技巧,這集要告訴你filler words的存在意義,以及如何聰明使用、有效練習! 👋 開場:克寧老師很難Book! John老師:「非常榮幸,因為時間喬不上!克寧老師的時間很難book,而且最主要是——這個單元不需要我吧!」 克寧老師:「這個單元不需要你!」 John老師:「所以15Mins Family如果想在Teacher's Lounge多聽到克寧老師的聲音,用comment link給克寧老師一個shout out!要不然會覺得沒有存在感!」 **今天的話題來源:**之前John老師跟阿鍵老師聊到podcast剪接,私底下又發想了一個主題:Podcast剪接時最想刪掉哪幾個字? 🎬 Podcaster的剪接哲學 克寧老師的做法:盡量保留來賓特色 「我其實蠻喜歡的是,最近做比較多人物訪談,我喜歡讓大家聽得到來賓本來的特色!只要不會太不順、不會造成『替他提心吊膽』或『你對這個東西是不是很有自信』的感覺,我通常都會盡量保留!」 但有些真的要剪:一直說「嗯」「啊」遠距錄音時來賓看不到John老師的臉,講完會很沒自信地說:「對,所以...」(重複一遍)當下錄音還好,但剪接時聽起來就有點煩躁John老師的觀察:看波形就知道! 「我現在只要看波形,我就可以知道這一段是他在講『那個』,這段可以直接拉掉;他在講『對』,這個也可以拉掉!」 克寧老師:「我已經可以看波形看出來了!」 💬 中英文常見的Filler Words 英文Filler Words: 克寧老師最常講:Well (拉長一點)No, OK, no「因為那時候我可能用中文在思考,腦袋還在想怎麼轉化成英語,我就會怕對方尴尬,想辦法用一些詞去填!」 John老師 x Angel老師的互相影響: 「我跟Angel老師很常互相影響!如果那次聊天我用了很多you know,他就會開始使用大量的you know;他用like的時候,就會影響我一直用like!」 為什麼會這樣? 「聊開以後會不自覺開始用同樣的頻率或用詞,達成和諧——讓對方覺得『我get你在做什麼』的樣子!」 John老師 x Gavin老師的特殊Pattern: 「我跟Gavin老師最常的是——I mean(換句話說)!」 「我們兩個都很喜歡講完一件事情,進入那種老師狀態,怕對方聽不懂:I mean, 換句話說... 然後再重新summarize一遍!」 「我跟Angel沒有這個問題!」 克寧老師:「我今天自己節目也很常會有!他講完某個話題怕我聽不懂,就再解釋一遍。通常這個地方我就把它剪掉!」 跟不同人就有不同Filler Words: John老師分析:「跟Patrick老師比較少,因為Patrick會很stick to the outline,他很precise!我跟Angel老師、Gavin老師幾乎沒有在follow outline,outline拿來參考用!」 「我們沒有熟到那種尬聊、完全忘記前面是麥克風、忘記我們在錄podcast!」 🎭 Filler Words的存在意義 好處1:聽起來更Natural 克寧老師:「我會猶豫到底要不要剪,而且Podcast應該很real!剪太多就很像在念稿!」 John老師:「變成一個預錄節目,顯得很生硬,可能有距離感!我們就是要表現很real,尤其Café一開始設定的目標就是最模擬的狀態——咖啡廳裡隔壁桌兩個人在尬聊!」 好處2:大腦還在組織 克寧老師:「很多filler的存在好像有幾個原因:第一個就是你的腦子還在動、嘴巴還在組織,所以你會想說我要講什麼;第二個是你可能跟人家聊天,對方還在思考沒有講話,你會很怕那個silence,覺得很尴尬!」 John老師補充第三個原因:「你不自覺的!比如說在家裡沒有演練、沒做rehearsal,然後去做presentation,你很容易回歸到原本的狀態——跟朋友聊天的狀態。Filler word就會再次使用,但那個場合可能需要你很formal!」 🎯 如何練習改善Filler Words? 克寧老師的方法:聽自己錄音 「對我來講最有用的方法是——我以前真的會有很多『對啊所以然後』,但我覺得可能因為自己有在做podcast,就會被迫去聽自己講話的習慣。你就會覺得『原來我常常有這些語詞』,我就會想辦法有意識地去修正它!」 John老師:「聽自己錄音很好!等你聽到那個filler word,你才會自覺『我還蠻常用這個字的』!」 Angel老師的練習法:自己對自己講話 克寧老師問:「所以John老師你鼓勵平常沒事的時候要自己多對自己講話嗎?」 John老師:「這個其實Angel老師當年就是這樣練習的!聽起來像配音員課程的感覺!」 Angel老師的成功案例:拿美劇來roleplay拿戲劇、boy band的歌來唱模仿他們的腔調模仿被interview時的樣子「如果你喜歡Scarlett Johansson講話的語氣,大量吸收她的interview,去模仿的話,你就變成台版的Scarlett Johansson——雲端情人!模仿久了就變你的!」 📝 進階技巧:用更好的Filler Words取代 ❌ 不好的Filler Words(可以刪掉):嗯、啊、呃那個 克寧老師:「那個就拜拜!Delete those!」 ✅ 好用的Filler Words(可以保留):WellYou knowLet me think for a sec / Let me think for a secondAllow me to process this(讓我消化一下) 🎯 升級版的Filler Words(更專業): Instead of "I mean":What I want to say is...What I want to explain is... Buy time的技巧(Presentation必學):I like your questionThat is a great question克寧老師:「先贊同對方,然後賺時間!其實意思跟well、you know沒差太多,只是換一個比較長、真的是句子的講法!」

Summary:  For higher education students, standardized college exams in the US have been upended during the pandemic. In-person SAT exams have been canceled and a number of selective schools have made the exams test optional, at least temporarily. A group of high school students sued the College Entrance Examination Board, claiming its advanced placement tests are unfair to teens trapped at home by the coronavirus pandemic without adequate computers or Internet connections. Students take the AP exams often with the hopes of earning college credit. As many as 20 percent of students were unable to submit their responses through the testing platform in the first three days of the exam.  原討論文章：https://www.15mins.today/blog/ep-869-college-tests-called-unfair-to-homebound-tech-poor-students  Vocabulary and Sample Sentences:  Discriminate v. discrimination – make an unjust distinction in the treatment of different categories of people to things - It would be considered discrimination if the online tests do not allow students with low internet bandwidth to participate. - The AP test discriminated against students who were in remote areas and lack in resources.  Unrealistic adj. – not realistic- It is unrealistic to think all students have good internet connectivity - One cannot have unrealistic expectations about Advanced Placement Tests.  Upend v. – set or turned upside down - College exams are upended by the pandemic - Kelly upended her lego box, trying to find that one lego figure. 

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 你喜歡喝手搖飲嗎？台灣的 Boba Tea 現在可是紅遍全球，但當年John老師剛回台灣時，站在飲料店櫃檯前可是經歷了一場震撼教育！本週的《英語咖啡館》，John老師和克寧老師要來聊聊這個讓外國人感到文化衝擊，令人又愛又困惑的台灣之光。 對習慣英文邏輯的人來說，台灣獨有的「冰塊甜度」客製化就像是在解謎！為什麼「正常」甜聽起來一點都不正常？在這集節目中，John老師要回到當年，用外國人的視角來解釋為什麼客製化流程會嚇到他們，克寧老師則是帶大家回顧珍奶從 30 元銅板價到現在精緻化的進化史，大家也可以學學怎麼跟外國朋友介紹我們的國民飲料。 Do you like drinking hand-shaken beverages? Taiwan's Boba Tea is now popular worldwide, but when Teacher John first returned to Taiwan, standing at the drink shop counter was quite the educational shock! This week on English Cafe, John and Klim talk about this Taiwan pride that gives foreigners culture shock and leaves them both loving and confused. For people accustomed to English logic, Taiwan's unique "ice level and sweetness" customization is like solving a puzzle! Why does "normal" sweetness sound not normal at all? In this episode, Teacher John goes back to that time and uses a foreigner's perspective to explain why the customization process scared them, while Teacher Klim takes everyone through the evolution of bubble tea from a NT$30 coin price to today's premium versions. Everyone can also learn how to introduce our national beverage to foreign friends.

「挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行」慶祝中國信託60週年！即日起至2026/3/31止，每天登入中國信託行動銀行APP加碼抽OPENPOINT點數10,000點(60份)、跨轉6元手續費優惠券(6萬份)。立即抽獎> https://fstry.pse.is/8t7uns 抽獎路徑>中國信託行動銀行APP>點選更多>任務牆 —— 以上為 Firstory Podcast 廣告 —— ----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） --------------------------------------------

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep. L148: AI Giants War: Age Checks & Security Highlights 主題摘要OpenAI launches strict age verification to block under-13s and protect teenagers.Google reveals Gemini 3 and AntiGravity to secure AI development hubs.Anthropic unveils Claude Cowork for real-time team collaboration and file sharing. The global AI arena exploded into action this week as three industry titans launched major updates simultaneously. Moving beyond simple text generation, the battle has aggressively shifted toward user safety, rigorous developer security, and streamlined enterprise efficiency. This strategic divergence indicates a maturing market where companies are no longer just showing off speed, but are fiercely competing to integrate their models into the fabric of daily life while balancing rapid innovation with strict regulation. 近期全球人工智慧戰場烽火連天，三大科技巨頭不約而同地發布了重量級更新。這場戰役已超越了單純的文字生成，轉而積極搶攻用戶安全、嚴密的開發者資安以及企業運作效率。這種策略上的分歧，顯示出市場正邁向成熟：各家公司不再僅止於炫耀運算速度，而是激烈競逐將自家模型融入日常生活的運作架構中，力求在快速創新與嚴格監管之間取得平衡。 OpenAI is tackling digital safety head-on by rolling out a controversial age-prediction system for ChatGPT. This new mechanism utilizes advanced algorithms to analyze usage patterns, aiming to identify and strictly block users under thirteen while protecting teenagers. While privacy advocates voice concerns, OpenAI insists that automatically filtering inappropriate content is non-negotiable. By enforcing these checks, the company aims to preempt regulatory crackdowns and ensure its platform remains a responsible educational tool rather than a liability. OpenAI 選擇正面迎擊數位安全議題，為 ChatGPT 導入了一套備受爭議的年齡預測系統。這項新機制運用先進演算法分析使用者的行為模式，旨在精準識別並嚴格封鎖 13 歲以下的用戶，同時強化對青少年的保護。儘管隱私權倡議團體對此表達憂心，但 OpenAI 堅持，自動過濾不當內容是不可妥協的底線。透過強制執行這些查核，該公司試圖搶先防範潛在的監管打壓，確保其平台能維持負責任教育工具的定位，而非淪為安全漏洞。 In parallel, Google officially unveiled Gemini 3, featuring the specialized "AntiGravity" hub to revolutionize development security. This launch directly addresses past vulnerabilities by prioritizing architectural integrity alongside raw processing power. Developers can now build complex applications with the confidence that their infrastructure is shielded against external threats and internal leaks. This move signals Google’s commitment to raising the standard for secure software engineering in an increasingly hostile digital environment. 與此同時，Google 正式揭曉了 Gemini 3，並主打名為「AntiGravity」的專屬中心，誓言徹底革新開發安全性。此次發布將架構的完整性置於與原始運算效能同等的地位，直接回應了過去的安全漏洞問題。開發者現在能更有信心地建構複雜的應用程式，確信其底層基礎設施能有效抵禦外部威脅與內部資料外洩。此舉宣示了 Google 在日益險惡的數位環境中，致力於提升安全軟體工程標準的決心。 Finally, Anthropic is targeting the corporate sector with "Claude Cowork," a feature designed for seamless team collaboration. Unlike its rivals focusing on consumer safety or backend code, Anthropic is doubling down on office productivity, allowing users to analyze documents together in real time. This transforms the chatbot into a dynamic colleague capable of managing heavy workflows. As these distinct paths emerge, users now face a diverse ecosystem where AI serves as a specialized utility for safety, security, and professional success. 最後，Anthropic 透過推出「Claude Cowork」鎖定企業端市場，這是一項專為無縫團隊協作所打造的功能。不同於競爭對手聚焦於消費者安全或後端程式碼，Anthropic 選擇在商務生產力上加碼押注，允許使用者即時共同分析文件。這項功能成功將聊天機器人轉型為能駕馭繁重工作流程的動態協作夥伴。隨著這三條截然不同的發展路徑浮現，使用者如今面對的是一個多元蓬勃的生態系，在此之中，AI 已演化為能滿足安全、資安防護與專業成就的專門工具。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Simultaneously [adverb, at the same time]: The global AI arena exploded into action as three industry titans launched major updates simultaneously.Divergence [noun, a difference in opinions, interests, or directions]: This strategic divergence indicates a maturing market where companies are competing to integrate models into daily life.Controversial [adjective, causing a lot of disagreement or argument]: OpenAI is tackling digital safety by rolling out a controversial age-prediction system for ChatGPT.Preempt [verb, to take action in order to prevent something from happening]: By enforcing these checks, the company aims to preempt regulatory crackdowns and ensure its platform remains responsible.Architectural [adjective, relating to the design and structure of a building or system]: This launch addresses past vulnerabilities by prioritizing architectural integrity alongside raw processing power. Reference article: 1. https://www.indiatvnews.com/technology/news/chatgpt-starts-detecting-under-18-users-new-safety-sys

Topic: Why the Philippines Is a Hoops Haven Go to any street corner in the Philippines. Any village. Any beach. Even a church. You’re likely to see a basketball jersey. 在菲律賓隨便去到哪個街角，哪個村落，哪個海灘，甚至哪個教堂，你應該都會看到籃球衣。 “It’s often described as a religion,” Carlo Roy Singson, managing director of NBA Philippines, said in an interview. 美國國家籃球協會（NBA）菲律賓分會總監辛松受訪時說：「大家常說，籃球就是菲律賓人的宗教。」 Indeed, basketball is ingrained in Filipino culture and has been for more than a century. The sport’s permeation of a country of about 105 million began in the late 1800s, when Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States in 1898 after the Spanish-American War. 的確，籃球在菲律賓文化扎根已超過一個世紀。 籃球於19世紀末傳入這個目前有一億零五百萬人口的國家，終至遍布每個角落。1898年西班牙在美西戰爭中戰敗，把菲律賓割讓給美國。 A large facet of the introduction of the fledgling game was Christian missionaries, who were part of the YMCA, or Young Men’s Christian Association. The game’s inventor, Dr. James Naismith, conceived of the sport at what was then known as the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. 籃球這個新興運動傳入菲律賓，很大一部分是靠基督教傳教士，這些傳教士是基督教國際社會服務團體「基督教青年會」（YMCA）的成員。籃球發明人奈史密斯博士就是在美國麻州春田市當時名為「國際YMCA訓練學校」的地方，想出籃球這種運動。 To take a round object and throw it into a peach hoop, as Naismith pictured it, could be a character-building endeavor. Soon after he invented it, missionaries began spreading it around the world, particularly in the Far East and the Philippines, in U.S.-controlled areas — a kind of sports imperialism. 奈史密斯設想，拿起一個球形物並將它丟進一個桃木筐，這種努力過程可以培養品格。在他發明籃球後不久，傳教士開始把這種運動傳布到世界各地，尤其是美國控制的遠東地區和菲律賓，算是一種運動殖民。 The NBA and its players, recognizing the sport’s popularity in the Philippines, have invested time there in recent years. In 2013, the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers played a preseason game there. According to a spokesman for the league, the NBA’s Facebook page has 7.3 million followers from the Philippines, the largest of any country outside of the United States. NBA及其運動員認識到籃球在菲律賓大受歡迎，近年在菲律賓投入許多時間。2013年，休士頓火箭隊和印第安納溜馬隊在菲律賓打了場季前賽。根據NBA發言人的說法，NBA臉書專頁有730萬名粉絲來自菲律賓，菲律賓是美國之外最大的粉絲來源國。 This all began in the early 1900s, when basketball was introduced into schools in the Philippines. In 1913, the first Far Eastern Championship Games — an early version of what is now known as the Asian Games — took place in Manila, featuring several East Asian countries taking part in Olympics-style competitions, including basketball. 這一切全始於20世紀初，當時籃球傳入菲律賓各級學校。1913年，亞洲運動會前身、第一屆遠東運動會在馬尼拉舉行，幾個東亞國家參與奧運式的競賽，包括籃球。 It was the first of 10 biennial events, before disagreements between the countries disbanded the games. The Philippines won gold in nine of them. 遠東運動會兩年一次，總共辦過十次，後來因為各國意見不合而停辦。菲律賓在其中九次贏得籃球金牌。 The country’s population took to the sport en masse. In 1936, its national team made the Olympics and finished fifth. At the 1954 FIBA World Championship, the Philippines won a bronze medal, the best finish for an Asian country. 菲律賓舉國上下都愛上籃球。1936年，菲律賓國家隊打進奧運並拿下第五名。在1954年世界杯男籃錦標賽中，菲律賓贏得銅牌，寫下亞洲國家最佳成績。 Two decades later, in 1975, the Philippine Basketball Association, Asia’s first basketball league, was created. These games kept the sport at the forefront of Filipino culture and helped grow interest throughout the 20th century. 20年後，1975年，菲律賓職業籃球聯賽開打，是亞洲第一個職業籃球聯賽。這些比賽讓籃球處在菲律賓文化的重要位置，並在整個20世紀激發菲律賓人對籃球的興趣。Source article: https://paper.udn.com/udnpaper/POH0067/341713/web/#2L-15029994L Next Article Topic: About Philippines - Sinking feeling: Philippine cities facing ’slow-motion disaster’ When Mary Ann San Jose moved to Sitio Pariahan more than two decades ago, she could walk to the local chapel. Today, reaching it requires a swim. 當瑪莉．安．聖荷西20多年前搬到西堤歐帕里翰時，她還能走路到當地的禮拜堂，如今卻得游泳才能到達。 The main culprit is catastrophic subsidence caused by groundwater being pumped out from below, often via unregulated wells for homes, factories, and farms catering to a booming population and growing economy. 主因是抽取地下水造成的災難性地層下陷，通常是經由未受管制的家庭、工廠和農田水井抽取，目的是應付人口暴增及經濟成長所需。 The steady sinking of coastal towns in the northern Philippines has caused Manila Bay’s water to pour inland and displace thousands, posing a greater threat than rising sea levels due to climate change. 菲國北部沿海城鎮持續下陷，讓馬尼拉灣的海水湧向內陸，造成數千人無家可歸，威脅更甚於氣候變遷所引發的海平面上升。 The provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan have sunk between four and six centimeters annually since 2003, according to satellite monitoring. By comparison, the UN estimates average sea level rise globally is about three millimeters per year. 衛星觀測顯示，從2003年起，班巴加省和布拉坎省每年地層下陷達4到6公分。相較之下，聯合國估測，全球海平面平均每年上升約3公釐。 Next Article: Topic: Philippines’ Duterte pestered again as gecko stalls speech 菲律賓杜特蒂又被糾纏 因壁虎打斷演說 Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte just keeps getting bugged during his public speeches. 菲律賓總統羅德里戈．杜特蒂公開演講時，一直被打擾。 A noisy gecko was the latest wildlife contributor to an address by Duterte, interrupting the leader on Thursday evening just as he launched another tirade at human rights groups critical of his bloody war on drugs. 一隻喋喋不休的壁虎，是供稿給杜特蒂演講的最新野生生物，週四晚間就在他發表另一段長篇大論斥責批評他嗜血反毒戰的人權團體時，打斷這名領袖。 The reptile’s persistence caused laug

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 🧧 農曆新年到了!「恭喜發財」、「馬到成功」用英文怎麼說?為什麼硬翻會變成笑話? 過年要到了!John老師和阿鍵老師這集要聊聊中英文新年祝福語的差異。從廣東版的「Gong Hei Fat Choy」到現代的「Happy Lunar New Year」,從家庭祝福到職場吉祥話,還有那些讓外國人一頭霧水的諧音梗——為什麼鳳梨不能帶去醫院?為什麼馬到成功翻成「Horse Come You Good」會被笑? 💰 過年的兩種心情:小孩 vs 大人 John老師感嘆:「小時候過年是等著拿bonus、收income,現在這個年紀是害怕——破財!」 最可怕的:小侄子小侄女突然來visit「恭喜發財」下一句:「紅包拿來!」更可怕:現在小朋友有LINE Pay和WeChat Pay,直接傳message跟你要錢,還不是face to face!John老師:「過年趕快安排出去,不要跟家人見面!『Really? Oh I'd love to see you but I'm sorry I'm going to Kaohsiung this afternoon!』旅行盾、尿盾什麼都來!」 阿鍵老師也說:「Budget會比較緊一點!」 🏮 Chinese New Year vs Lunar New Year 阿鍵老師:「英文的New Year wishes在農曆新年也有講一些吉祥話,但比較多是在元旦1月1號。」 名稱演變:以前:Chinese New Year (CNY)現在:Lunar New Year為什麼改變? John老師解釋:「有些人不覺得自己是Chinese,但也celebrate這個節日。像越南算一個很大有在慶祝農曆年的國家。很多follow農曆的國家和人,所以漸漸變成Lunar New Year。」 🎊 廣東版 vs 國語版祝福語 經典廣東版:Gong Hei Fat Choy(恭喜發財) 阿鍵老師:「我在英國的時候他們都講這句,但這兩年好像慢慢變成國語版的『恭喜發財』越來越多人講!」 John老師:「因為最早開唐人街的都是廣東裔,他們最早移民、最早接觸海外,所以有這種influence。」 外國人的困惑: 「外國人不懂為什麼『恭喜發財』是a thing, something you say很重要。他們可能用別的表達方式。還有『恭喜恭喜』,他們也不太懂恭喜什麼東西?因為恭喜我們就講congratulations!」 阿鍵老師:「其實應該是well-being的感覺,但well-being好難翻譯!」 🎯 現代英文祝福語:不要硬翻! 老派硬翻(別這樣用):恭喜發財 → Congratulations on your fortune and prosperity (What the...這個他們會不知道你在說什麼!)馬到成功 → Horse come you good (最糟糕的Google Translate!)John老師:「外國人就顯得比較囉嗦!『恭喜發財』四個字,結果要『Wishing you prosperity and success in the year ahead』,那為什麼不能prosperity only呢?」 正確的家庭祝福:Happy Lunar New YearWish you a prosperous and happy new yearWish you prosperity and success in the year 🐴 生肖祝福語:文化差異大挑戰 今年是馬年,一定會講「馬到成功」! John老師:「英文怎麼翻?沒得翻!真的不知道怎麼講!Horse come you good!」 「你去跟外國人講馬到成功,他會想:是他沒有馬嗎?他家沒有坐騎嗎?」😂 其他諧音梗的困境: 大吉大利(橘子): 阿鍵老師:「我們會用橘子(Orange or Tangerine)來當代表,但他們不懂為什麼。Good orange good life?」 旺來(鳳梨): John老師提到去年爬英音樂節拜鳳梨,Alex看到就問:「Why is the pineapple an offering?」 「而且還不是所有occasion都可以用!在醫院裡面不能用pineapple,會被打死!」 結論:很多諧音梗非常不適合被翻譯! 💼 職場祝福語:安全第一原則 阿鍵老師問:「有沒有什麼比較適合職場上用來祝福的?工作順利、事事順心之類的?」 ❌ 不能用的: John老師:「Wish you a good bonus!這個超級實際!但不行!外國人對salary package和bonus是very private的topic,it's private!有點尷尬!」 「We should get a big bonus this year也沒有這種wish。人家賺不賺錢管你屁事!有點觸犯隱私,要有點邊界感!」 ✅ 可以用的正向關鍵字: John老師建議:「祝福他需要的東西!」 安全正向的關鍵字:Prosperity (繁榮) - 絕對安全Success (成功) - 一定是keywordGrowth (成長) - 非常好Abundance (豐盛) - 沒有負面意思Collaboration (合作) - 近年流行,但可以不用 ❓ 避免使用:Opportunity - 可以是好可以是壞,可以go both ways positive or negativeJohn老師:「除非這個人剛好在找工作、是fresh graduate或創業,那就適合!」 📧 完美的職場祝福範例 John老師提供範本: "Wishing you a prosperous and successful Lunar New Year. May the year ahead bring continued growth and strong collaboration." 阿鍵老師評價:「可以聽得出來文法上和英文語感是順的,同時又帶有一點年節的氣氛!」 關於Collaboration: John老師自己偏向可以不用:「因為我是老派!沒有什麼,你不跟我collab我也是繼續上班,就巴結一點、官方一點!」 🎯 選字的黃金法則 John老師總結:「這些吉祥語裡面的用詞,絕對是只有正向的,沒有模稜兩可的!沒有辦法被interpret as negative的字才適合!」 正向字的特徵:Growth - 沒辦法變成負向Success - 沒辦法講不好Prosperity - 沒有不好Abundance - 沒有不好「挑這種字最安全!」 👥 看對象調整用詞 阿鍵老師:「看你的對象是誰,用他聽得懂的話!」 世代差異:對Gen Z、Gen Alpha:可能不用太老派對長辈:老派卡片式也合理(因為祝福對象的關係) 🤖 不確定就問ChatGPT! John老師建議:「大家可以用ChatGPT再revise一下,看有沒有文化上人家看不懂或有點危險的地方,做cultural faux pas check!」 更好的方法:投稿給15Mins! John老師邀請:「You can send your Lunar New Year wishes to us using the comment link, and we will revise it for you and give you an alternative!」 互相祝福! 寄過來給我們祝福,我們接受祝福後,再把修訂的吉祥話幫你修訂一下! 想要加入這個充滿學習熱忱的VIP社群嗎？ 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday

Summary: The first article discusses how FB will compensate moderators in the US for emotional stress and PTSD from viewing disturbing images and videos. The second article talks about a restaurant that filled social distancing table seats with well-dressed mannequins to improve the atmosphere and have a laugh.  原文章討論: https://www.15mins.today/blog/ep-865-about-the-us-facebook-will-pay-52-million-to-employees-who  Vocabulary and Sample Sentences:  Moderator n.: a person responsible for preventing offensive material from being published on a website Is being a moderator for YouTube difficult? Is AI a big threat to moderators? PTSD n.: post-traumatic stress disorder > mental and emotional problems resulting from shocking experiences Is war the main reason for PTSD? Is PTSD subjective? Uncanny adj.: strange and difficult to explain Are UFO’s uncanny? Was his behavior uncanny?

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 大家平常追劇或嘴饞時，手邊會是什麼零食呢？本週的《英語咖啡館》John 和 Patrick 老師要來聊聊大家最愛的罪惡零食：Lay's 樂事。你知道嗎？這個隨處可見的品牌其實快一百歲了，而且它跟我們小時候記憶中的「波卡」有著前世今生的關係！ 就在2025年，樂事官方決定更改Logo和Slogan，而且原因讓我們兩位大感意外！另外，世界各國都可以看到類似樂事的洋芋片包裝，難道是盜版嗎？這背後其實牽涉到一場橫跨全球的商業佈局，而且跟百事可樂公司有關喔。 What snacks do you usually have on hand when binge-watching shows or feeling peckish? This week on "English Cafe," John and Patrick discuss everyone's favorite guilty pleasure snack: Lay's. Did you know? This ubiquitous brand is actually almost 100 years old, and it has a past-life connection with "Poca" from our childhood memories! In 2025, Lay's officially decided to change its logo and slogan, and the reason surprised both of us! Additionally, you can see similar Lay's chip packaging in countries around the world—are they knockoffs? Behind this is actually a global business strategy that involves PepsiCo.

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） --------------------------------------------

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀VIP Ep. L144: Taiwan's 2026 Border Bans & Fines Highlights 主題摘要Travelers are strictly limited to 36 bottles of non-prescription drugs.Taiwan has removed the green channel and scans all luggage now.Carrying banned meat products can result in a one million NT dollar fine. Starting in 2026, travelers entering Taiwan face a significantly stricter border control environment designed to protect the island's biosecurity. The government has officially eliminated the convenient "green channel" at international airports, marking a major shift in customs protocol. Previously, passengers with nothing to declare could bypass detailed checks, but rising concerns over African Swine Fever have forced authorities to tighten the net. This policy change ensures that every piece of luggage, regardless of the passenger's origin, undergoes a mandatory X-ray scan or manual inspection upon arrival. 自2026年起，入境台灣的旅客將面臨更加嚴格的邊境管制，以確保國門生物安全滴水不漏。政府已正式宣布取消國際機場便利的「免檢疫綠色通道」，此舉標誌著海關查驗程序的重大變革。過去，無須申報的旅客可直接略過詳細檢查快速通關，但隨著防堵非洲豬瘟的壓力日益嚴峻，當局決定全面收緊防疫網。這項政策意味著，無論旅客來自哪個國家，其所有行李在抵達時，一律必須接受強制的X光機掃描或開箱查驗。 This universal screening aims to intercept high-risk prohibited items before they enter the local market. Travelers must be extremely vigilant about carrying meat products, fresh fruits, and uncertified plants, as these categories trigger the harshest penalties. Even a seemingly harmless ham sandwich or a bag of fruit can result in an immediate fine of one million NT dollars. While processed seafood and certain dried goods remain permissible under specific conditions, the authorities advise passengers to declare any doubtful items to avoid accidental violations and costly delays. 全面篩檢旨在高風險違禁品流入國內市場前予以攔截。旅客對於攜帶肉類製品、新鮮蔬果及未經檢疫的植物必須提高警覺，這些類別的物品一旦違規將面臨最嚴厲的處罰。即便只是一個看似無害的火腿三明治或一袋水果，都可能導致最高新台幣一百萬元的鉅額罰款。雖然符合特定條件的加工海鮮與部分乾貨仍可攜帶入境，但海關當局強烈建議，若對物品屬性有任何疑慮，應主動申報，以免誤觸法網並造成通關延誤。 Beyond agricultural restrictions, popular Japanese drug store items are subject to precise quantity limitations that frequently confuse tourists. For non-prescription drugs like EVE painkillers or Alinamin vitamin supplements, an individual is permitted to carry up to twelve bottles of a single brand, with a combined total of thirty-six bottles. This quota also applies to dietary supplements in tablet or capsule form. Exceeding these allowances without proper medical documentation implies commercial intent, which could lead to confiscation of the excess goods by vigilant customs officers. 除了農產品禁令，國人赴日必買的熱門藥妝商品，也受制於常讓遊客混淆的限量規定。針對EVE止痛藥或合利他命等非處方藥，每位旅客單一品牌最多僅能攜帶12瓶，且所有非處方藥合計不得超過36瓶。此額度同樣適用於錠狀或膠囊狀的保健食品。若在缺乏適當醫療文件的情況下超量攜帶，將被視為具有商業販售意圖，並可能導致過量商品遭警覺的海關人員沒收。 The regulations extend to medical devices and prescription medications, such as the trendy "skinny jab" weight-loss injections. These specific treatments require a doctor’s prescription and are limited to a six-month supply, while common items like adhesive bandages have a cap of sixty pieces. Furthermore, daily disposable contact lenses are restricted to sixty pieces per distinct degree. To navigate these complex 2026 rules successfully, tourists must meticulously review guidelines before packing, ensuring all medical proofs are prepared to prevent legal issues at the border. 管制範圍更延伸至醫療器材與處方用藥，例如時下熱門的「瘦瘦針」減重筆。這類特定製劑必須出示醫師處方箋，且攜帶量以六個月為限；而像OK繃這類常見耗材，上限則為60片。此外，日拋隱形眼鏡限制每種度數最多攜帶60片。為了順利應對這些複雜的2026年新制，遊客在打包行李前務必詳閱相關規範，並備妥所有必要的醫療證明文件，以防在邊境卡關或衍生的法律爭議。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Protocol [noun, a system of fixed rules and formal behavior used in official business]: The government has eliminated the green channel, marking a major shift in customs protocol.Intercept [verb, to stop and catch someone or something before they reach their destination]: This universal screening aims to intercept high-risk prohibited items before they enter the local market.Supplement [noun, a thing added to something else in order to complete or enhance it]: This quota also applies to dietary supplements in tablet or capsule form.Confiscation [noun, the action of taking something away from someone as a penalty]: Commercial intent could lead to confiscation of the excess goods by vigilant customs officers.Meticulously [adverb, in a way that shows great attention to detail; very thoroughly]: To navigate these rules, tourists must meticulously review guidelines before packing. Reference article: 1. https://ww

About WFH - Microsoft to let employees work from home permanently Software giant Microsoft will let employees work from home permanently if they choose to, US media reported on Friday, becoming the latest employer to expand work-from-home provisions prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic. 美國媒體週五報導，軟體業巨擘微軟將允許讓員工選擇永久在家工作，在武漢肺炎（新型冠狀病毒病，Covid-19）大流行疫情下，微軟成為最新擴大讓員工遠距上班的雇主。 US tech news website The Verge said most Microsoft employees are still at home as the health crisis drags on, and the company doesn’t expect to reopen its US offices until January of next year at the earliest. 美國科技新聞網站The Verge稱，在這場健康危機拖延之際，大多數微軟員工仍在家辦公，微軟預期最早明年1月才會重新開放在美國的辦公室。 But when it does, workers can choose to work from home permanently with their manager’s approval, although they will have to give up their office space. 但當它重開，員工經主管批准，可以選擇常態性在家工作，儘管他們將必須放棄他們在辦公室的空 間。 Next Article Working parents’ woes deepen as schools shut down again 學校再次關閉 在職父母的麻煩加深 Working parents of kindergarten and elementary school students are struggling again to find suitable childcare options, as all schools in the Seoul metropolitan area have been ordered to move classes online until Sept. 11. （南韓）幼兒園和小學學生的在職父母，正再次努力尋找合適的育兒選項。因為首都圈的所有學校，均已被通令將課程改為線上，直到9月11日。 Although the measure was in response to the recent surge in the number of infections among students, teachers and other education workers, remote learning poses a burden to working parents as younger children are less likely to stay focused on lectures for a longer time. 儘管這些措施旨在因應最近在學生、教師與其他教育工作者中，感染人數激增的疫情，但遠距學習對在職父母造成負擔，因為較年幼的孩童，比較不可能長時間專注於課程。 The only option for working parents is sending their children to "emergency child care" classes, set up at schools for kindergarteners and younger elementary students who are in need of care during the day. 在職父母的唯一選項，是將他們的小孩送到「緊急托兒」班，學校的緊急托兒班是為了有日間照顧需求的幼兒園生及低年級小學生而設。 Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1410043 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1396438 Next Article Topic: The New, Hip Co-Working Spaces Technology has upended where we work. The line between work and play has been blurred, and the difference between the office and home has all but disappeared. As a result, there's a new class of white-collar workers who roam the earth looking for places to get their jobs done. 科技顛覆了我們工作的場所。工作與玩樂之間的界線模糊了，辦公室和家的區別也幾乎消失了。 因此，出現了新一類的白領工作者，他們在地球上四處遊走，尋找完成他們工作的地方。 Some of them work from home, curled up on the couch or in a home office — maybe with a drone hovering nearby. Others camp out at expensive cafes, refilling their mugs of fancy coffee throughout the day. But increasingly, these untethered employees are gathering in a new kind of office known as the co-working space. 他們當中有些人在家工作，蜷縮在沙發上或是家庭辦公室裡，或許還有架無人機在附近盤旋。其他人則是在昂貴的咖啡店內紮營，整天將他們的昂貴咖啡不斷續杯。 然而，這些不受束縛的員工正聚集在一種被稱為共同工作空間的新的辦公室，而且此風日盛。 Surely, you've heard of these places. But their numbers have multiplied across the country in the past few years, filling a niche for those who need more than a cafe but less than an office. They now come in a wide range of options. Some are fancy; some are not. Some require memberships; some do not. Some target technology workers; others are for writers or small businesses. And in the Los Angeles area, there seems to be a co-working option for every neighborhood and every profession. 你肯定聽說過這些地方，然而它們的數量過去幾年裡在全國卻呈倍數成長，滿足了那些需要一處不只是咖啡店，卻又不像辦公室的場所的小眾的需求。 這種場所如今可有多樣的選擇。有些很昂貴，有些則不會。有些需要是會員，有些則不用。有些瞄準科技業員工，也有些針對作家或小企業。而在洛杉磯地區，每個區里和行業似乎有都共同工作空間可供選擇。 Before you rush out to join a co-working space, there are pros and cons to consider. Some believe working away from a traditional office improves productivity. A study published last year in The Quarterly Journal of Economics examined Ctrip, a 16,000-employee Chinese travel agency, where call-center employees were randomly assigned to work in either the office or the home. Those who worked from home were 13 percent more productive, the report found. When Ctrip gave all its workers the option to work from home, productivity grew even further, to 22 percent. 在你急著加入共同工作空間前，必須考量其中利弊。 有些人認為不在傳統辦公室工作能提高生產力。去年發表在經濟學季刊的一項研究報告對於攜程進行了研究。攜程是家有1萬6000名員工的中國大陸旅行社，其客服中心員工被隨機分配到辦公室或是在家工作。這篇報告發現，在家工作的員工生產力多了13%。當攜程讓所有員工在家工作時，生產力更進一步成長22%。 Another study published last year in the journal Sleep Health, found that people who had flexible work schedules slept better than those who had to report to the office at specific times. But there are studies that raise doubts about working remotely. "How Effective Is Telecommuting?" published last year in the journal Psychological Science in the Public Interest, found that working from home can make people feel sad. The report says this is likely because of the social and professional isolation experienced from being home alone for too long. 另個去年發表於睡眠健康期刊的研究報告發現，享有彈性工作時間的人比那些必須在特定時間向辦公室報到的人睡得更好。 但也有研究對於遠距工作提出了質疑。去年發表於公共利益心理科學期刊的研究報告「電子通勤效果如何？」發現，在家工作會讓人感到悲傷。報告稱，這很可能是孤獨在家太久而產生的社會與職業隔離感造成的。Source article: https://paper.udn.com/udnpaper/POH0067/293698/web/ Next Article What can employers do if

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 延續誇張練習法的話題,John老師和阿鍵老師這集要分享一個被遺忘但超重要的練習技巧: **錄下自己的聲音!**就像照鏡子才知道自己的表情,錄音才能聽到別人聽到的你。而且,透過跟15Mins音檔比對,你會發現原來那些停頓、語調變化都有意義! 🎧 Podcaster的秘密:為什麼要戴監聽耳機? 阿鍵老師透露:「我們在錄音的時候一邊帶著監聽耳機,這個叫做監聽,是在聽我們自己的聲音!」 監聽的目的:確認頭沒有離開麥克風檢查咬字清不清楚即時發現設備問題(最慘的狀況)控制voice control(發聲控制力)檢查喉嚨有沒有雜音John老師說:「這叫direct monitoring(直接監聽),當下就要聽到自己哪個咬字不對、聲音飽不飽和。就好像照相,一開始照好了,後面修圖就不用修得那麼辛苦!」 兩種monitoring方式:同步監聽(Synchronous): 錄音當下戴耳機即時聽非同步回放(Asynchronous): 錄完之後playback剪輯時聽 🔊 為什麼聽自己的聲音這麼奇怪? John老師解釋:「從物理性來講,我們自己發聲時聽到的聲音是骨傳導,從體內聽到的,不是從耳朵聽到的!所以對著麥克風錄出來再playback,跟我們體內聽到的聲音不太一樣!」 需要習慣多久? John老師:「50集左右!」 阿鍵老師驚訝:「John老師的50集很快,我的50集大概是一年!你50集大概一個月兩個月就到了!」(當初日更時代) John老師坦白:「其實不是習慣,是根本無視了!I start to ignore my own voice or how different it is。慢慢就比較在意voice control——我發聲出去有沒有控制力,而不是在意聲音有沒有磁性、像不像radio voice。那個都是其次了!」 真正要在意的是:咬字有沒有清楚Playback時能不能想像自己嘴巴張開的樣子聲音裡面有沒有帶表情 大概總共within a month, over three hours of content,三個小時左右的錄音時間就會習慣了! 📱 Language Learning的Recording Benefits John老師:「Recording yourself has a lot of benefits!在台灣我們都做silent reading(默讀),但還有一種方式:record yourself!」 具體做法:Take a couple of lines(挑幾行)Record yourself(錄下自己)Play it back(播放回聽)Check your own work(檢查自己的表現)這樣可以double check和review你的Reading Out Loud到底做到心中的幾分! 🎥 要不要錄影? 阿鍵老師建議:「如果要做的話,可以連夸張的嘴型一起錄!用錄影的,這樣可以連嘴巴的形狀跟聲音一起錄下來!」 John老師:「如果沒有camera shy(鏡頭恐懼)當然沒問題!如果camera shy就先從recording開始。」 阿鍵老師:「Camera shy的話你要一次面對兩個挑戰:聽自己的聲音,還要面對自己的臉!」 John老師:「就好像照鏡子有點害羞,沒有那麼自恃!照久了要慢慢習慣!」 💡 Recording的三大好處 好處1:發現困難點 阿鍵老師:「你會很容易發現自己在哪些地方有困難點,下次就知道要在哪個地方多小心、放慢速度或加強!」 當你遇到比較難發音的字,或某個paragraph念Reading Out Loud有困難,把它錄下來會很明顯! 好處2:Compare Playbacks(比較錄音) John老師:「我們國際時事跟讀單元,John老師已經念好一種版本,你拿這個文稿自己做Reading Out Loud exercise,自己錄自己,然後兩個recording做comparison(比較)!」 可以清楚抓到細節:John老師在這邊念怎麼會有pause(停頓)怎麼會有intonation的change(語調變化)哪個地方比較快、哪個地方比較慢哪個地方比較高、比較低阿鍵老師:「這就有點像我們上次提到英文比較像rhyming(有韻律感),用playback的時候就可以聽得出來句子的節奏!」 好處3:培養細節敏感度 John老師用咖啡比喻:「就像我們煮兩杯咖啡來比較哪一杯比較好喝、喜歡哪種豆的風味。有了comparison以後,對細節的敏感度會非常非常好!」 阿鍵老師:「你同時要練的部分蠻多的:耳朵的聽覺反應、嘴巴的肌肉,它的速度累積都需要一段時間練習!」 ⏱️ 練習建議:不用太長! 阿鍵老師貼心提醒:「時間不用太長,一段大概30秒到90秒,跟一個reels的時間差不多就夠了!」 回聽時的重點:❌ 不要算犯了多少個錯誤❌ 不要看成「算分數」「被扣分」✅ 只注意嘴型和聲音就好 📈 每次都會進步! John老師鼓勵:「每一次的recording都不是考試!你下一個recording一定會比之前的recording更好!」 Podcast界的智慧: 「很多人錄podcast錄一兩集就想放棄,覺得『哇我怎麼那麼難聽,口條怎麼這麼差』。但沒有人生下來口條就好的!」 阿鍵老師:「我們建議大家都要自己錄、自己剪輯。剪輯是你最快知道自己哪個地方要進步的方式!」 進步公式:第一集一定比第二集差第二集一定比第三集差等到一百集以後,每一集的平均值就拉高了持之以恆下去,一定會進步! 🎁 農曆年前活動持續中! 每週挑一兩段小段落或few lines來做這樣的練習,有體會的時候:Use the comment link and let us know your experience! 分享你的:Insight(領悟)聽到什麼細節比較之後聽到什麼我們繼續累積農曆年前的好寶寶貼紙! 👨‍👩‍👦 Shout Out時間 1️⃣ 香港小吉與Winston: 去年中秋節帶月餅來台灣的香港朋友小吉,這次Winston哥哥聽到克寧老師美食單元(Café某集)講到生日要帶「乖乖桶」跟同學分享,很好奇:「乖乖桶是什麼?那是可以吃的嗎?」 John老師:「現在都很難找到了,結果他來台灣要找這個東西!香港沒有乖乖桶!」 答案:可以吃!是滿滿一桶的軟糖(Gummies)——乖乖Gummies! 感謝小吉和Winston每次一上車就play English Café!Winston, keep listening to the foodie stuff!

Summary: The pandemic in 2020 has changed many aspects of our lives. In Japan, it did not only affect the economy, but also their office processing. Japan, like Taiwan has a culture that require paperwork such as memos be confirmed or checked off with a personal seal/chop. Since the Japanese Minister has called on citizens to stay at home during the pandemic, he asked the government to change the custom of using seals to promote remote work. At the same time, the government require small businesses applying for subsidies to hand in the paperwork in person at unemployment offices, which is in conflict with the Prime Minister’s intentions of promoting remote work. This custom was imported from China from over a thousand years ago, where citizens were required to legally register their name to use on important documents. 原文章討論: https://www.15mins.today/blog/ep-850-japan-taking-another-look-at-ancient-seal-custom-to-push Vocabulary and Sample Sentences: Custom n. – a tradition or a widely accepted way of behaving The local custom dictates that you take off your shoes before entering into other people’s homes. When in Rome do as Romans do means you should follow the local customs whereever you go. Formalize v. – give something legal or formal status / give something structure or shape The use of a seal was formalized by Japan’s modern government in 1800s. Our business relationship will be formalized through a business contract. Telecommute n. – work from home through the use of internet or phone My boss wants me to start telecommuting next week. You need to check the stability of your internet connection in order to telecommute. 

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 今天介紹的這首《Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night》可是大有來頭，它不只曾出現在電影《星際效應》（Interstellar）和《危險遊戲》（Dangerous Minds）中用來渲染關鍵劇情的張力，作者 Dylan Thomas 更是我們廣播和有聲書的大大大前輩喔！ 「Good Night」只是單純的晚安嗎？詩中不斷重複的 "Rage, rage against the dying of the light" 又是什麼意思呢？趕快收聽本集節目，讓John老師為你注入面對生命的「戰鬥力」吧！ Today's featured piece, "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night," has quite the pedigree! Not only has it appeared in films like "Interstellar" and "Dangerous Minds" to intensify key dramatic moments, but its author Dylan Thomas is also a great, great predecessor of ours in radio and audiobook work! Is "Good Night" simply a way to say goodnight? What does the repeatedly mentioned "Rage, rage against the dying of the light" in the poem really mean? Tune in to this episode quickly and let John inject you with the "fighting spirit" to face life!

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） --------------------------------------------

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀VIP Ep. L136: Trump's Greenland Ultimatum Sparks NATO Crisis Highlights 主題摘要Trump demands Greenland for security, refusing to rule out military force.US eyes Arctic dominance and rare earth minerals to counter China.Denmark rejects the offer, sparking a crisis within the NATO alliance. In a move shaking the global geopolitical landscape this January 2026, President Donald Trump has aggressively renewed his campaign to acquire Greenland. Following recent US military decisiveness in Venezuela, the White House has signaled that taking control of the vast Arctic territory is a critical national security priority. Trump explicitly argued that American ownership is essential to deter adversaries, even suggesting that the use of military assets remains a potential option if diplomatic avenues fail to secure the island. This resurgence of what was once considered a mere "real estate fantasy" has now hardened into a concrete foreign policy objective. 2026 年 1 月，川普總統大動作重啟「收購格陵蘭」計畫，此舉在國際地緣政治版圖投下震撼彈。繼美軍近期在委內瑞拉展現雷厲風行的行動後，白宮已明確定調，將掌控這片廣袤的北極領土視為攸關國家安全的優先事項。川普明確主張，美國擁有格陵蘭主權是嚇阻敵對勢力的必要手段，甚至暗示若外交斡旋失敗，不排除動用軍事資產來達成目標。這項一度被譏為單純「炒房狂想」的議題，如今已轉化為具體且強硬的外交戰略目標。 The strategic logic behind this demand centers on Greenland’s pivotal location and untapped resources. Situated between North America and Europe, the island commands the "GIUK gap," a maritime corridor vital for monitoring Russian naval activity. Furthermore, as melting ice opens new shipping lanes, the territory has become a hotspot for competition with China and securing dominance in the high north. The administration views Greenland’s massive deposits of rare earth minerals as indispensable for reducing dependence on foreign supply chains for advanced military technology. 這項要求背後的戰略邏輯，核心在於格陵蘭樞紐般的地理位置及其未開發資源。該島位於北美與歐洲之間，扼守著監控俄羅斯海軍動向的咽喉：「GIUK 缺口」海廊。此外，隨著冰層融化開啟新航道，該地已成為與中國角力及鞏固極北霸權的兵家必爭之地。川普當局認為，格陵蘭蘊藏的龐大稀土礦藏，對於降低先進軍事科技對海外供應鏈的依賴，具有絕對的不可取代性。 Tensions escalated when President Trump declared that NATO should actively facilitate the territory's transfer to American jurisdiction. He asserted that the alliance would become "far more formidable" with Greenland under US command, dismissing alternatives as unacceptable. White House officials are reportedly drafting acquisition options ranging from economic incentives to coercive measures. This direct challenge has transformed a diplomatic disagreement into a severe test of alliance unity, as Washington doubles down on its "America First" doctrine. 當川普總統宣稱北約應積極促成該領土移交美國管轄時，緊張局勢急遽升溫。他斷言若格陵蘭納入美軍指揮體系，北約戰力將「如虎添翼」，並駁斥任何替代方案皆無法接受。據傳白宮官員正研擬各種併購劇本，手段涵蓋經濟誘因乃至於強制性措施。隨著華府加倍貫徹「美國優先」路線，這項直接挑戰已將一場外交分歧，演變成對盟國團結度的嚴峻試煉。 The response from Copenhagen and Nuuk has been immediate, creating a "fundamental disagreement" that threatens the NATO alliance. Danish officials and Greenland’s leadership have firmly rejected the proposal, emphasizing that the autonomous territory is not for sale. European leaders have rallied behind Denmark, warning that forced annexation would violate international law and shatter trust. Despite intense political pressure from Washington, the Greenlandic people remain resolute in their desire for self-determination, insisting that their home cannot be bought. 哥本哈根與努克（格陵蘭首府）當局隨即強力回擊，雙方爆發危及北約聯盟的「根本性分歧」。丹麥官員與格陵蘭領導層嚴正拒絕這項提議，強調該自治領土絕非待價而沽的商品。歐洲各國領袖紛紛聲援丹麥，警告強行兼併將違反國際法並摧毀互信基礎。儘管面臨華府排山倒海的政治施壓，格陵蘭人民捍衛自決權的意志堅定不移，堅持家園不容買賣。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Indispensable [adjective, absolutely necessary; essential]: The administration views rare earth minerals as indispensable for reducing dependence on foreign supply chains.Jurisdiction [noun, the official power to make legal decisions and judgments]: Trump declared that NATO should actively facilitate the territory's transfer to American jurisdiction.Coercive [adjective, relating to using force or threats]: White House officials are drafting acquisition options ranging from economic incentives to coercive measures.Autonomous [adjective, having the freedom to govern itself or control its own affairs]: Danish officials and Greenland’s leadership emphasized that the autonomous territory is not for sale.Annexation [noun, the action of seizing something, especially territory]: European leaders warned that forced annexation would violate international law and shatter trust. Reference article: 1. https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/06/europe/

Topic: Chinese ready meals have more salt than 11 bags of potato chips Chinese takeaways and ready meals should carry compulsory health warning labels on menus and packaging to alert consumers to “astonishing and harmful” salt levels, UK health experts have recommended. 英國健康專家建議，外帶餐廳或是超市販售的即食中式料理，應該在菜單中以及包裝上強制加上健康危害警告標語，提醒消費者餐點中的含鹽量達到「令人驚恐而且有害」的程度。 The worst-offending Chinese takeaway dishes in a survey published on March 13 by Action on Salt were found to have as much salt as five McDonald’s Big Macs, while many had more than half an adult’s entire daily allowance.Supermarket Chinese ready meals were also laden with salt, with some containing more than the amount found in two Pizza Express margherita pizzas, the report reveals. Some rice dishes contained more salt than 11 bags of ready salted crisps. 英國組織「抗鹽行動」在三月十三日發布一項調查結果，發現那些對健康造成最嚴重危害的外帶型中式料理，其中鹽分的含量相等於五個麥當勞大麥克堡，還有許多菜餚的含鹽量超過一個成人每日食鹽建議攝取量的一半。這份報告同時揭露出超市的即食中式料理同樣充滿著鹽分，其中一些菜餚含鹽量遠超過連鎖義式餐廳Pizza Express的兩個瑪格麗特披薩。某些米飯類料理所含的鹽分甚至超過十一袋加鹽的洋芋片。 Action on Salt is leading a group of health experts in calling on Public Health England to set tough new salt targets, make front-of-pack labelling mandatory and to follow New York’s lead by requiring chains to put warning labels on high-salt dishes. They are also urging the food industry and restaurants to reduce salt by reformulating takeaways and ready meals. 「抗鹽行動」組織率領一群健康專家，向英國公共衛生部呼籲應制定嚴格的新鹽分標準、強制食物包裝正面必須加上標示，並且仿效紐約之前率先採取的行動，也就是要求連鎖超市或餐廳必須在高鹽分菜餚的包裝上加註警語。他們同時也呼籲食品產業和餐廳重新設計外帶與即食料理的成份，減少其中的鹽分。 Of 141 supermarket Chinese ready meals analysed, nearly half (43 percent) were high in salt — containing more than 1.5g/100g, or 1.8g per portion — which would trigger a red “traffic light” label. 在經過分析的一百四十一種中式即食料理中，有接近半數（百分之四十三）的菜餚含鹽量過高──每一百克的菜餚中就有超過一點五克的鹽，或是一份菜餚中含有一點八克的鹽──可能導致身體中的鹽分攝取亮起紅燈。 “Salt is the forgotten killer as it puts up our blood pressure, leading to tens of thousands of unnecessary strokes, heart failure and heart attacks every year,” said Graham MacGregor, the chairman of Action on Salt and a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Queen Mary University of London.“ 「抗鹽行動」的理事長葛拉漢‧麥可葛瑞格表示：「食鹽是經常遭到忽略的殺手，它會增加我們的血壓，每年導致好幾萬個可以避免的中風、心臟衰竭，以及急性心臟病等案例」。葛拉漢‧麥可葛瑞格同時也是倫敦瑪麗王后大學心血管醫藥研究部門的教授。 Reducing salt is the most cost-effective measure to reduce the number of people dying or suffering from strokes or heart disease.”Accompanying rice dishes, spring rolls and prawn crackers — and soy sauce — can pile on the salt in a Chinese meal.Dishes from six Chinese restaurants were also analysed, with 97 percent found to contain 2g of salt or more. More than half (58 percent) contained in excess of 3g of salt per dish: Half an adult’s maximum recommended daily intake. 「要減少中風或心臟疾病的死亡人數或罹病者數量，減少鹽分是最有效率又成本最低的措施。」 中式餐點如果搭配米飯類菜餚，或是春捲和蝦餅──再淋上醬油──鹽分就會大幅增加。 這個組織同時也分析了六間中式餐廳的多種料理，有百分之九十七的菜餚含有兩公克或以上的鹽分。超過半數（百分之五十八）的菜餚每份的含鹽量甚至超過三公克──這已經是一位成人每日食鹽建議最大攝取量的一半了。 Source article: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2018/03/25/2003689953 Next Article Topic: ‘Free chips with your bag of air’ is good for you, says FDA Have you ever felt like you have been conned when you joyfully open a bag of potato chips, only to find a mere handful of chips inside? The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) says that storage in a sealed bag filled with nitrogen is necessary to keep the chips fresh and tasty. 你是否曾經有過滿心歡喜打開洋芋片，卻發現裡面東西只有一點點，感覺像被騙呢？台灣食品藥物管理署表示，為了保持洋芋片的新鮮美味，密封包裝以及氮氣充填保存是必須的。 The TFDA shared a post on its Facebook page and an article on its Web site, in which it said that potato chips are fried at a high temperature during the manufacturing process, and when they come into contact with air they can easily become oxidized, which would tend to make them turn soft and crumble, and can even make them smell and taste rancid. 食藥署在臉書專頁「食用玩家-食藥署」及食藥好文網發文分享，洋芋片的製造過程會經高溫油炸，與空氣接觸後易氧化，導致洋芋片容易變軟、破碎，甚至還會產生油耗味，變得不好吃。 The TFDA explained that a sealed bag can prevent the chips from coming into contact with air, thus reducing oxidation and extending their shelf life. This it done by sealing them inside a plastic bag lined with a compound material such as tin foil or aluminum foil. As well as keeping out contamination by things like air, grease, damp and microbes, it can also help to prevent light exposure and reduce oxidation. 食藥署說明，密封包裝可以避免洋芋片接觸空氣，減少氧化的程度，延長保存期限。目前是運用內層有錫箔或鋁箔等複合性材質的塑膠包裝袋密封，不僅能阻擋空氣、油脂、潮濕、細菌微生物等外在汙染，錫箔或鋁箔的材質還可以輔助避光，減少氧化。 The TFDA says that food manufacturers pump the bags full of nitrogen to prevent the chips from being damaged and broken by knocking or crushing during transportation. Nitrogen is chemically stable and does not easily react with other substances. It is the most plentiful gas in the Earth’s atmosphere, comprising 78.09 percent of its total volume, which makes it easy and cheap to obtain. “Nitrogen flushing” technology can therefore be used to ensure the quality and safety of potato chips, making them look wholesome and taste good as well as keeping them free from contamination by bacteria or other microbes. 食藥署表示，為了避免洋芋片在運送的過程中因碰撞、擠壓而

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 🎤 為什麼練習要夸張?因為練習場大哥不等於實戰高手! 延續上週的發音錯誤主題,這集John老師和阿鍵老師要分享更technical的內容:配音員Angel老師的暖身秘訣!為什麼練習要夸張?因為「Aim for the moon and you will reach the star」,更重要的是——口腔發音是肌肉訓練,不push到極限,你怎麼知道自己的極限在哪裡? 💪 夸張練習的核心原理:肌肉記憶 John老師解釋:「這跟去健身房、游泳一樣,不push到極限,你不知道生理極限在哪裡。口腔也是一樣!舌頭沒有伸出來,你怎麼知道你有舌頭?」 發音的三大要素:Vocal chord(聲帶)口腔肌肉(留一個空洞讓聲音回盪)舌頭(做靈活動作讓聲音轉化、變形)阿鍵老師:「口腔叫做『腔』,就是中間有一個洞,我們要讓這個洞打開!」 為什麼平時不夸張? John老師說:「練習的時候夸張,平時發揮的時候才會正常!我們平常講話會打個七折左右。如果你夸張演繹intonation,在日常跟人講電話時並不是這樣,但你的muscle memory會記得『我嘴巴要打開,讓人家聽到我每一個音節』!」 練習場大哥 vs 實戰高手的比喻: John老師幽默地說:「我全馬跑一個半小時(練習場),高爾夫球打72桿(練習場),但上場就廢了!因為練習都是平的,沒有高坡度。實際情況有風吹日晒、爬坡下坡!」 「所以Driving Range Pro(練習場的Pro)不等於真正下場的Pro。練心態練久了,你沒下場就只是練習場大哥!」 重點:練習是為了實戰,讓你有muscle memory,舌頭靈活,抗拒感降最低! 🎭 Angel老師偷師來的配音員暖身法 John老師和阿鍵老師去偷學Angel老師(聲優/配音員)的練習法! 聲優進錄音室前的暖身重點:不是直接拿台詞念(太容易入戲,影響後面表現)用空稿或聲音練習目標:讓嘴巴醒來、保持彈性、舌頭靈活找到共鳴的點(喉嚨還是口腔)掌握念稿的節奏感(快慢切換) Angel老師分享的暖身三步驟: 步驟1:嘴部肌肉練習(不發聲) 1.嘴巴張到最大夸張到你自己都覺得好笑打開→變最小→打開→變小自覺掌握肌肉,控制樂器內部大小2.細部嘴唇練習微笑→嘟嘴→微笑→嘟嘴練習嘴唇彈性3.放鬆練習下巴左右晃(上顎下顎的control)讓剛才練習的肌肉回到放鬆階段阿鍵老師補充按摩師教的技巧:「用力咬住然後放開,你就會知道放鬆是什麼感覺!像橡皮筋拉到最長再放鬆,恢復肌肉的感受!」 步驟2:母音AEIOU練習 從最基本的母音開始:A: AI(像ABC歌)、A for appleE: E for eggI/Y: 各種I的音O: Potato的O、Mr. 的R音U: Mr. Wu的U音(嘴唇變小變大、張開控制)台灣人比較不熟的:全開的大口A需要張很大的RJohn老師:「張開你不習慣,就很容易吃掉那個音節,變成A或乾脆不發音就跳過,尤其是字尾的最後一個音節就不見了!」 記住:Go crazy!過頭、夸張地練習!看到音節時會有更好的掌握度! 🎯 Practice vs Performance的黃金比例 John老師提醒:「Practice是一個樣,上場是另一個樣!打七折不是你心裡打折,你還是要努力發音!你回到原來狀態就會打折了,結果你在原來狀態再打折——七折再七折,我們沒有要跳樓拍賣,那可能就骨折了!」 😂 正確心態:練習:100%夸張、push極限實戰:自然就會打七折,剛剛好 🍷 克寧老師的秘密武器:喝一杯小酒? 阿鍵老師提到之前English Café單元:「克寧老師基本上都會喝酒,稍微放鬆一點,英文外語可以講得更好!」 John老師:「對某些人來講,英文的靈魂就會上升,上輩子的英文靈魂上升!Whatever makes you comfortable, you do that!」 📚 自然發音法 vs KK/IPA音標的世代差異 話題延伸到小朋友和大人的學習方式差異: 現在小朋友:自然發音法(Phonics)Sight words(看到字就會念)比較無腦能入門It works 80% of the time80%的地方都會聽得懂你,就safe了!老人家:KK音標/IPA小朋友會說:「KK音標是老人家在用的,跟Facebook一樣!」外國人你問他什麼是KK音標,他不知道!歐洲比較實行IPA,但美英系還是Phonics為主世代衝突: John老師:「小朋友去補習班回來,那個老師如果是加拿大人,可能每個音節都要念出來。你跟小朋友說『我老師不是這樣教的』,他說『KK音標是老人家在用的』,你就會吵架!」 🎪 實用通勤練習法 阿鍵老師:「捷運上可能不好練習RRRAAA,但可以練嘴型!」 Conference前的準備: 在會議前把facial muscles(面部肌肉)稍微移動一下,等一下的full English meeting可以比較順暢! 可以練習的:嘴形舌頭位置咬下唇不發出聲音的肌肉運動 🎁 持續活動:農曆年前送周邊 練習TH音、V音、L音這些,記得用comment link回覆你的feedback和insight:練習到什麼程度什麼東西是卡關的地方你的突破經驗 想要加入這個充滿學習熱忱的VIP社群嗎？ 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday

Summary: The first article discusses how junk food messes with our brain chemistry, making us stupid and not feeling full. Thus triggering a desire for more junk food. The second article found that if you need to sit all day, kneeling or squatting is much healthier for people, than sitting on a chair.  原文章討論：https://www.15mins.today/blog/ep-847-about-scientific-research-certain-junk-foods-could-be Vocabulary and Sample Sentences: Undermine v.: make something weaker or less effective Did the mistake undermine her confidence? Would you fire someone who undermines your authority? Amiss adj + adv.: not as it should be Is there something amiss with your sleep patterns? Is there something amiss with the climate? Sedentary adj.: a lot of time sitting Are you sedentary on the weekends? Is a standing desk a great alternative to a sedentary lifestyle at work? 

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 你搭飛機時，是否曾好奇空服員之間的「神秘對話」？當他們透過對講機說出 "Cockroach" 或 "Deadhead" 時，其實指的可能不是昆蟲或死腦筋，而是飛機上不能讓乘客知道的秘密？本集《英語咖啡館》是 Angel 老師2026年的首次上場， John 老師準備了一些機組員才懂的航空業「暗號」要來考考她！ 你知道為什麼有些穿著制服搭機的組員必須全程把自己「蓋起來」嗎？或是當空服員在登機門口親切問候時，其實眼神正在掃描誰是關鍵的 "ABP"？Angel 老師要來分享這些行話背後的故事與規範，絕對讓你在下次的旅行有全新的觀察。 When you're on a flight, have you ever been curious about the "mysterious conversations" between flight attendants? When they say "Cockroach" or "Deadhead" through the intercom, they might not actually be referring to insects or stubborn people, but rather secrets on the plane that passengers can't know about? This episode of "English Cafe" marks Angel's first appearance in 2026, and John has prepared some aviation industry "code words" that only crew members understand to quiz her! Do you know why some crew members in uniform must keep themselves "covered up" throughout the flight? Or when flight attendants greet you warmly at the boarding gate, their eyes are actually scanning to identify who is the critical "ABP"? Angel shares the stories and regulations behind this jargon, giving you completely new insights for your next trip.

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） --------------------------------------------

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep. L136: Rich Feast, Poor Starve: The K-Shaped Economy Reality Highlights 主題摘要Stock markets soar while inflation forces families to cut basics.Credit card debt and bankruptcies hit a 14-year high.Wage growth slows down despite hopes for future price cuts. The year 2026 has solidified a starkly divided reality known as the "K-shaped" economy, where financial fortunes diverge sharply based on social class. While wealthy households celebrate record-breaking stock market gains and robust investment returns, working-class families are continuously battling a severe cost-of-living crisis. This economic phenomenon has created a split-screen existence across the nation: one privileged group enjoys luxury spending, while the other faces mounting debts and the agonizing decision to sacrifice holiday celebrations just to keep food on the table. 2026 年，「K型經濟」的殘酷現實已然成形，貧富差距徹底拉大。當富人忙著慶祝股市頻創新高、投資荷包滿滿的同時，工薪階層卻深陷生活成本飆升的泥淖。這種經濟現象讓美國社會彷彿活在兩個平行時空：特權階級豪擲千金享受生活，另一端的人們卻背負著沉重卡債，為了求頓溫飽，甚至不得不忍痛放棄過節。 For ordinary citizens like Marcus Satterfield, booming macroeconomic statistics feel like a cruel illusion rather than reality. Despite having steady employment, his purchasing power has been eroded by inflation, forcing him to slash budgets and consider driving for Uber to afford groceries. Similarly, retirees on fixed incomes are struggling to manage skyrocketing medical bills and utility costs. Federal data confirms this distress, revealing that credit card delinquencies have surged to a fourteen-year high as families exhaust their savings to cover basic daily necessities. 對於像 Marcus Satterfield 這樣的小老百姓來說，亮眼的總體經濟數據不但無感，反倒像場殘酷的笑話。儘管工作穩定，通膨卻吃掉了他的薪水，逼得他必須大砍預算，甚至考慮去開 Uber 貼補日常開銷。同樣地，依靠固定退休金生活的長輩，也被飆漲的醫藥費和水電瓦斯費壓得喘不過氣。聯邦數據證實了這股慘況：為了支付日常開銷，許多家庭已將積蓄耗盡，導致信用卡違約率飆升至十四年來新高。 The financial strain is further compounded by a "hiring recession," making it increasingly difficult for people to find second jobs or secure better wages. As safety nets shrink, desperate households are relying on credit cards, leading to a dangerous cycle of high-interest debt that threatens their long-term stability. Economists warn that while aggregate numbers look healthy, serious pockets of pain exist, with student loan defaults and personal bankruptcies climbing rapidly. For the bottom half of the economy, there is simply no end in sight. 雪上加霜的是，就業市場正面臨「求職寒冬」，民眾想找兼差或跳槽加薪變得難上加難。隨著社會安全網破洞越來越大，走投無路的家庭只能刷卡度日，陷入高循環利息的債務黑洞，嚴重威脅未來的財務穩定。經濟學家示警，雖然整體數據光鮮亮麗，但暗處卻充滿隱憂，學貸違約和個人破產數正急速攀升。對經濟底層的一半人口而言，這場苦難似乎還看不到盡頭。 Looking ahead, there are faint glimmers of hope as retailers begin cutting prices to stimulate sluggish demand. However, experts caution that these potential savings may be offset by a weakening labor market and slowing wage growth in the coming months. While proposed tax cuts might offer some relief, the immediate outlook remains precarious. Without structural changes to bridge this widening wealth gap, the punishing wind of this two-lane economy will continue to leave vulnerable populations behind. 展望未來，零售商為了搶救買氣也許會開始降價，這似乎透出一絲微小的希望。但專家同時也警告，勞動市場疲軟與薪資成長停滯，恐怕會抵銷掉這些降價帶來的小確幸。雖然擬議中的減稅方案或許能稍解燃眉之急，但眼前的局勢仍然岌岌可危。若沒有結構性改革來縮小貧富差距，這種「一個國家，兩個世界」（雙軌經濟；two-lane economy）的經濟寒風，將繼續無情地掃向弱勢族群。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Starkly [adverb, in a way that is very obvious and often grim or harsh]: The year 2026 has solidified a starkly divided reality known as the K-shaped economy.Diverge [verb, to follow a different direction or to become different]: In this economy, financial fortunes diverge sharply based on social class.Agonizing [adjective, causing extreme physical or mental pain or difficulty]: Many families face the agonizing decision to sacrifice holiday celebrations just to keep food on the table.Delinquencies [noun, failure to pay money that is owed on time]: Federal data reveals that credit card delinquencies have surged to a fourteen-year high.Precarious [adjective, not safe or certain; dangerous]: While tax cuts might offer some relief, the immediate economic outlook remains precarious. Reference article: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/31/economy/k-shaped-consumers-left-behind-2026

A coronavirus "vaccination persuasion" initiative is gearing up to be rolled out across Turkey after proving a resounding success in a district in the country’s south-east. 一項新冠病毒「接種疫苗勸說」倡議在土耳其東南部一個地區證明成效卓著後，正加緊在全國各地推出。 Since February, doctors and healthcare workers in the mainly Kurdish city of Adıyaman have been calling people in age groups already eligible for the vaccine to ask why they have not come to clinics for appointments. 醫師和醫護人員2月起在以庫德族為主的阿德亞曼市，打電話給符合接種年齡資格的族群，詢問他們為什麼沒有到診所預約接種。 Then, equipped with cooler boxes full of vaccine vials, they fan out across the rural area to visit patients who are still reluctant. 然後，他們帶著裝滿疫苗針劑的保冷箱，在這個鄉村地區四處拜訪仍不願去接種疫苗的患者。 It is working, boosting the vaccine take-up rate among the 250,000 strong population scattered across the province’s central district by nearly 30%. 此舉確實發揮作用，將散佈該省中心地區約25萬人口的疫苗接種率，提高了將近30%。Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1452359; Next Article Topic: Prehistoric settlement in Turkey bears telltale signs of modern woes Overcrowding. Violence. Infectious diseases. Environmental degradation. It may sound like the worst of modern mega-cities. 過度擁擠、暴力、傳染性疾病、環境惡化，這聽起來就像是最惡劣的現代巨型都市。 But people encountered these very same problems when the first large settlements were being established millennia ago as humans began to swap a nomadic hunter-gatherer existence for a lifestyle centered on farming, scientists said on June 17, based on findings from a prehistoric site in south-central Turkey. 不過，科學家在六月十七日指出，根據土耳其中南部一處史前遺址發現的證據顯示，人們早在幾千年前建立最初的大型聚落時，就遭遇過這些類似的問題，人類當時正開始從遊牧式狩獵採集的生活型態轉換成農牧為主的生活方式。 The researchers examined 742 human skeletons unearthed at the prehistoric ruins of Catalhoyuk, inhabited from 9,100 to 7,950 years ago during a pivotal time in human evolution, for clues about what life was like at one of the earliest sizable settlements in the archeological record. At its peak, 3,500 to 8,000 people lived there, with the researchers calling it a “proto-city.” 研究人員檢驗「加泰土丘」史前遺跡出土的七百四十二具人類骨骸，希望能找到線索，拼湊出人類當初在這處大型聚落中生活的樣貌。加泰土丘是考古紀錄中年代最早的一處大型聚落遺址，人類在九千一百年前到七千九百五十年前居住於此，當時正好是人類演化的關鍵時刻。在巔峰時期，當地約有三千五百到八千位居民，研究人員遂稱此地為一個「原始城市」。 The residents experienced a high rate of infections, as seen in their teeth and bones, probably caused by diseases spreading in crowded conditions amid challenges to proper hygiene, the researchers said. Overcrowding may have contributed to interpersonal violence. Many skulls bore evidence of healed fractures to the top or back of the cranium, some with multiple injuries. 研究人員表示，居民的牙齒跟骸骨顯示他們遭到感染的比例相當高，可能是因為擁擠的生活條件，難以維持良好衛生，使得疾病於其中散播。過度擁擠也可能導致人與人之間發生暴力行為。證據在於，許多頭骨在頭蓋骨上方或後腦處可見癒合後的骨裂痕跡，有些頭骨還有多處損傷。 The shape of these injuries indicates they may have been caused by hard clay balls found at Catalhoyuk that researchers suspect were used as projectiles from a sling weapon. “A key message that people will take from these findings is that our current behaviors have deep roots in the history of humankind,” said Ohio State University biological anthropologist Clark Spencer Larsen, who led the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 從形狀研判，這些損傷可能是遭到堅硬的黏土球體撞擊而導致。研究人員懷疑，在加泰土丘發現的黏土球當時可能被用來當作投石器或彈弓的子彈。「人們從這些發現中獲得的關鍵訊息就是，我們目前的行為模式在人類歷史中有著很深的根源，」俄亥俄州立大學的生物人類學家克拉克‧史賓瑟‧拉爾森這麼說，他是這篇發表於《美國國家科學院院刊》研究的主持人。 “The people living in this community faced challenges of life in settlements addressing fundamental issues: what to eat, who produces the food, how is the food distributed, what are the social norms for division of labor, the challenges of infection and infectious disease in settings where there is limited sanitation, the strategy of interpersonal relationships involving animosity in some instances,” Larsen added. 拉爾森補充指出：「住在這個社群中的人們，當時在聚落生活中面臨解決基礎問題的挑戰：要吃什麼、誰負責做東西吃、食物如何分配、分工的社會規範是什麼、感染和傳染性疾病在環境衛生受限的情況下帶來的挑戰，以及在某些場合中當人際關係牽涉到敵意時該採取的策略。」 As the world emerged from the last Ice Age, with warmer conditions conducive to crop domestication, there was a shift from foraging to farming beginning 10,000 to 12,000 years ago among people in numerous places. The people grew crops including wheat, barley and rye and raised sheep, goats and eventually cattle. Some homes boasted wall murals, and other art included stone figurines of animals and corpulent women. 在一萬到一萬兩千年前，隨著世界從上一次冰河時期中浮現，加上較溫暖的氣候條件有助於人工培植農作物，世界各地的人們開始從搜尋食物轉為從事農業。加泰土丘當地人類種植的作物包括小麥、大麥、裸麥，也會飼養綿羊、山羊，最後甚至還有牛。有些家屋裡繪有壁畫，其他藝術品則包含主題為動物或是豐滿女性的石雕像。 Catalhoyuk’s residents lived in clay brick structures akin to apartments, entering and exiting through ladders that connected the living areas of houses to the roofs. After death, residents were buried in pits dug into the floors of the homes. 加泰土丘的居民住在由黏土磚砌成的建築結構，類似公寓的模樣，只不過進出是靠連接屋內起居空間和屋頂的階梯。居民過世後，其他人會在家屋的地板底下挖洞，將他們埋葬於其中。 Catalhoyuk, measuring about 13 hectares, was continuously occupied for 1,150 years and appears to have been a largely egalitarian community. It was eventually abandoned, perhaps because of environmental degradation caused by the human population and a drying climate that made farming there harder, the

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 過年期間是不是一直被Facebook的發音課程廣告洗版?John老師和阿鍵老師也是!這集他們在二哥藝能館的錄音室,要來聊聊台灣人最常見的發音問題,從大魔王TH音、日本influence的R/L不分,到懶惰舌頭造成的V/W混淆,還有讓人尷尬的長短音錯誤。 John老師:「今天我們移駕了,不在kitchen counter也不在我們家或你家,到二哥藝能館這邊!因為二哥不在家,所以我們就來幫忙顧店!」 他們時不時週二會來這邊參加podcaster早餐聚,今天就偶爾來喝喝別人的咖啡,We're taking over! 😂 👅 台灣人發音的五大常見錯誤 1️⃣ TH音:大魔王級的舌頭挑戰 這個the的TH音真的是大魔王!要咬住舌頭吐出來,但台灣人兩種TH音都不用,通常會變成: 應該有兩種TH音:像V的音(有聲)像F的音(無聲)台灣人變成:"I think" → "I sink"(變成「死」的音)"This" → "Dis" 或 "Lis"(舌頭不吐,變成D或L)"Thread" → "Tread"(變脆了)阿鍵老師:「其實國高中都有學TH有兩種發音,但台灣人兩種都不用!」 解決方法: 看到TH不要太懶惰!牙齒夾著舌頭,然後吐氣:Think, this, the, thread不斷練習直到舌頭習慣 2️⃣ R/L不分:受日本影響的發音 台灣人有點日本influence!日本人的R和L是同一個音,我們就學到日本人的習慣:R不會捲舌,L舌頭沒有放在牙齒正後方。 經典對比:Right(對的) vs Light(輕的)Glass(玻璃) vs Grass(草)阿鍵老師示範grass時說:「草的話我會發比較英式的,所以比較沒問題。」 John老師:「Potato, potato!大家心裡都知道舌頭要捲舌,L是一個le的音,可是舌頭不聽使唤!所以要多練習!」 晨間練習法: 早上刷牙洗臉、聽15Mins的時候:啦啦啦啦(練L)Ra ra ra ra(練R) 3️⃣ V/W混淆:懶惰舌頭的後果 中文裡沒有V這個音,所以台灣人很容易念成W或B! 經典錯誤:BVD → "B V D"(念成"逼V滴")DVD → "滴V滴"Very → "Berry"(變成B音)Vase(花瓶) → "Wase"Vest(背心) → "West"John老師回憶:「我小時候很有名的男生內衣褲品牌BVD,大家都念成『逼V滴』!」 阿鍵老師補充最近Thread趨勢:「對岸的口音會反過來,應該念W的音念成V,像『問你這個問題』會念成『V你這個V題』!」 正確發音: 咬住下唇,嘴巴要開:Vase, vest, very不是bery或wery 4️⃣ 長短音:Ship vs Sheep的尷尬 這是John老師在課堂上必須常常修正的錯誤!E的長短音和扁開的音,真的是Lazy Tongue(懶惰舌頭)的表現。 經典危險組合:Ship(船) vs Sheep(羊)Live vs LeaveSit vs SeatBit vs Beat還有年度提醒: 今年是馬年,記得horse要念對,那個R要發音!不然horse變成hose就是另外一個東西了,可能會變成罵人的話! 😂 Beach的陷阱: "I go to the beach" 如果念錯會變成...這位先生小姐你是在說什麼! 5️⃣ 音節拉長的藝術 中文每個音節時間差不多,但英文的長短音要明顯區分。 心裡默念節拍法:Leave:「一、二」Leave(拉長)Live:很短,不需要數練習句:Seat:「John sat in his seat」(小朋友讀本故意這樣設計)Bit and Beat:「a bit」vs「beat box」Sit and Seat:「Sit in the seat」💡 根本解決之道:最新夸張這一點! John老師回憶修道院修女的教導:「音試教育很在意你要把每個音節都把嘴巴打開,念完整!最新夸張就可以避免A/E、R/L的錯誤!」 🎤 下集預告:Vocal Exercise來了! John老師和阿鍵老師預告:「下一集要準備一些資料,分享怎麼做vocal exercise(聲樂練習)!像Angel老師做配音,他們進錄音室前的暖聲練習,都可以用在發音練習上!」 完整練習流程:每天15分鐘聽通勤學英語(培養聽力)做暖聲和舌頭伸展嘴巴和舌頭ready了進行reading out loud和shadowing exercise 🎯 入境隨俗:因地制宜的發音策略 John老師提醒:「看你溝通的對象是誰!對台灣人他們都聽得懂,對外國人他聽不懂,你就要想是不是TH發成T或D了?」 Target audience很重要:習慣澳洲人:他們的發音習慣英國人:那個「啊」音很重去日本:要用Japanese English!John老師分享經驗:「誰說英文不會通?你要講Japanese English就沒問題!Makudonarudo(麥當勞)、Ebi bāgā(蝦堡)、Kechappu(番茄醬)、Tokyo tawā(東京鐵塔)!你講人家聽得懂的英文,入境隨俗!」 🎁 農曆年前挑戰活動持續中! 還記得上次的挑戰嗎?現在加碼:分享你的發音突破經驗或容易出錯的地方,就能累積好棒棒點數! 活動內容:分享你怎麼突破發音困難的分享你的練習方法分享你平常容易出錯的地方**活動時間:**到農曆年前 **如何參加:**使用comment link留言分享 **獎品:**15Mins周邊禮物! 💪 2026年目標:把英語全部說出來! John老師:「我們不只要練聽力,聽力練完就要練口說!今年2026年,就把英語全部說出來了!」 實用建議: 透過國際時事跟讀的文章,找你自己覺得發音困難的部分,然後突破它!耳朵應該已經打開差不多了,接下來就是練你的嘴巴!

Summary: A bakery in Helsinki took the opportunity to be creative when their cake orders were getting canceled. As Finnish people began to panic and hoard toilet rolls, the bakery decided to demonstrate their creativity by creating a cake that looked like toilet rolls. It took social media by the storm and became the bakery’s lifeline in the past few months. Meanwhile, in Iceland, because of the social distancing rules, the Icelandic Forestry Service suggested an alternative to hugging friends and family members by hugging trees. 原討論文章: https://www.15mins.today/blog/ep-845-about-odd-news-novelty-toilet-roll-cakes-keep-finnish-baker Vocabulary and Sample Sentences: Hoard v. – stock/store valuable goods In his senior life, my grandfather began to hoard all the imported cigarettes he would receive as gifts. People who likes to keep hoarding stuff is a “hoarder”. Relieved adj. – no longer feeling anxious or distressed My parents were relieved to find out that their favorite restaurant didn’t close down because of the lockdown. I am relieved that KFC didn’t hike their prices this year. Impose v. – force / forcibly put on When the governments around the world imposed the lockdown, many people’s travel plans were disrupted. You have to impose strict house rules to discipline your children. 

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 2026年，還在用 ChatGPT 玩吉卜力濾鏡就太落伍啦！AI 的發展真的是快到讓人跟不上，本週《英語咖啡館》邀請到《電商讀書會》的 Cariya，要帶大家認識目前 Google 最強大的 AI 工具：Gemini 3 Pro 與影像生成神器 Nano Banana 3 Pro。如果你曾覺得 AI 生成的照片總是有點「假」，或是圖片裡的中文字變成亂碼，那你一定要聽聽這一集，看現在的技術多麼驚人！ 除了介紹工具外，本集我們也探討了去年 AI 的核心關鍵字"Reasoning"（推理能力），這讓下指令（Prompt）變得更像在說「人話」。我們也聊到了現在的 AI 如何在短短 10 秒內產出專業攝影棚等級的視覺效果，以及為什麼現在的行銷圈已經開始用 AI 背景來取代傳統的實地外拍。這些變革不只提升效率，也改變了數位行銷的遊戲規則。 In 2026, if you're still using ChatGPT to play with Ghibli filters, you're way behind! AI development is really advancing so fast that it's hard to keep up. This week on English Cafe, we've invited Cariya to introduce everyone to Google's most powerful AI tools: Gemini 3 Pro and the image generation marvel Nano Banana 3 Pro. If you've ever felt that AI-generated photos always look a bit "fake," or the Chinese text in images turns into gibberish, you definitely need to listen to this episode to see how amazing the technology is now! Beyond introducing the tools, in this episode we also explore last year's core AI keyword "Reasoning," which has made giving prompts more like speaking "human language." We also discuss how current AI can produce professional studio-level visual effects in just 10 seconds, and why the marketing world has now started using AI backgrounds to replace traditional on-location photo shoots. These transformations not only improve efficiency but also change the game rules of digital marketing.

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） --------------------------------------------

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep. L132: Trump’s Shock Raid: Maduro Captured Highlights 主題摘要Explosions in Caracas signaled the start of a US raid to capture Maduro.Trump revived plans to buy Greenland to counter Russian and Chinese influence.The US threatened to intervene if Iran uses lethal force against protesters. Loud explosions rocked Caracas on Saturday as low-flying aircraft signaled the start of an audacious US military operation. The strike targeted President Nicolás Maduro, culminating in his capture and transport to New York. While the city descended into confusion with smoke rising from La Carlota airport, the objective was clear: decapitating a regime Washington accuses of narco-terrorism. This aggressive move shatters the long-standing geopolitical stalemate that had defined relations for years. 週六，震耳欲聾的爆炸聲撼動卡拉卡斯，低空飛掠的軍機揭開了美軍大膽軍事突襲的序幕。此次行動直指委內瑞拉總統馬杜洛，最終成功的將其逮捕並押解至紐約。儘管拉卡洛塔機場濃煙竄升，整座城市陷入混亂，但行動目標十分明確：旨在對華府指控為「毒品恐怖主義」的政權實施「斬首」。這記重拳徹底粉碎了多年來僵持不下的地緣政治局勢。 Following the raid, President Donald Trump declared that the United States is effectively "in charge," warning interim leader Delcy Rodríguez of severe consequences and a similar fate if she resists. Maduro now faces federal drug trafficking charges, a reality that has sent shockwaves through the region. The administration views the operation as a necessary enforcement of law against a "criminal enterprise." The swift removal of the Venezuelan leader has left a power vacuum and raised questions about the country's future stability. 突襲過後，川普總統霸氣宣稱美國已實質「接管大局」，並向臨時領導人德爾西·若德里格茲喊話，若敢抵抗將面臨嚴重後果，恐步上馬杜洛後塵。馬杜洛目前面臨聯邦販毒重罪指控，這個事實震撼了整個區域。美方當局將此行動定調為針對「犯罪集團」的必要執法。委國領導層遭迅速拔除留下了權力真空，也讓該國未來的穩定性充滿變數。 Emboldened by the success in Caracas, Trump immediately pivoted to other strategic interests, reviving his controversial push to acquire Greenland. He argued the semi-autonomous Danish territory is essential for security due to Russian and Chinese vessels in the Arctic. Meanwhile, the President dismissed the need for military action against Cuba, suggesting the island is already on the verge of economic collapse without Venezuelan oil subsidies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced this hardline approach, labeling the Cuban government a "huge problem" that is rapidly running out of time. 挾著卡拉卡斯行動捷報的氣勢，川普隨即轉向其他戰略利益，重提備受爭議的格陵蘭購地案。他主張由於中俄船艦頻繁出沒北極，這塊丹麥半自治領土對國安至關重要。同時，總統駁斥了對古巴動武的必要性，暗示若無委內瑞拉的石油奧援，該島國經濟早已瀕臨崩潰。國務卿魯比歐也呼應此強硬立場，直指古巴政府是個「大麻煩」，且時日無多。 The warning blitz extended beyond the Western Hemisphere, as Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Iran regarding its handling of domestic protests. He threatened that the US would "come to the rescue" of demonstrators if Tehran resorted to lethal force. This series of blunt declarations signals an increasingly confrontational posture from Washington. As the world digests these developments, the administration has made it clear that it will aggressively pursue its interests, regardless of diplomatic norms or international condemnation. 這波警告攻勢更延伸至西半球之外，川普就伊朗處理國內抗議發出嚴厲最後通牒。他揚言若德黑蘭當局動用致命武力，美國將「出手相救」示威者。這一連串直言不諱的聲明，凸顯華府採取了日益強硬的對抗姿態。隨著各國消化這些局勢發展，美方已擺明無論外交慣例或國際譴責為何，都將強勢追求自身利益。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Audacious [adjective, showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks]: Loud explosions rocked Caracas on Saturday as low-flying aircraft signaled the start of an audacious US military operation.Decapitating [verb, removing the leader or head of a group or organization]: The objective was clear: decapitating a regime Washington accuses of narco-terrorism.Enforcement [noun, the act of compelling observance of or compliance with a law, rule, or obligation]: The administration views the operation as a necessary enforcement of law against a "criminal enterprise."Ultimatum [noun, a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation]: The warning blitz extended beyond the Western Hemisphere, as Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Iran regarding its handling of domestic protests.Posture [noun, a particular way of dealing with or considering something; an approach or attitude]: This series of blunt declarations signals an increasingly confrontational posture from Washington. Reference article: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2026/1/3/live-loud-noises-heard-in-venezuelas-capital-amid-us-tensions https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/05/world/greenland-cuba-iran-trump-warnin

Topic: Inside Italy’s Shadow Economy In a second-floor apartment in the southern Italian town of Santeramo in Colle, a middle-aged woman sat in a black-padded chair this summer, hard at work at her kitchen table. She carefully stitched a sophisticated woolen coat, the sort of style that will sell for 800 to 2,000 euros ($935 to $2,340) when it arrives in stores this month as part of the fall and winter collection of MaxMara, the Italian luxury fashion brand. 在義大利南部城鎮聖埃拉莫因科萊一棟公寓的二樓，一名中年婦女今年夏天坐在黑色軟墊的椅子上，在廚房用桌前辛勤地工作著。她以針線細心縫製一件精緻的羊毛外套，這個款式本月送進商店時，標價800至2,000歐元（935至2,340美元）不等，是義大利奢侈品牌MaxMara秋冬系列的一部分。 But the woman, who asked not to be named for fear that she could lose her livelihood, receives just 1 euro from the factory that employs her for each meter of fabric she completes. 不過，擔心可能因此失去生計而不願透露姓名的這名女性，每完成1公尺面料，只能從雇用她的工廠那裡拿到1歐元。 “It takes me about one hour to sew one meter, so about four to five hours to complete an entire coat,” said the woman, who works without a contract, or insurance, and is paid in cash on a monthly basis. “I try to do two coats per day.” 這名女性說：「我大概1小時縫1公尺，大約4到5小時完成一整件外套。我試著每天做兩件大衣。」 她的工作沒有聘雇合約，也不提供保險，僅按月支領現金。 The unregulated work she completes in her apartment is outsourced to her from a local factory that also manufactures outerwear for some of the best-known names in the luxury business, including Louis Vuitton and Fendi. The most she has ever earned, she said, was 24 euros ($28) for an entire coat. 她在公寓內完成，未受任何規範的這份工作，是當地一家工廠外包給她的，該廠還替奢侈品界另一些知名品牌製造外套，包括路易威登和芬迪。她說，她所獲得的最高收入，是一整件外套24歐元（合28美元）。 Homework — working from home or a small workshop as opposed to in a factory — is a cornerstone of the fast-fashion supply chain. It is particularly prevalent in countries such as India, Bangladesh, Vietnam and China, where millions of low-paid and predominantly female homeworkers are some of the most unprotected in the industry, because of their irregular employment status, isolation and lack of legal recourse. 家庭代工─ 在家中或小型工作室而非工廠工作─已成為快速時尚供應鏈的基石。在印度、孟加拉、越南和中國這些國家，家庭代工尤其普遍，數以百萬計，且主要是女性的家庭代工從業人員 ，因就業狀況不穩定，孤立和欠缺法律追索權，屬於該行業中最缺乏保護的一群。 That similar conditions exist in Italy, however, and facilitate the production of some of the most expensive wardrobe items money can buy, may shock those who see the “Made in Italy” label as a byword for sophisticated craftsmanship. 然而，類似狀況同樣存在於義大利，而且幫忙生產錢能買到的一些最昂貴衣物，卻可能讓視「義大利製造」標籤為精緻工藝代名詞的人震驚。 Increased pressure from globalization and growing competition at all levels of the market mean that the assumption implicit in the luxury promise — that part of the value of such a good is that it is made in the best conditions, by highly skilled workers, who are paid fairly — is at times put under threat. 全球化帶來更大壓力，市場各層面競爭亦日益激烈，意味奢侈品的承諾之一，這種商品部分價值來自它在最佳狀態下，由高技術、拿合理報酬的工人製造的這項隱含的假設，不時受到威脅。 Although they are not exposed to what most people would consider sweatshop conditions, the homeworkers are allotted what might seem close to sweatshop wages. Italy does not have a national minimum wage, but roughly 5 to 7 euros per hour is considered an appropriate standard by many unions and consulting firms. In extremely rare cases, a highly skilled worker can earn as much as 8 to 10 euros an hour. But the homeworkers earn significantly less, regardless of whether they are involved in leatherwork, embroidery or another artisanal task. 儘管他們的處境還不到大多數人會認為是血汗工廠的境地，但家庭代工的工資似已接近血汗工廠。義大利沒有設定全國最低工資，但許多工會和顧問公司認為每小時5-7歐元是適當標準。在極少數情況下，高技術工人每小時可賺取8-10歐元。但是家庭代工的收入低了許多，無論他們從事的是皮革製品，刺繡或其他手工藝工作。 Source article: https://paper.udn.com/udnpaper/POH0067/332436/web/ Next Article Topic: White truffles fetch 75,000 euros at Italian auction 義大利拍賣會 白松露七萬五千歐元高價拍出 Alba, a small town in the northwestern region of Piemonte, is known as Italy’s white truffle capital. 阿爾巴是位於義大利西北部皮埃蒙特的一個小鎮，被稱為義大利白松露之都。 It has hosted Italy’s most famous white truffle market, during which the auction is held, for close to 90 years. 義大利最著名的白松露市集在此舉辦已近九十年，松露拍賣會則在此間舉行。 Every year at this time it hosts the famous International Alba White Truffle Fair, which attracts around 100,000 visitors from all over the world who come to buy, sell and smell the tasty tuber. 每年此時，阿爾巴舉辦著名的國際阿爾巴白松露會展，吸引了來自世界各地的大約十萬名訪客前來，來買賣和嗅聞這些美味的蕈類。 Dry weather and changing climate patterns have hit production and sent prices soaring. Over the past 25 years, there has been a 30 percent decrease in truffle production. In some places, they are disappearing altogether. 乾燥的天氣和不斷變化的氣候模式已重創松露的產量，並使其價格飛漲。在過去的二十五年間，松露產量已下降了百分之三十。在某一些地方，松露正徹底消失。 Truffle hunter Marilena Tarable says with this week’s much needed rain the truffles have started growing a little bigger and a bit rounder because the earth has softened. 松露獵人馬利雷娜‧塔拉布雷表示，本週降下了及時雨，因此松露已開始變大、變圓了一點，因為泥土變軟了。 “But up until now, with the very hard earth, it’s really hard to extract them,” she says. 「但是到目前為止，因為泥土很硬，要拔起松露真的很難。」她說道。 A highlight of the fair is the truffle auction, now in its eighteenth year, with proceeds going to charitable causes. This Sunday it took place in Grinzane Cavour Castle with live satellite links to Hong Kon

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 📱 Google地圖在韓國:20年的數據之爭 你能想像沒有Google地圖的生活嗎?在韓國就是這樣!因為data privacy和與Google的關係不佳,韓國政府不給Google最新的地圖數據,導致在韓國Google地圖幾乎無用武之地,連基本的turn-by-turn navigation(轉彎導航)都沒有,還會叫你改用Naver的地圖。 John老師說:「我們在台灣用Google地圖吃喝拉撒、看live traffic、用street view,這些都是commonplace。但到了國外,你就會發現Google在這邊怎麼沒效?」 阿鍵老師補充街景導航功能:「真的很會迷路的人可以打開導航,對著街上照,他就會實時導引你怎麼走!」 有趣的發現:LINE的母公司其實是韓國的Naver!LINE在日本,但其實是Naver投資的子公司,嚴格來說LINE的主腦就是韓國人。阿鍵老師形容:「韓國人去日本生小孩,然後在台灣落地生根!」 這個故事告訴我們:**各國的App user behaviour(應用程式使用行為)都不一樣。**台灣用LINE、Threads很紅,國外則是WhatsApp當道。如果你是App design相關產業,這是必須了解的cultural insight! 📈 台股破三萬:台積電的「一人武林」 台股破三萬點了!但John老師坦言:**「對我們這種沒有股票的人,who cares!」**不過這確實是經濟指標(indication of our economy)。 大家都說這是**「solo market」**(solo leveling,我獨自升級),主角就是台積電(TSMC)!從六七百一路漲到一千七,根本是「台積一人的武林」! 但John老師發現另一個隱藏高手:台達電(Delta) 「去年我看他200塊,現在1000塊了!感覺有點像那種YouTube大陸短劇,轉身到異世界突然功力大增,有系統幫他level up。不只是solo leveling,根本有點仙俠!不知道吃了什麼大力丸!」 💊 GLP-1瘦瘦藥:口服版來了! 講到體重,就要提本週的重要新聞:Wegovy口服藥核准了!去年談了三四次GLP-1都是筆型注射劑,現在不敢打針的人有福了,pill(口服藥)版本在美國已經核准販售,台灣雖然還沒跟上,但已經有人買進來了。 GLP-1的進化:第一代:減重但會掉肌肉和頭髮第二、三代:更有效針對脂肪,副作用相對少 John老師的prediction:「我們以後可能會更願意花錢吃瘦瘦藥,然後省食物的錢,因為food inflation(食物通膨)讓食物越來越貴!有一天可能食物貴到我們寧願吃瘦瘦藥來抑制食慾!」 阿鍵老師補充:「以前買代餐但沒有滿足感,GLP-1打下去食慾真的會降低,實際使用感覺差很多!」 🚄 歐洲之星停駛:別把便利視為理所當然 跨年夜12月31日,貫穿整個歐洲、連接巴黎和倫敦的Eurostar因為電力問題全面停駛,造成巨大災難。更慘的是:Eurostar不會賠償你!No way! Thank you very much, you can go home now! John老師的朋友去年在歐洲出差時就遇到好幾次車站沒電、三不五時就發生基礎設施問題。有陰謀論說是境外勢力(俄羅斯、北韓)破壞,但也可能只是年久失修。 Eurostar的重要性:像台灣高鐵一樣方便替代方案是搭飛機(要提前兩小時、轉機、拿行李,拖三四個小時)一旦停駛對經濟和人民影響非常大

Summary: During the COVID-19 outbreak, Malaysia enforced what is called “MCO” – Movement Control Order which only allows the “head” of the family to leave the house to purchase necessities. What went viral on social media was the men who were considered the head of household at the supermarket being clueless in their mission to shop for groceries, and also supermarkets creating guides to help these men to buy the right groceries. Next article is about the endangered elephants in Malaysia being killed, not by poachers for their tusks, but poisoned so that they would not destroy the palm plantation. 原討論文章: https://www.15mins.today/blog/ep-834-about-malaysia-malaysia-supermarket-creates-grocery-shopping Vocabulary: Clueless adj. – having no knowledge, understanding or ability. The clueless men shopped for hours in the supermarket, trying to find the groceries they need at home. One should always write down a shopping list before visiting the supermarket cluelessly(adv.). Necessities n. – something that is indispensable (can’t do without) Grocery shopping is all about shopping for your daily necessities. Your daily necessities include tooth brush, detergents, food and drinks. Plantation n. – area where trees are planted /crops cultivated by resident labor My mother grew up near rice paddies and bamboo plantations. Plantations of any sort would require a large piece of flat land. 

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 一月壽星們照過來～本週的《英語咖啡館》John 老師和 Klim 老師要來聊聊世界各國生日吃什麼！你知道嗎？台灣人吃長壽麵、韓國人喝海帶湯，不同國家的生日餐桌上藏著什麼樣的文化意義呢？ 台灣除了麵線、壽桃外，還有一個七、八年級生小時候超級紅的生日食物，你猜到是什麼了嗎？當年只要帶了這個到班上，走路都有風喔！ Calling all January birthday boys and girls! This week on English Cafe, John and Klim discuss what people eat for birthdays around the world! Did you know? Taiwanese people eat longevity noodles, Koreans drink seaweed soup—what cultural significance is hidden in different countries' birthday meals? Besides noodles and longevity peach buns, Taiwan has another birthday food that was super popular among millennials and Gen Z when they were kids. Can you guess what it is? Back in the day, if you brought this to class, you'd walk with swagger!

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） --------------------------------------------

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep. L128: Approves Wegovy Pill for Weight Loss Highlights 主題摘要The FDA has officially approved Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill as the first oral GLP-1 medication for weight management.Clinical trials demonstrated that a daily tablet can achieve weight loss results comparable to the popular weekly injections.This new oral alternative aims to expand access for patients who are uncomfortable with needles or require travel-friendly options. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has officially authorized a pill version of Wegovy, marking a groundbreaking historic milestone in the treatment of obesity. This decision makes it the first oral GLP-1 medication authorized specifically for chronic weight management. Developed by pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, the drug contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in blockbuster injectables. For years, patients had to rely on weekly self-injections, which acted as a psychological barrier for many individuals struggling with their weight. 美國食品藥物管理局正式批准了口服版的 Wegovy （週纖達/瘦瘦筆），這標誌著肥胖治療領域一個突破性的里程碑。這項決定使其成為首款專門被授權用於慢性體重管理的口服 GLP-1 藥物。這款由製藥大廠諾和諾德研發的藥物，含有與明星針劑商品相同的藥物活性成分。幾年來，患者必須依賴每週自行注射，這對許多與體重抗爭的人來說，無疑是一個巨大的心理障礙。 The approval was primarily supported by clinical trials evaluating a daily 25 mg dose. Data showed that participants who carefully followed the daily regimen lost 16.6% of their body weight over 64 weeks, a result remarkably similar to the injectable version. However, doctors emphasize that the pill requires more discipline than the weekly shots. To ensure the medication is properly absorbed, users must take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a small amount of water. 這項核准主要基於評估每日 25 毫克劑量的臨床試驗支持。數據顯示，嚴格遵守每日療程的受試者在 64 週內減輕了 16.6% 的體重，這個結果與注射劑型非常相似。然而，醫生強調，與每週注射一次相比，藥錠需要更強的自律性。為了確保藥物能被妥善吸收，使用者必須在早晨尚空腹的狀態下，搭配少量開水服用。 Despite the convenience of a tablet, patients may still face common potential gastrointestinal side effects. During trials, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting were reported, particularly as users increased their dosage. Experts suggest that because the medication hits the stomach directly, some people might find these sensations more intense than with injections. Nevertheless, the pill's shelf-stable nature offers a clear advantage over injectables, which require refrigeration. This makes the treatment much easier to manage for people who travel frequently. 儘管藥錠具有便利性，患者仍可能面臨常見的潛在胃腸道副作用。在試驗期間，受試者報告了噁心和嘔吐等症狀，特別是在增加劑量時。專家表示，由於藥物直接進入胃部，有些人可能會覺得這些感覺比注射更強烈。儘管如此，藥錠可在常溫保存的特性優於需要冷藏的注射劑。這使得對於經常出差的人來說，管理治療變得更加容易。 The market landscape for weight loss is expected to shift rapidly as this oral option launches in early January. To remain competitive, Novo Nordisk has reached a pricing agreement with the administration to offer the starting dose for approximately $149 per month. This significant strategic move aims to lower the financial threshold for many people. The company hopes to reach a demographic of American patients. This expansion represents a vital step toward treating obesity as a biological condition rather than a personal failure. 這款口服藥將於一月初上市，減重市場的格局預計將迅速轉變。為了保持競爭力，諾和諾德已與政府達成價格協議，提供每月約 149 美元的起始劑量。這項重大策略目標是降低許多人的經濟門檻。公司希望能接觸到更廣大的美國患者族群。這次醫療選擇的擴張是重要的一步，代表肥胖應被視為一種生理疾病，而非個人的失敗。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Psychological [adjective, relating to the mental and emotional state of a person]: Weekly self-injections acted as a psychological barrier for many individuals.Regimen [noun, a prescribed course of medical treatment or way of life]: Data showed that participants who carefully followed the daily regimen lost significant weight.Gastrointestinal [adjective, relating to the stomach and the intestines]: Patients may still face common potential gastrointestinal side effects associated with the drug.Threshold [noun, the level at which something starts to happen or have an effect]: This strategic move aims to lower the financial threshold for many people.Demographic [noun, a particular sector of a population sharing common characteristics]: The company hopes to reach a large and important demographic of American patients. Reference article: 1. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/fda-approves-wegovy-weight-loss-pill-novo-nordisk-rcna240800 2. https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/fda-approves-wegovy-pill-weight-loss/story?id=128644712

Topic: Malaysia supermarket creates grocery shopping guide for clueless husbands Malaysia’s movement control order（MCO）states that only the "head of the household" should be allowed to leave the house to purchase necessities, and although it didn’t state whether the person should be male or female, the husbands probably took it upon themselves to accomplish "mission grocery shopping". 馬來西亞的行動管制令（MCO）指出，只有「一家之主」被允許出門採購必需品，雖然管制令並未明說這個人應該是男性還是女性，但是丈夫們較有可能承擔這項「買東西任務」。 In hilarious posts shared by Malaysians Cheanu Chew and Muzaffar Rahman on Facebook, they observed many men looking clueless in supermarket aisles while glued to their phones. These "remote shoppers", as Chew called them, were presumably receiving instructions from their wives to ensure that they got the grocery list right. 馬來西亞人Cheanu Chew與Muzaffar Rahman在「臉書」發布的一則滑稽貼文中指出，他們觀察到許多看起來毫無頭緒的男性，在超市走廊上黏著手機不放。被Chew稱為「遙控購物者」的人們，想必正在接收妻子的指示，確保他們買對採購清單上的物品。 Now, supermarket chain Tesco in Malaysia has come to the rescue, with an ingenious hack to put all their troubles to rest. The shopping guide "for husbands" provides pictures of basic ingredients with captions, and also breaks it down to the nitty-gritty. 現在，馬來西亞的連鎖超市Tesco投入救援，巧妙地解決他們的麻煩。「給丈夫」的商品指南提供基本商品的圖片與名稱，並將其細分。 Next Article: Topic: Three elephants found poisoned in Malaysia 馬來西亞發現三頭大象被毒死 Three elephants were poisoned to death near a palm oil plantation in Malaysia, officials said Friday, in the latest case of the endangered creatures being killed near human settlements. 馬來西亞官員週五說，三頭大象在棕櫚油園附近被毒死，是這種瀕危生物在人類墾地附近被殺害的最新一起案例。 Local police in southern Johor state found the animal carcasses and alerted wildlife officers on Tuesday, Wildlife and National Parks Department director-general Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim told AFP. 野生生物及國家公園保護局局長阿卜杜勒．卡迪爾．阿布．哈希姆告訴法新社，南部柔佛州當地警方發現動物屍體，週二通報野生生物官員。 The dead animals are believed to be part of a herd of 30 elephants from the nearby forest reserve. 這些死去的動物據信是來自附近森林保護區的一群30隻大象的部分成員。 "We conducted a post-mortem on the three female elephants aged between 18 and 22, and it revealed they were poisoned," Abdul Kadir said. 阿卜杜勒．卡迪爾說，「我們對這三頭年齡介於18至22歲的母象進行驗屍，結果顯示牠們遭下毒。」 "I am shocked and saddened by this incident. If this trend continues, all our wild elephants will be wiped out." 「我為這起事件感到震驚悲痛。如果這股趨勢持續，我們所有野生大象將消失殆盡。」 Electric fences used to keep elephants away from village crops were not functioning and allowed the creatures to trespass on plantations, Abdul Kadir said. 阿卜杜勒．卡迪爾說，用來避免大象靠近村落作物的電籬笆未起作用，使這些生物得以侵入棕櫚油園。 Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1296139 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1365803 Next Article Topic: Eat your rice straws after finishing your drink? 馬來西亞媒體The Star報導，上週五在馬來西亞檳城舉辦的2019年國際綠色論壇及會議中，大馬業者Ricestraw向全世界推出了由稻米及木薯粉製作而成的可食環保吸管，引起熱論。 Made from rice and tapioca, the environmental-friendly straws are edible but tasteless, said Ricestraws IT director Anddrew Loh on Penang International Green Conference & Exhibition (PIGCE) 2019 held in Malaysia on Sept. 27. 業者表示，米吸管可以在浸泡在熱飲中長達2至5小時，冷飲更可以維持10小時，下半部因為浸泡在飲料裡吃起來有點黏糊，但是上半部分是酥脆的口感，就像在吃薯片。另外，業者強調米吸管沒有任何添加物，可以在90天內百分之百分解，甚至可以回收成動物飼料或肥料。 “The straws can last for two to five hours in hot water and about five to 10 hours in cold water,” Loh said. “The bottom part when immersed in drinks will taste a bit starchy while the upper section will be crispy like chips.” Loh added, “The straws, made from natural ingredients, do not contain any additives and will decompose completely in 90 days and can also be turned into animal feed or fertiliser.” 業者進一步表示，製作米吸管是幫助生態循環，因為他們利用的是人類不吃的碎米去製作吸管。業者更指出使用紙吸管並不完全環保，因為製作紙吸管代表要砍伐更多樹木。 Furthermore, the Malaysian company stressed that by producing rice straws, the company has helped to complete the ecosystem cycle. “We use broken rice which people hardly eaten,” Loh said. “When we use paper straws, we are actually cutting down more trees.” 世界趨勢在淘汰一次性使用塑膠吸管，在這波環保浪潮裡，米吸管成為眾多亞洲業者爭相開發的產品。據The Hindu報導，南韓業者Yeonjigonji在政府開始實施限塑政策後，在去年研發推出百分之30木薯粉其他百分之70穀米製作成的可食米吸管。而The Epoch Times報導，越南業者HungHau Foods也在這兩年推出類似的米吸管產品。 Asian merchandisers are competing to produce eco-friendly commodities in reflecting this worldwide trend of ditching plastic straws. Malaysia is not the first one who uses rice to make straws. With 30 percent of tapioca and 70 percent of rice, The Hindu reported that company Yeonjigonji from South Korea started to market the edible straws last year after the government imposing relevant policies to reduce plastic use. Vietnam-based HungHau Foods also has had similar products in these two years, The Epoch Times reported. Next Article: 馬來西亞蘇丹想要給老婆香吻被嫌棄  Queen tweets candid pix of king trying to steal kiss during photoshoot 馬來西亞最高元首蘇丹阿布都拉的妻子，東姑阿濟茲占阿米娜，週四在推特上發表一系列她自己跟蘇丹的合照，合照中阿布都拉企圖親吻老婆臉頰未果，可愛的互動引起熱議。 Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah won the hearts of Malaysians on Twitter Thursday (Oct 3) afternoon with a series of tweets. The tweets featured photographs of her and Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 延續上集Reading Out Loud的話題,這集John老師和阿鍵老師要揭開一個讓很多人卡關的關鍵秘密:為什麼用中文方式念英文會像打字機?為什麼念出來總是不自然? 答案就在語言結構的根本差異:中文是「音節計時」(syllable-timed)語言,英文是「重音計時」(stress-timed)語言!這個差異決定了為什麼我們用中文思維念英文會這麼辛苦。 🎯 中英文發音結構的根本差異 阿鍵老師提出疑問:「英文和中文,中文是我們的聲調語言,有四聲聲調。英文的部分好像也有起伏,但那個起伏我們常常不知道怎麼抓?」 John老師解釋:中文是syllable-timed(音節計時)語言,每個字的發音時間幾乎固定,像打字機一樣「啵啵啵」地組合。你不能把發音拉長或分開念,分開念會很奇怪。 英文則是stress-timed(重音計時)語言,透過重音(stress)來決定韻律,而不是靠咬字。一個三音節的英文字,可以在第一個音節或最後一個音節做拉長、加重,產生不同的韻律感和意義。 John老師示範:「I want to go to the toilet」如果每個字都平均念出來,就像打字機,不自然。但中文的「我要去上廁所」這樣念是可以的,因為中文本來就是這樣的結構。 這就是為什麼用中文的語感去學英文會變得很辛苦!如果沒有透過reading out loud和廣聽(像ICRT、Live ABC、或現在的podcast)來抓到那個rhythm(韻律),其實不容易掌握英文的自然表達方式。 💡 快慢的藝術:英文可以,中文不行 John老師提出另一個關鍵差異:中文如果要把文字念慢,就整篇文章都會慢。但英文有些地方可以慢,有些地方可以快,聽起來都不會太差。 經典示範: 中文:「我覺得今天很冷」— 每個字的時間幾乎固定,即使加一點演繹也會很怪。 英文:「I think it's really cold today」— 可以把"really cold"拉長來強調很冷,或把"today"拉長來強調是今天特別冷。 阿鍵老師補充台灣現象:便利商店店員會說「你也歡迎光臨」,兩個字說在一起,但還是一個字的音長,不會變成0.5個字。 什麼時候放慢?什麼時候加快? John老師說:「Where you want to stress, you slow it down!當你想讓對方覺得這是very important matter時,就會slow down。」 相反地,心虛的地方可以快快帶過。本來20分鐘的presentation如果5分鐘講完、講很快,就表示「Nothing to stress, nothing important here」,想趕快結束。 示範不同強調點:"I think it's really cold today" — 強調「真的很冷」"I think it's really cold today" — 強調「冷」這件事"I think it's really cold today" — 強調「今天」特別冷 中英文表達強調的方式不同: 中文要強調「很冷」,會塞字進去:「今天超級冷」「爆炸無敵冷」,透過加形容詞來強化。 英文則是透過拉長音節或加重發音來表達,不一定要加字。 John老師說:「當你知道這件事情,希望大家下次Reading Out Loud時,Listen to the rhythm and try and practice rhythm in your reading out loud activities!」 🎵 透過歌曲學韻律:Angel老師的秘密武器 阿鍵老師提到:「以前老師說中文的歌也有聲調,比較老的歌會按照這個去寫。英文歌好像也可以挑一些比較老的歌曲,用唱歌的方式來學韻律結構!」 John老師分享:「我們的Angel老師在English Café單元,大概一年前有一集說他當時學英文就是聽一堆90年代boy bands(男團)!他是boy band粉,所有的boy band他都知道,甚至有些是我沒聽過的!」 在那個只能去CD店找唱片、沒有Wikipedia、沒有線上資料的年代,Angel老師懂的boy band比John老師還多,超強! Angel老師就是用歌唱去抓到英文的韻律,知道哪裡可以慢、哪裡可以快,哪裡透過stress來表達情感、強化意義。 推薦: 詩敏老師的「爵士學英語」單元,挑一些老歌、爵士歌來練習,跟著朗朗上口,練習這些rhythm! 🎁 本週挑戰活動:抓住John老師的韻律細節,送15Mins周邊! John老師宣布:「這個禮拜,你的Reading Out Loud practice裡面,要抓住rhythm!韻律的地方停就停,句點停的地方、換氣的地方,你有沒有catch到?韻律的點在哪裡?哪裡停、哪裡開始、哪裡加重?」 活動辦法: 找出John老師在節目中的10個韻律細節:哪裡有停頓哪裡有加重哪裡換氣哪裡放慢或加快 獎品: 累積到10個點以上,就送15Mins通勤家族周邊! 活動時間: 原本想設定到下週日,但阿鍵老師說太短了!最後決定:到農曆年前都算數! John老師說:「時間夠多了吧?No excuse了吧!」 如何參加: 使用資訊欄裡的留言連結(comment link)留言,做簡單筆記就足夠了。幕後教師室會幫你累計,農曆年前揭曉誰是大贏家! 📚 核心學習重點 這集最重要的觀念:不能用中文的思考方式去念英文! 中文和英文雖然都可以表達強調和情感,但做法完全不同:中文:塞字(加形容詞)英文:拉長或加重(跟著韻律) 當你在Reading Out Loud和Listening Practice時,記得:Listen to the rhythm! 抓住韻律,你的英文表達就會更自然、更道地。 如果遇到生字也不用怕,嘴巴跟著聽到的聲音發出聲音就好,這樣可以保持你的韻律感和發音感。 想要加入這個充滿學習熱忱的VIP社群嗎？ 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday

Summary: This article discusses how cultural changes in the US have caused that parents are more in favor of having girls because of a bias in society against males. Vocabulary and Sample Sentence: Preference n. > more desire / interest for one choice compared to another Do Asian cultures still have a preference for males? Do you have a preference for drip coffee? Equity n. > situation where all are treated equally Is there equity in the workplace? Does equity guarantee success?  Bias n.> a feeling towards a choice not based on a fair judgement Is there a bias towards Apple in the world? Do you have a bias for black clothes? 

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 新年快樂！踏入 2026 年的第一週，你準備好迎接新挑戰了嗎？本週的《英語咖啡館》John 老師要帶大家進行一場「2025 Wrapped」年度總結，而且 Patrick 老師即將迎來 人生大事，正式晉升「一家之主」啦！ 在本集英語咖啡館裡，我們除了聊到 2025 年印象最深的時刻外，也要帶大家重溫大安森林公園那場充滿意外的「雨中 Live」。除了這些2025的記憶片段外，John老師也整理了幾個關於回憶與圓滿收尾的慣用語，讓你學會用英文漂亮地總結自己的年度里程碑！ Happy New Year! Entering the first week of 2026, are you ready to embrace new challenges? This week on English Cafe, John leads everyone through a "2025 Wrapped" year-end review, and Patrick is about to experience a major life event, officially becoming "head of the household"! In this episode of English Cafe, besides discussing the most memorable moments of 2025, we also revisit the unexpected "Live in the Rain" event at Daan Forest Park. Beyond these memory fragments from 2025, John has also compiled several idioms about memories and bringing things full circle, helping you learn how to beautifully summarize your annual milestones in English!

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） --------------------------------------------

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep. L124: Deep 7.0 Quake: Why Taiwan Escaped a Major Disaster Highlights 主題摘要A magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit off Yilan Saturday, but its 73-kilometer depth buffered the surface impact.While intense shaking lasted twenty seconds, major tech hubs like TSMC reported no damage and resumed operations.Authorities warn that aftershocks up to magnitude 6.0 are possible, urging the public to stay prepared. On Saturday evening at 11:05 PM, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck approximately 32 kilometers off the northeastern coast of Yilan, sending strong tremors throughout Taiwan. According to the Central Weather Administration, the earthquake's hypocenter was situated at a significant depth of 73 kilometers. While the intense shaking lasted for twenty seconds in urban centers like Taipei, initial assessments suggested that the island fortunately escaped a catastrophic outcome despite the widespread panic and disrupted sleep across northern administrative regions. 週六晚間 11 時 05 分，宜蘭東北部海域約 32 公里處發生了規模 7.0 強震，強烈震感籠罩全台。根據中央氣象署資料，該地震的「震源」位於海平面下 73 公里的深處。台北等城市中心經歷了長達 20 秒的劇烈搖晃，但初步評估顯示，儘管北部各行政區出現廣泛恐慌並驚醒許多民眾，台灣仍慶幸地避開了災難性的後果。 This technical distinction explains why northern cities managed to avoid severe structural failure. seismologists noted that the intense friction was generated deep within the crust rather than near the surface. This occurred because the event was located within a subduction zone. In this region, the Philippine Sea Plate slides northward beneath the Eurasian Plate at a considerable depth. Much of the seismic energy dispersed before reaching major population centers, keeping the "peak ground acceleration" within manageable limits. 這項技術差異解釋了為何北部城市避開了嚴重的「結構性」損害。地震學家指出，強烈的板塊「摩擦」發生在地殼深處而非地表附近。這是因為該地震位於「隱沒」帶內，在此區域，菲律賓海板塊在相當深的地方向北滑入歐亞板塊下方。大部分地震能量在到達主要人口中心前就已分散，使「地動加速度」維持在可控範圍內。 Despite the lack of major casualties, minor incidents were reported across northern industrial hubs. In the Hsinchu Science Park, high-tech facilities including TSMC initiated precautionary evacuations of cleanroom staff, although employees returned shortly after safety inspections were completed. Meanwhile, Taoyuan International Airport dealt with falling ceiling debris that slightly injured two passengers. Additionally, a fault at a substation in Yilan caused a temporary blackout for over 3,000 households, while emergency crews worked through the night to resolve every reported elevator malfunction. 儘管沒有重大傷亡，北部工業重鎮仍傳出幾起輕微事故。在新竹科學園區，包括台積電在內的高科技廠房啟動了無塵室員工的預防性疏散，不過員工在完成安全檢查後隨即返回崗位。同時，桃園國際機場處理了天花板碎片掉落導致兩名旅客受輕傷的事件。此外，宜蘭一處變電所故障導致 3,000 多戶家庭暫時停電，緊急應變小組則連夜修復了每一件通報的電梯「故障」。 President Lai Ching-te addressed the nation via social media, confirming that authorities are closely monitoring critical infrastructure and the situation is under control. He reminded citizens that Taiwan remains prone to seismic activity due to its location at the junction of two tectonic plates. Looking ahead, experts warn that moderate aftershocks ranging from magnitude 5.5 to 6.0 are likely throughout the coming week. While rigorous building codes once again proved their value, the government urges the population to remain vigilant for potential secondary tremors. 賴清德總統透過社群媒體向全國發表談話，確認當局正嚴密監控關鍵基礎設施，局勢已在掌控中。他提醒國民，由於台灣位於兩大板塊交界處，天生容易發生地震活動。展望未來，專家警告未來一週內很可能發生規模 5.5 到 6.0 的中度餘震。雖然嚴格的建築規範再次證明了其價值，政府仍敦促民眾對潛在的二次震動保持警覺。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Hypocenter [noun, the point of origin of an earthquake]: The earthquake's Hypocenter was situated at a significant depth of 73 kilometers.Structural [adjective, relating to the arrangement of parts in a building]: This technical distinction explains why northern cities managed to avoid severe Structural failure.Friction [noun, resistance encountered when one surface moves over another]: Seismologists noted that the intense Friction was generated deep within the crust rather than near the surface.Subduction [noun, the process of one tectonic plate sliding under another]: This occurred because the event was located within a Subduction zone.Malfunction [noun, a failure to function in a normal or satisfactory manner]: Emergency crews worked through the night to resolve every reported elevator Malfunction. Reference article: 1. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/27/asia/taiwan-earthquake-tremors-intl-latam 2. https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2025/12/29/2003849671

Topic: Czech hunter reports rifle-stealing deer to police Czech police are seeking help in an unusual case after a deer turned the tables on the hunters and snagged a pursuer’s rifle on his antlers before running away. 捷克警方正就一宗不尋常的案件尋求協助，一頭鹿在逃跑前用鹿角勾走一名追捕者的步槍，轉而佔了獵人們上風。 The deer, frightened by a dog, ran toward one of the hunting party, tore his sleeve and caught a strap of a 0.22 Hornet rifle on his antlers, police said on Tuesday. 警方週二表示，這頭鹿受一隻狗驚嚇，朝狩獵隊的一名獵人奔去，撕裂他的袖子，鹿角抓到一把點二二黃蜂彈口徑的步槍。 "The rifle, which the hunter had slung over his left arm - fortunately without ammo - slipped on the deer’s antlers and disappeared with him," the police said. 警方說，「這名獵人本來掛在左手臂的這把步槍─幸好沒彈藥─滑到鹿角上，隨著牠消失。」 "The hunters searched the forest but did not find the gun. He had no other choice than to report the incident to the police," the police said, adding anyone who finds the weapon should contact authorities. 警方說，「這些獵人搜索森林，但沒有找到那把槍。他別無選擇，只能報警」，並補充指出，任何發現這把武器的人，都該聯絡當局。 Next Article Topic: Obsolete Czech phone booths find new life as mini libraries 過時的捷克電話亭重生為迷你圖書館 Two Czechs have breathed new life into telephone booths made obsolete in the cell phone age, converting them into mini libraries with the first installed at a Prague hospital recently. 兩名捷克人讓被手機時代所淘汰的電話亭重現生機，他們把電話亭改造為迷你圖書館，首座電話亭圖書館最近在布拉格一所醫院正式設立。 On the shelves of the red booth, patients of the IKEM hospital will find a plethora of genres, including works by US crime writer John Grisham, Czech and Russian titles and biographer Andrew Morton’s "Diana： Her True Story". 在這座紅色電話亭裡的書架上，IKEM醫院的病人可以找到各種類型的書，包括美國犯罪小說家葛里遜的作品、捷克和俄羅斯書籍，以及英國傳記作家莫頓的作品「黛安娜：她的真實故事」等。 Library mastermind Monika Serbusova, 27, said she and a friend drew inspiration from a similar project in Britain. 圖書館幕後策劃者、現年27歲的塞布索娃說，她和另一個朋友的靈感是來自英國的一個類似計畫。 They won backing from a local phone operator, then built the libraries with the help of colleagues and friends, painting the booths and installing wooden shelves. 她們獲得當地電話公司的支持，並在同事與友人協助下把電話亭改造為圖書館、替電話亭上新漆並裝設木製書架。 She said they intend to set up other libraries at a shopping centre and elsewhere. They currently have 700 books, but the selection will grow as people have promised to donate large collections. 她表示未來還打算在購物商場和其他地方設置其他圖書館。她們手上目前只有700本書，但有人表示願意捐贈大批藏書，藏書量可望繼續增加。 Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1415573 ; https://news.ltn.com.tw/index.php/news/world/paper/754649 Next Article Topic: The Czech Republic is the unhealthiest country in the world The Czech Republic is the least healthy country in the world, according to new research conducted by Clinic Compare. 英國調查機構「臨床比較」的一項新研究顯示，捷克共和國是全世界最不健康的國家。 Researchers analyzed World Health Organization data on alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption and the prevalence of obesity in 179 countries. According to the list, the Czechs love their booze and are the 5th biggest drinkers in the world, consuming 13.7 liters of alcohol each per year – that’s 550 shots, or 1.5 shots a day. The country also had the 11th highest tobacco consumption. 研究人員分析世界衛生組織對179個國家的酒精攝取、香菸消費及肥胖流行率的資料。根據這份名單，捷克人熱愛他們的酒飲，是全世界第五愛喝酒的民族，每年攝取13.7公升酒精，相當於550杯，或每日1.5杯。捷克也是香菸消費全球排名第十一高的國家。 The research found Eastern Europe is the least healthy region in the world, occupying nine out of the top 10 spots. Russia is the second most unhealthy country, followed by Slovenia, Belarus, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Poland, Luxembourg and Lithuania. 研究發現，東歐是全世界最不健康的地區，前10名中佔了9名。俄羅斯是第二不健康的國家，其後是斯洛維尼亞、白俄羅斯、斯洛伐克、匈牙利、克羅埃西亞、波蘭、盧森堡及立陶宛。 The healthiest country is Afghanistan, boasting the second lowest rate of obesity in the world. Just 2.7 per cent of the population had a BMI over 30. Plus, residents only smoked 83 cigarettes a year and drank the least alcohol. 最健康的國家則是擁有全球第二低肥胖率的阿富汗。阿國只有2.7％人口的身體質量指數在30以上。而且，阿國居民一年平均只吸食83根香菸，酒精飲用量也最低。 Source article: http://iservice.ltn.com.tw/Service/english/english.php?engno=1167152&day=2018-01-09 捷克共和國是全世界最不健康的國家

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） --------------------------------------------

Summary: This article talks about a new study that postulates that eating a big breakfast and smaller dinner leads to more calorie loss per day. So, eat up in the morning and lose weight. This story states that air pollution shortens lives by up to 3 years and affects 8.8 million people. Cleaner air can add up to a year’s worth of life expectancy to people. The air is more dangerous than alcohol, aids and malaria! Asia is the area most affected. 原討論文章: https://www.15mins.today/blog/ep-822-about-science-2-eating-a-big-breakfast  Vocabulary and Sample Sentences: Metabolism n. > the chemical process of changing food into energy Do you have a fast metabolism? Is a good metabolism key in being healthy? Premature adj. > happen before expected time Was the announcement of a cure premature? Do premature deaths pose a problem for the world’s economy? Mortality n. > being human and not living forever Is the key to mortality a healthy lifestyle? Has the mortality of humans impacted religion? 

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 你有沒有過這樣的經驗：一首歌唱了好多年，旋律早就深深烙印在腦海裡，卻從來不知道歌詞在唱什麼？本週《英語咖啡館》John 老師和 Shimin 老師要帶大家重溫搖滾之王 Elvis Presley 「貓王」的經典情歌，這竟然 John 老師第一次真正「讀」這首歌的歌詞！究竟這首傳唱數十年的情歌藏著什麼樣的浪漫密碼呢？ Elvis 這首 《Can't Help Falling In Love》 用最簡單的文字，創造出跨越世代的浪漫魔力。今天的咖啡館我們從童年音樂課的回憶，聊到了現代社會中愛情表達方式的轉變，絕對讓你對這首經典老歌有全新的認識！ Have you ever had this experience: singing a song for years with the melody deeply imprinted in your mind, but never really knowing what the lyrics are about? This week on English Cafe, John and Shimin take everyone back to revisit the King of Rock Elvis Presley's classic love song—and this is actually Teacher John's first time truly "reading" the lyrics to this song! What romantic secrets are hidden in this love song that has been sung for decades? Elvis's "Can't Help Falling In Love" uses the simplest words to create romantic magic that transcends generations. In today's cafe, we chat from childhood music class memories to the transformation of how love is expressed in modern society, giving you a completely new perspective on this classic old song!

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） --------------------------------------------

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 → https://15minstoday.firstory.io/joinVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 國際時事跟讀 Ep. L120: Compensation Gap & NYE Security Drills Highlights 主題摘要Legal gaps cause massive disparity in victim compensation.City initiates fundraiser to aid ineligible families.Massive security drills scheduled for New Year's Eve. Last Friday's fatal knife attacks in Taipei left three people dead and exposed a painful legal gap regarding victim support. Among the deceased was Yu Chia-chang, who bravely sacrificed his life attempting to stop the assailant. His family will receive NT$12.8 million in compensation. However, the other two victims are ineligible for similar bereavement benefits because they did not perform an active act of intervention. This stark financial disparity has ignited a fierce public debate about the fairness of current protection laws. 上週五台北發生的持刀命案造成三人死亡，也暴露了受害者支援機制中痛苦的法律缺口。死者之一余家昶因英勇犧牲生命試圖制止兇嫌，其家屬將獲得1280萬元的賠償。然而，另外兩名受害者因未進行主動介入行為，不符合此類撫卹金資格。這種財務上的巨大落差，引發了關於現行保護法規公平性的激烈討論。 The variance in financial aid depends heavily on the specific circumstances of each death. One victim, attacked during his daily commute, qualifies for occupational hazard subsidies, whereas the other victim receives only the statutory minimum of NT$1.8 million. To address this inequality, the Taipei City Government plans to initiate a public fundraiser to better support the grieving families. Simultaneously, city councilors are fiercely debating motions to amend these rigid regulations, arguing that the current criteria are too strict for random violence. 財務援助的差異主要取決於每起死亡案件的具體情況。一名在日常通勤途中遇害的受害者符合職災補助資格，而另一位僅能獲得法定的最低金額180萬元。為解決此不平等，台北市政府計畫啟動公開募款來更完善地支持悲痛的家屬。同時，市議員也正激烈辯論修法提案，主張現行的標準對於此類隨機暴力事件而言過於嚴苛。 Beyond financial restitution, authorities are shifting their focus to rigorous prevention as the massive New Year's Eve celebrations approach. In response to the tragedy, the city has scheduled a high-intensity counterterrorism drill for December 26 at key transit hubs like the City Hall MRT station. These exercises will test specific emergency scenarios to perfect coordination between the newly assembled disaster response team and interdepartmental command centers, ensuring that critical safety protocols are battle-tested before the holiday crowds arrive. 除了金錢補償外，隨著大型跨年慶祝活動逼近，當局也將焦點轉向嚴密的預防工作。為因應這起悲劇，市府已安排於12月26日在市政府捷運站等關鍵交通樞紐，舉行高強度的反恐演習。這些演練將測試特定的緊急情境，以完善新組建的災害應變小組與跨部門指揮中心間的協調，確保在節日人潮湧入前，關鍵維安程序已通過實戰測試。 To further guarantee public safety during the countdown event, the city will deploy a massive security force of over 5,000 personnel, including police officers and volunteer firefighters. This heightened security grid is designed to detect potential risks early and reassure a nervous public. While officials continue to urge citizens to remain aware of their surroundings, the overarching goal is to restore a sense of normalcy, allowing residents to welcome the New Year without being paralyzed by fear of the recent traumatic events. 為了進一步確保跨年活動期間的公共安全，市府將部署超過5000名人力組成的龐大維安部隊，包含警員與義消。這個強化的安全防護網旨在及早發現潛在風險並安撫緊張的大眾。雖然官員持續呼籲市民對周遭環境保持警覺，但總體目標是恢復正常生活感，讓居民能迎接新年，而不至於因近期創傷事件的恐懼而動彈不得。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Bereavement [noun, the state of losing a relative to death]: The other two victims are ineligible for bereavement benefits.Disparity [noun, a great difference]: This stark financial disparity has ignited a fierce public debate about the fairness of current protection laws.Statutory [adjective, controlled by law]: One victim receives only the statutory minimum of NT$1.8 million.Coordination [noun, the organization of elements to work together]: The exercises will test scenarios to perfect coordination between teams.Deploy [verb, to move troops or people into position]: The city will deploy a massive security force of over 5,000 personnel. Reference article: https://english.ftvnews.com.tw/news/2025C23W01EA https://english.ftvnews.com.tw/news/2025C24W01EA