通勤學英語 15Mins Today
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回顧星期天LBS - 工作相關時事趣聞 All about work
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

幕後教師室Teacher's Lounge Ep.108: 錄音練習法:為什麼你需要聽自己的聲音? Podcaster的直接監聽秘密
----------------------------------- 🎧 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!

精選詞彙單元 Vocab Ep.064: 日本職場印鑑文化 Japanese seal culture in the office
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.

英語咖啡館 Ep.307: 爵詩學英語 - 電影星際效應裡的Dylan Thomas名詩 Don't Go Gentle Into The Night
----------------------------------- 🎧 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!

WHOIs單元Ep.14 : 稱霸白天電視,影響力不只如此的女王
----------------------------------- 🎧 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. L140: 川普覬覦格陵蘭,北約爆拆夥危機 Trump's Greenland Ultimatum Sparks NATO Crisis
----------------------------------- 🎧 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/

回顧星期天LBS - 小吃零食相關時事趣聞 All about snacks
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

幕後教師室Teacher's Lounge Ep.107: 誇張練習法來偷師配音員Angel老師的暖身秘訣 How to warm up for better reading
----------------------------------- 🎧 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

精選詞彙單元 Vocab Ep.063: Junk food messing with your brain and squatting is good for you 垃圾食物與你的蹲姿
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?

英語咖啡館 Ep.306: 想知道空服員講的專有術語嗎 Angel老師來拆解 Insider lingo used by airline staff
----------------------------------- 🎧 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.

WHOIs單元Ep.13 : 運動王朝背後的低調男人
----------------------------------- 🎧 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: 富者狂歡窮人吃土:2026K型經濟預測 Rich Feast, Poor Starve: The K-Shaped Economy Reality
----------------------------------- 🎧 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

回顧星期天LBS - 土耳其相關時事趣聞 All about Turkey
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

幕後教師室Teacher's Lounge Ep.106: 台灣人常犯的發音錯誤:TH, R-L, V-W 到底怎麼念?
----------------------------------- 🎧 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!

精選詞彙單元 Vocab Ep.062: 衛生紙造型蛋糕幫蛋糕店起死回生Novelty toilet roll cakes keep Finnish baker in business
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.

英語咖啡館 Ep.305: 電商學英語 - 最新的揭咪尼(錯音)與他的香蕉兄弟的指令 Updates on Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana
----------------------------------- 🎧 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.

WHOIs單元Ep.12 : 被拒絕超過 100 次,卻徹底改變設計世界的女創辦人
----------------------------------- 🎧 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: 川普閃電出手!馬杜洛遭捕震撼全球 Trump’s Shock Raid: Maduro Captured
----------------------------------- 🎧 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

回顧星期天LBS - 義大利相關時事趣聞 All about Italy
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

幕後教師室Teacher's Lounge Ep.105: VIP新聞回顧 - Google地圖在韓國無效? 台股破三萬與歐洲之星停駛
----------------------------------- 🎧 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

精選詞彙單元 Vocab Ep.061: 大馬在疫情時的MCO與大象Malaysia MCO and Elephants
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.

英語咖啡館 Ep.304: 吃貨學英語 - 台灣跟各國都如何慶祝生日餐?How to celebrate your birthday the local way
----------------------------------- 🎧 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!

WHOIs單元Ep.11 : 把「多樣選擇」變成美味的夥伴創業家
----------------------------------- 🎧 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) --------------------------------------------

國際時事跟讀 Ep. L128: 減重新時代:FDA批准口服GLP-1 FDA Approves Wegovy Pill for Weight Loss
----------------------------------- 🎧 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

回顧星期天LBS - 馬來西亞相關時事趣聞 All about Malaysia
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

幕後教師室Teacher's Lounge Ep.104: 中英文朗讀大不同! 韻律才是關鍵 Difference between reading in Chinese and 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) -------------------------------------------- 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

精選詞彙單元 Vocab Ep.060: 女兒在美國比較吃香了 Daughters are the new favorite in the USA
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?

英語咖啡館 Ep.303: 英語時光機 - 打包2025最難忘的事情 Best memories of 2025
----------------------------------- 🎧 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!

WHOIs單元Ep.10 : 原本只想教一個孩子,卻教遍全世界的教育創業家
----------------------------------- 🎧 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) --------------------------------------------

國際時事跟讀 Ep. L124: 深層強震:為何這次台灣逃過一劫? Deep 7.0 Quake: Why Taiwan Escaped a Major Disaster
----------------------------------- 🎧 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

回顧星期天LBS - 捷克相關時事趣聞 All about Czech Republic
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

幕後教師室Teacher's Lounge Ep.103: 2026第一集!John老師的20個口頭禪大解密:AI分析+世代故事+實用對話技巧
----------------------------------- 🎧 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) --------------------------------------------

精選詞彙單元 Vocab Ep.059: 健康篇:早餐與空汙 Breakfast! & Air Pollution
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?

英語咖啡館 Ep.302: 爵士學英語 - 聽了一輩子的歌,終於讀這首歌 Elvis's Can't Falling in Love with You
----------------------------------- 🎧 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!

WHOIs單元Ep.09 : 正在打造國防未來的局外人 The Outsider Building the Future of Defense
----------------------------------- 🎧 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: 台北市賠償落差補破網與跨年維安升級 Compensation Gap & NYE Security Drills
----------------------------------- 🎧 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

回顧星期天LBS - 體育相關時事趣聞 All about sports
Topic: Mom Sells Tomatoes as Her Son Seeks Tennis Titles It should have been one of the happiest times of Yu Te Tseng’s life. But Tseng, the father of the world’s best male junior tennis player, lowered his head and put his right hand to his eyes, trying to stem the flow of tears. 這本該是曾育德一生中最幸福的時刻之一。但這位世界最佳青少年男子網球手的父親,卻低下了頭,把右手放到眼睛上,努力想要止住淚流。 He was sitting in a garden at the United States Open in September after his son, Chun Hsin, had won another big match. But while a friend patted him on the back, Tseng needed more than a minute to compose himself and explain his sadness. 那是9月在美網的球場,兒子俊欣又贏了一場大賽之後。當一位朋友拍了拍他的背時,曾育德用了不止一分鐘來收拾情緒,解釋他為何傷心。 For years, Tseng has coached his son, 17, who plans to turn professional at a tournament in Hong Kong at the end of the month. For years, father and son have traveled the globe while Chun Hsin, also known as Jason, soared from a working class background in Taipei, Taiwan, to the top of the junior tennis rankings. 多年來,曾育德一直給兒子當教練,17歲的他計劃在那個月底的香港錦標賽上轉為職業球員。多年來,父子二人輾轉世界各地,兒子俊欣(英文名Jason)從台北的工薪階層背景,躍至青少年網球排名的冠軍。 He tore through the competition in 2018, reaching the final of the Australian Open junior singles tournament in January and winning the French Open junior title in June and Wimbledon’s in July. He was also a semifinalist in the U.S. Open boys event, and finished the year as the No. 1 junior. 2018年的賽事他一路過關斬將,1月份殺進澳洲網球公開賽青少年組男單決賽,6月份贏得法國網球公開賽青少年組男單冠軍,7月份溫布頓奪冠。他還是美國網球公開賽青少年組的半決賽選手,年終成為世界排名第一的青少年選手。 But while he was achieving all that with his father by his side, Tseng’s mother remained in Taipei, running the family’s small food stand and looking after his 15-year-old brother, Yun Di Tseng. 在父親的陪伴下取得所有這些成績的同時,他的母親仍在台北,一邊料理家裡的小吃攤,一邊照顧他15歲的弟弟曾允帝。 For his mother, Chung Han Tsai, the heavy workload has taken a toll.The family owns a stall at the Lehua night market in Taipei, where they sell tanghulu, a treat made of glazed fruit and tomatoes on a stick. They stay on their feet from 4 p.m. until 1 a.m., with hardly a moment to spare for a break. 對母親蔡仲涵來說,工作的重擔讓她付出了代價。一家人在台北樂華夜市有個小攤位,他們在那裡賣糖葫蘆,這是一種用蜜餞和串在棍子上的番茄製成的小吃。他們從下午4點一直站到凌晨1點,幾乎沒有片刻的休息。 Tseng first played tennis at age 5 with his father, who likes to be called Ed. Within a few years, Jason had demonstrated unusual talent, and his father discovered that his night job was suddenly an advantage. It enabled him to train his son during the day. 曾俊欣第一次打網球是5歲時和父親,後者喜歡別人叫他埃德(Ed)。短短几年裡,曾俊欣就展現出了不同尋常的天賦,他的父親發現自己的夜間工作突然成為了優勢。這份工作能讓他白天訓練兒子。 On a typical day, Ed Tseng would work at the night market and get to sleep around 2 a.m. He would wake up three and a half hours later for early-morning practices, after which he and his son would return home, shower and prepare for school. The father would then sleep a bit more before rejoining his son for afternoon practice. Then it was back to work with his wife. 通常,曾育德晚上在夜市上班,然後凌晨兩點左右上床睡覺。三個半小時後,他要起床去進行晨練,之後他和兒子回家,洗澡、準備上學。曾育德會再補一點覺,然後下午再和兒子一起練球。之後就和妻子再回去上班。 On some nights, Jason and his brother would make the five-minute walk from their home to join their parents at the market, doing their homework there or pitching in by peeling tomatoes. But Jason’s focus and dreams were always on tennis.“In that moment, I don’t have a lot of time to go out with friends and do relaxing things,” he said. “I was always working, working. That is how the professional player has to do it.” 在有些晚上,曾俊欣和弟弟會從家裡走路五分鐘,去夜市和父母在一起,他們在那裡做功課,或是幫忙給番茄剝皮。但曾俊欣的關注點和夢想一直都是網球。「在那一刻,我沒有很多時間和朋友出去玩、放鬆,」他說。「我一直都在練球、練球。這就是職業球員必須要做的。」 Jason Tseng said he does not really like the treats his parents sell. He prefers ice cream, although he eliminated it from his training diet. He indulged in his favorite treat twice recently, though: to celebrate winning the French Open and Wimbledon junior titles. 曾俊欣說,他不怎麼喜歡父母賣的那些小吃。他更喜歡冰激淋,儘管他把它從訓練飲食裡去掉了。但近期,他放縱地吃了兩次自己最愛的零食:為了慶祝自己獲得法國公開賽和溫布頓青少年冠軍。 Tsai could not make those trips. She remained in Taipei, selling tanghulu. But when Jason plays, Ed sends her updates. In a recent email, he said his wife told him that Jason’s victories buoyed her spirit, making her stand stronger in the moment. 蔡仲涵不能一起前往巡迴賽。她得留在台北賣糖葫蘆。但每當曾俊欣打球時,埃德會發給她最新情況。在近期的一封郵件裡,他說妻子告訴他,曾俊欣的勝利激勵了她的精神,讓她變得更堅強。 But the arrangement is no longer tenable with her physical condition. Tsai needs rest to recover, and Ed said this week that in the spring, the family plans to shutter the business. Legally, it cannot be sold, just closed. But now that Jason will be earning some money on tour, the investment in his future may pay off and the financial burden eased. 但她的身體狀況無法應付這種安排了。蔡仲涵需要休息才能恢復身體,曾育德本週說,明年春天的時候,他們計劃關掉攤位。從法律層面來說,它不能被賣掉,只能關張。但如今曾俊欣會在巡迴賽上賺到些錢,對他未來的投資可能會有回報,也能減輕家裡的經濟負擔。 Source article: https://cn.nytimes.com/sports/20181227/chun-hsin-tseng-taiwan/zh-hant/dual/ Next Topic: Gaming’s New Lifestyle:Less Pizza, More Yoga The squats and leg lifts were harder than they looked, and after a few sets, Alfonso Aguirre Rodriguez placed his hands on his knees and attempted to compose himself. 深蹲和抬腿動作比看起來要困難,做了幾組後,阿方索.艾吉瑞.羅德里蓋茲把手放在膝蓋上,試著讓自己放鬆。 In November, A

幕後教師室Teacher's Lounge Ep.102: 2025年度回顧特輯:最強單集是哪一集?感動的互動故事大公開!
----------------------------------- 🎧 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) -------------------------------------------- 🎄 2025最後一集!年度回顧特輯:最強單集、感動故事、神秘新企劃大公開! 這是2025年的最後一集幕後教師室!John老師和阿鍵老師要和大家一起回顧這精彩的一年,揭曉最強單集TOP 3(致辭竟然奪冠?!),分享香港小吉一家來台灣的感動故事,還有2026年的神秘新企劃預告! 🎙️ 本集重點: 📊 2025年度數據:一週九更!一年超過420集!滑鼠都按壞了的排程工作週一二四五:News Shadowing週三:English Café週六:Teacher's Lounge其他日子:更多內容+VIP專屬 🏆 最強單集TOP 3揭曉: 冠軍:Patrick老師Life Series - 致辭4萬人不重複收聽率誰能想到致辭這麼有共鳴?噩夢啊!是不是要找世明老師講牙醫?亞軍:News Shadowing - Stablecoin跌破眼鏡的第二名大家對穩定幣超有期待但台灣可能要等5-10年季軍:Teacher's Lounge - 學習焦慮本節目上榜!學習太多讓你焦慮?可以回去聽這集重點:前五大來自不同單元! John老師2026心願: 歡迎新加坡、日本、美國的聽眾回台時meet up! 故事2:跨界支持感動老師們通勤家族跑去支持Patrick老師的「週報時光機」還donate他!寫長長的留言有人去聽克寧老師的「寧可當吃貨」變成吃貨粉! 🎨 2025三大新嘗試: 新嘗試1:品牌贊助格外農品(最近上櫃了!)食色食物研究室(Vivi老師熱紅酒包)果實男子(雙金牌果醬)有聽眾去找Vivi老師、支持廠商!新嘗試2:官網大更新年初和年底各大調整花了三個月托特包周邊設計(Scrabble風格)很多人跟他們要!新嘗試3:Who is新單元英雄會後討論四個月從故事導向變人物專輯Gavin老師回鍋!Timing was perfect! 🎯 John老師年度感想: 最喜歡:Life Series跟Patrick聊得很有共鳴樂高、Retro遊戲那兩集超興奮欲罷不能一直聊最大Encouragement:小吉一家看到小朋友從episode學到東西來台灣時everything comes to life最感動:跨界支持成功推廣老師們的個人podcast 💪 阿鍵老師年度感想:感謝John老師給很多嘗試權限品牌合作很有成就感Who is單元從討論到實現還有神秘第四點(不能公開!) 🎁 2026神秘企劃預告:新的地方、新的玩具天天都可以聯絡的地方更多新單元、新系列新的互動方式 🙏 感謝與展望: 感謝:近300位學長姐持續支持收到很多success stories有些嚐到職場甜頭展望:英文要學好不困難學長姐都辦到了Next is YOU!

精選詞彙單元 Vocab Ep.058: 得來速醫療檢測與高齡模特兒 Drive through testing and senior models
Summary: Over the past few months, South Korea has scrambled to put together a new system that has proven to be extremely effective with COVID-19 testing of citizens. It is 20 minutes faster than getting the test done at hospitals or public health centers. Other countries have followed the same method to achieve better testing results. Korean fashion designers want to embrace all generations in their fashion lineups and now senior fashion models are becoming popular. 原討論文章: https://www.15mins.today/blog/ep-818-about-s-korea-drive-thru-clinics-korea-s-new Vocabulary and Sample Sentences: Checkup n. – a medical examination Every year I would go to NTU hospital for a checkup. I told my boss that I would be getting a health checkup next Friday. Drive-thru adj. n.- a facility that people can be served by just driving their cars through When I was a young boy, I love going with my dad to drive-thru car wash to get the car washed. When you are driving around with children, Mcdonalds drive-thru is the best place to get the children fed without having to get off the car. Runway n. – ground for aircraft to take off or land / a aisle or stage for fashion. Shows At Songshan airport, there are many cafes around where you can watch the airplanes take off or land on the runway. Fashion models have to train hours on the runway before they can audition for a fashion show.

英語咖啡館 Ep.301: 永遠不夠花的普發金 How would you spend your cash handout?
----------------------------------- 🎧 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) -------------------------------------------- 你領到前陣子政府普發的一萬元了嗎?本週《英語咖啡館》John 老師和久違回歸的 Angel 老師要來聊聊大家都怎麼花這筆錢!從 Costco 掃貨、買股票,到「投資自己」,網友們的花法五花八門。而 John 老師自己的花錢方式更是讓人意想不到,還因此鬧出了一個尷尬的小插曲... 除了普發現金的話題,Angel 老師也分享了她過去幾個月飛遍德州、南非、日本的精彩見聞,還有年底前衝韓國的特別計畫。想知道更多?快來收聽這集吧! Did you receive the NTD10,000 dollar cash handout the government distributed recently? This week on English Cafe, John and the long-awaited returning Angel talk about how everyone spent this money! From Costco shopping sprees and buying stocks to "investing in yourself," netizens spent it in all sorts of ways. John's own spending choice was even more unexpected and led to an awkward little incident... Beyond the cash handout topic, Angel also shares her exciting experiences from flying to Texas, South Africa, and Japan over the past few months, plus her special plan to rush to Korea before year-end. Want to know more? Come listen to this episode!

WHOIs單元Ep.08 : The Face You’ve Seen in Action, Drama, and Fantasy 你熟悉的動作、劇情片與奇幻電影的面孔
----------------------------------- 🎧 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. L116: 邦代海灘恐攻釀15死:車內搜出ISIS旗幟 Bondi Massacre: 15 Dead, ISIS Flags Seized
----------------------------------- 🎧 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. L116: Bondi Massacre: 15 Dead, ISIS Flags Seized Highlights 主題摘要Police confirm the Bondi Beach shooting was an ISIS-inspired terror attack.A Syrian-born man is hailed as a hero for disarming a gunman.Australia vows to tighten gun laws following the tragic Hanukkah attack. A devastating mass shooting at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach has left 15 people dead and 38 hospitalized during a Hanukkah celebration. Australian authorities have officially classified the tragedy as a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State ideology. Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett described the assault as a "callous" act where the attackers showed zero regard for age or ability, seemingly driven only by a quest for a high death tally. Among the victims are children and elderly attendees, ranging from 10 to 87 years old. 雪梨標誌性的邦代海灘發生毀滅性的大規模槍擊事件,造成一場光明節慶祝活動中15人死亡、38人送醫。澳洲當局已正式將這場悲劇定調為受「伊斯蘭國」(ISIS)意識形態啟發的恐怖攻擊。警務處長克莉希.巴雷特(Krissy Barrett)形容這起襲擊「冷血至極」,攻擊者絲毫不在乎受害者的年齡或行動能力,似乎只為了追求更高的死亡人數。死傷者中包含兒童與長者,年齡介於10歲至87歲之間。 Investigators identified the suspects as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed. While the father was killed at the scene, the son remains hospitalized in critical condition. Authorities discovered incriminating evidence in their seized vehicle, including improvised explosive devices and two homemade ISIS flags. Immigration records confirm the pair recently travelled to the southern Philippines, a region historically linked to militant groups. Police are now probing whether this international trip played a pivotal role in radicalizing the duo or planning the massacre. 調查人員已確認嫌犯為50歲的薩吉德.阿克拉姆(Sajid Akram)及其24歲的兒子納維德(Naveed)。雖然父親當場被擊斃,但兒子目前仍在醫院接受治療,情況危急。當局在查扣的車輛中發現了具罪證效力的證據,包括簡易爆炸裝置和兩面自製的ISIS旗幟。移民紀錄證實這對父子近期曾前往與武裝組織有歷史淵源的菲律賓南部。警方目前正在調查這趟跨國行程是否在兩人激進化或策劃大屠殺的過程中發揮了關鍵作用。 Amidst the carnage, a moment of extraordinary bravery emerged involving Ahmed al-Ahmed, a Syrian-born fruit shop owner. Viral footage captured the 43-year-old rushing toward one gunman, tackling him to the ground, and wresting away his weapon despite knowing the extreme danger. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited al-Ahmed in the hospital, hailing him as a "true Australian hero" whose selfless actions undoubtedly prevented further loss of life. His father told reporters that Ahmed acted purely on humanity and conscience upon seeing women and children suffering. 在一片血腥屠殺中,敘利亞出生的水果店老闆艾哈邁德.阿爾—艾哈邁德(Ahmed al-Ahmed)英勇挺身而出。網路瘋傳的影片顯示,這位43歲的男子不顧自身安危,衝向一名槍手將其撲倒並奪走武器。澳洲總理安東尼.艾班尼斯(Anthony Albanese)前往醫院探視阿爾—艾哈邁德,並讚揚他是「真正的澳洲英雄」,其無私的舉動無疑阻止了更多生命的逝去。他的父親告訴記者,艾哈邁德在看到婦女和兒童受難時,純粹是出於人性和良知而行動。 In the wake of this atrocity, the Australian government has pledged to implement the most sweeping gun law reforms since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Although the older suspect had legally amassed a cache of weapons, officials are determined to tighten restrictions to ensure public safety. Leaders are urging the nation to remain united against division, emphasizing that resilience is the best response to terror. As mourners continue to lay flowers at the impromptu memorial, the focus shifts to healing and preventing future tragedies. 在這起暴行發生後,澳洲政府承諾將實施自1996年亞瑟港槍擊案以來最全面的槍枝管制改革。儘管年長的嫌犯是合法囤積了大量武器,官員們仍決心收緊限制以確保公眾安全。領導人呼籲全國團結一致對抗分裂,並強調韌性是應對恐怖主義的最佳回應。隨著哀悼者持續在臨時紀念地獻花,目前的焦點已轉向療傷止痛以及預防未來的悲劇。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Callous [adjective, showing an insensitive and cruel disregard for others]: Police described the assault as a "callous" act where attackers showed zero regard for age or ability.Incriminating [adjective, making someone appear guilty of a crime]: Authorities discovered incriminating evidence in the vehicle, including explosives and ISIS flags.Conscience [noun, an inner feeling acting as a guide to behavior]: His father said Ahmed acted purely on humanity and conscience upon seeing women and children suffering.Sweeping [adjective, wide in range or effect]: The government has pledged to implement the most sweeping gun law reforms since the 1996 massacre.Resilience [noun, the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties]: Leaders emphasized that resilience is the best response to terror. Reference articles: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/bondi-beach-shooting-suspects-isis-connection-9.7017302 https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce3wkey5p33o

回顧星期天LBS - 音樂相關時事趣聞 All about music
The Old Pop Music Is Over. Introducing a Playbook for Pop 2.0. What pop means changes depending on what angle you’re looking from. It can be a descriptor of audience size, indicating something that’s popular, or it can be a genre tag, specifying a sound. But for much of the past three decades, these two definitions have effectively been one and the same. 「流行音樂」一詞的定義取決於從什麼角度去看它。它可以是界定受眾多寡的符號,顯示某樣東西是否熱門,也可以是一張類型標籤,用來指特定的音樂類型。然而卅年來在頗長的時間裡,這兩個定義幾乎合為一體。 You know the sort: Katy Perry’s confetti cheer, Justin Timberlake’s feather-light chirps, Lady Gaga’s exorbitant theater, Taylor Swift’s guileless guile. Music that strives for gloss, pep, ecstasy, spectacle. Often an expression of whiteness, too. A one-size-fits-all solution. 你絕對熟悉那種音樂,凱蒂佩芮五彩碎紙般的奔放歡呼,賈斯汀輕如羽毛的滑音尖唱,女神卡卡隆重奢華的戲劇效果,和泰勒絲看似無邪的使壞。那種試圖營造光鮮亮麗、活力充沛、極度狂喜,和壯觀場面的樂曲。這種音樂往往也以白人為主要受眾。一體適用的解決之道。 For a time, in the 1980s, this kind of pop music — think of Michael Jackson and Madonna — was effectively monoculture, which is why the two meanings of pop have been so tightly tethered and so difficult to disentangle. 一九八○年代有段時間,這一種流行樂——想想麥可傑克森和瑪丹娜就好——基本上完全同質。這也是流行樂兩種意義緊密相連、難捨難分的原因。 But in the past couple of years, this framework has been almost completely dismantled, owing in large part to the widespread adoption of streaming. What were once regarded merely as pop subgenres — K-pop, Latin trap, melodic hip-hop and more — have become the center of the conversation. 然而在過去這幾年裡,這個框架幾乎完全被打破,這與串流音樂廣為普及大有關係。過往僅被視為次類型的南韓流行歌、拉丁曲風、旋律嘻哈等樂種,儼然成了舞台上的主角。 This is not an arbitrary agglomeration of styles. This is Pop 2.0 — music that comes from several different scenes but works with its own distinct set of rules. It is the first time in decades that the playbook for pop success has been updated, and it has profoundly reshaped the sound of America. 這可不是武斷的類別區分。這是全新一代的流行樂。音樂來自不同文化背景,卻自有一套清楚的運作規矩。這是數十年來流行音樂的致勝攻略首度更新,而這也大大重塑了美國樂壇。 Previously, when artists from hip-hop, country or hard rock were said to be going pop, that implied they were sacrificing something essential about themselves in exchange for something plastic and transitory. Pop was a softening. A compromise. 在過去,外界若說某一嘻哈、鄉村,或硬式搖滾樂手轉向流行樂風,往往暗指他們犧牲了自己的核心特質,換取更人工化而短暫的東西。流行樂過去是軟化、妥協的同義詞。 Now, thanks to the largely frictionless internet, and the evolution in how Billboard calculates its charts — accounting for streaming data in addition to sales and radio play — these styles top the charts in unfiltered fashion. Hip-hop almost completely dominates streaming. Latin trap and reggaeton thrive on YouTube. K-pop, the dominant sound of young South Korea, has become a live-concert blockbuster and outrageously popular online worldwide. 而現在,由於網路幾乎暢行無阻,告示牌也改變了排行榜的計算方式——除唱片銷售和電台點播數字外,也計入串流量。上述的幾種音樂直截了當地名列前茅。嘻哈樂幾乎獨霸串流樂。拉美和雷鬼音樂在Youtube上隨處可見。南韓流行樂——來自南韓新生代的主流聲音,不僅橫掃全球演唱會票房,在網路上更是紅到不行。 All of that has made for Billboard charts that look vastly different than they did a decade ago and sets the template for how all of pop music will sound moving forward. 凡此種種,都使現在的告示牌排行榜和十年前看來大不相同,也替整體流行樂的前行之路定好了調。 Source article: https://paper.udn.com/udnpaper/POH0067/335845/web/#2L-14007387L Next Article Australia wins AI ’Eurovision Song Contest’ Dutch broadcaster VPRO decided to organise an AI Song Contest after the country won the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. The aim was to research the creative abilities of AI and the impact it has on us, as well as the influence it could have on the music industry, according to the official Eurovision website. 荷蘭廣播公司VPRO決定舉辦一場AI歌曲大賽,在這個國家贏得2019年歐洲歌唱大賽後。歐洲歌唱大賽官方網站指出,(比賽的)目標是研究AI的創意能力、對我們的衝擊,以及它對音樂產業的影響。 Thirteen teams entered the contest, with Australia beating out Sweden, Belgium, the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands to take home the title, giving fans a taste of Eurovision after 2020 contest was cancelled due to COVID-19. 共有13組人馬參賽,最後由澳洲擊敗瑞典、比利時、英國、法國、德國、瑞士與荷蘭等對手,將冠軍頭銜帶回家,在2020年歐洲歌唱大賽因為2019冠狀病毒流行病(COVID-19)疫情取消後,讓歌迷一嚐大賽的滋味。 The winning song, titled Beautiful the World, includes audio samples of koalas, kookaburras and Tasmanian devils, and was made by music-tech collective Uncanny Valley as a response to the Black Summer bushfires. 獲勝曲的題目為「Beautiful the World」,含有無尾熊、笑翠鳥與袋獾的聲音樣本,由音樂技術團體「恐怖谷」製作,回應黑暗夏日的叢林大火。 Next Article Slow music: Chord change in Germany of 639-year organ piece Hundreds of fans attended a special kind of musical happening on Sept. 5 at a church in Germany: a chord change in an organ piece that is supposed to last for an entirety of 639 years. The performance of the ORGAN2/ASLSP, or As Slow As Possible, composition began in September 2001 at the St. Burchardi Church in the eastern town of Halberstadt and is supposed to end in 2640 if all goes well. 數百名樂迷在九月五日齊聚德國一間教堂,參加一場特別的音樂活動:預計持續演奏整整六百三十九年的一首管風琴作品,在當天改變了和弦。這首名為 《ORGAN2/ASLSP》,又名《愈慢愈好》的作品,從二○○一年九月開始在德國東部小鎮哈柏斯塔的聖布爾夏迪教堂演奏。如果一切順利,演奏將會於二六四○年結束。 The music piece by the American composer John Cage is played on a special organ inside the medieval church. The last sound has been the same one for the last six years and 11 months, and therefore t

幕後教師室Teacher's Lounge Ep.101: Reading Out Loud的黑魔法:為什麼跟著念這麼重要? Make reading out loud a habit
----------------------------------- 🎧 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) -------------------------------------------- 📚 年底最後Learning Tip:Reading Out Loud的黑魔法大解密! 「跟著念很智障?」「看起來很childish?」「我不會念很丟臉?」這集幕後教師室要徹底破解Reading Out Loud的五大迷思,告訴你為什麼這個「看起來很無聊」的練習,其實是語言學習最fundamental(基本)的關鍵! 連Ariana Grande都用這個方法準備《魔法壞女巫》角色,你還在懷疑嗎? 🎙️ 本集重點: 🚫 五大迷思全破解: 迷思1:看起來很childish「跟著念不會很智障嗎?」真相:專業演員、歌手都在用!Ariana Grande花1-2個月一字一句模仿What looks childish is the most fundamental thing!迷思2:點讀筆可以代替那只筆在做reading out loud,不是你!小朋友要跟著念,不是只有筆在念要有input也要有output迷思3:不會念很丟臉愛面子、self blame沒有人生下來就有徐志摩的文采!Who cares! 我念給我自己聽!不是要去Ted Talk,是build muscle memory迷思4:要半小時一小時才有效媽媽的叮嚀:「讀十分鐘哪有效果?」真相:5-10分鐘就有效!像握力器,沒事壓兩下適合破碎時間迷思5:Silent reading就夠了大腦會hallucinate,自動合理化看起來都對,念出來才發現問題Ed沒加、s沒加、介詞漏了寫完email一定要念一遍! ✨ 六大神奇好處: 1️⃣ 克服說話恐懼舌頭和嘴巴習慣念英文最直接破除恐懼感2️⃣ 培養肌肉記憶舌頭的movement嘴巴、上顎下顎的移動自然地說,不容易卡詞3️⃣ 語感與流利度Looking at還是looking forward?The要不要加?哪裡聽起來比較自然?4️⃣ 自我監控與修正寫完email念一遍發現grammar問題配合AI使用更好5️⃣ 發音語調內化搭配shadowingIntonation、reduction、linkingS、ED的發音Input + Output cycle6️⃣ 在地化學習學local的表達方式重音、連音、語言邏輯避免翻譯腔 🎯 四個實用技巧: 技巧1:調整播放速度跟不上?調到0.5或0.75倍速漸進式提升最後挑戰1.25倍速技巧2:從短句開始不要一下子整段念先一兩個句子再一個段落Baby steps!技巧3:選有興趣的內容喜歡的主題感興趣的新聞愛看的影集有transcript最好技巧4:搭配Shadowing先聽音檔Reading Out Loud再聽一次比對重複練習 💪 特別提醒:Speaking Fatigue 什麼是說話疲勞?有些人簡報完就累了有些人可以簡報一整天為什麼?因為有練習!

精選詞彙單元 Vocab Ep.057: 速食品牌搞創意Fast food brands get creative
Summary: Burger King’s new advertising campaign is a big, moldy burger. The mold on the burger says that the burger is 100% natural and that no artificial preservatives are added in any of its ingredients. Following through on the no artificial preservatives campaign, Burger King plans to roll out its no-artificial coloring and flavors in its sandwiches, desserts, and sides. On the competitor’s side, Mcdonalds is rolling out new merchandise that will reinforce the brand. New food scented candles are rolled out as fan club merchandises. The candles come with scents including, 100% fresh beef, ketchup, onions, cheese, pickles, and bread. The whole goal is to appeal to the Instagram generation that will display their fandom for Mcdonalds and ultimately become its brand ambassadors online. 原討論文章: https://www.15mins.today/blog/ep-813-about-fast-foods-burger-king-breaks-the Vocabulary and Sample Sentences: Artificial adj. – produced by humans rather than occurring naturally Jelly is made from artificial flavors and gelatin. In order to make the food colors brighter, food producers would add artificial colors to brighten the product. Preservative n. – substance to preserve food, wood, or any material from decay Food companies add preservatives to preserve processed food for longer periods. Natural preservatives for food include salt, sugar, and vinegar. Ingenious adj. – clever, original, inventive Burger King’s ingenious marketing campaign pushed Mcdonalds to come up with a creative marketing campaign of their own. Cybertruck by Tesla has an ingenious exterior design. Merchandise n. – products to be bought or sold Many brands will use merchandise as giveaways during conferences or fan meets. Youtubers make their money from advertisers and by selling merchandise.

英語咖啡館 Ep.300: 英語時光機 - 雷朋的進化-飛行員到今年的 AI 智慧眼鏡 From Ray-Ban Aviators to AI Glasses
----------------------------------- 🎧 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) -------------------------------------------- 你知道 Ray-Ban 雷朋這個名字背後藏著什麼巧思嗎?而這個差點倒閉的品牌,又是怎麼被一部經典電影救活的?本週《英語咖啡館》John 老師和 Patrick 老師要來聊聊這個經典太陽眼鏡品牌的傳奇故事! 從飛行員款 Aviator 的軍事起源、Wayfarer 的好萊塢風潮,到現在與 Meta 合作的 AI 智慧眼鏡,Ray-Ban 的品牌演進超乎想像。而且這個品牌居然和我們熟悉的隱形眼鏡公司博士倫有著密不可分的關係? Do you know what clever thinking is hidden behind the Ray-Ban name? And how was this brand that nearly went bankrupt saved by a classic movie? This week on English Cafe, Patrick and I talk about the legendary story of this iconic sunglasses brand! From the military origins of the Aviator style, to the Hollywood craze for Wayfarers, to the current AI smart glasses developed in collaboration with Meta, Ray-Ban's brand evolution is beyond imagination. And did you know this brand has an inseparable relationship with the contact lens company Bausch + Lomb that we're all familiar with?

WHOIs單元Ep.07 : The Costume Queen Who Rules the Stage 掌控舞台的造型女王
----------------------------------- 🎧 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. L112: 川普主導世界盃抽籤:獲頒和平獎 Trump Dominates World Cup Draw, Wins Peace Prize
----------------------------------- 🎧 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. L112: Trump Dominates World Cup Draw, Wins Peace Prize Highlights 主題摘要Trump received FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw for promoting global dialogue.The president claimed to have settled eight wars in ten months, though widely disputed.The ceremony featured celebrities and sports stars, dominated entirely by Trump. The 2026 World Cup draw at Washington's Kennedy Center became Donald Trump's show from start to finish. Though the United States will co-host the soccer tournament with Canada and Mexico next year, the event bore Trump's unmistakable stamp. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum attended, but the former reality TV host placed himself squarely at the center. FIFA President Gianni Infantino served as master of ceremonies, having the three leaders stand behind game-show-style podiums to draw teams, culminating in a selfie together. 2026年世界盃抽籤儀式在華盛頓甘迺迪中心舉行,從頭到尾都是川普的個人秀。雖然美國將於明年與加拿大及墨西哥共同主辦這場足球賽事,但整場活動明顯帶有川普的個人色彩。加拿大總理卡尼和墨西哥總統薛恩鮑姆均出席活動,但這位前電視實境秀主持人將自己置於舞台中央。FIFA主席因凡蒂諾擔任司儀,讓三位領導人站在遊戲節目風格的講台後方抽籤,最後還一起自拍留念。 Trump received FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize for his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in global hotspots. The gold-plated trophy, carried by upraised hands and considerably larger than the Nobel medal, came with a separate medal that Trump donned immediately. Infantino praised him for "promoting peace and unity around the world." Trump called it "one of the great honors of my life," noting he had "settled eight wars" in his ten months in office. He claimed the United States was now "the hottest country anywhere in the world." 川普獲頒FIFA首屆和平獎,表揚他在全球熱點地區促進對話與緩和局勢的努力。這座由高舉雙手托起的鍍金獎座,比諾貝爾獎章大得多,還附贈一枚獎章,川普立即戴上。因凡蒂諾讚揚他「在全球推動和平與團結」。川普稱這是「我人生中最偉大的榮譽之一」,並表示他在就任十個月內「解決了八場戰爭」。他宣稱美國現在是「全世界最炙手可熱的國家」。 Trump's claim about ending eight wars remains widely disputed, with much work ahead before conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war can be considered resolved. The award came during a controversial week: his administration had just frozen immigration applications from 19 countries following a shooting incident, and Trump had demeaned Somali immigrants as "garbage," sparking domestic and international outcry. Earlier, he told reporters he didn't need prizes but wanted to "save lives," insisting he had "saved millions and millions of lives" already. 川普關於結束八場戰爭的說法仍受到廣泛質疑,像是以哈戰爭等衝突在被視為真正解決之前,還有許多工作要做。這個獎項頒發的時機頗具爭議:他的政府才剛因槍擊事件凍結19國的移民申請,而川普也才剛將索馬利亞移民貶為「垃圾」,引發國內外強烈抗議。稍早,他告訴記者自己不需要獎項,只想「拯救生命」,堅稱自己已經「拯救了數百萬條生命」。 The glitzy ceremony, held in Washington at Trump's urging, featured Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli singing Trump's favorite opera piece, followed by performances from Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger. American sports stars Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal, and Aaron Judge participated alongside Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. Trump has frequently incorporated presidential trappings into major sporting events this year, attending the Super Bowl to mixed reactions. The evening concluded with a live performance of "YMCA" by the Village People, cementing another event Trump made distinctly his own. 這場星光熠熠的典禮應川普要求在華盛頓舉行,義大利男高音波伽利演唱了川普最愛的歌劇曲目,隨後由羅比威廉斯和妮可舒辛格接力演出。美國體壇巨星湯姆布雷迪、俠客歐尼爾和亞倫賈吉參與其中,加拿大冰球傳奇韋恩格雷茨基也共襄盛舉。川普今年經常將總統排場融入重大體育賽事,出席超級盃時就引發正反兩極反應。這場晚會以村民合唱團現場演唱《YMCA》作結,鞏固了另一場被川普打上鮮明個人烙印的盛會。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Squarely [adverb, directly and firmly]: The former reality TV host placed himself squarely at the center.Hotspots [noun, areas of conflict]: Trump received FIFA's Peace Prize for promoting dialogue and de-escalation in global hotspots.Demeaned [verb, to insult]: Trump had demeaned Somali immigrants as "garbage."Outcry [noun, strong public protest]: Trump had demeaned Somali immigrants, sparking domestic and international outcry.Cementing [verb, to strengthen or establish]: The evening concluded with "YMCA," cementing another event Trump made his own. Reference articles: 1. https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/trump-attends-pageantry-filled-world-cup-final-draw-designed-with-him-mind-2025-12-05/ 2. https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/fifa-mens-world-cup-draw-2026-kennedy-center/

回顧星期天LBS - 印尼相關時事趣聞 All about Indonesia
Topic: About Indonesia - Former Indonesia First Lady wows fans with photos from exile days 人氣日劇電影版續集《信用欺詐師JP : 公主篇》最近上映,眼尖的網友發現已故前印尼總統的遺孀 Dewi Sukarno 也出現在戲中,年屆八旬的她保養甚好,看起來仍十分年輕,掀起討論。戲如人生,Dewi Sukarn 的ㄧ生也同樣跌宕起伏,十分精彩。 Dewi Sukarno, the widow of the late Indonesian President, was recently featured in a sequel of the popular Japanese drama, “The Confidence Man JP: Princess,” to the delight of many fans. Dewi Sukarno, 80, was able to wow fans with her youthful looks. Behind her ageless beauty, however, is a life full of ups and downs, just like the film she starred in. Dewi Sukarno 原名叫根本七保子(Naoko Nemoto),於1940年出生於日本。從小就天生麗質的她懷抱著演藝夢,高中時輟學去東京當俱樂部小姐,後來在19歲那年,在東京一間酒吧遇上當時 57 歲、到日本進行訪問的印尼前總統蘇加諾。 Dewi Sukarno, originally named Naoko Nemoto, was born in Japan in 1940. To achieve her dream of becoming a star, she quitted high school to work at a club where she learned singing and dancing. At the age of 19, she met the then 57-year-old Sukarno, the former president of Indonesia, in a Tokyo bar when he was on a visit to Japan. 儘管對方是有婦之夫,兩人還是一見鐘情,當年 Dewi 就隨著蘇加諾返回印尼,並成為他的情人。直到 1962 年兩人才正式結婚,Dewi 成為他的第三任妻子,也是印尼的總統夫人,經常出席重要社交場合,兩人還生了一個女兒Kartika。 The two fell in love at first sight. Despite Sukarno being married, Dewi returned to Indonesia with him that year as his lover. 可惜好景不常,1967 年印尼發生政變,蘇加諾被部下將領推翻,被囚於自家中,直到1970年去世。Dewi 則在叛變發後被迫帶著女兒 Kartika 流亡海外,在瑞士、巴黎和紐約等地居住。在蘇加諾死後,Dewi 靠著不減的魅力活躍於演藝圈,人人都稱她「Dewi夫人」。現在她經營自己的美妝和珠寶事業,偶爾會出現在日本電視節目中擔任選美評審,目前居住在東京。 Unfortunately, the sweet days didn’t last long. In 1967, a coup d’état broke out in Indonesia and Sukarno was overthrown by his subordinates. He remained under home arrest until his death in 1970. Dewi was forced to live in exile for a long time with her daughter Kartika in Switzerland, Paris and New York. After Sukarno’s death, Dewi became active in Japan’s show business with her unfailing charisma; she was known as “Mrs. Dewi”. Living in Tokyo, she now runs her own beauty and jewelry business, while occasionally appearing as a beauty pageant judge on Japanese television. Dewi 近日在Instagram上貼出流亡海外時與女兒的合照,她指出這些照片在 1967 年拍攝,當時她 27 歲、帶著6個月大的女兒從三藩市遷居到美國,再輾轉回巴黎拍下的。儘管當時過著顛沛流離的流亡生活,照片中的Dewi看起來依舊明艷動人、抱著女兒露出幸福甜笑,讓網友們看到後直呼「年輕的時候太美了」、「為母則強」。 Dewi recently posted photos of herself and her daughter from their exile on Instagram, with the captions explaining that the photos were taken in 1967 when she was 27 years old carrying her 6-month-old daughter Kartika moving between Japan, The States and Paris. Despite the chaotic and struggling life of exile, Dewi still looks gorgeous in the photos, holding her daughter and smiling happily, prompting social media users to comment, “she was so beautiful when she was young,” and “Mothers become strong for their children”. Source article: https://chinapost.nownews.com/20201103-1837117 Next Article Topic: Time for fungus? Indonesian watchmaker turns to mushroom leather A watchmaker in Indonesia’s Bandung city thinks the next step in sustainability is a wristwatch with a strap made out of the complex root structure of a mushroom. Mycelium leather, as the material is known, is fibrous and tough yet pliable and waterproof, and has been touted as an environmentally-friendly alternative to synthetic products or natural leather made from animal hide. 印尼萬隆市的一名製錶師認為,利用某種蕈類複雜的根部結構製作錶帶,做成的腕錶是邁向永續發展的下一步。此材料被稱為「菌絲體皮革」,以纖維構成,而且耐用,同時容易彎折,還能防水,近來被譽為環境友善的替代材料,以取代合成皮或是動物獸皮製成的真皮。 Erlambang Ajidarma, head of research at Mycotech, the start-up supplying the mycelium leather to make the wrist straps, said his team was inspired by tempeh, a traditional Indonesian savory dish made by fermenting soybeans with fungus. “Finally we found one mushroom with a mycelium that can be made into binding material,” said Ajidarma, after testing several different types of mushrooms since 2016. Mycotech是一間供應菌絲體皮革以製作錶帶的新創公司,該公司的研究部門主管艾爾蘭邦‧阿吉達瑪表示,他的團隊是從傳統的印尼美味菜餚「丹貝」──利用真菌發酵的大豆製品──獲得啟發。阿吉達瑪表示,他們從二○一六年以來測試了好幾種不同蕈類,「我們終於找到一種菇類的菌絲體可以被做成接合用材料。」 Now, the company grows the fungus on sawdust and then harvests the leather. After scraping off the sawdust, it is dried and then cut to various sizes, depending on the use. The process is tedious, taking around three weeks to make 10 square meters of material. But Ajidarma thinks it’s worth it. 今日,該公司在鋸木屑上種植這類真菌,再收成皮革。先將鋸木屑刮除後,真菌還要進行烘乾,再根據用途切割成不同大小。整個過程相當繁瑣,大概要三星期才能做出一塊十公尺見方的材料,但是阿吉達瑪認為辛苦是值得的。 It costs less to make mycelium leather than to make petroleum-based synthetic leathers, he says, and the mycelium manufacturing process produces a fraction of the carbon dioxide emitted by the cows killed to make real leather. Ajidarma’s team also uses dyes extracted from leaves, roots and food waste to color the mycelium leather, which they say absorbs dye faster than leather made from animal hide. 他指出,製作菌絲體皮革的成本比以石油為原料的合成皮來得便宜,而且製造菌絲體的過程只會產生少許二氧化碳,遠比因為需要真皮而遭到殺害的牛隻少。阿吉達瑪的團隊也利用樹葉、樹根,以及廚餘中萃取出的染料為菌絲體皮革上色。他們表示,這種環保材質吸收染料的速度比動物皮更快。 Watchmaking company Pala Nusantara cuts and sews the leather into the straps for its watches, which are made with a wooden bezel. The watches, priced

幕後教師室Teacher's Lounge Ep.100: 學員真實故事分享:從害怕到自在,英文如何改變生活? Feedback from our 2nd anniversary survey
----------------------------------- 🎧 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) -------------------------------------------- 🎉 兩周年特輯:學員真實故事分享!從害怕到自在的學習旅程 這集幕後教師室要和大家分享兩周年問卷中收到的感人回饋!Wilson聽懂諧音梗、聲明全家一起受惠、Michelle在歐洲用英文省下125歐元......每個故事都證明:當你不再害怕英文,世界就為你打開了! 🎙️ 本集重點: 📊 三位學員的共通點:做shadowing和reading out loud後,對陌生字不再害怕不熟的字繼續念,讓它變熟悉不用刻意背單字,自然就記住了嘴部肌肉變得靈活 核心發現:不害怕了,就能做更多! 🎬 Wilson的突破:看影集不用字幕了!直接用聽的就聽得懂甚至能聽懂英文的諧音梗! 👨👩👧👦 Sheng-Ming的Family Plan:早上刷牙時play 15Mins全家人跟著一起聽一人訂閱,全家受惠! ✈️ Michelle的歐洲冒險(超精彩!): 故事1:火車票風波系統錯誤,位置跑到頭等艙查票員要罰175歐元用英文清楚說明情況成功降到50歐元,省了125歐元!故事2:飯店房號被分配到414號房(4不吉利)向櫃檯說明文化差異禮貌請求換房成功換到708號房! 🌍 台灣 vs 國際文化差異: 台灣人:習慣息事寧人替別人想很多忍耐、委屈自己國際原則:Policy沒寫的,都可以問!清楚溝通比忍耐更健康表達需求是權益,不是麻煩 💪 學習的黃金原則: 「聽就對了!」聽不懂先跳過聽懂的先聽完不要overthink踏出第一步最重要Reading Out Loud的力量:口腔肌肉記憶自我檢視能力降低恐懼感越念越有信心 🎁 打敗Eric大作戰:Eric年年中獎的傳奇持續中下次想中獎?請踴躍給feedback!在IG tag我們多多跟我們互動