通勤學英語 15Mins Today

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 →https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- Full article here: https://www.15mins.today/blog/15mins-inspirations-ep-7-inspirations-quotes-from-top-voice

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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. L052: Trump's Gold Tariff Confusion Rocks Global Markets Highlights 主題摘要US Customs ruled Swiss gold bars would face thirty-nine percent tariffs, surprising Wall Street traders completely.Gold prices surged to record highs before retreating when White House called reports misinformation.Trump clarified on Truth Social that gold would not face tariffs, ending market confusion. The global gold market experienced unprecedented turmoil when US Customs issued a surprising July thirty-first ruling targeting Swiss gold bars. The agency declared that one kilogram and hundred-ounce imports would face reciprocal tariffs, completely blindsiding Wall Street traders who expected precious metals to remain exempt from duties. This ruling specifically targeted Switzerland, which faces Trump's highest tariff rate of thirty-nine percent among trading partners. Gold bullion serves as crucial backing for financial contracts traded on New York's Comex exchange, making this unexpected ruling particularly significant for American precious metals markets. 全球黃金市場在美國海關於7月31日發布針對瑞士金條的意外裁定後，經歷了前所未有的動盪。該機構宣布一公斤和100盎司的進口將面臨對等關稅，這讓原本預期貴金屬將免於課稅的華爾街交易員完全措手不及。這項裁定特別針對瑞士，該國在所有貿易夥伴中面臨川普最高的39%關稅稅率。黃金作為在紐約商品交易所交易的金融合約的重要擔保，使得這項意外裁定對美國貴金屬市場格外重要。 Market reaction was immediate as gold futures surged more than one percent Thursday, reaching record highs above thirty-five hundred dollars per troy ounce. The precious metal had gained thirty-one percent this year as investors sought safe havens amid trade uncertainty. However, the potential tariff created serious supply chain concerns since Switzerland houses much of the world's gold refining capacity. A thirty-nine percent tariff would significantly increase costs for importing bullion into America. Traders worried about navigating complex new import duties on such a fundamental commodity, fearing operational disruptions. 當下市場立即反應，黃金期貨週四飆升超過1%，達到每金衡盎司3500美元以上的歷史新高。這個貴金屬今年已經上漲31%，因為投資人在貿易不確定性中尋求避險資產。然而，潛在的關稅引起了嚴重的供應鏈擔憂，因為瑞士擁有全世界大部分的黃金精煉產能。39%的關稅將大幅增加向美國進口金條的成本。交易員擔心在如此基礎的商品上處理複雜的新進口關稅，擔心會造成營運中斷。 Industry experts quickly recognized the potentially devastating impact on global precious metals markets. UBS strategists warned that tariffs would create significant costs for traders who rely on importing gold to settle financial contracts. The Swiss Precious Metals Association expressed concern about implications for the longstanding gold trade partnership between Switzerland and America. Friday afternoon, a White House official attempted damage control by calling the tariff reports "misinformation" and promising an executive order to clarify the situation. This announcement caused gold prices to retreat from earlier gains. 業界專家迅速認識到對全球貴金屬市場的潛在破壞性影響。瑞銀策略師警告，關稅將為依賴進口黃金來結算金融合約的交易員帶來巨大成本。瑞士貴金屬協會對瑞士和美國之間長期黃金貿易夥伴關係的影響表示擔憂。週五下午，白宮官員試圖進行危機處理，稱關稅報導為「假訊息」，並承諾發布行政命令澄清情況。這項聲明使金價從早先的漲幅回落。 President Trump finally ended the confusion Monday with a definitive Truth Social statement declaring "Gold will not be Tariffed!" His announcement immediately sent gold futures tumbling two-point-four-eight percent to close at thirty-four-oh-four-point-seven-oh dollars per ounce. The episode highlighted the significant market influence of Trump's trade policies and demonstrated the importance of clear government communication. While the immediate crisis was resolved, the incident raised serious questions about federal coordination and potential future miscommunications affecting commodity markets under the current administration. 美國總統川普最終在週一透過Truth Social發表明確聲明「黃金不會被課稅！」結束了混亂。他的宣布立即使黃金期貨下跌2.48%，收於每盎司3404.70美元。這個事件突顯了川普貿易政策的重大市場影響力，並展示了政府清晰溝通的重要性。雖然立即的危機得到解決，但這起事件對聯邦部門間的協調，以及未來在現任政府下可能影響商品市場的類似誤傳，提出了嚴重質疑。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Reciprocal [adjective, mutual or corresponding]: The agency declared that one kilogram and hundred-ounce imports would face reciprocal tariffs, completely blindsiding Wall Street traders.Bullion [noun, gold or silver in bulk]: A thirty-nine percent tariff would significantly increase costs for importing bullion into America.Devastating [adjective, highly destructive]: Industry experts quickly recognized the potentially devastating impact on global precious metals markets.Misinformation [noun, false or inaccurate information]: Friday afternoon, a White House official attempted damage control by calling the tariff reports "misinfor

Topic: South Korean ’phone maniac’ won’t give up his LG smartphones South Korean Ryu Hyun-soo describes himself as an ’’LG phone maniac’’ and says he won’t give up his LG smartphones even though the company is getting out of the business. 南韓人柳賢秀形容自己是「LG手機狂人」，還說即使這家公司準備停止手機業務，他也不會棄用。 LG Electronics Inc. said in April it would wind down its smartphone division by the end of July because of a prolonged sales slump. LG電子4月宣布，由於長期銷售委靡，將在7月底前逐步關閉手機部門。 Ryu, 53, who has collected nearly 90 devices over 23 years, said the audio quality made him fall in love with them. At his house in Anyang, Ryu has a room dedicated to the devices and the parts and tools to fix them. 23年來蒐集近90支LG手機的53歲柳男說，音質使他鍾情於此。在他位於安養市的家中，有一個房間專門放LG手機和修理用的相關零件和工具。 He’ll use the LG phones "forever" as long as the parts are still being supplied. 只要零件仍持續供應，他將「永遠」使用LG手機。 "A Samsung phone is like a smart friend and an Apple phone is like a girlfriend to me. Then a LG phone is like a friend whom I’ve shared the ups and downs of life together with. It is sad to see the friend leaving. It is very sad," Ryu said. 柳男說：「對我來說，三星手機就像聰明的朋友，蘋果手機就像女朋友，而LG手機就像與我一起度過人生高低潮的朋友。看著這位朋友離開很難過，真的很難過。」 Next Article Topic: The ‘Right to Repair’ Movement Gains Ground If you buy a product — a car, a smartphone, or even a tractor — and it breaks, should it be easier for you to fix it yourself? 如果你買了一個產品，例如一輛汽車、一部智慧型手機，甚至是一台拖拉機，結果它壞了，是不是應該讓你自己修理起來更容易些呢？ Manufacturers of a wide range of products have made it increasingly difficult over the years to repair things, for instance by limiting availability of parts or by putting prohibitions on who gets to tinker with them. It affects not only game consoles or farm equipment, but cellphones, military gear, refrigerators, automobiles and even hospital ventilators, the lifesaving devices that have proved crucial this year in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. 多年來，許多種產品的製造商都讓維修變得愈來愈困難，比如限制零件的取得，或對何人有權動手維修施加限制。受影響的產品不止於遊戲主機或農用機具，還有手機、軍用設備、冰箱、汽車，甚至包括今年對抗新冠病毒疫情發揮關鍵作用的救生設備—醫院裡的呼吸器。 Now, a movement known as “right to repair” is starting to make progress in pushing for laws that prohibit restrictions like these. 現在，一項名為「維修權」的運動在推動禁止此類限制的立法上，正取得進展。 In August, Democrats introduced a bill in Congress to block manufacturers’ limits on medical devices, spurred by the pandemic. In Europe, the European Commission announced plans in March for new right-to-repair rules that would cover phones, tablets and laptops by 2021. 今年8月，美國民主黨因防疫需要而在國會提出一項法案，旨在阻止製造商對醫療裝置設下限制。在歐洲，歐盟執行委員會3月宣布了新的維修權規定計畫，在2021年以前實施，涵蓋手機、平板電腦和筆記型電腦。 And in more than 20 statehouses nationwide, right-to-repair legislation has been introduced in recent years by both Republicans and Democrats. 近年來，在全美國20多個州的議會裡，共和黨和民主黨都提出了維修權法案。 Over the summer, the House advanced a funding bill that includes a requirement that the Federal Trade Commission complete a report on anti-competitive practices in the repair market and present its findings to Congress and the public. 今年夏天，眾議院推動了一項資助法案，其中責成聯邦貿易委員會做成一份關於維修市場反競爭行為的報告，並向國會和民眾提交調查結果。 The goal of right-to-repair rules, advocates say, is to require companies to make their parts, tools and information available to consumers and repair shops in order to keep devices from ending up in the scrap heap. They argue that the rules restrict people’s use of devices that they own and encourage a throwaway culture by making repairs too difficult. 倡議人士表示，維修權規定的目的是要求企業向消費者和維修商家提供零組件、工具及資訊，以免這些裝置最終被扔進垃圾堆。他們主張，目前的慣例對人們使用自己的裝置設下限制，並透過讓維修變得太過困難的方式，助長了一種用完即丟的文化。 They also argue that it’s part of a culture of planned obsolescence — the idea that products are designed to be short-lived in order to encourage people to buy more stuff. That contributes to wasted natural resources and energy use at a time when climate change requires movement in the opposite direction to rein in planet-warming emissions. 他們還認為，這是一種計畫性淘汰文化的一部分，即為了鼓勵人們購買更多東西，產品被設計成短命的。在氣候變遷需要採取反向行動來控制溫室氣體排放的此際，這助長了自然資源的浪費以及能源的使用。 Manufacturing a new device or appliance is still largely reliant on polluting sources of energy — electricity generated from burning fossil fuels, for instance — and constitutes the largest environmental impact for most products. 製造一種新設備或裝置在很大程度上，仍仰賴會造成汙染的能源，例如燃燒化石燃料產生的電力，對大多數產品而言，這正是構成最大環境影響的因素。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/5015841 Next Article Topic: Help for Curing The Phone Addiction Like pretty much everyone, Susan Butler stares at her smartphone too much. But unlike most everyone, she took action, buying a $195 ring from a company called Ringly, which promises to “let you put your phone away and your mind at ease.” 和大多數人一樣，蘇珊．巴特勒盯著智慧手機看的時間太長了。不一樣的是，她採取了行動，從Ringly公司買了一只195美元的戒指，保證可「讓你手機放一旁，腦袋放輕鬆」。 Ringly does this by connecting its rings to a smartphone filter so that users can silence Gmail or Facebook notifications while preserving crucial alerts, which cause the ring to light up or vibrate. Ringly透過將戒指連接一個篩選程式辦到這一點，因此使用者可以讓Gmail或Facebook通知改為靜音，同時保留重要提示，這時戒指會發光或震動。 “Hopefully it will keep some distance between my phone and my hand,” said Ms. Butler, 27, a technolog

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 清單革命來了！從醫生到歐巴馬顧問都在用的學習秘技 你以為 checklist 只是簡單的待辦事項清單嗎？這集 Teacher's Lounge 要徹底顛覆你的想法！John 老師和阿鍵老師帶來了一本來自醫學界權威、曾經擔任歐巴馬醫改顧問的重磅著作《清單革命》，要告訴你為什麼連飛行員和外科醫生都離不開 checklist，以及如何運用進階清單技巧讓你的英語學習產生革命性的突破！ 從歐巴馬顧問學來的簡單智慧 《清單革命》的作者 Atul Gawande 可不是一般人。他是印度裔醫生，同時也是公共衛生研究的權威，更重要的是，他曾經是歐巴馬醫改（ObamaCare）的重要顧問。「當年的 ObamaCare 有一部分是他的 idea 跟他的架構、他的研究做出來的。」John 老師介紹時特別強調了這位作者的分量。 但這樣一位頂尖學者為什麼要寫一本關於 checklist 的書？John 老師的疑問很有意思：「就好像 Warren Buffett 來告訴你說你要存錢，這件事情會不會⋯⋯為什麼要出一本書呢？」答案就在於，真正的專家看到的是我們看不到的深度。 簡單工具背後的深刻洞察 Atul Gawande 的核心觀點是：我們現在面臨資訊過量和操作流程過度複雜的問題，因此需要用更簡單的工具來應對。「不是叫你把東西記下來，而是你可以用打勾就可以了事的。」但這個「簡單」有個重要前提：在速度要快、資訊量要大、工作流程很複雜的現代環境中，我們的工具也變得很複雜，結果搞不清楚「是工具在用你，還是你在用工具」。 這讓人想起子彈筆記（bullet journal）的概念。阿鍵老師觀察：「我們現在要記一個東西、要做筆記真的有太多方法，然後要記下來的東西就會長得都不一樣，那到底哪一個才是重點會有點混亂。」 人性的弱點：太簡單就覺得沒價值 有個有趣的人性現象：我們往往覺得太簡單的事情就是低價值。John 老師一針見血地指出：「有時候人很奇怪，太簡單的事情反而就覺得 low value，會覺得它很低價值，就覺得高大上的東西好像比較厲害。」 「我們不會有一個 to do list 或 check list 然後要 subscribe 19.99 吧，每個月要花錢弄這個東西就不會了嘛。」這種心理讓我們錯過了很多簡單但有效的工具。 從航空業和醫療業學來的精準執行 書中提到了一個關鍵例子：航空業的飛行員和醫療業的外科醫生都大量使用 checklist。這些都是「絕對不能出錯的部分，一出錯就是跟人命相關的」高風險行業。他們用 checklist 不是為了記住該做什麼，而是為了確保每一步都做對、做完整。 Checklist 的真正威力：發現愚蠢錯誤 Atul Gawande 指出，checklist 的核心功能不是幫你記住資訊，而是「幫助你出錯」——更精確地說，是幫你識別錯誤。特別是那些「stupid error」：「我知道我該做這個，可是這件事它的執行不完整。」 這種錯誤最常見也最危險。「不是說老板有沒有來 check，我沒有上班 check，我沒有在呼吸 check，並不是這樣。是到了工作流程裡面到了那個點，我打勾了，這件事情有沒有完全執行好？看起來他沒有達到他的 intended result，那我這個勾不能打。」 從任務導向升級到結果導向 傳統的 to do list 只關注「做了沒有」，但進階的 checklist 要關注「做好沒有」。「我們太 task oriented，其實我們這個 checklist 應該跟 result 有關，那就不一樣了，會整個把它的用法升級。」 這個概念可以完美應用到英語學習上。之前討論的 playlist 是一種分類過濾法，讓你能在有限的時間內選擇 casual listening 或 deliberate practice。但在分類之後，如何確保學習成效？這就需要結果導向的 checklist。 英語學習的進階 Checklist 應用 John 老師提出了一個革命性的想法：「當我在做 deliberate practice，我們怎麼樣用這個 result oriented checklist？我們要針對我們想要 improve 的點⋯⋯我今天聽力的部分，我想要聽連音，我想要聽到所有的名詞人事物，我想要聽到什麼東西，你就做一個 task based result oriented 這個 checklist。」 具體應用例子包括：對數字敏感的金融業人士：「今天的數字我要能夠把它都寫出來」想練習連音的學習者：「今天有沒有聽到幾個連音？」想擴充詞彙的學習者：「今天聽到幾個生字？哪個生字明天可以用？」 設定個人挑戰而非工作負擔 關鍵是要把 checklist 當作「個人挑戰」而不是工作或考試。「大家通常不會很主動，變成工作或者是挑戰或考試大家就會不想做了。所以反而我覺得應該是，你想要 achieve the result，我們可以想想說我達成什麼樣的樣子，然後會讓自己覺得很高興、很有成就、很 high，那你就從那個先開始。」 進步追蹤的可視化力量 很多學習者的困擾是「不知道自己有沒有進步」，但又不想參加考試。進階 checklist 完美解決了這個問題。「你看到你一個禮拜打了 10 個勾，一年下來打 120 個勾、200 個勾，這有沒有進步？你自己打勾，自己都是給自己加分，其實最明顯的。」 阿鍵老師分享了學習者最明顯的進步指標：「一開始在聽我們的節目的時候可能還需要稍微專注，然後稍微用心才聽得到，但後來就是你可以慢慢的同時做其他事情或放空，但也可以聽得到、聽得懂。有的人甚至就是聽熟了之後，現在去聽英文歌你也可以抓到歌詞在唱什麼。」 從輔助工具到自然能力的轉變 學習的最高境界是不再需要輔助工具。就像香港小朋友 Winston 透過多次聆聽就理解了 Castella Cake 和 Honey Cake 的差別，「他整個詞彙是幾乎是烙印在他心裡面的，那個根本連背都不用背。」 「一開始可能你還會用到我們的學習筆記或是 shadowing 的逐字稿，後來其實搞不好不見得需要了。」更進一步的期待是學習者能用英文分享心得，「學以自用」才是真正的成功。 療癒感與遊戲化的學習體驗 Checklist 還有一個意想不到的好處：療癒感。阿鍵老師觀察到：「在做這件事情的時候好像有一點點療癒感，就是 checklist 你把它打勾，然後或者是你把這個 tick 換成 star 星星，或者是換成愛心 heart，你可以一個一個畫下來的時候，好像也蠻有療癒感的。」 這就像是「自製的 bullet journal 子彈日記的概念，你就一點一點把它畫下來，把它填滿」，甚至可以適度犒賞自己：「這個半年回顧了，我集滿了 30 個勾勾，我要來換一個冰淇淋。」 自主學習的終極目標 最終，進階 checklist 要達成的是完全的自主學習。「我們自主學習的部分我們可以自我追蹤，我們就不用依賴老師的考試了。」同時也能「減少遺忘」，因為透過打勾的過程等於又做了 review。 這種方法讓學習變成一個正向循環：設定想要的結果 → 執行並追蹤 → 獲得成就感 → 更有動力繼續學習。「我們每天再去累積好習慣之外，就好像我們可以複利多餘的精力、多餘的時間複利到我們人生的這個小遊戲裡面，然後再讓這個遊戲滋潤給我們養分。」 簡單工具的深刻革命 誰能想到，一個簡單的 checklist 背後竟然有如此深刻的學習哲學？從醫學權威到歐巴馬顧問，從飛行員到外科醫生，這些頂尖專業人士都在使用的工具，原來可以成為我們英語學習路上的超能力。 重點不在於工具本身有多複雜，而在於如何運用簡單的工具達成複雜的目標。當你下次打開播客準備學習時，不妨試試看準備一張紙，設定幾個想要達成的小目標，然後享受一個一個打勾的療癒過程。也許你會發現，學習從來沒有這麼有趣過！ 想要體驗進階 checklist 的神奇力量嗎？立即開始你的結果導向學習之旅，讓每一次的學習都有看得見的成果！ 想要加入這個充滿學習熱忱的VIP社群嗎？ 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday

Summary: Thai mangosteens are selling like hot cakes after an absence of 15 years in the Taiwan market. The return is thanks to a new procedure that can eradicate pests without affecting the flavor of the fruit.  Full article: https://www.15mins.today/blog/719-thai-mangosteens-a-gigantic-hit-in-taiwan  Vocabulary and Sample Sentences:  Queued v.: to line up Do you enjoy queuing for food? Is it a cultural thing to queue in Taiwan?  Entrepreneurs n. : people who start a new business and take risks Does Taiwan have many entrepreneurs? Are you an entrepreneur?    Eradicate v. : destroy completely Can we eradicate corruption? Has polio been eradicated? 

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptb 🔥 社會人核心英語有聲書課程→https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/554esm ------------------------------- 🌎 15Mins.Today 相關連結 ------------------------------- 💬 你的想法很重要！留言分享 → 留言連結 Web：www.15mins.today YouTube：https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/3rhuuy 商業合作/贊助來信：[email protected] 意見回覆 : [email protected] -------------------------------------------- 📜 單集逐字稿 & 內容摘要（播放器字數有限，完整逐字稿請到官網查看） -------------------------------------------- 你還記得第一次拿到手機時的興奮心情嗎？本週的《英語咖啡館》John 老師和 Patrick 老師要和大家聊聊手機如何改變我們的生活，從笨重的功能型手機到現在生活中不可或缺的智慧型手機！ John 老師是在上世紀末，2000年以前的非洲拿到第一支手機！而且當時還有一個台灣沒有的特別功能，讓 John 老師覺得很頭痛？ Patrick 老師則分享了一個高中時期的爆笑惡作劇，差點促成一段良緣？兩位老師的第一支手機經歷截然不同，一位在南非，手機就是奢侈品，一位在台灣，從國中就開始用二手機。 另外你知道台灣的手機普及率在全世界排名如何嗎？台灣人平均一天花幾小時滑手機呢？本集節目最後也帶來三個實用的手機相關英語慣用語，讓你輕鬆學會道地英語！ Do you still remember the excitement of getting your first mobile phone? This week on English Cafe, John and Patrick chat with everyone about how mobile phones have changed our lives, from bulky feature phones to the smartphones that are now indispensable in our daily lives! John got his first mobile phone in Africa before the year 2000, at the end of the last century! And it even had a special feature that Taiwan didn't have at the time, which gave John quite a headache? Patrick shares a hilarious high school prank that almost led to a romantic connection? The two teachers had completely different first mobile phone experiences—one in South Africa where phones were luxury items, and one in Taiwan where he started using second-hand phones from junior high. Also, do you know how Taiwan's mobile phone penetration rate ranks globally? How many hours per day does the average Taiwanese person spend on their phone? The episode concludes with three practical mobile phone-related English idioms to help you learn authentic English effortlessly!

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- Full article here: https://www.15mins.today/blog/15mins-inspirations-ep-6-inspirations-quotes-from

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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. L048: 前所未有的晶片交易Unprecedented Chip Deal Between US and China Highlights 主題摘要Tech giants Nvidia and AMD agreed to pay US government 15% of Chinese chip revenues.The deal allows AI chip sales to China despite previous national security bans.Critics say this creates dangerous precedent of monetizing national security decisions. The United States recently announced an extraordinary trade arrangement involving two major technology companies. Nvidia and AMD, leading semiconductor manufacturers, have agreed to pay the American government fifteen percent of their revenues from selling advanced chips to China. This unprecedented deal emerged after intensive lobbying efforts, particularly from Nvidia's chief executive Jensen Huang, who reportedly met with President Trump at the White House. The agreement represents a dramatic shift from earlier policies that completely banned these chip exports to China due to national security concerns. 美國最近宣布一項涉及兩家主要科技公司的非凡貿易協議。輝達和超微這兩家領先的半導體製造商同意將向中國銷售先進晶片的營收15%上繳美國政府。這項前所未有的協議是在密集遊說下達成的，特別是輝達執行長黃仁勳據報在白宮與川普總統會面後促成。該協議代表政策的戲劇性轉變，此前基於國安考量完全禁止這些晶片出口到中國。 The deal centers around specialized chips designed for the Chinese market. Nvidia's H20 chip and AMD's MI308 chip are modified versions of their flagship products, created to comply with export restrictions while accessing China's massive artificial intelligence market. Industry analysts estimate China's AI investment will reach approximately one hundred billion dollars this year, representing nearly fifty percent growth compared to last year. This enormous market potential explains why both companies accepted the unusual revenue-sharing requirement imposed by the US government to resume their Chinese operations. 這項協議主要圍繞在為中國市場設計的特殊晶片。輝達的H20晶片和超微的MI308晶片是其旗艦產品的修改版本，目的是在遵守出口限制的同時進入中國龐大的人工智慧市場。產業分析師預估中國的AI投資今年將達到約一千億美元，相較去年成長近50%。這個龐大的市場潛力解釋了為何兩家公司都接受美國政府施加的不尋常營收分潤要求，以便重啟中國業務。 The announcement triggered widespread criticism from security experts, former government advisers, and lawmakers across the political spectrum. Critics described the arrangement as unprecedented, with some calling it a "shakedown" that establishes a dangerous precedent for handling national security concerns. Democratic congressman Jake Auchincloss expressed alarm, stating that having the US government financially motivated to sell AI technology to China made him deeply concerned. Security specialists warned that these chips remain powerful accelerators of China's AI capabilities, potentially benefiting military applications including autonomous weapons systems and intelligence platforms. 這項宣布引發安全專家、前政府顧問和跨黨派立法者的廣泛批評。批評者將這項協議形容為史無前例，有些人稱之為「敲詐」，為處理國安問題創下危險先例。民主黨國會議員傑克．奧金克洛斯表達憂慮，表示美國政府在向中國銷售AI技術方面有經濟動機讓他深感擔憂。安全專家警告，這些晶片仍是中國AI能力的強大加速器，可能有助於包括自主武器系統和情報平台等軍事應用。 This revenue-sharing model raises fundamental questions about America's technology export strategy and national security priorities. Trade experts worry about implications for other US companies operating in China, questioning whether this represents a new taxation model on Chinese business dealings. While the arrangement could generate substantial revenue for the US government, critics argue that financial incentives should never influence national security decisions. The deal reflects the complex balance between economic interests and security concerns, potentially reshaping how future export control policies are developed and implemented in an era of intense technological competition. 這種營收分潤模式對美國的科技出口策略和國安優先事項造成了根本性問題。貿易專家擔心對其他在中國營運的美國公司造成影響，質疑這是否代表對中國業務往來的新課稅模式。儘管這項協議可能為美國政府帶來可觀收入，批評者認為經濟誘因絕不應影響國安決策。這項協議反映了經濟利益與安全考量之間的複雜平衡，可能重塑未來出口管制政策在激烈科技競爭時代的制定與實施方式。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Announced [verb, made public or known]: The United States recently announced an extraordinary trade arrangement involving two major technology companies.Leading [adjective, most important or successful]: Nvidia and AMD, leading semiconductor manufacturers, have agreed to pay the American government fifteen percent of their revenues.Intensive [adjective, involving a lot of effort or activity]: This unprecedented deal emerged after intensive lobbying efforts, particularly from Nvidia's chief executive Jensen Huang.Massive [adjective, extremely large]: Both companies accepted the unusual requirement to access China's massive artificial intelligence market.Wi

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- Topic: Alleviate dry eyes with massage and good nutrition If you are an office worker who sits in front of a computer screen all day, and after work swipes away on your mobile phone, plays on a Nintendo Switch or other electronic devices, you are at risk of “diseases of affluence,” including tired and sore eyes. To avoid dry eye syndrome, in addition to resting your eyes, you can use eye massage techniques and eat nutritious foods to alleviate the symptoms. 上班時常常看電腦螢幕工作，下班又滑手機、玩switch等3C用品，現代文明病「眼睛疲勞、痠痛」，就這樣無聲無息進入生活。如果想擺脫眼睛乾澀的症狀，除了讓眼睛多休息，跟著眼科醫生教學的眼部按摩法減緩不適，營養師也分享對眼睛乾澀有幫助的食物。 Smartphone addicts and office workers glued to screens all day often go for long periods without blinking; this can lead to tiredness, dry eye syndrome and sore eyes. According to ophthalmologist Wang Meng-chi, getting a good night’s sleep and using a steam eye mask can help. However, Wang also recommends massaging acupressure points around the eye area, including the eyebrows, between and at the tips of the eyebrows, the temples, below the eye sockets and the corners of the eyes near the bridge of the nose. Wang advises massaging each of these areas in turn to relieve discomfort. 低頭族、上班族久看螢幕，眼睛時常會忘記眨眼，造成疲勞、乾澀或痠痛的症狀，眼科醫師王孟祺說：「充足的睡眠、熱敷可以幫助減緩痠痛。」並教學如何按摩眼部穴道，包括眉頭、眉心、眉毛尾端、太陽穴、眼眶下緣中間，還有內眼角的位置，輪流按壓這些部位，可以減緩眼睛不適。 In addition to massaging the eye area, nutritionist Kao Min-min also recommends eating certain foods, such as seasonal watermelon, which contains 90 percent water, and vegetables such as gherkin, cucumber and winter melon to relieve dry eye syndrome. Kao also recommends eating deep-sea fish such as salmon, tuna, Pacific saury and mackerel, which are rich in fish oils and can reduce inflammation, one to three times a week. Vegetable oil-containing foods such as nuts are also beneficial to eye health, Kao adds. 除了眼部按摩方法能舒緩疲勞症狀，營養師高敏敏也分享幾個對眼睛乾澀有幫助的食物，像是現在夏天當季的西瓜有百分之九十的含水量，蔬菜的話像是小黃瓜、大黃瓜、冬瓜。油脂的部分，建議大家一周可以吃一至三次的深海魚，包含鮭魚、鮪魚、秋刀魚、鯖魚，裡面的魚油可以降發炎。植物性的油脂，如堅果，對眼睛也有益處。 Kao says a lack of vitamin A can increase the severity of dry eye syndrome so, in addition to taking in more oil-rich foods, she recommends supplementing the diet with starchy foods such as sweet potato or pumpkin, vegetables such as red and yellow peppers, fruits such as papaya, watermelon or cantaloupe melon and berry fruits such as blueberries. All of these foods contain anthocyanin, says Kao, which has antioxidant properties and is excellent at reducing inflammation. 除了油脂的攝取，高敏敏也補充：「維生素A的低下，有可能會讓眼睛的乾澀更加嚴重，所以可以補充像是澱粉類的地瓜、南瓜，蔬菜類的紅椒、黃椒，或者是木瓜、西瓜、哈密瓜以及藍莓等莓果類，這些含有花青素的食材，對於抗氧化能力、降低發炎的反應也很強。」 Source article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2020/07/15/2003739918 Next Article Topic: Thai mangosteens a gigantic hit in Taiwan 泰國農業部主任Surmsuk Salakpetch表示，台灣自2003年禁止山竹進口，15年後終於在今年九月開放進口，泰國山竹一進口就在台灣造成轟動，對於泰國水國出口商無疑是一大福音。 It’s the sweet smell of success for Thai fruit exporters: Thai mangosteens have become an instant hit among Taiwanese consumers after the fruit went on sale there for the first time in 15 years, Department of Agriculture director-general Surmsuk Salakpetch said. Surmsuk說道：「台灣媒體報導，台灣人排隊搶購泰國山竹。而且第一批980公斤重的山竹30分鐘就被掃購一空。」 “The Taiwanese press reported that consumers queued up to buy mangosteen from Thailand,” she said. “The first lot of 980 kilogrammes was sold out in only 30 minutes. 另外，Surmsuk補充：「一箱裡面四個山竹賣200泰銖（約台幣203元）。」 ”Each box of four mangosteens was sold at Bt200 (NT$203),” Surmsuk added. 她說道：「市場出乎意料的熱烈反應顯示這是泰國出口商的大好機會。自從九月五日起，泰國公司已經出口價值2千萬泰銖（約台幣2034萬元），逾10萬公斤的山竹到台灣。」 “The unexpected positive response has proved a good opportunity for Thai exporters,” she said. “Since September 5, Thai entrepreneurs have exported 100,533kg of mangosteens to Taiwan, worth more than Bt20 million.” 她進一步指出，在過去十五年來台灣禁止進口山竹，是因為來自東南亞的山竹帶有害蟲果實蠅，因此，這次重新開放進口山竹，台灣要求所有來自泰國的山竹必須經過蒸汽消毒，以除去所有的果實蠅。 According to the director-general, Taiwan’s import standards require Thai mangosteens to undergo a steam treatment for decontamination and eradication of fruit flies – the latter being the reason why Taiwan had been rejecting fruits from Thailand for the past 15 years. Surmsuk表示：「我們已經發展了一套消毒山竹的技術，以攝氏46度高溫持續58分鐘蒸熟果實核心，這樣不僅能夠維持山竹最佳品質，也能夠符合台灣動植物防疫檢疫局的檢疫條件。」 “We have developed a technique to treat mangosteens at 46 degrees Celsius for 58 minutes, which is the optimal temperature and time so the taste of the fruits is not ruine

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 跨國友情大串聯！從香港月餅到捷克先鋒的溫暖故事 這集 Teacher's Lounge 是一個超級溫暖的特別集數！從香港來的小粉絲帶著道地月餅來台灣，到遠在捷克布拉格的台商先鋒偶然發現彼此都是 15Mins 的忠實聽眾，再到陪伴了整個高中時期的 Alex 成功考上心儀大學，這些跨越時空的連結讓人深深感受到語言學習的神奇力量。 香港小粉絲的台灣美食之旅 故事要從一個很可愛的 request 開始。六歲的 Winston 向 John 老師許願：「是不是可以做一個 20 minutes cafe，不要做 15 minutes cafe？」John 老師笑說：「其實我們每一集都超過 20 分鐘，小朋友還沒有時間的概念，所以是真的很小。」 這次香港來的通勤家族帶著兩位小朋友 Winston 和四歲的妹妹 Murphy 來台灣進行四天三夜的旅程，還特地帶來了香港道地月餅感謝節目製作團隊。這不是一般在台灣看到的美心或奇華月餅，而是「香港當地人在吃的百年老店月餅」，John 老師驚嘆：「好重！真材實料啊！我沒有摸過這麼重的餅，真的！你拿起來下面會有其他東西。」 從鐵路便當到雙排骨的生活智慧 這位香港朋友其實是老聽眾了，從去年開始就一直給節目很多回饋，特別喜歡 English Cafe 中提到的台灣美食內容。更有趣的是，他還曾經分享過「鐵路便當秘技」：「大家去買排骨便當的時候要秤一下重量，比較重的有可能會有兩片排骨。」 這個秘技後來真的在台北車站得到驗證！「他跟朋友講了，結果他朋友在台北車站買排骨便當，就手抓有去摸那個比較重的，結果真的是雙排骨！」阿鍵老師感嘆：「連台灣人都不懂的秘技啊！」John 老師開玩笑說：「要是我們現在還是學生時代的話，這個秘技，哇塞，每天每個學生都給你摸一下，會看到一堆人在那邊手蹭變大。」 多語言環境下成長的小朋友 六歲的 Winston 和四歲的 Murphy 展現了驚人的語言能力，能夠在廣東話、英文和國語之間自由切換。「他聽到什麼，他就講出來，那當然有些時候會聽不太懂，Winston what are you saying？然後他後面又會 reconstruct 那個 sentence，他會再說一遍。」 更有趣的是，這兩個小朋友每天早上去幼稚園的路上都會要求：「要聽 John 老師的那一集，要聽 Castella Cake。」而且 Winston 還會認真地糾正：「Castella Cake 不是 Honey Cake，Castella Cake 不見得 always 有 honey。」這次來台灣他們還真的去吃了豆花、剉冰和蜂蜜蛋糕，完全按照節目內容實地體驗。 小吉（孩子的爸爸）採用比較嚴格的教育方式：不給小朋友 iPad 或手機，主要的娛樂就是 reading 和 podcast listening。「對他們來說，我們的節目已經是他的 entertainment 裡面最頂了，最頂的娛樂了，那我們要盡量再做得有趣一點啊！」 意外的捷克連線 更神奇的故事發生在遙遠的捷克布拉格。John 老師有一群南非長大的朋友被公司外派到捷克工作，有一天他們在聊天時提到 John 老師的名字，結果同事的耳朵就豎起來了：「你們是在說通勤學英語那個 John 老師嗎？」 這位同事就是小郭 Antonio，目前在 CTI Europe 上班，based in Prague。他告訴朋友們：「我聽了好久，聽你的聲音的感覺，覺得你很活潑很 ABC，然後身高不高不胖。」朋友們在 LINE 裡狂笑，John 老師回應：「你們在笑不胖的這件事，對不對？」 這個巧合也讓 John 老師有機會更正一個地理觀念。當他在 Instagram 貼文寫「東歐來的祝福」時，朋友們立刻糾正：「我們是中歐，不是東歐。」John 老師解釋：「以前我們都叫他東歐，是因為 2000 年前的概念很簡單，就是柏林的另外一邊都是東歐。可是現在當然是，我們要正視一點，其實真的他們是 Central Europe。」 產業先鋒的全球佈局 小郭他們在捷克其實是公司的先鋒部隊，因為川普的關稅政策逼著很多企業將 manufacturing 移到 regional office，變成區域型而不是全球化的製造模式。「他們在那邊算是公司的先鋒，很辛苦，要去那邊從零開始，然後去那邊打造那邊替公司打造那邊的工廠跟業務。」 有趣的是，很多台灣企業現在都選擇在捷克設點。「以前我們很熟的時候是說他們都在荷蘭，但現在就是荷蘭要去東邊，真的有點遠，所以他們現在很多都選擇在捷克。」郭台銘據說也是最早一批去的台商，還在那邊買了一個城堡。 Alex 的成長軌跡 最溫馨的故事屬於 Alex，他從高二開始聽節目，現在已經考上台中教育大學的台灣語文系！「記得他是在疫情期間就開始了，在我們 VIP 之前，算是高一，近乎高一的時候，整個高中我們陪他長大。」 Alex 對語言學習很有熱情，在當時的 live podcast 中「幾乎每週他是第一個到，最後一個走」，積極練習口說。現在考上台灣語文系，算是走向他真正有興趣且願意鑽研的領域。 阿鍵老師也很好奇 Alex 未來的學習內容：「台灣語文除了台語之外，其實現在很大一部分是在做原住民語，然後南島語系這些，這其實也是很大的一個主題。」從語言的傳播可以了解「大概哪裡的人是怎麼來的」，這是很值得研究的領域。 跨越時空的溫暖連結 這些故事展現了一個有趣的現象：從 4 歲到 18 歲，從台灣到香港再到捷克，15Mins 的聽眾遍布各個年齡層和地區。「我們今天的留言有從 4 歲到 18 歲，到可能有 38，不知道還有沒有更之後。」 John 老師感慨地說：「有些時候在這個轉換期呢，沒有問題。我們這麼多年製作這些內容，你看我們從 Alex 他從高中到高中畢業到上大學，Winston 呢，可能有一天我們會做到說 Winston 跑來台灣自己來台灣玩的時候來找我們。」 語言學習的生活化體驗 這些真實故事完美詮釋了 John 老師一直強調的理念：「生活的周遭，點點滴滴，都是學習的 opportunity。Learning opportunity everywhere，you can learn English just from reading labels on boxes and packages，from food to cosmetics to anything that you really really like。把你的英文跟你的中文都把它當成你的 first language 來，這樣子很自然的，你就不會覺得說，哎呀我要轉換，或者是我要怎麼背單字等等的。」 小朋友透過吃台灣美食來做機會教育，學習多國文化；香港家庭利用通勤時間進行英語沉浸；遠在捷克的台商透過 podcast 維持與台灣文化的連結；高中生藉由參與 live podcast 練習口說並確立未來方向。 國際化媒體的影響力 「你看我們這個國內外有 podcast 呢，其實就是一個非常國際化的一種媒體，所以讓大家都可以收聽，然後收聽了以後呢，讓我們在台灣也可以好像接觸得到國外所發生的事情。」 這個觀察很重要。在全球化的時代，一個 podcast 節目可以成為連結不同國家、不同文化、不同年齡層聽眾的橋樑。無論是香港的小朋友學台灣美食文化，還是捷克的台商保持與家鄉的連結，或是高中生透過英語學習找到人生方向，都展現了語言學習超越學習本身的意義。 準備好成為下一個跨國連結的故事主角了嗎？也許下次在世界的某個角落，你也會遇到同樣在聽 15Mins 的朋友，然後發現原來我們早就被這些溫暖的聲音連結在一起了。 想要加入這個溫暖的國際學習社群嗎？立即訂閱 15Mins，讓英語學習成為你生活中最自然的一部分，也許下一個溫馨故事的主角就是你！ 想要加入這個充滿學習熱忱的VIP社群嗎？ 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday

Summary:  The first article is about the US actress being arrested for being part of s scam related to College admissions, which had a link to an episode of the comedy series where her character lied to get her twins admitted to a good kindergarten.  The second article covers how Google spent a ton of cash to create deepfake videos in the hope of helping in the detection of them. Similarly, FB is also spending money to increase detection of them.  Full article: https://www.15mins.today/blog/713-about-usa-lori-loughlin-s-full-house-character-took-part-in-a  Vocabulary and Sample Sentences:  Prestigious adj. : respected/admired or of great quality Is NTU the most prestigious school in Taiwan? Is Rolls Royce a prestigious car brand?  Scrutiny n.: careful and thorough examination Did what your application face thorough scrutiny? Do you scrutinize terms and conditions before you agree to them?     Algorithm n.: a set of rules that must be followed when solving a problem, like a formula Do you understand Youtube’s algorithm? Are algorithms vital in finance? 

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 你知道今年Google發布了幾項可能會改變我們未來工作和生活的AI工具嗎？本週的《英語咖啡館》Cariya老師和John老師要來聊聊Google I/O 2025大會的驚人新技術！從搜尋方式的革命性改變，到讓人驚艷的虛擬試穿購物體驗，這些AI真的讓人大開眼界。另外一項讓人興奮的是Google的影片生成AI，John老師分享了「某知名人物吃義大利麵」是現在用來測試AI影片技術的爆紅案例，他展現出了VEO3技術的長足進步。千萬別錯過讓你能用prompt變成萬能工作者的這集啦！ Do you know how many AI tools Google released this year that could potentially change our future work and lives? This week on English Cafe, Cariya and I discuss the amazing new technologies from the Google I/O 2025 conference! From revolutionary changes in search methods to stunning virtual try-on shopping experiences, these AI developments are truly eye-opening. Another exciting development is Google's video generation AI. I shared how "a certain famous person eating spaghetti" has become a viral test case for AI video technology, demonstrating the significant progress of VEO3 technology. Don't miss this episode that shows you how to become a versatile worker using prompts!

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- Full article here: https://www.15mins.today/blog/15mins-inspirations-ep-5-inspirations-quotes-about-learning

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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. L044: Microsoft Hits $4 Trillion Milestone Highlights 主題摘要Microsoft becomes second company ever to reach four trillion dollar market value.Massive AI investments drive explosive cloud revenue growth and stock surge.Company cuts thousands of jobs while doubling down on AI development. Microsoft achieved a remarkable milestone Thursday, becoming the second company in history to surpass four trillion dollars in market valuation. The technology giant's stock surged during midday trading in New York, propelling it past this unprecedented threshold. Nvidia previously claimed this distinction in July, establishing itself as the first company to reach such heights. Microsoft's journey represents years of strategic transformation and innovation. The Redmond-based corporation first crossed one trillion dollars in April, demonstrating consistent growth. This achievement places Microsoft among elite companies reshaping global technology landscapes. 微軟週四達成重要里程碑，成為史上第二家市值突破四兆美元的企業。這家科技巨頭股價在紐約中午交易時段大漲，推升市值越過這道史無前例的門檻。輝達先前在七月創下這項紀錄，成為首家達到如此高度的公司。微軟的成功之路代表多年來的策略轉型與創新。這家位於雷德蒙德的公司首次跨越一兆美元大關是在四月，展現穩定成長。這項成就讓微軟躋身重塑全球科技版圖的菁英企業行列。 The surge stems primarily from Microsoft's aggressive artificial intelligence investments and exceptional financial performance across key business segments. The company announced unprecedented capital spending for the current fiscal quarter, specifically targeting AI infrastructure expansion. Microsoft's Azure cloud computing division reported explosive growth, with cloud revenue reaching billions, representing substantial increases. This remarkable performance reflects the company's successful transformation into a cloud infrastructure powerhouse. Executive leadership emphasized their cloud-centric strategy during earnings announcements. The partnership with OpenAI continues proving transformative, integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence capabilities throughout platforms. 這波漲勢主要來自微軟積極的人工智慧投資以及各關鍵業務部門的優異財務表現。公司宣布本會計季度將進行史無前例的資本支出，特別針對AI基礎建設擴張。微軟的Azure雲端運算部門報告爆發性成長，雲端營收達到數十億美元，年增率相當可觀。這項優異表現反映出公司成功轉型為雲端基礎建設強者。高階主管在財報發布時強調其雲端為核心的策略。與OpenAI的合作關係持續證明變革性影響，將尖端人工智慧技術整合至各平台中。 However, Microsoft's extraordinary market success contrasts sharply with significant workforce reductions implemented throughout the organization. Earlier this month, the company eliminated thousands of positions, representing approximately four percent of its global workforce, while simultaneously intensifying AI development initiatives. This strategic decision highlights the complex balance technology companies must navigate between maximizing shareholder value and maintaining employee stability. The layoffs occurred despite record-breaking revenue and robust growth across business divisions. Industry analysts suggest this reflects broader technological shifts requiring different skill sets. The juxtaposition illustrates modern corporations prioritizing artificial intelligence investments over traditional employment models. 然而，微軟卓越的市場表現與整個組織實施的大規模裁員形成鮮明對比。本月稍早，公司裁減了數千個職位，約占全球員工總數的4%，同時加強AI發展計畫。這項策略決定突顯出科技公司在追求股東價值最大化與維持員工穩定之間必須拿捏的複雜平衡。儘管營收創新高且各業務部門表現強勁，裁員仍然發生。產業分析師認為這反映更廣泛的技術轉變，需要不同的技能組合。股價飆升與裁員並存的現象說明現代企業優先考量投資在人工智慧勝過傳統就業模式。 Looking ahead, Microsoft's achievement signals transformative implications for the entire technology sector and global markets. The company's massive AI infrastructure investments position it strategically for sustained competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape. Analysts predict Microsoft's capital expenditure commitments may outpace rivals over the coming year, potentially consolidating its market leadership position. The success demonstrates how traditional software companies can successfully reinvent themselves as cloud infrastructure and AI service providers. Meta's parallel surge, adding billions in market value, suggests the AI revolution is creating unprecedented wealth concentration. Investors closely monitor whether this transformative pattern extends across major cloud computing providers worldwide. 展望未來，微軟的成就為整個科技業和全球市場帶來變革性影響。公司在AI基礎建設的大規模投資為其在快速演變的人工智慧領域取得持續競爭優勢提供策略定位。分析師預測微軟的資本支出承諾可能在未來一年超越競爭對手，有望鞏固市場領導地位。這樣的成功展現了傳統軟體公司如何成功轉型為雲端基礎建設和AI服務供應商。Meta的平行飆升，市值增加數十億美元，顯示AI革命正創造前所未有的財富集中。投資者正密切關注這種變革模式是否延伸至全球主要雲端運算供應商。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Milestone [noun, an important event or

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- Topic: Spray and pray - Thais celebrate Songkran Thailand’s traditional New Year, as known as Songkran, is celebrated on April 13 to 15 every year. It is a time when people splash or spray one another with water, to symbolize washing away the old and welcoming the new. The word Songkran derives from the Sanskrit word for “passage” or “cross over,” representing moving into a new year. Songkran is also celebrated in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. 「宋干」一詞來自梵文，有「通過、跨越」的意思，代表進入新的一年。除了泰國，緬甸、柬埔寨和寮國也都會慶祝宋干節。 Known by the Taiwanese as the “splashing festival,” Songkran conjures up images of street water fights, with participants using water pistols or buckets. It originated from a traditional Buddhist ritual, and the water represents purification and blessing. 被台灣人稱為「潑水節」的宋干節，最出名的景象就是大家在街上拿水槍或水桶打水仗。潑水的起源是佛教傳統儀式，因為水代表淨化和祝福。 Songkran is about more than water fights. Traditionally, Thais also go to Buddhist temples to donate money or goods to the temple or monks during the festival, and the monks sprinkle holy water, symbolizing blessings, on them. People also bathe statues of the Buddha by pouring water over them. Thais will also sprinkle water in the hands of family elders, symbolizing respect and the receipt of the elders’ blessings. 不過宋干節可不是只有狂潑水而已。泰國人傳統上會在這幾天到佛寺裡奉獻金錢或物品給寺方或僧 侶，僧侶們再以聖水灑向民眾，象徵祝福之意，民眾也會以水淋佛像，稱為「浴佛」。此外，泰國人也會把水輕灑在家族長輩手中，象徵尊敬並獲得長輩的祝福。 Miss Songkran beauty contests are also held throughout Thailand, as a way to preserve traditional Thai costumes. There are around 700,000 migrant workers in Taiwan. Of these, just over 60,000 are from Thailand. 此外，為了要保存傳統的泰式服飾，泰國各地也會舉辦宋干小姐選美比賽。 在台灣，來台的移工人數已達到七十多萬人，其中來自泰國的移工有六萬人。 In order to make Thai workers in Taiwan feel at home, Songkran was celebrated on Sunday at the ASEAN Square in Taichung, organized by the Ministry of Labor and the Taichung government. There will be another Songkran celebration held this coming Sunday at City Hall Square in New Taipei City. 為了讓在台灣的泰籍移工一解鄉愁，勞動部與地方政府合作舉辦潑水節活動，十四日已於台中東協廣場舉行，二十一日則將在新北市政府市民廣場舉辦。 Source article: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2019/04/17/2003713497 Next Article Topic: The Price of Recycling Old Laptops: Toxic Fumes in Thailand’s Lungs 婦女們蹲伏在一間燈光昏暗的工廠的地上，整理被現代世界棄置的一些內容物：電池、電路板和成綑的電線。 Crouched on the ground in a dimly lit factory, women picked through the discarded innards of the modern world: batteries, circuit boards and bundles of wires. 她們或者用鐵鎚，或者徒手，拆解這些被稱作有害電子廢棄物或電子垃圾的廢品，再由男性工人鏟進一台鏗鏘作響的機器，以回收有用的金屬。有些男工用碎布包住臉來隔擋煙塵。 They broke down the scrap — known as hazardous electronic-waste, or e-waste — with hammers and raw hands. Men, some with faces wrapped in rags to repel the fumes, shoveled the refuse into a clanking machine that salvages usable metal. 當他們賣力工作之時，煙霧飄散至鄰近的村莊和工廠，居民對煙霧中有什麼物質一無所知—塑膠？金屬？誰知道！他們只知道聞起來很臭，讓人惡心。 As they toiled, smoke spewed over nearby villages and farms. Residents have no idea what is in the smoke — plastic, metal, who knows? All they know is that it stinks and they feel sick. 這間名為「新天空金屬」的工廠，是東南亞正蓬勃發展的電子垃圾業的一部分，是在中國大陸決定停止接收毒害其土地人民的全球電子垃圾後，應運而生。泰國特別成為這項產業的中心，過程中社運人士大力阻擋，政府則在公共安全與可觀的收益之間謀取平衡。 The factory, New Sky Metal, is part of a thriving e-waste industry across Southeast Asia, born of China’s decision to stop accepting the world’s electronic refuse, which was poisoning its land and people. Thailand in particular has become a center of the industry even as activists push back and its government wrestles to balance competing interests of public safety with the profits to be made from the lucrative trade. 去年泰國禁止外國電子垃圾進口，然而環境監控人員和產業專家說，新工廠仍然在國內各地開設，處理成噸的電子垃圾。 Last year, Thailand banned the import of foreign e-waste. Yet new factories are opening across the country, and tons of e-waste are being processed, environmental monitors and industry experts said. 「電子垃圾必須有去處。」以反對將垃圾傾倒至窮國為訴求的「巴塞爾行動網路」執行長吉姆．帕其特說，「中國就是把整個作業搬到東南亞。」 “E-waste has to go somewhere,” said Jim Puckett, executive director of the Basel Action Network, which campaigns against trash dumping in poor countries, “and the Chinese are simply moving their entire operations to Southeast Asia.” 他說：「賺錢的唯一方法，是用便宜、非法的勞力處理極為龐大的數量，而且大肆汙染環境。」 “The only way to make money is to get huge volume with cheap, illegal labor and pollute the hell out of the environment,” he added. 根據聯合國的統計，全球每年製造出5000萬噸電子垃圾，消費者習慣了丟掉前一年的機型，入手新款式。 回收這些小電器的觀念聽起來道德高尚：科技便利的無限循環。 Each year, 50 million t

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 兩週新聞精選大回顧！從狼人華爾街到香菜口味洋芋片的奇妙世界 「All right, all right, all right!」還記得《華爾街之狼》裡那句經典台詞嗎？這集 Teacher's Lounge 就從這個開場開始，John 老師和阿鍵老師帶大家回顧過去兩週 VIP 會員收到的豐富新聞內容。從穩定幣到上海樂高樂園，從 Coldplay 迷因到懷念摔角傳奇，這次的新聞精選涵蓋範圍之廣，絕對讓你在國際場合成為話題王而不是句點王！ VIP 會員的每週四篇新聞饗宴 訂閱 VIP 的會員每週可以享受四篇精選新聞，除了週一之外，週二、週四、週五都有新的 shadowing 練習內容。這些新聞的選擇標準很明確：與生活密切相關，而且能成為很好的 small talk conversation opener。John 老師強調：「我們要挑選主題讓大家可以進化到，可能你的外國同事近期就在討論 Sydney Sweeney，然後你聽到這個字你就知道說，John 老師有跟我講，這個就是 American Eagle。」 上週新聞精選：從金融到娛樂 週一：穩定幣 Stablecoin 在美國發酵 配合開場的《華爾街之狼》梗，第一則新聞討論了穩定幣在美國金融市場的發展。不管你看好牛市還是熊市，了解這個新興的金融概念絕對是必要的。 週二：上海樂高樂園即將開幕 繼迪士尼之後，上海又要迎來新的主題樂園了！John 老師坦承自己比起迪士尼更偏愛樂高樂園，因為他本身就是樂高收藏控。「任何朋友來家裡面，經過的都會多看兩眼說這個哇好精細哦，這個很厲害耶。」除了娛樂價值，這則新聞也探討了中國政府希望透過消費刺激來振興經濟的策略。 週四：Coldplay Camera 迷因現象 最近網路上到處都是 Coldplay 相關的迷因，特別是體育賽事中出現的「Coldplay Camera」。不同於傳統的 Kiss Cam 或 Hug Cam，被 Coldplay Camera 拍到的人要趴來躲去、從後面熊抱，然後趕快閃鏡頭。這種遊戲化的互動成為一時話題，對台灣人來說是很新鮮的文化體驗。 週五：摔角傳奇 Hulk Hogan 的時代記憶 懷念童年英雄的時刻到了！Hulk Hogan 是 WWF（現在的 WWE）時代的傳奇人物，雖然台灣人可能不見得知道他的名字，但看到長相一定認得。「就像日本相撲選手的地位，臉出來大家一定認得。」這則新聞讓人回味美式摔角的黃金時代。 本週新聞精選：從時尚到科學 週一：Sydney Sweeney 與 American Eagle 的爭議廣告 當紅女星 Sydney Sweeney 為老牌服飾品牌 American Eagle 拍攝牛仔褲廣告，開著美式肌肉車 Mustang，展現復古美式風格。但廣告標語「Sydney Sweeney has good genes」引發爭議，因為這是 genes（基因）和 jeans（牛仔褲）的雙關語。雖然網路上罵聲一片，但股價卻狂飆，證明這個 ad campaign 非常成功。 週二：美國關稅新動態 這是比較嚴肅的經濟議題，討論台灣對美國關稅的最新發展。由於情況變化快速，團隊等到有比較完整的資訊才製作這則新聞，避免每天追新聞台式的報導。「我們都知道川普的座右銘：Content King，內容為王，早上講一個，下午又出來，太厲害！」 週四：鋁製品回收與環保 這是阿鍵老師很喜歡的科學類主題，探討鋁製品的優點：產量大、重量輕、容易塑形，但最大的缺點就是製造成本比塑膠貴很多。文章中還提到 Nespresso 膠囊咖啡也是用鋁製造，而且可以回收。John 老師還預告下次會揭曉他是用英式的 aluminium 還是美式的 aluminum 發音。 週五：Doritos 推出 Sriracha 辣椒醬新口味 多力多滋要挑戰過去成功的 Ranch 口味，推出了 Sriracha 越南辣椒醬口味。雖然 Sriracha 源自越南，但真正發揚光大是在美國，現在台灣的進口超市也買得到。阿鍵老師分享：「我去吃美墨炸雞的時候，我一定要拿那個醬來加一下。」同時也提到台灣最近推出的香菜口味洋芋片，讓韓國啦啦隊員都感到恐懼。 播放清單分類的實戰應用 兩位老師也示範了如何運用之前提到的播放清單概念來管理這些豐富的新聞內容。阿鍵老師的分類邏輯：「Coldplay、Doritos、Sydney Sweeney 這三則我會放在 deliberate 練習的部分，因為這三則的主題我相對比較熟悉，也比較有興趣，所以我拿這三則來做加強練習，比較不會感覺那麼累。」 John 老師的邏輯則不同：「我的 casual listening 可能就會是 Legoland、Coldplay，因為平時我就在接收很多這類資訊。但我會對 stable coin 跟 tariff 想要去做 further studying 或 deliberate practice，因為我不是經濟相關的專業背景，這對我來說是個 challenge。」 個人化學習Playlist的重要性 這個對比完美展現了個人化學習的重要性。「大家剛剛就有聽到，John 老師跟我的分類邏輯就有點不一樣，能夠找到你自己可以去分類、然後可以繼續去練習的方式，其實才是最重要的。」阿鍵老師這樣總結。 每個人的背景、興趣、專業都不同，所以對同樣的新聞內容會有不同的熟悉度和挑戰度。關鍵是要清楚什麼內容適合放在 casual listening playlist，什麼適合放在 deliberate practice playlist。 從網路迷因到國際經濟的全方位涵蓋 過去兩週的新聞選題展現了 15Mins 的用心：「從網路的迷因到地區性的發展，然後到縱觀經濟的一些主題都可以有，所以是不是大家很好的 small talk conversation opener 或 starter 都非常非常有用的。」 這種多元化的選題策略確保了不同背景的聽眾都能找到感興趣的內容，同時也讓大家在面對各種國際場合時都有話可說。當你的外國同事提到最新的時尚爭議或網路迷因時，你就不會是那個答不上話的句點王。 許願Member Request與互動機制 VIP 會員如果覺得某些重要主題被遺漏了，可以透過每個 VIP 單集下面的回饋表許願。非 VIP 會員也可以透過私訊或在 Instagram 的新聞貼文下留言。團隊會認真看待每一個建議，持續調整內容方向。 循序漸進的學習建議 最後，兩位老師給出了實用的學習建議：「如果你一週可以接收的量是四篇，那你就兩篇 casual listening，兩篇 deliberate practice。如果你一週可以到八篇十篇以上，那你就可以每個都做 deliberate practice。」 重點是要先聽過幾遍再去做練習，不要一開頭就開始做 shadowing practice，那可能會有壓力。「以自己能夠接受的量，如果可以做到每天 15 分鐘作為一個 starting point，然後我們再來慢慢增加時間、增加集數都可以。」 從《華爾街之狼》的經典台詞到香菜口味洋芋片的奇妙世界，這次的新聞回顧展現了英語學習可以多麼豐富有趣。準備好成為下一個國際話題王了嗎？記住，鋁的發音到底是 aluminum 還是 aluminium，下週揭曉答案！ 想要每週獲得四篇精選國際新聞？立即訂閱 VIP 會員，從金融科技到流行文化，讓你的英語學習永遠跟得上時代脈動！ 想要加入這個充滿學習熱忱的VIP社群嗎？ 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday

Summary: Many companies and institutions use personality tests as a way to determine the nature of the individual to see if it matches the job applied. One of the tests are Taylor Hartman’s Color code – red means you are motivated by power, yellow is motivated by fun. In the case mentioned in the article, the personality test does not have a direct influence on hiring, it helps the managers to understand the interviewee better. Other tests include Clifton Strengths and Insights Discovery. Time magazine is famous for using DiSC model to diagnose a person’s dominance, influence, steadiness, and conscientiousness. Helen Fisher’s temperament inventory identifies whether you are a testosterone, dopamine, estrogen, or serotonin.  Full article: https://www.15mins.today/blog/709-personality-tests-are-the-astrology-of-the-office  Vocabulary and Sample Sentences:  Layperson / layman n. - normal people, regular Joe To the layperson, personality tests do not mean much.    Motivate v. Provide sb. - With a reason for doing something. If you get personality test categorizes you as red, you are a person who is motivated by power.   Dominant adj.- have power and influence over others Dominant people in the office tend to want to work in leadership positions. 

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 你是否曾經有過這種感覺：明明有很多好的選擇擺在眼前，但你偏偏想要那些得不到的？老鷹合唱團的經典名曲《Desperado》唱的就是這種人生困境！本週的《英語咖啡館》John老師和Shimin老師要來聊聊這首讓無數人產生共鳴的70年代經典。它不只是一首搖滾歌曲，更像是人生的寫照。歌名的desperado（亡命之徒）其實就是那些不願妥協、永遠在追求得不到東西的人。 當年的創作風格常帶有大量視覺化的歌詞，包含許多延伸與譬喻，例如「come to your senses」、「riding fences」，以及撲克牌的皇后卡等等，在本集中都將一一說明背後含義。70年代歌曲最棒的地方就是很會用畫面說故事，而《Desperado》絕對是其中的經典之作，千萬不要錯過這集英語咖啡館喔！ Have you ever had this feeling: even though there are many good choices right in front of you, you still want the things you can't have? The Eagles' classic hit "Desperado" sings about exactly this kind of life dilemma! This week on English Cafe, John and Shimin discuss this 70s classic that resonates with countless people. It's not just a rock song, but more like a reflection of life itself. The song title "desperado" (outlaw) actually refers to those who refuse to compromise and are always chasing things they can't obtain. The songwriting style of that era often featured highly visual lyrics with extensive metaphors and imagery, such as "come to your senses," "riding fences," and the queen of hearts card, all of which will be explained in detail in this episode. The best thing about 70s songs is how well they use imagery to tell stories, and "Desperado" is definitely a classic example of this. Don't miss this episode of English Cafe!

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- Full article here: https://www.15mins.today/blog/15mins-inspirations-ep-4-inspirations-quotes-about-patience

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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. L040: Sydney Sweeney Ad Sparks Controversy Highlights 主題摘要American Eagle's ad featuring Sydney Sweeney sparked nationwide social media debate over genetics wordplay.Trump publicly defended the controversial ad after Sweeney's Republican registration was revealed.Marketing experts debate whether this was calculated outrage marketing or accidental misstep. American Eagle launched summer advertising campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney in July, showcasing denim collection through television commercials. The campaign centered around wordplay between genes and jeans, with Sweeney explaining how genetic traits are inherited while modeling denim products. The blonde actress delivered lines about genetic inheritance determining physical characteristics, creating connection between biology and fashion. The advertisement gained widespread attention across social media platforms, generating significant buzz for clothing retailer. Initial reactions seemed positive, with viewers appreciating Sweeney star power and creative approach to promoting denim fashion. 美鷹傲飛在七月推出以女星席德妮・史威尼為主角的夏季廣告活動，透過電視廣告展示牛仔服飾系列。這個活動以「基因」和「牛仔褲」之間的文字遊戲為中心，史威尼在展示牛仔產品的同時解釋遺傳特徵如何傳承。這位金髮女星說出關於基因遺傳決定身體特徵的台詞，在生物學和時尚之間建立連結。這支廣告在社群媒體平台上獲得廣泛關注，為服飾零售商帶來顯著話題。初期反應似乎相當正面，觀眾欣賞史威尼的明星魅力和創意的牛仔時尚推廣手法。 The advertisement quickly sparked fierce criticism and debate across social media platforms nationwide. Critics pointed out that having blonde actress discuss good genes, particularly in current political climate, could echo dangerous rhetoric associated with eugenics. Some observers believed advertisement inadvertently reinforced problematic beauty standards, suggesting certain physical traits are genetically more desirable than others. Social media users expressed concerns about potential racial implications, especially considering recent political discourse about immigration. The controversy rapidly divided into camps with supporters who considered criticism excessive, and critics who insisted content was problematic. 這支廣告很快就在全國社群媒體平台上引發激烈的批評和辯論。批評者指出，讓金髮女星談論優良基因，特別是在當前政治氛圍下，可能會呼應與優生學相關的危險言論。一些觀察者認為這支廣告無意中強化了有問題的美貌標準，暗示某些身體特徵在基因上比其他特徵更值得擁有。社群媒體用戶表達了對潛在種族暗示的擔憂，特別是考慮到近期關於移民的政治討論。這場爭議迅速分化成兩個陣營，支持者認為批評過度，批評者則堅持內容確實有問題。 The controversy intensified when reports surfaced revealing that Sweeney is registered as Republican voter in Florida, adding unexpected political dimensions to fashion advertisement debate. President Donald Trump seized opportunity to publicly support both actress and advertisement, posting enthusiastic endorsements on Truth Social platform. Trump praised Sweeney as having hottest ad out there and encouraged her to continue work, effectively transforming fashion marketing campaign into political statement. Conservative media outlets rallied behind advertisement, framing criticism as examples of excessive political correctness. This presidential intervention elevated controversy from simple advertising debate to broader cultural battleground. 當報導揭露史威尼在佛羅里達州註冊為共和黨選民時，爭議急劇升級，為時尚廣告辯論增添了意想不到的政治層面。川普總統抓住機會公開支持這位女星和廣告，在 Truth Social 平台上發布熱情的讚揚。川普稱讚史威尼擁有最火熱的廣告，並鼓勵她繼續工作，有效地將時尚行銷活動轉變為政治表態。保守派媒體紛紛支持這支廣告，將批評聲浪定調為過度政治正確的例子。這次總統介入將爭議從單純的廣告辯論升級為更廣泛的文化戰場。 Following Trump intervention, advertisement controversy transformed into symbol of cultural warfare, with marketing experts analyzing implications for American Eagle brand reputation. Company stock prices experienced significant volatility during controversy period, rising as much as twenty percent, demonstrating investor reactions to controversial marketing strategy. Brand experts remained divided on whether this represented calculated outrage marketing strategy or accidental misstep that aligned with political messaging. Some argued that in today polarized political environment, any attention holds value for brand recognition. American Eagle eventually issued statement insisting advertisement was purely about jeans, but explanation failed to settle ongoing debate. 川普介入後，廣告爭議轉變為文化戰爭的象徵，行銷專家開始分析這對美鷹傲飛品牌聲譽的影響。公司股價在爭議期間經歷顯著波動，最高上漲百分之二十，顯示投資人對爭議性行銷策略的反應。品牌專家對於這是否代表精心計算的爭議行銷策略，還是意外與政治訊息產生關聯的失誤，仍然意見分歧。有些人認為在當今兩極化的政治環境中，任何關注都對品牌認知具有價值。美鷹傲飛最終發表聲明，堅持廣告純粹是關於牛仔褲，但這個解釋未能平息持續的辯論。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Campaign [noun, organized series of activities]: American Eagle launched summer advertising campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney in July

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- Topic: Hurricane, tropical storm or super typhoon? Here is what to know about Asia’s most dangerous weather systems 颱風是一個具有破壞性的風暴。大西洋另一端稱之為「颶風」的颱風，在亞太地區最常於七月到十月間侵襲台灣。 A typhoon is a storm of damaging proportions. Also known as hurricanes across the Atlantic Ocean, the most dangerous weather systems in the Asia-Pacific region are most likely to hit Taiwan from July to October. 然而，熱帶性低氣壓和超級颱風的差別到底是什麼？ But, what’s the difference between tropical depressions and super typhoons? 亞太地區有四種類型的的破壞性暴風。它們與地震不同在於它們一定程度的可預測性。 There are four types of destructive storms in the Asia-Pacific region which, unlike earthquakes, are somewhat predictable. 風速每小時29英理(46公里)以下的稱之為「熱帶性低氣壓」；風速在每小時29英里（46公里）和每小時55.5英里（89公里）之間的稱之為「熱帶風暴」或「熱帶氣旋」。而又稱之為颶風的颱風則是風速在每小時55.5英里（89公里）和每小時114.5英里（183公里）之間的風暴。 The tropical depressions — wind speeds of 29 mph (46 kph) or less; the tropical storms — wind speeds between 29 mph (46 kph) and 55.5 mph (89 kph); and, the typhoons, also known as hurricanes — wind speeds between 55.5 mph (89 kph) and 114.5 mph (183 kph). 超級颱風，相當於第五類風暴，因為其風速超過114.5英里/小時（183公里/小時）。 Super Typhoons, which are equivalent to a category 5 storm, have wind speeds greater than 114.5 mph (183 kph). 除了帶來破壞力強大的巨風外，颱風還能降下難以置信的雨量。由於台灣島的山脈縱貫全島，這些風暴的降雨量有時會在數個月中超過常規降雨量。 In addition to bringing damaging winds, typhoons can drop incredible amounts of rain. Owing to the mountains running the length of the island, these storms can sometimes drop rain in excess months of regular precipitations. 應該準備什麼？｜What should you prepare? 颱風來襲，你應該在家中準備好一個緊急災難包，裡面應當有急救箱和基本藥物。 In case of a typhoon, you should prepare a disaster supplies kit for home, including a first aid kit and essential medications. 台灣災難醫療隊建議民眾備好足夠維持至少一天的食物量、水、電池和其他應急用品。 Disaster preparedness officials recommend that you have enough food, water, batteries, and other emergency supplies to last at least 1 day. 在斷水的情况下，可以考慮到附近的便利商店買可飲用的水和一些泡麵。 In case of water cuts, think of rushing to a convenience store next door to buy some drinkable water and some instant noodles. 還剩下什麼呢？｜What’s more? 記得將電器產品充飽電，多儲備可飲用水和電池，同時也別忘記為車子加好油(以防萬一)。同時，你也可以將家裡的浴缸先裝滿水以備不時之需。 Remember to charge up electronics, secure extra water and batteries, and fill up your car ahead of the weekend. You can also run a bathtub full of water for a large supply of emergency water, in case the water supply is interrupted. 颱風很危險不只因為它們可以造成身體傷害和財產損失；強風還可能擊倒電線和中斷水的供應。 Typhoons are dangerous not only because they can cause bodily injury and damage to property, but strong winds can also knock down power lines and disrupt the water supply. Source article: https://chinapost.nownews.com/20210911-2762480 Next Article Topic: Typhoonless year brings water shortage in fall/winter Most years, Taiwan is hit by typhoons during the summer and fall, but we have yet to see a typhoon this year. This unusual situation has put pressure on water supply levels in reservoirs around Taiwan. 台灣每年夏、秋兩季颱風頻繁，但詭異的是，今年截至目前為止，竟無任何一個颱風登陸台灣，造成水庫缺水問題。 Due to global warming, the typhoons generated in the Pacific Ocean this year have all moved northward, bypassing Taiwan. Although successive fronts and afternoon showers have brought rainfall, it was only fragmented, covering limited areas and did little to replenish reservoirs. As a result, the reservoir storage this year is lower than in previous years. 這是因為全球暖化之影響，今年大平洋生成的颱風往北移，導致沒有任何一個颱風進來台灣，雖然陸續有鋒面及午後陣雨帶來雨量，但下雨範圍多為局部地區，導致水庫蓄水量較往年低。 According to the Water Resource Agency, as of 2pm yesterday, the Shihmen Reservoir’s water storage was 44 percent of capacity, the Feicuei Reservoir’s was 62.3 percent and the Zengwen Reservoir’s was 31.3 percent. Two of the three major water reservoirs have less than 50 percent of their water storage capacity. 水利署資料顯示，截至昨日下午二時為止，石門水庫蓄水量為百分之四十四，翡翠水庫蓄水量百分之六十二點三，曾文水庫蓄水率百分之三十一點三，三大水庫中有兩座儲水量低於五成。 In order to prepare for demand for water next year, the government has decided to implement three measures to control water usage. Firstly, starting from last Wednesday, night water pressure in the Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli areas was to be lowered from 11pm through to 5am the following day. Secondly, the irrigation of some areas of Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli was to be suspended, and farmers affected by the measures will receive government compensation. Thirdly, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is setting up a central droug

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 第一次看牙醫就嚇到魂飛魄散？Teacher's Lounge 分享人生系列全攻略 你有過第一次看牙醫被嚇得半死的經驗嗎？還是像阿鍵老師一樣，反而在牙醫椅上睡著的神奇體質？這集 Teacher's Lounge 不只分享了有趣的看牙醫經驗，更重要的是帶來了 VIP 學習筆記的全面升級，以及「人生系列」主題的深度介紹，讓你的英語學習更貼近真實生活需求！ VIP 加值內容大升級：Vocab 學習筆記正式上線 經過團隊的努力，Vocab精選詞彙單元的完整學習筆記終於可以下載了！如果你是 VIP 會員，現在可以登入 Firststory 網頁版，在每一集單集下方找到連結，點進去後在「社群」或「電子報」頁面中就能找到所有的學習資源。 這些學習筆記不只包含 Vocab 精選詞彙，連 English Cafe 的完整內容都有，甚至過去發給所有訂閱 VIP 的電子報也統統在裡面。每一集都會有附件可以下載，內容包含逐字稿和彙整的常用片語、idioms 和 phrasal verbs，讓你聽完後還能繼續深入探索主題。 English Cafe 即將突破 100 集里程碑 值得慶祝的是，English Cafe 目前已經錄製了 94 集，即將迎來第 100 集的重要里程碑！每周一篇的錄音、製作、後製，再加上逐字稿和學習筆記的製作，團隊已經持續了 95 周的用心製作。這代表著近兩年來，聽眾們每週都能獲得高品質的英語對話內容和完整的學習支援。 人生系列新登場：第一次看牙醫的驚魂記 這次的主題特別有趣，John 老師和 Patrick 老師新開發了「人生系列」(The Life Series)，專門討論人生路上一定會碰到的重要經歷。之前已經製作過「第一次報稅」、「第一次拿到薪水」、「第一次學開車」等主題，這次輪到了「第一次看牙醫」。 選這個主題的原因很有趣：當時想做醫療相關的主題，但討論哪種醫生最讓人印象深刻、最害怕時，John 老師和 Patrick 老師都不約而同地想到了牙醫。John 老師坦承：「我跟 Patrick 那個整個腎上腺素很高，心跳一直跳。」更巧的是，錄製前後 Patrick 老師剛好去拔了一顆牙，還要再去拔另一顆，這種真實的體驗讓對話更加生動有趣。 有趣的個人差異：恐懼 vs 放鬆 最有趣的是三位主持人對看牙醫的完全不同反應。John 老師和 Patrick 老師都是緊張型的，而阿鍵老師卻有著神奇的體質：「我會在診療椅子上睡著，真的！我去看的那個醫生可能年紀比較大，聲音就嗡嗡的，每次叫我嘴巴張開，我就聽到那種嗯嗯嗯的聲音，我就有點昏昏欲睡。」這種對比讓節目內容更加豐富有趣。 國外就醫經驗大不同 節目中也分享了在國外看牙醫的複雜流程。在南非或英國，看牙醫需要先找 GP (家庭醫師) 轉診，如果需要手術還要再轉到特殊的牙醫診所，「光排隊你可能就先自己把它拔掉了，拿老虎鉗子把它拔掉。」 阿鍵老師分享了在英國的特殊經驗：因為 GP 等太久，最後去了學校醫學院的校內診所，「讓醫學生看，不用錢！」雖然聽起來像當白老鼠，但其實這些醫學生已經是合格的，只是還在學校的校醫系統內。 這些經驗對比台灣便利的醫療制度，讓聽眾更能體會台灣健保的珍貴，也提醒出國時保險的重要性。 學習筆記大升級：30 頁超豐富內容 這次的學習筆記特別豐富，從平常的 25-26 頁增加到 30 頁！阿鍵老師解釋增加內容的原因：「之前 John 老師有在幫台北的醫院做顧問工作，翻譯一些健康教育和衛生宣導的資料，那時候累積了很多醫療相關的英文單字。這一集剛好有關聯，我就把收集起來的各個類別整理起來放進去。」 雖然主題是討論牙醫，但補充資料幾乎橫跨所有就醫相關的片語用語和詞彙，包括處方藥、非處方藥、各種付費方式、領藥流程等等。這些單字平常可能不常用到，但在醫院裡「不管是哪一個國家，這些字都不太會變，就像我們去機場時看到的那些字一樣。」 人生系列的設計理念 John 老師解釋設計 The Life Series 的核心理念：「我們平常不希望大家常常跑醫院，可是去醫院的時候就需要你的語言能力。因為你表達得好、聽得好，你就少一些排隊的失誤、付費的失誤、領藥的失誤等等，比較好溝通。」 這個系列除了分享主持人的人生經歷，也希望透過這些體驗讓 15Mins Family 少走一些彎路。團隊也鼓勵聽眾分享自己的經驗，「只要你走過的彎路，希望別人少走一點的，都歡迎用資訊欄裡面的留言連結來跟我們分享。」 學習筆記的使用技巧大公開 兩位老師也分享了如何善用這些豐富的學習資源。阿鍵老師的方法是：「先聽一次不看筆記，大概抓到這集在講什麼內容，然後打開筆記先做 Listening Comprehension 聽力測驗，這樣可以更快了解文章重點。」 筆記上都有時間戳記 (timestamp)，可以根據時間戳回到音檔的特定段落重複聽取。如果某段沒聽懂，就能精準地回到那個時間點加強理解。 John 老師的使用方式略有不同：「我先去看 useful phrases 和 idioms，看一遍後就知道哪些地方我可能有聽到、哪些沒聽到。為什麼會錯過某個片語？我會先挑這個部分，然後再回去逐字稿找到相關內容，最後才做聽力測驗來確保掌握整個大綱。」 PDF 搜尋功能的靈活運用 VIP學習筆記採用 PDF 格式的好處是可以靈活跳躍和搜尋。「你聽到哪幾個關鍵字，就搜尋那幾個關鍵字，就可以找到現在大概在哪裡。」John 老師建議在聽的時候可以收集一些關鍵字，記下覺得不錯的表達方式，稍後再回到學習筆記中找到具體的用法和情境。 這種學習方式讓內容不只是被動接收，而是主動收集和應用。「如果是自己常用的情境，就把它收下來，明天就可以用了。」 醫療英語的實用價值 這次的醫療主題特別實用，因為不管在哪個國家，醫療相關的核心詞彙都相當固定。從處方藥 (prescription drug) 到非處方藥 (over-the-counter)，從健保給付到自費 (out of pocket)，從慢性病 (chronic disease) 的長期處方籤到各種就醫流程，這些詞彙在緊急時刻都可能派上用場。 特別是對於有出國計畫或目前在海外的聽眾，這些醫療英語更是不可或缺的生存技能。語言能力的好壞直接影響就醫的品質和效率，也關係到個人的健康和安全。 持續進化的學習體驗 從 Vocab 精選詞彙單元到 English Cafe英語咖啡館，從簡單的逐字稿到豐富的學習筆記，15Mins 的 VIP 服務持續在進化。團隊不斷聆聽會員需求，加入更多實用的補充資料和學習工具，讓每一集都成為完整的學習體驗。 即將到來的第 100 集 English Cafe 更是一個重要的里程碑，代表著團隊近兩年來的堅持和努力，也見證了聽眾們的學習成長軌跡。 準備好體驗升級版的學習筆記了嗎？下次看牙醫時，也許你就能用流利的英語和醫師溝通，不再像 John 老師和 Patrick 老師一樣緊張得心跳加速了！ 想要獲得完整的醫療英語學習資源？立即訂閱 VIP 會員，享受 30 頁超豐富學習筆記和完整的人生系列內容！ 想要加入這個充滿學習熱忱的VIP社群嗎？ 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday

Summary: Houses in small towns in Japan are given away for free. Japan is now facing an unusual property problem – more homes than people to live in them. According to statistics, in 2013, there were a total of 61m houses and 52m households in Japan. The aging society is going to make the situation worse.  Full article: https://www.15mins.today/blog/702-about-japan-japan-has-so-many-vacant-homes-it-s-giving-them-away  Vocabulary and Sample Sentences: Prefecture n. – a district under the authority of a prefect or governor. Tokyo prefecture is the second largest single metropolitan area in the world behind New York.  Household n. – a house and its occupants regarded as a unit. The average number of people per household in Taiwan is 3.07.  Next summary: Embetsu agricultural high school in northern Hokkaido avoided being shut down by reviving the school’s sheep farming and lamb products that is now considered a souvenir / local specialty.  Vocabulary and Sample Sentences:  Sth is at stake idiom. – something is being risked and may be lost or damaged. The school’s survival was at stake if it wasn’t for the great lamb products they produced.  Breeding n. The mating and production of offspring by animals. The Embetsu high school was responsible for the breeding of Suffolk sheep.

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 你最害怕看哪科醫生呢？如果答案是牙科，那你絕對不孤單！本週的《英語咖啡館》Patrick 老師和 John 老師要分享一個讓人毛骨悚然的話題——「看牙醫」經驗。Patrick 老師最近剛經歷了人生第一次拔智齒，原本以為很簡單的手術，卻意外變成了一個月的煎熬！ 除了分享 Patrick 的親身經歷，兩位老師還比較了台灣健保與西方醫療體系的巨大差異。我們常說在台灣看醫生有多幸福，聽完你就知道了！節目最後不免俗地帶來幾個和牙齒相關的實用英文片語，像是很有畫面的 "fight tooth and nail"，你猜得到意思嗎？ Which type of doctor do you fear seeing the most? If your answer is the dentist, you're definitely not alone! This week on English Cafe, Patrick and I share a spine-chilling topic—"dentist visit" experiences. Patrick recently went through his first wisdom tooth extraction, what he thought would be a simple procedure unexpectedly turned into a month-long ordeal! Besides sharing Patrick's personal experience, the two teachers also compare the huge differences between Taiwan's National Health Insurance and Western healthcare systems. We often talk about how fortunate we are to see doctors in Taiwan—after listening, you'll truly understand why! The episode concludes with several practical English phrases related to teeth, like the very visual "fight tooth and nail"—can you guess what it means?

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- Full article here: https://www.15mins.today/blog/15mins-inspirations-ep-3-motivational-quotes-from-action-stars

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP訂閱常見問題 →https://15minsengcafe.pse.is/5cjptbVIP會員想許願哪些主題？ →https://forms.gle/xyHoPydBr6LLFL9q8 🔥 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. L036: The Stablecoin Revolution: Paving the Digital Currency Future Highlights 主題摘要Congress advances landmark GENIUS Act legislation to regulate stablecoins, potentially transforming digital payment systems nationwide.Major retailers like Amazon and Walmart explore stablecoin adoption to reduce billions in credit card fees.Critics warn of systemic financial risks while supporters see revolutionary potential for instantaneous global commerce. Stablecoins represent the most groundbreaking development in modern cryptocurrency markets, attracting unprecedented attention from Congress, corporations, and financial institutions worldwide. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, stablecoins maintain stable value by pegging one-to-one with traditional assets like the dollar. The GENIUS Act, advancing through Congress, would establish the first comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoins in American financial history. This landmark legislation aims to provide legitimacy to a sector that has grown from nothing to over two hundred fifty billion dollars in market value within just five years. 穩定幣是現代加密貨幣市場最具突破性的發展，吸引美國國會、企業和全球金融機構前所未見的關注。不同於比特幣等價格波動劇烈的加密貨幣，穩定幣透過與美元等傳統資產一比一掛鉤來維持穩定價值。目前在國會審議中的GENIUS法案，將為美國金融史建立首個穩定幣全面性監管架構。這項指標性立法旨在為一個在短短五年內從零成長到超過兩千五百億美元市值的產業提供合法地位。 The stablecoin market has experienced explosive growth, surging from twenty billion dollars in twenty twenty to approximately two hundred forty-six billion by twenty twenty-five. Major companies including Amazon, Walmart, JPMorgan Chase, and Citigroup are actively exploring stablecoin adoption or developing proprietary solutions. Tether dominates the market with its USDT stablecoin accounting for sixty-two percent of total market share, while Circle's USDC represents twenty-five percent. Even President Trump's family has financial interests in World Liberty Financial, which issues the USD1 stablecoin, highlighting the political significance of this emerging financial sector. 穩定幣市場經歷爆炸性成長，從二○二○年的兩百億美元暴增至二○二五年約兩千四百六十億美元。包括亞馬遜、沃爾瑪、摩根大通和花旗集團等大型企業，正積極探索穩定幣應用或開發自有解決方案。Tether（泰達公司）以其USDT穩定幣稱霸市場，占總市占率六成二，Circle的USDC則約占兩成五。就連川普總統家族也在發行USD1穩定幣的World Liberty Financial擁有金融利益，凸顯這個新興金融領域的政治重要性。 The revolutionary appeal lies in transforming global payment systems by enabling instantaneous, cross-border transactions without traditional banking intermediaries. Companies in developing countries utilize stablecoins to expedite international money transfers that typically require days through conventional banking systems. Yellow Card, operating across sixteen African countries, facilitates such transactions, with CEO Chris Maurice describing stablecoins as providing bridges to the global economy. Major retailers could eliminate billions in credit card processing fees, while consumers would experience faster, more efficient payment processing for everyday transactions across multiple platforms and international borders. 革命性的吸引力在於能夠繞過傳統銀行中介，實現即時跨境交易，進而改造全球支付系統。開發中國家的企業運用穩定幣來加速國際匯款，這些匯款透過傳統銀行系統通常需要好幾天時間。在十六個非洲國家營運的Yellow Card協助處理這類交易，執行長Chris Maurice形容穩定幣提供了通往全球經濟的橋樑。大型零售商可望省下數十億美元的信用卡處理費，消費者在跨平台和跨國日常交易中，也能享受更快速、更有效率的支付體驗。 However, significant concerns persist regarding stablecoin safety and systemic financial risks. Critics question whether companies maintain proper reserves backing their stablecoins, citing limited public audits and regulatory oversight. Former SEC official John Reed Stark emphasizes transparency concerns, while Stanford professor Darrell Duffie warns about potential bank-run scenarios. Additional worries include stablecoins' suspected use by illicit actors for money laundering and destabilizing traditional financial systems. Despite these risks, analysts project continued growth, with Citigroup estimating the market could reach three-point-seven trillion dollars by twenty thirty, fundamentally reshaping global commerce. 然而，穩定幣的安全性和系統性金融風險仍存在重大疑慮。批評者質疑企業是否真的維持足夠準備金來支撐旗下穩定幣，並指出公開稽核和監管監督有限。前美國證管會官員John Reed Stark強調透明度問題，史丹佛大學教授Darrell Duffie則警告可能出現銀行擠兌情況。其他擔憂還包括穩定幣疑似被不法人士用於洗錢，以及可能衝擊傳統金融體系穩定。儘管存在這些風險，分析師預測市場將持續成長，花旗集團估計到二○三○年市場規模可能達到三兆七千億美元，從根本改變全球商業型態。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Pegging [verb, linking the value of one currency to another]: Stablecoins maintain stable value by pegging one-to-one with traditional asset

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- Topic: Junk food habit affects sleep quality French fries and hamburgers are popular with teenagers. Everyone knows that these high-calorie foods can lead to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and high blood pressure, but, according to a report published by Medical Xpress, a study led by the University of Queensland in Australia has found that eating too much junk food can also have an impact on teenagers’ sleep quality. 薯條、漢堡等速食及飲料很受青少年喜愛。眾所皆知這些高熱量食物會導致慢性疾病，如心臟病和高血壓等。不過，「醫療快訊」報導，澳洲昆士蘭大學帶領的一項研究發現，吃過多的垃圾食品還會影響青少年的睡眠品質。 According to the research results, teenagers who drink more than three soft drinks per day were 55 percent more likely to report sleep disturbance than those who only drink one cup per day. Males who ate fast foods on more than four days per week were 55 percent more likely to report sleep disturbance than those who ate them only once a week, while females were 49 percent more likely to do so. 根據研究結果，每天喝三杯以上飲料的青少年自稱有睡眠障礙的機率，比每天只喝一杯軟飲料的青少年高百分之五十五。每週吃四天以上速食的男性自稱有睡眠障礙的機率，比那些每週只吃一次速食的男性高百分之五十五，而女性的機率高出百分之四十九。 This global study examined unhealthy diets and stress-related sleep disturbance in high school students from 64 countries. The study found that 7.5 percent of adolescents reported having stress-related sleep disturbance, which was more common among females than males and increased with more frequent consumption of carbonated soft drinks, as did the occurrence of sleep problems. Because carbonated drinks often contain caffeine and large amounts of sugar, while fast foods are high in energy but poor in nutrients, long-term consumption can cause nutritional imbalances. 這是一項針對全球不健康飲食和與壓力有關的睡眠障礙研究，涉及來自六十四個國家的高中生。研究表明，百分之七點五的青少年自稱有壓力相關的睡眠障礙，其中女性比男性更常見，且隨著碳酸飲料的頻繁飲用而增加，睡眠障礙的比率也愈高。因為碳酸飲料通常含有咖啡因和高糖分，而快餐食品高熱量但較缺乏營養，長期攝取會營養不均衡。 These data were collected from global health surveys conducted by the WHO between 2009 and 2016, which included about 170,000 students aged 12 to 15 years from 64 low, middle and high-income countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, South America and the eastern Mediterranean. 這些數據收集自二○○九年至二○一六年世界衛生組織的全球健康調查，其中包括來自東南亞、非洲、南美部分地區和地中東海東部地區的六十四個低、中、高收入國家的約十七萬名十二至十五歲的學生。 The research team said that frequent intake of soft drinks and eating of fast foods is closely associated with sleep problems in teenagers, and that this phenomenon is particularly clear in high-income countries. The research team said that these findings are worrying because poor-quality sleep has an adverse impact on adolescent health and cognitive development. They suggested that policies should be formulated that target these unhealthy behaviors. 研究團隊表示，青少年經常喝飲料、吃速食與睡眠障礙之間關聯密切，這現象尤其在高收入國家特別明顯。研究團隊指出，這些發現令人擔憂，因為睡眠品質差會對青少年的健康和認知發展產生不利影響。他們建議應針對這些不健康的行為制定相關政策，使青少年能健康成長。 Source article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2021/01/05/2003749938 Next Article Topic: KFC drops Finger Lickin’ Good slogan Global fast food giant KFC says it is halting its "Finger Lickin’ Good" slogan given the current hygiene advice because of the coronavirus pandemic. 國際速食巨擘肯德基表示，它正停用「吮指美味」標語，考量現在因為武漢肺炎大流行而制定的衛生建議。 "We find ourselves in a unique situation - having an iconic slogan that doesn’t quite fit in the current environment," the company said. 「我們發現自己在一個獨特的狀況中，有個不太符合現在環境的標誌性標語」，該公司表示。 The company revealed its new look through a YouTube video, showing the slogan pixelated on posters and its food "buckets", saying： "That thing we always say? Ignore it. For now." 該公司透過YouTube影片公開它的新包裝，印製在海報與「食物桶」上的標語說，「我們總是說的話？忽略它。現在」。 Some people commented on social media the slogan was not a health hazard as you were already eating with your own hands. 有些人在社群媒體上評論，認為在你已經用自己的雙手進食的時候，這個標語不算是健康危害。 In March, the Advertising Standards Authority received 163 complaints about a KFC TV advert which featured people licking their fingers. 3月間，廣告標準局就接到163封投訴，針對肯德基以人們吸吮他們的手指為特色的電視廣告。 Next Article Topic: McDonald’s to debut plant-based meat alternatives from 2021 麥當勞將於2021年首度推出植物性肉類替代品 McDonald’s will debut its line of plant-based meat alternatives - the McPlant - in 2021. 麥當勞將於2021年首度推出它的植物性肉類替代品品牌「McPlant」。 "Beyond Meat and McDonald’s co-created the plant-based patty which will be available as part of their McPlant platform," a Beyond Meat spokesperson said. 「超越肉類與麥當勞共同創造了植物性漢堡肉排，將以McPlant平台的一部分供應」，超越肉類的發言人表示。 "Plant-based products are an ongoing consumer trend. It’s not a mat

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 還在為播客集數太多而感到焦慮嗎？每次打開播客 app 看到一堆未聽的 episode 就覺得壓力山大？這集 Teacher's Lounge，John 老師要帶你重新認識 David Allen 經典著作《Getting Things Done》的精髓，並教你如何應用在英語學習上，打造最適合自己的播放清單系統！ 從經典管理書籍找到學習靈感 John 老師坦誠分享了自己與《Getting Things Done》的有趣經歷：「當時看了第一章就受不了了，然後就把它放下來了。為什麼？因為為了要讀這本書然後要 get things done，那就會覺得多一件事情，算了還是回到 getting things done 好了！」這個幽默的自嘲正點出了現代人的共同困擾：想要提升效率，卻被提升效率的方法給壓垮了。 但經過多年的沉澱，John 老師重新檢視這套系統，發現它的核心概念完全可以應用在英語學習上。特別是面對 15Mins 豐富的集數內容時，許多聽眾反映「集數好多都聽不完，覺得好累」，這正是需要系統化整理的時候。 重新定義學習目標：不是每集都要緊跟 首先要釐清一個重要觀念：15Mins 提供多集內容的目的，是讓大家有多元主題可以選擇，而不是要求每個人每集都要聽完。「有的人喜歡 financial 相關的，有的人喜歡 celebrity 相關的，我們就是盡量讓不同的人都可以有滿足。」阿鍵老師這樣解釋節目的設計理念。 問題不在於內容太多，而在於我們沒有建立有效的分類系統。就像每天收到雪花片片的 email 一樣，如果沒有良好的管理方式，很容易就被資訊量給壓垮。 播放清單Playlist：你一直沒善用的神器 大部分人都知道播客平台有播放清單功能，但很少人真正善用它。不管是 Spotify、Apple Podcast、KKBOX 還是 First Story 的網頁版播放器，都提供了製作個人播放清單的功能。但多數人的使用方式就像按讚一樣，「我喜歡我就 save」，結果喜歡的東西太多，播放清單變得很雜很亂，久了就不會再回去整理。 關鍵在於一開始就要想好可能的分類方式，而不是事後再來整理。John 老師建議從 Getting Things Done 的第一步「Clarify」開始：先搞清楚你想要什麼。 四大播放清單分類法 基於 Getting Things Done 的系統思維，John 老師提出了四種基本的播放清單分類：Casual Listening 輕鬆聆聽清單：適合通勤或其他零碎時間的輕鬆收聽，重點是增加英語接觸量，不需要高度專注。Deliberate Practice 刻意練習清單：需要專注進行的練習內容，包括跟讀、朗讀等需要主動參與的學習活動。My Favorite 我的最愛清單：依個人興趣分類，比如喜歡運動就把運動相關的全部收集起來，喜歡商業就建立商業主題清單。Challenge Yourself 挑戰清單：特別難或不熟悉的內容，比如法律、政治、醫學等專業領域。John 老師建議這類內容不應該出現在日常的 casual 或 deliberate 練習中，而是單獨建立一個「我會回來處理」的清單。阿鍵老師開玩笑說這個清單可能會被取名為「never come back 清單」，但 John 老師認為這正是系統化管理的好處：「開清單不用錢，堆積太多的時候我們就再開一個。」 避免過度分類的陷阱 雖然分類很重要，但 John 老師也提醒不要過度細分。比如有人想要建立「English Cafe only」的清單，雖然可以這麼做，但可能會變得太單調，而且分類太多會讓管理播放清單本身變成另一個工作負擔。 基礎的四大分類已經足夠應付大部分的學習需求。關鍵是要先釐清楚自己的目的性，播放清單自然就會浮現。 收集階段：簡單就是美 Getting Things Done 的第二步是「Capture」收集。在 2000 年代，David Allen 提倡用 email folder 來做分類管理，但現在我們有了更智慧的工具。「大家都 smart folder 了，你就用 sorting 就好了，你就用 filter 就好了，你根本不用再拍了。」 對於播客學習來說，收集階段就是簡單的「儲存」動作。重點不是收集的技術，而是要知道收集到哪個分類。 組織階段：保持簡單有效 Getting Things Done 最讓人頭痛的部分就是「Organization」整理。John 老師坦承：「Nobody likes organizing」，就像去日本旅遊拍了兩千張照片，有 capture 也有 clarify，但沒有人想要做 organization，「因為兩千多張，真的太累了，快瘋掉了，光刪照片你就要刪整個晚上。」 因此他建議如果你不是整理女王 Marie Kondo 那種對整理很有熱情的人，就把 organization 停留在 folder level。「你的播放清單就是你的 organization，這樣子是最容易的。」操作方式很簡單：新的單集進來時直接分到需要的 folder，聽完了就把它抽掉。「放進去抽出來，放進去抽出來，那我就知道有多少的 episode 是我需要練習、想要練習的、跟我應該練習的。」 不同情境的靈活運用 播放清單的妙用不只在於分類，更在於針對不同情境的靈活組合。比如你是開車族，知道今天要開三個小時，就可以建立一個「長途駕駛清單」，把 English Cafe 等較長的內容放進去。「三個小時開完，你咖啡也聽了大半年了。」 出國前想要惡補英語，就可以建立「Travel 清單」，把過去已經練習過的內容重新組合，在旅途中無腦聆聽。不同的需求，就有不同的清單組合方式。 斷捨離的學習智慧 整理播放清單時也可以借鑒日本收納女王的斷捨離概念。阿鍵老師提到：「碰到要整理的時候，一樣就是這個東西我需不需要，這個東西是不是我會再用到的。」 不要想著什麼都要收集，要考慮重要性。比如法律相關的內容，如果你確定再也不會用到，就可以「感謝它不用再聯絡」，不需要放進收藏清單。 反思與進步：感受學習成效 Getting Things Done 的最後一步是 Reflect 反思。David Allen 建議做 weekly review 或 monthly review，這個概念完全可以應用在學習上。 比如 casual listening 的目標就是增加時數，「比去年多，那我就贏了，這是我的 KPI。」如果是 deliberate practice，目標是把數字發音練好，「我就全部廣納這個數字的 episode，有講到數字的我都拿來練習。」 阿鍵老師建議可以建立「五月份完聽清單」、「六月份完聽清單」，聽完的內容就丟進去，這樣就能清楚看到每個月的學習成果。 從被動到主動：自主學習的轉變 使用播放清單系統最大的好處，是讓學習從被動變主動。「你慢慢就知道你學習是有自己的一套系統的，你是為了自己好、為了自己的需求去設定這個系統，而不是老師叫你練習這個，你就該做這個。」 這就像從傳統電視轉到 YouTube 的轉變：以前是電視台決定節目內容，現在是你自己決定要看什麼。15Mins 雖然每天提供內容，但透過播放清單，你可以建立屬於自己的收聽節奏。 進階挑戰：許願與客製化 對於已經是老鳥的學習者，John 老師發出了挑戰：「如果你是老鳥的話，你覺得沒有挑戰，那歡迎把這個全部都把它變成挑戰的播放清單。」VIP 會員甚至可以直接許願，「我就是要 C2 的，我就要跟 Law 有關的，All legalese，沒關係，來嘛，來單挑嘛！」 把聽眾的挑戰變成製作團隊的挑戰，這樣的互動讓學習變得更有趣、更個人化。 Getting Your Practices Done 最後，John 老師重新詮釋了 Getting Things Done 的概念：「用我們的方式來講，應該是 Getting Your Practices Done。Getting Your Listening Done，Getting Your Shadowing Done，你就把它這樣子去思考，你只要做了，都是你的養分。」 這不只是一套播放清單管理法，更是一種學習心態的轉變。從焦慮「聽不完所有集數」，到從容「選擇適合自己的內容」；從被動跟隨，到主動規劃。當你有了清楚的系統，學習就不再是負擔，而是有條不紊的成長過程。 準備好打造屬於自己的播放清單系統了嗎？現在就打開你的播客 app，開始 Getting Your Practices Done 吧！ 想要加入這個充滿學習熱忱的VIP社群嗎？ 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday

Summary: This article covers the issues facing teachers in the UK. The stress and workload facing teachers is creating a shortage of teachers. This is leading to changes in work to retain teachers and entice new teachers to join the profession. Full article here: https://www.15mins.today/blog/697-teachers-experience-more-stress-than-other-professions-study-shows Vocabulary and Sample Sentences: Echo v.: To repeat an idea or opinion because you agree with itDo you echo the idea that education should be free?Did he echo your thoughts on politics?   Workload n.: The amount of work a person or organization has to do.Do you have a heavy workload?Is the workload of the company too great?  Underfunded adj.: Not enough money so functions poorly.Is the Health Department underfunded?Is the project underfunded? 

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 夏天到了，你的衣櫃準備好了嗎？這週的《英語咖啡館》John老師和Angel老師要來拯救男性朋友們的夏日穿搭危機！從香水用量到牛仔褲的選擇，再到「襪子配涼鞋」的風潮，這集要讓你重新思考什麼是現代男仕該有的樣子。 本集一開始John老師就誠實地分享了自己的衣櫃已經多年未翻新，而Angel老師則要來當我們的神仙教母，拯救John老師選擇出適合的搭配（其實是拯救女性朋友們眼睛不受殘害），並且告訴大家哪些穿搭會令人翻白眼！ 除了Angel老師實用的穿搭概念外，其實有一件事做對了更重要，快來收聽本集的英語咖啡館找尋解答吧！

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- Full article here: https://www.15mins.today/blog/15mins-inspirations-ep-2-powerful-quotes-from-celebrity

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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. L032: G-Dragon Redefines the Boundaries of K-pop Stardom Highlights 主題摘要G-Dragon's 2025 comeback demonstrates unprecedented solo artist success across music charts, live performances, and television variety shows.His artistic evolution from BigBang leader to independent visionary represents a bold departure from traditional K-pop frameworks.The multifaceted entertainer successfully balances musical innovation, fashion influence, and business ventures while maintaining generational appeal. G-Dragon's remarkable comeback in 2025 has redefined solo artistry in the competitive K-pop landscape. After an eleven-year hiatus from studio albums, his release "Übermensch" immediately captured public attention, debuting at number two on Circle Chart and selling 440,000 copies within its first week. His digital dominance is equally striking, with multiple songs simultaneously occupying top chart positions. "Home Sweet Home" successfully dethroned Rosé's viral hit "APT" while "Power" continues maintaining strong performance months after release. G-Dragon在2025年的強勢回歸重新定義了競爭激烈的K-pop界個人藝術表現。睽違錄音室專輯十一年後，他推出的《Übermensch》立刻引起轟動，首週銷售44萬張並在Circle Chart拿下第二名。他在數位音樂的主導力同樣令人驚豔，多首歌曲同時霸佔排行榜前段。《Home Sweet Home》成功擊敗Rosé的爆紅歌曲《APT》，而《Power》至今仍保持強勁表現。 The artist's transformation from BigBang's creative mastermind to independent visionary represents a fascinating career evolution. Born Kwon Ji-yong, he began his entertainment journey at age six with Little Roo'Ra, experiencing early setbacks that fueled his determination for artistic sovereignty. His role as BigBang's principal songwriter and producer established him as more than just a performer—he became an architect of K-pop's sonic revolution. Compositions like "Lies," "Haru Haru," and "Fantastic Baby" didn't merely achieve commercial success; they fundamentally altered the genre's musical landscape. 這位藝人從BigBang主創操盤轉型為獨立藝術家，展現了精彩的職涯演進。本名權志龍的他，六歲時就以Little Roo'Ra踏入演藝圈，早期挫折反而激發了他對藝術統御的渴望。身為BigBang主要作詞作曲人和製作人，他不只是表演者—更是K-pop音樂革命的建築師。《謊言》、《Day by Day》和《Fantastic Baby》等作品不僅商業成功，更徹底改變了這個音樂類型的面貌。 His influence extends far beyond musical boundaries into fashion, business, and cultural commentary. As Chanel's first Asian male global ambassador, G-Dragon challenged conventional gender norms by boldly wearing women's tweed jackets at Paris Fashion Week, elevating K-pop aesthetics to haute couture status. His fashion label PEACEMINUSONE, launched in 2016, transforms artistic vision into tangible products, with the signature daisy motif representing resilience through imperfection. The Nike collaboration that produced Para-Noise Air Force 1 sneakers demonstrated his commercial appeal, selling out globally within minutes. 他的影響力早已跨越音樂界限，延伸到時尚、商業和文化評論領域。身為香奈兒首位亞洲男性全球大使，G-Dragon在巴黎時裝週大膽穿上女裝粗花呢外套，挑戰傳統性別框架，將K-pop美學提升至高級時裝層次。他在2016年創立的時尚品牌PEACEMINUSONE將藝術理念化為實體商品，招牌雛菊圖案象徵著在不完美中展現的韌性。與Nike合作推出的Para-Noise Air Force 1球鞋在幾分鐘內全球售罄，證明了他的商業魅力。 The current phase of G-Dragon's career showcases his ability to maintain relevance across multiple generations while continuously reinventing himself. His variety show "Good Day" marks his first leading television role, topping non-drama buzz rankings for four consecutive weeks and introducing him to younger audiences. Album sales data reveals his broad demographic appeal, with purchasers spanning from teenagers to those in their forties. Despite facing challenges including legal controversies, military service, and his departure from YG Entertainment to Galaxy Corporation, he has preserved his stature while expanding K-pop stardom through creative authenticity. G-Dragon職涯現階段展現了他在維持跨世代影響力的同時不斷自我突破的能力。他的綜藝節目《Good Day》是他首次擔任電視節目主角，連續四週蟬聯非戲劇類話題榜冠軍，成功打進年輕觀眾群。專輯銷售數據顯示他具有廣泛的年齡層吸引力，購買者從青少年到四十多歲都有。儘管歷經法律爭議、服兵役和從YG娛樂轉到Galaxy Corporation等挑戰，他仍保持巨星地位，並透過真實的創作態度拓展了K-pop明星的定義。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Mastermind [noun, a person who plans and directs a complex scheme or project]: The artist's transformation from BigBang's creative mastermind to independent visionary represents a fascinating career evolution.Visionary [noun, a person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like]: The artist's transformation from BigBang's creative mastermind to independent visionary represents a fascinating career evolution.Sovereignty [noun, supreme power or authority]: His early setbacks fueled his deter

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- Topic: Czech hunter reports rifle-stealing deer to police Czech police are seeking help in an unusual case after a deer turned the tables on the hunters and snagged a pursuer’s rifle on his antlers before running away. 捷克警方正就一宗不尋常的案件尋求協助，一頭鹿在逃跑前用鹿角勾走一名追捕者的步槍，轉而佔了獵人們上風。 The deer, frightened by a dog, ran toward one of the hunting party, tore his sleeve and caught a strap of a 0.22 Hornet rifle on his antlers, police said on Tuesday. 警方週二表示，這頭鹿受一隻狗驚嚇，朝狩獵隊的一名獵人奔去，撕裂他的袖子，鹿角抓到一把點二二黃蜂彈口徑的步槍。 "The rifle, which the hunter had slung over his left arm - fortunately without ammo - slipped on the deer’s antlers and disappeared with him," the police said. 警方說，「這名獵人本來掛在左手臂的這把步槍─幸好沒彈藥─滑到鹿角上，隨著牠消失。」 "The hunters searched the forest but did not find the gun. He had no other choice than to report the incident to the police," the police said, adding anyone who finds the weapon should contact authorities. 警方說，「這些獵人搜索森林，但沒有找到那把槍。他別無選擇，只能報警」，並補充指出，任何發現這把武器的人，都該聯絡當局。 Next Article Topic: Obsolete Czech phone booths find new life as mini libraries 過時的捷克電話亭重生為迷你圖書館 Two Czechs have breathed new life into telephone booths made obsolete in the cell phone age, converting them into mini libraries with the first installed at a Prague hospital recently. 兩名捷克人讓被手機時代所淘汰的電話亭重現生機，他們把電話亭改造為迷你圖書館，首座電話亭圖書館最近在布拉格一所醫院正式設立。 On the shelves of the red booth, patients of the IKEM hospital will find a plethora of genres, including works by US crime writer John Grisham, Czech and Russian titles and biographer Andrew Morton’s "Diana： Her True Story". 在這座紅色電話亭裡的書架上，IKEM醫院的病人可以找到各種類型的書，包括美國犯罪小說家葛里遜的作品、捷克和俄羅斯書籍，以及英國傳記作家莫頓的作品「黛安娜：她的真實故事」等。 Library mastermind Monika Serbusova, 27, said she and a friend drew inspiration from a similar project in Britain. 圖書館幕後策劃者、現年27歲的塞布索娃說，她和另一個朋友的靈感是來自英國的一個類似計畫。 They won backing from a local phone operator, then built the libraries with the help of colleagues and friends, painting the booths and installing wooden shelves. 她們獲得當地電話公司的支持，並在同事與友人協助下把電話亭改造為圖書館、替電話亭上新漆並裝設木製書架。 She said they intend to set up other libraries at a shopping centre and elsewhere. They currently have 700 books, but the selection will grow as people have promised to donate large collections. 她表示未來還打算在購物商場和其他地方設置其他圖書館。她們手上目前只有700本書，但有人表示願意捐贈大批藏書，藏書量可望繼續增加。 Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1415573 ; https://news.ltn.com.tw/index.php/news/world/paper/754649 Next Article Topic: The Czech Republic is the unhealthiest country in the world The Czech Republic is the least healthy country in the world, according to new research conducted by Clinic Compare. 英國調查機構「臨床比較」的一項新研究顯示，捷克共和國是全世界最不健康的國家。 Researchers analyzed World Health Organization data on alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption and the prevalence of obesity in 179 countries. According to the list, the Czechs love their booze and are the 5th biggest drinkers in the world, consuming 13.7 liters of alcohol each per year – that’s 550 shots, or 1.5 shots a day. The country also had the 11th highest tobacco consumption. 研究人員分析世界衛生組織對179個國家的酒精攝取、香菸消費及肥胖流行率的資料。根據這份名單，捷克人熱愛他們的酒飲，是全世界第五愛喝酒的民族，每年攝取13.7公升酒精，相當於550杯，或每日1.5杯。捷克也是香菸消費全球排名第十一高的國家。 The research found Eastern Europe is the least healthy region in the world, occupying nine out of the top 10 spots. Russia is the second most unhealthy country, followed by Slovenia, Belarus, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Poland, Luxembourg and Lithuania. 研究發現，東歐是全世界最不健康的地區，前10名中佔了9名。俄羅斯是第二不健康的國家，其後是斯洛維尼亞、白俄羅斯、斯洛伐克、匈牙利、克羅埃西亞、波蘭、盧森堡及立陶宛。 The healthiest country is Afghanistan, boasting the second lowest rate of obesity in the world. Just 2.7 per cent of the population had a BMI over 30. Plus, residents only smoked 83 cigarettes a year and drank the least alcohol. 最健康的國家則是擁有全球第二低肥胖率的阿富汗。阿國只有2.7％人口的身體質量指數在30以上。而且，阿國居民一年平均只吸食83根香菸，酒精飲用量也最低。 Source article: http://iservice.ltn.com.tw/Service/english/english.php?engno=1167152&day=2018-01-09 捷克共和國是全世界最不健康的國家

----------------------------------- 🎧 通勤學英語 VIP 專區 & 🚀 線上課程  ----------------------------------- 💡 想要更自然的提升英語力？加入VIP會員，獲得專屬內容與優惠！立即加入VIP方案 →https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 幕後教師室Teacher's Lounge Ep.80: VIP Bonus印度口音大解密與日後的bonus content 印度口音大解密來了！Teacher's Lounge 實戰破解技巧大公開 還記得上週我們提到的印度口音「大魔王」嗎？這次 John 老師和阿鍵老師真的兌現承諾，帶來了完整的印度口音破解攻略！從 Instagram 投票的意外結果，到實際的發音分析和應對策略，這集 Teacher's Lounge 絕對是想提升國際溝通能力的你不能錯過的一集。 Instagram 投票的驚人結果 還記得上週的 IG 限動投票嗎？結果完全出乎意料！一開始大家都投澳洲口音，John 老師覺得很合理，畢竟澳洲口音相對友善，而且台灣有很多 working holiday 或留學澳洲的朋友，大家比較熟悉。過了幾小時後，英國口音開始領先，這也在預期之內。 但最後的結果讓兩位老師都傻眼了：三個口音（英國、澳洲、印度）的得票數竟然完全一樣！John 老師還開玩笑說：「我們這樣會被人家懷疑是不是在做票啊，可是那個 Instagram 後台我也進不去啊，投票不能自己灌水。」這個誠實的結果意味著未來的 VIP bonus content 將會以這三個口音為主軸，不定期輪流推出。 印度口音的核心特徵解析 這次 John 老師以麥當勞 2030 年取消自助飲料機的新聞為例，深度分析印度口音的特色。首先要了解的是，印度英語主要受到英國殖民影響，所以母音發音基本跟隨英式標準，像是 "fast food" 會發音成英式的 "fast food"，而不是美式發音。 最明顯的差異來自子音的變化。印度人沒有 "th" 音，全部都用 "d" 音替代，所以 "thirty" 會變成 "dirty"，"these changes" 變成 "dese changes"。更麻煩的是，他們在印度語中沒有 R 和 L 的區分，就像日本人一樣，所以 "channel" 會變成一個模糊的音，尤其是字尾的 R 和 L 音常常被忽略掉。 另一個特色是 W 和 V 音的混淆，"well received" 會發音成 "vel received"。John 老師解釋說：「印度式英文的子音很少，他們只學到一些中間的部分，其他都靠自己的 local dialect。」 最大的挑戰：語速與語調 比起發音變化，更大的挑戰是印度人的說話方式。他們講話普遍很快，「像機關枪一樣」，而且有一種「不講就被人家搶走了」的緊迫感。更重要的是，他們的語調 (intonation) 跟我們習慣的完全不同。 英語正常的斷句習慣是在句尾 tone down，但印度人全部都是 tone up，而且沒有明顯的停頓。John 老師生動地形容：「他們把句點當逗號，整個段落三行通通變成一行，那就很吃腦力。」阿鍵老師也注意到：「每一個字單獨聽起來你都大概知道他在講什麼，可是一連起來，那個速度再加上語調變化，真的是頭腦處理會來不及。」 實戰應對策略 面對印度口音的挑戰，兩位老師提供了實用的溝通技巧。不要直接說 "Can you say that again?"，這樣聽起來比較沒禮貌。更好的方式是用 "Do you mean..." 來確認理解，讓對方感覺你有在認真聽。 John 老師分享了自己的真實經驗：「我上次幫客戶接電話，遇到印度人講得很快，我就說 'Miss, do you mean...' 然後把我聽到的重複給她聽，她就會說 'Oh no, I mean this and not that'。關鍵是不要讓她用她的節奏影響你，要用你的節奏帶話題，讓她把內容分解成你好管理的小塊。」 學習目標與心態調整 John 老師特別強調，練習多元口音的目的不是要模仿或複製他們的發音方式，而是要訓練耳朵適應不同的 pronunciation patterns。透過多聽、廣聽不同口音，讓耳朵更開放，這樣下次遇到任何口音都能更輕鬆地辨識和理解。 這個練習特別適合已經熟悉基本跟讀和朗讀練習的進階學習者。當你覺得一般的練習開始變簡單時，歡迎來挑戰這個多元口音系列，讓自己的聽力技能再上一個台階。 電話溝通的額外挑戰 討論中也提到了電話溝通的困難。現代人習慣了手機的高品質音效，再用傳統電話機接聽時會發現音質很差，加上類比訊號的干擾，讓聽懂印度口音變得更加困難。阿鍵老師說：「聽 LINE 聽久了，聽電話真的是受不了。」 未來展望與聽眾互動 由於投票結果顯示大家對三種口音都有興趣，VIP bonus content 將繼續以英國、澳洲、印度口音為主軸輪流推出。團隊也開放聽眾分享自己遇到不同口音的經驗，甚至考慮挑戰更困難的蘇格蘭口音或愛爾蘭口音，John 老師開玩笑說：「如果我們也有緣，是不是弄個像 007 裡面 James Bond 裡面俄羅斯壞蛋的那種口音。」 最重要的是了解 VIP 會員在實際生活中比較容易遇到哪些口音需求，這樣才能提供最實用的學習內容。畢竟在全球化的時代，擁有多元口音的理解能力已經不是加分項目，而是必備技能了。 想要加入這個充滿學習熱忱的VIP社群嗎？ 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday

Summary: This article discusses how vegan meat products are taking the world by storm, India being one of the first markets due to the huge number of vegans there. Taiwan has joined the world with many outlets now selling vegan options and also vegan meat burgers from various suppliers. The future seems to be plant-based meat! Vocabulary and Sample Sentences: Vegan n.: A person who eats no animal products at all, only plant based products.Are you a vegan?Can vegans eat cheese? Chain n.: A group pf restaurants, hotels or shops.Is KFC a global chain restaurant?Do chain stores offer a safer choice for entrepreneurs? Wholly adv.: Completely / totallyIs the product wholly organic?Do the members wholly understand the idea?

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 你經歷過卡帶或是光碟片的年代嗎？還記得 90 年代去逛唱片行，被專輯封面吸引，帶不夠錢或是不敢買的經驗嗎？John 老師這週要來分享一個關於「專門去看封面」的老故事！ 這週的《英語咖啡館》要帶大家認識來自加拿大的爵士女伶 Diana Krall，以及她與 Tony Bennett 創下金氏世界紀錄的合作！到底什麼歌可以讓人 68 年後還想重新錄製？從 90s 的 CD 時代到現在的 TikTok 洗腦神曲，音樂對我們的「控制力」似乎從未改變過！為什麼有些歌會讓你完全無法工作、洗腦神曲的英文又該怎麼說，千萬別錯過這集的節目啦～ Have you experienced the era of cassette tapes or CDs? Do you remember going to record stores in the 90s, being attracted by album covers, but not having enough money or being too shy to buy them? This week, Teacher John shares an old story about "going just to look at the covers"! This week's English Cafe introduces Canadian jazz vocalist Diana Krall and her Guinness World Record-breaking collaboration with Tony Bennett! What kind of song makes someone want to re-record it 68 years later? From the CD era of the 90s to today's TikTok earworms, music's "power over us" seems to have never changed! Why do some songs make you completely unable to work, and how do you say "earworm" in English? Don't miss this episode!

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- Full article here: https://www.15mins.today/blog/15mins-inspirations-ep-1-quotes-from-goats-in-sports

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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. L028: Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill': Winners and Losers Emerge Highlights 主題摘要Trump's sweeping tax and spending bill permanently extends 2017 tax cuts while making historic cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs.Corporate America and high-income earners benefit significantly, while low-income Americans face reduced safety net support and potential benefit losses.The legislation adds $3.4 trillion to federal deficits over ten years, raising concerns about elevated interest rates and government debt. President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" achieved a narrow congressional victory in July 2025, marking his administration's most significant domestic policy achievement. The sweeping 887-page legislation permanently extends the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act while implementing substantial changes to federal spending priorities. House Republicans celebrated the 218-214 passage after the Senate's razor-thin 51-50 approval required Vice President Vance's tie-breaking vote. The comprehensive package combines tax relief measures with increased border security funding, defense spending enhancements, and energy production investments, fundamentally reshaping America's fiscal landscape for the coming decade. 川普總統的「大而美法案」在2025年7月於國會驚險過關，標誌著其政府最重要的國內政策成就。這項涵蓋887頁的全面性立法永久延長2017年減稅與就業法案，同時對聯邦支出優先順序進行重大改革。在參議院以51比50的微弱優勢通過，需要副總統萬斯投下關鍵性的一票後，眾議院共和黨人為218比214的表決結果慶祝。這項綜合性法案結合了減稅措施、增加邊境安全經費、強化國防支出和能源生產投資，從根本上重新塑造美國未來十年的財政結構。 Corporate America emerged as the legislation's primary beneficiary, with major business groups applauding the permanent tax breaks and enhanced deductions. Manufacturers particularly benefit from immediate write-offs for new facility construction and expanded semiconductor tax credits. High-income Americans gain substantially, with the top 20% of earners receiving nearly $13,000 annual increases and the wealthiest 0.1% gaining over $290,000 yearly. Small businesses and partnerships secure permanent deductions, while workers receiving tips and overtime enjoy temporary tax breaks through 2028. The state and local tax deduction cap increases from $10,000 to $40,000 for five years. 美國企業界成為該立法的最大受益者，主要商業團體對永久性減稅和強化扣除額表示讚賞。製造業者特別受惠於新廠房建設的立即沖銷和擴大的半導體租稅優惠。高收入美國人獲得可觀利益，收入前20%的族群每年增加近13,000美元，最富有的0.1%每年可獲得超過290,000美元。小型企業和合夥事業獲得永久性扣除額，而領取小費和加班費的勞工在2028年前可享有暫時性減稅。州及地方稅扣除額上限從10,000美元提高到40,000美元，期限為五年。 The legislation's most controversial elements target America's social safety net through unprecedented cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs. For the first time in Medicaid's 60-year history, work requirements become federally mandated, while SNAP work mandates expand to include parents of children aged 14 and older. The Congressional Budget Office estimates 11.8 million Americans will lose Medicaid coverage over the next decade, with few gaining access to employer-based insurance. Low-income households earning under $18,000 annually face $165 reductions in after-tax income, representing a 1.1% decrease in their already limited resources. 該立法最具爭議性的部分鎖定美國的社會安全網，透過對低收入醫療保險和糧食援助計畫進行史無前例的削減。在低收入醫療保險60年歷史中首次將工作要求列為聯邦強制性規定，而糧食券工作要求擴大到包括14歲及以上子女的父母。國會預算辦公室估計，未來十年將有1,180萬美國人失去低收入醫療保險給付，其中很少人能取得雇主提供的保險。年收入低於18,000美元的低收入家庭面臨稅後收入減少165美元，這相當於他們本已拮据資源的1.1%減少。 The bill's long-term economic implications raise significant concerns among fiscal experts and healthcare providers. Adding $3.4 trillion to federal deficits over ten years risks elevating interest rates, making borrowing more expensive for consumers and businesses while increasing government debt servicing costs beyond $1 trillion annually. Hospitals face reduced state support for Medicaid patients and increased uncompensated care burdens. Clean energy industries lose tax incentives, while electric vehicle credits end prematurely. The legislation fundamentally alters America's economic priorities, potentially setting the stage for contentious debates during the 2026 midterm elections as implementation consequences become apparent. 該法案的長期經濟影響引起財政專家和醫療照護提供者的嚴重關切。十年內增加3.4兆美元聯邦赤字恐將推升利率，使消費者和企業的借貸成本提高，同時將政府債務利息支出推升至每年超過1兆美元。醫院面臨州政府對低收入醫療保險患者的支援減少，以及無償醫療照護負擔加重。綠能產業失去租稅誘因，而電動車購車補助提前終止。該立法從根本上改變美國的經濟政策優先順序，隨著實施後果逐漸浮現，可能為2026年期中選舉期間的激烈辯論埋下伏筆。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Legislation [noun, laws collectively]: The sweeping 887-page legislation permanently extends the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act while imple

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 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 tr

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 想挑戰自己的英語聽力極限嗎？準備好迎接「印度口音大魔王」了嗎？這集 Teacher's Lounge 不只有重要的節目更新公告，更要為大家預告下週即將到來的印度口音解密課程！John 老師和阿建老師在這集中分享了多項令人興奮的更新消息，從 VIP 會員的多元口音系列，到即將推出的 Vocab 學習筆記，每一項都是為了讓大家的英語學習體驗更上一層樓。 印度口音大魔王正式登場 經過兩週的等待，印度口音 VIP Bonus Episode 終於和大家見面了！不過根據後台數據顯示，這確實是個「大魔王級」的挑戰。連 John 老師都坦承：「大家可能聽到那個口音就受不了了，遇到大魔王了，Boss 打不過！」但也有經驗豐富的 VIP 會員 Eric 表示這個口音還算可以接受，證明熟悉度確實是關鍵。 兩位老師強調，挑戰印度口音的目的是要打破大家對 John 老師發音的舒適圈依賴，「把我們的耳朵把它越磨越利，習慣更多不同的多元口音」，這樣才能在未來面對國際商務人士或外國朋友時更有信心。畢竟在全球化的時代，我們很可能遇到來自印度、巴基斯坦、孟加拉等南亞國家的英語使用者。 IG 限動投票決定未來內容 想要更多你喜歡的口音練習嗎？15Mins 現在在 Instagram 上發起限動投票，讓聽眾從英國、澳洲、拉丁、印度四種口音中選出最想練習或最需要加強的項目。票數最高的前兩名將製作成 VIP Bonus Episode 續集，真正做到讓聽眾決定學習內容的方向。 Vocab 學習筆記終於來了 經過聽眾一兩個月的敲碗，John 老師和 Gavin 老師的 Vocab 單元終於要推出完整學習筆記了！這個系列將採用與 English Cafe 相同的製作規格，預計涵蓋過去 30 多集的內容，從最新集數開始往回製作。VIP 會員可以在 First Story 網頁版的電子報中下載，團隊也會透過 email 持續通知大家更新狀況。 Vocab 單元的特色是 John 老師與 Gavin 老師這兩位「南非老鄉」的輕鬆對話風格，充滿「直男大叔的梗」和他們專屬的 insider language。阿建老師特別提到，當時 John 老師剛回國不久，講話方式還很有「外國風格」，而且時不時會被 Gavin 老師的南非口音影響，形成有趣的語言交流現象。 Instagram 內容全面升級 15Mins 團隊最近在 Instagram 上投入更多心力，不再只是聲音的陪伴，也開始提供豐富的視覺內容。他們將每週 Teacher's Lounge 的 Learning Tips 製作成摘要貼文，也把 VIP 單集的新聞內容轉化成適合通勤時快速瀏覽的格式。John 老師坦承自己不是很 visual 的人，所以特別倚重阿建老師的第二雙眼睛來協助內容規劃。 兩位老師也鼓勵大家多用公開留言而不只是私訊，因為「私訊別人看不到」，公開的互動可以讓其他聽眾也受益，好的建議甚至可能在節目中被分享討論。 完整節目生態系統介紹 對於新加入的聽眾，這集也完整介紹了 15Mins 的節目架構。除了主力的國際時事跟讀單元，每週提供一到四篇國際新聞配合逐字稿練習，還有深受歡迎的 English Cafe 英語咖啡館，讓 John 老師、阿建老師與各領域專業老師用英語討論多元主題，特別適合通勤時間較長或開車通勤的聽眾。 幕後教師室則扮演學習支援的角色，為遇到困難或需要鼓勵的學習者提供協助，「讓大家知道說其實 John 老師跟眾多老師們都一直在這邊鼓勵著大家」。團隊甚至計劃重啟過去的 Inspiration 名人名言單元，透過名人的背景故事和激勵話語來幫助大家維持學習動機。 VIP 會員福利持續擴充 成為 VIP 會員不只能獲得所有主要單元的逐字稿支援，還能享受定期推出的 VIP Bonus Episodes，包括這次的多元口音系列。學習筆記的推出更是為會員提供了完整的學習資源，搭配 email 通知系統，確保不錯過任何更新。 整個 15Mins 的設計理念很簡單：「讓每個通勤家族可以在通勤的時間、喝一杯咖啡的時間，自然地沉浸在英語的聽力環境裡面。」從聽開始打開耳朵，再透過跟讀法練習口說，建立每日接觸英語的好習慣，用最自然的方式翻轉過去對英語學習的理解。 下週預告：印度口音完全解密 準備好迎接真正的挑戰了嗎？下週的 Teacher's Lounge 將深度解析如何破解印度口音英語，包括區分印度、巴基斯坦、孟加拉等不同南亞國家的口音差異，以及 Urban 和 Rural 印度口音的不同特色。John 老師特別強調，這不是「Indian English」而是「Indian accented English」，就像我們不說「Chinese English」而說「Chinglish」一樣。 想要加入這個充滿學習熱忱的VIP社群嗎？ 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday

Summary: Jamie Oliver’s restaurant chain is on its way going bankrupt. Skynews reported that Jamie is calling in the administrators because the chain failed to stay afloat. Last year, the Mirror reported that the restaurant empire owed staff £2.2 million and was in £71.5 million of debt. Oliver blamed Brexit on the closure of six of his Jamie’s Italian branches. He said poor trading conditions, rising food and staffing costs, and a weakening pound. Restaurant consultant mentioned that Jamie’s demise can also be attributable to consumers abandoning the ‘middle market’ having realized they can get better quality food from (say) their local Italian or burger joint at the same price or less. Vocabulary and sample sentences: On the brink (of collapse) idiom. - a situation when you are almost in a new situation, usually a bad oneI was on the brink of a nervous breakdown when I saw my credit card bill last month. Closure n. - act of closing something / shutThe closure of Jamie’s restaurant pushed Jamie to work harder. Struggling adj. - striving to achieve something in face of difficultyLast month was a struggling period for me to pay rent.

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 還記得我們之前討論過AI工具如何改變我們的生活嗎？這週的《英語咖啡館》John老師和Cariya老師要來聊聊OpenAI最新功能“購物助手”的發展！ OpenAI在4月推出全新購物功能，將購物助手整合到ChatGPT中，提供個人化商品推薦和直接購買連結。最驚人的是，ChatGPT的週活躍用戶已突破4億！想像一下，如果AI真的取代Google成為主要搜尋工具，它不僅能幫我們找商品，還能影響我們的購買決策。 本集中我們還討論了使用購物助手的各種可能，John老師分享AI如何幫助在穿搭方面不太有自信的人（特別是男性朋友們！）。透過生活方式提示，AI可以建議適合不同場合的服裝選擇，成為你的專屬造型顧問！而對數位行銷人員來說，這波AI購物趨勢可能會徹底改變遊戲規則。以前專注於關鍵字優化，現在必須思考消費者如何「提示」AI，並確保品牌內容能被AI理解和推薦。 Remember when we previously discussed how AI tools are changing our lives? This week on English Cafe, Cariya and I talk about OpenAI's latest "shopping assistant" feature development! OpenAI launched a new shopping function in April, integrating a shopping assistant into ChatGPT that provides personalized product recommendations and direct purchase links. Most surprisingly, ChatGPT's weekly active users have surpassed 400 million! Imagine if AI truly replaced Google as the primary search tool—it wouldn't just help us find products, but also influence our purchasing decisions. In this episode, we also discuss various possibilities for using shopping assistants. Teacher John shares how AI can help people who aren't confident about fashion (especially the guys!). Through lifestyle prompts, AI can suggest clothing choices suitable for different occasions, becoming your personal styling consultant! For digital marketers, this wave of AI shopping trends could completely change the game. Previously focused on keyword optimization, now they must think about how consumers "prompt" AI and ensure brand content can be understood and recommended by AI.

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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. L024: Europe Breaks Under Record-Shattering Heat Wave Highlights 主題摘要A powerful heat dome traps scorching African air over Europe, combining with Mediterranean marine heat waves.Spain and England shatter June temperature records while Portugal reaches deadly 46.6°C conditions.The Eiffel Tower closes its summit while nuclear plants shut down as systems buckle. Europe finds itself trapped beneath a massive heat dome during early July 2025, as scorching temperatures from northern Africa combine with a Mediterranean marine heat wave. This meteorological event occurs when high-pressure systems stall over western Europe, acting like a lid that traps hot air masses for extended periods. Water temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea have surged nine degrees above average, creating feedback loops that magnify land temperatures while maintaining suffocating humidity levels. The western Mediterranean shows the most severe warming, particularly south of France, where rising sea temperatures eliminate coastal cooling effects. 歐洲在2025年7月初被困在巨大的熱穹頂之下，來自北非的酷熱溫度與地中海海洋熱浪結合。當高壓系統停滯在西歐上空時，就會發生這種氣象事件，像蓋子一樣將熱氣團困住長達數週。地中海的水溫已經比平均值高出9度，形成回饋循環，使陸地溫度升高，同時維持令人窒息的濕度。西地中海出現最嚴重的暖化現象，特別是在法國南部，海水溫度上升消除了沿海的降溫效果。 Temperature records continue falling across European nations as this brutal heat wave goes beyond typical summer patterns. Spain recorded its hottest June in history with an average temperature of 23.6°C, while Barcelona experienced extreme conditions since records began, reaching a staggering single-day high of 37.9°C. England simultaneously shattered its June temperature record with a mean of 16.9°C, marking only the second time such readings occurred since 1884. Portugal witnessed mainland Europe's highest June temperature recorded at 46.6°C in Mora, while countries including Italy, Germany, and France prepare for additional records to tumble. 隨著這波殘酷熱浪超越一般夏季模式持續加劇，歐洲各國的溫度紀錄不斷被打破。西班牙創下史上最熱的6月紀錄，平均溫度達23.6°C，而巴塞隆納自有紀錄以來經歷極端高溫，單日最高溫達到驚人的37.9°C。英國同時打破6月溫度紀錄，平均溫度為16.9°C，這是自1884年以來僅第二次出現如此極端的數據。葡萄牙的莫拉鎮創下歐洲大陸6月最高溫紀錄46.6°C，而義大利、德國和法國等國正準備見到更多紀錄被打破。 Critical systems across Europe buckle under relentless heat, forcing emergency closures and measures that highlight modern society's fragility. Paris authorities closed the Eiffel Tower's summit to tourists as the iron structure expands and tilts under extreme temperatures, prioritizing visitor safety during this exceptional weather event. Switzerland's Axpo energy company shut down reactor units at the Beznau nuclear power plant when River Aare temperatures exceeded 25°C, preventing thermal pollution that could devastate aquatic ecosystems. France activated red alerts across sixteen departments while closing over 1,300 schools, as emergency services responded to weather-related incidents. 歐洲各地的關鍵系統在無情高溫下不堪負荷，被迫採取緊急關閉措施，凸顯現代社會的脆弱性。巴黎當局關閉艾菲爾鐵塔頂層，因為鐵製結構在極端高溫下會膨脹並略微傾斜，在這個異常天氣事件期間優先考慮遊客安全。瑞士Axpo能源公司在阿勒河溫度超過25°C時關閉貝茲瑙核電廠的反應爐機組，避免可能對水生生態系統造成毀滅性影響的熱污染。法國在16個省份啟動紅色警報，同時關閉超過1,300所學校，緊急救援單位也回應了與氣候相關的事件。 Climate scientists emphasize that this extreme weather represents the new normal as human-caused climate change accelerates global warming beyond historical records. Europe emerges as the world's fastest-warming continent, heating at twice the global average rate while marine heat waves become increasingly frequent throughout Mediterranean waters. The current crisis demonstrates how rising greenhouse gas levels make it harder for Earth to release excess heat, creating cascading effects that transform moderate weather events into extreme situations. Experts predict that temperatures exceeding 40°C will occur annually by 2100, making adaptation strategies essential for protecting populations and critical systems. 氣候科學家強調，這種極端天氣代表新常態，因為人為造成的氣候變遷正在加速全球暖化，超越歷史紀錄。歐洲已成為全球暖化最快的大陸，升溫速度是全球平均的兩倍，而地中海水域的海洋熱浪也越來越頻繁。目前這場危機顯示，溫室氣體濃度上升讓地球更難釋放過多熱量，產生連鎖效應，將一般天氣事件轉變為極端狀況。專家預測到2100年，超過40°C的高溫將每年出現，因此制定調適策略來保護民眾和關鍵系統變得極為重要。 Keyword Drills 關鍵字Meteorological [adjective, relating to weather conditions]: This meteorological event occurs when high-pressure systems stall over western Europe.Magnify [verb, to make something appear larger or more intense]: Water temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea have surged nine degrees above average, creating feedback loops that magnify land temperatures while maintaining suffocating humidity levels.Fragil

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 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

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 我們活下來了！從漫畫預言到世界末日恐慌 - Teacher's Lounge 最新集數 還記得7月5日那天嗎？那個被漫畫預言的「世界末日」？如果你也為了這個預言囤積防災包、取消旅遊計劃，或是在心中默默倒數，那麼這集 Teacher's Lounge 絕對是為你而做的！ John 老師和阿建老師在這集中以輕鬆幽默的方式，帶領大家回顧這次「漫畫預言」事件，從台灣的防災包搶購潮，到日本觀光業的三日蕭條，再到外國人眼中「迷信的東方人」。更重要的是，透過這個話題學習實用的英語表達！ 為什麼一定要聽這集？ 📚 豐富的英語學習內容Prophecy vs Fortune Telling - 預言和算命到底差在哪？Fearmongering - 恐慌煽動的英文怎麼說？Undeterred - 不被嚇到的堅定態度Seismologist - 地震學家的專業英語 🎬 有趣的歷史回顧 從1999年的Y2K危機到2012年的世界末日預言，兩位老師分享他們親身經歷的各種「末日事件」，讓你在學英語的同時，也能了解這些年來人類對未知恐懼的反應。 🍱 實用生活話題 防災包裡的食物怎麼讓它變好吃？日本羊羹和蘇格蘭奶油餅乾哪個比較適合長期保存？這些生活化的討論讓學習更貼近日常。 🎯 本集學習重點 詞彙教學 Prophet vs Fortune Teller - 先知和算命師的區別 Fearmongering - 恐慌煽動，用恐懼來操控輿論 Undeterred - 不被阻撓，堅定不移的態度 Seismologist - 地震學家，研究地震科學的專家 Superstitious - 迷信的，相信非科學的預言 文化觀察 東西方對預言和迷信的不同看法資訊時代如何避免被恐慌煽動日本觀光業受到的實際影響生活英語 如何討論自然災害和預言表達對未來事件的看法描述社會現象和群體反應聽眾互動 你相信哪些預言或迷信？你有自己的 superstitions 嗎？歡迎使用下方留言連結分享你的想法，我們會在下一集為你 shout out！ 記得持續關注我們的 Teacher's Lounge，獲得更多學習技巧，以及我們 VIP 會員專屬的新聞文章和 English Cafe 相關內容。你的留言和來信都有機會在節目中被提到！ 想要加入這個充滿學習熱忱的VIP社群嗎？ 通勤學英語VIP訂閱方案：https://open.firstory.me/join/15minstoday

Summary: TKK fried chicken opened its first store in Manhattan at the end of 2018. The store teamed up with Kung Fu Tea to operate a combo store offering fried chicken and bubble tea. The gourmet website Eater reviewed the restaurant offerings including: tenders, wings, breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and fried chicken sandwiches. Sides include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, curly fries, crunchy cheese curds, and shishito peppers. The gourmet website considers TKK fried chicken one of the top fried chicken brands in New York and highly recommends the signature combo and crispy spicy chicken. Priced at $8.49, it includes one piece of chicken, one side, and a so-called kwa kwa bao, an invention that’s become a signature of the chain. What is kwa kwa bao? It’s sticky rice shot with the shiitake mushrooms. But it’s not wrapped in a lotus leaf as it’s often seen at dim sum restaurants. Full article: https://www.15mins.today/blog/663-tkk-fried-chicken-among-25-best-fried-chicken-brands-in-new-york Vocabulary and Sample Sentences: Gourmet n. a connoisseur of good food / food suitable for a gourmet I don't consider myself a gourmet, but I do enjoy food in Taiwan.MOS burger serves gourmet burgers. Hotness adj. food containing spices or peppers that create a burning sensationWhen you go to a chili hotpot restaurant, you would need to choose the level of hotness.  Crispy adj. food having firm, dry, brittle surfaceIn Taiwan, all the fries are crispy.People don't like crispy toast in Taiwan.

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 本週《英語咖啡館》John 老師和 Patrick 老師要帶你揭開 Skechers 的品牌傳奇！從創辦人之前創立 L.A. Gear 的豐富經驗，到 Skechers 如何從街頭潮流轉型成舒適機能鞋的代名詞，在 Nike 和 Adidas 的夾擊下闖出一片天！ "Skechers" 這個品牌名稱其實來自南加州俚語，代表著那些停不下來、充滿活力的街頭青年。這種街頭基因如何幫助品牌找到自己的定位？另外，我們在本集也帶來了三個與鞋子相關的英文慣用語，讓你的英語對話更生動有趣！ This week on English Cafe, Patrick and I take you behind the brand legend of Skechers! From the founder's rich experience previously establishing L.A. Gear, to how Skechers transformed from street fashion into synonymous with comfortable, functional footwear, carving out its own space despite being caught between Nike and Adidas! The brand name "Skechers" actually comes from Southern California slang, representing those unstoppable, energetic street youth. How did this street DNA help the brand find its positioning? Additionally, in this episode we also bring you three shoe-related English idioms to make your English conversations more vivid and interesting!

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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. L020: The Strait of Hormuz: A Lifeline for the Global Economy Highlights 主題摘要The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical chokepoint, controlling approximately twenty percent of global liquid petroleum transport daily.Current Israel-Iran tensions threaten to disrupt this vital waterway, potentially triggering widespread economic instability across international markets.Experts predict closure could drive oil prices from seventy-four dollars to over one hundred twenty dollars per barrel. The Strait of Hormuz represents one of the world's most strategically important waterways, positioned between Iran's southern coast and Oman's northern shores. This narrow passage serves as the exclusive shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, making it indispensable for transporting goods from oil-rich nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran. At its narrowest point, the strait measures merely twenty-one miles wide, with navigable shipping lanes for massive supertankers compressed into just two miles in each direction. Approximately twenty million barrels of oil pass through this geographic bottleneck daily, representing roughly twenty percent of global liquid petroleum consumption according to the Energy Information Administration. 荷姆茲海峽是全球戰略地位最重要的水道之一，位於伊朗南岸和阿曼北岸之間。這條狹窄的通道是連接波斯灣與外海的唯一航運路線，對於運輸來自沙烏地阿拉伯、卡達和伊朗等產油國的貨物至關重要。在最窄處，海峽僅寬21英里，大型超級油輪的可航行航道在每個方向上僅壓縮為2英里。根據美國能源資訊署的資料，每天約有2000萬桶石油通過這個地理瓶頸，約佔全球液體石油消費量的兩成。 Recent escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict has intensified global concerns about potential disruptions to this crucial maritime corridor. Following United States military involvement and subsequent Iranian retaliation attacks on American bases in Qatar and Iraq, Iran's parliament approved a motion to close the Strait of Hormuz, though the final decision rests with the Supreme National Security Council. Iranian officials have characterized the waterway's closure as retaliation for attacks on their nuclear facilities, while President Trump has repeatedly warned against such actions through social media posts. The presence of an enhanced United States naval fleet in the region serves both as a deterrent and rapid response capability should Iran attempt to implement closure measures. 最近以伊衝突的升級，加劇了全球對這條重要海上走廊可能受到干擾的擔憂。在美國軍事介入以及隨後伊朗對美國在卡達和伊拉克基地進行報復性攻擊後，伊朗國會批准了封鎖荷姆茲海峽的動議，儘管最終決定權在於伊朗最高國家安全委員會。伊朗官員將封鎖航道描述為對其核設施遭受攻擊的報復，而美國總統川普則透過社群媒體多次警告不要採取此類行動。美國在該地區增強的海軍艦隊既能發揮嚇阻作用，也提供了快速反應能力，以防伊朗試圖實施封鎖措施。 Economic experts predict catastrophic consequences should the strait become inaccessible to commercial shipping. Current oil prices of approximately seventy-four dollars per barrel could surge to over one hundred twenty dollars, representing a more than sixty percent increase that would proportionally affect gasoline prices worldwide. Such escalation would drive average American gas prices from their current level of three dollars and twenty-two cents per gallon to over five dollars, while transportation costs for countless other goods would similarly increase. Global accounting firm EY has outlined scenarios involving "significant escalation" that could trigger worldwide recession due to severe supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures affecting multiple economic sectors simultaneously. 經濟專家預測，若海峽對商業航運轉為禁止通行，將產生災難性後果。目前約74美元每桶的油價可能飆升至超過120美元，這代表超過六成的漲幅，將按比例影響全球汽油價格。這種升級將使美國平均汽油價格從目前的每加侖3.22美元上漲至超過5美元，而無數其他商品的運輸成本也會相應增加。全球會計師事務所安永概述了涉及「重大升級」的情境，由於嚴重的供應鏈中斷和通膨壓力同時影響多個經濟部門，可能引發全球經濟衰退。 International stakeholders face complex challenges balancing diplomatic solutions with economic security concerns. China, importing approximately five million barrels daily through the strait, alongside India and South Korea with their substantial dependencies, would experience severe supply disruptions. However, Iran itself faces significant risks from closure, as the action would impede their own oil exports while potentially alienating Middle Eastern neighbors who have remained neutral during recent conflicts. Maritime shipping companies like Maersk continue monitoring conditions closely while maintaining contingency plans, as electronic interference already affects satellite navigation systems throughout the region. The delicate balance between geopolitical tensions and economic stability remains precarious, with global markets clos

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 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

----------------------------------- 🎧 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://open.firstory.me/join/15minstodayVIP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） -------------------------------------------- 幕後教師室：克服學習分心困擾！從腦霧到腦腐朽，找回專注力的實用策略 在最新一集的「幕後教師室」中，John老師與阿鍵老師回應了英雄會中VIP會員Sandy提出的學習困擾——重新拾起英語學習時容易分心的問題。從疫情期間的「腦霧」（Brain Fog）現象，到2024年牛津字典年度單字「腦腐朽」（Brain Rot），兩位老師深入分析了現代人注意力難以集中的原因，並提供了實用的解決策略，幫助學習者找回專注力，重建有效的英語學習習慣。 學習分心的真實困擾：Sandy的故事 故事要從英雄會中VIP會員Sandy的分享說起。她坦誠地向兩位老師描述了自己的學習困境：「我可能這個離開英文太久了，然後現在要回歸的時候就有一點哇很分心這樣子。」 有趣的是，Sandy在疫情期間曾經有過非常積極的英語學習經驗。John老師解釋：「其實他在pandemic的時候發現說，就是經歷了pandemic他還有很多時間在手上，所以他就很認真的聽，很認真的投入這個沉浸在英語裡面。」 當時Sandy甚至把英語學習當作預防老年癡呆的方法：「有的人說你去學東西可以預防你這個老年痴呆，所以他就學英語來幫助他可以持續有在動腦。」 後疫情時代的學習困境 然而，當Sandy試圖重新拾起英語學習時，卻發現了令人困擾的問題。阿鍵老師描述了她的症狀：「他那天跟我們回饋的是說，最近他把English pickup回來，重新在聽我們單集的時候，他發現好像腦子放空的有點久，那有點退化，很多東西記不住，那很多東西聽過就分神，就去想別的事。」 這種現象並不是Sandy個人的問題，而是反映了後疫情時代許多人面臨的共同挑戰。 Brain Fog vs Brain Rot：兩種不同的專注力問題 Brain Fog（腦霧）：疫情的後遺症 John老師首先解釋了「腦霧」這個在COVID時期廣為人知的現象：「如果你是那些幸運的人沒有確診COVID，Good for you，你不知道什麼是brain fog。Unfortunately for the rest of us誰確診過COVID，也許已經兩次或三次了，你會遇到一些叫做brain fog的東西。」 腦霧的典型症狀包括：專注力無法集中：「腦筋顯顯的，專注力很不太能集中」思考能力遲緩：「要做運算或者是要做這些思考的工作的時候，其實感覺有點頓，感覺有點slow」記憶力衰退：「記東西，就是即便不管你是什麼年紀，記東西好像都記不太得」執行功能障礙：「好像想到要做什麼，結果等到你手一拿到那個東西，你就忘掉，我現在拿這個要幹嘛？」 Brain Rot（腦腐朽）：現代生活的副產品 更令人警醒的是2024年牛津字典的年度單字——「Brain Rot」（腦腐朽）。John老師解釋這個現象的成因：「Because we are heavily influenced by TikTok culture, social media culture and doom scrolling is a thing，就是大家就是無腦滑抖音、無腦滑IG，這樣子造成了大腦腐蝕。」 Brain Rot的核心特徵是：注意力持續時間縮短：難以長時間專注於單一任務思考能力退化：「你的集中力就不集中，然後你要腦筋要做運作的時候，要做運算，你要思考的時候，都拉不起勁」即時滿足需求：習慣快速切換不同內容，無法忍受較慢的節奏 從兒童問題到全民現象 過去這種注意力不集中的問題主要出現在兒童身上，常被診斷為ADD或ADHD。John老師觀察：「以前我們好像說這個狀況比較容易發生在小孩子，因為they are too much information，所以他們就跳來跳去的，一直無法專心下來。」 但現在情況已經改變：「結果現在變成好像全民都這樣子了，連成人都這樣了。We are somewhat affected, for sure. I feel my personal attention span is getting shorter too.」 現代生活對專注力的挑戰 快節奏生活的影響 John老師深入分析了現代生活對注意力的影響：「Because we live in a very fast-paced world，我們現在的步調這麼快，然後我們吸收資訊又這麼簡單，久了以後你就會覺得每個人怎麼動作這麼慢啊，然後你就很容易這個就下一個、下一個這樣子。」 這種快節奏的生活方式培養了我們對即時反應的期待，當遇到需要較長時間專注的任務時，就容易感到不耐煩。 資訊過載的普遍性 阿鍵老師也指出了媒體環境的變化：「其實就連我們電視新聞好像也是，我們一個電視新聞頻道就有中間的主標題、右邊的跑馬燈、下面的底標。」 John老師回應：「哇真的各種訊息，現在我們又要面臨一個就是說，除了我們的attention span變短了以外，我們現在工作的壓力也很大，因為都更講究效率，AI世代來臨，我們更講究效率。」 複合性問題的識別 針對Sandy的情況，John老師做出了專業的分析：「So for this VIP member of ours, I'm sure it's a combination of both. So there's a little bit of brain rot and there's a little bit of brain fog，可能是腦霧跟我們最近的使用IG或者是Information Overload在手機上面或者是這種社群媒體上面的資訊的過度。」 這個觀察很重要：大多數現代人面臨的專注力問題往往是多重因素的結合，需要綜合性的解決方案。 實用的分心解決策略 策略一：能量管理與時間選擇 John老師提出了第一個核心策略：「我們會分心最主要的原因是這件事情可能並不是這麼重要，另外一個可能是你的能量本來就不足，這個時間點不適合做這件事情，所以就容易分心。」 他進一步解釋：「會分心可能是一個sign，就是maybe this is not a good time。」 能量狀態的自我評估：識別自己的高能量時段避免在疲憊時進行需要高度專注的學習將deliberate practice安排在精神最佳的時間 阿鍵老師分享了自己的經驗：「Most energetic for me? Midnight or afternoon. So you are the night owl。」 John老師建議：「是不是在最精神的時候，最有能量的時候，應該去做一些deliberate practice，那你就不會分心了。可是你在早上你最腦筋還沒打開的時候，你還在腦霧的時候，你要去做deliberate practice，是不是這件事就很難？」 策略二：Casual Learning vs Deliberate Practice 兩位老師強調了區分不同學習模式的重要性： Casual Listening（隨意聆聽）：適合通勤時間或其他零碎時間不需要高度專注，重點是持續接觸目的是增加英語接觸量，建立語感Deliberate Practice（刻意練習）：需要在精神最佳時進行包括朗讀、跟讀等需要主動參與的活動目的是提升特定技能 John老師解釋：「通勤學英語是真的要在通勤時間做deliberate practice嗎？好像不太容易，好像不是非常方便。可是如果你每天通勤都有做casual listening，你一個禮拜的英語量絕對比你過去的所接觸的英語還多10倍到20倍。」 策略三：任務分解法 當面對較長的學習內容時，阿鍵老師提出了一個實用的問題：「如果我今天因為我們一篇跟讀可能有四到五個段落，那我假如只做完第一個段落，然後我覺得已經快不行了，我的精神集中力已經快不夠了，我可不可以就這樣？」 John老師給出了肯定的回答並提供了具體的實施方法： 分段學習策略：Break down your task into smaller pieces：將學習內容分解成小塊從一個段落開始：「我們有四個段落，你只要一次聽一個段落就夠了」漸進式增加：「當你習慣了以後，當你覺得這樣子專注還不錯，兩三個禮拜以後，請你增加到多一個段落」持續擴展：「再過一個月以後再加一個段落，這樣子你就會發現其實一樣的，就是慢慢習慣了以後，其實你整篇還是聽得懂」 他用健身的比喻來說明這個過程：「就像我們在健身房的感覺，一開始拿60公斤，然後65公斤、70公斤這樣上去。」 15分鐘學習法的科學依據 研究支持的學習模式 John老師分享了一個重要的研究發現：「我們就知道說六個禮拜，只要沉浸在英語裡面六個禮拜，相較於你的peers也就是你的同儕，你的英語會比他們更提升80個percent。這是6 weeks of 15 minute listening or 15 minutes of immersion in English，這是研究報告所指出的。」 這個研究結果強有力地支持了15分鐘學習法的有效性，也為容易分心的學習者提供了信心。 累積效應的威力 John老師進一步說明了持續學習的累積效應：「你可能一年累積下來，你可能英語沉浸在英語的時間，是你過去一輩子聽英語的量。」 這就像阿鍵老師提到的台語聽力：「這就變成有點像我們有的住在台北，從小在台北長大的，就算台語用不好，其實聽台語應該也沒問題。」 個人化的學習節奏 John老師強調了個人化學習的重要性：「Remember it's okay, you don't have to listen and practice every article if you don't have the time for, but just make sure you immerse yourself in either casual listening or deliberate practices 15 minutes a day and that is your starting point。」 漸進式時間管理：起點：每天15分鐘第一個月後：增加到20分鐘第二個月後：增加到30分鐘重點：不見得一天一定要一小時或一定要整篇 內容選擇的自由度 「You can choose the articles you like and break them down in smaller tasks，所以我們一篇裡面故意有分段落的原因是為什麼呢？就是讓大家可以去分別用不同的段落去