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- 1941 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K584: 比爾·蓋茨預測人工智慧對Google搜尋和亞馬遜的顛覆性潛力
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K584: Bill Gates Predicts AI's Disruptive Potential on Google Search and Amazon
During a recent event on artificial intelligence organized by Goldman Sachs and SV Angel, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates shared his belief that the future of artificial intelligence lies in the development of a personal digital agent capable of performing various tasks for individuals. Gates emphasized that this technology has the potential to significantly alter user behavior, eliminating the need for people to visit search engines, use certain productivity tools, or shop on platforms like Amazon. The first company to successfully create such an AI assistant will have a significant advantage over its competitors, according to Gates.
在最近由高盛集團和SV Angel天使投資公司舉辦的一場人工智慧活動中,微軟聯合創始人比爾蓋茨分享了他的信念,認為人工智慧的未來在於開發一個能夠為個人執行各種任務的個人數位秘書。蓋茨強調這項技術有可能大大改變使用者行為,使人們不再需要使用搜索引擎、使用特定的生產力工具,或在亞馬遜等平台上購物。根據蓋茨的說法,成功創建此類人工智慧助手的第一家公司將在競爭對手中佔有極大優勢。
The envisioned AI personal assistant will possess a deep understanding of users' needs and habits, offering assistance in reading materials that individuals may not have time to explore. Gates expressed these thoughts during the Goldman Sachs and SV Angel event held in San Francisco, focusing on the topic of artificial intelligence. The profound impact of this technology on user behavior cannot be overstated, as it has the potential to revolutionize the way individuals interact with digital platforms and access information.
設想中的人工智慧個人助手將深入理解用戶的需求和習慣,提供協助閱讀個人可能無暇探索的資料。蓋茨在舊金山舉辦的高盛集團和SV Angel天使投資公司的活動中表達了這些想法,重點討論了人工智慧的主題。這項技術對用戶行為的深遠影響不容小覷,因為它有潛力徹底改變個人與數位平台互動和獲取資訊的方式。
Gates believes that the future leading company in artificial intelligence has a 50-50 chance of being either a startup or a tech giant. While Gates expressed hope for Microsoft's involvement in this field, he also acknowledged the impressive work of certain startups, including Inflection.AI, co-founded by former DeepMind executive Mustafa Suleyman. However, Gates emphasized that it will take some time before this powerful AI agent is ready for mainstream use. In the meantime, companies will continue integrating generative AI technologies, such as OpenAI's popular ChatGPT, into their own products.
蓋茨認為,未來人工智慧領域的領先公司有一半的可能性是新創公司,另一半可能是科技巨頭。雖然蓋茨表示希望微軟參與這一領域,但他也承認某些新創公司的作為令人印象深刻,包括由前DeepMind執行長穆斯塔法蘇萊曼(Mustafa Suleyman)共同創立的Inflection.AI。然而,蓋茨強調這款強大的人工智慧助手還需要一些時間才能為主流使用做好準備。與此同時,公司們將繼續將生成式人工智慧技術(如OpenAI受歡迎的ChatGPT)整合到自己的產品中。
Beyond the impact on digital platforms, Gates also discussed how AI can accelerate innovations in the healthcare sector. He expressed optimism that advancements in AI will lead to more advanced drug development, potentially offering solutions for diseases like Alzheimer's. Gates speculated that within the next decade, human trials for new drugs could take place, bringing us closer to finding effective treatments. Furthermore, Gates mentioned the potential impact of generative AI technologies on both white-collar and blue-collar workers. The rise of text-generating AI has the potential to transform the nature of work, while the development of humanoid robots that are cost-effective for companies could affect blue-collar employment.
除了對數位平台的影響之外,蓋茨還討論了人工智慧如何加速醫療領域的創新。他對人工智慧的進步表示樂觀,認為它有望促進更先進的藥物開發,可能為阿茲海默症等疾病找出解決方案。蓋茨推測,在未來的十年內,可能會進行新藥的人體試驗,使我們離找到有效的治療方法更接近。此外,蓋茨還提到生成式人工智慧對藍領和白領階級的潛在影響。生成文本型人工智慧的崛起有可能改變工作的性質,同時對於公司而言,成本效益優於人類員工的人形機器人也可能對藍領就業產生重大影響。
In a light-hearted remark, Gates jokingly commented on the importance of ensuring that these advanced robots do not "get Alzheimer's" as humanity continues to explore and harness the potential of AI in various fields.
蓋茨在輕鬆的談話中開玩笑地提到,在人們利用人工智慧並不斷探索其各個領域的潛力時,重要的是確保這些先進的機器人不會“患上阿茲海默症”。Reference article: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/22/bill-gates-predicts-the-big-winner-in-ai-smart-assistants.html
Powered by Firstory HostingMon, 05 Jun 2023 - 1940 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K583: Netflix針對帳戶共用問題採取行動並擴大相關措施
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K583: Netflix Takes Action Against Account Sharing and Expands Measures
Netflix has recently addressed the issue of account sharing, both in Taiwan and worldwide. In an announcement on its official website, Netflix revealed that it will send emails to members who share their accounts with non-residents, asking for an additional monthly fee. Many users share accounts to save money, and Netflix has been aware of this for some time. After testing measures against account sharing in Latin America last year, Netflix has now expanded these measures globally, including Taiwan, which has caught the attention of users.
Netflix最近處理了台灣和全球帳戶共用的問題。在官方網站的公告中,Netflix透露將向與非同住者共用帳戶的會員發送電子郵件,要求額外的月費。Netflix對於許多用戶共享帳戶以節省費用已關注許久,經過去年在拉丁美洲測試的帳戶共用措施後,Netflix現在將這些措施擴展至全球包含台灣,並引起了用戶的關注。
According to Netflix, user accounts are intended for residents of the same household. If users want to share their accounts with people outside their households, they can purchase additional memberships. These additional members will have their own account and password, with the subscription fee paid by the inviting person. The basic plan does not allow extra members, while the standard plan permits one extra member and the premium plan allows for two extra members. However, there are limitations for additional members, such as streaming on one device at a time and downloading on one device. The country where the additional member activates the account must match the account owner's country.
根據Netflix的說法,共同帳戶是給位於同一住處的人們使用。如果用戶希望與同住者外的人分享帳戶,可以購買額外的會員資格。這些額外成員將擁有自己的帳戶和密碼,訂閱費將由邀請人支付。基本方案不允許額外成員,而標准方案允許添加一個額外成員,高級方案則允許添加兩個額外成員。然而,額外成員存在一些限制,例如同一時間僅能在一個設備上串流播放,以及僅能在一個設備上下載。額外成員啟用帳戶的國家/地區必須與帳戶所有者的國家/地區相符。
Netflix aims to protect its revenue from investments in TV shows and movies by cracking down on account sharing practices. As the market becomes saturated, Netflix has been exploring new ways to generate income, including limiting account sharing and introducing advertising support options. Emails regarding account sharing will be sent to users in 103 countries, including Taiwan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Mexico, and Brazil. Netflix emphasizes that accounts are for residents of the same household, but users can share accounts with others outside their households by paying an extra fee.
Netflix旨在通過打擊帳戶共用行為來保護其在電視節目和電影投資方面的收入。隨著市場飽和,Netflix一直在尋求新的收入來源,包括限制帳戶共用並引入廣告支持選項。將向103個國家/地區的用戶發送關於帳戶共用的電子郵件,包括台灣、美國、英國、法國、德國、澳大利亞、新加坡、墨西哥和巴西。Netflix強調帳戶僅供同一住處人們使用,但用戶可以支付額外費用與非同住者共享帳戶。
Netflix's CEO, Ted Sarandos, mentioned that addressing account sharing helps expand the base of paying members and supports the company's long-term growth strategy. Netflix's user count reached a record high of 232.5 million in the first quarter of this year. The company introduced a successful advertising-supported plan, attracting over 5 million subscribers. Analyst Ross Benes noted that Netflix's decision to introduce an advertising-supported plan while addressing account sharing is strategic. Individuals previously using shared accounts and seeking lower-priced options may find the advertising-supported plan appealing.
Netflix的首席執行官(CEO) Ted Sarandos 表示,解決帳戶共用問題有助於擴大付費會員人數,支持公司的長期增長策略。Netflix在今年第一季的用戶達到了2.325億的歷史高點。該公司推出了一個成功的廣告支持計劃,吸引了超過500萬訂閱者。分析師 Ross Benes 指出,Netflix在解決帳戶共用問題的同時,策略性的推出廣告支持計劃。之前使用共用帳戶並尋求價格較低選項的個人可能會對廣告支持計劃感興趣。
Reference article:
1. https://www.cna.com.tw/news/ahel/202305240017.aspx
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2. https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202305180147.aspx
Powered by Firstory HostingSun, 04 Jun 2023 - 1939 - 回顧星期天LBS - 能源相關時事趣聞 All about 2022 power and energy
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Topic: A Monster Wind Turbine Is Upending an Industry
Twirling above a strip of land at the mouth of Rotterdam’s harbor is a wind turbine so large it is difficult to photograph. The turning diameter of its rotor is longer than two American football fields end to end. Later models will be taller than any building on the mainland of Western Europe.
鹿特丹港口一處狹長土地上,有座風力發電機在轉動,規模大到難以近距離拍攝,葉片旋轉直徑比兩座美式足球場接起來還長,日後更新版的風機將比西歐大陸上任何建物都高。
Packed with sensors gathering data on wind speeds, electricity output and stresses on its components, the giant whirling machine in the Netherlands is a test model for a new series of giant offshore wind turbines planned by General Electric. When assembled in arrays, the wind machines have the potential to power cities, supplanting the emissions-spewing coal- or natural gas-fired plants that form the backbones of many electric systems today.
這個位於荷蘭的巨型旋轉機器,是奇異公司所規畫新系列巨型離岸風機的測試模型,配備了收集風速、電力輸出及各零件所受應力數據的感應器。這些風機若以陣列布建,具備為城市供電的潛力,取代大量排放廢氣、組成當今許多發電系統骨幹的燃煤或燃氣發電廠。
GE has yet to install one of these machines in ocean water. As a relative newcomer to the offshore wind business, the company faces questions about how quickly and efficiently it can scale up production to build and install hundreds of the turbines.
奇異公司尚未在海上安裝此類機器。奇異在離岸風電業堪稱新兵,面臨的問題是,能多快、多有效地擴大生產規模,以建造並安裝數百座風機。
But already the giant turbines have turned heads in the industry. A top executive at the world’s leading wind farm developer called it a “bit of a leapfrog over the latest technology.” And an analyst said the machine’s size and advance sales had “shaken the industry.”
然而這種巨型風機已在業界引起轟動。全球頂尖風場開發商的一位高管稱其為「超越最新技術的一次飛躍」。一位分析師表示,這款機器的尺寸與預售量「撼動了整個產業」。
The prototype is the first of a generation of new machines that are about a third more powerful than the largest already in commercial service. As such, it is changing the business calculations of wind equipment makers, developers and investors.
這是新世代風機的第一個原型機,新世代風機功能比已在商業運轉的最大風機還要強三分之一左右。因此,它正在改變風力設備製造商、開發商與投資人的盤算。
The GE machines will have a generating capacity that would have been almost unimaginable a decade ago. A single one will be able to turn out 13 megawatts of power, enough to light up a town of roughly 12,000 homes.
奇異的風機將具有十年前幾乎無法想像的發電能力,一座就能產生13百萬瓦電力,足夠點亮約有1.2萬戶家庭的小鎮。
The turbine is capable of producing as much thrust as the four engines of a Boeing 747 jet, according to GE, and will be deployed at sea, where developers have learned that they can plant larger and more numerous turbines than on land to capture breezes that are stronger and more reliable.
奇異表示,這種風機能產生相當於波音747飛機四具引擎的推力,將部署在海上,開發商已經知道在海上能安裝比陸上更大也更多的風機,以捕捉更強也更可靠的風。
The race to build bigger turbines has moved faster than many industry figures foresaw. GE’s Haliade-X generates almost 30 times more electricity than the first offshore machines installed off Denmark in 1991.
建造更大風機的競賽步調比許多業內人士預測的要快。奇異的Haliade-X風機,發電量幾乎是1991年安裝於丹麥近海的第一座離岸風機的30倍。
In coming years, customers are likely to demand even bigger machines, industry executives say. On the other hand, they predict that turbines will reach a point at which greater size no longer makes economic sense.
業界高層表示,未來幾年顧客很可能要求更大的機器。另一方面,他們預測,風機遲早會來到再大就不合經濟效益的時刻。
Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/5180307
Next Article
Topic: A Scary Energy Winter Is Coming. Don’t Blame the Greens.
Every so often the tectonic geopolitical plates that hold up the world economy suddenly shift in ways that can rattle and destabilize everything on the surface. That’s happening right now in the energy sphere.
有時候,承載世界經濟的地緣政治板塊會突然移動,把地表每樣東西搖得嘎嘎作響。這種事現在就在能源領域發生。
Several forces are coming together that could make Vladimir Putin the king of Europe, enable Iran to thumb its nose at America and build an atomic bomb, and disrupt European power markets enough that the upcoming United Nations climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, could suffer blackouts owing to too little clean energy.
有幾股勢力正在匯聚,能使俄國總統普亭成為歐洲之王,使伊朗有本錢不把美國放在眼裡,進而造出原子彈,並足以打亂歐洲能源市場,讓即將登場的英國蘇格蘭格拉斯哥聯合國氣候大會可能會因為潔淨能源太少而停電。
Yes, this is a big one.
沒錯,問題很大。
Natural gas and coal prices in Europe and Asia just hit their highest levels on record, oil prices in America hit a seven-year high and U.S. gasoline prices are up $1 a gallon from last year. If this winter is as bad as some experts predict — with some in the poor and middle classes unable to heat their homes — I fear we’ll see a populist backlash to the whole climate/green movement. You can already smell that coming in Britain.
歐亞兩洲的天然氣和煤價剛剛達到史上最高,美國原油價格創七年新高,而汽油價格每加侖比去年上漲1美元。如果今年冬天跟一些專家預測的一樣糟,一些貧窮和中產階級人家負擔不起取暖費用,我擔心會出現針對整個氣候和綠能運動的民粹反彈。在英國已經可以嗅到這個跡象。
How did we get here? In truth, it’s a good-news-bad-news story.
我們怎會走到這一步?其實,這是個好消息壞消息都有的故事。
The good news is that every major economy has signed onto reducing its carbon footprint by phasing out dirtier fuels like coal to heat homes and to power industries. The bad news is that most nations are doing it in totally uncoordinated ways, from the top down, and before the market has produced sufficient clean renewables like wind, solar and hydro.
好消息是,每個主要經濟體都已同意,透過逐步淘汰煤炭這類比較髒的燃料給家庭取暖和給產業供電,減少碳足跡。壞消息則是,多數國家這麼做的時候完全沒有互相協調,由上而下執行,而且市場還沒製造出足夠多的風力、太陽能和水力等清潔能源。
But how did the bad-news side of this story emerge so fast?
這個故事的壞消息面為何這麼快出現?
Blame COVID-19. First, the pandemic erupted and signaled to every major economy that we were headed for a deep recession. This sent prices of all kinds of commodities, including oil and gas, into downward spirals.
要怪新冠肺炎。首先,疫情爆發,對每個重要經濟體而言意味我們正走向深度衰退,使原油、天然氣等各類大宗商品價格走軟。
This, in turn, led banks to choke off investment in new natural gas capacity and crude wells after seven years of already declining investments in these hydrocarbons because of lousy returns.
這進而使銀行停止投資擴充天然氣產能和油井。銀行已減少投資這些碳氫化合物達七年,因為報酬率很差。
As Bill Gates points out in his smart book “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster,” the only way to reach our climate targets is to shift production of all the big heavy industries, like steel, cement and automobiles, as well as how we heat our homes and power our cars, to electricity generated from clean energy. Safe and affordable nuclear power has to be part of our mix because, Gates argues, “it is the only carbon-free, scalable energy source that’s available 24 hours a day.”
就像微軟創辦人蓋茲在他那本睿智的書「如何避免氣候災難」指出的,達成氣候目標的唯一方法是,改變所有重工業如鋼鐵、水泥、汽車業等的生產方式,以及我們在家取暖和為愛車提供動力的方式,轉而用潔淨能源發電。蓋茲主張必須接納安全可負擔的核能,因為「這是唯一不產生二氧化碳又能擴增的能源來源,每天24小時供應」。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/5820545
Next Article
Topic: Londoners are better off returning to the office as bills soar
City of London workers looking to save money may want to embrace the office over winter as the cost of working from home soars alongside energy bills.
在家工作的成本隨著能源費用的飆升一起上漲,因此到了冬天,想要省錢的倫敦城上班族可能會希望進辦公室上班。
Those prepared to go into the office every day could save about €50 (US$60) per week in January 2023 if they can walk, run or cycle into their workplace. That’s thanks to the money they’ve saved by not heating a home for the whole day, according to estimates by price comparison site Uswitch.
公室的人若可以走路、跑步或騎自行車到工作地點的話,在二○二三年一月,每週可節省約五十英鎊(六十美元)。根據價格比較網站Uswitch的估計,他們之所以省下這些錢,是因為家裡整天都不開暖氣。
Those working from home in January could expect to pay around €175 a week in energy costs and other incidentals included in Bloomberg’s calculations such as buying in your own coffee, a freebie in many offices. The combined cost of energy bills — factoring in the lower consumption expected — and five return trips on the Tube from London’s Zone 4 would be about €160 a week in January 2023, a €15 saving.
一月份在家工作的人預計每週要支付大約一百七十五英鎊的能源費用,以及彭博社所計算出的其他雜費,例如自費買咖啡——很多辦公室會免費供應咖啡。二○二三年一月能源帳單的總成本(以預期較低的花費計算),加上由倫敦第四區坐地鐵來上班來回五次,每週將花費約一百六十英鎊,因此跟在家工作相比,到辦公室上班節省了十五英鎊。
For those taking the bus, the total cost is about €140, a €35 weekly saving. In both cases, any rise in the cost of the commute will eat into those savings.
坐公車上班的人,總花費則約為一百四十英鎊,每週可節省三十五英鎊。在坐地鐵和公車這兩種情況下,任何通勤成本的增加都會消耗所省下的錢。
Uswitch estimates that the average monthly energy bill could hit €683 in January for home workers, compared to €492 for those heading to the office. It assumes remote workers use 25 percent more electricity and 75 percent more gas per day including from central heating.
Uswitch估計,在家工作的人,一月份的平均能源費用可能會達到六百八十三英鎊,而到辦公室上班的人則為四百九十二英鎊。這是假設遠距上班的人每天多使用百分之二十五的電力,以及多百分之七十五的瓦斯,包括用於中央暖氣。
Coping Mechanism
“People are going to be really struggling to heat their own homes and they are going to look for warmth in other places — we know that is a coping mechanism that people use, whether that is going to a public space, such as a library or a church maybe, or whether it’s going to work when you usually would work from home” Matt Copeland, policy officer at National Energy Action said. “Those are the options people will consider and people will take to actually find warmth.”
因應機制
「要把自己家裡變暖將是難以負擔的窘境,所以人們會到其他地方取暖——我們知道這是一種因應機制,無論是去公共場所,比如圖書館或教堂,或是在你通常在家工作的時候到辦公室上班」,國家能源行動組織政策主管馬特‧科普蘭表示。「人們會考慮和採用這些選項,而實際上找到暖源」。
The incentive to come into the office is likely to be welcomed by some in the City of London, where finance bosses have been pushing for a return to the office. Right now less than half of workers in the UK’s banking sector go into the office on an average day, and just 18 percent of insurance sector employees do so, according to a survey by consultancy Advanced Workplace Associates.準備每天去辦
對於這進辦公室的動機,倫敦城某些人可能會樂見其成。這些金融業老闆一直在推動員工重返辦公室。根據諮詢公司Advanced Workplace Associates的一項調查,目前英國銀行業平均只有不到一半的員工進辦公室上班,而保險業只有百分之十八的員工這麼做。source article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2022/08/23/2003783959
Powered by Firstory HostingSat, 03 Jun 2023 - 1938 - 15Mins Live Podcast - 英語慣用語系列 – 太陽公公相關的慣用語 Idioms related to the sun
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1. Ray of Sunshine 給人帶來歡樂的人,給人以希望者
Meaning: A happy person who makes the people around them feel happy too
Example: Mary is a ray of sunshine who always makes people laugh.
2. A place in the sun 好位置;幸運的位置
Meaning: A good or lucky position
Example: After years of hard work, Tim has finally found his place in the sun after being promoted to
senior manager.
3. Walking on sunshine 興高采烈
Meaning: To be extremely happy
Example: She has been walking on sunshine ever since getting into her dream university last week.
4. Like a cat on a hot tin roof 坐立不安
Meaning: To be very agitated or anxious
Example: While they waited for their exam results, the students in the classroom were like cats on a hot tin roof.
5. Everything under the sun 世界上的一切
Meaning: everything in the world
Example: I want to do everything under the sun when I am studying in San Francisco!
6. There is nothing new under the sun 日光之下並無新事
Meaning: everything has been done/experienced before
Example: After surfing, kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling, it seemed like there was nothing new under the sun to do in Yilan. But then I discovered the cycling trail!
練習時間:
請使用二到三個慣用語來分享自身觀點
Please think of two to three scenarios where you can use these idioms or share a story using the idioms.
Powered by Firstory HostingFri, 02 Jun 2023 - 1937 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K582: Nvidia挑戰Intel和AMD,前進超級電腦相關領域
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K582: Nvidia Expands its Presence in Supercomputers, Challenging Intel and AMD
Nvidia Corp has recently collaborated with the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom to develop a new supercomputer, putting it in direct competition with Intel Corp and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. Nvidia, known as the leading producer of graphics processing units (GPUs) in the world, is now venturing into the central processing unit (CPU) market. This year, Nvidia introduced its own CPU chip called Grace, based on Arm Ltd technology owned by SoftBank Group Corp.
Nvidia公司最近與英國布里斯托大學合作開發了一款新的超級電腦,與Intel和AMD正面對決。Nvidia被譽為全球領先的顯示卡(GPU)製造商,現在正進軍中央處理器(CPU)市場。今年,Nvidia推出了一款名為Grace的自家CPU,該晶片基於軟銀集團旗下的Arm有限公司技術。
Nvidia's GPUs have gained significant popularity due to their ability to accelerate artificial intelligence work. For instance, OpenAI's ChatGPT was developed using thousands of Nvidia GPUs. However, Nvidia's GPUs are typically combined with CPUs, which have long been dominated by Intel and AMD. To expand its market reach, Nvidia has now introduced its own CPU chip called Grace. This move allows Nvidia to directly challenge Intel and AMD's hold on the CPU market.
Nvidia的GPU因其加速人工智能工作的能力而受到廣泛歡迎。例如,OpenAI的ChatGPT就是使用了數千個Nvidia的GPU開發的。然而,Nvidia的GPU通常與由Intel和AMD主導已久的CPU相結合。為擴大市場佔比,Nvidia現在推出了自家的CPU晶片Grace。此舉使Nvidia得以直接挑戰Intel和AMD在CPU市場的霸主地位。
At a recent supercomputing conference in Germany, Nvidia announced its collaboration with British researchers and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (HPE) to build Isambard 3, a computer solely powered by Nvidia's Grace CPU chips without utilizing any of the company's renowned GPUs. The University of Bristol intends to use the Isambard 3 system for important research in fields such as climate science and drug discovery. Ian Buck, Nvidia's general manager and vice president of accelerated computing, emphasized the system's remarkable performance and energy efficiency. Isambard 3 operates on only 270 kilowatts of power, which is six times more efficient than the university's previous system, Isambard 2.
最近在德國舉行的超級電腦會議上,Nvidia宣布與英國研究人員和慧與科技(HPE)合作建造了名為Isambard 3的電腦,該電腦完全使用Nvidia的Grace CPU,不使用該公司著名的GPU。布里斯托大學打算將Isambard 3系統用於氣候科學和藥物研究等重要研究領域。Nvidia的加速計算總經理兼副總裁Ian Buck在新聞發布會上強調了該系統出色的性能和能源效率。Isambard 3的運行功率只用了270千瓦,比該大學之前的Isambard 2系統高出六倍。
The development of Isambard 3 demonstrates Nvidia's strategic expansion into the supercomputing market, posing a direct challenge to Intel and AMD. By incorporating its own CPU chips into supercomputers, Nvidia aims to offer a comprehensive solution that combines its leading GPUs with emerging CPU technology. This holistic approach has the potential to revolutionize supercomputing, enabling advancements in artificial intelligence, scientific research, and complex simulations.
Isambard 3的開發表明了Nvidia在超級電腦領域的戰略性擴張,直接的挑戰了Intel和AMD。通過將自家的CPU整合到超級電腦中,Nvidia旨在提供一種將其領先的GPU與新興的CPU技術相結合的綜合解決方案,這種全面的方案有潛力徹底改變超級電腦領域,推動人工智能、科學研究和複雜模擬等方面的進步。Reference article: https://www.reuters.com/technology/nvidia-chips-away-intel-amd-turf-supercomputers-2023-05-22/
Powered by Firstory HostingThu, 01 Jun 2023 - 1936 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K581:「狗界奧斯卡」美國西敏寺犬展,Buddy Holly代表品種首度奪冠
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K581: Buddy Holly Makes History as the First Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen to Win Westminster Show
In a historic victory, a petite basset griffon Vendeen named Buddy Holly claimed the top prize at the 147th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, surpassing over 3,000 dogs representing 210 breeds and varieties. Hailing from Palm Springs, California, this six-year-old male became the first of his breed to achieve this esteemed honor. Originally bred for hare tracking in the Vendee region of western France, Buddy Holly's triumph marks a significant milestone for the petit basset griffon Vendeen breed.
這是一場歷史性的勝利,一隻名叫「巴迪‧霍利」(Buddy Holly)的迷你貝吉格里芬凡丁獵犬(PetitBasset Griffon Vendéen,PBGV)贏得了第147屆美國西敏寺犬展的最高獎項,超越了代表210個品種和變種的3,000多隻狗狗。這隻六歲的公狗來自美國加州的棕櫚泉,成為該品種首次獲此殊榮的犬隻。迷你貝吉格里芬凡丁獵犬原本是在法國西部的旺代地區專門飼養來追蹤野兔,Buddy Holly的勝利對於這個品種來說是一個重要的里程碑。
Janice Hayes, Buddy Holly's co-owner and handler, expressed her astonishment at their victory, stating, "I never thought PBGV would do this. Buddy Holly truly embodies the essence of a champion show dog." Each breed showcased at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show represents the culmination of years of artificial selection, carefully refining and enhancing specific traits inherited from their ancestral wolves.
巴迪‧霍利的共同飼主和訓練員Janice Hayes對於他們的勝利感到驚訝,她說:「我從來沒想過迷你貝吉格里芬凡丁獵犬能做到這點。巴迪‧霍利真正展現了一隻冠軍犬的精髓。」美國西敏寺犬展中的每一個品種代表了多年人工選擇的成果,精心改良和增強了從牠們的狼祖先那裡繼承而來的特定特徵。
The competition's participants were classified into seven distinct groups to determine the ultimate best in show finalists: hound, toy, non-sporting, herding, sporting, working, and terrier. Buddy Holly emerged as the winner of the hound group, showcasing his exemplary qualities within his breed.
比賽的參賽犬被分為七個不同的組別,以決定最終的最佳展覽犬:獵犬、玩具犬、非運動犬、牧羊犬、運動犬、工作犬和梗犬。巴迪‧霍利贏得了獵犬組的冠軍,展示了其品種內卓越的特質。
The runner-up, receiving the prize for reserve best in show, was awarded to Rummie, a Pekingese from the toy group. Bred and owned by David Fitzpatrick, Rummie demonstrated the exceptional characteristics that epitomize the breed. The judges meticulously evaluated the dogs by examining them up close, physically interacting with them, and observing how the handlers led them around the floor. The dogs were assessed based on breed standards, including appearance, temperament, size, coat, and other defining characteristics.
亞軍獎項的最佳展覽犬則授予了玩具犬組的冠軍,一隻名為魯米(Rummie)的北京狗。魯米由主人David Fitzpatrick培育和擁有,展示了該品種的優秀特點。評審們仔細觀察犬隻,近距離檢查牠們,與牠們互動,觀察訓練員如何引領牠們在展場上行走。犬隻按照品種標準進行評估,包括外觀、氣質、大小、毛髮和其他明確特徵。
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which traces its origins back to 1877, has grown into a highly anticipated annual event and a staple on television broadcasts. This year, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the show took place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York, the site of the renowned U.S. Open tennis tournament. In previous years, the event was traditionally held at Madison Square Garden in Midtown Manhattan but was relocated to a smaller venue at Lyndhurst Mansion as a precautionary measure. Buddy Holly's groundbreaking victory not only solidifies his place in dog show history but also serves as an inspiration to future generations of petit basset griffon Vendeen enthusiasts.
美國西敏寺犬展可以追溯到1877年,已成為一個受矚目的年度盛會,並成為電視廣播中的一個重要節目。今年,由於持續的新冠疫情,展覽在紐約皇后區的美國網球公開賽場地「比莉·珍·金網球中心」舉行。過去,該活動通常在曼哈頓中城的麥迪遜廣場花園舉行,但由於預防措施,場地被轉移到位於林德赫斯特城堡莊園的較小場地上。巴迪‧霍利的突破性勝利不僅鞏固了牠在犬展歷史上的地位,也激勵了未來的迷你貝吉格里芬凡丁獵犬的愛好者。
Reference article:https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/dog-named-buddy-holly-is-first-its-breed-win-westminster-show-2023-05-10/
https://tw.stock.yahoo.com/news/%E5%9C%96%E8%BC%AF-%E7%8B%97%E7%95%8C%E5%A5%A7%E6%96%AF%E5%8D%A1-%E8%A5%BF%E6%95%8F%E5%AF%BA%E7%8A%AC%E5%B1%95%E7%99%BB%E5%A0%B4-%E9%80%99%E9%9A%BB%E6%AF%9B%E5%AD%A9%E9%A6%96%E5%A5%AA%E5%86%A0-095309716.html
Powered by Firstory HostingWed, 31 May 2023 - 1935 - 精選詞彙播客Vocab Ep.167: 雙語 Vocab ft. 週報時光機 慣用語的故事知多少 Common idioms and their stories
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After the argument, Sarah gave her friend the cold shoulder and refused to speak to her for days.Despite his attempts to apologize, the boss continued to give him the cold shoulder, making the work environment tense and uncomfortable.
1. Giving someone the cold shoulder 冷落他人
傳說這句諺語的起源,可追溯至19世紀,當時英國有一位小說家Sir Walter Scott,他在自己的創作裡面使用了這句諺語。裡頭描述在一場飯局中,主人公提供了一塊Cold Shoulder of Mutton(冷掉的羊肩胛肉)給客人,用來表示冷落,不願招待的情境。
原文裡頭a cold shoulder of mutton,Mutton指的是羊肉,而他跟我們所熟悉的Lamb有何區別?
"Giving someone the cold shoulder" is a popular English idiom that means to intentionally ignore someone as a form of punishment or disapproval. It implies a deliberate act of showing indifference or unfriendliness towards another person.
Example sentences:
John is the fastest runner in our school. He wins every race hands down.The new restaurant in town has the most delicious pizza. It's hands down the best pizza I've ever tasted.
2. Hands down 輕而易舉
這句諺語起源自19世紀賽馬運動,由於當時賽馬活動受到全國人民喜愛,報紙上經常看見許多有關賽馬的資訊,而體育記者運用了Hands down這個字句,來描述騎士通過終點前,雙手垂放,沒拉韁繩仍舊獲得冠軍。這代表騎士在這場比賽中,拿下勝利是輕而易舉。
現代英國最有名的賽馬活動,可以追溯至1711年。當時養了一堆馬,又熱愛賽馬活動的安妮女王,在溫莎城堡不遠處的阿斯科特小鎮舉辦了一場有獎金的賽馬活動,後來為了延續這項娛樂,更成立了皇家賽馬場,也就是阿思科特賽馬會場(Ascot Racecourse) ,300多年來,這座賽馬場每年六月都會舉辦皇家賽馬會(Royal Ascot)。據說它是英國最有價值的賽馬活動,獎金高達數百萬英鎊,除了看賽馬外,也是世界知名的社交場合,活動中能看見參與者盛裝打扮,展現自己時尚的一面。
"Hands down" is a common English idiom that is used to indicate a clear and decisive victory or outcome. It means that something is easily the best or most superior option without any doubt or competition. It suggests that there is no need for further discussion or debate because the winner or the best choice is evident.
Example sentences:
The teacher decided to turn a blind eye to the students' whispering during the test.The government officials were suspected of turning a blind eye to the corruption happening within their department.
3. TURN A BLIND EYE 視而不見
這則諺語,跟一位英國海軍將領有關,他的名字叫做Horatio Nelson。本身活躍於法國大革命與拿破崙戰爭時期。這時期的英國坐擁了海上霸權的地位,然而他們越想鞏固這個位子,就越擔心周邊的鄰國強盛起來,加上當時英法兩國時常出現軍事對抗,英國就更擔心其他國家成為法國的同盟國。
當時北歐跟俄羅斯有一個組織叫做第二次武裝中立聯盟(Second League of Armed Neutrality)目的是為了保護中立國在海上的貨運暢通,不會受到英法任何一方的阻撓。不過當初英國海軍比較神經質一點,他們為了阻斷任何有可能提供給法國人的資源,會嚴格搜查有出入過法國港口的中立船隻,看看他們有沒有貿易往來,主觀認定下,如果有,那就會扣押船上的貨物。
這就讓北方聯盟很困擾,畢竟人家還是要賺錢生存的,因此有些中立國就對英國的行為相當感冒。1801年,英國就以第二次武裝中立聯盟可能跟法國結盟為理由,出兵攻打了丹麥王國,迫使他們退出聯盟。
然而丹麥王國不理會英國的最後通牒,雙方就在海上開戰,而領軍的將領,就包含了前面提到的Horatio Nelson。Horatio Nelson身經百戰,但他曾在一場戰役中失去自一隻眼睛,隨著兩方激烈交戰,Nelson的上司擔心英國海軍前線寡不敵眾,因此要求Nelson撤軍。
此時Nelson默默地將望遠鏡放在它那個失明的眼睛上,並說出了一段最經典的話:「"I have the right to be blind sometimes. I really do not see the signal」
很明顯,他是有點故意違背命令的,後來Nelson將戰局逆轉,擊敗了丹麥的艦隊。這時期的丹麥王國,包含了丹麥以及挪威,後續因為跟英國又打起來,戰敗之後,丹麥王國所幸投靠拿破崙,結果拿破崙後來慘遭滑鐵盧,身為戰敗國又鬧飢荒,丹麥王國於是將挪威割讓出去給瑞典。後續丹麥在1848年發生丹麥革命,國家也開始從君主專制走向現在的君主立憲制。
"To turn a blind eye" is an English idiom that means to intentionally ignore or disregard something, usually an undesirable or inappropriate action, without taking any action or intervening.
Example sentences:
Powered by Firstory HostingTue, 30 May 2023 - 1934 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K580: 推特因清理閒置帳戶的政策引發眾怒
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K580: Twitter's Inactive Account Purge Sparks Grief and Outrage Among Users
Twitter's recent decision to purge inactive accounts, including those belonging to deceased individuals, has triggered anger and heartache among users who relied on these accounts to remember their loved ones. Emily Reed, who lost her sister Jessica over a decade ago, used Jessica's Twitter page as a way to keep her memory alive. However, with Twitter's new policy, Jessica's account has been removed, leaving Emily and others devastated.
推特最近決定清理閒置帳戶,包括已故人士的帳戶,這引發了依賴這些帳戶緬懷故人的用戶的憤怒和傷痛。艾蜜莉·里德(Emily Reed)在十多年前失去了妹妹潔西卡,她使用潔西卡的推特頁面來紀念她。然而,根據推特的新政策,潔西卡的帳戶已被刪除,令艾蜜莉和其他人感到心碎。
Last week, Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter, announced the platform's plan to remove accounts that have been inactive for several years. This move has sparked an outcry from individuals who fear losing the thoughts and words of their deceased loved ones, which were linked to these now-inactive accounts. Emily Reed, like many others, was shocked to find Jessica's page replaced with an "account suspended" message, indicating a possible violation of Twitter's rules.
上週,推特的經營者伊隆·馬斯克(Elon Musk)宣布了該平台將清理多年未使用帳戶的計劃。這一舉動引起了用戶的強烈抗議,他們擔心再度失去已逝親友在閒置帳戶的想法和文字。像許多人一樣,艾蜜莉·里德發現潔西卡的頁面被替換為“帳戶被暫停”的消息時感到震驚,這通常意味著違反了推特的規則。
The advent of social media has introduced a new way for people to mourn and connect with the memories of their friends and family. Social media platforms have grappled with the challenge of addressing the needs of grieving individuals. While Twitter's attempt to purge inactive accounts is not the first, the backlash it has faced highlights the significance of these digital footprints in the grieving process.
社群媒體的出現為人們哀悼和追憶朋友和家人的方式帶來了新的可能。社群平台一直在努力應對悲傷者的需求。雖然推特清理閒置帳戶的嘗試已不是第一次,但這次面臨的抵制凸顯了這些數位足跡在療傷階段中的重要性。
Other social media sites, such as Facebook and Instagram, have implemented measures to accommodate those who have lost loved ones. They allow users to request account deactivation or memorialization, with memorialized accounts displaying the word "Remembering" next to the person's name. Professor Shira Gabriel, a psychology expert, emphasizes the importance of digital footprints in processing grief and uniting communities in remembrance. Losing these resources can evoke a renewed sense of mourning and hinder the ability to gather as a community.
其他社群網站,例如Facebook和Instagram,已經實施措施以滿足失去親人族群的需求。它們允許用戶請求停用帳戶或將其紀念化,紀念化的帳戶會在人名旁邊顯示“追憶”。心理學專家席拉·加布里埃爾(Shira Gabriel)教授強調了數位足跡在處理悲痛和凝聚社群進行紀念的重要性。失去這些資源會重新喚起哀傷感,並阻礙社群的凝聚力。Reference article: https://apnews.com/article/twitter-elon-musk-dead-users-inactive-accounts-49c96ee9c0723a60c82da55f3616c96d
Powered by Firstory HostingMon, 29 May 2023 - 1933 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K579: 真人芭比和肯尼的迷人故事:從爭議人物到活人玩偶
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K579: The Fascinating Tale of the Real-Life Barbie and Ken: From Controversial Figures to Living Dolls
Valeria Lukyanova and Justin Jedlica have captured the world's attention by transforming themselves into real-life Barbie and Ken dolls. These individuals have gone to extreme lengths to resemble the iconic plastic couple, but their striking appearances and conflicting personalities have fueled a feud between them. This article delves into the intriguing story behind Valeria Lukyanova, known as the "Human Barbie," and Justin Jedlica, the "Human Ken Doll," shedding light on their motivations and the controversies surrounding their transformations.
瓦萊麗亞·盧基亞諾娃(Valeria Lukyanova)和賈斯汀·傑德利卡(Justin Jedlica)通過將自己變成真人化的芭比和肯尼玩偶吸引了全世界的關注。這兩人竭盡全力使自己能看起來更像這對標誌性的塑膠情侶,但他們引人注目的外貌和相衝的性格導致了他們之間的爭鬥。本文深入探討了被稱為“真人芭比”的瓦萊麗亞·盧基亞諾娃和“真人肯尼”的賈斯汀·傑德利卡的有趣故事,揭露了他們變身的動機以及圍繞於此的爭議。
Valeria Lukyanova, the self-proclaimed "Human Barbie," hails from Tiraspol, Moldova, and is currently a Ukrainian model. While many assume she deliberately aimed to emulate Barbie, Valeria asserts that her goal was simply to embody beauty, femininity, and refinement. Drawing inspiration from dolls, she inadvertently resembles the iconic blonde figure. Despite speculation about extensive cosmetic surgeries, Valeria claims to have undergone only breast augmentation, vehemently denying rumors of rib removal to achieve her impossibly narrow waistline. She has made sensational statements, including aspiring to become a breatharian and proclaiming herself an alien being with past-life experiences as a famous king and spiritual teacher.
自稱為“真人芭比”的瓦萊麗亞·盧基亞諾娃來自摩爾多瓦的提拉斯浦,目前是一名烏克蘭模特兒。雖然很多人認為她刻意模仿芭比,但瓦萊麗亞堅稱她的目標僅僅是體現美麗、女性氣質和優雅。受到玩偶的啟發,她無意間與這個標誌性的金髮人物相似。儘管有關她接受了大量整容手術的猜測,瓦萊麗亞聲稱她只進行了豐胸手術,並極力否認關於她刻意移除肋骨以實現不可思議纖腰的謠言。她曾發表一些駭人聽聞的言論,包括渴望成為食氣者(只靠空氣和陽光維生),並聲稱自己是外星生命體,而前世曾是知名的國王和精神導師。
Justin Jedlica, also known as the "Human Ken Doll," originates from Poughkeepsie, New York. Although he embraces the flattering title, Justin clarifies that his objective was not solely to become Ken. Described as a "plastic-surgery enthusiast," Justin has undergone numerous procedures, including rhinoplasty, chest and shoulder implants, brow lifts, and lip augmentations, among others. His pursuit of self-improvement is driven by a desire to represent the best version of himself. Contrary to popular belief, Justin believes his transformation holds deeper significance beyond superficiality and aesthetics.
賈斯汀·傑德利卡,也被稱為“真人肯尼”,來自紐約州的波啟浦夕市。儘管他接受了這個討喜的稱號,賈斯汀澄清他的目標並不僅僅是成為肯尼。作為一位“整容狂熱者”,賈斯汀接受了眾多的手術,包括隆鼻、隆胸和隆肩手術、提額和豐唇等。他對自我進化的追求源於對展現最好的自己的渴望。與普遍觀點相反,賈斯汀相信他的轉變具有超越表面和美學的深層意義。
Valeria and Justin's clash began when they first met during a TV appearance in 2013. The human Ken doll publicly criticized Valeria, dismissing her as an illusion who dresses like a drag queen despite presenting herself as a real-life Barbie. Justin speculated that Valeria heavily relies on makeup, fake hair, and slimming corsets to achieve her look, suggesting she appears entirely different without these enhancements. Valeria, in turn, retorted that Justin had gone overboard with his lip enhancements. Their ongoing feud underscores the competitive nature of the doll world.
瓦萊麗亞和賈斯汀的衝突始於2013年他們首次在電視節目中相遇。這位真人肯尼公開批評瓦萊麗亞,說儘管她自稱是真人芭比,但不過就是個打扮得像變裝皇后的假貨。賈斯汀猜測瓦萊麗亞嚴重依賴化妝、假髮和束衣來實現她的外觀,暗示她在去掉這些強化的情況下將會完全不同。瓦萊麗亞則回應說賈斯汀的唇部填充過火。他們持續的爭鬥凸顯了玩偶世界的競爭性質。
While Valeria and Justin have attracted both admiration and criticism, it is important to recognize the complexities behind their choices. Their transformations challenge societal beauty standards and raise questions about the motivations behind extreme physical alterations. It is crucial to approach these individuals with empathy and understanding, acknowledging the personal significance they attach to their unique appearances. As the Barbie and Ken dolls continue to shape perceptions of beauty, Valeria Lukyanova and Justin Jedlica serve as captivating examples of individuals who have pursued their distinctive visions of personal transformation, albeit with diverging motivations and perspectives.
瓦萊麗亞和賈斯汀吸引了各種讚賞和批評,但我們需要認識到他們選擇背後的複雜性。他們的轉變挑戰了社會對美的標準,並引發了對極端身體改造背後動機的質疑。我們需要以同理心和理解的態度對待這些人,承認他們對自己獨特外貌的個人意義。隨著芭比和肯尼娃娃持續塑造美的觀念,瓦萊麗亞·盧基亞諾娃和賈斯汀·傑德利卡也成為迷人的例子,他們追求著個人改造的獨特目標—儘管與常見的動機和觀點不太相同。Reference article: https://allthatsinteresting.com/real-life-barbie-and-ken
Powered by Firstory HostingSun, 28 May 2023 - 1932 - 回顧星期天LBS - 拉丁美洲相關時事趣聞 All about 2022 Latin America
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Topic: 對現狀不滿拉美從傾右變傾左 Leftists Replacing Right-Wing Leaders Across Latin America
In the final weeks of 2021, Chile and Honduras voted decisively for leftist presidents to replace leaders on the right, extending a significant, multiyear shift across Latin America.
在2021年的最後幾周,智利和宏都拉斯果斷地投票支援 左翼總統取代右翼領導人,延續 了整個拉丁美洲長達數年的重大轉變。
This year, leftist politicians are the favorites to win presidential elections in Colombia and Brazil, taking over from right-wing incumbents, which would put the left and center-left in power in the six largest economies in the region, stretching from Tijuana to Tierra del Fuego.
今年,左翼政客是贏得哥倫比亞和巴西總統選舉的最愛,他們接替了右翼現任者,這將使左翼和中左翼在該地區從蒂華納到火地島的六大經濟體中掌權。
Economic suffering, widening inequality, fervent anti-incumbent sentiment and mismanagement of COVID-19 have all fueled a pendulum swing away from the center-right and right-wing leaders who were dominant a few years ago.
經濟困境、不斷擴大的不平等、狂熱的反現任情緒以及對COVID-19的管理不善,都助長了幾年前佔主導地位的中右翼和右翼領導人的鐘擺擺動。
The left has promised more equitable distribution of wealth, better public services and vastly expanded social safety nets. But the region’s new leaders face serious economic constraints and legislative opposition that could restrict their ambitions — and restive voters who have been willing to punish whoever fails to deliver.
左翼承諾更公平地分配財富,提供更好的公共服務,並大大擴展社會安全網。但該地區的新領導人面臨著嚴重的經濟限制和立法反對,這可能會限制他們的野心-以及願意懲罰任何未能兌現承諾的人的不安分選民。
The left’s gains could buoy China and undermine the United States as they compete for regional influence, analysts say, with a new crop of Latin American leaders who are desperate for economic development and more open to Beijing’s global strategy of offering loans and infrastructure investment. The change could also make it harder for the United States to continue isolating authoritarian leftist regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba.
分析人士說,左翼的收益可能會提振中國,削弱美國,因為他們在爭奪地區影響力時,新一批拉丁美洲領導人迫切希望經濟發展,並對北京的全球戰略持更開放的態度, 提供貸款和 基礎設施投資。這一變化還可能使美國更難繼續孤立委內瑞拉、尼加拉瓜和古巴的獨裁左翼政權。
With rising inflation and stagnant economies, Latin America’s new leaders will find it hard to deliver real change on profound problems, said Pedro Mendes Loureiro, a professor of Latin American studies at the University of Cambridge. To some extent, he said, voters are “electing the left simply because it is the opposition at the moment.”
隨著通貨膨脹率上升和經濟停滯,拉丁美洲的新領導人將發現很難在深刻的問題上實現真正的變革,劍橋大學拉丁美洲研究教授佩德羅·門德斯·洛雷羅(Pedro Mendes Loureiro)說。他說,在某種程度上,選民正在"選舉左翼,僅僅是因為它目前是反對派。"
Unlike the early 2000s, when leftists won critical presidencies in Latin America, the new officeholders are saddled by debt, lean budgets, scant access to credit and, in many cases, vociferous opposition.
與2000年代初不同,當時左翼分子在拉丁美洲贏得了關鍵的總統職位 ,而新的官員則背負著債務,預算緊張, 信貸匱乏以及在許多情況下大聲反對的負擔。
Eric Hershberg, director of the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies at American University, said the left’s winning streak is born out of widespread indignation.
美國大學拉丁美洲和拉丁裔研究中心主任埃裡克·赫什伯格(Eric Hershberg )表示,左翼的連勝源於 廣泛的憤怒。
“This is really about lower-middle-class and working-class sectors saying, ‘Thirty years into democracy, and we still have to ride a decrepit bus for two hours to get to a bad health clinic,’”Hershberg said.
"這實際上是關於中下層階層和工人階層部門說,'民主三十年後,我們仍然必須乘坐破舊的公共汽車兩個小時才能到達一個糟糕的健康診所,'"赫什伯格說。Source article: https://udn.com/news/story/6904/6092284
Next Article
Topic : Venezuela, Once an Oil Giant, Reaches the End of an Era
For the first time in a century, there are no rigs searching for oil in Venezuela.
百年來,委內瑞拉首次沒有鑽油平台在鑽探石油。
Wells that once tapped the world’s largest crude reserves are abandoned or left to flare toxic gases that cast an orange glow over depressed oil towns.
曾自全球最大原油礦藏採油的油井,不是廢棄,就是任由洩漏的毒性氣體逕自燃燒,使附近蕭條的石油城鎮蒙上一層橘光。
Refineries that once processed oil for export are rusting hulks, leaking crude that blackens shorelines and coats the water in an oily sheen.
先前把石油加工出口的煉油廠成了生鏽的殘骸,洩漏的原油染黑了海岸線,並在海面形成一層油光。
Fuel shortages have brought the country to a standstill. At gas stations, lines go on for miles.
燃料短缺使這個國家陷入癱瘓。在加油站,排隊加油的車輛綿延數哩。
Venezuela’s colossal oil sector, which shaped the country and the international energy market for a century, has come to a near halt, with production reduced to a trickle by years of gross mismanagement and U.S. sanctions. The collapse is leaving behind a destroyed economy and a devastated environment and, many analysts say, bringing to an end the era of Venezuela as an energy powerhouse.
委內瑞拉龐大的石油業曾形塑這個國家和國際能源市場長達百年,如今卻幾近停頓,由於多年來管理不善和遭受美國制裁,產量只剩一丁點。石油業崩潰導致經濟慘淡,環境重創,且如許多分析家所言,為委國作為能源大國的時代畫下句點。
The country that a decade ago was the largest producer in Latin America, earning about $90 billion a year from oil exports, is expected to net about $2.3 billion by this year’s end — less than the aggregate amount that Venezuelan migrants who fled the country’s economic devastation will send back home
to support their families, according to Pilar Navarro, a Caracas, Venezuela-based economist.
長駐委國首都卡拉卡斯的經濟學家納瓦洛說,當地10年前是拉丁美洲最大產油國,每年出口石油賺進900億美元,但到今年年底,預計可進帳23億美元,還不及為逃避經濟崩潰而出國的國民匯回養家的金錢總額。
Production is the lowest in nearly a century after sanctions forced most oil companies to stop drilling for or buying Venezuelan oil — and even that trickle could dry up soon, analysts warn.
分析家警告,制裁迫使許多石油公司停止鑽探或購買委國石油,以致其產量降到近百年來最低,甚至最後這點生產也可能即將停止。
The decline has diminished beyond recognition a country that just a decade ago rivaled the United States for regional influence. It is also unraveling a national culture defined by oil, a source of cash that once seemed endless; it financed monumental public works and pervasive graft, generous scholarships and flashy shopping trips to Miami.
石油業衰落,使十年前與美國享有同等區域影響力的委內瑞拉面目全非,還破壞了以石油為基礎的的國家文化,石油曾經是看似取之不盡的現金來源:支應大型公共工程,助長普遍存在的貪腐,用以發放豐厚的獎學金,也讓人們享受到美國佛州邁阿密的豪華購物之旅。
Crippling gasoline shortages have led to an outbreak of dozens of daily protests across most Venezuelan states in recent weeks.
汽油嚴重短缺,導致最近幾周委內瑞拉多數州每天總共爆發數十場抗議。
More than 5 million Venezuelans, or 1 in 6 residents, have fled the country since 2015, creating one of the world’s greatest refugee crises, according to the United Nations. The country now has the highest poverty rate in Latin America, overtaking Haiti this year, according to a recent study by Venezuela’s three leading universities.
聯合國資料顯示,2015年起已有逾500萬,也就是六分之一委國人逃離,是全球最大難民潮之一。委國三所頂尖大學最近的調查顯示,委國今年取代海地,成為拉美貧困率最高的國家。Source article: https://paper.udn.com/udnpaper/POH0067/358363/web
Powered by Firstory HostingSat, 27 May 2023 - 1931 - 15Mins Live Podcast - 職場系列 – 如何有技巧說話 How to use diplomatic language at work
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Giving bad newsMaking requestsGiving a commandMaking an objectionNegotiatingMaking suggestionsBlaming someone
Reference article: https://englishwithatwist.com/2016/11/24/meetings_diplomatic-language_part-1/
Let’s take a look at some situations where diplomatic language would be important if you were doing business in English.
I’m afraid I have to cancel the meeting.I’m so sorry but I have to cancel the meeting.Unfortunately, something’s come up and I have to cancel the meeting.
1. Using softeners 軟性用詞
This is direct with no apology for giving bad news. If you were delivering this to a superior or a client this would sound harsh.
I have to cancel the meeting.2. Modal Verbs 情態動詞
I want more time. (rather demanding)
Imagine you are giving an order or making a request, using modal verbs like would, could, may or might would be of huge help.
Making a RequestTry this instead
I could do with more time.It would be so helpful to have more time.
Give me an answer by tomorrow (how rude!)
Giving an orderTry this instead:
Could you give me an answer by tomorrow? (much better)
I’m afraid I haven’t finished the report.
3. Rephrasing a negative sentence 重新思考負面句子
You can rephrase a negative sentence to make it sound more positive.The use of ‘I’m afraid’ softens the bad news but we can soften it even more by doing this.
I’m afraid I’ve not been able to finish the report yet.Using be able highlights your attempt to finish the report was stopped by circumstances beyond your control, for example, heavy workload, awaiting more data and so on, and NOT by your failure. Using the word ‘yet’ emphasises your willingness to finish the report and that you’re still working on it.
I can’t deliver the goods on time.I won’t have the report ready by then.
Negative sentences formed with can’t or won’t can make you as a speaker sound especially unhelpful and negative.Try this instead
I won’t be able to have the report ready by then.I’m not in a position to say when the goods will be delivered.I’m not able to say when the goods will be delivered.
We are having problems with the new medical device.We are having one or two problems with the new product.
4. Using qualifiers 修飾詞
Other examples of qualifiers that can make great softeners are:
a little, a bit, a little bit, slight, slightly, small, one or two.
These qualifiers will help you especially when you have to give bad news to your superiors or a client.Try saying
We’re going to run over budgetWe’re going to run slightly over budget.The launch plans are behind schedule.The launch plans are a little bit behind schedule.
We should change the wording of the investment warning in our brochures.
5. Negative Question Forms 轉換負面問句
Questions can often come off as strong language and can be interpreted the wrong way. Suggestions delivered in this way:Instead, we should say this:
Shouldn’t we change the wording of the investment warning in our brochures?
I am not done with the report / How can I finish if I don't have time?You should have made better planning / It is not going to work.The client is upset with the order / There is nothing I can do.I need more time! / Why didn't you check the documents?
分享時間:
Try and soften the following:
Powered by Firstory HostingFri, 26 May 2023 - 1930 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K578: 英王查爾斯三世為加冕慶典順利完結獻上感謝
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K578: King Charles Expresses Gratitude as Coronation Celebrations Conclude
King Charles expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all those involved in his coronation weekend, pledging a life of service alongside his wife, Camilla. The three-day extravaganza culminated in a magnificent coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, marking the grandest ceremonial event in Britain in 70 years.
查爾斯國王對參與他的加冕週末的所有人表示衷心的感謝,並承諾與妻子卡蜜拉一起奉獻一生。為期三天的盛會在西敏寺的加冕典禮中達到高潮,標誌著英國70年來最盛大的儀式活動。
In a statement echoing Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee message, King Charles and Camilla reaffirmed their commitment to serving the people. "As the Coronation weekend draws to a close, my wife and I wanted to extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this occasion truly special," said King Charles. He expressed gratitude to those who made the weekend a success and commended the participants who joined in the celebrations. He added, "Your support, encouragement, and acts of kindness have been the most precious gifts, inspiring us to rededicate our lives to serving the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms, and the Commonwealth."
在一份回應伊麗莎白女王白金禧年訊息的聲明中,查爾斯國王和卡蜜拉重申了他們對服務人民的承諾。查理國王表示:“隨著加冕週末即將結束,我妻子和我想向所有為這個特殊場合作出貢獻的人致以最真摯和衷心的謝意。”他對使這個週末成事的人表示感激,並讚揚參與慶典的人。他補充說:“你們的支持、鼓勵和善行是最寶貴的禮物,激勵我們重新奉獻自己的生活來服務英國、其屬地和英聯邦的人民。”
Accompanying the statement were four official photos featuring King Charles, Camilla, and members of the royal family. The festivities included a remarkable "Coronation Concert" at Windsor, where the royal couple joined a crowd of 20,000 attendees. The concert featured renowned singers Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, and an amusing comedy sketch surprised the audience as Charles and Camilla interacted with the performers.
聲明附帶了四張官方照片,展示了查爾斯國王、卡蜜拉和皇室成員。慶典包括在溫莎舉行的“加冕音樂會”,皇室夫婦與二萬名觀眾共同參加。音樂會特邀了著名歌手萊諾李奇和凱蒂佩芮,而一個有趣的喜劇小品則讓查爾斯和卡蜜拉與演出者互動,令現場觀眾驚喜萬分。
Concluding the extended weekend of street parties and celebrations, thousands of organizations came together on Monday to participate in the "The Big Help Out" volunteering program. Prince William and Kate, along with their children, visited a scout group in Slough, near Windsor, for their first official engagement with their youngest son, Louis. Under his father's supervision, the enthusiastic Louis eagerly participated in various activities.
延續了一個週末的街頭派對和慶典,數千家機構於星期一聚集在一起,參與了名為「大幫助計畫(The Big Help Out)」的志願服務活動。威廉王子和凱特夫婦與他們的孩子一起訪問了溫莎附近的斯勞童子軍團,這是他們與年幼的兒子路易的首次正式亮相。在父親的陪伴監督下,熱情洋溢的路易積極地參與了各種活動。
The coronation ceremony of King Charles III showcased a breathtaking blend of centuries-old tradition and the aspirations of a new era. The solemn two-hour service at Westminster Abbey, witnessed by an esteemed congregation of around 100 world leaders and watched by millions globally, saw King Charles receive the St Edward's Crown. Camilla, his second wife, was also crowned queen. The ceremony aimed to pay tribute to history while embracing a more diverse and forward-looking institution.
國王查爾斯三世的加冕典禮展示了幾個世紀以來的傳統與新世代抱負驚人的融合。在西敏寺隆重舉辦的兩小時儀式上,約有100位世界領袖見證,全球數百萬人觀看,查爾斯國王接受了聖愛德華王冠。卡蜜拉作為他的第二任妻子,也同時被冊封為王后。這個典禮旨在向歷史致敬,同時擁抱一個更多元和前瞻的制度。
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak lauded the extraordinary spectacle, stating, "Over the weekend, no other country in the world could have put on such a dazzling display." Supporters of the royal family emphasize their international appeal, diplomatic significance, and ability to uphold the nation's global standing amidst political uncertainties, such as the post-Brexit era.
英國首相蘇納克讚揚了這個非凡壯觀的場面,他說:“在這個週末,世界上其他任何國家都無法呈現如此耀眼的表演。”皇室的支持者強調他們的國際吸引力、外交意義以及在政治不確定性時期(如脫歐後)維護英國在全球地位的能力。
The coronation event, despite occurring amid a cost of living crisis and public skepticism, underscored the enduring role and relevance of the monarchy. King Charles, who ascended the throne upon the passing of Queen Elizabeth, acknowledged the challenges ahead. The event seamlessly intertwined historical regalia with elements reflecting the country's diversity and cultural evolution, affirming the monarchy's adaptability and continued significance.
儘管這場加冕儀式是在民生水平高漲危機和公眾懷疑的背景下舉行,它仍然彰顯了君主制的持久角色和相關性。查爾斯國王在伊麗莎白女王離世後即位,並接受他要面臨的挑戰。這個活動巧妙地將歷史傳統與反映該國多樣性和文化演進的元素融合在一起,肯定了君主制的適應性和持續的重要性。Reference article:https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/coronation-brimming-with-history-king-charles-britain-look-future-2023-05-05/ ; https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/great-treat-king-charles-heralds-weekend-coronation-celebrations-2023-05-08/
Powered by Firstory HostingThu, 25 May 2023 - 1929 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K577: 酷玩樂團面對演唱會飆升的需求,將在高雄額外增演
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K577: Coldplay's Demand Soars: Additional Show Added in Kaohsiung
British rock band Coldplay has responded to the overwhelming demand for their concert tickets by adding a second show in Kaohsiung on November 12. The band's Asia leg of the world tour has generated an incredible level of interest, leading the organizers to accommodate more fans. Yesterday, the concert organizer, Live Nation Taiwan, made the announcement, delighting Coldplay enthusiasts.
英國搖滾樂團酷玩樂團對於其演唱會門票的需求激增作出回應,並決定11月12日在高雄加開一場演出。該樂團的亞洲巡演引起了極大的關注,使得主辦單位需要容納更多粉絲。昨天,演唱會主辦方「Live Nation Taiwan 理想國」宣布了加開的好消息,令酷玩樂團的狂熱粉們感到欣喜。
The presale for the initial November 11 show concluded, and general ticket sales for both concerts at Kaohsiung National Stadium on Ticketmaster's website. To ensure accessibility to as many fans as possible, both shows in Kaohsiung will offer limited "Infinity Tickets" in the upcoming days. Priced at NT$800, these special tickets aim to provide an affordable option for fans. Each purchaser can buy a maximum of two tickets, which must be purchased as a pair.
11月11日場次的預售票已經結束,而兩場演出的普通票將在Ticketmaster的網站上開始公開售票。為了讓更多粉絲能夠買到門票,高雄的兩場演出將在接下來的幾天推出限量的「無限門票」。這種特別門票售價為台幣800元,旨在為粉絲提供一個負擔得起的選擇。每位購票人最多可以買兩張門票,並且必須成對購買。
Coldplay's "Music of the Spheres World Tour" will commence in Asia and Australia, starting with two shows in Tokyo on November 6 and 7, followed by the two performances in Kaohsiung. Jakarta, Perth, and Kuala Lumpur are also included in the band's tour itinerary in Asia and Australia. This upcoming tour marks the band's second visit to Taiwan, with their first performance held in Taoyuan in 2017.
酷玩樂團的「音樂天球世界巡演」將在亞洲和澳洲展開,首站將在11月6日和7日的東京舉行,之後是在高雄的兩場演出。雅加達、伯斯和吉隆坡也包含在樂團的亞洲和澳洲巡演行程中。這次即將開始的巡演將是該樂團第二次訪問台灣,他們2017年時曾在桃園舉行過一場演出。
The Ministry of Culture has highlighted the importance of the second Coldplay concert as an opportunity for authorities and concert organizers to tackle the issue of ticket scalping. The recent surge in art and cultural events following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions has led to rampant scalping, depriving regular concertgoers of the chance to secure tickets. The ministry aims to implement measures to prevent such practices and ensure a fair ticketing process for all fans.
文化部強調酷玩樂團第二場演唱會的重要性,這是當局和音樂會主辦單位應對黃牛票問題的機會。近期隨著COVID-19限制解除,藝術和文化活動急劇增加,黃牛票問題也隨之猖獗,使得一般的演唱會觀眾買不到門票。文化部致力於實施措施防止此類行為,並確保所有粉絲都能享有公平的購票過程。
In conclusion, Coldplay's decision to add another show in Kaohsiung due to the incredible demand showcases their popularity in Taiwan. With the introduction of "Infinity Tickets" and measures against ticket scalping, the band aims to make their world tour more accessible and enjoyable for their loyal fans.
總結來說,酷玩樂團因需求遽增而決定在高雄加開演出,展示了他們在台灣的受歡迎程度。通過推出「無限門票」等打擊黃牛票的措施,該樂團目標是使忠實粉絲更容易取得和享受他們的世界巡演。Reference article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/05/18/2003800017
Powered by Firstory HostingWed, 24 May 2023 - 1928 - 精選詞彙播客Vocab Ep.166: 卡在飛機上幾小時後之旅平險知多少 Part II?Why travel insurance is much needed today PART II?
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Summary:
討論文章: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/05/08/2003799372
This is part II, a continuation of our discussion from last week. This week, Angel and I talk about how important travel insurance is! 歡迎投稿有趣的主題給醬老師與Angel老師 Comment down below!
Vocabulary:
1. Peace of mind idiom. 心情平靜/安心
Purchasing extra travel insurance is mostly for a peace of mind. 添購旅平險多數是為了心安。
2. Compensation n. 賠償/報酬
Airlines usually provide compensation for flight delays, and not refund. 航空公司通常提供賠償而不是退費。
3. Cover v. 承保/有給付
Your travel insurance would cover all the expenses that arise from flight delays or cancellations. 你的旅平險會給付班機延誤或取消所多出的費用。
更多Vocab Podcast節目: https://www.15mins.today/vocab
歡迎主題投稿/意見回覆 : ask15mins@gmail.com
商業合作/贊助來信:15minstoday@gmail.com
Powered by Firstory HostingTue, 23 May 2023 - 1927 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K576: 男子透過在浴室吃牛排賺錢
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K576: Man Makes Money Eating Ribeye Steak in the Shower
Gaz, a man from Atlanta, America, has gained popularity on Twitter after revealing that he eats his meals in the shower. He discovered that he could save time and cure his hangovers by eating breakfast in the shower. Now, he shares his odd eating habits on Twitter and sometimes receives donations from fans to eat specific items, earning him $130 in donations so far.
一名叫做Gaz的美國亞特蘭大男子在推特上因在浴室進食而成為熱門話題。他發現在浴室吃早餐可以節省時間並治療宿醉。現在,他在推特上分享他奇特的進食習慣,有時還會收到粉絲的斗內(捐款)讓他進食特定的物品,目前已經賺到了130美元。
Gaz's Twitter post about eating a 32oz Tomahawk ribeye steak in the shower received 1.1 million views and over 27,000 likes. In the picture, Gaz can be seen holding a huge steak with a bite taken out of it. Despite many users left confused, Gaz's bizarre eating habits have gained a lot of attention.
Gaz在推特上貼出了一張自己在浴室吃掉32盎司的戰斧肋眼牛排照片,獲得了110萬的點擊和超過27,000個讚。在照片中,可以看到Gaz拿著一塊巨大的牛排,上面已經被咬了一口。儘管許多用戶因為Gaz的奇特飲食習慣感到困惑,但也因此引起了許多關注。
Gaz's posts also include eating a pineapple and a shrimp platter, which have received a lot of views and likes. However, he claims that the steak was his favourite meal to date. He is now looking to try more exotic and expensive foods, such as caviar and gold-plated steaks, and is hoping to collaborate with brands and chefs.
Gaz的貼文還包括吃鳳梨和一盤蝦子,這些貼文都獲得了很多點擊和讚。然而,他聲稱肋眼牛排是迄今為止他最喜歡的食物。他現在希望嘗試更多異國料理和昂貴的美食,例如魚子醬和金箔牛排,並希望與其他的品牌和廚師合作。
Aside from his unusual eating habits, Gaz is also using his platform to spread awareness about food insecurity and has donated $100 to the Atlanta Food Bank. He encourages others to donate their time or money to local food banks and help fight against food insecurity.
除了他不尋常的飲食習慣外,Gaz也運用他的平台宣傳了糧食不足的議題,並向亞特蘭大食物銀行捐贈了100美元。他鼓勵人們捐出他們的時間或金錢支持當地的食物銀行,幫助對抗糧食不足。
Reference article: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/man-gets-paid-eat-ribeye-29902479
Powered by Firstory HostingMon, 22 May 2023 - 1926 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K575: 航班因為蜜蜂在機翼上聚集而延誤
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K575: Flight Delayed for Three Hours as Bees Swarm on Plane's Wing
A flight from Houston to Atlanta was delayed for about three hours due to an unexpected occurrence of thousands of bees swarming on the wing of the airplane. The incident was captured and shared on social media by passenger Anjali Enjeti.
因為數千隻的蜜蜂在飛機機翼上聚集,一班由休斯頓飛往亞特蘭大的航班延誤了約三個小時。此事件被乘客安賈莉恩傑蒂(Anjali Enjeti)紀錄並分享到社交媒體上。
According to Enjeti, the bees congregated on the tip of one of the wings, causing the airline to delay boarding until the bees could be removed. However, the beekeeper was not allowed to touch the plane, and pest control was not permitted to spray the bees. The airport was also unable to use a hose to spray the wing with water.
恩傑蒂表示,蜜蜂群聚集在一架飛機翼尖上,導致航空公司延遲登機,直到蜜蜂被清除為止。然而,蜜蜂飼養員不被允許接觸飛機,且不允許害蟲控制部門噴灑殺蟲劑。機場也無法使用水管噴灑水來清理機翼。
Fortunately, the bees dispersed on their own once the plane's engine was turned on, allowing the flight to proceed after a delay of three hours. Delta Air Lines officials later made a statement, saying that the bees appeared to want to "talk shop" with the winglet of the plane, possibly to exchange information about the flying conditions at the airport.
幸運的是,在飛機引擎啟動之後,蜜蜂隨即自行散去,航班行程在延誤了三個小時後得以繼續。達美 航空的官員稍後發表聲明,稱蜜蜂似乎想與飛機翼端“談生意”,可能是為了交換有關機場飛行條件的信息。
While the situation was unexpected and caused a significant delay, it highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the environment around us. As we continue to travel, we need to remain mindful of the impact our actions have on the world around us. Bees play a vital role in our ecosystem, and we must do our part in preserving their habitat and well-being.
儘管這種情況十分出乎意料,並且導致了明顯的延誤,但這也突出了我們理解和尊重周圍環境的重要性。隨著我們繼續旅行,我們需要保持警覺,了解我們的行為對周圍世界的影響。蜜蜂在生態系統中扮演著重要的角色,我們必須盡自己的一份力來保護它們的棲息地和福祉。
In conclusion, while the incident may have caused inconvenience and frustration for passengers, it reminds us to remain respectful of our environment and the creatures that inhabit it. Despite the delay, the passengers reached their destination safely, and hopefully, the bees found a new home to continue their important work.
總之,儘管這件事可能對乘客造成了不便和挫折,但也提醒了我們要尊重周圍的環境和居住於此的生物。儘管航班延遲了,乘客們仍然安全到達了目的地,希望蜜蜂也能找到一個新的家,繼續他們的重要工作。
Reference article: https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2023/05/04/bees-Bush-Airport-Houston-Delta-flight-delayed/8021683215726/
Powered by Firstory HostingMon, 22 May 2023 - 1925 - 回顧星期天LBS - 科學研究相關時事趣聞 All about 2022 scientific research
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Topic: About scientific research - Certain Junk Foods Could Be Messing With Your Brain’s Appetite Control, Study Finds
Emerging evidence in humans suggests a typically Western high-fat, high-sugar ’junk food’ diet can quickly undermine your brain’s appetite control.
在人類中新發現的證據顯示,含有高脂高糖「垃圾食物」的典型西方飲食,可以快速破壞大腦對食慾的控制。
After indulging in a week-long binge of waffles, milkshakes and similarly rich foods, researchers in Australia found young and healthy volunteers scored worse on memory tests and experienced a greater desire to eat junk food, even when they were already full.
狂吃鬆餅、奶昔和類似的高脂食物一週後,澳洲研究人員發現,年輕健康的志願者在記憶力測試中成績欠佳,而且對垃圾食物更有食慾,甚至在吃飽之後還想吃。
The findings suggest something is amiss in the hippocampus - a region of the brain that supports memory and helps to regulate appetite. When we are full, the hippocampus is thought to quieten down our memories of delicious food, thereby reducing our appetite.
研究結果顯示問題出在海馬體,這個區域在大腦中支援記憶力,協助調節食慾。我們吃飽之後,海馬體被認為會使美食記憶不再活躍,從而降低食慾。
When it’s disrupted, this control can be seriously undermined.
當海馬體受到擾亂,對食慾的控制也會受到嚴重破壞。
Over the years, extensive research on juvenile mice has found the function of the hippocampus is very sensitive to ’junk food’ , but this has only recently been observed in young and healthy humans.
近年來對幼鼠進行的廣泛研究發現,海馬體對「垃圾食物」很敏感,但最近才在年輕健康的人群中發現這一問題。
Next Article
Topic: Squatting or kneeling is better for your posture than sitting all day, anthropologists claim 人類學家:蹲姿或跪姿比坐一整天來得好
Resting postures such as squatting or kneeling may be better for health because they require more muscle activity than sitting on a chair, researchers claim.
研究人員聲稱,蹲或跪這類休息姿勢也許更有益於身體健康,因為它們比坐在椅子上需要更多的肌肉活動。
The findings are based on data gathered from a hunter-gatherer population in Tanzania who wore devices that measured physical activity as well as periods of rest.
這些發現是根據從坦尚尼亞一個狩獵採集部落收集來的數據,這個部落的人佩戴裝置來測量他們的體力活動和休息時間。
Anthropologists from the US found that despite being sedentary for almost 10 hours each day, equivalent to clocking a shift in the office at the desk, the Hazda people appeared to lack the markers of chronic diseases associated with long periods of sitting.
美國的人類學家發現,儘管哈茲達部落的人每天靜止不動的時間將近10個小時,相當於在辦公桌前上一天班,但他們似乎並未出現久坐帶來的慢性病跡象。
They believe this is down to the ‘active rest postures’ used by the tribe.
他們相信,這歸結於該部落使用的「主動休息姿勢」。
Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1368761 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1367176
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Topic: Aboriginal canoe sets out on voyage to Japan for research
An Aboriginal Amis canoe is set to sail from Taiwan’s Taitung County to Japan’s Yonaguni Island some time between Monday and July 13. Organized by Taiwan’s National Museum of Prehistory and Japan’s National Museum of Nature and Science (NMNS), the voyage is part of the NMNS’ research on people’s movement from Taiwan to Japan in ancient times.
一艘原住民阿美族的獨木舟,預計在週一至七月十三日間,從台灣的台東縣航向日本的與那國島。該活動是由國立台灣史前文化博物館,及日本的國立科學博物館合辦,此航行是科博館研究的一部分,旨在探討古代人們從台灣到日本的遷徙活動。
According to archaeologists, some of the early inhabitants of Japan most likely traveled from Taiwan to the Ryukyu Islands on similar wooden vessels during the Paleolithic, about 30,000 years ago. The canoe will have to cross the Kuroshio Current (the Black Current) and travel around 205km to Yonaguni Island, Japan’s westernmost island in Okinawa Prefecture.
根據考古學家們指出,日本的某些早期居民,極有可能是搭乘著類似的木筏,自台灣來到沖繩列島,當時大約是距今三萬年的舊石器時代。這艘獨木舟必須跨越「黑潮」洋流,航行約兩百零五公里至沖繩縣、位於全日本最西端的與那國島。
The research team failed to complete a voyage on an Amis bamboo raft last year and the year before that, because the boats used were not strong enough for the big waves. This time around, a canoe made of cedar will be used in the adventure, which is expected to take 2 to 3 days.
研究團隊去年、前年均嘗試以阿美族竹筏渡海,但因竹筏不夠堅固無法抵擋大浪沖擊,最終挑戰失敗。本次冒險則改用以雪松打造的獨木舟,預計需二到三天才能完成整趟航程。
Source article: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2019/06/20/2003717213
Next Article
Topic: Researchers ‘reboot’ pig brains hours after animals died
The brains of decapitated pigs can be partially revived several hours after the animal has died, researchers have revealed, with some of the functions of cells booted back up when an oxygen-rich fluid is circulated through the organ.
研究人員近日指出,宰殺後的豬隻大腦在死亡數個小時之後,仍然可以被「部分復甦」──藉由一種富含氧氣的液體在器官中進行循環,死亡豬隻的腦細胞部分功能被重新啟動。
The scientists stress that the brains do not show any signs of consciousness — for example, there was no sign that different parts of the brain were sending signals to each other — and that it does not change the definition of death. “This is not a living brain. But it is a cellularly active brain,” said Prof Nenad Sestan from Yale University, who led the research.
科學家強調,實驗中的大腦並未顯示任何具有意識的徵兆──舉例而言,大腦不同部位並沒有出現互相傳遞訊號的跡象──而這項實驗也並未改變死亡的定義。耶魯大學的內納德‧塞斯坦教授是這篇研究的主持人,他表示:「這並不代表它是一個活的大腦,但確實是一個就細胞層面而言仍在活動中的大腦。」
A number of studies have suggested brain cells might not inevitably die after blood stops circulating. Writing in the journal Nature, researchers in the US reported how they sought to examine this further by taking brains from 32 pigs that had been killed in a slaughterhouse. Four hours after their deaths the arteries of the pig brains were hooked up to a sophisticated system dubbed BrainEx, which pumped an oxygenated synthetic blood through the organ. This fluid contained a host of nutrients as well as other substances to tackle processes that lead to cell death, and the circulation was continued for six hours.
曾有多份研究指出,在血液停止循環後,大腦細胞可能不會必然死亡。在期刊《自然》這次刊出的報告中,美國的研究人員解釋他們如何藉由三十二頭豬在屠宰廠被宰殺後留下的大腦,試圖進一步檢驗這個現象。在豬隻死亡四個小時後,豬的大腦動脈被接上一個稱為「BrainEx」的複雜系統,它會把加入氧氣的人工合成血液灌注到器官中。液體內含有許多營養物和其他物質,能夠阻撓導致細胞死亡的過程,並在大腦中持續循環六個小時。
At that point, the team found the circulating fluid successfully flowed through blood vessels in the brain, including tiny capillaries, and that the blood vessels were able to dilate in response to a drug, while the brain as a whole consumed oxygen and glucose from the fluid and released carbon dioxide back into it at similar rates to an intact brain.
此時,研究團隊發現循環的液體順利流經大腦中的血管──包括極細的微血管──而血管也能夠對某種藥物產生擴張反應,大腦整體則會消耗液體中的氧氣和葡萄糖,並釋出二氧化碳回到液體中,速率近似於正常大腦。
What is more, the cells showed certain functions, including the release of various immune-response substances when triggered. After tissues were removed from the brains and flushed of the BrainEx fluid the researchers found individual neurons were still able to function.
此外,細胞更開始出現某些功能,例如在受到刺激時會釋放出多種免疫反應物質。研究人員移除部分腦組織、並且沖洗掉「BrainEx」液體後,發現單獨的神經元仍然能夠運作。
The team said that while the BrainEx fluid was circulating, they monitored the brains to check for any signs of organized electrical activity that might suggest consciousness. “That monitoring didn’t show any kind of organized global electrical activity,” said Dr Stephen Latham, a bioethicist and co-author of the study.
研究團隊表示,當「BrainEx」液體正在循環時,他們有偵測大腦,檢查是否有任何可能代表意識的組織性帶電活動跡象。生物倫理學家史蒂芬‧拉譚姆博士是這份研究的共同作者,他指出:「監測過程中並未顯示出任何組織性的整體帶電活動」。
But, he said, the team had been ready for signs of consciousness. “Had that appeared they would have lowered the temperature of the brain and used anesthesia to stop that kind of activity,” said Latham, adding that at present there are no ethics committees set up for such an eventuality, and it remained unclear in any case if the technique could ever restore consciousness.
不過,他也表示,研究團隊已做好準備,面對隨時出現意識的徵兆。拉譚姆博士說:「如果有類似跡象出現,研究人員就會降低腦部溫度,並且用麻醉藥物阻止這類活動。」但他也補充說,目前並沒有為這種可能性成立任何倫理委員會,而且無論如何,該技術是否能夠恢復意識仍然在未定之天。
The team said the approach could provide a new way to study the brain, and even help in the development and testing of new therapies for stroke and other conditions in which bloodflow to parts of the brain is blocked, causing cells to die.
研究團隊表示,這個方法可望提供新的大腦研究方式,甚至有助於開發和測試新療法,治療中風和其他因為大腦部分血流受阻而導致細胞死亡的相關疾病。
Source article: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2019/04/28/2003714163/2
Powered by Firstory HostingSat, 20 May 2023 - 1924 - 15Mins Live Podcast - 換句話說系列 – 憤怒與我說的其他說法Other ways to say “Angry” and “Say”
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Tell a personal experience related to a situation where you would use “angry” and “say”Pick 4 words and make sentences
Other ways to say: ANGRY
Enraged 觸怒
He was enraged at the article about him.
Furious 惱怒/狂怒
They were furious at not being invited to the party.
Mad 憤怒
Bill's untidiness drives me mad.
Fed up 夠了
She'd got fed up with waiting and gone home.
Cross 生氣的
I'm cross with her for lying.
Other ways to say: SAY (Said)
Tell (Told) 告訴/說
He told me to go away.
Mention (Mentioned) 談起/說到
I'll mention it to her when I see her tomorrow.
Answer (Answered) 回答
I don't know, she answered truthfully.
Add (Added) 補充
I should add that I am not happy about this decision.
Declare (Declared) 宣告
I'm leaving tomorrow; James suddenly declared.
State (Stated) 正式宣言
He stated that the project would be completed by April.
Announce (Announced) 發布/公告
Bill suddenly announced he was taking the day off,
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Powered by Firstory HostingFri, 19 May 2023 - 1923 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K574: 松下為提高性能而推遲特斯拉4680電池的生產
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K574: Panasonic delays production of Tesla's 4680 battery cells for performance improvements
Panasonic, the Japanese supplier for Tesla, announced on Wednesday that it will delay the commercial production of its 4680 battery cells until the April to September period in 2024, as it aims to enhance their performance. The company had previously planned to begin volume production for Tesla between April 2023 to March 2024. The delay is due to the introduction of performance improvement measures that will enhance competitiveness, according to Panasonic's earnings presentation materials.
作為特斯拉的日本供應商,松下宣布將推遲4680電池的商業生產至2024年4月至9月期間,以提高其性能。公司此前計劃在2023年4月至2024年3月期間為特斯拉開始量產。根據松下的收益報告材料,此次推遲是為了引入性能改進措施,進一步提高競爭力。
The 4680 battery cells are key to making cheaper and compelling electric cars and have been championed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Although Tesla is already producing the cells at its California and Texas factories, the carmaker struggled to meet its targets for production and performance. Tesla executive Drew Baglino revealed in a recent conference call that the company plans to steadily ramp production of the cells ahead of Cybertruck production next year, with over 1,000 cars per week produced by the end of 2022.
4680電池是製造更便宜且引人注目的電動汽車的關鍵,也是特斯拉執行長馬斯克(Elon Musk)所強推的計畫。儘管特斯拉已經在其加州和德克薩斯州工廠生產這些電池,但該公司在生產和性能方面遇到了困難。特斯拉高管德魯巴格利諾(Drew Baglino)在最近的一次電話會議上透露,該公司計劃在明年Cybertruck生產之前逐步提高電池的生產量,到2022年底每周生產超過1,000輛車。
Panasonic is currently running a pilot 4680 production line at its Wakayama factory in Japan. Tesla uses the cells in its base Model Y, and LG Energy Solution, Tesla's South Korean supplier, also plans to set up a new 4680 production line at its domestic factory by the end of this year. However, the company has not announced when the batteries will start volume production.
松下目前正在日本的和歌山工廠進行4680電池的試產。特斯拉在其基本款Model Y中使用這些電池,而特斯拉的韓國供應商LG能源解決方案也計劃在年底前在國內工廠設立新的4680生產線,然而,該公司目前尚未宣布這種電池何時開始量產。
Reference article: https://www.reuters.com/technology/panasonic-delays-production-new-tesla-battery-improve-performance-2023-05-10/
Powered by Firstory HostingThu, 18 May 2023 - 1922 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K573: 500磅的義大利麵被拋棄在紐澤西的小鎮樹林中
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K573: 500 Pounds of Pasta Dumped in the Woods of a New Jersey Town
Residents of Old Bridge, New Jersey were surprised when 500 pounds of dry, uncooked pasta were found dumped in a wooded area of the town. The incident, which happened on the banks of the Iresick Brook, led to a public works crew having to clear up the mounds of macaroni. Despite the bizarre nature of the incident, Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry was pleased that the dumped material was not more harmful, such as tires or mattresses.
新澤西州舊橋鎮(Old Bridge)的居民們感到驚訝,因為他們在鎮上的一個樹林裡發現了500磅的未煮乾麵條。此事件發生在Iresick Brook的河岸,導致公共工程人員不得不清理這些成堆的麵條。儘管事件本身的性質很怪,但舊橋鎮鎮長Owen Henry還是為了被傾倒的物質並不會像輪胎或床墊之類,對環境造成更多的傷害感到欣慰。
The pasta had been dumped by a man who was cleaning out the home of his late parents on Hillyard Road. The couple apparently believed in keeping their pantry fully stocked. The pasta was dry and uncooked when it was discarded, but it was turned al dente when two inches of rain fell on central New Jersey on April 22-23.
這些麵條是由一名男子傾倒的,當時他正在清理已故父母在Hillyard路上的房屋。這對夫婦顯然認為必須保持他們的儲藏室有充足的儲備。這些麵條被丟棄時是乾的且未煮過,但在4月22日至23日紐澤西中部下了兩英寸的雨後,它就變得既彈牙又有嚼勁了。
The incident highlights a wider problem of illegal dumping in rural areas. Mayor Owen Henry took the opportunity to call on residents not to dump their unwanted items in the woods. He pointed out that many items could be taken to recycling centers and that it made no sense to throw away items such as electronics, rugs, and metal. Henry acknowledged that Old Bridge regularly has issues with people illegally dumping waste in isolated areas.
此事件凸顯了鄉村地區非法傾倒的廣泛議題。Owen Henry鎮長趁機呼籲居民不要在樹林中傾倒他們不需要的物品。他指出,許多物品可以送到回收中心,而把電子產品、地毯和金屬等物品扔到樹林中毫無意義。Henry承認,舊橋鎮經常有人們在偏僻處非法傾倒廢棄物的問題。
While the pasta dumper could be cited, Mayor Henry said the police would not actively pursue the case. Despite the illegality of the dumping, the incident was not hazardous, and there were more pressing issues for the detective bureau to focus on. Owen Henry was pleased that the incident was not worse, and he was happy to take on the task of clearing up the discarded pasta.
雖然可以對傾倒麵條的人提出指控,但Henry鎮長表示,警方不會積極追查此案。儘管傾倒是非法的,但這件事並不危險,而且偵查局有更緊迫的問題需要處理。Owen Henry很欣慰事件沒有更糟的發展,相比之下他很樂意去清理被丟棄的麵條。
Reference article: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/500-pounds-pasta-mysteriously-dumped-woods-new-jersey-town-rcna83084
Powered by Firstory HostingWed, 17 May 2023 - 1921 - 精選詞彙播客Vocab Ep.166: 卡在飛機上幾小時後你第一件事做什麼 Part I?What do you do after you get stranded on an airplane for 4 hours?
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Summary:
討論文章: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/05/08/2003799372
Starlux flight delay in Narita airport was the hot topic for netizens this week. Passengers were stranded on the airplane for hours and later forced to stay camp out at the airport overnight. This week, Angel and I brainstorm what we should do getting stranded at the airport! 歡迎投稿有趣的主題給醬老師與Angel老師 Comment down below!
Vocabulary:
1. Stranded adj. 滯留/困住
John was stranded on the airplane before takeoff for four hours due to heavy rain. 當年John因為大雨而困住在飛機上無法起飛。
2. Headwind n. 逆風
Airplanes require headwinds to gain lift for takeoff. 飛機需要逆風才容易升空。
3. In-flight meals n. 飛機餐
Airlines often reduce costs from the in-flight meals on short-haul flights. 航空公司通常都從短程班機上的餐先減預算。
更多Vocab Podcast節目: https://www.15mins.today/vocab
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Powered by Firstory HostingTue, 16 May 2023 - 1920 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K572: 星宇航空董座因與YouTuber合照遭罰款
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K572: Starlux Chairman Could Face Fine Over Cockpit Photo with YouTuber
Starlux Airlines Chairman and pilot, Chang Kuo-wei, is facing a possible fine for allowing a YouTuber to enter the cockpit during a flight to Los Angeles on April 26th. The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) stated that an investigation was launched after the YouTuber, Sam Chui, posted a photo on Instagram with Chang in the cockpit without obtaining permission from the CAA. The flight is considered to be in operation as soon as cabin crew members are on board, according to CAA Flight Standards Division Director Wu Chia-jen. If found to have contravened the regulations, Chang could face a fine of NT$60,000, while the airline could be given a warning or a fine of NT$600,000.
星宇航空的董事長兼飛行員張國煒因允許一名YouTuber於4月26日飛往洛杉磯的航班進入駕駛艙而可能面臨罰款。根據民航局表示,該機關接獲舉報,指YouTuber崔佳星在Instagram上發布了一張未經民航局許可,與張國煒在駕駛艙的合照。民航局標準組長吳家珍指出,只要機上有機組人員,航班就被視為已經開始執行。依照航空器飛航作業管理規則,若張國煒違反規定,將面臨新台幣6萬元罰款,而該航空公司可能被警告或罰款新台幣60萬元。
Starlux Airlines also faced criticism for leaving more than 300 Taiwanese passengers stranded at Tokyo Narita International Airport on Saturday night, following the delay of two returning flights to Taipei due to crosswinds. Chang, who did not sleep the night before, caught a red-eye flight to Tokyo to handle the situation and later piloted one of the airline's A350 aircraft back to Taipei. However, the aviation authority launched another investigation, suspecting that Chang might have operated the aircraft while fatigued or worked overtime.
星宇航空同時也面臨兩班返程飛往台北的航班因強風延誤,導致逾300名台灣乘客滯留東京成田機場而被批評的情況。張國煒於前一晚沒有休息,趕上深夜飛往東京的航班處理事件,之後再駕駛航空公司的一架A350飛機回到台北。然而,民航局懷疑張國煒可能疲勞駕駛或超時工作,因此啟動了另一項調查。
The CAA has combined both investigations into one, as Chang was involved in both cases. The agency has requested information from the company and will interview Chang for further details. According to the Aircraft Flight Operation Regulations, non-cabin crew must obtain permission from the agency before entering the cockpit, which Starlux did not request in advance, according to CAA Director-General Lin Kuo-hsien. If the investigation finds that Chui entered the cockpit during the flight to Los Angeles, Chang and the airline could be fined.
民航局將兩起調查合併,因為張國煒涉及兩件事。該機關已向公司請求資訊,並將就進一步細節訪問張國煒。根據《飛行作業規定》,非機組人員進入駕駛艙前必須獲得機關許可,根據交通部民用航空局局長林國顯的說法,星宇航空沒有提前申請。如果調查發現崔佳星在飛往洛杉磯的航班上進入駕駛艙,張國煒和航空公司可能會被罰款。
If found guilty, it would be the first penalty Starlux Airlines received since it was founded in 2018. It would also be the first time in Taiwan's aviation history that a pilot and an airline are punished for allowing non-cabin crew to enter a cockpit. The investigation is ongoing, and the CAA has yet to release any further updates.
如果被判有罪,這將是自2018年成立以來星宇航空首次受到的處罰。這也將是臺灣航空史上第一次因允許非機組人員進入駕駛艙而受罰的機師與航空公司。調查仍在進行中,民航局尚未發布任何進一步的消息。
Reference article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/05/11/2003799592
Powered by Firstory HostingMon, 15 May 2023 - 1919 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K571: 明華園劇團:百年傳統的台灣曲藝
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K571: Ming Hwa Yuan Troupe: A Century of Taiwanese Opera Tradition
Ming Hwa Yuan, a Taiwanese opera troupe, was founded in 1929 by Chen Ming-chi, who had joined a different opera troupe at the age of thirteen after leaving school to support his family. Chen was convinced by an actor in the troupe to join them and even ran away from home to pursue his passion. Five years later, he started his own troupe, which eventually became the Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group. Despite ups and downs over the years, the group remains a prestigious opera company in Taiwan today, with nine independent companies. Chen's son, Chen Sheng-fu, managed the troupe after his father's death and modernized the company into a successful performing arts empire, which tours Taiwan and the world to keep traditional Taiwanese opera relevant.
明華園劇團是由陳明吉於1929年創立的,當時他在13歲時離開學校支持家庭後加入了另一個戲曲劇團。陳明基被劇團中的演員說服加入,甚至為了追求自己的熱情而離家出走。五年後,他創立了自己的劇團,最終成為了明華園藝文集團。儘管多年來經歷了起起伏伏,但該團仍然是台灣一個聲譽卓著的戲曲公司,擁有九家獨立的劇團。陳明基的兒子陳勝福在父親去世後管理了該團,並將該公司現代化成為一個成功的表演藝術帝國,巡迴演出台灣和全世界,以保持傳統的台灣戲曲。
Taiwanese opera emerged in the late 19th century, influenced by various Chinese opera styles. It is one of the few Han artforms that developed locally and was easy for common folk to understand. The popularity of Taiwanese opera soared in just two decades; by 1928, it had become the preferred theatrical style over Beijing, Baizi, and other Chinese styles. Taiwanese opera was initially criticized by intellectuals for promoting bad morals, but they couldn't stop its popularity. Japanese imperialization banned everything Taiwanese and Chinese under their assimilation policy in the late 1930s, which put a halt to the shows.
台灣戲曲起源於19世紀末,受到各種中國戲曲風格的影響。它是少數漢族藝術形式之一,且容易為普羅大眾所理解。台灣戲曲的普及在短短的二十年間飆升;到了1928年,它已經成為比京劇、白字戲和其他中國風格更受歡迎的劇場風格。台灣戲曲最初因宣揚不良道德而受到知識分子的批評,但他們無法阻止它的流行。在日本帝國主義者在20世紀30年代末的同化政策下,禁止了一切台灣和中國文化,這使得戲曲表演停止了。
After World War II, the Chinese Nationalist Party allowed Taiwanese opera to flourish again, leading to the establishment of hundreds of Taiwanese opera groups. The Taiwan Provincial Local Theater Association boasted more than 300 opera companies when it was established in 1952. Despite the challenges of the past, the tradition of Taiwanese opera has been preserved by groups like Ming Hwa Yuan, which has been passed down from generation to generation.
二戰結束後,中國國民黨允許台灣戲曲重新興起,並帶動了數百個台灣戲曲團體的建立。1952年成立的台灣省地方劇協會當時已有超過300個戲曲團體。儘管過去有許多挑戰,但台灣戲曲的傳統仍然被像明華園這樣的團體代代相傳,並得以保存。
Ming Hwa Yuan continues to promote Taiwanese opera in Taiwan and the world by touring and performing. The troupe has remained a powerful and prestigious force, keeping the traditional art form alive and relevant. Taiwanese opera may have faced many obstacles over the years, but it has also proven to be resilient. The continuation of the Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group shows how, despite the difficulties, traditional art forms can continue to thrive.
明華園在台灣及全球進行巡迴演出,繼續推廣台灣戲曲。該團體一直是強大而傑出的力量,使得這種傳統藝術形式保持著生命力和相關性。台灣戲曲可能在過去面臨許多障礙,但也證明了其具有韌性。明華園文化藝術團的延續展示了,傳統藝術形式儘管面臨困難,仍能繼續繁榮。
Reference article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2023/05/07/2003799303
Powered by Firstory HostingSun, 14 May 2023 - 1918 - 回顧星期天LBS - 飲料相關時事趣聞 All about 2022 drinks
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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
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Topic: Philippines store rolls out ingenious face masks for bubble tea lovers
珍珠奶茶在國際舞台上幾乎與台灣劃上等號,在台灣時常能看到人手一杯手搖飲。然而礙於疫情,戴著口罩要喝飲料變得麻煩許多,一間菲律賓飲料店為了解決這個問題,最近推出了一款讓人無需脫口罩就能吸到珍奶的超神口罩。
In recent years, bubble tea has become synonymous with Taiwan among members and friends of the foreign community, and many locals can often be seen drinking hand-shaken beverages wherever they go.
With the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent requirements of wearing face masks in crowded areas, however, drinking soft drinks has become a bit of a hassle.
To solve this problem, a beverage store in the Philippines recently released a new line of face masks that you won’t need to take off to enjoy a sip from your favorite drink.
此店Gallontea將口罩命名為「吸吸罩」(Sippy Mask) ,表面看起來與一般布口罩差不多,但是口罩的嘴巴邊卻有一個小開口,上面附著一個蓋子讓喜愛喝珍奶的人可以邊喝邊防疫。
The “Sippy Mask” released by Gallontea looks like an ordinary cloth face mask, but if you look closely, you’ll find that there is a small opening near the mouth, with a small-cap for bubble-tea lovers to enjoy a safe drink.
店家也特別在官網上表示,只要消費有達1,000披索(約新台幣605.56元)就會贈送此口罩。而雖然口罩預購期已於昨日截止,目前也只在菲律賓販售,然而因為銷量不賴,期望未來有機會進軍台灣;不過大家需特別注意,喝完飲料要再將開口關上,才不會白帶口罩。
On their official Instagram page, Gallontea announced that customers can receive a free face mask with a minimum purchase of 1,000 pesos (US$20.59).
Although the pre-order time was only till Aug. 18 and the masks are currently only being sold in the Philippines, with the way it’s selling out, many people have expressed hope that customers will see this ingenious invention on Taiwan racks very soon.
However, users of the face masks should be mindful of closing the opening once they’ve taken a sip from the drinks or else the act of wearing face masks would be rendered useless.
Source article: https://chinapost.nownews.com/20200819-1696789
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Topic: South Korea bans coffee in schools to curb overconsumption
South Korea will introduce a new law tomorrow banning the sale of coffee in primary and secondary schools to prevent students from consuming too much caffeine. This means that nobody, including teachers, will be able to buy caffeinated drinks on campus. The South Korean government hopes the ban will help promote healthy dietary habits among children.
南韓明日起將推出一項新法令,禁止中小學販售咖啡,以避免學生攝取過多的咖啡因。這意味著包括教師在內所有人,都無法在校園內購買含咖啡因的飲料,韓國政府希望該禁令能幫助學童培養健康的飲食習慣。
According to CNN, students under academic pressure consuming excessive caffeine during exam periods is a common problem in South Korea. Other beverages high in calories or caffeine, such as energy drinks and coffee milk, have already been banned in schools. However, critics say students can easily walk a few minutes from their schools to buy such drinks.
根據有線電視新聞網報導,南韓的學生在面臨課業壓力下,於考試期間攝取過量咖啡因的消息時有所聞。而其它高熱量或咖啡因的飲品,例如能量飲料或咖啡牛奶,早已禁止在校園販售。批評者則指出,學生從學校走幾分鐘,即可輕易買到此類的飲品。
South Korea’s domestic coffee market surpassed 10 trillion won for the first time ever last year, standing at 11.7 trillion won, or almost US$11 billion. Over 26.5 billion cups of coffee were served to South Koreans last year, with an average of 512 cups consumed per person. The figure is much higher than the average of over 100 cups yearly for each Taiwanese.
南韓國內的咖啡市場去年首度突破十兆韓元,高達十一點七兆韓元,將近一百一十億美元。韓國人去年喝掉兩百六十五億杯咖啡,每人平均就喝掉五百一十二杯!該數字比台灣人的平均一百多杯要高出許多。
Source article: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2018/09/13/2003700293
Powered by Firstory HostingSat, 13 May 2023 - 1917 - 15Mins Live Podcast - 跟讀挑戰 – 星宇航空需釐清航班混亂事件 Starlux asked to explain flight chaos
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摘取文章:https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/05/08/2003799372
Starlux asked to explain flight chaos
星宇航空需釐清航班混亂事件
The Civil Aeronautics Administration yesterday asked Starlux Airlines to issue an explanation after more than 300 Taiwanese passengers were stranded at Narita International Airport in Japan on Saturday night due to flight delays caused by crosswinds and problems with the airline’s aircraft.
民航局昨天要求星宇航空針對週六晚間因橫風和飛機問題導致逾300名台灣乘客滯留日本成田國際機場的事件,給予說明。
The airline said in a statement that Flight JX803 to Taipei was scheduled to take off from the Tokyo-area airport at 4:10pm on Saturday.
航空公司在一份聲明中表示,星宇航空JX803班次原定於週六下午4:10從東京成田機場飛往台北。
Due to an abnormality detected in the Airbus 350’s navigation system, it was obligated to conduct an inspection, which was not completed until 6:30pm, the airline said.
由於空中巴士350的導航系統出現異常,航空公司有義務進行檢查,檢查直到晚上6:30才完成。
However, crosswinds disrupted flight operations at Narita that day, with many flights lining up for departure, the airline said.
然而,當天成田機場的橫風打亂了航班運行,許多航班在等待起飛,航空公司表示。
As air traffic controllers continued to delay clearing JX803 for takeoff, potentially causing cabin crew to exceed their maximum working hours, the airline quickly dispatched two pilots to the airport to operate the flight, it said.
由於航空交通管制員繼續延遲批准JX803起飛,可能導致機組人員超出最長工作時間,航空公司迅速派遣兩名機師前往機場操作該航班。
However, no flights were allowed to land or depart outside the airport’s operating hours, nor were passengers allowed to pass through customs, claim their luggage or leave the airport, the airline said.
然而,機場不允許航班在運營時間以外起降,乘客也無法通過海關、領取行李或離開機場,航空公司表示。
Starlux said it could only arrange for passengers to spend the night at the airport, providing them with sleeping bags, snacks and bottled water.
星宇航空表示,他們只能安排乘客在機場過夜,為他們提供睡袋、零食和瓶裝水。
To facilitate the return of the passengers, 113 of the flight’s 302 passengers changed their tickets to return to Taiwan on EVA Airways flights, Starlux said.
為了方便乘客返台,該班次302名乘客中有113人改簽長榮航空航班回台灣,星宇航空表示。
The airline said it dispatched an Airbus A321 to bring back the remaining 189 passengers, who landed at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at 3:35pm yesterday.
該公司表示,他們已派遣一架空中巴士A321將剩餘的189名乘客接回,該班機於昨天下午3:35抵達台灣桃園國際機場。
分享時間- Do you think Starlux handled the incident well?What should one do when faced with flight delays?
Powered by Firstory HostingFri, 12 May 2023 - 1916 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K570: 挪威揭幕受愛戴的海象等身雕像
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K570: Life-Size Sculpture of Beloved Walrus Unveiled in Norway
A bronze sculpture has been unveiled in Oslo, Norway, to honor a walrus that captured the world's attention in 2022. The 600-kilogram mammal, named Freya, was seen basking and playing in an Oslo fjord before being euthanized by authorities due to public safety concerns.
一座銅雕海象雕像已在挪威奧斯陸揭幕,以紀念一隻於2022年引起全球關注的海象。這隻名為弗雷亞(Freya)的600公斤哺乳動物,在奧斯陸的一個峽灣中被發現在曬太陽及玩耍,但由於公眾安全的理由而被當局施行安樂處理。
The life-size sculpture, created by Norwegian artist Astri Tonoian, was unveiled at the Oslo marina, close to where the walrus was first spotted. Freya became a popular attraction among residents, but the authorities deemed it necessary to euthanize her because people were not adhering to recommended safety distances from the animal.
挪威藝術家阿斯特里托諾揚(Astri Tonoian)創作的等身大小雕像,在離海象首次被目擊不遠處的奧斯陸碼頭揭幕。弗雷亞很快成為居民的熱門景點,但由於人們未能遵守與動物的安全距離,當局認為有必要對其實施人道安樂處理。
The decision to euthanize Freya sparked outrage, leading to a crowdfunding campaign to finance the sculpture. The private initiative gathered around 270,000 Norwegian kroner ($25,000) by October, according to Norwegian news agency NTB.
對弗雷亞的安樂處理引起公憤,促使眾籌活動來為雕像籌款。據挪威新聞社NTB稱,這個私人提案於去年10月份募集到了約270,000挪威克朗(約25,000美元)的款項。
The sculpture is a testament to the walrus's popularity and the public's sadness over her untimely death. Although Freya is no longer with us, the sculpture will serve as a reminder of her brief but memorable visit to Oslo, and the importance of respecting wildlife and their habitats.
這個雕像證明了海象受歡迎的程度以及公眾對其早逝的悲傷。雖然弗雷亞不再與我們同在,但雕像將作為她短暫而難忘的奧斯陸之旅的提醒,並強調尊重野生動物及其棲息地的重要性。
Reference article: https://apnews.com/article/norway-walrus-freya-sculpture-crowdfunding-1af450cc32a4000ca7364e8d80edf099
Powered by Firstory HostingThu, 11 May 2023 - 1915 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K569: 銀河之食:恆星一口吞噬行星 Galactic Gobble: Star Devours a Planet in One Gulp
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K569: Galactic Gobble: Star Devours a Planet in One Gulp
In a first-ever observation, astronomers have witnessed a star engulfing a planet in one big gulp, like a giant swallowing a grape. The star, similar to our sun, had expanded over time and was now so huge that it consumed the Jupiter-sized gas giant. The event took place between 10,000 and 15,000 years ago near the Aquila constellation when the star was around 10 billion years old. When the planet was consumed, a swift hot outburst of light followed, along with a long-lasting stream of dust shining brightly in cold infrared energy.
天文學家首次觀測到恆星像巨人吞葡萄一樣,一口吞噬了行星,這是一個前所未有的觀測。這顆與太陽相似的恆星,隨著時間的推移,逐漸膨脹,現在已經變得如此巨大,以致於它吞噬了類似木星大小的氣態巨行星。這一事件發生在約100億歲的恆星附近的天鷹座附近,發生在10,000至15,000年前。當行星被吞噬時,隨之而來的是迅速的熱流、閃光和長時間的塵埃流,以冷紅外光明亮地照亮。
The findings of the study, published in the journal Nature, suggest that while astronomers had previously observed planets being nibbled by stars, this is the first time a planet has been seen being completely consumed by its star. It provides a glimpse into the future of our solar system when our sun transforms into a red giant and swallows the four inner planets. The study’s co-author, Morgan MacLeod, said that this event would occur in about five billion years, so there’s no need to worry now.
這項發表在《自然》雜誌上的研究發現表明,儘管天文學家以前曾觀察到恆星啃食行星的現象,但這是第一次看到行星被其恆星完全吞噬。它使我們得以窺見太陽系的未來:當我們的太陽變成紅巨星並吞噬四顆內行星時。該研究的合著者摩根麥克勞德(Morgan MacLeod)表示,這種事件將在約50億年後發生,現在不必擔心。
The star’s lifespan, which lasts billions of years, meant that the swallow itself occurred in one fell swoop, which was brief. However, astronomers do not know if there are other planets that are circling this star at a safer distance. If there are, they might have thousands of years before being consumed by the star. Researchers can now keep an eye out for more cosmic gulps because they suspect that thousands of planets around other stars will experience the same fate as this one.
這顆恆星的壽命長達數十億年,這意味著吞嚥發生在短暫的一瞬。然而,天文學家不知道是否有其他行星在更安全的距離圍繞著這顆恆星。如果有的話,它們在被恆星吞噬之前可能還有數千年的時間。研究人員現在會留意更多宇宙吞噬現象,因為他們懷疑其他恆星周圍的數千顆行星將經歷與這顆行星相同的命運。
Carole Haswell, an astrophysicist at Britain’s Open University who was not involved in the research, said that the discovery was “very plausible.” She led a team in 2010 that used the Hubble Space Telescope to identify the star WASP-12 in the process of eating its planet. She stated that “This is a different sort of eating. This star gobbled a whole planet in one gulp,” while contrasting the finding with previous discoveries where hot Jupiters were being delicately licked and nibbled.
英國開放大學的天體物理學家卡羅哈斯威爾(Carole Haswell)未參與此研究,她表示這項發現是「非常可信的」。2010年,她領導了一個團隊使用哈伯太空望遠鏡,發現了恆星WASP-12正在吞噬其行星。她說:「這次是一種不同的吃法。這顆恆星一口吞下了整顆行星。」與此前發現的熱木星被細膩地舔和啃咬相比,形成了對比。
The researchers’ findings demonstrate the fleeting yet intense nature of cosmic phenomena. They remind us that everything we see around us and everything we’ve built will be gone in a flash, as the star demonstrated in consuming the planet. Nevertheless, the study’s findings provide valuable insights into the life cycles of stars and planets, and the future of our own solar system.
研究人員的發現展示了宇宙現象轉瞬即逝又強烈的本質。提醒了我們,我們看到的一切和我們建造的一切都將在一瞬間消失,就像這顆恆星在吞噬行星時展示的一樣。並且,該研究的發現也提供了有關恆星和行星的生命週期以及我們太陽系未來的寶貴見解。
Reference article: https://apnews.com/article/star-eats-planet-galactic-gulp-660ef9e64e15e35f8ad820e032494704
Powered by Firstory HostingWed, 10 May 2023 - 1914 - 精選詞彙播客Vocab Ep.165: 斷捨離風潮後你斷了什麼 How to be a minimalist?
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Summary:
討論文章: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20230331-the-rise-of-the-minimalist-wardrobe
As you grow older, you learn to collect and even hoard things. This week, Angel and I discuss the things we collect and how we try and go minimalistic in our lives! 歡迎投稿有趣的主題給醬老師與Angel老師 Comment down below!
Vocabulary:
1. Minimalist n. 簡約生活者
Being a minimalist does not mean you buy nothing. 當一個簡約生活者不見得是完全不買東西。
2. Competitive adj. 較勁/競爭
Ladies sometimes can be competitive and compare luxury accessories and bags. 女性有時會互相較勁比較飾品或精品包。
3. Finer things in life n. 奢華/奢侈生活 (意涵對自己好一點)
We all need to learn to enjoy the finer things in life. 我們都需要學習如何對自己好一點。
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Powered by Firstory HostingTue, 09 May 2023 - 1913 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K568: Buzzfeed News因員工縮減決定關閉
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K568: Buzzfeed News to Close as Company Implements Workforce Reduction
Buzzfeed, the digital media company known for its quizzes and viral content, has announced the closure of its news site and a reduction of its workforce by 15%, according to CEO Jonah Peretti. The decision comes as Buzzfeed faces financial challenges, including a decline in advertising spending. Mr. Peretti stated that the company cannot continue to invest in the unprofitable news site and will focus on delivering news through its acquisition, HuffPost. This decision, although deeply painful, is part of Buzzfeed's strategy to navigate the changing landscape of the media industry and ensure a brighter future.
據首席執行官Jonah Peretti稱,以發佈測驗和爆紅內容而聞名的數位媒體公司Buzzfeed宣布關閉其新聞網站,並將裁員15%。該決定是在Buzzfeed面臨財務挑戰(包括廣告收益下降)時做出的。Peretti先生表示,公司不能繼續投資於未盈利的新聞網站,爾後將通過收購來的HuffPost繼續提供新聞。這個決定雖然非常痛苦,卻是Buzzfeed應對變化迅速的媒體業制定邁向更光明未來的策略之一。
Buzzfeed, founded in 2006, was once a prominent name in online media, with a reputation for both entertainment and serious news content. However, the company has shifted away from news in recent years as generating ad revenue and audiences became more difficult. Other lines of business, such as producing custom content, grew more quickly. Despite listing on the stock exchange in 2021, Buzzfeed raised less funding than anticipated.
Buzzfeed成立於2006年,曾經是網絡媒體中的知名品牌,以製作娛樂和嚴肅的新聞內容著稱。然而,隨著提升受眾和廣告收入變得更加困難,該公司近年來已經不再關注新聞。其他業務,例如製作客製內容,對業績成長更加迅速。儘管Buzzfeed於2021年在證券交易所上市,但籌集的資金卻少於預期。
Mr. Peretti acknowledged that the challenges faced by Buzzfeed were not solely external, but also internal. He admitted to being slow in accepting the difficulties of monetizing online news in an era dominated by big tech platforms. He also expressed regret at not managing the changes better as the CEO of the company.
Peretti先生承認,Buzzfeed面臨的挑戰不僅僅是外部的,還有內部的。他承認,在由大型科技平台主導的時代,將線上新聞變現十分困難並且進展緩慢。他也對作為公司首席執行官沒有更好地掌握局勢表達歉意。
Buzzfeed News Editor-in-Chief, Karolina Waclawiak, also shared her thoughts on the closure in a memo to staff, stating that the company should have tried to build a business around its news site earlier, and describing the closure as "avoidable". She expressed concerns about the wider crisis in journalism and the potential consequences of subscription-based news models that may limit access to high-quality information for those who cannot afford to pay, leading to increased misinformation on social platforms.
Buzzfeed新聞主編Karolina Waclawiak在給員工的筆記中也分享了她對網站關閉的看法,稱公司本應早些嘗試基於其新聞網站開展業務,並將關閉網站描述為“可避免的”。她對新聞業更廣泛的危機以及基於訂閱的新聞模式潛在後果表示擔憂,這些模式可能會限制那些無力支付的人獲得高品質資訊,從而導致社交平台上的錯誤信息增加。
The latest round of cuts will affect approximately 180 jobs, and Buzzfeed expects to incur charges of $7m - $11m in severance and related expenses. Despite these challenges, Buzzfeed will continue to operate other parts of its business, including HuffPost, its food brand Tasty, Complex Networks, and its namesake website.
最新一批裁員潮將影響大約180個工作崗位,Buzzfeed預計將產生700萬至1100萬美元的遣散費和相關費用。儘管面臨這些挑戰,Buzzfeed仍將繼續經營其他部分的業務,包括HuffPost、其食品品牌Tasty、Complex Networks及其同名網站。
Shares of Buzzfeed fell by 20% on the news, resulting in a market value of approximately $100m, a significant decrease from its reported valuation of over $1.5bn just two years ago. The company remains committed to navigating the changing media landscape and finding new ways to deliver content to its audiences.
受此消息影響Buzzfeed的股價下跌20%,市值約為1億美元,與兩年前報導的超過15億美元估值相比大幅下降。該公司仍然投入在不斷變化的媒體局勢,並尋找新的方式向其受眾提供內容。Reference article: https://www.bbc.com/news/65341450
Powered by Firstory HostingMon, 08 May 2023 - 1912 - 每日英語跟讀 Ep.K567: 教育部東南亞語言課程取得成功
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每日英語跟讀 Ep.K567: Ministry of Education's Southeast Asian Language Program a Success
The Ministry of Education's Southeast Asian language program has achieved remarkable success in the past six years, offering over 700 classes and reaching approximately 30,000 students, according to Department of Technological and Vocational Education Director-General Hsieh Li-chun. The program, initiated in 2017 to support the government's New Southbound Policy, has seen steady growth, with 98 classes in the first year and 143 classes last year, highlighting its effectiveness in fostering language skills for those interested in visiting, studying, or doing business in the region.
根據教育部技職司科長謝麗君的表示,教育部的東南亞語言課程在過去六年間取得了卓越的成就,提供了超過700堂課程,並達到約3萬名學生。該課程於2017年啟動,旨在支持政府的新南向政策,首年提供了98堂課程,去年則增至143堂課程,凸顯了其在培養前往該地區旅遊、學習或從事商業活動的語言技能方面的成效。
The program offers a wide range of Southeast Asian languages, including Indonesian, Thai, Malay, Burmese, and Vietnamese. Hsieh noted that the number of Vietnamese-language students has surpassed all other languages, leading to the development of a comprehensive teaching model for Vietnamese. Hsieh emphasized that a solid foundation in Vietnamese could be a deciding factor in qualifying for a job in the business sector, as the demand for Vietnamese language skills in the corporate world is on the rise.
該課程涵蓋了多種東南亞語言,包括印尼語、泰語、馬來語、緬甸語和越南語。謝麗君指出,越南語學生的數量超過其他語言,因此開發了一個全面的越南語教學模型。她強調,對越南語有扎實的基礎可能是在商業領域獲得工作的決定性因素,因為企業界對越南語技能的需求正在增加。
The program has evolved from teaching basic language skills to including professional terminology, pronunciation, conversation, and practical training. Hsieh mentioned that students are provided with opportunities to express themselves through speeches and simulated meetings during meals, which enhances their language exposure and practice. Moreover, schools have been encouraging international students from the Southeast Asian region to volunteer as language exchange partners, facilitating cultural exchange and language learning.
該課程從教授基本語言技能發展到包括專業術語、發音、對話和實際培訓。謝麗君提到,學生有機會通過演講和模擬會議來表達自己,並在用餐期間進行增加語言暴露和實踐的機會。此外,學校鼓勵來自東南亞地區的國際學生作為語言交流夥伴,促進文化交流和語言學習。
Hsieh emphasized that the program's success has significant implications for Taiwanese individuals and businesses. Knowledge of Southeast Asian languages, combined with professional expertise, provides a competitive advantage in the global economy and supply chain, as the importance of Southeast Asia continues to grow.
謝麗君強調,該語言計劃的成功對台灣個人和企業具有重要影響。因為東南亞地區的重要性持續增加,擁有東南亞語言知識並結合專業專長,在全球經濟和供應鏈中將帶來競爭優勢。
As the Ministry of Education's Southeast Asian language program celebrates its success in fostering language skills and promoting cultural exchange, it continues to play a crucial role in supporting the government's New Southbound Policy. With a comprehensive curriculum, practical training opportunities, and an increasing demand for Southeast Asian languages in the business world, the program has become a significant asset for individuals and businesses in Taiwan seeking to engage with Southeast Asian countries. The Ministry of Education looks forward to the continued success and growth of the program, which serves as a bridge for cultural understanding and economic cooperation between Taiwan and Southeast Asia.
隨著教育部東南亞語言計劃在促進語言技能和文化交流方面的成功,它繼續在支持政府的新南向政策中發揮著至關重要的作用。憑藉其全面的課程、實際培訓機會和商業界對東南亞語言需求的增加,該計劃已成為在台灣尋求與東南亞國家合作的個人和企業的重要資產。教育部期待該計劃繼續取得成功並增長,它將作為台灣和東南亞之間文化理解和經濟合作的橋樑。Reference article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2023/04/20/2003798291
Powered by Firstory HostingSun, 07 May 2023 - 1911 - 回顧星期天LBS - 汽車相關時事趣聞 All about 2022 cars
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Autobahn Speed Limits? Voting With Lead Feet
It seemed like a no-brainer: Lower Germany’s embarrassingly high carbon emissions at no cost, and save some lives in the process.
這聽起來是個不費腦筋的好主意:不須付出成本,便減低德國高得使人羞愧的碳排放量,還可以順道拯救人命。
But when a government-appointed commission in January dared to float the idea of a speed limit on the autobahn, the country’s storied highway network, it almost caused rioting.
Irate drivers took to the airwaves. Union leaders menacingly put on their yellow vests, hinting at street protests. And the far-right opposition used the opportunity to rage against the “stranglehold” of the state.
然而,當政府指派的委員會元月大膽提出在德國名聞全球的高速公路上設速限的構想時,卻幾乎引發暴動。
暴怒的開車族在廣播裡抱怨,工會領袖意帶威脅地穿上黃背心,暗示將上街抗議。極右派反對黨趁機對國家的「箝制」大事撻伐。
A highway speed limit was “contrary to every common sense,” the transport minister, Andreas Scheuer, swiftly declared, contradicting his own experts.And that was that.
德國運輸部長安德烈・舒爾很快就宣布,給高速公路設速限「完全違反常情」,立場和自己的專家團隊相牴觸。此事就此打消。
As far as quasi-religious national obsessions go for large portions of a country’s population, the German aversion to speed limits on the autobahn is up there with gun control in America, whaling in Japan and sovereignty in Britain.
就一國高比例人口近乎宗教信仰式的執念而言,德國人對高速公路限速的反感之深,一如美國人對於槍枝管制,日本人對於捕鯨,和英國人對於主權。
With few exceptions, like Afghanistan and the Isle of Man, there are highway speed limits essentially everywhere else in the world.
世界上除了阿富汗和英國曼島等極少數例外,其他地方的公路基本上都有速限。
But this is Germany, the self-declared “auto nation,” where Carl Benz built the first automobile and where cars are not only the proudest export item but also a symbol of national identity.
但這可是自詡為「汽車王國」的德國,卡爾·賓士在這裡造出第一輛汽車,汽車不僅是令人驕傲的出口品,還是國家身分的象徵。
It’s also the country where, in darker times, Hitler laid the groundwork for a network of multilane highways that in the postwar years came to epitomize economic success — and freedom.
同樣的這個國家,在它較黯淡的時代,希特勒打下多車道高速公路系統的基礎,而這系統在戰後年月裡成為經濟成就和自由的典範。
Call it Germany’s Wild West: The autobahn is the one place in a highly regulated society where no rule is the rule — and that place is sacred.
把它想成德國的「大西部」吧:在一個受到高度規制的社會裡,高速公路是唯一沒有規矩就是它的規矩的地方,而此處神聖不可侵犯。
“It’s a very emotional topic,” confided Stefan Gerwens, head of transport and mobility at ADAC, an automobile club with 20 million members, which is opposed to any speed limit.
So emotional, apparently, that facts and figures count for little.
「這是個高度情緒化的議題。」全德汽車俱樂部的運輸流動主任史帝芬・葛文如此坦承。全德汽車俱樂部是有兩千萬會員的汽車社團,他們徹底反對給高速公路設下速限。這個議題顯然太具情緒性,以致事實和數據都變得無關痛癢。
Germany is woefully behind on meeting its 2020 climate goals, so the government appointed a group of experts to find ways to lower emissions in the transport sector. Cars account for 11 percent of total emissions, and their share is rising.
德國距離達成2020年的氣候目標已大幅落後,因此政府指派了專家團隊以找出減低運輸方面碳排放的方法。車輛的碳排放量佔去總排放量的一成一,而且比例還在增高。
A highway speed limit of 120 kph, or 75 mph, could cover a fifth of the gap to reach the 2020 goals for the transport sector, environmental experts say.
環境專家說,給高速公路設置時速120公里(或75英里)的速限,可以在交通方面填補五分之一的缺口,協助達成2020年的氣候目標。
“Of all the individual measures, it is the one that would be the most impactful — and it costs nothing,” said Dorothee Saar, of Deutsche Umwelthilfe, a nonprofit environmental organization that has lobbied for a speed limit.
「在所有個人可以達成的事項裡,這是最具影響力,也不須花費成本的方法。」非營利環保組織「德國環境救援」的朵樂絲・薩爾說,此組織長年力促給高速公度限速。
“But when it comes to cars,” Saar sighed, “the debate tends to become irrational.”
「可是一談到車,」薩爾嘆息道:「辯論往往就變得不理性了。」
Source article: https://paper.udn.com/udnpaper/POH0067/337656/web/
About cars - Man in Germany drives to driving test
A man in Germany has discovered the hard way that it’s best to get a driving license first before trying to use it.
德國一名男子從教訓中學到:在試圖使用駕駛執照之前,最好先拿到它。
Police in Bergheim, near Cologne, said Tuesday that the 37-year-old drove himself to his driving test, parking an Opel Zafira outside the test center in front of an astonished examiner.
科隆附近的貝格海姆警方週二說,這名37歲民眾自己開車赴駕駛執照考試,在一名驚訝的監考官面前,把一台歐寶Zafira車款停在考試中心外。
They said he told police officers who were called to the scene on Monday that he had only driven because he wanted to make sure to get to the driving test on time.
他們說,他告訴週一被叫到現場的警官們說,他開車只是因為想要確保及時抵達那場駕駛執照考試。
His test was immediately called off. The man now faces an investigation for driving without a license. Police also opened an investigation of the car’s owner.
他的考試立刻被取消。這名男子現在因無照駕駛面臨調查。警方也對車主展開調查。
Next Article
Danish police confiscate luxury sports car caught speeding 丹麥警方沒收超速的豪華跑車
Danish police have confiscated a high-performance luxury car after its new owner was caught speeding as he drove it home from Germany to Norway.
丹麥警方沒收了一輛高性能的豪華汽車,在它的新車主超速被逮以後,當時他開著它從德國回挪威家。
The man, an Iraqi citizen resident in Norway who was not identified, was registered Thursday as driving at 236 kph in his Lamborghini Huracán on a stretch of highway where the top speed is 130 kph.
這名男子是個居住於挪威的伊拉克公民,身分未明,週四在一段最高時速130公里的高速公路上,被紀錄到以每小時236公里速度駕著他的藍寶堅尼「颶風」。
Under a new Danish law, police can seize the vehicles of reckless drivers and auction them off, with the money going into Danish coffers.
根據丹麥一項新的法律,警察可沒收魯莽駕駛人的車輛並拍賣它們,錢則進丹麥國庫。
The Nordjyske newspaper said the man had bought the car hours earlier in Germany for 2 million kroner.
《北日德蘭報》說,這名男子幾個小時前在德國以200萬克朗購入這輛車。
The car owner will also be fined for speeding in due course.
車主當理也將因超速被罰。 Source article: https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1486857 ; https://features.ltn.com.tw/english/article/paper/1478842
Truck Makers Face Choice: Go Battery or Hydrogen?
Even before war in Ukraine sent fuel prices through the roof, the trucking industry was under intense pressure to kick its addiction to diesel, a major contributor to climate change and urban air pollution. But it still has to figure out which technology will best do the job.
在烏克蘭戰爭導致燃料價格飆漲之前,卡車運輸業就面臨擺脫柴油成癮的巨大壓力,但它仍須弄清楚哪種技術最能勝任此事。柴油是氣候變遷與城市空汙的主要原因。
Truck makers are divided into two camps. One faction, which includes Traton, Volkswagen’s truck unit, is betting on batteries because they are widely regarded as the most efficient option. The other camp, which includes Daimler Truck and Volvo, the two largest truck manufacturers, argues that fuel cells
that convert hydrogen into electricity — emitting only water vapor — make more sense because they would allow long-haul trucks to be refueled quickly.
卡車製造商分為兩個陣營,包括福斯卡車部門Traton在內的一派看好電池,因電池被廣泛認為是最有效率的選項。另一個陣營則包括戴姆勒卡車和富豪這兩家最大的卡車製造公司,他們認為將氫轉化為電能僅排放水蒸氣的燃料電池更有意義,因為它們可讓長途卡車快速充電。
The choice companies make could be hugely consequential, helping to determine who dominates trucking in the electric vehicle age and who ends up wasting billions of dollars on the Betamax equivalent of electric truck technology, committing a potentially fatal error. It takes years to design and produce new trucks, so companies will be locked into the decisions they make now for a decade or more.
這些公司做出的選擇可能會帶來重大影響,並且有助於確認在電動車時代,誰將主宰卡車運輸業以及誰最終會在電動卡車版的Betamax技術浪費數十億美元,犯下潛在致命錯誤。設計和生產新的卡車需耗時數年,因此企業在未來10年或更長時間裡,將受制於現在做出的決定。
“It’s obviously one of the most important technology decisions we have to make,” said Andreas Gorbach, a member of the management board of Daimler Truck, which owns Freightliner in the United States and is the largest truck maker in the world.
全球卡車製造龍頭戴姆勒卡車的管理層成員哥爾巴赫說:「這顯然是我們必須做出的最重要技術決策之一。」該公司在美國擁有福萊納卡車品牌。
The stakes for the environment and for public health are also high. If many truck makers wager incorrectly, it could take much longer to clean up trucking than scientists say we have to limit the worst effects of climate change. In the United States, medium- and heavy-duty trucks account for 7% of greenhouse gas emissions.
環境和公眾健康面臨的風險也很高。若許多卡車製造商押錯寶,清理卡車運輸業所需的時間,恐比科學家所說人類必須限制氣候變遷最壞影響的時限還要長。在美國,中型與重型卡車占溫室氣體排放量的7%。
Although sales of electric cars are exploding, large truck makers have only begun to mass-produce emission-free vehicles. Daimler Truck, for example, began producing an electric version of its heavy-duty Actros truck, with a maximum range of 240 miles, late last year. Tesla unveiled a design for a battery-powered semitruck in 2017 but has not set a firm production date.
儘管電動車銷量爆炸性成長,但大型卡車製造商才剛開始大規模生產零碳排車輛,例如戴姆勒卡車公司去年底開始生產重型卡車Actros的電動版本,最大行駛里程達240英里。特斯拉在2017年