2013年5月27日 星期一

"這次" "下次" "上次" 日文分別是什麼

這次:このたび、今度(こんど)
下次:この次(つぎ)、次回(じかい)。
上次:前回(ぜんかい)、この前(まえ)

2013年5月25日 星期六

現在天氣如何?

說法比一比:★★★學校:It's raining cats and dogs.(現在下著傾盆大雨。)
老外:It's really raining.(雨下得真大。)

實境對話
A:It's really raining.(雨下得真大。)
B:Yeah, it's going to be like this all week.(是啊,整個星期都會像這個樣子。)

老外還會這麼說
ex:It's really coming down.(雨下得真猛。)
ex:It's raining pretty hard.(雨下得很兇。)

關鍵字
‧come down (雨)落下、hard 嚴重

嘿,I don't think so.

技術挑戰指數:★★★泰瑞興高采烈的對美玲達說,有個朋友要邀請他去遊艇上釣魚,順便邀約美玲達一同前往,但是聽到這些話的美玲達並不以為然,雖然是好朋友的熱情邀約,但自己本身並不愛這些休閒活動,所以回絕了邀約,那要怎麼回絕呢......這也是一門藝術!

來聽老美怎麼說?
Terri:Have you ever been fishing? A guy I know invited me out on his boat, and he said I could bring
    friends if I want.
   (泰瑞:妳有沒有去釣過魚?我認識的一個男的邀我上他的船,他說如果我想的話可以帶朋
       友一起去。)
Melinda:Fishing?
    (美玲達:釣魚?)
Terri:C'mon, it's just for an afternoon. It's a big boat. It's like a yacht.
   (泰瑞:拜託啦,就一個下午而已。是一條大船耶,像遊艇一樣。)
Melinda:Well, maybe I could handle the yacht part. But fishing? I don't think so.
    (美玲達:嗯,去坐坐遊艇或許我沒問題。但是要釣魚?我可不這麼認為。)

俚語小解析
I don't think so. 我可不這麼認為。
說"I don't think so."「我可不這麼認為。」是對一項與妳個人的基本品味與習慣有衝突的建議或提議感到質疑的反應。美玲達並不喜歡釣魚或其他戶外活動。她對朋友邀約去釣魚的反應是"I don't think so.",這等於是在說:"No, thanks.",也同時表明對她而言釣魚這件事並不怎麼酷。我們看另一個例子。想像妳的兒子在星期五晚上要求借用妳的新車,然後說要延長他回家的時間到凌晨三點,妳一定會說"I don't think so."。

遺忘


A Celebration of Pop Culture  讓你愈戳愈上癮的氣泡墊‏

by Nadia Chung

Bubble Wrap has been protecting items and making people happy for more than 50 years.
超過 50 年來,氣泡墊不僅保護物品,還讓大家擁有好心情。

  Marc Chavannes and Alfred Fielding, engineers and business partners, had been trying to find a profitable application for the textured plastic wallpaper they created in 1957. Then, on a flight to New
York City in 1960, they noticed how the clouds seemed to cushion the plane's descent. _(1)_ by how they bounced over the bubbles in the sky, they created Bubble Wrap, a cushioning material that provides protection for delicate objects. They then founded Sealed Air Corporation, _(2)_ still produces the cushioning material made of transparent plastic sheets with small, bulging air-filled hemispheres. The company _(3)_ steadily over the last 50 years, especially after the advent of the personal computer made shipping fragile electronic components and accessories a multibillion-dollar industry. Various sizes of air bubbles and types of plastic have been developed to provide different degrees of protection.
Marc Chavannes 和 Alfred Fielding 是工程師兼生意夥伴,他們一直想替他們在 1957 年發明的紋理塑膠壁紙找到賺錢的途徑。之後,1960 年在搭乘前往紐約市的飛機上,他們注意到天上的雲朵像襯墊一樣緩和飛機下降的衝擊。他們的感受就像是在空中的氣泡上彈跳,因此受到啟發而發明了氣泡墊,一種保護脆弱物品的緩衝物品。同時他們創立了 Sealed Air 公司,至今仍持續製造透明塑膠材質的緩衝墊,上頭突起的小半圓球中充滿了空氣。該公司在過去 50 年來穩定地成長,尤其在個人電腦問世後,使得運送脆弱的電子零件和配件成為數十億商機的產業。不同大小的氣泡和塑膠材質也不斷研發出來提供程度不等的保護。
  _(4)_ safeguarding products, Bubble Wrap has won the hearts of legions of fans around the world for other reasons. One psychology professor proved that popping these air-filled bubbles helps people _(5)_ stress. The transparent plastic wrap also _(6)_ a creative outlet. People have used it to fabricate wedding dresses, chocolate molds, and paint applicators. Bubble Wrap has even appeared in countless movies and magazines. 
除了能保護物品外,氣泡墊在世界各地擁有大批愛好者還有別的原因。一名心理學教授證實捏破這些充滿空氣的氣泡有助人們紓解壓力。這個透明的塑膠包裝還被用來做為發揮創意的管道。人們用它製作結婚禮服、巧克力模具和塗漆工具。氣泡墊甚至出現在無數的電影和雜誌中。
 The Internet now provides a worldwide forum for Bubble Wrap fans to trade ideas on the different uses for this _(7)_ material. The last Monday in January has also been established as Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, when fans around the world can celebrate "pop" culture together.
現今網路提供一個關於氣泡墊的全球論壇,粉絲得以互相交換心得,討論這種多功能的材料有什麼不同的用法。一月份的最後一個星期一也被制訂為『氣泡墊感恩日』,讓全球各地的粉絲能夠共同歡慶這個『啵』一聲的文化。
1. (A) Inspiring (B) Inspired (C) To inspire (D) Had inspired
2. (A) where (B) what (C) which (D) that
3. (A) grows (B) has grown (C) will grow (D) was growing
4. (A) Due to (B) In spite of(C) Apart from (D) With reference to
5. (A) relieve (B) recover (C) remind (D) reform
6. (A) carries out(B) excels in (C) applies for(D) serves as
7. (A) versatile (B) sentimental(C) ambitious (D) expressive
原來如此 
1. Inspired by how they bounced over the bubbles in the sky, they created Bubble Wrap, a cushioning material that provides protection for delicate objects.
理由:
a. 本句原為:
They were inspired by how they bounced over the bubbles in the sky, they created Bubble Wrap...
但如此一來,造成兩句在一起無連接詞連接的錯誤句構。補救之道為:將第一個子句依照分詞句構化簡法變成分詞片
語,將第一個子句中相同的主詞 They 刪除,其後 be 動詞 were 改成現在分詞 being 後予以省略,即成本句。
b. 根據上述,可知應選 (B) Inspired。
2. They then founded Sealed Air Corporation, which still produces the cushioning material made of transparent plastic sheets with small, bulging air-filled hemispheres.
理由:
a. 空格前為完整的句構,後為缺少主詞的完整述部 still produces the cushioning material...,可知空格應置入
關係代名詞,修飾先行詞 Sealed Air Corporation,並作所引導之形容詞子句的主詞。
b. (A) where 為關係副詞,無法作主詞,而 (B) what 為複合關係代名詞,即等於 the thing(s) which,其前不可
再有先行詞,故 (A)、(B) 均不可選。
c. (C) which 和 (D) that 皆為關係代名詞,但 that 使用時其前不可有逗點,故 (D) 不可選,僅 (C) which 置入
後符合用法,故選之。
3. The company has grown steadily over the last 50 years...
理由:
a. 本空格在測試以下用法:
over/for/during/in + the last/past + few / 數字 + days/weeks/months/years/decades
過去……天∕星期∕月∕年∕十年以來(到現在)
注意:
上述片語需與現在完成式或現在完成進行式並用。
例: Jenny has visited three countries over the past few months.
(珍妮過去幾個月已經造訪過 3 個國家了。)
b. 空格後有 over the last 50 years(過去 50 年來),根據上述,可知應選 (B) has grown。
4. Apart from safeguarding products, Bubble Wrap has won the hearts of legions of fans around the world for other reasons.
理由:
a. (A) due to...  由於……
例: Due to the heavy rain, the baseball game has been postponed.
(因為下大雨,這場棒球比賽延期舉行。)
(B) in spite of...  儘管∕雖然……
例: In spite of being short, Kevin is still very handsome.
(雖然個子不高,凱文仍很帥氣。)
(C) apart from...  除了……之外
= aside from...
例: Apart from playing the guitar, Peter plays the drums.
(除了彈吉他外,彼得還會打鼓。)
(D) with reference to...  至於∕有關……
例: Our marketing strategy will be modified with reference to the survey results.
(我們的行銷策略將根據調查結果做修正。)
b. 根據語意,可知應選 (C),表『除了』能保護物品外,氣泡墊在世界各地擁有大批愛好者還有別的原因。
5. One psychology professor proved that popping these air-filled bubbles helps people
993399>relieve
stress.
理由:
a. (A) relieve vt. 緩和;解除
例: The pill relieved my back pain but gave me a stomachache.
(藥丸雖然減輕了我的背痛,卻讓我胃痛。)
(B) recover vt. 找回 & vi. 恢復
例: The police recovered my stolen car.
(警方找回我失竊的車。)
(C) remind vt. 使想起
remind A of B  使 A 想起 B
例: Your voice reminds me of my first girlfriend.
(妳的聲音讓我想起我的初戀女友。)
(D) reform vt. 改革,改良
例: The new minister has promised to reform the education system.
(新上任的部長承諾改革教育制度。)
b. 根據語意,可知應選 (A)。
6. The transparent plastic wrap also serves as a creative outlet.
理由:
a. (A) carry out...  執行∕實現……
例: The soldiers had trouble carrying out the general's orders.
(這些士兵無法執行將軍下達的指令。)
(B) excel in...  擅長於……
例: Tony excels in badminton because he practices every day.
(東尼擅長打羽毛球,因為他每天都練習。)
(C) apply for...  申請……;應徵(工作)
例: If you are interested in that job, you should apply for it.
(你若對那工作有興趣的話,就應該去應徵。)
(D) serve as...  充當……,作為……之用
例: This machine can serve as an air conditioner in the summer and a heater in the winter.
(這台機器夏天可以當冷氣,冬天則可當暖氣用。)
b. 根據語意,可知應選 (D)。
7. The Internet now provides a worldwide forum for Bubble Wrap fans to trade ideas on the different
uses for this versatile material.
理由:
a. (A) versatile a. 多功能的;多才多藝的
例: The make-up kit is so versatile that it is the only one you'll ever need.
(這個化妝箱用途很廣,所以妳只要這一只就夠了。)
(B) sentimental a. 多愁善感的
例: Lance is too sentimental to be a good leader.
(藍斯太多愁善感而無法成為一名好領導者。)
(C) ambitious a. 野心勃勃的
例: The ambitious young man is eager to start his own business.
(那個野心勃勃的年輕人渴望能自己創業。)
(D) expressive a. 表情豐富的;表達的
be expressive of...  表達∕流露出……
例: This painting was expressive of the turbulent times the artist was facing in his life.
(這幅畫表達出該畫家一生中所面臨的動盪。)
b. 根據語意,可知應選 (A)。
精解字詞片語 
1. pop a. 流行的 & n. 砰的一聲 & vt. 使啪的一聲爆裂開
pop culture  流行文化
注意:
本文標題的 pop,除了表『流行的』外,當動詞還作『使啪的一聲爆裂開』之意,故標題刻意寫用 pop culture 乃是
一種雙關語。
例: The little boy burst out crying after his balloon was popped.
(他的氣球被戳破後,那名小男孩嚎啕大哭起來。)
2. profitable a. 有利潤的
例: Buying and selling used cars is a highly profitable business.
(買賣中古車是個很賺錢的行業。)
3. provide A for B  把 A 提供給 B
= provide B with A
例: The hotel provides free shampoo and shower gel for every guest.
(那家旅館提供每位客人免費洗髮精和沐浴膠。)
4. transparent a. 透明的
例: This paper is transparent; I can see through it.
(這張紙是透明的,我可以看透。)
5. steadily adv. 穩定地
例: Susan moved steadily towards her goal.
(蘇珊朝目標穩定地前進。)
6. advent n. 出現
例: With the advent of MP3s, CD sales have been declining rapidly.
(隨著 MP3 的出現,CD 的銷售量大幅下降。)
7. outlet n.(意見、作品等的)發表管道;(宣洩的)出口;銷路,通路
例: Everyone needs an outlet for releasing their frustration.
(每個人都需要有發洩挫折的管道。)
例: The company has nearly 200 retail outlets in Taiwan now.
(那家公司目前在台灣有近兩百處的零售據點。)
8. fabricate vt. 製造;捏造,虛構
例: The lawyer asked the defendant if he was fabricating the story.
(這名律師詢問被告是否捏造事實。)
9. trade vt. 交換
trade A for B  用 A 交換 B
= exchange A for B
例: Who would be crazy enough to trade diamonds for glass beads?
(誰會發神經用鑽石換玻璃珠?)
10. establish vt. 制定;確立
establish A as B  制定∕確立 A 為 B
例: Mark was established as a writer soon after he started working for The New Yorker magazine.
(馬克開始替《紐約客》雜誌工作後沒多久,就奠定了作家的地位。)
單字小舖 
1. application n. 運用,應用
2. textured a. 有紋理的;質地粗糙的
3. wallpaper n. 壁紙
4. cushion vt. 緩和……的衝擊
5. descent n. 下降
6. bounce vi. 彈起,彈回
7. bubble n. 泡狀物;氣泡
Bubble Wrap  氣泡墊,泡棉
8. delicate a. 易碎的;精密的
9. corporation n. 股份有限公司
10. sheet n. 薄片,(紙等的)一張
11. bulging a. 突起的
12. hemisphere n. 半球體
13. fragile a. 脆弱的
14. component n. 零件
15. accessory n. 附件,配件(常用複數)
16. multibillion a. 數十億的
17. safeguard vt. 保護
18. legion n. 眾多,大量
legions/a legion of...  眾多的∕大量的……
19. mold n. 模子,鑄模
20. applicator n. 塗抹器
21. countless a. 數不盡的
22. forum n. 論壇;討論會
23. appreciation n. 鑑賞;感謝
答案:1. (B) 2. (C) 3. (B) 4. (C) 5. (A) 6. (D) 7. (A)

Music‏

James Fenimore Cooper, an early American writer, once said, “The Americans are almost ignorant of the
art of music.” If that was once true, you would never know it today. Most Americans— even those without a
musical bone in their bodies— have a favorite style of music. Many people enjoy classical and folk music
from around the world. But other popular music styles in America were “made in the U.S.A.”
一位美國早期的作家柯柏( J a m e s
Fenimore Cooper)曾說:「美國人對音樂
藝術幾乎可以說是相當的無知的。」如
果這話曾經是事實,今日你絕不會這麼
認為了。大部份的美國人,甚至包括那
些沒有音樂細胞的人,都有自己喜愛的
音樂型態。許多人喜歡世界各國的古典
音樂和民俗音樂,然而美國其他的流行
音樂則是「在美國製造」的。
Country and western music lies close to the heart of many Americans. This style originated among country folks in the southern and western United States. Country music tells down-to-earth stories about love and life’s hardships. Guitars, banjos and violins—also known as fiddles— give country music its characteristic sound.
鄉村和西部音樂深得很多美國人的
人心,這種型態的音樂起源於美國南部
和西部的鄉村小民們。鄉村音樂傳述著
真實不加渲染的愛情故事和生活中的艱
難。吉他、五弦琴和小提琴(violin 又名
fiddle) 可彈奏出鄉村音樂的特殊音色。
The home of country music is Nashville, Tennessee—Music City U.S.A. Country music even has its own theme park called “Opryland” where you can enjoy music shows and fun rides. “The Grand Ole Opry,”the oldest radio show in the United States, broadcasts country music live from Opryland every weekend.
鄉村音樂的發源地是田納西州的納許維
爾市——美國的音樂城市。而鄉村音樂
甚至還有它自己的主題樂園—— Opryland
呢!在那兒你可以享受音樂表演以及好
玩的遊樂設施。美國最老牌的廣播節目
「The Grand Ole Opry」每個週末都實況播
放 Opryland 的音樂。
Jazz music, developed by African-Americans in the late 1800s, allows performers to freely expresstheir emotions and musical skill. Instead of just playing the melody, jazz musicians improvise different tunes using the same chords. The peak of jazz music came in the 1920s, known as “The Jazz Era." This period produced musicians like Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington. These musicians later created the“big band" sounds of the 1930s.
爵士樂是十九世紀末期由非裔的美
國人發展出來的。它讓表演者自由地表
現他們的情感和音樂技巧。不僅演奏旋
律,爵士音樂大師用同樣的和絃即興演
奏出不同的曲調。爵士樂的高峰期出現
於二○年代,該時期被稱為「爵士年
代」。這個時期創造出來的樂手有阿姆斯
壯(Louise Armstrong),古德曼(Benny
Goodman)和埃林頓(Duke Ellington).
這些樂手稍後都創造了三○年代的「大
樂團」之音。
Different styles of jazz developed in different cities, such as New Orleans, Chicago,
New York and Kansas City. Composer George Gershwin brought jazz into the world of classical music with pieces like “Rhapsody in Blue.”
在不同的城市也孕育出不
同的爵士風格,像是紐奧爾良、芝加
哥、紐約和坎薩斯市。作曲家蓋希文 (George Gershwin)
更以像「藍色狂想曲」
這樣的作品,將爵士樂帶入古典音樂的
世界裡。
The 1950s saw the development of an explosive new music style: rock ‘n’ roll. Performers like Elvis Presley and songs like Bill Haley’s “Rock Around the Clock” made rock music widely popular. This powerful music style addresses issues like love, sex, drugs, politics and death. Often it rebels against the accepted values of society. Rock concerts, featuring loud music and sometimes weird stage acts, have become a major part of American youth culture. Music videos on television have spread the message of rock to the far corners of the globe.
五○年代見證了一種爆炸性新樂風
的開展:搖滾樂。像貓王這樣的歌手以
及像哈利(Bill Haley)的Rock Around the
C l o c k這樣的歌,使搖滾音樂普遍地受到
歡迎。這種具震撼力的音樂型態探討了
愛情、性、吸毒、政治及死亡等的主
題。它常常叛離社會所接受的價值標
準。標榜大聲的音樂、甚至怪異的舞台
表演的搖滾音樂會,已成為美國年輕人
文化主要的一部份。而M T V已將這股搖
滾的風潮傳到世界最遠的角落了。
And the beat goes on. Pop music represents popular styles—like the music of Karen Carpenter — that have wide appeal. “Golden oldies” from the past bring back pleasant memories for many. Rap music, which burst onto the music scene in the 1970s, is actually more like a rhyming chant. Rappers give a strong—sometimes vulgar— message about life in the streets.
音樂的節奏繼續延伸下去。通俗樂
代表了受大眾喜愛的音樂風格,像木匠
兄妹的音樂即吸引廣大的群眾。這些過
去歲月中的遺留下來的「黃金老歌」,為
許多人帶來愉快的回憶。饒舌音樂在七
○年代快速躍上音樂的舞台,它事實上
很像是具節奏性的唱話。饒舌歌手傳達
出強烈、有時是低俗的街頭生活信息。
Americans have always been a religious people, and music has long been a part of their religious experience, as well. From colonial days, hymns and praise songs have enhanced worship. Negro spirituals, such as “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,”reflect hope in God in the midst of suffering. Today's Christian styles fit all musical tastes— from country to jazz to pop to rock to rap.
美國人一向是相當宗教性的民族,
而音樂長期以來也是他們宗教經驗中的
一部份。自殖民時期開始,詩歌和讚美
詩都提升了敬拜的層次。像「無人知道
我的困難」這樣的黑人靈歌,反映出苦
難中對上帝的盼望。今天的基督教音樂
包含了各式的樂風——從鄉村、到爵
士、到通俗、到搖滾、再到饒舌歌。
In America, music is a shared experience. People grow up with piano lessons, chorus classes and marching band practices. They can talk about their tastes in music when there isn’t anything else to talk about. If James Fenimore Cooper were here today, he would surely have to change his tune.
在美國,音樂是一種大家共有的經
驗。人們在鋼琴課、合唱課程和參與遊
行樂隊的演練經驗中成長。當無話可談
的時候,他們就可以談談自己對音樂的
喜好。如果今天柯柏還在世的話,他就
得改變他的論調了。
⊙Word Bank
ignorant (adj) 無知的;不明白的
down-to-earth (adj) 平實的;不加渲染的
broadcast (v) 廣播;播放
improvise (v) 即席演奏(樂曲)
chord (n) 和絃
rhapsody (n) 狂想曲
explosive (adj) 具爆炸性的
address (v) 對人說話
chant (n) 似唱歌般的說話
vulgar (adj) 粗俗的;粗鄙的
enhance (v) 增加;提升
chorus (n) 合唱
change one’s tune (v phr) 改變論調、態度、行為
The Day's Phrase 
Around the world, fans dress up like their favorite characters
世界各地的角色扮演迷往往打扮成自己最喜歡的人物
Stephanie tried to give Troy some advice, but he told her to just back off.
史蒂芬妮試著要給特洛伊一些忠告,但是他卻告訴她少管閒事。
After Greg was diagnosed with a serious disease, it took him a while to come to grips with his illness.
葛雷格被診斷出來患了重病之後,他花了好一陣子才真正面對自己的病。
Every June, superheroes fill this town in Illinois, U.S.A.
每年六月,超級英雄們都會在美國伊利諾州超人故鄉共聚一堂
I asked Jack to explain the answer to me, but he just told me to use my head.
我要傑克解釋答案給我聽,可是他卻告訴我動動自己的腦袋。
Kristy had a gut feeling she should not go to Aaron's party.
克莉絲提有個直覺:她不應該去亞倫的派對。
Which soccer team will reign in South Africa this month?
本月哪個足球隊會在南非稱霸呢?
Meredith owns six horses, so she is a mine of information about them.
梅莉蒂斯養了六匹馬,所以她知道很多關於馬的事。
Try to avoid traveling on the MRT during busy hours. People are packed in like sardines!
搭捷運要盡量避開尖峰時刻。人可是擠得像沙丁魚罐頭呢!
With co-working, working for yourself doesn't have to be lonely
有了共用辦公室,獨立工作者就不會再寂寞了
Marci is very generous. She just gave her old computer to Hope with no strings attached.
瑪西很慷慨。她把她的舊電腦無條件地送給霍普了。
With co-working, working for yourself doesn't have to be lonely
有了共用辦公室,獨立工作者就不會再寂寞了
att's girlfriend left the party without telling him she was going, leaving him high and dry.
麥特的女友沒有告訴他就離開派對了,丟下他孤單一人。
Spending too much time online? You might be addicted
花太多時間上網了嗎?你可能已經對網路上癮了喔
Wes has been working at the store for seventeen years, so he is an old hand at helping customers.
衛斯已經在那家店工作十七年了,所以對於服務顧客他可是個老手喔。

Father’s Day 父親節‏

每日 EZ Word 
come for sb./sth. 取走,來拿;來找麻煩,強行帶走
come for sb./sth. 原指到某處帶走某人或取走某件事情,例如:the limo will come for us「禮車會來接我」,come for the book「來拿這本書」。另一個解釋是「警方來逮捕某人」的意思。在本文中就表示阿逢的女朋友會「親自」來對付他囉。
on one’s behalf 為了某人(做某事),代替某人
也可以說 in one’s behalf、in/on behalf of sb.、in one’s name。這個片語有種意思,一是像對話中所說的,Carol 做菜變得勇於嘗試是「為了Jack」。另一種用法是「代替某人去做某件事」、「做某人的代表」。
take…for granted 將……視為理所當然
這個片語是在描述身在福中不知福的人,這種人會把發生在身上的好事,或對他好的人當作是應該的,我們就可以說他 take sth./sb. for granted。
sit back and relax 放輕鬆
sit back 是指「背靠在椅背上坐著」的動作,引申用來表示「放輕鬆」,等於relax。
I take it…. 我就當它是……的意思囉。
take 在這裡是當作「理解,詮釋」的意思,it 這個代名詞代表前面所討論的事物。
due to 因為
due to 中文翻譯為「因為」,其後只能接名詞或子句。
never hear the end of… 沒完沒了,一再提起
有些人老喜歡不斷舊事重提,比如別人不照他的意思去做,他就一直念、一直念;或是別人曾經出過糗,他就三不五時拿這件事來嘲笑一番。這種人就會被用這句話抱怨。
never hear the end of… 沒完沒了,一再提起
有些人老喜歡不斷舊事重提,比如別人不照他的意思去做,他就一直念、一直念;或是別人曾經出過糗,他就三不五時拿這件事來嘲笑一番。這種人就會被用這句話抱怨。
今日會話 EZ Talk 

Carol: Hey Daddy! Happy Father’s Day!
卡蘿:嘿,爹地。父親節快樂!
Jack: What are you doing? You shouldn’t be carrying that!
傑克:妳在幹嘛?妳不該搬那麼重的東西!
Carol: OK, OK. Just because I’m pregnant doesn’t mean I’m crippled!
卡蘿:好啦,好啦。我只不過是懷孕,並不代表我殘廢了!
Jack: All right, Wonder Woman. I’m just watching out for you and the baby.
傑克:好吧,神力女超人(編註:Wonder Woman 為美國漫畫角色)。我只是想把妳跟寶寶照顧好。
Carol: Thanks for the concern, but today’s your day. What do you think of the 1)spread?
卡蘿:多謝你的關心,但今天是你的節日。你覺得這頓大餐如何?
Jack: You made all that this morning? Honey, you shouldn’t 2)strain yourself. But it looks spectacular! Are those Belgian waffles I see?
傑克:這全都是你今天早上做的?寶貝,妳不該這麼操勞的。但看起來好豐盛!這些是格狀鬆餅嗎?
Carol: Yes, with a special topping just for you: red bean sauce. It’s definitely not something I’d crave, but I knew you’d like it.
卡蘿:沒錯,上面有為你特製的配料:紅豆醬。這絕對不是我會想吃的東西,但我知道你會喜歡。
Jack: Aww, you’ve become so 1)adventurous in the kitchen on my behalf.
傑克:哇,妳為了我下廚時變得真有冒險精神。
Carol: 2)Fusion food for my fusion husband. And here’s your Father’s Day coffee.
卡蘿:做融合多國風味的食物給我多國文化融合的丈夫。這是你的父親節咖啡。
Jack: Mmm, wow! Do I taste lychee?
傑克:好喝,哇!我嚐到的是荔枝的味道嗎?
Carol: It’s actually lychee 3)liqueur, but just a 4)splash.
卡蘿:其實是荔枝利口酒,只加了一點點。
Jack: It’s amazing. I’ll be 5)plastered by nine. I would never have thought of these combinations.
傑克:太棒了。我九點不到就要茫了。我絕對想不出這種組合。
Carol: That’s why you have me! Now take your time—our plans for the day don’t start until after twelve!
卡蘿:那就是你需要我的原因!你慢慢享受——我們今天的計畫要到十二點之後才開始!
Jack: It’s just Father’s Day. It’s not that big of a deal.
傑克:不過是父親節罷了,不必這麼大費周章啦。
Carol: Ha-ha, that’s what you think!
卡蘿:哈哈,那是你才這麼想!
At Lake Tahoe
在太浩湖
Jack: This is incredible. I couldn’t have dreamed of a more fun day.
傑克:太棒了。我作夢也想不到一天能夠這麼多采多姿。
Carol: I’m glad you’re enjoying it.
卡蘿:我很高興你喜歡。
Jack: Waterskiing, jet skiing, boating and fishing? What more could I ask for?
傑克:滑水、水上摩托車、划船、還有釣魚?我已經別無所求了。
Carol: I grew up with all this, so it just seems normal to me.
卡蘿:我就是玩這些長大的,所以在我看來再正常不過。
Jack: I could never take this for granted. Oh, I got a 1)bite! Look! What is that?
傑克:我絕對無法等閒視之。喔,魚上鉤了!你看!這是什麼魚啊?
Carol: It’s a catfish. They’re really common around here. It’s a mother! It must weigh ten pounds!
卡蘿:這是鯰魚。這一帶很常見。這條是母的!一定有十磅重!
Jack: All I care about is how it tastes.
傑克:我只在意它好不好吃。
Jack: This is the best fish I’ve had in the U.S. It’s so 1)tender, and it doesn’t taste 2)fishy!
傑克:這是我在美國吃到最好吃的魚了。好嫩,又沒有魚腥味!
Carol: That’s why I planned this whole day. I knew you missed fresh fish.
卡蘿:所以我才計劃這整天的行程啊。我知道你想念鮮魚的滋味。
Jack: You’re so 3)thoughtful, honey. How are you feeling? You must be tired after such a long day.
傑克:寶貝,妳真體貼。妳還好吧?忙了一天,妳一定累了。
Carol: Not really. I just feel fat and 4)bloated.
卡蘿:不怎麼累。我只覺得自己又胖又腫。
Jack: Well, I think you look great. But look at me! I’m burnt to a 5)crisp!
傑克:嗯,我倒覺得妳看起來很不錯。倒是看看我!皮膚都曬傷了!
Carol: I told you that even Asians need 6)sunscreen out on the lake.
卡蘿:我早就告訴你,即使是亞洲人到湖上玩也需要防曬油。
Jack: I’m gonna pay for not listening to you. Where’s the aloe vera gel?
傑克:我要為不聽妳的話付出代價了。蘆薈膠在哪?
Carol: In the cabinet. I’ll get it.
卡蘿:在櫃子裡。我去拿。
Jack: No! Don’t you move a 1)muscle! Just sit back and relax.
傑克:別!妳動都別動!坐著好好休息。
Carol: All right, all right. Hurry back so I can give you your gift.
卡蘿:好地,好地。快點回來,我要禮物給你。
Jack: [later] OK, I’m back. Hey, what’s this? I told you not bother.
傑克:(稍後)好,我回來了。嘿,這是什麼?我叫妳別費心了。
Carol: C’mon, open it!
卡蘿:快點,打開啦!
Jack: OK. [opens envelope] Stock car driving experience? NASCAR?
傑克:好。(打開信封)駕駛改裝房車體驗?NASCAR 賽車?
Carol: Remember you said you wanted to know what it was like to be a racecar driver?
卡蘿:還記得你說過你很想嘗試當賽車手的滋味?
Jack: No way! Pinch me! I’m speechless!
傑克:不會吧!捏我一把!我說不出話來了!
Carol: Ha-ha! I take it you like your present.
卡蘿:哈哈!我就當作你喜歡這個禮物的意思。
Jack: Wait till my classmates hear that I 1)rode shotgun with a professional NASCAR driver!
傑克:等不及要看我的同學聽到我搭專業 NASCAR 賽車手開的車是什麼反應了!
Carol: At speeds higher than a hundred and fifty miles an hour. I’m kind of nervous, actually.
卡蘿:而且時速高達一百五十英里以上。其實,我有點擔心。
Jack: I’ll be careful, honey. This tops any gift I’ve ever gotten!
傑克:我會當心的,寶貝。這是我收過最棒的禮物了!
Carol: It’ll give you a sense of freedom before you’re thrown into a life of responsibility.
卡蘿:在你擔起一輩子的責任之前,這能給你一點自由的感覺。
Jack: I never thought of it that way. No one knows me like you do. If we have a boy, we’ll take him one day, too.
傑克:我從來沒這麼想過。沒有人比妳更瞭解我了。如果我們生的是兒子,我們有一天也要帶他玩這個。
Carol: OK, but not a minute before his 21st birthday!
卡蘿:好啊,但在他滿二十一歲前不能玩,早一秒都不准!
Jack: Yes, dear. Well, I’m definitely going to take our son to ball games and play sports with him. I really missed out when I was a kid….
傑克:遵命,親愛的。嗯,我一定要帶兒子去看球賽,還要一起打球。我小時候都沒有這些經驗……。
Carol: Your dad didn’t do all that stuff with you?
卡蘿:你爸都沒跟你一起做這些事?
Jack: I 1)barely saw him. Most Taiwanese dads don’t play baseball 2)period, let alone with their kids.
傑克:我很少看到他。大多數台灣的父親根本就不玩棒球,更別說是跟孩子玩了。
Carol: Wow. My Dad woke us up at six a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for sports, whether we liked it or not.
卡蘿:天啊。我爸星期六、日早上六點就把我們叫醒去打球,不管我們願不願意。
Jack: I always saw stuff like that in American movies. What a great way to grow up.
傑克:我在美國電影上一直看到這類情節。真是很棒的成長經驗。
Jack: So am I going to have to change 1)diapers and all that?
傑克:我會需要去做換尿布等等的事?
Carol: Well, most American dads do 2)help out in that department.
卡蘿:嗯,大多數美國爸爸會幫忙處理這類工作。
Jack: Are you sure you don’t want to move back to Taiwan?
傑克:妳確定妳不想搬回台灣嗎?
Carol: Ha-ha. Nice try.
卡蘿:哈哈。想得美。
Jack: Oh boy. I have a lot of homework to do.
傑克:天啊。我有好多功課要做。
Carol: That’s true. But learning all that stuff will help you be a better dad.
卡蘿:沒錯。但學著做這些事情會讓你變成一個更稱職的爸爸。
Jack: If it means having a relationship with our kid like you have with your dad, it’ll be worth it.
傑克:如果這代表我跟孩子的關係會像妳跟妳爸一樣,一切都值得。
Carol: That’s a sweet thing to say. Happy Father’s Day, baby.
卡蘿:真高興聽你這樣說。寶貝,父親節快樂。
今日EZ單字 
spread (n.) 盛宴,豐盛的餐點
strain (v.)(肌肉等)拉傷
adventurous (a.) 大膽的,愛冒險的
fusion (n.) 融合
liqueur (n.) 利口酒(香味濃郁的甜酒,常做為餐後酒)
splash (n.)(摻入飲料)少量的酒或水
plastered (a.) 爛醉的
bite (n./v.) 咬餌(的動作或情況)
tender (a.) 軟嫩的
fishy (a.) 魚(腥)的
thoughtful (a.) 體貼的,周到的
bloated (a.) 腫脹的,腹脹的(v.) bloat 腫脹,膨脹
crisp (n./a.) 變得鬆脆的東西(phr.) be burnt/burned to a crisp 完全燒焦
sunscreen (n.) 防曬油
muscle (n.) 肌肉
ride shotgun (phr.) 坐在汽車駕駛座旁的位置上
barely (adv.) 幾乎沒有,僅僅
period (int.) 就這樣了,沒必要再討論了(用於句末,表示決絕的語氣)
diaper (n.) 尿布
help out(phr.) 協助某人脫困

Shark Men 鯊魚冒險家‏

 It is a beautiful, sunny day at the beach. You are enjoying a refreshing swim in the ocean when someone suddenly screams, "Shark!" The life guards1 spot the fin2 sticking out of the water and start shouting for everyone to get ashore. Everyone is hysterical3 and climbing to get out as fast as they can because they don't want to be eaten alive by a great white shark. At least, this is what Hollywood wants you to believe.
這一天的海邊風和日麗。您正在海裡享受清涼暢快的游泳滋味,這時忽然有人大喊:『有鯊魚!』救生員看到水面上伸出一片魚鰭,然後就開始大喊要所有人快點上岸。每個人都歇斯底里、連滾帶爬地盡速離開水裡,因為他們不想被一隻大白鯊給生吞活咬。至少,這是好萊塢電影要您這麼相信的。

  However, great white sharks don't actually have a taste for human flesh4. As the world's largest predatory5 fish, they prefer to feed on sea lions6, seals7, dolphins, and whales. Great whites are famed for their huge, powerful mouths which are lined with as many as 300 razor-sharp teeth. They are also feared for their size and speed. Adult great whites average 4.6 meters in length, weigh about 2,200 kilograms, and shoot through the ocean at over 40 kilometers per hour.
不過大白鯊其實並不喜歡吃人肉。身為世界上最大的掠食性魚類,牠們偏好以海獅、海豹、海豚以及鯨魚為食。大白鯊以牠們那張強而有力、裡頭排列著多達三百顆利齒的血盆大口而聞名。牠們也因其體型和速度讓人心生畏懼。成年大白鯊的平均身長達四點六公尺,重量約兩千兩百公斤,並以每小時超過四十公里的速度在海裡穿梭。
  Recently, scientists have realized that their numbers are decreasing. National Geographic Channel and a team of experts are out to find a solution to this problem on "Shark Men."
近來科學家瞭解到牠們的數量正在減少當中。國家地理頻道和一群專家試圖要在《鯊魚冒險家》的節目裡為這個問題找出解決之道。
Building Your Vocabulary 

1. refreshing a. 清涼的
I love a glass of refreshing lemonade on a hot summer day.
我喜歡在炎炎夏日裡喝一杯清涼解渴的檸檬汁。
2. line vt. 沿某物排列成行
Crowds lined the street to watch the parade.
街上排滿了要觀看遊行的人群。
3. razor-sharp a. 銳利的;鋒利的
I cut my finger on the razor-sharp blade.
我的手指頭被鋒利的刀片給割傷了。
4. decrease vi. 減少;降低
The city's crime rate has decreased lately.
這座城市的犯罪率近來降低了。
Phrases for Learning 
1. stick out  突出
Ian is the short boy whose ears stick out.
伊恩是那個矮矮的、有著一對順風耳的男孩。
2. have a taste for...  喜愛∕愛好……
My wife has a taste for expensive perfume.
我的太太喜歡搽昂貴的香水。
3. feed on...  (動物)以……為食
Some birds feed on insects and seeds.
有些鳥類以昆蟲和種子為食。
4. be famed for...  以……聞名
This village is famed for its fresh seafood.
這座村莊以其新鮮的海產聞名。
Extra Words 
1. life guard n. 救生員
2. fin n. 魚鰭
3. hysterical  a. 歇斯底里的
4. flesh n.(人或動物的)肉
5. predatory a. 掠食性的
6. sea lion n. 海獅
7. seal n. 海豹
Tips In Use 

...as many as 300 razor-sharp teeth.
(……多達三百顆利齒……)
  razor-sharp 中的 razor 為一名詞,意指『剃刀』,而 sharp 則是形容詞,表『鋒利的』,兩字合在一起即表『如剃刀般鋒利的』,故引申為『極為銳利』之意。此類用法會利用前面名詞的特性,來強調其後的形容詞,常見的尚有:
ice-cold 冰冷的
sky-high 如天高的
rock-hard 石頭般堅硬的
paper-thin 薄如紙的
snow-white 雪白的
Christine wishes that she could have snow-white skin.
(克莉絲汀希望她能擁有雪白的肌膚。)

Seriously Joking—Won Fu  不只幽默而已——旺福樂團‏

本篇中英文節錄自《台灣光華雜誌》
九十九年三月第三十五卷第三期
『不只幽默而已——旺福樂團』
本文圖片提供:相信音樂唱片公司
本社為尊重《台灣光華雜誌》,中文原文登出,僅供參考,中英文如有不盡相符之處,敬請包涵。

  In Taipei's Huashan Creative Park, the club Legacy is packed with a crowd of over 1,000 fans who were brought here by the band playing tonight, Won Fu. The theme of the show is the Olympics. At the start of the gig, Won Fu's vocalist Mami and bassist Twiggy set off a roar from the crowd as they cartwheel onto the stage. Later, during Indian Lover, lead vocalist and guitarist Xiao Min picks up a sitar and sits cross-legged on the stage, transforming himself into a yoga guru. Suddenly, he jumps down into the crowd, where the fans help him float through the room.
華山藝文特區裡的『Legacy』live house 裡,擠滿上千名樂迷,他們是為了一睹今晚表演的『旺福』樂團而來。這場秀是以『奧林 PK』運動會為主題。開場時女主唱『瑪靡』及貝斯手『推機』以側翻登場,引起一陣叫好聲。之後唱到《印倫情人》一曲時,主唱兼吉他手『小民』手捧印度西塔琴,在舞台上盤腿而坐,化身為瑜珈大師,突然間他往台下一躍,讓歌迷抬著滿場飛。
  Formed in 1998, Won Fu has released five full-length albums in their 12 years. They began when Xiao Min, then a student at Tamkang University, met bassist Twiggy and former vocalist Judy online and was later introduced through an upperclassman to drummer Dupi. After recording three albums with the band since 2003, Judy left the band to pursue different plans in 2006, after which Hit FM DJ Mami joined, finalizing the current lineup. As for the band's name, that came from the name Twiggy gave to a chubby stray dog she used to see at school—Won Fu.
1998 年成軍至今 12 年,共發行 5 張專輯的旺福,最初是小民就讀淡江大學時,透過網路結識貝斯手推機及前任女主唱茱蒂,又經學長介紹後邀來鼓手『肚皮』組團。自 2003 年起一同發行 3 張專輯後,茱蒂因另有生涯規畫而退出,2006 年改由原是台北之音電台主播的瑪靡加入,底定目前陣容。而團名則借用自推機曾在學校裡看見一隻胖嘟嘟的流浪狗,於是幫牠起的名字──旺福。
  Long-haired, gaunt Xiao Min, with a penchant for playful winking, is the soul of the group. He not only writes all of the band's music, but even decides, based on the song he hears in his head, whether the vocals should be the sweet sounds of Mami or his own ebullient voice.
留著長髮、身材瘦削,總愛擠眉弄眼的靈魂人物小民,不僅譜寫樂團的全部詞曲,也會根據想像中的成品,決定這首歌是該由瑪靡的甜美女聲主唱,或是由他自己一展奔放的歌喉。
  From small clubs to massive music festivals, the Won Fu band members are versatile performers. In 2003, they earned huge plaudits from the judges at the Hohaiyan Rock Festival. They described the band's music as "childlike and playful, but technically complex and creative," echoing the feelings of the band's fans.
從小型 live house 到大型露天音樂祭,旺福的團員各個多才多藝,他們在 2003 年曾奪下貢寮國際海洋音樂祭評審團大賞,評語寫著『童趣十足,簡單的詼諧感,背後卻是複雜的技術與創意,』也道出眾多旺福樂迷的心聲。
精解字詞片語 

1. be packed with...  擠滿……
例: The train is packed with passengers during the holidays.
(假日期間火車上總是擠滿了乘客。)
2. set off...  引發……
例: The news of a pop quiz set off a wave of panic in the class.
(臨時小考的消息引發班上一陣恐慌。)
3. transform A into B  將 A 轉變為 B
例: Mary can transform a simple salad into an exotic dish.
(瑪麗能把一道簡單的沙拉做成充滿異國風味的佳餚。)
4. release vt. 發行;發表
例: The band will release their new album next week.
(這個樂團下星期將發行他們的新專輯。)
5. pursue vt. 追求
例: You are never too old to pursue an education.
(追求學業永不嫌遲。)
6. finalize vt. 完成
例: We haven't finalized the details of our trip yet.
(我們旅行的相關細節尚未定案。)
7. penchant n. 愛好,嗜好
have a penchant for...  強烈愛好……
例: Lynn has a penchant for figure skating.
(琳恩熱愛花式滑冰。)
8. versatile a. 多才多藝的
例: John is remarkably versatile because he is a painter, a musician, and an engineer.
(約翰非常多才多藝,因為他同時是畫家、音樂家和工程師。)
9. technically adv. 技術上;技巧上
例: Steve is the most technically advanced programmer in his company.
(史提夫是他公司技術最先進的電腦程式設計師。)
10. echo vt. 附和;重複(他人的話)
例: Tommy always echoes what his brother says.
(湯米總是附和他哥哥說的話。)
單字小舖 
1. gign. 演奏會;公演
2. vocalist n. 歌手
a lead vocalist  主唱
3. bassist n. 貝斯手
4. roar n. 吼聲,叫喊聲
5. cartwheel vi. 做側手翻 & n. 側翻筋斗
6. sitar n. 西塔琴(印度的弦樂器)
7. cross-legged adv. 盤著腿
8. guru n. 印度教的導師或高僧(本文指瑜珈大師)
9. float vi. 飄浮
10. full-length a. 標準長度的
11. upperclassman n. 學長
lowerclassman n. 學弟
12. lineup n. 陣容
13. chubby a. 圓胖的
14. stray a. 流浪的
a stray dog/cat  流浪狗∕流浪貓
15. gaunt a. 瘦削的
16. playful a. 開玩笑的
17. winking n. 眨眼睛
18. ebullient a. 情感奔放的
19. plaudit n. 喝采,稱讚(常用複數)
20. complex a. 複雜的
Grammar Tips 
Long-haired, gaunt Xiao Min, with a penchant for playful winking, is the soul of the group.
注意:
long-haired 為『形容詞 + 名詞變成的過去分詞』所形成的複合形容詞。此類結構形成的複合形容詞均與身體部位的器官或組織有關。如何形成『形容詞 + 名詞變成的過去分詞』之類的複合形容詞?在形容詞子句中,若有表『身體部位的器官或組織』的名詞,之前有形容詞修飾時,可在該形容詞之後置入連字符號,再將該名詞變成過去分詞置於連字符號之後即成複合形容詞。
例: a girl who has big eyes
→ a big-eyed girl(大眼睛的女孩)
a soldier who has only one leg
→ a one-legged soldier(獨腳的士兵)
a spider which has eight legs
→ an eight-legged spider(一隻 8 腳蜘蛛)

Fabio’s All-nighters 法兵武挑燈夜戰‏

每日 EZ Word 
come up with (針對問題)想出、提出
片語 come up with 解釋為「提出、想出(主意、解決辦法、計畫等)」,所以在句子中 with 後面通常會接 idea、solution、plan 等字。另外,come up with 也可以表示「提供別人想要的東西」。例如,We’ll be in big trouble if we don’t come up with six grand by three p.m.「要是沒在下午三點前弄到六千美元,我們的麻煩就大了。」
go too far 太超過,做得太過份
go too far 在字面上的意思像是「走得太遠了」,但其實它指的是「行為太不合理,令人難以接受」,就像中文口語的「太超過了!」
keep it down 將音量小聲一點
片語 keep…down 有「抑制……使無法發出」的意思,例如本文說 keep it down 是指「控制音量」,keep the costs down為「壓低成本」、keep her food down「不讓(胃裡的)食物吐出來」。
get on it 著手進行某事
get on it 是一句英文俚語,表示 just do it,也就是「著手進行某件事情」。對話中加上 right away 作為強調語氣用,表示「即刻進行」的意思。
今日會話 EZ Talk 

Lin Mama arrives at the apartment
林媽媽來到出租公寓
Xiao-ping: Oh, hi, Lin Mama. Anything I can help you with?
筱萍:喔,嗨,林媽媽。有什麼我可以幫忙的嗎?
Lin Mama:  Yes. Is Fa-Bing-wu home? I need to talk to him.
林媽媽:有的,法兵武在家嗎?我有事要跟他談。
Xiao-ping: No, he’s not here. He’s at class. He just enrolled in another one. He does nothing but study Chinese.
筱萍:他不在家,他去上課了。他剛加修了一堂課。除了學中文,他什麼都不做。
Lin Mama:  Does he talk to himself in Chinese in the middle of the night? The neighbors downstairs are complaining—they say they can hear a strange, 1)robotic voice late at night.
林媽媽:他是不是在半夜會用中文自言自語啊?樓下的鄰居在抱怨——他們說在深夜裡聽到一種像機器人的怪音。
Xiao-ping: Oh, that. We all have to 1)put up with that. Fabio listens to his Chinese lessons while he sleeps. He puts the speakers on his 2)mattress and 3)cranks the volume up loud.
筱萍:喔,那個啊,我們都得忍受。法兵武會邊睡覺邊聽中文課文,他會把喇叭放在床墊上,而且把音量開得很大。
Lin Mama: How’d he come up with that bright idea? More importantly, does it even work?
林媽媽:他是怎麼想出這個妙方的啊?更重要的是,這樣真的有效嗎?
Xiao-ping: It’s going a little too far, if you ask me. He’s just not 4)laid-back, not like a real European. But he does seem to be learning fast.
筱萍:如果你問我的話,我覺得有點過火了。他一點也不放鬆,完全不像道地的歐洲人。不過,他的確學得很快的樣子。
Xiao-ping: Hi, A-Feng. Have you seen Fabio?
筱萍:嗨,阿逢,你有看到法兵武嗎?
A-Feng: No. Why? Do you guys have a language 1)exchange date?
阿逢:沒有,怎麼了?你們約好作語言交換嗎?
Xiao-ping: No. Lin Mama wants to talk to him.
筱萍:不是,是林媽媽有事要跟他談。
A-Feng: Oh. I don’t know where he is. He’ll be back sooner or later.
阿逢:喔,我不知道他在哪裡,但他遲早會回來的啦。
Xiao-ping: Oh, and your girlfriend called.
筱萍:喔,對了,你的女朋友打電話來。
A-Feng: OK. Thanks.
阿逢:好,謝謝。
Xiao-ping: Are you going to call her back?
筱萍:你要回她電話嗎?
A-Feng: Um…yeah, sure.
阿逢:嗯……會啊,我會。
Xiao-ping: You should make time and do it. She sounded a little 2)upset on the phone.
筱萍:你應該找時間打給她的,她在電話上聽起來有一點不高興。
A-Feng: I’ve been kinda busy and we haven’t had time to get together. Did she leave her number?
阿逢:我最近有點忙,我們沒什麼時間見面。她有留電話號碼嗎?
Xiao-ping: Huh? You don’t know her number? You’re unbelievable.
筱萍:啊?你沒有她的電話號碼?你太誇張了。
A-Feng: I seem to have 1)misplaced it somewhere in all this 2)mess.
阿逢:我好像放到這堆雜物堆裡,找不到了。
Xiao-ping: Misplaced it? You can’t be serious. Well, you’d better find it and quickly. She said that if you don’t call soon, she’s coming for you.
筱萍:找不到?你是在開玩笑吧。你最好盡快找到。她說如果你再不趕快打給她,她就要來對付你了。
A-Feng: Sigh. Why do girlfriends always have to be so 3)impatient?
阿逢:唉,為什麼女朋友都是這麼沒有耐性呢?
今日EZ單字 
robotic(a.) 機器人的,機器人般的
put up with (phr.) 忍受,容忍
mattress (n.) 床墊
crank up (phr.) 把音量調大
laid-back (a.) 悠哉的,放鬆的,無憂無慮的
exchange (n./v.) 交換
upset (a.) 不高興的,難過的
misplace (v.) 放在記不起的地方,弄丟
mess (n.) 雜亂,混亂
impatient (a.) 不耐煩的,沒耐性的

Elections‏

Surprises often come in boxes. Birthday presents wrapped in colorful paper, brown paper packages mailed from a friend. No matter what kind of box it is, people like to open it up and see what’s inside. In America, and in many other countries, one special kind of box contains the future. It’s called a ballot box. What people put into the box on election day can change the course of history.
驚奇常常是在箱子裡出現:包在彩
色包裝紙裡面的生日禮物⋯朋友寄來牛
皮紙包的包裹⋯不論是怎樣的箱子,人
們喜歡打開來看看裡面是什麼。在美國
以及其他許多國家,有一個特殊的箱子
關係著未來,稱為投票箱。人們在選舉
日投在箱子裡的東西可以改變歷史的走
向。
Elections are the lifeblood of a democracy. The word democracy literally means “the people rule,”an important concept in America’s history. In the mid-1700s, England began passing laws that made the American colonies angry. The colonists had to pay more and more taxes and enjoyed less and less freedom. They felt the government of England didn’t represent their interests. On July 4, 1776, the colonies declared their independence from England. They wanted to establish a democracy where people could
have a voice in government.
選舉是民主的原動力。民主這個字
照字面的意思是「人民自主」,是美國歷
史中一個重要的觀念。十八世紀中期,
英國開始通過一些使美國殖民地憤怒的
法律。殖民地人民必須付愈來愈多的
稅,享有愈來愈少的自由。他們感到英
國政府沒有代表他們的權益。一七七六
年七月四日,殖民地宣佈脫離英國獨
立。他們想要建立民主制度,使人們在
政府中有發言權。
An effective democracy holds regular elections. In America, elections are held every two years for members of Congress. In these elections, all seats in the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate seats are up for grabs. In addition, every four years, voters go to the polls to elect the nation’s president and vice-president. Voters also regularly cast their ballots for state and city government leaders and local school board members. Sometimes they also have to vote on a proposed law.
有效的民主制度定期舉行選舉。在
美國,每兩年選一次國會議員。在這些
選舉中,人們可以爭取所有眾議院的席
位和三分之一的參議院席位。除此以
外,選民每四年去投票所選出國家的總
統和副總統。選民也定期投票選出州
長、市長及當地學校的董事會成員。有
時他們也必須投票決定提議的法律。
In the American electoral system, people don’t really vote for presidential candidates.
Instead, voters cast their ballots for “electors” who support each candidate. Each state has as many electors as the total number of its representatives in Congress. This equals two senators per state plus the number of its representatives in the House (which is based on the state’s population). The candidate who has the most votes in a state wins all of the state’s electors. To win the presidential election, a candidate must gain at least 270 of the 538 total electoral votes.
在美國的選舉制度中,人們並不直
接投票給總統候選人,而是由選民投票
給支持各個候選人的「選舉人」。每一州
的選舉人人數和代表此州的國會議員人
數相同,等於每一州有兩位參議員,加
上眾議院的眾議員人數(以各州的人口
為基準)。在一個州裡擁有最多票數的候
選人就贏得了那一州所有選舉人的票
數。要贏得總統大選,候選人必須至少
獲得總共538個選舉人中的270張票張票。
Over the years, the U.S. has made a number of election reforms. Some early reforms outlawed cheating, giving bribes and threatening voters. They also limited the amount of money candidates could receive from donors and spend on their campaigns. In 1870, black people gained the right to vote, and in 1920, that right was extended to women.
多年來,美國在選舉方面做了一些
改革。早期有些改革禁止作弊、收受賄
賂或威脅選民。他們也限制候選人從捐
贈者那兒獲得的金額數目及花在競選宣
傳上的費用。一八七○年,黑人獲得選
舉權。一九二○年,權利延伸至婦女。
近幾十年來,通過了反對不公平選舉規
則的法律。
In recent decades, laws against unfair rules for voting have been passed. No longer do people have to pay a special tax or pass a test in order to vote. In 1971, the voting age was lowered to 18. Other reforms made voting easier for the blind, the disabled and people who couldn’t read. In some areas, ballots had to be printed in languages besides English.
人們不再需要付特殊的稅或
通過測驗才能選舉。一九七一年,投票
的年齡降至十八歲。其他的改革減輕了
盲人、殘障者及文盲投票的困難。在某
些地區,選票上面除了英文以外,還必
須印上別的文字。
Although some citizens aren’t even registered to vote—and some registered voters don't bother to go to the polls— most Americans exercise their right to vote. They realize that their future is wrapped up in a special package—the ballot box. It’s a package that must definitely be “handled with care.”
十一月五日,美國人要再一次選出
在政府中代表他們的人。雖然有些市民
甚至不是法定投票人──有些法定投票
人懶得去投票──但是大多數的美國人
都會行使他們投票的權利。他們了解他
們的未來包在一個特別的箱子裡──投
票箱。它實在是一個必須「小心處理」
的箱子。
⊙Word Bankballot (n) 選票
lifeblood (n) 原動力
concept (n) 觀念;想法
up for grabs (adj phr) 努力者得之
polls (n pl) 投票所
cast (v) 投
proposed (adj) 提議的
outlaw (v) 宣佈⋯為非法;禁止
bribe (n) 賄賂
donor (n) 捐贈者
extend (v) 延伸;擴大
exercise one’s right to do something (v phr) 行使某人的權利
The Day's Phrase 
Discover the history of this beautiful and deadly volcano in Italy
來探索義大利這座優美、卻有致命危險的火山的古往今來
Jared complained that his new employee wasn't worth his salt.
傑瑞德抱怨說他的新進員工不稱職。
"I'd love to stay and chat," Adrienne said, "but duty calls!"
「我很想留下來聊聊天,」雅德里安妮說,「可是我有公務在身!」
"Angela will be very upset when we tell her the cat died," Mom said. "Can you break the news to her, Joe?"
「要是我們告訴安琪拉貓咪死了,她會很難過的,」媽媽說,「喬,可以請你把這壞消息告訴她嗎?」
Instead of wearing this ring, you'll want to play with it!
這種戒指除了能戴之外,還能拿來玩喔!
"Crystal, you need to go to bed," Scott said. "Look at you, you're dead on your feet."
「克莉絲朵,妳該上床睡覺了,」史考特說,「看看妳,妳已經累得不成人形了。」
When the decision is big, should the parent or the child decide?
遇到重大決定時,該由父母還是孩子們來作決定呢?
If Thomas doesn't buckle down soon, he'll fail his English class.
如果湯瑪斯不開始好好用功的話,他的英文會當掉的。
Family was the inspiration for Louisa May Alcott's best-selling novels
路易莎‧梅‧愛爾考特的暢銷小說《小婦人》靈感來源就是家庭
Emily really hit it off with Andrew. They just met yesterday, but they're already planning a
date for Saturday afternoon.
艾蜜莉與安德魯真是情投意合。他們昨天才認識,不過他們已經在計劃週六下午的約會了。
Heather often helps me when I have a problem with something. She really has a heart of gold.
海瑟在我遇到困難的時候常常幫助我。她的心地很好。

New York 世界之都─紐約‏

每日 EZ Word 

make time 騰出時間
make time 字面上是「製造時間」的意思,在後面加上介系詞 for,就是要為某件事情、某個人在自己的既定行程中騰出時間來,而不是只用忙碌作為藉口。
get together 見面,相聚
朋友之間常會說 Let’s get together sometime.「我們找個時間聚一聚吧」。文中就是指阿逢跟女友「相聚」,才能培養感情。另外也可以用 hang out 表示「混在一起」。
cameo 客串演出
cameo 原指刻在寶石或貝殼等物品上的精緻浮雕,後來被借指為「客串演出」之意。
今日會話 EZ Talk 

Dialogue 1
對話一
Clerk:How do those 1)slacks fit?
店員:這褲子穿起來怎麼樣?
Customer:They’re a little 2)tight in the waist, and they’re not long enough.
顧客:腰部的地方有點緊,而且不夠長。
Clerk:OK. Let me bring you a larger size. I’ll be right back.
店員:好的,我拿大一點的尺寸給你,我馬上回來。
Customer: Oh—and the 3)sleeves on this shirt are too long. Could you bring me a smaller size?
顧客:喔,還有這件襯衫的袖子太長了,可以幫我拿小一點的尺寸嗎?
Dialogue 2
對話二
Customer: Do you have this in blue?
顧客:這件有藍色的嗎?
Clerk:Let me check in the back—hold on a sec. [returns] No, I’m sorry, we don’t.
店員:我去後面看看,請稍候。(回來後)真抱歉,我們沒有。
Customer: When will you be getting new 4)stockin?
顧客:你們什麼時候會進新貨?
Clerk: Not until next week. Let me call another store and see if they have the blue. If so, I can have one sent over here.
店員:要等到下週。我打電話到別間店問問看有沒有藍色的,如果有,我就調一件送到這兒來。
Customer: Are these machine washable?
顧客:這是可機洗的嗎!
Clerk: Yes, but you should use cold water and lay them flat to dry so they won’t 1)stretch or 2)shrink.
店員:可以,但你要用冷水洗,然後平放晾乾,才不會撐鬆或縮水。
Customer: OK. Will they 3)bleed in the wash?
顧客:好的,洗的時候會褪色嗎?
Clerk: Well, the 4)label says “wash with like colors only,” so I’d be careful about that.
店員:標籤上寫說「請與同色衣物一起洗滌」,所以要小心一點。
Customer: These pants fit in the waist, but they’re too long.
顧客:這褲子腰的部分剛好合身,不過太長了。
Clerk: Not a problem. We do 1)alterations and can 2)take them up for you while you
wait.
店員:這沒問題。我們有量身修改,在你等待的同時我們就能幫你改褲長。
Customer: Great. Do you charge for that?
顧客:太好了。這要另外收費嗎?
Clerk: No. It’s included in the price. Would you like a straight 3)hem or 4)cuffs?
店員:不用,這已內含在價格中。你要直直的縫邊還是反摺?
今日EZ單字 
slacks (n.)(休閒)長褲
tight (a.) 緊身的,緊貼的
sleeve (n.) 袖子
stock (n.) 存貨,庫存
stretch (v.) 撐大,拉長
shrink (v.) 縮水
bleed (v.) 褪色,染色
label (n.) 標籤,商標
alteration (n.) 修改
take up (phr.)(衣服)改短
hem (n.) 摺邊,摺蹆
cuff (n.) 褲腳翻邊,袖口

Uncle Sam and the Rest of the Gang  山姆、約翰、瑪麗安,還有……‏

by Matthew Brown

Many countries have recognizable figures that symbolize what that country is.
許多國家都有一個公認象徵該國的人物。

  At the height of. World War I in 1916, an illustrator named James Montgomery Flagg created a drawing for the cover of a weekly magazine. It was meant to show US citizens that they had to be prepared to help with the war effort in any way they could. Flagg came up with a picture of an elderly man with a white goatee. The man is pointing his finger directly at the viewer and looks very serious. On his head is a tall, white top hat with stars on the band. In addition, he is wearing a big, red bow tie and a blue jacket. Together, his patriotic clothing looks like various parts of the US flag.
1916 年,正當第一次世界大戰打得如火如荼之際,一位名為詹姆士‧蒙哥馬利‧弗萊格的插畫家為一本週刊的封面畫了一幅畫。這幅畫的目的是要告訴美國公民,他們必須準備用任何他們可以做到的方法來支援這場戰事。弗萊格畫的是一位留著白色山羊鬍的老先生。這位老先生的手指直指著觀看者,神情嚴肅。他的頭上戴著一頂白色的高禮帽,帽帶滾著星星的圖案。此外,他還打了一個又大又紅的蝴蝶結,身上穿著藍色外套。綜合起來,他這身愛國服裝看起來就像是一幅美國國旗各部分的組合。
  The image was striking, and soon a poster was made using Flagg's drawing. Between 1917 and 1918, over four million copies of the poster of Uncle Sam were printed. According to its creator, this poster soon became the most famous in the world. It certainly created one of the world's most famous national personifications—an image that is meant to stand for a country or its government.
這個形象很引人注目,很快地,弗萊格的畫被製成了海報。在 1917 年至 1918 年間,這幅『山姆大叔』海報印了 4 百萬份以上。根據海報的製作人說,它很快就成為世界上最出名的海報。這幅海報也確實創造出世界上最著名的國家擬人∕物化形象(用來代表國家或政府的一個形象)之一。
  Later, the poster became useful again when the US government decided to use Uncle Sam during World War II. Flagg had the chance to meet President Roosevelt and mentioned that he hadn't hired a model for the drawing. Instead, to save money, Flagg modeled Uncle Sam after his own image. President Roosevelt replied that this seemed like a smart way to save money and that this reminded him of something early US citizens would have done. Now, Uncle Sam is known around the globe as the one character that represents the United States.
後來,美國政府決定在二次世界大戰中使用山姆大叔的形象時,這幅海報再度派上用場。有一回,弗萊格有機會和羅斯福總統會面,他提到自己畫這幅畫時沒有雇用模特兒。為了省錢的緣故,他依照自己的形象畫出山姆大叔。羅斯福總統回應說,這是個省錢的好方法,這也使他想到早期美國公民的作風。今日,山姆大叔是全世界公認代表美國的人物。
單字小舖 
1. illustrator n. 插圖畫家
2. elderly a. 年長的
3. goatee n. 山羊鬍
4. top hat n.(男子的)大禮帽
5. band n. 帽帶(= hatband,指帽邊上的一圈絲帶、皮革帶等裝飾帶)
6. bow tie n. 蝴蝶形領結
7. poster n. 海報
8. personification n. 擬人∕物化
9. character n. 人物;角色
Grammar Tips 
On his head is a tall, white top hat with stars on the band.
注意:
地方副詞(there、here、downstairs)或地方副詞片語(at the station、in the room、by the window 等)置於

句首時,可形成倒裝句,此類倒裝句全按動詞的性質作變化,句型有三種:
a. 主詞 + 不及物動詞 + 地方副詞(片語)
→ 地方副詞(片語) + 不及物動詞 + 主詞
例: On the bed rested the tired little girl.
(那疲憊的小女孩躺在床上休息。)
b. 主詞 + be 動詞 + 過去分詞 + 地方副詞(片語)
→ 地方副詞(片語)+ be 動詞 + 過去分詞 + 主詞
例: Behind the door was locked a man.
(門後鎖著一個人。)
c. 主詞 + be 動詞 + 現在分詞 + 地方副詞(片語)
→ 現在分詞 + 地方副詞(片語)+ be 動詞 + 主詞
例: Standing in front of the gate were Danny and Mary.
(站在大門前的是丹尼和瑪莉。)

精解字詞片語 
1. at the height of...  在……的顛峰;在……的全盛時期
例: At the height of the storm, nobody was out on the streets.
(在暴風雨最強烈的時候,街上一個行人也沒有。)
2. help (sb) with + N 幫忙(某人)從事……
例: I am glad to help you with the project.
(我很樂意協助你執行這項企劃。)
3. come up with...  想出……,提出……
例: John has to come up with a plan for financing his new business.
(約翰必須想出一個計劃來為他的新事業籌措資金。)
4. point A at B  用 A 指著 B
例: I was scared for my life when the criminal pointed his gun at my head.
(當那名歹徒用槍指著我的腦袋時,我很擔心小命不保。)
5. directly adv. 筆直地;直接地
例: This path leads directly to the garden.
(這條小路一直通到那座花園。)
例: I will go to the party directly after work.
(下班後我會直接去派對。)
6. In addition, S + V  此外∕而且,……
例: We all worked late last week. In addition, we worked on Saturday.
(上星期我們都工作到很晚;此外,連星期六也來加班。)
7. patriotic a. 愛國的
patriot n. 愛國者
patriotism n. 愛國心;愛國主義
例: That patriotic man will defend his country at any cost.
(那名愛國男子會不計一切代價來保衛國家。)
8. various a. 各式各樣的,許多不同的
例: This vacuum cleaner comes with various cleaning attachments.
(這個吸塵器附有許多不同的清潔配件。)
9. striking a. 惹人注目的;突出的
例: The lady was wearing a striking hat.
(這位女士戴著一頂醒目的帽子。)
10. stand for...  象徵……,代表……
= represent vt.
例: Joanne gave Mark a red rose, which stood for her undying love.
(喬安送馬克一朵紅色的玫瑰,代表她永誌不渝的愛。)
11. instead adv.(反)而
例: Tom didn't do his homework. Instead, he chatted on the Internet.
(湯姆沒寫功課,反而上網聊天。)
12. model A after B  以 B 的形象塑造 A
model oneself after sb  以某人為榜樣;效法某人
例: The designer decided to model the new museum after a pyramid.
(該設計師決定以金字塔為範本來設計這座新博物館。)
例: I've decided to model myself after my father and become a teacher.
(我決定效法我父親去當老師。)
13. reply vt. & vi. 回答,回覆
注意:
reply 作及物動詞時可用 that 子句或直接引句作受詞,而不可直接以名詞作受詞。而 reply 作不及物動詞時,接
介詞 to 之後,方可接名詞作受詞。
reply + that 子句  回答……
reply to...  回覆∕回應……
例: When I asked Mary to go to the movies with me, she replied that she was too busy to go.
(當我找瑪麗和我一起去看電影時,她回答說她太忙了,沒辦法去。)
例: The boss told the secretary to reply to the customer at once.
(老闆叫祕書立刻回覆那位客戶。)
14. remind sb of...  令某人想到……
例: Kent reminds me of my brother when he was young.
(肯特使我想起我哥哥年輕時。)
15. be known as + 身分∕稱號  以……身分∕稱號而為人所知;被稱為……
be known for sth  因某事物而聞名
例: Amy is known as a very talented writer.
(眾人皆知艾咪是一個很有才華的作家。)
例: The band's songs are known for their unusual lyrics.
(該樂團的歌曲以其與眾不同的歌詞出名。)

Sir Edmund Hillary 傲立世界巔峰的勇者‏


He was the first to accomplish something that others before him had failed to do. He reached the top of the world—Mount1 Everest. Sir Edmund Hillary was born on July 20, 1919 in Auckland, New Zealand. Before he became a mountain climber, he was working as a beekeeper2. In 1953, Hillary joined the British climbing team. Before that, he had already climbed 11 different peaks3 in the Himalayas.

他是首位達成這件前人都未竟全功的事的人。他登上了世界的巔峰--聖母峰。艾德蒙‧希拉里爵士於1919年七月二十日出生在紐西蘭的奧克蘭。在他成為一位登山家之前,他的職業是養蜂人。希拉里於1953年加入了英國的登山隊。在那之前,他早已攀爬過喜瑪拉雅山脈中十一座不同的山峰。

  On May 29, 1953, Hillary reached the top of Mount Everest at 8,848 meters above sea level4. However, he didn't do it alone. He had the help of his climbing partner, a Nepalese Sherpa5 whose name was Tenzing Norgay. After his successful climb, Sir Edmund Hillary went on to explore Antarctica and the South Pole. Over the years, Hillary became more concerned about the Sherpas and the ecology6 of the Himalayas. Hillary started the Himalayan Trust7 in the early 1960s. He also spent much of his lifetime improving the living conditions in Nepal. Sadly, Sir Edmund Hillary died on January 11, 2008, but his name will forever be celebrated with one of the holiest mountains on Earth—Mount Everest.
在1953年五月二十九日,希拉里登上了海拔高達八千八百四十八公尺的聖母峰峰頂。然而他並非獨力完成此一壯舉。他有一位登山夥伴從旁協助,這位夥伴是一位名叫丹增‧諾蓋的尼泊爾籍雪巴人(編按:雪巴人是一支散居在喜瑪拉雅山脈兩側的民族,由於常年生活在高山地帶,故為天生的登山嚮導)。在他成功登頂之後,艾德蒙‧希拉里爵士接著到了南極洲及南極進行探險活動。多年下來,希拉里對於雪巴人以及喜瑪拉雅山脈的生態環境愈發關心。在1960年代初期,希拉里成立了喜瑪拉雅信託機構。他也花了大半輩子的時間致力於改善尼泊爾當地的生活條件。令人遺憾的是,艾德蒙‧希拉里爵士於2008年一月十一日過世,但他的名字和聖母峰這個世上最神聖的山峰之一,將永遠為後人歌頌。
Building Your Vocabulary 

1. accomplish vt. 完成,實現
Marty accomplished the task all on his own.
馬帝一個人獨力完成了這項任務。
2. explore vt. 探索,勘查
A research team was sent to explore the cave.
一個研究小組被派去勘查那個洞穴。
3. concerned a. 關心的;擔憂的
Vicky is concerned that her son may get hurt.
薇琪擔心她兒子可能會受傷。
4. improve vt. 改善,改進
You need to improve your language skills.
你必須改進你的語言技巧。
5. conditions n.(生活或工作等的)條件,狀況(恆用複數)
Weather conditions are getting worse.
天氣狀況正在惡化中。
6. celebrate vt. 頌揚,讚美
The painter celebrated life through his works.
那位畫家透過他的作品來盛讚生命。
7. holy a. 神聖的
Zoe has always wanted to visit the holy city of Jerusalem.
柔依一直以來都很想去參訪耶路撒冷這個神聖的城市。
Phrases for Learning 
go on to + 原形動詞  進而∕繼續(做)……
Kevin went on to say how sorry he was after admitting that he was wrong.
在認錯之後,凱文繼續表明他有多麼抱歉。
Extra Words 
1. mount n. ……峰∕山(僅用於山名中)
2. beekeeper n. 養蜂人
3. peak n. 山峰,山頂
4. sea level n. 海平面
5. Sherpa n. 雪巴人
6. ecology n. 生態;生態學
7. trust n. 信託機構

Tips In Use 
...he had already climbed 11 different peaks in the Himalayas.(……他早已攀爬過喜瑪拉雅山脈中十一座不同的山峰。)
  在英文的非正式用法中,若某山名是以複數型"-s"結尾,則代表其為群山或山脈,常見的還有:the Alps(阿爾卑斯山脈)、the Andes(安地斯山脈)、the Rockies(洛磯山脈)、the Appalachians(阿帕拉契山脈)等。
Hillary started the Himalayan Trust in the early 1960s.

(在1960年代初期,希拉里成立了喜瑪拉雅信託機構。)
  "the early 1960s"表的是『1960年代初期』,若要表『中期』及『晚期』則分別為"the mid-1960s"與"the late 1960s"。類似的用法亦可用來表年齡:
1. in + 所有格 + early 30s 在某人三十歲出頭
2. in + 所有格 + mid-30s 在某人三十五、六歲時
3. in + 所有格 + late 30s 在某人三十八、九歲時

Helping Others‏

Christmas in America means different things to different people. To some people, Christmas means brightly wrapped packages under a decorated tree. To others, it means family reunions and a wonderful meal together. To Christians, it means Jesus’ birthday. Christmas also means lending a helping hand to people in need. Along with all the hubbub of shopping for presents and sending Christmas cards, many people in America take time to help others.
在美國,聖誕節對不同的人代表了
不同的意義。對某些人而言,聖誕節的
意義是在佈置好的聖誕樹底下那些包裝
得色彩鮮豔的禮物。對另外一些人而
言,它的意義則是家人團圓以及共享美
好的一餐。對基督徒來說,它代表了耶
穌的誕生。聖誕節的意義也是向需要幫
助的人伸出援手。在採購禮物及寄送聖
誕卡片的一陣忙亂當中,很多美國人仍
會撥出時間去幫助別人。
In America and around the world, Christmas offers many opportunities to spread
“peace on earth, good will toward men.” For example, Salvation Army bell ringers
are a familiar sight to most Christmas shoppers. They stand outside malls and stores collecting money
for the needy. Many churches and other organizations collect toys and clothes as Christmas gifts for
poor families. Going caroling is another traditional way to bring cheer to neighbors—especially the elderly
and people who can’t get out much.
在美國及全世界各地,聖誕節提供
了很多傳揚「平安與世,善意與人」的
機會。例如,救世軍的搖鈴者對大多數
為聖誕節購物的人們而言,是一個熟悉
的景象。他們通常會站在購物中心和商
店外面,為有需要的人募錢。很多教會
和其他的機構會收集玩具和衣服,作為
窮苦家庭的聖誕禮物。報佳音是另外一
種能夠將歡樂帶給鄰舍的傳統方式,尤
其是針對那些老人和無法常出門的人。
聖誕節的精神鼓勵人們在許多大大小小
的事情上互相幫助。
The Christmas spirit encourages people to help each other in many large and small ways.
The spirit of helping others isn’t limited to Christmas, however. Americans help others year-round.
Civic clubs such as the Lion’s Club, the Elk’s Club and the Rotary Club take part in local community projects.
Many organizations exist just to help others.
然而,助人的精神並不只有在聖誕
節才能發揮。美國人一年到頭都在幫助
他人。像獅子會( L i o n’s Club)、角鹿社
( E l k’s Club)、扶輪社(Rotary Club)這樣的
市民會社,都參與了地方社區的計劃活
動。很多機構的設立就是為了要助人。
The Make a Wish Foundation gives terminally ill children a chance to have their dream come true. Habitat for Humanity helps poor people build their own houses. And besides supporting worthy causes with their money, thousands of Americans donate their time by serving as volunteers in hospitals, homeless shelters and schools.
許願基金會(Make a Wish Foundation)給罹
患末期疾病的孩童們一個美夢成真的機
會;仁愛之家(Habitat for Humanity)則幫
助窮苦的人們建蓋屬於他們自己的房
子。成千上萬的美國人除了以金錢支持
一些有意義的事情之外,他們也獻出自
己的時間在醫院、流浪者之家和學校作
義工服務。
The Make a Wish Foundation gives terminally ill children a chance to have their dream come true. Habitat for Humanity helps poor people build their own houses. And besides supporting worthy causes with their money, thousands of Americans donate their time by serving as volunteers in hospitals, homeless shelters and schools.
許願基金會(Make a Wish Foundation)給罹
患末期疾病的孩童們一個美夢成真的機
會;仁愛之家(Habitat for Humanity)則幫
助窮苦的人們建蓋屬於他們自己的房
子。成千上萬的美國人除了以金錢支持
一些有意義的事情之外,他們也獻出自
己的時間在醫院、流浪者之家和學校作
義工服務。
As the old saying goes, “Charity begins at home”—but it doesn’t stop there.
Americans are concerned about helping needy people in other countries, as well.
The U.S. is often one of the first countries to provide relief to areas of the world in severe need. Many American organizations reach out to suffering people in other countries. Some of them have programs by which donors can sponsor needy children. For a certain amount per month, people can provide these children
with food, clothing and education.
正如一句古老的諺語所說:「仁愛
從家裡開始。」但它卻不是就停在那
裡。美國人也很關心於幫助其他國家中
有需要的人們。對於世界各地極需援助
的地區,美國經常是首先提出救援的國
家之一。很多美國機構向其他國家中的
苦難人民伸出援手。捐獻者可以透過某
些機構中的一些計劃去贊助有需要的孩
童。人們每個月只要捐出某個特定的數
目,就可以提供食物、衣服和教育給這
些孩童們。
As long as there are people in need, helping others will remain an important task.
Americans are not the only ones who believe in helping others. People in every culture recognize that being helpful is one of the greatest virtues in life, as well as one of the sweetest joys. The Christmas season is a great time to renew our commitment to help people in need. We never know when we might need a little help ourselves.
只要有人需要援助,幫助別人就仍
然是一件重要的事。美國人並不是唯一
相信應該幫助別人的人。每一個文化中
都會有人體認到,幫助別人是生命中最
偉大的美德之一,也是最甜美的喜樂之
一。聖誕節是一個絕佳的時機,可以讓
我們重新許下承諾去幫助有需要的人。
我們永遠不會知道,什麼時候自己可能
也需要一點幫助呢!
⊙Word Bankreunion (n) 重聚;團圓
hubbub (n) 嘈雜;喧鬧
good will (n phr) 善意
bell ringer (n phr) 搖鈴者
caroling (n) 唱聖誕讚美詩;報聖誕佳音
foundation (n) 基金會
terminally ill (adj phr) 末期疾病的
volunteer (n) 志願者;義工
terminally ill (adj phr) 末期疾病的
foundation (n) 基金會
volunteer (n) 志願者;義工
relief (n) 救濟;解救
sponsor (v) 贊助
virtue (n) 美德
The Day's Phrase 
Luke comes home and sees his friends again
路克返鄉了,再度和朋友們相見
Tina's company is still very new, but it has a lot of promise.
蒂娜的公司剛成立不久,但前景看好。
Discover the history and horses of this small island in Michigan
一探密西根州小島的歷史及馬匹
Tony wants to buy a new Mercedes-Benz, even though he knows he'll have to break the bank to pay for it.
東尼想要買部新的賓士轎車,即使他知道他付那筆錢會傾家蕩產。
Ned began to cry when he lost his wallet. But I said to him, "Don't lose your head over it, it was just money."
奈德的錢包掉了,他就開始哭了起來。但是我對他說:「別因此就亂了方寸,那不過是錢而已。」
This French scientist solved many of the important problems of his time
這位法國科學家解決了很多當時的重大難題
John just broke his leg. He must be patient and let it recover. He has to take things one day at a time.
約翰剛摔斷了腿。他得要有耐心等它痊癒。他必須要一步一步慢慢來。
Larry is thanking his lucky stars that his horse is still alive.
賴瑞感謝自己運氣好,因為他的馬還活著。
You can become a more confident person
你可以成為更有自信的人
It seems like everybody is in favor of the new changes. Even Joe has jumped on the bandwagon.
看來似乎每個人都贊同這些新的變革。甚至連喬都趕搭這班革新列車了。
By doubling their sales and reducing expenses, the Miller Bubble Gum company will be out of the red
in four months.
藉著加倍的銷售以及減少支出,米勒泡泡糖公司再四個月就能轉虧為盈了。