就是

Winter Celebrations 冬天的慶祝活動

Ancient X-Files 遠古X檔案

 Experts travel to incredible locations across the world to find out the truth behind some famous unsolved mysteries
　　What would you do to get to the bottom of something? Would you travel the globe to hunt down every last clue? Would you risk your life to find out the truth? The scholars, archeologists1, and scientists on National Geographic Channel's "Ancient X-Files" do these and more. Each story in this series is a piece of detective2 work. The experts follow clues and put theories to the test in an attempt to explain the unexplained.
如果您想瞭解某些事物的真相，您會做什麼？您會不會走遍全球來尋找所有僅存的線索？您是否會冒著生命危險來挖掘真相？國家地理頻道《遠古X檔案》的學者、考古學家和科學家不但做了上述的一切，而且還付出了更多心力。此系列節目的每篇報導都是一件件偵察工作。專家們追尋線索、檢視各種理論，都是為了試圖解釋那些無法解釋的事件。
　　In "The Holy Grail3" episode, Janice Bennett investigates whether a chalice4 in Spain could be the famous cup used by Jesus Christ. As a Grail researcher, Bennett has come across many fakes in her time. However, this particular chalice is guarded by a brotherhood5 that has sworn to defend it with their lives.
在《聖杯傳說》這集節目中，珍妮絲‧班奈特調查一個出現在西班牙的聖餐杯是否就是耶穌曾使用過的著名聖杯。身為聖杯的研究人員，班奈特在一生當中曾經碰過許多贗品。然而這個特殊聖杯的守護者，是一個誓死用生命來捍衛它的兄弟會。
　　Another mystery presented in the same episode is that of the Minotaur's labyrinth6. According to Greek mythology7, the Minotaur was a creature with the head and tail of a bull on the body of a man. It was locked up in a massive labyrinth with no way out. Now a scholar from Oxford University believes he has found its mysterious location.
在同一集節目中，呈現在觀眾眼前的另一個謎團就是邁諾托的迷宮。根據希臘神話，邁諾托是一隻牛頭人身、並且長著一條牛尾巴的怪獸。牠被囚禁在一個沒有任何出口的龐大迷宮裡。如今有一位牛津大學的學者相信他已經找到了這個神秘的地點。

@Building Your Vocabulary

1. investigate　vt. 查明，調查
The police are investigating the disappearance of all the dogs in our neighborhood.
警方正在調查為什麼我們社區裡所有的狗會不見。
2. particular　a. 特定的
Is there any particular food that Doris can't eat?
有哪些特定的食物是桃樂絲不能吃的？
3. defend　vt. 保衛，保護
The knight vowed to defend his king and castle.
那位騎士誓言要保衛他的國王以及城堡。

 

 

 

@Phrases for Learning

1. get to the bottom of...　　找出……的真相
Did you get to the bottom of all your car troubles?
你找出你車子故障的所有原因了嗎？
2. hunt down...　　（鍥而不捨地）追尋∕尋找……
The librarian helped Lily hunt down the rare book she wanted.
圖書館員幫莉莉搜尋她想要找的那本罕見書籍。
3. put...to the test　　使……受到考驗
Crossword puzzles really put a player's word skills to the test.
填字遊戲著實考驗著玩家的字彙能力。
4. in an attempt to + 原形動詞　　試圖（做）……
Bruce stayed up all night in an attempt to finish his science project.
布魯斯整晚熬夜，試圖要完成他的科學報告。
5. come across...　　偶遇∕偶然發現……
Sebastian came across an injured cat while he was jogging in the park.
賽巴斯欽在公園慢跑時發現一隻受傷的貓咪。

 

 

 

@"鮮"睹為快

1. archeologist　n. 考古學家
2. detective　n. 偵探（本文中作形容詞用）
3. Holy Grail　n.（耶穌死前用過的）聖杯
4. chalice　n.（尤指基督教的）聖餐杯
5. brotherhood　n. 兄弟會
6. labyrinth　n. 迷宮
7. mythology　n. 神話

 

 

 

@Tips In Use

Another mystery presented in the same episode is that of the Minotaur's labyrinth.
（在同一集節目中，呈現在觀眾眼前的另一個謎團就是邁諾托的迷宮。）
　　本句原為"Another mystery presented in the same episode is the mystery of the Minotaur's labyrinth."。在英文中，相同的名詞在同一句中出現時，為避免重複，會改用代名詞 that 或 those 代替。若為單數名詞或不可數名詞時，就以 that 取代，若是複數名詞，則以 those 取代之。
My parents are not as strict as those of my best friend.
（我爸媽不像我好友的父母親那麼嚴格。）

這頓晚餐 on me ！

說法比一比：★★★★學校：Let me pay the bill.（我來買單。）
老外：Let me get this.（這頓我請。）


實境對話
A：Let me get this.（這頓我請。）
B：Oh, OK. I'll get the tip.（哦，好。小費我出。）


老外還會這麼說
ex：This one is on me.（這頓算我的。）
ex：Why don't you get it next time?（你何不下次請就好？）
ex：Don't even think about it.（連想都別想。）

I just heard. 別再問了！

技術挑戰指數：★★★又到了下午茶時間，今天約在公司旁邊的咖啡館，大家不例外的大聊公司八卦，還因為聊的太大聲而被隔壁桌的白眼！每一次聊到最後總是會有人問：誰告訴你的啊？有時候真的不能說，或者自己根本就忘記是從哪裡聽來的，這種情況就可以丟下一句”I just heard.”，免得大家一直追問！


來聽老美怎麼說？
Gary：Chuck applied again for his old job.
　　　　葛瑞：查克再度申請做他的舊工作。
Nancy：No way. Who told you that?　　
　　　　南希：不可能。是誰告訴你的？
Gary：I just heard. But I actually think he might have a chance. I hope he gets it. I kind of miss him.
　　　　葛瑞：我只是聽說。但事實上我認為他可能有機會。我希望他能夠獲聘。我有點懷念他。
Nancy：Well, it's been almost two years. Who knows.
　　　　南希：嗯，已經快兩年了。誰知道。


俚語小解析．I just heard. 　我只是聽說。
當你不想洩漏你的消息來源，或你只是在某個地方聽到一些事情，但無法清楚記得是在哪裡（也有可能消息是來自多方面）時，你就可以說”I just heard.”（我只是聽說）。換言之，當消息來源並不重要，或者是一個秘密時，就可以這麼用。

AKB48 飛越2012

Love

An old song says that “love makes the world go around.” If you watch Americans on Valentine’s Day, you can believe it. The whole country breaks out with little red hearts. Love-struck people give cards, flowers and candy to their sweethearts. You might call it an annual celebration of love.
有首老歌是這麼唱的「愛使世界旋轉」。如果你在情人節觀察美國人，你就
會相信，因為全國突然出現許多小紅心，戀愛的人會送卡片、花和糖果給他
們的情人，也許我們可以稱這是個愛的節慶。
Americans are romantic all year long, but especially on February 14. Valentine’s Day gives people an excuse to ask someone they admire to “be their valentine.”
美國人全年都是羅曼蒂克的，尤其是在二月十四日。情人節給了人們藉口
請他們所欣賞的人做他們的情人。

Conversation I

會話一
Stan: Hey, Angela! I’ve been looking all over for you!

史丹：安琪拉！我到處找妳！
Angela: Well, hi, Stan! Happy Valentine’s Day!

安琪拉：嗨！史丹！情人節快樂！
Stan: Thanks! Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too! Uh, Angela…

史丹：謝謝！我也祝妳情人節快樂！嗯，安琪拉...
Angela: Yes?

安琪拉：什麼事？
Stan: Well, I...uh...got you a little something for Valentine’s Day. Would you be my valentine?

史丹：我?，嗯，我有一樣小東西送給妳當情人節的禮物，妳願意做我的情人嗎？
Angela: How sweet! The flowers are beautiful! And you know how much I love chocolate! Sure, I’d be honored to.

安琪拉：多美啊！這花好漂亮！而且你知道我有多喜歡巧克力！我覺得很榮幸能夠成為你的情人。
Stan: Would you like to go to the school party with me this
Saturday?

史丹：這星期六妳要和我一起參加學校的舞會嗎？
Angela: Yes, I would. I’ll look forward to it.
安琪拉：好啊！我會去，並且滿心期待地！

The American concept of love and romance begins with dating. Young people date in several ways. At first they might have group dates with several boys and girls together. Later, they start going on single dates—just one boy and one girl. Sometimes a boy and a girl will go to a movie. Maybe they will go to a party at a friend’s house. Or they might go out to eat.
美國人的觀念認為愛情和羅曼史是從約會開始的。年輕人約會有幾種情
況。剛開始，他會有群體式的約會，就是幾個男生幾個女生一起約出去。之
後，他們才開始單獨的約會，就是一男一女。有時他們會去看電影，也可能去
朋友家聚餐，或者到外面吃飯。
When two couples go out together, we call it double dating. A friend might even
arrange a blind date for you with someone you don't know. That doesn’t mean you
keep your eyes closed the whole evening! You just don’t know who your partner will be untilthe time for the date. If someone asks you for any kind of date, and you don’t want to go, you may politely say, “No, thanks.”
當有兩對一起出去時，我們稱之為「兩對式約會」，甚至朋友也會安排你不認識的人
幫你相親。所謂相親（blind date）並不是指讓你整晚都把眼睛矇起來，而是一直
要等到約會那天你才知道對象是誰。如果有人以任何一種方式約你，但你不想去，你
只管禮貌地說：「謝謝你，我不去。」
Conversation II

Jeff: Hi, Tanya! Boy, it’s freezing today, isn’t it?

會話二

傑夫：嗨！田雅，老天！今天真冷啊！
Tanya: You’re not kidding! I’m glad I’m wearing a hat and gloves!

田雅：你說得沒錯，我真慶幸戴了帽子和手套！
Jeff: Yeah, you look warm all bundled up like that. Say, I was wondering, would you like to go to the Valentine's banquet with me next week?

傑夫：是啊！你裹得那樣看起來很暖和。我在想你下星期要不要和我去參加情人節的宴會？
Tanya: Well, I really don't think I can. I have other plans. Thanks for asking, though.

田雅：我想我真得沒辦法去，我有另外的計劃，不過還是謝謝你的邀請。
Jeff: That’s O.K. Maybe some other time.

傑夫：沒關係，以後還有機會！
Tanya: Yeah. Well, here comes my bus. See you later!
田雅：啊！我的車來了，再見！
Americans view dating differently from people in other cultures. American young people see a
date as a time just to have fun. They don’t always have a romantic interest in mind. Someone
may go out with one person this week, and another person the next. After a while, a boy and
a girl may decide they want to “go steady.” This means they think of each other as
“boyfriend and girlfriend.” It also means they don’t want to date anyone else. Romance is
beginning to bloom.
美國人看「約會」的角度與其他文化不同。美國的年輕人只是把約會當做享樂的時刻，
並不都是有感情牽涉在內，有的人也許這星期和這個人出去，下星期和另一個人。過一
陣子之後，一男一女可能決定他們要「穩定下來」，就是他們將彼此視為男女朋友，也
就是說他們不再和其他人約會。愛情將開始綻放。
Romantic love is very much a part of American culture. Movies, TV shows and books in
America all picture people falling in love. Americans know that no romance is perfect, but
still they try to find the ideal person. Actually, love is a part of every culture, not just
American culture. People all over the world search for happiness in a loving relationship.
Maybe love does make the world go around.
愛情是美國文化的一大部份，美國的電影、電視和書都刻畫人們墜入情網的事，美國
人知道沒有一個愛情是完美的，但他們仍舊試圖尋找理想伴侶。事實上，愛情是每一
種文化的一部份而非僅是美國文化的。我們可以看出全世界的人都想在愛情裡尋求快樂。
也許愛情確實使世界旋轉吧！

@word bank

sweetheart (n) 情人

double date (n phr) 兩對式約會
blind date (n phr) 相親 

bundle up (v phr) 裹暖（全身）；包裹起來

go steady (v phr) 只跟一個固定的異性來往

@The Day's Phrase

Tips for timing your high-tech toy purchases
高科技玩物購買時機有訣竅

We don't need the air conditioner anymore.
我們不再需要冷氣機了。

It makes a big difference at what age a person starts to smoke or drink
一個人幾歲開始抽菸或喝酒，差別很大

It's hard to find good pineapples at this time of year.
橘這個時節很難找到好吃的鳳梨。

This popular drink has many surprising uses
廣受喜愛的這種飲料有許多意想不到的用途

Let's leave by 4:30. I want to get home before dark.
我們四點半離開吧。我想在天黑之前回到家。

The television industry is as popular as ever
電視業一如往常般廣受歡迎

This weekend will be a good time for a hike in the mountains.
這個週末是個登山健行的好時機。

Don't run on the trail! You could slip and fall.
不要在這小路上奔跑！你會滑倒的。

What are your fad favorites?
仆街的英文怎麼說？
你最喜歡的流行風潮是什麼？

Are you in the mood for Chinese or Western food tonight?
你今天晚上想吃中餐還是西餐？

A winter vacation in Sweden offers more than just snow
到瑞典過寒假不只是玩雪而已

I know a good dumpling restaurant that is very reasonable.
我知道一家不錯的餃子館，價錢非常公道。

Japan's Energy Saving Plans 日本限電大作戰

這是您的 check ！

說法比一比：★★★★學校：Check, please.
　　　（麻煩結帳。）
老外：Could we have the check, please?
　　　（可以麻煩把帳單給我們嗎？）



實境對話
A：Excuse me. Could we have the check, please?
　（不好意思，可以麻煩把帳單給我們嗎？）
B：Sure. I'll take that for you whenever you're ready.
　（沒問題，只要你準備好，我就把它拿來。）




老外還會這麼說
ex：We'd like the bill, please.
　（我們要買單了，麻煩你。）
ex：We're ready to go.　
　（我們要走了。）
ex：Do we pay here or at the register?　
　（我們要在這裡還是收銀台付帳？）

我必須 clarify 這一點！

技術挑戰指數：★★★殺價時需要談判，想要老闆加薪需要談判，預算不足要廠商降價時，也必須先講出讓對方認同的理由。談判技巧每個人都應該學，透過談判能化險為夷，甚至能讓競爭對手變成策略夥伴。談判的時候經常會意見不同，這時最好理性的處理！首先，清楚各方的立場，分析目前的情況，提出禮貌的建議。



來聽老美怎麼說？
ex：Let's go over the cost comparison again.
　 （讓我們重新再看一遍成本比較。）
ex：Could you clarify point two of your offer?
　（您可以把提案當中的第二點說明清楚嗎？）
ex：Would you be willing to increase the size of your order?
　（你願意增加你訂單的規模嗎？）
ex：Is it possible to customize the order?
　（訂貨有沒有可能依我們的需要特別製造？）



俚語小解析．clarify 　　 澄清; 闡明
　clarify除了”澄清、闡明”的意思外，也有”淨化”或”使清楚、使清醒”的意思。同義字有”explain、simplify、make clear”。

Destination: Dubai 前進杜拜

 This one-of-a-kind place offers travelers unique experiences and a glimpse into its past

　　Dubai is a one-of-a-kind place. It is both a city and a country in the United Arab Emirates. After oil was discovered in the region in the mid-1960s, Dubai started to grow. Using foreign workers, Dubai constructed fantastic buildings. Now, Dubai has the tallest one in the world—the Burj Khalifa. The structure was opened in 2010 and stands 828 meters tall. It is an incredible building that really reaches for the stars.
杜拜是個獨一無二的地方。它是一個城市，同時也是阿拉伯聯合大公國中的一個國家（編按：阿拉伯聯合大公國是由七個酋長國所組成，每個酋長國有各自的領導者）。人們於1960年代中期在杜拜發現石油後，該區就開始興起。杜拜雇用外國勞工來建造各種夢幻華麗的建築物。如今杜拜有全世界最高的建築物——哈里發塔。這棟建築於2010年啟用、高達八百二十八公尺。這還真是一座高聳入天的雄偉高塔呢。
　　Just like the amazing Burj Khalifa, the iconic Burj Al Arab is another great example of what makes Dubai unique. The luxurious hotel looks like a billowing1 sail and is just minutes away from the stunning Jumeirah Beach. For those wanting a taste of the old world, the Heritage2 Village of Hatta has a history that dates back 3,000 years. In addition, the nearby Diving Village offers travelers a glimpse into the area's pearl diving past.
就如同令人驚豔的哈里發塔一樣，具有指標性地位的帆船飯店也是杜拜之所以如此獨特的另一個原因。這座奢華的飯店外觀看來就像是個扯滿風的風帆，並且離美麗的珠美諾海濱只有幾分鐘之遙。對於那些想要品味古早世界的人來說，歷史可回溯至三千多年前的哈塔傳統民俗村是個適合參觀的好去處。除此之外，鄰近的珍珠採集村也讓遊客得以一窺這個地區採集珍珠的過往。
　　Dubai, the eighth most visited city in the world, is also a shopping heaven. It has over 70 shopping malls as well as traditional marketplaces3 where bargains can be found. Save up your money, pack your credit cards, and come to Dubai.
杜拜是世界排名第八最常為人造訪的城市，同時也是個購物天堂。當地有著超過七十間的購物中心以及充滿低廉商品的傳統市集。準備好您的錢，帶著您的信用卡，趕快來杜拜遊覽一番吧。

@Building Your Vocabulary

1. one-of-a-kind　a. 獨一無二的
be one of a kind　　獨一無二的
Sally's mother knitted the scarf especially for her, so it's one of a kind.
莎莉的圍巾是她媽媽特別為她織的，所以世上絕無僅有。
2. construct　vt. 建造，構築
The government has constructed many facilities to benefit the local residents.
政府建造了許多設施以嘉惠當地的居民。
3. luxurious　a. 奢華的
They couldn't afford to stay in a luxurious hotel, so they booked a cheap one instead.
他們因為住不起豪華的飯店而改訂一間比較便宜的。
4. stunning　a. 極吸引人的，極美麗的
Sandra looks stunning in that fancy evening dress.
珊卓穿上那件華麗的晚禮服看起來真是美呆了。
5. glimpse　n. 一瞥；快速地窺知（某事）
The documentary offers a glimpse of the superstar's life before he became famous.
那部紀錄片讓人們得以一窺那位巨星成名前的生活。
6. bargain　n. 便宜的貨品；低廉的價格
Jonathan got a great bargain on that used car.
強納森以非常便宜的價格買下了那輛二手車。

 

 

 

 

@Phrase for Learning

1. date back + 一段時間　　回溯至某段時間之前
date back to...　　回溯到……（的時候）
The vase is quite precious because it dates back to the Ming Dynasty.
因為這只花瓶的年代可以回溯到明朝年間，所以它十分珍貴。
2. save up...　　存……（錢）
Nick is trying to save up NT$5,000 for those limited edition shoes.
尼克試著要存五千元來買那雙限量版的球鞋。

 

 

 

 

@Extra Words

1. billow　vi. 鼓起（本文中以現在分詞作形容詞用）
2. heritage　n. 傳統；遺產（本文中作形容詞用）
3. marketplace　n. 市場，市集

 

 

 

 

 

@Grammar Check

Using foreign workers, Dubai constructed fantastic buildings.
（杜拜雇用外國勞工來建造各種夢幻華麗的建築物。）
　　本句原本為"Dubai used foreign workers, Dubai constructed fantastic buildings."，但如此一來就形成兩個句子無連接詞連接的錯誤句構，解決之道就是將第一個句子化簡成分詞片語，其法則如下：
a. 相同的主詞要刪除，不同的主詞則保留
b. 之後的動詞要變成現在分詞
c. 若動詞為 be 動詞時，變成現在分詞 being 之後可省略
Al was bitten by a snake, Al was rushed to a hospital. (X)
→ (Being) Bitten by a snake, Al was rushed to a hospital. (○)
（艾爾被蛇咬到，所以他被緊急送醫。）

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