談談自己吧!

說法比一比:★★★★學校:Could you introduce yourself?
 (你能介紹一下自己嗎?)
老外:Could you tell me about yourself?
 (你能跟我談談你自己嗎?)


實境對話
A:Could you tell me about yourself?
 (你能跟我談談你自己嗎?)
B:OK. What do you want to know?
 (好。你想知道什麼?)


老外還會這麼說
ex:How would you describe yourself?
 (你會怎麼形容自己?)
ex:It seems like you're pretty laid back.
 (你看起來相當從容自在。)


關鍵字.describe 形容、laid back 從容自在的

你適合做業務嗎?

技術挑戰指數:★★★凱文今天六月就要從大學畢業了,畢業前夕有去幾家公司面試,雖然面試的職位是美工,卻要背負公司的業績壓力!可是凱文心想,都沒有修過商學院的課,自己可以勝任嗎?.....

來聽老美怎麼說?
ex:We help our regular clients to achieve their financial goals.
 (我們幫助常客達到他們的財務目標。)
ex:I told our exisiting clients that I was leaving the company.
 (我告訴老客戶說,我要離開公司了。)
ex:I already notified the client about the changes to our service.
 (我已經把變更服務的事告知了客戶。)
ex:I am visiting a prospective client next week. I hope I get them!
 (我下星期要去拜訪一家預期客戶。我希望我能爭取到他們。)



單字小補充
client 客戶(可數名詞) 
 .可搭配動詞:help、tell、notify、visit
 .可搭配形容詞:existing、prospective、regular

Celebrating the Moon 家好月圓慶中秋

The moon has charmed people for years. Stories, songs, and legends have all been made about it. The moon is also important for balance on Earth because it controls the tides. Each year, the Moon Festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It celebrates the fall harvest and love. One way that families celebrate is by getting together with friends and relatives for barbecues. At night, everyone takes time to gaze at the full moon and stars. Telling stories and eating mooncakes are also common.
多年來,月亮都使人心醉神迷。許多故事、歌曲和傳說都與月亮有關。月亮對於地球上的平衡也很重要,因為月亮會控制潮汐。中秋節都在每年農曆的八月十五日。該節日旨在歡慶秋季的收成和世間的愛。與親朋好友一起烤肉是家家戶戶慶祝中秋節的方式之一。每個人在當晚都會花時間賞月和觀星。講述中秋的故事和品嚐月餅也是很普遍的活動。
  The story behind the Moon Festival involves Hou-yi and his wife Chang-er. One day, 10 suns began to shine down on the Earth. Hou-yi shot nine of them down with his bow and arrow and saved the Earth from burning. The Jade Emperor became angry and forced them to live as humans on Earth. This made Chang-er unhappy, so Hou-yi went to look for the Queen Mother of the West. She gave him two pills that allowed them to live forever again. When he returned, he hid the pills from Chang-er, but she found them. As soon as she took them, she flew straight up to the moon. Ever since, Chang-er and Hou-yi can only meet one night of the year on the Moon Festival.
中秋節背後的故事是與后羿跟他的妻子嫦娥有關。有一天,天上出現了十個太陽開始照耀大地。后羿用他的弓箭射下了其中九個太陽,拯救大地免於被焚燒之苦。玉皇大帝卻因此勃然大怒,於是就把后羿和嫦娥貶為凡人,將他們打入人間生活。這讓嫦娥感到很不開心,因此后羿便跑去找西王母。祂給了后羿兩顆可以讓他們再次長生不老的仙丹。后羿回家後將丹藥藏了起來,但嫦娥卻找到了這些仙丹。嫦娥服下後就立刻直直飛到月亮。從此以後,嫦娥與后羿一年只能在中秋節晚上見一次面。


@Word & Phrases
1. charm vt. 吸引,迷住
The man charmed Linda into giving him her phone number.
那名男子把琳達迷倒,讓琳達把電話號碼給了他。
2. harvest n. 收穫,收割
The harvest was enough for the whole village to get through the winter.
這次的採收足以讓全村度過冬天了。
3. relative n. 親戚
Several of my relatives live in Seattle, while the rest are here in Taiwan.
我的親戚有些住在西雅圖,其他的則是在台灣。
4. gaze at...   凝視……;盯著……看
When Dick proposed to Mary, she gazed at him with tears in her eyes.
狄克向瑪麗求婚時,她淚眼汪汪地看著他。
5. shine vi. 照射,發亮(三態為:shine, shone , shone。)
The sun shone brightly in the cloudless sky during our picnic.
我們去野餐時,艷陽高掛在萬里無雲的天空中。
6. shoot...down/shoot down...  把……擊落
shoot vt. 射擊(三態:shoot, shot , shot。)
Most of their fighter planes were shot down by enemy fire.
他們大部份的戰機都被敵方砲火給擊落。
7. save + 人∕物 + from...   挽救某人∕物免於……
Jimmy jumped into the water and saved the boy from drowning.
吉米跳進水裡救了那個男孩,使他不至於溺斃。
8. force + 人 + to + 原形動詞  強迫某人(做)……
My mother forced me to take violin lessons when I was a child.
我媽媽在我小時候逼我去學小提琴。


@Extra Words
1. tide n. 潮汐
2. barbecue n. 烤肉
3. full moon n. 滿月
4. mooncake n. 月餅
5. jade n. 玉,翡翠
6. emperor n. 皇帝


@More To Know
嫦娥飛上月亮之後……
  關於后羿與嫦娥的傳說眾說紛紜,而對嫦娥奔月後的故事發展也有許多不同版本,有人說嫦娥奔月後變成了玉兔;也有人說因為嫦娥太寂寞了,於是兔仙就將玉兔送到廣寒宮,讓玉兔在廣寒宮裡與嫦娥相伴,並搗製長生不老藥。還有傳說指稱嫦娥上了月宮後,因為思念人間的一切而時常掉淚,淚珠因此幻化成許多小星星而點綴了整片夜空,只要有人對著滑落的流星許願,就可使願望成真。這些傳說增添了中秋佳節的趣味,讓人們在團圓烤肉之際還可以細細回味這些有趣的故事。

2012年9月24日 星期一

台灣的foreign reserves 排名‏

技術挑戰指數:★★★★經濟常常是人民最關心的議題之一,候選人在選舉前,也常常發表關於民生經濟的政見,雖然選上後不一定會兌現!如果一個國家的貧富差距太大,很有可能發生暴動或動亂.....等,是可怕的惡性循環。資本主義經濟很容易產生M型社會,所以政府適當的干預是必要的!而外匯存底常被視為一個國家經濟力的重要指標!



來聽老美怎麼說?
ex:Taiwan is the fifth-largest holder of foreign exchange reserves in the world.
 (台灣的外匯存底排名世界第五。)
ex:Some fabrics are sold to retailers, but most are purchased by clothing manufacturers.  
 (有些布料會賣給零售商,但大多數還是由成衣製造商購買。)
ex:You must define your niche market before deciding on your marketing strategy.  
 (擬定行銷策略前你必須先找出利基市場。)
ex:He declared bankruptcy after becoming unable to pay off his credit card debt.  
 (在無力償還卡債後他宣布破產。)




強化小知識

.foreign exchange reserves  外匯存底  
外匯存底是一個國家持有並可隨時兌換他國貨幣的資產,指以外匯計價的總資產,包括現鈔、黃金
、國外有價證券等,通常以美元來計算。它是一個國家國際清償力的重要組成部分,對於平衡國際收支、穩定匯率有很大的影響。

Prisoners of Love 愛的俘虜――斯德哥爾摩症候群‏



by Matthew Brown
Hostages and kidnapping victims sometimes end up feeling closest to the people that have terrorized them.
有時人質和綁架受害者最後會對恐嚇他們的人產生心理上的認同。
  In 1973, two men robbed a bank in Stockholm, Sweden. For six days, they held four bank employees hostage, keeping them at gunpoint in the vault. After the ordeal was over, many people were surprised by the hostages' reaction. _(1)_
1973 年,兩名男性搶劫位於瑞典斯德哥爾摩的一家銀行。他們在銀行金庫裡用槍挾持 4 名銀行行員做為人質長達 6 天。這起可怕的事件結束後,許多人對人質事後的反應感到詫異。調查員表示這些人質同情銀行搶匪,對於警方反而更顯恐懼。
  The incident attracted a lot of media attention, and psychiatrists came up with a term to describe the hostages' feelings. _(2)_ Captives who display this syndrome tend to sympathize with and think highly of their captors. Take the case of a man who was one of the hostages on a flight from Athens, Greece in 1985. The two terrorists threatened the passengers on board with guns, even killing one hostage. _(3)_
整起事件引發媒體高度關注,精神科醫師則提出一個專門名詞來形容這些人質的感受。斯德哥爾摩症候群是一種發生在俘虜心理上的情感轉移,他們在深受威脅的同時,又感受到俘虜者釋出的善意。表現出這種症候群的俘虜往往會同情和推崇俘虜者。以一名男性人質為例,他在 1985 年搭乘一架從希臘雅典起飛的班機,當時機上有兩名恐怖分子用槍威脅乘客,甚至還殺害一名人質。然而那名男子獲釋後向記者表示,挾持人質的恐怖分子並非壞人,因為他們讓他吃東西、睡覺,也讓他活著見到另一天。
  Why does Stockholm Syndrome happen? _(4)_ The theory says that a child forms an emotional attachment to a powerful adult in his or her life, which increases the chance that the adult will protect and care for the child. _(5)_ A Stockholm Syndrome victim mistakes a lack of abuse for an act of kindness. In the heat of the moment, these feelings make sense, and once the situation is over, victims usually have a good chance of getting on with their normal lives.
斯德哥爾摩症候群為何產生?它的發生源自於一種原始的感激之情,正如同嬰兒所經歷的一般。這個理論說明小孩在生活中對有權威的成人產生一種情感上的依戀,這會提高成人保護或照顧小孩的機會。相同的模式也發生在俘虜對俘虜者產生依戀的狀況。斯德哥爾摩症候群的患者錯把沒有虐待當作仁慈的表現。在情緒最激動的當下,這些情感反應是可以理解的;一旦事件結束,受害者通常還是很有機會回歸正常的生活。
(A) Stockholm Syndrome is a psychological shift that happens to captives when they are gravely threatened but are also shown acts of kindness by their captors.
(B) The same may be happening when a captive forms feelings of attachment to their captor.
(C) Investigators said that the hostages sympathized with the bank robbers and were more scared of the police.
(D) It occurs as a result of a primitive feeling of gratitude, just like something an infant would experience.
(E) After being released, however, the man told reporters that the hostage-takers weren't bad people because they let him eat, sleep, and live to see another day.
原來如此 

1. 第一題空格應選 (C)
理由:
a. 空格前一句提到,這起可怕的事件結束後,許多人對人質事後的反應感到詫異。
b. (C) 選項的句子說,調查員表示這些人質同情銀行搶匪,對於警方反而更顯恐懼,說明讓一般人感到訝異之處,前後語意連貫,故選之。
大補丸:
a. investigator n. 調查員
b. hostage n. 人質
hold sb hostage  挾持某人當作人質
hold + 數字 + hostage(s)  挾持若干名人質
例: The bank robbers held the manager hostage during their getaway.
(在逃亡過程中,那幫銀行搶匪挾持經理當作人質。)
例: The news report said the fired worker was holding five hostages inside the company.
(新聞報導說那名被開除的員工在該公司內挾持了 5 名人質。)
c. sympathize vi. 同情,憐憫
sympathize with...  同情……
例: I really sympathize with the family that lost everything in the fire.
(我很同情那個在火災裡失去一切的家庭。)
d. be scared of...  害怕……
2. 第二題空格應選 (A)
理由:
a. 空格前一句提到,整起事件引發媒體高度關注,精神科醫師則提出一個專門名詞來形容這些人質的感受,推測空格應為該名詞的名稱與其敘述。
b. (A) 選項的句子提到斯德哥爾摩症候群這個名詞和其特徵,符合推測,且語意連貫,故選之。
大補丸:
a. syndrome n. 症候群
b. psychological a. 心理的
c. shift n. 轉移;改變
d. captive n. 俘虜
e. gravely adv. 相當地;嚴重地
例: Jim's mother was gravely ill, but she didn't let him know how serious her condition was.
(吉姆的母親病得很嚴重,但她沒讓他知道自己的病情。)
f. threaten vt. 威脅,脅迫
例: Billy is fed up with being threatened by bullies at school every day.
(比利受夠了每天在學校被惡霸威脅。)
g. captor n. 俘虜(他人)者
3. 第三題空格應選 (E)
理由:
a. 空格前兩句提到一名男性人質在 1985 年搭乘一架從希臘雅典起飛的班機,當時機上發生恐怖分子挾持乘客的情況。
b. (E) 選項的句子則說,該男子獲釋後向記者表示,挾持人質的恐怖分子並非壞人,因為他們讓他吃東西、睡覺,也讓他活著見到另一天,前後語意連貫,故選之。
大補丸:
a. release vt. 釋放
例: Arthur was released from prison after serving a 10-year sentence.
(亞瑟在獄中服刑 10 年後獲釋。)
b. hostage-taker n. 挾持人質者
4. 第四題空格應選 (D)
理由:
a. 空格前一句提出『斯德哥爾摩症候群為何產生?』的問題,推測空格應說明其原因。
b. (D) 選項的句子提到,它的發生源自於一種原始的感激之情,正如同嬰兒所經歷的一般,符合推測,且語意連貫,故選之。
大補丸:
a. primitive a. 原始的;起初的
b. gratitud n. 感謝,感激之情
例: I'd like to express my gratitude for your help.
(我想對你的協助表達感激之情。)
c. infant n. 嬰兒
5. 第五題空格應選 (B)
理由:
a. 空格前一句提到,這個理論說明小孩在生活中對有權威的成人產生一種情感上的依戀,這會提高成人保護或照顧小孩的機會。
b. (B) 選項的句子說,相同的模式也發生在俘虜對俘虜者產生依戀的狀況,前後語意連貫,故選之。
大補丸:
attachment n. 依戀;愛慕
精解字詞片語 
1. reaction n. 反應(與介詞 to 並用)
例: Beth broke down and burst out crying in reaction to the bad news.
(貝絲聽到那個壞消息時的反應是崩潰和嚎啕大哭。)
2. come up with...  想出∕想到……(點子等)
例: Terry came up with a great place for the company trip.
(泰瑞想到一個公司旅遊的絕佳地點。)
3. think highly of...  推崇∕看重……
例: The critics think highly of the director's debut film.
(評論家很推崇這位導演的首部作品。)
4. on board  在船上∕飛機上∕火車上等
= aboard adv.
例: The plane crashed soon after it took off, killing all passengers on board.
(飛機起飛沒多久便墜毀了,機上乘客全部罹難。)
5. mistake A for B  將 A 誤認為 B
mistake vt. 誤認
三態為:mistake, mistook, mistaken。
例: Katrina mistook Hank's kindness for romantic feelings.
(卡翠娜錯把漢克的親切當成愛情。)
6. abuse n. & vt. 虐待
例: You can't expect to be healthy when you abuse your body by smoking and drinking all the time.
(你老是抽菸又喝酒糟蹋身體,就別想要保持健康。)
7. in the heat of...  在……最激烈的時刻
in the heat of the moment  在情緒最激動的時刻
例: Sherry slapped Nick in the heat of their argument.
(雪莉在他們吵到最凶的時候打了尼克一巴掌。)
8. make sense  有道理,有意義
例: The professor's complex explanation of the math question did not make sense to anyone.
(該教授對這道數學題複雜的解釋讓大家聽得一頭霧水。)
9. get on with...  (中斷過後)繼續從事……
例: After taking a 20-minute nap, Lucas got on with his work.
(小睡 20 分鐘後,盧卡斯繼續工作。)
單字小舖 
1. employee n. 員工,雇員
employer n. 雇主
2. gunpoint n. 槍口
keep/hold sb at gunpoint  用槍挾持∕威脅某人
3. vault n.(銀行的)金庫;地窖
4. ordeal n. 可怕的經歷;痛苦的折磨
5. media n. 媒體(複數)
medium n. 媒體(單數)
the mass media  大眾傳播媒體
6. psychiatrist n. 精神科醫生
psychiatry n. 精神病學
7. emotional a. 感情上的;情緒上的
emotion n. 情感;情緒
答案: 1. (C) 2. (A) 3. (E) 4. (D) 5. (B)

Destination: Queensland, Australia 前進澳洲‏




  Nicknamed the Sunshine State, Queensland is filled with natural beauty, ranging from tropical coastal1 zones to dry inland areas to lush rainforests. Located in the northeastern section of Australia, the state is a traveler's paradise. Surfers can catch wave after wave at the Gold Coast, which has some of the best surf breaks2 along its 57-kilometer shoreline3. A visit to Queensland would not be complete without exploring the Great Barrier Reef4, the world's largest reef system.
昆士蘭又名陽光之州,從熱帶的沿岸地區到乾涸的內陸地帶、再到鬱鬱蔥蔥的雨林,處處皆充滿自然美景。昆士蘭州位於澳洲東北部,可說是遊客的天堂。衝浪者能夠在黃金海岸盡情逐浪,因為在這長達五十七公里的海岸線上擁有全球最適合衝浪的一些浪頭。如果沒有造訪大堡礁這個世界最大的礁岩群,那麼這一趟昆士蘭之旅就不算完滿。
  The state is also home to several World Heritage5 sites. Included are Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, and the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, which contain a great diversity of plant and animal species. For those looking for more entertainment, there is no better place than the capital of Queensland. Brisbane boasts a thriving music scene, world-class museums, and exciting sporting events. However, let's not forget the people and their culture. Queensland was first inhabited by Indigenous6 Australians, so it is no surprise that they celebrate their heritage at The Dreaming Festival here every June. With all these treasures, the state of Queensland is worth exploring.
該州同樣也是數個世界遺產的所在地。當中包括了世上最大的沙島--芬瑟島,以及動植物物種相當豐富的岡瓦納雨林。對於那些想尋求更多休閒娛樂的遊客來說,再也沒有任何地方比昆士蘭的首都更棒的了。布里斯本擁有蓬勃發展的音樂圈、多座世界級的博物館,還有各項刺激精彩的運動賽事。不過可別忽略了當地居民以及他們的文化。澳洲原住民是最先在昆士蘭這塊土地上生活的居民,所以他們每年六月會在當地的夢想節上慶祝他們的文化遺產一點也不令人意外。擁有這一切瑰寶的昆士蘭州,實在值得您來一探究竟。
Building Your Vocabulary 
1. lush a.(植物)茂盛的,繁茂的
My mother's constant care made the garden lusher than ever.
我母親持續不斷的悉心照顧讓花園變得比以前更加茂盛。
2. diversity n. 多樣性
With a diversity of courses available, the community center is a great place to pick up new skills.
社區中心有多樣化的課程,是個能讓人學習新技能的絕佳去處。
3. boast vt.(地方等)擁有(好的事物或特徵)
The beautiful island boasts white sand beaches.
那座漂亮的島嶼擁有許多座潔白的沙灘。
4. thriving a. 欣欣向榮的,繁榮興盛的
Hawaii is famous for its thriving tourist industry.
夏威夷以其繁榮興盛的觀光業聞名。
5. inhabit vt. 居住
Only a handful of people inhabit that small village.
只有少數一些人住在那座小村莊裡。
Phrases for Learning 
1. range from A to B  範圍從 A 到 B
Lydia has had many different jobs, ranging from salesperson to lifeguard.
莉蒂雅曾做過許多不同的工作,從業務員到救生員都有。
2. be home to...  ……的所在地∕發源地∕棲息地
The Amazon is home to more species of plants and animals than any other ecosystem on the planet.
棲息在亞馬遜河流域的動植物種類比世上其他生態系統都多。
3. be worth + 動名詞∕名詞  值得……
The shoes were quite expensive, but they were definitely worth the price.
那雙鞋雖然很貴,不過它絕對值得這個價錢。
Extra Words 

1. coastal a. 沿海的,海岸的
2. surf break n. 適合衝浪的浪型
3. shoreline n. 海岸線
4. barrier reef n. 堡礁
5. heritage n. 遺產
6. Indigenous a. 原住民的(世界各地的原住民如今多被視為一個人種,故此字須大寫)
World Heritage Sites in Queensland 
昆士蘭州所擁有的迷人景致以及自然瑰寶多不勝數,當地甚至有許多自然保護區被聯合國教科文組織(UNESCO)列為世界遺產。現在就帶大家來認識這些美麗的地方吧。
昆士蘭熱帶雨林地區(Wet Tropics of Queensland)
位於昆士蘭州東北部,这這裡的熱帶雨林適合不同種类類的動植物、有袋動动物及鳥類生存,同時也為一些瀕臨絕種的動植物提供了優良的生存條件。
澳洲岡瓦納雨林(Gondwana Rainforests of Australia)
位於昆士蘭州與新南威爾斯州邊界處,佔地三千六百多平方公里,是世界上最大的亞熱帶雨林區。
芬瑟島(Fraser Island)
位於昆士蘭州南部沿岸,移動的沙丘、彩色砂石懸崖、雨林植物、清澈的海灣和白色的沙灘構成了該島獨一無二的自然景觀。
大堡礁(Great Barrier Reef)
全球最大、保存最好的珊瑚礁群,整個珊瑚礁海域約莫等於十個台灣之大,並蘊藏著珍稀多元的豐富海洋生態。
澳洲哺乳類動物化石遺址(Australian Fossil Mammal Sites)
世界十大化石遺址之一,這組遺址分別位於昆士蘭州北部的里弗斯利及南澳的娜華高域洞穴,兩者不但同時呈現嶙峋的石灰岩地貌,當地所發現的大量動物化石更反映出澳洲特有哺乳類動物的進化過程。

A Lesson in Listening 傾聽的一課‏‏

One day, Frank Carson stops by Suzie Brown's desk. He is holding something behind his back.
有一天,法蘭克.卡森到蘇西.布朗的桌前,他把某樣東西藏在背後。
Frank: Hi, Suzie. Keeping busy?
法蘭克:嗨,蘇西,在忙嗎?
Suzie: Frank, that's an understatement. You have no idea how many interruptions
I've had this morning.
蘇 西:法蘭克,這句話太過輕描淡寫了。你無法想像今天早上我已經被打擾多少次了。
Frank: Well, I have a little surprise for you. Can you guess what it is?
法蘭克:嗯,我有個小驚喜給妳,妳猜得到是什麼嗎?
Suzie: ( blushing ) For me? Oh, Frank, what is it?
蘇 西:(臉紅)給我的嗎?哦,法蘭克,是什麼東西?
Frank: It's this. (pulls out a stack
of papers from behind his back)
法蘭克:就是這個。(從背後抽出一疊文件)
Suzie: A big pile of papers?
蘇 西:一大疊的文件?
Frank: Yes. All this stuff needs to be filed
.
法蘭克:是的,這些東西都需要歸檔。
Suzie: That's the surprise? Papers to file?
蘇 西:這就是所謂的驚喜嗎?要歸檔的文件?
Frank: Yes. Can you take care of it for me?
法蘭克:是的,妳能幫我處理嗎?
Suzie: Frank, I have work coming out of my ears
. Besides, Mr. Walker says that...
蘇 西:法蘭克,我的工作已經太多了。更何況,沃克先生說……
Frank: I know you're busy. But I'm really busy. That's why I'd appreciate your help filing this stuff.
法蘭克:我知道妳忙,但我實在太忙了,所以如果妳能幫我歸檔的話,我會很感激妳的。
Suzie: I'd like to help you, Frank, but...
蘇 西:我很想幫你,法蘭克,但是……
Frank: Wonderful! Thank you, Suzie!
法蘭克:太好了,謝謝妳,蘇西。
Suzie is very frustrated. She goes in to see Harvey Walker.
蘇西非常沮喪,她去見哈維.沃克。
Suzie: Can I talk to you for a minute, Mr. Walker?
蘇西:沃克先生,我能和您談一談嗎?
Harvey: Sure, Suzie. Have a seat. Is something bothering
you?
哈維:當然,蘇西,請坐。有什麼事正困擾著妳嗎?
Suzie: Well, yes. It's Frank Carson. He's always asking me to do work for him. But I'm supposed to be working for you. Isn't that right?
蘇西:嗯,有的。是法蘭克.卡森。他總是要我幫他做事。但我應該只做您所交待的事,不是嗎?
Harvey: Yes, Suzie. You're my executive assistant, not the office slave.
哈維:是的,蘇西。妳是我的執行助理,不是辦公室的奴隸。
Suzie: Well, today was the third time this week he's brought me work.
蘇西:嗯,今天已經是他這個禮拜第三次把工作丟給我了。
Suzie: I've tried to tell Frank how I feel. But he never listens. Everything I say seems to go in one ear and out the other
.
蘇西:我試過告訴法蘭克我的感受,但他就是不聽。我說的每句話似乎都是左耳進右耳出。
Harvey: Hmmm.
哈維:嗯。
Suzie: He seems so friendly and agreeable
about everything. But then he keeps on doing exactly what bugs me.
蘇西:感覺上他是那麼的友善,凡事又很隨和。但是他就會做出讓我頭大的事。
Harvey: Maybe I should talk to him.
哈維:或許我該和他談談。
Suzie: Please do, because he sure doesn't listen to me.
蘇西:麻煩您,因為他絕對不會聽我的。
Harvey: OK. I'll call him right away.
哈維:好的,我立刻叫他來。
Suzie: I'm so glad you listen, Mr. Walker.
蘇西:我真高興您能聽我說,沃克先生。
Harvey immediately calls Frank into his office.
哈維立刻把法蘭克叫進他的辦公室裡。
Frank: Yes, Harvey?
法蘭克:有什麼事嗎,哈維?
Harvey: I wonder if you could stop giving work to Suzie, Frank. She's busy enough already.
哈維:不知道你是否可以別再把工作交給蘇西。法蘭克,她已經夠忙的了。
Frank: She is? Why didn't she tell me?
法蘭克:她是嗎?為什麼她不告訴我呢?
Harvey: She tried. Maybe it didn't sink in
.
哈維:她試過,但你沒聽進去。
Frank: I guess not. Sorry, Harvey.
法蘭克:我猜是沒有,對不起,哈維。
Harvey: That's OK, Frank. No harm
done. But may I share something that will help you in the future?
哈維:沒關係,法蘭克,沒造成什麼傷害。但是,我能告訴你一些或許將來對你有幫助的事嗎?
Frank: Please do.
法蘭克:請說。
Harvey: "Managing" is much more than simply telling people what to do. Good managers understand people. Do you know how they do that?
哈維:「管理」不僅僅是告訴別人做什麼事。好的管理者了解人性。你知道他們怎麼做到的嗎?
Frank: Um, by listening?
法蘭克:呃,靠傾聽嗎?
Harvey: Bingo! By listening carefully, with the heart. Do you hear what I'm saying?
哈維:答對了!用心留意傾聽。你聽到我說的話了嗎?
Frank: Loud and clear
, Harvey. Thanks.
法蘭克:非常清楚,哈維,謝謝!
@ word bank  interruption (n) 干擾;打斷
      stack (n)    堆
      file (v)    歸檔
      have something coming out of one's ears (idiom) 事情太多
      bother (v)    困擾
      go in one ear and out the other (idiom) 左耳進,右耳出
      agreeable (adj)    令人愉快的;隨和的
      bug (v)    惹人厭煩;使煩惱
      sink in (v phr) 被了解
      harm (n)    傷害
      loud and clear (adv phr) 非常清楚
 
@ The Day's Phrase
My company pays my salary by direct deposit.
我的公司是直接把薪水存到我的帳戶裡。
Five Asian adventures you won't want to miss!
不可錯過的亞洲五大冒險旅程!
This year Kelly is saving up her money to buy a new car.
凱莉今年要存錢買部新車。
Unfortunately, the interest rate on Bill's savings account is very low.
很不幸,比爾的存款帳戶利息利率很低。
Justin tries to cook for his friends. But can he really cook?
賈斯汀試著為朋友烹調料理,但他真的行嗎?
The bank teller helped me to open up a new savings account.
銀行櫃員協助我開立一個新的存款帳戶。
What denomination would you like: 100, 500 or 1000-dollar bills?
您要哪種面額的鈔票?一百、五百還是一千的?
What is the current exchange rate between US dollars and NT dollars?
目前美金與新台幣的匯率是多少呢?

The Good Crunch of the Carrotmob 胡蘿蔔暴民‏

 


by Rebecca A. Fratzke
Buycotts are creating positive changes in the business world.
消費力量在全世界的商界創造出正面的改變。
  Today, businesses are facing many challenges. They must stay afloat during hard economic times while still providing good service and products. In addition, they try to keep their companies environmentally _(1)_ and globally involved. Clearly, _(2)_ all of these goals is not an easy task. It is usually the good deeds and environmentally friendly advances that get the least amount of _(3)_. The only solution to this problem may seem to be in the hands of the sellers. However, Brent Schulkin decided to put the solution into the hands of the buyers and called it Carrotmob.
現今企業面臨許多挑戰。在經濟艱困的時期,他們必須保持財務運作順利,同時也要提供優質的服務和產品。此外,他們也要設法讓公司具有環保意識並走向國際。顯然地,要達成這些目標不是件簡單的事。這些正面的行為和環保意識的提升通常最不引人注意。解決這個問題的唯一方法看來似乎掌握在賣方手上。然而,Brent Schulkin 決定把決定權交給買家,並稱之為『胡蘿蔔暴民』。
  Carrotmobbing, which is derived from the positive part of the idiom carrot and _(4)_, is when a large group of buyers rewards a business for its commitment to becoming more socially responsible. Schulkin's first Carrotmob was in 2008 in San Francisco, California. He challenged 23 owners in the area to _(5)_ their convenience stores in environmentally friendly ways and promised to bring a mob of shoppers to the one that did the most. The one that pledged the largest amount of that day's earnings on _(6)_ their store would win the mob's sales. A pledge of 22 percent got the winning store US$9,200 in revenue, positive recognition, and a new _(7)_ lighting system.
『胡蘿蔔暴民』這個詞源自於 carrot and stick(獎賞與懲罰)這個英文慣用語,並擷取其中正面的字眼(carrot),指的是當一家公司決定肩負更多社會責任時,就能得到一大群的買家以資獎勵。Schulkin 第一次的胡蘿蔔暴民活動於 2008 年在加州舊金山舉辦。他向當地 23 間店家下戰書,詢問有誰願意以環保概念改造自家的便利商店,並承諾會號召一大群『暴民』到改變最多的店家消費。允諾挪出最多營收比例來提升店面的商家就能贏得這次的暴民消費活動。願意挪出營收百分之二十二的贏家結果賺進 9,200 元美金、獲得了正面的肯定,以及一組節能的照明設備。
  Schulkin points out that in the past, boycotts, which stopped people from purchasing from or using a business, created change. His Carrotmob movement employs a _(8)_ boycott called a buycott. By using consumer activism, Carrotmobs _(9)_ businesses to listen to their demands while also giving them the means to make the changes. It's a _(10)_ situation that leaves both sides smiling. It seems very appropriate that a concept to create positive changes in the world is doing so through the power of positive action.
Schulkin 指出在過去,人們拒絕購買或使用某家商店產品的聯合抵制方式能產生一些改變。他的胡蘿蔔暴民所使用的和聯合抵制恰巧相反,稱之為消費力量(buycott)。藉著消費者行動主義,胡蘿蔔暴民鼓勵商店聆聽自己的需求,並提供它們改變的方式。這個雙贏的局面能使消費者和商店雙方都得利。藉由正面行動在全世界創造正向改變的觀念看來再適當不過了。
說明:請依文意在所提供的 (A) 到 (L) 12 個選項中,選出最適當的10 個選項。
(A) stick (B) notify (C) achieving (D) win-win (E) aware (F) downloading (G) reverse (H) attention (I) modify (J) encourage (K) upgrading (L) energy-efficient
原來如此 

1. In addition, they try to keep their companies environmentally aware and globally involved.
理由:
a. 空格前有不完全及物動詞 keep(保持)、名詞詞組 their companies(他們的公司),和副詞 environmentally(環境方面地),可知空格內應置入形容詞以作為受詞補語。
b. 符合上述的選項有 (D) win-win(雙贏的)、(E) aware(意識到的;察覺的)、(G) reverse(相反的)和 (L) energy-efficient(節能的),惟 aware 置入後符合語意,故選 (E)。
c. aware a. 意識到的;察覺的
environmentally aware  有環保意識的
2. Clearly, achieving all of these goals is not an easy task.
理由:
a. 空格後有名詞詞組 all of these goals(所有這些目標),而本句已有 be 動詞 is 和主詞補語 not an easy task(不是簡單的事),可知空格內應置入及物動詞的動名詞(V-ing)或不定詞(to + 原形動詞),以形成動名詞片語或不定詞片語作為本句的主詞。
b. 符合上述的選項有 (C) achieving(完成,實現)、(F) downloading(下載)和 (K) upgrading(使升級),惟 achieving 置入後符合語意,可知應選 (C)。
c. achieve vt. 完成,實現
achieve a/the/one's goal  (某人)達成目標
= attain a/the/one's goal
= accomplish a/the/one's goal
例: Jim eventually achieved his goal by working hard.
(吉姆藉由努力最後終於達成了他的目標。)
3. It is usually the good deeds and environmentally friendly advances that get the least amount of attention.
理由:
a. 空格前有介詞 of,可知空格應置名詞或動名詞。
b. 符合上述條件的選項有 (A) stick(棍子)、(F) downloading(下載)、(G) reverse(相反)、(H) attention(注意)和 (K) upgrading(升級),惟 attention 置入後符合語意,可知 (H) 應為正選 。
c. attention n. 注意
get/attract one's attention  吸引某人的注意
例: Hillary's red hair never fails to attract people's attention.
(希拉蕊的一頭紅髮總是吸引眾人的目光。)
4. Carrotmobbing, which is derived from the positive part of the idiom carrot and stick, is when a large group...
理由:
a. 空格前有名詞 carrot(胡蘿蔔)和對等連接詞 and,可知空格應置入名詞形成對等。
b. 選項中為名詞的有 (A) stick(棍子)和 (G) reverse(相反),惟 stick 置入後符合語意,並與 carrot 形成以下用法:
carrot and stick  獎賞與懲罰;軟硬兼施
stick n. 棍,棒
例: When dealing with North Korea, the US tries to use a carrot and stick approach.
(美國試圖用軟硬兼施的方法來處理北韓問題。)
c. 根據上述,可知 (A) 為正選。
5. He challenged 23 owners in the area to modify their convenience stores in environmentally friendly ways and promised to...
理由:
a. 空格前有不定詞 to,而空格後有名詞詞組 their convenience stores(他們的便利商店),可知空格內應置入原形的及物動詞。
b. 符合上述的選項有 (B) notify(通知)、(G) reverse(使相反;使反轉)、(I) modify(修改)和 (J) encourage(鼓勵),惟 modify 置入後符合語意,可知應選 (I)。
c. modify vt. 修改
例: The engineer modified the computer so that it would run faster.
(那位工程師把電腦稍加修改使其運作得更快。)
6. The one that pledged the largest amount of that day's earnings on upgrading their store would win the mob's sales.
理由:
a. 空格前有介詞 on,後有名詞詞組 their store(他們的商店),可知空格內應置入動名詞形態的及物動詞。
b. 符合上述的選項有 (F) downloading(下載)和(K) upgrading(使升級),惟 upgrading 置入後符合語意,故選 (K)。
c. upgrade vt. 使升級;提升,提高
例: We upgraded the anti-virus software on our computers to increase security.
(我們將電腦的防毒軟體升級來增加安全性。)
7. A pledge of 22 percent got the winning store US$9,200 in revenue, positive recognition, and a new energy-efficient lighting system.
理由:
a. 空格前有不定冠詞 a 和形容詞 new(新的),後有名詞詞組 lighting system(照明系統),可知空格應置入形容詞。
b. 選項中可作形容詞的有 (D) win-win(雙贏的)、(G) reverse(相反的)和 (L) energy-efficient(節能的),惟 energy-efficient 置入後符合語意,可知應選 (L)。
c. energy-efficient a. 節能的
例: I want to buy an energy-efficient refrigerator.
(我想買一台省電冰箱。)
8. His Carrotmob movement employs a reverse boycott called a buycott.
理由:
a. 空格前有不定冠詞 a,後有名詞 boycott(聯合抵制),可知空格內應置入形容詞。
b. 選項中可作形容詞的有 (D) win-win(雙贏的)和 (G) reverse(相反的),惟 reverse 置入後符合語意,故選 (G)。
c. reverse a. 相反的
例: Can you recite the alphabet in reverse order?
(你能倒背英文的 26 個字母嗎?)
9. ...Carrotmobs encourage businesses to listen to their demands while also giving them the means to make the changes.
理由:
a. 空格前有主詞 Carrotmobs(胡蘿蔔暴民),後有受詞 businesses(企業),可知空格內應置入複數形的及物動詞。
b. 符合上述的選項有 (B) notify(通知)和 (J) encourage(鼓勵),惟 encourage 置入後符合語意,故選 (J)。
c. encourage vt. 鼓勵
encourage sb to V  鼓勵某人從事……
例: My parents encouraged me to study abroad.
(我的父母親鼓勵我出國留學。)
10. It's a win-win situation that leaves both sides smiling.
理由:
a. 空格前有不定冠詞 a,後有名詞 situation(情況),可知空格內應置入形容詞。
b. 符合上述的選項僅有 (D) win-win(雙贏的),置入後亦符合語意,故為正選。
c. win-win a. 雙贏的
例: I'm offering you a win-win deal. We can both make a lot of money together.
(我提供你一個雙贏的交易。我們可以一起賺大錢。)
精解字詞片語 
1. challenge n. 挑戰 & vt. 向……挑戰
challenge sb to V/N  挑戰某人(做)某事
例: I challenged John to swim across the river.
(我向約翰挑戰游過這條河。)
2. involve vt. 牽涉,涉及
be involved in...  涉及……
例: The evidence showed that Gary was involved in the robbery.
(證據顯示蓋瑞涉入這起搶案。)
3. be derived from...  源自於……
例: The word hungry is derived from the Old English word hungrig.
(hungry 這個字是源自於古英語 hungrig。)
4. reward A for B  因 B 而獎賞 A
例: The mother rewards her children for behaving well in school.
(這位媽媽因為小孩在校很守規矩而獎賞他們。)
5. commitment n. 承諾,保證
make a commitment to V-ing  承諾要……
例: Peter made a commitment to helping the poor for the rest of his life.
(彼得矢志餘生都要幫助窮人。)
6. pledge vt. 許諾,保證 & n. 保證,誓言
例:Some religious people pledge 10 percent of their income to the church.
(有些虔誠的信徒許諾把收入的百分之十捐給教堂。)
7. recognition n. 認可;表彰
win positive recognition  獲得正面的肯定
win recognition  獲得認可∕表揚
例: The scientist has won international recognition for his great findings.
(這名科學家的重大發現獲得了國際認可。)
8. point out + that 子句  指出……
例: The manager pointed out that the workers' low morale has affected productivity.
(經理指出員工低落的士氣已經影響了生產力。)
9. boycott n. & vt. 聯合抵制,拒絕購買
例: If you think that company is bad, then you should boycott their products.
(如果你認為那家公司很糟,就應該抵制他們的產品。)
10. purchase vi. & vt. & n. 購買
make a purchase of...  購買……
例: Sam purchased potato chips and soda at the convenience store on his way home.
= Sam made a purchase of potato chips and soda at the convenience store on his way home.
(山姆在回家路上去便利商店買了洋芋片和汽水。)
11. employ vt. 使用,採用;雇用
例: Emergency rescue workers employ different methods for saving people.
(緊急救難隊員利用各種不同的方法來救人。)
單字小舖 
1. crunch n. 咬嚼聲
crunchy a. 清脆的,酥脆的
2. afloat a. 免於經濟困難的,免於負債的
3. environmentally adv. 環境地
environmentally friendly  對生態環境無害的,環保的
4. deed n. 行為(可數)
5. idiom n. 慣用語
6. socially adv. 在社會上
7. mob n. 暴民,暴徒
8. earnings n. 收入(恆用複數,不可數)
9. revenue n. 收益,營收(亦可作 revenues,均不可數)
10. activism n. 行動主義
11. means n. 方法,手段(單複數同形)
12. appropriate a. 適當的,恰當的
答案: 1. (E) 2. (C) 3. (H) 4. (A) 5. (I) 6. (K) 7. (L) 8. (G) 9. (J) 10. (D)

The West‏

Mention America’s West to Sarah Ann McIntosh, and her face lights up like a jack-o-lantern. She becomes animated when talking about one of the largest, most diverse regions in the United States. “Wide open spaces. Cowboys. Movies. Music. Computer chips. Tacos. Espresso stands,” she says in rapid succession. “Beautiful people. Surfers. Mountain men. Buffaloes. Las Vegas strip. Blizzards. Icebergs.”
向莎拉‧安‧麥金塔談到美國西部,
她的臉就會像南瓜燈般亮起來。一
談到這個美國其中一個最大、最多樣化
的地區,她就顯得興緻勃勃。「寬闊的
空間、牛仔、電影、音樂、電腦晶片、
炸玉米餅、e s p r e s so咖啡攤,」她一個接
著一個地說:「還有美麗的居民、衝浪
者、山居人、水牛、拉斯維加斯的脫衣
舞表演、暴風雪、冰山。」
As Ms. McIntosh shows, the West covers a vast expanse—not only the Pacific and Rocky Mountain states, but Alaska as well. It is a territory that has held a mythical appeal for centuries and comprises what many consider America’s last frontier. For many, the American West is an idea, a promise, a seed of hope. Henry David Thoreau once wrote: “Eastward I go only by force; westward I go free.”
如同麥小姐所說的,西部涵蓋了一
片廣大的地區,不只是瀕太平洋和洛磯
山山區的各州,也包括阿拉斯加。幾世
紀以來,這個地區一直散發著神祕的吸
引力,許多人認為西部是美國最後的邊
境。對許多人來說,美國西部是一個信
念、一個應許、一粒希望的種子。亨
利‧梭羅曾寫過:「東行僅因被迫,西
進卻為自由。」
In the 1800s, Horace Greeley exhorted his countrymen to “Go west,” and millions took up his call. The stoic individuals who ventured to the frontier were reverently referred to as pioneers, individuals who embodied the true character of the nation.
十九世紀時,格利禮力勸他的同胞
們「西進」,數以百萬的人回應了這個呼
召。那些前往邊境冒險堅忍的民眾被景
仰為先驅,他們具體表現了這個國家的
真實性格。
Perhaps more than any other region of the United States, the West retains this legacy and still appeals to pioneering souls who want to gamble with their future—whether they visit Las Vegas or not. The city in fact was built on the roll of the dice —and the promise of better things to come in the future.
和美國其他地區相比,或許西部更
加保留了此一遺產,仍然吸引著那些想
要同未來下賭注的拓荒者——不管他們
是不是去拉斯維加斯。事實上這個城市
是在擲骰子的隨機致富中建立起來的,
也建立在「明天會更好」的承諾之中。
The West today continues to be a magnet for immigrants and travelers alike. The pioneer days are gone, of course, but when it comes to language, the past is still very much evident in the present. The region became a hodgepodge of languages and dialects, some from the East, some from the South and some from other countries entirely.
對於移民者和旅行家而言,今天的西部仍像一塊大磁鐵吸引著他們。當
然,拓荒的日子已經過了,但談論到語
言時,便能非常清楚地看見昔日對今日
的影響。這個地區成為語言和方言的大
雜燴,有些來自東部,有些來自南部,
而有些完全是來自別的國家。
Spanish words and phrases crept into the language of the West, eventually entering the American language mainstream. Terms such as canyon, plaza, sombrero, patio, burro, stampede, rodeo, bonanza and pronto all trace their origins to the Spaniards who owned the Southwest before the Americans did.
西班牙的字彙和片語悄悄進入西部
的語言,最後進入了美國語言的主流。
一些像是峽谷、購物中心、墨西哥寬邊
草帽、中庭(內院)、馱貨的小毛驢、狂
衝的牛群、公開的牛仔競技、走鴻運和
立刻等字眼,都可以追本溯源到那些在
美國人之前就擁有西南部的西班牙人。
The days of the “Wild, Wild West” also contributed to language in the western regions.
Words and phrases like bogus, rip-roaring, joint (as in a place to gather with friends),
gunplay, hold up and caught between a rock and a hard place came into the English language when life in the West was wild and peopled with outlaws, sheriffs and cowboys.
「西部拓荒」的日子也有助於西部地
區的語言發展。在西部生活仍然狂野,
並居住著一些亡命之徒、警長和牛仔
時,一些像是贗品、吵鬧喧嘩的、廉價
酒館(一個朋友相聚的地方)、槍戰、持
槍搶劫以及進退維谷等字,也被收容於
英語之中。
Hollywood greatly contributed to the cowboy culture and the cowboy legend as well.
The producers and directors who churned out the Western flicks would have everyone believe that the West was filled mostly with cowboys, when in fact farmers outnumbered them almost 1,000 to one. Terms such as bounty hunter, gunslinger and to have an itchy trigger finger came from the pens of Hollywood scriptwriters rather than the dusty cattle drives.
對於牛仔文化和牛仔傳奇來說,好
萊塢的貢獻也很大。拍攝西部電影的製
作人和導演會使大家相信西部最多的就
是牛仔,然而事實上農夫與牛仔數目的
比例大約是1,000 比1。一些字彙像是追
捕懸賞之罪犯者、槍戰者,以及愛扣板
機,都是出自好來塢劇本家的筆下,而
非來自灰塵瀰漫的驅趕牛群隊伍之中。
Outside Hollywood, California itself is an incubator of American slang, producing phrases such as bodacious, awesome and many more. The state’s Silicon Valley also contributed to English’s high tech lingo: software, hardware and megabyte.
出了好萊塢,加州本身就造就了美
國俚語的普遍,創造了膽大包天的(很
棒的)、引人敬畏的以及許多其他的詞
彙。這一州的矽谷也增加了英語的高科
技字彙:軟體、硬體及百萬位元。
No discussion of the West would be complete without mention of food. Words for foods of immigrant cultures can now be found in many grocery stores. Typical American housewives can buy pesto, tomatillos, focaccia, bok choy and tofu. As un-American as these may sound, foods such as these appear more and more often in dishes on menus in restaurants, particularly in California and the Pacific Northwest.
如果不提到食物,就無法完整的討
論西部。現在在許多食品雜貨店,可以
發現移民文化帶來的飲食字眼。典型的
美國家庭主婦可以買到p e s to醬(義大利
麵調味醬之一),墨西哥櫻桃,義大利圓
麵包,白菜和豆腐。即使這些食物聽起
來一點也不美國化,但它們卻愈來愈常
出現在餐廳的菜單上,特別是在加州和
西北太平洋區。
Chefs blur cultural lines by adding new ingredients to old stand-bys. Mexican cuisine,
including tacos, enchiladas and burritos are now being blended with Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese and other influences to create new delicacies for Western gourmands.
餐廳主廚們在舊的佐料
中加入了新的成分,藉此模糊了文化的
界限。墨西哥烹調,包括炸玉米餅、辣
醬玉米餅和潤餅,現在和泰國、中國、
越南及其他的文化影響混合,為西方的
饕餮們創造出新的佳餚。
?Word Bank

jack-o-lantern (n) 南瓜燈
exhort (v) 勸告;勸誡
legacy (n) 傳承自祖先之物
roll of the dice (n phr) 擲骰子,意指隨機
hodgepodge (n) 大雜燴
people (v) 居住於
flick (n)(俚)電影
incubator (n) 培養器
delicacy (n) 佳餚
gourmand (n) 美食者
The Day's Phrase 
There's something in the water ...
水裡有東西??
You've been studying for so long. It would do you good to take a break for a while.
你已經讀那麼久的書了。停下來休息一下對你是有幫助的。
These real-life suits allow people freedom they never thought they would have
這些現實生活中的裝束讓人們獲得從未想像過的自由
It seems like nothing bothers Ashley. She's very easy-going.
好像沒有什麼事會使愛詩莉煩心。她非常隨遇而安。
The way we watch movies has changed a lot through the years
人們看電影的方式多年來已有大幅改變
Stop complaining. I won the game fair and square.
別再抱怨了。我是光明正大地贏了這場比賽的。
Teens need to learn skills to survive away from home
青少年應學習離家生活的技能
The old car finally fell apart after all these years.
這輛舊車在經過這些年後終於報銷了。
I have no money. I've been flat broke since I stopped working last month.
我沒有錢。自從我上個月停止工作後我就身無分文了
Is getting out of town necessary to relax and enjoy time off?
出城是否真的是放鬆休假的必要方式?
The movie we saw yesterday was so funny. I got such a kick out of it!
我們昨天看的電影真是好笑。我看得真是開心呢!
Is this our future?
這是人類未來之所繫?
This American game has a very international history
棒球這種美國運動競賽有個非常國際化的歷史
Bobby has a crush on the new girl. He really likes her!
巴比為那新來的女孩著迷。他十分喜歡她。
Does that movie have anything to do with math?
那部電影和數學有什麼關係嗎?
Could you tell me in advance how much dinner will cost?
你可以事先告訴我晚餐要花多少錢嗎?
Could you tell me in advance how much dinner will cost?
你可以事先告訴我晚餐要花多少錢嗎?

Business‏

MEMORANDUM
To: The Studio Classroom Audience
From: Businessman Bob
Re: American Business
American business is fairly straightforward. Like this memo, it has no hidden agendas. Rather,
it puts everything out on the table—what you see is what you get. If this direct approach makes
you uncomfortable, I’m sorry, but we might as well be up-front about things. I’m here to tell you
about American business, and you’re here to learn. Any questions so far?
備忘錄
收件人:空中英語教室讀者
發件人:生意人包伯
主題:美國企業
美國企業是相當直接的。如同這份備忘錄,沒有暗藏的議程。反之,它把所有東西都清楚
寫明——你看到的就是你所收到的。如果這種直接的方式令你覺得不舒服,我很抱歉,但
是我們也該坦率的面對事情。現在我要告訴你美式企業文化,你呢,就是要學習。目前為
止有沒有什麼問題?
. Parochialism Some experts consider American business professionals to
have a parochial or ethnocentric perspective. They claim that Americans don’t
consider things from other cultures’ points of view. They even attribute to us attitudes of
superiority and arrogance. Whether or not that’s true, many factors contribute to this perception:
Item 1: America has a large domestic market, minimizing the need for a global
business orientation.
Item 2: America is a world leader, both politically and technologically. As some
have said, since the world follows us, why should we follow them?
1 地域觀念有些專家認為美國的企業家有地域觀念,或是以自我種族為中心。他們主張美國人
不會從其他的文化觀點來考慮事情。他們甚至讓我們戴上優越感和傲慢的帽子。不
管這是不是真的,造成這種看法的因素有許多:
第一:美國擁有廣大的國內市場,因此全球商業導向的需要便減到最小。
第二:在政治和科技兩方面,美國都處於全世界的主導地位。如同有人說,既
然世界是跟著我們走,我們又何需跟著世界走呢?
Item 3: America is the seat of capitalism, and most major schools of business management are located within its borders.
Item 4:
English (in particular, American English) is the language of international business.
In recent decades, however, more American business people have come to recognize the
need to be more international in their perspective. With the development of an increasingly interdependent global community, the lack of cross- cultural communication skills can severely limit one’s business success.
第三:美國是資本主義的大本營,而且大多數主要的企業管理學校都位於美國境內。
第四:英語(特別是美式英語)是國際貿易上通用的語言。
然而,近幾十年來,有更多的美國企業人士開始認識到,他們需要有更具國際性的眼光。
隨著全球共同體相互依賴程度漸增的發展方向來看,缺乏跨文化的溝通技巧將嚴重限制一
個人在企業上的成就。
2. American Business ValuesBusiness in America reflects American values. After all, American business is American business. Let me give you a few examples of what I mean:
a. Individual Achievement.
In some cultures, people may attain their positions through family connections or having influential friends rather than solely through personal qualifications. But in America, while nepotism does exist, most people believe a person should stand on his own merits.
2 美國的企業價值
美國企業反映了美國人的價值觀。畢竟,美國企業就是美國人的企業。讓我舉一些例子
說明我的意思:
a.個人成就感
在某些文化中,人們想達到高位,可以透過家族關係或者有權勢的朋友,而非單憑個人的
條件資格。但是在美國,即使裙帶關係確實存在,大部分相信一個人應該靠著自己的才幹
自力更生。
b. EqualityAmerica is an egalitarian society. We don’t worry so much about titles and status differences. We often address our professional contacts by their first name. And if we feel that our boss is wrong, we tell him so. We might even go over his head to appeal for what we think is right. We don’t get hung up over trying to save the boss’ face.
b. 平等
美國是個講求平等的社會。我們不太顧慮頭銜和地位的差異。與專業人士接觸時,我們
通常稱呼他們的名字。而且如果我們覺得老闆有錯,我們會據實以告。我們甚至會越級
上報,以爭取我們認為對的事。我們不會為了替老闆保留顏面而躊躇不果。
3. Quality ControlLet me share with you my own business philosophy: The bottom line isn’t money; it’s quality. As Ford Motor Company puts it, “Quality is Job 1.” Why focus on quality? Because quality leads to customer loyalty, which will increase profits in the long run. Quality control means not just weeding out bad products before they go onto the market, but also in-process quality control. That means checking the total process of manufacturing to guarantee excellence at all levels.
3 品質管制
讓我告訴你我自己的企業哲學:最重要的並不是錢,而是品質。如同福特汽車公司所
標榜的「品質第一」。為什麼專注於品質呢?因為品質帶來顧客的忠誠,長期而言將
會增加利潤。品質管制的意思不只是在不良產品進入市場前將之淘汰,也是指生產過
程中的品管。意即檢查整個製造過程,以確保在每個階段的完美。
4. Responsibilities and PrivilegesOwning a business is a big responsibility. In America, business owners have to meet rigid safety standards. Even then, they face the risk of litigation if somebody gets hurt on the job. In addition, many companies have to deal with labor unions. Besides that, managers have to satisfy affirmative action laws, which require them to hire a certain number of minorities. Now many of these issues pertain more to big companies than to small businesses. But with any size firm, it takes a lot of work to stay afloat.
4 責任與特權
擁有一家企業肩負很大的責任。在美國,企業擁有者必須符合嚴格的安全標準。即使如此,
如果有人在工作中受傷,他們仍得面對被起訴的風險。此外,許多公司必須應付工會。還有
,經營者必須遵守「肯定行動」的法律。這項法律要求他們必須雇用一定數目的弱勢族群。
現在這些事項大部分是針對大企業,而非小公司。但是不論公司大小,想要保持穩定的盈收
,需要很多的努力。
Of course, along with the responsibilities come some great privileges. I don’t mean perks like stock options and club memberships, although those have their place. Having a business allows you to make a contribution to society. Some businessmen give large donations to educational institutions or charities helping needy children. For me, that’s really what makes it all worthwhile.
Well, that’s about it. If you have any questions, see my secretary, and she’ll set up an appointment.
當然,極大的特權伴隨責任而來。我指的不是額外的津貼,或股票購置優先權或俱樂部
的會員資格,雖然它們也有一席之地。擁有企業使你能對社會有所貢獻。有些企業人士
捐贈大筆金錢給教育機構,或幫助貧窮兒童的慈善團體。對我而言,這才是經營企業有意義
之處。
好吧,就是這樣了。如果你有任何問題,去找我的秘書,她會替你安排會面時間。




@Word Bank
parochialism (n) 地域觀念;眼界狹小
ethnocentric (adj) 有民族優越感的
interdependent (adj) 互相依賴的
nepotism (n) 任用親戚的作風;裙帶關係
merits (n pl) 本身的條件、長處、才幹
go over someone’s head (v phr) 越級(辦事)
weed out (v phr) 淘汰;剔除
rigid (adj) 嚴格的
affirmative action (n phr) 肯定法案(指公司雇用人員時不可因種族或性別而有所歧視,必須雇用一定人數的弱勢團體)
pertain (v) 有關於;適合於 
perk (n) 正式薪餉以外之任何收入;額外補貼 
 
 
 

@The Day's Phrase
Few truly understand the culture of this proud people group
對於這個自豪族群的文化,真正了解的人並不多
Today is Lantern Festival. Have you prepared the lanterns ready?
今天是元宵節, 你準備燈籠了嗎?
Do you have your lanterns lit up yet?
你的燈籠點了沒?改變你未來的財務狀況
四個簡單步驟助你制訂及堅守預算
You just need to try. What do you say?
你試試看吧! 你認為呢?
You know what? I feel in love with her the first time I saw her.
你知道嗎? 我對她一見鍾情.
耀眼陽光,不可不防
配戴太陽眼鏡絕不只是一種時尚主張而已
I like her because she is kind and gentle.
我喜歡她因為她善良又溫柔
Would you like to have lunch with me today?今天中午要不要和我吃午餐?
Sure, that would be nice. Where shall we meet?好啊! 我們要在哪裡見面?
I don't like the smell of stinky tofu. It makes me sick.
我不喜歡臭豆腐的味道. 它讓我反胃.

2012年9月21日 星期五