東京車站 再顯風華

東北新幹線全面恢復行駛‏

指圖‏

今年的流行趨勢是『襯褲』嗎

処分‏

連便當也做造型‏

麻煩、吵鬧‏

Yeah, right. 今天要打掃‏

技術挑戰指數：★★★難得放假要約朋友出去時，如果對方不想答應，通常會想一個委婉的理由來拒絕，但如果理由真的太離譜的話（例如：今天運勢不適合出門、找不到適合的衣服、我媽說要幫忙打掃家裡），通常會被發現！下次想要拒絕時，或許可以直接說不想去，不然被發現說謊可是很糗的喔！


來聽老美怎麼說？
Steven：So, you want to go running tomorrow morning?
　　　　史蒂文：明天早上要不要去跑步？
Blake：I can't. I've got to clean up my apartment a little.　　
　　　　布雷克：不行。我必須打掃一下我的房子。
Steven：Yeah, right. You're going to clean up your apartment? If you don't want to go, just say so.
　　　　史蒂文：是喔！你必須打掃一下你的房子？要是不想去，就直接說嘛。
Blake：Ah, you're right. I just don't want to go running.
　　　　布雷克：好啦，你說對了，我就是不想去跑步。



強化小撇步
．Yeah, right. 　是喔！
　”Yeah, right.＂這句話的意思決定於你說話的語調，當你說話時，語調若是輕鬆愉快，即表示你
　贊同對方的意見，但是如果你將母音拉長，並且語帶諷刺，就表示你根本不相信對方

vending machine常出現在樓梯間‏

技術挑戰指數：★★★★ 電動遊戲是很多人的童年回憶，放學後回家的第一件事就是玩電動，玩到被叫去吃晚餐時才肯放下操控器！現在不管是電腦、手機都有一大堆遊戲，比以前來的方便許多！電腦的電玩有分線上版和單機版，可以自己玩，也可以在線上跟一群朋友相約打怪，這應該也算是現代小孩的交朋友管道吧！ 來聽老美怎麼說？ ex：Steering wheels and light guns are two kinds of video game controllers. The former are used for 　　 playing driving games, whereas the latter are for shooting games. 　（方向盤和光線槍是電玩操縱器的兩種。前者用來玩駕駛遊戲；後者則用來玩射擊遊戲。） ex：Dance machines are a revolution in arcade games. Players stand on a dance pad and move 　　 their bodies with the rhythm of the music.　 　（跳舞機是大型電玩遊戲機的一大革命。玩家站在跳舞墊上，隨著音樂節奏舞動身體。） ex：Like many other game machines, pinball machines were originally used for gambling. 　 　（跟很多其他遊戲機一樣，彈珠台最早是用來賭博的。） ex：If someone uses a token instead of a coin to buy something from a vending machine, the 　　 currency detector may reject it and return it to the consumer. 　（如果有人用代幣而不是錢幣從自動販賣機買東西，驗幣機會拒絕接受，並把它退還給顧客。） 情境小撇步 ．steering wheel 　方向盤 　 steering wheel 是方向盤的意思，若分開來看，steer有”駕駛 、指導、遵循”的意思，”指導委員會”是steering committee，”指導小組”是steering group；另外，bum steer是”錯誤的指點、不可靠的消息”，不過這是比較口語的說法。

Hot Dogs Riding Cool Waves 汪！汪！帶我去衝浪‏

by Matthew Brown There is a surfing contest in California like no other. 加州有一場與眾不同的衝浪賽事。 　　Surfing is becoming universally popular with men and women regardless of their age or financial standing. As a matter of fact, some surfers aren't even humans _(1)_ since they stand on four legs. Welcome to the peculiar world of dog surfing. 不論男女老幼或貧富差距，衝浪漸漸廣受歡迎。事實上，有些衝浪者甚至不是人類，因為牠們是四腳站立的動物。歡迎來到狗狗衝浪的奇妙世界。 　　In the fifth annual Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition last May, more than 65 dogs _(2)_. Over the past few years, the remarkable event has turned into a phenomenon. People come _(3)_ to see the crazy canines hang ten or ride tubes. It seems that the dogs enjoy riding the waves as much as their owners. Bruce Hooker said his dog, Buddy, is _(4)_ about surfing and sees it as a game. "I'm sure he's ridden more waves than any other dogs," said Hooker. Buddy has been riding the waves for 10 years now and has _(5)_ into an expert surf dog. Last year, Buddy came in first in its weight class to the _(6) _ of its owner. 去年 5 月的第五屆洛斯‧科羅納多灣渡假勝地犬類衝浪大賽中，有超過 65 隻狗參加。過去幾年來，這項盛事已經形成一股現象。人們從世界各地前來，想一睹瘋狂的狗狗站在衝浪板前端衝浪，或是衝管浪。這些狗狗似乎跟牠們的主人一樣喜歡乘風破浪的快感。布魯斯‧霍克說他的狗『巴弟』熱愛衝浪，還把它當作一種遊戲。他說：『我相信牠所衝過的浪比其他狗來得多。』巴弟已經有 10 年衝浪經驗，現在也已成為一隻衝浪犬專家。去年，巴弟在牠所屬的量級中奪魁，令主人十分高興。 　　Each dog has 10 minutes to catch the best waves attainable. Judges base their scores on three factorshe dog's confidence level, the length of the ride, and the dog's _(7)_ surfing ability. The owners also play a _(8)_ in the contest by making sure the dogs are thrust into the crucial part of the wave. Because of the increasing popularity, more and more dog surfing competitions are _(9)_ up worldwide. Add that to surf dog clubs, dog surfing lessons, and businesses that sell dog surfboards, wet suits, and life jackets, and you have the beginnings of a big trend forming. As an old _(10)_ puts it, "Two heads are better than one." Most of the time this is true, but when it comes to surfing, four legs may be better than two. 每隻狗有 10 分鐘時間等待最佳的浪出現。評審依照 3 個要領計分──狗狗的信心度、乘浪時間的長短，以及狗狗的整體衝浪技巧。飼主在比賽中也佔有一席之地，他們必須確保在關鍵的時間點把狗狗送進浪裡。由於日益受歡迎，愈來愈多的狗狗衝浪比賽紛紛在世界各地出現。再加上狗狗衝浪俱樂部、狗狗衝浪課程，以及販賣狗狗專用衝浪板、防寒衣、救生衣的商店，一股狂大風潮就此成形。俗話說的好：『3 個臭皮匠，勝過一個諸葛亮。』這句話大部分時間都很管用，但說到衝浪這檔事，4 條腿的表現也許比兩條腿的更好。 (A) overall (B) delight (C) role (D) at all (E) passionate (F) participated (G) developed (H) saying (I) springing (J) from far and wide

原來如此

1. As a matter of fact, some surfers aren't even humans at all since they stand on four legs.
理由:
a. 本空格測試下列固定用法：
not...at all　　一點也不……
例: Paula's teenage sons do not listen to anything she says at all.
（寶拉那些正值青春期的兒子一點也不聽她的話。）
b. 根據上述，故選 (D)。
2. In the fifth annual Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition last May, more than 65 dogs participated.
理由:
a. 空格前有主詞 65 dogs（65 隻狗），且根據本句時態，可知空格內應置入不及物動詞的過去式。
b. 符合上述的選項有 (F) participated（參加）和 (G) developed（發展），然僅 participated 置入後符合語意，表在第五屆洛斯‧科羅納多灣渡假勝地犬類衝浪大賽，有超過 65 隻狗『參加』，故選 (F)。
c. participate vi. 參加，參與
participate in...　　參加∕參與……
例: Hank participated in the Ironman Triathlon but did not finish.
（漢克參加鐵人三項，但中途退賽。）
3. People come from far and wide to see the crazy canines hang ten or ride tubes.
理由:
a. 空格前有不及物動詞 come（來），空格後有不定詞 to，可知空格內應置入副詞來修飾 come。
b. 符合上述的選項有 (A) overall（大體上）和 (J) from far and wide（來自各地），然僅 from far and wide 置入後符合語意，come from far and wide 表『從世界各地前來』，故選 (J)。
c. from far and wide　　來自各地∕四面八方
例: Teachers from far and wide attended the seminar on cultural education.
（來自各地的教師參加了這場文化教育座談會。）
4. Bruce Hooker said his dog, Buddy, is passionate about surfing and sees it as a game.
理由:
a. 空格前有 be 動詞 is，空格後有介詞 about，可知空格內應置入形容詞或分詞。
b. 符合上述的選項有 (A) overall（整體的）、(E) passionate（熱愛的）、(G) developed（發達的、先進的）、(H) saying（正在說），以及 (I) springing（正在跳躍；正突然出現），然僅 passionate 置入後符合語意、用法，故選 (E)。
c. passionate a. 熱愛的；熱情的
be passionate about...　　熱愛……，對……熱衷
例: Joseph has been passionate about mountain climbing since high school.
（喬瑟夫自中學時期就一直對爬山很熱衷。）
5. Buddy has been riding the waves for 10 years now and has developed into an expert surf dog.
理由:
a. 空格前有完成式助動詞 has，之後有介詞 into，可知空格內應置入不及物動詞的過去分詞。
b. 符合上述的選項僅剩 (G) developed（發展），置入後亦符合語意，表巴弟已經有 10 年衝浪經驗，現在也已『成為』一隻衝浪犬專家，故選之。
c. develop into...　　發展成……
例: Jimmy's small itch soon developed into a rash over his entire body.
（吉米皮膚輕微發癢，結果很快就變成全身起紅疹。）
6. Last year, Buddy came in first in its weight class to the delight of its owner.
理由:
a. 空格前有定冠詞 the，空格後有介詞詞組 of its owner（牠主人的），可知空格內應置入名詞或動名詞。
b. 符合上述的選項有 (B) delight（欣喜、愉快）、(C) role（角色）、(H) saying（俗話、諺語）和 (I) springing（跳躍；突然出現），然僅 delight 置入後符合語意，並形成下列固定用法：
to the delight of sb　　令某人喜悅∕高興的是
= to one's delight
例: To the delight of her parents, Kathy usually performs well on tests.
（令凱西父母高興的是，她的考試成績通常很好。）
c. 根據上述，故選 (B)。
7. Judges base their scores on three factors—the dog's confidence level, the length of the ride, and the dog's overall surfing ability.
理由:
a. 空格前有所有格 the dog's（狗的），空格後有名詞詞組 surfing ability（衝浪能力），可知空格內置入形容詞或可作形容詞的分詞。
b. 符合上述的選項僅有 (A) overall（整體的），置入後亦符合語意，故選之。
c. overall a. 整體的，全面的
例: Our team's overall performance in the basketball game was quite good.
（我們這一隊在籃球賽中的整體表現相當不錯。）
8. The owners also play a role in the contest by making sure the dogs are thrust into the crucial part of the wave.
理由:
a. 空格前有不定冠詞 a，空格後有介詞詞組 in the contest（在比賽中），可知空格內應置入可數名詞的單數形。
b.符合上述的選項有 (C) role（角色）和 (H) saying（俗話、諺語），然僅 role 置入後符合語意，並形成以下固定用法：
play a role/part in...　　在……佔有一席之地
例: Teachers play a role in a young person's social development.
（老師在年輕人社會化的發展過程中佔有一席之地。）
c. 根據上述，故選 (C)。
9. Because of the increasing popularity, more and more dog surfing competitions are springing up worldwide.
理由:
a. 空格前有主詞 dog surfing competitions（狗狗衝浪比賽）和 be 動詞 are，空格後有介副詞 up，可知空格內應置入不及物動詞的現在分詞。
b. 符合上述的選項有 (H) saying（正在說）和 (I) springing（正紛紛出現∕突然出現），然僅 springing 置入後符合語意，並形成下列固定用法：
spring up　　紛紛出現，突然出現
例: Several problems that we didn't know how to deal with sprang up.
（許多我們不知該如何解決的問題紛紛冒出來。）
c. 根據上述，故選 (I)。
10. As an old saying puts it, "Two heads are better than one."
理由:
a. 本空格在測試以下固定用法：
As an old saying puts it, "..."　　俗話說的好：『……。』
例: As an old saying puts it, "Practice makes perfect."
（俗話說的好：『熟能生巧。』）
b. 根據上述，故選 (H)。

精解字詞片語

1. become/be popular with sb　　（變得）頗受某人∕若干人的歡迎
become/be popular among sb　　在某些人之中（變得）頗有名望∕受歡迎
例: Platform shoes are popular with trendy Japanese women.
（矮子樂鞋受到日本時髦女性的歡迎。）
例: This fashion magazine has become very popular among teenagers.
（這本時尚雜誌已經在青少年男女中廣受歡迎。）
2. regardless of...　　不論……
例: Everyone is required to attend the meeting regardless of the weather.
（不論天氣如何，每個人都被要求要出席會議。）
3. As a matter of fact, S + V　　事實上，……
= In fact, S + V
例: I'm not wealthy at all. As a matter of fact, I can hardly make ends meet.
（我一點也不有錢。事實上，我連收支都幾乎無法平衡。）
4. remarkable a. 卓越的；非凡的
例: The remarkable film only took five weeks to shoot.
（這部了不起的電影只花了 5 個星期的時間拍攝。）
5. turn into...　　轉變成……
= change into...
例: Water turns into ice at zero degrees Celsius.
（攝氏零度時水會變成冰。）
6. expert a. 熟練的；專家的 & n. 專家
be an expert in/at...　　在……方面是專家
例: You should talk to a consultant for expert advice on expanding your business.
（針對擴張生意，你應該諮詢顧問的專業意見。）
例: Dr. Davis is an expert in child psychology.
（戴維斯博士是一名兒童心理學專家。）
7. attainable a. 可達到的；可獲得的
例: Most goals are attainable as long as you work hard and never quit.
（只要肯努力且永不放棄，大部分目標都是可以達成的。）
8. base A on B　　將 A 建立在 B 的基礎上
例: The lawyer based his closing argument on the facts of the case.
（這位律師根據案情作結辯。）
9. thrust vt. 用力推（三態同形）
thrust A into B　　把 A 推進∕伸進 B
例: The boy thrust his hand into his pocket and pulled out NT$100.
（那男孩把手伸進口袋掏出一百元來。）
10. add A to B　　將 A 加到 B 上
例: Sandy added more wood to the fire to keep the room warm.
（姍蒂把更多木柴加進火堆裡，讓房間保持溫暖。）
11. when it comes to + N/V-ing　　說到∕提到……
例: David excels at photography, but when it comes to painting, he is all thumbs.
（大衛的攝影很行，不過說到畫畫時，他就笨手笨腳了。）

單字小舖

1. surfing n. 衝浪
surf vi. 衝浪
2. universally adv. 普遍地；到處
3. standing n. 地位；身分
4. peculiar a. 奇特的，獨特的
5. resort n. 渡假勝地
6. competition n. 比賽
7. canine n. 犬，狗
8. score n. 得分，分數
9. factor n. 要素
10. confidence n. 自信心
11. contest n. 競賽
12. crucial a. 決定性的，重要的
13. surfboard n. 衝浪板
14. wet suit n. 保溫潛水服
15. life jacket n. 救生衣
16. trend n. 趨勢

片語小舖

1. ride waves/ride a wave　　乘風破浪；衝浪
2. hang ten　　指衝浪客將 10 個腳趾扣在衝浪板的最前端來衝浪
3. ride tubes/a tube　　衝管浪
注意:
tube（管浪）就是海浪捲成大捲度，浪型整個拱起來，就像個大排水管一樣。
4. come in first　　贏得第一名
5. Two heads are better than one.　　3 個臭皮匠，勝過一個諸葛亮。──諺語
答案： 1. (D) 2. (F) 3. (J) 4. (E) 5. (G) 6. (B) 7. (A) 8. (C) 9. (I) 10. (H)

The French Open 法國網球公開賽‏

All tennis fans know about the French Open. It is one of the four Grand Slams1, which are the biggest tennis championships in the world. Over the years, tennis stars have risen and fallen at the French Open. Older champions are beaten, and young new stars come on the scene and change tennis history. The French Open runs from late May through early June at the Roland Garros stadium2 in Paris. Players find it one of the most challenging tournaments3 because the courts are different from most.
所有網球迷都知道法國網球公開賽。它是世界上最盛大的網球冠軍賽――四大滿貫賽的其中之一。多年來，網球明星在法網竄升和隕落。舊的冠軍被擊敗，年輕的新星則紛紛冒出頭並改寫網壇歷史。法國網球公開賽於五月下旬到六月初在巴黎的羅蘭‧加洛斯球場舉行。由於其比賽場地與大部分的球場不同，因此選手們都認為它是最具挑戰性的錦標賽之一。
　　The courts at the French Open are clay4, which changes the way the game is played. Clay courts slow the ball down and make it bounce higher. This is an advantage for some players and a disadvantage for others. Take 14-time Grand Slam champion Pete Sampras for example. He was known for having a huge serve5 that was very hard to beat. However, on the infamous red clay at Roland Garros, he never managed to advance to the final round, much less win a title6.
法網為紅土場地，這也改變了比賽進行的狀況。紅土球場具有減緩球速、使球彈得更高的特性。這對某些選手來說是一項優勢，對其他選手則非常不利。就以囊括十四座大滿貫賽優勝獎盃的彼特‧山普拉斯為例好了。他素以超難回擊的強力發球聞名。不過在惡名昭彰的羅蘭‧加洛斯紅土球場上，他卻從未晉級決賽，更別提摘下冠軍頭銜了。
　　The first French Open, which was held in 1891, was only one day long. Although the tournament consisted of mainly French players, an Englishman7 happened to win it. The French Open was just beginning then, so it didn't attract the world's best players or much attention. In fact, it was only for players who belonged to French tennis clubs. That changed in 1925, when it became an international event open to all amateurs8.
首屆的法國網球公開賽於1891年舉行，整個賽程僅一天就結束了。雖然參加這個錦標賽的主要都是法國球員，但拿下冠軍的卻碰巧是一位英國男子選手。由於當時法網才剛開始舉辦，所以並沒有吸引到許多世界頂尖的球員前來參加，也沒有受到太多矚目。事實上，它僅開放給隸屬法國各家網球俱樂部的選手參加。不過這點在1925年卻有所改變，因為法網在那年成為一項開放給所有業餘好手前來參加的國際公開賽。

Building Your Vocabulary

1. bounce　vi. 彈，反彈
The ball bounced off the backboard and into the basket.
那顆球打板後彈進了籃框裡。
2. advantage　n. 有利條件，優勢
　 disadvantage　n. 不利條件，劣勢
Dan is at a disadvantage because he doesn't know how to use a computer.
阿丹的劣勢就在於他不會使用電腦。
3. infamous　a. 聲名狼藉的，惡名昭彰的
Hitler was infamous for killing millions of Jews.
希特勒因為殘殺數百萬名猶太人而惡名昭彰。
4. advance　vi. 繼續前進，發展；（運動）晉級
We have advanced greatly in our knowledge of the universe.
我們對於宇宙的認知已有大幅度的進展。

Phrases for Learning

1. come/be on the scene　　出現，到來
The band was on the scene as early as the 1960s and has remained popular to this day.
那個樂團早在1960年代就出現於樂壇中，而且至今仍十分走紅。
2. manage to + 原形動詞　　設法∕勉力完成……
They managed to find some dry wood and build a fire in the rain.
他們設法找到了一些乾木材，並在雨中生火。
3. much less...　　更不用說∕更談不上……
That little baby cannot crawl, much less stand up.
那個小寶寶還不會爬，更談不上站起來了。
4. happen to + 原形動詞　　碰巧……
Christopher's cellphone just happened to die when his client called.
當客戶打來時，克里斯多夫的手機剛好沒電了。

Extra Words

1. Grand Slam　n.（網球）大滿貫賽事（本文中亦作形容詞用）
2. stadium　n.（有看台且無屋頂的）體育場
3. tournament　n. 錦標賽
4. clay　n. 土，泥土（本文中亦作形容詞用）
5. serve　n.（網球、排球等的）發球
6. title　n.（重大體育賽事中的）冠軍
7. Englishman　n. 英國男子
8. amateur　n. 業餘人士

Grammar Check

...he never managed to advance to the final round, much less win a title.
（……他卻從未晉級決賽，更別提摘下冠軍頭銜了。）
much less...　　更不用說……
= let alone...
not to mention...　　更不用說……
= not to speak of...
注意:
在上列用法中，"much less"及"let alone"只能用於否定句，且因其具有連接詞作用，故其後應置與其前相同的詞類。而"not to mention"及"not to speak of"在肯定句與否定句中均可使用，且因分別含有及物動詞 mention 及介詞 of，故其後須接名詞或動名詞作受詞。此外，在使用這些詞類時，其前須置逗點與主要子句隔開。
Ed can't even speak English, let alone talk to foreigners.
（艾德連英文都不會說，更別提跟外國人交談。）
I don't have enough money to pay my bills, not to speak of my rent.
（我連繳帳單的錢都不夠了，更遑論付房租。）

如何結束conversation‏

技術挑戰指數：★★★如果談話進行到一半，還沒告一段落，但你卻有其他的事得離開了，可能會對結束這段對話而感到不好意思，也可能會覺得這麼做很沒有禮貌。但對於西方人而言，這絕對不是沒有禮貌的事情喔！如果你希望盡量有禮貌一點，只要讓對方知道你為什麼必須離開，以及其實你還是很想繼續這段談話就可以了。


來聽老美怎麼說？
ex：I look forward to talking to you again next time!
　 （我期待和你下次再談！）
ex：We'll pick this up later!　
　（我們稍後再繼續談這個話題！）
ex：I am sorry, but I have to go. I have an appointment. Let's talk again later!
　（對不起，我得走了。我有個約會，我們稍後再談！）
ex：That was a nice conversation. 　
　（我們談得很愉快。）



強化小撇步
．pick up，除了”拾起”外，還有”收拾、學到、獲得”的意思，另一個較口語的解釋是”把上(新男友或女友)”。相關的片語有pick up on(了解到、注意到)，pick up with sb.(結識某人)，pick oneself up(跌倒後起來)。

equator 周圍有很多熱帶雨林‏

技術挑戰指數：★★★★由於溫室效應，地球氣溫不斷上升，南北極的冰原漸漸融化，海平面也不斷上升，有些沿海地區已經被淹沒了，甚至有些國家必須整個遷移，例如著名的觀光景點：馬爾地夫。近幾年環保議題終於受到各個國家的重視，政府也提倡隨身攜帶環保筷，可減少樹木被砍伐，多搭乘大眾運輸，可減少二氧化碳的排放。如果每個人都可以盡量減少浪費地球上的資源，那世界末日應該不會這麼快發生吧！


來聽老美怎麼說？
ex：Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation and release heat. This is known as the greenhouse
　 effect, and it contributes to global warming.
　（溫室氣體吸收紅外線輻射並釋放熱能，這被稱做溫室效應，導致了全球暖化。）
ex：It's a little stuffy in here, isn't it? I think it's more humid in here than it is outside. .　
　（這裡有點通風不良，不是嗎？我想這裡比外面還要溼熱。）
ex：The flooding, which was caused by torrential rain, resulted in a tragic loss of human lives.　
　（這一次豪雨所帶來的水災，造成了人員傷亡的悲劇。）
ex：Tropical areas around the equator nurture a great number of rain forests.　
　（赤道周圍的熱帶地區培育的大片雨林。）


情境小撇步
．humid 　溼熱 　
humid 是形容詞，溼熱的，動詞是humify(使潮濕)，名詞是humidity(濕氣、濕度)。”潮濕的”有不少同意字，例如：moist、damp、wet、muggy；其中的”muggy”較接近悶熱的意思。

He' s always out and about. 他喜歡趴趴走

有些人總喜歡往外跑,要形容這種人您可以說:  He's always out and about.
這裏的about不是"大約",而是"到處"之意.
此外,也可以說: He's always running around.

A: I just called Helen's dorm like ten times, and no one answered.
    我打了10通電話到阿婨的宿舍,都沒有人接
B: That's normal. She and her roomates are always out and about.
    這很正常.她跟她室友們都很愛到處趴趴走

來源: 臺灣科技大學應用外語系助理教授 黃玟君

Time's Top 50 of 2010 《時代》雜誌 2010 年度 50‏

by Rebecca A. Fratzke and Marcus Maurice Time magazine highlights the best inventions of 2010. 《時代》雜誌 2010 年度 50 大最佳發明 《時代》雜誌讓全世界民眾注意到 2010 年的各項最佳發明。 　　Each year, Time magazine looks back on the previous year's achievements and judges how far we have come in the world of inventing. Time's 50 Best Inventions of 2010 showcases the best in toys, entertainment, medicine, the military, and more. In the category of technology, Apple proved itself again to be a company with many tricks and ideas up its sleevem by introducing the iPad. Within 80 days of its release last April, more than three million units were sold, and now iPads have become art boards, classrooms, movie theaters, and personal secretaries. A tablet computer is not a new idea, so why is Time so impressed with it? The answer is simple—Apple keeps reinventing ideas and convincing people that their products are revolutionary. 《時代》雜誌每年都會回顧前一年的成就，然後評斷我們在發明世界裡的進展。《時代》雜誌 2010 年度 50 大最佳發明的名單裡列舉了玩具、娛樂、醫療、軍事等項目。在科技類，蘋果電腦推出 iPad，再次證明了自己是間滿藏各種把戲與創意的公司。iPad 在去年 4 月發行後的 80 天內，銷售量就超過 3 百萬台，現在已成為畫板、教室、電影院以及個人秘書。平板電腦並非是全新的創意，為什麼《時代》雜誌會對它青睞有加呢？答案很簡單──蘋果電腦不斷翻新創意，說服人們他們的產品具有革命性的突破。 　　Flipboard, a technology based on another technology, was also featured on the list. Instead of looking at people's Twitter or Facebook posts like usual, the Flipboard app for the iPad places each one into a different box, and the result is a digital publication that feels as if it was made specifically for the user by their friends and acquaintances. Flipboard 這項以另外一項科技為基礎的科技，同樣榜上有名。Flipboard 這個 iPad 的應用程式，將各則訊息放在不同的方格裡，看起來就像是由親朋好友特別為使用者規劃的數位刊物，讓使用者能以不同於一般的方式瀏覽 Twitter 或是 Facebook 的訊息。 　　When people think about inventions for transportation, jetpacks and driverless cars come to mind. Although those inventions as well as the Antro Electric Car made the list, the most impressive thing in the transportation section of the list was the electric car charging station. Electric cars are catching on, but there are very few charging stations, which means that driving is limited to places close to home. However, Coulomb Technologies is building automated charging docks that can be billed to one's home energy bill, which makes them very easy to use

當人們想到運輸方面的發明時，噴射飛行背包及無人駕駛的汽車就會躍入腦海。雖然這些發明與 Antro 廉價電動車同時上榜，不過在 50 大最佳發明榜的運輸類裡，最讓人印象深刻的卻是電動車充電站。電動車越來越流行，不過充電站卻很少，所以電動車的使用侷限在住家附近。然而，庫倫科技公司正設置自動充電站，費用可以記入家裡的電費帳單裡，使用起來非常方便。

單字小舖

1. achievement n. 成就
2. showcase vt. 陳列，展示
3. category n. 種類；項目
4. trick n. 妙計；花招；手法
5. unit n. 一組；一套
6. board n. 板子
7. tablet n. 圖形輸入板；刻寫板
a tablet computer　　平板電腦
8. reinvent vt. 在已有事物的基礎上發明
9. revolutionary a. 革命性的
10. post n. 張貼的資訊
11. app n. 應用程式
= application n.
12. digital a. 數位的
13. transportation n. 運輸（工具）
14. jetpack n. 噴射背包
15. driverless a. 無駕駛員的
16. charge vt. & vi.（使）充電
17. automated a. 自動化的
18. dock n.（裝卸貨物用的）月台；碼頭
19. bill vt. 給……開帳單 & n. 帳單

Grammar Tips

prove oneself (to be) + N/adj.　　
證明自己是……
注意:
a. 此處的 prove 作不完全及物動詞，加受詞後，之後接 "to be + N/adj." 作受詞補語，而 to be 可予以省略。
例: Jerry proved himself (to be) a true team leader.
（傑瑞證明了自己是個真正的團隊領導者。）
例: The police proved the man (to be) the murderer of several young females.
（警方證明這個男子是謀殺數名年輕女性的兇手。）
b. prove 亦可作不完全不及物動詞，表『證明是、顯示』之意，等同於 turn out，之後接 "to be + N/adj." 作主詞補語，而 to be 亦可予以省略。
例: The sensational news proved (to be) fake.
（那則聳動的新聞結果證實是捏造的。）
c. prove 作及物動詞時，表『證明、證實』，之後接名詞或 that 引導的名詞子句作受詞。
例: The suspect proved that he had nothing to do with the robbery.
（那名嫌犯證明自己與該搶案無關。）

精解字詞片語

1. look back on/at...　　回顧……
例: Bill recalled many fond moments as he looked back on his past.
（比爾回顧過往，想起了很多美好的回憶。）
2. with/have sth up one's sleeve　　某人藏了一手；某人胸有成竹∕有應變的計劃
sleeve n. 袖子
例: Don't underestimate Darren. He always has a trick or two up his sleeve.
（別小看戴倫。他總是深藏不露。）
3. introduce vt. 推出（產品等），引進；介紹
introduce sth to + 地方　　將某事物引進某地
introduce A to B　　將 A 介紹給 B
例: The computer company has recently introduced a new product.
（這家電腦公司最近推出了一項新產品。）
例:The Dutch were the first to introduce tea to Europe.
（首次將茶引進歐洲的是荷蘭人。）
例: Mike introduced his girlfriend to his colleagues.
（麥克將女友介紹給他的同事認識。）
4. impress vt. 使印象深刻
be impressed with/by...　　對……印象深刻
impress sb with sth　　以某事使某人印象深刻
例: I am impressed with the excellent faculty and facilities at that school.
（我對那間學校優秀的師資和設備印象深刻。）
例: The new secretary impressed the boss with her efficiency.
（那位新祕書的效率使老闆印象深刻。）
5. convince vt. 說服，使信服
convince sb + that 子句　　說服某人相信……
convince sb of sth　　使某人相信某事
例: Timmy succeeded in convincing his father that he's telling the truth.
（提米成功說服他爸爸相信他說的是實話。）
例: George tried to convince Harry of the truth behind the mystery.
（喬治試著使哈利相信這個謎團背後的真相。）
6. feature vt. 以……為特色 & n. 特色
例: The museum exhibition features woolly mammoths.
（長毛象是這次博物館展覽的主要特色。）
7. specifically adv. 特別地，專門地
例: We put aside some money specifically for the project.
（我們特別為那項計劃撥出一筆款項。）
8. acquaintance n. 相識的人；認識
make one's acquaintance　　結識某人
例: Edward is no friend of mine; he's just an acquaintance.
（艾德華不是我的朋友，他只是一個我認識的人。）
例:It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
（很高興認識你。）
9. come to mind　　浮現於腦海，湧上心頭
例: What comes to mind when you hear this song?
（你聽到這首歌時會想到什麼？）
10. impressive a. 令人印象深刻的
例: The young singer's performance was very impressive.
（這位年輕歌手的演出令人印象深刻。）
11. catch on　　流行
例: Hip-hop music has caught on all over the world.
（嘻哈音樂已風靡全世界。）
12. be limited to + N/V-ing　　受限於∕侷限於……
= be confined to + N/V-ing
confine vt. 使受限
例: Fortunately, the damage caused by the fire was limited to the top floor.
（所幸，火災造成的損害只限於頂樓而已。）

電腦不離身？

說法比一比：★★★學校：I usually play the computer after dinner.
　　（我通常會在晚餐後打電腦。）
老外：I usually mess around on the computer after dinner.
　　（我通常會在晚餐後玩電腦。）

實境對話
A：What do you usually do after work?
　　（你下班後通常會做什麼？）
B：I usually mess around on the computer after dinner.
　　（我通常會在晚餐後玩電腦。）

老外還會這麼說
ex：I usually spend a little time online.
　　（我通常會花點時間上網。）
ex：I play a few online games.
　　（我會玩一些線上遊戲。）
ex：I check email and Facebook, and check the news, too.
　　（我會查看一下電子郵件和臉書，還有新聞。）

關鍵字
．mess around 閒蕩；鬼混、online game 線上遊戲

顧慮太多，是對是錯？

 技術挑戰指數：★★★★凱莉最近失業了，工作也不好找，所以打算自己在網路上開店，販賣自製的手機套。可是因為沒有經驗，擔心自己唯一的儲蓄會有去無回，苦惱了一晚上，決定先去睡覺.....　　

來聽老美怎麼說？
ex：You've raised a legitimate concern.（你指出了一個合理的疑慮。）
ex：The greatest concern we have at this point is cost.（我們目前最大的顧慮在於成本。）
ex：One of our key concern is employee welfare.（我們的一個關鍵疑慮在於員工的福利。）
ex：An important concern here is shipping times.（此處的重要疑慮在於運送時間。）

單字小補充
concern　顧慮(可數名詞)　
　．可搭配動詞：be、raise
　．可搭配形容詞：important、key、greatest、legitimate

Market Values 異國市場尋寶‏

One of the best ways to know a place and its people is to explore its traditional markets. These can be anything from indoor to outdoor food or flea markets and bazaars1. Just about every place in the world has one, and people in Taiwan are witness to that since the night markets here are world-famous. Local and foreign residents2 alike also enjoy shopping at the numerous open-air3 markets scattered throughout the various communities.
　　Our neighbors to the southwest have their own fascinating marketplaces4. The Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, Thailand is one of the largest in the world. Spread over 35 acres5, the market is divided into 27 sections that include more than 15,000 vendors selling countless products from all over the country. An average of 200,000 potential buyers wander each Saturday and Sunday through its maze of stores selling goods that include art, antiques, electronics6, clothes, and even live animals. What's more, booths7 offer delicious Thai street food and relaxing Thai massages, making it one impressive market. With National Geographic Channel's new series, "Market Values," viewers get to see all this and more

Building Your Vocabulary

1. scatter　vt. 使散落，撒
Ben made a huge mess when he scattered his toys all over the place.
小班將他的玩具丟得到處都是，把這裡弄得一團亂。
2. fascinating　a. 有極大吸引力的，迷人的
The novel is so fascinating that I can't put it down.
這本小說十分引人入勝，我根本捨不得放下。
3. potential　a. 可能的，潛在的
The new drug has yet to be approved due to some potential side effects.
這種新藥物有一些潛在的副作用，因此尚未通過核准。
4. wander　vi. 閒逛，漫遊
The child was found wandering alone in the park at midnight.
這個孩子被人發現半夜獨自在公園裡閒晃。
5. impressive　a. 令人印象深刻的
Cirque du Soleil's amazing performance was too impressive to forget.
太陽劇團的精彩表演令人印象深刻、難以忘懷。

科技新知

1. be witness to...　　見證∕目擊……
Dan had to appear in court because he was witness to a crime.
丹尼因為目擊了一起罪案而必須出庭作證。
2. be spread over/across...　　遍佈∕散佈……
The rash was spread across the man's entire body.
那名男子全身都長滿了疹子。
3. be divided into...　　被分為……
The cheesecake was divided into 10 equal parts.
那個起司蛋糕被切成十等分。

Extra Words

1. bazaar　n. 市集，市場
2. resident　n. 居民
3. open-air　a. 戶外的，露天的
4. marketplace　n. 露天市場
5. acre　n. 英畝
6. electronics　n. 電子產品（恆用複數）
7. booth　n. 攤位

Tips In Use

Our neighbors to the southwest...
（在我們西南方的鄰國……）
以下為各位介紹關於方位的介詞用法：
1. to the east/west/south/north of + 地方
　在某地的東∕西∕南∕北方（指某一範圍外）
　 Japan is to the northeast of Taiwan.
（日本位於台灣的東北方。）
2. in the east/west/south/north of + 地方
　 在某地的東∕西∕南∕北方（指某一範圍內）
　 Beth's office is in the south of the city.
（貝絲的辦公室在那座城市的南方。）

Thanks for reminding me. 真掃興‏

技術挑戰指數：★★★每個人身邊，總是會有一兩個講話比較直接的朋友，常常提醒一些你不想記得的事，心想如果沒這回事就好了！偏偏快忘記時，他就會來提醒你，例如：明天要開一個麻煩的會、卡債期限快到了..之類的事。這時候就可以說”Thanks for reminding me.”（口氣是諷刺的，並非真正要感謝他的提醒！）


來聽老美怎麼說？
Steven：Oh, don't forget, we need to pay for those concert tickets tomorrow.
　　　　史蒂文：喔，對了，別忘了，我們明天要付那些演唱會門票的費用。
Blake：Un-oh, I completely forgot about that. And I think I'm broke.　　
　　　　布雷克：喔喔....我早就忘得一乾二淨了，而且，我手邊沒錢了。
Steven：That's what you get for working at half your normal wage.
　　　　史蒂文：這就是你以半薪工作的代價。
Blake：Yeah, thanks for reminding me.
　　　　布雷克：是喔，多謝你的提醒。
Steven：Anytime, buddy. Anytime.
　　　　史蒂文：別客氣，老朋有，別客氣。


強化小撇步
．Thanks for reminding me. 　多謝你提醒喔！
有些事情其實並不希望別人提起，但是別人還是提了，這時候我們就會用到這句話。本句重點不在於措辭，而在於說話的方式；說的時候，記得語氣聽起來要很諷刺，一點也沒有感謝的意思。

你是哪個 sect 的‏

技術挑戰指數：★★★★世界上有很多教派，主要都是勸人向善、給人心靈上的慰藉，有些國家有國教，政治和宗教也是密不可分的，例如：西藏。統治者一定必須是那個教派的信徒。相較之下台灣的宗教信仰真是非常自由，種類也不少，有教堂、清真寺、廟宇，數量還不少呢！一般家庭主要以道教和佛教徒居多，每逢清明節都會去掃墓、拜拜、燒金紙...等，據說燒金紙時，越不怕煙的小孩越孝順！？


來聽老美怎麼說？
ex：The Bible is to Christians what the Koran is to Muslims.
　（聖經對基督徒的重要性，就如同可蘭經對穆斯林一樣。）
ex：The sect was short-lived, because the preachers didn't practice what they preached.　
　（這個教派僅維持短暫的時間，因為那些佈道者說一套做一套。）
ex：Whenever he feels upset, he tries to calm down by meditation. 　
　（每當他心煩意亂，都會以冥想來沉靜思緒。）
ex：The idea of transmigration has great significance in both Hinduism and Buddhism. 　
　（輪迴在印度教和佛教具有極大的意義。）



情境小撇步
．sect 　教派 　
sect 除了當”教派”外，也可以當”黨派、學派”......等。c-sect.是”剖腹產”的縮寫，算是醫學專用字，平常較不常見，sect.較常見，是 section（部分的）的縮寫。