2009/11/30

How a Bank Robber Became an Antihero in France銀行搶匪如何成為法國反派英雄

管淑平

How a Bank Robber Became an Antihero in France

銀行搶匪如何成為法國反派英雄

A suspected bank robber may not be most girls’ idea of Mr Right, but women are proposing marriage to a jailed French van driver accused of stealing million of euros.

一名銀行搶劫嫌犯或許並非大多數女孩理想的白馬王子,不過卻有女性向法國一名被控偷走數百萬歐元的在押運鈔車司機求婚。

Last month, Tony Musulin was a nobody, a single 39-year-old man who drove an armored bank security van in Lyon, France. Then on Nov. 5, when two co-workers briefly left him alone to run an errand, he drove off with 11.6 million euros in his van. He surrendered to police after 11 days on the run.

上個月東尼.穆蘇林還是個沒沒無聞的人,一個39歲單身男子,在里昂擔任銀行運鈔車駕駛。然後在11月5日,當兩名同事為執勤而短暫離開、留下他獨自一人時,他開走載有逾1160萬歐元的運鈔車,逃亡11天後向警方自首。

In his 11 days on the run, Musulin had become one of the country’s most popular antiheroes. More than a hundred Musulin Facebook fan groups have been created and he even receives marriage proposals.

在他11天逃亡期間,穆蘇林已成這個國家最受歡迎的反派英雄之一。Facebook上有100多個穆蘇林粉絲團,他甚至收到求婚請求。

"The context of the financial crisis has fostered sympathy toward this type of enterprise, " a supporter said. This seems to be the essence of Musulin’s support. Many people in France are still very angry about the economic crisis and hold a grudge against the banking system for being one of the causes of it. It’s not surprising that a bank heist would have such broad appeal — it’s almost as if Musulin was a modern-day Robin Hood, stealing from the rich (the banks) to give back to the poor (himself).

「金融危機的背景助長了對這種勇氣的同情」,一名支持者說。這似乎是支持穆蘇林的重點,許多法國人至今仍對這次經濟危機感到憤怒,對銀行體系怨恨在心,認為它們是禍首之一。就好像穆蘇林是現代羅賓漢,劫富(銀行)濟貧(他自己)。

新聞辭典

errand:名詞,(為他人做的)差事、跑腿。例句:John paid that boy 5 dollars to run an errand for him.(約翰給那男孩5元替他跑腿。)

enterprise:名詞,冒險、進取精神、勇氣。例句:You have to show some enterprise to be successful.(你要成功就得拿出一點進取心。)

(be)on the run:名詞片語,逃亡中。例句:She raised the kids on her own while he was on the run.(她在他逃亡時獨力扶養小孩。)

I was just wondering if we could have a meeting sometime to go over…

我在想我們可否找個時間開會來仔細審察……

對話

Nancy:Hello, Carol? It’s Nancy here.
南西:妳好,卡蘿嗎?我是南西。
Carol:Hello, Nancy, I’ve been meaning to call you back, but I’ve had a really busy morning. What did you want to talk to me about?
卡蘿:南西妳好,我一直想要回電給妳,但我整個早上超忙的。妳找我有什麼事嗎?
Nancy:I was just wondering if we could have a meeting sometime to go over the FTV deal in more detail?
南西:我在想我們可否找個時間開會來仔細審察FTV交易案?
Carol:OK, let me just check my schedule. How about next Friday at about 2:00 p.m.?
卡蘿:好的,讓我查查我的行事曆。下星期五下午兩點左右如何?
Nancy:That’s fine with me. You can let me know where it’s going to be held once you book a meeting room.
南西:我沒問題。等妳訂好會議室後再讓我知道要在哪裡開會。
Carol:Sure, no problem.
卡蘿:當然,沒問題。

本篇關鍵句

◎I was just wondering if we could have a meeting sometime to go over…  我在想我們可否找個時間開會來……
向他人提議開會或碰面討論事情時,也可以這樣說:
.I’d like to arrange a meeting to talk about / discuss…
我想安排會議討論……
.Could I meet with you to talk about / discuss…
我可否和你見個面討論……

關鍵字彙與片語

◎mean to V有意要……
例:I meant to call you back last night, but I forgot all about it when I got home.(我原本昨晚要回電給你,但我一回到家就完全忘了這回事。)
◎go over...仔細審查……;
複習……(= review)
例:You’d better go over your script again before delivering your performance.(你在表演前最好再複習一下劇本。)

Peacock Spider孔雀蜘蛛

While it may be eight-legged like every other spider, this ‘peacock spider’ has an impressive mating ritual to attract a partner. It shows off a rainbow of colours to impress nearby females by fanning out brightly patterned flaps at the back of his body, as it is only 4mm long. Daily Mail


雖然和其他蜘蛛一樣有八隻腳,但「孔雀蜘蛛」有令人驚豔的求偶儀式。由於雄孔雀蜘蛛身長僅4公釐,牠只好朝附近的雌蜘蛛展示背側色彩鮮豔的翼片,靠斑斕色彩吸引對方。

2009/11/29

Textbook sheds light on Khmer Rouge era教科書闡明赤柬時代史實

◎俞智敏

Textbook sheds light on Khmer Rouge era

教科書闡明赤柬時代史實

Three decades have passed since the fall of the Khmer Rouge government. Yet only now are Cambodian schoolchildren finally starting to learn about what happened during the Pol Pot era.

赤柬政府垮台已長達30年,但直到現在柬埔寨學童才開始學習波布時代的歷史。

As many as two million people died in the late 1970s from forced labour, malnutrition and the summary execution of so-called "enemies of the revolution".

1970年代晚期,有高達兩百萬人因為強制勞動、營養不良,以及對所謂「革命敵人」的即時處決而喪命。

But official information has been thin on the ground. Until now the official school text contained a mere five lines on the Pol Pot era.

但對此議題的官方資訊卻非常稀少。直到目前為止,官方教科書裡對波布時代的歷史只用5行字草草帶過。

Khamboly Dy has expanded that paragraph to an entire textbook for the Documentation Centre of Cambodia, an organisation which gathers evidence about Khmer Rouge atrocities.

作者Khamboly Dy則把那一段話擴大成替柬埔寨史料中心所寫作的一整本教科書,該組織專門蒐集有關赤柬政權暴行的證據。

"After the Khmer Rouge regime, Cambodia was so damaged and fragile - like broken glass," he says. "The young generation has the responsibility to repair this broken glass. They need to understand what happened in their country before they can move forward to build up democracy, peace and reconciliation.

「在赤柬政權垮台後,柬埔寨元氣大傷、脆弱不堪,好像一塊破掉的玻璃,」他說。「年輕世代有責任修補這塊破玻璃。他們必須先瞭解國家到底曾經發生過什麼事,然後才能往前邁進,建立民主制度、和平與和解。」

新聞辭典

cast/shed/throw light on sth:對某事提出解釋或說明、啟發,如Let’s see if she can throw any light on this question.(看看她能否對這個問題提出任何解釋。)

summary:形容詞,指即時的、草率的、即決的,如summary arrest(當場逮捕),summary dismissal(即決解僱),summary execution尤指未經法庭合法程序審理、立即處決人犯。

be thin on the ground:片語(常見於英國與澳洲英語),指某事或某人數量不多、少見,如Bears are getting rather thin on the ground in European forests.(歐洲森林裡的熊數量愈來愈少了。)

Do you know where I can find a public phone around here?你知道這附近哪裡有公共電話嗎?

對話
Laura:Excuse me, do you know where I can find a public phone around here?
蘿拉:請問一下,你知道這附近哪裡有公共電話嗎?
Max:I think theres a telephone booth around the corner.
麥克斯:我想轉角那邊有一座電話亭。
Laura:Do you know where I can get a phone card?
蘿拉:你知道哪裡可以買電話卡嗎?
Max:You can get one from a convenience store or gas station.
麥克斯:妳可以在便利商店或是加油站買到電話卡。
Laura:Thanks so much for all of your help.
蘿拉:非常感謝你的幫忙。
Max: Sure, no problem.
麥克斯:當然,沒問題。

本篇關鍵句

◎Do you know where I can find a public phone around here?
你知道這附近哪裡有公共電話嗎?
當你要找公共電話時,除了以上關鍵句,你也可以說:
Could you tell me where the nearest public phone / pay phone is?(你能告訴我最近的公共電話在哪裡嗎?)
◎a public phone公共電話,投幣電話
= a pay phone
Are there any phone booths in this neighborhood?(這一帶有電話亭嗎?)
如果附近沒有電話,急需向別人借電話時,你可以說:
May / Can I use your phone / cell phone?(我可以跟您借電話/手機嗎?)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎booth n.(人可以站在裡面的)小亭子;(擺設商品的)小攤位
.a telephone booth  電話亭
.a ticket booth   售票亭
.a voting booth   投票亭
例:Our company sets up a booth at the book fair every year.
(我們公司每年都會在書展設置攤位。)
◎a phone card電話卡
◎corner n. 角落,街角
.in the corner指在空間內的角落內
.around the corner指戶外的角落附近
例:The post office is around the corner. You'll find it.
(郵局就在轉角附近。你會找到的。)

2009/11/28

Bad driving may have genetic basis開車技術差可能與基因有關

◎ 陳成良

Bad driving may have genetic basis

開車技術差可能與基因有關

The next time you see a motorist obliviously straddling two lanes, don’t fault bad driving, but genetics.

下次你見到開車者不自覺地跨雙線道行駛,別指責他們開車技術差,而要怪遺傳作祟。

In a study published recently in the journal Cerebral Cortex, researcher Steven Cramer found that people with a certain gene variant performed more than 30 percent worse on a driving test than people without it.

在最近發表於「大腦皮層」期刊的一項研究中,研究人員柯拉默發現,身上帶有一特定基因變異體的人,比沒有這種變異基因體的人在駕駛考試中要遜色30%以上。

The study might also help explain why there are so many bad drivers on U.S. highways:About 30 percent of Americans have the variant.

這項研究或許有助解釋美國公路為何有這麼多糟糕的司機出現:約30%美國人帶有這種基因變異體。

Ordinarily, when a person performs a task, a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is secreted to the area of the brain that is associated with that activity. The protein helps facilitate communication among brain cells and helps retain memory.

一般來說,當一個人執行一項任務時,一種稱為「腦源性神經滋養因子」(BDNF)的蛋白質就會分泌到與該活動相關的腦部區域中。 這種蛋白質有助促進腦細胞間的通訊,也有助保留記憶。

However in people who have the gene variation that Cramer studied, BDNF secretion is limited.

然而,在柯拉默的研究中,擁有這種基因變異體的人,BDNF的分泌有限。

"These people make more errors from the get-go, and they forget more of what they learned after time away," Cramer said in a statement.

「這些人從起始點犯的錯就較多,一段時間後,他們忘掉更多學到的事」,柯拉默在一項聲明中說。

I look forward to hearing from you.我期待接到你的來電

對話
Rita:Can I speak to Mr. Ryan, please?
麗塔:請問我可以跟萊恩先生說話嗎?
Tom:Yes, this is he speaking.
湯姆:是的,我就是。
Rita:Hello, Mr. Ryan. This is Rita O’Neal. I was wondering if you’ve thought any further about the offer my husband and I made for your property.
麗塔:你好,萊恩先生,我是麗塔˙歐尼爾。我想知道你是否有再進一步考慮我跟我先生對你的房產所開的價碼。
Tom:Actually, I’m still discussing it with my wife. I’ll let you know as soon as we have decided.
湯姆:事實上,我還在跟我太太討論。我們一決定後就會讓妳知道。
Rita:I look forward to hearing from you.
麗塔:我期待接到你的來電。
Tom:Thanks. Goodbye.
湯姆:謝謝。再見。

本篇關鍵句

◎I look forward to hearing from you.
我期待接到你的來電。
不論是打電話或寫信,期待對方有所回覆時,常用以下的句型:
look forward to + N / V-ing  期待……
此用法中的to為介詞,因此之後接名詞或動名詞作受詞。
例:I look forward to your call/mail.(我期待你的來電/來信。)
例:I look forward to receiving your call/mail.(我期待接獲你的來電/來信。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎further adv. 更進一步 & a. 更進一步的
例:If you need any further information, please let me know.(如果你需要更進一步的資訊,請讓我知道。)
◎property n. 房屋;房地產;財產
例:Mr. Donald has several properties in this community.(唐諾先生在這個社區擁有好幾處房地產。)
◎actually adv. 實際上,事實上
例:Kevin looks very mature, but actually, he is just 17 years old.(凱文看起來很成熟,但實際上他只有17歲。)

Giraffe with Hook-shaped Neck 鉤狀脖子的長頸鹿

This giraffe is suffering what looks like the world’s biggest pain in the neck. Five-year-old Amali from Tulsa Zoo, Oklahoma, had the unfortunate crick in transit from The Wilds park in Ohio. It is feared that the hook might never be cured.

這隻長頸鹿的脖子看起來像是正承受著世上最大的疼痛。美國奧克拉荷馬州突沙市動物園5歲大的「亞馬利」,從俄亥俄州野生公園的運送途中,脖子不幸遭到扭傷。恐怕扭成鉤狀的脖子,可能永遠無法痊癒。

2009/11/27

Cow? Chow? Congressman says ’Just call me Joseph’ 考?喬?眾議員說:「叫我約瑟夫就行了」

◎張沛元

Cow? Chow? Congressman says: ’Just call me Joseph’

考?喬?眾議員說:「叫我約瑟夫就行了」

You too can be on a first-name basis with a freshman congressman from New Orleans - because people can’t seem to get his last name right.

你也可以跟一名來自紐奧良的新科國會眾議員攀親帶故地直呼其大名──因為人們似乎都無法唸對他的姓氏。

Republican Anh "Joseph" Cao (gow) won election last December. Since then, he has heard his name mispronounced - usually as "cow" or "chow" - by newscasters and public officials, including President Barack Obama.

共和黨人Anh "Joseph" Cao(發音gow,高光映,越南裔美國人)去年12月勝選。此後,他就聽到自己名字被新聞播報員與公職人員,包括總統巴拉克.歐巴馬唸錯──通常被唸成「考」(cow,意為「乳牛」)或「喬」(chow,意為「鬆獅犬」)。

And he’s noticed debates about the pronunciation on Internet blogs. So he issued a tongue-in-cheek open letter over the weekend, humorously trying to set the record straight.

然後他注意到網路部落格上有關於(他的姓氏的)發音的論戰,於是在週末時發表一封開玩笑似地公開信,企圖透過幽默把事情說清楚講明白。

To pronounce it correctly, start with a hard "G" sound, as in go or grass, and then make it rhyme with "pow" or "how." But in the end, Cao seems resigned to his last name being botched. "On second thought, never mind," he advises. "Just call me Joseph."

為了正確發音,先像是唸go或grass時用力地唸G的音,然後接著押pow或how的韻。但最後,高光映似乎對自己的姓氏被人亂唸認命了。「再三考慮後,別麻煩了,」他建議。「叫我約瑟夫就行了。」

新聞辭典

on a first-name basis:俚語,與某人很熟,熟到可以直呼其大名。

tongue- in-cheek:俚語,不誠心地,開玩笑地。例句:He made a tongue-in-cheek remark to his girlfriend, and she got mad because she thought he was serious.(他對他女友說了些玩笑話,她生氣了,因為她以為他是認真的。)

set the record straight:俚語,針對一直沒有被正確報導的事予以澄清說明真相。

Don't hesitate to call me if you have any other questions.你若有任何其他問題,別猶豫儘管來電

對話
Ellen:Hello, Nancy.
艾倫:南西,妳好。
Nancy:Hi, Ellen. What's up?
南西:艾倫,你好。有什麽事嗎?
Ellen:I was wondering if you could give me directions to your house from the nearest subway station. I'd like to attend your party this weekend.
艾倫:不知道妳是否可以指引我從哪個地鐵站到妳家最近。這個周末我想去參加妳的派對。
Nancy:Sure. The nearest subway station is Ryan Cross. Once you come out of the station at exit two, turn right and keep walking until you reach the first traffic light. Then cross the road, and you'll see Linton Avenue on your left.
南西:當然可以。最近的地鐵站是瑞安交叉口。你一走出地鐵站二號出口,右轉然後一直走到第一個紅綠燈那裡。接著過馬路,你就會在左手邊看到林頓大道。
Ellen:Thanks a lot. Sorry to trouble you.
艾倫:非常感謝。抱歉打擾妳了。
Nancy:No problem. Don't hesitate


to call me if you have any other questions.
南西:不客氣。你若有任何其他問題,別猶豫儘管來電。

本篇關鍵句

◎Don't hesitate to call me if you have any other questions.(你若有任何其他問題,別猶豫儘管來電。)
若有人來電詢問,最後可以禮貌的補上:「若有任何問題,請儘管來電。」相關說法如下:
例:If you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me.(你若有任何需要,別猶豫儘管聯絡我。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎direction n. 方向(常用複數)
.give sb directions to + 地方  告訴某人前往某地的方向
例:Can you give me directions to the train station?
(你可以告訴我到火車站要怎走嗎?)
◎cross vt. 穿越
例:Be sure to look both ways before you cross the road.(過馬路前務必要看清楚兩邊來車。)

cute Dog Clerk狗店員

Wearing a uniform and name tag, Cody, a chocolate Labradaor retriever, greets people who pull up to the drive-through window of the family-owned gas station-convenience store in Clearwater, Fla. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009.


11月24日在美國佛州清水市,穿著制服和名牌的巧克力色拉布拉多獵犬「寇迪」,向停在這家庭式經營的加油站便利商店得來速窗口的客人打招呼。

2009/11/26

"Younger wife" for marital bliss 妻子較年輕 婚姻才幸福

◎鄭寺音

The secret to a happy marriage for men is choosing a wife who is smarter and at least five years younger than you, say UK experts. These pairings are more likely to go the distance, particularly if neither has been divorced in the past, according to the Bath University team.

英國專家說,男性幸福婚姻的秘訣,是選擇比你聰明、而且至少小你5歲的妻子。巴斯大學團隊表示,這樣的組合比較可能走得長久,特別是如果兩個人之前都沒有離過婚的話。

The findings predict a happy future for pop star Beyonce Knowles, 28, and rapper husband Jay-Z, 39.

這項發現預測,28歲的流行巨星碧昂絲與39歲的饒舌歌手老公 Jay-Z會有個幸福的未來。

The researchers studied interviews of more than 1,500 couples who were married or in a serious relationship.Five years later, they followed up 1,000 of the couples to see which had lasted.

研究人員針對1500多對已婚或處於認真關係伴侶的訪談進行研究,5年後,追蹤其中1000對,觀察持續狀況。

They found that if the wife was five or more years older than her husband, they were more than three times as likely to divorce than if they were the same age. If the age gap is reversed, and the man is older than the woman, the odds of marital bliss are higher.

他們發現,如果太太大先生5歲以上,離婚率比夫妻同年者高3倍。如果年齡差距反過來,男性比女性年紀大的話,婚姻美滿的機率增高許多。

Add in a better education for the woman- Beyonce has her high school diploma, unlike husband Jay-Z - and the chances of lasting happiness improve further. Those who have never divorced fare better too. But couples in which one member has been through a divorce in the past are less stable than those in which both members are divorcees.

如果女性受過較好的教育更是加分─碧昂絲不像老公Jay-Z,她擁有高中學歷─婚姻維持美滿的機率又更增加,從未離過婚者的遭遇也比較好;但如果夫妻中有一個人離過婚,婚姻就比兩人都離過婚的不穩定。

新聞辭典

bliss:名詞,極樂。例句:Lying on a sunny beach is my idea of sheer bliss.(躺在陽光照耀的沙灘上,是我認為最幸福的事。)

go the distance:片語,堅持到底。

fare:動詞,遭遇。例句:How did you fare in your exams?(你考試考得怎樣?)

I hope I have been of some assistance.希望我有幫上忙

對話
Irene:Hello, is this the Technical Service Department?
艾琳:你好,請問這裡是技術服務部嗎?
Andrew:Yes, how may I help you, madam?

安德魯:是的,請問需要什麼協助呢,女士?
Irene:I bought a dishwasher from your company last weekend, but it keeps making funny noises, and a red light keeps coming on. Could you help me?
艾琳:我上周末跟貴公司買了一台洗碗機,但是它一直發出怪聲,而且有個紅燈一直閃。你可以幫忙嗎?
Andrew:It sounds like there’s a problem with how you loaded the dishwasher. If you refer to page three of the user manual, there are instructions for loading the dishwasher.
安德魯:您的問題聽起來好像跟把碗盤放進洗碗機的方式有關。若您參考本產品使用手冊第3頁,裡面有放進碗盤的說明。
Irene:Thanks a lot. I will take a closer look at the manual.
艾琳:多謝。我會仔細查看手冊。
Andrew:No problem, I hope I have been of some assistance.
安德魯:沒問題,希望我有幫上忙。

本篇關鍵句

◎I hope I have been of some assistance. 希望我有幫上忙
assistance也可以用help代替:
I hope I have been of some help.
希望我有幫上忙。
I hope I have helped you solve your problem.
希望我有幫你解決問題。

關鍵字彙與片語

◎assistance n.幫助
assist sb in + V-ing 協助某人從事……
◎technical a.技術性的
例:If you buy our software, we will provide technical assistance to help you train your staff.
(如果購買我們的軟體,我們將提供技術支援協助您訓練員工。)
◎make noise 發出聲音,製造噪音
例:Don’t make so much noise! The baby is asleep.
(別製造這麼多噪音!寶寶在睡覺。)
◎load vt. 把……裝入/裝進

Escape from Explosion從爆炸死裡逃生

It might look like a spectacular Hollywood stunt. But for drag boat racer Quinton Knight at International Hot Boat Association Finals in Chandler, Arizona, the experience of being catapulted into the water at over 150mph was very real. Incredibly, he only sustained a broken leg as he was hurled from his power boat after it exploded.

這看起來很像好萊塢的特技表演,不過對於參加美國亞利桑納州國際快艇決賽的選手納特來說,這樣從時速240公里的快艇摔入水中,卻是千真萬確的經驗。他被快艇爆炸的威力拋出,讓人難以致信只斷了一條腿。

2009/11/25

Italy collector finds Galileo’s lost tooth, fingers 義大利收藏家發現遺失的伽利略牙齒與手指

◎魏國金

An art collector has found a tooth, thumb and finger of the renowned Italian scientist Galileo Galilei, Florence’s History of Science museum announced.

佛羅倫斯的科學史博物館宣布,一名藝術收藏家發現了義大利知名科學家伽利略.伽利萊的一顆牙、一根拇指與手指。

The body parts, along with another finger and a vertebrate, were cut from Galileo’s corpse by scientists and historians during a burial ceremony held 95 years after his death in 1642. The newly-found relics had passed from one collector to another until they went missing in 1905.

這些遺骸,連同另一根手指與一段椎骨,是死於1642年的伽利略在95年後舉行的葬禮中,被科學家與歷史學家從其遺體切割下來的。這些新發現的遺骸從一位收藏家傳遞到另一位收藏家,直到1905年遺失為止。

They will be exhibited from early 2010, when the museum will re-open after current renovation work and will change its name to the Galileo museum.

它們將從2010年初展示,屆時該博物館在目前整修工程並更名為伽利略博物館後,將重新開幕。

Galileo, born in Pisa in 1564, is considered one of the fathers of modern science due to his studies in physics, mathematics and particularly astronomy, where he led great advances in developing the telescope.

1564年生於比薩的伽利略因其在物理、數學,以及特別在天文學的研究,而被認為是一名現代科學之父;在天文領域,他促使望遠鏡的發展有長足進步。

For 95 years after his death, ecclesiastical authorities refused to allow Galileo to be buried in consecrated ground because his findings were considered contrary to the teachings of the Catholic church. His body now lies in Florence’s Santa Croce church, opposite the tomb of Michelangelo.

在伽利略死後長達95年,教會當權者拒絕讓他下葬於聖地,因為他的發現被認為與天主教教會的教導相牴觸。他的遺體現在長眠於佛羅倫斯的聖十字教堂,對面就是米開朗基羅的墓地。

新聞辭典

relics︰名詞,遺物、遺跡、遺風。例句︰Corporal punishment was a relic of barbarism.(體罰是野蠻文化的遺俗。)

renovation︰名詞,修復、恢復活力、革新。例如︰an ancient house under renovation(一棟翻修中的古宅。)

contrary︰形容詞,對立的、天氣不作美的。例句︰The tour was postponed because of the contrary weather.(這個旅遊因天氣不佳而延期。)

It’s been nice talking to you很高興跟妳聊天

對話
Betty:Hello. Is this Neil? It’s Betty here.
貝蒂:你好。尼爾嗎?我是貝蒂。
Neil:Good to hear from you, Betty. How’s everything going?
尼爾:貝蒂,真高興能接到妳的電話。最近好嗎?
Betty:Oh, I’ve been pretty busy with work over the last few months. I’ve just finished a project I was working on.
貝蒂:喔,我過去這幾個月來工作一直很忙。我才剛結束之前做的一個案子。
Neil:Good for you! We should get together sometime and catch up.
尼爾:很棒啊!我們應該找時間聚一聚聊聊近況。
Betty:Yeah, that would be great. I'll call you later this week to arrange a time.
貝蒂:好啊,那樣就太棒了。那我這星期晚一點再打電話跟你約時間。
Neil:OK, I look forward to that. Hey, I have to get going, but it’s been nice talking to you.
尼爾:沒問題,我等妳電話。嘿,我得走了,不過很高興跟妳聊天。

本篇關鍵句

It’s been nice talking to you. 很高興跟妳聊天。
當你和朋友講完電話時,會以「再聯絡」或是「很高興跟你聊天」等做一個愉快的結尾,除了以上關鍵句外,你也可以說:
˙I'll talk to you later. (再聯絡。)
˙It’s been good catching up. (能跟你聊聊近況真好。)

關鍵字彙與片語

●hear from sb 接到某人的消息
例:I haven't heard from Beth since she got married.(自從貝絲結婚後我就沒有接到她的消息了。)
●be busy with + N\ 忙於某事
be busy + V-ing 忙於(做)……
●work on... 致力於……,從事……
例:Kevin is working on his final report.(凱文正忙於期末報告。)
●catch up (on sth) 了解(……的)近況
例:I was off last week, so I need to catch up on what happened in the office.(我上星期休假,所以我需要聊聊了解公司發生哪些事。)

Ink, Not Mink 用墨汁,別用貂皮

Tattooed model and supporter for the environmental group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Australia, Dani Lugosi, holds a sign reading “Ink, Not Mink” as she has her photo taken with a locally well-known homeless shoe shine man (L), in Sydney’s central shopping precinct on November 24, 2009.

紋了身的模特兒兼環保團體「人道對待動物協會」澳洲成員丹妮路哥西,手持寫有「用墨汁,別用貂皮」標語,11月24日在雪梨主要購物區,與當地知名的擦鞋流浪漢(左)合影。

2009/11/24

電腦快速關機

電腦兩秒關機法
Step1:叫出電腦管理员,Ctrl+Alt+Del
Step2:在右上角處用滑鼠點擊關機
Step3:按住鍵盤Ctrl+滑鼠點擊關機

Teenager trapped on iceberg with three polar bears 少年和3隻北極熊受困冰山

◎羅彥傑

A teenager has been dramatically rescued after becoming trapped on an ice floe with three polar bears.

一名少年戲劇性地獲救,在他和3隻北極熊困在一塊浮冰上之後。

The Canadian, named locally as Jupi Nakoolak, was discovered drifting in the Arctic sea after he had embarked on a hunting expedition with his 67-year-old uncle.

這名當地姓名為裘皮.納古拉克的加拿大人,和67歲的伯父從事狩獵冒險活動,後來被人發現在北極海漂流。

It is understood they got into trouble when one of their snowmobiles broke down.

外界的理解是,他們因為其中一輛雪上摩托車故障而陷入困境。

The 17-year-old Inuit set off to find help but became stranded when the ice floe broke away and drifted loose, according to rescue teams.

根據搜救小組的說法,這名17歲的伊努特人出發求援,但因為浮冰突然脫離且漸行漸遠,因此動彈不得。

The teen, who was armed with a rifle, encountered three bears - an adult and two older cubs - on the same large ice pan.

身上有一把來福槍的這位十多歲少年,遇見3隻熊—1隻成年熊與2隻較大的幼熊—在同一塊大浮冰上。

As overnight temperatures plummeted to -20C the teenager was forced to shoot the mother polar bear in self-defence, orphaning her youngsters.

隨著入夜後溫度下探攝氏零下20度,這名少年被迫射殺母熊自衛,而牠的小熊則成了孤兒。

Ed Zebedee, director of the Government of Nunavut’s protection services branch, said:"There were two other bears on the ice pan but they stayed away from him so he didn’t shoot at them at all."

努那福特政府的保護服務分部主任艾德.澤貝迪說︰「還有另外兩隻熊在浮冰上,但牠們離他遠遠地,所以他沒有對牠們下手。」

新聞辭典

get into trouble︰片語,陷入困境、招致麻煩。例句︰Keep away, or you will get into trouble.(別來參與,不然你會倒楣的。)

break down︰片語,故障、壞掉 。例句︰We are sorry to arrive late, but the car broke down.(我們很抱歉來晚了,原因是車子壞了。)

break away︰片語,突然脫離。例句︰He considered breaking away from the clan.(他考慮同那一夥人分道揚鑣。)

Hey, listen, I’ve got to run.嘿,聽著,我得走了

對話
Jenna:Hello, Nancy?It's Jenna here. Hey, I was wondering if you and Ken would like to go to David's birthday party next week?
珍娜:嗨,萳西嗎?我是珍娜。嘿,我在想妳跟阿肯下星期想不想去大衛的生日派對?

Nancy:Oh sure, that would be great.
萳西:喔,當然,那很好。
Jenna:It's on Friday night, and it'll be held at Nino's. Do you need the address?
珍娜:星期五晚上,生日派對會在尼諾家舉行。妳需要地址嗎?
Nancy:Hey, listen, I've got to run. I have a meeting in a minute. Could you give me the details later?
萳西:嘿,聽著,我得走了。我待會有會要開。妳晚點再跟我講細節好嗎?
Jenna:Sure, no problem.
珍娜:當然,沒問題。
Nancy:OK, bye!
萳西:好,再見!

本篇關鍵句

◎Hey, listen, I’ve got to run.嘿,聽著,我得走了。
當你與某人正在講電話,突然想到你有事得先掛電話,除了用 "I've got to run." 外,也可說 "I've got to go."。此外,還可這麼說:
I have to get going. Can I call you back later?(我必須走了。我能晚點再打給你嗎?)
比較婉轉、禮貌的說法是:
Would you mind if we talked about this later? I've got something to see to.(你介意我們晚點討論這件事嗎?我有事要處理。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎hold vt. 舉辦╱舉行(三態:hold, held, held)
例:The commencement ceremony will be held in the auditorium.=The commencement ceremony will take place in the auditorium.(畢業典禮將會在禮堂舉行。)
commencement n. 畢業典禮(=commencement ceremony)
◎address n. 地址
◎in a minute一會兒後╱待會
in+一段時間  一段時間之後
例:The plane is going to take off in 10 minutes.(飛機再10分鐘就要起飛了。)

2009/11/23

Facebook finds lost camera owner/Facebook找到遺失相機的主人

◎管淑平

A Facebook search for the owner of a lost camera which became an internet sensation has ended in success. More than 230,000 people joined Facebook group called Needle In A Haystack to try and reunite camera and owner.

一場轟動網路,在Facebook上尋找相機失主的行動已經成功收場。超過23萬人加入Facebook上名為「大海撈針」的團體,試圖讓相機回到物主手上。

It was set up by Australian Danny Cameron after he found the camera on the Greek island of Mykonos.

這場活動是澳洲人卡麥隆在希臘島嶼米克諾斯發現這台相機後發起的。

He hoped the theory anybody in the world can be contacted within "six degrees of separation" would lead him to find the owner.

他當時希望,這世界上任何人可透過「六度分隔」理論(即任何人可透過六個不同的人聯繫上的說法),能讓他找到這名物主。

Three friends, Pierre Paoli, Edouard Hostein and Julien Kopp, have now come forward to end the intrigue.

如今已有三名物主友人鮑立、荷士坦和科普出面結束這場猜謎。

"It’s not a hoax, it is absolutely real," Mr Paoli said, "We were on holiday and our friend Marie Cecile lost her camera."

「這不是惡作劇,絕對真實。」鮑立說,「我們那時去度假,我們的朋友賽席兒丟了相機。」

Mr Hostein, who separately named Marie Cecile as the owner, "I confirm that the camera’s owner is one of my friends."

另行指名賽席兒是物主的荷士坦說,「我確定這相機的主人是我的一個朋友。」

Mr Cameron has now closed the group with one last posting: "Congratulations everyone, the camera owner has been found.... thanks everyone for taking part.... I am amazed and in awe of you all.

卡麥隆已經關了這個團體,最後一篇貼文是:「恭喜大家,已經找到相機主人了……感謝各位的參與……。我太佩服你們大家了。」

新聞辭典:

sensation :名詞,引起轟動的事;感覺。The revealing of the star’s sex orientation caused a sensation among his fans. (這位明星的性向被揭露,在他的粉絲群中造成轟動。)

(look for a)needle in a haystack:名詞片語,大海撈針,形容很難找到的人或物。Looking for her in the crowd is like looking for a needle in a haystack.(在人群中找她就像在大海撈針。)

in awe of :名詞片語,敬畏、崇敬。例句:Human should be in awe of the destruction power of mother nature.(人類應該敬畏大自然的毀滅力量。)

◎管淑平

A Facebook search for the owner of a lost camera which became an internet sensation has ended in success. More than 230,000 people joined Facebook group called Needle In A Haystack to try and reunite camera and owner.

一場轟動網路,在Facebook上尋找相機失主的行動已經成功收場。超過23萬人加入Facebook上名為「大海撈針」的團體,試圖讓相機回到物主手上。

It was set up by Australian Danny Cameron after he found the camera on the Greek island of Mykonos.

這場活動是澳洲人卡麥隆在希臘島嶼米克諾斯發現這台相機後發起的。

He hoped the theory anybody in the world can be contacted within "six degrees of separation" would lead him to find the owner.

他當時希望,這世界上任何人可透過「六度分隔」理論(即任何人可透過六個不同的人聯繫上的說法),能讓他找到這名物主。

Three friends, Pierre Paoli, Edouard Hostein and Julien Kopp, have now come forward to end the intrigue.

如今已有三名物主友人鮑立、荷士坦和科普出面結束這場猜謎。

"It’s not a hoax, it is absolutely real," Mr Paoli said, "We were on holiday and our friend Marie Cecile lost her camera."

「這不是惡作劇,絕對真實。」鮑立說,「我們那時去度假,我們的朋友賽席兒丟了相機。」

Mr Hostein, who separately named Marie Cecile as the owner, "I confirm that the camera’s owner is one of my friends."

另行指名賽席兒是物主的荷士坦說,「我確定這相機的主人是我的一個朋友。」

Mr Cameron has now closed the group with one last posting: "Congratulations everyone, the camera owner has been found.... thanks everyone for taking part.... I am amazed and in awe of you all.

卡麥隆已經關了這個團體,最後一篇貼文是:「恭喜大家,已經找到相機主人了……感謝各位的參與……。我太佩服你們大家了。」

新聞辭典:

sensation :名詞,引起轟動的事;感覺。The revealing of the star’s sex orientation caused a sensation among his fans. (這位明星的性向被揭露,在他的粉絲群中造成轟動。)

(look for a)needle in a haystack:名詞片語,大海撈針,形容很難找到的人或物。Looking for her in the crowd is like looking for a needle in a haystack.(在人群中找她就像在大海撈針。)

in awe of :名詞片語,敬畏、崇敬。例句:Human should be in awe of the destruction power of mother nature.(人類應該敬畏大自然的毀滅力量。)

Is there anything else I can help you with?還有任何其他事我可以效勞的嗎?

對話
Cindy:Good morning, Sleep Tight All Night, Cindy speaking.
辛蒂:早安,這裡是整夜好眠公司,我是辛蒂。
Macy:Hello, I just saw an advertisement for your beds on television, and they look so comfortable. I was wondering what your operating hours are.
梅西:妳好,我剛在電視上看到一個貴公司有關床的廣告,那些床看來真舒服。我想知道貴公司的營業時間。
Cindy:We are open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. seven days a week. Is there anything else I can help you with?
辛蒂:本公司營業時間為每星期7天,早上9點到晚上9點。還有任何其他事我可以效勞的嗎?
Macy:Could you recommend what kind of bed would be suitable for someone who has sleeping problems?
梅西:妳能不能推薦哪種床適合有睡眠問題的人?
Cindy:You really have to come in and try a few out for yourself. I'm sure our salespeople can offer you more advice when you get here.
辛蒂:您真得過來這兒親自試躺看看才知道。我確信您蒞臨本公司時,我們的銷售員能給您更多建議。
Macy:OK, thanks. I think I'll go over at noon.
梅西:好的,謝謝。我想我中午會過去一趟。

本篇關鍵句

◎Is there anything else I can help you with?還有任何其他事我可以效勞的嗎?
回答完客人來電詢問的產品事項後,會進一步詢問客人是否還有其他問題,另還可用下句表示:
例:Feel free to ask me if you have any questions.(若有任何問題,請儘管問我。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎sleep tight睡個好覺
◎advertisement n.廣告(簡寫為ad)
例:John placed an ad in the newspaper to sell his used car.(約翰在報上登廣告賣他的二手車。)
◎recommend vt.推薦;建議
例:The teacher recommended the book to his students.(老師把那本書推薦給他學生看。)

2009/11/22

Italy school crucifixes ’barred’ 義大利學校「禁止」懸掛十字架

◎俞智敏

The European Court of Human Rights has ruled against the use of crucifixes in classrooms in Italy. It said the practice violated the right of parents to educate their children as they saw fit, and ran counter to the child’s right to freedom of religion.

歐洲人權法庭裁決禁止義大利學校在教室裡使用十字架。該法庭指出,這種作法違反了家長依其認為適當的方式來教育子女之權利,同時也違反了兒童的宗教自由權。

The case was brought by an Italian mother, Soile Lautsi, who wants to give her children a secular education. Mrs Lautsi complained to the European court that her children had to attend a public school in northern Italy that had crucifixes in every room.

此案是由一位義大利母親勞特西太太所提出,她希望讓她的子女接受非宗教的教育。勞特西太太向歐洲法庭抱怨說,她的子女被迫就讀義大利北部一所公立學校,但每間教室裡都有十字架。

The Strasbourg court found that:"The compulsory display of a symbol of a given confession in premises used by the public authorities... restricted the right of parents to educate their children in conformity with their convictions."

位於史特拉斯堡的法庭裁定,「在公共當局所使用的場合中強制展示任何信仰的象徵……限制了家長依其信念教育子女的權利。」

It also restricted the "right of children to believe or not to believe", the seven judges ruling on the case said in a statement.

這種作法同時也限制了「兒童相信或不相信的權利,」7名承審法官在聲明中指出。

Mrs Lautsi was awarded 5,000 euros in damages.

勞特西太太獲判5000歐元的賠償。

The Vatican said it was shocked by the ruling, calling it "wrong and myopic" to exclude the crucifix from education. The Italian government says it will appeal against the decision.

梵蒂岡則表示對此項判決感到震驚,並稱把十字架排除在教育之外「既錯誤且短視」。義大利政府已表示將會繼續上訴。

新聞辭典

see fit:(正式用語)認為合適或必須做某事,如She saw fit to take her son away from the school.(她認為應該把兒子帶離這間學校。)

run counter to:片語,指造成反效果的、相反的,如Your proposal runs counter to what is required by the manager.(你的提案跟經理的要求相反。)

myopic: 形容詞,(帶有不贊成意味)原指近視的,引申指缺乏遠見的、目光短淺的,如Their myopic refusal to act now will undoubtedly cause problems in the future.(他們拒絕採取行動的短視作法,未來一定會引發更多問題。)

Let me just try his line again for you.

對話

Harry:JT Express Delivery, Harry speaking.
哈利:JT快遞公司,您好,我是哈利。
Brenda:Hello, can I speak to James, please?
布蘭達:你好,請幫我轉詹姆士好嗎?
Harry:Sure, let me just put you through to him.
哈利:當然,我替妳轉接給他。
(The line is busy.)
(電話忙線中。)
Harry:Hello
哈利:妳好……
Brenda:Hello, James?I waited for you for three hours after work yesterday. I can’t believe you stood me up!
布蘭達:嗨,詹姆士嗎?我昨天下班後等了你3個小時。我不敢相信你竟然放我鴿子!
Harry:I’m sorry to hear about that. I’m sure he had a good reason. Let me just try his line again for you. It was busy just now.
哈利:很抱歉聽到發生那樣的事。我相信他一定有很好的理由。讓我再替妳試試他那一線電話。剛剛電話忙線中。
Brenda:Oops. How embarrassing!
布蘭達:噢。真不好意思!

本篇關鍵句

◎Let me just try his line again for you.讓我再替妳試試他那一線電話。
try one’s line就是「試撥某人的電話」的意思。你也可以這麼說:
.Let me try and put you through again.
(讓我再替你轉接看看。)
例:William’s line was engaged. Let me try and put you through again.
(威廉的電話忙線中。讓我再替你轉接看看。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎express delivery快遞
.express a. 快遞的,
.delivery n. 運送
◎stand sb up放某人鴿子
例:I can’t believe Jake stood me up on our first date!
(我無法相信傑克竟然次約會就放我鴿子!)
◎The line is busy.電話忙線中
=The line is engaged.(較
例:The line is busy. Please try again later.
(電話忙線中。請稍後再撥。)

2009/11/21

Vegetarian Atkins diet lowers heart risks阿金素食法能降低心臟病風險

◎陳成良

A vegetarian version of the Atkins low-carb diet may help people lose weight and lower levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, Canadian researchers said on Monday.

素食版的阿金低碳水化合物飲食法,或可幫助人們減重,同時降低血液中不良膽固醇的含量,加拿大研究人員週一表示。

A small, month-long study of the so-called Eco-Atkins diet, which stresses plant proteins, worked better than a high-carb diet at reducing levels of low-density lipoprotein or LDL, which raises the risks of heart attacks and strokes.

一項歷時一個月的小型研究發現,注重攝取植物蛋白的所謂「生態阿金」飲食法在降低低密度脂蛋白(LDL)方面的效果,優於高碳水化合物飲食法。LDL會增加罹患心臟病及中風的風險。

The study involved 22 overweight men and women with high levels of LDL cholesterol who ate the Eco-Atkins diet for four weeks. A control group of 22 people ate a high-carb, low-fat diet based on low-fat dairy and whole grain products.

這項研究找了22名體重超重且LDL膽固醇偏高的男女攝取「生態阿金」飲食4週,對照組同樣為22人,採用以低脂乳品及全麥產品為基礎的高碳水化合物低脂肪飲食法。

After a month, people in both groups lost about four kilograms, or 8.8 pounds. But people on the low-carb, plant protein diet had lower LDL cholesterol and healthier blood pressure compared with those on the high-carb diet.

一個月後,兩組人員體重均減輕約4公斤(8.8磅);但相較於吃高碳水化合物的人,採取低碳水化合物、植物蛋白飲食的組員LDL膽固醇含量更低,血壓也更健康。

新聞詞典 Dictionary

low-carb(=carbohydrate) :名詞, 低碳水化合物。例句:Low carbohydrate diets are often designed for fast weight loss. (低碳水化合物經常用於快速減肥。)

stress︰動詞,強調、著重。例句:The English teacher stressed the importance of reading aloud.(英語老師強調朗讀的重要性。)

dairy:名詞,製酪場、牛奶及乳品業;形容詞,牛奶製的、乳品的。例句:He runs a dairy near Madison. (他在麥迪遜附近經營一家牛奶場。)

Do you have the extension for…?你有……的分機號碼嗎?

對話

Anna:Norton’s Electronics, Anna speaking.
安娜:諾頓電子您好,我是安娜。
Fred:Good morning, could you transfer me to Public Relations?
佛烈德:早安,可以請妳幫我接公關部嗎?
Anna:I’m afraid we don’t have a Public Relations Department. Do you have the extension for the person you wish to speak to?
安娜:不好意思,我們沒有公關部。你有你要找的人的分機號碼嗎?
Fred:I want to speak to Brian Bedford, but I’m not sure of his extension.
佛烈德:我要找布萊恩.班佛特,但我不確定他的分機號碼。
Anna:Let me just check the list and find out which department he is in.
安娜:我查一下名單看他在哪個部門工作。
Fred:Thank you very much.
佛烈德:感謝妳。

本篇關鍵句

◎Do you have the extension for…?你有……的分機號碼嗎?
當來電者要找某人,但接電話者不確定是否有其人或分機時,可用上列關鍵句。你也可以問對方想找哪位,或欲轉接的分機或部門,如例句:
例:Do you know the name of the person you want to speak to?
(你知道你要找的人叫什麼名字嗎?)
例:What extension do you need?
(你想轉哪個分機號碼?)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎electronics n. 電子業;電子學
.electronic a. 電子的
.an electronic calculator 電子計算機
◎public relations n. 公關(恆為複數,可縮寫為 PR)
例:Karen is the director of a public relations company.
(凱倫是一家公關公司的主管。)
◎find out...發現……;了解……
例:Will you please find out what time that train arrives?
(能否請你查查看那班火車什麼時候到達?)

2009/11/20

Japan’s ex-PM Koizumi gets a superhero role 日本前首相小泉獲得英雄角色

◎張沛元

Japan’s former premier Junichiro Koizumi, known for crooning Elvis Presley songs while in office, is lending his voice to a superhero movie, reports said Tuesday.

週二的報導指出,在任內時以低吟貓王歌曲聞名的日本前首相小泉純一郎,現在把他的聲音借給一部超級英雄電影。

Lion-maned Koizumi, 67, has provided the voiceover for the extraterrestrial hero who fights not political opponents in the Diet legislature but monsters and aliens from outer space, according to the movie’s producers.

根據這部電影的製作團隊表示,67歲、頂著一頭如獅鬃般長髮的小泉,提供他的聲音為這名不僅要對抗日本國會中的政敵,還要抵擋外太空怪獸與外星人的外星英雄配音。

Koizumi, now retired from politics, used his offbeat charisma to rule Japan for more than five years until 2006, in contrast to his three conservative successors who each quit the post of prime minister within a year.

現已退出政壇的小泉,曾憑藉個人獨特的領袖魅力治理日本5年多,直到2006年。相較之下,他之後的3位保守派繼任者都在坐上首相寶座的1年內辭職。

His performance will be in "MegaMonsterBattle -- Ultra Galaxy," which is due to be screened in Japan on December 12. His character fires a flash of light to attack evil enemies and shouts: "Pay for your transgression!"

他的表演將會出現在預定12月12日於日本上映的「百萬怪獸戰役──極度銀河」電影中。他的角色會發射亮光攻擊邪惡的敵人,並且呼喊:「為你們的罪過納命來吧!」

新聞辭典

mane:名詞,(馬、獅的)鬃毛;人的(濃密長)頭髮。

not only…but (also)…:不僅…而且…。例句:Not only you but also Mr. Smith is fired.(不只你,史密斯先生也被炒魷魚了。)

in contrast to:片語,與…形成對比,與…截然不同;與…比起來。例句:Iran says French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s remarks are in contrast to IAEA findings.(伊朗表示,法國總統尼可拉斯.薩科茲的說辭與國際原子能總署的發現截然不同。)

Please hold, and I’ll check if she’s in yet.請稍候,我看看她是否已進辦公室

對話

Angela:Jackson Art Gallery, Angela speaking.
安琪拉:傑克森藝廊,我是安琪拉。
Barry:Hello, this is Ben Summers from the Daily News. Can I speak to Miranda, please?
貝瑞:妳好,我是《每日新聞》的貝瑞.桑摩斯。我可以跟米蘭達說話嗎?
Angela:What's the call concerning?
安琪拉:您找她有什麼事嗎?
Barry:It's about the press release she sent out on the Kendral exhibition.
貝瑞:是關於她寄來坎卓爾特展的新聞稿。
Angela:Please hold, and I'll check if she's in yet.
安琪拉:請稍候,我看看她是否已進辦公室。
Barry:Thank you very much.
貝瑞:非常謝謝妳。

本篇關鍵句

◎Please hold, and Ill check if she’s in yet.(請稍候,我看看她是否已進辦公室。)
當你接到電話但不確定來電者要找的人是否已進辦公室,除以上關鍵句,你也可以這麼說:
例:Please hold while I check to see if Mr. Smith is in.(請您稍候,我看看史密斯先生是否已進辦公室。)
當你要直接幫對方轉接時,你可以這麼說:
例:Let me transfer your call to him / her.(我幫你把電話轉給他/她。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎gallery n. 藝廊,畫廊
◎press release n. 新聞稿
.press n. 新聞界,媒體(之前置定冠詞the)
.a press conference記者招待會
例:I'm working on a press release for our new novel.(我正在為我們新出版的小說撰寫新聞稿。)
例:The press speaks highly of the actor.(媒體給這位男演員很高的評價。)
例:The mayor will hold a press conference tomorrow.(市長要在明天召開一場記者招待會。)
◎exhibition n. 展覽
.on exhibition 展出中

2009/11/19

If he lets you buy his underpants, you’re "The One" 如果他讓你幫他買內褲,你就是他要的那一個

◎鄭寺音

Men only buy their own underpants when they are hoping to entice a potential partner into a relationship, according to a new survey.

根據一份新調查指出,男性只有在希望引誘可能的伴侶和自己交往時,才會自己買內褲。

The poll by British retailer Debenhams showed that men normally leave the purchasing of their underwear to their mothers until about the age of 19, relatively late when compared to women, who start buying their own knickers around 13.

英國零售商Debenhams的調查顯示,男性在19歲前,通常會讓母親幫忙買內褲,與13歲左右開始自己買內褲的女性相比,時間上晚了許多。

Between the ages of 19 and 23, men tend to buy their own underwear, up to 31 pairs a year in the belief that wearing new underpants is an essential prerequisite to a relationship.

19到23歲期間,男性傾向自己買內褲,一年多達31件,因為相信穿新內褲是有女友的重要先決條件。

Buying declines gradually to zero between 23 and 33, because most men are in stable relationships and leave the shopping to their partners, unless they are still on the prowl.

23到33歲之間購買率逐漸下降到零,因為多數男性都處於穩定的關係,會讓伴侶來買內褲,除非他們還在尋尋覓覓。

"Our research shows that you can tell when a man is looking for a partner by the number of new underpants they buy for themselves," said Debenhams Head of Men’s Accessories Buying, Rob Faucherand. If he buys more than 31 pairs every year then he’s either still trying desperately to impress the woman in his life -- or else she’s not The One."

Debenhams的男性配件部門主任佛切蘭表示:「我們的研究顯示,你可以從男人為自己買新內褲的數目,來辨別一個男人是否正在尋找伴侶,如果他們每年買超過31件內褲,他們不是拚命要吸引女性,就是現在的女朋友不是真命天女。」

新聞辭典

underpants:名詞,內褲,下文的knickers意同。

entice:動詞,慫恿、引誘。例句:The adverts entice the customer into buying things they don’t really want.(這些廣告慫恿消費者買他們並非真想要的東西。)

prowl: 名詞/動詞,尋覓,覓食,徘徊。例句:Unable to sleep, he prowled (= walked without purpose) about/around the hotel corridors. (他沒辦法入睡,在旅館走廊徘徊。)

Don’t transfer my call to someone else.不要把電話轉給別人

對話
Hannah:GJK Home Appliances, Hannah speaking.
漢娜:GJK 家電,我是漢娜。
Betty:Hello, I bought a washing machine from you just three months ago, and it’s already broken down four times. I would like to speak to the manager, please.
貝蒂:妳好,我3個月前才向貴公司買了台洗衣機,這台機器已經故障了4次。我想和貴公司的經理談談。
Hannah:Oh, let me put you through to the Repairs Department.
漢娜:喔,讓我幫妳轉維修部門。
Betty:No, don’t transfer my call to someone else. I want to speak to the manager directly.
貝蒂:不,不要把電話轉給別人。我要直接和經理講話。
Hannah:He’s actually in a meeting at the moment.
漢娜:事實上他現在正在開會。
Betty:I don’t care. I want to speak to someone in charge immediately.
貝蒂:我不管。我要立刻和負責人談。

本篇關鍵句

◎Don’t transfer my call to another person.(不要把電話轉給別人。)
= Don’t put me through to someone else.
對話中來電者買到的洗衣機頻頻故障,因此打電話客訴,此時,要表示想直接與某人談話,而不希望對方將電話轉給其他人或一直等候,可使用下列各句:
Don’t put me through to anyone else other than the person in charge.(不要將電話轉給負責人以外的任何人。)
Don’t put me on hold.(不要讓我在電話裡等。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎appliance n.家用器具(尤指家電用品)
例:The store sells a wide range of household appliances.(這家店販售各式各樣的家電用品。)
◎break down故障
例:Our car broke down on the freeway.(我們的車在高速公路上拋錨了。)
◎repair n.修理
◎in charge負責管理,掌管

Fruit and Veg Skyline 用蔬果重現天際線

A photographer has recreated London’s iconic skyline using 26 different types of fruit and vegetables, with stunning results. Carl Warner and a team of five model makers spent three weeks crafting the edible panorama and series of landmarks to promote healthy eating.

1名攝影師以26種不同蔬果,重現倫敦代表性的天際線,得到驚人的成果。卡爾華納和1組5名模型師,花了3星期,精心製作這個可吃的倫敦全景和一系列地標,以推廣健康飲食。

2009/11/18

Netherlands to levy ’green’ road tax by the kilometer 荷蘭將以行車里程課徵「綠色」道路稅

◎魏國金

The Dutch government said it wants to introduce a "green" road tax by the kilometer from 2012 aimed at cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 10 percent and halving congestion.

荷蘭政府指出,從2012年起,希望推行依行車公里計算的「綠色」道路稅,以期減少二氧化碳排放量10%,並使塞車情形減半。

The Cabinet approved a bill calling for drivers of an average passenger car to pay a base rate of 0.03 euro per kilometer, beginning in 2012. Drivers of heavier, more polluting vehicles will pay more, and the cost will go up for driving in peak hours.

荷蘭內閣通過一項議案,要求普通客車的駕駛人於2012年開始,支付每公里0.03歐元的基本稅率。車子較重、污染較大的駕駛人將付更多費用,在尖峰時段開車的成本將攀升。

GPS will track the time, hour and place each car moves and send the data to a billing agency.

衛星定位系統將追蹤每部車開動的時刻、時數與地方,並發送資料到一個計費單位。

But the annual road tax and purchase tax for new cars will be abolished, reducing the price of a new car 25 percent, the Transport Ministry said.

不過年度公路稅與新車購買稅將廢除,如此減少新車價格25%,運輸部指出。

Nearly 6 out of 10 drivers will benefit under the system, the ministry said, but government revenue would remain the same. Public transportation, including taxis, will be exempt.

10名駕駛人中近6人將受惠於此制度,運輸部說,然而政府稅收將維持一樣。公共運輸工具,包括計程車將免稅。

The ministry calculated that overall traffic will drop about 15 percent, peak-hour congestion will be halved, traffic deaths will fall 7 percent and carbon emissions from road travel will be cut by 10 percent.

運輸部估算整體交通量將下降15%,尖峰時刻的壅塞將減半,交通死亡案件將下降7%,並且交通產生的碳排放將減少達10%。

新聞辭典

levy︰動詞, 強索、徵收。例句︰The judge levied a $3 million fine against the factory for polluting the river.(法官因該工廠污染河流,處以300萬美元罰鍰。)

congestion︰名詞,壅塞、密集。例句︰I don’t like driving through Bangkok because there’s too much congestion.(我不喜歡在曼谷開車,因為交通太壅塞了。)

call for︰片語,要求、規定。例句︰The regulations call for working in three shifts.(章程規定按三班制工作。)

Could you transfer my call to the Advertising Department?

對話
Leo:Good morning, Jackson Publishing, Leo speaking.
里歐:早安,傑克森出版社,我是里歐。

Julie:Hello, Im calling from JMT Magazine. You purchased some advertising space from us, and I need to confirm some details with you.
茱莉:您好,我是從JMT雜誌社打過來的。你們向我們購買了一些廣告版面,我需要和你們確認一些細節。
Leo:Oh, I think you need to speak to someone from Advertising about that.
里歐:嗯,我想您需要和廣告部的人談這件事。
Julie:Could you transfer my call to the Advertising Department?
茱莉:您可以幫我轉給廣告部嗎?
Leo:Sure, let me find the number.
里歐:當然,讓我找一下電話。
Julie:Thank you.
茱莉:謝謝您。

本篇關鍵句

◎Could you transfer my call to the Advertising Department?(您可以幫我轉給廣告部嗎?)
要請對方替我們把電話轉給其他部門還有下列幾種說法:
Could you put me through to + 部門?
您可以幫我轉接給某部門嗎?
Could you put me through to Customer Service?There is something wrong with the product I just bought.(您可以幫我轉給客服部嗎?我剛買的產品有點問題。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎transfer vt.轉接(電話)
例:I need to speak with John Brown from the Sales Department. Could you transfer my call, please?(我有事要找業務部的約翰‧布朗談。你可以幫我轉接嗎?)
◎purchase vt.購買
例:Since I dont have time to go shopping, I usually purchase my clothes online.(由於我沒有時間去逛街,我通常上網買衣服。)
◎detail n.細節
in detail詳細地=at length

Wedding in the Graveyard

A gothic couple have become the first in the UK to have their wedding blessed in the graveyard of a cemetery. Samantha Smyth, 25, and husband Paul Adams, 33, invited 40 friends and family to the marriage blessing in Wisbech General Cemetery.

一對喜歡陰森氣氛的情侶,成為英國第一對在墓園墳場完婚的夫妻。25歲的史密斯和她33歲的先生亞當斯,邀請了40名親友見證這場在威士貝克大墓園的婚禮。

2009/11/17

Man paid for five years by company he didn’t work for 男子收到未上班公司的5年薪資

◎羅彥傑

A man has admitted banking more than £285,000 in pay over five years - from a company he never worked for.

一名男子坦承,把過去5年逾28萬5000英鎊的薪資存入銀行—這筆薪資來自一家他從未工作過的公司。

Anthony Armatys accepted a job with Avaya Inc., a New Jersey-based telecommunications company, in September 2002 - but then changed his mind.

安東尼.阿瑪提斯在2002年9月接受新澤西州一家電信公司Avaya的聘僱,但後來改變主意。

That change of mind never quite filtered through to the company’s computer system, however, which never removed his name from the payroll.

不過,這項變卦實際上從未回報至該公司的電腦系統,而電腦系統也從未將其從薪資名單中除名。

Paycheques were deposited into his bank account until February 2007, when Avaya’s auditors discovered the mistake. Over the course of nearly five years, Armatys had been paid over $470,000 by the company he didn’t work for.

薪資支票被存入他的銀行帳戶,直到2007年2月, Avaya的稽核人員才發現這項疏失。在這近5年期間,阿瑪提斯從這家自己未曾工作過的公司收到逾47萬美元。

Thirty-five-year-old Armatys, of Palatine, Illinois, pleaded guilty on Monday in New Jersey Superior Court to one count of theft as part of a plea bargain.

住在伊利諾州帕拉丁市、35歲的阿瑪提斯週一在新澤西高等法院,認了一件竊盜罪罪名,而這也是認罪協商的一部分。

Prosecutors are seeking a six-year prison term for the crime, plus restitution.

檢方正尋求對此犯罪求處6年徒刑,外加還錢。

新聞辭典

bank:名詞指銀行,這裡當動詞用,指把錢存入銀行。例句:The manager banks his salary.(這名經理把自己的薪水存入銀行。)

change one’s mind:片語,改變主意。例句:She changed her mind to withdraw her resignation.(她改變主意要撤回辭呈。)

filter through:片語,走漏、滲透或傳達至~。例句:The news filter through.(這件消息走漏了風聲。)

She can reach me at…

對話
Bill:Good morning, John Mayor Law Practice, Bill speaking.
比爾:約翰?梅爾律師事務所,早安,我是比爾。
Eric:Hello, may I speak to Cathy Larson, please?
艾瑞克:您好,請問凱西?拉森在嗎?

Bill:I’m afraid she hasn’t come in yet. Do you want to leave a message?
比爾:她恐怕還沒來。你要留言嗎?
Eric:Well, I’m Eric from DJK International, and I’m calling with regard to information on the Jennings case.
艾瑞克:是這樣的,我是DJK國際的艾瑞克,我打來是關於珍寧斯一案的消息。
Bill:I’ll have her call you as soon as she gets in.
比爾:她一進辦公室,我會馬上請她打電話給你。
Eric:Thanks. She can reach me at 2266-5555, extension 340.
艾瑞克:謝謝。她可以撥2266-5555與我聯絡,分機是340。

本篇關鍵句

◎She can reach me at…
她可以撥……與我聯絡。
要請對方回電,一定要將聯絡方式留給對方,或在一開頭就表明自己身分及聯絡電話:
This is + 人名 + calling from + 公司. My phone number is + 電話號碼.(我是某公司的某某人。我的電話是……。)
或請對方記下聯絡方式:
Can I give you my phone number and extension?(我可以給你我的電話號碼和分機嗎?)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎practice n.(律師、醫生的) 工作地點;執業
例:That lawyer has been in practice here for 20 years.(那位律師已經在這裡執業20 年了。)
◎with / in regard to… 有關……
=regarding…
例:I’m writing with regard to the contract you sent me yesterday.
=I’m writing regarding the contract you sent me yesterday.(我寫信是有關於你昨天寄給我的合約。)
◎international n.國際性企業/組織

Open Sesame 芝麻開門

A lion calmly took the rear-door handle between its teeth and pulled it open. For several seconds the car remained immobile as its occupants sat in stunned disbelief. Then the driver pulled away, with the lion in hot pursuit. The drama was played out at Lion Safari Park in Johannesburg, South Africa.

一隻獅子冷靜咬住門把,然後打開後車門。轎車紋風不動數秒,駕駛與乘客不敢置信、呆若木雞。接著駕駛加速駛離,獅子緊追不捨。這個戲劇化場景在南非約翰尼斯堡的野生獅園上演。

2009/11/16

Online auction site launches for rich and famous為富人名流推出的線上拍賣網站

◎管淑平

Millionaires down on their luck now have a place to sell their mega-yachts, super-cars and family jewels without having to resort to the pawn shop.

時運不濟的富翁現在不用上當舖也有地方可以賣他們的大遊艇、豪華汽車和傳家珠寶了。

An Internet auction site devoted to millionaires launches officially on Nov. 9. and is likely to profit from the worst recession in decades, which has extended its reach to the rich and famous in the United States, BillionaireXchange said.

一家專門為富豪設立的拍賣網站11月9日正式上線,有可能在這波已波及美國有錢人和名流的數十年來最糟經濟衰退中獲利,「富豪交易」網站說。

"Because of the current economic conditions in the U.S. we’re seeing a lot of people who need to actually trade out or trade down from some of their luxury items and facilitate that transaction somewhere discreetly and privately so that they don’t have to deal with the shame and or embarrassment of downgrade." Quintin Thompson, co-founder and executive partner of BillionaireXchange said.

「因為美國的當前經濟情況,我們看到一大堆人需要賣出或折價交換他們的一些奢侈品,而且是秘密、私下交易,讓他們不用面對身價貶值的羞恥或尷尬。」富豪交易共同創辦人、執行合夥人湯普森說。

Above all else, it aims for privacy and exclusivity, requiring of prospective members a minimum of $2 million in verifiable net worth.

最重要的是,是為了保有隱私和專屬性,要求有意願的會員可供查核的身價淨值至少要有兩百萬美元。

The company said its website aims to exploit a market niche between internet sales sites such as eBay, which are available to the general public, and auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s for fine art and collectibles.

這家公司表示,他們網站目標是在提供如一般大眾的銷售網站eBay,和蘇富比、佳士得等精緻藝術和收藏品拍賣公司之間,開創出市場商機。

掌握

◎新聞辭典:

down on one’s luck:形容詞片語,倒楣的。例句:He’s been so down on his luck since he quitted his job last year.(自從他去年辭掉工作後,就一直不走運。)

niche:名詞,利基、商機;(人或物)適當位置。She has found her niche in this business.(她已經找到她在這行的利基。)

above all else:副詞片語,最重要的。例句:He loves his family above all else.(他最愛他的家庭。)

Can you give him a message for me?

對話

Gina:Dazzle Dry Cleaner's, Gina speaking.
吉娜:耀眼乾洗店,我是吉娜。
Burt:Hello, can I speak to Mr. Kent, please?
伯特:妳好,請問我可以跟肯特先生說話嗎?
Gina:I'm afraid he's out on an errand.
吉娜:恐怕他出門辦事了。
Burt:Can you give him a message for me?
伯特:妳能幫我留言給他嗎?
Gina:Sure, no problem.
吉娜:當然可以,沒問題。
Burt:Can you tell him to be especially careful with my white sweater? It's made of Angora wool.
伯特:可以告訴他要特別小心處理我的白色毛衣嗎?那是安哥拉羊毛做的。

本篇關鍵句

Can you give him a message for me?妳能幫我留言給他嗎?
當你打電話要找的人不在,你想請接電話者幫你留言給他(她),這時你也可以這麼說:
.Can I leave a message for him?
(我能留言給他嗎?)
.Please give a message to him for me.
(請幫我留言給他。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎dry cleaner's n.乾洗店
.dry cleaning 乾洗
◎errand n.差事
.run errands 辦差事;跑腿
例:Sam had to run some errands today, so he took half a day off.
(山姆今天得去辦一些事,所以他請了半天假。
◎be careful with… 小心處理……
例:You should be careful with those chemicals.
(你要小心處理那些化學藥物。)
◎sweater n.毛衣
例:A pure wool sweater can keep you very warm.
(純羊毛的毛衣非常保暖。)
◎be made of…  由……製成(原料不變)
.be made from…由……製成(原料已變)

Gale Sweeps Man into Air 強風把人颳到半空中

It was the biggest storm of the year, ripping off roofs, causing widespread flooding... and sweeping this man three feet into the air.Last night the clean-up was beginning after Britain was battered by driving rain, lightning strikes and winds of up to 100mph.

這場今年最大的暴風雨,掀起屋頂、造成水患……還把這名男子颳到離地3呎(約91公分)處。在遭遇豪雨、閃電與時速高達100哩(160公里)的強風侵襲後,昨晚英國已展開善後工作。

2009/11/15

Thousands line up for last Big Mac in Iceland 數千名冰島人排隊搶購最後的大麥克漢堡

◎俞智敏

Thousands of Icelanders lined up at McDonald’s restaurants to order their last Big Macs before the U.S. fast-food chain abandons the crisis-hit island due to soaring costs.

數千名冰島人在麥當勞餐廳前大排長龍,目的是要搶購最後的大麥克漢堡,因為這家美國連鎖速食店因不堪成本暴增,已被迫棄守遭金融危機襲擊的冰島。

The world’s largest fast-food company said earlier that all three of its restaurants in Iceland would shut down October 31. The outlets have been packed since the announcement, with lines at one restaurant backing up out the door and onto the street.

這家全球最大速食公司先前表示,冰島的三間麥當勞餐廳會在10月31日關閉。自從這項消息宣布後,麥當勞餐廳就擠滿了顧客,其中一間餐廳的排隊人龍更一直排到門外的街道上。

Iceland has been reeling from the effects of the financial crisis since October 2008, when its banks collapsed in the space of a week under the weight of billions of dollars in debt.

冰島自2008年10月以來,一直飽受金融危機效應所苦,當時冰島的銀行因無法承擔數十億美元的債務,在一週內紛紛倒閉。

The fall of the banks sapped confidence in Iceland’s economy and sent its currency, the crown, into freefall. McDonald’s said the crown’s weakness was part of the reason for its withdrawal, along with the high cost of importing food from abroad.

銀行倒閉使市場對冰島的經濟失去信心,連帶造成冰島克朗的幣值大貶。麥當勞表示克朗貶值是該公司撤出冰島的原因之一,其他原因則包括從國外進口食物的成本過高。

In a nearby stationary store, Thora Sigurdardottir, a 35-year old nursing assistant, said she had no intention of going for a final McDonald’s meal. "Good riddance," she said.

在鄰近的文具店裡,35歲的護佐席古達多提則說,她並不想吃最後的麥當麥餐。「走了最好,」她說。

新聞辭典

reel:動詞,指使旋轉、搖晃或眩暈、震驚得無法行動,如We were reeling with the news that we had won all that money.(聽到贏了那麼多錢,我們簡直嚇暈了。)

freefall/free fall:名詞,指物體未受阻礙的自由落下,非正式用法中又可引申為迅速且持續地貶值或喪失氣力,如Only massive changes in government policies will prevent the peso going into free fall.(唯有政府推行重大改革,才能防止披索大幅貶值。)

good riddance (to bad rubbish):riddance為名詞,指擺脫、清除、解除,good riddance 則指很高興總算擺脫了某人或某事,如We’ve got rid of the old computer system, and good riddance to bad rubbish is what I say.(我們終於擺脫了舊電腦系統,真是謝天謝地。)

Please tell Rosa that……

對話
Tina:Hello, can I speak to Rosa?It's Tina here.
蒂娜:你好,請問羅莎在嗎?我是蒂娜。
Neil:Hi, Tina. She's just stepped out of the office for a minute. Do you want to leave a message?
尼爾:嗨,蒂娜。羅莎剛走出一下子。妳要留言嗎?

Tina:Yes. Please tell Rosa that we're still waiting for her signature on a couple of documents.
蒂娜:是的,請告訴羅莎說我們仍在等她簽署幾份文件。
Neil:OK, I'll let her know when she gets back.
尼爾:沒問題,她回來時我會告訴她。
Tina:Thanks.
蒂娜:謝謝。
Neil:No problem.
尼爾:不客氣。

本篇關鍵句

◎Please tell Rosa that…… 請告訴羅莎說……
若有重要事情需要留言,可使用下列句型:
Please tell/inform/remind +人+that子句  請告訴∕告知∕提醒某人……
例:Please inform Nick that I will be away on business next week.
(請告知尼克我下星期要出差。)
例:Please remind David that the meeting has been canceled.
(請提醒大衛會議已經取消了。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎step vi. 行走;踩
step out of the office 走出
例:I stepped aside to let the passengers get off the bus.
(我閃到一邊讓乘客下公車。)
◎signature n. 簽名
例:Someone forged my signature on that check.
(有人在那張支票上偽造我的簽名。)
◎couple n. 幾個
a couple of+複數名詞幾個∕一些……
例:Mr. James will be with you in a minute. There are a couple of things he has to deal with right now.
(詹姆士先生稍後就會來見你。他目前有幾件事要處理。)
◎No problem.不客氣∕沒問題

2009/11/14

Nanotech used to build cancer-detecting microchip/用奈米科技打造測癌微晶片

◎陳成良

University researchers have used nanomaterials to develop a microchip they say has enough sensitivity to detect early stage cancer when it is most treatable.

大學研究人員已利用奈米材料開發出一種微晶片,他們稱這種晶片靈敏度足以偵測到初期癌症,這時期的癌症幾乎都能治療。

Scientists at the University of Toronto reported that the chip not only detects cancer but also can detect the type and severity of it. The chip, built with nanowires, is designed to sense trace amounts of cancer biomarkers, which are biologic molecules that indicate the presence or progression of a disease.

多倫多大學的科學家指出,這種晶片不只能偵測癌症,還能偵測癌症種類及嚴重程度。這種以奈米線製成的晶片是設計來感應微量的癌生物標記,這是顯示疾病存在或進展的生物分子。

"Uniting DNA -- the molecule of life -- with speedy, miniaturized electronic chips is an example of cross-disciplinary convergence," said Ted Sargent, an engineering professor and lead investigator in the project, in a statement.

「以快速、微型化的電子晶片來結合(生命的分子)DNA,乃是跨學科統合的範例」,工程學系教授、也是該研究計畫首席調查人員泰德.薩金特在一項聲明中說。

At the University of Toronto, the microchip has so far been tested on prostate cancer, but is expected to detect other cancers, as well as to diagnose and assess other infectious diseases, like HIV and the H1N1 flu.

在多倫多大學,這種微晶片至今已對攝護腺癌進行測試,但預料也將測試其他癌症,以及對愛滋病毒及H1N1流感等傳染性疾病進行診斷及評估。

新聞詞典 Dictionary

trace amounts of :片語,微量的。trace在此為名詞,指「絲毫、微量」。trace elements則是「微量元素」。

miniaturize:動詞,使微型化。miniaturized(小型化的),例句:

L.E.D.’s - which stand for light-emitting diodes - are miniaturized light bulbs illuminated by a flow of electrons. (LED,也就是發光二極體,是利用電子流發光的小型燈泡。)

cross-disciplinary:形容詞,跨學科的;跨領域的。用法如: cross-disciplinary courses(通識課程)。

Telephone Message

對話

For:Sarah Kennedy
留言對象:莎拉?甘迺迪
Date:November 14, 2009
日期:2009年11月14日
Time:10:45 a.m.
時間:早上10點45分
From:Peter Mitchell
留言者:彼得?米歇爾
Company:Roland Catering
公司:羅蘭外燴公司
Phone Number:2257-7833
電話:2257-7833
Re:He wants to know if we have decided on the menu yet. They need to start making preparations soon.
留言內容:他想知道我們決定菜單了沒。他們需要儘快做準備。
Message taken by:Richard Parker
留話者:李察?派克
本篇關鍵句

在辦公室中,當同事不在時,替同事接聽電話並記錄留言是經常遇到的事。以下是填寫電話留言單時幾項必要的資訊:
.For / To
來電者要找的人、留言對象
.Date來電日期
.Time來電時間
.From來電者、留言者
關鍵字彙與片語

◎catering n.外燴承辦
例:The catering company provides services for events ranging from birthday parties to banquets.
(那家外燴公司提供的服務從生日派對到正式宴會都有。)
.cater to...  迎合……
例:The hotel caters to people that want to go on vacation with their pets.
(那家飯店迎合想帶寵物度假的人士。)
◎decide on...
選定……,決定選擇……
例:It was difficult for us to decide on which restaurant to go to.
(我們很難決定去哪一家餐廳。)
◎menu n.菜單
◎preparation n.準備
.make preparations for…
替……作準備

Cute Penguin Photographer

This group of Emperor penguins seemed to have the whole process in hand - or flipper - after taking over a camera and tripod that were left on the ice in Antarctica. One of them peered through the viewfinder with a beady eye, and others organised themselves in a family group with children at the front.Daily Mail

企鵝攝影師

這群國王企鵝發現了這組被遺留在南極洲上的相機和三角架後,似乎已玩得很上手,其中一隻伸長了嘴從鏡頭望出去,其他的企鵝則在鏡頭前擺姿勢,甚至拍起全家福。

2009/11/13

Kobayashi reclaims world hamburger-eating title/小林尊重拾世界漢堡大胃王頭銜

◎張沛元

Japanese speed-eating legend Takeru Kobayashi defeated his arch-rival and reigning champ Joey Chestnut to reclaim the world hamburger eating title Sunday at the Krystal Square Off World Hamburger Eating Championship in Chattanooga, Tenn.

日本的競食傳奇人物小林尊,週日在美國田納西州查塔努加的「Krystal對決吃漢堡世界錦標賽」中,擊敗宿敵與現任冠軍喬伊.卻斯納,重拾世界漢堡大胃王頭銜。

The 31-year-old from Japan earned a score of 93 Krystal hamburgers in eight minutes, setting a world record under a new no-dunking rule established by The Krystal Company. Chestnut, of San Jose, Calif, finished second with 81.

31歲、來自日本的小林尊以在8分鐘內吃下93個Krystal漢堡獲勝,並在Krystal公司訂定的禁止浸泡漢堡的新規定下,締造一項新的世界紀錄。來自加州聖荷西的卻斯納以吃下81個漢堡屈居第2。

Kobayashi’s victory over Chestnut puts him back on top of the sport he brought into the American mainstream more than eight years ago, only to see his star fall the past three years following several high-profile losses, including a loss to Chestnut at last year’s championship in Chattanooga.

小林尊因擊敗卻斯納而得以重返這項他在8年多前引入美國主流的休閒活動的顛峰。過去3年來,小林尊在多場受人矚目的重要比賽失利,包括在去年的查塔努加比賽中敗給卻斯納,以致星輝蒙塵黯淡。

新聞辭典

reclaim: 動詞,收回,取回。例句:Serena Williams reclaimed her world No. 1 ranking with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova in the second round of the China Open on Tuesday.(小威廉絲週二在中國公開賽第2輪以6比3、6比2擊敗俄羅斯的瑪卡洛娃,重登世界排名第一寶座。)

legend:名詞,傳奇;傳奇人物。

arch- rival:名詞,主要對手,同arch rival。例句:Pakistan’s military chief on Wednesday said that a test by India of a sea-based nuclear-capable missile would start a new arms race between the South Asian arch rivals.(巴基斯坦軍事首長週三表示,印度測試可攜帶核子彈頭的海基飛彈,會在這兩個南亞宿敵之間引發新一波軍備競賽。)

I’ll give him the message as soon as he gets home.

課文
Maggie:Hello, this is Maggie. Can I speak to David, please?
瑪姬:妳好,我是瑪姬。請問大衛在嗎?
Ellen:I’m afraid he’s at soccer practice. Do you want to leave a message?
艾倫:恐怕他現在正在練足球。妳要留言嗎?
Maggie:Yes, can you tell him that tonight’s study group will be held at Lisa’s house instead of mine?
瑪姬:是的,可以請妳轉告他今晚的讀書會地點改在麗莎家,而不在我家嗎?
Ellen:Sure, I’ll let him know.
艾倫:沒問題,我會告訴他。
Maggie:It’s really important that he gets the message. I wouldn’t want him to flunk his math test tomorrow.
瑪姬:這真的很重要,請務必讓他知道這個訊息。我不希望他明天的數學考試沒通過。
Ellen:Sure, I’ll give him the message as soon as he gets home.
艾倫:好的,他一回家我就會告訴他這個留言。

單字片語

●I’ll give him the message as soon as he gets home.(他一回家我就會告訴他這個留言。)
為了讓來電者放心,可以如關鍵句所述「一回家就告訴他」,向他保證會「儘快」轉達留言給對方。你還可以使用以下說法:
I’ll make John call you back as soon as he gets into the office.(約翰一進辦公室,我就會請他回電給你。)

關鍵字彙與片語

●practice n.練習,訓練
bat vi.揮棒
例:We often do some batting practice before our baseball games.(我們在棒球比賽前通常都會先練習揮棒。)
●flunk vt.沒通過(考試)
例:If Cindy flunks chemistry again, she might get thrown out of school.(如果這次辛蒂化學再不及格,她可能會被退學。)

2009/11/12

Cannabis may prevent osteoporosis 大麻或能預防骨質疏鬆

◎鄭寺音

Researchers looking at the effects of cannabis on bones have found its impact varies dramatically with age. The study found that while the drug may reduce bone strength in the young, it could protect against osteoporosis, a weakening of the bones, in later life.

研究大麻對骨骼影響的研究人員發現,大麻的影響隨著年紀顯著不同。研究發現,雖然大麻可能讓年輕人的骨骼強度降低,但也可能預防往後出現骨骼強度減弱的骨質疏鬆。

The results were uncovered by a team at the University of Edinburgh who compared the drug’s effects on mice.

此一結果是由愛丁堡大學團隊,比較這種毒品對老鼠的影響後所發現。

The group found that cannabis can activate a molecule found naturally in the body that is key to the development of osteoporosis.

團隊發現,大麻可讓體內自然存在的一種分子活化,這種分子是導致骨質疏鬆的關鍵。

When the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) comes into contact with cannabis, it has an impact on bone regeneration. However, until now, it was not clear whether the drug had a positive or negative effect.

當第一型大麻素受體(CBI)與大麻接觸時,會對骨質再生有影響,但目前為止,並不清楚這種毒品是有正面還是負面的影響。

Researchers, funded by the Arthritis Research Campaign, investigated this using mice which lacked the CB1 receptor. The scientists then used compounds - similar to those in cannabis - that activated the CB1 receptor.

「關節炎研究運動」資助的研究人員,以缺乏大麻素受體的老鼠來進行調查,接著使用類似於大麻中的化合物,來活化大麻素受體。

They found that compounds increased the rate at which bone tissue was destroyed in the young. Despite this, the study also showed that the same compounds decreased bone loss in older mice and prevented the accumulation of fat in the bones, which is known to occur in humans with osteoporosis.

他們發現,化合物加速摧毀了年輕人的骨骼組織。儘管如此,這份研究也顯示,一些化合物降低年紀較大的老鼠的骨質流失,預防骨骼中的脂肪積累,骨質疏鬆患者的骨骼中已知會有脂肪積累現象。

新聞辭典

vary: 動詞,不同、變化。例句:My taste in classical music varies greatly, but I usually prefer Mozart or Brahms.(我對古典音樂的品味多變,不過通常我偏好莫札特或布拉姆斯。)

activate: 動詞,活化、刺激。例句:In order to activate market purchasing power, the two companies decided to lower the price to jointly sell some of the stock goods.(為了刺激市場購買力,這兩家公司決定降價,聯合促銷部分庫存。)

regeneration:名詞,再生,動詞為regenerate。

Could you give me another contact number just in case?

對話

Anna:Hello, is this Jill?Its Mrs. Hamley here.
安娜:妳好,是吉兒嗎?我是漢利太太。
Jill:Hi, Mrs. Hamley.
吉兒:嗨,漢利太太。
Anna:Im just calling to make sure that you will be over to babysit at 7:00 p.m. tonight.
安娜:我只是打來確認妳今晚7點會來幫忙帶小孩。
Jill:Yes, I will be there at seven sharp.
吉兒:對,我7點整會到。
Anna:If there are any problems, you can reach me at work.
安娜:如果有什麼問題的話,妳可以打到公司找我。
Jill:OK, but could you give me another contact number just in case?
吉兒:好,但為了以防萬一,妳能給我另一個聯絡電話嗎?

本篇關鍵句

◎Could you give me another contact number just in case?(為了以防萬一,妳能給我另一個聯絡電話嗎?)
當你需要對方的聯絡方式,除了原本已知的聯絡電話,你想問其他的電話號碼,可以這麼說:
.Could you give me your cell phone number, too?(你可以把手機號碼也給我嗎?)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎babysitvi.當臨時保母
例:I have an appointment tonight, so I need somebody to babysit for me.(我今晚有個約會,所以需要有人幫我帶小孩。)
.babysitter n.臨時保母
例:The babysitter is very patient with the kids.(這位保母對小孩很有耐心。)
◎sharpn.……整(指時刻)
例:Didnt I tell you that the movie starts at eight o'clock sharp?(我不是告訴過你電影準8點整上映嗎?)
◎(just) in case以防萬一
例:Although it looks like a nice day, youd better take an umbrella just in case.(雖然今天看起來是好天氣,但是你最好帶把傘以防萬一。)

2009/11/11

SKorean woman passes driving test on 950th attempt 第950次嘗試南韓婦女通過駕照筆試

◎魏國金

A 68-year-old woman in South Korea has passed the written test for her driving licence after 950 attempts.

南韓一名68歲婦女在950次的嘗試後,已通過駕照筆試。

Cha Sa-Soon finally scored the 60 percent required after sitting the exam nearly every day since April 2005, said officials at the drivers’ licensing agency in Jeonju.

自2005年4月以來幾乎每天應考的車七順(譯音),終於獲得及格所要求的60分,全州駕照監理處的官員指出。

Yonhap news agency said she had spent more than five million won in the process. But it’s not over yet for Cha, who has to take the road driving part of the test before she can be given a licence.

南韓聯合通訊社說,在此過程中,她已耗費逾500萬韓元。但對車女士而言,這尚未結束,在能獲發駕照前,她必須參加路考。

"I felt so ashamed of myself for failing so many times but I simply could not give it up," Cha told Yonhap. "My four children were overjoyed at the news that I finally passed it," she said.

「落榜這麼多次,我感到非常難為情,但我就是不能放棄,」車女士告訴聯合通訊社說。「我的4個孩子對於我終於通過筆試的消息欣喜若狂,」她說。

"I still have to pass the real driving test but I think it will be easier for me to pass than the paper test," she said, adding that she needed a driver’s licence for her vegetable-selling business.

她說:「我仍然必須通過真正的駕駛測驗,但我認為,這對我而言,將比通過筆試容易。」她補充說,為了賣菜生意,她需要一張駕照。

新聞辭典

sit the exam︰參加考試。英式英文中,sit有應考之意,例句︰He’s sitting his bar finals.(他正參加律師資格考的複試。)

ashamed︰形容詞,慚愧的、害臊的。I’m ashamed for you.(我為你感到慚愧。)

overjoyed︰形容詞,萬分高興的,例句︰She was overjoyed to see me.(她見到我非常高興。)字首over有超過、超越之意,例如overpressure(過大的壓力。)

Can you spell your last name for me?

對話
Mark:Good morning, Preston Printers, Mark speaking. How may I help you?
馬克:早安,普雷斯頓印刷廠,我是馬克。我能為您效勞嗎?
Stuart:Hello, I'd like to speak to Ms. Lane, please.
史都華:你好,麻煩你,我想找蘭恩女士。
Mark:She's on another line at the moment. Can I take down your name and number and have her get back to you?
馬克:她正在接聽另一線電話。我可以記下您的大名和電話號碼,再請她回電給您嗎?
Stuart:Yes, that's Stuart Winters at 2777-3888.
史都華:好的,我的名字是史都華?溫特斯,電話是 2777-3888。
Mark:Can you spell your last name for me?
馬克:您可以拼一下您的姓氏給我嗎?
Stuart:Yes, that's W-I-N-T-E-R-S.
史都華:好的,W-I-N-T-E-R-S。

本篇關鍵句

◎Can you spell your last name for me?
您可以拼一下您的姓氏給我嗎?
請對方拼出姓名,你可用下列句子:
.Could you spell your name, please?(可以請你拼一下你的名字嗎?)
.How do you spell your last name, please? (請問你的姓氏怎麼拼呢?)
.Would you spell your last name again, please? (麻煩再請你拼一次你的姓氏,好嗎?。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎linen.電話線路
.on another line在另一通電話上
例:I was talking to Peter when the line suddenly went dead.(我和彼得在講電話時,電話突然斷線了。)
◎take down sth 寫下∕記下某事
=write down sth
=jot down sth
◎get back to sb
回覆某人的來電∕信件
例:Will you make it to my party on Saturday? Please get back to me as soon as possible.(你周六能來我的派對嗎?請儘快回覆。)
◎last name姓氏
=family name
=surname

2009/11/10

Fiddler crabs exchange sex for survival 招潮蟹用性愛換取生存

◎羅彥傑

In the world of fiddler crabs, the best form of protection for females is, apparently, having sex with the neighbors, according to an Australian study published Wednesday.

在招潮蟹的世界裡,女性尋求保護的最好方式,顯然就是和鄰居做愛,根據週三公佈的一項澳洲研究指出。

Researchers from The Australian National University in Canberra found male fiddler crabs will happily defend a nearby female against intruders-partly because the females will dole out sex in return.

坎培拉澳洲國立大學的研究人員發現,公的招潮蟹會很樂於保護鄰近母蟹抵擋入侵者—部分是因為母蟹將提供性愛做為回報。

"The fact that the neighbor comes over and helps to defend another territorial individual is pretty unusual," said Michael Jennions, who helped conduct the study, the results of which were published in the journal Biology Letters.

「鄰居過來幫忙抵擋另一隻本地蟹,這件事非常罕見,」協助進行這項研究的麥可.傑尼恩斯說。這項研究的結果刊登在「生物學通訊」期刊上。

"This study shows, for the first time, that in exchange for sex and other benefits, males protect their female neighbors from territory-seeking male intruders. The paper provides the first evidence of defense coalitions’ between territorial males and females," he said.

「這項研究首度顯示,透過換取性愛與其他好處,公蟹保護母鄰居免於遭到入侵公蟹來搶地盤。這份報告提供了地域性的公蟹與母蟹合組保護聯盟的首件例證,」他說。

新聞辭典

have sex with︰片語,與~發生性關係。例句︰ A university lecturer is accused of having sex with a 13-year-old girl he met online.(一名大學講師被控與網路上認識的13歲女孩發生性關係。)

dole out︰片語,(少量)發放、 發給。例句︰She dole him out one piece of cake.(她發給他一塊蛋糕。)

in exchange for︰片語,作為~的交換。例句︰He gave me an apple in exchange for ten dolloars(他給我一個蘋果換取10元。)

Would you like me to give your friend Maggie a message for you?

對話

Alex:Hello, Rivera Restaurant, Alex speaking. How may I help you?
艾力克斯:里維拉餐廳,您好,我是艾力克斯。有什麼我能為您服務的嗎?
Linda:I’m supposed to be having lunch with my friend Maggie there at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon. I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to make it, but I can’t reach her on her cell phone.
琳達:我原本今天下午一點和一位叫瑪姬的朋友約在這裡吃飯。但我恐怕沒辦法趕到,而我打手機也聯絡不到她。
Alex:Would you like me to give your friend Maggie a message for you?
艾力克斯:請問您要我幫您留言給您的朋友瑪姬嗎?
Linda:Yes, please tell her that I’m terribly sorry, but something urgent has come up.
琳達:是的,請告訴她我真的非常抱歉,但是臨時有急事發生。
Alex:OK, I will let her know. And may I ask who made the booking?
艾力克斯:好的,我會轉告她。請問是誰訂的位?
Linda:It was me, Linda Larson.
琳達:是我,琳達.萊森。

本篇關鍵句

◎Would you like me to give your friend Maggie a message for you?
請問您要我幫您留話給您的朋友瑪姬嗎?
詢問對方是否要留言的基本用法:
.Would you like to leave a message?請問您要留言嗎?
比較複雜的說法,你還可以說:
.Would you like to leave a message for sb?
你想要留言給某人嗎?

關鍵字彙與片語

◎be supposed to V 應該要……
例:I was supposed to call Daniel to discuss the case, but I forgot.(我原本應該打電話給丹尼爾討論這個案子,但我忘記了。)
◎make it 及時趕到
.make it to + 地方∕場合
及時趕到某地∕某場合
◎come up發生(= happen)

2009/11/09

’Sextortion’ pushes Letterman into spotlight 「性勒索」讓賴特曼成為焦點

◎管淑平

For someone who seems to go to great lengths to keep his private life away from prying eyes, late-night talk show host David Letterman has seen a great deal of his personal life become public.

對一個似乎不遺餘力避免私生活遭窺探的人來說,深夜談話性節目主持人大衛.賴特曼見識到了他的私生活被大量公開。

The latest, an alleged extortion attempt involving his sexual dalliances, was handled very much the way Letterman fans might expect:with humor and a bit of storytelling.

對最新的這起事件,一樁據稱與他偷腥有關的勒索案處理方式,也非常符合賴特曼迷期待的方式:幽默中帶有一點說故事的味道。

"He told it as a story that he immediately won your sympathy," said Hal Boedeker, TV critic for the Orlando Sentinel. "He also took the seedy factor out of it with restraint by not saying too much and trying to protect the people he was involved with."

「他把它當成一個故事說出來,立刻贏得你的同情」,奧蘭多守望報電視評論家波德克說,「他也藉由點到為止並試圖保護和他扯上關係的人,自制地將這件事骯髒的成份拿掉。」

The 62-year-old Letterman revealed on his show that he’d had sexual relations with members of his staff and that he had testified about those liaisons before a New York grand jury for a case involving the alleged attempted extortion.

62歲的賴特曼在他的節目中揭露,他曾與下屬發生性關係,也已經為了一樁宣稱與勒索有關的案件在紐約大陪審團前作證說出這些私通關係。

The Alleged Extortionist, CBS producer Robert Halderman, has been charged. Officials said he threatened to go public with Letterman’s dalliances unless Letterman paid $2 million.

傳聞中勒索的人,哥倫比亞廣播公司製作人哈德曼,已經被起訴。官員說,他威脅賴特曼付兩百萬美元,否則將把賴特曼的姦情公諸於世。

新聞辭典

sextortion: 名詞,由sex(性)和extortion(勒索)兩字結合而成,指利用性醜聞進行勒索。例句:His cheating on his wife leads to this sextortion case.(他背著老婆偷情導致這起性勒索案。)

dalliance:名詞,玩票性質的性關係;閒混。例句:She indulges in the dalliance with her gardner.(她縱情於與她園丁私通。)

go to great lengths to:動詞片語,非常努力去達成某種成果。例句:He has gone to great lengths to get things done right.(他已經非常努力把事情做好。)

Do you know how I can reach him?

對話
Laura:Hello, can I speak to Bob, please?It’s Laura from Human Resources.
蘿拉:妳好,請問鮑伯在嗎?我是人資部的蘿拉。
Susan:He’s out visiting a client at the moment. What seems to be the problem?
蘇珊:他現在外出拜訪客戶。請問有什麼事嗎?
Laura:I need to ask him an urgent question about the payroll. Do you know how I can reach him?
蘿拉:我現在有個關於薪水名冊很緊急的問題要問他。妳知道我要如何跟他聯絡嗎?
Susan:Why don’t you try contacting him on his cell phone?
蘇珊:妳何不打他的手機試試看?
Laura:Could you give me the number, please?
蘿拉:妳可以給我他的電話號碼嗎?
Susan:Sure, it’s 0976-577-990.
蘇珊:當然,號碼是0976-577-990。

本篇關鍵句

●Do you know how I can reach him?(妳知道我要如何跟他聯絡嗎?)
當對方不在時,你可以問接電話的人是否有其他聯絡對方的方式,除了上述關鍵句,你還可以說:
Could you tell me where I can reach him / her?
(請問我在哪裡可以聯絡到他∕她?)
It’s an emergency. Is there any way for me to reach him / her?(我有急事。有什麼方我可以聯絡到他∕她嗎?)

關鍵字彙與片語

●human resources n.人力資源部,人事部(恆為複數,可縮寫為HR)
●payroll n.薪資名冊
薪資發放總額
be on the payroll 被僱用
例:The temp will be on the payroll until next June.(那名約聘員工會工作到明年6月。)
have + 數字 + people on the payroll 有若干位員工
例:This company has 700 people on the payroll.(這家公司有700位員工。)
●contact vt. & n.聯絡
keep in contact with...
和……保持聯絡

2009/11/08

Do you know when he will be back from vacation?

Helen:IT Department, Helen speaking.
海倫:資訊部,我是海倫。
Harriet:Hi, this is Harriet. I was wondering if Luke has returned.
海麗特:你好,我是海麗特,我想知道路克回來了沒。
Helen:I'm afraid he's still away on vacation.
海倫:恐怕他還在休假。
Harriet:Do you know when he will be back from vacation? He changed the settings on my computer the other day, and now I can't seem to get anything to print.
海麗特:妳知道他什麼時候度完假回來上班嗎?他前幾天更改了我電腦上的設定,現在我好像不能印東西了。
Helen:He won't be back until the day after tomorrow. Perhaps I could take a look at it for you instead?
海倫:他要後天才會回來。或許我能幫妳看看?
Harriet:That would be great. Thanks very much.
海麗特:那就太好了。非常感謝。

本篇關鍵句

當你打電話要找人,而對方剛好去度假或休假不在,這時你可以詢問接電話者對方什麼時候回來上班,以便再撥電話過來。這時你也可以這麼說:
例:When will he / she be returning to the office?(他∕她何時會回來上班?)
例:When is he / she expected to return?(他∕她預計何時回來上班?)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎wonder vt. 想知道,納悶
例:I wonder who is going to handle all the technical problems when Sam is on leave.(我想知道山姆休假的時候,誰要來處理所有這些技術問題。)
.be on leave 休假中
◎on vacation 度假中
例:I'll be on vacation in Greece next month.(下個月我會到希臘度假。)
◎the other day 前幾天(用於過去式)
例:I bumped into my ex-boyfriend the other day.(我前幾天無意中遇見前男友。)
◎instead adv. 作為替代
例:The manager couldn't attend the meeting, so Mark went instead.(經理不克出席會議,所以馬克代替。)
.instead of…… 取代……;而非……

My love is like a blue, blue rose 吾愛像朵藍玫瑰?

◎俞智敏

The blue rose has long been referred to by horticulturalists as the "Holy Grail" of the plant breeding world. Now what is being described as the world’s first genetically-modified blue rose is about to hit flower shops in Japan.

藍玫瑰一直被園藝專家們視為育種界的「聖杯」。但現在一種被形容為全球第一種經過基因改造的藍玫瑰即將出現在日本的花店裡。

A Japanese firm has announced it will be the first to put the unique flower on sale to the public - at a not-to-be-sniffed-at 2,000 and 3,000 yen per stem, about 10 times more expensive than normal.

一家日本公司宣布將首次讓這種獨特的花朵上市,價格則是一般人只能遠觀、不可褻玩的高貴,一枝要價2000至3000日圓,大約是一般玫瑰的10倍。

Genetically, there is no natural blue pigmentation in the rose to allow a true blue rose to be bred by conventional methods. But in 2004, whisky distiller Suntory said it had succeeded in developing natural blue roses.

就基因上而言,玫瑰並沒有天然的藍色素,可使用傳統方式培育出真正的藍玫瑰。但在2004年,威士忌酒商三得利公司表示已成功研發出天然的藍玫瑰。

With Australian biotech company Florigene, it said it spliced into roses the gene that leads to the synthesis of the blue pigment Delphinidin in petunias.

在與澳洲Florigene生技公司合作下,三得利公司表示已把一種能讓牽牛花合成藍色色素飛燕草素的基因,與玫瑰的基因相結合。

Helen Bostock, a horticulture advisor at the UK’s Royal Horticultural Society, says that while a true-blue rose sounds fabulous, it could stand out like a "sore thumb".

英國皇家園藝學會的園藝顧問波斯塔克女士則認為,儘管真正的藍玫瑰聽起來很吸引人,但卻可能顯得格格不入。

She is doubtful that a blue rose would be anything other than a novelty. "A red rose signifies passion, but blue is a bit cold in my book."

她很懷疑藍玫瑰除了新奇外還能有什麼其他意義。「紅玫瑰象徵熱情,但就我看來,藍色實在有點不討喜。」

新聞辭典

Holy Grail:

名詞,傳說中耶穌在最後晚餐中所使用的聖杯,小寫時常指極難找到或取得的東西。例句:Sustained nuclear fusion is the holy grail of the power industry.(持續核融合是核能工業最終極的目標。)

stand out/stick out like a sore thumb:片 語,指因與周遭環境格格不入而引起注意。例句:Kenny stuck out like a sore thumb at the party. He was the only person wearing a suit and a tie.(肯尼在派對裡引人側目,他是全場唯一一個穿西裝打領帶的人。)

in my book:片語,(非正式用法)指依我的看法、我認為。例句:She’s never lied to me, and in my book that counts for a lot.(她從不曾對我說謊,我認為這可算得上彌足珍貴。)

2009/11/07

Left-handed underpants on sale 左撇子男內褲上市

◎陳成良

A British store is launching a range of underpants for left-handed men, an innovation it says will save them both time and embarrassment in front of the porcelain.

英國一家商店將推出一系列專為男性左撇子設計的內褲,商店稱這一創新可以有效解除他們小便時的費力和尷尬。

The new range, by UK-based Hom, will have a horizontal opening instead of a vertical slit accessed from the right-hand side, breaking a tradition that has lasted for 75 years.

由英國「Hom」公司推出的這種新式內褲,把傳統內褲靠右手處的垂直開口改為水平開口,打破了延續75年的傳統。

"In our view, this is a vital step toward equality for left-handed men," said Rob Faucherand of Debenhams store.

「在我們看來,這是為男性左撇子爭取平等的重要一步,」Debenhams百貨公司的羅伯.佛薛蘭德說。

Almost 10 percent of British men are believed to be left handed but men’s Y-fronted underpants have traditionally had a right-handed opening from the time they were invented in 1935.

據信近10%的英國男性是左撇子,但前面有(倒)Y字形縫線的男性三角內褲自1935年發明以來,傳統上只在右手邊設計開口。

"As a result," Debenhams said, "left-handed men have to reach much further into their pants, performing a Z shaped maneuver through two 180 degree angles before achieving the result that right handed men perform with ease."

「其結果是」,Debenhams百貨公司說,「男性左撇子必須把手更深入褲中,再以Z字形動作拐兩個180度的彎才能完成撒尿動作,而對於慣用右手的人來說,這輕而易舉。」

The new pants mean that left handed men can finally go to the bathroom as quickly and efficiently as their right-handed colleagues, the store said.

新內褲的推出意味左撇子男人終於可以和右撇子一樣快速又有效率地上廁所,這家百貨公司說。

新聞辭典

porcelain:名詞,瓷器,在本文中是指「小便斗」。in front of the porcelain(在小便斗之前)即為男性小便的含蓄說法。

Y-fronted underpants:前面有倒Y字形縫線的男性三角內褲,1935年首度問世。

colleague:名詞,同事;同僚;同行。例句:Jack is getting along very well with his colleagues. (傑克跟他的同事相處得很好。)

2009/11/06

5 Wash. bikini baristas accused of prostitution5名華盛頓州比基尼咖啡西施被控賣淫

◎張沛元

Five Washington state baristas charged customers to touch their breasts and buttocks at an espresso stand where servers wear bikinis to draw business, police said.

警方表示,華盛頓州一家以服務生穿比基尼作為生意號召的義大利濃縮咖啡小舖的5名「咖啡西施」,向觸摸她們的胸部與臀部的客人收取費用。

The five were charged Wednesday with prostitution.

這5人週三被控賣淫。

Charging money for that kind of touching falls under the city’s definition of prostitution.

藉由這類觸摸行為索費,在該市形同賣淫。

The Everett Herald reports the women were charging up to $80 to strip down while fixing lattes and mochas.

艾佛列特先鋒報報導,這些女子邊準備拿鐵與摩卡時,邊收取多達80美元的脫衣費。

During a two-month investigation, detectives also saw the women lick whipped cream off each other and pose naked for pictures at the Grab-n-Go Espresso stand in Everett, about 30 miles north of Seattle.

在歷時2個月的調查期間,探員還在這家位於西雅圖以北約30英里的艾佛列特的「拿了就走義大利濃縮咖啡舖」,看到這些女子互相舔掉生奶油與裸身供人拍照。

Owner Bill Wheeler told KCPQ-TV employees sign a policy prohibiting the kind of behavior alleged by police. He said anyone caught doing anything illegal would be fired.

店東比爾.魏勒告訴KCPQ電視台,旗下員工都簽名承諾禁止從事警方所指控的這類行為。他說,任何人被逮到從事違法之舉,就會被炒魷魚。

新聞辭典

barista:名詞,在咖啡吧製作與販賣咖啡的人。本文中的barista是bikini-cladded barista,類似台灣的檳榔西施,因此譯為咖啡西施。

charge: 動詞,收費;控告。例句:Salespersons who charged customers for free-of-charge services were charged of extortion.(在免費服務上向客人收費的售貨員被控敲詐勒索。)

fall under:片語,屬於…的範疇,被列入…。例句:At first she was independent, but then she fell under their influence.(她起初還頗獨立自主,但後來逐漸淪為他們的禁臠。)

2009/11/04

Family wins $16m over wee-for-a-Wii death 憋尿拿Wii死亡案,家屬獲得1600萬美元賠償

◎魏國金

The family of a woman who died after taking part in a water-drinking competition has been awarded $16m in compensation.

參加喝水比賽後喪命的婦女家屬,已獲判1600萬美元賠償。

Mother-of-three Jennifer Strange, 28, entered the California radio station contest to win a Nintendo Wii games console.

育有3名子女的28歲女子珍妮佛.史崔吉為了贏得一台任天堂的Wii遊戲機,參加加州這家電台的比賽。

In the event - dubbed "Hold Your Wee For a Wii" - contestants had to drink a 250ml bottle of water every 15 minutes without urinating. After eight rounds, contestants were given half-litre bottles.

在這個稱為「憋尿拿Wii」的活動中,參賽者必須每15分鐘喝下一瓶250毫升的瓶裝水,並且不能排尿。8回合後,參賽者被發給半公升瓶裝水。

Mrs. Strange is believed to have downed nearly 7.5 litres of fluid in the hope of winning the prize for her children. She then left work early complaining of headaches, and was found dead later. A post-mortem found she had died of water intoxication.

懷著為子女贏獎的希望,史崔吉太太據信灌下近7.5公升的水。然後她抱怨頭痛而提早下班,之後她被發現死亡。驗屍判定她死於水中毒。

The woman’s family sued Sacramento radio station KDND-FM for more than $34m. After deliberating for two weeks, a jury awarded her husband and three children just less than half that amount.

這名婦女的家屬對沙加緬度電台KDND-FM提出告訴,求償逾3400萬美元。陪審團在兩週的商議後,判決其夫與3名子女獲得略低於該金額半數的賠償。

Experts say water intoxication can occur when the normal balance of electrolytes in the body is altered by a rapid intake of water. This can eventually cause the brain to swell, stopping it regulating vital functions such as breathing.

專家說,當體內電解質的標準平衡因快速吸收水分而被改變時,恐發生水中毒。這最後可能引發腦腫脹,並因而停止其對諸如呼吸等維生功能的控制。

新聞辭典

award︰判給。例句︰The judge awarded the plaintiff damages of $10000.(法官判給原告損害賠償金1萬美元。)

in the hope of ︰懷著…希望。例句︰He underwent an operation in the hope of an early recovery.(他懷著早日痊癒的希望接受了手術。)be beyond(past)hope則指毫無希望。例句︰It’s beyond all hope of repair.(這東西不能修了。)

leave work︰下班。例句︰I can’t leave work till 5.(我要到5點才能下班。)

2009/11/03

Robbery suspect arrested with bra on face 搶案嫌犯被捕時胸罩蒙臉

◎羅彥傑

Police in Ohio said a man suspected of armed robbery with three others wore a black bra to disguise his face during the crime.

俄亥俄州警方表示,一名涉嫌與另外3名同夥犯下武裝搶劫的男子,在犯案時戴著黑色胸罩來隱藏自己的臉孔。

Dayton Police said an officer heard a gunshot while patrolling late Sunday and followed the sound to a man who said a group of men robbed him of $10 at gunpoint, WHIO-TV, Dayton, reported Monday.

岱頓市WHIO電視台週一報導,岱頓市警方表示,一名員警週日晚間巡邏時聽到槍聲,並循著槍聲找到一名男子,這名男子說一群人用槍口抵著他,搶走10美元。

Investigators tracked down the getaway car used in the crime and four men fled the vehicle on foot. Officers said they apprehended Ryan Neal,19, Keanthony Strickland,19, and Gabriel Williams,18. The fourth suspect evaded capture.

調查人員追查到一輛歹徒犯案時用來逃逸的汽車,而4名男子則棄車徒步逃離。員警表示,他們逮捕到19歲的尼爾、19歲的史崔克蘭及18歲的威廉斯。第四名嫌犯躲過了追緝。

Police said all four were wearing black masks and officers discovered a mask worn by one of the arrested suspects, who were held in connection with the robbery, was a bra wrapped around his head.

警方表示,4名嫌犯都帶著黑色面罩,而員警發現,在因為涉及這樁搶案而被扣押的落網嫌犯中,其中一人的面罩,竟是一個綁在自己頭上的胸罩。

新聞辭典

suspected of:片語,涉嫌、有~嫌疑。例句:He was suspected of treason.(他涉嫌叛國。)

at gunpoint:片語,在槍口威脅下。例句:The pilot was forced at gunpoint to fly to where the terrorists’ headquarters were.(飛行員在槍口威逼下被迫飛往恐怖主義份子大本營所在地。)

in connection with:片語,關於、與~相關。例句:My journey to London is in connection with my work.(我的倫敦之行與工作有關。)

2009/11/02

The blues hit mid-Tuesday:survey 調查:憂鬱在週二中午襲來

◎管淑平

Nearly half of British workers say mid-morning on Tuesday is the moment when they feel most stressed at work, a study suggests.

將近一半的英國上班族說,週二中午是他們在一週工作當中感到壓力最大的時刻,一份研究指出。

The makers of the health supplement Bimuno polled 3,000 adults and found most workers coast through Monday getting their brain in gear and catching up with gossip from the weekend through social networking sites.

營養補充品Bimuno製造商調查3000名成人,發現大多數上班族都是輕鬆度過週一,讓他們的頭腦準備就緒、透過社交網站了解週末期間發生的八卦。

But everything comes to a head at Tuesday 11:45 a.m.

但是一切關鍵都在週二上午11點45分。

Tuesday at 11:45am seems to be the time when the real workload for the week hits employees and as a result stress levels rise. The study also revealed Tuesday as the day when workers are most likely to work through their lunch break due to the realization they have a busy week ahead.

週二上午11點45分似乎是一週真正工作量降臨到上班族頭上的時刻,結果就是壓力跟著增加。這份研究也顯示,由於體認到他們眼前將有忙碌的一週,週二也是上班族最有可能在工作中度過午餐休息時間的一天。

More than 53 per cent of those polled admitted cruising through Monday and almost one in five employees will leave the office late on a Tuesday as they work after hours to salvage their week after putting in a poor effort the day before.

調查中超過53%的人承認週一都悠哉度過,幾乎5個上班族中有一人會在週二晚下班,因為前一天不好好工作,這一天得加班挽救這一週進度。

新聞辭典:

coast through:片語,順利地、輕鬆地通過。例句:They coast through the national tennis championship.(他們在全國網球錦標賽輕鬆過關斬將。)

get brain in gear:片語,讓腦袋思路清晰。例句:You’d better get your brain in gear for the coming presentation.(你最好整理好你的腦袋,以備即將而來的簡報。)

come to a head:片語,事情達到緊要關頭。例句:All came to a head last week when John lost that big case and then was fired. (一切在上週達到關鍵,約翰丟了那個大案子後就被開除了。)