2010/02/28

Reining in Rio: Not everything goes at Carnival 約束里約:嘉年華會不得再為所欲為

◎俞智敏

The World’s Greatest Party opened recently, but the everything-goes atmosphere of Carnival that turns Rio into a giant oceanside den of debauchery is under assault.

全球最盛大的派對最近開幕,但嘉年華會期間讓里約熱內盧變成海濱縱慾大本營的任意而為氣氛卻正遭到攻擊。

The mayor’s year-old, zero-tolerance campaign against petty crimes and disorder is on full display at the first Carnival since Rio won its bid to host the 2016 Olympics.

里約市長已推行一年、對輕罪與脫序毫不寬容的行動,在里約贏得2016年奧運主辦權後所舉辦的第一場嘉年華會中更徹底地展現出來。

Those who drink too much beer at giant street parties and want to use gutters as toilets—always tolerated in the past—are out of luck. Police have already arrested nearly 100 such lawbreakers.

在大型街頭派對上喝多了啤酒,想拿水溝當廁所的人──這種行為在過去多受到容忍──今年可要倒楣了。警方已經逮捕了近百名這類違規者。

Beach football by the sea?After 5 p.m. only please. And something else is missing. Rio’s world-famous waterfront pickup club for legal prostitutes has closed to make way for a museum.

在海邊踢一場沙灘足球?請等到下午五點以後。還有另一樣東西也不見了。里約世界聞名的海邊合法娼妓拉客俱樂部也已關門大吉,好讓位給一座博物館。

The changes were getting mixed reviews even before the party officially started.

即使在派對正式開始前,這些改革就已引來正反不一的評價。

"The plan is doing the impossible: making Rio square," said Marcus Paulo Reis, a 36-year-old businessman. "They’re trying to get rid of the grit that gives Rio its flavor."

「這是個不可能的計畫:把里約變得中規中矩,」36歲的商人雷斯說。「他們試圖拿掉里約粗糙的一面,但這卻正是里約的風味所在。」

新聞辭典

rein in:(或rein sth back)指控制、駕馭某人或某事,如We should rein in our spending, balance our budget, and stop borrowing.(我們應該克制消費、平衡預算和停止借貸。)

assault:名詞,指攻擊、譴責、抨擊,如Women’s groups have demanded a nationwide assault on sexism in the workplace.(女性團體要求全國一起打擊職場中的性別歧視。)

grit: 名詞,原指砂礫、砂岩,亦可指膽量、勇氣,如That kid with the cast on his arm has the grit to play dodgeball.(那個孩子手上打了石膏還敢下場玩躲避球。)形容詞為gritty,指有勇氣的、堅定的,或指(即使令人不悅卻)逼真的、寫實的,如 a gritty documentary(一部寫實的紀錄片)。

I’m calling to check whether someone will be at home this afternoon to receive a delivery. 我打來確認今天下午是否會有人在家收件

對話
Andy:Hello, this is DHK express delivery service. There’s a package for Susan Parker, and I’m calling to check whether someone will be at home this afternoon to receive a delivery.
安迪:您好,這裡是DHK快遞服務公司。這裡有蘇珊?派克的包裹,我打來確認今天下午是否會有人在家收件。

Susan:This is Susan Parker. What time will the package arrive?
蘇珊:我是蘇珊?派克。包裹什麼時候會送到?
Andy:We will deliver it between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
安迪:我們會在下午2時到5時之間送到。
Susan:I’m afraid no one will be at home after 3:00 p.m. Can you deliver it before then?
蘇珊:3時之後恐怕沒有人在家。可否在3時之前送到?
Andy:OK, I’ll see what I can do.
安迪:好,我會儘量。

本篇關鍵句

◎I’m calling to check whether someone will be at home this afternoon to receive a delivery. 我打來確認今天下午是否會有人在家收件。
快遞公司的送貨員或公司出貨單位通常會先打電話確認有人在家收貨,除了以上關鍵句,還可這麼說:
I’d like to make sure someone will be there to sign for the package.(我想確認會有人可以簽收包裹。)
若是快遞公司要去取件,也都會打電話詢問某個時間是否可過去收件:
Will it be alright for me to pick up the package around 3:00 p.m.?(我大約下午3時去取件可以嗎?)
◎express a. 快遞的╱快速的 & n. 快車 & adv. 以快遞方式
例:I’d like to send this parcel express.(我想用快遞寄送這件包裹。)
◎delivery n. 遞送
◎package n. 包裹╱包裝

2010/02/27

Man who hiccuped for three years is cured 打嗝3年的男子痊癒了

◎陳成良

A singer who suffered a three-year bout of hiccups has finally been cured after undergoing a brian operation.

一名3年來不斷打嗝的歌手接受腦部手術後,終於痊癒了。

Chris Sands had tried everything to get rid of his hiccups-which happened once every two seconds-from acupuncture to drinking vinegar.

克里斯.桑德每兩秒就打嗝一次,為擺脫打嗝,他試過從針灸到喝醋等各種方法。

They were so severe he was unable to sleep for more than a few minutes at a time, had trouble eating and could not go to work.

打嗝問題嚴重到讓他每次睡眠無法超過幾分鐘、進食出現問題,而且無法工作。

But the hiccups left NHS doctors baffled and it was only when filming a Japanese documentary that a tumour was found on his brain stem.

不過,這個打嗝毛病難倒了英國國民保健服務(NHS)的醫生,直到他拍攝一部日本紀錄片時,才在他腦幹中發現一個腫瘤。

In September Chris was cured after undergoing a three-hour op to remove the tumour.

9月間克里斯接受3小時手術將腫瘤移除,就痊癒了。

The longest ever bout of hiccups was by an American called Charles Osborne from Iowa, he hiccuped for 68 years from 1922 until 1990.

最久打嗝紀錄是一名叫查爾斯.奧斯本的美國愛荷華州男子所保持,他從1922年到1990年打嗝了68年。

新聞辭典 Dictionary

get rid of:除去。例句︰The citizens tried to get rid of their corrupt mayor in the recent election. (市民在最近的選舉中,試圖讓貪污的市長下台。)

bout:(工作、活動等的)一陣(或一回、一次等)。例句:He beat his opponent at one bout. (他一下子就打敗了對手)。

baffle:使困惑、難住、阻撓。例句︰We have imaged that he will try all he can to baffle us.(我們早就料到他會使盡全力阻撓我們。)

I would like to exchange it. 我想要換貨

對話
Faye:Hello, Pauline’s Furniture Store, Faye speaking. How may I help you?
費伊:您好,寶琳家具行,我是費伊。有什麼可以為您效勞的嗎?

Jenny:Hello, I ordered a dining table last week. The order arrived today, but there are several scratches on the surface of the table. I would like to exchange it.
珍妮:妳好,我上星期訂購了一張餐桌。今天已經送到了,但桌面上有些刮痕。我想要換貨。
Faye:I’m terribly sorry about that. We could take it back and deliver a new one to you early next week. Would that suit you?
費伊:我對此感到非常抱歉。我們可以收回該產品,並在下星期初送一張新的給您。這對您來說方便嗎?
Jenny:Well, I'm hosting a dinner party this weekend. Couldn’t you make it any sooner?
珍妮:這個嘛,我這個周末要舉辦一場晚宴。可否安排早一點?
Faye:If you’ll hold, I’ll just check with the delivery department.
費伊:請稍候,容我向運送部查詢一下。
Jenny:OK, thank you.
珍妮:好的,謝謝妳。

本篇關鍵句

◎I would like to exchange it. 我想要換貨。
網路購物日漸普及,當貨品送達時,常會發生物品缺漏或有瑕疵等情況,此時可撥打客服專線,用以下句子告知問題所在:
例:My order arrived, but one of the items is missing.
(我訂購的貨品已送達,但缺了其中一件商品。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎scratch n.刮痕,刮傷╱vt.刮,擦
例:Don’t worry. It’s only a scratch.(別擔心。不過是輕微的刮傷。)
◎surface n.表面
◎exchange vt.╱n.更換;交換
exchange A for B 拿A交換B
例:This shirt is too big for me. I want to exchange it for a smaller size.(這件襯衫對我來說太大了。我想要換一件尺寸小一點的。)
◎suit vt.對……方便 合……心意

The World’s Largest Solar-Powered Catamaran 世界最大太陽能動力筏

The world’s largest solar-powered catamaran is seen after its unveiling in a shipyard in Kiel, northern Germany, on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010. The vessel is 31 meter long, 15 meter wide and 7.5 meter high. The solar units cover an area of 500 square meters.

全球最大的太陽能動力筏,2月25日在德國北部基爾的造船廠亮相。這艘船長31公尺、寬15公尺、高7.5公尺,有面積約500平方公尺的太陽能板。

2010/02/26

Care for a bite out of the Great Wall of China?想咬一口中國萬里長城嗎?

◎張沛元

The Great Wall never looked so tasty:a team of Chinese confectioners have built a 10 meter long replica of the structure entirely out of chocolate in a bid to entice Chinese to eat more of the sweet stuff.

萬里長城從未看來如此可口:一群中國糕點師傅打造一座10公尺長、完全以巧克力為材料的長城複製品,盼能藉此鼓勵中國民眾吃下更多巧克力。

The chocolate wall is made from solid dark chocolate bricks stuck together with white chocolate and is one of the attractions at the World Chocolate Wonderland exhibition and trade show.

這座把堅硬的黑巧克力磚與白巧克力黏在一起的巧克力長城,是「世界巧克力夢公園展覽與商展」的吸睛焦點之一。

Chocolatier Wang Qilu said his version of the ancient wall was a feat of engineering in itself, with a carefully constructed crumbling section at one end to resemble the real thing. He also had to make sure his materials did not melt.

巧克力師傅王祈祿(譯音)說,他的巧克力版長城本身就是一項工藝成就,其中一端還刻意打造出一段傾塌段落藉此擬真。他還得確保這座巧克力長城不會溶化。

Up to 80 tons of chocolate were used in making the displays, which include a mini-army of 560 chocolate replicas of the famous Terracotta Warriors standing to attention on a layer of chocolate flakes.

這些包括一支立正站在一層巧克力薄片上、總數達560名的一小隊知名兵馬俑複製品的展覽品,總共使用了80噸的巧克力。

新聞辭典

care for:片語, 喜歡,嘗試體驗,被吸引;照顧(某人)。例句:Care for a cup of coffee?(要不要來杯咖啡?)

in a bid to:片語,為了。bid,名詞,企圖,努力。

Wang Qilu:人名,中國人名英譯時大多採用漢語拼音,其中q等於注音符號ㄑ,i等於注音符號ㄧ,l等於注音符號ㄌ,u等於注音符號ㄨ;由於英文譯名通常未註 明四聲,是故只能以慣用命名法則並括號加註「譯音」的方式,來推測可能的中文原名。此外,漢語拼音的拼法與台灣常用的通用拼音或威瑪(威妥瑪)拼音的拼法 不盡相同,例如同樣是「祈祿」,漢語拼音為Qi Lu,通用拼音為Ji Lu,威瑪拼音則為Chi Lu;因此在面對中國人的英文譯名時,應儘量以漢語拼音(而非通用或威瑪)來還原可能的中文字。

I have an inquiry about this month’s phone bill. 我對這個月的電話帳單有疑問

對話
Lucy:AT&H, Lucy speaking. How may I help you?
露西:AT&H公司,您好,我是露西。請問需要什麼服務呢?

Kelly:Hello, my name is Kelly Mason. I have an inquiry about this month's phone bill. My phone number is 2345-7690.
凱莉:妳好,我叫凱莉?梅森。我對這個月的電話帳單有疑問。我的電話號碼是2345-7690。
Lucy:What seems to be the problem?
露西:請問您有什麼問題?
Kelly:The outstanding bill is very high for this month, and I just wanted to make sure there weren't any mistakes.
凱莉:本月的未繳金額特別高,我只是想確認沒有出錯。
Lucy:Well, you made three overseas calls at the beginning of the month, so that might be the reason.
露西:嗯,您在月初打了3通國際電話,所以可能是這個原因造成的。
Kelly:Yes, now I remember. Thank you for clearing that up for me.
凱莉:沒錯,現在我想起來了。謝謝妳幫我釐清這件事。

本篇關鍵句

◎I have an inquiry about this month's phone bill. 我對這個月的電話帳單有疑問。
詢問電話帳單相關問題的例句有:
例:I have a question about the service charge for my cell phone.(我對我的手機服務費有疑問。)
例:Can you provide an itemized phone bill?(可以請你提供一份通話明細給我嗎?)
列出一些電話帳單常見明細:
domestic charges 市內電話費
long-distance charges 長途電話費
roaming charges 手機漫遊費

關鍵字彙與片語

◎inquiry n.詢問(與about並用)
例:We are getting a lot of inquiries about the new product.(我們接到許多有關新產品的詢問。)
◎outstanding a. 未繳交的
例:Annie's boyfriend is said to have an outstanding debt of $30,000.(聽說安妮的男友欠了3 萬美元的債務。)
◎clear sth up / clear up sth 把某事釐清=make sth clear

The Muddy Rite 泥巴祭

Men in loincloths jostle each other in a muddy rice paddy at Mimusubi shrine in Yotsukaido, near Tokyo Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010. Hundreds of local dwellers took part in “the muddy rite”a ceremony to pray for a good harvest for the year and good health for babies.

2月25日在日本東京附近四街道市的皇產靈神社前,多名僅穿著褌(纏腰布)的男子,在混著米漿的泥巴裡彼此推擠,共有數百名當地民眾參與這項「泥巴祭」,祈求豐收以及新生兒健康。

2010/02/25

Shorter get more lung disease 較矮的人易得肺病

◎國際新聞中心

People who develop chronic lung disease are more likely to be shorter in height than the general population, University of Nottingham researchers say. They looked at more than one million people aged over 35 for their study. They say those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) were 1.12cm shorter on average.

諾丁漢大學研究人員說,慢性肺病病患的身高比一般人矮。此一研究的對象是上百萬名35歲以上的人。研究人員說,有慢性阻塞性肺病 (COPD)的人,較平均身高矮1.12公分。

In the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, they write this lack of height may be a "marker" that people have come from a poorer background.

研究人員在流行病學與社區衛生期刊中寫道,身高不夠可能是來自較貧窮背景的標記。

They say that historical studies had shown a strong relationship between adult height and the risk of developing COPD but they wanted to test whether the effect remained today now that living conditions have improved.

他們說,歷史研究顯示,成人身高與罹患COPD的風險有強烈關係,但由於現在生活條件已經改善,他們希望測試這種影響是否還是存在。

The association between height and lung disease was strongest in people aged 35 to 49 years and decreased progressively with age. The smallest height difference was in the over 90s where the average difference was only 0.51cm.

身高與肺病的關聯在35歲到49歲族群最為強烈,此關聯會隨著年齡增長而遞減。90歲以上的人身高差異最小,平均差異只有0.51公分。

新聞辭典

population:名詞,人口。例句:The country is facing a population explosion.(這個國家正面臨人口爆炸。)

living:形容詞,活的、現存的、生活的。例句:He is probably the best known living architect.(他可能是仍在世的建築師中,最知名的一個。)

now that :片語,既然。例句:Now that you are grown up, you should not rely on your parents.(你既然長大了,就不應該靠父母。)

I want to change my cell phone calling plan to a cheaper one. 我想將我的手機費率改成便宜一點的

對話
Sam:Hello, K-Telecom, Sam speaking. How may I help you?
山姆:K電信公司,您好,我是山姆。請問您需要什麼服務?
Bill:Hello, I want to change my cell phone calling plan to a cheaper one. My cell phone number is 0911-222-333, and I'm currently paying NT$988 a month.
比爾:你好,我想將我的手機費率改成便宜一點的。我現在的月租費是988元。我的手機號碼為0911-222-333。
Sam:Let me check your itemized bills. There's a calling plan for NT$588 a month that might suit you quite well. If you choose this plan, you can get 120 free text messages and 50 free minutes. If you want more free minutes, there are slightly more expensive calling plans.
山姆:我查一下您的帳單明細。月租費588元的專案可能比較適合您。若您選擇此方案,可享免費發送120則簡訊及50分鐘的免費通話費。若您希望享有更多的免費通話分鐘數,我們也有稍微貴一點的費率專案。
Bill:OK, I'll think about it and get back to you.
比爾:好的,我考慮一下再回覆給你。
Sam:Sure, no problem.
山姆:好的,沒問題。

本篇關鍵句

●I want to change my cell phone calling plan to a cheaper one.
我想將我的手機費率改成便宜一點的。
若要調整手機費率或有問題詢問電信業者,可參考以下句子:
例:What is the monthly rate for this calling plan?(這個手機方案的月租費是多少?)
例:I would like to choose the prepaid calling plan.(我想要選擇手機預付方案。)

關鍵字彙與片語

●itemized a.逐項的
●suit vt.適合
例:We offer customized service to suit your needs.(我們提供客製化服務來滿足您的需求。)
●slightly adv.稍微,略微

Sticky Tape Sculpture 膠帶雕塑

Sticky tape has been used for a rather more lofty purpose in a series of stunning sculptures. These amazing see-through artworks have been fashioned from clear tape and include a jellyfish, fisherman and pregnant woman. The sculptures are entries in an art competition organised by Scotch, the sticky tape manufacturer.

在這一系列驚人的雕塑品中,膠帶有了更高尚的用途。這些透明的藝術品都是用透明膠帶製作的,包括水母、漁夫和孕婦等造型,這是由膠帶製造商Scotch所舉辦藝術比賽的參賽作品。

2010/02/24

Dalai Lama says faith can bring Woods discipline 達賴喇嘛說,信仰能帶給伍茲紀律

◎魏國金

The Dalai Lama commented on Tiger Woods’ sex scandals Saturday, saying self-discipline is among Buddhism’s highest values, one day after Woods said he had strayed from his Buddhist faith.

在老虎伍茲表示他已偏離了他的佛教信仰之後一天,達賴喇嘛週六對伍茲的性醜聞表達意見,他說自律是佛教最高的價值之一。

Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader told The Associated Press during a brief interview that he had not heard of Woods, but when the circumstances were explained to him he said that when it comes to adultery, "all religions have the same idea."

這位西藏流亡精神領袖在一場簡短的訪問中告訴美聯社,他沒聽過伍茲的事,然而當解釋情況給他聽後,達賴說,當論及通姦,「所有宗教都有相同的觀點」。

"Whether you call it Buddhism or another religion, self-discipline, that’s important," he said. "Self-discipline with awareness of consequences."

「不管你說的是佛教或其他宗教,自律是重要的,」他表示,「伴隨著意識到後果的自律。」

In his first public comments since the Nov. 27 car accident that set off a series of allegations of extramarital relationships, Woods said Friday that he was raised Buddhist but needed to focus anew on finding balance between his religion and professional life.

在他自去年11月27日引爆一連串婚外情關係傳聞的車禍意外以來,伍茲週五在首度的公開說明中表示,他是在佛教信仰中被養育成長的,然而他必須重新聚焦於尋求其宗教與職業生涯的平衡。

The Dalai Lama made the remarks while in the Los Angeles area to support Whole Child International, an organization that advocates better care for orphans worldwide.

達賴喇嘛是在現身洛杉磯地區,以支持「國際兒童組織」時做了上述談話,該組織提倡給予全球孤兒更好的照顧。

新聞辭典

stray from︰片語,偏離。stray也有誤入歧途之意。例句︰She tried to win back her husband who had strayed.(她試圖贏回誤入歧途的丈夫的心。)

come to︰片語,涉及、談到。例句︰When it comes to music I know nothing.(關於音樂,我一竅不通。)

set off︰片語,激起、引發。例句︰The mudslides were set off by the heavy rain.(豪雨引發土石流。)

Hello, I'd like to get a new cell phone number. 妳好,我想要申辦一個新手機門號

對話
Mandy:Hello, AT&H, Mandy speaking. How may I help you?
曼蒂:您好,AT&H,我是曼蒂。有什麼能為您效勞的嗎?
Julie:Hello, I’d like to get a new cell phone number.
茱莉:妳好,我想要申辦一個新手機門號。
Mandy:Have you checked out our website about the kinds of service plans on offer?
曼蒂:您有到我們網站看過我們提供的服務項目了嗎?
Julie:Yes, I have a rough idea of what I’d like.
茱莉:有,我大概知道我想要辦哪一種的。
Mandy:Well, you can either come to one of our stores to sign up for service or do so online.
Once you’ve done that, you can choose from the free phones available or get an upgrade. We will then provide you with a selection of numbers you can choose from.
曼蒂:好,您可以到我們任何一家門市申辦門號服務或是在網路上辦理。
當您辦好之後,可以選擇一支我們提供的免費手機,或是手機升級。然後我們會提供一些門號讓您選擇。
Julie:I see. Thank you.
茱莉:我了解了。謝謝妳。

本篇關鍵句

●Hello, I'd like to get a new cell phone number.
妳好,我想要申辦一個新手機門號。
打電話詢問服務人員申辦門號的細節時,以下為一些實用的句子:
˙Do I have to sign a two-year contract?(我須簽兩年約嗎?)
˙Is sending text messages free?
(傳簡訊是免費的嗎?)

關鍵字彙與片語

●on offer 提供的;供使用的
例:The package on offer includes access to the health center and swimming pool.
(我們提供的方案包括健身中心和游泳池的使用。)
●rough a.粗略的;大概的
例:Could you give me a rough picture of what's going on here?
(你能大概向我描述一下這裡發生了什麼事嗎?)
●upgrade vt.升級

Top Model of the World 世界頂尖名模

A picture made available on 22 February 2010 shows Colombian model Carolina Rodriguez (24) participating in the ‘Top Model of the World 2009’ beauty contest in Dortmund, Germany, 18 February 2010. Carolina Rodriguez won the contest against 42 contestants from 42 nations in Dortmund, Germany, on 21 February.

這張2月22日發布的照片,是哥倫比亞模特兒卡洛琳娜羅德瑞茲(24歲)2月18日在德國多特蒙德、參加「2009年世界頂尖名模」選美活動時所拍攝的,卡洛琳娜2月21日在決賽中,從42國的參賽者中脫穎而出奪下后冠。

2010/02/23

Stray dog hired as security guard 流浪狗被聘為保全

◎羅彥傑

The Nepal Red Cross Society has voted to pay a monthly salary to a wounded stray dog that has taken on the job of guarding its office.

「尼泊爾紅十字會」(NRCS)已表決通過,付月薪給一條已承擔戍守其辦公室工作的受傷流浪狗。

NRCS president Man Bahadur Budathoki said the dog had turned up at the organisation’s premises in the east of the country last month and remained there ever since, barking at any stranger who approached.

NRCS會長曼恩.巴哈杜.布達索基說,這條狗上個月出現在該組織位於該國東部的物業,此後一直待在那裡,對任何靠近的陌生人狂吠。

The NRCS working committee voted on Sunday to pay it 1,000 rupees ($15) a month, plus overtime for weekends.

NRCS工作委員會週日表決通過,每個月支付牠1000盧比(15美元)的薪水,另外週末有加班費。

"The dog is doing such a great job that we might even get rid of our night guard," Mr Budathoki said.

「這條狗做得非常好,以致我們甚至可以不用請夜班保全,」布達索基說。

"We will use the money to buy it good food and it will have meat at least once a day."

「我們將使用這筆錢去買好料給牠,牠一天將至少一餐有肉吃。」

"It will also be given milk and biscuits, which it seems to really like. We want to inspire other people to treat dogs well."

「也將給牠牛奶與比斯吉,看起來是牠所喜歡的。我們想鼓勵其他人善待狗。」

Mr Budathoki said staff at the Red Cross had taken pity on the dog, a large black mongrel, when it arrived wounded on their doorstep.

布達索基說,紅十字會員工同情這條狗,一條大型的黑色雜種狗,當牠帶著傷來到他們的門前台階時。

新聞辭典

take on︰片語,接受、承擔、開始做。例句︰He is unwilling to take on heavy responsibilities.(他不願承擔重任。)

turn up︰片語,出現、來到。例句︰He turned up an hour late.(他遲了一小時才露面。)

do a great job︰片語,做得漂亮、表現得很好。例句︰I know you will do a great job.(我知道你一定會表現得很好。)

I'm a bit tied up at the moment. 我現在有點忙,走不開

對話
Sarah:Good morning, sir. My name is Sarah Jennings. I’m calling from JLK, a marketing research company. I was wondering if you could spare a few minutes to answer some questions.
莎拉:先生,早安。我叫莎拉˙詹寧斯。是從JLK市場研究公司打來的。不知道您是否能撥幾分鐘時間回答一些問題。
Bob:Well, I’m a bit tied up at the moment. I have an urgent project at hand.
鮑伯:這個嘛,我現在有點忙,走不開。我手頭上有個緊急的專案要處理。
Sarah:This will only take about 10 minutes, sir.
莎拉:先生,這只要花10分鐘的時間。
Bob:I’m really sorry, but I really don’t have the time now.
鮑伯:真的很抱歉,但我現在真的沒空。
Sarah:OK, sorry to have bothered you. Perhaps I could call back later?
莎拉:好吧,抱歉打擾您了。也許我可以稍後再來電嗎?
Bob:Yes. Perhaps you could try around 8:00 p.m. tomorrow evening.
鮑伯:好啊,或許妳可以試著在明晚8點左右打來看看。

本篇關鍵句

●I’m a bit tied up at the moment.我現在有點忙,走不開。
當接到客戶滿意度調查電話或商品推銷電話,以下是可用句子:
例:Sorry, I’m in a meeting. It’s not convenient for me to talk at the moment.(抱歉,我在開會。此刻我不方便講電話。)
例:I’m driving. Would you mind calling back later?(我在開車。你介意稍後再來電嗎?)

關鍵字彙與片語

●spare vt.撥出
例:I’d love to take a break, but I can’t spare the time now.(我很想休息,但現在撥不出時間。)
●have...at hand 手邊有……
例:I don’t have my cell phone at hand right now.(我的手機現在不在手邊。)

2010/02/22

For $65, tourists get peek at Los Angeles gangland 65美元讓觀光客一窺洛杉磯黑社會

◎管淑平

Only miles from the scenic vistas and celebrity mansions that draw sightseers from around the globe-but a world away from the glitz and glamour-a bus tour is rolling through the dark side of the city’s gang turf.

離吸引全球觀光客的美景和名人豪宅僅數英 里,卻是一個與這些光鮮亮麗截然不同的世界,一趟巴士之旅正走訪這個城市黑幫地盤的黑暗面。

Passengers paying $65 a head signed waivers acknowledging they could be crime victims and put their fate in the hands of tattooed ex-gang members.

乘客每人付65美元,簽了棄 權聲明表明知道他們可能成為犯罪受害人,然後將他們的命運交給身上刺青的前幫派份子手上。

The first sight was a stretch of concrete riverbed featured in the movies "Terminator" where countless splotches of gray paint conceal graffiti that is often the mark of street gangs and tagging crews.

第一站是出現在電影「魔鬼終結者」中的河道水泥牆,這裡 有許多通常是街頭幫派或被貼標籤族群標記的塗鴉。

After that, it was on to the Central Jail, home to many a thug, past Skid Row’s squalor and homeless masses and into South Los Angeles, breeding ground for some of the city’s deadliest gangs.

之後是住有許多惡棍的中央監獄;經過遊民區的窮困髒亂,進入南洛杉磯這個幾大幫派的發源地。

"There’s a fascination with gangs," said founder of the LA Gang Tours Alfred Lomas, a former member of the Florencia 13 gang. "We can either address the issue head-on and discuss the positive things that go on in these communities, or we can try to sweep it under the carpet." But the organizers don’t want it to be voyeuristic and sensational.

「黑幫有種 吸引力」,這項洛城黑幫之旅創辦人、前「佛羅倫西亞13」幫成員洛馬斯說,「我們要不正面處理這個問題,討論這些社區好的一面,要不就試圖掩蓋它。」但主 辦人不希望弄得像偷窺狂、譁眾取寵。

新聞辭典:

sweep something under the carpet:動詞片語,掩蓋或忽視某事(尤指不好的事)。例句:Don’t sweep your mistakes under the carpet.(不要掩飾你的過錯。)

Skid Row:名詞,遊民、窮人聚集區。I can’t imagine what life is like on Skid Row.(我無法想像遊民區的生活是什麼樣子。)

voyeuristic: 形容詞,偷窺狂般的。例句:His voyeuristic peek makes me uncomfortable.(他像偷窺狂般的窺探讓我不安。)

Could you sort it out tonight, please? 可以請你今晚處理嗎

對話
Mark:Hello, is this Paul? It's Mark, your tenant.
馬克: 你好,請問是保羅嗎?我是你的房客,馬克。
Paul:Hello, Mark, what can I do for you?
保羅:馬 克,你好。請問需要什麼幫忙嗎?

Mark:The water heater doesn't seem to be working. Could you get someone to take a look at it for me?
馬克:熱水器好像故障了。你可以請人來幫我看一下嗎?
Paul:Well, I'm a bit busy today. Can you wait until tomorrow?
保羅:嗯,我今天有點忙。你可以等到明天嗎?
Mark:It's absolutely freezing here, and we have no hot water. Could you sort it out tonight, please?
馬克:這裡冷到不行,而且我們沒有熱水可以用。可以請你今晚處理嗎?
Paul:OK, I'll see what I can do.
保羅:好,我來想辦法看要怎麼處理。

本篇關鍵句

◎Could you sort it out tonight, please?
可以請你今晚處 理嗎?
在外面租房子,偶而會遇到問題需要房東儘快處理。下列是常用句子:
例:There is a leak in our ceiling. Can you take care of it as soon as possible?(我們的天花板漏水。你可以儘快處理嗎?)
例:Our washing machine is out of order. Can you send someone to take a look at it as soon as you can?(我們的洗衣機壞了。你可以儘快請人來看看嗎?)
be out of order (機器)故障

關鍵字彙與片語

◎tenant n.房客
landlord n.房東
◎water heater n.熱水器
◎freezing a. 寒冷的 & adv. 冰凍地(修飾形容詞 cold)
例:Could you close the window? It's freezing.(你可以把窗戶關上嗎?好冷喔。)
◎sort sth out / sort out sth 解決某事
例:The problem is quite complicated. I need some time to sort it out.(這個問題有點複雜。我需要一點時間找出解決辦法。)

Weightlifting Ant Is PhotoWinner 螞蟻舉重成為冠軍照片

An amazing image of an ant lifting 100 times its body weight has won first prize in a science photography contest. The image shows an Asian weaver ant hanging upside down on a glass-like surface and holding a 500mg weight in its jaws. It was taken by zoology specialist Dr. Thomas Endlein of Cambridge University as he researched insects’ sticky feet.

一隻螞蟻舉起其體重 100倍重量的驚人照片,獲得科學照片競賽首獎。此照片中的亞洲黃蟻倒吊在玻璃般的表面上,用上下顎支撐500毫克重量。此照片是由劍橋大學動物學專家湯 瑪斯安德林博士,在研究昆蟲具黏力的腿部時所攝。

2010/02/21

I saw your ad in the newspaper about an apartment for rent. 我在報紙上看到妳刊登有間公寓要出租的廣告

對話:
Rachel:Hello, can I speak to Ms. Thomas?
瑞秋:您好,請問湯瑪士 小姐在嗎?
Karen:Yes, this is she.
凱倫:是的,我就是。
Rachel:I saw your ad in the newspaper about an apartment for rent.
瑞秋:我在報紙上看到妳刊登有間公寓要出租的廣 告。
Karen:Yes, that’s right. It’ll be available at the end of the month.
凱倫:是的,沒錯。月底就可以出租了。
Rachel:Can I make an appointment to take a look at it sometime this week?
瑞秋:這個星期我可以約個時間過去看看嗎?
Karen:Sure, no problem.
凱倫:好的,沒問題。

本篇關鍵句

●I saw your ad in the newspaper about an apartment for rent.
我在報紙上看到妳刊登有間公寓要出租的廣告。
當你要租屋,以下為實用句子:
例:Is the apartment furnished?(這間公寓有附家具嗎?)
例:Does the apartment come with an air conditioner and refrigerator?(請問公寓有附冷氣和冰箱嗎?)
例:Are utilities included in the rent?(租金有含水電費嗎?)
例:Is a deposit required?(需要付訂金嗎?)

關鍵字彙與片語

●ad n.廣告(= advertisement)
place / put an ad in the newspaper 在報紙上登廣告
例:I’m calling to ask about the ad you put in the local newspaper.(我打來詢問你們刊登在本地報紙的廣告。)
●rent n.出租
例:That house is not for sale. It's for rent.(那棟房子只租不賣。)
●appointment n.約會,約定

2010/02/20

German scientists develop fast-acting germ killer 德國科學家開發速效殺菌劑

◎陳成良

A new fast-acting disinfectant that is effective against bacteria, viruses and other germs could help stop the spread of deadly infections in hospitals, German scientists said on Wednesday.

一種新的速效殺菌劑能有效對付細菌、病毒及其它病菌,可能有助於阻止致命的感染在醫院內擴散,德國科 學家週三表示。

Researchers from the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin said they had developed a fast-acting, practical formula which would kill germs on surgical instruments without damaging them through corrosion.

柏 林Robert Koch研究所的研究人員表示,他們已開發出一種速效、實用的配方,能殺死手術器具上的病菌,而不會經由腐蝕損壞它們。

Disinfectants are the first line of defense against the spread of hospital-acquired infections and effective cleaning of surgical instruments is vital to beating them.

殺菌劑是防止院內感染蔓延的第一道防線,而要擊敗它們,有效清潔手術工具至關重要。

The German formula works against a wide range of germs, including some that survive ordinary disinfectants, such as Mycobacterium avium bacteria which can cause a tuberculosis-type illness and enteroviruses that may cause polio.

這項德國配方能對付種類廣泛的病菌,包括一般殺菌劑殺不死的一些病菌,諸如能導致結核型態疾病的禽鳥型分枝桿菌, 以及可能導致小兒麻痺症的腸病毒。

Drug-resistant bacteria, the so-called "superbugs," are a growing problem in hospitals worldwide and poor hygiene among staff is often blamed for the spread of such infections. They kill about 25,000 people a year in Europe and about 19,000 in the United States.

抗藥性細菌俗稱「超級病菌」,是全世界醫院越來越嚴重的一個問題,而醫院員工衛生習慣不良,往往是造成這種感 染蔓延的原因。院內感染每年在歐洲奪走約2.5萬條人命,在美國造成1.9萬人死亡。

新 聞辭典

germ:名詞, 一般指可引起疾病的細菌。bacteria兼指有害、無害甚至有益的細菌,而英文口語中bug也可指病菌。

disinfectant:名 詞,殺毒劑、殺菌劑。例句:The doctor distilled a few drops of disinfectant onto the wound.(醫生往傷口灑了些消毒劑。)

hygiene:名詞,保健、衛生。例句:People with bad personal hygiene are prone to get parasites in their bodies.(不講究個人衛生的人很容易在體內產生寄生蟲。)

No, it's a very urgent matter. I need to deal with it right now. 不行,這件事很緊急。我必須馬上處理

對話
Martha:Good morning, Keyton Electronics, Martha speaking.
瑪莎:早安,凱頓電子公司,我是瑪莎。
Sam:Hello, can I speak to Mr. Morris, please?
山姆:妳好,請問摩里斯先生在嗎?
Martha:I’m afraid it’s his day off. Can you wait till tomorrow?
瑪莎:很抱歉他今天休假。妳能等到明天嗎?
Sam:No, it’s a very urgent matter. I need to deal with it right now.
山姆:不行,這件事很緊急。我必須馬上處 理。
Martha:Well, Anna is taking over his work while he’s away. Do you want to speak to her?
瑪莎:這樣的話,安娜是他休假期間的職務代理人。妳想要找她嗎?
Sam:Yes, please. Thank you.
山姆:好,麻煩妳。謝謝。

本篇關鍵句

◎No, it’s a very urgent matter. I need to deal with it right now. 不行,這件事很緊急。我必須馬上處理。
當你打電話要找的人正好不在,而事情又非常緊急時,這時還可說:
.It’s an emergency. It must be sorted out right away.(這是緊急事件。必須馬上處理。)
.It is very urgent. Somebody must solve the problem now.(這很緊急。一定要有人來解決問題。

關鍵字彙與片語

◎off a. & adv.休假的
.take a day off 休一天假
例:Teresa has been off with the flu for a whole week.(泰勒莎已經感冒請假整整一星期了。)
◎urgent a.緊急的
◎matter n.事情;問題
.It’s just a matter of time. 只是時間早晚的事。
◎take over sth / take sth over 接手
例:The new CEO is going to take over all the ongoing projects.(新上任的執行長要接管所有目前還在進行的案子。)

Super Obese Woman Gave Birth超級胖婦產子

Victoria Lacatus, a 25-year-old pregnant woman weighing 528 pounds (240 kilograms), is lifted by firefighters out of an ambulance in Bucharest, Romania on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010. Lacatus gave birth to her first baby on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, at a hospital equipped to treat obese people.


2月 17日在羅馬尼亞首都布加勒斯特,多名消防人員從救護車上抬出240公斤重的孕婦拉克特斯,她於2月18日在一家專門治療肥胖者的醫院裡,生下第一個寶 寶。

2010/02/19

New leader has Facebook problems 新領導人有臉書難題

◎張沛元

Croatia’s newly elected president has run into a problem -- how to accept thousands of new friends on Facebook.

克羅埃西亞的新當選總統已遭遇一項難題─如何接受社交網站「臉書」上的數千名新朋友(的交友邀 請)。

The issue seems to underscore Ivo Josipovic’s image of a new statesman for a new era, who should oversee the final stage of Zagreb’s accession talks with the European Union this year, and lead the former Yugoslav republic into the bloc in 2012.

此議題似乎凸顯伊佛.喬西波維奇的新時代新政治家的形 象,他將監督今年札格拉布當局與歐盟(針對克羅埃西亞加入歐盟)入會談判的最後階段,以及帶領這個前南斯拉夫共和國在2012年加入歐盟。

"I have 5,000 friends, which is the maximum allowed on Facebook. I also have another 7,000 waiting so I don’t know how we’ll work that out," the silver-haired, bespectacled law expert and classical music composer told state radio.

「我有5000個朋友,這是臉書所允許的(朋友數量)上限。我還有另外7000個人等候(成為我的朋 友),所以我們不知道該怎麼辦,」這名銀髮、戴眼鏡的法律專家與古典音樂作曲家告訴國營電台。

Josipovic, relatively inexperienced in high politics but with a career untainted by scandal, won 60 percent of the votes, beating Zagreb mayor Milan Bandic, who was supported by the church and the conservatives.

相當缺乏重大政治歷練、但生涯也未沾染醜 聞的喬西波維奇,在選戰中贏得6成選票,擊敗獲得教會以及保守派支持的札格拉布市長米蘭.班迪奇。

新聞辭典

underscore:動詞/名詞,在下面劃線 (underline);強調(emphasize)。例句:Recent tensions in Malaysia underscore the need not to take racial and religious harmony for granted, Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng said.(新加坡副總理兼內政部長黃根成表示,馬來西亞近日的緊張情勢,凸顯出有必要不把種族與宗教和諧視為理所當然。)

maximum: 名詞,最大值,最大量,最大極限。相反詞,minimum,名詞,最小值,最小量,最小限度。

work something out或work out something:慣用語,找出解決某事的辦法。例句:Don’t worry, we can work it out.(別擔心,我們可以想辦法解決這事。)

Can I just confirm that your address is…and your phone number is... 我可以確認一下您的地址是否為……,電話是否為……

對話
Henry:Can I just confirm that your address is 54 Crofton Avenue in Windsor, Canada and your phone number is 866-5555?
亨利:那麼,我 可以確認一下您的地址是否為加拿大溫莎鎮克羅夫頓大街 54 號,電話號碼是否為866-5555?
Karl:Yes, that’s right.
卡爾:是的,沒錯。
Henry:And what’s your zip code?
亨利:那您的郵遞區號呢?
Karl:It’s 11215.
卡爾:是11215。
Henry:Your order will be sent to you on January 15. Will there be anyone home to sign for the package?
亨利:您訂購的商品將會在1 月15日送達。會有人在家簽收包裹嗎?
Karl:Yes, there usually is.
卡爾:有,通常會有。

本篇關鍵句

◎Can I just confirm that your address is…and your phone number is...? 我可以確認一下您的地址是否為……,電話是否為……?
訂購商品時,服務人員除了會詢問基本資料,如姓名、電話、住址……等,對話中也可能出現下列句子:
.We promise to deliver the goods to you within 24 hours. (我們保證 24 小時內將貨送達。)
.Someone must sign for the package upon delivery. (包裹送到時,必須有人簽收。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎confirm vt.確認
例:All phone reservations must be confirmed three hours before take-off.(所有電話訂位都必須在起飛前 3 小時確認。)
◎zip code n.郵遞區號
◎sign for...簽收……
例:Make sure you inspect the goods for damage before you sign for them.(務必確保簽收貨品前先檢查是否有損壞。)
◎package n.包裹

Black Belt Lamb黑帶小羊

He may be just a few days old, but this unusually marked lamb is clearly one to be reckoned with. Named Miyagi after fictional martial arts expert Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid films, he was born five days ago with a thick belt of black wool around his middle. Farmer William Herbert said:“I’ve been farming for over 50 years but I’ve never seen anything like this before.”


牠雖然只有 幾天大,但身上不尋常的花紋已引起注意,這隻名叫宮城的小羊,名字源自《小子難纏》系列電影中的武術高手宮城先生,牠5天前出生時,肚子中間就有一圈黑色 的帶狀毛色,農夫赫伯說:「我務農超過50年,從來沒見過這樣的事。」

2010/02/18

Teen depression ’linked to sleep’ 青少年憂鬱與睡眠有關

◎國際新聞中心

Going to bed earlier protects teenagers against depression and suicidal thoughts, New York research suggests. Of 15,500 12 to 18-year-olds studied, those who went to bed after midnight were 24% more likely to have depression than those who went before 22:00.

紐約研究顯示,早點睡覺可讓年輕人不得憂鬱症,也沒有自殺念頭。1萬5500名12到18 歲的受試者中,午夜以後才上床的人,罹患憂鬱症的比率,比10點前睡覺的高24%。

And those who slept fewer than five hours a night had a 71% higher risk of depression than those who slept eight hours, the journal Sleep reports. It is estimated 80,000 UK children and young people have depression.

睡眠期刊報導,每天晚上睡 不到5小時的人,罹患憂鬱症的比率,比睡8小時的人高71%。 據估計,英國約有8萬名孩童與年輕人有憂鬱症。

The researchers from Columbia University Medical Center in New York looked at data from 15,500 teenagers collected in the 1990s. One in 15 of those studied were found to have depression.

紐約哥倫比亞大學醫學中心的研究人員,觀察在1990 年代蒐集的1萬5500名青少年的資料。接受研究的人,15分之1有憂鬱症。

As well as the higher risk of depression, those who were set a bedtime by their parents of after midnight were 20% more likely to think about suicide than those whose bedtime was 22:00 or earlier.

被父母規定要在午夜之後上床的人,憂鬱症的機率較高之外,有自殺念頭的比率, 也比10點或更早一點上床睡覺的人要高20%。

Those who had less than five hours sleep a night were thought to have a 48% higher risk of suicidal thoughts compared with those who had eight hours of sleep.

晚上睡不到5小時的人,出現自殺 念頭的風險,要比每天睡8小時者多出48%。

新聞辭典

depression:名詞,憂鬱症。

midnight: 名詞,午夜。burn/consume the midnight oil指挑燈夜讀、熬夜工作、開夜車。

bedtime:名詞,就寢時 間。例句:Eleven o’clock is past my bedtime.

(11點已經過了我的睡覺時間。)

Could you give me your credit card number and expiration date? 可否告訴我您的信用卡卡號及有效期限

對話
Henry:How would you like to pay for your order, credit card in advance or cash on delivery?
亨利:請問您訂購的商品要怎麼付款—事先刷卡還是貨到付現?
Karl:I think I'll pay by credit card.
卡爾:我想我用信用卡付款好了。
Henry:Is that a Visa or MasterCard?
亨利:請問是用威士卡還是萬事達卡?
Karl:It's a Visa.
卡爾:威士卡。
Henry:Could you give me your credit card number and expiration date?
亨利:可否告訴我您的信 用卡卡號及有效期限?
Karl:The number is 5543789997009912, and the expiration date is November 2013.
卡爾:信用卡卡號是5543789997009912,有效期限是2013年11月。

本篇關鍵句

◎Could you give me your credit card number and expiration date? 可否告訴我您的信用卡卡號及有效期限
以下介紹幾個詢問信用卡資訊的相關問題:
.What is the card holder's name, please?(請問信用卡持卡人姓名是?)
.When was the card issued?(請問這張信用卡何時發卡的?)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎in advance 事先
例:It's better to book the tickets in advance because it is a very popular movie.(這部電影很紅,所以最好事先訂票。)
◎delivery n.交貨;投遞
.cash on delivery
貨到付款(縮寫為 COD)
例:Please send the package to me COD.(請用貨到付款的方式寄這個包裹給我。)
◎expiration n.到期
例:Did you check the expiration date? The milk has already expired.(你有檢查有效期限嗎?牛奶已經過期了。)

Cat Nursing Squirrel母貓收養松鼠

A squirrel plays with Tita and her kitten at the house of Ruben Gaviria in Envigado near Medellin, Colombia, on February 16, 2010. Tita has been nursing the injured squirrel since Gaviria rescued it six days ago in a park.


2月 16日在哥倫比亞美德因附近的恩維加多,嘉維里亞家的母貓蒂妲和她的小貓,正和一隻松鼠玩耍,自從6天前嘉維里亞在公園救回這隻受傷的松鼠後,蒂妲就收養 了牠。

2010/02/17

Valentines couples get hitched at Mandela’s prison 情侶們在囚禁曼德拉的監獄締結連理

◎魏國金

South African icon Nelson Mandela’s former prison Robben Island held its tenth annual Valentine’s Day wedding ceremony in which 25 couples tied the knot.

囚禁南非偶像曼德拉 的前羅本島監獄,舉行其第10屆情人節婚禮,有25對新人結婚。

Dressed in wedding finery, the group travelled by ferry to the island 12 kilometres off Cape Town where they exchanged wedding vows and rings days after South Africa marked Mandela’s 20th year as a free man.

穿著結婚禮服的新人,搭乘渡輪抵達開普敦外12公里處的羅本島,在 南非紀念曼德拉重獲自由20年後數天,他們在此地互換結婚誓言與戒指。

Sonia Sauls, 49, and Charmaine Weber, 34, whom organisers said were the annual event’s first same-sex newly weds, were among those to say "I do" in the small island chapel.

49 歲的邵爾斯與34歲的韋伯是當中在這座小島教堂內說「我願意」的一對新人,主辦單位表示,她們是這個年度活動的第一對同性新婚夫妻。

One of South Africa’s major tourist sites, the island has hosted the annual Valentine’s Day event since 2000 with couples taking their vows in succession.

作為南非主要觀光據點之一的羅本島,從2000年起舉辦這個情人節年度活動,佳偶們在此相繼立下他們的誓言。

"Many people don’t see it as a prison," said home affairs official Chris Samaai. "They see Robben Island for the history part and, especially this year that marks the release of ex-president Mandela 20 years back, it’s very significant."

「許多人不把它當監獄看,」內政官員撒瑪伊說,「他們將羅本島看作是歷史的部分,特別今 年是前總統曼德拉獲釋20年的紀念,意義十分重大。」

South Africa’s first democratic leader, Mandela spent most of his 27 years on Robben Island and was released from a prison outside Cape Town in 1990. "Mandela succeeded in changing this country," said Afrikaans-speaking bridegroom Johannes Visser, 27.

曼 德拉是南非第一位民主領袖,他在羅本島度過了27年繫獄生活的多數時光,並在1990年於開普敦郊外的一座監獄獲釋。「曼德拉成功地改變了這個國家。」 27歲說著一口南非荷語的新郎威瑟說。

Robben Island was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1999.

羅本島於1999年被聯合國宣布為世界遺產據點。

新 聞辭典

get hitched︰與tie the knot同指結婚。hitch有套住、繫住、鉤住之意,hitch a ride(lift)指搭便車。

take(make) a vow︰發誓、立誓。例句︰When people get married, they take a vow of loyalty to each other forever.(當人們結婚時,他們發誓要永遠忠於彼此。)

in succession︰接連的、陸續的。例句︰He has been awarded first prize for three years in succession.(他已連續3年獲得一等獎。)

My credit card is due to expire in two months. 我的信用卡再2個月就到期了

對話
Hank:Hello, NBV Bank, Hank speaking. How may I help you?
漢 克:NBV銀行好,我是漢克。請問您需要什麼服務?
Barbara:Hello, my names Barbara Saunders. My credit card is due to expire in two months, and I'd like to request a new one.
芭芭拉:你好,我是芭芭拉?山德斯。我的信用卡再2個月就 到期了,我想要申請新的卡。
Hank:Oh, we automatically send one to you a month before your credit card expires.
漢克:喔,我們會在您信用卡到期的前1個月自動寄新的卡給您。
Barbara:I see. But I will be going abroad for three months in two weeks, so I won't receive it in time.
芭芭拉:那我知道了。但是我2周後就要出國3個月,因此我會來不及收到新的卡。
Hank:In that case, we can make arrangements to send it to you before you leave.
漢 克:這樣的話,我們可以安排在您出發前寄給您。
Barbara:Thank you very much.
芭芭拉:非常感謝您。

本篇關鍵句

◎My credit card is due to expire in two months.我的信用卡再2個月就到期了
使用信用卡時,要注意有效日期、帳單結算日(statement closing date)及年費(annual fee)等相關細節。以下為有關信用卡的實用短句:
.The annual fee is waived if you make a purchase within the first three months after receiving your card.(若你在收到卡的前3個月內消費,就可以免繳年費。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎due a.預定的;到期的
例:Bennys flight is due to arrive at 8:00 p.m.(班尼的班機預定晚上8點抵達。)
◎expire vi.過期;到期
◎request vt.要求,請求
例:David requested a loan from the bank.(大衛向銀行申請貸款。)
◎arrangement n. 安排
例:The couple decided to make the arrangements for their wedding banquet by themselves.(那對情侶決定自己安排婚宴。)

Donald Duck Transformer 唐老鴨變形金剛

An employee from Japanese toy manufacturer Tomy, displays a toy robot called the “Transformers Disney Label, Donald Duck holiday vehicle” which changes shape from a small vehicle to a Donald Duck shaped robot on a surf board at the companys headquarters in Tokyo on February 16, 2010. The product will go on sale on February 27.

2月16日在日本東 京Tomy玩具公司總部,一名職員展示這款名為「變形金剛迪士尼版,唐老鴨假日車」的玩具機器人,它可以從一輛小車變成站在滑板上的唐老鴨機器人,這款產 品將於2月27日上市。

2010/02/16

Student sells virginity for $45k 學生以4.5萬紐幣出賣貞操

◎羅彥傑

A cash-strapped New Zealand student who auctioned off her virginity to help pay for university said she had accepted an offer of $NZ45,000 to sleep with a stranger.

一 名欠缺現金以致拍賣貞操來繳納大學學費的紐西蘭學生說,她已接受和陌生人上床換取4萬5000紐幣的提議。

The 19-year-old offered her virginity to the highest bidder in an online auction and said there had been more than 1,200 bids.

這名19歲女孩在線上拍賣中把自 己的貞操賣給最高價投標者,並表示投標筆數已超過1200筆。

"I have accepted an offer in excess of $45,000, which is way beyond what I dreamed," the student said on her web page when the auction ended.

「我已接受超過4萬5000元的開價,這遠超過我的想像。」這名學生 在拍賣結束時,透過自己的網頁表示。

"Thank you to the more than 30,000 people who viewed my ad and to the more than 1,200 offers made."

「感謝各位,有超過3萬人 瀏覽我的廣告以及提出超過1200筆標單。」

Calling herself "unigirl", the young woman had described herself as attractive, fit and healthy and said she had never been in a sexual relationship.

自稱是「獨一無二女孩」的這位少女,形容自己具有吸引力、身材 健美及健康,並聲稱她從未有過性關係。

The advertisement drew wide reaction in New Zealand, which has some of the world’s most liberal laws on prostitution.

這則廣告在紐西蘭引起廣泛回響,而當地也擁有舉世若干最自由的娼妓相關法令。

新聞辭典

auction off︰片語,拍賣掉、透過拍賣處理掉。例句︰He auctioned off a collection of paintings.(他拍賣掉一批藏畫。)

in excess of︰片語,超過。例句︰Never spend in excess of your income.(花錢切勿超過你的收入。)

be way beyond︰片語,遠遠超過。例句︰Whatever he said was way beyond my understanding.(不論他說什麼,都遠遠超過我的理解範圍。)

I'd like to report a lost credit card. 我信用卡要辦掛失

對話
Emma:Hello, I’d like to report a lost credit card.
艾 瑪:妳好,我信用卡要辦掛失。
Tina:OK. Can I have your name and ID number, please?
堤娜:好,可以請您告訴我姓名和身分證號碼嗎?
Emma:My name is Emma Jones, and my ID number is A122446609.
艾瑪:我的名字是艾瑪?瓊斯,身分 證字號是A122446609。
Tina:When did you notice the card was missing, and can you confirm what your last purchase was?
堤娜:您什麼時候發現卡片遺失的?還有可以請您確認 最後一次購物是買什麼嗎?
Emma:I couldn’t find it this morning, and I used it last night to pay for my groceries.
艾瑪:我是今天早上找不到信用卡的,我昨晚還有用來買食品雜貨。
Rita:OK, I’ve canceled it for you. A new credit card will be sent to you within five working days.
堤娜:好,我已經替您註銷這張卡片。新的信用卡會在5個工作天內寄出。

本篇關鍵句

◎I’d like to report a lost credit card.我信用卡要辦掛失。
當您發現信用卡遺失,要向申請銀行掛失,這時除了上述關鍵句,你還可以 說:
.I want to report the loss of my credit card. (我想要掛失我的信用卡。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎report vt.通報
例:Don’t forget to report your change of address to the insurance company.(別忘了向保險公司通報地址變更。)
◎ID number身分證字號
◎notice vt.注意到;察覺
例:Have you noticed the change in John after he started dating Rachel?(你有注意到約翰開始和瑞秋交往以後的改變嗎?)
◎missing a.找不到的
◎purchase n.購買(的東西)
例:If there are any problems, you can return your purchase within seven days.(如果有任何問題,你可以在購物7天內退貨。)

World’s Biggest Bunny 全球最大兔子

As the son of the world’s biggest bunny, it was always likely that Ralph the rabbit was going to be a big buck. But the 12-month-old rabbit has well and truly proved a chip off the old block after breaking the record set by his mother Amy-weighing in at more than three stone.

身為全球最大兔子之 子,勞夫絕對有可能成為大塊頭。但才12個月大的牠體重已超過3英石(約19公斤),在打破母親艾美創下的紀錄後,確實已證明自己得自母親真傳。

2010/02/15

Aussie banker was caught ogling racy photo live on TV 電視現場連線活逮澳洲銀行員看豔照

◎管淑平

After staring at a screen filled with dull data, Sydney Macquarie Bank worker Dave Kiely decided to spice up his shift a little.

在看了電腦螢幕中滿滿的沉悶資料之後,雪梨麥格里銀行 員工大衛.基里決定稍微提振一下工作精神。

So he called up near-nude pictures of the curvaceous model Miranda Kerr on his computer.

所以他在電腦上叫出曲線玲瓏有致的模特兒 米蘭達.克爾近乎全裸的照片。

He might have thought he was ogling alone. But that was not quite the case. For his leering was witnessed by hundreds of thousands of TV viewers watching the evening news.

他大概以為只有自己在享眼福。但 並不是這麼回事。因為成千上萬正在看晚間新聞的人目睹他偷看豔照。

Kiely was sitting behind a colleague doing a live television interview about the Australian economy. As his colleague pontificated, Kiely in the background was looking at the photos of Miss Kerr on GQ magazine.

基里當時坐在一名正接受現場連 線訪問談澳洲經濟的同事後面。在他的同事高談闊論之際,背景中的基里正盯著克爾在GQ雜誌上的照片。

When the live interview was about to finish, the man turns and looks directly at the television camera with what appeared to be a sheepish grin and he realizes his actions have been caught on camera.

在訪問將結束時,這名行員轉過身來, 直視著電視攝影機,臉上帶著顯然是難為情的微笑,他發現他的所作所為都被攝影機拍到了。

This video has became a hit on YouTube. Financial news-based Web site, Here is the City, had set up an e-mail campaign to help Kiely from being fired.

這段影片成了 YouTube上的熱門影片。財經新聞網站Here is the City發起一項搶救基里免於被開除的電子郵件運動。

After an internal review Macquarie said in a statement on Feb. 5. that Kiely would keep his job.

經過內部檢討後,麥格里5日在聲明中說,基里會保住他的工作。

◎新聞辭典:

curvaceous: 形容詞,(指女性)身材有曲線美的。 例句:He is attracted by that curvaceous woman.(他被那名身材曲線玲瓏的女人吸引。)

leer:動詞,邪惡、色迷迷地看。例句:Leering at girls is rude.(色迷迷地盯著女孩看很沒禮貌。)

sheepish:形容詞,羞怯的、難為情的。例句:He always has that kind of sheepish smile.(他總是有那種靦腆的微笑。)

I’m locked out of my house. 我被鎖在門外

對話
Arnold:Hello, LLM Locksmiths. What can I do for you?
阿 諾:您好,LLM 鑰匙行。我能幫上什麼忙嗎?
Heather:Hello, my name’s Heather Samuels. I’m locked out of my house. I need help getting my door opened.
海瑟:你好,我名叫 海瑟?山謬爾斯。我被鎖在門外。我需要有人幫我把門打開。
Arnold:No problem. Can you give me your address?
阿諾:沒問題。可以告訴我您的地址嗎?
Heather:Yes, it’s 54 Jackson Grove. How soon can you get here?
海瑟:好的,這裡是傑克森街54 號。你多快能到?
Arnold:Seeing that it’s rush hour now, it might take us up to an hour and a half.
阿 諾:由於現在是交通尖峰時間,我們可能要花上一個半小時。
Heather:I see. Please hurry.
海瑟:我知道了。請 快一點。

本篇關鍵句

◎I’m locked out of my house.我被鎖在門外。
我們偶爾會發生將鑰匙鎖在家裡或是車裡的窘況,此時就必須打電話給鎖匠,請他來開鎖。我們可以使用以下句子來表達:
.I seem to have left my keys in my house.(我好像把鑰匙給留在家裡了。)
.My key is stuck in the keyhole.(我的鑰匙卡在鑰匙孔裡了。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎locksmith n.鎖匠
◎lock vt.鎖上& n.鎖
例:Did you remember to lock the door?(你有記得鎖門嗎?)
◎Seeing that… 鑒於/由於……
◎rush hour (上下班)交通尖峰時刻
◎hurry vi.& n.趕緊,匆忙
例:There is no need to hurry. We still have plenty of time.(不必急。我們的時間還很充裕。)
.hurry up 趕快,加快行動
例:You'd better hurry up or you'll be late for school.(你最好快點,不然你上學會遲到。)

18L Bottle of Wine 18公升大瓶酒

For lovers of wine fine, quality drops don’t come much bigger than this 2006 bottle of Chateau Cheval Blanc. At 18litres it is significantly bigger than the 750ml bottle most people are used to. The large bottle, referred to as a melchior, is expected to fetch between ?3,600 and ?4,800 when it goes on sale as part of the Finest and Rarest Wines and Vintage Port auction at Sotheby’s this week.

對於美酒的愛好者來 說,這瓶2006年白馬酒莊的佳釀可真是大瓶,18公升的容量,比起大多數人習慣的750毫升容量大了許多,這瓶超大瓶裝葡萄酒,本周在蘇富比的稀有好酒 拍賣會上,可望賣出18.1萬至24.2萬元台幣。

2010/02/14

Officer, I've been burglarized! 警察先生,我家遭小偷了

課文
Ned:Hello, San Diego Police Station.
奈德:聖地牙哥警察局,你好。
Carla:Officer, I've been burglarized! I arrived home after work to find my house broken into. When I went in, everything was a big mess.
卡拉:警察先生,我家遭小偷 了。我下班回到家發現家裡被闖空門。我一進門就看到裡面一團亂。
Ned:Are you still on the premises now, ma'am?
奈德:請問妳現在還在現場嗎,女士?
Carla:No, I heard someone walking around, so I left immediately. I'm at a neighbor's house.
卡拉:沒有,因為我聽到 有人在走動,所以馬上離開了。我目前在鄰居家。
Ned:OK. Please don't reenter your house until a police officer arrives. Can you tell me your address?
奈德:好的,在員警抵達前請不 要再進入妳的房子。可以告訴我妳的住址嗎?
Carla:Yes, it's 12 Dale Farm Road.
卡拉:好的,地址是代 爾農場路12號。

本篇關鍵句

◎Officer, I’ve been burglarized!警察先生,我家遭小偷了。
遇到緊急狀況要報警時,以下為其他常用的句子:
例:Officer, there has been a car accident.(警察先生,這裡發生車禍了。)
例:Officer, my car has been stolen.(警察先生,我的車被偷了。)

關鍵字彙與片語
◎burglarized vt. 破門進入行竊
例:My apartment was burglarized when I was away on vacation.(在我度假時家裡遭了小偷。)
◎break into……闖入……
例:Lucy was scared to death when she found that somebody had broken into her house.(露西發現有人闖入她家時嚇壞了。)
◎mess n. 一團亂
例:My brother's room is in such a mess that you can't see the floor.(我弟弟的房間亂到連地板都看不到。)
◎reenter vt. 再進入,重新進入

2010/02/13

Goldman May Require Execs to Donate To Charity 高盛可能要求主管捐錢行善

◎陳成良

Facing the possibility of a public backlash as a result of record bonuses this year, Goldman Sachs is considering requiring its executives to donate a portion of their salaries to charity, according to a report in The New York Times.

有鑑於今年破紀錄的分紅可能引發眾怒,高盛集團考慮要求其主管從薪酬中提撥一定比例,捐款行善,據紐約時報報導。

Goldman has long been the highest-paying firm on Wall Street, and this year is no exception. Analysts expect the firm to set aside more than $17 billion for bonuses for its approximately 30,000 employees.

高盛長久以來都是華爾街最高薪的公司,今年也不例外。分析師預期該公司將撥出逾170億美元,充作近3萬名員工的紅利。

According to the Times, Goldman’s charity plans could be similar to one that Bear Stearns had before the firm went under. Top earners at Bear were required to donate 4% of their annual bonuses to charity, and the firm made bonus recipients provide tax returns as proof.

據紐時指出,高盛的慈善計畫可能與貝爾斯登破產前的作法雷同。貝爾斯登要求高薪主管每年捐出4%的分紅給慈善機構,而且該公司要求領紅利的人提供納稅申報單作為證明。

Goldman, while its business has been stellar, has faced a public relations disaster. The firm announced late last year it would donate $200 million from its foundation along with creating a $500 million fund to help small businesses.

高盛儘管業績向來耀眼,卻面臨公關災難。該公司去年底宣布,將從其基金會捐出2億美元,並成立一個5億美元的基金來協助小型企業。

Goldman has also said its 30 top executives would receive bonuses in stock, not cash.

高盛也已表示,將以股票代替30位高層主管的現金紅利。

新聞辭典

backlash:名詞,指對某事物的強烈反應或反對,如the Sixties backlash against bourgeois materialism(60年代對於中產階級唯物主義的強烈反動)。

tax return:名詞,納稅申報單。用法如:taxpayer fined for filing incorrect tax returns(納稅人填報不正確報稅單被處罰款)。「退稅」的英文是 tax rebate或tax refund。

stellar:形容詞,傑出的;一流的。另外常見的意思是「恆星的」、「星球的」,例句:The central bulge of our galaxy is actually a stellar bar.(我們銀河系的中央突出部分實際上是一個恆星帶。)

I'd like to report a fire at my next-door neighbor's house. 隔壁鄰居家失火了,我要報火警

對話
Rick:San Francisco Fire Department.
瑞克:舊金山消防局,你好。
Bob:Hello, I'd like to report a fire at my next-door neighbor's house. I can see smoke coming from their kitchen window.
鮑伯:你好,隔壁鄰居家失火了,我要報火警。我可以看見煙從他們家廚房窗戶冒出來。
Rick:Can you give me the address, please?
瑞克:你可以給我住址嗎?
Bob:It's 56 Roland Street.
鮑伯:羅倫街56號。
Rick:OK, a team of fire fighters will be there as soon as possible.
瑞克:好的,一組消防隊員會盡快趕過去。
Bob:Thank you.
鮑伯:謝謝你。

本篇關鍵句

◎I’d like to report a fire at my next-door neighbor’s house.隔壁鄰居家失火了,我要報火警。
打電話報火警時,一定要清楚告知消防員火場位置,如果不知道地址,也要告訴對方火場附近的地標、或是位在那條路的交叉路口等。以下為實用句型:
.There is a fire in my neighborhood. I live on 56 Rosa Road.(我家附近失火了。我家住在蘿莎路56號。)
.First Department Store is on fire. There are many people trapped in the building.(第一百貨公司失火了。有很多人被困在裡面。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎report vt.舉報;告發
例:I would like to report a theft. My car has been stolen.(我要報竊盜案。我的車被偷了)
例:We should report the suspect to the police.(我們應該將那個嫌犯通報警方。)
◎immediately adv. 立刻,馬上
例:Jason asked you to call him immediately after you finished the meeting.(傑森叫你開完會後馬上打電話給他。)

The Biggest Crab in Britain英國最大螃蟹

With its enormous legs and lethal claws, this monster of the deep is already the biggest crab ever seen in Britain.
But astonishingly, the arthropod - which measures a staggering 10ft from claw to claw - is still growing, and could live until it is 100.


這個深海怪物有巨腳和可致命的螯,是英國有史以來最大的螃蟹。更令人震驚的是,這隻節肢動物雙螯間的距離寬達驚人的10呎(3.05公尺),而且還在持續生長,可能活到100歲。

2010/02/12

Taiwan hopes Japanese comics can teach prosecutors 台灣希望日本漫畫書能讓檢察官有所領悟

◎張沛元

Taiwan has asked its prosecutors to read a Japanese comic book dealing with compassion and tolerance in an effort to improve their work performance, an official said.

一名官員表示,台灣已要求檢察官們閱讀一本內容涉及感同身受與寬容的日本漫畫書,以期藉此改善檢方的工作表現。

The justice ministry has distributed 2,000 copies of the Japanese manga "Love" based on the story of how a bereaved mother reconciled with a family whose sixth-grader son killed her boy.

法務部已發出2000本日本漫畫書「愛與寬容」,該漫畫是根據1名喪子的母親如何與殺害其子的小六男童家庭和解的故事所改編(譯註:日劇在台播出時的譯名為「愛與寬容」)。

The touching story was made into a critically acclaimed television series in Japan that was aired on the island last year.

這個感人的故事曾在日本被改編為深受好評的電視劇,該劇並於去年在台灣播出。

The reading assignment is part of the ministry’s efforts to promote "restorative justice" -- which seeks to encourage repair and reconciliation between the victims and the offenders, said Gloria Fei.

費玲玲說,這個看漫畫書的任務,是法務部推動「修復式正義」─尋求鼓勵受害者與犯罪者之間的修復與和解─的一部分。

"We hope prosecutors will become more compassionate so they can help promote understanding and ease confrontation between the two sides," said Fei, head of the ministry’s Department of Rehabilitation and Social Protection.

「我們希望檢察官未來能更有同理心,如此就能協助推動兩造(被害者與加害者)之間的了解並舒緩對立,」法務部保護司司長費玲玲說。

新聞辭典

in an effort to:片語,為了要。例句:President Obama met with Congressional leaders from both parties in an effort to find areas in which the sides can work together.(為了尋找雙方能夠合作的空間,歐巴馬總統與來自兩黨的國會領袖見面。)

manga:名詞,漫畫,原為日文,漫画(まんが)。類似的日文轉作英文使用的最知名字彙,就是tsunami,海嘯,日文原文為津波(つなみ)。

acclaimed:形容詞,受讚揚的。

Do you have breakdown coverage with us? 您有保我們公司的汽車車體損失險嗎

對話
Danny:Burt's Auto Rescue. How may I help you?
丹尼:伯特汽車救援服務。請問有什麼需要我效勞的嗎?
Adam:Hello, my name's Adam Parks. My car broke down. I need some assistance right away.
亞當:你好,我是亞當派克。我的車子拋錨。我現在需要道路救援。
Danny:Sir, do you have breakdown coverage with us?
丹尼:先生,您有保我們公司的汽車車體損失險嗎?
Adam:Yes, I do.
亞當:有,我有保。
Danny:OK, tell me where you are, and I'll send some assistance over right away.
丹尼:好,告訴我您在哪裡,我會馬上派人過去協助。
Adam:I'm somewhere along Constitution Avenue downtown.
亞當:我在市中心憲章大道上的某個地方。

本篇關鍵句

◎Do you have breakdown coverage with us?您有保我們公司的汽車車體損失險嗎?
˙一般汽車保險公司所包含的道路救援服務項目有:
towing service(拖吊服務)
roadside assistance(道路救援服務)
˙當你的車子發生問題時,這時你可以說明自己遇到的情況:
My car broke down, and I 'm stuck on the side of the road.(我的車子故障了,我被困在路邊。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎rescue n & vt.援救
例:The fire fighter rescued a little girl from the burning building.(這位消防隊員從失火的建築物中救出一個小女孩。)
◎breakdown n.(車輛)故障
例:Dial this toll-free number if you have a breakdown on the highway.(若你的車在高速公路上拋錨,請撥這支免付費電話。)
◎coverage n.保險項目
例:This surgery is not included in your medical coverage.(這項手術不包括在你的醫療險中。)
*surgery n.手術(不可數)

Plucky Vole Does Battle With A Coyote勇敢田鼠大戰土狼

The hungry coyote had plucked its would-be prey out of a snowdrift beside the road through Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.But rather than surrender to its fate, the vole reared up to confront the danger head on. Daily Mail


饑餓的土狼從美國懷俄明州黃石國家公園路旁雪堆中,拽出牠的獵物。但田鼠不向命運低頭,抬起前腳迎面對抗危機。

2010/02/11

Urine test for dangerous snoring 驗尿可測危險的打鼾

◎國際新聞中心

A urine test that can differentiate between dangerous and safe snoring is possible, say researchers at the University of Chicago.

芝加哥大學研究人員表示,有可能研發出可分辨打鼾危不危險的驗尿方法。

They looked at 90 children referred to a clinic to be evaluated for breathing problems in sleep, and 30 controls. A number of proteins were increased in the urine of the children diagnosed with dangerous snoring.

他們觀察90名到診所診斷睡眠呼吸問題的孩童,以及30名對照組。被診斷出有危險打鼾的孩童,尿液中蛋白質量比較多。

The research is published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

這份研究刊登在呼吸暨重症照護期刊。

The children all had standard overnight tests and some were classified as having obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). OSA can lead to mental, behavioural, cardiovascular and metabolic problems in children. It is estimated that up to 3% of all children up to the age of nine may suffer from it.

這些孩童都接受標準的隔夜檢測,部分被歸類為阻塞性睡眠窒息症(OSA)。OSA可能導致孩童心理、行為、心血管與代謝問題,9歲以下孩童,約3%可能有這種疾病。

The researchers collected the children’s first sample of urine on the morning after the sleep study. They used a process with fluorescent dyes to separate and characterise the proteins in the urine and found three proteins at higher concentrations in the urine of children with OSA:urocortin 3, orosomucoid and uromodulin.

研究人員在睡眠研究後,蒐集孩童早上第一泡尿的樣本,他們使用螢光染劑,分別與標誌出尿液中的蛋白質,並發現有OSA的孩童,尿液中urocortin 3、血清類黏蛋白與尿調理素這3種蛋白質的濃度較高。

新聞辭典

snore:動詞,打鼾。例句:Sometimes my husband snores so loudly, it keeps me awake at night.(我老公有時候打鼾很大聲,讓我晚上都睡不著。)

differentiate:動詞,區隔、分別。例句:We do not differentiate between our workers on the basis of their background or ethnic origin.

(我們不因為背景或種族區隔員工。)

control:名詞,對照組。

I'm having trouble starting my car. 我無法啟動車子

對話
Andy:Jackson's Motor Services, how may I help you?
安迪:傑克森汽車服務公司,我可以幫您什麼忙嗎?
Betty:Hello, I'm having trouble starting my car. I was wondering if you could send someone over to take a look at it.
貝蒂:你好,我無法啟動車子。不知道你能否派人過來看一下。
Andy:Can I have your address, please?
安迪:可以麻煩您告訴我地址嗎?
Betty:It's 53 Lexington Avenue.
貝蒂:我住在萊辛頓大道 53 號。
Andy:Someone will be there in about 30 minutes.
安迪:約30分鐘後會有人去處理。
Betty:Thank you.
貝蒂:謝謝。

本篇關鍵句

◎I'm having trouble starting my car.
我無法啟動車子。
汽車故障需要道路救援時,你可以打電話請保險公司或修車廠處理,以下為常見狀況:
例:I couldn't get the car started this morning.(我今天早上沒法啟動汽車。)
例:I got a flat tire from driving over a nail.(我的車子壓過釘子後就爆胎了。)
例:My car broke down on my way to work.(我的車在去上班的途中拋錨了。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎have trouble + V-ing
從事……有困難
例:I'm having trouble understanding what you're saying.(我聽不太懂你在說什麼。)
◎send vt.派遣,打發
例:I've sent someone over to fix the problem.(我已派人過去處理那個問題了。)
例:I sent Henry to the store to buy some milk.(我派亨利去商店買些牛奶。)
◎take a look at… 看一看……
= have a look at…
例:Can you take a look at my computer? It's crashed again.(你可以看看我的電腦嗎?它又當機了。)

Carnival Parade Float嘉年華遊行花車

A carnival parade float, showing the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to US President Barack Obama, stands in Cologne, western Germany on February 9, 2010. In a traditional carnival parade, the festive committee of Cologne will walk through the city on Carnival Monday, February 15, 2010.


一輛展現總美國統歐巴馬獲頒諾貝爾和平獎造型的嘉年華遊行花車,2月9日立於德國西部科隆市區。科隆節慶委員會成員將在2月15日的傳統嘉年華遊行中,步行穿過市區。

2010/02/10

The tell tail clue to a happy dog... they wag it to the left 尾巴令快樂狗現端倪︰牠們向左搖尾

◎魏國金

Pet owners have always known that dogs wag their tails when they are happy. But, now researchers say that it’s not the wag only, but its direction that matters--and those which wag to the left may be more friendly.

寵物飼主向來知道,當狗快樂時會搖尾巴。不過,現在研究人員說,不僅搖尾巴,搖的方向也很重要—而那些向左搖尾的狗或許更友善。

Using a robot, an international team, led by the University of Victoria in Canada, has found that the way canines use their tails is more subtle than people thought, and friendly dogs wag them to the left, the ’Laterality’ journal reported.

利用一個機器狗,加拿大維多利亞大學領軍的一個國際團隊,發現狗使用尾巴的方式要比人們所想的還要微妙,而友善的狗將尾巴搖向左側,「側性」期刊指出。

In their study, involving 500 dogs, the researchers looked in particular at whether the animals were hesitant or not as they walked up to the robot, as stopping or pausing can be a sign of lack of confidence, doubt or fear.

In the study, 56 per cent of the animals approached the model without hesitation when the tail was wagged to the left, but only 21 per cent had such a direct approach when it went to the right.

在他們涉及500隻狗的研究中,研究人員特別觀察在這種動物走向機器狗時是否會猶豫,而止步或暫停可能是缺乏信心、懷疑或害怕的信號。在該研究中,當機器狗的尾巴向左搖時,56%的狗狗會毫不遲疑地走向它,而當機器狗的尾巴向右搖時,如此直接趨近者僅有21%。

Animal psychologist Roger Mugford said it proved that dogs were even more sophisticated communicators than animals more closely related to man such as monkeys.

動物心理學家羅傑.莫格弗說,這證明比起猴子等人類近親的動物,狗狗甚至是更複雜的溝通者。

He added:"If you are going to present a signal to a dog, it is sensible to put it on your left-hand side because that is where dogs tend to look."

他補充說︰「如果你想對一隻狗出示一個信號,將牠放在你的左手邊是合理的,因為這是狗狗傾向去看的位置。」

"It is another example of the similarity between dogs and humans. They are a lot more human than we give them credit for."

「這是狗與人類似的另一個範例。牠們遠比我們所認定的更有人性。」

新聞辭典

tell tail 與 tell-tale音相近,後者指洩密者,亦可作形容詞,例句︰It was clear from the tell-tale look in her eyes that she loved him.(她的眼神明顯流露出她愛著他。)

wag︰搖擺、饒舌。例句︰Let my tongue wag.(讓我痛快說個夠。)也有(時勢)推移之意。例句︰How wags the world with you?(你近況如何?)

give sb. credit for︰認為某人有(優點、能力)。例句︰She’s more humorous than I gave her credit for.(她比我原先想的還幽默。)

I need an ambulance. 我要叫救護車

對話
Brian:Hello, operator? I need an ambulance.
布萊恩:接線生嗎?我要叫救護車。
Operator:OK. Can you tell me where you are, and what number youre calling from?
接線生:好的。你可以告訴我你的位置,還有你的電話號碼嗎?

Brian:I'm at 18 Thornton Boulevard, and the number here is 445-6642.
布萊恩:我在索頓大道18號,這裡的電話是445-6642。
Operator:Please tell me your name, the name of the injured person, and the details of the injury.
接線生:請告訴我你的名字、傷患的名字,以及患者傷勢的詳細情形。
Brian:My name is Brian Smith, and my friend Lily Lancer fell down the stairs. I'm worried she may have broken her leg.
布萊恩:我是布萊恩?史密斯,我的朋友莉莉˙藍斯從樓梯上摔下來。我擔心她可能摔斷了腿。
Operator:OK. Try to remain calm and an ambulance will be there shortly.
接線生:好的。請儘量保持鎮靜,救護車很快就會到。

本篇關鍵句

◎I need an ambulance. 我要叫救護車。
遇到緊急狀況要叫救護車時,以下補充一些可能用到的例句:
例:Someone was hit by a car.
=Someone was run down by a car.
(有人被車撞到了。)
例:My wife had / is having a heart attack.(我老婆心臟病發作。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎ambulance n. 救護車
◎injured a. 受傷的
例:Over two hundred people were seriously injured in the train accident. (有兩百多名乘客在火車事故中受到重傷。)
◎remain vi. 保持(之後接名詞或形容詞作補語)
例:When I asked her why she was angry, my girlfriend just remained silent.
(當我問女友為何生氣時,她只是保持沈默。)

Eating a Scorpion 生吞蠍子

A U.S. Marine eats a scorpion during a jungle survival exercise with the Thai Navy, as part of the “Cobra Gold 2010” joint military exercise, at a military base in Chon Buri Province February 9, 2010. About 14,073 soldiers from six countries, including Thailand, U.S., Singapore Indonesia, Japan and South Korea are participating in the three-week military exercise.

2月9日在泰國春武里省一個軍事基地舉行的2010年金響尾蛇聯合軍事演習中,一名美軍陸戰隊員在叢林求生訓練中生吞蠍子,這項為期3周的軍事演習共有來自泰、美、新加坡、印尼、日本和南韓等6國的14073名官兵參加。

2010/02/09

Police try to match 250 stolen shoes with owners 警方試圖比對250隻失竊鞋子失主身分

◎羅彥傑

Newark police on Monday are trying to match up 250 shoes recovered from a creek on Sunday with those reported stolen in the area since 2003.

紐華克警方週一試圖將週日從一條小溪尋獲的250隻鞋子,和2003年起在當地報案遭竊者進行比對。

A passerby spotted three large duffel bags stuffed with men’s shoes in Elk Creek near Elkton, Md., on Sunday morning and alerted police, who have been investigating a string of Newark-area burglaries in which the thief steals men’s shoes, photographs of their owners and, in at least one case, men’s underwear.

一名路人週日上午在馬里蘭州艾克頓附近的艾克溪,發現3個裡面塞滿男鞋的帆布袋,於是向警方報案,而警方一直在調查紐華克地區一連串的竊案,在這些案件中,竊賊偷走男鞋、物主照片,以及在至少一件案子裡偷走男性內衣。

Investigators now are drying off the shoes, which were wet and muddy from the creek, and trying to figure out if they match the descriptions of any of the close to 200 pairs reported stolen in recent years, police spokesman Lt. Brian Henry said Monday.

調查人員目前正在烘乾這些被溪水浸濕且沾滿泥巴的鞋子,並試圖判定它們是否符合近年來報案遭竊的近200雙鞋子中任何一雙的描述情況,警方發言人布萊恩.亨利警官週一說。

The burglar appears to target University of Delaware students.

竊賊似乎鎖定德拉瓦大學的學生。

新聞辭典

stuff︰名詞指原料、物品,在這裡當動詞用,指塞滿、填滿。例句︰The bus is stuffed with passengers.(這輛巴士擠滿了乘客。)

dry off︰片語,弄乾、烘乾。例句︰The wind dried the ground off.(風吹乾了地面。)

figure out︰片語,弄懂、理解、明白。例句︰I can’t figure out why he said that.(我弄不懂他為什麼要說那句話。)

My luggage was delayed. 我的行李被延誤了

對話
Nina:Asia Airways, Baggage Services, Nina speaking. How may I help you?
妮娜:亞洲航空,行李服務處,您好,我是妮娜。請問您需要什麼服務?

Jack:Hello, my name is Jack Hathaway. I traveled from Singapore to Taiwan on flight AR501, and my luggage was delayed. I was wondering when it will be sent to me.
傑克:妳好,我是傑克?海瑟威。我搭新加坡飛台灣的AR501班機,我的行李被延誤了。我想知道我的行李何時會送到我這兒。
Nina:Hold on, let me check for you. Yes, it arrived this morning, and it’s already on its way to you.
妮娜:請稍候,我為您確認。有的,您的行李今早抵達,已經在送到您那兒的路上了。
Jack:What time will it arrive?
傑克:請問什麼時候會到?
Nina:It should be there by 4:00 p.m. We’re sorry for the inconvenience.
妮娜:應該4點前會到。造成您的不便我們甚感抱歉。
Jack:That’s alright.
傑克:沒關係。

本篇關鍵句

◎My luggage was delayed. 我的行李被延誤了。
當下機後在旋轉輸送帶找不到行李時,一般會到行李提領處詢問。以下為實用句子:
例:Have you found my luggage / baggage?(你們找到我的行李了嗎?)
例:When will my luggage / baggage arrive?(請問我的行李何時會到達?)
例:My luggage / baggage is missing.
=My luggage / baggage is lost.(我的行李不見了。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎baggage n.行李(集合名詞,不可數)
例:Your carry-on baggage is too big. I’m afraid you have to check it in.(您的隨身行李太大了。很抱歉您必須拖運。)
◎delay vt. 耽誤,耽擱;延遲
例:The flight was delayed due to the bad weather.(由於天候不佳造成班機誤點。)
◎be on the / its / sb’s way to…在到/前往……的路上/途中

Dog with a Long Tongue 長舌狗

A costumed dog with an unusually long tongue is seen during the dog street carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010. Hundreds gathered in the streets during one of the many parades before Carnival, which runs Feb. 12-16.

2月7日在巴西里約熱內盧舉辦的狗狗嘉年華街頭遊行中,這隻被主人裝扮過的狗兒露出不尋常的長舌頭。在2月12至16日巴西嘉年華正式活動之前,當地有許多各式各樣的遊行吸引數百名民眾上街。

2010/02/08

Will you accept the charges? 您同意付費嗎

對話
Mary:Hello, Brown residence.
瑪麗:你好,這裡是布朗家。
Operator:This is a collect call for Mary Brown from Betty Davis. Will you accept the charges?
接線生:這是貝蒂?戴維斯打給瑪麗?布朗的對方付費電話。您同意付費嗎?
Mary:Yes, no problem.
瑪麗:好,沒問題。
Operator:Ms. Davis, go ahead, please.
接線生:戴維斯小姐,您可以開始說話了。
Betty:Hello Mary, I'm calling to let you know the information about my flight on Monday.
貝蒂:喂,瑪麗,我打來是要告訴妳我星期一班機的事情。
Mary:OK, go ahead.
瑪麗:好,妳說。

本篇關鍵句

◎Will you accept the charges?
您同意付費嗎?
打國際電話選擇由對方付費,也就是a collect call(對方付費電話),你可以說:
例:I'd like to make a collect call to Tokyo, Japan.(我想要撥打對方付費的電話到日本東京。)
接線生會問對方是否同意付費:
例:This is a collect call for Peter Johnson from Stacey Rhymes. Will you accept the charges?(這是史黛西?萊姆斯打給彼得?強森的對方付費電話。您同意付費嗎?)
回覆同意或不同意付費時,你可以說:
例:Yes, I accept the charges.(好,我接受付費。)
例:No, I don't. I'm not sure who that is.(不,我不想。我不確定那個人是誰。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎residence n.住所
例:We were invited to Mr. Davidson’s residence in Beverley Hills.(我們受邀到戴維森先生去比佛利山莊的住所。)
◎charge n.收費
free of charge免費地
◎go ahead (電話)請說話;
請便(同意讓某人做某事)

NY driver used mannequin in car pool lane 紐約駕駛人用假人上共乘車道

◎管淑平

The tip-off was the sunglasses.

破綻就在太陽眼鏡。

A New Yorker faces a $135 traffic fine for using a mannequin as her "plus one" in the high-occupancy vehicle lane of the Long Island Expressway.

一名紐約客利用假人作為她的「共乘乘客」行駛在長島快速道路的高乘載專用車道,因而面臨135美元的交通罰款。

Alert sheriff’s deputy Deputy Robert Howard grew suspicious of a car in the high-occupancy vehicle lane when he was driving on the Long Island Expressway Tuesday Feb.2. He saw the "passenger" in that car was wearing sunglasses and using the visor.The problem:The sky was overcast.

有警覺心的長島副警長羅勃.霍華二月二日週二開車行駛在長島快速道路時,對高乘載專用車道上的一輛車起了疑心,因為那輛車裡的「乘客」戴著太陽眼鏡、還拉下遮陽板,問題是,當時是陰天。

When he pulled over the 61-year-old driver Kathleen Frascinella of N.Y. and discovered her only passenger was a mannequin, fully dressed with a long dark wig, blazer, shirt and scarf.

當他攔下這名61歲的紐約駕駛人凱瑟琳.佛瑞西尼拉時,發現她的唯一一名乘客是一具假人,戴黑色長假髮、穿外套、襯衫,圍上圍巾,有全套打扮。

Frascinella was issued a $135 citation for operating a vehicle in the HOV lane without a passenger.

佛瑞西尼拉因未搭載乘客開車行駛在高乘載專用車道,被開了一張135美元的罰單。

新聞辭典:

car pool lane/high-occupancy vehicle lane:名詞,共乘車道/高乘載車道。例句:A car pool lane is designated for people driving with at least one passenger.(共乘車道是給開車載著至少一名乘客的人使用。)

tip-off:名詞,密告、爆料、線索;動詞,密告。例句:The police act on a tip-off and busted the big cybercrime ring.(警方根據線報採取行動,破獲這個大型網路犯罪集團。)

overcast:形容詞,陰天的,陰暗的。例句:The weather forecast said it would be overcast and rainy today.(氣象預報說今天會是多雲有雨。)

Anti-bite Protection 防咬保護裝置

An eight year-old Belgium shepherd dog wears anti-bite protection on its teeth during a presentation at the Hund 2010, dog exhibition in the town of Winterthur north of Zurich February 5, 2010. The anti-bite protection should avoid injuries caused by dog bites.

2月5日在瑞士蘇黎世北方溫特圖爾鎮所舉辦的2010年狗展中,一隻8歲大的比利時牧羊犬牙齒上戴著防咬裝置,這種保護裝置可以避免狗咬傷人。

2010/02/07

Gaza calling:ringtone exports evade blockade 加薩呼喚:出口手機鈴聲來規避封鎖

◎俞智敏

Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip not only restricts imports to the enclave but has also crushed traditional exports like fruit, flowers, furniture and ceramics.

以色列封鎖加薩走廊不僅對進口至這塊飛地的商品設限,同時更重創了當地傳統的出口貿易如水果、鮮花、家具與陶器等。

But a year after a war between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas Islamist rulers and the 4-year-old blockade firmly in place, some Palestinian entrepreneurs are turning to the Internet to gain access to new foreign markets.

但在以色列與加薩走廊的哈瑪斯伊斯蘭統治者之間的戰爭爆發一年後,以色列對加薩所實施的四年封鎖措施仍舊未解除,部份巴勒斯坦企業家轉而透過網路來打進新的外國市場。

Haitham Abu Shaaban of Tatweer Business Services, working with a local recording studio, has a new contract with Dubai telecoms company du to make personalized cell phone ringtones that he hopes will sell well across the Arab world.

Tatweer商業服務公司的阿布沙班正與當地的錄音室合作,他跟杜拜的du電信公司簽署了生產客製化手機鈴聲的新合約,希望能夠在全阿拉伯世界大賣。

"The fact that Gaza has been under siege has stopped us from developing exports. But we thought there was a way around this," said Abu Shaaban. Gaza singers are lining up at the studios to record ringtone songs in a variety of styles, from rap to jazz.

「加薩受到圍困使我們無法發展出口市場,但我們認為一定有解決的辦法,」阿布沙班表示。加薩走廊的歌手們正在錄音室裡排隊,等著錄製從饒舌樂到爵士樂等各種風格的歌曲。

"We have taken forward the export of services through contracting local companies to export their work to other companies in the Middle East through the available tools, which is mainly, currently the Internet," Abu Shaaban said.

「我們與本地公司簽約,把他們的作品透過可用的工具,目前主要也就是靠網路,出口到中東地區的其他公司,藉此提供服務出口,」阿布沙班說。

新聞辭典

blockade:名詞,指封鎖、阻礙,如The Soviet blockade of Berlin was lifted in May 1949.(蘇聯對柏林的封鎖於1949年5月解除。)亦可做動詞。

enclave: 名詞,飛地(指在本國境內、隸屬另一國的一塊領土),如The republic of San Marino is an enclave of Italy.(聖馬利諾共和國位於義大利境內。)或指在更大範圍內一塊界線分明的較小區域,如an ethnic enclaves in a large city.(大城市裡的各種族聚集地)

siege:名詞,指圍攻、圍困,The soldiers laid siege to (= started a siege of) the city.(士兵們開始包圍這座城市。)亦可指(疾病等)長期折磨,如a siege of asthma.(長期為氣喘所苦)。

I'd like to make a collect call to New York. 我想打對方付費的電話到紐約

對話
Operator:Operator. May I help you?
接線生:接線生,您好。有什麼是我可以幫忙的嗎?
Betty:Hello, I'd like to make a collect call to New York.
貝蒂:你好,我想打對方付費的電話到紐約。
Operator:What's the name and number of the person you are trying to reach, please?
接線生:可以給我對方的姓名和電話嗎?
Betty:Ms. Barbara Jenkins at 718-445-9987.
貝蒂:姓名是芭芭拉?詹金斯女士,電話是718-445-9987。
Operator:Please hold while I check to see if she will accept the charges.
接線生:請稍等,我看看對方是否願意付費。
Betty:No problem.
貝蒂:好的。

本篇關鍵句

◎I'd like to make a collect call to New York.
我想打對方付費的電話到紐約。
若要撥打電話由對方或受話人付費的電話(a collect call)時,也可以這麼說:
˙Please charge the call to the other party. (這通電話請由對方付費。)
接線生接著會跟受話方說明:
˙Mr. Johnson, you have a collect call from Mr. Tom Brown. Will you accept the charges?(強森先生,你有一通來自湯姆?布朗先生的電話,指定由您付費。您願意付費嗎?)
在某些國家要撥打長途電話仍需透過接線生,可以跟接線生說:
˙Operator, I'd like to make a long-distance phone call. (接線生,我想打一通長途電話。)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎operator n.接線生;總機
例:Please dial 001 for the operator.
(找總機請撥001。)
◎make a collect call 撥打對方付費電話
˙collect a.(電話)由受話人付費的&adv. 由受話方付費地
例:My brother called me collect from the US last night.
(我哥昨晚從美國打受話人付費電話給我。)

2010/02/06

Chip shortage to push up PC costs晶片短缺將推升電腦成本

◎陳成良

Shortages of some key technology components are expected to push up the cost of making personal computers for the first time since 2003, analysts have predicted.

若干重要科技元件短缺,預料將使個人電腦製造成本自2003年以來首度上升,分析師預料。

The world economic crisis forced many manufacturers to cut jobs, delay plans to open up new factories, and scale back on production rates, which analysts said could take up to a year to be restored.

世界經濟危機迫使許多廠商裁員、推遲設立新廠的計畫,並減緩生產速度,分析師認為這些可能需要長達一年時間才能恢復。

The cost of semiconductor components is set to rise 2.8% in 2010, in contrast to an average decline of 7.8% for the past nine years, according to research firm Gartner.

相較於過去9年來每年價格平均下跌7.8%,2010年半導體元件的成本很可能增加2.8%,據顧能研究公司指出。

The expected increase is almost entirely attributable to a 23% increase in the price of DRam memory chips, which make up about 10% of a PC’s cost, according to the Financial Times.

預期中的成本增加,幾乎完全可歸因於「動態隨機記憶體」記憶晶片價格上漲23%,該晶片佔個人電腦約10%的成本,據金融時報報導。

Some other components including hard drives and optical disc drives will to be in short supply and the cost of flat-screen monitors will increase by about 20%, Gartner predicted.

包括硬碟及光碟機在內的其他元件,供應上也會出現短缺,而平面監視器的成本也會增加20%左右,顧能預測。

Increases in component costs are likely to have the biggest impact on smaller PC makers, which do not have the same bargaining power with suppliers as bigger brands.

元件成本增加,很可能對小型個人電腦廠商帶來最大的衝擊,因為大廠向供應商議價的實力,它們比不上。

新聞辭典

be set to︰片語,很有可能的、即將發生的。例句︰Electricity prices are set to go up again.(電費很有可能再上漲。)

contrast: 可作為動詞與名詞,皆為對照、比照之意。例句:This seems too big in contrast to that.(與那個對照之下,這個顯然太大)。

be attributable to:片語,可歸因於。例句:His illness is attributable to overwork. (他的病可歸因於勞累過度。)

Is shipping included? 有含運費嗎

對話
Burt:Hello, I called asking about the red swivel chair three weeks ago. I'd like to know if it's still on sale.
伯特:妳好,我3個星期前曾打來詢問紅色旋轉椅的事。我想知道是否還在特價。
Celia:Yes, there's still a 20 percent discount. The sale will last for another week.
希莉亞:有的,目前還打8折。特賣活動會再持續一星期。
Burt:Is shipping included?
伯特:請問有含運費嗎?
Celia:No, the shipping fee isn't included. The shipping fee is US$15.
希莉亞:沒有,不含運費。運費是15美元。
Burt:OK. I'd like to place an order for four chairs. Can they be shipped before next Tuesday?
伯特:好的,我想訂購4張椅子。請問你們下星期二之前可以出貨嗎?
Celia:No problem. Will you be paying by credit card?
希莉亞:沒問題。請問你要刷卡付款嗎?

本篇關鍵句

◎Is shipping included?
有含運費嗎?
當我們想確認某個價格是否包含某些服務時,我們還能這樣說:
例:Does the price include shipping?(請問這個價錢包含運費嗎?)
例:Does this price include breakfast?(請問這個價錢包含早餐嗎?)
例:Does this price include a service charge?(請問這個價錢包含服務費嗎?)

關鍵字彙與片語

◎on sale  特價中
例:This leather jacket is on sale for only US$99.99.(這件皮外套特價只要 99.99 美元。)
◎for sale 出售
例:I'm sorry, but this clock is not for sale. (很抱歉這個時鐘是非賣品。)
◎discount n. 折扣
例:We offer a 10 percent discount if you book the room one week in advance.(若您於一周前訂房,我們提供9折優惠。)

Monopoly With a Round Board圓形棋盤大富翁

Gone are the ?400 property bargains, the silver playing pieces ——and the opportunity to sneak a note out of the banker’s box. Monopoly unveiled a radical makeover on 03th February 2010 to mark its 75th anniversary. The new version, called Monopoly Revolution, uses electronic banking instead of paper money.


400英鎊(約2萬元台幣)的不動產買賣和銀色遊戲配件不見了,玩家也沒機會偷瞄莊家盒裡的紙幣。為慶祝推出75周年,大富翁遊戲2月3日推出全新改版。新版大富翁稱為「旋轉大富翁」(暫譯),用電子銀行取代傳統紙鈔。