◎國際新聞中心
US researchers are a step closer to discovering why some people can sleep peacefully despite the noise of modern life. A process in the brain plays a key role in blocking out sound during sleep, they say, and it appears to be more effective in certain individuals. It may be possible to boost this effect using therapy, drugs or electronic devices, says a Harvard team.
美國研究人員即將發現為什麼現代生活充滿噪音，人類還能安睡的原因。他們說，腦中一種過程扮演在睡夢中隔絕聲音的重要角色，在某些人身上，這種過程似乎特別有效。一個哈佛團隊說，或許可以用療法、藥物或電子器材來促進這種效果。
US researchers studied 12 healthy volunteers at a sleep clinic over the course of three nights. The first night was quiet but during the second and third nights, volunteers were confronted with the sounds of telephones ringing, road and air traffic noises and the beep of hospital equipment.
美國研究人員在3個晚上的研究過程中，在睡眠診所觀察12名健康的志願者。第1晚很安靜，不過第2與第3晚，志願者就會聽到電話鈴聲、路上與空中的噪音，以及醫院儀器的嗶嗶聲。
They were monitored each night using an electroencephalograph（EEG）, which records the electrical activity of the brain. The team, led by Dr Jeffrey Ellenbogen of Harvard Medical School, Boston, detected patterns known as sleep spindles which are thought to block out the effects of sound and other sensory information passing through the brain.
他們每晚接受腦電圖（EEG）監控，記錄受試者大腦的電子活動。由波士頓哈佛醫學院艾倫波根博士領導的團隊，偵測被稱為睡眠紡錘波的模式。紡錘波被認為會封鎖聲音與感官訊息通過大腦。
Individuals with the highest rates of spindles on the quiet night were less likely to be woken by noises on the second and third nights, and some were not even aware their sleep had been disrupted, he said.
在安靜的夜晚紡錘波速最高的人，第2第3晚比較不會被噪音吵醒，有些人甚至不知道睡眠曾被干擾。
新聞辭典
block out：片語，阻擋（光線或聲音通過）。例句：The tree outside the window blocks out the sun.（窗外的樹木擋住了太陽。）
sensory：形容詞，感官的。例句：A study was conducted on sensory stimulation and its effects on the brain.（針對感官刺激及其對大腦的效果進行一項研究。）
aware：形容詞，知道。例句：Are you aware how important you are to me?（你知道你對我有多重要嗎？）
2010/09/30
This Day in History September 30 歷史上的今天9月30日
Since 1903, the World Series has determined the champions of Major League Baseball. Each year, baseball fans tune in to watch who will earn that year’s bragging rights. However, it wasn’t always so easy to catch this great event. It wasn’t until this date in 1947 that the World Series was televised for the first time. It brought the New York Yankees and Brooklyn Dodgers into the living rooms of New Yorkers. This was also the first World Series in which an African-American player participated. The final result was the Yankees achieved victory in seven games.
自1903年起，世界大賽決定了美國職棒大聯盟的冠軍。每年棒球迷都會準時收看比賽，看那年誰能贏得揚眉吐氣的權力。不過要觀賞到這場運動盛事並非一直這麼容易。直到1947年的今日，世界大賽才首次在電視上轉播。當時在紐約民眾家中客廳上演的是紐約洋基隊和布魯克林道奇隊之間的比賽。這次也是世界大賽中首次有非裔美國球員的參與。最後洋基隊打滿7場比賽才奪得勝利。
單字片語
˙determine vt. 決定；確定
例：The scientists analyzed the moon rock to determine its composition.（科學家們分析那塊月球岩石以確定它的成分。）
˙champion n. 冠軍；優勝者
˙bragging rights 值得誇耀的成就或勝利
例：The winning band got NT$500,000 and bragging rights for a whole year.（比賽的冠軍樂團能夠獲得50萬元，並且揚眉吐氣一整年。）
˙televise vt. 電視播送
˙participate vi. 參加，參與
例：We are participating in the swimming competition next week.（我們將要參加下星期的游泳比賽。）
˙victory n. 勝利
例：The scientists analyzed the moon rock to determine its composition.（科學家們分析那塊月球岩石以確定它的成分。）
˙champion n. 冠軍；優勝者
˙bragging rights 值得誇耀的成就或勝利
例：The winning band got NT$500,000 and bragging rights for a whole year.（比賽的冠軍樂團能夠獲得50萬元，並且揚眉吐氣一整年。）
˙televise vt. 電視播送
˙participate vi. 參加，參與
例：We are participating in the swimming competition next week.（我們將要參加下星期的游泳比賽。）
˙victory n. 勝利
知識大補帖
每 年美國聯盟（American League）和國家聯盟（National League）各選出冠軍隊伍，以7戰4勝的方式決選出美國職棒大聯盟的冠軍（編按：除了1903、1919、1920 和1921年採9戰5勝制），優勝的隊伍可贏得世界大賽獎盃（Commissioner’s Trophy）。而除了1904和1994年外，世界大賽（圖為1947年比賽情形，翻攝網路）年年都有舉辦。目前紐約洋基隊是贏得最多次世界大賽的隊伍。
Hampshire police release ’lettuce’ e-fit of suspect 漢普郡警方公布嫌犯的「萵苣」辨識圖
◎ 魏國金
British police have admitted having technical issues after releasing an e-fit of a burglary suspect which looks like a man wearing a lettuce.
英國警方在公布一張看起來像是頭戴萵苣的男竊嫌臉部辨識圖後，坦承出現技術問題。
Officers released the image after a distraction burglary in which £60 was stolen from an elderly woman in Stockbridge, Hampshire. But the picture appeared to show the man with a lettuce on his head.
漢普郡斯塔克布里治地區發生一名年長婦人被偷走60英鎊的詐騙竊案後，警員公布這張圖像，但照片似乎顯示該男頭上有顆萵苣。
A spokesperson said that "while the hair on this image may not be of the best quality, it takes nothing from the overall clarity of the facial features". He added： "It would therefore be wrong to withhold the release of the e-fit just based on this technical issue."
一名發言人指出，「這張圖像的頭髮部分或許不是當中品質最優的，但無損臉部特徵的整體清晰」。他說︰「因此，只因這個技術問題而不公布這張歹徒的辨識圖是錯的。」
The suspect had asked the woman for money for gardening work but stole £60 from her handbag. He is described as white, between 40 and 45, about 5ft 8ins, with a round clean shaven face, large round eyes and with wavy blonde or greying hair.
這名嫌犯以園藝工作為由向受害婦女要錢，卻從她的手提包偷走60英鎊，他被描述是白人、介於40歲至45歲之間，身高5呎8吋，有張鬍子刮乾淨的圓臉，圓圓大大的眼睛，以及金色鬈髮或花白頭髮。
A Victim Support spokesperson said： "Victims or witnesses to a crime highly expect the criminal justice system to bring someone to justice. People put their trust in the system and the software and expect results, which would explain why people might be baffled by the picture."
受害者支持團體的一名發言人說︰「犯罪的受害者或目擊者高度期待刑事司法體系能伸張正義。人們信賴該體系與軟體，並期待結果，這可以說明為何人們對這張照片感到不解。」
新聞辭典
e-fit︰electronic facial identification technique（電子臉部辨識技術） 的縮寫，指以電腦方式，依據目擊者提供的訊息，合成歹徒等臉部圖像的繪圖技術。
distraction burglary：等同artifice burglary，指訴諸詐騙手段的竊盜。例句︰The elderly are particularly vulnerable to distraction burglary. （對於詐騙竊案，年長者特別容易上當。）
put one’s trust in︰片語，信任。
British police have admitted having technical issues after releasing an e-fit of a burglary suspect which looks like a man wearing a lettuce.
英國警方在公布一張看起來像是頭戴萵苣的男竊嫌臉部辨識圖後，坦承出現技術問題。
Officers released the image after a distraction burglary in which £60 was stolen from an elderly woman in Stockbridge, Hampshire. But the picture appeared to show the man with a lettuce on his head.
漢普郡斯塔克布里治地區發生一名年長婦人被偷走60英鎊的詐騙竊案後，警員公布這張圖像，但照片似乎顯示該男頭上有顆萵苣。
A spokesperson said that "while the hair on this image may not be of the best quality, it takes nothing from the overall clarity of the facial features". He added： "It would therefore be wrong to withhold the release of the e-fit just based on this technical issue."
一名發言人指出，「這張圖像的頭髮部分或許不是當中品質最優的，但無損臉部特徵的整體清晰」。他說︰「因此，只因這個技術問題而不公布這張歹徒的辨識圖是錯的。」
The suspect had asked the woman for money for gardening work but stole £60 from her handbag. He is described as white, between 40 and 45, about 5ft 8ins, with a round clean shaven face, large round eyes and with wavy blonde or greying hair.
這名嫌犯以園藝工作為由向受害婦女要錢，卻從她的手提包偷走60英鎊，他被描述是白人、介於40歲至45歲之間，身高5呎8吋，有張鬍子刮乾淨的圓臉，圓圓大大的眼睛，以及金色鬈髮或花白頭髮。
A Victim Support spokesperson said： "Victims or witnesses to a crime highly expect the criminal justice system to bring someone to justice. People put their trust in the system and the software and expect results, which would explain why people might be baffled by the picture."
受害者支持團體的一名發言人說︰「犯罪的受害者或目擊者高度期待刑事司法體系能伸張正義。人們信賴該體系與軟體，並期待結果，這可以說明為何人們對這張照片感到不解。」
新聞辭典
e-fit︰electronic facial identification technique（電子臉部辨識技術） 的縮寫，指以電腦方式，依據目擊者提供的訊息，合成歹徒等臉部圖像的繪圖技術。
distraction burglary：等同artifice burglary，指訴諸詐騙手段的竊盜。例句︰The elderly are particularly vulnerable to distraction burglary. （對於詐騙竊案，年長者特別容易上當。）
put one’s trust in︰片語，信任。
This Day in History September 29 歷史上的今天 9月29日
The world had to deal with a lot of turmoil during World War II. Before the bulk of the fighting began, European leaders tried to appease Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler since no one actually wanted another war. Because of this, the Munich Agreement was signed on this date in 1938. It stated that a part of Czechoslovakia, called Sudetenland, would be turned over to Germany. Hitler wanted it because the people there were ethnically German. The leaders from several European countries met to make the agreement. Oddly enough, Czechoslovakia’s leader was not one of them.
二次大戰期間，全世界得處理許多混亂的事情。在主要戰役爆發之前，歐洲領袖試圖安撫德國納粹和希特勒，因為沒有人真的希望再掀起另一場大戰。正因如此，慕尼黑協定遂於1938年的今天簽署，它明令捷克斯洛伐克的蘇台德地區必須割讓給德國。希特勒要此區的原因是該區的人民在種族上屬日耳曼人。許多歐洲國家的領袖會晤並制定此協定。但奇怪的是，捷克斯洛伐克的領袖卻未出席該會議。
單字片語
˙turmoil n. 騷動，混亂
例：The business has been in turmoil since the CEO stepped down unexpectedly.（執行長突然宣布下台後，該企業便陷入一片混亂。）
˙bulk n. 主體；大部分
例：The bulk of the country’s population is concentrated in the two largest cities.（該國的人口大部分集中在兩個最大的城市裡。）
˙appease vt. 平息，安撫
˙agreement n. 協定；協議
˙ethnically adv. 種族上
˙Oddly enough, S + V 奇怪的是，……
例：Oddly enough, Leo wasn’t tired after only getting three hours of sleep last night.（奇怪的是，里歐昨晚只睡了3小時卻不覺得疲倦。）
例：The business has been in turmoil since the CEO stepped down unexpectedly.（執行長突然宣布下台後，該企業便陷入一片混亂。）
˙bulk n. 主體；大部分
例：The bulk of the country’s population is concentrated in the two largest cities.（該國的人口大部分集中在兩個最大的城市裡。）
˙appease vt. 平息，安撫
˙agreement n. 協定；協議
˙ethnically adv. 種族上
˙Oddly enough, S + V 奇怪的是，……
例：Oddly enough, Leo wasn’t tired after only getting three hours of sleep last night.（奇怪的是，里歐昨晚只睡了3小時卻不覺得疲倦。）
知識大補帖
2010/09/28
Woman jailed for low-riding shorts 女子因穿低腰短褲被關
◎羅彥傑
A New Orleans woman was jailed for ten days after she went to court in low-riding shorts which revealed her underwear.
紐奧良一名女子穿低腰短褲出庭，露出內褲，被關了10天。
Kimberly Senette, 23, had only gone to court to urge her brother Lawrence Senette, 18, to accept a plea deal.
金柏莉．塞尼特，23歲，出庭只是為了要自己的弟弟羅倫斯．塞尼特，18歲，接受認罪協商。
But Judge Steve Windhorst took a dim view of her revealing outfit and locked her up for contempt of court, reports the Times-Picayune newspaper.
但法官史提夫．溫霍斯特對她暴露的服裝觀感很差，以藐視法庭罪把她關起來，《時代瑣聞報》報導說。
Miss Senette was wearing knee-length shorts which revealed her pants and the top of her buttocks, according to a witness.
塞尼特小姐穿著及膝短褲，露出內褲及自己屁股頂部，根據一名目擊者說。
When Judge Windhorst questioned her appearance, she said she had to remove her belt when going through a security checkpoint at the courtroom entrance.
當溫霍斯特法官質疑她的服裝儀容時，她說她在通過審判室門口的安檢崗哨時，必須拿掉皮帶。
She ended up being handcuffed and seated a row behind her brother as he eventually accepted a 12-year prison sentence in exchange for his guilty plea to carjacking and battery charges.
她最後被戴上手銬，坐在弟弟後面的一排座位，而弟弟最後接受12年徒刑，換取對劫車與毆打等指控的認罪。
新聞辭典
take a dim view of ~：片語，對～持悲觀或否定看法。例句：She took a dim view of my suggestion.（她對我的建議持否定態度。）
lock up：片語，鎖上、關起來。例句：She locked herself up in her room.（她把自己關在房間裡。）
carjacking：名詞，劫車。例句：Police believe that she was killed in a random carjacking.（警方相信她是因歹徒隨機劫車而遭到不測。）
A New Orleans woman was jailed for ten days after she went to court in low-riding shorts which revealed her underwear.
紐奧良一名女子穿低腰短褲出庭，露出內褲，被關了10天。
Kimberly Senette, 23, had only gone to court to urge her brother Lawrence Senette, 18, to accept a plea deal.
金柏莉．塞尼特，23歲，出庭只是為了要自己的弟弟羅倫斯．塞尼特，18歲，接受認罪協商。
But Judge Steve Windhorst took a dim view of her revealing outfit and locked her up for contempt of court, reports the Times-Picayune newspaper.
但法官史提夫．溫霍斯特對她暴露的服裝觀感很差，以藐視法庭罪把她關起來，《時代瑣聞報》報導說。
Miss Senette was wearing knee-length shorts which revealed her pants and the top of her buttocks, according to a witness.
塞尼特小姐穿著及膝短褲，露出內褲及自己屁股頂部，根據一名目擊者說。
When Judge Windhorst questioned her appearance, she said she had to remove her belt when going through a security checkpoint at the courtroom entrance.
當溫霍斯特法官質疑她的服裝儀容時，她說她在通過審判室門口的安檢崗哨時，必須拿掉皮帶。
She ended up being handcuffed and seated a row behind her brother as he eventually accepted a 12-year prison sentence in exchange for his guilty plea to carjacking and battery charges.
她最後被戴上手銬，坐在弟弟後面的一排座位，而弟弟最後接受12年徒刑，換取對劫車與毆打等指控的認罪。
新聞辭典
take a dim view of ~：片語，對～持悲觀或否定看法。例句：She took a dim view of my suggestion.（她對我的建議持否定態度。）
lock up：片語，鎖上、關起來。例句：She locked herself up in her room.（她把自己關在房間裡。）
carjacking：名詞，劫車。例句：Police believe that she was killed in a random carjacking.（警方相信她是因歹徒隨機劫車而遭到不測。）
This Day in History September 28 歷史上的今天 9月28日
Teachers play a vital role in shaping people's minds. They come in all different forms, from those at school to those in your own family. One of history's greatest teachers was Confucius. Born on this date in 551 BC, Confucius was a thinker and philosopher who promoted morality, justice, and sincerity. In Taiwan, Confucius and all other teachers alike are honored on September 28, commonly referred to as Teacher's Day. It is a day to show gratitude and respect towards teachers and for their profession. Celebrations for the holiday take place all over the island.
老師在塑造人的心智 方面扮演著極其重要的角色。他們以各式各樣的身分出現，從校園到家中都有。古往今來，孔子可說是最偉大的老師之一。他生於西元前551年的今日，是位思想 家與哲學家，推崇道德倫理、公平正義及真誠待人。在台灣，孔子和其他所有老師都在9月28日這天受到表彰，而這天就是一般所稱的教師節。人們會在這一天表 達對老師及老師這個職業的感激之情及尊敬之意。整個台灣都在這個節日舉辦各種慶祝活動。
單字片語
˙play a vital/key role/part in... 在……扮演重要／關鍵的角色
例：The manager played a key role in turning the company around. （那名經理是讓公司營運好轉的關鍵人物。）
˙come in... 有……（形式、大小、顏色、尺寸等）
例：That type of nail polish comes in six different colors.（那款指甲油共有6種不同的顏色。）
˙justice n.正義
˙justice be served/done 正義得以伸張
例：When the murderer was put in prison, justice was served.（那名兇手被關進牢裡時，正義得以伸張。）
˙honor vt.& n.表彰；致敬
˙in honor of... 以紀念……；向……表示敬意
例：The museum exhibit was set up in honor of that artist.（這次美術館展覽是為了紀念那位藝術家。）
˙be referred to as... 被稱為……
例：This invention was referred to as a major breakthrough in science.（這項發明被稱之為科學領域的一大突破。）
˙gratitude n.感激（之情）
例：The manager played a key role in turning the company around. （那名經理是讓公司營運好轉的關鍵人物。）
˙come in... 有……（形式、大小、顏色、尺寸等）
例：That type of nail polish comes in six different colors.（那款指甲油共有6種不同的顏色。）
˙justice n.正義
˙justice be served/done 正義得以伸張
例：When the murderer was put in prison, justice was served.（那名兇手被關進牢裡時，正義得以伸張。）
˙honor vt.& n.表彰；致敬
˙in honor of... 以紀念……；向……表示敬意
例：The museum exhibit was set up in honor of that artist.（這次美術館展覽是為了紀念那位藝術家。）
˙be referred to as... 被稱為……
例：This invention was referred to as a major breakthrough in science.（這項發明被稱之為科學領域的一大突破。）
˙gratitude n.感激（之情）
知識大補帖
每 年的教師節，各地孔廟（Confucian temple）都會舉行祭孔大典，以最隆重的儀式，表達對孔子無上的敬意（圖為學生在祭孔典禮表演八佾舞。資料照片），而這項傳統是自漢武帝獨尊儒術開 始，之後的皇帝（emperor）每年均會舉行祭孔。除此之外，在教師節時，教育行政單位及各級地方政府也會舉辦「慶祝教師節大會」，分別頒發資深及優良 教師獎狀，以表彰教師們對社會的貢獻（contribution）。2010/09/27
Lady Gaga, dressed like a dog’s dinner! But is offal MTV outfit real or fake? 女神卡卡，穿得像狗的晚餐！但這套MTV內臟裝是真是假？
◎管淑平
It’s a dress that certainly took some guts to wear.
這是一套肯定要有點勇氣才能穿的衣服。
But the question on everybody’s lips after Lady Gaga’s appearance in a ’raw meat’ outfit at the MTV Video Music Awards was： real or fake?
但在女神卡卡穿著一套「生肉裝」出席MTV音樂錄影帶獎頒獎典禮後，每個人都在問的問題是，這是真的還是假的？
The singer no doubt planned on causing maximum controversy by wearing the ensemble - including a meat hat and purse - to the Los Angeles event on the night of Sep. 12.
這名歌手無疑計畫好要藉由穿著這整套包括肉肉帽、肉肉包在內的服裝，參加這場9月12日晚間在洛杉磯舉行的活動，來製造最大爭議話題。
The dress, the work of Los Angeles-based Argentinian designer Franc Fernandez, came just days after Lady Gaga, 24, appeared on the cover of Japanese Vogue in a bikini also apparently made from meat, sparking outrage from animal rights activists.
這套出自洛杉磯的阿根廷裔設計師法藍柯．費南德茲的服裝問世前幾天，女神卡卡才穿著一套看來也是肉做的比基尼，登上日本版Vogue雜誌封面，引起動物權益活動人士憤慨。
As she walked on stage to collect her Video Of The Year award from Cher, Gaga admitted the meat dress was difficult to walk in.
在她走上舞台要從雪兒手中領取最佳年度音樂錄影帶獎項時，卡卡承認，穿著這套肉塊裝很難走路。
Later she appeared on The Ellen Show still wearing her meaty gown.
之後她出現在艾倫脫口秀，依舊穿著她的肉塊禮服。
When the host, stern vegan Ellen Degeneres, presented her with a gift of a lettuce bikini to replace it, and an excited Gaga held up the bikini and said, ’Is it organic?’
當主持人、嚴格的素食者艾倫．狄珍妮斯拿出一件生菜比基尼當禮物送給她取代肉塊裝時，一副興奮模樣的卡卡拿起比基尼，說「這是有機的嗎？」
新聞辭典：
take （some） guts：片語，花（點）勇氣。gut的複數形guts除了「勇氣」，還有「內臟」之意，在本文中一語雙關地意指這件生肉裝既用上了點內臟，要穿上它也得要有點勇氣。
（something +be動詞）on everybody’s lips：片語，膾炙人口、為人津津樂道的。例句：The legend of the great baseball player is on everybody’s lips.（這名偉大棒球員的傳奇為人津津樂道。）
ensemble：名詞，整套互相搭配的服裝；或指整體、整體的演出。例句：She looks more attractive wearing this sexy ensemble. （她穿著這身性感服裝看起來更迷人。）
It’s a dress that certainly took some guts to wear.
這是一套肯定要有點勇氣才能穿的衣服。
But the question on everybody’s lips after Lady Gaga’s appearance in a ’raw meat’ outfit at the MTV Video Music Awards was： real or fake?
但在女神卡卡穿著一套「生肉裝」出席MTV音樂錄影帶獎頒獎典禮後，每個人都在問的問題是，這是真的還是假的？
The singer no doubt planned on causing maximum controversy by wearing the ensemble - including a meat hat and purse - to the Los Angeles event on the night of Sep. 12.
這名歌手無疑計畫好要藉由穿著這整套包括肉肉帽、肉肉包在內的服裝，參加這場9月12日晚間在洛杉磯舉行的活動，來製造最大爭議話題。
The dress, the work of Los Angeles-based Argentinian designer Franc Fernandez, came just days after Lady Gaga, 24, appeared on the cover of Japanese Vogue in a bikini also apparently made from meat, sparking outrage from animal rights activists.
這套出自洛杉磯的阿根廷裔設計師法藍柯．費南德茲的服裝問世前幾天，女神卡卡才穿著一套看來也是肉做的比基尼，登上日本版Vogue雜誌封面，引起動物權益活動人士憤慨。
As she walked on stage to collect her Video Of The Year award from Cher, Gaga admitted the meat dress was difficult to walk in.
在她走上舞台要從雪兒手中領取最佳年度音樂錄影帶獎項時，卡卡承認，穿著這套肉塊裝很難走路。
Later she appeared on The Ellen Show still wearing her meaty gown.
之後她出現在艾倫脫口秀，依舊穿著她的肉塊禮服。
When the host, stern vegan Ellen Degeneres, presented her with a gift of a lettuce bikini to replace it, and an excited Gaga held up the bikini and said, ’Is it organic?’
當主持人、嚴格的素食者艾倫．狄珍妮斯拿出一件生菜比基尼當禮物送給她取代肉塊裝時，一副興奮模樣的卡卡拿起比基尼，說「這是有機的嗎？」
新聞辭典：
take （some） guts：片語，花（點）勇氣。gut的複數形guts除了「勇氣」，還有「內臟」之意，在本文中一語雙關地意指這件生肉裝既用上了點內臟，要穿上它也得要有點勇氣。
（something +be動詞）on everybody’s lips：片語，膾炙人口、為人津津樂道的。例句：The legend of the great baseball player is on everybody’s lips.（這名偉大棒球員的傳奇為人津津樂道。）
ensemble：名詞，整套互相搭配的服裝；或指整體、整體的演出。例句：She looks more attractive wearing this sexy ensemble. （她穿著這身性感服裝看起來更迷人。）
This Day in History September 27 歷史上的今天 9月27日
The movie Titanic made everyone dream of traveling on an ocean liner and finding adventure and maybe even love at sea. For many people years ago, this was not just a dream. It was actually the only way to travel from one place to another. On this date in 1938, the ship Queen Elizabeth was christened and launched. Queen Elizabeth of England, whom the ship was named after, had the honor of breaking the bottle on the side of the ship, which signified its launch. The Queen Elizabeth wasn't used as an ocean liner at first, though. Due to World War II, it served as a warship for six years before being turned into a luxury ship for civilian use. The Queen Elizabeth was the first in a series of QE ocean liners that continue to sail the high seas today.
電影《鐵達尼號》讓每個人都夢想搭乘遠洋郵輪，在海上進行冒險甚或愛之旅。對於多年前的民眾來說，這不僅僅是個夢想，而是從某處遠行到另一地的唯一方法。在1938年的今天，《伊利莎白女王號》正式命名啟用。這艘郵輪得名於英國的伊利莎白女王，而她正是受邀進行破瓶儀式以象徵船隻啟用的貴賓。不過《伊利莎白女王號》一開始並非當成郵輪使用。由於第二次世界大戰的關係，它頭六年的時間先是充當戰艦，然後再改造成豪華郵輪供一般百姓搭乘。《伊利莎白女王號》是一系列同名郵輪的第一艘，而這個系列的郵輪至今仍持續航行四海。
單字片語
★christen vt.為（船等）命名；給……起綽號
例：She was christened the queen of glam by the media.（她被媒體封為華麗女王。）
★launch vt. & n. 使（船隻）下水；發射（飛彈等）；發起（活動）
★signify vt. 象徵，代表，意味著
例：My tattoo signifies my devotion to my children.（我這個刺青是代表我對子女全心全意的愛。）
★serve as... 充當……，當作……之用
例： Grandfathers umbrella also serves as his cane.（爺爺的雨傘也拿來當拐杖用。）
★civilian a.民用的，平民的& n.平民，百姓
例： All civilian aircraft must submit a flight plan before takeoff.（所有的民用飛機在起飛前必須呈交飛航計劃。）
例：She was christened the queen of glam by the media.（她被媒體封為華麗女王。）
★launch vt. & n. 使（船隻）下水；發射（飛彈等）；發起（活動）
★signify vt. 象徵，代表，意味著
例：My tattoo signifies my devotion to my children.（我這個刺青是代表我對子女全心全意的愛。）
★serve as... 充當……，當作……之用
例： Grandfathers umbrella also serves as his cane.（爺爺的雨傘也拿來當拐杖用。）
★civilian a.民用的，平民的& n.平民，百姓
例： All civilian aircraft must submit a flight plan before takeoff.（所有的民用飛機在起飛前必須呈交飛航計劃。）
知識大補帖
2010/09/26
Mumbai’s taxi drivers browned off over livery change 孟買計程車司機不滿被迫改變車身顏色
◎俞智敏
Drivers of Mumbai’s black and yellow taxis, a distinctive feature of city life for nearly a century, are up in arms after the state government unveiled plans to change their colour to beige and brown.
孟買的黑黃雙色計程車近一世紀來一直是該市的特色之一，現在這些計程車司機卻對邦政府公布要把車身顏色改成淺棕色與咖啡色的計畫感到非常火大。
Maharashtra state transport minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said all new taxis coming into service in India’s financial and entertainment capital would be painted beige with a nut-brown trim.
馬哈拉施特拉邦運輸部長帕提爾表示，所有打算在這個印度金融和娛樂首都營業的新計程車，都必須把車身漆成淺棕色，再加上咖啡色飾條。
But the largest union representing drivers hit out at the proposal, saying they had not been consulted.
但代表計程車司機的最大工會卻對這項提案提出抨擊，因為當局並未先徵詢司機們的意見。
"There’ll be two types of taxis in Mumbai：black and yellow ones and new vehicles in the new colour. People will get confused," said the general secretary of the Mumbai Taximen’s Union, A.L. Quadros.
「未來孟買會有兩種計程車，一種是黑黃雙色的，另一種是塗上新顏色的新車。民眾一定會搞混，」孟買計程車司機工會秘書長夸德羅斯說。
"The minister has taken this decision without consulting the union. Changing the colour of taxis is not a burning issue. He should be concentrating on other things."
「部長作這項決定前根本沒徵詢工會意見。改變計程車身顏色並非緊迫議題。他應該把心力放在其他事情上。」
Quadros, whose union represents 40,000 of the 55,000 taxi drivers plying Mumbai’s streets, said the tinkering made no sense, as the vehicles were as synonymous with the city as black cabs in London or yellow taxis in New York.
在每天穿梭孟買街頭的5萬5000輛計程車中，有4萬名司機是夸德羅斯所屬工會的成員，夸德羅斯表示，政府的新政策毫無意義，因為黑黃雙色計程車已成為孟買的同義詞，就好比倫敦的黑色計程色或紐約的黃色計程車一樣。
Motorised taxis arrived in the then city of Bombay in the early 20th century and have become an icon represented in everything from Bollywood movies to commemorative tea towels and t-shirts.
計程汽車是自20世紀初期開始出現在孟買街頭，並已成為孟買象徵，從寶萊塢電影到紀念茶巾與T恤上，到處都可見到黑黃雙色計程車的身影。
新聞辭典
brown off/brown someone off：俚語，指生氣，如 I am really browned off at you!/You really brown me off! （你真的讓我很火大！）
tinker：動詞，指拙劣地修補，亦常指徒勞無功地瞎忙，如I wish the government would stop tinkering with the health service.（真希望政府不要再隨便亂修改健保制度。）
synonymous：形容詞，指意義相同或類似的，或指意涵非常接近的，如His name was synonymous with greed.（他的名字就等於貪婪。）
Drivers of Mumbai’s black and yellow taxis, a distinctive feature of city life for nearly a century, are up in arms after the state government unveiled plans to change their colour to beige and brown.
孟買的黑黃雙色計程車近一世紀來一直是該市的特色之一，現在這些計程車司機卻對邦政府公布要把車身顏色改成淺棕色與咖啡色的計畫感到非常火大。
Maharashtra state transport minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said all new taxis coming into service in India’s financial and entertainment capital would be painted beige with a nut-brown trim.
馬哈拉施特拉邦運輸部長帕提爾表示，所有打算在這個印度金融和娛樂首都營業的新計程車，都必須把車身漆成淺棕色，再加上咖啡色飾條。
But the largest union representing drivers hit out at the proposal, saying they had not been consulted.
但代表計程車司機的最大工會卻對這項提案提出抨擊，因為當局並未先徵詢司機們的意見。
"There’ll be two types of taxis in Mumbai：black and yellow ones and new vehicles in the new colour. People will get confused," said the general secretary of the Mumbai Taximen’s Union, A.L. Quadros.
「未來孟買會有兩種計程車，一種是黑黃雙色的，另一種是塗上新顏色的新車。民眾一定會搞混，」孟買計程車司機工會秘書長夸德羅斯說。
"The minister has taken this decision without consulting the union. Changing the colour of taxis is not a burning issue. He should be concentrating on other things."
「部長作這項決定前根本沒徵詢工會意見。改變計程車身顏色並非緊迫議題。他應該把心力放在其他事情上。」
Quadros, whose union represents 40,000 of the 55,000 taxi drivers plying Mumbai’s streets, said the tinkering made no sense, as the vehicles were as synonymous with the city as black cabs in London or yellow taxis in New York.
在每天穿梭孟買街頭的5萬5000輛計程車中，有4萬名司機是夸德羅斯所屬工會的成員，夸德羅斯表示，政府的新政策毫無意義，因為黑黃雙色計程車已成為孟買的同義詞，就好比倫敦的黑色計程色或紐約的黃色計程車一樣。
Motorised taxis arrived in the then city of Bombay in the early 20th century and have become an icon represented in everything from Bollywood movies to commemorative tea towels and t-shirts.
計程汽車是自20世紀初期開始出現在孟買街頭，並已成為孟買象徵，從寶萊塢電影到紀念茶巾與T恤上，到處都可見到黑黃雙色計程車的身影。
新聞辭典
brown off/brown someone off：俚語，指生氣，如 I am really browned off at you!/You really brown me off! （你真的讓我很火大！）
tinker：動詞，指拙劣地修補，亦常指徒勞無功地瞎忙，如I wish the government would stop tinkering with the health service.（真希望政府不要再隨便亂修改健保制度。）
synonymous：形容詞，指意義相同或類似的，或指意涵非常接近的，如His name was synonymous with greed.（他的名字就等於貪婪。）
This Day in History September 26
What would William Shakespeare think if he found out that one of his greatest love stories had been turned into a musical? He might actually be impressed. Based on Romeo and Juliet, the American musical West Side Story opened in New York City on this date in 1957. Its plot is centered on two rival teenage gangs. Just as with the Montagues and Capulets, the feud between the Sharks and the Jets escalates when a romance blooms between a boy and a girl from the two opposing sides. West Side Story's creation marked a turning point for musicals because it used sophisticated music and elaborate dance scenes to bring attention to a dark social problem.
歷史上的今天 9月26日…
要是莎士比亞發現他其中一部愛情鉅作被改編成音樂劇會作何感想？他或許真的會感到印象深刻。於1957年的今日在紐約市首演的美國音樂劇《西城故事》（圖為2006年台北演出情形，資料照片）即是改編自《羅密歐與茱麗葉》。這齣音樂劇的劇情圍繞在兩個敵對的年輕幫派上。正如同蒙特鳩與凱普雷特兩家一樣，在兩個來自敵對陣營的男女擦出愛火之際，鯊魚及傑特兩幫之間的仇恨鬥爭也愈演愈烈。《西城故事》這項創作為音樂劇劃下一個轉捩點，因為它利用饒富深度的音樂及精心安排的舞蹈場景來使人們注意到黑暗的社會問題。
單字片語
◎musicaln. 音樂劇，歌舞劇
◎feud
n.（個人或群體間的）長期爭鬥，世仇
◎escalate
vi.（暴力、爭鬥等不好的狀況）惡化，擴大
例：Gina's financial problems escalated after she lost her job.（吉娜的財務問題在她失業後更加惡化。）
◎opposing
a. 敵對的；對立的
例：Ethan and Frank have opposing views on the matter.（伊森和法蘭克對那件事的意見相左。）
◎sophisticated
a. 精緻的；複雜的
◎elaborate
a. 精心製作的；詳盡的
"No English, no job"「不會英語，就沒工作」
◎陳成良
In a bid to plug dwindling domestic consumption by tapping into overseas markets, some of Japan’s big-name retailers are telling their employees to start speaking English -- or find another job.
一些日本大型零售商希望透過拓展海外市場，緩解國內消費疲弱的壓力，因而要求雇員必須開始說英語，否則就請另謀高就。
As Japan’s population shrinks, the country’s retailers are increasingly looking to boost sales by expanding abroad and some firms are waking up to the necessity of being able to speak the global language of business in order to succeed overseas.
因日本人口減少，該國許多零售商越來越寄望拓展海外市場來提振業績。有些公司也逐漸意識到，只有掌握英語這種全球商業語言，才能在海外市場取得成功。
Rakuten, Japan’s biggest online retailer, plans to make English the firm’s official language, while Fast Retailing, operator of the Uniqlo apparel chain, wants to make English more common in its offices by 2012 and plans to test its employees for proficiency.
日本最大的網路零售商「樂天公司」計畫將英語作為公司的官方語言，而服裝連鎖業者「優衣庫」（Uniqlo）的母公司「Fast Retailing」希望到2012年，公司上下能更普遍地使用英語，並計畫測試員工的英語水準。
"It’s about stopping being a Japanese company. We will become a world company," Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani said last week at a news conference in Tokyo -- conducted almost entirely in English.
「不能再僅是一家日本公司了，我們將成為一家全球化的公司，」樂天執行長三木谷浩史上週在東京記者會上表示。這場記者會幾乎全用英語發言。
Employees at Rakuten will need to master English by 2012 to avoid facing the sack. "No English, no job," Mikitani told the Asahi newspaper.
樂天員工需在2012年前精通英語，以避免被開除的命運。三木谷浩史對朝日新聞說：「不會英語，就沒工作。」
新聞辭典
dwindling：形容詞，正在減少的；動詞原形為dwindle，減少。例句︰Taiwan’s population is expected to dwindle after 2050. （台灣的總人口預計在2050年後開始減少。）
tap into：動詞片語，打入（市場）。例句：The company is hoping to tap into a broader international market.（這家公司希望打入更大的國際市場。）
proficiency：名詞，精通；熟練。例句：He made little proficiency in literary accomplishments.（他在文學方面的成就不多。）
In a bid to plug dwindling domestic consumption by tapping into overseas markets, some of Japan’s big-name retailers are telling their employees to start speaking English -- or find another job.
一些日本大型零售商希望透過拓展海外市場，緩解國內消費疲弱的壓力，因而要求雇員必須開始說英語，否則就請另謀高就。
As Japan’s population shrinks, the country’s retailers are increasingly looking to boost sales by expanding abroad and some firms are waking up to the necessity of being able to speak the global language of business in order to succeed overseas.
因日本人口減少，該國許多零售商越來越寄望拓展海外市場來提振業績。有些公司也逐漸意識到，只有掌握英語這種全球商業語言，才能在海外市場取得成功。
Rakuten, Japan’s biggest online retailer, plans to make English the firm’s official language, while Fast Retailing, operator of the Uniqlo apparel chain, wants to make English more common in its offices by 2012 and plans to test its employees for proficiency.
日本最大的網路零售商「樂天公司」計畫將英語作為公司的官方語言，而服裝連鎖業者「優衣庫」（Uniqlo）的母公司「Fast Retailing」希望到2012年，公司上下能更普遍地使用英語，並計畫測試員工的英語水準。
"It’s about stopping being a Japanese company. We will become a world company," Rakuten CEO Hiroshi Mikitani said last week at a news conference in Tokyo -- conducted almost entirely in English.
「不能再僅是一家日本公司了，我們將成為一家全球化的公司，」樂天執行長三木谷浩史上週在東京記者會上表示。這場記者會幾乎全用英語發言。
Employees at Rakuten will need to master English by 2012 to avoid facing the sack. "No English, no job," Mikitani told the Asahi newspaper.
樂天員工需在2012年前精通英語，以避免被開除的命運。三木谷浩史對朝日新聞說：「不會英語，就沒工作。」
新聞辭典
dwindling：形容詞，正在減少的；動詞原形為dwindle，減少。例句︰Taiwan’s population is expected to dwindle after 2050. （台灣的總人口預計在2050年後開始減少。）
tap into：動詞片語，打入（市場）。例句：The company is hoping to tap into a broader international market.（這家公司希望打入更大的國際市場。）
proficiency：名詞，精通；熟練。例句：He made little proficiency in literary accomplishments.（他在文學方面的成就不多。）
This Day in History September 25
Only a few countries have the means to start their own space programs and actually get a human up into space. They are the US, Russia, and China. On this date in 2008, the third Chinese manned spacecraft was launched. The launch was part of Project 921, which was started in 1992 with the ultimate goal of creating a manned space station. The mission was a great success, and the astronauts gave the Chinese space program its first spacewalk.
歷史上的今天 9月25日
只有幾個國家有方法展開他們的太空計劃，並真正將太空人送上太空。這些國家分別是美國、俄國和中國大陸。2008年的今日，中國第三艘載人的太空船發射升空。這次升空是屬於「921計劃」的一部分，這項計劃始於1992年，最終目的是要建立一個有人駐紮的太空站。這次任務相當成功，也是中國太空計劃中，太空人首次進行太空漫步。
知識大補帖
;)
中國的國家航天局CNSA（China National Space Administration）成立於1993年，負責進行太空計劃（space program）。第一艘載人的太空梭神州五號（Shenzhou 5）於2003年10月15號發射，之後2005年和2008年又進行神州六號和七號（Shenzhou 6 and Shenzhou 7）的發射。其中神州六號是中國第一艘執行「多人多天」任務的太空梭。（圖為2008年神州七號航天員出艙揮手致意。）
單字片語
◎meansn.手段，方法（單複數同形）
˙by means of... 藉由……
例：Albert achieved his success by means of hard work.（艾伯特藉由努力獲致成功。）
◎manned
a.載人的；有人操作的
◎spacecraft
n.太空船（單複數同形）
˙space shuttle n.太空梭
◎launch
vt.使升空；發射& n.發射
˙launch a rocket/missile發射火箭／飛彈
例：The space shuttle is scheduled to be launched at 3:00 PM tomorrow.（太空梭預計在明天下午3點發射。）
◎ultimate
a. 最終的，最後的
例：An employer has the ultimate responsibility for his company's success or failure.（老闆必須為公司的成敗負最後的責任。）
2010/09/24
Court says California mall’s chat policy illegal 法庭裁示加州購物中心的聊天政策違法
◎張沛元
A Northern California appeals court has struck down a shopping mall’s policy barring people from approaching strangers to chitchat.
北加州的一個上訴法庭推翻一家購物中心的禁止民眾接近陌生人閒聊的政策。
The 3rd District Court of Appeal this week said the rules at Roseville’s Westfield Galleria violate the California Constitution’s free speech guarantee.
第3地方上訴法庭本週表示，羅斯維爾的魏斯特菲爾德購物中心的規定，違反加州州憲所保障的言論自由。
The mall prohibited people in its common areas from approaching people they didn’t know to talk unless the conversation was about business involving the mall or its tenants. The case arose after mall officials issued a citizen’s arrest of a 27-year-old pastor who tried to talk about his faith.
該購物中心禁止民眾在其公共區域內上前與他們不認識的其他人攀談，除非對話攸關該購物中心的生意或店家。本案的起因是一名27歲傳教士企圖與他人談論其信仰，結果遭到購物中心工作人員進行公民逮捕。
The appeals court says the policy effectively bars shoppers from chatting about the weather or offering directions.
上訴法庭表示，這項政策形同禁止消費者彼此間談論天氣或問路。
A spokeswoman for Westfield says the mall is considering appealing to the California Supreme Court.
魏斯特菲爾德購物中心的一名女發言人表示，該購物中心考慮上訴加州最高法院。
新聞辭典
strike something down：片語，法庭判決某規定或法律無效。例句：The higher court struck the ruling of the lower court down.（高等法院裁示地方法院的判決無效。）
prohibit someone from something：片語，禁止某人去做某事或接近某處。例句：State law prohibits children from this dangerous area while the machines are running.（州法禁止孩童在機器運轉時靠近此一危險區域。）
citizen’s arrest：名詞，公民逮捕，指公民發現罪犯可逕自將之逮捕扭送法院。例句：A group of peace campaigners have said that they were planning to attempt a citizen’s arrest of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair at his book signing in London on Wednesday, which has now been cancelled.（一群和平倡議人士原本打算週三在英國前首相布雷爾的倫敦簽書會上對其進行公民逮捕，但該簽書會目前已取消。）
A Northern California appeals court has struck down a shopping mall’s policy barring people from approaching strangers to chitchat.
北加州的一個上訴法庭推翻一家購物中心的禁止民眾接近陌生人閒聊的政策。
The 3rd District Court of Appeal this week said the rules at Roseville’s Westfield Galleria violate the California Constitution’s free speech guarantee.
第3地方上訴法庭本週表示，羅斯維爾的魏斯特菲爾德購物中心的規定，違反加州州憲所保障的言論自由。
The mall prohibited people in its common areas from approaching people they didn’t know to talk unless the conversation was about business involving the mall or its tenants. The case arose after mall officials issued a citizen’s arrest of a 27-year-old pastor who tried to talk about his faith.
該購物中心禁止民眾在其公共區域內上前與他們不認識的其他人攀談，除非對話攸關該購物中心的生意或店家。本案的起因是一名27歲傳教士企圖與他人談論其信仰，結果遭到購物中心工作人員進行公民逮捕。
The appeals court says the policy effectively bars shoppers from chatting about the weather or offering directions.
上訴法庭表示，這項政策形同禁止消費者彼此間談論天氣或問路。
A spokeswoman for Westfield says the mall is considering appealing to the California Supreme Court.
魏斯特菲爾德購物中心的一名女發言人表示，該購物中心考慮上訴加州最高法院。
新聞辭典
strike something down：片語，法庭判決某規定或法律無效。例句：The higher court struck the ruling of the lower court down.（高等法院裁示地方法院的判決無效。）
prohibit someone from something：片語，禁止某人去做某事或接近某處。例句：State law prohibits children from this dangerous area while the machines are running.（州法禁止孩童在機器運轉時靠近此一危險區域。）
citizen’s arrest：名詞，公民逮捕，指公民發現罪犯可逕自將之逮捕扭送法院。例句：A group of peace campaigners have said that they were planning to attempt a citizen’s arrest of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair at his book signing in London on Wednesday, which has now been cancelled.（一群和平倡議人士原本打算週三在英國前首相布雷爾的倫敦簽書會上對其進行公民逮捕，但該簽書會目前已取消。）
This Day in History September 24
Knowing what is going on around the world is important for everyone. Just as important is where you get your news. For over 40 years, the American TV program 60 Minutes has been bringing international news to people. The show was created by Don Hewitt and debuted on this date in 1968. Just as well-known as the reporting is the show’s credits, which show a large, ticking stopwatch. What made 60 Minutes different from other news programs of the time was its reporter-centered investigation. In fact, it was considered a pioneer in journalism from the very beginning.
歷史上的今天 9月24日…
了 解世界各地發生什麼事對每個人來說都很重要，而新聞的來源也同等要緊。美國的電視節目《60分鐘》屹立40多年，持續向世人播報全球新聞。該節目的製作人 是丹．休伊特，首播時間就在1968年的今天。跟節目報導一樣有名的就是節目片頭裡那個滴答作響的大型碼錶。而《60分鐘》和其他新聞節目最大不同在於它 是以記者實地調查為主。事實上，這個節目打從一開始就被認為是新聞業的領導先驅。
知識大補帖
丹．休伊特當年向CBS（哥倫比亞廣播公司）提案，想創辦一個為時一小時的新聞節目。他建議將節目分成3段，每段都是一則故事，由記者（reporter）出鏡採訪，並講述整個故事。丹．休伊特曾表示該節目除了呈現嚴肅的議題（issue），又能兼具娛樂性（entertaining）和可看性。果不其然，《60分鐘》後來成為美國電視最高榮譽—艾美獎（Emmy Awards）的常勝軍（圖為法國總統沙柯吉上節目畫面，翻攝照片）。
單字片語
◎debutvi. & n.首次露面，初次登台
˙make one’s debut 某人初次登台
◎credit
n.（影片或電視節目）秀出工作人員名單的片頭或片尾（恆用複數）& 功勞 & vt. 歸功於
◎ticking
a.滴答響的
˙tick vi.（鐘錶等）滴答滴答響
例：As the time bomb ticked, the specialists worked to disarm it.（在那枚定時炸彈滴答作響的同時，專家們正設法將它拆除。）
◎stopwatch
n.碼錶
◎investigation
n.調查
例：The scandal triggered an investigation into the politician’s behavior.
（這樁醜聞引發對這名政治人物行為的調查。）
◎pioneer
n.先驅
2010/09/23
Stress hormone heart death link 壓力荷爾蒙與心臟病死亡相關
◎國際新聞中心
High levels of the stress hormone cortisol are closely linked to death from cardiovascular disease, a Dutch study suggests.
荷蘭研究顯示，壓力荷爾蒙可體松數值的高升，與因心血管疾病死亡密切相關。
In a six-year study of 860 over-65s, those with the highest levels of cortisol had a five-fold risk of death from cardiovascular disease. No link was found between high cortisol levels and other causes of death.
一份針對860名65歲以上民眾的6年研究顯示，可體松高的人，心臟病死亡風險高5倍。可體松數值高與其他死亡原因之間，並未發現關聯。
Cortisol is produced in order to help the body recover from stress and regain its physiological stability. But very high levels have been linked to risk factors for cardiovascualr disease.
可體松是為了幫助身體從壓力中恢復，重拾身體穩定度而產生。但是可體松數值爆表，可能是心血管疾病的危險因子。
In this study, researchers measured urinary cortisol levels in each participant. During the six years covered by the study, 183 people died. Cause of death was ascertained from death certificates.
在這份研究中，研究人員評估每位參與者尿中的可體松數值，研究涵蓋的6年期間，有183人喪生，死亡證書確定死亡原因。
The third of the subjects with the highest urinary cortisol had a five-fold increased risk of dying of cardiovascular disease.
尿中可體松含量最高的3分之1受試者，因心血管疾病死亡的風險增加5倍。
新聞辭典
urinary：形容詞，尿的，泌尿系統的。如：urinary tract infections 泌尿道感染。
-fold： 字尾，……倍。例句：In the last 50 years, there has been a 33-fold increase in the amount of pesticide used in farming.（過去50年間，農耕使用殺蟲劑的量增加了33倍。）
ascertain：動詞，確定。例句：The police have so far been unable to ascertain the cause of the explosion.（警方目前還不能確定爆炸原因。）
High levels of the stress hormone cortisol are closely linked to death from cardiovascular disease, a Dutch study suggests.
荷蘭研究顯示，壓力荷爾蒙可體松數值的高升，與因心血管疾病死亡密切相關。
In a six-year study of 860 over-65s, those with the highest levels of cortisol had a five-fold risk of death from cardiovascular disease. No link was found between high cortisol levels and other causes of death.
一份針對860名65歲以上民眾的6年研究顯示，可體松高的人，心臟病死亡風險高5倍。可體松數值高與其他死亡原因之間，並未發現關聯。
Cortisol is produced in order to help the body recover from stress and regain its physiological stability. But very high levels have been linked to risk factors for cardiovascualr disease.
可體松是為了幫助身體從壓力中恢復，重拾身體穩定度而產生。但是可體松數值爆表，可能是心血管疾病的危險因子。
In this study, researchers measured urinary cortisol levels in each participant. During the six years covered by the study, 183 people died. Cause of death was ascertained from death certificates.
在這份研究中，研究人員評估每位參與者尿中的可體松數值，研究涵蓋的6年期間，有183人喪生，死亡證書確定死亡原因。
The third of the subjects with the highest urinary cortisol had a five-fold increased risk of dying of cardiovascular disease.
尿中可體松含量最高的3分之1受試者，因心血管疾病死亡的風險增加5倍。
新聞辭典
urinary：形容詞，尿的，泌尿系統的。如：urinary tract infections 泌尿道感染。
-fold： 字尾，……倍。例句：In the last 50 years, there has been a 33-fold increase in the amount of pesticide used in farming.（過去50年間，農耕使用殺蟲劑的量增加了33倍。）
ascertain：動詞，確定。例句：The police have so far been unable to ascertain the cause of the explosion.（警方目前還不能確定爆炸原因。）
This Day in History September 23… 歷史上的今天 9月23日
Despite being quite famous today, Nintendo is a company with a long and little-known history. The company was actually founded by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Japan on this date in 1889. Its main function was to produce handmade playing cards used for many different kinds of Japanese games. Later on, the company tried several other business ventures, including taxi services, love hotels, and instant meals. Then in 1974, Nintendo broke into the world of video games, for which it is best-known today. Clearly business has been good because it is now valued at over US$85 billion.
儘管任天堂公司現在很有名，但它卻有很長的一段歷史是鮮為人知的。其實早在1889年的今日，山內房治郎就創立了任天堂公司。它主要的業務是製造各種不同日本遊戲中所使用的手製紙牌。後來任天堂還試圖發展其它事業，包括計程車服務、賓館和速食餐點。在1974年，任天堂開始進軍電玩界，也就是如今它最出名的一項產業。它們這門生意顯然經營得不錯，因為現在任天堂公司的市值超過850億美金。
單字片語
●despite prep.儘管，雖然
˙despite + V-ing/N 儘管／雖然……
˙despite the fact + that 子句 儘管／雖然……
例：Jack went jogging despite the rain.（儘管在下雨，傑克還是去慢跑。）
●found vt.創立，創辦
例：The priest founded this hospital many years ago.（那位牧師在好幾年前創辦了這間醫院。）
●later on 後來
●venture n.冒險事業；風險投資
●break into... 開始從事／參與……（尤指商業活動）
●be valued at + 數字 價值……
˙despite + V-ing/N 儘管／雖然……
˙despite the fact + that 子句 儘管／雖然……
例：Jack went jogging despite the rain.（儘管在下雨，傑克還是去慢跑。）
●found vt.創立，創辦
例：The priest founded this hospital many years ago.（那位牧師在好幾年前創辦了這間醫院。）
●later on 後來
●venture n.冒險事業；風險投資
●break into... 開始從事／參與……（尤指商業活動）
●be valued at + 數字 價值……
知識大補帖
Thailand apologizes after tsunami false alarm 泰國當局在錯誤的海嘯警報後道歉
◎魏國金
The Thai government apologized Tuesday to a region where thousands died in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami after a botched warning drill this week caused hundreds to flee their homes, convinced another wave was coming.
泰國政府週二向一個地區的居民致歉，由於本週一個拙劣的警報演習，造成數百人因相信另一波海嘯將屆而逃離家園。這個地區在2004年有數千民眾命喪印度洋大海嘯。
Hundreds of villagers in southwestern Phang Nga province fled to higher ground Monday after warning sirens went off intermittently, 30 minutes after a scheduled drill was completed in Ban Nam Khem, a village devastated by the 2004 tsunami.
西南部的攀牙省數百位村民，週一在一個排定於斑南罕進行的演習完成30分鐘，而警笛仍間歇作響後，逃竄到高地；斑南罕村2004年被海嘯夷為平地。
The false alarms were the latest hiccup in Thailand’s efforts to build a tsunami warning system since the towering waves battered Thailand’s Andaman coast on December 26, 2004, leaving 5,398 people dead and nearly 3,000 missing.
自2004年12月26日滔天巨浪重創泰國安達曼海岸，造成5398人死亡，近3000人失蹤以來，泰國力圖建立海嘯警報系統，而這起錯誤警報是該努力所遭遇的最新挫折。
Locals in six affected Thai provinces have complained of problems in past tsunami warning drills, including sirens that were not loud enough or went off by accident.
6個受影響的泰國省份的居民抱怨過去海嘯警報演習的問題，包括警報不夠大聲或意外作響。
A group of survivors Monday demanded the government sack bosses of a disaster warning center for incompetence.
一個海嘯倖存者團體週一要求政府以無能為由，開革災難警報中心的主管群。
But Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said faulty equipment was to blame and there was no need for anyone to lose their jobs. "I want to apologies to the people. I understand they were angry because the alarm sent everyone running but no one should be replaced, it’s not that serious," he said.
但副總理蘇德表示，該咎責的是瑕疵的設備，任何人無須為此丟了工作。「我要向人民道歉，我了解他們的憤怒，因為警報讓人逃竄，但沒有人應該被撤換，事情沒那麼嚴重，」他說。
新聞辭典
go off︰片語，響起、變質、（水、電等）停止供應。例句︰He used to be quite a good player, but he’s gone off lately.（他曾是相當出色的選手，但最近水準下降了。）
hiccup︰可當動詞與名詞，指打嗝、暫時的下降（或中斷、停頓）。例句︰The elevator hiccupped, then resumed its ascent.（電梯停頓了一下，然後繼續上升。）
be to blame︰片語，該受責備的、應承擔責任的。例句︰The weather was partly to blame for crop failure.（天氣是作物歉收的部分原因。）
The Thai government apologized Tuesday to a region where thousands died in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami after a botched warning drill this week caused hundreds to flee their homes, convinced another wave was coming.
泰國政府週二向一個地區的居民致歉，由於本週一個拙劣的警報演習，造成數百人因相信另一波海嘯將屆而逃離家園。這個地區在2004年有數千民眾命喪印度洋大海嘯。
Hundreds of villagers in southwestern Phang Nga province fled to higher ground Monday after warning sirens went off intermittently, 30 minutes after a scheduled drill was completed in Ban Nam Khem, a village devastated by the 2004 tsunami.
西南部的攀牙省數百位村民，週一在一個排定於斑南罕進行的演習完成30分鐘，而警笛仍間歇作響後，逃竄到高地；斑南罕村2004年被海嘯夷為平地。
The false alarms were the latest hiccup in Thailand’s efforts to build a tsunami warning system since the towering waves battered Thailand’s Andaman coast on December 26, 2004, leaving 5,398 people dead and nearly 3,000 missing.
自2004年12月26日滔天巨浪重創泰國安達曼海岸，造成5398人死亡，近3000人失蹤以來，泰國力圖建立海嘯警報系統，而這起錯誤警報是該努力所遭遇的最新挫折。
Locals in six affected Thai provinces have complained of problems in past tsunami warning drills, including sirens that were not loud enough or went off by accident.
6個受影響的泰國省份的居民抱怨過去海嘯警報演習的問題，包括警報不夠大聲或意外作響。
A group of survivors Monday demanded the government sack bosses of a disaster warning center for incompetence.
一個海嘯倖存者團體週一要求政府以無能為由，開革災難警報中心的主管群。
But Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said faulty equipment was to blame and there was no need for anyone to lose their jobs. "I want to apologies to the people. I understand they were angry because the alarm sent everyone running but no one should be replaced, it’s not that serious," he said.
但副總理蘇德表示，該咎責的是瑕疵的設備，任何人無須為此丟了工作。「我要向人民道歉，我了解他們的憤怒，因為警報讓人逃竄，但沒有人應該被撤換，事情沒那麼嚴重，」他說。
新聞辭典
go off︰片語，響起、變質、（水、電等）停止供應。例句︰He used to be quite a good player, but he’s gone off lately.（他曾是相當出色的選手，但最近水準下降了。）
hiccup︰可當動詞與名詞，指打嗝、暫時的下降（或中斷、停頓）。例句︰The elevator hiccupped, then resumed its ascent.（電梯停頓了一下，然後繼續上升。）
be to blame︰片語，該受責備的、應承擔責任的。例句︰The weather was partly to blame for crop failure.（天氣是作物歉收的部分原因。）
This Day in History September 22 歷史上的今天 9月22日
Everyone has a favorite TV show. For some people, the show becomes an addiction. For others, the characters start to feel like real people. On this date in 1994, the very first episode of one of the most popular TV shows ever was aired. Inside a coffee shop in New York City, the sitcom Friends introduced us to Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Ross, Joey, and Chandler. For 10 years, these six characters and guests entertained loyal viewers that couldn't wait to see what happened next in their ordinary yet intriguing lives. Today, viewers still laugh along with reruns of Friends.
每個人都有最愛的電視節目。對某些人來說，這些節目使他們欲罷不能。對有些人而言，節目中的角色開始愈發有真實人物的感覺。1994年的今天，史上最受歡迎的電視節目之一播出了第一集。在紐約市的一家咖啡館裡，《六人行》這齣情境喜劇帶我們認識了瑞秋、莫妮卡、菲碧、羅斯、喬伊和錢德。前後10年來，這6個主角和眾多客串角色娛樂了忠實的觀眾群，令他們迫不急待想看劇中主角看似平凡卻又引人入勝的生活，接下來會發生何事。至今，電視觀眾仍隨著《六人行》的重播而歡笑不已。
單字片語
●addiction n.成癮；癖好
●air vt.（電視或廣播）播放，播送
例：The championship game will be aired live on ESPN at 7:00 PM.（冠軍賽將於晚上7點在ESPN體育台直播。）
●sitcom n.情境喜劇，連續單元喜劇（situation comedy 的簡寫）
●entertain vt. & vi.娛樂
例：Most children's TV programs aim to educate and entertain at the same time.（多數的兒童電視節目都旨在寓教於樂。）
●loyal a.忠心的，忠誠的
be loyal to... 對……忠心／忠誠
●ordinary a.普通的，平常的
例：The real estate prices in this area are too high for ordinary people.（這地區的房地產價格對一般民眾來說太貴了。）
●intriguing a.令人感興趣的；引人入勝的
例：I greatly recommend that novel. It’s very intriguing.（我強烈推薦那本小說。真的很引人入勝。）
●rerun n.重播；重映
●air vt.（電視或廣播）播放，播送
例：The championship game will be aired live on ESPN at 7:00 PM.（冠軍賽將於晚上7點在ESPN體育台直播。）
●sitcom n.情境喜劇，連續單元喜劇（situation comedy 的簡寫）
●entertain vt. & vi.娛樂
例：Most children's TV programs aim to educate and entertain at the same time.（多數的兒童電視節目都旨在寓教於樂。）
●loyal a.忠心的，忠誠的
be loyal to... 對……忠心／忠誠
●ordinary a.普通的，平常的
例：The real estate prices in this area are too high for ordinary people.（這地區的房地產價格對一般民眾來說太貴了。）
●intriguing a.令人感興趣的；引人入勝的
例：I greatly recommend that novel. It’s very intriguing.（我強烈推薦那本小說。真的很引人入勝。）
●rerun n.重播；重映
知識大補帖
2010/09/21
Motorist drove ambulance away after it blocked road 駕駛人因救護車擋路就將其駛離
◎羅彥傑
A frustrated motorist whose car was blocked by an ambulance was arrested after driving the emergecy vehicle out of his way before continuting his journey.
1名心情欠佳的駕駛人，車子被救護車擋住，他因為把救護車開走、之後繼續上路，而遭到逮捕。
The ambulance crew were tending to a seriously ill one-month old baby and preparing to transfer the infant to hospital when their emergency vehicle vanished.
就在救護車人員照護1名重病的1個月大嬰兒，並準備將該名幼兒轉送醫院時，他們的救護車竟不翼而飛。
Last night a 64-year-old man was released on police bail in connection with the incident.
昨夜這名64歲涉案男子向警方交保獲釋 。
A Sussex Police spokesman said： "The ambulance crew reported at 12.40am that a taxi driver had objected to the road being temporarily obstructed, so he had just got into their ambulance and driven it a short distance up the road, before driving away in his own taxi.
1名索塞克斯郡警局發言人說：「救護車人員在凌晨12時40分報案，稱1名計程車司機抗議馬路被暫時擋住，所以他就坐上他們的救護車，把車子往前開一小段，然後坐上自己的計程車離去。」
"The 64-year old came to the police station of his own accord a short while later and was arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without consent, and obstructing an emergency worker contrary to the Emergency Workers （Obstruction） Act 2006."
「這名64歲人士沒多久後自願來到警局，因涉嫌未經同意移車而被捕，而且阻礙1名急救人員，違反『2006妨害急救人員法』。」
新聞辭典
obstruct：動詞，阻礙、妨礙。例句：A shortage of materials obstructed the work of the factory.（原料短缺阻礙工廠生產。）
of one’s own accord：片語，出於自願。例句：They gave generously of their own accord.（他們自願慷慨解囊。）
a short while：片語，不久。例句：A short while later, the car was found overturned in a ditch.（沒多久後，這輛車被人發現翻覆在水溝裡。）
A frustrated motorist whose car was blocked by an ambulance was arrested after driving the emergecy vehicle out of his way before continuting his journey.
1名心情欠佳的駕駛人，車子被救護車擋住，他因為把救護車開走、之後繼續上路，而遭到逮捕。
The ambulance crew were tending to a seriously ill one-month old baby and preparing to transfer the infant to hospital when their emergency vehicle vanished.
就在救護車人員照護1名重病的1個月大嬰兒，並準備將該名幼兒轉送醫院時，他們的救護車竟不翼而飛。
Last night a 64-year-old man was released on police bail in connection with the incident.
昨夜這名64歲涉案男子向警方交保獲釋 。
A Sussex Police spokesman said： "The ambulance crew reported at 12.40am that a taxi driver had objected to the road being temporarily obstructed, so he had just got into their ambulance and driven it a short distance up the road, before driving away in his own taxi.
1名索塞克斯郡警局發言人說：「救護車人員在凌晨12時40分報案，稱1名計程車司機抗議馬路被暫時擋住，所以他就坐上他們的救護車，把車子往前開一小段，然後坐上自己的計程車離去。」
"The 64-year old came to the police station of his own accord a short while later and was arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without consent, and obstructing an emergency worker contrary to the Emergency Workers （Obstruction） Act 2006."
「這名64歲人士沒多久後自願來到警局，因涉嫌未經同意移車而被捕，而且阻礙1名急救人員，違反『2006妨害急救人員法』。」
新聞辭典
obstruct：動詞，阻礙、妨礙。例句：A shortage of materials obstructed the work of the factory.（原料短缺阻礙工廠生產。）
of one’s own accord：片語，出於自願。例句：They gave generously of their own accord.（他們自願慷慨解囊。）
a short while：片語，不久。例句：A short while later, the car was found overturned in a ditch.（沒多久後，這輛車被人發現翻覆在水溝裡。）
This Day in History September 21 歷史上的今天 9月21日
There have been many recent stories about the destruction in New Zealand, Haiti, and Chile from earthquakes. For many people, these events are a reminder of some dark days in Taiwan's own history. On this date in 1999, the 7.6-magnitude "Quake of the Century" hit the island in the early morning. This natural disaster was also the second-deadliest earthquake in Taiwan's history. Over 2,400 people were killed, 11,000 were injured, and 100,000 were left homeless. The government's slow response to the disaster caused a lot of political trouble. Luckily, local and international aid finally arrived and helped those that desperately needed it.
近來有許多關於紐西蘭、海地和智利地震的災情頻頻傳出。對許多人來說，這些事件讓他們想起台灣史 上一些黑暗的日子。1999年的今天，一場規模7.6的「世紀大地震」於凌晨襲擊本島。這場天災也是台灣史上死傷第二嚴重的地震，總計造成2千4百多人死 亡、1萬1千多人受傷，以及10萬多人無家可歸。而政府對這場災害的應變速度遲緩，還引發了許多政治風波。所幸來自國內外的各種援助終於到位，幫助了那些 急需協助的人。
單字片語
★destruction n. 破壞；毀滅
★destructive a. 有破壞力的；危害的
例：These kinds of insects are destructive to many plants.（這些種類的昆蟲會對許多植物造成危害。）
★reminder n. 提醒之物
例：The ring is a reminder of the time we spent together.（這只戒指讓我想起我們一起共度的時光。）
★magnitude n.（地震的）強度，震級
★disaster n. 災害，災難
★desperately adv. 急切地；絕望地
例：The fly was desperately trying to escape the web before the spider came back.（這隻蒼蠅拚命想在蜘蛛回來前逃離蜘蛛網。）
★destructive a. 有破壞力的；危害的
例：These kinds of insects are destructive to many plants.（這些種類的昆蟲會對許多植物造成危害。）
★reminder n. 提醒之物
例：The ring is a reminder of the time we spent together.（這只戒指讓我想起我們一起共度的時光。）
★magnitude n.（地震的）強度，震級
★disaster n. 災害，災難
★desperately adv. 急切地；絕望地
例：The fly was desperately trying to escape the web before the spider came back.（這隻蒼蠅拚命想在蜘蛛回來前逃離蜘蛛網。）
知識大補帖
;)
2010/09/19
Klingon opera made its interstellar debut 克林貢歌劇完成星際首演
◎俞智敏
DaHjaj ’oH Qaq jaj vaD bI’reS.
No, your screen is not broken -- that, for the uninitiated, is how one says "Today is a good day for opera" in Klingon.
不，你的螢幕沒壞──那句話，對門外漢來說，指的是克林貢語裡的「今天是唱歌劇的好日子。」
The invented language, spoken first by the fictional aliens of the "Star Trek" universe and later embraced by humans worldwide, is now being put to use in an opera making its debut recently in the Dutch city of The Hague.
這種人造語言一開始是由影集「星際爭霸戰」裡的虛構外星人首度發聲，後來被全世界的人類所接受，現在更被用於一齣剛剛才在荷蘭海牙市首演的歌劇中。
Opera is a cornerstone of the Klingon culture that is a major part of the "Star Trek" canon, which led to the creation of the show "U" （which means universe or universal）.
歌劇是克林貢文化的基礎，而克林貢文化又是「星際爭霸戰」經典中的重要環節，因此才衍生出「U 」這部作品（意指宇宙或普遍的）。
The 90-minute show tells the story of Kahless the Unforgettable, said to be the first Klingon emperor. Audiences at the preview show were impressed. "It was really well interpreted, the music was really good, and the performance of the actors were fantastic," Dutch Klingon Erwin Slegers said.
這齣長90分鐘的演出描述的是首位克林貢皇帝「永遠的凱勒斯」生平。參加預演的觀眾們表示對演出印象深刻。「劇情詮釋得很好，音樂也很棒，演員們的演出也很了不起，」荷蘭克林貢人史雷傑說。
The "real" Klingon people have also been invited to see the show, via a message sent through a radio telescope in April to their home star, Arcturus. As it will take the message 36 years to reach them, however, they are not expected to make the opera’s debut or performances later this month in Frankfurt.
主辦單位也已在今年4月透過無線望遠鏡，向「真正的」克林貢人母星大角星發出邀請。但由於這項訊息要花36年時間才會抵達大角星，因此克林貢人應該無法參加歌劇的首演，或本月稍後在法蘭克福的其他場演出。
新聞辭典
debut： 名詞，指初次登台、首演、首次露面，如She made her professional stage debut in Swan Lake.或It’s her debut album.（這是她的首張專輯。）debut亦可用做及物與非及物動詞，如Her new series will debut next March on network television.／The network will debut her new series next March.（她的新影集三月時會在電視聯播網上首度播出。）
the uninitiated：複數名詞，多用於幽默語調，指缺乏某種特定知識和經驗的、不識此道的，如This brochure is designed for the uninitiated.（這本小冊子是專門替外行人所設計。）
cornerstone：名詞，指基石、地基或基礎，如In most countries, the family unit is still the cornerstone of society.（在多數國家中，家庭單位仍然是社會的基礎。）
DaHjaj ’oH Qaq jaj vaD bI’reS.
No, your screen is not broken -- that, for the uninitiated, is how one says "Today is a good day for opera" in Klingon.
不，你的螢幕沒壞──那句話，對門外漢來說，指的是克林貢語裡的「今天是唱歌劇的好日子。」
The invented language, spoken first by the fictional aliens of the "Star Trek" universe and later embraced by humans worldwide, is now being put to use in an opera making its debut recently in the Dutch city of The Hague.
這種人造語言一開始是由影集「星際爭霸戰」裡的虛構外星人首度發聲，後來被全世界的人類所接受，現在更被用於一齣剛剛才在荷蘭海牙市首演的歌劇中。
Opera is a cornerstone of the Klingon culture that is a major part of the "Star Trek" canon, which led to the creation of the show "U" （which means universe or universal）.
歌劇是克林貢文化的基礎，而克林貢文化又是「星際爭霸戰」經典中的重要環節，因此才衍生出「U 」這部作品（意指宇宙或普遍的）。
The 90-minute show tells the story of Kahless the Unforgettable, said to be the first Klingon emperor. Audiences at the preview show were impressed. "It was really well interpreted, the music was really good, and the performance of the actors were fantastic," Dutch Klingon Erwin Slegers said.
這齣長90分鐘的演出描述的是首位克林貢皇帝「永遠的凱勒斯」生平。參加預演的觀眾們表示對演出印象深刻。「劇情詮釋得很好，音樂也很棒，演員們的演出也很了不起，」荷蘭克林貢人史雷傑說。
The "real" Klingon people have also been invited to see the show, via a message sent through a radio telescope in April to their home star, Arcturus. As it will take the message 36 years to reach them, however, they are not expected to make the opera’s debut or performances later this month in Frankfurt.
主辦單位也已在今年4月透過無線望遠鏡，向「真正的」克林貢人母星大角星發出邀請。但由於這項訊息要花36年時間才會抵達大角星，因此克林貢人應該無法參加歌劇的首演，或本月稍後在法蘭克福的其他場演出。
新聞辭典
debut： 名詞，指初次登台、首演、首次露面，如She made her professional stage debut in Swan Lake.或It’s her debut album.（這是她的首張專輯。）debut亦可用做及物與非及物動詞，如Her new series will debut next March on network television.／The network will debut her new series next March.（她的新影集三月時會在電視聯播網上首度播出。）
the uninitiated：複數名詞，多用於幽默語調，指缺乏某種特定知識和經驗的、不識此道的，如This brochure is designed for the uninitiated.（這本小冊子是專門替外行人所設計。）
cornerstone：名詞，指基石、地基或基礎，如In most countries, the family unit is still the cornerstone of society.（在多數國家中，家庭單位仍然是社會的基礎。）
This Day in History September 19
George Washington is known as the father of the United States to its citizens. As the first president, he helped set up America's values and morals. Everything he said and did was very influential to a new country trying to prove it could stand on its own. Some of Washington's most famous words can be found in his farewell address, which was printed as a public letter on this date in 1796. The main message of the address was about the need for and importance of national unity. He also talked about the Constitution and how citizens of a republic should act. Although Washington was leading a young government at the time, he and his fellow Americans did not fold when difficulties arose but kept their goals high instead.
歷史上的今天 9月19日…
喬 治．華盛頓（圖，資料照片）被美國人民稱為國父。身為美國第一任總統的他協助建立該國的價值觀和道德觀。對這個想證明能自立自強的新國家來說，他說的每句 話、做的每件事都影響力十足。華盛頓最著名的一些言論出現在他的告別演說中，該演說於1796年的今天被印成一封公開信。演說想傳達的主要訊息是關於國家 團結的必要和重要性。他同時也談到美國憲法以及一個共和國人民該做的事。雖然華盛頓當時領導的是一個新政府，但他和他的美國同胞在遇到困境時卻沒有被擊 倒，反而設定了更遠大的目標。
單字片語
◎set up...建立／創立……
例：The committee was set up to improve the company's image.（委員會的成立是為了要提升我們公司的形象。）
◎morals
n. 道德規範／原則（恆用複數）
例：Don't hang out with Chris. He's a man of loose morals.（不要和克里斯混在一起。他是個沒有道德操守的人。）
◎influential
a. 有影響力的
例：Derek is an influential man. The products he endorses always become best-sellers.（德瑞克是個很有影響力的人。他代言的產品一定大賣。）
◎stand on one’s own
自立；獨立
◎farewell
a. 告別的 & n. 告別
This Day in History September 18
You can't have a suspenseful action movie without the CIA being mentioned. Like the FBI, the Central Intelligence Agency brings to mind images of spies, scandals, and secret agents. The CIA was created on this date in 1947 as a result of the National Security Act, which was signed by US President Harry Truman. The CIA provides national security information for policy makers. It also takes on covert missions assigned by presidents. Some of its functions include gathering information about foreign governments and exerting foreign political influence. Although it might not do as much as portrayed in the movies, the CIA helps take care of the US and its citizens.
歷史上的今天 9月18日…
一部處處懸疑的動作片可少不了要提到中央情報局。 就像聯邦調查局一樣，中央情報局總讓人聯想到間諜、醜聞及情報員。中情局於1947年的今日成立，是美國總統哈利．杜魯門所簽署的《國家安全法》中的一項 成果。中情局負責提供國家安全資訊給決策者，並且進行總統委派的祕密任務。中情局的幾項職責包括蒐集外國政府的情報和發揮對外國政治的影響力。雖然中情局 做的事情可能沒電影裡所描述的那麼多，但仍協助照顧美國及美國人民。
知識大補帖
;)
中央情報局（Central Intelligence Agency，簡寫為CIA）是美國最大的情報機構，主要任務是公開或祕密蒐集、分析國外政府、公司及個人關於政治、文化、科技等方面的情報，協調國內其他情報機構的活動，並把這些情報承交給美國政府各個部門。中央情報局總部設在維吉尼亞州的蘭利（Langley），其地位和功能相當於英國的祕密情報局（Secret Intelligence Service，簡寫為SIS）。美國中央情報局局長是由美國總統直接任命，並擔任總統和國會的高級情報顧問（圖為CIA維吉尼亞州總部大廳與標誌）。
單字片語
◎suspensefula.懸疑的，緊張的
例：I couldnt put the book down because it was so suspenseful.（我無法放下這本書，因為實在太緊張刺激了。）
◎scandal
n.醜聞
◎as a result of...
由於……的結果
例：As a result of the strike, the management decided to change its policy.（由於這次的罷工事件，管理階層決定改變其政策。）
◎security
n.安全；防禦（措施）
◎act
n.法案，法令
◎policy
n.政策
◎take on...
接受／承擔…（任務、工作、責任等）
◎covert
a.祕密的，暗地的
例：The special forces were deployed in a covert operation.（這支特種部隊被調去進行一項祕密行動。）
◎assign
vt.指派，分配
◎exert
vt.發揮；行使；施加
◎portray
vt.描述，描繪
2010/09/16
Puzzles and crosswords delay dementia, study suggests 研究顯示，拼圖與填字遊戲延緩失智
◎國際新聞中心
People who do puzzles and crosswords may stave off dementia longer but experience a more rapid decline once the disease sets in, a study suggests.
研究顯示，玩拼圖與填字遊戲者，可能延緩失智症發作的時間到更久之後，但一旦這種疾病降臨，他們衰退的速度也比較快。
While there has long been speculation that "exercising" your brain could protect against Alzheimer’s, there has been little evidence to back this up. Now US researchers who followed more than 1,000 people suggest the more mentally active may delay the disease. But once symptoms appeared, decline was quicker, the research suggested.
雖然長期以來，都推測「運動」大腦可對抗阿茲海默氏症，但少有研究支持。現在追蹤1000多人的美國研究人員表示，心智活動越多，越有可能延緩阿茲海默氏症，但這份研究顯示，一旦症狀出現，衰退也會更快。
The team from the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago recruited 1,157 people aged over 65 in the early 1990s. They were given a maximum of five points based on how often they engaged in a variety of activities which involved processing information, including listening to the radio or watching TV, reading a book, carrying out a crossword puzzle or jigsaw, or going to a museum.
芝加哥羅許大學醫學中心團隊在1990年代初期邀集1157名65歲以上的人，根據他們參與各式活動的頻率評分，最高5分。他們參與的活動都是有關資訊處理，包括聽收音機或看電視、讀書、寫填字遊戲、玩拼圖、或是去博物館。
They were then followed for an average of 12 years, with assessments every three years. For each additional point those without a diagnosed cognitive impairment saw a 50% slower decline in their brain function.
接著研究人員平均追蹤他們12年，每3年評估一次。未診斷出認知損傷者，（上述評估）每高1分，腦功能衰退的時間就慢50%。
But the 148 people who had a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s saw a 42% faster decline for each point they had accumulated for mental activity.
但148名診斷出阿茲海默氏症者，從事心智活動累積的分數多1分，衰退的程度就快42%。
新聞辭典
stave off ：片語，擊退、延緩、阻止不好的事情發生。例句：He drank plenty of orange juice, hoping to stave off the cold making the rounds at the office. （他猛喝柳橙汁，希望避免感冒在辦公室散佈。）
set in： 片語，（不好的事情）降臨。例句：If you get bitten by a dog, you have to make sure the wound is properly cleaned, or an infection could set in.（如果被狗咬，得確定傷口適當清潔，不然會感染。）
carry out ：片語，實施、執行、完成。例句：The hospital is carrying out tests to find out what’s wrong with her.（醫院正在檢查她出了什麼毛病。）
People who do puzzles and crosswords may stave off dementia longer but experience a more rapid decline once the disease sets in, a study suggests.
研究顯示，玩拼圖與填字遊戲者，可能延緩失智症發作的時間到更久之後，但一旦這種疾病降臨，他們衰退的速度也比較快。
While there has long been speculation that "exercising" your brain could protect against Alzheimer’s, there has been little evidence to back this up. Now US researchers who followed more than 1,000 people suggest the more mentally active may delay the disease. But once symptoms appeared, decline was quicker, the research suggested.
雖然長期以來，都推測「運動」大腦可對抗阿茲海默氏症，但少有研究支持。現在追蹤1000多人的美國研究人員表示，心智活動越多，越有可能延緩阿茲海默氏症，但這份研究顯示，一旦症狀出現，衰退也會更快。
The team from the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago recruited 1,157 people aged over 65 in the early 1990s. They were given a maximum of five points based on how often they engaged in a variety of activities which involved processing information, including listening to the radio or watching TV, reading a book, carrying out a crossword puzzle or jigsaw, or going to a museum.
芝加哥羅許大學醫學中心團隊在1990年代初期邀集1157名65歲以上的人，根據他們參與各式活動的頻率評分，最高5分。他們參與的活動都是有關資訊處理，包括聽收音機或看電視、讀書、寫填字遊戲、玩拼圖、或是去博物館。
They were then followed for an average of 12 years, with assessments every three years. For each additional point those without a diagnosed cognitive impairment saw a 50% slower decline in their brain function.
接著研究人員平均追蹤他們12年，每3年評估一次。未診斷出認知損傷者，（上述評估）每高1分，腦功能衰退的時間就慢50%。
But the 148 people who had a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s saw a 42% faster decline for each point they had accumulated for mental activity.
但148名診斷出阿茲海默氏症者，從事心智活動累積的分數多1分，衰退的程度就快42%。
新聞辭典
stave off ：片語，擊退、延緩、阻止不好的事情發生。例句：He drank plenty of orange juice, hoping to stave off the cold making the rounds at the office. （他猛喝柳橙汁，希望避免感冒在辦公室散佈。）
set in： 片語，（不好的事情）降臨。例句：If you get bitten by a dog, you have to make sure the wound is properly cleaned, or an infection could set in.（如果被狗咬，得確定傷口適當清潔，不然會感染。）
carry out ：片語，實施、執行、完成。例句：The hospital is carrying out tests to find out what’s wrong with her.（醫院正在檢查她出了什麼毛病。）
This Day in History September 16
Although we know it is just an illusion, there is still something amazing and entertaining about magic. On this date in 1956, one of the world's most famous illusionists, David Copperfield, was born in New Jersey. Copperfield started performing magic at the age of 10, and when he turned 14, he became the youngest member admitted into the Society of American Magicians. His career grew quickly. Copperfield combined his love of theater with his magic act to present exciting and entertaining shows. Today, Copperfield holds 11 Guinness world records, including the largest illusion ever staged.
歷史上的今天 9月16日…
雖 然我們都知道這只是幻象，但魔術還是有它令人驚奇和好玩的地方。1956年的今日，世上其中一位最有名的魔術師大衛．考柏菲在紐澤西誕生。考柏菲在10歲 時就開始表演魔術，當他14歲時，就受到美國魔術師協會的認可，成為最年輕的會員。他的魔術生涯迅速發展。考柏菲在魔術中將他喜愛的戲劇與魔術表演結合， 呈現出刺激又娛樂性十足的表演。現在考柏菲擁有11項金氏世界紀錄，包括最大型的舞台魔術表演。
知識大補帖
;)
大衛．考柏菲（圖，資料照片）知名的魔術表演包括使自由女神像消失 （vanishing the Statue of Liberty）、穿越萬里長城、雷射幻術（laser illusion）、死亡鋸和漂浮秀（flying illusion）等。1982年大衛創辦「魔術計劃」（Project Magic），主要是透過魔術花招幫助一些有殘缺的病人康復或恢復他們的技能。他是第一位在好萊塢星光大道留名的在世魔術師。倫敦的杜莎夫人蠟像館 （Madame Tussauds）也製造了大衛．考柏菲的蠟像（wax figure）。
單字片語
◎illusionn. 假象，幻覺
例：Kevin's tricks were only illusions.（凱文的魔術把戲只是幻覺罷了。）
◎entertaining
a. 有趣的；有娛樂效果的
例：The program was not as entertaining as I expected.（這節目沒有我預期的那麼有趣。）
◎society
n. 協會，公會
◎combine A with B
結合 A 與 B
例：The chef combined mayonnaise with mustard to create a special sauce.（那位主廚把美乃滋和芥末加在一起，調配出特殊的醬料。）
◎present
vt. 上演；呈現
例：The students presented Cinderella as their play for drama class.（這些學生在戲劇課時上演《灰姑娘》的劇碼。）
◎stage
vt. 把……搬上舞台；演出
例：Hamlet will be staged at the theater in the park for three months.
（《哈姆雷特》將於這座公園的舞台上演出3個月。）
2010/09/15
"Father" of 55 children arrested in suspected benefits scam55名孩子的「爸爸」因涉嫌津貼詐欺而被捕
◎魏國金
A Paris man who registered 55 children by 55 different mothers faces up to 10 years in jail and fines for suspected paternity fraud and for helping to obtain residency under false pretences, police said.
一名登記有55名孩子，而孩子生母有55位的巴黎男子，因涉嫌親子詐欺以及以不實之由協助他人取得居留，面臨高達10年的徒刑與罰鍰。
The 54 year-old of African origin was arrested in his two-room flat in Paris during a police raid which yielded documents showing more than 50 people were registered as living at that address.
這名54歲的非洲裔男子，在警方突擊他在巴黎的兩房公寓時被捕，而起出的文件顯示超過50人登記住在該住址。
Police suspect the man was involved in a social benefits scam which could have been costing the state over 1 million euros annually in claims by the mothers. "At the moment 42 women have been identified and each claim that the man is the biological father of their child," Paris police said in a statement.
警方懷疑該男涉及一宗社福詐欺案，該案恐讓這些媽媽們每年領走國家100萬歐元津貼。「目前已確認出42名女子，每一位女子都宣稱該男是其子女的生父，」巴黎警方聲明說。
For a fee of 150 to 200 euros, he registered the children and their mothers with French authorities, enabling them to obtain residency permits and claim social benefits.
他每件收取150至200歐元的費用，向法國當局登記孩子與生母身分，以便讓他們獲得居留許可，並領取福利津貼。
Some of the mothers told authorities they had received up to about 7,500 euros on various monthly allowances. "Investigations are on-going and an investigating magistrate will decide whether DNA tests have to be administered to determine the children’s paternity," a police spokesman said.
部分媽媽告訴當局，她們每月領到的各式津貼達7500歐元。「調查仍持續進行著，而一名預審法官將決定是否必須執行DNA鑑定，以確定孩子的生父，」一名警方發言人說。
新聞辭典
false pretences︰虛假陳述、虛偽藉口。例句︰He obtained money under (on, by) false pretences.（他詐欺取財。）
on-going︰形容詞，進行中的、不間斷的、繼續存在的。例句︰The government faces an on-going rate of 4 to 8 percent unemployment.（政府面臨以4至8％不斷攀升的失業率。）
administer︰動詞，執行、施行。例如︰administer laws（執行法律）、administer justice（執行審判）。
A Paris man who registered 55 children by 55 different mothers faces up to 10 years in jail and fines for suspected paternity fraud and for helping to obtain residency under false pretences, police said.
一名登記有55名孩子，而孩子生母有55位的巴黎男子，因涉嫌親子詐欺以及以不實之由協助他人取得居留，面臨高達10年的徒刑與罰鍰。
The 54 year-old of African origin was arrested in his two-room flat in Paris during a police raid which yielded documents showing more than 50 people were registered as living at that address.
這名54歲的非洲裔男子，在警方突擊他在巴黎的兩房公寓時被捕，而起出的文件顯示超過50人登記住在該住址。
Police suspect the man was involved in a social benefits scam which could have been costing the state over 1 million euros annually in claims by the mothers. "At the moment 42 women have been identified and each claim that the man is the biological father of their child," Paris police said in a statement.
警方懷疑該男涉及一宗社福詐欺案，該案恐讓這些媽媽們每年領走國家100萬歐元津貼。「目前已確認出42名女子，每一位女子都宣稱該男是其子女的生父，」巴黎警方聲明說。
For a fee of 150 to 200 euros, he registered the children and their mothers with French authorities, enabling them to obtain residency permits and claim social benefits.
他每件收取150至200歐元的費用，向法國當局登記孩子與生母身分，以便讓他們獲得居留許可，並領取福利津貼。
Some of the mothers told authorities they had received up to about 7,500 euros on various monthly allowances. "Investigations are on-going and an investigating magistrate will decide whether DNA tests have to be administered to determine the children’s paternity," a police spokesman said.
部分媽媽告訴當局，她們每月領到的各式津貼達7500歐元。「調查仍持續進行著，而一名預審法官將決定是否必須執行DNA鑑定，以確定孩子的生父，」一名警方發言人說。
新聞辭典
false pretences︰虛假陳述、虛偽藉口。例句︰He obtained money under (on, by) false pretences.（他詐欺取財。）
on-going︰形容詞，進行中的、不間斷的、繼續存在的。例句︰The government faces an on-going rate of 4 to 8 percent unemployment.（政府面臨以4至8％不斷攀升的失業率。）
administer︰動詞，執行、施行。例如︰administer laws（執行法律）、administer justice（執行審判）。
This Day in History September 15
Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. was a global financial services firm that got its start in 1850. When the economy took a turn for the worse, not even its 158 years of experience could save it. History was made on this date in 2008 when Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy. It was the largest bankruptcy filing in US history as Lehman Brothers held over US$600 billion in assets. The bankruptcy had a huge impact on the financial world. The stock market plummeted and commercial and residential real estate prices also suffered. The US was not the only place hit hard. Japan and Europe also felt the consequences of Lehman Brothers' financial mistakes.
歷史上的今天 9月15日…
雷曼兄弟控股公司是全球金融業巨擘，創立於1850年。當經濟衰退後，即便它擁有158年的歷史也無能為力。2008年的今日，雷曼兄弟申請破產。雷曼兄弟因擁有超過6千億美金資產，使得這成為美國史上最大規模的破產申請。雷曼兄弟的破產對全球金融衝擊甚鉅。股市一落千丈，而商業和住宅的房地產價格也深受其害。美國不是唯一受到重創的國家，日本和歐洲皆是雷曼兄弟金融風暴的苦主。
知識大補帖
;)
1850年亨利．雷曼（Henry Lehman）和兩名兄弟艾曼紐（Emanuel）及邁爾（Mayer）在美國共同創立了名為雷曼兄弟（Lehman Brothers）的貿易公司（圖為總部外觀，資料照片），直到在1906年才正式轉行為證券發行公司。2008年雷曼兄弟正式申請破產前，美國銀行 （Bank of America）和英國巴克萊銀行（Barclays Bank PLC）皆有意收購，但之後美國銀行選擇買下負債情況較輕的美林投資銀行（Merrill Lynch），巴克萊銀行也進而退出收購，雷曼兄弟宣告破產，引起了一場大規模的金融危機（financial crisis）。
單字片語
◎financiala. 金融的；財政的
◎file for...
（向法院）申請……
例：After a big fight with her husband, Mrs. Lee filed for a divorce.（李太太和先生大吵一架後，向法院申請離婚。）
◎bankruptcy
n. 破產
˙go bankrupt破產
例：Because of his poor investments, Billy went bankrupt.（由於投資不當，比利破產了。）
◎asset
n. 資產（常用複數）
◎plummet
vi. 筆直落下
例：The TV show's ratings plummeted after its host quit.（在主持人請辭後，這個電視節目的收視率就節節下降。）
◎residential
a. 住宅的
Dog seeks help from neighbor after owner collapses 狗在飼主昏倒後求助鄰居
◎羅彥傑
A small dog who refused to return home until a neighbor followed her helped rescue her owner after he collapsed at home following heart surgery.
一條直到鄰居跟著牠才願意回家的小狗，幫忙搭救了心臟手術後在家昏倒的飼主。
Charles Mitchell said he was working in his yard last week in the Oregon wine country town of Yamhill when an 11-year-old dachshund named Missy scampered up and refused to leave.
查爾斯．密契爾說，上週他在奧勒岡州葡萄酒鄉亞席爾鎮的自家庭院裡工作時，一條11歲大、名叫「小姐」的臘腸犬跑跑跳跳，而且拒絕離開。
Mitchell told the dog to go home, but she refused, and when he decided to follow her across the street to investigate, he found his neighbor, Charlie Burdon, had collapsed inside his home.
密契爾叫這條狗回家，但牠不從，當他決定跟著牠到對街去查探情況時，發現他的鄰居查理．柏頓已在自家內昏倒。
The police chief arrived with paramedics, Burdon was taken to the hospital. Burdon suffered an attack of vertigo and is recovering.
警察局長和醫護人員一起抵達現場，柏頓被送往醫院。柏頓的眩暈症發作，現在逐漸康復中。
But Burdon and Mitchell, who have known each other for years, both said Missy is their hero.
但彼此認識多年的柏頓與密契爾，雙雙表示「小姐」是他們的英雄。
新聞辭典
collapse：動詞，倒下、昏倒。例句：A fireman collapsed from the fumes.（一名消防隊員被濃煙燻倒了。）
scamper：動詞， 指兒童或某些小動物奔跑或蹦蹦跳跳。例句：A grey squirrel is scampering from limb to limb.（一隻灰色小松鼠在樹枝間跳來跳去。）
vertigo：名詞，眩暈。例句：Looking out of the window still gives him vertigo.（從窗口向外望仍會使他眩暈。）
A small dog who refused to return home until a neighbor followed her helped rescue her owner after he collapsed at home following heart surgery.
一條直到鄰居跟著牠才願意回家的小狗，幫忙搭救了心臟手術後在家昏倒的飼主。
Charles Mitchell said he was working in his yard last week in the Oregon wine country town of Yamhill when an 11-year-old dachshund named Missy scampered up and refused to leave.
查爾斯．密契爾說，上週他在奧勒岡州葡萄酒鄉亞席爾鎮的自家庭院裡工作時，一條11歲大、名叫「小姐」的臘腸犬跑跑跳跳，而且拒絕離開。
Mitchell told the dog to go home, but she refused, and when he decided to follow her across the street to investigate, he found his neighbor, Charlie Burdon, had collapsed inside his home.
密契爾叫這條狗回家，但牠不從，當他決定跟著牠到對街去查探情況時，發現他的鄰居查理．柏頓已在自家內昏倒。
The police chief arrived with paramedics, Burdon was taken to the hospital. Burdon suffered an attack of vertigo and is recovering.
警察局長和醫護人員一起抵達現場，柏頓被送往醫院。柏頓的眩暈症發作，現在逐漸康復中。
But Burdon and Mitchell, who have known each other for years, both said Missy is their hero.
但彼此認識多年的柏頓與密契爾，雙雙表示「小姐」是他們的英雄。
新聞辭典
collapse：動詞，倒下、昏倒。例句：A fireman collapsed from the fumes.（一名消防隊員被濃煙燻倒了。）
scamper：動詞， 指兒童或某些小動物奔跑或蹦蹦跳跳。例句：A grey squirrel is scampering from limb to limb.（一隻灰色小松鼠在樹枝間跳來跳去。）
vertigo：名詞，眩暈。例句：Looking out of the window still gives him vertigo.（從窗口向外望仍會使他眩暈。）
This Day in History September 14… 歷史上的今天9月14日
Oil is something used nearly everywhere every day. It is a topic that keeps people arguing, but it also brings them together. On this date in 1960, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was founded. Twelve countries from South America, the Middle East, and Africa make up OPEC. The organization's headquarters are in Vienna, Austria, where regular meetings are held. Some of the goals of OPEC are to stabilize oil market prices and safeguard exporters. However, since its start, many countries have had mixed feelings about OPEC and its goals.
幾乎每天各地都會用 到石油。石油是個時而讓人爭吵又時而讓人攜手合作的話題。「石油輸出國家組織」於1960年的今天成立，是由12個來自南美洲、中東和非洲的國家所組成。 該組織的總部設於奧地利的維也納，例行會議都於該處召開。「石油輸出國家組織」的其中幾個目標是穩定油市價格及保護石油輸出國。然而從一開始，就有許多國 家對該組織及其目標覺得十分矛盾。
知識大補帖
;)
圖為開會情況，資料照片
「石油輸出國家組織」於1960年9月14 日在伊拉克首都巴格達（Baghdad）成立，其原本的總部設於瑞士日內瓦（Geneva），直至1965年9月才遷往奧地利首都維也納。石油是世界大戰 後全球最主要的能源，戰後初期世界石油的探勘、開採和銷售幾乎全部控制在西方的石油財團手中。這種壟斷（monopolization）控制使西方先進國 家獲得超額利潤，卻使得第三世界（the Third World）主要產油國的經濟利益受到損害，石油輸出國家組織於焉成立。
單字片語
◎arguevi. 爭論；爭吵
例：Don't argue with your grandparents about anything.
（不要和你的祖父母爭論任何事情。）
◎petroleum
n. 石油
◎headquarters
n. 總部（單複數同形）
◎stabilize
vt. & vi.（使）穩定
例：Some people protested that the government failed to stabilize housing prices.
（有些人抗議政府未能穩定房價。）
◎safeguard
vt. 防衛，保護
例：To safeguard our computer system, the technician installed anti-virus software.
（為了保護我們的電腦系統，技術人員安裝了防毒軟體。）
◎have mixed feelings
感到矛盾；覺得錯綜複雜
例：I had mixed feelings about meeting my ex-girlfriend at that restaurant.
（在那家餐廳遇到前女友令我感到五味雜陳。）
2010/09/13
Forget the girlfriends or wives, it’s the pushy mums who drive their sons to success 忘了女友、老婆吧，是積極進取的老媽驅使她們的兒子成功
◎管淑平
Forget the girlfriends or wives, it’s the pushy mums who drive their sons to success
忘了女友、老婆吧，是積極進取的老媽驅使她們的兒子成功
Behind every great man there is a great woman. But it’s far more likely to be his pushy mother than his partner driving him on, according to scientists.
每個偉大男人的背後都有個偉大的女人。但那個在驅使著他的人，是他積極進取的媽媽的可能性，遠大於他的另一半，根據科學家說法。
The finding will ring true for men who have been egged on to do better in life by their domineering mothers.
這項發現將會對那些一直被他們喜歡支配人的媽媽激勵著人生要更上層樓的男人來說，聽來頗有道理。
In climbing the ladder of success, it is the men who have their mothers backing them from the sidelines who do better, a study suggests.
在攀爬成功的階梯上，那些有媽媽從旁邊支持的男人表現得比較好，一份研究認為。
German scientists drew the conclusions after observing bonobo communities. As with humans, successful male bonobos are more attractive to females, they found. But to be successful male apes have to rise through their community hierarchy, which can involve winning battles with higher-ranking males to see off more dominant rivals.
德國科學家在觀察矮黑猩猩群體後得出這個結論。就像人類，成功的公猩猩比較能吸引母猩猩，他們發現。但要成為成功的公猩猩，就得在群體中崛起，這就包括可能要贏過地位較高的公猩猩，來趕走更有主宰地位的對手。
The males who won these battles were more likely to be the ones who were backed from the wings by pushy mothers, experts at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology found.
那些有積極的媽媽在身旁力挺的公猩猩，比較可能在這些爭鬥中勝出，馬克斯蒲朗克進化人類學研究所的專家發現。
◎新聞辭典：
ring true：動詞，聽起來像真的、聽起來有道理。例句：I don’t think that your excuse for the mistake you made rang true.（我不認為你對於你所犯錯誤的理由聽起來有道理。）
egg on：動詞片語，激勵、慫恿去做某事。例句：He was egged on to drink more than he can handle.（他被勸酒喝到酒力不勝負荷。）
see off：動詞片語，送行，趕走。例句：My parents saw me off at the airport.（我父母到機場為我送行。）
Forget the girlfriends or wives, it’s the pushy mums who drive their sons to success
忘了女友、老婆吧，是積極進取的老媽驅使她們的兒子成功
Behind every great man there is a great woman. But it’s far more likely to be his pushy mother than his partner driving him on, according to scientists.
每個偉大男人的背後都有個偉大的女人。但那個在驅使著他的人，是他積極進取的媽媽的可能性，遠大於他的另一半，根據科學家說法。
The finding will ring true for men who have been egged on to do better in life by their domineering mothers.
這項發現將會對那些一直被他們喜歡支配人的媽媽激勵著人生要更上層樓的男人來說，聽來頗有道理。
In climbing the ladder of success, it is the men who have their mothers backing them from the sidelines who do better, a study suggests.
在攀爬成功的階梯上，那些有媽媽從旁邊支持的男人表現得比較好，一份研究認為。
German scientists drew the conclusions after observing bonobo communities. As with humans, successful male bonobos are more attractive to females, they found. But to be successful male apes have to rise through their community hierarchy, which can involve winning battles with higher-ranking males to see off more dominant rivals.
德國科學家在觀察矮黑猩猩群體後得出這個結論。就像人類，成功的公猩猩比較能吸引母猩猩，他們發現。但要成為成功的公猩猩，就得在群體中崛起，這就包括可能要贏過地位較高的公猩猩，來趕走更有主宰地位的對手。
The males who won these battles were more likely to be the ones who were backed from the wings by pushy mothers, experts at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology found.
那些有積極的媽媽在身旁力挺的公猩猩，比較可能在這些爭鬥中勝出，馬克斯蒲朗克進化人類學研究所的專家發現。
◎新聞辭典：
ring true：動詞，聽起來像真的、聽起來有道理。例句：I don’t think that your excuse for the mistake you made rang true.（我不認為你對於你所犯錯誤的理由聽起來有道理。）
egg on：動詞片語，激勵、慫恿去做某事。例句：He was egged on to drink more than he can handle.（他被勸酒喝到酒力不勝負荷。）
see off：動詞片語，送行，趕走。例句：My parents saw me off at the airport.（我父母到機場為我送行。）
This Day in History September 13
It is no secret that buildings are more than walls, ceilings, and floors. They are places that serve purposes and also bring out feelings. This doesn't happen by accident, though. Architects create their designs with a vision of how they want people to experience the space within and without. On this date in 1941, Japanese architect Tadao Ando was born. His unique designs blend Japanese aesthetic with modern one. Interestingly, Ando became an architect without having gotten any formal training. However, this has not held him back. Ando has won many prestigious awards, and his buildings can be seen across the globe.
歷史上的今天 9月13日…
大家都知道建築不只是牆壁、天花板及樓層所構成的物體而已。它們必須能達到人們的需要並能激發出人們的情感，但這點並不是偶然發生的。建築師在設計時懷有一種願景，就是希望眾人能用他們的角度來體驗他們所創造的空間，室內或室外皆然。日本建築師安藤忠雄誕生於1941年的今日。他的獨特設計將傳統日式與現代美學融合為一。有趣的是，安藤並沒有受過任何正式訓練，但這點並沒有阻撓他，他在無師自通的情況下成為一名建築師。安藤曾贏得許多大獎，而且他的建築在全球都可以看得到。
知識大補帖
;)
安藤忠雄（圖，資料照片）出生於大阪（Osaka），只有相當於高職的學歷，曾擔任貨車司機及職業拳擊手的他，雖有心上大學，卻因經濟、學歷等因素，只能以自學的方式學習建築。安藤說，祖母告訴他不要輕易放棄理想，於是他用職業拳擊生涯贏來的獎金， 前往世界各地旅行，觀摩、學習頂尖建築作品。1969年，他如願開了建築事務所，但因不是科班出身，所以門可羅雀。7年後，他以清水混凝土建造的「住吉長 屋」初試啼聲，獲得日本建築學會賞。儘管如此，他仍無法得到日本建築界的認同，不過他不氣餒、不放棄，最後終於憑藉努力與毅力，在1995 年獲得建築界最高榮譽普利茲克獎（Pritzker Architecture Prize）而一舉成名。
單字片語
◎ceilingn. 天花板
◎serve purposes/a purpose
達到某些／某種目的，
起某些／某種作用
˙serve the purpose of... 達到……的目的／作用；有……功用
例：The meeting served the purpose of promoting peace in the Middle East.（這次會議的目的在於促進中東和平。）
◎architect
n. 建築師
◎within and without
裡裡外外
◎blend A with B
混合／結合 A 與 B
例：This novel blended history with fiction.（這本小說結合了歷史和虛構。）
◎aesthetic
n. 美學；審美觀點
◎hold...back/hold back...
阻礙／阻擋……
例：Amber wanted to apologize to her boyfriend, but her pride held her back.（安柏想跟她男友道歉，但她的自尊心讓她卻步不前。）
◎prestigious
a. 有名望的
Miliband brothers fighting for top Labour post 米勒班兄弟爭奪工黨領袖寶座
◎俞智敏
Mom is neutral. Everyone else has an opinion. The unusual spectacle of two brothers fighting for the soul of the defeated Labour Party _ and the chance to challenge Prime Minister David Cameron in the next general election _ has turned a ho-hum contest into a nailbiter.
老媽保持中立。其餘每個人都各有意見。兩兄弟為角逐敗選後的工黨靈魂人物寶座而較勁的不尋常場面──以及在下屆國會選舉中迎戰英國首相卡麥隆的機會──讓這場沈悶的選舉變成了一齣令人緊張的戲碼。
Voting has already begun, with former Foreign Secretary David Miliband seen as a slight favorite over his younger brother, former Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband, and three other candidates. Results will be announced at the start of a party conference in late September.
投票已經開始，一般認為前英國外相大衛米勒班的勝選機會略高於其弟、前能源暨氣候變遷大臣艾德米勒班，以及其他3位候選人。選舉結果將在9月底工黨召開黨代表大會時宣布。
The younger Miliband is running a maverick campaign, promising to bring the Labour Party back to its working class roots. "I’m the candidate most willing to turn the page in this election," Ed Miliband says on his campaign website, taking a subtle dig at his big brother, who represents the party Establishment.
米勒班弟弟正採用不按牌理出牌的競選方式，他承諾要把工黨帶回勞工階級的根源。「我是這場選舉中最願意開創新局的候選人，」艾德米勒班在他的競選網站上說，暗批代表著工黨既有體制的哥哥。
Most insiders believe David Miliband is ahead of his brother. But the results are hard to predict because of a complicated system that allows voters to rank the five candidates in order of preference. As a result, a candidate who is named as the second choice by a large number of voters could end up with the job.
多數內部人士都認為大衛米勒班的勝算領先其弟。但選舉結果很難預料，因為工黨黨內選舉制度非常複雜，選民可依喜好替5位候選人排名。假如某位候選人被大多數選民列在第2位，最後卻反而可能贏得選舉。
新聞辭典
ho-hum：形容詞，指沈悶乏味的、老套的，如He is a ho-hum speaker who couldn’t capture the attention of the audience.（他的演講很沈悶，沒辦法吸引聽眾注意。）
nailbiter：名詞，指情節緊張、無法預知結局的比賽、故事或影片等，如Saturday’s semi-final was a real nailbiter.（週六的那場半準決賽讓人看得坐立難安。）
take a dig at someone：片語，指挖苦、譏諷某人，如He’s always having/taking/making digs at me.（他老是對我冷嘲熱諷。）
Mom is neutral. Everyone else has an opinion. The unusual spectacle of two brothers fighting for the soul of the defeated Labour Party _ and the chance to challenge Prime Minister David Cameron in the next general election _ has turned a ho-hum contest into a nailbiter.
老媽保持中立。其餘每個人都各有意見。兩兄弟為角逐敗選後的工黨靈魂人物寶座而較勁的不尋常場面──以及在下屆國會選舉中迎戰英國首相卡麥隆的機會──讓這場沈悶的選舉變成了一齣令人緊張的戲碼。
Voting has already begun, with former Foreign Secretary David Miliband seen as a slight favorite over his younger brother, former Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband, and three other candidates. Results will be announced at the start of a party conference in late September.
投票已經開始，一般認為前英國外相大衛米勒班的勝選機會略高於其弟、前能源暨氣候變遷大臣艾德米勒班，以及其他3位候選人。選舉結果將在9月底工黨召開黨代表大會時宣布。
The younger Miliband is running a maverick campaign, promising to bring the Labour Party back to its working class roots. "I’m the candidate most willing to turn the page in this election," Ed Miliband says on his campaign website, taking a subtle dig at his big brother, who represents the party Establishment.
米勒班弟弟正採用不按牌理出牌的競選方式，他承諾要把工黨帶回勞工階級的根源。「我是這場選舉中最願意開創新局的候選人，」艾德米勒班在他的競選網站上說，暗批代表著工黨既有體制的哥哥。
Most insiders believe David Miliband is ahead of his brother. But the results are hard to predict because of a complicated system that allows voters to rank the five candidates in order of preference. As a result, a candidate who is named as the second choice by a large number of voters could end up with the job.
多數內部人士都認為大衛米勒班的勝算領先其弟。但選舉結果很難預料，因為工黨黨內選舉制度非常複雜，選民可依喜好替5位候選人排名。假如某位候選人被大多數選民列在第2位，最後卻反而可能贏得選舉。
新聞辭典
ho-hum：形容詞，指沈悶乏味的、老套的，如He is a ho-hum speaker who couldn’t capture the attention of the audience.（他的演講很沈悶，沒辦法吸引聽眾注意。）
nailbiter：名詞，指情節緊張、無法預知結局的比賽、故事或影片等，如Saturday’s semi-final was a real nailbiter.（週六的那場半準決賽讓人看得坐立難安。）
take a dig at someone：片語，指挖苦、譏諷某人，如He’s always having/taking/making digs at me.（他老是對我冷嘲熱諷。）
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