Nigeria's Hair Police　奈及利亞髮型警察
No gay hairdos allowed　禁蓄同志髮型

‧ 標題單字

1) gay (a.)（男）同性戀的
He doesn't seem like a gay person.
2) hairdo (n.) 髮型
He got a new hairdo before going to Canada.

1.
Fans of football (soccer to North Americans) 4)rejoice. There's no longer a need to fear for your favorite Nigerian football star's 5)sexuality. It seems likely that new rules will be put into place to 6)ban 7)braids, 3dreadlocks, and earrings on the Nigerian football field in an effort to make the young men look more 8)manly.

足球（在北美稱做soccer）球迷值得大肆慶祝。再也不必擔心你最喜歡的奈及利亞足球明星的性傾向了。奈及利亞的足球場很有可能會採用新規則，禁止辮子、雷鬼頭以及耳環，為了讓這些年輕男子看起來更具雄風。

‧ 中級單字

3) soccer (n.) 足球，英式英文稱為 football
Soccer is a very old sport.

4) rejoice (v.) 感到高興
They rejoiced after winning the game.

5) sexuality (n.) 性特徵，性別
It's best not to display your sexuality in public places.

6) ban (v.) 禁止
Our school has a ban on dyed hair.

7) braid (n.) 辮子
The young girl always has braids in her hair.

8) manly (a.) 有男子氣概的
This actor always plays very manly roles.


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2.
Nigeria's top 9)footballers, including captain Jay-Jay Okocha and top striker Nwankwo Kanu, may have their hair braided, but officials have had enough. They say 10)hairstyles such as these are not 11)culturally acceptable and 12)encourage 13)homosexuality. For Mr. Runshewe of the Information 14)Ministry the same goes for earrings, which he says have a “sense of homosexuality.”

奈及利亞的最佳足球員，包括隊長傑傑歐克恰與最佳前鋒汪闊卡努，可能喜歡紮上滿頭的辮子，但主管單位已經受夠了。他們表示這種髮型不被他們的文化接受，而且是在鼓勵同性戀。奈及利亞資訊部的朗秀先生還認為耳環也是一樣，他說那有「同性戀的味道。」

‧ 中級單字

9) footballer (n.) 足球員
Footballers are very popular in England.

10) hairstyle (n.) 髮型
She paid a lot of money to design a new hairstyle.

11) culturally (adv.) 文化方面
Culturally speaking, Canada and the United States are very similar.

12) encourage (v.) 鼓勵
The teacher encourages her students to read.

13) homosexuality (n.) 同性戀
Do his parents know about his homosexuality?

14) ministry (n.) 政府部會
The Ministry of Education is responsible for the nation's schools.


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3.
Of course, not everybody agrees with these 15)charges. Young fans often see the players’ hair braids as signs of the changing times. Nigeria is becoming more international. Players are following the likes of Beckham, 16)sporting crazy hairdos in order to be more 17)visible on the field.

當然了，不是所有人都同意這些指控。年輕球迷經常視球員的辮子為時代變遷的象徵。奈及利亞日漸國際化。球員追隨貝克漢之流，秀出瘋狂髮型以增加球場上的能見度。
‧ 中級單字

15) charge (n.) 指控
The teacher has been arrested on a charge of murder.

16) sport (v.) 炫耀，惹人注意地打扮
The singer always sports some very interesting outfits.

17) visible (a.) 能被看見的，可見的
There are no visible differences between the twins.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.
Female 18)onlookers, on the other hand, were less 19)compassionate to the dreadlocked, braided players. Football, being a man's game, must be played by manly men, they say. They don't see why men should try to turn themselves into girls. But maybe that's just 20)sour grapes. Perhaps these women are afraid of the competition.

另一方面，女性觀眾對雷鬼頭及紮辮子的球員比較不那麼同情。她們表示，足球是男性的運動，應該由有男子氣概的人來踢球。她們不懂為什麼男人要試著把自己變成女孩子。但或許那只是酸葡萄心理。搞不好這些女人是怕被比下去。

‧ 中級單字

18) onlooker (n.) 旁觀者
The onlookers were surprised when the losing team suddenly won the game.

19) compassionate (a.) 同情的
The monk is a very compassionate person.

20) sour grapes 酸葡萄心理，見不得別人好
She looks angry, but she's not. It's just sour grapes.



- posted by star blog @ Monday, January 03, 2005 0 comments

 
Criticizing Tactfully (Part 5 of 5) 技巧地批評
EXPRESS YOURSELF: Criticizing Tactfully (Part 5 of 5) 技巧地批評

Activities

You and your classmate are working together on a report. One classmate makes excuses and keeps forgetting to do her share of the homework. Tell her how you feel. Tell her that she needs to work harder.

Your hairdresser has just finished cutting your hair, but you don't like the style. He didn't listen to you when you told him what hairstyle you wanted.

You have taken your fiance to a fancy restaurant for a nice dinner. The waiter brings the wrong order. You complain to the restaurant manager.

活動

你和你的同學正一起寫一份報告。一位同伴找藉口，並且老是忘記做她那一部份的功課，告訴她你的感覺。也告訴她，她需更努力。

你的髮型設計師剛剛幫你剪完頭髮，但是你不喜歡這個樣子。你告訴他你想要的髮型的時候，他並沒有聽你說。

你帶了你的未婚妻到一家非常高級的餐廳吃飯。侍者卻上錯了食物，你向餐廳經理抱怨。

【Word Bank】
hairdresser (n) 理髮師; 美容師

The Day's Phrase
I often heard my mother say "hands off!" when I was younger.
在我小的時後，我常聽我媽媽說：「不要碰！」



- posted by star blog @ Thursday, December 09, 2004 0 comments

 
Criticizing Tactfully (Part 4 of 5) 技巧地批評
EXPRESS YOURSELF: Criticizing Tactfully (Part 4 of 5) 技巧地批評

When you are criticized, acknowledge the criticism in a nondefensive way. If it is valid, offer an apology for your behavior.

　　* I know this is a problem.
　　* Thank you for your input.
　　* I appreciate your comments.
　　* I'm glad you mentioned it.


Conversation 4

(back to the restaurant with Wilbur and Charlotte)
Wilbur: You know, Charlotte, IBM glad you mentioned my habit of slurping. I guess it's really impolite.
Charlotte: I'm afraid it is. Lots of people find slurping very offensive, you know. You really should try to stop.
Wilbur: I will try. I guess I learned it when I was little. Maybe I didn't pay enough attention to my table manners.


當你被批評時，以一種不具防衛性的方式來接納它，如果批評是有根據的，則為你自己的行為道歉。

　　* 我知道這是個問題。
　　* 謝謝你所提供的意見。
　　* 我很感激你的評語。
　　* 我很高興你把它提出來。

會話四

（回到威爾和莎洛特所在的餐廳）
威爾伯：你和道，莎洛特。我很高興你提到我啜食的習慣。我想那真是很不禮貌。
查洛特：我想是的。很多人都覺得啜食是無禮的。你知道，你真的應該試著不再這麼做。
威爾伯：我會試的，我想我是小時候學會的。也許我對自己的餐桌禮儀真是不太注意。


【Word Bank】
nondefensive (adj) 不具敵意的; 無防衛性的
valid (adj) 有確實根據的

The Day's Phrase
When I asked my brother for help on my homework he told me to get lost!
我求助我哥哥解答功課的問題，他卻叫我走開！



- posted by star blog @ Thursday, December 09, 2004 0 comments

 
Criticizing Tactfully (Part 3 of 5) 技巧地批評
EXPRESS YOURSELF: Criticizing Tactfully (Part 3 of 5) 技巧地批評

The following conversations show people criticizing someone. Be careful to note that the speakers are expressing criticism, not anger.

Conversation 2

(a sales manager is talking to one of his salesmen)
Carl: Judd, may I have a word with you in my office?
Judd: Sure. What's up?
Carl: I'm really dissatisfied with your sales report this month. It should have been a lot better. You only brought in one new account.
Judd: Well, with the economy in a slump, it's harder and harder to find clients.
Carl: Yes, but we sell an excellent product. I don't want excuses, I want results. I expect to see a better report next month.


Conversation 3

(at a restaurant)
Wilbur: I think I'll have beef noodles for lunch.
Charlotte: Wilbur, I've been meaning to talk to you. I don't like the way you slurp noisily when you eat noodles. It's really unpleasant to eat with you. I don't want to hurt your feelings, but you might want to think about improving your eating habits.
Wilbur: I'm sorry it bothers you. Maybe I should have some-thing else?
Charlotte: Why don't you have some fried rice? The shrimp fried rice at this restaurant is really delicious.


下面的會話是某人批評另外一個人。請小心留意說話的人是在表達批評，而非怒氣。

會話二

（一位銷售經理正和他的一位銷售員講話中）
卡爾：祝德。我能不能在我的辦公室裡和你談談呢？
祝德：當然可以。什麼事？
卡爾：我對你這個月的銷售報告非常失望。它應該可以更好。你只做了一筆新生意。
祝德：嗯，在經濟不景氣的時候，客戶是愈來愈難找了。
卡爾：對，但是我們有很棒的產品。我不要藉口，我只要結果。我期待下個月能看到更好的報告。


會話三

（在一家餐廳）
威爾伯：我想中午就吃牛肉麵好了。
莎洛特：哦，威爾伯，我早就想要和你談了。我不喜歡你吃麵的時候大聲啜食。和你一起吃飯真是不舒服，我不想傷你的感情，但是或許你應該考慮一下改進你吃東西的習慣。
威爾伯：很抱歉那讓你那麼不舒服，也許我該吃點別的東西。
莎洛特：你為麼不吃炒飯呢？這家餐廳的蝦仁炒飯非常可口。


【Word Bank】
account (n) 一筆生意
slurp (v) 發出聲音地啜食
have a word with someone (v phr) 和某人談話
in a slump (prep phr) 指經濟不景氣

The Day's Phrase
Oscar sure is a tough cookie. He hurt his leg but still won the race.
奧斯卡可真是個硬漢。他腿受傷了，卻仍贏了賽跑。

- posted by star blog @ Thursday, December 09, 2004 0 comments

 
Criticizing Tactfully (Part 2 of 5) 技巧地批評
EXPRESS YOURSELF: Criticizing Tactfully (Part 2 of 5) 技巧地批評

Conversation 1

Alice: How was your vacation to Guam, Beatrice?
Beatrice: The beaches were great, but the service at the resort was lousy.
Alice: Really? I'm surprised. The resorts in Guam are supposed to be pretty nice.
Beatrice: Not this one. The room service was always so slow, and the help expected big tips. The waiters never acted like they were happy to see you. I felt like a burden to them. And I was really disappointed with the food. The seafood was never fresh.
Alice: What was the name of the resort? I'll make sure to avoid it when I go to Guam next month.


會話一

愛莉絲：貝翠斯，妳的關島之旅怎樣？
貝翠斯：海灘很棒，但是度假旅館的服務糟透了。
愛莉絲：真的嗎？我很驚訝。關島的度假飯店應該很不錯。
貝翠斯：我住的這家則不然。客房服務老是慢半拍，而工作人員又老是想要高額的小費，服務生們從來不讓你覺得他很高興看到你。我覺得自己對他們來說好像是個負擔，而且我對食物也十分失望。海鮮沒有一個是新鮮的。
愛莉絲：這個度假旅館叫什麼名字？我得確定下個月去關島的時候，別上那裡去。


【Word Bank】
lousy (adj)　糟糕的; 差勁的

The Day's Phrase
My father gets a five o'clock shadow when he does not shave.
爸爸沒有刮鬍子，臉上就長出一片黑了。

- posted by star blog @ Thursday, December 09, 2004 0 comments

 
Criticizing Tactfully (Part 1 of 5) 技巧地批評
"To err is human."
We all make mistakes, and we all know people who want to point them out to us. Although criticism is unpleasant, it doesn't have to be bad. Tactful criticism encourages us to improve. When we criticize, we want to change an unpleasant situation or habit. Sometimes the service at a hotel is poor, or the food at a restaurant is not satisfactory. Maybe a colleague or classmate has done something carelessly that affects us. When we find fault, we need to say it carefully. Study these useful phrases for expressing criticism.　　
* I'm a little dissatisfied with the quality of the food in this restaurant.　　
* I don't like your attitude at work. You should show more respect to your manager.　　
* I'm disappointed with your grades this semester, son. They could be better.　　
* I don't care for this hamburger. It's too rare. 　　
* I'm tired of always cleaning the house by myself. Can't you help me?　　
* It might be helpful if you got some advice from a close friend.　　
* Perhaps next time you should try harder. 　　
* I'm not pleased with your sales record this month.　　
* I'm unhappy with the lazy way you do your homework.　　
* I'm upset about your behavior at the meeting. You shouldn't let criticism get to you.　　
* That's a good start.　　
* I'm afraid I have a complaint.　　
* That performance was nothing special.　　
* The service here is disappointing.

「犯錯是人類的天性。」
我們都會犯錯，我們也知道那些想指出我們錯誤的人是誰。雖然批評令人不悅，但卻不見得是件壞事情。有技巧的批評會鼓勵我們進步。當我們批評的時候，我們是想改變一個令人不悅的情況或是習慣。有時候，一家旅館的服務很差或是一家餐廳的食物不能令人滿意。或許一位同事或同學無心地做了些事影響了我們。當我們追究他人錯誤時，我們需要小心地說。研讀以下這些對於表達批評有用的句子。　　
* 我對這家餐廳的食物不太滿意。　　
* 我不喜歡你的工作態度，你應該更尊重你的經理。　　
* 兒子，我對你這學期的成績有些失望，它們可以更好。　　
* 我不喜歡這個漢堡，它煎得太生了。　　
* 我已厭煩老是得自己清理這個房子。你能幫我的忙嗎？　　
* 如果你能從知己那裡得到一些建議，會對你有幫助的。　　
* 也許下次你應該更努力。　　
* 我對你這個月的業績並不滿意。　　
* 我對你作功課的偷懶態度不甚高興。　　
* 我對於你在會議當中的表現很生氣。　　
* 你不應該讓批評困擾你。　　
* 那是個好的開始。　　
* 我恐怕有個抱怨要提出來。　　
* 那個表演並沒什麼特別的。　　
* 這裡的服務令人失望。

Word Bank
err (v) 犯錯
colleague (n) 同事
rare (adj) 生的
behavior (n) 行為; 舉止; 態度

The Day's Phrase
If I could just get my bearings, then I could find my way home.
如果我能認出方向的話，我就能找到回家的路了。


- posted by star blog @ Thursday, December 09, 2004 0 comments

 
Showing Sympathy (Part 5 of 5) 表達同情
EXPRESS YOURSELF: Showing Sympathy (Part 5 of 5) 表達同情

Conversation 5(at a hospital)
Mr. Maxim: How is Sammy doing, Vickie?
Vickie: Well, he's still in a coma. We don't know when he's going to come out of it.
Mr. Maxim: It's so terrible that this had to happen to such a sweet little boy. Everyone at work sympathizes with you.
Vickie: Thank you. I appreciate your concern.
Mr. Maxim: By the way, when was the last time you ate?
Vickie: I haven't eaten in 24 hours. I haven't left Sammy since the accident.
Mr. Maxim: Let me get something for you.
Vickie: Thanks. That would be great.

Activities

1. Your best friend was in a car accident and seriously injured. You visit him in the hospital. What can you say to console him?
2. Your boss's father has passed away. What do you say to your boss at the funeral?
3. Your best friend has just found out that her boyfriend wants to break up with her. What can you say to make her feel better?
4. Your classmate is a volleyball player. Her team just lost the championship game. What can you say to show your sympathy?

會話五（在一家醫院裡）
麥克士先生：山米現在怎麼樣了，維琪？
維 琪：噢，他還在昏迷當中。我們也不知道他什麼時候會清醒過來。
麥克士先生：這件事發生在這樣一位可愛的小男孩身上真是不幸。公司裡的每個人都為你感到難過。
維 琪：謝謝你。我很感激你的關心。
麥克士先生：對了。你上一頓飯是什麼時候吃的？
維 琪：我已經廿四個小時沒有吃東西了。自車禍發生之後，我就沒離開過山米。
麥克士先生：讓我買些東西給你吃。
維 琪：謝謝你，那太好了。

活動

1. 你最好的朋友發生車禍，並且嚴重受傷，你到醫院去探視他。你能說些什麼安慰他呢？
2. 你老闆的父親過世了。你應在葬禮時向他說什麼呢？
3. 你最好的朋友剛發現她的男朋友要和她分手，你能說些什麼使她覺得好過一些呢？
4. 你的同班同學是排球隊員。她那一隊剛剛在冠軍爭奪賽中輸了，你能說些什麼表達你的同情心嗎？

【Word Bank】

coma (n) 昏迷

pass away (v phr) 死亡

The Day's Phrase
It really hurt my feelings when you broke your word about taking me fishing.

你答應帶我去釣魚卻黃牛了，真的令我很難過。

- posted by star blog @ Thursday, December 09, 2004 0 comments

 
Showing Sympathy (Part 4 of 5) 表達同情
EXPRESS YOURSELF: Showing Sympathy (Part 4 of 5) 表達同情

Conversation 3(at a funeral)
Mr. Elliot: I'm so sorry about your husband, Mrs. Lincoln. He was a kind, generous man who was a blessing to us all.
Mrs. Elliot: Yes, please accept our condolences.
Mrs. Lincoln: Thank you. You've all been so very kind.

Conversation 4(at a university)
Lou: I'm sorry to hear about your injured knee, Al.
Al: Thanks, Lou. I guess I got a little carried away during the football game.
Lou: This must be rough on you. Will it hurt your athletic career?
Al: It depends on how well the knee heals.
Lou: Take it easy, then. I really sympathize with you.

會話三（在喪禮時）
艾略特先生：我對於你先生的事感到非常惋惜，林肯太太。他是位仁慈又慷慨的人，並且是我們大家的祝福。
艾略持太太：是啊，請妳接受我們的哀悼。
林肯太太：謝謝你們。你們大家都非常仁慈。

會話四（在大學校園裡）
羅 ：真遺憾聽到你傷了膝蓋的消息，艾爾。
艾爾：謝謝你，羅。我想在足球賽時，我是有點得意忘形了。
羅 ：這件事對你來講一定很難受。會不會對你的運動生涯造成不好的影響呢？
艾爾：那要看我的膝蓋能恢復得多好了。
羅 ：放輕鬆慢慢來。我對你的情況極表同情。

【Word Bank】
condolences (n pl) 弔慰; 哀悼
get carried away (v phr) 因太過激動或高興而超出常規
take it easy (v phr) 放輕鬆


The Day's Phrase
If you don't have a computer you are behind the times.
如果你沒有電腦，你就落伍了。


- posted by star blog @ Thursday, December 09, 2004 0 comments

 
Showing Sympathy (Part 3 of 5) 表達同情
EXPRESS YOURSELF: Showing Sympathy (Part 3 of 5) 表達同情

Conversation 2
Hank: How's it going, James?
James: Not so good, Hank. I just got a "Dear John" letter from Tina.
Hank: That's too bad. She's still studying in Paris, isn't she?
James: Yes. She's coming home at Christmas. I thought we were still together, but I guess she's changed her mind.
Hank: Tough break, James. I'm sorry.Sometimes a friend or acquaintance has a car accident, an injury, an illness or a death in the family. In these instances, it's very important to use more formal language to express your sympathy. You shouldn't say "Tough break!" to your friend who has broken her right hand and can't write for two months. She will think that you are being shallow or insincere. Study the following conversations for examples of formal expressions of sympathy:

會話二
漢 克：你好嗎，傑姆斯？
傑姆斯：不怎麼好，漢克。我剛收到了一封蒂納寄來的「斷交信」。
漢 克：那真糟糕。她還在巴黎讀書，不是嗎？
傑姆斯：是啊，她會回家過聖誕節。我原來以為我們還是情侶。但現在，我猜她已經改變心意了。
漢 克：真倒霉，傑姆斯。我為你感到難過。有時朋友或熟人出了車禍，受傷、生病或家人去世。在這種情況下，用較正式的用語來表達你的同情是很要緊的。對一位斷了手而兩個月不能寫信的朋友，你可不能說「真倒霉！」她會以為你只是膚淺的表示或沒有誠心。以下的會話就是正式表達同情的例子，仔細讀。

【Word Bank】
shallow (adj) 淺薄的"Dear John" Letter (n phr)　情侶之間的斷交信


The Day's Phrase
The new clock I bought is an alarm, a radio, and CD player all rolled into one.
我新買的鐘是集鬧鐘、收音機和CD唱盤於一體的。


- posted by star blog @ Thursday, December 09, 2004 0 comments

 
Showing Sympathy (Part 2 of 5) 表達同情
EXPRESS YOURSELF: Showing Sympathy (Part 2 of 5) 表達同情

Here are a few phrases for expressing sympathy to friends or family in sad or difficult situations:　　* That's too bad.　　
* That's a shame. 　　
* What a pity!　　
* Tough break.　　
* Better luck next time. 　　
* I'm sorry to hear that. 　　
* It must be pretty rough on you. 　　
* I can imagine how bad you must feel. 　　
* I sympathize with you.

此處為一些對朋友或家人在遭遇憂傷或困難的情況時，向其表達同情心的一些句子：　　
* 那真是太糟糕了。　　
* 真令人惋惜。　　
* 多可惜啊！　　
* 真倒霉。　　
* 下次祝你好運。　　
* 聽到這個消息，我真為你感到難過。　　
* 對你來講一定很不好受，我可以想像你會多麼難受。　　
* 我很同情你的處境。

Conversation 1
Jackie: Good morning, Irene. How was the violin contest yesterday? Did you win a prize?
Irene: Oh, Jackie, it was awful! One of my violin strings broke right in the middle of the Haydn piece. I felt so embarrassed. Even the judges were laughing at me.
Jackie: That's a shame! Are you sure the judges were laughing at you? You were probably just too tense. I know how hard you worked to prepare. I can imagine how bad you must feel.
Irene: Oh, well, such is life. There's always next year.

會話一
賈姬：早安，愛琳。昨天的小提琴比賽如何？妳贏了什麼獎項嗎？
愛琳：噢，賈姬。真是糟透了！我正演奏海頓的作品時，我的一根小提琴弦斷了。我糗死了，連裁判都在笑我。
賈姬：真糟糕！妳確定裁判們是在笑妳嗎？妳可能只是太緊張了，我知道妳準備得非常辛苦。我可以想像妳會有多難過。
愛琳：哦，好吧，這就是人生吧，總是會有明年的。

【Word Bank】
shame (n)可惋惜之事 tense (adj) 緊張的

The Day's Phrase
When I walked in late, all eyes were on me.
當我遲到走進去時，所有人的眼睛都在看著我。


- posted by star blog @ Thursday, December 09, 2004 0 comments

 
Fight Fire with ... Flies?　救火……用蒼蠅？
Natural remedies for fire ants　火蟻的天然防治法
‧ 標題單字
1) remedy (n.) 補救方法，療法
Many people use natural remedies when they are ill.

1.The University of Texas is studying some interesting new ways to fight fire ants. Instead of using 2)chemicals on the 3)stinging ants, researchers there are trying flies 4)imported from South America. These flies are natural 5)predators of the 6)annoying little red ants.
德州大學正在研究一些對抗火蟻的有趣新方法。不對這些螫人的螞蟻施用化學藥劑，德州大學研究人員在試用的是從南美洲引進的蒼蠅。這些蒼蠅是這種討厭的小紅蟻的天然掠食者。
‧ 中級單字
2) chemical (n.) 化學藥品
This food has too many unnatural chemicals.
3) sting (v.) 螫，刺
Be careful or those bees will sting you.
4) import (v.) 輸入，進口
Most of these cars are imported from Japan.
5) predator (n.) 掠食者
The lion is a great African predator.
6) annoying (a.) 討人厭的，煩人的
He thinks his little brother is very annoying.

2.Fire ants, also from South America, are now spreading all over the world. They are 7)fiercely 8)territorial, carry a painful sting, and 9)swarm on any enemy. Worst of all, since these ants have no natural predators outside of their 10)homeland, they 11)multiply at 12)incredible 13)rates.
同樣來自南美洲的火蟻現在已經散布全球。牠有極強的領域性、身上有讓人疼痛的螫針，還會成群爬到任何敵人身上。最糟糕的是，由於這種螞蟻離開家鄉就沒有天敵，所以能夠以驚人的速度繁殖。
‧ 中級單字
7) fiercely (adv.) 極度地，強烈地
They argued（爭論）fiercely all night long.
8) territorial (a.) 有領域性的
Many animals can be territorial.
9) swarm (v.) 成群聚集
The bees swarmed around the flowers.
10) homeland (n.) 家鄉
His homeland is on the other side of the world.
11) multiply (v.) 繁殖，倍增
Rabbits can multiply very quickly.
12) incredible (a.) 驚人的，令難以置信的
She is an incredible singer.
13) rate (n.) 速率
The temperature has been increasing at a steady rate.

3.Until now, that is. Through careful research, scientists have shown that little flies called Phorids use fire ants as 14)hosts for their maggots. They dive-bomb the ants and leave 15)larvae in their bodies. The larvae grow and feed on the ants, eventually killing them by causing their heads to fall off. 16)Fortunately, these flies only 17)attack fire ants.
不過現在不同了。經過仔細的研究，科學家證明有一種叫作Phorid的小蒼蠅用火蟻作為蛆的宿主。牠會從空中俯衝轟炸螞蟻、在螞蟻身上留下幼蟲。幼蟲以螞蟻為食物成長，直到最後螞蟻的頭掉落死亡為止。幸運的是，這種蒼蠅只會攻擊火蟻。
‧ 中級單字
14) host (n.) 宿主，主人，主持人
Dogs can be hosts to many insects（昆蟲）.
15) larva (n.) 幼蟲，複數為larvae [`l3rvi]
Mosquito larvae live in water.
16) fortunately (adv.) 幸好，幸運地
Fortunately it stopped raining before the parade（遊行）.
17) attack (v.) 攻擊
The soldiers attacked the small town.

4.So, while the quick and easy method to 18)get rid of fire ants would be to drop 19)tons of chemical 20)poison all over the land, that's not the best method to use. After all, these poisons can eventually go into the water we drink, so it's 21)probably a better idea to let the flies do the hunting for us.
所以，雖然消滅火蟻最快、最容易的方法是在地上到處灑大量的化學藥劑，但那並不是最理想的方法。畢竟，這些毒藥最終還是有可能進入我們的飲水，所以讓蒼蠅幫我們獵殺火蟻或許是比較好的主意。
‧ 中級單字
18) get rid of 擺脫，除去
We need to get rid of all this garbage.
19) ton (n.) 噸
This truck can carry two tons of rock.
20) poison (n.) 毒藥
She warned her children not to touch the poison.
21) probably (adv.) 很可能
The sky is very dark and it will probably rain later.


- posted by star blog @ Thursday, December 09, 2004 0 comments

 
The Looking Glass Wars　鏡中戰爭
Alice in a 1)violent new 2)wonderland　愛麗絲走入暴力新奇境‧
標題
1) violent (a.) 暴力的
The violent man punched（用拳猛擊）the window.
2) wonderland (n.) 奇境，不可思議的地方
This small town is so perfect it's like a wonderland.

1.Remember the children's story Alice in Wonderland? It is a story of a little girl who enters a 3)magical world where she meets with 4)fantastic 5)characters like the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts and her 6)playing card army.
還記得童話《愛麗絲夢遊奇境》嗎？這是關於一個小女孩走進奇幻國度的故事，在那裡她遇到一些奇妙的人物，好比白兔、瘋狂帽子商、柴郡貓，以及紅心皇后跟她的撲克牌軍隊。
‧ 中級單字
3) magical (a.) 魔法的
Children like to read stories about magical people.
4) fantastic (a.) 奇妙的
The story you wrote isn't only good; it's fantastic!
5) character (n.) 角色
Who is your favorite character in this book?
6) playing card 遊戲紙牌，撲克牌
He used the playing cards to show them a magic trick.

2.This tale written in the 1860s has been made into 7)numerous 8)plays and movies (including a Disney film), and has been rewritten many times over. The White Rabbit from the story has appeared in such unusual places as a song by the 9)band Jefferson Airplane and a 10)tattoo on an 11)actress* back in the movie The Matrix.
這個寫於一八六○年代的故事已經製作成數不清的戲劇和電影（包括一部迪士尼電影），並且改編了多次。故事中的白兔已經出現在一些非比尋常的地方，諸如傑佛遜飛機樂團的一首歌裡，以及電影《駭客任務》一位女演員背上的刺青裡。
‧ 中級單字
7) numerous (a.) 數量眾多的
There are numerous reasons why you should study hard in school.
8) play (n.) 戲劇，舞台劇
The students all participated（參加）in the school play.
9) band (n.) 樂團
This band from Japan is very popular.
10) tattoo (n.) 刺青
She has a tattoo of a heart on her arm.
11) actress (n.) 女演員
Julia Roberts is a famous actress.

3.No less unusual is the latest Alice in Wonderland 12)version. Frank Beddor, 13)producer of There's Something About Mary, is 14)coming out with an Alice 15)trilogy in book form that he hopes to make into a movie but that may cause a few 16)eyebrows to raise. After reading the 17)original as a child and finding it to be a 烠errible girls* book,* Beddor decided to 18)spice things up.
最新版的《愛麗絲夢遊奇境》也是非比尋常。《哈啦瑪莉》電影製作人法藍克貝德即將推出一套愛麗絲三部曲書籍，他希望能拍成電影，但可能會引起一些人側目。貝德兒時讀了原著，覺得那是一本「完全給女生看的爛書」，就決定要幫故事加料。
‧ 中級單字
12) version (n.) 版本
There are many different versions of this book.
13) producer (n.) 製作人
Everyone congratulated（祝賀）the producer for her work on the movie.
14) come out with 提出，出版
Ford came out with a new car that doesn't use much gas.
15) trilogy (n.) 三部曲
Together these three books make a trilogy.
16) eyebrow (n.) 眉毛。
片語 raise one's eyebrows 是表示「驚訝或不贊同」The mother raised her eyebrows when her daughter said a bad word.
17)original (n.) 原著
The new version of the movie is good, but many people still prefer the original.
18) spice ... up 增加刺激性，以香辛料調味
This story is too boring. We should try to spice it up.

4.In his first book, The Looking Glass Wars, the main characters are now killers and 19)superheroes, and the new 20)violence of the story seems to fit more in a video game than in a children's story. However, Beddor 21)argues that today's children have grown up with more violence on TV and in computer games, and he feels the book will be a success. Now it's up to young readers to decide.
在他的第一本書《鏡中戰爭》裡，主角是殺手和有超能力的英雄，故事中新添的暴力似乎更適合出現在電玩而非童話故事裡。然而，貝德辯稱如今的兒童是在較多電視及電玩暴力鏡頭之中長大，他覺得這本書會成功。現在就要由年輕讀者來決定了。
‧ 中級單字
19) superhero (n.) 具有超能力的超級英雄
Superman is a famous superhero.
20) violence (n.) 暴力
There is a lot of violence on television.
21) argue (v.) 辯論，辯稱
He argued that he is the best basketball player in the country.


- posted by star blog @ Thursday, December 09, 2004 0 comments

 
Xenotransplantation　異種器官移植
A new way to save human lives　拯救人類生命的新方法

1.As the 1)population of the world increases, the number of people that need organ 2)transplants also goes up. An organ transplant is a 3)medical 4)operation in which an organ is taken from one person and placed into the body of another.
隨著世界人口增加，需要器官移植的人數也跟著成長。器官移植是一種醫療手術，從一個人身上摘取器官放到另一個人體內。
‧ 中級單字
1)population (n.) 人口
Taiwan has the second largest population density（密度）in the world.
2)transplant (n.) 移植
The girl needs a kidney（腎臟）transplant.
3)medical (a.) 醫學的
Medical discoveries over the past hundred years have been amazing.
4)operation (n.) 手術
The doctors put me to sleep during the operation.

2.The problem with organ transplants is that most organs宬earts, livers, or 5)kidneys娞ome from people killed in road accidents, but in recent years there have been fewer and fewer road accident deaths. New sources for transplants must be found to answer the need.
器官移植的問題在於，多數的器官——心臟、肝臟或腎臟——都來自車禍喪生者，但近年來車禍死亡人數越來越少。必須找到新的器官來源以滿足移植的需求。
‧ 中級單字
5)kidney (n.) 腎臟
Many people have to wait a long time before they can get kidney transplants.

3.This is where xenotransplantation comes in. Xenotransplantation means transplanting animal organs into humans. This kind of operation has been done many times in the past 50 years, at first with poor results. The last 10 years has seen a lot of progress in this area.
異種器官移植這兒就要派上用場了。異種器官移植是指移植動物器官到人類身上。這種手術過去五十年來已經實行多次，一開始成效很差。近十年來這個領域已見到長足的進步。

4.Scientists say that if we change about six 6)genes in pigs, pig organs can be safely placed into humans. Pig organs are nearly the same size as human organs. But up to now, transplants using pig organs have been less than 7)satisfactory because the person's body 8)rejects the organ as foreign. This 9)rejection is what scientists are trying to prevent by changing the pig's 10)genetic 11)makeup.
科學家表示，若能改變豬身上的六個基因，豬的器官就可以安全地植入人體。豬的器官和人類器官的大小相近。但直至今日，使用豬器官的移植仍然不盡理想，因為人類身體會排斥外來器官。科學家希望改變豬的基因組成之後能避免這種排斥的情況。
‧ 中級單字
6)gene (n.) 基因
Doctors have isolated（分離出）the human gene that gives people blue eyes.
7)satisfactory (a.) 令人滿意的
The dentist（牙醫）did a very satisfactory job on my teeth.
8)reject (v.) 排斥，拒絕
When I was a kid, I was always rejected by girls.
9)rejection (n.) 排斥，拒絕
It's really hard to deal with rejection.
10)genetic (a.) 基因的
A lot of people are afraid of the genetic changes in plants that scientists are making.
11)makeup (n.) 組成，構成
The makeup of a person's genes is determined（決定）by his DNA.

5.And they are having a lot of success doing so. This success means that many human lives will be saved, but it also means some pigs will be bred only for their organs, and this, for many, is a 12)disturbing thought.
他們做得很成功。這項成功表示許多人命將可獲救，但也表示有一些豬會專門飼養來摘取器官，而這對許多人來說，是個令人不安的想法。
‧ 中級單字
12)disturbing (a.) 令人不安的
It's very disturbing to read news about the war in Iraq.


- posted by star blog @ Thursday, December 09, 2004 0 comments

 
Our Graying Planet　高齡化世界
Over a 3)billion 4)senior citizens　
超過十億銀髮族‧

標題
1) gray (v., a.) （頭髮）變灰白；（頭髮）灰色的
I'm only thirty years old but my hair is graying.
2) planet (n.) 行星
Earth is the third planet away from the sun.
3) billion (n.) 十億
Bill Gates has over forty billion dollars.
4) senior citizen (n.) 老人，高齡公民
Train tickets are discounted for senior citizens.

1.If you won the 5)lottery, the number 缹ne billion* would be wonderful to hear. But if you're talking about the world's aging population, one billion is no longer a figure that brings smiles to people's faces. Instead, it is causing many to worry.
如果你中了樂透彩，「十億」會是個悅耳的數字。但如果是在談全世界的高齡人口，十億就不再是能夠讓人面露微笑的數字了。這個數字事實上令許多人憂心忡忡。

‧ 中級單字
5)lottery (n.) 彩券，樂透
Janet won a million dollars in the lottery.

2.Worldwide, there are currently about 600 million people over the age of 60. It is 6)estimated that this number will double to 1.2 billion by 2025. This will be the biggest jump ever in the number of the world's senior citizens. While these numbers show how medical 7)advancements have helped people live longer, it's not this positive side people are focusing on.
全世界目前超過六十歲的人口約有六億。據估計這個數字到二○二五年會倍增到十二億，這將是有始以來世界高齡人口的最大增幅。這些數字固然表示醫療的進步幫助人們得以延年益壽，但是這個好處並非人們關注的焦點。

. 中級單字
6) estimate (v.) 估計
It's estimated that there are one hundred thousand immigrants（移入移民）per year.
7) advancement (n.) 進步，進展
Scientific advancements come faster than understanding of science nowadays.

3.The focus is instead on the 8)burden older people put on the 9)workforces and 10)economies of countries around the world. An increase in people over 60 means fewer people in the workforce 11)generating incomes and spending money. More older people holding on to their 12)savings means a slower economy.
焦點反而在於老年人口對世界各國勞動力和經濟造成的負擔。六十歲以上人口增加，表示比較少的勞動人口在創造收入與消費。比較多老人守住他們的積蓄，表示經濟會比較不活絡。

‧ 中級單字
8) burden (n.) 負擔，負荷物
It's really a burden to take care of all these children.
9) workforce (n.) 勞動力，總勞動人口
This fire department（消防隊）has a one hundred man-strong workforce.
10) economy(n.) 經濟
The economy has been getting better ever since the last crash（崩盤）.
11) generate (v.) 產生
The dam（水壩）on that river generates a lot of electricity.
12) savings (n.) 積蓄，存款
I have almost no savings in my bank.

4.Older people also require more care. They 13)suffer from more 14)chronic diseases and 15)consume a lot of resources from Social Security or National Health Insurance systems. This puts a 16)strain on any government's 17)finance and has people worried.
老年人也需要更多的照料。他們罹患的慢性疾病比較多，而且消耗掉許多社會福利或國家健保的資源。這對任何政府都會造成財政壓力，引起人們擔心。

‧ 中級單字
13) suffer (v.) 受苦，罹患
Jim has been suffering from depression（憂鬱症）ever since his girlfriend left him.
14) chronic (a.) 慢性的，長期的
Chronic problems such as poverty（貧困）are hard to solve.
15) consume (v.) 消耗
Americans consume a fourth of（四分之一的）the world's resources（資源）.
16) strain (n.) 緊張，壓力
All this arguing has really put strain on our relationship.
17) finance (n.) 財政，財務
Jevon is studying finance in order to work at a bank.

5.The best 18)solution is to keep our older population fit as long as possible and to find ways to keep our Social Security or National Health Insurance systems running strong, as we watch our world become an increasingly 1)gray place.
眼看著我們的世界逐漸高齡化，最好的因應之道就是儘可能保持老年人口身體健康，並設法維持我們的社會福利及國家健保制度健全運作。

‧ 中級單字
18) solution (n.) 解決（辦法）
The government's solution to this city's traffic problems is to build an underground metro（地鐵）.


- posted by star blog @ Thursday, November 18, 2004 0 comments

 
MP3 vs. MP4　MP3 對決 MP4
Taking a look at what you're listening to　
看看你聽的是什麼
1) vs. (prep.) 對比，對上，是 versus 的縮寫

1.This is for the 2)audio geeks out there. When you 3)download music or streaming video on the Internet, what are you doing? Well, simply put, you're 4)accessing MP3 5)files.
各位音響迷注意了。你從網路下載音樂或串流影像時是在做什麼？簡單講，你是在接收MP3檔案。

‧ 本段單字
2) audio (n.) 音響
There's a problem with the audio in this movie.
3) download (v.) 下載
Some people download movies to watch at home.
4) access (v.) 接收，開電腦檔案
You can access your email from this computer.
5) file (n.) 檔案
I saved the file on this disk.

2.MP3 is short for MPEG-1 Audio Layer III, which was developed by the Moving Picture Experts?Group (MPEG). It is a system 6)whereby music and video files are made smaller so that they are easier to listen to and watch 7)online.
MP3是MPEG-1 Audio Layer III的縮寫，由影像標準制訂協會（MPEG）研發出來。這套系統可以壓縮影音檔，比較容易在網路上收聽收看。

‧ 本段單字
6) whereby (conj.) 憑這個，以此
Research and experimentation were the means whereby we achieved our goal.
7) online (adv.) 在線上，在網路上
This is a game that you can play online.

3.The bad thing about the system is that, in order to 8)compress the 9)original file, something has to go. In the case of MP3, some sound 10)frequencies that the normal human ear doesn't hear very well are removed. The idea is that, even without these sounds, you can still get near CD quality sound. However, not everyone has been 11)impressed with the results.
這個系統的缺點：為了壓縮原來的檔案，有些東西必須捨棄。以MP3來說，有些音頻是常人耳朵聽不太到的，就會去除。道理在於，即使沒有這些聲音，你還是可以獲得接近CD的音質。然而，不是每個人都對這個結果感到滿意。
‧ 本段單字
8) compress (v.) 壓縮
After you read this book, you should compress the important facts into a summary（摘要）.
9) original (a.) 原來的
We lost the original book, but we still have this copy.
10) frequency (n.) 頻率
Dogs’ears can hear very high-frequency sounds.
11) impress (v.) 令人印象深刻
This story will impress you.

4.In recent years, new and improved versions of MP3 have been created. One is MPEG-4 AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), also known as MP4, which can give the same quality of sound or better in a file half the size of an MP3. The way sound is removed in MP4 is different and some say less 12)noticeable. The files can be used with surround sound, and the list of 13)improvements goes on.
近年來，新的改良版MP3已經出現。有一種叫作MPEG-4 AAC（進階音訊編碼），又稱MP4，只要MP3檔案的一半大小就可以提供同樣甚至更好的音質。MP4去除聲音的方式不同，有人說比較聽不出來。這種檔案可以用在環繞音效，另外還有許許多多的改良。
‧ 本段單字
12) noticeable (a.) 注意得到
There are no noticeable differences between the two twins（雙胞胎）.
13) improvement (n.) 改良
We'll make some improvements to our new car design.

5.So keep your ears out as more and more of your Internet 14)entertainment 15)catches on to this sound of the future.
所以請豎起耳朵，越來越多的線上娛樂將搭上這班未來之聲的列車。
‧ 本段單字
14) entertainment (n.) 娛樂
What is your favorite kind of entertainment?
15) catch on to (v.) 跟上流行
Many kids are quickly catching on to this new trend.


- posted by star blog @ Tuesday, November 16, 2004 0 comments