通勤學英語 15Mins Today

Welcome to 15mins.today the home of English Shadowing. I'm your host Gavin and this is InTense Episode 37. Well guys we are continuing with our definite article “the,” and in particular when not to use “the.”

So, in today's case we will be looking at places and locations. OK! So, what I mean by a location is like your office or work. We do not put “the” in front of it usually, so “office” is a bit of an exception in this case, “I'm going to the office.” Because you only go to your work’s office, but in front of the word “work” we do not put it there, but here's the exception “office, the office.” Why? Because I work there at one place, it is specific. So remember that we say “the office” but not “the work,” and no “the” in front of “home.”

OK, let's look at our questions and we will see the examples, so let's get started!

Drill Sentences:

Does Jane work from home? Yes, she works from home.

Does Jane work from home? No, she does not work from home.

Did John go to work yesterday? Yes, he went to work yesterday.

Did John go to work yesterday? No, he did not go to work yesterday.

Did Peter go to the office today? Yes, he went to the office today.

Did Peter go to the office today? No, he did not go to the office today.

Do you go to church on Sundays? Yes, I go to church on Sundays.

Do you go to church on Sundays? No, I do not go to church on Sundays.

Is Samuel in jail for fraud? Yes, he is in jail for fraud.

Is Samuel in jail for fraud? No, he is not in jail for fraud.

Are you going to bed? Yes, I am going to bed.

Are you going to bed? No, I am not going to bed.

Did Susan have school today? Yes, she had school today.

Did Susan have school today? No, she did not have school today.

Did you enjoy high school? Yes, I enjoyed high school.

Did you enjoy high school? No, i did not enjoy high school.

Did Mary attend University? Yes, she attended University.

Did Mary attend University? No, she did not attend University.

Well guys, there you go. Remember to listen to the questions, answer them and then listen to the answers, to make sure you answered them correctly. I hope that helps, keeps practicing and catch you in the next one, bye!

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Summary:

This article talks about the World Chocolate Championships, and how well Taiwan did. Not only with making chocolate, but also in growing cocoa beans and producing chocolate from them.

討論的原文章: https://www.15mins.today/blog/756-taiwan-chocolate-best-bar-none

Vocabulary and Sample Sentences:

Spectacular adj.: very impressive

1. Was the fireworks show spectacular?

Inception n.: start of something

1. Was the inception of the process smooth?

Stringent adj.: very strict

1. Does Apple apply stringent quality control?

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每日英語跟讀 Ep.798: Office worker seeks medical attention after experiencing sudden hearing loss in one ear

A 28-year-old office worker called Hsiao Ching (a pseudonym), who would always watch soap operas wearing headphones and stay up into the night, suddenly experienced a loss of hearing in her left ear and went to see the doctor. The doc diagnosed her condition as sudden deafness. Fortunately, as she had immediately sought medical attention her hearing has now returned to 80 percent of its former level, thanks to a course of steroids and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

宜蘭縣二十八歲女性上班族小靜（化名），經常帶耳機追劇又有熬夜習慣，左側耳朵突然聽不見緊急就醫，醫師診斷為突發性耳聾，所幸及時求診，接受類固醇與高壓氧治療後，聽力已恢復八成。

Hsiao Ching, who has a lot of pressure at work, watches soaps and dramas to help her relax. She has always got her headphones on, when she’s commuting or in the evenings after she gets off work, and always has her eyes glued to the screen, engrossed in the plotlines of her favorite TV dramas. Recently, however, when she was watching a program, she couldn’t hear anything in her left ear, and changing her earphones made no difference. She went to the emergency department.

小靜因工作壓力大，透過追劇紓壓，每天通勤與下班後時間，幾乎都帶著耳機，雙眼緊盯螢幕，沈迷在連續劇的劇情裡，最近下班追劇時，左耳機沒聲音，連換二副耳機依然聽不見，連忙掛急診。

According to Chang Chia-chen, a doctor in the ear, nose and throat department of the Luodong Bo-ai Hospital, sudden hearing loss has many possible causes, including stress, viral infection, auto-immune disorders, medications, trauma, hormones, clogged arteries or tumors, and it is important for the patient to seek medical attention in the immediate aftermath of the onset of symptoms, preferably within 3 days of discovering an irregularity in one’s hearing, and to start receiving treatment within two weeks of the onset. If there is a delay before seeking medical attention, it will have a serious impact on the chances of having a full recovery.

羅東博愛醫院耳鼻喉科醫師張家宸說，突發性耳聾病因很多，可能與壓力、病毒感染、自體免疫疾病、藥物、外傷、內分泌、血管阻塞、腫瘤有關，病患必須把握黃金治療時間，最好在發現聽力出現異狀三天內就醫，並在兩週內接受積極治療，若延誤就醫，聽力恢復效果將大打折扣。

Sudden hearing loss is mostly treated using steroids, supplemented by HBOT. The steroids can be administered orally or through injection, either into the ear or intravenously. If steroids are administered within two weeks of the onset of the symptoms the prognosis is very good; if this treatment is supplemented by HBOT, the hearing of around three-quarters of patients shows a clear improvement.

目前針對突發性耳聾治療方式，以類固醇治療為主，高壓氧治療為輔，類固醇可經由口服、耳內注射針劑、靜脈注射，病發兩週內施以類固醇治療，多有不錯療效，如果再搭配高壓氧治療，約四分之三病人聽力獲得明顯改善。

Chang says that young people under long-term stress and who are often tired and stay up late are particularly vulnerable to sudden hearing loss. Anyone feeling that their hearing has been affected on one side, or if they suddenly start experiencing tinnitus or dizziness, should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If they are diagnosed as having sudden hearing loss, in addition to receiving medical treatment, they should also endeavor to adjust their lifestyle, and to get the proper amount of rest and sleep, to ensure that the symptoms do not return.

張家宸說，長期疲累熬夜壓力大的青壯年，是突發性耳聾好發族群，若感到單側聽力變差、突發耳鳴、頭暈，應儘早就醫受檢，一旦是突發性耳聾確診病例，在接受治療之餘，也要一併調整作息，保持適當休息及充足睡眠，才能避免復發。

Source article: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2020/02/10/2003730667

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每日英語跟讀 Ep.797: Current events - Japan face masks are a lifesaver for one more reason

因武漢肺炎疫情蔓延，口罩需求量大增，日本知名設計師佐藤大（Oki Sato）的品牌nendo於2017年推出的「bo-bi」高性能訂製口罩再度浮上檯面成為話題。

Amid the Wuhan Virus outbreak, renowned Japanese designer Oki Sato’s 2017 debut “bo-bi” face masks from the nendo line have once again resurfaced, gaining the attention of the public.

「bo-bi」在日文為「保護」的意思。口罩由十層頂級纖維組成，能阻擋各種灰塵、病毒、輻射物質、臭味，且能夠清洗100次以重複使用。

“bo-bi”, which means “protection” in Japanese, is the combination of 10 layers of mesh that are capable of blocking out dust, viruses, radioactive materials and bad odors. To make it even more appealing, it can be reused and washed up to 100 times.

為了方便重複使用，bo-bi還有附帶可攜式軟盒子，且盒子立體形狀貼合口罩形狀，口罩重複使用後依舊能維持其完美3D形狀。

To extend its lifespan, “bo-bi” comes with its own soft case that allows the face masks to retain its 3D shape after use.

另外，軟盒子由洗衣袋材質所製，清洗口罩時可直接將口罩裝進盒子裡，再丟到洗衣機清洗。

The soft case is made of the same material as laundry nets so that when it needs to be washed, you can merely toss it into the case and let the washing machine do the job.

此外這款口罩還有一項令女性為之瘋狂的設計，口罩可以防止脫妝。

In addition, the face masks have a feature that is widely lauded by women: it can effectively avoid smearing one’s makeup.

口罩分為三款，分別是標準款、防輻射款，以及量身定製款。

The face masks come in three styles: regular, high-end (shields against radioactive materials) and “slim.”

這款訂製口罩雖要價約1萬5千元日幣（約新台幣4095元）。但因疫情升溫、且據傳日本巨星羽生結弦私底下會戴，現在官網已缺貨，要等待3-4個月才買得到。

The masks are priced at around JPY 150,000 (NT$4,095). But due to the outbreak and publicity gained from Japanese celebrity, Yuzuru Hanyu, the masks are now out of stock.

Buyers will need to wait 3-4 months before they receive their purchase.

Next Article:

「國際排華潮」迪士尼公主照也躲不過 | Disney Princesses meme highlights growing anti-Asian sentiment

武漢肺炎造成人心惶惶（又名：新型冠狀病毒、COVID-19），世界各地開始出現「排華潮」。

The ongoing virus outbreak has sent the world into a frenzy and translated into a soaring “anti-Asian sentiment” worldwide.

日前美國饒舌歌手卡什多爾（Kash Doll）便在IG發文放上迪士尼公主合照。

American rapper Kash Doll’s recent post of Disney Princesses on Instagram highlights this trend.

照片中所有公主都戴上口罩，只有「花木蘭」沒有，被眾人痛批是嚴重種族歧視。

All princesses except Mulan are wearing face masks which many online have decried as being utterly racist.

卡什多爾的IG發出一張「哏圖」，照片中像是白雪公主、睡美人、灰姑娘與《阿拉丁》的茉莉公主都戴上口罩，只有代表華人身份的花木蘭沒有，照片還寫上：「抱歉，木蘭，誰知道呢？」

The meme shows Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Jasmine wearing face masks, leaving Mulan with a broad smile on her face. The words, “Sorry ‘MULAN’ but we never know,” were written on the picture.

雖然卡什多爾在自己的IG是寫上：「現在機場的情況。」但她在這種敏感時機發這樣圖，被網友們指出是歧視黃種人、華人身上帶有病毒，還不願意配合戴口罩。

Although Kash Doll seemed to be merely describing a scene at the airport, many users pointed out that it was incredibly insensitive as it insinuates all Asians carry the virus and don’t cooperate with wearing face masks.

卡什多爾被罵到臭頭，目前已經在IG刪除了這則貼文，不過截圖早已在推特瘋傳，網友更痛罵她身為有色人種，竟然帶頭開啟種族霸凌，這種行為太讓人不齒，紛喊「一點都不好笑」！

The backlash eventually reached the singer as the post has since been deleted from her feed. However, the screenshot of the meme is still circulating on Twitter, and many users were quick to condemn that as a person of color (POC), she should know better.

這次的武漢肺炎，由於「首波人類感染的病例」是從大陸開始，許多人便認為就是因為中國人不當的飲食習慣，才會導致病毒擴散。

As the Wuhan virus outbreak originated in China, many attributed the epidemic to the country’s habit of eating exotic foods.

大陸儼然被國際視為「病毒發源地」。

Deemed as the source of the virus, Chinese people became subject to discrimination and mockery.

舉凡丹麥畫家曾以戲謔方式繪圖，把大陸五星國旗都變成「病毒星星」惹議。

A Danish artist created an illustration that was also controversial when he replaced the stars on the People’s Republic of China flag with drawings of the virus.

日本、南韓、印尼、香港、美國有些餐廳門口，甚至都貼上「不招待中國人」的標語。

Many restaurants in Japan, S. Korea, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the U.S. also put up signs that said “No Chinese allowed.”

新加坡跟馬來西亞的人民還集體連署，要政府最近禁止大陸人入境。

People in Singapore and Malaysia even signed a petition to ask their respective governments to ban Chinese people from entering the country.

眼見病毒危機上升到了種族仇恨，需要更多的包容和關懷才能渡過難關。

As the virus continues to spread, more tolerance and care may be needed to get through this challenging period.

Source article: https://chinapost.nownews.com/20200214-956735 ; https://chinapost.nownews.com/20200215-969427

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每日英語跟讀 Ep.796: Five ways to strengthen your relationship

■ Be appreciative, daily

Sarah Calvert, a relationship therapist in London, says: “Starting from a place of appreciation is always of benefit, and can help solve more difficult conversations. It’s easy to focus on what is lacking, so I invite people to think about what they appreciate about the other person on a daily basis. Find one thing each day and tell them.” This could be anything from something they do, or a quality that they have to the way they are looking. “Actively seeking out things to appreciate helps them feel valued,” says Calvert, and when your partner better understands what you appreciate about them, they’ll probably start doing those things a bit more.

■ 每天存著欣賞與感謝的心

在倫敦執業的人際關係治療師莎拉‧考芙特說：「用欣賞的角度來看待事物總是有好處的，這也可以讓棘手的事比較好溝通。我們比較容易去注意所缺乏的東西，因此我鼓勵大家每天都想想自己欣賞伴侶的地方。每天找到一個優點來告訴對方」，例如對方所做的某件事、其某種特質，或看起來的樣子。考芙特說：「積極尋找值得欣賞的事物可以使伴侶覺得受到重視」，況且若伴侶知道怎麼做會讓你讚賞，說不定就會比較常這樣做。

■ Don’t try to change your partner

“This is the person you have chosen, and they are who they are. You can’t change somebody else,” says Dee Holmes, a senior practice consultant for Relate. This can even come down to not sweating the small stuff. “We all do things that irritate our partners,” says Holmes. “Does this really need addressing or should you accept that’s just what they do?” Respect and celebrate each other’s individuality. While couple time is important, says Holmes, “you’ve got to allow someone that space to still see their friends and do their own things.” After all, if you stopped them from pursuing their interests and doing all those things that makes them them, she warns, “they’re not going to be the person you got together with.”

■ 別想去改變對方

「這人是你選擇的，對方就是這樣的人。你無法去改變他人」，英國慈善機構Relate的資深執業顧問狄‧洪姆斯說。這甚至可歸結為不去挑剔小事。「我們都會做一些惹毛伴侶的事」，洪姆斯說，「有必要去改變它嗎？還是應該要接受這就是對方會做的事？」我們應尊重並讚賞彼此的個體性。雖然跟伴侶待在一起很重要，但「必須留一些空間，讓對方還是可以跟朋友見面、可以做自己的事」，洪姆斯說。畢竟，如果你不讓伴侶做他/她感興趣的事、做那些讓他/她自在的事，她警告說：「對方就不會是當初你想要在一起的那個人」。

■ Avoid assumptions

“It can be quite easy to not say the obvious things, because you assume the other person knows,” says Holmes. It can be just as easy to erroneously assume you understand them. If your partner says they don’t want to go out tonight after all, says Holmes, you might feel cheated by their backtracking, without considering what caused their change of heart. Perhaps something is troubling them. Try some active listening, suggests Calvert. “Make an effort to be fully present, and really learn what is going on for that person, rather than just hearing the words.”

■ 別假設你懂我的心

洪姆斯說：「有些事你覺得很明顯，所以很容易覺得不必說出來，因為你假設對方明白」。自認了解對方——你犯這個錯也同樣容易。洪姆斯說，如果另一半變卦說今晚不想出門了，你便可能因伴侶的退縮而覺得被耍了，而不去細想是什麼原因讓另一半改變心意。或許對方正為某些事心煩。考芙特建議試試「積極聆聽」，「要試著去專心傾聽，真正了解對方發生什麼狀況，而不是只有聽聽表面的字句」。

■ Brush up on your communication skills

This starts with being in touch with your own feelings, says Calvert. “Otherwise, you won’t be able to say what you need and what you want. Good communication fosters emotional intimacy, which can lead to greater feelings of fulfillment, understanding, trust and safety.” She suggests being more mindful of the language and the tone you use. “Often people say things [to their partner] that sound really harsh, not in a way in which they would address anyone else,” she says. When responding defensively, they often don’t even say what they really mean. She suggests asking yourself: “If you were listening to this conversation, how would it make you feel?”

■ 加強溝通技巧

考芙特說，這要從了解自己的感受做起，「不然的話，你沒辦法說出來你需要的是什麼、想要的是什麼。良好的溝通可以培養情感上的親密感，從而帶來更大的成就感、體諒、信任與安全感」。她建議我們對所用的語言和語氣要小心一點：「我們常〔對伴侶〕說出聽起來很殘酷的話，但我們對別人就不會這樣說話」。為了自我防衛常是刀子嘴口不擇言，即便內心其實是豆腐心。她建議大家捫心自問：「如果你聽見這段對話，你會有什麼感覺」？

■ Discover what makes your partner feel loved

“Some people feel loved through their partner’s actions, anything from bringing a cup of tea for them in bed to upgrading their technology,” says Calvert. Some need affirming words, to be told that they’re loved. For others, physical contact is more significant: intimacy, sex, holding hands. Maybe it’s quality time, with your full attention, or perhaps gifts hold greater meaning for your partner.

■ 發掘讓伴侶覺得被愛的方法

考芙特說：「有些人覺得是伴侶的行動讓他們感到被愛，這可以是把一杯茶端上床給你，或幫你升級科技設備」。有些人需要確定的話語才能感到被愛，要伴侶開口說愛你才行。有些人覺得身體的接觸更重要：親暱、性愛、牽手。對你的伴侶來說，也許是你心思都在對方身上的精心時刻，或是禮物才比較有意義。

Source article: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2020/02/18/2003731153/2

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