Luis國際資訊事務所

Chips Ahoy　　小小晶片　大大好用

Imagine two parents walking around a night market on a crowded Sunday night with their six-year-old daughter. One minute she is happily shooting balloons with a fake gun; the next minute she is gone. The parents look around frantically before pulling out a pocket Global Positioning System (GPS). _(1)_

The lost-child scenario frightens practically every parent on Earth. With this and other forms of security in mind, VeriChip Corporation got into the billion-dollar business of injecting grain-of-rice-sized chips into humans. For a US$200 implanting fee plus a US$10 monthly charge, VeriChip assigns each customer a personal identification number. _(2)_ Alzheimer's patients, who may wander off from home and forget where they came from, would benefit greatly from this feature. _(3)_

In the not-so-distant future, a GPS system could be inside the chip, eliminating the night market nightmare for parents as well as keeping track of the whereabouts of every single soldier in combat. _(4)_

Opponents fear that implanted chips will be the beginning of the government controlling and watching the moves of every citizen. _(5)_ Chip manufacturers recognize these fears but point out that at one time, items like credit cards and email had also aroused similar fears. Only time will tell if the benefits of this new technology will one day outweigh the concerns.

Vespa　　偉士牌機車的復古風

The Vespa craze that has been sweeping the globe may leave some wondering what all the hype is about. For some, the Vespa is just a bicycle with a motor, but for _(1)_, the Vespa is a symbol of hip, urban design.

The history of the Vespa _(2)_ just after World War II, when the Italian economy was in shambles. Engineer Enrico Piaggio was looking to create a new, inexpensive vehicle for the _(3)_. He didn't like big motorcycles because they were uncomfortable, dangerous, and required a lot of maintenance. Piaggio set his designers to work and they _(4)_ produced the world's first motorbike. Its flared rear and slim middle section made the body _(5)_ a wasp. So, the bike was named "Vespa," the Italian word for wasp.

_(6)_ its early days, the Vespa has, despite its small engine, been here, there, and everywhere. The Vespa cruised through scenes of Hollywood classics _(7)_ Roman Holiday and La Dolce Vita. In 1960s England, the Vespa shuttled around the sharp, suit-wearing hipster group _(8)_ the Mods. Recently, a Vespa traveled from Alaska to the tip of South America with the help of driver Giorgio Bettinelli.

Although Vespa importation to the United States was _(9)_ in 1985 because of emission problems, in 2000 they made a grand return. _(10)_ their convenience in crowded cities and a fashionable appearance, their popularity has soared. This wasp definitely isn't flying away any time soon.

Take a Zen Break　　片刻寧靜禪

The word Zen refers to a type of Buddhism. This form of Buddhism stresses meditation as a means to attain enlightenment about the world around you. Objects in your day-to-day life can even have a Zen feel to them. That is, the items _(1)_ can give you a sense of peace and tranquility when you look at them.
In today's hectic world, more and more people are looking for ways to relieve their stress and pressure. One _(2)_ technique both Buddhists and non-Buddhists use is enjoying a Zen garden. While typical gardens grow flowers or fruit, the goal of a Zen garden isn't to grow anything. Each item in the garden is there to _(3)_ nature. Rocks are especially important, as well as sand and, _(4)_ a lesser degree, plants and water. These earthly essentials allow the "gardener" to _(5)_ simple things in life and how they are connected to them.

For the most part, Zen gardens are fairly large. This doesn't mean that everyday people can't enjoy the benefits of having one. Instead, they can make or purchase miniature _(6)_ that will work just as well. A small box containing stones, sand, and a tiny rake make up a desktop Zen garden. When the gardener needs some time to himself or herself, all he or she has to _(7)_ is pick up the rake, and move it gently through the sand. For a moment of peace, it may be just what the doctor ordered.
——by Rachel A. Black

1. (A) in doubt (B) out of order (C) out of sight (D) in question

Fine Philly　　費城故事

Most schedules for a trip to the United States include glamorous cities like New York, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. But for travelers who are interested in history and are open to discovering a city with lovely architecture,
stimulating nightlife, and a unique local culture, America offers no better travel destination than Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

　　It was in the "City of Brotherly Love," as Philadelphia is sometimes called, that the United States was born. Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were produced here. One of the signers of those documents was Philadelphia's most famous citizen, Benjamin Franklin.

Travelers to Philadelphia can visit a museum on the site of Franklin's home and tour the building where the Constitution was signed.

Love Is in the Air　　愛在春意正濃時

Love is still in the air even though Valentine's Day has passed. Every year,different customs mark this day. In England and Italy, some women rise before daybreak on February 14 and stand in _(1)_ at the window. These hopeful women believe that the first man who _(2)_ will be their future husband. In Japan, the day is celebrated on two _(3)_ days. On February 14, a young woman will give chocolates to the man she _(4)_. Then, on March 14, also known as White Day, young men will give gifts to their admirers _(5)_ for the favor.

　　After the love is won, what happens next? _(6)_ courting is over, couples of different nationalities have interesting wedding rituals. _(7)_, in Colombia,all of the unmarried men at a wedding will put one of their shoes under the bride's wedding gown. The groom will then choose one shoe, and Colombians say the _(8)_ of this shoe will be the next one to marry. At Greek weddings,guests _(9)_ plates into pieces as a symbol of good luck. An African tradition that has made its way to other shores is for the bride and groom to jump over a broom at the end of the wedding ceremony. This is a _(10)_ leap into their new life together.

　　Whether you have a special someone or are on the lookout for one,February can still be an enjoyable opportunity to eat heart-shaped candy and hope for a year full of love.
——by Julia Koprak

When most people are asked to name their favorite flavor of ice cream, the decision often comes down to chocolate or vanilla. In the world of rock and roll, the question is as equally basic for guitar players choosing an electric instrument: Gibson Les Paul or Fender Stratocaster?

　　The debate over which guitar is superior has raged since the very beginnings of rock and roll. Famous guitarists who have chosen the Les Paul, or "Paul" for short, include Taiwan's legendary rock star, Wu Bai, as well as the guitarist for Linkin Park. Those who prefer the Stratocaster, or "Strat," include Sting and the late Jimi Hendrix. Even teenagers practicing alone in their bedrooms are prepared to argue in favor of the Strat or the Paul, regardless of whether they can afford to buy either instrument.

　　The Les Paul is the instrument of choice for guitarists who prefer a sound that's thick, heavy, or fat. The Strat, on the other hand, appeals to players who want a sound that's bluesy or "spacey." When the first Strat was produced in 1954, it became an instant classic. The earliest Strats now command up to US$25,000 when placed on the market. Vintage Pauls are even more collectable, occasionally fetching up to a quarter of a million dollars. Also, still in demand is Les Paul himself, the man whose design was the basis for the Paul, and who still plays in public every week at the age of 90.
——by Lucien Crowder

1. In rock and roll, people argue about _____.

U2, the world's most popular rock band, started as a group of students in east Dublin, Ireland, looking to make their voices heard. In 1976, drummer Larry Mullen posted a notice at school about starting a band. Soon thereafter, Paul Hewson (now known as Bono), Dave Evans (The Edge), and Adam Clayton joined forces, and U2 was born.

　　U2's first success came in 1978, when they won a talent contest and were awarded an opportunity to record a demo. The band spent the next few years recording and struggling to become known. In 1983, in the midst of a country torn apart by conflict, U2 released its third album, War. One of its most famous tracks, "Sunday Bloody Sunday," is about a massacre that took place in Northern Ireland. The songs on this album showed the band's ability to write powerful music about the world they lived in.

　　The band's popularity soon took off, and by 1984, they were selling out concerts around the world. Their success was attributed not only to their loud, energetic, and visually stunning performances, but also to their diverse styles of music that appealed to a wide range of fans.
Their most famous album to date, The Joshua Tree, was released in March of 1987. Heartrending songs such as the rock ballad "With or Without You" soared to the top of the charts, and U2 was featured on the cover of Time magazine.

　　Nowadays, U2 is still rocking the charts. Due to their legendary success, they were recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, ensuring U2's place in history.

While millions of people worry about the spread of diseases, something just as contagious is constantly in the air—yawns. Everyone from minutes-old babies to 99-year-old grandfathers yawn. In fact, we start yawning even before we've made it outside the womb. _(1)_ ultrasound, these moments have been witnessed in 11-week-old fetuses. Most mammals as well as some _(2)_ of birds, fish, and reptiles also yawn.

There are many theories _(3)_ why we yawn. The most likely one is that it is a way of physically stretching, thus _(4)_ us to flex our muscles and joints. A false theory used to hold that yawning meant that we needed to provide our brain _(5)_ more oxygen. While it is true that we yawn more when tired or bored, there are plenty of times when neither is the _(6)_. It is now believed that yawns help our bodies change from a state of inactivity to activity or vice versa.

Seeing someone else yawn usually compels other people around him or her to _(7)_ yawns. In a study _(8)_ at the Primate Research Institute at Kyoto University, a 27-year-old chimp viewed a video of another chimp yawning. _(9)_ after watching the video, she yawned as well. Through this research, it was _(10)_ that yawning is a result of empathizing with others. The next time a friend yawns and you follow suit, you will demonstrate how in touch you are with the people around you.
——by Jerri Graham

(A) Via (B) with (C) case (D) as to (E) allowing

Serbian protesters hurled petrol bombs and stones at K-For vehicles

About 70 Serb civilians were wounded in the town as well as 63 members of the UN police and Nato-led peacekeepers.

Rioters threw stones petrol bombs, grenades - as well as firearms - international forces say.

Big Beautiful Blogs　　無所不在的部落格

Most people want to express themselves and feel like they're being heard. One of the easiest ways of doing this is through online personal journal publishing, or blogging. Blogs are an easy way to reach a large audience and share information.

There are millions of blogs all over the world, each made to reflect individual preferences and tastes. The blogger (the person who is blogging) can design their own web page, update their journals as often as they wish, choose the color scheme, and add photographs. The blogger is the designer, writer, and editor.

Blogs are also a useful means of communication. A blogger can choose to make the blog accessible to everyone, or a select group of readers. People who have trouble keeping in touch can use blogs as a way for friends to check in and see how the writer is doing. Readers can also be allowed to comment on the entries, allowing the writer to have feedback on their journal.

Taiwan to the World　　綻放真台灣

In cooperation with the Government Information Office, National Geographic Channels International has given the world a gift. Taiwan to the World is a snapshot of the wonderful culture that makes this island so unique.

Paul knows that death is knocking at his door and that there's little time left before he has to answer it. Georgia 's husband passed away last year, leaving her a widow with a 10-month-old baby to raise. Spirit Talk brings Paul and Georgia together on their quest for answers. Paul is looking at death, while Georgia is searching for ways to communicate with her beloved late husband. Spirit Talk is just one of the highly acclaimed documentaries in Taiwan to the World on the National Geographic Channel.

Some consider pigeons a delicacy, while others see them as dirty nuisances. For pigeon racers, these birds are tickets to wealth. Enter the world of pigeon racing, a national sport that can make an enthusiast a millionaire. In The Pigeon Game, the spotlight is put on this lucrative sport and the 30,000-plus fans that enjoy it.

Wash and Read　　閱讀新體驗

After a demanding day, nothing is as relaxing as soaking in a tub of soapy water while reading a novel. You towel off your fingers before carefully turning each page. Suddenly you lose your grip, _(1)_ your novel into the bathtub. Within a fraction of a second, it is ruined and you're left with a soggy mess.

This tragic end to your book could have been avoided completely _(2)_ the book been manufactured with technology used in the production of DuraBooks. Developed by Melcher Media, DuraBooks are tough, waterproof, and the most revolutionary _(3)_ in the publishing industry in years. The trick in producing a waterproof novel _(4)_ in finding a binding that can withstand being submerged. When most bindings hit water, they _(5)_. The only way to produce a waterproof book is to develop a water-resistant binding.

Other than the bathtub reader, who else would benefit _(6)_ a waterproof book? Cooks in kitchens could easily wipe away sauces and spills. Auto enthusiasts could flip through a repair manual without fear of leaving behind oily fingerprints. Scuba divers could even _(7)_ various species of marine life by looking at a picture from a book rather than relying on their memory. Just like the number of books, the uses for DuraBooks are endless.

——by Jerri Graham

Australia's unique and diverse cities are part of its appeal. Sydney , the largest urban area in Australia , is one of the continent's prime destinations. A picturesque port city, Sydney boasts top-notch tourist accommodations and state-of-the-art facilities. Almost as large, the business-oriented Melbourne is also a hit with travelers. Boasting breathtaking landscapes as well as excellent dining, nightlife, and parks, Melbourne is a must-see for any visitor. With its golden beaches for residents and vacationers alike, Brisbane on the east coast is the nation's playground.

The people of Australia are fond of sports and outdoor activities, so there are innumerable opportunities for sports enthusiasts here. By and large, Australians are extremely friendly. With the great number of tourists visiting each year, Australians are accustomed to welcoming foreigners to their land. With a good social security program and a reasonable cost of living, Australia continues to attract droves of fun-loving visitors and new immigrants.

Though located far from East Asia, Europe, and the Americas , Australia attracts and impresses all who visit. Travelers who have made the journey come away with a new spring in their step. Australia is a mix of old and new where the great grandchildren of European settlers dwell alongside descendants of people who have lived on the land since the dawn of time. With the government's involvement in numerous international cooperative agreements, the future is looking bright for this continent. Progressive, diligent, and generous, a relatively small number of Australians have made Australia a major player on the world stage.

No matter where in the world you go, facial attractiveness is a top priority for many people. Some even spend hours staring at themselves in front of the mirror. _(1)_ While beauty may only be in the eye of the beholder, when it comes to faces, research shows that certain qualities contribute to their overall attractiveness. This may explain why celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Jennifer Lopez, and Angelina Jolie are considered attractive all over the world.

　　_(2)_ This means that there is the perfect amount of space between their eyes, nose, cheekbones, and mouth. Plato wrote that the "width of an ideal face would be 2/3 its length while a nose would be no longer than the distance between the eyes." _(3)_

　　In an experiment conducted at the University of Louisville, Plato's theory was proved correct. In the study, participants were shown pictures of Latinos, Asians, and Whites from 13 different countries. _(4)_ Evidence also suggests that our preference to see faces that are balanced begins from a very early age. In a different test, infants preferred to stare at pictures of symmetrical faces rather than asymmetrical ones.

　　In their desire to have a perfect face, some people resort to plastic surgery. _(5)_ But when all is said and done, the beauty that is of greatest importance actually lies within.

經典情人節情詩
Roses are red; 玫瑰花火紅
Violets are blue. 紫羅蘭湛藍
Sugar is sweet, 蜜糖兒甜蜜
And so are you. 如是妳/你


自改版情人節情詩