Luis國際資訊事務所

Riverdance　大河之舞

11/21
　　On April 30, 1994, a troupe of traditional Irish dancers took to the stage at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin, Ireland. For seven minutes, almost 300 million mouths fell open in awe, as television viewers were mesmerized by a spectacle that they had never seen before. This was the beginning of Riverdance.

　　A theatrical show made up of traditional Irish step dancing, Riverdance has taken an aspect of Irish culture and exposed it to the world. Step dancing, where the feet move in a rapid succession of kicks and taps while the upper body remains mostly stationary, had long been performed only in competitions. The style of dancing was mostly popular in Ireland and Scotland as well as in predominantly Irish areas in the United States. Upon the debut of Riverdance, its popularity grew tenfold.

　　A typical number from a Riverdance performance might find 30 svelte dancers with their arms linked in the middle of a dimly lit stage. In perfect unison, their legs kick out tightly around them, while their feet rhythmically tap out a music that can't be duplicated by any instrument.

Strawberry Generation　　草莓世代

We've all heard about Taiwan's "strawberry generation" and the mainland Chinese "little emperors and empresses." _(1)_ only one or two children being the norm for most families these days, parents and grandparents _(2)_ to dote on these kids, giving them everything imaginable. Why, then, is this generation of youngsters so unhappy and unmanageable, as _(3)_ by their selfish, self-centered behavior, and ever-increasing rates of suicide?

The answer is _(4)_ simple. Most adults refuse to say "No!" to their child or children. Acting out of good intentions to _(5)_ life comfortable and pleasant for their offspring, they instead create an unrealistic life situation _(6)_ will harm the kids in the future. These spoiled children will have increasing difficulty _(7)_ with their peers and later with their colleagues and bosses. Saying "No!" imposes limits on children, which they will have to _(8)_ with later in life. Constant showering of gifts and goodies _(9)_ children an inability to set limits on their spending and on their expectations of friendships and other relationships.

Perhaps it is time for parents to _(10)_ children some space to fend for themselves and face life as it really is. There is no dignity in being given everything. We know best what we learn for ourselves, and we appreciate most what we earn for ourselves.
--by Bruce Bagnell

Inside the Labyrinth　牛魔王的迷宮

Greek mythology has fascinated mankind for more than two thousand years. The stories are rich _(1)_ originality and many of the legends are known all over the world. Many Greek myths have survived and the stories will continue to be told for years to _(2)_.

　　One of the most renowned legends is _(3)_ of the Minotaur. The Minotaur was a hideous monster with the head of a bull and the body of a man. Every year, in order to _(4)_ the Minotaur, the Athenians sacrificed seven young men and seven young women to him. The _(5)_ were thrown into the home of the Minotaur called the Labyrinth. The Labyrinth was a huge maze that was virtually impossible to escape from. There were hundreds and hundreds of winding passages within the Labyrinth. No one had _(6)_ escaped from the Labyrinth because it was impossible to find the way out.

　　After the fourteen young boys and girls were thrown in, they would try _(7)_ the Minotaur while at the same time, looking for a way to escape. The Minotaur would search the Labyrinth for his victims. Upon finding them, he would eat them alive.

——by Thomas M. Walk

Life in the Fast Lane　禁食之道

Fasting is abstaining from all food and drink, save for water, for a short period of time. While _(1)_ energy, food also introduces toxins into the body. By not eating, the body has time to heal itself naturally. The first day or two of a fast are _(2)_ painful because toxins are being pushed out of the body. Also, a person misses the _(3)_ of eating.

　　Twenty years ago, an Olympic ice-skating hopeful injured his leg in a car accident. After a year of tests, the man still could not walk. His doctor informed him his only hope of walking again was experimental surgery. The man angrily grabbed his _(4)_ and hobbled out of the hospital. As he _(5)_ to get home, he remembered his arthritic father, who had healed himself some years ago by fasting. He decided that this was his only chance to _(6)_. After fasting for a month, the man was able to walk again. Within three years, he _(7)_ third in the World Professional Figure Skating Championships.

　　Fasting is _(8)_ new. It was written about in the times of the great _(9)_, Plato and Aristotle, and even Jesus went into the woods and _(10)_ food for 40 days. If you have a nagging injury or are just interested in giving your body a natural tune-up, fasting might be for you.

──by Marcus Maurice

Deep into Depp　強尼戴普──狂放不羈的演技派男星

In the movie industry, good looks can go a long way. Even though some stars lack talent, they make it to the top based solely on their appearance. One man who can make hearts melt as well as enthrall audiences with his acting ability is Johnny Depp.

　　Just a look into his perfectly sculpted face and it is apparent that there's more to this actor than meets the eye. For over two decades, the enigmatic star has graced the screen, charming millions of fans along the way. The rise to fame hasn't been an easy one for the heartthrob turned thespian, but it has been one well worth watching.

　　At 42, the Kentucky-born actor, director, and musician is just now coming into his own. For years he was seen as the bad boy of Hollywood. Drinking, doing drugs, and trashing hotel rooms were his forte and his name was often splashed across the tabloids. His off-screen antics were infamous and within the film industry, his reputation negatively preceded him. Depp't films, though critically acclaimed, weren't always box office hits. He often chose roles that were off the beaten path and mentally challenging. Ranging from a Frankenstein-esque creation in Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands to a cross-dressing Cuban in Before Night Falls, Depp's characters have stretched him as a performer. Never one to shy away from controversy, he didn't portray characters that were always likable. His performances can be edgy and often make viewers feel uneasy.

單字

Bad Luck　別觸我霉頭！

Different cultures have different concepts of what is and isn't considered bad luck. Yet there are superstitions that are similar no matter where you roam. Whether you believe them or not is entirely _(1)_ you.

　　Seven years of misfortune would be a nightmare for practically anyone, but according to legend, this is _(2)_ what you get when you break a mirror. To stave off ill fate, immediately take the pieces outside and bury them while the moon is shining. That evening, it may be raining cats and dogs, but no matter _(3)_, don't open your umbrella before stepping outdoors. In the West, opening an umbrella indoors would lead to the death of a member of your family. Once you go back in, you're not _(4)_ just yet. Chinese believe that closing an umbrella indoors is a source of problems _(5)_ it draws bad luck close to you.

　　Animals, whether they are black cats or hooting owls, have also _(6)_ a place in the world of superstitions. Hearing a rooster crowing _(7)_ the middle of the night is a sign of impending doom for many Westerners. In Asia, a continually howling dog is a precursor to death.

　　People aren't usually superstitious, for the most part. Even though this is the case, most people won't run around opening and closing umbrellas while they throw mirrors on the ground, either.

Yingge─An Artistic Treasure Right on Our Doorstep 鶯歌陶瓷展──國際多元藝術在您咫尺之間

A visit to Yingge this month will delight, surprise, and educate with an international flair.

9/12

　　The many wonders of Taiwan are waiting to be explored. Whether it's the snow-capped mountains of Mt. Jade in winter or the sultry beaches of Kenting in summer, there are thousands of places to visit. One place of note is less than an hour outside of Taipei. Yingge is a must-see town for local and foreign tourists with a hankering for true craftsmanship.

　　If you haven't had the opportunity to make the trip to this historic town, now is the perfect time as October 2 marks the conclusion of a monumental exhibition. Conceived by the late director of the Yingge Ceramics Museum, Wu Chin-Fong, the exhibit is an international collaboration. Working with the US-based National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, the Taipei County Yingge Ceramics Museum has brought Taiwan an outstanding ceramics show.

Paris is the City of Lights. Hong Kong is the most densely populated urban region on the planet. And Mexico City is the world's biggest metropolis that sprawls across more than 1,400 square kilometers but unfortunately sits on one of the most earthquake-prone areas in the world. These cities and the complexities that make them up could have remained a mystery had it not been for the National Geographic Channel. In their fresh theme week programs─Megacities, they explore London, Mumbai, New York City, Las Vegas, and the aforementioned cities to unravel the intricate infrastructures of these urban jungles.

　　What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Las Vegas? Gambling? Nightlife? Electricity? While the first two are integral parts of this city, electricity is the life force that keeps Las Vegas pumping. Air conditioners run continuously, slot machines ring out, and millions of volts of the blood of this city surge through the power lines. Without electricity, Sin City would come to a swelteringly hot halt.

　　New York City is one of the most recognizable locales on the planet. Millions of tourists pay her a visit each year while 8 million call her home. Tourists and residents alike use the notorious New York subway system to get around the Big Apple. In 100 years, this intricate system has expanded from a mere nine-mile line to a four-borough system that combines decades-old hardware with 21st century software. On Megacities: New York, go underneath the city that never sleeps and discover what keeps it on the go.

　　Like living and breathing human beings, massive metropolises are alive with an energy all its own. Only National Geographic Channel can delve into these wondrous creations of man and go beneath the cities we live and work in.

A Bottled Boost　喝了再上！

Many people need an extra boost to keep going. While they may need more energy to get through the day, it shouldn't be _(1)_. A few months ago, Taichung residents were paralyzed with fear after one person was killed and three others _(2)_ after drinking poisoned energy drinks. On each of the bottles that tested _(3)_ for poison, the poisoner placed a small note that read, "I am poisonous. Don't drink me." Police arrested the culprit and later _(4)_ him with lacing energy drinks with cyanide.

　　In Taiwan, energy drinks are usually marketed towards the indefatigable workers. These people put in long hours at jobs _(5)_ from factory worker to office employee. They want a refreshing drink that will give them more _(6)_ to finish out their long shifts. Widely available, energy drinks contain legal stimulants, vitamins, and minerals, and are usually the _(7)_ of a cup of espresso.

　　Because there are a variety of energy drinks to choose from, most people automatically assume that they are safe to _(8)_. Often attracted to performance-enhancing products, athletes especially need to be careful of some false claims of these products. They _(9)_ believe that energy drinks are adequate substitutes for the training, rest, and recovery required in sports.

　　A bottled boost may temporarily _(10)_ the trick. In the long run, however, nothing beats a hot bath, a soft bed, and hours of uninterrupted sleep to get you back on your feet.

The Sweetest Song　鳥語天籟

Walking through a forest or even a city park, you cannot help but feel a wave of tranquility wash over you as you hear the music of nature. _(1)_ Each bird species has its own songs, with some mimicking those of other birds. Just as we speak to communicate, birds sing as a means of conversing. Not all songs are created equal, though; the length of a song varies from species to species. _(2)_ Nearly half of the 9,600 species of birds have a song to sing, with most of the musically-inclined birds performing early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Males tend to vocalize more often and the reason why they are so vocal comes as no surprise. _(3)_

　　Though birds are not born with an inherent ability to sing, they develop their musical repertoire as they mature. A young bird starts out by singing what is called a "subsong." _(4)_ While some birds have just one song to sing, others have scores of them. The mockingbird, for example, can sing a few hundred songs. It seems as if they produce music non-stop without taking a breath. _(5)_ During your next visit to the park, close your eyes, open your ears, and listen to the relaxing sounds of birds chatting, singing, and trying to a get a date.

──by Nana Chen

When You Wish upon a Star　迪士尼夢幻婚禮實現你的星願

On opening day, a crowd of thousands will gather outside the gates of Hong Kong Disneyland. Children _(1)_ by their parents will eagerly bounce from foot to foot in anticipation of the springing open of the gates. For others in the crowd, it will be a big day in more ways than one. For several couples, this date isn't just the opening of a grand theme park in Asia, but also their wedding day.
　　_(2)_ riding the rides, eating your fill of American and Chinese delights, and seeing the sights at Hong Kong Disneyland, you can now have your own Disney-style wedding to remember. A Disney wedding is like stepping straight into a fairy tale _(3)_ you are the central character. In almost all good fairy tales, there is a castle in which the prince and princess live happily _(4)_. At Hong Kong Disneyland, this castle is the _(5)_ 400-room hotel on the shores of the South China Sea. The _(6)_ of a Disney-style wedding is the elegant reception held in the hotel's Cinderella ballroom. As a newly wed couple dances _(7)_ a waltz around one of the largest ballrooms in Hong Kong, a bride can become Sleeping Beauty and her groom Prince Charming.
　　Whether you're just going to ride the rides or to marry your true love, anything is possible when you wish upon a star at Hong Kong Disneyland.

──by Jerri Graham

1. (A) in company(B) in companion(C) accompanied(D) accompanying

Don't Rock the Boat　別再晃了！

Many people dread riding a bus or taking a plane not because they dislike traveling, but because they are prone to motion sickness, a.k.a. carsickness, seasickness, airsickness, and so forth. _(1)_ For example, if you are on a cruise ship, your body may think that you are not moving while your inner ear can feel the waves the ship is riding on. _(2)_ For someone afflicted with motion sickness, getting on a plane after consuming a large meal may lead to a disastrous time in the sky. _(3)_
　　One way to avoid or lessen the effects of motion sickness is to move to an area in the vehicle that has the least amount of movement. On an airplane, it is recommended that one sit near the wings. _(4)_ Gazing out at the ocean towards the horizon while keeping your head still may also reduce your chances of getting motion sickness. If you are traveling by bus, opening the window for some fresh air may help.
　　Should these practices not work, an over-the-counter medication may be just what the doctor ordered. _(5)_ So if you love to travel but suffer from motion sickness, help may be within reach.
──by Nana Chen

Being Ernest　硬漢作家──海明威

Ernest Hemingway is one of the most famous American authors of the 20th century. He earned this position with his concise, forceful prose as well as his tumultuous, often newsworthy lifestyle.
　　One of six children, Hemingway was born on July 1, 1899. From the publication of his first short story at 17, Hemingway dedicated his life to writing, building a career that spanned some four decades until his suicide at the age of 61. In these years, he wrote 15 books, lived on several continents, married four women, and won a Nobel Prize.
　　A writer since high school, Hemingway started writing professionally as a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. This was a short-lived position, as the fighting overseas soon grabbed his attention. The world was at war in 1918 and young Hemingway wanted a piece of the action. With this in mind, he volunteered as an ambulance driver for the Red Cross. The young man from the Midwest witnessed horrific battles, one of which resulted in his receiving an injury that would greatly influence his life and writing.
　　Hemingway epitomized the great American writer by producing works that would impact millions. While his personal life was filled with lost loves, tragic accidents, and problems with alcohol, his writing remained unparalleled.

單字:

No Borders　關愛無國界

Documentaries tell true-to-life stories about people and places that exist or did exist at one time. These films touch a chord in most people, opening their eyes to a world that can be heartfelt or horrifying. This month, National Geographic Channel showcases nine of the most gripping documentaries in No Borders.
　　Afghanistan has been at war for nearly three decades. In recent years, it has been known as the home of Osama bin Laden, the terrorist behind the 911 attacks on the US. However, Afghanistan is also home to millions of souls, including eight-year old refugee, Mir. In the award-winning documentary The Boy Who Plays on the Buddhas of Bamiyan, filmmakers follow the cheeky and inquisitive child. Faced with hunger, thirst, and the day-to-day struggle for survival, Mir retains a smile that can warm even the coldest of hearts.
　　In the depths of Southern China, independent filmmaker, Qinze Wang, finds himself among the Nu tribe. With no electricity, few roads, and "going out for dinner" meaning getting out your bow and arrow, the tribe has let time pass it by. Wang meets up with Ou Dede, the last remaining village musician. In a land where men pass down their craft to their sons, Ou Dede is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He has three daughters. Watch Ou Dede and His Daughters to see which offspring he chooses and what the future holds in a land that time has forgotten.
　　No Borders is a passport to the universe and National Geographic Channel is offering unique stamps that will surely broaden your horizons.
──by Jerri Graham

Lasting Impressions　歷久彌新印象派

Before the late 19th century, most European artists painted portraits or religious figures in an idealistic way. Impressionism, however, was dedicated _(1)_ subjects not as they appeared, but how the painters felt. Utilizing thick coats of paint, wide brush strokes, and startling color combinations, the artists painted simple subjects so that observers could appreciate the rough simplicity of the paintings.
　　Initially, impressionism was not accepted because many believed that painting an impression of something, _(2)_ dealing in details, was crude and radical. Art exhibits, such as the famous Le Salon, refused to show impressionist works.
　　Eventually, with independent support and growing appreciation for this fresh approach, the artists found a _(3)_ place in the art world. Monet became known for his use of water and its surroundings illuminated by a warm glowing light. Degas captured a dark, yet dreamlike world of ballet. Van Gogh _(4)_ a sidewalk cafe and gave movement to the night sky. Tahitians were caught in bright, daily life through Gauguin's paintbrush. These illustrious greats along with other artists, such as Pissaro, Renoir, Cezanne, Morisot, and Sisley, _(5)_ their genius to this unique movement.
　　Impressionism changed the way people thought about art. In the past century, art _(6)_ its tradition of spontaneity and rule-bending. Artists today exhibit a freedom in their work that would not have been accepted _(7)_ the impressionists not strayed from the normal path. The colorful and stylistic doors they've opened have made a lasting impression on the world of art and how we see it.
──by Trudy Barnes

1. (A) painting(B) to painting(C) to paint(D) themselves to paint

CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) agent Aldrich Ames walked into a Russian Embassy in 1985 and offered to sell them classified information. _(1)_ During this time, the CIA gave him two lie detector tests and he passed both with flying colors.
　　A lie detector, also known as a polygraph machine, measures a person's blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and skin conductivity, while he or she is questioned. The polygraph machine can't actually measure a lie; it can only detect whether deceptive behavior is displayed. _(2)_ Most experts agree that the main goal of a lie detector is to elicit a confession, not to find out if a person is telling the truth.
　　_(3)_ The most well-known way is to put a tack into one's shoe. When the examiner asks a question, the subject tells the truth, but then steps on the tack. This pain is interpreted as a lie, making real lies less noticeable. _(4)_
　　If someone understands the polygraph test, it is possible to beat it. In an interview after he was convicted of spying, Aldrich Ames was asked how he passed the lie detector test. _(5)_
── by Marcus Maurice

(A)Since the invention of the polygraph machine in 1935, people have been coming up with outrageous ways to beat it.

The King of Horror─Stephen King 恐怖小說大師──史蒂芬．金

The master of horror, Stephen King, is famous throughout the world. In 1973, he released Carrie, a novel about a girl with deadly telekinetic powers. His first book was an immediate success and led to King's career as a popular novelist. Since then, he has had over 100 pieces published, many of which have been adapted into movies. The Shining, Christine, Cujo, Carrie, Shawshank Redemption, and The Green Mile are just a few of his well-known works.

　　King's imagination is such that as readers turn the pages, they find themselves lost in King's world. Christine, a thrilling chiller about a car possessed by an evil spirit that brings death and destruction to all who get close, is a prime example of King's talent. Vampires coming alive in a modern-day setting are at the heart of Salem's Lot, a tale that sends chills up people's spines. Yet despite these far-fetched plots, what makes King's stories so effective is that he manages to make what he writes believable.

　　King draws upon experiences and observations from his everyday life, things we can all relate to, to weave the world of his main characters. Most of his works are set in ordinary towns with ordinary people going about their ordinary lives. By doing this, King makes readers ask the question, "What if?" In life, there is a very fine line between reality and fantasy, fact and fiction. King's extraordinary gift is his ability to distort this picture and to make the impossible plausible.

The Magic of Shoes　足下風情

When Cinderella exited the ball in a hurry, she left behind one of her favorite possessions: a perfect glass shoe. She fretted her days away until the pair was reunited. More than _(1)_ her real reason for seeing the prince again wasn't love. What Cinderella really wanted to do was _(2)_ her shoe back. For her, like many of us, shoes are more than mere accessories.
　　Shoes possess a power to transform people. A boy wearing Air Jordans will attempt to jump higher and run faster than before. A girl playing dress-up will put on her mother's high heels and take a beauty queen's _(3)_.
　　Shoes can also reveal a lot about the wearer. The girl in the painfully pointy shoes may not care about comfort. Being noticeably fashionable is her primary concern. On _(4)_ hand, nurses who spend hours on their feet may opt for unattractive, practical white loafers. Other shoes, such as Gucci's, are reserved for _(5)_ who want to flaunt their wealth. Wearing a pair is like driving yourself around in a BMW.
　　When it _(6)_ to shoes, practicality doesn't always win out and social custom often determines our footwear choices. Choosing shoes that _(7)_ who you are can give you more than just covering for your feet. The right pair of shoes can magically transform your spirit, allowing it to soar to new heights.
──by Trudy Barnes

The Mafia　黑手黨傳奇

In the quintessential gangster movie The Godfather, "Don" Vito Corleone operates a tight crime organization. He is an "honorable" criminal who works outside the system in pursuit of the American dream. This epic, and often brutally violent film, traces the Corleone family over a ten-year period.

In The Godfather, the word mafia is not mentioned once, but all viewers know they are watching the most ruthless secret organization that ever existed. On National Geographic Channel's Mafia, learn about cutthroat deals, gangland assassinations, and secret rituals of these global gangsters.

During the late 1970s, millions of dollars worth of heroin was smuggled into the US via Sicilian-owned pizzerias. The astronomical profits from the Pizza Connection led to brutal violence on the streets of the US. A turning point for the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) in the war against the mafia came in 1983 when godfather Tommaso Buscetta was arrested in Brazil. Desperate to protect his wife and children, Buscetta broke omerta—the mafia's sacred code of silence.

Visiting the Book Exhibition　書展參觀記

On Saturday February 19, I went to the Taipei International Book Exhibition. Upon arrival, I was attacked by a pack of employees from various publishing companies. They were trying to hand out as many fliers as possible despite the cold shoulder they were getting from patrons.
　　The exhibition hall was jam-packed with bookworms like me. It was little wonder since this annual event was a golden opportunity for book-lovers to buy books at bargain prices. While browsing, I came across an interesting magazine. However, to my disappointment, the employee told me that I could only subscribe to the magazine at the exhibition. With a look of dismay and a bit of graceful pleading, I talked her into giving me a copy free of charge. It was then that I felt all the trouble had been worthwhile.
　　2月19日星期六那天我去了一趟台北國際書展。一到那裡，我就被來自各家出版社的一群員工圍攻。儘管遭到顧客冷眼以待，他們仍試著盡可能多發傳單出去。
　　展覽會場裡擠滿了像我一樣的書蟲。這也難怪，因為這年度盛事對於愛書人來說，是以廉價買書的大好機會。瀏覽時，我無意間發現一本有趣的雜誌。讓我失望的是，店員跟我說在書展只能訂購雜誌。但是藉著一臉沮喪樣和禮貌地拜託，我說服她給了我一本免費的雜誌。就在那時我覺得所有麻煩都是值得的。

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