Next Generation Nepal 尼泊爾的人生大轉彎2

When traffickers arrived in Kathmandu with these village children, they sold some to wealthy local families as servants and forced others to become street beggars. Some children were even sold for international adoptions.

Finding a solution

Grennan and Farid Ait-Mansour, a fellow volunteer, soon discovered that even though the war had ended in 2006, child trafficking was ongoing. As a result, thousands of village children were living in Kathmandu, abandoned and forgotten. Both men agreed that the best solution was to try and reunite the kids with their families. So in 2006 Grennan started the organization Next Generation Nepal (NGN).

Using a three-pronged approach, NGN search teams travel to remote mountainous areas in search of the children’s families. Once located, the family is reconnected to their child through photos, letters and visits. During this time, rescued children stay in NGN transitional homes in Kathmandu or in Humla, in western Nepal. Finally, if conditions in the village are safe for the child’s return, he or she is then reunited with the family. Five years later, NGN has reconnected more than 300 families with children they feared they’d never see again. Thanks to NGN, these once-lost children are now finding their way back home.

ongoingàcontinuing

pronged

transitional

【Chat room】

thanks to 因為、由於、拜…之賜

Thanks to this medicine, my headache is gone.

Thanks to your foolishness, we lost a lot of money. (帶有諷刺意味)

【Key word】

adoption 領養

The procedure of adoption is complicated, so the couple sought help from a lawyer.

領養的程序相當複雜，所以這對夫妻向律師求助。

The adoption of their daughter was kept secret until she turned 20.

他們女兒被收養的事情一直到她20歲才被公開。

adopt

Rita was adopted when she was 6.

Rita是她六歲的時候被領養的

pronged 分岔的、分成幾類的(通常放在一數字後面構成形容詞)

prong

The government developed a three-pronged project to solve the unemployment problem.

為了解決失業問題，政府發展出了一套三方同時進行的方案。

transitional 過渡性的、過渡期的

While we were remodeling, we stayed at my mother’s during the transitional period.

當我們房子正在裝修的時候，過渡期間我們住在我媽媽的家裡。

The transitional government failed to maintain order in the country.

這個過渡政府無法保持國家的秩序。

Next Generation Nepal 尼泊爾的人生大轉彎

Reconnecting children to their culture, their traditions and their loved ones

讓孩子與其文化、傳統和親人重新連結

When Conor Grennan decided to volunteer at a Nepali children’s home, he assumed he’d have an interesting experience and then get back to his “real” life. Little did he know that his stint as a volunteer would change his life and the lives of many others.

Consequences of war

Grennan visited Nepal for three months in 2004 while the country was in the midst of a civil war. The conflict especially affected remote villages and local schools where teachers and students face fear and intimidation.

With only a limited understanding of this situation, Grennan returned in 2006 and began volunteering with kids he assumed had been made orphans by the war. But one day, a mother appeared at the orphanage gate asking to see her children. When questioned, she told Grennan that many of the children actually had families and went on to explain how the kids had gotten there. Knowing people feared for their children’s safety, a politician’s brother traveled to villages, offering protection and an education for children. Desperate, many parents gave him their life savings and their children, believing the arrangement to be temporary. It took months for some to realize they had turned their children over to a child trafficker!

stint

intimidation 恫嚇,恐嚇;脅迫

trafficker

【Grammar on the go】

It took months for some to realize they had turned their children over to a child trafficker!

to turn A over to B

1.change something's position

You can turn over an egg in a frying pan.

2. send or move A to B (把A轉送至B ，使B握有控制權)

The police officer turned the evidence from the crime scene over to the investigations.

The tourists were asked to turn their passports over to their tour guide so he could have them stamped by the customs officer.

【Chat room】

life saving 一生的積蓄 (可加sàlife savings)

nest egg 儲備金(單數)

They want to build up their nest egg so they can retire comfortably.

stash 把東西偷偷藏起來、儲藏、私房錢

【Key word】

stint 工作期間、所分配的工作

Sandra’s stint as a foreign correspondent ended last month.

Sandra國外特派員的工作上禮拜告一段落

Chris came to Chicago after a short stint as a pilot.

Chris擔任飛行員一段很短的時間，後來來到芝加哥

intimidation 恐嚇、威脅

The workers were forced to sign the contract under intimidation from their employer.

在雇主的脅迫之下這些員工簽署了合約

Their enemy used all kinds of threats and intimidation, but they refused to surrender.

他們的敵人用盡了各種恐嚇與威脅，但他們拒絕投降

intimidate 使感到威脅或恐嚇

The little boy was intimidated by the school bully.

這個小男孩被校園的惡霸所威脅

trafficker 商人或販子(通常是從事不法的買賣)

The international firearms trafficker was arrested in Russia.

這個國際軍火販子在蘇俄被逮捕。

These drug traffickers traveled with fake passports.

這些毒販在旅行時使用偽造的護照。

HONG ZHONG-HAI: A NOBLE SERVANT 洪中海：榮民慈善家

Bringing happiness to others 把幸福帶給他人

Last year, 80-year-old veteran Hong Zhong-hai(洪中海) from Jian Township, Hualien County, made a generous donation. He gave his life savings of NT$6 million to veterans’ widows and orphans in the Hualien area. Xiong Kai-chi(熊啟志), the Director of Hualien County Veterans Services, hosted the donation ceremony and received the check from Mr. Hong. Mr. Xiong promised to fulfill the wishes of Mr. Hong. By the end of this year, 2011, all donations are to be given to benefit the widows and orphans of veterans in Jian Township.

During the ceremony, Mr. Hong said, “I feel very happy, satisfied and joyous.” After retiring from the military, he received a retirement benefit of NT$27,000 every month. He saved most of the money and bought only what he needed. He saw many veterans around him pass away and decided to donate his savings to their widows and orphans. Director Xiong presented an appreciation certificate and a life-long Rong-Xin volunteer card(榮欣終身志工證) to express respect and gratitude to Mr. Hong. Mr. Hong lives a simple life, eating steamed vegetables cooked on old, rusty appliances. However, these simple elements of life contain the sentiments of a noble servant.

noble

veteran

donation

widow

orphan

sentiment 情操、感想、觀點

【Grammar on the go】

….all donations are to be given to benefit the widows and orphans of veterans in Jian Township.

normally when we told something is happening in the future we use “will”

I will go to the store later.

are to be given àwill be given

The President will visit the King next month.

The President is to visit the King next month. (強調這個重大行程)

We will receive 55% of the total income.

We are to receive 55% of the total income.

【Chat room】

widow 遺孀、寡婦

widower 鰥夫

foster child 養子、養女

foster 非親生子女當作親生子女般扶養、養育

to foster a child 扶養一個小孩

【Key word】

veteran 退伍軍人

Thousands of veterans from the Vietnam War will attend this ceremony.

幾千名的越戰退伍軍人出席了這場典禮

veteran 亦指「經驗豐富的老手」

The band consists of several jazz veteran from New York.

幾位來自紐約的爵士好手組成了這個樂團

retirement  退休、退職、退役

retire 退休 +from

Frank retired from the police force at age 55.

Frank55歲的時候從警職退休

The company offers great pension plans for early retirement.

公司提供提早退休的人員非常優渥的退職金

sentiment 情懷、情操

The song is full of patriotic sentiment.

這首歌充滿了愛國的情操

The movie expressed sentiments of the good old days.

這部電影表達了美好的往日情懷。

His letter showed his sentiments of love and support.

他的信中表達了他的愛與支持

Is It Time to Leave Your Job? 2

4. The company is going down fast.

The slow economy has hurt a lot of businesses. Budget cuts and layoffs occur all too often as businesses try to stay afloat. Your position might be cut next.

5. You have a bad relationship with your boss or co-workers.

People at work don’t respect or value you. Your boss takes advantage of you. Your relationships have gotten so bad that they’re affecting the quality of your work. Maybe the only solution is to find new people to work with.

6. You question the company’s ethics.

Sad to say, but many leaders in business are not very honest. Sometimes the boss may ask you to do things that you know are not right. Maybe the company is lying about its products or stealing ideas from others. In that case, you should find a better company to work for. Remember: The exit door can sometimes open up a world of new opportunities.

afloat

take advantage of

ethic

【Grammar on the go】

Sad to say,

=>unfortunately

Sad to say, but the relatives of the bride and groom were fighting at the wedding.

Sad to say, but the unexpected rainstorm forced the class to cancel the field trip.

【Chat room】

leaving your job

quit

I quit.

I quit my job.

resign+ from

She resigned from her job.

hand in one’s notice 遞辭呈

step down

The minister stepped down after only 10 weeks in office.

他只作了10週的部長就下台了

【Key word】

afloat 浮在水面上的、免於負債的、免於經濟危機

Ray’s software business managed to stay afloat during the recession.

Ray 的軟體公司設法度過經濟不景氣的階段

The boss and his team tried many different ways to keep the company afloat.

take advantage of

take advantage of someone or something 利用某人或某事

Nina took advantage of her friends’ generosity and wasn’t even sorry.

Nina利用了朋友的慷慨，甚至不覺得抱歉

While we stayed at the resort, we took advantage of the facilities.

我們住在這個渡假村的時候，充分的利用了那裡的設施

ethic 道德標準或倫理

Revealing information about patients is against medical ethics.

洩漏病人的資料是違反了行醫道德

After the scandal, the judge’s ethics were questioned.

經過了這個醜聞後，這位法官的道德操守被質疑。

Is It Time to Leave Your Job?

If you see these warning signs, maybe it’s time to quit.

In a bad economy, it might seem strange to consider quitting your job. However, sometimes resigning is the best way for you to move forward. Here are some signs that may point you toward the exit door:

1.     Your work environment is not healthy.

Stress is part of any job. But sometimes the frustrations of your job can begin to harm you. They can make you sick or depressed. If you hate going to work, it’s time to leave.

2.     You need more income.

Maybe you thought the salary was OK when you took the job. However, now you need more income to support your family because of different life circumstances. Or maybe you feel that you’re not making what you’re worth.

3.     You are not being challenged.

You have been in your position for a while, and your skills have improved. Now the work you’re doing no longer seems interesting. Maybe you can get more responsibility at a different job.

resignàquit your job

【Chat room】

leave your job

leave  v.離開

      n.請假、休假

leave of absence

sick leave 病假

She is on sick leave. 她請病假

maternity leave 產假

paternity leave 陪產假

bereavement leave喪假

bereave喪失、失去

【Key word】

resign 辭職

William recently resigned from the company where he was worked for 10 years.

※要說明辭掉哪個工作要用as

Jack resigned as CEO of the company.

Jack 辭掉這家公司執行長的工作。

depress 壓下、壓低 adj.沮喪、消沉、憂鬱的

Bruce felt really depressed because he got laid off.

Bruce因為被裁員感到很沮喪

Paula seemed a little bit depressed because she got a C on her report.

Paula 因為報告得到丙等所以看起來有點難過

circumstance處境、狀況

The press conference was cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control.

因為不可抗的因素記者招待會取消了

The family is in poor circumstances and needs help.

Under the circumstances, he had no other choice but to quit the job.

The Pontine Islands: A Mediterranean Escape 龐廷群島：地中海的逍遙聖地3

Although they were banned from returning home, some of these prisoners stayed in palaces. The ruins of some of these can still be seen.

For visitors interested in architecture, Ventotene offers a castle, the Church of St. Candida and a town hall. These, along with many other buildings on the island, were built in the 1700s.

Off the beaten path

There’s more to see and do beyond Ponza and Ventotene. On the island of Zannone lies a nature reserve. Only one square kilometer in size, it has hiking trails, forests and wild sheep that roam freely.

Zannone is open to visitors during the day, but camping is not allowed. Palmarola, called the “Pearl of the Mediterranean Sea,” is the second largest of the Pontine Islands.

Trademark clear waters, ocean caves and unusual rock forms make Palmarola a great location to explore by boat. Each of the Pontine Islands has something to offer - history, nature and a chance to enjoy the warm Mediterranean climate. Whether for adventure or just a break, these islands are the perfect escape for a holiday by the sea.

ban

architecture

roam 漫步

pearl 珍珠

trademark

【Chat room】

off the beaten path 離開一般人常走的路、不尋常、打破常規的(小眾的)

alternative另類的

【Key word】

ban 禁止

banning / banned

The movie was banned in several countries because it discussed sensitive political issues. 這個電影因為討論敏感的政治議題，所以在幾個國家被禁

American beef was banned because of mad-cow disease. 因為狂牛症所以美國牛肉曾經被禁。

roam 漫步、漫遊、流浪

Gangsters roamed the streets of the inner city at night.

夜晚的時候幫派份子在市中心橫行無阻

Rita roamed around from town to town trying to find her meaning of life.

Rita 從一個城市流浪到另一個城市試圖去尋找她生命的意義。

trademark商標、特徵

Vivid colors and structured cutting are the designer’s trademarks.

鮮明的色彩與結構強烈的剪裁是這位設計師的商標

Justin Bieber’s trademark hair caught many young girls’ eyes.

The Pontine Islands: A Mediterranean Escape 龐廷群島：地中海的逍遙聖地2

Ponza and Ventotene

A tiny island less than 10 kilometers long. Ponza is the most popular among tourists. Visitors can stay at hotels or, for a cheaper option, rent an apartment for a short time. During the day, tourists flock to Chiaia di Luna, a curved stretch of sand on southern Ponza. Swimming is the preferred way to spend the day – there’s no shortage of spots for swimming or diving. Tourists can swim either near the beaches or from boats in quiet coves that can’t be accessed by land.

There are also underwater shipwrecks for curious divers to explore. On land, a variety of historic ruins that are centuries old can be explored. The island of Ventotene, Ponza’a calmer neighbor to the southeast, has a long history as a prison. Founded in 313 B.C. as a Roman colony, it became the ideal place to confine misbehaving Roman royalty over the years. In the first century, Emperor Augustus exiled his daughter Julia there. Later, Nero sent his 20-year-old wife.

flock to

curved

diving 潛水、跳水

cove 小海灣

shipwreck

ruin

confine

exile = sent someone away from their country or from their group 流放

【More information】

In 1768 King Ferdinand IV of Naples sent hundreds of criminals to Ventotene for an experiment. Ventotene was a clean and beautiful island with no problems. King Ferdinnand thought that if he sent criminals to such a pure environment, they would become good people. But soon there was so much crime and fighting on the island that he had to take the criminals back. The experiment was a complete failure.

【Chat room】

A.D. 2011

A.D. = Anno Domini (拉丁文)西元

B.C. =before Christ 西元前

A.D.通常放在年份的前面，B.C.要放在年份的後面

3000 B.C. 西元前三千年

【Key word】

curved 彎曲的、呈弧形的

curve 使彎曲

The curved surfaces of this cathedral make it really unique.

這座教堂弧型的表面使它顯得非常獨一無二

The curved edge of the toys made them baby-proof.

這些玩具弧形的表面使小孩子玩起來相當安全

confine 關禁閉、限制出門

The prisoners who caused trouble were confined for a whole week.

The patient was confined to bed for three months because of his severe injuries.

病患因為重傷臥病在床一個月

exile放逐、使流放

The former president was exiled to the United States and stayed there for years.

The government had no choice but to exile these anti-socials.

政府別無選擇只好流放這些反社會者

exile 也可以當名詞使用

The king spent years in Europe in exile. 這個國王多年來流亡在歐洲