Long, long ago (as all fairy tales and legends start), there was a group of people who lived in what was known as the Middle Kingdom. Unlike those who lived around them, these people followed the lunar calendar while other people followed the solar calendar. Thus, the date in which they celebrated New Year would often change from year to year.
One special thing about this group of people was their special love for celebrations. There were special foods cooked for each special holiday.
There were special dances for each holiday. They found many different ways to express the joy of being alive. Yes, indeed, they were a happy people.
ILLUSTRATIONS: COURTESY OF EXPLORER PUBLICATIONS
Unfortunately, there was only one holiday that would ruin their joy. For at the beginning of each New Year, a horrible monster came out of hiding. If this monster only scared people, that would be one thing. But this monster had such a terrible habit. Since it was in hibernation throughout the year, it needed to eat just once a year. The only thing that this monster ever wanted to eat was CHILDREN!
(To be continued tomorrow...)
很久很久以前（所有的童話和傳說都是這樣開始的），有一群生活在中原地區的人，他們不像周遭民族一樣奉行陽曆，而是遵守農曆，因此他們歡慶新年的時間通常年年不同。
這個中原民族與眾不同之處，在於他們超愛慶祝活動。每一個特殊的節日都有特別的食物。
每一個節日也有特殊的舞蹈來慶祝；他們以各種方式表達對生命的熱愛；沒錯！他們是一群快樂的人。
不幸的是，只有一個節日會破壞他們的興致；每年一開始時，一個可怕的怪獸會從躲藏的地方跑出來。如果牠只是出來嚇嚇人也就罷了，可是牠有個恐怖的習慣：因為牠一整年都在冬眠，所以一年只須進食一次，而牠最想吃的就是小孩！(明日待續...)
Have you ever dreamed of hiking Taiwan’s majestic Mt. Jade or visiting Peru’s breathtaking Machu Picchu? These adventures sound amazing, but there’s something you should know about first: “altitude sickness.” This condition strikes when you climb to a higher elevation too quickly. The higher you go, the thinner the air becomes, making it harder for your body to absorb oxygen. The symptoms usually begin within hours of reaching high altitudes — about 2,500 meters or higher. You might experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue. These symptoms can last for several days. The severity of altitude sickness varies
★ Bilingual Story is a fictionalized account. 雙語故事部分內容純屬虛構。 “Get in. It’s pouring.” She slid into the back seat, drenched and silent. “Tissues?” the driver asked. “No, thank you,” she said. Water beaded off her hair, ran from her coat, and made a small lake on the vinyl. She kept her head down, long black strands clinging to her face. “Where to?” She gave an address. “Funeral?” he asked as they slipped into the Xinhai Tunnel, rain fading to a hollow drum. She glanced up, puzzled. “No. Why?” “Crematorium’s about the only thing here.” He caught her eyes in the mirror.
A: In addition to boyband Energy’s concerts, Taiwan’s first major male dance revue has attracted attention. B: Several South Korean male dance revues and Australia’s Thunder from Down Under often tour Taiwan. Now Taiwan’s first all-male revue has finally appeared. A: According to the Liberty Times, Muscle High: A Male Dance Revue from Taiwan, featuring 13 hunks, opened last month and will run until Sept. 14. B: The rise of “hunk fever” in recent years has even caused a trend of working out in Asia. A: Let’s go to the Taipei Music Center’s Sub Livehouse for the show. A:
Have you ever wondered why “Manila envelopes” carry that name? The answer lies in a plant native to the Philippines. Though a fruit-producing plant, abaca is most valued for its leaf stalks, which are __1__ to extract fibers known as “Manila hemp.” These fibers are known for their strength and resistance to saltwater. Because of its __2__ in sea environments, Manila hemp has long been used to make Manila rope, a staple in the sailing and maritime industries for centuries. It withstands harsh ocean conditions without its flexibility being __3__. Manila rope doesn’t break down easily when exposed to
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