Ever since Ratatouille, a movie about a rat who wants to become a top Parisian chef, came out, people in Paris have been going crazy over rats.
"There is no question there is a real fashion for rats," said Gerald Moreau, 25, who runs a group near Paris promoting rats as pets.
Visits to his Web site have tripled since the movie's French release this summer.
PHOTO: AP
Children are driving the craze -- seeking out soft-coated rats with floppy "Dumbo" ears like Remy, the hero of the Pixar comedy.
"Rats are much smarter, much more interesting than hamsters or mice," Moreau said. "They recognize their name and grow very attached to their owner; they play with you like a dog or a cat."
But Moreau, who with his girlfriend has 19 pet rats, tells parents to think twice before taking one home: "They're very sociable animals, and they need a lot of cuddles and play time."
(Staff Writer, with AFP)
自從《料理鼠王》這部描繪一隻一心要成為巴黎頂尖廚師的老鼠的電影上映以來，巴黎民眾已經為鼠瘋狂。
現年二十五歲、在巴黎附近負責一個倡導寵物田鼠團體的傑洛．莫侯說：「毫無疑問，現在真有田鼠流行風。」
自從這部電影今年暑假在法國上映以來，他的網站點閱人次已經增加了兩倍。
孩童間正掀起一股尋找和這部皮克斯動畫喜劇裡的英雄小米一樣，有著一身軟毛與一雙下垂「傻氣」耳朵 的老鼠的熱潮。
莫侯說：「田鼠比倉鼠聰明、有趣多了。」他說：「牠們知道自己的名字還很黏主人；他們會像狗與貓一樣和你玩耍。」
不過與女友合養了十九隻田鼠的莫侯提醒家長，在把寵物鼠帶回家之前要三思。他說：「牠們是社交性很強的動物，而且牠們需要很多的擁抱與玩樂時間。」
(法新社╱翻譯：艾利斯)
A: Taiwanese-language pop singer Jody Chiang is finally staging a comeback after having “turned off the microphone” for nine years. B: Yeah, she’s set to perform for the National Day celebration at the Taipei Dome this Saturday. A: As the best Taiwanese-language singer, it would be a big loss if she continued her hiatus. B: Recently, Chiang revealed that she quit singing in 2015 due to cancer. A: That’s shocking. But it’s great to see her healthy and able to turn the mic back on again. A: 台語歌后江蕙「封麥」9年後，終於即將復開唱了。 B: 對啊她本週六將參加國慶晚會，在大巨蛋開唱。 A: 江蕙可是最棒的台語歌手，如果不唱歌太可惜了。 B: 她最近才透露，其實2015年是因為罹癌才會「封麥」。 A: 真是令人震驚！能再看到她健康地「開麥」太好啦。 （By Eddy Chang,
A: Apart from Taiwanese-language pop diva Jody Chiang’s comeback, South Korean girl group (G)I-dle is also performing in Taiwan this weekend. B: I know. They have concerts at the Taipei Arena on Saturday and Sunday. A: Actually, to meet their fans’ high demand, they’ve added one more show on Friday. B: They’re even adding a show? That shows how popular they are. A: My favorite group member is Taiwan’s Susan Yeh, known by her stage name “Shuhua.” Let’s go cheer her on. A: 本週末除了江蕙復出，南韓熱門女團(G)I-dle也將開唱唷。 B: 我知道，他們本週六、日將在小巨蛋開唱。 A: 應粉絲的要求，他們本週五還會加場。 B: 還加場？不愧是韓流人氣女團。 A: 我最喜歡台灣團員葉舒華！我們快去幫她加油吧。 （By Eddy Chang, Taipei Times／台北時報張聖恩）
Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park is a great example of how art can be combined with environmental conservation. __1__ on the ocean floor of the Caribbean Sea, this aquatic gallery was the brainchild of British sculptor and ecologist Jason deCaires Taylor in 2006. The park features sculptures that function as man-made coral reefs, with holes and shelters to attract marine life, thus forming a strikingly beautiful __2__. The sculptures are placed in a way that diverts visitors from nearby natural reefs. This creative approach to ecological preservation demonstrates how art can inspire, educate, and contribute to the sustainability of our environment. The
City life moves fast, and escalators are a lifesaver for busy commuters. __1__ It is widely believed that this practice keeps traffic flowing smoothly and avoids congestion. While on the road, drivers of slower vehicles are required to remain within the outside lane so that those traveling at faster speeds may pass in the inside lane. Similar to traffic lanes that separate vehicles driving at different speeds, this convention on escalators allows for both efficiency and courtesy. __2__ This system reflects an unspoken understanding that facilitates shared use of the space. However, the city of Nagoya, Japan, has
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