Bitcoin has its origins in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, when the blockchain technology was developed. Due to the unique qualities of the blockchain technology behind Bitcoin — decentralization, anonymity, virtual untraceability and independence from the existing currency system — it has been used to sell illegal drugs and as a tool to launder money by criminal organizations. However, in recent years Bitcoin has taken over from gold and other commodities as a new target of speculative hype for retail investors in China, Japan and South Korea. On Tuesday last week, South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon issued a warning, saying he fears young people and students are at risk from the speculative mania surrounding cryptocurrencies, while some have become embroiled in pyramid schemes and narcotics criminality which Lee believes is turning into a serious social problem.
Bitcoin has surged in value since the beginning of this year, undergoing violent price swings along the way. A dispute between opposing factions of the Bitcoin community has also caught the attention of investors. The ongoing optimism toward Bitcoin in both Japan and South Korea has attracted a frenzied rush of investment from Chinese “aunties,” Japanese housewives and South Korean youngsters. Currently, South Korea’s Bithumb exchange handles the highest number of cryptocurrency transactions of any trading platform in the world.
During a cabinet meeting last Tuesday, Lee warned that domestic transaction volumes in cryptocurrencies have already surpassed those of the KOSDAQ index of South Korean small and medium-sized businesses and said: “If we allow this situation to continue, I believe there may be serious consequences.” Lee believes youngsters and students have embraced cryptocurrencies in search of quick profits and this has caused some to become drawn into committing fraud.
Photo: Reuters
照片：路透社
(LIBERTY TIMES, TRANSLATED BY EDWARD JONES)
比特幣源於二○○八年金融海嘯後區塊鏈技術發展，具備去中心化、匿名難追蹤、獨立於現行貨幣體系之外支付等特性，也被販毒、犯罪組織當作洗錢工具，近年來還取代黃金等商品，成為從中國、日本到南韓散戶投資人的新興炒作標的。南韓總理李洛淵上週二警告，青少年和學生恐受加密貨幣投機風潮危害、捲入老鼠會和毒品犯罪，成為社會病態的現象。
比特幣今年初以來瘋漲且大起大落，比特幣不同派別的爭論也引發矚目。日韓對比特幣發展持樂觀態度，也吸引了中國大媽、日本渡邊太太、南韓年輕人等散戶瘋狂投入，目前南韓Bithumb交易所是世界加密貨幣交易量最大的平台。
李洛淵上週二在內閣會議上警告，南韓加密貨幣交易量甚至已超過中小型股的Kosdaq指數，「如果我們讓事情繼續下去，我覺得一些嚴重的病態現象可能發生」；他認為南韓青年人和學生擁抱加密貨幣，尋求快速獲利，造成一些人捲入詐欺犯罪。
(自由時報)
Earthquakes are among the most terrifying natural disasters, generating massive tremors and destructive forces as Earth’s crust shudders. These tremors not only lead to the collapse of buildings but can also trigger secondary disasters, such as tsunamis and fires. However, we can mitigate the impact on lives and property by mastering earthquake response techniques. The DCH three-step strategy, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is crucial during an earthquake. “D” stands for “drop.” You should immediately drop to the ground, using your hands and knees to support yourself. This position prevents you from falling and
A: The newest twist in “Friends” star Matthew Perry’s sudden death is shocking. B: Didn’t he die from a ketamine overdose last year? A: But the police say his death could be a conspiracy. B: Wow, what happened? A: Five suspects have been charged for intentionally supplying him with large amounts of ketamine for personal gain. A: 《六人行》男星馬修派瑞之死大逆轉真令人震驚！ B: 他去年不是因吸毒過量致死嗎？ A: 但警方說他的死可能是個陰謀。 B: 發生了什麼事？ A: 警方已起訴5名嫌犯，他們故意提供大量「K他命」給他，以謀取暴利。 （By Eddy Chang, Taipei Times／台北時報張聖恩）
A: What’s even more horrible is that the five suspects who purposely supplied ketamine to actor Matthew Perry were all his “friends.” B: Who exactly are the five suspects? A: They include Matthew’s two doctors, a broker, a drug dealer, and even his live-in assistant. B: Those scumbags should go to jail. A: Yeah, one of the doctors may be sentenced to up to 120 years in prison. A: 更可怕的是，提供男星馬修派瑞「K他命」的5人全是他的「朋友」。 B: 嫌犯是誰啊？ A: 其中包括他的2位醫生、1位仲介、1位毒販、甚至他的同居助理！ B: 那些人渣真該去坐牢。 A: 對啊，其中1位醫生可能面臨120年徒刑。 （By Eddy Chang, Taipei Times／台北時報張聖恩）
It’s widely recognized that there are far more right-handed people than left-handed people in the world. Being right-handed simply means preferring to use one’s right hand for tasks that involve only one hand, such as writing and eating. But have you ever wondered about the possible reasons behind the global dominance of the right hand over the left? As with many complex biological questions, multiple factors appear to be at play. First, one reason seems to be genetics. __1__ Therefore, the global dominance of right-handedness is something that has been passed down through many generations of humans. Next,
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