A: The weather is so hot. Why don’t you turn on the air con?
B: Haven’t you heard? Taipower has announced “summer electricity rates,” which came in on June 1 and will last through to Sept. 30. So I don’t dare use the air con too much.
A: Summer electricity rates? So does that mean that electricity will become more expensive?
Photo courtesy of Hualien County’s Fonglin Township Office 照片:花蓮縣鳳林鎮公所提供
B: Of course. The cost of electricity is rising by nearly 30 percent.
A: 天氣好熱唷,你怎麼不開冷氣?
B: 你還不知道嗎?台電宣布從六月一日起實施「夏月電價」,一直到九月三十日止,所以我不敢常開冷氣。
A: 夏月電價?電費會變貴嗎?
B: 當然啦,漲幅最高可能將近百分之三十。
(Translated by Edward Jones, Taipei Times/台北時報張聖恩)
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
Online retailer eBay has scrapped fees for private sellers across almost all of its categories as it attempts to keep fast-growing rivals such as Depop and Vinted at arm’s length. The move means eBay’s UK sellers no longer have to pay transaction fees, except for cars, motorcycles and other vehicles. In April this year, eBay removed fees for private sellers of pre-owned clothes, and the company said it was “now evolving the experience even further.” The site said ditching seller fees for fashion had already led to a double-digit increase in listings for popular items such as jeans, shirts and dresses, while at
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