________________________________

Hello everyone! Welcome to another episode of News Bites.

I'm Paz Bueno…

And I'm Trevor Tortomasi.

In today's news:

The Taiwan Reading Festival, plants in the UK are behaving strangely, and
rats can bop to a beat.

Stay tuned and we'll tell you more about these stories, coming up next!
________________________________

台灣閱讀節首次展出外交盟友的英文書
Taiwan Reading Festival Features Books from Diplomatic Allies for the First
Time

The National Central Library (國家圖書館) is hosting a special event in
Taipei this weekend.

The Taiwan Reading Festival!

It's an annual event spreading (傳播) the joy of reading to every corner of
Taiwan.

The festival will include music performances, arts and crafts, and
storytelling.

And this year the library has also invited international guests!

For the first time, there will be English books from Saint Vincent and the
Grenadines, Saint Christopher and Nevis, and Belize.
閱讀節首次推出來自聖文森及格瑞那丁、聖克里斯多福及尼維斯以及貝里斯的英文書。

The three countries are Taiwan's diplomatic allies (外交盟友).

Each country will have a booth (攤位) to introduce the culture of the
Caribbean and Central American nations (加勒比海和中美洲國家).

The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines booth will feature three Vincentian
English teachers reading aloud (朗讀) books by Vincentian authors.

The Saint Kitts and Nevis booth will have English books written by leading
authors (主要作者) in the country to give Taiwanese a clearer understanding
of the country, and its culture and heritage
(讓台灣人更了解這個國家及其文化和遺產).

And when Taiwanese children visit Belize's booth, they will be taken on a
journey to the country through literature (文學).

The Taiwan Reading Festival is taking place at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial
Park on December 3rd, and at the National Central Library on December 4th.
________________________________

英國迎來第二個"春天"
UK Has 'Second Spring'

Plants in the United Kingdom are behaving a little differently this year
(有點不一樣).

Flowers and plants are flowering (開花) and show no signs of stopping.

That's because the weather is unusually (異常地) warm for November!

A botanist says the way the greenery is responding to the weather this year
is completely crazy and mixed.
一位植物學家說，今年綠色植物對天氣的反應很瘋狂。

For example, during the summer, the UK experienced a drought (乾旱).

Lots of plants became dormant (休眠) like they would in winter, because it
was too hot.

Some trees dropped their leaves, and others started growing right after it
rained.

And now, there are plants that are blooming (開花) for the first time this
year.

Horticulturists say the change could have a detrimental effect for next
spring.
園藝家說，這種變化可能會對明年春天產生不利影響。

If plants use a lot of resources to grow now, they might not grow well next
year.

That means the insects that eat plants will be thrown out of kilter (失衡)…

Which means the birds that eat insects will be thrown out of kilter…

Which means…well, so many life cycles (生命週期) will be affected!

Extreme weather events are becoming more and more common because of global
warming.

There is still a lot we don't know about how it will affect us.
________________________________

就像我們一樣，老鼠會隨著音樂作動
Rats Bop to Music Just as We Do

When you listen to your favorite song, do you nod your head or tap your feet
to the beat?
當你聽你最喜歡的歌曲時，你會點頭還是用腳敲打拍子？

People have always thought that rhythm was a skill unique to us humans
(節奏感是我們人類獨有的).

There are animals that can react (反應) to noise and be trained (受訓) to
dance along to music.

But it's not the same as humans' complex neural and motor processes that let
you hear the beat in a song.
但這與人類複雜的神經傳導不同，人類聽得到歌曲中的節拍。

That innate ability is called "beat synchronicity."
這種與生俱來的能力被稱為"節拍同步性"。

Well, new research shows that rats can also bop to a beat (隨著節拍跳動)!

A team from the University of Tokyo discovered that rats share our urge to
move to the groove (老鼠和我們一樣會受到音樂的鼓舞而動作).

They used miniature accelerometers on the rats and played music with
different BPMs, or beats per minute.
他們在老鼠身上使用微型加速器，播放不同節拍的音樂。

The devices allowed them to measure (測量) the slightest head movements.

The researchers found the rats jerked their heads (搖頭) to the beat of the
music!

This is the first report on innate beat synchronization (先天節拍同步) in
animals that was not the result of training.

Isn't it incredible?

Some animals are not so different from us, after all!
________________________________

So, in today's News Bites:

The National Central Library is hosting the Taiwan Reading Festival this
weekend.

And for the first time, there will be English books from Saint Vincent and
the Grenadines, Saint Christopher and Nevis, and Belize.
________________________________

Plants in the United Kingdom are behaving a little differently this year.

That's because the weather is unusually warm for November!

Horticulturists say the change could have a detrimental effect for next
spring.
________________________________

And,

People have always thought that rhythm was a skill unique to us humans.

But new research shows that rats can also bop to a beat!
________________________________

And that's all for today's episode of News Bites!
________________________________

主播每周一問
Have Your Say

This week, we want you to have your say about music.

There are so many different kinds of music, in all kinds of cultures all over
the world. Music can be fast or slow, or loud or quiet, and it can have all
kinds of different instruments in it.

So, what is your favorite kind of music?

Record your message and send it to newsbites@icrt.com.tw with your name and
age, and if you'd like, the name of your school.
 

________________________________

Hello!

Let's chow down on another episode of News Bites!

I'm Paz Bueno…

And I'm Ron Stuart!

In today's news:

The 2023 Taipei Book Exhibition, 2022's Person of the Year, and more turtles
on Cyprus.

Stay tuned and we'll tell you more about these stories, coming up next!
________________________________

台北書展邀請波蘭嘉賓
Taipei Book Fair Features Polish Guests

The 31st Taipei International Book Exhibition is coming soon!

Last year, the annual event returned to its normal schedule (恢復正常) after
two years of COVID-19.

This year, the book fair's theme is The Multiverse of Reading
(閱讀的多元宇宙).

And Poland (波蘭) is the guest of honor.

The event has invited eight Polish authors, poets, picture book creators, and
illustrators.
本次活動邀請了八位波蘭作家、詩人、繪本創作者和插畫家。

That includes Andrzej Sapkowski, author of the best-selling Witcher series of
books (獵魔士).

The Polish Pavilion (波蘭館) will have three main sections, featuring
historical books, children's picture books, and historical collections.

There will also be a Poland Night on February the 4th.

There will be Polish cuisine (料理) and music performances from Polish
artists.

Other countries are also setting up pavilions (分館).

Including Italy, France, Germany and South Korea, among others.

The event is taking place from January 31st to February the 5th at the Taipei
World Trade Center.

People younger than 18 and foreigners can attend (參加) the fair free of
charge.

You can also enter for free if you present (提交) a Taiwan Railways
Administration or high-speed rail ticket purchased on the day of entry in
locations outside of Taipei, New Taipei City and Keelung.
________________________________

烏克蘭總統獲選為2022年度風雲人物
Ukrainian President Honored as Person of the Year 2022

One of the names I'm sure you've heard of this year is Volodymyr Zelensky
(澤倫斯基).

Ukraine's President has been named 2022 Person of the Year by the US TIME
magazine (2022年度風雲人物).

He won the title, along with "The Spirit (精神) of Ukraine."

On February 24th, Russia launched a military occupation (軍事佔領) of Ukraine.

Zelensky stayed in the capital Kyiv in the face of Russia's invasion (侵略).

His response to the Russian invasion has made him a household name
(家喻戶曉的人).

He delivers daily speeches and his audience (觀眾) has grown around the
world.

TIME magazine's cover shows the ex-comedian wearing his iconic green fatigues
(迷彩服).

The article also shows pictures of Ukrainian people representing (扮演) the
Spirit of Ukraine.
________________________________

保育工作正在助長賽普勒斯的烏龜數量
Conservation work helping Turtle population in Cyprus

Turtle populations are making a comeback (再創高峰) in Cyprus.

That's all thanks to conservation efforts by volunteers (志工).

The Republic of Cyprus is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea (地中海).

Military and civilian volunteers there have been working hard to protect the
environment.

They supervise nesting beaches (棲地) and look out for turtle tracks
(烏龜行蹤) every day in the summer.

Volunteers also report about human activities along the beach.

Things like camping and lighting bonfires at the beach can be damaging (危害)
to turtles.

So far, their hard work has paid off (他們的付出有了回報).

The number of turtles on beaches on Cyprus has been increasing.

They say some 172 green and loggerhead turtle nests were identified.

The volunteers are making sure the turtles have a safe place to lay eggs.

That way they can continue to live and thrive.
________________________________

So, in today's News Bites:

The 31st Taipei International Book Exhibition is coming soon!

This year, the book fair's theme is The Multiverse of Reading, and Poland is
the guest of honor.

The event is taking place from January 31st to February 5th at the Taipei
World Trade Center.

People younger than 18 and foreigners can attend the fair free of charge.

You can also enter for free if you present a Taiwan Railways Administration
or high-speed rail ticket purchased on the day of entry in locations outside
of Taipei, New Taipei City and Keelung.
________________________________

Ukraine's President has been named 2022 Person of the Year by the US TIME
magazine.

Volodymyr Zelensky's response to the Russian invasion has made him a
household name.

TIME magazine's cover shows the ex-comedian wearing his iconic green
fatigues.

The article also shows pictures of Ukrainian people representing the Spirit
of Ukraine.
________________________________

And,

Turtle populations are making a comeback in Cyprus.

Military and civilian volunteers there have been working hard to protect the
environment.

So far, their hard work has paid off.

The number of turtles on beaches on Cyprus has been increasing.

They say some 172 green and loggerhead turtle nests were identified.

The volunteers are making sure the turtles have a safe place to lay eggs.

That way they can continue to live and thrive.
________________________________

And that's all for today's episode of News Bites!
________________________________

主播每周一問
Have Your Say

This week, we want you to have your say about your expectations for 2023.

People often set new goals during the New Year holiday. This year, I am
looking forward to making new friends!

And you?

What are you looking forward to this year?

Record your message and send it to newsbites@icrt.com.tw with your name and
age, and if you'd like, the name of your school.

Make sure to send us your recording by Thursday at noon, and you might hear
your message on our show on Friday!

 

________________________________

Hi there, it's time for another episode of News Bites!

I'm Nancy Sun…

And I'm Paz Bueno.

In today's news:

Taiwan hotels need more workers, Italy tests Chinese travelers, and boredom
can be a good thing.

Stay tuned and we'll tell you more about these stories, coming up next!
________________________________

台灣飯店人力短缺
Taiwan Hotels Need Workers

The COVID-19 pandemic has made life difficult for many.

The tourism industry (產業) has also been struggling.

Many people who work in tourism-related companies have lost their jobs.

But now, many countries are opening their borders again.

And more people are traveling again.

Now there is a new problem.

There is a major labor shortage (短缺).

This means there aren't enough workers to do all the work.

This shortage of manpower is so serious that even a manager of a luxury hotel
has said he has to help with housekeeping (整理飯店房間).

Another hotel had to reject reservations for thousands of tables because they
didn't have enough workers.

Industry analysts (產業分析師) believe that the job market has changed in big
way.

Many look for jobs in the tech sector, because of its stability despite the
pandemic.

A hotel manager even said young people are finding food delivery jobs or jobs
as internet influencers (網紅).

They are afraid that if another wave of the pandemic strikes, they would lose
their jobs.

Some hotels are raising pay, to try to attract workers.

This may not completely solve the problem.

但對於想找短期打工機會的人來說，這或許是個不錯的機會。
________________________________

義大利將篩檢大陸旅客
Italy Testing Travelers from China for COVID-19

China has changed its zero-COVID policy.

Since then, Chinese travelers have been taking trips to other countries.

Authorities in Milan, Italy said half of the passengers on two flights from
China tested positive (陽性).

As a result, Italy will begin testing all arrivals from China for COVID-19.

And they hope that other European countries will do the same.

However, not all EU countries are responding to Italy's request.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention Control (ECDC) considered the test
"unjustified" (不正當).

ECDC said that the BF.7 omicron variant (變種) that was hitting China hard
was already in Europe.

Therefore, it is not a significant (重大) threat to the EU.

According to the World Health Organization, over 80% of the people in Western
Europe have been vaccinated.

This might be one of the reasons that some European countries are not making
the test mandatory (強制).

No matter what policies other countries are implementing...

Wearing a mask still seems to be a good way to protect yourself from COVID-19.

戴口罩還是一個很重要的保護措施。
________________________________

覺得無聊也可以是好事
Boredom Can Be a Good Thing

What do you do when you feel bored?

Most would take out their phones to play a game, watch a video or surf their
social media.

This is an era when people hate to get bored.

But what if being bored is actually a good thing?

According to a new study, the distraction (分心) of social media could be
stopping our minds from getting to a deeper, more complete feeling of
boredom.

Researchers say that complete boredom can help us be more innovative (創新).

We sometimes get bored when we're waiting for something.

But this boredom is only superficial (淺層).

We stop being bored like this if we turn to our cell phone.

This means we never get into deep boredom.

Researchers studied the lives of people who were in lockdown during the
pandemic.

Some of those who experienced deep boredom had feelings of restlessness
(煩躁) and emptiness (空虛).

But many others discovered things they loved to do, like carpentry, baking,
and so on.

The researchers came to the conclusion that not being deeply bored might be
stopping us from finding more meaningful things.

Next time you feel bored, don't be so quick to pick up your phone.

下次無聊的時候，先不要馬上把手機拿出來。

Who knows? Maybe you can discover a new passion, or come up with a great idea.
________________________________

So, in today's News Bites:

There is a major labor shortage for hotels.

This means there aren't enough workers to do all the work.

Industry analysts believe COVID-19 has changed the job market in big way.
________________________________

Italy will begin testing all arrivals from China for COVID-19.

And they hope that other European countries will do the same.

But not all EU countries are responding to Italy's request.
________________________________

And,

Researchers say that complete boredom can help us be more innovative.

Not being deeply bored might be stopping us from finding more meaningful
things.

Next time you feel bored, don't be so quick to pick up your phone.
________________________________

And that's all for today's episode of News Bites!
________________________________

主播每周一問
Have Your Say

This week, we want you to have your say about your expectations for 2023.

People often set new goals during the New Year holiday. This year, I am
looking forward to making new friends!

And you? What are you looking forward to this year?

Record your message and send it to newsbites@icrt.com.tw with your name and
age, and if you'd like, the name of your school.

Make sure to send us your recording by Thursday at noon, and you might hear
your message on our show on Friday!
 

________________________________

Hello everyone! It's time for another episode of News Bites!

I'm Paz Bueno…

And I'm Trevor Tortomasi.

In today's news:

Taipei First Girls' High School Marching Band dazzle at Rose Parade, France
sets new rules for fast food restaurants, and playing video games might be
good for your brain!

Stick around and we'll tell you more about these stories, coming up next.
_______________________________

北一女樂儀旗隊 玫瑰花車遊行讓人驚豔
Taipei First Girls High School Marching Band Dazzle at Rose Parade

How far can you walk, carrying a heavy instrument (樂器)?

One kilometer? Maybe three?

The Taipei First Girls High School marching band, honor guard, and color
guard dazzled the audiences at the Rose Parade in California.
北一女樂隊、儀隊和旗隊在加州玫瑰花車遊行中讓觀眾眼花繚亂。

The marching band (遊行樂隊) was one of six international groups taking part
in this year's parade.

The girls walked for nearly two hours in the cold weather.

It was only six degrees Celsius (攝氏六度)!

They marched for nine kilometers while playing music.

Local media praised (稱讚) the 135 students and teachers for their organized
formation.

The event's host addressed (稱呼) Taiwan both by its official name, the
Republic of China (ROC), as well as Taiwan.

This was the third time the Taipei First Girls High School Marching Band,
Honor Guards and Color Guards was invited to perform at the Rose Parade after
performances in 1996 and 2005.

When the parade was over, the students enjoyed burgers at popular fast food
chain (速食連鎖店), In N Out.

After marching for two hours… I'd be super hungry too!
________________________________

法國速食店新規定
France Sets New Rules for Fast Food Restaurants

The New Year brings many new changes.

In France, those changes include new rules about food packaging (包裝).

Starting January 1st, fast food chains in France cannot give dine-in
customers food in throwaway (一次性，用過就丟的) boxes.

That means if you eat at a restaurant like McDonald's, the food would not be
served in disposable (一次性) packaging.

Under the new law, restaurants have to provide reusable (可重複使用的)
plates, cups, and cutlery (刀叉), which will later be washed and used again.

The law was published (發布) in 2020.

The new system is trying to reduce (減少) plastic and other types of waste.

Environmental groups are calling on the government to properly enforce (執行)
the new law.

They hope the government can fine restaurants that don't follow the rule.
________________________________

打電動可能對大腦有益
Playing Video Games Might Be Good For Your Brain

Do you like playing video games (電動遊戲)?

Many adults, especially parents, worry that video games could be bad for us.

But a new study says video games might be good for our brains!

It's called the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (青少年大腦認知發展),
or ABCD Study.

It's one of many studies that looked at the effects (影響) of video games.

They're looking at over 2,000 people between the ages of 10 and 20 in the
United States.

The test group (測試組) reported playing at least three hours a day.

The researchers compare results with a control group (控制組) of kids who
said they never play video games.

All participants in the study answer questions every year.

The researchers also perform an MRT scan on each kid's brain every other year
(每隔一年).

They tested the kids in two ways.

The first task was to press an arrow key that matched the right or left arrow
on a computer screen.
第一項任務是按下跟電腦螢幕上的右箭頭或左箭頭相配的箭頭鍵。

The second task asked the kids to remember the faces in pictures on the
computer screen.
第二個任務要求孩子們記住電腦銀幕上圖片中的面孔。

The result?

The gamer group was better at both tasks!

A researcher says gamer's brains are better at working memory, attention, and
problem-solving.
研究人員說愛打電動的玩家，大腦更擅長記憶、更專注，更能解決問題。

Gamers also have better hand-eye coordination (手眼協調).

Researchers say we need to study the effects of gaming more before deciding
that video games are good for children.

The ABCD study is still ongoing.

But for now… video games might be better for us.
________________________________

So, in today's News Bites:

The Taipei First Girls High School marching band was one of six international
groups taking part in this year's Rose Parade in California.

The girls walked for nearly two hours in the cold weather.

When the parade was over, the students enjoyed burgers at popular fast food
chain, In N Out.
________________________________

Starting January 1st, fast food chains in France cannot give dine-in
customers food in throwaway boxes.

Under the new law, restaurants have to provide reusable plates, cups, and
cutlery, which will later be washed and used again.

The new system is trying to reduce plastic and other types of waste.
________________________________

And,

A new study says video games might be good for our brains!

A researcher says gamer's brains are better at working memory, attention, and
problem-solving.

Gamers also have better hand-eye coordination.

Researchers say we need to study the effect of gaming more before deciding
that video games are good for children.
________________________________

And that's all for today's episode of News Bites!
________________________________

主播每周一問
Have Your Say

This week, we asked you to tell us what your New Year's Resolution is...

While these answers might not be looking into the future,

11-year-old Ray from FengGang Elementary School in Hsinchu County tells us
what his plans were for New Year's Eve.

***

And that's all for this week's "Have Your Say"!

Remember, if your answer was used in the show this month, we'll be sending
you a gift in the mail.

Make sure to tune in again tomorrow for an all-new question!
 

________________________________

Hi there, it's time for another episode of News Bites!

I'm Nancy Sun…

And I'm Paz Bueno!

In today's news:

Helping Formosan black bears, saving the planet with hair, and plum blossoms
for Lunar New Year.

All that and more, coming up next!
________________________________

發現臺灣黑熊 通報有獎勵金
Cash Prize for Sighting Formosan Black Bear

The Formosan black bear is an important part of Taiwan.

They are black all over, except for a white "V" marking on their chest.

They are the biggest land animal native to the island.

And they are Taiwan's only native bear species.

台灣黑熊是台灣特有種的黑熊，也是台灣陸地上最大型的食肉動物。

But they are endangered.

They face danger from illegal traps, hunters, and loss of habitat.

Now the Forestry Bureau is awarding (獎勵) people who help protect Formosan
black bears.

It gave a man in Hualien $8,000 NT.

Manama is a member of the Bunun indigenous people.

He got the reward for seeing a Formosan black bear and reporting it to
officials without hurting the bear.

And he let the bureau set up cameras on his property to see what the bear was
doing.

Manama says his son told him last month that one of their chickens was eaten
by a wild animal.

Manama told forest officials.

The officials also found black bear fur and feces (糞便) close by.

They all took steps to encourage the bear not to come back to the village.

This is done to keep both the villagers and the bear safe.

Manama says it was the first time he had seen a Formosan black bear in the 50
years he's lived in the village.

He says he did not hurt the bear because the Bunun people deeply respect the
animal.
________________________________

回收頭髮助「吸油」
Recycled Hair Helps Protect the Environment

Hair is an important part of our body.

It helps us stay warm.

And it protects important parts of our body too.

But did you know it can also protect the environment?

A Belgium company is turning human hair into mats (墊子).

It collects hair from hairdressers (美髮師).

All the hair is put into a machine.

The machine weaves (編織) the hair into a mat.

These hair mats can soak up a lot of oil from water.

剪下來的頭髮可以回收製成吸取油汙的墊子。

The company says 1 kilogram of hair can absorb (吸收) around 8 liters of oil.

That's about 32 cups!

The mats can be used to clean up oil spills (石油洩漏).

Or they can be used to clean drain water (廢水) before the water is put back
into rivers and oceans.

The company says one strand of hair can hold up to 10 million times its own
weight.

Hair is also elastic (有彈性的).

And it absorbs fats and chemicals, like oil and pesticides (殺蟲劑).

The company says hair mats help the environment in many ways.

It cleans up pollution...

The hair that would have become garbage, is turned into something useful...

And it's easy to get more hair, because we keep growing more!
________________________________

春節有機會賞梅
Plum Blossoms to Bloom for Lunar New Year

What are you doing over the Lunar New Year holiday?

This year's Lunar New Year holiday will be 10 days long.

If you'd like to get out and enjoy nature, you might consider going to see
plum blossoms (梅花).

Farmers in Taitung say this year is the first time in 40 years that you may
be able to see plum blossoms over the Lunar New Year.

They say usually plum blossoms bloom a month before the Lunar New Year.

專家說梅花通常都是在農曆春節前1個月左右開花。

But this year the Lunar New Year comes a bit earlier, and plum blossom trees
are blooming a bit later than usual.

They say there are now flower buds (花苞) on plum blossom trees.

The farmers think the plum blossoms will probably start blooming this week.

And the blossoms will be in full bloom next week.
________________________________

So, in today's News Bites:

The Forestry Bureau is awarding people who help protect Formosan black bears.

Manama, a member of the Bunun indigenous people, got the reward for seeing a
Formosan black bear and reporting it to officials without hurting the bear.

He says the Bunun people deeply respect the animal.
________________________________

A Belgium company is turning human hair into mats.

These hair mats can soak up a lot of oil from water.

The mats can be used to clean up oil spills, or clean drain water before the
water is put back into rivers and oceans.
________________________________

And.....

Farmers in Taitung say this year is the first time in 40 years that you may
be able to see plum blossoms over the Lunar New Year.

The farmers think the plum blossoms will probably start blooming this week.

And the blossoms will be in full bloom next week.
________________________________

And that's all for today's episode of News Bites!
________________________________

主播每周一問
Have Your Say

This week, we want you to have your say about trying something again.

Sometimes, we want to do something great… but maybe we can't do it right.
And later, we wish we could "re-do" it, or do it again, to see if we could
have done it better.

So, if you could redo anything in your life, what would you change?

Record your message and send it to newsbites@icrt.com.tw with your name and
age, and if you'd like, the name of your school.

Make sure to send us your recording by Thursday at noon, and you might hear
your message on our show on Friday!