常春藤生活英语【44】The Full Moon Effect月圆效应

Many people believe the full moon affects how we feel and act. They say people do crazy things, get into more accidents, and even can't sleep. These ideas come from folklore and are found in many cultures. More crimes, deaths, and births are also sup

常春藤生活英语【46】A Bad Way to Start the Day　忙中

Paul wakes up and finds that he is already late for class. He overslept because he had hung out with some friends until very late last night. Paul quickly has some breakfast and gets dressed. One of his reports is due before noon, so he has to rush t

常春藤生活英语【47】国家宝藏：古籍秘辛

Benjamin Gates and his group of history-loving troublemakers enjoy a good mystery. Audiences were first introduced to Gates, who is played by Nicolas Cage, in the hit action movie National Treasure. Now, its sequel, National Treasure: Book of Secrets

常春藤生活英语【49】Murphy's Law　莫非定律

Candy signed up for a cooking class because she wanted to improve her cooking skills. After she browsed through the list, she chose a baking class. Candy had often thought that becoming a pastry chef would be fun. However, she had always been too hes

常春藤生活英语【35】Tom the Transfer Student转学生

Tom's father got transferred and his family had to move to a new city. Tom was not happy at all. He was worried and scared because the next day would be his first day at his new school. He did not know any of the kids or teachers and wondered if anyo

常春藤生活英语【38】My First Speech Contest演讲初体

I still clearly remember what happened during my first speech contest. I was very nervous about talking in front of a large crowd. When it was my turn, I tried to stay calm and walked onto the stage with a big smile. Somehow, I tripped and fell. At t

常春藤生活英语【39】The Power of Flags　旗正飘飘

Flags are now seen every day, but they were once only used in battles. No one knows for sure where flags came from. However, it seems that China and the Roman Empire were the first ones to use them to identify their armies. The earliest flags were ac

常春藤生活英语【48】Survey Says　问卷调查

Dialogue A Today is the first day of Howard's new job. He is in charge of collecting surveys in front of a department store. Howard:Hello. Do you have a minute to spare? Woman 1:I'm sorry. No. Howard:OK. Excuse me, could I interest you in filling out

常春藤生活英语【55】The Pirate Code海盗密码

For years, Barry Clifford has been trying to solve a 300-year-old riddle. It isn't an ordinary riddle, though. It is a clue to the location of the pirate Black Sam Bellamy's treasure. Piracy came alive in the 1720s and incredibly, 2,000 to 3,000 pira

常春藤生活英语【56】Groundhog Day　

In the 1700s, a lot of German immigrants moved to the US. According to German folklore, certain animals have special powers on certain days. The groundhog is one of those animals. Its special day was previously on Candlemas, a holiday that was celebr

常春藤生活英语【36】Destination: India　前进印度

Dialogue A (Michael is talking to the school principal, Miss Dakar.) Michael: Thanks for letting me do this, Miss Dakar. Miss Dakar: No problem, Michael. It's very nice of you to volunteer to teach our kids. Michael: I've been traveling around India

常春藤生活英语【45】Preparing for Thanksgiving　迎接

Homemade Thanksgiving decorations are easy and fun to make. All you need is some colored paper, crayons, and your imagination. You should keep a few things in mind when you select materials for your decorations. Since Thanksgiving is an autumn holida

常春藤生活英语【52】Hot Springs　宝岛温泉乡

Taiwan is located on the Pacific Rim of Fire. This means there are many underwater volcanoes nearby, and the area suffers from many earthquakes and other disasters. Yet, there is one good thing about living on the Pacific Rim of Fire: there are plent

常春藤生活英语【53】Destination: Florida　前进佛罗

Destination: Florida 前进佛罗里达 Dialogue A Dale and Becky are heading to the beach. Becky:It sure is a beautiful day today, Dale. Dale:You're right. It's perfect weather for riding a Jet Ski. Becky:Yes! That sounds fantastic. Can we get one w

常春藤生活英语【42】The Quiet Contest　无声游戏

Dialogue A Helen is in the car with her two sons in the back. Helen: If you kids don't keep it down, I'm going to go crazy. Gary: Relax, Mom. We are only singing the songs you are crazy about. Helen: I know, but I really need some silence right now.

常春藤生活英语【37】History's Secret　历史奇案

Sixty years ago, a shiny metal object fell from the sky in New Mexico and changed the city of Roswell forever. This once peaceful area is now a must-see tourist destination for all UFO lovers. This month, National Geographic Channel looks at Roswell

常春藤生活英语【69】Taiwan to the World 2　

On National Geographic Channel's Taiwan to the World 2, we take a look at some of the exciting things that are going on right here on our island. First, step inside the secret world of the great kung fu1 masters of Taiwan. Then, find out how Taiwanes

常春藤生活英语【70】Donating Blood

One day when I was walking through a park, a woman came up to me and asked if I was willing to donate1 blood. I turned her down because the thought of it made me uncomfortable. However, she still tried to persuade me to sign up. So, on second thought

常春藤生活英语【71】印第安纳琼斯：水晶骷髅王

Get ready for some heart-pounding1 and adventurous fun. After Indiana Jones kept audiences waiting for almost 20 years, he will finally return to the big screen. In Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal2 Skull3, Harrison Ford again takes on th

常春藤生活英语【98】台湾民间禁忌

Seeing Taiwan for the first time can be a great experience for travelers. But it can sometimes also cause trouble for visitors who are only used to the customs and manners of their home country. Taiwan has some taboos1, which are things that should n