2025 年 5 月 14 日｜HOT 基礎英文新聞｜EP125
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第一則：美中關稅大幅調降 美國降至30% 中國降至10%
美中經貿高層於5月10日至11日在瑞士舉行談判，並透露建立了經貿磋商機制，為雙邊關係的持續對話奠定基礎。中美隨後於5月13日發布聯合聲明，宣布雙方達成重要協議：美國將對中國商品的關稅從累計145%降至30%，其中包括撤除4月初加徵的關稅，但針對鴉片藥物芬太尼的20%關稅仍維持不變；中國則將對美國商品的關稅從125%降至10%，這些決定將在5月14日前落實。
根據聲明，雙方同意暫停大部分關稅措施90天，並維持較低稅率。美國財長貝森特表示，會談成效極佳，談判過程十分正面。這一協議被視為美中貿易關係的一大突破，並將促進未來的經濟合作。
Big US-China Tariff Cut: US to 30%, China to 10%
U.S. and China trade officials met in Switzerland from May 10 to 11. They revealed that they set up a trade consultation system as a foundation for the ongoing talks between the two countries. On May 13, they announced a joint statement of a major agreement: the U.S. will reduce tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, including removing tariffs added in early April, but will keep a 20% tariff on opioids fentanyl. China will cut tariffs on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%. These changes will happen by May 14.
Both sides agreed to pause most tariffs for 90 days and keep lower rates. U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said the talks were very successful and positive. This deal is seen as a big step forward in U.S.-China trade relations and will help future economic cooperation.
第二則：新增國定假日可能被一刀砍?
立法院於5月9日三讀通過《紀念日及節日實施條例》修正案，新增4個國定假日，並將5月1日勞動節納為全國適用的假日，總計增加5天假期。
當外界問到行政院是否會行使覆議權，民進黨立院黨團總召柯建銘表示此案屬於政策選擇的範疇，沒有違憲爭議，初步評估行政院暫時不會急於提出覆議。但隨著2026年政治環境的變化，這些國定假日可能會被重新檢視或調整。
此言論引發網友熱烈討論，部分人擔心假期可能被削減，另一些人則支持更多假期以促進生活與工作的平衡。這一政策的未來走向成為社會關注的焦點。
The New Public Holidays Might Be Cancelled?
On May 9, the Legislative Yuan passed a law adding four new public holidays, and making Labor Day (May 1st) a nationwide holiday. This adds up to five more days off.
When asked if the Executive Yuan would exercise its veto, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Ker Chien-ming said it’s a policy choice and not against the constitution, so they won’t rush to change it. However, with changes in the political environment expected in 2026, these holidays might be reviewed or adjusted.
This has led to a lot of online discussion. Some people worry the holidays might be cut, while others support more days off for better work-life balance. The future of this policy is something many are watching closely.
第三則：黃仁勳將抵台 與高雄政府推動智慧城市
輝達執行長黃仁勳即將訪台參加台北國際電腦展。除此之外，高雄市長陳其邁於5月13日透露，高雄與輝達正積極推動智慧城市合作，特別是「高雄燈塔計畫」，利用生成式主權AI進行各種不同的智慧城市應用服務，是全球規模最大的智慧城市應用計畫之一。
陳其邁市長表示，5月將舉辦多場技術交流會議和論壇，輝達包括智慧城市部門在內的多位高層將來台參與。這些活動旨在深化雙方在生成式主權AI等領域的合作，並促進高雄在智慧城市技術上的發展。
Jensen Huang to Visit Taiwan, Work with Kaohsiung on Smart City Project
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is about to visit Taiwan to attend the COMPUTEX Taipei. Additionally, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai revealed on May 13 that Kaohsiung and NVIDIA are working together on smart city projects, especially the “Kaohsiung Lighthouse Project.” This project uses generative sovereign AI for various smart city services and is one of the largest in the world.
Mayor Chen mentioned that in May, there will be several technical meetings and forums. High-level executives from NVIDIA, including those from the smart city department, will attend. These events aim to strengthen their cooperation in AI and help Kaohsiung grow in smart city technology.
第四則：了解主管壓力 提升向上管理效能
專家指出，若想提升工作效率並改善團隊合作，了解主管正在承受的壓力是向上管理的關鍵。知名管理大師約翰·科特在著作中提到，主管的壓力來源可能包括業績壓力、達成目標的挑戰，還有風險與資源的管理。員工可透過主動提出新提案來了解這些壓力，因為主管拒絕提案的理由往往反映其目前的壓力所在。
此外，專家提醒，許多主管因害怕冒險而傾向拒絕新提案，但若部屬能設身處地理解主管的處境，並提出具體建議，不僅能減輕主管壓力，也能促進團隊的共同成長。理解壓力來源並主動應對，是打造高效團隊與改善向上管理的關鍵。
Understanding Manager Stress to Improve Upward Management
Experts emphasized that understanding the stress managers face is crucial for better work efficiency and teamwork. John P. Kotter, a well-known management expert, noted that managers feel stress from performance goals, achieving targets, and managing risks and resources. Employees can learn about these stresses by suggesting new ideas, as the reasons for rejecting proposals often show what pressures managers are under.
Experts also point out that many managers tend to reject new ideas to avoid risks. However, if employees understand their manager’s situation and offer practical solutions, it can help reduce managers’ stress and support team growth. Knowing the sources of stress and actively addressing them is crucial for building effective teams and improving upward management.
第五則：3秒法則不靠譜！小心病從口入
「3秒法則」曾讓許多人相信食物掉地上只要在三秒內撿起來就能吃。然而，芝加哥微生物學家艾歇爾的實驗打破了這個迷思。他的研究發現，無論食物接觸地面的時間多短，都會立即有細菌孳生，即使是短短的三秒接觸也無法避免污染。
衛福部提醒，一旦食物掉到地上就會滋生細菌，若是誤食像沙門氏桿菌這類的病菌，還可能引發食物中毒，導致腹痛、腹瀉等症狀。因此，掉地上的食物最好能徹底清洗或烹調後再食用，以確保健康安全。下次不妨花點時間清理，讓飲食更安心。
The 3-Second Rule Doesn't Work! Watch Out for Germs
The “3-second rule” has made many people think that food dropped on the floor is safe to eat if picked up within three seconds. However, Chicago microbiologist Nicholas Aicher’s experiments have proven this wrong. His research shows that no matter how briefly food touches the ground, it immediately picks up bacteria. Even contact for less than three seconds can’t avoid contamination.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare warns that once food is dropped on the floor, it can breed bacteria, and eating germs like Salmonella may cause food poisoning, leading to stomach pain and diarrhea. So, it’s best to wash or cook food that falls before eating it. Next time, take a moment to clean it well for a safer meal.
Let’s wrap up today’s episode. We’ve learned about some important events happening around the world.
The US and China agreed to significantly reduce tariffs, with the US cutting tariffs on Chinese goods to 30% and China lowering tariffs on US goods to 10%, marking a step towards easing trade tensions.
Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan added new public holidays, but future political changes could lead to adjustments, sparking public debate about the potential impact on work-life balance.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is visiting Taiwan, with plans to promote smart city projects in Kaohsiung, focusing on using AI technologies for urban development.
Experts highlight the importance of understanding managers’ stress to enhance teamwork and upward management, suggesting that employees offer practical solutions to support managers.
Research debunks the “3-second rule,” showing that food dropped on the floor immediately picks up bacteria, emphasizing the need for proper cleaning before eating to avoid food poisoning.
In the next episode, we will together explore the recent hot news with you in the morning. Don’t forget to come back. Have a nice day and hear me next time. Bye!
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