A: OK, now this is more like the kind of thing I was envisioning when you said wonderful architecture.
B: This is a nice example of a restored historical structure. I think the restorers have done an excellent job of returning the building back to its original appearance.
A: I’m guessing this is a family shrine. Is the brickwork all original?
Photo: Paul Cooper, Taipei Times 照片:台北時報古德謙
B: I can’t be sure, but I would imagine this part of the wall is all new. Can you see the different sizes and layout of the bricks here?
A: OK,現在這裡就比較像是你當初跟我說的很棒的建築了。
B: 這是歷史建築修復很好的例子。我認為修復師做得很棒,把建築恢復成它原來的樣子。
A: 我猜這是一座宗祠。這些砌磚都是原來的嗎?
B: 我不確定。不過我猜牆的這個部份是全新的。你看到這裡的磚頭,它的大小和排列方式不一樣嗎?
(Paul Cooper, Taipei Times/台北時報林俐凱譯)
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In 2024, the number of pet cats in Taiwan surpassed 1.31 million, a 50 percent jump from 2022. This sharp rise shows a growing interest in cat ownership. But with more cats comes a type of household waste many people overlook: used cat litter. Unlike food scraps or packaging, it’s harder to manage and often ends up in landfills. While many cat owners choose traditional mineral-based litter for its affordability, this popular option comes with hidden environmental costs. Most mineral litter is made from non-renewable resources and involves environmentally destructive mining processes. Plus, because it can’t be incinerated or easily broken
A: Popular humorous Japanese manga series “Chibi Maruko-chan” and “Crayon Shin-chan” will collaborate for their respective 40th and 35th anniversaries, publishing three crossover stories in April. B: Both were made into TV animation series, becoming huge hits in Asia. What are the crossover stories about? A: The first story features Shin-chan and his family visiting Maruko-chan’s hometown, Shizuoka City, where they run into each other. B: Wow, that sounds interesting. And then? A: The follow-ups feature Maruko-chan and her family visiting Shin-chan’s hometown, Kasukabe City. I bet the interactions between the two families will be funny. A: 熱門日本漫畫《櫻桃小丸子》、《蠟筆小新》4月將合作,為紀念小丸子40週年與小新35週年,推出三篇跨界聯動漫畫! B:
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