關於 war of words song ，我們在網路上蒐集到這些相關的討論、資訊與評價

The two companies are locked in a war of words.

【#拜登就職演說全文】★中英版本★
資料來源：美國白宮新聞稿
This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day.

A day of history and hope. Of renewal and resolve.

Through a crucible for the ages America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge.

Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy.

The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded.

We have learned again that democracy is precious.

Democracy is fragile.

And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.

So now, on this hallowed ground where just days ago violence sought to shake this Capitol’s very foundation, we come together as one nation, under God, indivisible, to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries.

We look ahead in our uniquely American way – restless, bold, optimistic – and set our sights on the nation we know we can be and we must be.

I thank my predecessors of both parties for their presence here.

I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

You know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength of our nation.

As does President Carter, who I spoke to last night but who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime of service.

I have just taken the sacred oath each of these patriots took — an oath first sworn by George Washington.

But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us.

On “We the People” who seek a more perfect Union.

This is a great nation and we are a good people.

Over the centuries through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we have come so far. But we still have far to go.

We will press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and possibility.

Much to repair.

Much to restore.

Much to heal.

Much to build.

And much to gain.

Few periods in our nation’s history have been more challenging or difficult than the one we’re in now.

A once-in-a-century virus silently stalks the country.

It’s taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War II.

Millions of jobs have been lost.

Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed.

A cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer.

A cry for survival comes from the planet itself. A cry that can’t be any more desperate or any more clear.

And now, a rise in political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism that we must confront and we will defeat.

To overcome these challenges – to restore the soul and to secure the future of America – requires more than words.

It requires that most elusive of things in a democracy:

Unity.

Unity.

In another January in Washington, on New Year’s Day 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

When he put pen to paper, the President said, “If my name ever goes down into history it will be for this act and my whole soul is in it.”

My whole soul is in it.

Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this:

Bringing America together.

Uniting our people.

And uniting our nation.

I ask every American to join me in this cause.

Uniting to fight the common foes we face:

Anger, resentment, hatred.

Extremism, lawlessness, violence.

Disease, joblessness, hopelessness.

With unity we can do great things. Important things.

We can right wrongs.

We can put people to work in good jobs.

We can teach our children in safe schools.

We can overcome this deadly virus.

We can reward work, rebuild the middle class, and make health care
secure for all.

We can deliver racial justice.

We can make America, once again, the leading force for good in the world.

I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy.

I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real.

But I also know they are not new.

Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we are all created equal and the harsh, ugly reality that racism, nativism, fear, and demonization have long torn us apart.

The battle is perennial.

Victory is never assured.

Through the Civil War, the Great Depression, World War, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifice, and setbacks, our “better angels” have always prevailed.

In each of these moments, enough of us came together to carry all of us forward.

And, we can do so now.

History, faith, and reason show the way, the way of unity.

We can see each other not as adversaries but as neighbors.

We can treat each other with dignity and respect.

We can join forces, stop the shouting, and lower the temperature.

For without unity, there is no peace, only bitterness and fury.

No progress, only exhausting outrage.

No nation, only a state of chaos.

This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward.

And, we must meet this moment as the United States of America.

If we do that, I guarantee you, we will not fail.

We have never, ever, ever failed in America when we have acted together.

And so today, at this time and in this place, let us start afresh.

All of us.

Let us listen to one another.

Hear one another.
See one another.

Show respect to one another.

Politics need not be a raging fire destroying everything in its path.

Every disagreement doesn’t have to be a cause for total war.

And, we must reject a culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured.

My fellow Americans, we have to be different than this.

America has to be better than this.

And, I believe America is better than this.

Just look around.

Here we stand, in the shadow of a Capitol dome that was completed amid the Civil War, when the Union itself hung in the balance.

Yet we endured and we prevailed.

Here we stand looking out to the great Mall where Dr. King spoke of his dream.

Here we stand, where 108 years ago at another inaugural, thousands of protestors tried to block brave women from marching for the right to vote.

Today, we mark the swearing-in of the first woman in American history elected to national office – Vice President Kamala Harris.

Don’t tell me things can’t change.

Here we stand across the Potomac from Arlington National Cemetery, where heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion rest in eternal peace.

And here we stand, just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, and to drive us from this sacred ground.

That did not happen.

It will never happen.

Not today.

Not tomorrow.

Not ever.

To all those who supported our campaign I am humbled by the faith you have placed in us.

To all those who did not support us, let me say this: Hear me out as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart.

And if you still disagree, so be it.

That’s democracy. That’s America. The right to dissent peaceably, within the guardrails of our Republic, is perhaps our nation’s greatest strength.

Yet hear me clearly: Disagreement must not lead to disunion.

And I pledge this to you: I will be a President for all Americans.

I will fight as hard for those who did not support me as for those who did.

Many centuries ago, Saint Augustine, a saint of my church, wrote that a people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love.

What are the common objects we love that define us as Americans?

I think I know.

Opportunity.

Security.

Liberty.

Dignity.

Respect.

Honor.

And, yes, the truth.

Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson.

There is truth and there are lies.

Lies told for power and for profit.

And each of us has a duty and responsibility, as citizens, as Americans, and especially as leaders – leaders who have pledged to honor our Constitution and protect our nation — to defend the truth and to defeat the lies.

I understand that many Americans view the future with some fear and trepidation.

I understand they worry about their jobs, about taking care of their families, about what comes next.

I get it.

But the answer is not to turn inward, to retreat into competing factions, distrusting those who don’t look like you do, or worship the way you do, or don’t get their news from the same sources you do.

We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal.

We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts.

If we show a little tolerance and humility.

If we’re willing to stand in the other person’s shoes just for a moment.
Because here is the thing about life: There is no accounting for what fate will deal you.

There are some days when we need a hand.

There are other days when we’re called on to lend one.

That is how we must be with one another.

And, if we are this way, our country will be stronger, more prosperous, more ready for the future.

My fellow Americans, in the work ahead of us, we will need each other.

We will need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter.

We are entering what may well be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus.

We must set aside the politics and finally face this pandemic as one nation.

I promise you this: as the Bible says weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.

We will get through this, together

The world is watching today.

So here is my message to those beyond our borders: America has been tested and we have come out stronger for it.

We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again.

Not to meet yesterday’s challenges, but today’s and tomorrow’s.

We will lead not merely by the example of our power but by the power of our example.

We will be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress, and security.

We have been through so much in this nation.

And, in my first act as President, I would like to ask you to join me in a moment of silent prayer to remember all those we lost this past year to the pandemic.

To those 400,000 fellow Americans – mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

We will honor them by becoming the people and nation we know we can and should be.

Let us say a silent prayer for those who lost their lives, for those they left behind, and for our country.

Amen.

This is a time of testing.

We face an attack on democracy and on truth.

A raging virus.

Growing inequity.

The sting of systemic racism.

A climate in crisis.

America’s role in the world.

Any one of these would be enough to challenge us in profound ways.

But the fact is we face them all at once, presenting this nation with the gravest of responsibilities.

Now we must step up.

All of us.

It is a time for boldness, for there is so much to do.

And, this is certain.

We will be judged, you and I, for how we resolve the cascading crises of our era.

Will we rise to the occasion?

Will we master this rare and difficult hour?

Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world for our children?

I believe we must and I believe we will.

And when we do, we will write the next chapter in the American story.

It’s a story that might sound something like a song that means a lot to me.

It’s called “American Anthem” and there is one verse stands out for me:

“The work and prayers
of centuries have brought us to this day
What shall be our legacy?
What will our children say?…
Let me know in my heart
When my days are through
America
America
I gave my best to you.”

Let us add our own work and prayers to the unfolding story of our nation.

If we do this then when our days are through our children and our children’s children will say of us they gave their best.

They did their duty.

They healed a broken land.
My fellow Americans, I close today where I began, with a sacred oath.

Before God and all of you I give you my word.

I will always level with you.

I will defend the Constitution.

I will defend our democracy.

I will defend America.

I will give my all in your service thinking not of power, but of possibilities.

Not of personal interest, but of the public good.

And together, we shall write an American story of hope, not fear.

Of unity, not division.

Of light, not darkness.

An American story of decency and dignity.

Of love and of healing.

Of greatness and of goodness.

May this be the story that guides us.

The story that inspires us.

The story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history.

We met the moment.

That democracy and hope, truth and justice, did not die on our watch but thrived.

That our America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world.

That is what we owe our forebearers, one another, and generations to follow.

So, with purpose and resolve we turn to the tasks of our time.

Sustained by faith.

Driven by conviction.

And, devoted to one another and to this country we love with all our hearts.

May God bless America and may God protect our troops.

Thank you, America.
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★ 中文翻譯：資料來源中央社CNA

這是美國的一天，這是民主的一天，是歷史和希望的一天，是更新與決心的一天。美國幾個世代經過熔爐的考驗之後，如今再次遭到試煉，而且已再次奮起應付挑戰。今天，我們慶祝的不是一位候選人的勝利，而是一個奮鬥目標的勝利，是為民主的奮鬥。人民的意志被聽見了，人民的意志得到了關注。

我們再次學到，民主是珍貴的，民主是脆弱的，而在此刻，朋友們，民主已然勝利。短短幾天之前，還有暴力試圖撼動國會的根基，但今天我們齊聚這個莊嚴的所在，以一個在上帝之下不可分裂的國家，展開權力的和平轉移，一如我國200多年的傳統。

我們要用美國特有的方式，也就是不停歇、勇敢、樂觀的方式展望未來。放眼我們可以成為、也必須成為的國家。我謝謝今天蒞臨的兩黨前任總統，我衷心感謝，你們知道我國憲法的韌性，以及我們國家的力量。卡特總統（Jimmy Carter）也是，我昨晚與他通了電話，但他不克前來。我們為他畢生的奉獻向他致敬。

我剛才跟這幾位愛國者一樣鄭重宣誓，一篇最初由華盛頓宣讀的誓詞。然而，美國故事靠的不是我們任何一個人，或一部分人，而是我們全體。它靠的是「我們人民」，在尋求一個更好的合眾國的人民。這是個偉大的國家，我們是一群良善的人。

經歷過去幾個世紀的風雨和衝突、和平與戰爭，我們走過很長一段路，但前方還有很長一段路要走。我們將快速緊急前行，因為在這個危險與機會的冬天，我們有很多事要做。有很多需要修補、需要恢復、需要癒合。有許多需要建設，也可以有很多收穫。

在我國歷史上，很少人或很少時刻面臨著比我們目前更大的挑戰或困難。百年一見、無聲無息蔓延整個國家的病毒，在一年之內奪走的人命，跟美國在第二次世界大戰犧牲的總人數一樣多。數百萬工作機會流失，成千上萬企業關門。

400年來的種族正義的呼聲感動著我們，全民同享公義的夢想將不再拖後。地球生存的呼聲再急迫不過，也再清楚不過。如今政治極端主義、白人至上主義和本土恐怖主義的興起，讓我們有必要起來面對並將它們擊倒。

克服這些挑戰、恢復美國靈魂和鞏固未來需要的不只是話語，而是民主當中最難以捉摸的部分，那就是團結一心，團結一心。

另一個一月天，在1863年開年之時，林肯總統簽署解放奴隸宣言。讓我引述他在下筆時所說的話：「如果我留名青史，將會是因為這份宣言，以及我投注其中的全心全意。」

今天，同樣在一月裡，我全心全意投注於此：團結全體國人，團結整個國家。我請求所有美國人加入，和我一起努力，團結對抗我們共同的敵人：怨氣、不滿、仇恨、極端主義、目無法紀的行為、暴力、疾病、失業和無助。

團結一心，我們能夠成就偉大事業、重要的事情。我們可以糾正錯誤，可以讓民眾找到好的工作，可以在安全的校園教導孩子，可以克服這個致命的病毒。我們可以讓工作獲得報酬，重建中產階級，可以提供全民健保，可以兌現種族正義，讓美國再次成為世界主要的良善力量。

我明白，這個時候談論團結聽起來像愚昧的天方夜譚，我知道分裂我們的力量又深又真切，但我也知道這些力量不是現在才出現。美國向來在人人平等這個理想，和國家長期被種族主義、本土主義、恐懼和妖魔化分化的醜陋現實之間掙扎。這個征戰從未止息，勝利並無保證。

從南北戰爭、大蕭條、世界大戰到911恐攻，儘管歷經奮鬥、犧牲和挫折，良善的天使向來都會勝利。每當遇到這種時刻，我們都會有足夠的人團結一心，讓全國一起向前，我們現在也可以這麼做。

歷史、信仰和理性指向一條明路，一條團結之路。我們可以不把彼此當成敵人，而是鄰居。我們可以尊嚴和尊重彼此相待，可以同心協力，停止叫囂，讓溫度冷卻。因為沒有團結就沒有和平，只會留下苦毒與憤怒；不會有進步，只會有讓人厭倦的離譜言行；不會有國家，只會有混亂狀態。

這是我們危機和挑戰的歷史性一刻，而團結是前進的道路，我們必須以合眾國的姿態來面對這一刻，若能做到，我向諸位保證我們不會失敗。當我們團結起來，我們從來就不曾失敗，因此在這一天，在此時此刻，就在這裡，讓我們重新來過，全體一起來。讓我們開始再次彼此聆聽，讓對方說，相互探望，對彼表達尊重。

政治不必像這一團熊熊之火，燒毀一切，歧見不必成為全面戰爭的理由。我們必須摒棄操弄甚至捏造事實的文化，同胞們，我們不能這樣，美國必須不只是這個樣子，而且我相信美國不至淪落至此。

看看四周，我們站在國會大廈圓頂之下，這是南北戰爭時期完成的，當時美國的前途還在未定之天，但我們挺過來了，我們勝利了。我們現在站在此，看著偉大的國家廣場，金恩博士（Martin Luther King Jr.）曾對廣場上的群眾訴說他的夢想。也是在這裡，108年前的另一場就職典禮，數以千計的抗議人士試圖阻撓一群勇敢的婦女遊行爭取投票權。

今天我們見證副總統賀錦麗創造美國歷史，成為第一位擔任國家領導人的女性，別告訴我事情無法改變。

我們站在這裡，隔著波多馬克河（Potomac River）遠眺阿靈頓國家公墓（Arlington National Cemetery），也就是為國捐軀的英雄長眠之地。我們站在這裡，不過幾天前，暴動的群眾以為他們可用暴力箝制民眾的意志，阻撓民主運作，把我們驅逐出這塊聖地。但事情未如他們所願，今天不會，明天也不會，永遠都不會。

每位支持我們參選的民眾，我因你們給予我們的信心感到謙卑。對於沒有支持我們的人，讓我對你們說：未來請聽我說的話，評量我和我的心。如果你們還是不同意，也罷。這就是民主。這就是美國。以平和的方式在我們國家的規範之內表達異議的權利，可能是我國最大的優勢。

但請聽清楚：不同意見絕對不能變成不團結。而且我向各位保證，我要當全體國人的總統。不論你支持我或不支持我，我都將同樣為你們而努力。

好幾個世紀之前，我所屬教會的聖者聖奧古斯丁（Saint Augustine）曾經寫道，人民是個群體，由他們共同喜愛的東西所定義。身為美國人，我們共同喜愛而且能定義我們的東西是什麼？我想我們都知道：機會、安定、自由、尊嚴、尊重、榮譽，是的，還有真相。

最近的幾個星期、幾個月給了我們痛苦的教訓：有真相，也有謊言，為了權力和利益而說的謊言。我們每個人做為公民，做為美國人，特別是身為領導者的人，曾經承諾要遵守憲法、保護我們的國家的領導者，有職責、有責任要捍衛真相、打敗謊言。

我瞭解有許多同胞以害怕、惶恐的心情看待未來。我瞭解他們擔心工作問題。我瞭解他們像我父親那樣，夜裡躺在床上盯著天花板，想著得要有醫療保險、有貸款要付、想著他們的家庭，想著接下來會如何。我跟各位保證，我瞭解。但答案不是退縮，不是進入到彼此競爭的派系，不信任看起來跟你不一樣的人，跟你有不同信仰的人，或者新聞來源不同於你的人。

我們必須結束這場「無禮的戰爭」，它讓紅藍對立、鄉村與都市的民眾對立、保守派與自由派對立。我們可以做到，如果我們敞開心胸，而不是讓我們的心變硬，如果我們展現一些包容和謙虛，如果我們願意為別人設想，就像我母親說的：只要一下子就好，為別人設想。

因為人生就是這樣，你無法預知命運。有些時候，你會需要別人伸出援手，還有些時候，人家會請你伸出援手。就是要這樣，這就是我們為彼此做的事。如果我們這麼做，我們的國家就會更強大、更繁榮，更能為未來做好準備，而且我們還是可以有不同意見。

同胞們，我們在推動未來的工作時，會需要彼此。我們要集舉國之力，才能度過這個黑暗的冬天。我們可能在進入疫情最嚴重、最致命的階段。我們必須把政治擺在一邊，要終於能夠舉國對抗這個大流行，用舉國之力。我向各位保證，就如聖經所說：「一宿雖有哭泣，早晨便必歡呼。」我們將可一起度過，一起！

各位，我跟我在參眾兩院的同事們都瞭解，世人正在觀看，他們今天在看著我們，因此這是我要對國外傳達的訊息：美國受到試煉，而我們因此更為茁壯。我們將修補我們與盟國的關係，再次與世界往來，不是為了面對昨天的挑戰，而是今天和明天的挑戰。我們將不是藉著我們力量的典範來領導，而是憑藉我們典範的力量。我們將會是和平、進步與安定堅強而且可信賴的夥伴。

各位都知道，我們國家經歷了許多事情。我做為總統要做的第一件事，是要請你們跟我一起，為過去一年因疫情喪生的人們默禱，紀念那40萬個同胞，母親、父親、丈夫、妻子、兒子、女兒、朋友、鄰居和同事們。我們要成為我們自知可以成為、而且應該成為的人民和國家，以此榮耀他們。因此我請大家，一起為離世和失去親友的人們，還有我們的國家默禱，……阿們。

各位，這是試煉的時刻。我們面對對民主與真相的攻擊、正在肆虐的病毒、嚴重的不公、系統性的種族歧視、陷入危機的氣候，還有美國在全球的角色問題。其中任何一點都足以對我們構成嚴重的挑戰。但事實是，我們在同時面對這一切，這讓美國挑起我們最重大的責任之一。我們將受到試煉，我們能迎接挑戰嗎？這是大膽的時候，因為有好多事情要做。

而我向各位保證，這點是肯定的：你我將被評判，標準是我們如何解決這個時代一一發生的危機。我們將迎接挑戰。我們能否戰勝這個罕見而艱難的時刻？我們能否履行我們的義務，把一個新的、更好的世界傳給我們的下一代？我相信我們必須那麼做，而且我相信你們也這麼認為。我相信我們會，而且當我們做到，我們將寫下美國歷史偉大的新章節。美國的故事。

這個故事可能像一首對我來說深具意義的歌曲，它叫「美國頌」（American Anthem），它有一段歌詞至少對我來說很特別，它是這樣說的：「數百年的努力與祈禱讓我們來到今天，我們有什麼能傳承下去？我們的子孫會怎麼說？當我的日子結束，讓我內心知曉，美國，美國，我已為你付出最大努力。」

讓我們把我們自己的努力和祈禱，加到我們偉大的國家仍在發展的故事之中。如果我們做到，那麼當我們的日子結束，我們的子孫和他們的子孫會說：「他們付出了最大的努力，他們盡了他們的責任，他們修補了破碎的國家。」

同胞們，我的結語要跟開頭一樣，有個神聖的誓言。在上帝和各位面前，我向你們保證。我將始終開誠布公，我將捍衛憲法，我將捍衛我們的民主。我將捍衛美國，全心全力奉獻為你們服務，心中想的不是權力，而是可能性，不是私利，而是公眾的利益。我們將一起寫下美國希望的故事，而非恐懼的故事，是團結而非分歧，是光明而非黑暗。是禮貌與尊嚴、愛與療癒、偉大與善良的故事。

希望這是引導我們的故事、啟發我們的故事，是能告訴未來的世世代代我們回應歷史的召喚並且回應了時代挑戰的故事。民主與希望、真相與公義沒有在我們的時代衰亡，而是生生不息，美國固守了國內的自由，並且再次成為世界的明燈。這是我們對先人、對彼此和對未來世世代代的責任。

因此，我們要有目標、有決心，把注意力轉向這個時代的任務，靠信心來維持，靠信念來驅使，為彼此和我們全心熱愛的國家而奉獻。願上帝保佑美國，保守我們的三軍。謝謝美國！

聖誕冷知識!

Are you ready for some Christmas trivia?

準備好挑戰關於聖誕節的冷知識大考驗了嗎？

Test you friends on these tidbits of Christmas knowledge. How many did you get right?

考考你朋友有關聖誕節的趣聞知識，你答對了幾題?

祝同學聖誕節快樂🎄🎁🎅

★★★★★★★★★★★

1. Out of every 10 people, how many Americans celebrate Christmas?

美國人當中每十人有幾個慶祝聖誕節？

Answer: Nine in 10 Americans celebrate Christmas, according to a 2017 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, and around 55% consider it a religious holiday, while 33% think of it as more of a cultural celebration.

皮尤研究中心於2017年進行的一項調查顯示，十分之九的美國人慶祝聖誕節；大約55％的人將其視為宗教節日，而33％的人則將其視為一種文化慶祝活動。

★★★★★★★★★★★

2. Has Christmas ever been illegal to celebrate?

慶祝聖誕節曾經是非法的嗎？

Yes. The Massachusetts-Bay Colony ordinance of 1659 made Christmas illegal to celebrate in that specific colony. The law was repealed in 1681. Christmas didn’t become a state holiday in Massachusetts until 1856, though.

沒錯。 1659年的馬薩諸塞州灣殖民地法令讓在那個殖民地慶祝聖誕節是非法的，該法律於1681年被廢止。聖誕節直到1856年才成為馬薩諸塞州的國定假日。

★★★★★★★★★★★

3. How did red and green become Christmas colors?

紅和綠是如何成為聖誕節代表色？

We mostly have holly and Coca-Cola to thank for the rise of red and green as Christmas colors. Holly, obviously, has bright red berries and dark green leaves. It was used long ago by the ancient Celts for winter solstice celebrations as a symbol of protection and good luck. Coca-Cola’s role in making the colors a widespread combo for the holiday began in 1931 with ads featuring Santa Claus in a red and white suit surrounded by a green background and accents.

拜冬青樹和可口可樂所賜，紅色和綠色逐漸成為聖誕節的顏色。顯然地，冬青有鮮豔的紅色漿果和深綠色的葉子；古代凱爾特人很早以前就用它作為冬至慶祝活動，冬青有保護和好運的象徵。可口可樂讓這兩個顏色成為聖誕節廣為人知的組成則始於1931年，廣告中聖誕老人穿著紅色和白色的西裝，周圍環繞著綠色背景和符號點綴。

★★★★★★★★★★★

4. True or false: "Jingle Bells" was written to be a Christmas song.

「鈴兒響叮噹」是為了聖誕節而寫的對嗎？

False! The song wasn’t intended to be attached to the holiday. Some historical reports say it was first performed at a Thanksgiving church service. In any case, the lyrics don’t mention any holiday at all.

錯！這首歌當初和這節日沒有關聯。有歷史報導說這首歌第一次是在感恩節教堂第一次被表演。總之，歌詞當中根本沒有提到任何節日。

★★★★★★★★★★★

5. How many Americans use artificial Christmas trees?

多少美國人會用人造聖誕樹？

A survey conducted by Nielsen for the American Christmas Tree Association found that nearly 94 million U.S. households will display a Christmas tree this year. Of those, 85 percent are artificial.

尼爾森為美國聖誕樹協會所做的一項調查發現，今年有將近9,400萬的美國家庭展示聖誕樹，其中85％是人造的。

★★★★★★★★★★★

6. How much do Americans spend on holiday shopping?

美國人在聖誕節會花多少錢買東西？

The National Retail Federation reports that Americans plan to spend an average of about $998 this year on holiday shopping. That’s down from last year’s average of around $1,048.

全美零售聯合會指出，美國人預計在這個聖誕節平均花費大約998美元消費，相較去年的平均值1,048美元有所下滑。

★★★★★★★★★★★

7. True or false: People no longer send out Christmas cards.

人們不再寄聖誕卡片了對嗎？

False! The rate of sending any greeting card has gone down over the years, but this year especially, people are sending holiday cards as a way to connect with others during the pandemic.

錯！這些年來發賀卡的速度不斷下降，但特別是在今年，為了在流行病期間與他人聯繫，人們會發送節日賀卡。

★★★★★★★★★★★

8. What's the most popular Christmas song of all time?

歷史上最受歡迎的聖誕節歌曲為何？

Answer: The most recorded Christmas song of all time is "Silent Night," according to Time, whereas "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby holds the Guinness World Record for the best-selling single.

答：根據《時代》雜誌，有史以來錄製最多次的聖誕節歌曲是《寂靜的夜晚》，而Bing Crosby的《白色聖誕節》則維持吉尼斯世界紀錄的最高銷量。

★★★★★★★★★★★

9. Why do we hang Christmas stockings?

為什麼我們要掛聖誕襪？

Answer: The tradition came about thanks to a legend that states the generous Turkish bishop St. Nicholas helped a set of three poor sisters avoid a life of indentured servitude by paying for their dowries. For three nights, the bishop threw gold down their chimney, which landed in their stockings hung by their fireplace to dry. Now we carry on the tradition by hanging stockings to fill with gifts and small treats.

答：這個傳統來自於一個傳奇。故事說道，慷慨的土耳其主教聖尼古拉斯支付嫁妝幫助一組可憐的三個姐妹免除奴役。主教把煙囪裡的金子扔了下來共三晚，而金子掉入壁爐旁掛著的長襪中晾乾了。現在，我們透過掛襪子來放禮物和小點心來延續傳統。

★★★★★★★★★★★

10. True or false: There was once a real-life Santa Claus.

現實生活中曾有聖誕老人對嗎？

Answer: True! The Christian bishop Saint Nicholas was the inspiration behind the jolly man we all know and love. St. Nicholas, a generous, gift-gifting clergyman, lived in modern day Turkey and devoted his life to helping the poor, according to Biography.

答：沒錯！基督教主教聖尼古拉是我們大家都知道並且喜歡的歡樂男人（聖誕老人）背後的靈感來源。根據傳記，聖尼古拉斯是一位慷慨、會送禮的神職人員，住在現代土耳其，一生致力於幫助窮人。

★★★★★★★★★★★

Bonus Question: Can you still say Merry Christmas?

I will leave this question to you.

你還能再說「聖誕快樂」嗎？還是要講別的說法? 這問題的答案留給你好好思考。

社論:
https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/using-merry-christmas-or-happy-holidays-no-longer-about-putting-ncna1106181

https://this.deakin.edu.au/society/are-we-allowed-to-say-merry-christmas-anymore

https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/merry-christmas-happy-holidays-war-on-christmas-20191211.html

https://www.history.com/news/the-war-of-words-behind-happy-holidays

★★★★★★★★★★★

資料來源:
https://www.housebeautiful.com/entertaining/holidays-celebrations/a35016633/christmas-trivia/
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g2972/surprising-christmas-facts/

圖片來源:
https://icebreakerideas.com/christmas-trivia/

★★★★★★★★★★★

生活美語: https://bit.ly/2H42k8T

批判性思考問題大全: http://bit.ly/34rdtJ7

Blast
99 God x Al Rocco

Spotify
► https://open.spotify.com/track/1t7xTvBhIGGazLc5VUgy8h?si=xM4Y4k6CTXOWCkNGkcKhig
网易云
► https://music.163.com/#/song?id=1487685739

99 God
► https://www.instagram.com/_99god_
► https://weibo.com/u/7190020074
► https://open.spotify.com/artist/1fSNmkI8lKMFVMU2Y4hpgi
► https://music.163.com/#/artist?id=31511662

Al Rocco
► https://www.alrocco.com
► https://www.instagram.com/alrocco
► https://www.weibo.com/alrocco
► https://open.spotify.com/artist/466bAN87QCwMSTBCCRzZ1v
► https://music.163.com/#/artist?id=12079186

99 God：
Taking a flick wit a pose like jit in a park put a Big paint on the wall
野孩子们在公园涂鸦
Baggy the pants all raw raw G-star we star bring it back Bieber fever
穿着松垮的Gstar裤子就像比伯当年那样
Tame one beast had to kill one beast Got em young boy scared all back it off
最快驯服一只野兽的方法是沙了他
Yeezy easy lets pray for yeezy don’t get too queasy
保佑侃爷
I mobbing the city in a CRV
开着辆老本田在城市里乱晃
Capture the views in the mind to sheets
捕捉不同的画面
Words to the lyrics man I proceed in a WAV to the world that’s what they need
一句简单的话变成歌词最后压缩成一条音频文件与世人分享
Utopia my mind stay piece trynna escape reality
思想是最宝贵的财富只有在那能找到平静
Back and I think through TBT Memories suck but good day cease
回想过去不堪的经历都是为了今天的成就

Al Rocco：
Don't be a bitch and say Wuhan
不要装b说武汉
Super sayen teen Gohan
超级赛亚人悟饭
Kamekameha with my one arm
我一手龟派气功
Found myself in this pain no lying
在困境中才能找到自己
Ima get my motherfucking mack down and wing Chun ya ass 
reincarnated Bruce Lee
我的武功咏春 投胎李小龙
Ima keep on doing what I do how I move when I move this shit ain’t no movie
This shit real life ain't no script
这是现实生活 没有剧本
Fuck with my chi Ima make that flip
升级我的气功
99 God with that Roc do it quick 
我和99走起
Ain't got no time to fuck with no bitch
没有时间浪费
Ain't got no love anymore for all these motherfuckers tryna take it all of my shit
没有爱给心里充满恨的人
Ima bust it down and put it down on the ground and make u eat all my shit
挑战我和你拼命
From the bottom of my core 
在我心里
I don't give a fuck anymore 
什么都无所谓
Got that Slim Shady flow
阿姆的态度
You bitches suck my dick
嗯哼
And wipe that shit clean 
给我擦干净
U already know
你已经明白
Fuck all these fake friends
太多假兄弟
Who was never your friend
在你面前虚情假意
They declaring War 
向你宣战
Got my middle fingers in the air
中指在空中
I don’t motherfucking care
无所畏惧
Rocco 99 God
我和99

99 God:
Park at it Rocco me the bomb better pack off
我和rocco来辽你们些弟弟可以靠边站了
Capiche
懂？
Pack off
角落里蹲着去
idiotic kids I made em mad as fk
一群小屁孩被我气的半死
Get the fk outta here ‘fore I press compel
趁还来得及赶紧走吧
Contagious Running like I’m Odell
我像obj一般的冲刺
Spread my shit like virus
病毒般流行
Elvis Presley
猫王
Taking off Shackle
挣脱枷锁
Aries，Can’t stop me
你们是无法阻止一个白羊座的
Boy y’all lame as hell
就凭你们？
Lame
渣渣
Temper tantrum All over the place Y’all need some manners
只会乱发脾气的先好好学学礼仪
Fee fi fo fum eligible ace I giving out amendment shit unpleasant
真要我给意见你们的玻璃心受不住的
Took my time on the craft me the best in the game make sure no one got question
在自己作品上的钻研是谁都办不到的
God be the guardian light me the path now who the fk can take my
上天都在帮我还有谁能挡我
I came up drop bless on the beat shit slap so hard keep blasting
我就是质量的保证

#日本ファルコムが発売した88版RPG作品('90年)からのTOWNS移植版。
シリアスを追求した本格派3DRPGとの謳い文句通り、徹底したダークな世界観を持つ。システムそのものはオーソドックスな3Dダンジョンものだが、タロットカードを模したグラフィック、裏シナリオの存在等で垣間見える、鬱ゲーとしての空気感が漂っており、実際登場人物の大半が凄惨な最期を迎える展開。

BGMは石川さんと川合氏がopn2用に編曲、荘厳な曲からディストーションを多用した曲が多いが、イースなどには余り見られないクセの強い曲も多く独特の魅力を持つ。

編曲：石川三恵子さん, 川合将明氏

Manufacturer: 1991.10.25 nihon falcom
Computer: FM-Towns
Sound: YM2612, RF5C68
Arranger: mieko ishikawa,masaaki kawai
-------------------------------------------------------
00:00:00 01.The Lost Ones (失われしものたち/オープニング)
00:05:34 02.Mark My Words (町)
00:08:15 03.Paean to the Spirits (精霊の賛歌/森)
00:13:30 04.FRONT LINE (コンバット)
00:15:58 05.Charge! (突破! /ガードナー)
00:18:32 06.A TEMPLE (廃墟)
00:24:13 07.GOD! (神殿)
00:28:07 08.Earthen Flute (土笛/イベント)
00:28:17 09.EXCITING SHOP (ショップ)
00:33:00 10.INTO THE CASTLE (城1)
00:36:50 11.A Meeting With Tarsis (タルシスとの出会い/地下墓地)
00:40:55 12.When Grieving Ends, the Fight Begins (戦いは悲しみの果てに/中ボス)
00:43:37 13.A Chance Meeting (邂逅の時/ゲームオーバー)
00:46:18 14.BURNING! (城2)
00:51:07 15.A Soul's Repose (鎮魂/イベント)
00:51:20 16.Divine Revelation (神の啓示/外壁)
00:55:01 17.The Tower of Ordeals (試練の塔)
01:01:05 18.The Dragon's Passing (龍が逝く時/地下洞窟)
01:03:07 19.The Tower of the Wind (風の塔)
01:07:01 20.Underground Shrine (地下祭室)
01:09:31 21.Dimensional Maze (次元の迷宮/次元の迷宮)
01:11:35 22.The Tower of Darius (ダリウスの塔)
01:14:05 23.I Love You (あなたを愛して/仲間の死)
01:18:29 24.Harp 竪琴 (イベント)
01:18:41 25.A Time of Purity (汚れなき時/フォルナの塔)
01:21:12 26.THE MASCLE MAN (アリエル)
01:24:57 27.Forna (フォルナ)
01:26:21 28.The Tower of the Spirits (精霊の塔)
01:28:01 29.The God of War (軍神/ラスボス前)
01:29:17 30.DINOSAUR (最後のボス)
01:32:25 31.he Weaving of Dreams (夢つむぎ/エンディング1)
01:38:57 32.The Emblem of the Wind (風の紋章/エンディング)
01:41:46 33.Music Box (オルゴール/イベント)
01:42:02 34.The Song of Seirenes
01:43:21 35.bgm 01
01:44:02 36.SE 01
01:44:10 37.SE 02
01:44:16 38.SE 03
01:44:24 39.SE 04
01:44:31 40.SE 05
01:44:45 41.SE 06
01:45:27 42.SE 07
-------------------------------------------------------

#スクウェアが発売した 、小学館との共同企画のオムニバス形式RPG。
月刊コロコロコミック'93年12月号誌上にて小林よしのり氏が原始時代風のイラストを描き、これを元にゲーム制作を募ったところSQUAREが応じ、開発が開始された。

BGMは下村さんがカプコンからスクウェアに移籍してからの初担当作曲作品であり、同時に初めて本格的に担当したRPG作品でもある。

ドライバ作成：赤尾実氏
サウンドデザイン；菅原輝明氏
効果音：おおともたみお氏、三留 一純さん、弘田佳孝氏、岡本やすまさ氏、大久保シュン氏
作曲：下村陽子さん

Manufacture: 1994.09.02 SQUARE
computer: super famicom / snes
Hardware: spc700
Sound Design: Teruaki Sugawara
Music driver programmer: Minoru Akao
Sound Effect: Tamio Otomo, Kazumi Mitome, Yoshitaka Hirota, Yasumasa Okamoto, Shun Ohkubo
composer: Kazuhiko Uehara, Yukie Morimoto
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00:00 01.Live-A-Live (メインテーマ/最終編通常戦闘時)
02:55 02.Select-A-Live (ストーリー選択画面)
05:57 03.Secret Mission (密命/幕末編 メインテーマ)
08:45 04.Sound of Shinobi (忍音/幕末編 フィールド画面)
12:27 05.Killing Field! (殺陣！/幕末編 通常戦闘)
15:57 06.Ultimate Strength ~ Victory Road (最強 -VICTORY ROAD-/現代編 メインテーマ)
18:46 07.Martial Arts Masters (猛者達…/現代編 対戦相手選択)
19:33 08.Versus! (現代編 戦闘前)
19:38 09.Knock You Down! (現代編 通常戦闘)
22:43 10.Native Life (原始編 メインテーマ)
25:10 11.Nice Weather Ain't it! (いいお天気でしょ！/原始編 フィールド画面)
28:04 12.Kiss of Jealousy (原始編 通常戦闘)
30:38 13.Sacrificial Feast (生贄の宴/原始編 クー族の生贄の儀式イベント)
31:12 14.Unseen Syndrome (SF編 メインテーマ)
33:43 15.Captain Square (SF編 キャプテンスクウェア戦闘)
35:21 16.Captain of the Shooting Stars! (星屑のキャプテン/SF編 キャプテンスクウェアエンドロール *)
36:28 17.The Birds Fly in the Sky, the Fish Swim in the River (鳥児在天空飛翔 魚児在河里游泳/功夫編 メインテーマ)
39:19 18.The Ancient Master Descends from the Mountains (老拳師下深山/功夫編 フィールド画面)
42:11 19.War in China (在中国的戦闘/功夫編 通常戦闘)
44:13 20.Wanderer (西部編 メインテーマ)
47:19 21.Under the Fake (西部編 フィールド画面)
49:54 22.The Wilds (西部編 通常戦闘)
52:27 23.Sancho.de.Los.Panchos (西部編 サクセズ・タウンのバー店内)
55:19 24.Go Go Buriki Daioh! (GO! GO! ブリキ大王!!/近未来編 ブリキ大王のテーマ
オープニング、ブリキ大王登場)
58:02 25.Go Go Buriki Daioh! (Opening) (GO! GO! ブリキ大王!!/OP)
59:00 26.Wait for Truth (近未来編 メインテーマ フィールド画面)
01:01:43 27.A Painful Death at the Hands of a Psycho (PSYCHOで夜露死苦!!/近未来編 通常戦闘)
01:04:17 28.Prelude to the Demon King (魔王への叙曲/中世編 メインテーマ)
01:08:03 29.Wings That Don't Reach (とどかぬ翼/中世編 フィールド画面)
01:10:52 30.Difficult Fight (凛然たる戦い/中世編 通常戦闘)
01:12:25 31.Journey to the Mountain of the Demon King (魔王山を往く/中世編 魔王山)
01:14:48 32.City of Hopelessness (絶望の都/最終編 フィールド画面)
01:18:40 33.Silent Labyrinth (最終編 各ダンジョン)
01:21:37 34.Cry-A-Live (各編共通 イベント)
01:23:14 35.Warm-A-Live (各編共通 イベント、最終編 ボイスハート戦)
01:25:32 36.The Demon King Odio (魔王オディオ/各編共通 ボス登場)
01:28:00 37.Megalomania (各編共通 ボス戦)
01:29:48 38.Illusion... (最終編 オディオ第一形態戦闘)
01:32:48 39.Pure Odio (最終編 オディオ第二形態戦闘)
01:35:21 40.Armageddon (最終編 ハルマゲドン・エンディング)
01:38:49 41.Live Over Again (最終編 エンディング)
01:41:31 42.Live for Live (最終編 真のエンディング)
01:47:53 43.Bittersweet Memories
01:51:10 44.Dangerous Bar
01:53:52 45.Defeated...
01:54:15 46.Fall of the Demon King
01:54:30 47.Ninja Fanfare
01:54:35 48.Organ Song 1
01:54:40 49.Organ Song 2
01:54:46 50.Organ Song 3
01:54:51 51.Organ Song 4
01:54:53 52.Prehistoric Night
02:00:31 53.Quiet Port
02:01:14 54.Sounds of Night
02:02:52 55.Space Crisis
02:02:57 56.Strike the Gong!
02:02:37 57.Tense Situation
02:03:41 58.The Bell Tolls
02:03:44 59.Toei's Xylophone
02:03:02 60.Western Theme
02:06 61.Words of Trust
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