The Mimir Magazine_ February 15, 2024_Learn Chinese & Beyond

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The Mimir Magazine

去年你给你的宠物花了多少钱？

韩国男生为什么每天都化妆？

猫头鹰独特的睡觉方式

How much did you spend on your pets last year?| 10

Why do Korean Boys Wear Makeup Everyday? | 06

Owl's Unique Way of Sleeping | 15

Editor's Note Welcome, dear readers, to an enchanting journey within the vibrant pages of this volume.

We embark on a cultural exploration, delving into the intriguing question of why Korean boys embrace makeup daily. Step into the realms of fortune and chance with "Unlucky or Lucky?", unraveling the tales that life weaves, inviting you to ponder the unpredictable twists of fate.

Transitioning into the fascinating world of our furry companions, we invite you to reflect on the financial commitment and joyous moments spent with pets in "How much did you spend on your pets last year?"—a heartfelt narrative that mirrors the evolving dynamics between humans and their animal counterparts.

Dive into the enchanting realm of artistry with "Stone Balance Artist with Magic," where we explore the delicate equilibrium maintained by artists using nothing but gravity to create mesmerizing sculptures. Discover the unique way owls choose to embrace slumber in "Owl's Unique Way of Sleeping," unveiling the curious habits of these nocturnal creatures.

Concluding this volume with wisdom, we explore the concept of goal-setting in "Don’t Announce Your Goals Publicly." The article urges you to ponder whether sharing your aspirations with the world hinders your journey or adds a layer of complexity.

As you immerse yourself in the diverse narratives presented here, we hope this volume sparks contemplation, curiosity, and perhaps a deeper understanding of the intricate threads that weave through the tapestry of life.

Amanda English Editor for TMW Vol.24 Feb.15, 2024 TMM | 01

Mdeiettors

Our E

My name is Amanda and I am a curious person. Minnesota witnessed my first steps, but fate brought me to China when I was five years old.

My father’s work became my passport into a world of new sights, sounds, and languages. My memories of those formative years in China are vivid—the bustling markets, the unfamiliar flavors, and the language that flowed effortlessly from my mouth. However, the journey of life finally led me back to the familiar shores of the United States at twelve o'clock. Driven by my love for Chinese culture and history, I embarked on a mission to restore my language skills. So today I find myself proudly contributing as the English editor and writer of Mimir magazine. In these pages, I weave my journey into words, seeking to bridge divides and share the stories that unite us all.

As I delve deeper into each article, I invite you to join me on a journey that transcends borders and languages. The pages of Mimir magazine tell stories that celebrate our common humanity, reminding us that while our paths may differ, our stories ultimately converge.

I'm a curious soul with a tale of twists and turns. Minnesota bore witness to my first steps, but destiny whisked me off to China at just five years old. My father's work became my passport to a world of new sights, sounds, and languages, immersing me in the vibrant tapestry of Chinese life.

Those formative years in China painted my memories with vivid strokes—a medley of bustling markets, unfamiliar tastes, and a language that flowed effortlessly from my lips. Yet, life's journey eventually guided me back to the familiar shores of the United States at twelve, where the language slipped away like sand through my fingers.

A fire to rekindle my connection blazed within me. Fuelled by a love for Chinese culture and history, I embarked on a mission to revive my language skills. And so, I find myself today, proudly contributing as an English editor and writer for The Mimir Magazine. Within these pages, I weave my journey into words, seeking to bridge divides and share the stories that unite us all.

As I delve into each article, I invite you to join me on a voyage that transcends borders and languages. The pages of The Mimir Magazine hold tales that celebrate our shared humanity, reminding us that while our paths may differ, our stories ultimately converge.

TMM | 02

CONTENT

ARTS AND SCIENCES

猫头鹰独特的睡觉方式 Stone Balance Artist with“Magic” 有”魔法“的平衡石艺术家们 Owl's Unique Way of Sleeping

15 26

ME, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES Don’t Announce Your Goals Publicly

21

不要公开宣布你的目标 CONTEMPORARY LIFE Why do Korean Boys Wear Makeup Everyday?

06

韩国男生为什么每天都化妆？ STORY Unlucky or Lucky?

不幸还是幸运？

31

BUSINESS OBSERVATION How much did you spend on your pets last year?

去年你给你的宠物花了多少钱？

Click here to listen to audio recordings of this issue on YouTube

TMM | 03

10

friends 莉莉

艾米

Lily is a student in the same high school as Amy. Her mom is Chinese and her Dad is from Ireland. Like her mom, Lily enjoys reading and cooking.

Amy is a high school exchange student from the U.S. She likes traveling and is curious about ancient cultures.

She thinks Dada is very knowledgeable.

达达

凯文

Dada is a high school straight-A student from China. He loves science, the universe, and everything about aliens.

Kevin is an exchange student from Australia. He likes sports and cars. He thinks Amy is the cutest girl ever.

TMM | 05

CONTEMPORARY LIFE

Why do Korean Boys Wear Makeup Everyday?

Intermediate level 1

5 Mins

Step into the vibrant streets of South Korea, where makeup isn't just a feminine affair but a daily ritual embraced by a majority of men.

Here, it's not only about looking good; it's a cultural dance with aesthetics. Captivated by the charm of "flower boys" from idol groups, Korean men dive into the world of makeup, not just for personal transformation but as a strategic move in the competitive job market of Seoul. In this society that breathes beauty, the art of makeup becomes a tool for selfexpression,

professional

prowess,

and

perhaps, the key to unlocking the doors of romance. Join me as we unravel the secrets of South Korea's beauty standards, where every stroke of makeup tells a story.

Editor: Amanda TMM | 06

CONTEMPORARY LIFE

韩国男生为什么每天都化妆？ Q1: Q2:

什么是花美男？ 为什么大部分韩国男性喜欢化妆？

在中国，几乎只有女生才化妆。但是在韩国，就连大部分男生，都 要每天化妆。这是为什么呢？ 韩国本身就是一个很重视化妆的国家，不管是明星还是普通人都很 在乎自己的外貌。 韩国有很多出名的明星团体，他们不仅会唱歌、跳舞，而且长得也 非常好看。他们的样子给人一种很温柔的感觉，韩国人把这种温柔外貌 的男生叫作“花美男”。韩国女生也更喜欢这样的男生。受这些明星团 体的影响，很多男生会去学习化妆，希望自己也变成花美男。 不仅是希望自己变好看，很多男生化妆还因为想找到好工作。韩国 是一个比较小的国家，大部分的工作机会都在首尔[1]，因此这就很容易 出现很多人面试一个岗位的情况。如果能力差不多，公司往往会选择外 貌更好的人。 当然，外貌好看的男生也更容易找到女朋友。韩国女生都非常会化 妆，他们也希望自己的男朋友是会打扮的人。 韩国真的是一个很重视外貌的社会啊！

首尔：The capital of South Korea.

[1]

TMM | 07

作者：春夏

VOCAB! 韩国

Hán guó South Korea (Republic of Korea)

化妆

huà zhuāng to put on makeup

明星

míng xīng star / celebrity

外貌

wài mào profile / appearance

团体

tuán tǐ group / organization / team

岗位

gǎng wèi a post / a job

TMM | 08

r e m m a r g brew

语法：（就）连……都/也……

连”常与“都、也”搭配使用。“连”是助词，去掉“连”不改变句子的大致意思。助词“连”的出现，就有 了“甚至”的递进义，也存在隐含的比较。比如例句2，吃饭的时间和上厕所的时间的之间比较，来表达 忙碌。“连“的前面加“就”，有加强语气的效果。 “ 连 ”often used in conjunction with “ 都 ”or“ 也 ”, “ 连 ” is an auxiliary word, removing “ 连 ”does not change the general meaning of the sentence. The appearance of the particle “ 连 ” gives rise to a progressive meaning of even, and implies comparison. Example 2, the comparison between the time for eating and the time for going to the bathroom is used to express busy. Adding “就”before “连” has “

a reinforcing effect.

Structure: +sb/sth/verb / +……

（就）连

都也

Examples:

为什么？连你也不相信我！ Why? Even you don't believe me! 别说吃饭了，就连上厕所的时间都没有。

Not to mention eating, I don't even have time to go to the toilet.

TEACHER'S NOTE

不知道在你的国家，男生化妆这件事是不是很平常呢？“连……都/也……”可以指在多数人认同的一个标 准下，用“连”说明另一种相对特殊的情况。比如，对在中国的多数人来说，女生化妆是件很平常的 事，而相比女生，男生妆化得并不多。我们不会用“连……都/也……”去表达：“就连女生都化妆了”。如 果出现“大部分男生化妆”这种相对少见的情况，就可以说“就连大部分男生也化妆。” I don't know if it's common or not for boys makeup in your countries? “ using “

连 …… 都 / 也 ……”can refer to

连 ” to describe another relatively special situation under a standard agreed upon by the

majority. For example, for most people in China, it is common for girls makeup. But while compared

连 …… 都 / 也 ……”to express “ 就连女生也化妆了 ”. If there is a relatively rare situation that most boys makeup, it can be said that“ 就连大部分男生也化 妆”。 to girls, many boys don't makeup. We don't use “

Editor: Huang DongMei

TMM | 09

BUSINESS OBSERVATION

HOW MUCH DID YOU SPEND ON YOUR PETS LAST YEAR?

ADVANCED LEVEL 2 8 MINS The pet industry transforms, with businesses adapting to cater to this burgeoning market.

Photography studios capture pet-owner bonds, hotels welcome furry guests with special rooms, and even Michelin-starred restaurants craft bespoke menus for pet birthdays. Luxury brands like Gucci and Hermes launch opulent pet lifestyle collections, blurring the lines between pet indulgence and human luxury. As the pet economy thrives, a divisive question emerges: is the splurge on pets a frivolity, or a reflection of their evolving role in our hearts and homes? The answer lies within, framed by the whiskers of tales told and untold.

Editor: Amanda TMM | 10

BUSINESS OBSERVATION

去年你给你的宠物花了多少钱？ Q1 Q2

：为什么人们对宠物的需求在不断增加？ ：目前有哪些传统行业推出了宠物的相关服务？

随着中国人婚姻观的变化，独居人口不断增加。据官方统计，2016年中国独 居人口仅为九千万，而2023年已经超过两亿。由于独居人群对于生活陪伴和 心灵慰藉的需求，他们对宠物的需求日益旺盛起来。宠物经济也慢慢成为持 续增长和创新的行业之一。 赵军1970年出生，他养了一只猫，叫花花。花花是一只橘色的小野猫，是他 在回家的路上捡的。他用一个大瓷碗装水给花花喝。他吃完中午饭，剩下的 饭菜就是花花的午餐。如果赵军做鱼吃，花花就会一直旁边叫，想快点吃到 鱼肉。花花没有什么玩具，它喜欢在院子里玩。院子里的花草树木都是它的 玩具。时而它会抓老鼠，时而它也会跟落到院子里的小麻雀玩儿。 张迪1990年出生，她也养了一只猫，叫煤球。这是一只暹罗猫，是她专门去 宠物店花2000元买的。煤球每天喝的是矿泉水，吃的是几百元一公斤的猫 粮。张迪还会给它买很多零食，有鸡肉的、牛肉的、鸡蛋的等等。它生日的 时候，张迪还给它买了一个很多种肉做的猫蛋糕。在张迪家，有一间屋子是 专门给煤球的。那有一个很大的猫窝、一个大的猫爬架，还有很多玩具。煤 球也有很多衣服，不同季节和节日它的衣服都是不一样的。

TMM | 11

赵军1970年出生，他养了一只猫，叫花花。花花是一只橘色的小 野猫，是他在回家的路上捡的。 很多传统行业的人看到了宠物市场的商机，纷纷做出改变。照相 馆推出了给宠物和主人照相的服务，一些宾馆推出了宠物房间， 一些餐厅也增加了宠物生日餐。甚至奢侈品行业也把目光投向了宠 物们。 2022年，古驰推出首个“宠物生活方式系列”，产品包括服装、 栓绳、餐具、宠物旅行包等。其中，一件超小型宠物项圈3250 元，一件帆布宠物外套6900元。其中最贵的是定制宠物床，高达 7万元，且不支持退货。不只是古驰，爱马仕、路易威登、普拉 达等奢侈品品牌也纷纷推出宠物用品。 有人表示，人们在宠物身上花的钱明明是一种浪费。很多人类还 处在平均生活标准之下，应该把钱花在帮助他们身上。也有人 说，宠物也是家人，花多少钱都是合理的。对于这个问题，你怎 么看呢？

作者：豆子

TMM | 12

VOCAB! 独居

dú jū to live alone / to live a solitary existence

慰藉

wèi jiè to console / to comfort / consolation

橘色

jú sè orange (color)

麻雀

má què sparrow / (dialect) mahjong

暹罗猫

xiān luó māo siamese cat

商机

shāng jī business opportunity / commercial opportunity

餐具

cān jù tableware / dinner service

TMM | 13

r e m m a gr ew br

语法：明明

副词“明明”，意思相当于“显而易见地”的意思。主要放在前一分句，表达对客观事实的主观确认，对 相反的做法和结论进行反驳。 “ 明明 ”means the equivalent of “obviously”. It is mainly placed in the first clause to express the subjective confirmation of objective facts and refute the contrary practices and conclusions.

Structure:

明明…….，…….

Examples:

明明是我先来的，你不能插队。

t's clear that I came first, so you can't cut the line.

他明明唱歌没什么实力，却有很多歌迷。

Although he doesn't have much singing ability, he has many fans.

TEACHER'S NOTE

这篇文章展现了现代人热衷养宠物的这一有趣现象。明明是人类，而有的人爱动物却甚过爱人，这 是为什么呢？特别是当看到故事里小猫“煤球”的生活如此惬意，我就在想，如果下辈子是只幸福的 猫咪也很不错呀！明明我们是人类，但有些时候却羡慕起小动物们来了，这又是为什么呢？大概就 是宠物给人们带来了甚过亲密爱人的温暖和快乐，让大家甘愿为之掏空腰包吧。那么你呢？喜欢养 宠物吗？ This article shows the interesting phenomenon of modern people who are keen to own pets. Why some people love animals more than people? Especially when I saw that the life of the kitten “briquette” in the story was so comfortable, I thought that it would be nice if I was a happy cat in the next life! Obviously, we all are human being, but sometimes we envy the little animals, why is that? It is probably that pets bring people more warmth and happiness than intimate lovers, so that many people are willing to empty their pockets for them. What about you? Do you like to have pets?

TMM | 14

Editor: Huang DongMei

ARTS AND SCIENCES

Owl's Unique Way of Sleeping

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL 2 6MINS

Dive into the mysterious realm of owls, where nighttime is their playground, and daylight ushers in a world of dreams. Owls, the maestros of the night, embrace "catnaps" for a stealthy, alert repose amidst their nocturnal adventures. Witnessing their unique "halfbrain sleep" — one eye open, the other closed — adds an extra layer of fascination to their sleep symphony.

Editor: Amanda

TMM | 15

ARTS AND SCIENCES

猫头鹰独特的睡觉方式 ：猫头鹰睡觉的习惯与人类有什么不同？ Q 2 ：猫头鹰什么地方跟人类不一样？ Q1

猫头鹰是一种很特别的鸟，它喜欢晚上出去找东西吃，白天睡觉。不只 是活动时间特别，它们睡觉的习惯也很不一样。 有时，它们不会完全睡着，而是在“假睡”。这样做可以让它们保持警 惕性，避免危险的发生。 猫头鹰虽然大部分活动时间在夜间，但晚上多多少少也会有深度睡眠。 这会让它们活动时的状态更好。 睡觉的时候，它们还有一个习惯：一只眼睛睁开、一只眼睛闭着。这叫 做“半脑睡眠”。为什么要睁着一只眼睛睡觉呢？这也是为了保持警 惕。这样睡觉时，一只眼睛睁开久了，它们会让它休息，换另外一只眼 睛睁开。虽然我们人类无法做到“半脑睡眠”，但在自然界其实有很多 动物都可以做到。下次当你看到闭着一只眼睛的动物时，就不会觉得奇 怪了，因为它们无非是在睡觉。

TMM | 16

猫头鹰对睡觉的环境要求也很高。 它们会选择安静、安全和舒服的地 方睡觉。而且对环境的温度也有一 定的要求。 和人类一样的是，猫头鹰在冬天也 会睡更长的时间。这样可以让它们 更好地度过寒冷的冬天。 另外一件跟人类一样的事情是，猫 头鹰睡觉的时候也会做梦，而且做 的梦很多都是关于自己的生活的。 比如，猫头鹰可能会梦到自己捉到 了一只大老鼠，或者在树林中遇到 了一只美丽的伴侣，或者在树上和 自己的孩子们玩。 关于猫头鹰还有很多有趣的事情， 下次接着讲给你听。

作者：一凡

TMM | 17

VOCAB! 保持

bǎo chí to keep / to maintain / to hold / to preserve

警惕

jǐng tì to be on the alert / vigilant / alert / on guard / to warn

避免

bì miǎn to avert / to prevent / to avoid / to refrain from

状态

zhuàng tài condition; state; state of affairs

脑

nǎo brain / mind / head

伴侣

bàn lǚ companion / mate / partner

TMM | 18

r e m m a gr ew br

语法：多多少少

副词“多多少少”，与“或多或少”意思相同。表达一定有某种情况的发生，但不确定的数量或者 程度。 Adverb 多多少少 ”, has the same meaning as “ 或多或少 ”. There must be some kind of situation already occur , but the amount or extent is uncertain.

Structure: Subject+

多多少少（+都）+Verb+(一些/一点儿)

Examples:

多数年轻人多多少少会长一些白头发。 Most young people have some gray hair. 第一次表演，他多多少少都有点紧张。

His first time participating in a performance, he was more or less nervous.

TEACHER'S NOTE

这篇文章是关于猫头鹰的，讲的是它特别的睡觉习惯。第一，睡觉时睁一只眼闭一只眼。第 二，喜欢在安静的地方睡觉。第三，冬天睡得比较久。第四，也会做梦。除了第一条，其他 的习惯都很像咱们呀。看完这篇文章，打破了平常人们对猫头鹰晚上不睡觉的刻板印象，真 的很有意思呢！ This article is about owls, and it's about it special sleeping habits. First, they usually sleep with one eye open and one eye closed. Second, they prefer to sleep in a quiet place. Third, they sleep longer in winter. Finally,they can also dream. Except for the first one, the other habits are very similar to ours. This article break stereotype that people think owls don't sleep at night, it’s very interesting!

Editor: Huang DongMei TMM | 19

ME, HOME AND COMMUNITY

Don’t Announce Your Goals Publicly Intermediate level 2 5 Mins Imagine the key to achieving your goals lies not in vocalizing them but in keeping them close to your chest.

Peter, curious about this concept, conducted an engaging experiment in 2009. Dividing 163 participants into two groups, he tasked them with various tests. Half openly shared their life goals, while the other half opted for secrecy. Read the article to discover the results!

The act of silence prevents premature feelings of accomplishment and maintains the fervor needed for success. However, for short-term goals, the narrative shifts. Publicizing them can boost motivation and accountability,

providing

a

clearer

roadmap

for

achievement. Whether silent or vocal, understanding the dynamics of goal-setting enhances our chances of success.

Editor: Amanda

TMM | 21

ME, HOME AND COMMUNITY

不要公开宣布你的目标 Q1：根据彼得的调查结果，应不应该公开长期目标？ Q2：公开短期目标有什么作用？

如果你有一个目标，你会把目标告诉你的朋友们还是谁都 不告诉呢？ 彼得也有这个问题，所以，他在2009年做了一个有趣的 实验： 他把163个人分成4个组，让他们做不同的测试。每个人 都要写下他们的人生长期目标，其中一半的人把目标告诉 大家，另一半人保守目标。 然后彼得观察他们工作：在45分钟的工作时间里，公开 说了目标的人平均工作33分钟就放弃了。而那些保守目标 的人工作了45分钟。 人们问他们时，公开了目标的人说：“我公开了目标以 后，就觉得好像已经完成了目标，不是很想工作了。” 所以，公开你的目标会让你自己觉得目标好像已经完成 了，致使你降低做事的热情。所以，长期的目标还是不要 告诉别人比较好。 TMM | 22

那短期目标应不应该公开呢？是的，公开短期目标会 对完成目标更好。 跟长期目标比起来，什么是短期目标呢？长期目标一 般是：“我要成为中国最有钱的健身教练”，“我要成 为游泳冠军”等等。短期目标一般是：“今年我要读完 50本书”，“3个月内我要减重20斤”等等。 或者短期 目标最好是3年以内的，因为这样做会让我们更好地记 住它，并为它努力。更重要的原因是，我们更容易为 短期目标做计划。比如，为了完成年目标，我们就会 制定每月务必完成的月目标。再继续分解，我们每 周、甚至每天需要做的事情就可以很清楚地知道了。 只要能按计划完成每天的工作，我们就可以完成最后 的目标！ 所以，你的目标是长期还是短期呢？现在，你知道怎 么做可以更好地完成了吧！

作者：Diana

TMM | 23

VOCAB! 测试

cè shì to test (machinery etc) / to test (students) / test / quiz / exam / beta (software)

保守

bǎo shǒu conservative / to guard / to keep

公开

gōng kāi public / to publish / to make public

健身

jiàn shēn to exercise / to keep fit / to work out / physical exercise

教练

jiào liàn instructor / sports coach / trainer

TMM | 24

r e m m a gr ew br

语法：务必

副词“务必”，与“一定、必须”的意思。表达事理上和情理上的必要，或上级对下级传达命令时 的强烈语气。“务必”没有否定形式的使用。 The adverb 务必 ” with the meaning of “ 一定、必须 ”. Express the necessity of matter and reason, or the strong tone of voice when a superior conveys an order to a subordinate. “ 务 必” is not used in a negative form.

Structure: Subject+

务必+Verb+Object

Examples:

你务必完成今天的工作。 You must finish work today. 每个人都务必参加今天的会议。

Everyone must attend the meeting today.

TEACHER'S NOTE

这篇文章把目标分成了短期和长期的两种，而彼得做的实验是针对长期目标的。也许很多人 觉得公开和不公开的工作时长仅是12分钟的差距。但如果你看过一个叫《一分钟》故事，一 个小男孩元元晚起了一分钟，结果迟到了20分钟。抓紧时间就好比抓住机会，毕竟中国有句 话叫“机不可失，时不再来。”因此，务必珍惜时间，完成自己设定的目标才是关键。最后，祝 愿大家新的一年都能找到实现自己的目标的方法。 The article divides the goals into short-term and long-term, and Peter's experiments focus on the long-term goals. Many people may think that the difference between public and private working hours is only 12 minutes. But if you've seen a story called “One Minute”, a little boy Yuan Yuan got up a minute late,but he late 20 minutes when he came to school.

Seizing the time is like seizing the opportunity, after all, there is a saying in China that “time flies, time never comes again.” Therefore, it is important to cherish time and achieve the goals you already set. Finally, wish you all can find the right way to achieve your goals in this new year.

TMM | 25

Editor: Huang DongMei

ARTS AND SCIENCES

Stone Balance Artist with“Magic” 有”魔法“的平衡石艺术家们 Advanced Level 1

6 Mins

Imagine a scene by a tranquil stream—a lone artist surrounded by stones defying gravity's grip. Stone balance artists, the wizards of equilibrium, turn rocks into a canvas for enchanting feats. Their secret? A keen perception, guiding delicate adjustments to find each stone's elusive balance. Crafting these

gravity-defying

masterpieces

demands not just skill but a patient dance with obstacles like water dynamics and mountain winds. Critics might dismiss it as time indulgence, but for these artists, it's a profound journey of patience and refined mastery. Stone balancing, a slow dance with time, unveils a magical moment when stones align, and every meticulous effort feels undeniably worthwhile. Welcome to the mesmerizing world of stone alchemy.

Editor: Amanda

TMM | 26

ARTS AND SCIENCES

有一次，我看到一张让我非常惊讶的照 片。照片里是一个女人坐在小河边，她 的旁边是几块大小不一的石头。这些石 头由下至上立在一起，像是被一条线串 起来一样。说真的，想让一块石头立在 地面都是很难的事情，她却能让几块形 状各异的石头稳稳地立在一起。

Q1 Q2

：什么是平衡木艺术？ ：制作平衡石有什么好处？

这就是平衡石艺术，是一种只依靠重力 让几块石头立在一起的艺术。我们管制 作平衡石的人叫平衡石艺术家。 他们是怎么做到的？

TMM | 27

艺术家们需要有很好的感知能 力。他们要找到每块石头的平衡 点。同时，每块石头上都有一些 微小的瑕疵、缺口。利用这些缺 口作为支点，之后通过细微调整 达到物理的平衡就可以了。但是 这个过程也有很多阻碍因素。如 果是用河里的石头，石头上的水 会让这件事变得更难；如果是在 山顶上叠，山顶上的风就是另一 种阻碍。所以，做好每件平衡石 艺术品都是需要耐心的，有时候 可能要好几个小时才能完成一件 作品。不过，有人嫌这浪费时 间。但也有人觉得这是一种内心 的修炼过程。 平衡石会让我们安静下来。我们 要一点一点地去感觉并找到石头 的平衡点，这需要很长时间。同 时，我们也要不断地接受失败， 有时需要调整的幅度甚至在毫米 之间，所以失败的概率非常高。 不过，当石头被叠好的时候，你 会觉得一切都是值得的。

作者：王少甫 TMM | 28

VOCAB! 形状各异

xíng zhuàng gè yì different shapes

重力

zhòng lì gravity

感知

gǎn zhī perception / awareness

瑕疵

xiá cī blemish / flaw / defect

支点

zhī diǎn pivot

细微

xì wēi tiny / minute / fine / subtle / sensitive (instruments)

概率

gài lǜ probability (math.)

TMM | 29

r e m m a gr ew br 语法：嫌

动词嫌，表达对某人或某事物的缺点而感到不满意或不喜欢。“嫌”常做谓语使用，后面常 加“不利的情况”，主语通常是人。 A verb that is dissatisfied or disliked by someone or something's shortcomings. “ 嫌 ” is often used as a predicate, followed by "unfavorable situation", and the subject usually is somebody.

Structure: Subject+ +Object

嫌

Examples:

她嫌男朋友没钱，所以分手了。 She thought her boyfriend had no money, so she broke up with her boyfriend. 看热闹的人不嫌事大。 People just want to see the fun even trying to make things worse.

TEACHER'S NOTE

平衡石艺术是一种看似简单，实则需要耐心和技巧的游戏。如果你也能做到，我一定要管你 叫“艺术家”啦！说真的，其实生活中人人都是艺术家，只是看我们是否真的愿意去做和相信。 文中说成为一个平衡石艺术家，要有强感知和持久的耐心。这好像学一门新的外语，我们既 需要有耐心，也需要找到正确方法。在这个过程中，可不能嫌苦嫌累哦！ Balance stone art is a deceptively simple game that requires patience and skill. If you can do that, I'll call that you are an artist! To be honest, everyone is an artist in life, it just depends on whether we are willing to believe it and do it. The article says that becoming a balanced stone artist, you need to have strong perception and long-lasting patience. It's like learning a new foreign language,we need to be patient and find the right ways to learn more. During this process, wish you would’t always feel tired.

Editor: Huang DongMei TMM | 30

STORY

Unlucky or Lucky?

Intermediate level 1 4 Mins

In the mosaic of life, Old Li's narrative teaches us that what we perceive as misfortune might be the prologue to an extraordinary chapter.

The flames that sought to devour him became the beacon of unexpected rescue. Little Li, captivated by these tales, learns that destiny's choreography is a masterpiece, often revealing its brilliance only when seen through the lens of resilience and unpredictability.

Editor: Amanda TMM | 31

STORY

不幸还是幸运? ：老李一共在岛上呆了多少天？ ：为什么最后老李得救了？

Q1 Q2

老李今年八十岁了。最近，他的孙子小李很不开心，因为他觉得自己总是 很不幸运。老李听了想安慰他，于是给他讲起自己年轻时的故事。 老李年轻的时候跟朋友第一次出海玩儿，就遇到了海难。所有人都死了， 只有他活了下来。他游到最近的岛，等了两天，没有人来救他。第三天和 第四天，他用木头做了一个简单的房子。第五天早上，他去外面找吃的东 西。回来的时候，发现他的房子着火了，火非常大。房子没了，他一个人 在岛上，不知道能活到什么时候，他觉得自己太不幸了。 但那天下午，有人开船来救他了。那个人说，他的船开到附近时，看到这 个岛上有火和烟。他觉得一定有人在那里，所以就开过来了。老李终于被 救了。 老李说，发生海难的时候，他觉得自己太不幸了，但其实他是唯一活下来 的人。房子着火的时候，他也觉得自己太不幸了，然而其实是那把火救了 他。

作者：Kate TMM | 32

VOCAB! 不幸

bù xìng misfortune / adversity / unfortunate

幸运

xìng yùn fortunate / lucky / fortune / luck

海难

hǎi nàn perils of the sea

岛

dǎo island

救

jiù to save / to assist / to rescue

唯一

wéi yī only; sole

TMM | 33

r e m m a gr ew br

语法：然而（却）

连词“然而”表示转折，多用于书面语，常省略使用为“而”。有时“然而”可以和“却”同时出现在 一个句子里，加强转折的语气。 The conjunction “然而” indicates a turning point and is often used in written language, often omitted as “ 而 ” .Sometimes “ 然而 ”can appear together with “ 却 ” in a sentence, enhancing the tone of the inflection.

Structure: ……. / ……

，然而 而

Examples:

我喜欢早睡，然而我的舍友却喜欢晚睡。 I like to go to bed early, but my roommates like to go to bed late. 原以为他会帮我，然而事与愿违。 I thought he would help me, but it back fired.

TEACHER'S NOTE

不幸会变成幸运，幸运也可能变成不幸。这篇寓言故事和我们学过的中国古代的故事《塞翁 失马，焉知祸福》相似，用时髦说法就是“生活处处是反转”。这时候，我们可以用上“然而”来 表达事物发展出现的让人出乎意料的变化，这种变化可以是好的，也可以是坏的。当然，如 果表达事情发展是必然的，有先有后，我们就可以用“于是”啦！比如，他的车坏了，于是他又 买了一辆新车。 Misfortune can turn into luck, and luck also can turn into misfortune. This fable is similar to the ancient Chinese story we have learned “no bad thing or a blessing in disguise” In popular terms, "life is always reversed.". Of course, we can also use “

然而 ” to express the changes

that have occurred in the development of things, which can be good or bad. Of course, if we express that development of things is inevitable, we can use “

于是 ”.“ 于是 ” is following the

incident and resulting in some outcome.For example, his car broke down, and then he bought a new car.

TMM | 34

Editor: Huang DongMei

7

测试

2 3 4 5

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

岛 独居 概率 感知 岗位 公开 海难 韩国 化妆 健身 教练 警惕

bàn lǚ

companion / mate / partner

bǎo chí

to keep / to maintain / to hold / to preserve

bǎo shǒu conservative / to guard / to keep bì miǎn

to avert / to prevent / to avoid / to refrain from

bù xìng

misfortune / adversity / unfortunate

cān jù

tableware / dinner service

cè shì

to test (machinery etc) / to test (students) / test / quiz / exam / beta (software)

dǎo

island

dú jū

to live alone / to live a solitary existence

gài lǜ

probability (math.)

gǎn zhī

perception / awareness

gǎng wèi

a post / a job

gōng kāi

public / to publish / to make public

hǎi nàn

perils of the sea

Hán guó

South Korea (Republic of Korea)

huà zhuāng to put on makeup jiàn shēn

to exercise / to keep fit / to work out / physical exercise

jiào liàn

instructor / sports coach / trainer

jǐng tì

to be on the alert / vigilant / alert / on guard / to warn TMM | 36

Glossary

6

伴侣 保持 保守 避免 不幸 餐具

1

25

商机

21 22 23

jiù

to save / to assist / to rescue

jú sè

orange (color)

má què

sparrow / (dialect) mahjong

míng xīng

star / celebrity

nǎo

brain / mind / head

shāng jī

business opportunity / commercial opportunity

tuán tǐ

group / organization / team

wài mào

profile / appearance

28

团体 外貌 唯一

wéi yī

only; sole

29

慰藉

wèi jiè

to console / to comfort / consolation

30

细微

xì wēi

tiny / minute / fine / subtle / sensitive (instruments)

xiá cī

blemish / flaw / defect

26 27

31 32 33 34 35 36 37

瑕疵 暹罗猫 形状各异 幸运 支点 重力 状态

xiān luó māo siamese cat xíng zhuàng different shapes gè yì xìng yùn

fortunate / lucky / fortune / luck

zhī diǎn

pivot

zhòng lì

gravity

zhuàng tài

condition; state; state of affairs

TMM | 37

Glossary

24

救 橘色 麻雀 明星 脑

20

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BEAUTY AND AESTHETICS Architecture Defining Beauty: Perspectives of Beauty in Chinese Culture Traditional and Contemporary Arts and Music Literature Fashion and Design Visual and Performing Arts, Film

FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES Family Structure/Roles within Families Social Customs, Traditions,Values, Rites of Passage Urban and Rural Communities and their Development Relationships, Friendship,and Social Networking Perspectives of Age,Ethnicity, Class,Religion Citizenship,Social Welfare,and Social Justice

CONTEMPORARY LIFE Education and Careers Lifestyles and Pop Culture Entertainment, Sports,and Leisure Travel, Transportation,and Tourism Holidays and Celebrations Food, Nutrition, and Meal-taking Culture

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AP Chinese Language and Culture Course and Exam Description . CollegeBoard.

Coming Next In the next issue, the following questions will be answered: 1. Why do many Chinese girls like Korea?

2. Do you like time travel TV series?

3. How is the life of migrant workers in the postepidemic era?

4. What kind of pastries did the Chinese emperor like to eat?

The Mimir Magazine Published by Contemporary Education and Technology Yi Chou Hsu Contemporary Education and Technology Chair Mengting Hou Executive Editor Mengjia Xu Managing Editor

ISSN 2835-5970

LEARN & BE CURIOUS www.themimir.com