宜誠鼎峰社區

If you had millions of US dollars, how would you spend it? Would you buy lots of things, like cars, boats, or houses? One millionaire became famous when he decided to take the ultimate vacation. Today in 2001, Dennis Tito became the first space tourist. He paid US$20 million for his trip, but it wasn't easily done. At first, the Russian space program didn't want him to go up. Eventually, Tito was allowed and spent eight days in space. He even did some experiments for his business in space. Maybe money can't buy happiness, but it can sure buy some exciting adventures.

Google has been fined 8,500 dollars in Brazil after an anonymous Internet user posted defamatory messages on one of its sites against a priest, calling him a "pedophile," media reported Sunday.

媒體週日報導，Google在巴西因一名身分不詳的網路使用者，在它的一個網站上發表對一名教士的誹謗訊息，稱他是「戀童癖者」，而被罰以8500美元。

In many countries, people take their freedom for granted. They have always had it, so they can never imagine life without it. In South Africa not long ago, things were a lot different from what they are today. This date in history is special because in 1994, South Africa held its first general election. That was the first time adults of all races were allowed to vote. This date is now South Africa's National Day called Freedom Day. It celebrates the major changes that took place in South Africa around this time. It will also help future generations of South Africans remember apartheid.

A schoolgirl in New York is suing the police after she was arrested for writing on her desk.

紐約市一名女學童因為在自己的書桌上寫字而被捕，現在她正控告警方。

Nuclear power was created as a new source of energy. It didn't create the same kind of pollution that other energy sources did. However, it was more dangerous in some ways. On this date in 1986, there was an accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant near the town of Pripyat in Ukraine. Part of the plant was totally destroyed and nuclear radiation was released into the atmosphere. People had to leave the areas closest to the plant. Also, large parts of Europe were affected. This is still the worst nuclear power plant disaster that has ever happened.

Economic implosion, then volcanic explosion： not since the 18th century has Iceland been associated with so much tumult in Europe.

經濟內爆，接著火山爆發：18世紀以來，冰島從來沒和歐洲騷動這麼有關係。

I’m busted !（我被抓包了！）

做壞事或虧心事時最怕的就是被抓包。台灣人怕被抓包，外國人當然也怕，因此英文中的「被抓包；被逮到」便可以說be busted，bust當動詞時意為「逮捕；搜查」，busted本身是形容詞，是俚語「失敗的」之意。

Looking deep into space has been the dream of astronomers for years. On this date in 1990, such dreams were about to come true as the Hubble Space Telescope was put into orbit. The idea for Hubble first began in the 1940s. In the 1970s it was finally designed, and then in the 1980s it was built. Unfortunately, a problem with the telescope's lens was discovered not long after it was launched into space. However, after repairs were made by astronauts on a space walk, the Hubble Space Telescope began sending some of the most amazing pictures of the universe back to Earth.

The leader of Britain’s third party the Liberal Democrats scored a surprise boost after coming top in the first-ever pre-election TV debate between the main contenders.

英國第三政黨自由民主黨的黨魁近來意外人氣大增，因為他在英國首度舉辦的主要政黨選前電視辯論會中表現最為優異。

Singer, actress, and filmmaker, Barbra Streisand knows how to do it all. But what is really impressive is how she has been able to capture the hearts of so many people for so long. Streisand was born to a Jewish family on this date in 1942. From a young age, she was interested in singing and acting. She got her first singing job while still a teenager. She soon went on to act in plays, appear on TV shows, and perform in movies. Since the 1960s, Streisand has recorded over 60 albums and is one of the top-selling female artists of all time. She has also won all the top awards, including Grammys, Emmys, and Oscars.

Music and DVDs are replacing religion as the focus for public devotion, a leading academic has said.

音樂及DVD正取代宗教，成為大眾虔誠的重心，一位頂尖學者表示。

There are many things in life worth celebrating and giving our attention to. On this date in 1920, International Children's Day began to take shape in Turkey. The event was again promoted at the World Conference for the Well-Being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland. Now, International Children's Day is held annually on June 1. Another holiday, Universal Children's Day, was inspired by International Children's Day. Universal Children's Day was promoted by the United Nations, and events take place on November 20. Both holidays focus on actions that benefit and improve the welfare of children around the world.

Chicken plays chicken with drivers on busy street

雞在繁忙的街道上跟駕駛人玩比大膽

We all know that the environment is important and that we're all connected on Earth. Many of us also understand that we need to take action to help protect the environment. Forty years ago on this date, the hard work of a group of truly dedicated people finally paid off when the first Earth Day was held. It was organized by Senator Gaylord Nelson and his staff, who publicly invited everyone to join them on April 22 to focus on environmental issues. Now, more than 170 countries celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up parks, holding educational events, and volunteering to help better the environment.

Scientists have shown they can change people’s moral judgements by disrupting a specific area of the brain with magnetic pulses.

科學家表示，他們可以以磁脈衝干擾腦部特定區域，改變人的道德判斷。

In the world of sports, history can be made within seconds. On this date in 1985, one of the best drivers in Formula One history raced to victory for the first time. The legendary racer, 25-year-old Ayrton Senna, was victorious during the Portuguese Grand Prix, which was held in Estoril, Portugal. Senna was born in Brazil in 1960 and died in a crash during the San Marino Grand Prix in Italy in 1994. During his 10-year-long Formula One career, Senna achieved tons of success. In fact, he is considered to be one of the best Formula One race car drivers ever.

Two Chinese singers have become the first people in the country to fall foul of new rules banning lip-synching nearly two years after widespread criticism of miming at the Beijing Olympics’ opening ceremony.

在北京奧運開幕典禮的對嘴假唱引發廣泛抨擊近兩年後，兩名中國歌手成為這個國家觸犯假唱新禁令的第一批人。

Ninety-eight years ago on this date, Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts opened its doors to the public for the first time. It is home to the Boston Red Sox and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium that is still in use. Fenway Park has hosted more than just baseball games during its long history. The New England Patriots, Boston's professional football team, has also played games there. Additionally, there have been hockey games, concerts, and political campaign events. With so much history, who knows what the future of Fenway Park will hold?