By Katrina Liao
For the past few years, the green owl icon has been gaining global recognition with more than 500 million users—it shows up in people’s daily notifications and on several social media platforms as a strict coach who is always desperately urging people to practice languages. More and more people are learning languages with the app Duolingo, and, interestingly, some users seem to get obsessed with the learning environment it creates—they enthusiastically collect “XP” (meaning “experience,” the scores in the app) to rank higher in the leaderboard while carefully maintaining their “streak,” the proof of their amazing persistence on how many days in a row they have been practicing. Yet, what exactly makes this app so charming, and is it really effective for learning a new language?
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By Katelyn Chan How did SPAM, the gelatinous “mystery meat” reviled by millions of Americans, become a culinary and cultural staple across Asia?
To answer this question, we will have to travel back in time to July 5, 1937, to the small town of Austin, Minnesota. Here, Jay Hormel has just released the newest product of the Hormel Foods Corporation, a can of processed pork, salt, water, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrate, also known as SPAM. Shelf-stable, affordable, and pre-cooked, this canned meat was highly popular among American housewives, especially since many families were still struggling through the economic hardships brought on by the Great Depression. However, it wasn’t until WWII that SPAM began to take off, jumping from a household name to an international phenomenon. When the US entered WWII, the military had to find suitable rations to send abroad with their troops. Coincidentally, the very traits that made SPAM so appealing to American housewives were the very same traits that made SPAM the perfect military ration. Since the canned meat was shelf-stable and pre-cooked, it could easily be shipped to soldiers overseas, and soldiers did not have to worry about preparing it during times of conflict. As such, SPAM made its debut on the international playing field – where the American military went, SPAM followed. This continued even after WWII, as American soldiers were involved in numerous overseas conflicts and rebuilding efforts. As a result, the influence of American military presence was especially impactful in Asia, due to conflicts such as the Korean War and Vietnam War, as well as the occupation and reconstruction of Japan. US Military bases were scattered all around Asia, spreading American culture and food. by Angie
English proficiency tests have long been considered a benchmark for evaluating language skills, particularly in contexts where English, now the lingua franca of business, science, technology, and academia, is not the primary language. Proficiency in English is often seen as essential for international communication and collaboration. For example, multinational corporations require employees who can effectively interact with colleagues, clients, and partners from diverse linguistic backgrounds. In academia, English proficiency is often a prerequisite for studying abroad or accessing academic resources and publications. by Noa Blu
In the heart of Kaohsiung, a southern city of Taiwan, the recent Taiwan Tattoo Convention (台灣國際紋身藝術展) captivated enthusiasts and artists alike, creating the city into a vibrant canvas of inked creativity. The convention, which was held at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Centre, showcased the evolution of tattoo culture in Taiwan, combining traditional influences with modern artistry. The convention, which lasted from March 1st to 3rd, had an exceptional turnout. As attendees weaved through booth after booth of artists showing off their work and offering tattoos, there were music and dance performances, as well as Muay Thai fights happening outside. To a tattoo fanatic, it was the place to be. By Zach 守道 Ahearn
The Super Bowl is the most hyped-up sporting event in America. Often referred to as the “Big Game,” the Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL). Super Bowl Sunday has effectively become an unofficial national holiday, marked by socializing and greasy finger food. Evolving far past a sporting event, it has culminated into a cultural phenomenon that brings together fans and casual viewers alike. Let’s dive into the heart of the Super Bowl to explore what makes this event so special. The Super Bowl is the finale of the NFL season. It is typically played annually on the first Sunday of February and serves as the NFL season’s end. The game pits the victors of the league’s two conferences against each other in one game of football to see who is the best of them all. The winning team is awarded the Vince Lombardi Trophy, named after renowned NFL coach Vince Lombardi, signifying their achievement as the champion of that year’s NFL season. Not only are people pulled into the top-tier athletic competition, but also for the witty commercials, fun social experience, and over-the-top halftime performance. That’s right, commercials play a big part in the NFL Super Bowl. This may have surprised you, but Super Bowl ads have gained massive popularity over the years because they’re unlike anything seen before. The bar for entry to show an ad in the Super Bowl is extremely expensive. If you wanted a 30-second commercial slot for the most recent Super Bowl, it would have cost you 7 million USD. That’s $233,333 for every second of airtime. Only the largest companies get a slot in the Super Bowl, so they go all out. Nearly all the ads played in the Super Bowl will feature some well-known celebrity in an effort to be memorable or unique. Most try to be funny with their ads; some try to make a statement, while others are plain weird. At the end of the day, each company strives to be the memorable ad everyone remembers from the Super Bowl, and some achieve that goal. Photo source Unveiling the Paradox: Mental Illness, Antidepressants, and the Conundrum of Repressed Emotions3/12/2024 – Isabelle Liu
In an era where mental health discourse is increasingly prevalent, the relationship between antidepressants and the repression of emotions remains a perplexing conundrum. Are these medications truly aiding in the resolution of underlying emotional distress, or merely masking symptoms, stifling authentic expression? This journal aims to dissect this intricate interplay, exploring the ramifications of antidepressant use on emotional processing and regulation. Through rigorous examination and personal narratives, I seek to unravel the complexities of mental health treatment, navigating the fine line between symptom alleviation and genuine healing. Join me as I confront the silence surrounding mental illness and antidepressant therapy, striving for greater clarity and understanding in the pursuit of holistic mental well-being. By Thanatcha S.
There is no denying that the harsh times of the present have affected people in ways that might turn them to a life of crime. Being a spy, a terrorist, or a murderer is considered the worst crime and often carries the most severe penalty: capital punishment, also known as the death penalty. These practices are being implemented on adults as well as juveniles. Nonetheless, many questions have been raised whether the death penalty should be used on juveniles under the age of 18, since they are still basically children. This article addresses this issue and asks whether young offenders should be given the death penalty for their capital crimes. By Liana
In today’s age of technology and constant advertising on social media, consumerism is perhaps more rampant than ever. Social media influencers post hauls where they display the various new items they’ve acquired. Physical storefronts and online clothing stores boast the newest styles and trends. Phone carrier companies offer the newest phone model as an incentive for customers who switch to their plans. The messaging is everywhere: the latest product is the most desirable. By Katelyn Chan
Regarded as one of the most dangerous festivals in the world, the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival is a must-see for any thrill seekers traveling to Taiwan. From the 13th to the 15th day of the lunar year, palanquins holding statues of the Chinese deity Guan Yu parade around the city of Yanshui, setting off fireworks and rocket platforms as they go. Meanwhile, festivalgoers wait eagerly in front of the rocket platforms, hoping to get hit by the flying projectiles. While there are many legends surrounding the origins of this unique festival, most point towards a Cholera epidemic that is said to have ravaged the Yanshui region during the late 19th century. Residents of the area prayed to Guan Yu, the Chinese god of war, asking him for help. As the story goes, residents then decided to parade through the streets of Yanshui during the Lantern Festival, setting off strings of fireworks along the way, either to accompany the deity or in the hopes of inviting him. The epidemic subsided shortly after, but the traditions it sparked have remained ever since. If Only I Could Hibernate: Uncovering the Socio-Economic Realities in Contemporary Mongolian Society3/10/2024 By Yesui Batgerel Often associated with poverty and social inequality, the term “ger district” or “yurt district” comes from the informal settlement of immigrant pastoral nomadic families in urban areas in Mongolia. These districts are the inevitable result of challenges and hardships faced in the countryside, where climate change has threatened the survival of pastoral nomads. In the capital city Ulan Bator, the traditional nomadic spirit finds a modern-day expression in the form of bustling ger districts, which are characterized by desperation and poor living conditions. According to a 2020 survey by the Asian Development Bank, at present approximately 62% percent of Ulan Bator’s total population resides in ger districts. In the shadows of towering skyscrapers, the ger districts are usually overlooked and marginalized by Mongolian society at large. A new Mongolian film, If Only I Could Hibernate, provides a sense of these struggles amidst a background of socio-economic challenges. Through its powerful narrative and imagery, the film offers a compelling exploration modern-day Mongolian society. The official movie poster, which shows an image of the ger districts of Ulan Bator, the setting of the film
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The Taida Student Journal has been active since 1995 with an ever-changing roster of student journalists at NTU. Click the above link to read about the authors Archives
May 2024
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