レアジョブ英会話 Daily News Article Podcast

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レアジョブオリジナルの英会話ニュース教材です。世界の時事ネタを中心に、ビジネスから科学やスポーツまで、幅広いトピックのニュースを毎日更新しています。本教材を通して、ビジネスで使える実用的な英会話表現や英単語を身に付けることができます。

  1. 17時間前

    German Baumkuchen ‘tree cake’ survived a disaster and world wars to become a Japanese favorite

    Baumkuchen originated in Germany but has become a wildly popular sweet in Japan, where a prisoner of war (POW) on a small western island started making the treat that has thrived in its new homeland. Today, the confectionery known as “tree cake,” because of the resemblance to a trunk with rings, is considered a symbol of longevity and prosperity in Japan, where Baumkuchen festivals are regularly held. Japanese adaptations, including those using matcha and sweet potatoes, are popular gifts at weddings and birthdays. Baumkuchen is sold in gift boxes at luxury department stores, and individually wrapped, smaller versions can be found at convenience stores. The sweet's early years, however, are associated with a catastrophic earthquake and two world wars. Making Baumkuchen is one of the most popular activities on Ninoshima, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Hiroshima. At the outdoor center built over the site of a prisoner of war camp, amateur bakers pour batter on a bamboo pole and roast the mixture over a charcoal fire. As the surface turns light brown, a new layer is poured, creating brown rings as the cake grows thicker and the sweet smell wafts through the picnic area. A German confectioner named Karl Juchheim baked Baumkuchen while he was imprisoned on the island more than 100 years ago. Juchheim was running a bakery in Qingdao, China, then a German territory, when he was captured by the Japanese in 1915. He arrived on Ninoshima in 1917 with some 500 German POWs and is believed to have tested his Baumkuchen recipe there, Kazuaki Otani said, head of the Juchheim Ninoshima Welcome Center. When the war ended in 1918, Juchheim and about 200 fellow POWs stayed in Japan. In March 1919, Juchheim’s Baumkuchen commercially debuted in Japan at the Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition. His handmade cake was hugely popular and attracted a big crowd of Japanese visitors, historical documents show. This article was provided by The Associated Press.

    2分

  2. 1日前

    China’s Singles’ Day online shopping bonanza’s sales slow as shoppers opt for more affordable deals

    Sales during China's largest online shopping festival, Singles' Day, jumped almost 18% from a year earlier, but the pace of growth slowed as bargain hunters opted for more affordable deals. Consumers have been tightening their belts, spending cautiously due to a prolonged slump in the property market, lagging wages, and high unemployment among the young Chinese who usually would be most likely to splurge on online purchases. Chinese retail data provider Syntun said that the estimated combined sales value for this year’s online retail bonanza, the country's equivalent to Black Friday and Cyber Monday when e-commerce giants offer deep discounts, reached almost 1.7 trillion yuan ($238 billion). The almost 18% increase in sales was just over half the nearly 27% increase in 2024, when sales totaled 1.44 trillion yuan. Syntun noted that the comparison was not direct, since this year's festival was roughly a week longer. Analysts said that was partly to help prop up sales for the e-commerce companies at a time of softer demand. “This year’s Singles’ Day should be viewed as a positive signal for China’s consumer economy,” said Jacob Cooke, CEO of the consultancy WPIC Marketing + Technologies. “The longer sales window means year-on-year comparisons are imperfect, but the underlying indicators—strong participation, high engagement, and broad category strength—show that consumers are still spending,” Cooke said. E-commerce giant Alibaba launched Singles’ Day in 2009 as a one-day sales event on November 11, a celebration for singles since it is known in Chinese as “Double 11.” Consultancy Bain & Company said in a recent report that Singles’ Day’s “once-stellar growth” has been maturing over the past several years. Increasing sales beyond current high levels may be tough, partly because of the sluggish economic climate, it said. Still, JD.com, one of China’s biggest e-commerce platforms, said its turnover reached a record high, with a nearly 60% jump in the number of orders and a 40% increase in the number of shoppers. This article was provided by The Associated Press.

    2分

  3. 2日前

    Bah, humbug! Air Force base housing landlord says no Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving

    Outdoor Christmas decorations didn’t fly at U.S. Air Force base housing in the Florida Panhandle before Thanksgiving. The private company that operates a community of homes near Tyndall Air Force Base (AFB) instructed residents to remove their Yuletide decorations and refrain from putting them back up until after Turkey Day. “All holiday decorations should be reflective in their respective months and not any sooner than 30 days before the given holiday,” the landlord said in the message. Air Force Capt. Justin Davidson-Beebe, a Tyndall spokesman, said that the landlord, Balfour Beatty Communities, had set the policy. “They are enforcing the community standards outlined in the legally binding lease agreement all residents voluntarily sign,” Davidson-Beebe said in an email. “These guidelines are not part of a broader Air Force policy. Since community standards are set by the privatized housing management company at some installations, standards may vary from base to base.” The 59-page community handbook for Tyndall AFB Homes explicitly states that winter decorations and lights are only allowed from the week after Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, and that lights can only be lit from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. “Do not keep them lit all night or in daylight hours,” the handbook says. “They must be removed no later than the third week of January; they may not remain on the exterior year-round.” In a statement, Balfour Beatty Communities said the company was just offering guidelines and there would be no enforcement leading to any punishment. “Our holiday decoration guidelines are designed to provide a general framework to help maintain consistency in our communities,” the company said. “We value the joy and creativity our residents bring to their neighborhoods, especially during the holidays, and apologize for any confusion.” The base, located outside Panama City in Florida's Panhandle, is home to the 325th Fighter Wing. The base suffered catastrophic damage in 2018 from Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm. The estimated cost to rebuild the base was $4.7 billion. This article was provided by The Associated Press.

    2分

  4. 3日前

    EVs produce lower emissions than petrol cars after two years, say scientists

    Producing and manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) and their batteries uses a lot of energy, leading many to be skeptical about the environmental benefits of switching to electric. But a new study says that after two years of use, EVs emit fewer carbon dioxide emissions than vehicles fueled by petrol. The findings are key, as transportation accounts for a significant portion of U.S. emissions. While EVs run on electricity, which cuts out polluting exhaust emissions, traditional internal combustion engine vehicles run on petrol. Petrol is a fossil fuel that, when burned, drives climate change by emitting greenhouse gases that trap the Earth’s heat. Researchers from Northern Arizona University and Duke University used a model to evaluate criteria air pollutants, which are monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency due to the harm they cause, and emissions across four potential scenarios for EV market share in the U.S., given how the energy system across the nation might develop over time. The least ambitious scenario for EV adoption assumed the share of EV sales reaches 31% in 2050, and the most ambitious assumed EVs reach 75% by 2050. EVs accounted for about 8% of new vehicle sales in 2024. They found that during an EV's first two years of operation, it produces 30% higher carbon dioxide emissions than gasoline vehicles. The higher initial emissions stem from the energy-intensive production and manufacturing processes that go into mining lithium for EV batteries, according to the research. Previous studies have also shown that battery production is a dirty process and harmful to the environment and communities, leading many to be skeptical about the benefits of switching to electric. But the new analysis says that after the second year, EVs lead to fewer cumulative CO2 emissions compared to gasoline vehicles. Part of that is due to a drop in emissions from driving more EVs. But with higher rates of adoption, the study also said there would be a need for more electricity production, which would potentially boost the use of more energy sources typically associated with lower emissions, such as solar and wind power. This article was provided by The Associated Press.

    3分

  5. 4日前

    Purple haze of blossoming jacaranda trees brightens up streets of South African cities

    Jacaranda trees are a symbol of spring in Gauteng. These subtropical trees, with their lavender flowers, bloom yearly in Gauteng, especially Pretoria and Johannesburg, adding a touch of color and joy to the South African cities. Apart from their captivating color and shape, what makes these trees fascinating is that they are not indigenous to South Africa. Scientifically known as Jacaranda mimosifolia, the tree is originally from South America, specifically Brazil, and was introduced to South Africa in the 1800s. These resilient trees are considered an invasive species—they are not naturally part of the South African ecosystem but have adapted and can survive without human help. But due to their popularity and strong cultural value, people are permitted to plant and grow the trees within city limits. The trees became a significant part of the modernization of Pretoria in the 1900s, with samples given to residents to grow in their homes. With Gauteng’s humid weather and rainy springs, the purple giants are thriving, creating a beautiful lavender carpet on windy days and perfect shade on a hot day. "Jacarandas were classed as an invasive species, but they have a clause in their invasive status,” said Jason Sampson, Head of Botanical Gardens at the University of Pretoria. "They are not listed in urban areas, so which means that because they have a strong cultural value, you're still allowed to plant them within city limits, like in Pretoria." The purple flowers bloom for about two to three weeks before the leaves come out, making the experience even more special. They’ve also become the perfect background for pictures, with residents snapping a shot whenever they have a moment. Their striking colors beautifully contrast the concrete building. A resident in Johannesburg, Naledi Mnisi told The Associated Press how she enjoys jogging in the morning while admiring the beauty of the jacarandas. "Jacarandas make me feel inspired," said Mnisi. "They represent a new season, a time of growth, and when you are running in the morning, it's easier to get up and get going as opposed to like winter, where it's gloomy and dark." This article was provided by The Associated Press.

    2分

  6. 5日前

    Slime, Battleship, and Trivial Pursuit join the Toy Hall of Fame

    Slime, that gooey, sticky, and often-homemade plaything, was enshrined in the National Toy Hall of Fame along with perennial bestselling games Battleship and Trivial Pursuit. Each year, the Hall of Fame recognizes toys that have inspired creative play across generations, culling its finalists from among thousands of nominees sent in online. Voting by the public and a panel of experts decides which playthings will be inducted. Milton Bradley's Battleship, a strategy game that challenges players to strike an opponent's warships, and Trivial Pursuit, which tests players' knowledge in categories like geography and sports, have each sold more than 100 million copies over several decades, according to the Hall of Fame. Battleship started as a pencil-and-paper game in the 1930s, but it was Milton Bradley's 1967 plastic edition with fold-up stations and model ships that became a hit with the public. Its popularity crested when Universal Pictures and Hasbro, which now owns Milton Bradley, released the 2012 movie, "Battleship," loosely based on the game. Battleship was also among the first board games to be computerized in 1979, according to the Hall of Fame, and now there are numerous electronic versions. Trivial Pursuit lets players compete alone or in teams as they maneuver around a board answering trivia questions in exchange for wedges in a game piece. Canadian journalists Chris Haney and Scott Abbott came up with the game in 1979 and eventually sold the rights to Hasbro. Frequently updated, specialty versions have emerged for young players, baby boomers, and other segments, and an online daily quiz keeps players engaged, chief curator Chris Bensch said. Slime's appeal is more about squish than skill. It was introduced commercially in 1976 and has been manufactured under various brand names, but it is even more accessible as a do-it-yourself project. The internet offers a variety of recipes using ingredients like baking soda, glue, and contact lens solution. "Though slime continues to carry icky connotations to slugs and swamps—all part of the fun for some—the toy offers meaningful play," curator Michelle Parnett-Dwyer said, adding that it's also used for stress relief and building motor skills. This article was provided by The Associated Press.

    3分

  7. 6日前

    From a few to more than 350, children and parents ride together to school as a ‘bike bus’

    Children wearing helmets and backpacks gathered with their parents in Montclair, New Jersey, for a group bicycle ride to two local elementary schools. Volunteers in orange safety vests made sure everyone assembled in a neighborhood shopping area was ready before the riders set off on their 5-mile “bike bus” route. Every few blocks, more adults and kids on bikes joined in. Eventually, the group grew to over 350 people. Older students chatted with friends, while younger ones focused on pedaling. Cars along the way stopped to let the long line of cyclists pass. Pupils and parents peeled off toward the first school before the remainder reached the group's final stop. It’s a familiar scene in Montclair. For the past three years, what began as a handful of parents hoping to encourage their kids to bike to school has grown into a weekly ritual for both the township of about 40,000 residents and many of its families. “It was so fun,” second grader Gigi Drucker, 7, said upon arriving at Nishuane Elementary School. “The best way to get to school is by bike because it gives you more exercise. It’s healthier for the Earth,” she added. But traveling to school on two wheels isn’t just for fun, according to organizer Jessica Tillyer, whose children are 6 and 8 years old. She believes that biking together each week helps promote healthy habits for the children and strengthens the sense of community among parents. The bike bus movement isn’t new. Hundreds of them exist throughout the U.S. and Europe, as well as in Australia, Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Israel, according to Bike Bus World, a nonprofit organization that promotes and provides information about bike buses. Co-founder Sam Balto, who established a bike bus in Portland, Oregon, more than three years ago, said interest has grown so much that he offers free coaching calls to help others launch their own. He estimates there are more than 400 routes worldwide, and the number continues to grow. “Children and families are craving community and physical activity and being outdoors,” Balto said. This article was provided by The Associated Press.

    2分

  8. 12月5日

    Japanese game maker Nintendo reports zooming sales and profit on its hit Switch 2 machine

    Japanese video-game maker Nintendo’s net profit jumped 85% in April-September from the year before, as its sales more than doubled following the launch of its hit Switch 2 console in June, the company said. Nintendo, based in Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto, said its profit for the half-year totaled 198.9 billion yen, or $1.3 billion, up from 108.6 billion yen the year before. Sales for the first half of this fiscal year rose to nearly 1.1 trillion yen ($7.1 billion) from 523 billion yen in the same period of 2024. Nintendo, which makes Super Mario and Pokémon games, did not provide a breakdown of quarterly data. Nintendo’s video game sales were solid, although with no new movies, revenue from its content business slowed. Nintendo raised its profit forecast for the full fiscal year through March 2026 to 350 billion yen ($2.3 billion). Previously, it had expected a 300 billion yen ($1.9 billion) profit. It also raised its forecast for Switch 2 machine sales to 19 million units from the earlier 15 million. Nintendo says it had sold more than 10 million Switch 2s by the end of September. Popular Switch 2 game software includes “Mario Kart World” and “Donkey Kong Bananza.” Sales of the older Nintendo Switch have fallen, but Switch game sales are still going strong because they can be played on Switch 2 machines. Analysts expect Nintendo’s earnings to stay strong with the upcoming holiday season, when it tends to do well. They also expect key new games in the Pokémon and Kirby franchises. Nintendo stocks, which have been rising relatively steadily over the past year, fell 0.8% on November 4. This article was provided by The Associated Press.

    2分
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番組について

レアジョブオリジナルの英会話ニュース教材です。世界の時事ネタを中心に、ビジネスから科学やスポーツまで、幅広いトピックのニュースを毎日更新しています。本教材を通して、ビジネスで使える実用的な英会話表現や英単語を身に付けることができます。

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