GREEN LIGHT FOR RED LIGHTS

BACKGROUND

A few years ago (if I remember correctly), Chen Shui Bian, Mayor of Taipei at the time, closed down the red light district in Taipei. I can't remember which area it was in. (Wanhua?)

However, this didn't actually put an end to prostitution.

In fact, I don't think it made any noticeable difference at all.

There are still endless "barber shops", "mens clubs" and "massage parlors" all around Taipei, Taipei County and, indeed, around all the major towns and cities in Taiwan (anyone here from Taichung?)

Basically, you really want it, paying for sex is no problem in Taiwan. Indeed, it seems to be a pretty much accepted fact.

Of course, it is nothing like Thailand. Thankfully.

Prostitution is still very much "behind closed doors" in Taiwan and seems to maintain a certain level of "respect", which, in my opinion, is a good thing.

However, prostitution is still illegal. For now, that is.

It seems that some people in the government want to make prostitution legal. Of course, many people are opposed to this. Read the article to find out why...

endless = a lot of; many many

DISCUSS

1. Do you think prostitution should be legal? Why?
2. How would you feel if the government wanted to establish a "red light district" in your area?

READING COMPREHENSION

1. What does the title of this article mean?
2. What is the proposal talked about in the article?
3. When is a decision about the proposal going to be made?
4. Find four arguments in the article that are against the proposal.
5. What do supporters of the proposal say?

READ THE ARTICLE

LANGUAGE

green light = permission (give sb the green light)
red light district = an area where you can pay for sex
proposal = suggestion
vigorously = with a lot of energy and feeling
sex trade = sex industry
sparked = caused
debate = discussion of different points of view
civic groups = groups of people who live in a town or city
preparatory meeting = a meeting to prepare for a meeting
ahead of = before; prior to
committee = a small group of people chosen to make decisions
endorsed = supported
convenes = meets
decriminalization/decriminalize = make something not illegal
a done deal = an agreement
legislative approval = government support
slammed = criticized
joint press conference = a meeting with news reporters
exploiting / exploitation = taking advantage of sb in a bad
prostitutes = women who are paid for sex
numerous = various; many
citing = quoting; refering to
human traffickers = evil people who buy and sell other people
pimp = a prostitutes boss
come up with = think of (for example, an idea)
policies = official ways of doing things
welfare = help for people with problems
the Netherlands = Holland (country in northwest Europe)
shrinking = making smaller
money laundering = illegal money put into legal businesses or banks
regulate = control
outlaw = ban; prohibit; make sth illegal
briefed = gave information (to sb)
attendees = people who join a meeting
assessment report = written judgement about some issue
consensual sex = sex that both people agree to; not forced
at odds on/with = having disagreements
sexual transactions = paying money for sex
detained = kept or stopped from leaving a place
law enforcement authorities = police, judges, etc
correctional institutions = prisons, jails, etc
subject to = forced to do or have sth

Executive Yuan = a branch of Taiwan's government
Ministry of the Interior = a government department

"The Garden of Hope", "Taiwan Women's Link" and "Sex Workers and Supporters Collective" = women's support groups

NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN

BACKGROUND
When some people get old and retired, they start to wonder about the meaning of their life. In fact, many older people may start to feel depressed; that their lives are no longer useful, which is very sad.

The most important thing, in my opinion, is to find and maintain an interest in something. In other words, find something that you enjoy doing and that gives some continued meaning to your life. I think a good example of this is doing charity work - helping other people who are less fortunate than you.

But your interest could also be golf, learning a language, writing a blog, etc. It doesn't matter what it is. The most important thing is that you are interested in it and it gives your life a sense of meaning.

I have often noticed how politicians often seem to live very long, healthy and active lives. I'm sure the reason for this is that they never lose their passion for politics.

I think that is the key: having a passion in life.

retired = not working any longer, usually because of age
depressed = deeply unhappy
passion = a very strong love for sth

DISCUSS
1. How do you think you will spend your time when you are old and retired?

READING COMPREHENSION
1. Why did the man choose to study calligraphy?
2. Why did the man want to do an MA?
3. What is the man especially proud of?
4. What is the man's secret to long life and good health?

READ THE ARTICLE

LANGUAGE
retire/retirement = stop working, usually because of age
pursue = follow; do
philosophy = study of nature, meaning, truth, good, evil, etc
thirst for knowledge = strong desire to learn
nation = country
awarded = given (sth because of a special achievement)
graduation ceremony = special event when you finish school or university
in recognition of = showing that you appreciate sbs achievements
diligence/diligent = studying or working hard and carefully
calligraphy = the art of beautiful writing with special pens or brushes
the basis for/of = subject; main reason; main idea
script = style of writing
stroke = line (in writing a letter or Chinese character)
decades = tens of years
obsolete = no longer used
thesis = a long piece of writing you do for an MA or Phd
reluctant = not wanting to do sth
commute = travel to work or school (often a long distance)
unassisted = without help
quarrels = arguments
sense of humor = liking to laugh and share jokes
acquire = get or obtain (sth by buying or being given it)

FIGHTING THE FLAB

BACKGROUND
Many people want to lose weight. Perhaps it is for health reasons, or just to look better and feel better.

But how about losing weight to save your mother's or father's life?

This is exactly what a college student is doing. Read the article to find out why.

DISCUSS
1. How much do you weigh?
2. Do you feel you need to lose weight?
3. Think of some effective ways to lose weight.

READING COMPREHENSION
1. Why does the father need a new liver?
2. Why was the son unable to donate his liver?
3. What have doctors done to help the son lose weight?

READ THE ARTICLE

LANGUAGE
flab = fat
fight the flab = try to lose weight
bid = attempt
race against time = do something quickly
donate = give sth for a good reason
transplant = move (a body part from one person to another)
undergo = do; have
diagnosed = find out about an illness
fatty liver = too much fat around your liver
moved = touched (emotionally)
inserted = put into sth
abdomen = the area of the body around our stomach
monitoring = watching; observing
brilliant = excellent, wonderful, really great
indebtedness = debt (owing sth to sb)