English farm finds new income by livening up video conferences

 

English farm finds new income by livening up video conferences

英國農場藉由帶給視訊會議歡樂 找到新收入

【摘要2021.2.16.自由】◎黃靖媗

Cronkshaw Fold Farm in Lancashire, England, has been offering up their goats to make spontaneous, up-close appearances in virtual meetings anywhere in the world.

英格蘭蘭開夏郡的克倫蕭福德農場提供他們的山羊，讓牠們出乎意料、近距離地出現在世界任何一處的視訊會議。

The goats drop in on otherwise mundane virtual gatherings, including seemingly serious business meetings, birthday parties, baby showers and high school math lessons. A goat will appear in the meeting with its name displayed on the screen.

山羊們參加許多平凡的線上聚會，包含看似嚴肅的商業會議、生日派對、新生兒派對，與高中數學課。山羊將會出現在會議中，牠的名字也會顯示在螢幕上。

It’s typically a surprise to all attendees but the organizer. For around 5 euros per visit, a goat will abruptly appear in the meeting.

這對主辦單位以外的所有與會者都是一場驚喜。每次造訪約為5歐元，1隻山羊會突然出現在會議中。

While the main idea is to get some laughs during a grim time, the goat video calls have managed to keep the 500-year-old farm afloat - and staff members employed.

這個點子在難熬的時間裡博得許多笑聲的同時，山羊的通話影片也讓500年歷史的農場得以存續，員工能繼續被聘僱。

【新聞辭典】

spontaneous：形容詞，自發的、即興的。例句：We are surprise at the spontaneous performance. （我們對這個即興的表演感到驚訝。）

afloat：形容詞，經濟上周轉自如、有償債能力。例句：During the pandemic, many small companies are struggling to keep afloat.（在疫情期間，許多小企業奮力地維持經營。）

abruptly：副詞，突然地、唐突地。例句：After the rain ended abruptly, we decided to go hiking.（在雨突然停了之後，我們決定去健行。）