For largely people in Taiwan, the baby welcoming traditions are simple. Usually, the parents will give out cakes or "you-fan"(a delicacy made with the glutinous rice) with an egg colored in red to their family, friends and colleges. Then, some friends or family will give the babies gifts such as blankets, stuff animals, toys or other products made for babies. In the past, the welcoming traditions could be different for babies regarding their gender, for example, parents may give out better food if they get baby boys. However, by the progress in gender equality, all the babies are treated the same, and the traditions are mostly based on the preference of parents nowadays.

While I was walking back from the store in the morning, I bumped into a super adorable puppy. She is a Bichon Frise. She walked slowly and sniffed here and there on the sidewalk. When I came close to her, she suddenly turned to me and looked at me with a sweet expression. Her owner( Mum? I think she takes her pet as a family member.) is a nice friendly lady. She was happy that I complimented her pet and had no problem with me taking photos of the puppy. I love dogs. They always make me happy.

Hi, I wonder what's the difference between "come" and "come over" when using it to refer moving from one place to another? For instance, "Please come here." and "Please come over here." Thank you for your help! :)

People from different ethnic backgrounds in Taiwan may celebrate birthdays in different ways. However, I think that most young people just celebrate birthdays by hanging out with their friends and family, eating out in the restaurants, or having birthday parties with cakes. In my family, birthdays of some certain ages are considered more important than the others, such as the 60 year-old one. The family will take these days more serious and usually prepare special food or event for them.

Hi, I've read a sentence as below in a book and I'd like to confirm its meaning with you. To take a plate from a shelf without anyone first insisting that they get it for me....feels as close to a return to my old life as I've come. Does "I've come" in the sentence mean something like "so far", saying that it was the first time that she feels that she finally returns to her old life? Thank you a lot!

Salad is definitely my favourite food. For one, I love veggies, fruits and nuts. They are really nutrient and always make me feel energetic. Secondly, I'm a person who doesn't like to be monotonous. There are so many different veggies combinations, dressings and other ingredients enabling me to make my very own special salad everyday. That's why I have no doubt that salad is and will be my favourite for good.

Hi. I can't understand something which I have read about subjunctive mood as following. " Here are the other main uses of the subjunctive: ... be and were are used at the beginning of sentences or clauses when the subject follows: Were I to make a list of my favourite films, this would be in second place. All books, be they fiction or non-fiction, should provide entertainment." Is "if" both omitted in the last two example sentences? Is "be" or "were" moved before the subject due to this omission? Thanks!

1. begin on According to the government's plan, the vaccine roll-out will begin on the first week of July. 2. be named for v.s. name after My little brother is named for my grandpa. My parents named my little brother after my grandpa. 3. step in Teachers have to step in when they notice that their students may face domestic violences at homes. 4. mingle The excitement of becoming a parent is always mingled with a bundle of nerves for the responsibility. 5. garland My sister wants all the guests to wear garlands on her wedding.

1. in response to A huge protest has been held in the city in response to its increasing violent incidents against the minority. 2. on request The information of my referees will be sent on request. 3. shorthand The lecturer has spoken too fast for me to write the notes without shorthand. 4. reason What are your reasons for being late to the school? 5. justification All his justification for his behavior is just excuse.