2015年7月25日 星期六

English fiction 7

family

Life isn't easy for families of children with special needs. Faced with the responsibility of a family member
that requires extra attention and care, many families feel lonely, isolated and hopeless. In many cases, the families feel a sense of shame or embarrassment because their children are not "perfect". Part of that was from realizing that she would not be able to do things we had thought she would do. The other part was over the dreams we wouldn't be able to live out anymore.

They believes all children have inherent value, not because of what they can do but because of who they are. All children are special. They hopes to help these children become contributing members of society. At first we felt relieved because we had known something was wrong,, but not what it was. Once we found out, we could finally get medical help. Then there was a strong sense of grief.

Kids with this disorder often don't sleep much. So we had to readjust our schedules so that we were up
when she was up. The biggest thing, though, was just the sheer exhaustion. I was able to put that aside for 10 hours when I went to work, but my wife was at home with her all day. I wish I dealt with it better. I could fall asleep right now. I drink a lot of coffee. I don't know. You try to ask other people to help. Sometimes that works out, but other times people are too busy.

My children both know that something is wrong with Matthea. For example, I said, "Stop pulling your sister's hair. You know it just upsets her." But the really cool thing is that if anybody ever says anything mean, or they feel Matthea needs help, they are there immediately. One of my children, Chris, is very loyal to his little sister. He would do anything for her. Her baby brother enjoys splashing his bath water all over the floor. Matthea watched it and laugh loudly.

Matthea always had a spoiled upbringing. Her parents gave him whatever he wanted. Sometimes, she needed nothing, but just cried still no tears. Life hasn't been a bed of roses for Ann and Tim since she became ill.

First, we need to hold onto the plans we make very loosely because things can change very quickly. Second, don't be afraid to ask a lot of people for a lot of help. It's hard to do, but you have to do it. The third thing is that God's plans for our lives are better than our own plans. God only gives good gifts, and children, including children with disabilities, are good gifts from Him. If we are willing to accept that, God will show us doors we didn't know existed that He wants us to go through.

One day everything are change. Matthea became the different girl from the one of old time. She is smart and good at commonplace. I finally realize the line between moron and genius.

I need held a party to thank God to give my daughter a new life. My friend told me how to host a party.

How to host the perfect party. It's the season for holiday parties - a time for celebration! But if you're planning the party, it might feel more like a time for stress! Avoid the anxiety, and host a party your friends won't forget with these simple tips.

Think about how many guests you have room for. Decide what you will do at your party. Will your guests be eating a meal, or will they be doing some kind of activity? Let them know in advance.

Prepare for your event. If it's in your home, clean the rooms that people will be using. If it's at a restaurant, reserve enough tables for everyone.

If you are providing food - be prepared! Choose food that is easy to make and serve. Better yet, prepare the meal with your guests. Is the party on short notice? Tell your guests which dish they can bring to share!
And the final tip? After all your hard work, relax for about a half hour before the party begins.

We held a party to celebrate. But my neighbors woke her up with their raucous party.
I said, " I like having parties at my house, but getting ready for them can be a chore."
He said, "I don't care how you do. But be quite, please."

What's a birthday without a cake? We should have a surprise party to celebrate Matthea's 18th birthday.

My daughter said, "I'm feeling a lot of anxiety about the math test tomorrow." When does Matthea study so hard. I replied, "Stop worrying about the test and just relax! We had such a relaxing day at the beach!"

"Going to bed early will help you be rested and alert for your test tomorrow," Matthea's mother stated.
Matthea had stayed up late every day. He couldn't sleep after the order of his mother. When Matthea completed exam, he got sick. Matthea Stan had the flu, his symptoms included a fever and stomach pain.

Matthea's mom gave her vitamin C to help her ward off a cold. His mother is very observant. She always knows when something is wrong. Some kids love computer games. Others not so much. Matthea love the reading.

Matthea finally got the score of 100. Her mother prominently displays the awards in the living room.
Her mother celebrated for it and booked a dinner.
The manager: Our restaurant is extremely popular, so you may have to wait to get a seat.
His mother: I can wait. But your price is too much.
The manager: Our food cost more than the price printed on the menu because there was a service charge.

My daughter has practiced daily for three months because he is determined to play baseball this year. She also like swimming. We always take her to swim. The water is very shallow here, so it is safe for the kids to go swimming.

Matthea's family is working on a farm. His father usually talks to him, "You'd think working on a farm would be boring, but actually there is a lot to learn."
Matthea felt good. Eating one of Martha's cupcakes is the equivalent of eating a huge meal.
Her mother even said, "What's with that lunch you're having? You're eating junk food!" No way, She just like cupcakes.

One day, Matthea became the famous artist who said his inspiration came from his relationship with his family. Sometimes dreaming is more than practicing. You maybe think, "What have you learned through your experience?" The best answer is nothing. Just living.

We built the garden to commemorate my grandfather's important work. In my grandmother's generation, women got married at a young age. So grandfather and grandmother aren't old. They play with me all day. Her grandmother was loved for her generosity and kind spirit toward others. Sometimes my children like to play jokes to them.

Grandmother, Mary, spent long hours cleaning the kitchen only to have her kids mess it up. When Matthea's mother asked for help washing the dishes, Matthea retorted that she was too busy.
Her grandfather always imparts advice to us grandchildren. We need to teach our children not to show disrespect toward older people.

Martha found her granddaughter to be very good company. Matthea was a comfort to her grandmother.

When my husband was asked to transfer to his company's office here, we knew our lives would change.
My two teenage daughters had to leave their friends and comfort zone in Taipei. They will need to adjust to a new educational system. Will they be able to "survive" at a new school? Can they function well in a foreign language? Will they feel frustrated and homesick a lot? Only time will tell.

But we decided to accept the offer, so we are bravely embracing this challenge. We have decided we can overcome any difficulties. We have decided we can overcome any difficulties. We also decided to make the most of it. We plan to travel, explore and learn about "real" American culture and life. Large numbers of tourists come here to see the White House, the Pentagon, Capitol Hill and the Smithsonian. We plan to go, too!

We wanted to go to U.S, but we scaled back our plans due to the economy. We must save money everyday. Or we maybe go bankrupt. Chris is motivated by the his childhood poverty and never wants to live that way again. So they decide to go.

When we go to U.S, our children request us more and more toys everyday. There seems to be a shortage of ice cream at our house because the kids eat it every night! I decide to teach them the class.

If your child is asking for Ugg boots, a pricey hot toy or a smartphone for the holidays, it's time for a teachable moment. Even if your kid has less lofty tastes, the holidays are still a great time to hammer home some important financial lessons.

Parents want kids to have everything they want, but if they're not teaching limit-setting, it's doing them a terrible disservice.

If they buy gifts for their kids that stretch their own budgets, they're only hurting their families when the bills cause financial hardship and stress. Money is an abstract concept for young people, which can contribute to an "I want it all" approach to holidays.

Mellan, a psychotherapist and author, recommends giving children allowances "as soon as they are old enough to make change." That money should be divided into "spending, saving, investing and charitable giving," she says. He sells a piccy back with sections for each.

Doing your son's homework for him is a terrible disservice. He will never learn himself. It is a disservice not to teach one's children how to handle money. They say cash is a great gift. Coupled with that allowance money, your kids could get the gifts of their dreams - or might reconsider.

There is no shortage of options if you're faced with a budget-busting wish list from one or more children.
How much of a role parents have in influencing the toys that their children are interested in.

Appell recommends affordably priced collectible toys, such as the new DaGeDar balls that have different "personalities" and can be raced or used in play battle. They're good options for families trying to keep spending in check: "Kids can save their own money to build on their collection," she says.

Other ways to set limits this season. Get children of all ages involved in setting a holiday budget and deciding what gifts to give those outside the family, including grandparents. Beacham suggests coming up with "homespun" gifts that don't cost anything but are far more meaningful, such as biweekly calls or a letter as present to grandparents. She has told her two daughters each year since they were in high school that all she wants is a letter from both of them at Christmas. And she gets and cherishes them.
Financial lessons for kids at the holidays don't have to spoil the spirit.

School

Billy was overwhelmingly defeated in the election for class president. He plans to enter the business field after he graduates. Billy was anxious to see what the future held for her after graduation.

He can't ignore this default. He need the victory from exams. Many students experience some anxiety before final exams.

He told the new class president, "If you don't study for your for your exam, the inevitable result will be a failing grade." Peter retorted, "Billy, you know I don't like it when you do mean thing. Just wait and see!!!"

Allie is studying for her final exams, so it is a very stressful time for her.

Finally, the grades of all classmates are open. Billy's grades were high, prompting some to think he had cheated on the tests.

Peter met Billy and he took the conversation first, "You cheated without regrets. Everyone knows it."
Billy: Studying hard now will help pave the way for admittance to a good college in the future. I don't need to cheat it. The ultimate honor for me would be receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
Peter: It is a horrible joke

Billy got very angry and said, " The frustrated boy threw his book on the ground and cried. Loser always loses."
Peter: "Are you suffer Alzheimer's disease. I won the war of the class president. Doing things for yourself and not placing total reliance on your parents helps you mature." Then he cackled at the poor man.
Peter's words enraged Billy. Billy wasn't beyond sufferance and shake his fist on Peter's face.

Peter: I finally graduated, no thank to you.

Herman is giving a report on Math history for his class. But he play all the week computer games. When the day of report came here, he didn't complete the homework. He felt so embarrass from the classmates. Herman could not convince his teacher, Mr. Wright, that his dog ate his homework. Of course, everyone didn't believe it.

Herman could break away into irony, " I felt relieved when I finally finished my speech of joke."
Mr. Wright want Herman to give out make-up homework. But Herman copy the articles from internet.
Mr. Wright blamed him, "Don't use information from that website in your report unless you're sure of its legitimacy."

Mr. Wright also teach her students for the lesson:

You plagiarized - that's what happened. Plagiarism is presenting another source's material as your own, which students often do, though it's considered to be both theft and fraud. Obviously if you simple take an online article and call it your own, you are an unrepentant plagiarist. But you will be given the same label if you use just one quotation or concept from another's work without giving credit to the original author.
However, you can avoid all of these consequences by citing your sources in the correct format and by confirming you did your work through an online plagiarism checking service.

Former middle school math teacher often faced a classroom full of bored students. But Mr. Wright couldn't get upset because he agreed with them - the lessons really were boring! That's why he became a math coach, a job that allowed him to help other teachers design better lessons.So he devate himself completely to designing lessons.

Unlike lessons in traditional math textbooks, his lessons ask open-ended math questions with real-life applications. For example: Do people with small feet pay more for shoes? How long must a person exercise to burn off a Big Mac? Each lesson includes handouts, a teacher's guide and a short multimedia presentation. Also, each lesson requires students to use specific math skills included in the Common Core State Standards.

They are trying to answer the question: Do taller athletes have an unfair advantage? If so, do you think races should be organized by height? The students started by checking results from Olympic races in 2008 and 2012. Later, they measured each other and ran a "proportional race." Each student's starting point depended on her height. Getting students interested in math by asking better questions.

Our teacher gave us the heads-up that the principal is coming to evaluate our class's behavior. Unfortunately, there's no rule of thumb about how to use these facilities. Mr. Wright has devoted herself to creating fun and interesting history lessons.

Linda was eager to befriend her new classmate.
George: It took me a long time to adapt to my new school and new classmates. There are many homework and exams.
Linda: It's the pseudomorphism. Mr. Wright is a tough teacher - if you take his class, you're in for a lot of work. Remember to choose some common subject. You will not meet with setbacks.
George:Yes,  Mr. Wright's difficult homework left the students feeling frustrated.

George: I'm worried about your diet because you are not getting enough nutrients. The doctor is treating you for knee inflammation, so you won't be able to exercise today. You need eat something.
Linda: But I don't feel hungry.
George: Those pills are known for suppressing your appetite, but I'm not sure they are safe.

After the race, George couldn't walk because of exhaustion. He came back to meet Linda.

Linda: You look dog tired. If you're smart, you'll listen to your doctor's suggestion and lose some weight.
George:  Yes. I'm beat! We had a soccer competition tomorrow regardless of the weather. I got soaked in the rain. Our team is very vulnerable since its best player became injured. I don't know Why Kyle can't run very fast. But he has incredible durability for long races.
Linda: He jogs everyday. You know. How can you improve your soccer skills if you clamp down on his practice time?
George: But I have no motive.
Linda: You can image winning the soccer tournament was quite a feat for your team!
By Linda's advice, George were exhausted after playing on the turf all day. After a long day, the he walked exhaustedly to their bedrooms.

George: You need to eat. Don't be dieting.
When George tried to get Linda to smoke, She responded with an emphatic "no!"
She finally succumbed to the temptation of the chocolate cake and ate two pieces.

Teacher: Say your introduction.
Kendra: One of my hobbies is sketching faces in her notebook.
Jim: I loves to watch horror movies late at night.
Teacher: Your essay would be more interesting if you left out all that superfluous information.
Mary like to sing. Then she brave to perform in front of all classmates. She is aptly called "the bird" because of her beautiful voice.
Betsy was studying counseling, so she took classes in adult psychology, couples' relationships and stuff like that. Brainstorming helped Betsy discover a wonderful solution to her problem.
Jeff enjoys a secure income - he is paid well and on time. Jeff moved into an assisted-living center last year.
Rachel has many lovely attributes: She's friendly, honest and kind.
Everyone in class started to talk about their hobbies or the future occupation. Because the voice of talking is too loud. The teacher signaled to the students to be quiet.

2015年7月11日 星期六

English fiction 6

Travel

We moved to a small town partly to get away from all the rush of the big city. But I was disoriented when I was in Australia because they drive on the left side.

My uncle is a world traveler and has fascinating stories to tell. Playing the piano for a living becomes more exciting when travel is involved. Cruise ship pianists provide music of many kinds - Broadway-style, classical, jazz, pop, etc. A pianist will accompany singers of many kinds as well as playing solo music. Being able to travel extensively is the best part of the job.

Don and Marge went on a cruise to the Greek Islands last month. Their bank account was almost empty after his last vacation. They decided she could do without eating out for the next two months to save money for her vacation.
They talk the unforgetting scene. Everyone stood and gazed at the amazing sunset.

Most of us consider winter a great time to stay inside with a good book. Yet the winter months offer great outdoor events, including many fun and unique festivals. To get to this festival, you'll need to travel to "the ends of the earth!" The remote region located in Mongolia is the perfect setting for cold-weather activities. Each year local residents have a two-day celebration. Wandering reindeer herders also join the fun, sharing their traditional songs and dances.

The activities take place on the frozen lake and include sled races, skating and much more. There's an ice tower with a slide and an ice house with hot and cold drinks. Visitors are always surprised to see how much weight the lake can hold. People, horses and even bonfires can be found on Lake Khovsgol!

Anchorage Fur Rendezvous
North America's largest winter festival takes place in Anchorage, Alaska. In the past, the fur trade was one of the state's most important industries. The festival's 80th anniversary this year will celebrate Alaska's pioneer way of life. People can enjoy nearly 70 different activities.

Exciting events include the World Championship Sled Dog Races and Running of the Reindeer. If film is your passion, when Norway's Tromso film festival is for you! ince the country's winter days are in twilight, It's perfect for watching movie outside.

Every January, ice art takes center stage in the beautiful Swiss village of Grindelwald. Artists from around the world arrive in mid-January to accept the ice challenge. They start with meter-high blocks of ice and spend six days creating spectacular sculptures.

Festival-goers are delighted to see the process as well as the finished pieces. An added benefit is the chance to enjoy the breathtaking scenery around Grindelwald. Don't let the cold weather keep you inside this season. There are lots of fun and exciting events to attend!

If chocolate is your passion, then Belgium is the place for you! When I'm traveling, I take the scenic route if I'm not in a hurry. You'll enjoy beautiful scenery from the helicopter as you fly over the Hawaiian Islands.

Tipping Tips
Tipping customs in different parts of the world. You're taking a trip around the world! You've got money for food, transportation and hotels. But in some countries, you'll need extra cash to tip people who help you. How much should you give?
\North America
In the US. and Canada, failing to tip is extremely rude. Waiters and waitresses often earn low wages, so they rely on tips. Give them at least 15 percent of the cost of your meal before tax. If the service is really good, tip 20 percent. It's common to give porters in hotels $1 or $2 for each bag they carry. You should also tip hotel housekeepers, tour guides and taxi drivers.

Africa
In most African countries, tip waiters 10 percent of the bill. But in South Africa, give them 15 percent. In hotels, the concierge may offer services such as booking show tickets. For these services, give the concierge a tip in advance. And don't forget to tip porters and taxi drivers.

Europe
Tipping customs in Europe wary from country to country. In Frances, waiters rarely receive tips. The cost of service is included in the bill. Many English restaurants also include a service charge. But those that don't expect customers to tip 10 to 15 percent. In Germany, there is no service charge, so a 10 to 15 percent tip is appropriate. Make sure you tip in cash, though, so the money gets to your waiter. In most of Europe, porters, guides and housekeepers also expect tips.

Asia
In Southeast Asia, tips are not usually required. But people will appreciate them if you choose to give them. However, that's not true everywhere in Asia. If you give waiters tips in Japan or China, they might offended!
Restaurant and hotel staff work hard to make your trip more enjoyable. So make sure you thank them - in the way that fits their culture.

Winter in Iceland
Five reasons to visit Iceland in the off-season. You'd think a country with "ice" in its name would be a terrible place to visit in the winter. But don't be fooled - this island just south of the Arctic Circle has fairly mild winters, thanks to warm ocean currents. Time your vacation here during the winter months, and you can take advantage of some off-season deals.

1. Save money. Off-season means good deals on flights, hotels, tours and more. You may also find that the locals are a bit friendlier and more welcoming when tourists aren't arriving in throngs.
2.See the lights. In the winter months, when there are less than seven hours of daylight, chances are good you'll glimpse the northern lights. And because the sun doesn't rise as high during the day, sunrises and sunsets last longer, making for some great photo opportunities.
3. Enjoy the outdoors. Centuries of volcanic activity have turned Iceland's countryside into a rugged, otherworldly landscape. In Iceland, winter is the perfect time to hike glaciers, go ice climbing, explore caves made out of hardened lava and much more. One of the most popular activities is off-roading in a specially-equipped "super jeep."

Take a dip. No matter what time of year you go, your trip to Iceland is not complete without a soak in one of the piping hot geothermal pools. This is the Icelandic equivalent of a hot spring. Even when snow is falling, you'll find Icelanders outdoors, enjoying a relaxing dip in one of these pools. One of the most famous is Blue Lagoon, a spa that boasts pools, steam rooms, caves and a restaurant.

Come for the thinner crowds and cheaper off-season prices, and stay for the spectacular natural wonders around the island. Although Iceland may be an unusual choice for a winter vacation, its unexpected charms will make this a trip you'll want to take again!

When he was in Europe, Alex was went sightseeing around Paris. The fancy hotel was like an oasis in the ugly, old town.
A throng of tourists got off the bus and filled up the entire restaurant. Then they rush the museum. The Paris museum is known for its many famous sculptures. You'll find the museum's most famous paintings in this gallery. From the observation tower, Maggie could see all over town.

The cost of food depending on where you are. A trip to Los Angeles is not complete without spending a day or two at Disneyland. It's very expensive. There games provides a Special Olympics-like field day for families in a carnival-like atmosphere. Each games includes an awards ceremony in which all the children are presented with medals to commemorate their accomplishments.

Jessie hopes to become a journalist and report on events around the world. She did. Jessie saw a glacier when she visited Canada. She also went to  Alaska. Alaska  hosts a very famous sled dog race every year.
There were several volcanos. Lava slowly moved down the side of the volcano. But she were not scared. She is brave girl who can travel anywhere. But it is the riskiest time to walk alone through the city park is after dark.

Summertime means fun in the sun, but outdoor fun also comes with some risks. Because the color white reflects the most sunlight, it is a good choice for summer. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your head, face, ears and eyes. Drink plenty of water to avoid heat stroke. Never leave children or pets in a car, even with the windows open a little bit. Temperatures inside can reach 49 degrees Celsius in just a few minutes. Such temperatures eventually can cause brain damage and death. Have a safe and fun summer!

Time are changing, and these desert people aren't far behind. Bedouin of the past when hear the word "Bedouin," they may think of mysterious desert nomads. This people group has survived for centuries, roaming the open deserts from Moroccco to Iraq.

They traveled as tribes, along with herds of camels, sheep and goats. Because the desert couldn't support even a small group for long, Bedouin moved from one fertile oasis to another often. Bedouin tribes lived in tents, some very simple and some quite luxurious. Tribes were ruled by sheiks, men of the tribe who were often chosen for their wisdom and abilities. The tribes relied largely on camels, which provided transportation, meat, milk and fuel.

The Bedouin were also known for their great generosity toward visitors. After weeks of traveling alone, meeting a new person was something to celebrate. Guests were welcome to stay for three days. Their reputation for hospitality still stands today.

Anna and Jen are planning their vacation.
Jen: I'm really excited about our trip! I've started looking for plane tickets.
Anna: Plane tickets? I was thinking we could drive and do some sightseeing along the way.
Jen: Driving takes so long! We only have 10 days, and I want to spend all of them in Los Angeles.
Anna: That's over a week - that's plenty of time. Besides, I've heard that the scenery between here and Los Angeles is gorgeous.
Jen: But It's like an 18-hour drive! What will we do on such a long road trip? We'll probably get tired of looking at the scenery.
Anna: It'll be a great chance to chat. Plus we can listen to music or audio books.
Jen: We can chat in LA. And I don't want to worry about planning our route, getting lost or getting stuck in traffic when we get to cities.
Anna: Flying can be stressful too. We have to get to the airport early, check our luggage, get through security, find our gate on time. Stuff like that. If we drive, we can take our time.
Jen: Flying is only stressful before boarding. Once we're on board, we don't have to worry about anything until we reach our destination.
Anna: I just don't want to spend so much money on plane tickets.
Jen: I found some good discounts online, and when you're flying, you only pay for tickets and fees. When you're driving, you have to pay to rent the car, for gas, meals and hotels.
Anna: Remember, we'd be splitting the cost.
Jen: Even if flying costs more, it's safer. Plane crashes are far less common than car accidents. I'm willing to spend more money to ensure our safety.
Anna: But I'm a really good driver; we won't have a car accident.
Jen: You can't guarantee that. You don't know about the other drivers on the road. And how will we stay alert for so long?
Anna: We can take turns driving and stop whenever we need a break.
Jen: We may need to stop a lot because sometimes I get carsick.
Anna: Well, you should be OK if we take some medicine along. And remember, we won't have to deal with the airline's baggage restrictions.
Jen: How much do you want to bring? We're only going for a week!
Anna: Hey, I have an idea. Let's compromise. Let's drive there and fly home.
Jen: Great idea! Let's do it!

Some of the greatest treasures in the world can be found in London. Those interested in wandering through museum galleries should head to the british Museum. This great museum houses over 8 million objects, including the Rosetta Stone and the beautiful Elgin Marbles. Each day you can join short tours that introduce the museum's different collections.

For those wanting a view from the top, the London Eye will not disappoint. It is the city's highest observation wheel. Thirty-two "car" hold up to 25 people each, and one revolution takes 30 minutes. You'll experience unforgettable views in every direction. You can see 55 of London's most famous landmarks as you spin through the sky.

Madame Tussauds offers visitors the chance to see famous people up close. Here you can "visit" with more than 300 celebrities both past and present. Tussauds has been offering history in wax for more than 200 years.

Be sure to visit the famous Tower of London. During its 945-year history, it has been a palace, prison, jewel house and zoo! Take a Yeoman Warder's tour and hear stories from the place's colorful past. Then gaze in wonder at the crown jewels.

For more history, step into Westminster Abbey. Since 1066, all of England's kings and queens have been crowned here. Three thousand tombs and hundreds of memorials of famous people line the floors and walls.
For a truly British experience, pick a place to enjoy afternoon tea. You'll enjoy some superb tea as well as scones, small sandwiches and cakes. But plan ahead. Some locations are booked weeks in advance!
Whatever you sample in London - sightseeing, eating or shopping, you'll enjoy it.

If you want to stay in the Gibbs Farm in Africa, you have to book a year in advance. When they booked it, they went. Traveling by bus or bike lowers air pollution, which may lead to global warming. Picking up litter on the beach also keeps the water clean.We can protect the environment by cleaning up our garbage. Healthy coral reefs mean a healthy ocean and a healthy Earth!

office

Joe: That dress is inappropriate to wear to work. It's really for a party.
Helen: I think there is an inherent problem with your suggestion. Although, my boss don't like it, too. But I need to take it easy. I don't let the amount of work you have to do paralyze me. I told my boss, "A positive work environment means happier workers and greater productivity."
 So I am wrestling with my boss's decision because I don't think it is ethical. There are several ways to disarm an argument and I succeed.
Joe: Most people like working at your company because of its friendly atmosphere.
Helen: No way, it's busy there. One of my roles is to play host to our visitors from around the world.
Joe: I don't think so. That job is very difficult, but the wages are high. Not like me. If everyone needs someone with computer expertise, just talk to me. Sometimes, I was tried like a dog.
Helen: The office was busy this week, but I'm letting my hair down this weekend. My boss designated me to represent our department at the weekly meeting. And it is busy reviewing new student applications. The new employee is counterpart in my office need me to teach a thing or two from me.

Joe: you are a regular traveler. Teach me how to get in and out of airports quickly
Helen: I am busy. I have few time to travel abroad. I loosely held onto his vacation plans because I wasn't sure I could get time off.. I can't give you any suggest.

Joe: That chocolate cake is so good that I'm tempted to eat three pieces. Come on. Eat more.
Helen: I can't eat it. I am on a diet.
Joe: Are you serious on a diet? You just were tempted to eat all. Eating a natural diet is beneficial to your health.

In the dark night, Helen felt such pressure trying to make a sales presentation that she cried.
In the office, Helen met the Joe.
Joe: If you stay up too late at night, you might oversleep in the morning.

You  see a familiar face across the room. You smile, wave ... and draw a blank. What is that person's name. Forgetting someone's name is embarrassing. Whether it's for business or friendship, remembering someone's name makes the person feel important.

Focus: Really look at the person's face. Repeating a name helps, too. Say it in your head and out loud. "It's nice to meet you, David." But if you do forget, don't be embarrassed to ask again. Say something nice first. "I've had a great time conversing with you. But I'm afraid I've forgotten your name." Then when you hear it again, try these tips to remember it!
Have we met before? You look really familiar.

It's important for colleagues in an office to have a good working relationship. For example, everyone likes Sharon because she's so friendly. Saron's optimism makes him a lot  of fun to be around. I treasure my my friendship with Sharon.

Boss David: Can you converse with the other members of your team today?
Manager John: Yes, why not?
Boss David: You can show consequence or how something will bring a certain result. Part of Sam's problem is that he has no skills. The other part is that he has no experience.
Manager John: It's maybe a mess. Martin's daughter receives treatment because of her syndrome. Ruby is trying to pioneer a new technology business. Tony has a heart disorder that makes him feel tired all the time. My team will be over.

Boss David: Don't worry. We will tailor the program to your needs. We can readjust the program to include your performance. But you have to hang in there if you're going to finish the race. First, we talk your team.
Manager John: I haven't thought of any creative ideas for this project yet - let's brainstorm together.
Boss David: Jackie is very observant. She sees things other people miss. And you call Frank to this meeting.
Manager John: Frank could not guarantee that he would get to the meeting on time.
Boss David: How about talking Nathan. Nathan quit his job because he couldn't handle the daily pressure. In order to cut the company's budget, everything will be considered, including layoffs.And it is difficult for Angie to cope with a busy school schedule and a job too.

Manager John: People are unhappy with the country's economy. Accordingly, the politicians are losing popularity. These days it's riskier than before to quit a job. The bad economy made it really difficult for people to find jobs. Tommy's spectacular performance in the amateur play resulted in a job offer. So he quited our job.
Boss David: Can you attend several observers watched the progress of the meeting.
Manager John: Yes, they wouldn't be fire. I forward suggestion. That company has a new marketing manager, and that has led to an increased number of sales! Then our employee morale will be improved.

Boss David was very anger and saying :  No way, we have no money.
Manager John: Is anything wrong? You've been losing your temper a lot lately. The best employers are those who take an interest in their employees' lives. Do you understand?
Boss David: You know it.We must play hardball.
Manager John: I love what I do, but as with any job, it has its disappointments. I know my friend, Jake,  took an electric car from his because he values environmental sustainability.
Boss David: There's a certain code of behavior in the office. If you don't follow it, you won't succeed.

Control time
Time often holds us hostage. We wrestle with endless to-do lists, pressurized deadlines and spiraling guilt (from failing to get it all done). But there is a way out. Good habits - planning, organization and focus - can unlock the prison of "not enough time."

Instead of going full throttle at every task, invest time in identifying your core values. Then, schedule selectively. Take a look at your life and determine which activities are vital: high-payoff, crucial, life- or business-sustaining.

Then, set aside an hour on a Sunday to ask yourself what's really important. Make a list and grab your calendar. If family time is key, designate one day per month as a family outing day. Think creatively.
Prioritizing is the key to greater is the key to greater efficiency as well as accomplishing what really matters. Assesses each activity or task at hand and ask yourself point-blank: What results will this gain?
How to: Establish a way of ranking items on your to-do list by relearning your ABCs. Give A-items (rich in reward) your full attention first. Set aside a special time each day or week to accomplish these things. Focus less on the B's (they offer minimal payoff). Brush aside or farm out the C's with the 4D's: delete, delay, diminish, delegate.

Taking a call at random or chatting with an unexpected visitor can eat away your day. Manage distractions by asking upfront how much time is required. Be proactive in deciding whether to proceed or postpone. If you're in the middle of something, offer to meet at a later time.

How to: Get ahead of the game by starting early in the day. One hour of quiet, uninterrupted work time is worth three to four hours later in the day, according to time-management studies. Also, don't start each morning with the simplest tasks on your to-do list to warm up. That tactic simply wastes your most alert hours.

Imagine your time is like a closet. See your day as a limited space that accommodates only so much and benefits from organization. Group common tasks together. Hit the grocery store, cleaners and health-food store all in one outing.
Just do it!

Procrastination is a chronic time guzzler. Set up a rewards system to stay motivated. Say a deadline out loud to someone else to solidify it in your mind and to commit yourself to it. If you are consistently late, set an early deadline and write reminders in your planner, calendar, or on post-its. Don't let fear of failure - or success = paralyze you. Jump in and get started.

How to: If you are feeling unfocused and having trouble getting something done, take a 15-minute break. Set a beginning and end to break to make it guilt-free.

2015年7月2日 星期四

English fiction 5

Office

Josh is inclined to take vacations in the winter. Josh decided to take a computer literacy class when he changed jobs. He wants a job that lets him move around rather than being confined to a desk all day, Or he will get serious hemorrhoids. The company uses the symbol of a dove to denote their products. It is not his favor thing, too.

Josh felt his boss was ungrateful for all  her hard work, so she quit her job. Josh's boss didn't accept his resignation, and asked for the report on short notice that explain why he want to quit the nice job in the public.

He thought, "When I go to a job interview, I want to make a good impression. Why not to practice this time? "

Josh was able to complete it in time. He try to prepare the presentation for explaining his idea company. He has come good ideas for his speech, but he needs to polish it before he gives it.

Employees at that company are always engaged in decisions that affect them. Forrest has a lot of abstract ideas of how to improve our business, but none are practical. The first one is telling his colleagues that don't sit on the chairs all day.

Susan's underlying problem is that she is lazy. If she sit in front of desk, she would not have good health.
Levine, who walks on a treadmill while he works and believes in "walking staff meetings," said similar studies have suggested that  employees can burn up to 350 additional calories per day, reduce their health care costs and perform better at work by replacing two hours of sitting with standing each day.

The desks of 30 employees have been replaced with adjustable "work-fit" stations, that give the employees the option to sit or stand while working on their computers. He said he's tried everything from sitting on an exercise ball at his desk to biking and walking on his lunch breaks to stay active and alert in the office. "I think any time you get a chance to do something to break up your day or do something at work, it's wonderful," he said. He said he's already seen how working for a company that  "invests in his health" - Caldrea offers catered organic lunches and group-fitness outings - can improve office life. "Employees are definitely engaged," he said.

Second point, BYOD, there's more to this new business trend than meets the eye. How BYOD creates risk for companies. Janet works as an accountant for a big company. She often uses her own notebook for work because she can easily take work home. While Janet's company may appreciate her hard work, they also realize that Janet is potentially creating a huge problem. If Janet's laptop were lost or stolen, the company could lose a lot of valuable information. Worse yet, Janet might be hired by a competing company and take her laptop - and the data it contains - to her new job!

Advocate say that BYOD has the potential to save companies a fortune since employees assume the cost of providing the devices they use on the job. The trend may also lead to greater efficiency because staff members are able to use devices they are familiar and comfortable with.

As such, workers are becoming inclined to use their personal devices for work - with or without the company's approval.

Josh was given a promotion at work because she had a lot of ideas in our department. But his colleague, John said, "Josh is a very smooth talker, but I still don't trust him."

Art is long and time is fleeting. There are a lot of changes in store for that company.There will be a shift in leadership because the company is hiring a new manager, Bob.

In another morning. Josh was responsible for finding the money to keep the business running.

Bob: Our time needs to communicate better if we want to finish this project.

Josh: The crucial challenge now is financing. Obviously, we will fund the company with our savings, but I'm worried that we've underestimated costs and could run out of money.

Bob: That is a very important issue for small businesses to deal with. After all, undercapitalization is one of the major reasons that small businesses often fail. To be honest, I didn't actually start the first store. Instead, your Aunt June and I used our savings to buy into an existing business. Later, we bought out our business partner and then expanded the business.

Josh: So you didn't arrange outside financing?
Bob: Not at first. Like you said, lenders often charge a premium for small business loans because they are so risky. We were worried that the cost of servicing a loan would actually hurt the business.

Josh: I hadn't thought of that.
Bob: Instead of borrowing right away, we waited until the business was a little better established. Then we borrowed money and used it to expand the business.
Josh: How will I know when the time is right to borrow?

Bob: Practically speaking, most small businesses inevitably go through several rounds of financing as they grow. Once companies are more established, the owners have a lot more choices. They might, for example, get a line of credit, take on a partner or get a loan. If borrowing money will make you money, then it's time to consider.

Next week  Boss, Trevor, needs to make some crucial decisions about his business. Or Trevor's business had problems because of under capitalization.
The underlying cause of the company's losses is that people were not honest. There are several charitable organizations that we have decided to support this year. By the company's speakings, their loss of sum or volume of business turnover is donated for charitable organizations. In the fact, losing the contract was a big drawback for the company.

Josh told to his colleague, "I can't agree our boss's financial policy "
"I sense a barrier between you and your boss. Do you get along with him?"
Josh answered, "He want me to do something. I just do it."
"If you get trouble in law, what would you do?"
"I have no choice. We never know when Trevor is joking. He doesn't have any facial expressions! He may want me to be a Scapegoat."

After a long time of competing, Kris bought out our competitor's company, so now we're the only one in town.

Josh spent long hours working or gambling and didn't wish to stop for a meal. One of downsides of living in a big city is facing heavy traffic every day. It's make himself get Panathenaea.

When he have trouble with his computer, Josh call the desk helper. He always works likes shit! Josh annoyed it everyday. After working outside all day, He feel like my shower worked wonder. He was tired and  fell into deep dream.

Josh thought about his boss words, "Before you decide on just any person to do the job, think about that person's abilities. Since you're a new employee, it is understandable that you don't know everyone yet. The company is trying  a different approach to attract new customers."

He decided to say in the interview of recruit, "Your credentials look very impressive, but unfortunately we aren't hiring right now." 

He can't hire another help desk can't do anything.


Game

Potential users for this kind of virtual reality are both fun and practical. Full-immersion video games would
make the player's experience more realistic and exciting. Ordinary people's ideas may also change because of virtual reality. Participants in one study played a virtual-reality game being represented by an image of a person of a different race. The studies suggested that this experience reduced prejudice. This new technology reminds people that we may look different on the outside, but we are all the same inside. As virtual-reality technology continues to develop, virtual worlds might just transform life in the real one.

Do you sense changes on the horizon, or do you think things will stay the same for now?

Virtual reality is creating new worlds with technology. How about create your dream world? Minecraft is a game about placing blocks to build anything you can imagine. Inventors visualize in their minds what they want to create before they can make it a reality. They build the castle in their brain and realize it in virtual world.

At night monsters come out, make sure to build a shelter before that happens. When you set first eye on it, you may feel it's ugly appearance. You must think that it's too old to play. Don't judge it. It's can be developed infinitely. For example, you can build the best wonderful palace. It's so real in the VR world. The high school's maid will throw herself no him. It's summer dream in the night and day. The VR games can fulfill one's wishes. Beaver couldn't find a book that answered his question, so he decided to create one - the whole new world.

Without a context to a story, it is hard to understand it. You can join a big story to expand your adventure.

Mrs. Monroe lives alone on a large estate in the country. She is witch you never meet her. But she has the treasure  of dragon. It can kill any enemy with just one striking.

Hundreds of years ago, the city had been a huge trading port for slaves and ivory. The city castle was built for defense against outside attacks. The army's purpose is to defend the country from attack.
It is rich and famous in the world. It's maybe the sailors and merchants' heaven. In the other side, if pirates abide by the law, they have more funny tricks to enjoy.Because the navy will inevitably face challenges, and the pirates can overcome to change their face and features. Or they can attack the rich city to rob the more fortune.

"Did you see the sunset last night? The colors were amazing!"
Linda looked at her friend in amazement. They never think they can escape from the disaster. The feeling of Surviving is wonderful.
Everyone was amazed at the magician's miraculous escape. Yes they are the magician.

He and his companions travel to Lonely Mountain. They plan to get back a treasure stolen by the dragon Smaug. They must stop the evil bogeyman from bringing the world into darkness. When did they become so nice people to save the world? No way, they have the deep evil in their heart. They never think to help people. It's just the dream of every pirates that help themselves to earn the huge wealth.

Everyone wants to be famous. Think about you are a superstar in the runway. The flash bulb is never stopped. Way-out dreams sometimes become reality. But you just immerse the deep dream. You even hope to wake up in the real life.

Technology companies are working around the clock. Their goal: to use computers to create a 3-D environment that people can interact with. Virtual reality is working to let people go deeper and deeper into a world that exists only inside a computer. For users to be fully immersed in this virtual world, watching it on a screen is not enough. The virtual world must be all they see. Some controllers resemble the ones used for video games. Others called data gloves detect hand motions, letting people interact naturally with the virtual environment.

What are some possible applications of this technology you're developing?

One company, Motion Analysis, developed a suit with markers that let off light, allowing nearby cameras create a computer model of the person, which copies the user's motions in the virtual world. The Internet allows us to interact with people all over the world. You can be a cosplay in the virtual real world. The director of the virtual world wants to utilize everyone's talents in the show. Just show your self expression.
What are some possible applications of this technology you're developing? You can see and hear. It's still less the feelings about touching and feeling. But the advance technology will come soon in the future.

Once the computer program is set up, it can run without any input from the user. You just feel it in the freedom style. In Age of discovery, you became a pirate sail around the world. After saying goodbye to their families, the sailors embarked on their journey. You went to sightseeing around the very secret end of the world.

You can image it. What's thing is dangerous and safe. No magic is involved, except perhaps the rush of adrenaline during a brief fall followed by a glide down 876 feet. These athletes jump off heights, timing the release of their parachute for both safety and ultimate excitement. In recent years, jumpers have also been able to enjoy an additional thrill - the human catapult. Jumpers are launched 50 feet beyond the bridge before taking the plunge.

Someone climb straight up a steep rock face without a rope or safety equipment. It's no deal! But many in the climbing community disagree. In face, free soloing is so dangerous that less than 1 percent of climbers ever attempt it. Experience climber John Long says over half of the well-known free solo climbers are dead. According to him, Alex Honnold's greatest achievement is that he's still alive! Over climbers agree that the fear of climbing without a rope is a huge challenge to overcome. Everyone knows that a single mistake would probably be fatal one. The young climber hopes to scale the world's tallest mountains.

What drives people to set and break world records? That high wall will be the most difficult obstacle to climb. When you climbed up the top, you just couldn't summon the nerve to jump off of the cliff. You can jump from 10,000 feet and don't see God. Breaking  a record is a way to gain some recognition even if you don't become a household name. By VR, you can do anything that you have no courage to try. Let VR's people clap for you.

All athletes have to have a drug screening before they can participate in the Olympics. In the this base, you are hard to break the world record. Pritikin broke a record for rolling two together tighter than anyone before, hoping this would gain him more specking opportunities.

If they finish all activities, they complete the mission and earn experience points. Afterward, they can share the accomplishment with friends and cheer on other players.

To make that happen, companies are developing virtual-reality headsets with two screens, one in front of each eye. The screens display slightly different pictures, which makes objects appear in 3-D.

Kayla wanted to show her skill, proving that women could ski as well as men. Choosing  the VR world is a good choose. Practicing everyday let her win the opportunity.

These games add a dose of fun to medical treatment. Video games already keep people entertained, but now they are developing a more serious side: games for health. Games have been developed to help treat stroke patients, teens with depression and people struggling to lose weight, just to name a few. Players take on one of 20 different missions and lead a nanobot named Roxxi through a virtual human body, zapping cancer cells with various weapons. The game has been shown to help players gain a sense of control over their disease and stick to their treatment schedules. The game features level-based missions designed to encourage healthy diet and lifestyle choices. The games being developed today will help treat new patients tomorrow.

Eric and his brothers like to launch model rockets in their backyard. But Eric's emotion isn't good recently. Even he cried, "I am going to lost my love. You never understand it. You just a indoorsy boy." Steve's outburst hurt his brother's feelings. "Control your tongue. Forget about her. There are other fish in the sea. Buy a bucket of chicken and have a barrel of fun! I don't think talking to her would have done any good."

Many technologies that seem commonplace today appeared miraculous when they first appeared on the scene. The creative minds behind these amazing inventions were not only scientists, however. In many cases, they were writers of science fiction. These literary masters conceived of some incredible innovations way before their time.

So what does this suggest for the future? The bizarre fantasies of today's science-fiction writers may one day be accepted as normal devices. Already we are seeing developments like flying cars, real-time language translation and even thought-controlled computers. The future is becoming "now" faster than ever before!
For example: Time Travel - MIT's quantum time machine, Jet Packs - as seen in Star Wars and The Rocketeer, Teleportation - as seen in Star Trek: "Beam me up, Scotty!"

The game began in the nervous tension. All audience cheered for their favor team. The team's opposition was strong, but they played their best and won the game. You just control one team to win the glory. All the little boys tried to outdo one another when they were playing baseball. To Brad's amazement, he finished first and won the race. It's too awesome.
After hitting his head on the rock, Jim staggered around trying to stand up straight. In the unstable step, it must is a miracle that he unexpectedly throw the key ball to win the game in the last second.