English fiction 10

Work

It's time for Ben and Sandy Johnson to do some marketing for their company. Do they need a professional, or can they do it themselves?

Uncle Bob: Ben! How are you?
Ben: I'm doing well, Uncle Bob. It's good to see you.
Uncle Bob: It's nice to see you too, Ben. Say, I've been wondering how things are going with your business.
Ben:  They're going pretty well. Business is still OK, but our growth seems to have leveled off.
Uncle Bob: Do you know why?
Ben:  Not really. Actually, Sandy and I were just talking about doing some marketing research to help figure that out.
Uncle Bob: That sounds expensive!
Ben: I suppose it would be if we hired a marketing firm to do the work. But these days marketing research has never been easier.
Uncle Bob: Do tell!
Ben: Well, the Internet has really changed marketing in a lot of ways - especially for small businesses.
Uncle Bob: How has it done that?
Ben: I guess the main thing is that the Internet makes it easier to find and connect with potential customers. We don' to pay for advertising that nobody reads. The Internet also makes it easier to communicate about your business and collect feedback.
Uncle Bob: So you're planning to do all of your marketing by yourselves?
Ben: That's right. And, honestly, it isn't as strange as it might sound.
Uncle Bob:  How are you going to run this marketing campaign?
Ben: At this point, we're basically going to follow a three-step plan. First, we'll try to connect with our current and potential customers.
Uncle Bob: Are you going to create a mailing list?
Ben: Sort of. At first, we'll probably just use social media like Facebook and Twitter to connect with people we are working with. Then we'll try to use those connect with people we are working with. Then we'll try to use those connections to gather information.
Uncle Bob: Are you going to use surveys or something?
Ben: Questionnaires are a simple and inexpensive way to do market research. We'll' probably come up with a short list of questions to ask people or companies we work with. We'll also post stuff in industry-related forums and do online focus groups.
Uncle Bob: Are you going to follow that up with advertising?
Ben: Kind of. We're going to try to create some buzz.
Uncle Bob: What does that involve?
Ben: Buzz is basically just excited interest. We'll create a media kit and try to get some coverage in the local media. Then we're hoping to use our social media and website to spread the word.
Uncle Bob: That sounds very interesting. Let me know how it works out.
Ben: Don't worry. I will.

Choosing the right location can be the most important decision a business makes.
Business is great! Ben and Sandy Johnson's new company is doing well, and they are thinking about moving the business to a new location.

Uncle Bob: Hi, Ben. How's Sandy?
Ben: She's great, Uncle Bob.
Uncle Bob: And the business?
Ben: It's actually going very well. We've had a surge of new customers, and we're thinking about moving to a new office.
Uncle Bob: That's great news, Ben! Where?
Ben: We're looking at a bunch of locations, but we haven't decided on one yet.
Uncle Bob: Choosing a location is the most important decision many businesses ever make.
Ben: I know the right location can make or break a business, but it can't be that hard to find a good spot.
Uncle Bob: There might be a lot more to it than you think.
Ben: What do you mean?
Uncle Bob: Well, most businesses choose their locations based on accessibility.
Ben: That makes sense. You need lots of customers for your business to grow.
Uncle Bob: That's true, but there's more to it than that.
Ben: Like what?
Uncle Bob: You don't just need to relocate to a spot near people. You need to find a place near the right types of people.
Ben: I guess that is true. What's the point of being surrounded by people if they aren't interested in your products?
Uncle Bob: Right.
Ben: What else should I be thinking about?
Uncle Bob: You also need to think about your brand image.
Ben: You mean I should think about what the office says about my company?
Uncle Bob: Right. You need to pick a location that is consistent with the image you want to have.
Ben: OK. That makes sense.
Uncle Bob: You can't just think about your customers though. You also need to consider your supply chain.
Ben: But our company doesn't really have a supply chain. We just build apps for our customers.
Uncle Bob: That doesn't mean you aren't reliant on other companies. A good location can make face-to-face meetings convenient and help avoid misunderstandings.
Ben: I guess I should also think about competition.
Uncle Bob: Good idea. You may be able to pick a location that is near complementary companies rather than those that will compete with you directly.
Ben:  Anything else?
Uncle Bob: Yes, Happy employees.
Ben: What?
Uncle Bob: You should choose a place that gives you access to talented employees and doesn't require them to make long commutes.
Ben: That's good advice, Uncle Bob. Thanks. I'll have to think about those things.
Uncle Bob: I'm happy to help, Ben.

Customer Troubles
Negotiating skills are an important part of customer service.
This month Ben Johnson needs Uncle Bob's help to deal with customers who want too much for too little.

Ben: Hey, Uncle Bob.
Uncle Bob: Hi Ben. How's business?
Ben: OK, but I'm having trouble with some customers.
Uncle Bob: What kind?
Ben: I feel like they are taking advantage of me. I keep getting pushed into doing more work for less pay.
Uncle Bob: Give me an example.
Ben: OK. When I give one of my customers a price quote for a job, he'll agree to the price. But then when we're about to sign the contract, he'll say something like "Technical support is part of this package, right?"
Uncle Bob: So what do you do?
Ben: What can I do? I basically agree to whatever he's asking.
Uncle Bob: It sound like you're having trouble with negotiations.
Ben: Negotiations.
Uncle Bob: Yes. Your customer is using a negotiating strategy called "the nibble."
Ben: The nibble?
Uncle Bob: It's called the nibble because each of those little requests is like a little bite. It's effective because you've already made the deal in your mind, and the extra concessions seem small compared to the bigger deal.
Ben: What can I do to stop the nibble?
Uncle Bob: There are many ways to counteract the nibble. The easiest is probably just to show your customer a written price list that lays out the costs of additional features or services.
Ben: I have another example.
Uncle Bob: OK.
Ben: One of my customers always responds to a price quote by saying, "You'll have to do better than that!"
Uncle Bob: And you respond by lowering the price?
Ben: Right, but I always feel like I've lowered it too much.
Uncle Bob: That strategy is called "the vise." The best way to handle it is to ask how much better you'll have to do. That way, you don't end up in the downward spiral of negotiating against yourself by offering lower prices than necessary.
Ben: I see. I also have a customer who always responds to my prices by claiming he doesn't have that much money.
Uncle Bob: Do you remember the game hot potato?
Ben: Sure. You have to pass the hot potato to someone else before time runs out, right?
Uncle Bob: Right. That's what your customer is trying to do to you. He's trying to manipulate you by passing his problems on to you.
Ben: How can I prevent that?
Uncle Bob:  Don't become hostile. Just pass one of your problems right back to the customer. Explain that you won't be able to complete the project for the money he's offering or that you need the money for your children's education.
Ben: That's great! Thanks, Uncle Bob.
Uncle Bob: Glad to help. Ben.

After Sherry graduated from college, she settled down in Chicago. It takes about a half-hour to drive from his house in a suburb to the city center. Because the rent of downtown is too expensive. There are a few potential people who could do the job well. So Sherry suffered from the mass pressure. She has some personal issues that she is working through. Her counselor advised me to exercise more to help with her stress. She was very busy, but she grudgingly offered to help her friend move. Sherry's company needs a complicated supply chain in order to make its products. She didn't like the discipline of company: Try to keep a flexible schedule. The boss may call you at any time.

Having worked on this project for two years, Sherry is an indispensable member of this team. One time, her boss yelled at her. Although her boss made me really upset when he yelled at her. She decided to leave. The boss didn't overlook all of Sherry's hard work on that project.

She could give numerous reasons why taking that job is a bad idea. Although her colleague toke to her, "Before you quit your job, you should give it great deal of serious consideration." She thought about it a long time. When she quit the job and took vacation. Sherry focused more on relaxation when the stress began to affect her health.

Sherry is making changes to his resume because he plans to start applying for jobs. Should she put this on her resume?

Resumes should only include information that is relevant to the position, was requested by the employer or makes it easy for them to contact you. Anything superfluous - hobbies and personal attributes for example - should not be shared.

Never include reference information, especially if you don't know that you want the job. Alway speak to your references first before sharing their details with prospective companies.

A disability. There is a common and not unfounded fear that revealing a disability may lead to not being selected for a position. This makes the disclosure choice a difficult one. A resume is a springboard for you to give details about your skills, experience and the unique perspectives you bring to the table. You should not explicitly state your disability, but you can weave in your professional experience and hobbies that may be disability-related. ... Then in the interview you can use these achievements to break the ice about your disability if you choose to.

Objective: Never put an 'objective'. The real objective is to get the job. If it is too generic, it means nothing. if it is not a perfect match for the job, the employer will ask herself, 'Why is he applying if he wants something else?' It's a waste of space and has no advantage.

A photo: If you're pursuing a modeling career, it's understandable that you would want to share a photo of yourself with the prospective employer. for most other jobs, leave the photo off. If information isn't relevant to a job, you wouldn't include it, so why would you share a photo when your appearance has nothing to do with the position?

Quick response code: QR codes are growing in popularity as a tool to connect employers with a candidate's portfolio or Linkedln profile. If you're submitting it online, skip the QR code, but if your're submitting it online, skip the QR code, but if you're handing out hard copies - at a career fair, for example - including one might help you stand out. And don't just include a QR code for show - it should link to something interesting and applicable. Connecting the employer to an online replica of your resume or poorly written and  sparsely updated site won't score any points.

When Sherry got the new job, she made sure her company treated its employees well. Those are good principles of her concept to live and work by! Sherry's employer gave all the workers an extra day off for the holiday weekend. That company has a rule against employees eating at their desks, but it isn't enforced. It's Ben's company. Ben is a nice boss.

Sherry's friend told to her, "Do you know the economics of running a small business?" Indeed, she join the new small company. But she considers she stayed in the small and has the good achieving. Procrastination just makes you more stressed because you have less time to complete your tasks.

She devised a game that allows kids to have fun and learn at the same time. She wish she knew a foolproof method of parenting. The company spends a lot of money on advertising for the new toy.

Sherry wants to buy property in the city, but it's too expensive. After her injury, sherry abandoned basketball and became and became a swimmer. The negotiations for the new contract will start next week. She exercised every day for defending the stress. She needed some method to release her feeling. Sitting too much is bad for your health. the sitting disease, Sitting is sort of the new smoking.

The Psychology of To-do List

Psychologists have observed that people usually focus on tasks that aren't finished. This tendency may sound helpful - but it isn't always. In one study, people who didn't finish a warm-up activity struggled with later tasks. Their minds were still occupied with the warm-up. Planning how to finish the warm-up removed this distraction even if they couldn't complete the task.

Similarly, to-do lists let people plan when to complete tasks not yet finished. That frees their minds to concentrate on the task at hand. But writing a to-do list doesn't guarantee success. This technique has several limitations.

Problem: A long list of tasks that need to be done can be overwhelming. when faced with too many choices, people may find it difficult to do anything.
Solution: Prioritize the items on the list, and start with the most important tasks.

Problem: Most people have a preference for short, easy tasks. But this can lead to the easy jobs getting checked off while long ones remain.
Solution: divide long assignments into smaller parts. For example, don't write Plan trip to Japan; write Check plane-ticket prices online. This makes long tasks seem easier. You can also use "fun" tasks as rewards when you finish difficult ones.

Problems: Writing the list itself can be a form of procrastination. It gives you a sense of accomplishment - without doing any real work.
Solution: Don't just list tasks; decide when and where to do them. This will help you follow through. Some experts recommend a method called if/then planning. For example, rather than writing Call Steve, write Monday after than writing Call Steve, write Monday after lunch, call steve. Others abandon to-do lists altogether because they prefer scheduling tasks on a calendar.

Remember, to-do lists are tools. They won't solve all your time-management problems. But if used well, they can make you more effective at work and at home.

Why so fast?
Faster pedestrians aren't always walking fast because they're in a hurry to get somewhere. Some possible theories of fast walking are:
1. Avoiding the neighbors. In a big city, you'll be late if you greet every single person you pass.
2. Too much noise, too many lights. Big cities are an attack on your senses. Walking fast is a reflex to help avoid it.
3. Your time is valuable. Cost of living in big cities is higher, and pay tends to be higher as well. This puts more value (in dollars) on your time.

When the main speaker showed up a day late for the conference, he really let us down. When he attended here, Sherry decide to win this business.

In the situation of negotiation with customers, Sherry needed to show her best presentation. She said, "I'm sorry but I can't make any concessions." She try to get a better deal by using to manipulate customers.

Susan, Sherry's manager, will watch the presentation and give you some feedback. The focus group really liked our new product. We need to do more tests, but the prototype seems to be successful.

Sherry's coworker talks on her cellphone all day long. She thinks she's annoying. In the company, they needed to connect the customers from foreign country. Answer that telephone is important! Her colleague said, "Please help me answer the questions on this. Don't be rude to the teller. She's holding all your money."

How to say what you need to say on the telephone.

When the telephone rings and you know you have to answer it in English, do you get nervous? Maybe you do because you have to depend only on your ears to understand. When you talk to someone in person, you can use body language to help interpret the meaning. In reality, though, you don't have to be fluent in English to use the phone.

Let's try to calm those nerves by looking at some of the verbs you'll hear - or use. People use the word call a lot. But by adding different prepositions, you get different meanings. You can call someone or call someone up to reach them by phone. They mean the same thing. When someone is not in, you call them back later. In England, you phone someone rather than call them. Or you phone someone rather than call them. Or you phone them up. You can also ring or ring up someone. So call, phone and ring all mean to use the phone to get in touch with someone.

When you are finished with a call, you hang up. If you need to interrupt a call for a moment or two, you can ask the other party to hang on or hold on.

Sometimes when the phone rings, someone may demand that you pick up the phone. That's the same thing as answering the phone. After you pick up the phone, the person may ask you a question. If you don't know the answer, you can promise to get back to them with the answer. That means you will find out the information and call them again.

If you are calling a business, sometimes you can't reach the person you wish to talk to. Then you can say answer the phone and say they will put you through to your party. Or, if the person is not available, you will be put through to voice mail.

By learning these phrases, you will find that answering the phone in English won't be so nerve-wracking. Sherry said, "Pam isn't here, so leave a message on her voice mail."

English fiction 9

love

Brandy is very outgoing and makes friends easily. She received a lot of assistance form friends when she moved from one apartment to the next.

Brandy's new boyfriend is handsome and very charming. She said the food here is delicious. And indeed, it is! She loves ice cream, but she's trying to eat less of it because it's fattening.

It's a nice date Brandy never forgot. The restaurant's boss is growing plants atop their apartment building. The lovers can move up the roof to watch the shooting star in the sky. But the moment of loving just passed by. The memory just like the leaf fly by the wind. Every time Brandy hear that song, it evokes memories of our first date.

When one boy pursue Brandy, She didn't have the self-confidence. She have no more courage.

Some say patience is the best virtue of all. Waiting the one is long and lonely. The warm air and sunshine at the beach were good therapy after the long, cold winter. Jeremy left the restaurant and went home because he assumed that Kathy wasn't coming. She is really hurt his heart.

Why Brandy didn't keep an appointment Jeremy? Because fear the next breaking heart.
"Why you to try," her friends just told her.

I don't had got thousands of wound-cut in my body, then I give up. Then you just know who I love. you realize the one you love in your life. I don't like the experience like this.

Jeremy bored in the poor street. It maybe is that Brandy undervalue Jeremy. But his' friends wanted him to steal, but he virtuously decided not to. Sometime Ben envy his friend spend money like they have no care for the future. But he really know their behavior is absolutely  criminal. He is active and enthusiastic instead of poor. He is the baseball coach in the element school.

He yelled, "Cheer up!." After multiple tries, the little boy finally hit a home run. He is the respected teacher in the group of children.

Jeremy's story is very motivational. He makes you feel like you can do anything!

A way to show that something belongs to you or has your unique quality. You just do yourselves.

Changed lives
David - born in 1983, lives in the USA
Sports, band and singing in high school productions marked David's youth. His acting and singing were amazing. At 17 he visited his birth family with his adoptive parents, and they all found out why. His birth mother, a professional performer, was a member of a tribe noted for its performance abilities.

Alison - born in 1984, lives in the USA
With a junior high school education, Alison's teenage mother left home to work and live in a factory. It was fun and exciting at first to be away from her parent's supervision. However, she soon found herself pregnant. With he help of a CSS counselor,  the young mother and her parents placed her baby in a loving and prepared home. A common story in the 80s for many, including Alison's mom.
Alison does social networking and design for a network of children's clinics and hospitals. Her passion for dancing has led to her involvement in many productions. One production in particular, coordinated by multiple dance studios, uses its proceeds to make the wishes of seriously ill children come true.

Roel - born in 1991, lives in the Netherlands
Roel was born with on left arm and only three fingers and no elbow on his right arm. His birth  parents did not feel capable of meeting his educational and medical needs, so at 1 1/2, Roel was adopted. He went to many doctors and received lots of treatment, and despite his handicap, he tried everything. Roel has a prosthesis for his left arm. He swims, plays table tennis and collects coins.

school

Why Community College?
Why did we make this choice? Many think community colleges are only for senior citizens after retirement. Well, yes and no. Most community colleges provide lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. They offer some non-credit courses like art and computer skills for those interested in personal enrichment. But in America, a community college is also a perfect place to earn an associate's degree. You can also get a certificate for a career or improve your job skills. And you can transfer credits to a four-year university.
There are several advantages to attending a community college. First, the tuition is lower than a four-year university, especially if you're a resident. residents pay the in-county or in-state tuition rate. Second, the credits are mostly transferable to a four-year university. You transfer in as a sophomore or junior. Last, smaller class sizes mean students have more chances to talk with their professors.
After admission, Michelle, along with most other international students, took tests in English, reading and math. The advising department then reviewed the test results. They then put the students in an English language program to prepare them for an American college. The courses include writing/grammar, reading, speaking/listening and note-taking.
Registration is completed, the tuition is paid, and an official student ID card is in hand. What's next? Attending new student orientation!

Joey wants to go to school in Australia, but his parents are opposed to it. Finally he win the contest with his parents. He finally go to Australia. Following her admission to the university, Joey was so excited that he  threw a party.

Enrich Joey's life in an afterschool club. During the afterschool club meeting, Skipper and his friends are training intensively for their extracurricular activity presentation.

Skipper: I'm a nervous wreck. The presentation is next month and there's never enough time to practice.
Joey: That explains why you're gone in a flash after school. What kind of club are you in?
Skipper: I'm in a dance-for-fitness club and the latest "popping steps" are now included in our routine. I'm really worried about my poor coordination.
Joey: Take it easy! Here's "Relax Your Mind" coffee-flavored milk. It has 50% of milk and It's very smooth to the taste. Also, I have a joke for you to soothe your nerves.
Skipper: I love the combination of coffee with milk. So, go ahead with your joke.
Joey: Do you know who makes a lousy liar?
Skipper: No...
Joey: It's a ghost! Because you can see through it right away!
Skipper: That's cute! Thanks for the joke and "Relax Your Mind!" I feel better already!

In the beginning, Joey found it difficult to plug into her school's social activities at first. But he used the bribe of milk to enjoyed himself in his college life.

Joey hopes to receive his associate's degree from the local community college his summer. He receive credit for the classes you take when you're studying abroad. More students from that high school are pursuing higher education now more than ever before.

Joey: How to choice the class of our college?
Casey: The advising department can help you decide which classes to take.
Joey: But I don't know what can I choice.
Casey: For starters, you need to turn in all your homework. You also need to attend all the lectures. I show you some books to read.
Joey: I really enjoyed the book that Iris recommended.

Students can acquire information online about the schools they're interested in. All schools are required to instruct students in the country's history. Joey also enjoy the history.In her art class, he carved a dog out of wood. He is going to try out for the school play. His many accomplishments include singing and playing the piano. He also has a collection of coins from around the world. He is good at chess, so he's  entering the school's chess tournament. He just learn everything and has ability of everything.

Likewise, in daily life, par for the course refers to things or people meeting expectations. For example, one could say, "Joey usually gets good grades. Her high score today is par for the course."

One day Joey met Casey. Casey was surprise for his progressing. So Casey invite Joey to study together.

Handwriting: Necessary or not?
Is the pen mightier than the keys?
Casey writes down the name and address of a restaurant he is recommending to Joey and gives it to him.
Joey: Thanks, Casey. I can't wait to go. Wow - your handwriting is so beautiful!
Casey: Thanks! You know, many schools don't spend much time instructing students in handwriting anymore. It's kind of sad, isn't it?
Joey: I've heard that, but handwriting isn't as valuable now that everything is done by computer. When I write, I use a keyboard much more often than a pen.
Casey: Call me old-fashioned, but I still write letters and cards by hand. Besides, everyone needs to write things by hand sometimes, so it's important to make sure your writing is legible.
Joey: Yeah, but I think most people's writing is legible already. At least it's good enough for small amount they have to write. For anything long, printed papers usually look neater. Plus, when we type we can use spell check to make sure our spelling and grammar are correct.
Casey: That's exactly why students should write by hand! How can they learn to spell if the computer always does it for them?
Joey: I see your point. But is it really worthwhile to make kids practice a skill they'll hardly ever use? Wouldn't those hours spent copying letters every week be more profitably spent on a typing class?
Casey: Not necessarily - I've read that writing can improve one's motor skills and coordination.
Joey: There are other ways to improve those things. And what about the other benefits of typing?
Casey: What other benefits?
Joey: Well, a typed document is much easier to share with others - you can just attach it to an email. Plus, typing helps us keep in touch with people through next messages, emails and social - networking sites.
Casey: Certainly, typing has its uses, but teaching kids to type doesn't mean we can't  focus on handwriting. And don't forget its historical significance.
Joey: What do you mean?
Casey: Well, if you aren't familiar with handwriting, it's difficult to read historical documents or even old letters from your grandparents.
Joey: How often do we do that, though?
Casey: You'd be surprised. Wouldn't it be a shame if that skill died out and no one could read them?
Joey: I guess. But I still think typing should be the priority for students.

family

Lauren decided to make spending time with family her priority. She loves her children.
There is only one cookie left. Let's wrestle for it. When the older brother as commander issued orders, the naughty children fought each other.

While Lauren was sick, she alternated between sweating and feeling very cold. Lauren's uncle, a retired doctor, gives me a lot of tips for staying healthy.

While cleaning her house, Lauren can talk on the phone and watch her favorite TV program - all at the same time! Ultimately, She am looking for an easier way to fix the sink. She also like to cook. She'd love to make those cookies, but some of the ingredients are kind of expensive.

adventure

The motorcycle policeman came alongside me and informed Rick that my back lights were not working. Rick didn't notice. Rick experienced a great deal of trauma to his left leg in the car accident. Tony still has scars on his arms from his car accident.

We went rafting on Saturday. I got really wet. Penny enjoys pedaling her bike along the river. We played all day. I feel like a beached whale.

We climbed to the mountain ridge and took pictures of the beautiful scenery. You can watch so many animals. The lion observed its prey for a long while before finally attacking. The eagle is a predatory bird that kills fish and small mammals for food. The American paddlefish is an ancient and elusive river fish. The giant panda's habitat is decreasing because of the loss of forest land. If you feel a thirst, don't drink the water in the river. This device filters and traps bacteria, making your drinking water safe.

At night you can hear the wolves that live in the hills around my grandfather's house. I remembered someone told me, "Don't venture into the woods after dark. It's too dangerous." But I didn't obey it. I got lost because the directions Julia wrote down weren't legible. Julia's handwriting can be quite messy and hard to read. Call me silly, but I am scared of the dark. I can't move ahead anymore.

This beautiful, young actress never stops reaching for her goals. Charming and talented, Carey Mulligan appears almost everywhere these days. The dancers glided beautifully around the room.

Mulligan was born in London in 1985 but moved to Germany when her father transferred jobs. The 6-year-old caught the acting bug while performing in plays at her international school.

Her parents, however, were opposed to her acting and wanted her to go to university. When her father took a job in Vienna in 1999, Mulligan returned to Britain for school.

Actor/director Julian Fellows spoke at her school, and she told him about her dream. He responded by telling her to forget about acting and marry a banker. But that didn't discourage her.
At 17, without her parents' knowledge, Mulligan applied to three drama schools. All rejected her, but she still wasn't ready to give up her dream.

She never went to university or acting school; she said she learns from the actors she works with.
Mulligan decided to write Fellowes, and his wife answered her letter. She invited Mulligan to a dinner with a few other young, hopeful actors. After meeting Mulligan, Fellowes' wife arranged for her to try out for the film Pride and Prejudice. She got the role of Kitty Bennet, and the rest, as they say, is history.
A bright future

With over 20 roles to her credit, Mulligan says she is happiest when she's working. She must be very happy these days as her future looks bright, and the opportunities are plentiful.

Whales: The Giants of the sea

Discover more about the world's biggest mammals. "There she blows!" That famous line from Herman Melville's famous 1851 novel, Moby Dick, evokes images of Captain Ahab and his sailors on their search for the great white whale.

Today people still go in search of the great whales, hoping for a glimpse of them in their natural habitat.

A mystery
These giant marine mammals have always fascinated humans because of their enormous size as well as their mysterious ways.

The sperm whale, for example, is an elusive creature that lives in remote waters and has rarely been tagged with long-distance tracking devices by researchers. For that reason, not much is known about these whales.
Researchers have discovered that sperm whales are the largest toothed animal, reaching 18 meters, and that they have the largest brain of any animal. It is believed that while foraging they can dive to a depth of 3,200 meters and stay under water for at least 90 minutes.

Squid is their favorite food, and sperm whales have been known to fight fierce battles with giant squid. Battle scars in the form of permanent squid sucker marks provide evidence of deep-sea battles.

Blue whales
Blue whales are the largest animals in the world, many weighing up to 180,000 kilograms and reaching lengths of over 30 meters. They are long and slender with a bluish-gray color and a heart that weighs as much as a small car.

These sea giants are baleen whales, meaning they have a comb-like ridge on the top and bottom of their mouths where teeth are normally found. These whales take in water as they swim, and the baleen, equipped with bristles, filters the water and catches small ocean creatures called krill. These whales eat around 40 million krill per day, totaling over 3,600 kilograms.

Blue whales once numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but over-hunting has nearly driven them to extinction; today it is believed that only a few thousand remain.

Gray whales
Gray whales are another kind of baleen whale. They typically swim along the ocean bottom, using their mouths to suck up mud and their baleen to filter their prey.
With heads usually covered in barnacles, gray whales are easy to recognize and not shy, often swimming alongside boats and watching the people aboard.

Orcas
These stylish black and white mammals are probably the most easily identifiable whales in the sea. Also called "killer whales" because of their aggressive predatory style, Orcas prey on seals, sharks and even other whales.

Orcas often travel, live and hunt in groups called "pods," which are somewhat similar to a pack of wolves. Killer whales can be found in every ocean around the world and have on natural predator except humans.

Moby Dick tells the classic story of a whaler named Captain Ahab and a great white whale named Moby Dick. The whale took Ahab's leg in an earlier encounter. Because of his injury, Ahab has sworn to sail the oceans until he finds and takes revenge on Moby Dick. He does, indeed, find wht whale, and their encounter is one of the greatest battles to ever take place between man and beast.

The tale of tolkien
Learn the stories of middle earth.
The Hobbit and The Load of the Rings delight book and movie lovers alike. These great stories sprang from the mind of one man - J.R.R. Tolkien.

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born in 1892. He spent much of his childhood in the beautiful English countryside. He enjoyed studying and learning languages from a young age. And his mother taught him the strong Christian faith that he believed his whole life.

But Tolkien's early life was also touched by tragedy. His father died when Tolkien was 4. Then Tolkien's mother passed away when he was 12.

Love, War and Studies
As a teenager, Tolkien fell in love with a girl named Edith Bratt. But his guardian forbade him to contact her until he turned 21. Tolkien obeyed and focused on school. But he didn't forget Edith, and he contacted her on his 21st birthday. His patience paid off. They were married in 1916.

But soon Tolkien faced his darkest trial - fighting in World War I. Life as a soldier was difficult, painful and dangerous. Tolkien became sick and had to return to England. Others were not so lucky. "By 1918, all but one of my close friends were dead," Tolkien later wrote.

Back in England, Tolkien became a scholar. He taught literature classes at Oxford University, did research and wrote several influential papers. He continued to love languages, studying Greek, Anglo Saxon, Finnish and more.

But Tolkien didn't just study languages; he invented his own! They added to the rich setting of the fantasy stories he had been writing for years.

The Hobbit

One day while grading tests, Tolkien found a blank page. He wrote the sentence, "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit." This began his children's story The Hobbit. When it was finished, a friend gave it to publisher Stanley Unwin. Unwin's 10-year-old son, Rayner, loved the book, so Unwin  published it in 1937.
The Hobbit enjoyed instant success, and the publishing company asked for a sequel. So Tolkien wrote The Lord of the Rings, a longer, more complex tale. Rayner Unwin, now an adult, helped publish The Lord of the Rings. It was so long that it came out in three parts in 1954 and 1955.

Tolkien's Legacy
Tolkien died 40 years ago this month. He was a committed father to his four children. He received an honorary degree from Oxford for this studies. But his greatest legacy is his stories.
Tolkien wrote many tales besides The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. They tell about good and evil, the importance of friendship and making right decisions.

Tolkien's life shaped his stories. The peaceful, beautiful Shire resembles the English countryside where Tolkien's war experiences. His relationship with his wife inspired the love stories he wrote. Through his work, Tolkien has brought joy, hope and encouragement to millions.

Business

Kyle transferred to a different department and now works weekends. We asked to meet with the boss, but he responded by saying he was too busy. In his deep mind, he want to quit the job. But his collage said, "Jobs in your field are plentiful. You shouldn't have any trouble finding a new one." That company only hires people with a bachelor's degree or higher. He plans to retire at the end of this year. But it's impossible.

Kyle decided to stay home and rest to preserve his energy for the busy week ahead. After a long week at work, Grace likes to indulge in an evening at the movie theater.

The business made a point of donating half of its profits every year. Joe had many financial challenges when he started his own business. I think we should get together and generate some new ideas. The idea of starting a new company sprang out of a discussion John had with Mark over coffee. The conclusion: If there is a problem with your pay, you need to call human resources.

New Employees?
Hiring new employees isn't as easy as it seems.
With his company growing, Ben thinks it might be time to hire some employees. But hiring employees is a big step, and Uncle Bob has some important words of warning for him.
Uncle Bob: Hi, Ben! How are you today?
Ben: I'm great! Thanks for asking.
Uncle Bob: How's the business coming along?
Ben: Well, it's growing by leaps and bounds. In fact, I'm having a hard time getting all the work done, and I need help.
Uncle Bob: I thought you had some help. Don't you have a few people working for you?
Ben: Yes and no. We have a few freelancers we use on projects, but I need some full-time help.
Uncle Bob: Wow. Hiring full-time employees is a big step for a young company. Are you ready for it?
Ben: Sure. How hard can it be to hire a couple of employees?
Uncle Bob: I'm not saying it's hard. But employees can induce big changes in the way your company works.
Ben: How?
Uncle Bob: Well, there are lots of ways. Take costs for example. The cost of an employee goes far beyond pay.
Ben: I guess that's true. I'll need to pay for things like benefits and payroll taxes.
Uncle Bob: That's right. And there are other indirect costs, too. You'll need to buy office furniture, computers and a lot more stationery for your employees to use.
Ben: And parking. I'll need to get more parking spots.
Uncle Bob: Exactly.
Ben: OK, so there will be some hidden costs, but those won't change the company that much.
Uncle Bob: They will mean huge changes to your job, though.
Ben: Yeah, I hope they'll make my job a lot easier!
Uncle Bob: They might. But remember, employees need to be managed.
Ben: That's true.
Uncle Bob: The time you'll spend doing the things you're used to doing will also diminish. Instead you'll spend time overseeing employees.
Ben: I guess that will be a big change.
Uncle Bob: Ultimately, hiring employees is about growth. And good growth is done in a balanced and controlled way.
Ben: How do I do that?
Uncle Bob: For starters, you need to realize that growth can make some things easier, but it also generates problems in other areas.
Ben: I see. You mean hiring employees might make production easier, but it might make things like accounting and human resources harder. Maybe I should put some more thought into this.
Uncle Bob: That's a good idea. But I'm not saying you can't do it. Snd hiring employees is a good thing.
Ben: Because it means the company is growing?
Uncle Bob: Exactly? Let's go celebrate your growing company with some coffee.
Ben: You're on!

When a golfer begins a game, he places a golf ball atop a tee before hitting it. So teeing off refers to beginning a golf game, but it can also refer to starting other kinds of activities. For example, your  bass might tee off a meeting by telling a joke.

While teeing off refers to making a start both in golf and in life, teeing somebody off is quite different. When you tee somebody off, you make them angry. Causing a friend to miss a golf shot would undoubtedly tee her off!

Hole in one
Making a hole in one requires hitting the ball into the hole - 365 meters or so away - in a single stroke. Talk about accuracy! A hole in one can also describe something that is successful the first time. Someone who acquires a great job on their first interview just got a hole in one!

English fiction 8

Travel
Taipei 101, Taipei's tallest building, has thousands of visitors every year. People love the view from the top of the massive skyscraper. People came from all the nearby towns to see the musician's concert. The variety of acts, colorful costumes and great music made the show a real extravaganza. The amusement park has plenty of entertainment for all ages.

That building is one of this city's most famous landmarks. Flocks of people went to the mall on the day of the big sale. Carrie bought a necklace as a keepsake when she went to Taipei. My to-do list when I'm in Taipei includes shopping! The dazzle of the big city was attractive to Carrie. She never wanted to leave.

Tourists go to Taiwan partly to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The dynamic changes in today's weather surprised us. Rain  is prevalent in our part of the country during the spring months.  But it was a magical night as the stars shone in the sky. Carrie breathed in the salty air as he walked by the ocean. When Carrie went diving, she saw many types of coral.

Carrie studied Japanese because he didn't want to be viewed as a foreigner in Japan. She feels free and easy, while she was traveling in Japan. All people shopping in Asia have a story or two about bargaining at markets. He also gambled in Japan. He always said, "Make the most of your trip to Japan. You don't know if you'll go again."

Living here definitely will give us the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of all four seasons. There are colorful flowers in spring and sunshine in summer. In autumn are red, orange and yellow leaves, and snow falls in winter.

She always read informed sources before deciding where to go on vacation. The example, everyone should have a passport. It is something no traveler anywhere should be without. But She is feeling a little anxious and worried that I might miss my flight tomorrow morning.

There is her experience.

A taste for travel. You can watch your health and still eat like a local!
I love street food. Wherever I go, I'm always looking for chances to eat like a local. In many places, some of the best ethnic food is served from a cart! But there's a dark side to all this good food - food poisoning. I once had a bad case of it in Nepal. I was in bed for two days and unable to eat much for weeks after. I was in a rural area, so I had no access to clean water or food. I couldn't help getting sick.

Most travelers have a horror story or two about food poisoning. It's a risk we all take when we eat strange foods. But there are ways to enjoy good local food and avoid an upset stomach. A few precautions might save you a lot of pain. The following tips will help keep you safe and healthy.

Drink clean water. In many places, tap water isn't safe to drink. In these places, avoid ordering drinks made with water or served with ice. Drink bottled water or soda instead. Skip the fresh fruit. It might look and taste delicious. but if it's been washed in dirty water, it may make you sick. You can't tell by looking at it, so it's better to be safe than sorry. Choose meat that has been cooked recently and well. Meat and seafood that have been left out for a long time are dangerous to eat. If it doesn't look or smell OK, move on.
Watch the locals. They will avoid a food cart that has made them sick before.

Be prepared. Take medicines that can ease your symptoms. These won't cure whatever bug you've picked up. But they will help with the pain when there's no place to rest and recover.

With these tips in mind, you're ready to dig in! Street food is part of the travel adventure: don't be afraid to try something different. You never know - you might discover a new favorite dish!
Our trip was quite an adventure - we got lost in a very scary part of town!

Beyond Bali, explore the land of Komodo dragons.
When thinking of an Asian vacation, many consider Bali, Indonesia, the beautiful island paradise. However, why stop there? An hour's flight southeast will land you on Flores - Bali before the tourists. Last fall, my husband and I went!

After landing, we sailed to Komodo National Park. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1986, the park consists of three major islands - Komodo, Rinca and Padar - and various smaller ones.
As we explored, we came across many Komodo dragons and even tracked one as it lumbered along. Again, we came across lots of wildlife - dragons, deer and water buffalo. And in one valley, many cockatoos flew about, filling the air with raucous calls.

Komodo National Park is home to many world-class dive sites, so these waters are excellent for diving and snorkeling. As we sailed, we passed a giant sea turtle as well as numerous giant black morph manta rays. We began our journey inland. We drove up and down through the mountainous terrain, snaking our way to Cancar. Here we gazed down at the spectacular spiderweb rice fields fields of the Manggarai people.
We continued southeastward. Around every turn in the road, photo opportunities abounded from the dramatic landscape to children playing along the roadside. After a night in the town of Bajawa, we headed to Bena, the oldest and largest traditional village of the Ngada people. Sitting at the base of the impressive volcano Mount Inerie, this village consists of around 40 thatched-roof houses. Macadamia nuts, vanilla, cloves and coffee grow on the nearby slopes of the volcano.

We continued to Moni for a short sleep before arising at 4:00 a.m. to hike up Mount Kelimutu, Flores' three-colored wonder. The volcano erupted in 1886, leaving three lakes at its peak.

Originally, red, blue and white in color, the lakes have changed to turquoise, blue/green and black. The view not only of the crater lakes but also of the surrounding countryside can only be described as stunning. We hated to leave but had to begin our drive north, so we grudgingly made our way down the mountain.
As we headed back to where our journey had begun, we were so glad we had gone beyond Bali!

While driving through the mountainous region, we kept stopping to take pictures of the scenery. That area has many hot springs because there is a volcano nearby.

Santa Claus, Indiana
Every year my family gets together to decorate our Christmas tree. Welcome to the town where every day is christmas Day. People don't usually hear this popular holiday song until the Christmas season arrives. But in Santa Claus, Indiana, Christmas lights twinkle, and Christmas music plays all year.

"The World's Friendliest and Cleanest" theme park has had over a million first-time visitors. America's Hometown Christmas Tree is must-see with decorations from all 50 states.

Its most popular show - the Radio City Christmas Spectacular - is part of New York's Christmas tradition. The show regularly sells out as more than one million people enjoy it each reason.

Tanzania
Off the coast of Tanzania lies the exotic island in Zanzibar. This amazing place is home to beautiful old houses, leafy forests and white sandy beaches. Some friends and I had the adventure of a lifetime there last year. We snorkeled, played Frisbee and ate fresh seafood on the beach! We swam, read and danced to African music.

There we met a fisherman, who, when he saw us, said, "Are you ready to swim with dolphins?" Dolphins! He told us the dolphins came every morning to eat and play. So we rode out and waited in the boat until we saw a dolphin fin. The dolphins were shy, but we could hear them talking to each other. Eventually they swam closer. One came so close I could have touched it!

Stone Town is a magical place for picture taking. Old doors with ornate designs still mark the entryways to all of the houses. The narrow streets are filled with shops selling paintings, jewelry, spices, etc.
We saw many beautiful fish when we snorkeled around the island.

Christ Church is located on the former site on Zanzibar's biggest slave market. Built to celebrate the end of slavery, the church's altar is said to be located where the slave market's whipping post once stood. Outside the church sits a well-known slavery monument.

Amazing bridges bringing cultures and people closer together.
People admire their beauty. The Sydney Harbor Bridge, Tower Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge draw countless tourists each year. Bridges are an important part of our transportation system, too. Imagine trying to get to work or school without any bridges!

The Magdeburg Water Bridge in Germany is a wonderful example and looks a lot like an optical illusion. As strange as it sounds, the bridge connects two canals and allows their water to pass over the Elbe River. The bridge works like a "concrete bathtub" and helps boats avoid a long and difficult journey down the river.

Was your last trip to the movies a memorable experience? Maybe not. But years ago, people could have as much fun at the movies as they did watching the film.

Chuuk
Today Micronesia is a top choice for adventurous travelers and a mecca for wreck divers. Four states make up Micronesia - Kosrae, Pohnpei, Yap and Chuuk - and each has its own flavor Kosrae is a lesser-developed tropical paradise. Pohnpei is home to the ruins of the stone city of Nan Madol, a must-see for visitors. Yap offers true island tradition, complete with village chiefs and thatched-roof huts. But Micronesia's main draw is Chuuk. Hundreds of World War II-era wrecks lie beneath the surface of its lagoon, the result of a huge battle. For scuba divers wanting a unique glimpse of history, this is Micronesia's real treasure.
Sunken History

During World War II, Chunk, then called Truk, hosted a large portion of Japanese forces on Truk. More than 300 ships and aircraft were destroyed, creating what would become a wreck diver's paradise.
"The ghost fleet of Truk Lagoon"

More than 100 ships, submarines and aircraft lie at the bottom of Chuuk Lagoon. For 25 years these wrecks were ignored. Divers have flocked here ever since.
It is nearly whole and has a tank and several weapons on its deck. It was an aircraft ferry that carried planes and extra parts.

The wrecks are an exciting attraction not only for their history but also for their natural beauty. In the warm, calm waters of the lagoon, reefs have formed on and around these sunken vessels.

Chuuk offers options for drivers of all skill levels and all interests, from history to marine life to underwater photography. For non-divers, there are more than 15 sunken wrecks and planes that can be seen without putting on dive gear. The water is quite clear, so exploring is fun even at the surface with a snorkel.
There's plenty to do on land as well. Tours take visitors to the old Japanese command center, a lighthouse and caves that still hold cannons from the war.

With its stunning marine life, variety of wrecks and dramatic history, Chuuk is a fascinating destination waiting to be explored.

Komodo dragons
Meet the world's largest living lizard.
Dangerous and deadly aptly describe the largest existing lizard species alive on Earth - the Komodo dragon. Listed as vulnerable (to extinction) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, they number less than 6,000. They mostly inhabit the islands of Indonesia's Komodo National Park as well as some areas of Flores.

These formidable predators devour deer, wild pigs, smaller dragons, water buffalo - and humans if given a chance. Their clay-colored, scaly skin provides them with perfect camouflage as they lie on the brown earth among dead leaves waiting for unsuspecting prey. To seize their prey, the lizard's powerful legs spring into action, and their deadly bites leave little hope for the victim unless treated immediately. The dragons will follow a bitten water buffalo about a month, waiting for it to succumb to the venomous bite. Their keen sense of smell enables the dragons to detect the scent of blood up to 10 kilometers.

The females lay from 15 to 30 eggs in ground nests that they have overtaken from wild turkey-like birds. The mothers then lie near their nests, protecting the eggs until hatched. According to the park ranger, only three to five newborns survive due to predators, including their own cannibal mothers! Upon hatching, the babies climb trees, build nests and survive on birds and insects until they are big enough to survive in the dragon world below.

Temperature rise, flowers fill gardens, skies are sunny, and people head off to the beach in the Northern Hemisphere!  Spring ends as summer begins on June 21 with the longest day of the year. In the Southern Hemisphere, however, winter begins, bringing cold, rainy weather.

In Asia, people celebrate Dragon Boat Festival with dragon boat races and by eating the traditional Chinese rice dumpling zongzi. Both commemorate the death of patriot Qu Yuan.

The rose, June's traditional flower, symbolizes love and appreciations. The birthstone for June is the pearls, a symbol of purity. This gem is the only one that comes from a living creature.

Those who like candy can go ahead and satisfy their sweet tooth as June is Candy Month! But it is also Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, so balance the sweets with those!

An amazing world of animal and plant life hides just under the water's surface.
They are called the "rain forests of the sea" - beautiful underwater worlds that form entire ecosystems. Coral itself is actually a small living animal. These animals live together in colonies. Only the outside layer of the coral is alive, though. The rest of it is made up of the bodies of earlier generations of coral. Coral gets its food from tiny creatures, called "plankton," that flow by and also from algae.

Cactus plants appear both beautiful and strange looking, prompting some people to photograph them and decorate with them.

The nopal cactus has been the subject of many tests and offers a variety of health-related uses. The plant is said to be the most frequent used treatment for lowering blood sugar among Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, it is also used effectively as a treatment for obesity and high cholesterol.

The stems and fruits of the Nopal cactus are rich in antioxidants and hold great promise as anti-cancer agents. According to researcher, their juice may fight cancer by suppressing cancer cell growth, but more study is needed to confirm this benefit.

Along with their health benefits, edible cacti can be used to make candy, perfume, food coloring, marmalade, wine and more. That's a long list of achievements for these strange-looking desert plants.

Police

Each ICPO(International Criminal Police Organization) member sets up a central bureau that acts as a window for joint operations and exchanging information on criminal activities. Interpol acts as a local contact to help police from different countries overcome those problems.

My job was basically to investigate criminal cases that involved a second country. Since criminal cases are usually urgent, I spent a lot of time communicating with agencies from other countries. When we received information on a crime, we took the necessary actions. We made a search or made an arrest or referred the case to the prosecutor's office. It was very challenging work, but it gave me lots of opportunities to travel and study abroad. Oh, and I was once responsible for escorting two dangerous criminals back from Japan!
The police will escort you and keep you safe.

Blaise's attacks were rolling off Mr. Golden like water off a duck's back. The guardians watched all the children closely and said, "Killing all those children was an evil act."
Iris called, "Blow him out of the water, Harry," and ran to help Blaise.
"Go jump in a lake!" shouted Harry.
Sirens announced that the police were coming. The police have found a lot of evidence for the suspect's guilt. Officer Brooks noticed Iris.

They all knew Iris had lied, but still she was unrepentant.

"Don't muddy the waters," Officer Brooks said. "You can't fool me."
"You're all wet," protested Iris. "Mr. Golden is trying to destroy the lab."
Iris called her father so he could intercept Mr. Golden and throw cold water on his plans. Since Officer Brooks couldn't prove Iris's guilt, she let her go.

Gift
Then they walked into the room. To their amazement, they found him playing music on his toy piano! Before this, Ethan had begged his parents for piano lessons. But their answer had always been, "Of course not! You're still in diapers." The 3-year-old didn't let that stop him, though. Instead, he listened to a song once and then played it perfectly, note for note. Ethan was a piano prodigy and needed someone who understood his special gifts and abilities.

Before long, he was being asked to perform for many events. When one performance was posted on Youtube, Ethan became famous. Today, at the age of 13, it seems there is nothing Ethan cannot do. He plays piano, sings, composes songs and acts. Then in 2013, the performer starred in and wrote music for the movie Anything is Possible.

Their son is also very generous and compassionate. The young musician's little brother had three heart operations when Ethan was only 5 years old. He remembers seeing a lot of sick children, including some who couldn't afford surgery. This experience made him want to use his talent to help those kids and many others. Many call him "the world's youngest philanthropist." Believe in yourself. Anything is possible.

History
Millions of people around the world enjoyed the musical stage play Les Miserables. Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, the film tells the story of Prisoner 24601. He is newly released from prison but struggles to survive. The kind action of a bishop saves him form a return to prison. He then resolves to show kindness to others.

Emotion
Polishing your manners can improve relationship. It never hurts to be polite at home and in public.
Did you know that most tension in any relationship is caused by someone using a negative tone of voice? And in most instances, a tense conversation can cause friction with your in-laws or coworkers indefinitely.
Good manners work magic in a different way. Behaving nicely includes speaking thoughtfully and using a pleasing voice tone that denotes respect.

Married people, especially, know how hurtful behavior erodes a relationship. For example, can you identify with the following conversation?

"Honey, I need you to pick up the kids from school today," Says Mom.
"No way, I told you I'm staying late at work all week," Dad retorts. "The boss is breathing down my neck. What do you expect me to do - clone myself?"

Using manners would ratchet up this conversation to a different level of respect if it went something along these lines:

"Honey, I need you to pick up the kids from school today," says Mom.
"I would like to," Dad assures her. "but, don't you remember that I have to stay late at work all this week?"

Good manners make you more desirable in circles that include people of power.If you have poor manners that include judging others harshly, you may get passed over for promotions at work. No one is going to invite you along to an event whereby your behavior becomes an embarrassment to the one who invited you. People with poor manners are becoming more prevalent in our society, and they'll pay the price by getting ostracized from polite circles.

It pays to practice excellent manners within your own family on a daily basis. Otherwise, you'll swing back and forth between smooth manners and your casual self. You'll get tripped up at the worst possible time.
"I'm absolutely giving up swear words and bad manners," laughs a friend of ours we'll call Jason. "I was crabbing at my wife during a parent-teacher function a couple of weeks ago. I didn't know the microphone near me was on."

"There I was, like a fool, using foul language to tell my wife to hurry up and get her fill-in-the-bank laptop turned off so the program could begin. Almost everyone in the room heard me." Jason told us he assigned himself to the doghouse. His wife, Jill, didn't have to do it.

"Honey, if I'm crazy or profane, I want you to slap my dumb head off," Jason told Jill. "I've learned my lesson, and I will clean up my act from now on."

It is difficult to be around people who use foul language. It makes me uncomfortable.

Player
This amazing young basketball player is taking the game and her life to new level. But life hasn't been a bed of roses for her. The path to success required a lot of hard work and sacrifice.  Maya dreamed that she, too, could one day compete in the Olympics. Sadly, in under two months the company downsized, and Kathryn lost her job. She remembers, "It was a bad, bad time."

In high school she had the opportunity to play basketball against some of the nation's best players. The competition improved her skills. While in high school, Maya worked hard and was an honor student. She also spent much of her free time mentoring kids who needed help. She spent her days off taking children to amusement parks or feeding the hungry.

"Surround yourself with winners. Surround yourself with people who have good character. And just work your hardest." Those are wise words to live and win by!

Bad hobby
Their daughter, Tara, asks them to care for their three grandchildren. But their old-school parenting methods clash with the grandchildren's over-scheduled way of life.  They have much homework. They need to use smartphone to do homework. By the advance society of technology, every students who are in schools must to read the a lot of articles. They have many books in their school bags. These little students trundle in carrying heavy book bags

The teacher want their students read much books. About the life of Pi follows Pi Patel as he travels from a zoo in India across the Pacific. He survives a ship wreck and ends up in a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger for a companion. Tara had much interests about this book. She didn't think it is bare by the homework.

When Tara readed the story about Fleas. Then she laughed loudly.These insects can jump up to 200 times their height. That's like a man jumping the height of the Empire State Building.

She also like to study the articles of animals.
Dolphins travel regularly between the water's surface and the depths of the ocean. They have keen vision both in and out of the water. But when they dive deeper than light can penetrate, they must rely on a different sense - hearing. In the other tests, he recognized the difference between objects whose widths differed by less than the width of a human hair. When they decrease their sensitivity to protect their ears from loud noises.

Inspirations from the sea for clothes that change colors.
The amazing cuttlefish - now you see it; now you don't! The ocean's master of disguise is known for its ability to appear and disappear right before your eyes. This eight-armed creature can quickly change its color and texture to match its surrounding. Cuttlefish go through this process in order to surprise prey, protect themselves or attract other cuttlefish.

For years scientists have tried to figure out this complex system and how it could be beneficial to people. Now they are taking a cue from this "chameleon of the sea" om am effort to develop "smart clothing."
Using cuttlefish technology, the two men have developed a soft material that contains something similar to the cuttlefish's color cells. But instead of color, these cells hold a tiny, thin piece of black rubber. A process that squeezes the rubber pieces causes them to appear flatter and wider.

Military groups may find the material useful for camouflage. Hikers and bikers, though, will appreciate the ability to become suddenly bright, making themselves stand out for safety purposes.

Finally She understands the history of key.
You can't get in unless you have the key! Key designs became more artistic in the 14th century European locksmiths became famous for making beautiful keys. Kings invited them to design their castle keys. Today, office workers and hotel guests open doors using electronic key cards, cards that are used as keys. There are even smartphone apps for gaining entry to one's home without a key.

Tara also likes to sing with app. For example:
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now an found, was blind, but now I see. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear. And grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I fist believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares. I have already come; 'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home. The lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, a life of joy and peace. When we've been there ten thousand years bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we've first begun.

A smartphone can be a powerful tool to organize your life - if it contains the right applications. Are you a visual thinker? MindMeister gives you a great way to organize your ideas by creating useful mind maps. The habit of looking down at your smartphone or tablet could be hurting you.

The next time you're riding a subway or bus, pay attention to your fellow passengers. Chances are you'll see plenty of them with their heads down, tapping the screens of their tablets or texting on their smartphones. While these folks may be making good use of their time by staying  connected, their bodies are paying a heavy price for such convenience.

As hand-held devices such devices such as smartphones and tablets are becoming more common, users are reporting some new physical problems. Doctor began noticing an increased number of his patients complaining of neck and shoulder pain.

For those who simply can't take their eyes off of their devices, there is an ironic twist - downloading a special app could help. the Text Neck Indicator App.

So go ahead and stay connected, but don't let your body - or your neck - stay in one position for too long!

The more time kids spend with screens, the more likely they are to get fat or have behavior problems. But believe it or not, most kids his age spend more than seven hours a day with screens. I bet he's playing some violent video games, too. Too much exposure to those cause kids to become aggressive.

Tara and her friends always like to play in the playground. They only need to care about their hairpieces. The hairpieces attach to the wearer's head with a tight seal. No one except the children who wear the hairpieces can remove them. This lets the children run, play and swim without worrying about the hairpiece falling off. And other children won't be able to pull the hairpiece off either.

Comedies, talk shows, children's plays and stage dramas are performed throughout the day.A Midsummer Night's Dream is a big production as well. In addition, magic shows, sword fights and more attract audiences in every corner of the "village."

At drive-in, the entertainment began before the movie started. Playgrounds, pony rides and more provided lots of fun for the kids. Halfway through the movie, dancing drinks and singing hot dogs appeared on the screen. Hungry people would then flock to the concession stand for a small snack or a full meal. The drive-in provided a whole evening of inexpensive entertainment.

In the 1980s, however, VCRs, cable TV and rising property prices almost caused the death of drive-ins. People didn't go to them as before. But some drive-ins survived, and new generations of moviegoers are now enjoying the experience.

Language
I will be the first to admit that my English skills are quite poor.

For some reason I really liked the language, but I was not particularly good at learning it. The grammar and word order confused me. Prepositions made no sense. After two  years of studies, I resigned myself to communicating in broken English and signed up to study in US to complete my degree. It was the hardest semester I would ever have.

Once in US, I felt like I was starting from scratch. The US I'd learned in university wasn't practical for everyday conversation. My book knowledge fell by the wayside as I figured out the basics of getting around, reading menus and chatting with my classmates. I was constantly on edge at school, worried about whether the professors would call on me in class and whether I'd understand their questions. I only relaxed a little around my eight roommates, who were willing to speak English slowly to  me and didn't seem to mind my mistakes.

The professor spoke fast; almost everything he said flew right over my head. I sat in the front, took notes and even recorded the lectures, but nothing helped. I had no idea what the class was about. The professor told all the foreign students who wanted this form to meet at his office at a certain time. I was sure I was the only one in the class at such a low level. So I flaked and skipped the meeting.

Years have passed, but I still remember how it felt to struggle so hard at learning another language.