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My other major memory was talking to him at one of our graduation parties . It was the first time he and I had really talked away from the band room . I do n't remember what we said - we might have been a little tipsy - but I know that I walked away from that conversation with an empty space in me filled . I do n't doubt that many of us have stories like this - people who might have played very different roles in our lives but were there at the wrong time . | What may be the reason they did nt talk outside the band room . | They only knew each other from the band class . | ['They only liked to conversate through their music .', 'None of the above choices .', 'They did nt like to talk to people they never met .'] |
As we were hauling stuff though , I happened to notice they had the plastic covers off of the lights . That had been the ceiling previously , now we had an addition 4 - 5 inches of clearance . Which was enough , as it turned out , to get the sofa in . | Why did the 4 to 5 extra inches of clearance put the narrator at ease ? | That would allow the sofa to fit in the area . | ['That was enough to get the animals in the pen .', 'That was enough to get the cows into the barn .', 'None of the above choices .'] |
Do you know that people without friends are more likely to die an early death? It's true.However,not all the friends are helpful to up your chances of living a long,happy life. The following types of friends are just what you need to keep the doctor away.
A Loyal Best Friend
Sometimes a loyal best friend is the only thing you need to stay calm. Everyone needs a non-judgmental friend who will support them no matter what.This is the kind of friend who knows all of your deepest and darkest secrets, but still loves you all the same.
An Honest Confidant
There are certain situations in life where we need to hear the harsh truth. It is really hard for you to face it, but that's what the honest confidant is for. Friends are supposed to be honest with each other. If you find someone who is bravely honest with you (in a constructive way), then hold on to this person! People like that are hard to come by these days.
A Polar Opposite
If you only develop friendships with others who follow the same beliefs, customs, and values as you do, chances are you're kept away from the rest of the world. Try to break out of your comfortable zone and befriend people who hold opposing views. You'll learn to accept people who don't see the world exactly the way you see it.
A Work Pal
Do you know that with a full--time job, you spend at least 50%of your waking hours at work? Depressing, isn't it? The more isolated you are at work, the more depressed you get. That's why it makes sense to get a work pal to chat with to help you get through the week. You spend 50%of your waking hours at work, and so does your work pal. You'll find it much easier to complain about work with someone than to eat lunch alone every day.
With them in your life, you're bound to live a long and happy life! | You need a Polar Opposite as a friend because he will _ . | help open your eyes to a different world | ['teach us to build a comfortable zone', 'support you no matter what you do', 'change you into an entirely different person'] |
Vegetable gardening is the relaxing art and science of turning a love for growing plants into a worthwhile activity.
Vegetable gardeners agree that many home-grown vegetables picked at their best are superior to those vegetables purchased from markets. From spring through late fall, a well-planned and well-kept garden can prove a supply of fresh vegetables, thus increasing the nutrition of the family diet. Freezers make it possible to keep some of the vegetables to be enjoyed at a later date. Other vegetables can be stored for a few months in a cool area.
Having vegetables in the backyard makes home gardening appealing for many people. In addition, vegetable gardening provides exercise and fun for both urban and suburban families.
Although the money spent for a garden may be little, one cannot escape the fact that gardening requires hard work and time. Many of the gardening tasks must be performed at times that are most inconvenient. Not doing jobs that should be done on a regular basis may result in failure and a negative feeling toward gardening.
One should not plant a garden that is too large for him to care for. A small, well-kept garden is more enjoyable and profitable than a large neglected one. Vegetables do well in full sunlight and need at least five or six hours of sun during the middle of the day. Too much shading results in poor plants and few vegetables. If possible, the garden should be near the house so the gardener can work in it at odd moments.
Soils for vegetables should be easily broken up and porous for quick water drainage and good aeration . A deep, fine, sandy good quality soil is best.
Usually the hoe owner has little choice in the soil type he can choose. Fortunately, many vegetables can be grown on poor soils if the soils are properly prepared. | Vegetables gardening is appealing for many people because _ . | it is enjoyable and profitable | ['it requires little money', 'they can work in the vegetable garden at odd moments', 'it provides vegetables for the family all the year round.'] |
Located 40 miles northeast of San Diego, California, Valley Center has more than 27 square miles of countryside beauty and 21,000 acres of agricultural land. Along with the activities mentioned here, the Chamber of Commerce website (www.vcchamber.com) lists a large number of outings for your family to enjoy: Palomar Mountain Observatory, Lakes Wohlford, Hodges and Henshaw, Sengme Oaks Water Park, and Pala Mission.
Bates Nut Farm
15954 Woods Valley Rd.
www. batesnutfarm.biz
760-749-3333
Most people would agree that no visit to Valley Center would be complete without a stop at Bates Nut Farm. Gilbert and Beatrice Bates founded the farm in 1921.The farm has a picnic area and a large store full of nuts, candies and treats. Kids can feed farm animals, and in the fall, find pumpkins along with many fun, seasonal activities for the family. The place, which started out as a nut farm, is now home to many family-friendly events throughout the year like car shows and music festivals.
Valley Center Wellness Spa
28714 Valley Center Rd.
www.valley centerwellnessspa.com
760-751-5303
The Valley Center Wellness Spa invites you to experience some of the special spa treatments in a private environment. Spa-goers can enjoy facials and skin treatments at this spa owned by Jana Limon.
Keys Creek Lavender Farm
12460 Keys Creek Rd.
www.kclfarm.com
760-742-0523
San Diego County's lavender farm has eight acres of lavender fields. Open during harvest time--May through June--it offers lavender picking. English high teas and workshops. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Valley Center Western Days
28246 Lilac Rd.
www.westerndays.org
760-749-8041
Each May, the week-long series of events kicks off with the Western Days Parade, the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo, and an evening musical performance. You can enjoy the fun and meet some new friends here. | One can enjoy live music in _ . | Valley Center Western Days &Bates Nut Farm | ['Bates Nut Farm & Valley Center Wellness Spa', 'Valley Center Wellness Spa & Keys Creek Lavender Farm', 'Keys Creek Lavender Farm&Valley Center Western Days'] |
Although cats may be one of the most popular pets today, little is known about how and when humans and cats set up their close relationship.
The earliest evidence for human-cat interaction dates back to prehistoric Cyprus , where the remains of a wild cat and a human -- dated 9,500 years old -- were found buried together.
A new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has confirmed the first direct evidence of a human-domestic cat relationship among Chinese farmers 5,300 years ago. Researchers studied the bones of cats, dogs, deer and other animals unearthed in an excavation near a village in Central China. By using some ways, scientists showed that the cats were living on a mostly millet -based diet, just like the domesticated dogs and pigs from the site.
"The most reasonable explanation for a high consumption of millet-based food is that the cats had formed a stable and mutual relationship with humans and could easily feed on rodents around human villages, find leftover food or even have been fed by people intentionally," said Hu Yaowu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, whose research focuses on the relationship between humans and domesticated animals.
"It is very interesting for us to find the consumption of millet-based foods by the cats, since this kind of evidence had long been missing." Hu explains. Since cats usually eat meat, such a diet would be unexpected, unless the cats were being fed by people, the study argues. The researchers also found that one of the cats survived to reach old age, implying that it had a safe place to live and enough to eat.
Why the farmers wanted to keep cats nearby or make them "pets" could be answered by other evidence. Chinese archaeologists found some storage containers were specifically designed to keep out rodents -- a vermin that cats could certainly have helped with.
The simplified theory is that rats were attracted to the food of farmers, and so were harmful to farmers. Cats were attracted to the rats, and so farmers formed a mutually beneficial relationship with cats, taking care of them in return for pest control. | What are the reasons for farmers to keep cats? | Helping reduce the amount of pests. | ['Helping keep other domesticated animals.', 'Not letting cats eat food.', 'Supplying meat for human.'] |
The problem , or some of the problem was that neither of us were seeing other people and it was starting to take that natural progression things take . I was also suddenly bothered by HIS not wanting to be in a relationship with me . Once he spoke the words , it became quickly became an imaginary problem . It seems that once he said it , I had to do something about it , I had to stop seeing him on principle alone . | What were the words he spoke to me ? | He did n't want our relationship to be exclusive . | ['He proposed marriage', 'None of the above choices .', 'He wanted a divorce .'] |
David Gauntlett makes a good point in his newest book (Making Media Studies: The Creativity Turn in Media and Communications Studies) and that is that traditional forms of media studies are no longer applicable. Gone are the days of massive institutions and production companies, gone are the traditional audiences and simplistic texts. In, is the new age media companies, the everyday media makers, the consistent consumers and the fantastical mess of The WWW.
While universities are pumping out the same content areas since the 1980’s (e.g. institutions, production, audiences and texts) that are only relevant to a handful of media forms (cinema, television, online broadcasting and publications), the rest of the world is moving on. David Gauntlett so rightly says that creativity in media, should also refer to thinking creatively about the subject. What are the new ways of running media and communication studies? How has the subject itself changed? What approaches and methods can help media and communications studies to become innovative and useful in spheres beyond itself?
David Gauntlett encourages a kind of call to arms, an acquiescence of the incapacities of the old system and a redirected gaze to the future needs of media students and media studies programs. Inspired by Tim Ingold’s book Making, David believes media studies should have making at it’s front and centre. He also believes the ability to do things with media should be embraced over and above the ability to talk about what others do with media, or what media does to us. The notion is that media studies should be hands on, that it should be all about ideas and critical engagement and this should be expressed through actual making.
To borrow three key distinctions from the anthropologist Tim Ingold:
1. It’s about learning WITH media rather than ABOUT media.
2. There is an intent to move FORWARD rather than looking BACKWARDS at how things are.
3. It’s aims are TRANSFORMATIONAL rather than DOCUMENTARY. | Who is Fred | not enough information | ["David's mentor", "David's friend", "David's coworker"] |
So after a week or two of not having the XBOX I just break down and buy the Playstation 3 . I picked up the Metal Gear Solid pack . 80 GB Playstation 3 + Metal Gear Solid 4 + Rumble Controller for $ 499 . What I was intending to do was pickup the 40 GB PS3 for $ 399 and MGS4 for $ 60 and the new Rumble Controller for $ 55 but in the end the bundle was the better deal . | What would have happened if I did not purchase the bundle deal ? | I would have spent more money . | ["I would n't have gotten a rumble controller .", 'I would have bought Metal Gear Solid 3 .', 'None of the above choices .'] |
The doctor handed me my medicine and said sorry to me because his register had already closed. He asked if I would mind using the register at the front of the store. I told him not to worry and walked up front. One person was in line ahead of me, a little girl no more than seven with a bottle of medicine on the counter . She held a little green and white coin purse closely to her chest .
The purse reminded me of the days when, as a child, I liked dressing myself up in my grandma's clothes. One day, wearing her large clothes and hat, I went out to buy something. I gave a fake dollar to the shop owner, but he handed back some real coins for my purse. "Keep the change!" he told me with a smile.
Now, with both hands shaking, the little girl pulled out a dollar bill and some coins for her medicine. As she tried to count her money, I could see right away that she was about a dollar short. Quickly, I put a dollar bill onto the counter. The child collected her change into her coin purse and ran out.
As I walked to my car, I felt a tug on my shirt. There was the girl, looking up at me with her big brown eyes. She gave me a smile, and put out her little hand. It was full of coins. "Thank you," she said.
"That's OK," I answered, smiling. "Just keep the change!" | The doctor said sorry to the writer because _ . | his register had closed | ['his register had broken down', 'he was busy', 'he had used up his medicine'] |
Always seemed a bit of a goof to me . Not bad , not a heretic , just a goof . However , after his message , I am willing to give him another try . I re - added him to my Zune podcast feeds . | Why do you think I re - added him to my Zune podcast feeds ? | I re - added him to my Zune podcast feed because he 's not bad and he has good intentions . | ["I 'm willing to give another try because I like goofy people on my Zune podcast feed .", 'After he sent me a goofy message , I decided to re - add him to my Zune podcast feed .', "I re - added him to my Zune podcast feed because he 's goofy ."] |
For a moment, Paul wasn't even sure who had walked into the room. Chloe had totally transformed herself since he'd last seen her. She wore a wig for starters, and a very good one. It was light brown and shoulder length. It looked so natural that if he didn't know she had much shorter hair, he would have guessed that she had dyed it. But it was the outfit that made the change. She wore a well-tailored, very professional, gray woman's skirt/blazer combo with a yellow silk blouse. Her wrist sported what looked to Paul's uneducated eye like an expensive and fashionable gold lady's watch from which he thought he detected a glint of diamond. In short, she looked just like the high priced lawyer she was supposed to be. She was certainly the best-dressed person in the room.
Chloe reached across the table to shake Greg's hand, stretching forward as she did so. Paul watched Greg glance down at her cleavage while he shook her hand. "I'm Rachel Roth, here on behalf of Mr. Paul Reynolds."
"Hi," said Greg. "I'm Greg Driscol, and this is..."
"I know the rogues gallery here," said Chloe cutting Greg off and looking around at the assembled board members. "I've learned all about you gentlemen."
Marie stood up and shook Chloe's hand. "Marie Cooper, from Johnson, Myers, and Wick," she said.
"Nice to meet you," she said. "Ok, we've got the intros down, shall we get on with the dirty business?"
"Um, sure," Greg said as he sat back down. "I was just about to turn things over to Marie."
The plan was now in action, and so far so good. But Paul knew that this was a crucial moment. Chloe didn't really know the law - just a few points that her friend had helped her out with. She couldn't let the real lawyer take over the meeting. Her dramatic, unexpected entrance had them off guard, and Paul hoped she seized the moment and pressed on. | Who is Greg Driscol? | not enough information | ["Paul's step-brother and competitor in the family business", 'The spokesperson for the company Paul wants to take over', 'CEO of a company being sued by Paul'] |
Alan Izhar-Bodner, an Israeli inventor, has developed a swimming suit for divers to breathe underwater without carrying heavy oxygen tanks. His suit makes use of the air that is dissolved in water, just like fish do.
The system uses the Henry Law which states that the amount of gas that can be dissolved in a liquid is proportional to the pressure on the liquid. Raise the pressure ---more gas can be dissolved in the liquid. Decrease the pressure --- less gas dissolved in the liquid releases the gas. This is exactly what happens when you open a can of soda; carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in the liquid and is under pressure in the can. Open the can, releasing the pressure, and the gas fizzes out.
Bodner's System obviously uses a special machine to lower pressure in part of a small amount of seawater taken into the system; dissolved gas is taken out. The patent reads: A self-contained open-circuit breathing instrument for use within a body of water naturally containing dissolved air. The instrument is adapted to provide breathable air. The instrument contains an inlet for taking out a quantity of water from the body of water. It further contains a separator for separating the dissolved air from the quantity of water, thus gaining the breathable air. The instrument further contains an outlet for expelling the separated water back into the body of water, and another outlet for removing the breathable air and supplying it for breathing. The air is supplied so as to enable it to be expelled back into the body of water after it has been breathed .
Human beings have been thinking about how to breathe underwater since they started swimming. This long-held desire plays an important part in one of the first great science fiction novels, Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. | This passage is mainly about _ . | how Bodner's instrument for breathing underwater works | ['how Bodner invented the instrument for breathing underwater', 'why Bodner invented the instrument for breathing underwater', "how Bodner's instrument is used by divers for breathing underwater"] |
If you ' ve been watching Olympic track and field you ' ve seen the victory laps . The flag held streaming behind like a Superhero cape , the big smile , the glow of victory . I had a victory of my own this past week . This was a cycling victory , not running victory since I seem to have become slightly allergic to running again but that in no way diminishes my triumph . | Why does the narrator feel so proud ? | They beasted a cycling match . | ['None of the above choices .', 'The Olympics brings out pride in them .', 'They won the running race .'] |
What if we could replace oil with a fuel which produced no pollution and which everybody had equal access to? The good news is that we can. In fact, we are swimming in it--- literally.
Hydrogen is one of the building blocks of the universe. Our own sun is basically a big, dense cloud of the stuff. And hydrogen can be used to create electricity for power, heat and light.
The problem is that hydrogen is everywhere and nowhere at the same time. It does not exist as a material on its own, but is always part of something else. So it has to be separated before it can be used.
Most commercial hydrogen in use now is created from natural gas. As oil will start to run out in around the year 2030, it makes sense to produce as much hydrogen as possible as soon as we can. But natural gas supplies will also begin to run out soon after. Another source is needed.
Researchers are now using electricity to make water into hydrogen. Companies are working on the problem in their own areas. The first commercial hydrogen "fuel cells" for computers and mobile phones have already come on to the market. Auto companies have also invested over US $2 billion in the production of hydrogen fuelled cars.
The nations of a hydrogen fuelled planet would not fight over energy recourses. There would be a great reduction in pollution. The only by-product of creating hydrogen is pure drinking water--- something that is very scarce in many parts of the world. But that is not where the good news ends. Once the costs of producing hydrogen have been brought down, it will possibly provide power for a third of the Earth's population that has no electricity.
And electricity creates wealth. In South Africa over the last decade there has been a large programme of electrification. Thanks to the programme, people do not have to spend their days looking firewood to burn for heat. And with electric light, they can work long into the night.
Some scientists see radical changes in the way the human race co-operates. Hydrogen creates electricity, and is also created by _ . With dual use fuel cells, everyone who consumes energy could also produce it. Late at night, a man drives home in London and connects his car into the "world-wide hydrogen web," which it supplies with electricity. A few hours later, a man in Beijing uses that electricity to power the hydrogen cell in his car. Hydrogen could be the first democratic energy source.
Like all dreams of the future, it seems very far away. But the threat of war and terrorism in the Middle East has made governments and businesses more aware of the need to end oil dependency and spend more time and money on hydrogen resource. So maybe the threat of war is not a completely bad thing for the future of the human race. | What is the passage mainly about? | the future of hydrogen as an energy resource | ['war and energy', 'the disadvantages of oil', 'How to end war'] |
Today we were in Madison getting some supplies the boy needed for some school project , so we stopped off at the little greek gyro place near the Sam Ash up there in Madison . First let me say , yummy food ! ! ! Fresh , hot , and delicious . | Why does the boy need supplies ? | He is a student . | ['He is going camping .', 'None of the above choices .', 'He is an artist .'] |
Two of the teachers at my school got their BA 's there , so I know it can be done . It 's a little expensive , but I ca n't afford to make school long and drawn out , either . A few other school are sending me info , but I think La Verne looks like the best option so far . | Why is the narrator bullish on La Verne ? | The narrator sees his teachers went there . | ['The narrator sees his sister went there .', 'The narrator sees his parents went there .', 'None of the above choices .'] |
It was a hot summer afternoon; I think I was 12. It was too hot too cook in the kitchen, so Mom decided we’d grill hot dogs & stuff outside. But we needed some things so Dad was elected to go to the grocery store. This turned out to be a big production; Dad was trying remember what all was needed without writing a list, and Mom kept adding things even as he was trying to leave. Finally, he got in the car and drove off. Mom & I had just turned around and sat down at our picnic table when all of sudden here was Dad pulling back into the driveway. He’d apparently just driven around the block & came right back. Mom & I looked at each other and smirked- she was thinking the same thing I was: “what’d he forget this time?”
But then Dad got out of the car.. and on his face was the look.
In my young life, I’d never seen that look before, but it chilled me to the core and I just knew something bad was coming. Mom knew it too; the smirk quickly left her face as Dad came over and said.. “Mom.. I hope I heard this wrong.. but on the radio they said a woman drowned at the lake.. I hope I’m wrong, I barely caught the name, but I think they said it was your sister..” The cookout was forgotten; we went inside & started making phone calls, and unfortunately it was indeed my aunt. She & her family had gone swimming to cool off; apparently she’d gotten a cramp or something and gone under while nobody was looking, and by the time she was missed it was too late.
To this day, my Mom is miffed at some family members that we had to find out that way (she was pretty close to this sister so she feels someone should’ve called before it got on the news) but as for me, I will never forget that look on my Dad’s face. | After the aunt drowned, how does dad feel? | Shocked that he heard it on the radio. | ['Terrible since he had to tell his wife about it.', "Angry that his wife's family did not contact them first.", 'not enough information'] |
The moment he 'd decided to tell her the truth , she seemed to know it , and she placed her hands on his arm , holding his hand close to her . | Why is the female subject so happy with her male friend ? | The male friend has finally decided to be honest . | ['None of the above choices .', 'The male friend has decided to volunteer for the event .', 'The male friend has decided to be kind .'] |
Old Behrman was a painter who lived on the ground floor of the apartment building. For years, he had always been planning to paint a work of art, but had never yet begun it. He earned a little money by serving as a model to artists who could not pay for a professional model. He was a fierce, little, old man who protected the two young women in the studio apartment above him.
Sue found Behrman in his room. In one area was a blank canvas that had been waiting twenty-five years for the first line of paint. Sue told him about Johnsy and how she feared that her friend would float away like a leaf on the old ivy vine climbing hopelessly up the outside block wall.
Old Behrman was angered at such an idea. "Are there people in the world with the foolishness to die because leaves drop off a vine? Why do you let that silly business come in her brain?"
"She is very sick and weak," said Sue, "and the disease has left her mind full of strange ideas."
"This is not any place in which one so good as Miss Johnsy shall lie sick," yelled Behrman. "Some day I will paint a masterpiece, and we shall all go away."
Johnsy was sleeping when they went upstairs. Sue pulled the shade down to cover the window. She and Behrman went into the other room. They looked out a window fearfully at the ivy vine. Then they looked at each other without speaking. A cold rain was falling, mixed with snow.
The next morning, Sue awoke after an hour's sleep. She found Johnsy with wide-open eyes staring at the covered window. "Pull up the shade; I want to see," she ordered, quietly. Sue obeyed.
After the beating rain and fierce wind that blew through the night, there yet stood against the wall one ivy leaf. It was the last one on the vine. It was still dark green at the center. But its edges were color1ed with the yellow. It hung bravely from the branch about seven meters above the ground.
"It is the last one," said Johnsy. "I thought it would surely fail during the night. I heard the wind. It will fall today and I shall die at the same time."
"Dear, dear!" said Sue, leaning her worn face down toward the bed. "Think of me, if you won't think of yourself. What would I do?" But Johnsy did not answer.
The next morning, when it was light, Johnsy demanded that the window shade be raised. The ivy leaf was still there. Johnsy lay for a long time, looking at it. And then she called to Sue, who was preparing chicken soup.
"I've been a bad girl," said Johnsy. "Something has made that last leaf stay there to show me how bad I was. It is wrong to want to die. You may bring me a little soup now."
An hour later she said: "someday I hope to paint the Bay of Naples."
Later in the day, the doctor came, and Sue talked to him in the hallway. "Even chances. With good care, you'll win," said the doctor. "And now I must see another case I have in your building. Behrman, whose name is some kind of an artist, I believe, has Pneumonia , too. He is an old, weak man and his case is severe. There is no hope for him, but he goes to the hospital today to ease his pain."
The next day, the doctor said to Sue:" She's out of danger. You won. Nutrition and care now - that's all."
Later that day, Sue came to the bed where Johnsy lay, and put one arm around her. "I have something to tell you, white mouse," she said, "Mister Behrman died of pneumonia today in the hospital. He was sick only two days. They found him the morning of the first day in his room downstairs helpless with pain. His shoes and clothing were completely wet and icy cold. They could not imagine where he had been on such a terrible night.
"And then they found a lantern, still lighted, and a ladder that had been moved from its place. And art supplies and a painting board with green and yellow color1s mixed on it.
"Look out the window, dear, at the last ivy leaf on the wall. Didn't you wonder why it never moved when the wind blew? Ah, darling, it is Behrman's masterpiece - he painted it there the night that the last leaf fell." | What was in Johnsy's mind all the time when she was very sick? | When the last leaf falls from the ivy vine I must go. | ['The old ivy leaves have little to do with my getting well.', 'I am such a bad girl as to make everything messy.', "Sue must feel lonely if I'm not with her."] |
" Hey , hey ... that 's some good shit ! " " It 's sake ? " Rin gripped the mane of Anotsu 's horse when it turned to touch noses with the other ; she still felt unstable on a horse by herself , especially since she had chosen to ride sidesaddle . " Nope , shochu . " Manji tilted his head back and took a long , stiff pull , his throat bobbing . He squinted against the sun , wiped his mouth on the back of his hand and let out a heated puff of breath . " Hahh ! | What might happen next ? | She will fall off the horse | ['She will start a fight with the horse', 'She will kill the horse', 'She will eat the horse for dinner'] |
I had seen it before, those fuzzy, furry leaves and stalks, with the pretty, star-pointed purple flowers, but up until that moment that I saw them sitting in a basket at the market stalls, I admit I had never taken notice of it as a food. It grow along cracks in stone walls and along the roadside near my home in Settignano, which is blooming with spring goodness right now: robinia (black locust) trees, wild garlic (three-cornered leek) and even elderflowers are already bursting.
I asked the vendor just to double check, “Is this borage?” “Si,” Came the answer, “Borragine.” He confirmed. “I’ve had it in ravioli,” I started to say, “Brava!” He said, as if we were about to start a guessing game on what could be done with it. Actually, there’s a lot that can be done with it. If you can use it as a ravioli filling with ricotta, then you can imagine it taking the place of spinach in gnudi, too, but also soups or frittata or stirred through polenta.
I learned that the flowers are just as delicious, if not more interesting, for their delicate cucumber-like flavour — people told me of their use in salads or cocktails like Pimms, and someone even mentioned she freezes them in ice cubes, what a pretty idea for those first warm nights when you can dine al fresco, homemade cocktail in hand. Then there’s risotto and of course the fritters, much like these ones. Or you can simply deep fry the clusters of buds that haven’t yet burst open like these deep-fried robinia flowers.
borage and ricotta crepes
The problem, I was thinking, as I took home my bag of borage, is that I can’t decide what to make. There’s simply too much choice.
I consulted two of my favourite books that also happen to be cookbooks. Patience Gray’s Honey from a Weed and Luigi Ballerini’s A Feast of Weeds. Both had wonderful ideas for borage (and indeed many other edible, foraged plants). | The writer learned you could use the flowers: | after he met the vendor | ['before he met the vendor', 'not enough information', 'when he met the vendor'] |
Constipation is not a glamorous topic, but it’s certainly important, especially in older adults.
As anyone who has experienced occasional — or even chronic — constipation can tell you, it can really put a damper on quality of life and well-being.
Constipation can also cause more substantial problems, such as:
* Severe abdominal pain, which can lead to emergency room visits
* Hemorrhoids, which can bleed or be painful
* Increased irritability, agitation, or even aggression, in people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia
* Stress and/or pain that can contribute to delirium (a state of new or worse confusion that often happens when older adults are hospitalized)
* Fecal incontinence, which can be caused or worsened by having a hard lump of stool lodged in the lower bowel
* Avoidance of needed pain medication, due to fear of constipation
Fortunately, it’s usually possible to help older adults effectively manage and prevent constipation. This helps maintain well-being and quality of life, and can also improve difficult behaviors related to dementia.
The trouble is that constipation is often either overlooked or sub-optimally managed by busy healthcare providers who aren’t trained in geriatrics. They are often focused on more “serious” health issues. Also, since many laxatives are available over-the-counter, some providers may assume that people will treat themselves if necessary.
Personally, I don’t like this hands-off approach to constipation. Although several useful laxatives are indeed available over-the-counter (OTC), I’ve found that the average person doesn’t know enough to correctly choose among them.
Also, although in geriatrics we often do end up recommending or prescribing laxatives, it’s vital to start by figuring out what is likely to be causing — or worsening — an older person’s constipation.
For instance, many medications can make constipation worse, so we usually make an attempt to identify and perhaps deprescribe those.
In short, if you’re an older adult, or if you’re helping an older loved one with health issues, it’s worthwhile to learn the basics of how constipation should be evaluated and managed. This way, you’ll be better equipped to get help from your health providers, and if it seems advisable, choose among OTC laxative options. | Why might older adults suffer from abdominal pain? | Constipation | ['Stress', 'not enough information', 'Hemorrhoids'] |
They 're two of my favorite people . What 's funny though is that her husband spilled over a glass of red wine onto a little purse of mine . I got the purse as a casual present from a relative . | what may be the plausible reason for having this purse at this time ? | I got it as a present from a relative | ['To obtain two favorite people', 'To get wine spilled on it', 'None of the above choices .'] |
Christopher Thomas, 27, was a writer by night and a teacher by day when he noticed he was always tired and was losing weight fast. Diagnosed with diabetes , Thomas would need to inject himself with insulin three times a day for the rest of his life or risk nerve damage, blindness, and even death. And if that weren't bad enough, he had no health insurance. After a month of feeling upset, Thomas decided he'd better find a way to fight back. He left Canton, Michigan for New York, got a job waiting tables, nicknamed himself the Diabetic Rockstar , and created diabeticrockstar.com, a free online community for diabetics and their loved ones--a place where over 1,100 people share personal stories, information, and resources.
Jason Swencki"s son, Kody, was diagnosed with type diabetes at six. Father and son visit the online children's forums together most evenings. "Kody gets so excited, writing to kids from all over," says Swencki, one of the site's volunteers. "They know what he's going through, so he doesn't feel alone." Kody is anything but alone: Diabetes is now the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, with 24 million diagnosed cases. And more people are being diagnosed at younger ages.
These days, Thomas's main focus is his charity, Fight It, which provides medicines and supplies to people--225 to date--who can't afford a diabetic's huge expenses. Fight-it.org has raised about $23,000--in products and in cash. In May, Thomas will hold the first annual Diabetic Rockstar Festival in the Caribbean.
Even with a staff of 22 volunteers, Thomas often devotes up to 50 hours a week to his cause, while still doing his full-time job waiting tables. "Of the diabetes charities out there, most are putting money into finding a cure," says Bentley Gubar one of Rockstar's original members. "But Christopher is the only person I know saying people need help now." | What can we learn about Fight It? | It helps the diabetics in financial difficulties. | ['It organizes parties for volunteer once a year.', 'It offers less expensive medicine to diabetics.', 'It owns a well-known medical website.'] |
Poor families in some countries spend as much as eighty percent of their money on food. Rising prices in recent months have created the worst food crisis in more than thirty years. The United Nations World Food Program says high food prices could push one hundred million people into hunger.
Nathan Childs is an expert on rice markets. He notes that the harvest for the latest growing season was the largest on record. But India, Vietnam and others have restricted exports to keep prices down at home and protect supplies.
Thailand's agriculture minister says his country will never restrict rice exports. He told the Reuters news agency Thursday that Thailand has enough supplies to meet demand at home and for export.
Thailand is the world's largest rice exporter. Recent signs of an increase in supplies have helped ease record prices for Thai rice. Prices rose last week above one thousand dollars a ton.
Vietnam, the second biggest exporter, has banned exports until June. And Vietnamese officials have now warned that non-food traders who buy rice for speculation will be severely punished.
Some experts say speculation is a necessary part of market activity. But the head of the U.N. Environment Program blames it for the high food prices. "We have enough food on this planet today to feed everyone." Achim Steiner told the Associated Press.
Earlier, a member of the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission didn't accept the idea that speculators are the main cause. Bart Chilton blamed reduced harvests and grain supplies and the falling value of the dollar.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called heads of major international agencies to a meeting this week in the Swiss capital, Bern. He says high food prices could harm world trade, economic growth, social progress and political security. | All of the following are the results of rising prices of food EXCEPT _ . | reduced harvests and grain supplies | ['the worst food crisis', 'people spending more money on food', 'pushing one hundred million people into hunger'] |
The pews were packed at First Baptist Church, Coreyville. As part-time music minister of the church, Greg Tenorly sat in his usual place on the podium, behind and slightly to the left of the pastor. He wondered why attendance was up. It was a perfect day--seventy degrees, sunny. That had to be part of the reason. And the sermon title was 'Forgiveness Fighters.' People would much rather hear a sermon about forgiveness than one about Hell.
Everybody wanted to be forgiven. But when it came to forgiving others--many people fight it. The pastor said these folks were the Forgiveness Fighters. He read a scripture passage.
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
When Greg heard these verses, which he knew by memory, it was like a slap in the face. How many times had he already forgiven his father? But he knew that 'seventy times seven' did not mean literally 490 times. The number 'seven' in the Bible symbolized completeness. It meant forgiving an unlimited number of times. But how could Greg ever forgive his father for killing his mother?
Maybe if Greg had been there it wouldn't have happened. But he had moved out of the house during his first semester at Lamar University--even though it was only forty minutes away, in Beaumont. A fellow music major had been more than happy to let Greg share the little rent house and the expenses.
Ralph Tenorly had sent his wife to the grocery store for more chips and dip. The big game was already starting, and there were no snacks in the house. But on her way back home, a pickup truck blew through a stop sign, crashing into the driver's side of the car. Barbara was killed instantly. | Who read a scripture passage? | the pastor | ['not enough information', 'Ralph Tenorly', 'Greg'] |
There are many kinds of sales. For example, a "back-to-school sale" is held near the beginning of the school year. Parents like the lower prices of the clothes and school supplies for their children.
A "midnight madness" event starts very late at night. An "early bird special" sale starts very early in the morning. This kind of sale is popular the day after Thanksgiving in November.
A favorite sale among many people is the "buy one, get one free" sale. You buy one thing and get a second one without cost. When people see the word "free" in an advertisement they know they are getting a good deal. As a matter of fact, it is not the case.
Another kind of sale is a "going out of business" sale. This is when a storeowner tries to sell all the goods in the store before closing the business permanently .
Let us say the store sells floor coverings. The owner lowers the prices and puts up a sign that says: "Going out of business sale. All items MUST be sold by tomorrow."
People who buy the floor coverings think they are getting a special deal because everything must be sold in a short period of time. Then, days later they see the store did not close permanently. And they see the same sign that claims the store is going out of business. Some business owners really do not end the business. They just want to earn more money.
People also hold their own sales. They hold garage sales and yard sales outside their home. They sell things they no longer want. Groups such as religious centers or schools hold bake sales. They sell cakes, cookies and other baked goods to raise money.
In America, you can always find a good sale, no matter the day or time of year. There is the Independence Day sale, Veteran's Day sale, clearance sale, sidewalk sale, red tag sale, white sale, blue light special, liquidation sale, half-off sale, warehouse sale, tent sale ... | What's the purpose of some owners who do "going out of business" sale repeatedly? | They want to cheat the customers into buying their goods. | ['They want to close the business permanently.', 'They want to give special offers to customers.', 'They want to sell all their goods in a short period of time.'] |
On the first day of the new term, I met my new headmaster at the school gate. "Follow me, please!" he said. He had a quiet, kind voice. He took me into my new classroom and left. In front of me, thirty pairs of eyes looked at me. I knew he had told the students that I was blind. I could almost feel the question behind their eyes: Blind? I felt the answer too: If she's blind, this should be good! I heard quiet voices in a corner of the classroom. For a moment, I felt afraid. I knew at once that I had to be strong.
"Class," I said as loudly as I could. "I may be blind. But I am not foolish. Take those naughty smiles off your faces, and stop talking, please!" Of course, I could not see their faces; I just guessed that some of them were smiling. The class were quiet. They were very surprised. I knew that I had done the right thing.
As the days went by, the students had more surprises. I could smell when the children were eating sweets. I could easily hear combs going through hair, students passing messages, and so on. Once I found a girl passing a message to a friend. I took the message to the teachers' room. A teacher read it to me. On one side it said, "Do you think she can see?" on the other it said, "I think so. She always knows what we're doing."
Soon the students stopped being naughty, and started to work hard. Before long, they brought in photos of their families for me to look at; I knew then they were my friends. I also knew they had forgotten that I could not see. | The students brought their photos for the writer to look at _ . | to show their friendliness | ['to interest her', 'to cure her illness', 'to make friends with her'] |
The parking lot for the Center for Addictions Treatment was in the back of the building, as was the front door. The entrance opened on the only addition to the original farmhouse, a smallish room where the receptionist sat at one of two desks. The area was called the secretarial pod. The entrance to Ray's office, both medication and technician area, was right behind the secretary's desk. To the left was another door, kept closed, which led down the hallway to the client sleeping rooms, the dining room and the kitchen.
There was a phone right inside the front door (or the back door, depending upon who you asked). When Ray wanted to smoke, he would lean out the front door, propping it open with his back in such a way that he could see down the hallway if he propped that door open as well and answer the phone should it ring. Smoking was prohibited inside the building, a policy which grew increasingly unpopular with both the staff and the clients as the course of the year wore on. By December, Ray would have to do weekly fire drills around three a.m. as a way of politely reminding his anti-social and policy impaired population that any building more than a century old was actually little more than well formed kindling. After enough of those, any problem he had been having with people smoking in the building usually went away. Given the right incentives, even this population could be relatively self-regulating.
The telephone rang before Ray was even half-finished with his cigarette.
"Admit it now, Ray." She sounded petulant.
"Fine, I admit it. Do I get the booby prize?"
"That depends on whether you intended a double entendre or not."
"Of course I did."
"Then you lose. Get your mind out of the gutter."
He took a drag on his cigarette, then made himself sound insulted. "I'm not the one sitting around naked and calling strange men in the middle of the night." | When did the telephone ring? | Before Ray finished his cigarette | ['Before Ray lit his cigarette', 'After Ray finished his cigarette', 'not enough information'] |
The White House has announced sanctions against 38 Russian individuals and companies, saying the United States is standing up to ongoing "malign activity" by the Russian government against Western democracies and around the world.
At Friday's White House briefing, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the U.S. still wants to work with Russia.
"Again, what we would like to see is the totality of the Russian behavior change. We want to continue having conversations and work forward to building a better relationship," Sanders said.
The sanctions will be imposed on seven Russian oligarchs — including Oleg Deripaska, an aluminum magnate and close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin — and 12 companies they own or control. Seventeen senior Russian government officials, as well as a state-owned Russian weapons trading company and its subsidiary, a Russian bank, also will be targeted.
The group includes key members of Putin's inner circle.
Those sanctioned will have their assets blocked in the U.S. and people in the U.S. are barred from doing business with them.
Friday, a number of U.S. lawmakers and foreign policy experts welcomed the measure, saying the sanctions are overdue.
Representative Adam Schiff of California, ranking Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee, said the move is the strongest action taken by the Trump administration to date for Russia's interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and "its murder of dissidents at home and abroad."
"The sanctioning of oligarchs like Oleg Deripaska, who is linked to Paul Manafort, Alexander Torshin and Putin's son-in-law, will send a strong message to the Kremlin," Schiff said in a statement.
Florida's Marco Rubio, a Republican senator and former presidential candidate, also welcomed Friday's announcement.
"These new sanctions send a clear message to Vladimir Putin that the illegal occupation of Ukraine, support for … war crimes [under Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime], efforts to undermine Western democracies, and malicious cyberattacks will continue to result in severe consequences for him and those who empower him," Rubio said in a statement. | What does Sanders think about Russia? | not enough information | ['They have done many illegal activities.', 'They are dangerous.', 'They hurt democracy.'] |
Bolivia has a population of three and a half million. About one tenth of the total population are white; one-fourth are mixed Indians and white; and more than half are full-blooded Indians. The government and the industries are under the control of the white people.
The Indians today live in much the same way as their ancestors. Most of them are farmers. Many work in the mines, for mining is the most important industry on Bolivia's. Of all the mining products, tin is the most important, which makes up three-fourths of all Bolivia's exports. The eastern slopes of the Andes, since there are very few roads there, are fertile but not highly developed. The two primary means of transportation are river boats and porters. East of the hill region is the great plains where tropical plants are grown. A serious problem for Bolivia is the transport of food from the warm regions, where it is grown, to the mountainous regions, where most of the people live.
Bolivia gained its independence from Spain about a hundred years ago. It has been slow in developing, but its rich resources promise a better future in it. | The main product Bolivia exports is _ . | tin | ['tropical plants', 'gold and silver', 'food'] |
So many people worked on this party and it could not have turned out better . I was totally surprised . It was at Susan and Craig 's house and that is what made the surprise , Susan had discussed having a " Half - way - to - new - years - party " way back on New years so that is what I thought this was . I did n't suspect a thing . | What time of year was this party ? | It was during June . | ['It was during December .', 'It was during New Years .', 'It was during Winter .'] |
Today's drivers may feel shocked by the high price of petrol when they drive to the gas station. However, the car industry has the technology to solve _ . It's the hybrid car .
What is a hybrid car? Any car that uses two or more sources of power is a hybrid car. Most hybrid cars on the road right now are petrol-electric hybrids. The petrol-electric hybrid car is just what it sounds like -- a cross between a petrol-powered car and an electric car.
A gas-powered car has a fuel tank , which supplies petrol to the engine. An electric car, on the other hand, has a set of batteries that provides electricity for the car.
To be useful to you or me, a car should be able to run at least 300 miles (483 km) before refueling, be capable of being refueled quickly and easily and fast enough to keep up with the other traffic on the road.
A petrol car meets these requirements but produces a large amount of pollution. An electric car, however, produces almost no pollution, but can only go 50 to 100 miles (80 to 161 km) between recharging . And the problem has been that the electric car is very slow and inconvenient to recharge.
A petrol-electric car combines the advantages of the two power sources into one system that uses both gas power and electric power. Some experts believe that the hybrid car is "the next generation of smart cars". A hybrid car can go up to 50% further than a traditional car can on the same amount of gas! It saves driver's money on gas and cuts air pollution! | Some experts believe that the hybrid car will have a large market in future because _ . | it saves money and is eco-friendly | ['it is just powered by renewable energy', 'it goes further than a traditional car', 'it is safe, cheap and produces no air pollution'] |
They have 4 pools ! The parking is a bit of an issue , but I think I ' m going to join and do some swimming stuff . We are taking a vacation . Camping . | What was he concerned about . | Problems with parking . | ['They only had 4 pools .', 'Problems with camping .', 'Problems with the vacation .'] |
It turned out to be Channing who gave me a quick rub before more kids bugged him to sign their stuff . Not fair , I clearly need a massage more than they need autographs . Other than my pleasant , albeit brief , massage time today , it was remarkably boring . I did more deliveries , saw the old man in his stall , walked to the Bread Basket for soup , sat in the booth since there was nothing to do and had to shoot the paddock for the feature and then get back to the office to switch cameras and then do the turn . | Why did Channing signed stuff for kids ? | None of the above choices . | ["Because he wanted to use up kids ' pens .", 'Because his hands were tired .', "Because kids would bite him if he did n't ."] |
Was it the things she told me or the situation I was in?
I was working with someone who, basically, should never have been hired into the job, and then should not have been kept as long as she was. She was entirely inadequate for the role we performed. I was a new graduate and so lucky to get a job in my field, pretty much right out of university.
We worked in a small office of three. The third was a sales rep and out visiting clients most of the time. She was, more or less, my superior, though the company made it clear that she was not someone to emulate… yet gave me no one else to look to for advice or guidance.
She would constantly say “this place will leave you to sink or swim” (amongst other phrases, all along these lines). That’s probably the worst saying ever, though I can’t really consider it ridiculous because, frankly, I absolutely see why she would say that (for example, I met my manager once during my interview and then the next time was about four months into being hired… that should tell you the level of support given). But I cannot even explain to you the way this statement biased me against this company and the job I was doing. I was lost and truly believed that I couldn’t do any better (because I was sinking and couldn’t figure out how to swim on my own).
Yes, you may have issues in whatever job your in… but to tell a newbie that they have to figure it out on their own… that’s pretty ridiculous. If this is something you hear or think and asking others for help or finding a supportive environment is not an option… try replacing it with “learn to fly on the way down”. At the very least, you won’t have such a negative frame of mind. | What is probably true about the superior? | She should have never been hired | ['She has four heads', 'not enough information', 'She is 12 feet tall'] |
Turning the lights out or wearing a blindfold while eating could be a quick way to lose weight, according to scientists. The simple trick works because it stops diners eating for pleasure rather than for calories. It also triggers a part of the brain that is worried that unseen food may go bad.
An experiment by the University of Konstanz, in Germany, found that people who were blindfolded consumed nine percent fewer calories before they felt full, compared to those who could see. They also vastly overestimated how much they had eaten because they could not see how much was left on the plate. Blindfolded volunteers estimated they had eaten 88 percent more than they actually had.
Scientists believe that not seeing food on the table also allows the body to know when it is full in real time rather than remembering past experiences where it might have taken a full plate to feel full.
In the experiment, 50 people were blindfolded and 40 were allowed to see their food. All were told not to eat within two hours of the experiment. They were then given three 95g bowls of chocolate ice cream and invited to eat for 15 minutes. Their bowls were taken away and the remaining ice-cream weighed, while the participants were quizzed on how much they thought they had eaten.
On average the group who could see ate 116g while the blindfolded groups ate 105g. However, the blindfolded group believed they had eaten 197g while compared with 159g for the non-blind volunteers. They were also asked how pleasant the ice-cream tasted and the blindfolded group rated lower than those who could see.
"The experienced pleasure of eating was significantly lower in the blindfolded group. Not seeing the food might have decreased the appetite. Sight plays an important role in the eating experience and in the overall dining experience."
Previous studies have shown that the visual influence of food plays a large part in the taste. While restaurants that allow diners to eat in the dark state that it triggers other senses, in fact eating in darkness is likely to taste far milder than usual. | The main purpose of the passage is to _ . | inform the readers of the result of an experiment | ['provide statistics related to eating in the dark', 'offer reasons for people to eat in the dark areas', 'persuade the readers to lose weight in a new way'] |
Yesterday , I hung out with my old friend , I had a good time with her . We ate dinner with our parents , it was delicious and I never stopped when I talked with my friend . When I looked at clock , it was 3:00 am ! I saied by to myfriend and I went home with my mom . | Did my dad stay out until 3 a.m. ? | My parents came together , and I left with them at 3 a.m. , so yes . | ['None of the above choices .', 'My dad did not make it until 3 a.m. because he looked at the clock earlier and left .', 'My father went home long after 3 a.m.'] |
Few people ever took notice of Mr. Jimmy Tan whenever he entered a room. He was a shy, quiet and simple man who preferred to keep to himself in public. On the other hand, Mr. Thomas Kim, a fellow scientist, was a man everyone would notice on the streets. He wore bright outfits with huge flower prints, spoke with a booming voice, and his laughter could be heard from all corners of a room. In addition to the differences in their characters, Mr. Kim and Mr. Tan were also great _ at work in the Institute of Future Science.
On Christmas Eve, everyone left work early to celebrate the special occasion, except for Mr. Tan and Mr. Kim. They were in their laboratory analyzing the results of their latest experiments. Mr. Tan realized that something special was taking place in his experiment --the bacteria he had cultured were growing extremely quickly under high pressure and at a very low temperature. After noting down the findings in his notebook, he left the room to prepare for another round of tests. Shortly after, Mr. Kim entered.
"Hey Jimmy," Mr. Kim called out, "do you have an extra copy of the laboratory booking form?"
There was no reply, so Mr. Kim looked through Mr. Tan's things. He soon found Mr. Tan's notebook and was horrified to see that Mr. Tan had managed to make one of the most important discoveries in modern science. He then looked into the deep-freeze cupboard where a dish containing the bacteria was kept. He put _ into his pocket and returned to his own laboratory.
Mr. Tan came back an hour later to find his notebook and the dish missing. He knew that Mr. Kim had taken them and went to Mr. Kim's laboratory to find out. When he opened the door, he found Mr. Kim lying on the floor motionless. His face was pale and his skin had turned black. The deadly bacteria had been handled improperly. He shook his head and left. | Which of the following is true according to the passage? | Mr. Kim was afraid Mr. Tan might succeed ahead of him. | ["Mr. Tan's bacteria grew very fast in a warm container.", 'Mr. Tan worked much harder than Mr. Kim.', 'Mr. Kim was so tired that he fell down into sleep.'] |
Ok, this one is not missing a class but much better story IMO. When I was in middle school, if you didn’t have homework completed or goofed off in some way, teachers could make you stay after school for ‘after school help.’ It was essentially a mandatory study hall and if a teacher called you out, you had no choice in the matter.
Now, I was in Biology class towards end of my middle school career and was sitting at one of those lab tables next to another student. We both had newspaper routes (yes, people actually delivered actual newspapers to people’s homes in the 1980s), so it would make us late for our deliveries if we were made to stay after school. This biology teacher would check our vocabulary assignment every week and I totally spaced it this week - Oh Crap! Now, my lab mate had most of his done, but just didn’t quite finish. Our teacher is working his way around the classroom checking assignments. So, he checks my lab partner, “well Scott, looks like you will be staying after school today.” This fellow student knew I didn’t have mine either, but also knew I was a pretty good student. I feel like I am sweating bullets and trembling as the teacher approaches me. In a near panic, I reach into my folder and pull out a prior week’s assignment. He looks it over and says “OK, good job” or something like that. Scott is looking at me in utter disbelief. Even funnier was the fact that this week’s assignment required 6–7 pages of paper to complete. The one I had blindly grabbed from folder had 2 pages, with barely anything in second page. It was totally obvious what I had done, but our teacher gave me a break that day. I managed to make it thru all three years without needing any ‘after school help!’
This was a large public school and they still paddled students if the infraction was serious enough. I know none of that is allowed these days, but those were both good deterrents for me!! | The teacher probably believes that | the author is a good student and just slipped that day | ['the author should sit in the hall', 'not enough information', 'the author is lazy and should be kept after school'] |
If you know the following fact, you'll understand why many people suffer from foot problems. The average person walks the equivalent of three times around the Earth in a lifetime. That is enormous wear and tear on the 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles that make up the foot.
In a recent survey for the American Podiatric Medical Association, 53 percent of respondents reported foot pain so severe that it affected their daily function. On average, people develop pain in their 60s, but it can start as early as the 20s and 30s. And usually women give care to their feet while men don't.
"A lot of people think foot pain is part of the aging process and accept it, and walk with pain," said Dr Andrew Shapiro. Though some foot problems are inevitable, their progress can be slowed.
The following questions will help you assess whether you should take more preventive action as you age. Do you have flat feet or high arches ? Either puts feet at risk. Shoes that support the arch and heel can help flat feet. People with high arches should look for roomy shoes and softer padding to absorb the shock. Proper exercises also strengthen muscles, supporting the foot.
Do your shoes fit? In the survey, more than 34 percent of men said they could not remember the last time their feet were measured. 20 percent of women said that once a week they wore shoes that hurt, and 8 percent wore painful shoes daily. Feet flatten and lengthen with age, so if you still stick to the shoe size you wore at the age of 21, get your feet measured.
Do you walk? Putting more mileage on your feet is the best way to exercise the muscles and keep them healthy. | What do we know from the passage? | More than half of the respondents have serious foot problems. | ['The number of men and women who have foot problems is similar.', 'Walking as little as possible can protect your feet from pain.', '53% of people develop foot pain in their 60s.'] |
One time I was walking my puppy (profile pic) who was then around 5 months, with my mum and grandma. By the time we were about to reach our house, we spot two dogs, a German Shepherd and a Husky, both male, on the other side of the street sniffing around with no owner in sight. I was ready to hightail out of there with my dog, but I knew if I ran they would chase, so we formed a wall in front of her to hide her. Of course she decides to stick out her head and start barking. Those two dogs whipped their heads so fast and came running towards us to see her. Since she is a puppy she has zero impulse control and starts throwing herself at them, at their backs, face, plus the fact that she doesn’t like being sniffed at her rear (which they are trying very hard to get to). Here I am nervously sweet talking to them, my voice trembling saying good boys. My grandma is her despair grabs the GS’s neck, and his hair bristled and growled for a second before turning back to our pup. At this point my baby girl is sitting down with her tail tucked close, ears flattened, and head down. I thought “Dear Lord someone’s losing a limb today.” When suddenly this car comes pulling up and this man comes out with a leash, the owner. He practically had to wrestle the GS into the car. A woman in a pickup truck comes next trying to get the husky but he ran away again, but my mom didn’t care, she scooped up our pup and ran, the leash trailing behind her, and even my grandma who has troubles in her knees speed walked. My mom would later laugh at me because I became so pale and because I tried to baby talk a dog to leave us alone. | How long did it take for the woman to take her pup home? | A few minutes | ['not enough information', 'Two hours', 'Three hours'] |
Because my DSLR has a cropped sensor ( i.e. it 's not a full 35 mm sensor this is about an 80 mm equivalent , or a slight telephoto ) If you 're not familiar with the concept of replaceable lenses on cameras then I 'll quickly explain . A prime lens is one with a fixed focal length , i.e. | What hobby has the narrator seemed to have taken up ? | They have taken up photography . | ['None of the above choices .', 'They have taken up collecting antiques .', 'They have taken up sports .'] |
This is the paper I used , because I am a green girl . Do n't worry little blog , I ' m not breaking up with you . It 's just that there wo n't be internet at the new digs until Friday . I ' ve been spending all my time at the Springbrook Ranch sticking down contact paper in the many cupboards and shelves in my country kitchen . | What may happen while waiting to get internet service ? | Stick down contact paper in all the cupboards . | ['Sit and wait for internet hook up .', 'Work on the computer .', 'None of the above choices .'] |
Interest rates have been creeping up in Thailand . I saw Bangkok Bank is offering 3.80 % on a time deposit . So I was going to transfer some money from my U.S. bank account to Thailand . I had been keeping some in the U.S. because the interest rates were higher over there but they have dropped way down in the last few months . So I was going to transfer my money over from my account at WaMu . | What type of news is being discussed ? | News on banks . | ['None of the above choices .', 'Foreign policy news .', 'News on politics in Thailand .'] |
The weather on Saturday was rainy so we , accompanied by another professor and his spouse , staked out the center area of the Boone mall and solicited voter registration . I was quite proud of the way my generally shy and introverted niece seemed to take to this , boldly marching up to people asking if they were registered . If they said they were visiting she 'd ask if they 'd be here when early voting started . | What may happen after passing out voter registration forms ? | They encourage people to vote | ['They eat breakfast .', 'They stay home .', 'They cancel the campaign .'] |
Even if he did n't though , I ' m still happy we made it this far ! :D He 's so sweet , I love him so much . I ca n't wait until he 's 18 ! | Why is the narrator so happy with this man ? | He is loving . | ['They are a great teacher .', 'They are a great boss .', 'They are a great businessman .'] |
BEIJING, Feb 13 -- Never has China's economic growth attracted so much global attention. The shock waves from the financial crisis that started in the United States have spread across the entire world, sending developed nations, including Japan and those of Europe, into serious recession . The world is now holding out hope that China, with its massive potential, will serve as the engine to fuel global economic growth.
But China's real economic growth slowed sharply to 6.8 percent in the October-December quarter. For China, this rate of economic expansion must be as disappointing as negative growth is for Japan. Beijing has set an official goal of achieving a minimum annual growth rate of 8 percent -- a pace it regards as important to ensuring job security.
The Chinese government is apparently confident the nation will achieve the minimum growth target of 8 percent in 2009. At the World Economic Forum's annual meeting of political and business leaders in Davos, Switzerland, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao stressed the Chinese economy began to show signs of recovery late last year.
Last week, however, the International Monetary Fund predicted that China's economic growth in 2009 will be 6.7 percent. China's economic outlook is likely to keep both hope and anxiety for the time being.
China's impressive economic growth has been fueled by swelling exports and massive investment in equipment to produce goods for overseas. But the US, Japanese and European economies, which have absorbed the bulk of China's exports, are expected to shrink simultaneous in 2009, for the first time since the end of World War II. For the first time since it started serious efforts to turn itself into a market economy in the 1990s, China is facing the challenge of maintaining healthy economic growth without depending on external demand.
Expansion of domestic demand holds a key to China's success in tackling this challenge. Consumer spending accounts for only 35 percent of China's gross ) domestic product. The ratio is considerably lower than the 70 percent for the United States and the nearly 60 percent for Japan. That is because the middle class - the group that should lead consumer spending - is still relatively small in China, where the benefits of the nation's strong economic growth in recent years have mostly eluded rural villages and low-income earners. | According to the report, in the last quarter of 2008, China's real economic growth was at least _ less than planned annual growth rate. | 1.2% | ['6.7% .', '6.8%', '1.3%'] |
Doctors have a new weapon in the battle against obesity -- a talking plate that tells people not to eat too quickly. The Mandometer monitors the amount of food leaving the plate, and tells users, "Please eat more slowly."
The PS1,500 Swedish device is to be used in a National Health Service plan to help hundreds of obese families lose weight. It comes in two parts -- a scale placed under the plate and a small computer screen showing a graphic of the food gradually disappearing as the user eats. A red line on the screen shows the user's eating speed, while a blue line shows a healthy rate. If the user eats too fast, the red line angles away from the blue one, warning him or her to _ . If the lines deviate too much, the computer voice comes on, and the screen flashes the message "Are you feeling full yet?" to remind users to think about whether they have had enough.
Britain has an increasingly serious obesity problem, with one in four adults and one in seven children classed as obese. After a recent trial using the device, experts believe teaching obese people to eat more slowly will help them know when they are full. Around 600 families with at least one obese parent and child (aged five or older) were targeted in the project by Bristol University, along with GPs and nurses.
Professor Julian Hamilton-Shield, who is leading the plan, says obese children and adolescents using the Mandometer ate from 12 to 15 percent less per meal at the end of the 12-month trial. Six months after they stopped using the device they still ate less, and continued to lose weight. "It will be a powerful tool to help families retrain their eating habits," he says. | Which of the following is TRUE, according to the text? | Children using the Mandometer ate less after the trial. | ['25% of children are obese in Britain.', 'One in seven adults is obese in Britain.', 'Six months after the trial, obese people are still eating a lot.'] |
I discovered the power of fear when I became stuck to my driveway, as if my feet were crazy--glued to the cement .As much as I tried, I could not move them. The realization that my daughters were playing in Nancy's house, just one-half block away, paralyzed my legs, making me unable to move when I neared the end of our driveway. Dense, black smoke was rising from behind the Sycamore Maple trees on the other side of the street and was enveloping three houses, making them barely visible. Nancy's house was one of them.
I tried to call out for my daughters hoping to see them run safely to my arms, but my voice was also stuck - stuck in my throat with no intention of coming out. There I stood, helpless, paralyzed and silenced by fear, unable to protect the two little girls I loved more than even I had realized.
Although trapped in a body that couldn't move or speak, I could still hear. I could hear other mothers anxiously calling their children. I could hear a frightening silence that covered the neighborhood instead of the usual happy voices of children. And, finally, I could hear the alarm of the fire engine. As the alarm announced, "We're on our way," it instantly dissolved the crazy glue that had held my feet to the cement and it unlocked the soundproof box that had silenced my voice. I was free to make sure my daughters were safe.
As I continued down the driveway, two little girls, my two little girls, ran toward me from across the street. They had come home to tell me about the fire in the garage next to Nancy's house. Not only did my feet and voice work now, but my eyes were also in good working order and had no trouble producing tears. | What does the author suggest at the end of the story? | She burst into tears of relief and happiness. | ['She was really thankful to see her girls saved.', 'She was too excited to believe what she saw.', 'She overcame her fear and fully recovered,'] |
We have black bean quesadillas frequently , but rarely branch out to other variations , so I finally decided to be adventurous and try something slightly different . Using our same quesadilla filling ( sauteed onion , diced tomato , black beans ) I filled the tortilla and added some cheese ( Mexican blend and a little sharp cheddar was what I found as I excavated the fridge ) . Rolled up , doused with a can of enchilada sauce I found buried in the pantry , and sprinkled with the last of the cheddar cheese , they went into the oven briefly . | What did the narrator do with the enchiladas after she took them out of the oven ? | The narrator served the enchiladas to her family to enjoy for dinner . | ['Served them to the waiting customers at their Mexican restaurant .', 'Took them to work and served them to their new branch manager .', 'Put them in the garbage and rolled up the bag quickly to stop the smell from escaping .'] |
from there , we went to the fat cat , a smallish jazz club a couple blocks away on christopher street . they had a live doo - wop group and a bossanova band that played that evening , and throughout the club are ping pong tables , billiards tables , shuffleboard , and chess and checkers on every table.soon we were all tired of being awake , and headed back to lee 's apartment.the next morning we headed down to north jersey to hang out a dennis and laura 's place in sewaren . they have a cozy place tucked behind two larger houses . | What kind of clubs does the narrator seem to like ? | They like music clubs . | ['None of the above choices .', 'They like shuffleboard clubs .', 'They like restrictive clubs .'] |
lolthen came sunday ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! celebrated mum 's bday which is today , teacher 's day .. went sakura for dinner . as usual her fav food spot i dunno why but i m sick of the food there . but ... she 's the boss so we got ta follow suit ahha!took lots of crazy pics as usual with my sis and bro . | What happened after taking pictures ? | They looked at the pictures | ['They saw a teacher', 'They went to dinner', 'They ate'] |
In the last few years, some researchers have decided to study why kids lie ,So they made up a special team of 12 students, all under the age of 21.
Each student was given 36 cards, and each card listed a topic that teens sometimes lie about to their parents, The researchers worked through the cards with the teens, learning what things the kid was lying to his parents about, and why.
By the end of the interviews, the kids saw for the first time how much they were lying and how many of family's rules they had broken. It was reported that 98% of the teens had lied to their parents.
Out of the 36 topics, the average teen was lying to his parents about 12 of them. The teens lied about what movie they went to, and whom they went with .They lied about how they spent their afternoons while their parents were at work, and something like that.
Most parents hear their child lie and think he's too young to understand what lies are or that lying is wrong. They believe their child will stop when he gets older. Many books also advise parents to just let lies go -- they'll grow out of it. But the truth is that kids grow into it. In studies where children are observed in their natural environment, a 4-year-old child will lie once every two hours, while a 6-year-old child will lie about once every hour and a half. | From this passage, the teens lied on about _ of the 36 topics as an average. | 33% | ['12%', '98%', '25%'] |
Yes , I had only a light breakfast and am just this side of post - menstural ( yay TMI ! ) But there were no excuses today . She brought it , and I met the challenge to the best of my ability . | What may be the reason for her bringing her a challenge ? | They want to see if she is up for it . | ['They want to know if she means what she says .', "They want to know if she 's a true friend .", 'None of the above choices .'] |
No person is too important than any other person in my life . I will never disrespect or ignore or never call back anyone even if I ' m around my boyfriend or anyone else for that matter . Everyone , please take time to think about this . Do n't ever forget about everyone in your life no matter what 's going on in your life no matter how big or small . I know I wo nt . | What might have happened to me before this ? | I might have been annoyed by someone not responding to me . | ['I might have been annoyed by someone not responding to me .', 'None of the above choices .', 'I might have been grateful by someone not responding to me .'] |
There are new findings that not enough sleep may cause people to gain weight.Researchers say a lack of sleep can produce hormonal changes that increase feelings of hunger.
In one study,researchers in the United States examined information on more than 1000 people.The people had taken part in a long-term study of sleep disorders.
Some people slept less than five hours a night.They had 15 percent higher blood levels of a hormone called ghrelin than people who slept eight hours.And they had 15 percent less of the hormone leptin.Experts say ghrelin helps make people feel hungry;leptin makes you feel full.
The scientists say these hormonal changes may be a cause of obesity in Western societies.They note the combination that limitation is common and is widely available.
The results were not affected by how much people exercised.People who are awake longer have more time to burn energy.But the researchers say loss of sleep may increase hunger especially for high-calorie foods,so people gain weight.It seems that,for survival,the body may be designed to store more fat during times with less sleep.
Researchers from Stanford University in California and the University of Wisconsin did the study.They found that the best amount of sleep for weight control is 7.7 hours a night.
The Public Library of Science published the findings in its journal Medicine.Internet users can read the full study,free of charge,at plos.org. | Which of the following shows the right way in which lack of sleep causes weight gain? | more ghrelin and less leptin-feeling hungry-eating more | ['feeling hungry-eating more-more ghrelin and less leptin', 'burning more energy-feeling hungry-eating more', 'more leptin and less ghrelin-feeling full-less exercise'] |
" Then why do n't you set the horses loose and go on all by yourself ? You 'd probably like that best anyway - and I guess nobody cares about me ! " Rin 's voice cracked . " You damn IDIOT - " Manji abruptly dropped his voice , but kept its edge . " Do n't tell me how to do my freakin ' job , woman . | Why might Rin have claimed no one cares about her ? | Rin and Manji may have had an argument and Rin is lashing out . | ['None of the above choices .', 'Rin and Manji may have had an argument and Rin is giving up .', 'Rin and Manji may have had an affair and Rin is lashing out .'] |
However , in Lombardo 's eyes , Mother Teresa was a person who starved the poor of India to the point of starvation . I could find no information on this subject , so I can only assume it was the distortion of information passed down to him , but it stands to reason that he could see no good in her actions . While I can not say that I agree , it is at least refreshing to hear someone with a differing opinion , whether it changes or reaffirms your own should really come second . The thing in common between the two that I could find was a negative undertone ; whether this has developed from nature , nurture , or belief I can not distinguish . | Why would some be offended at Lombardo 's views ? | Mother Teresa is universally beloved . | ['Lombardo has a conflict of interest over Mother Teresa .', 'Mother Teresa is linked to Lombardo .', 'Lombardo is trying to get a rise out of people .'] |
But yay naked chests in my dream ? XDThen I had a dream that I was in the hospital , and suddenly had to run because his woman and her army was after me . o.O But when I ran outside , I was in my backyard ... Although everything was white because it had snowed ... | Why might she and her army be after me that i ran away ? | Because they wanted to harm me . | ['None of the above choices .', 'Because they wanted to show naked chests .', 'Because they wanted to love me .'] |
I yanked off the screen and peered down . There was n't any real choice as to who should go , because I ' m smaller and healthier than she is . It 's a five foot drop from that window . The window is very small and I had to go face first through it because I could n't actually get myself through it feet first . | Why is the narrator 's friend not going first ? | The friend is large . | ['None of the above choices .', 'The friend is careless .', 'The friend is lazy .'] |
The office smelled like money. Brand new carpet, somebody's expensive perfume still hanging in the air. The chairs in the waiting room are leather and the copy machine has a million attachments and there's pictures on the wall that I don't know what they're supposed to be. Made me ashamed of the shirt I was wearing, the cuffs all frayed and some of the buttons don't match. The secretary is a knockout and I figure Dennis has got to be getting in her pants. Red hair and freckles and shiny skin that looks like she just got out of a hot shower. A smile like she really means it. My name was in the book and she showed me right on in. Dennis shook my hand and put me in a chair that was slings and tube steel. The calendar next to his desk had a ski scene on it. Behind him was solid books, law books all in the same binding, also some biographies and political stuff. "Too bad you couldn't make the reunion," Dennis said. "It was a hoot." "I just felt weird about it," I said. I still did. It looked like he wanted me to go on, so I said, "I knew there'd be a bunch of y'all there that had really made good, and I guess I...I don't know. Didn't want to have to make excuses." "Hard to believe it's been twenty years. You look good. I still wouldn't want to run into you in a dark alley, but you look fit. In shape." "I got weights in the garage, I try to work out. When you're my size you can go to hell pretty quick. You look like you're doing pretty good yourself." Charlene is always pointing to people on TV and talking about the way they dress. With Dennis I could see for the first time what she's talking about. The gray suit he had on looked like part of him, like it was alive. When I think about him in grungy sweats back at Thomas Jefferson High School, bent double from trying to run laps, it doesn't seem like the same guy. | What was the scene on Dennis's calendar? | ski scene | ['not enough information', 'beach scene', 'river scene'] |
MySpace, the social networking website, is different from other websites which only provide stories about other people. MySpace is a place that allows you to broadcast your own stories and personal information to as many people as you like. Started two years ago, it is a big source of information for and about American kids.
Teenagers and their parents feel very differently about it. Teens are rushing to join the site, not sharing their parents' worries. It signals yet another generation gap in the digital era.
For teenagers, it is reliable network to keep in touch with their friends. They will often list their surnames, birthdays, afterschool jobs, school clubs, hobbies and other personal information.
"MySpace is an easy way to reach just about everyone. I don't have all the phone numbers of all my acquaintances . But if I want to get in touch with one of them, I could just leave them a message on MySpace." said Abby Van Wassen. She is a sixteen year old student at Woodland Hills High of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Parents on the other hand are seriously concerned about the security problems of MySpace.
"Every time we hold a parents meeting, the first question is always about MySpace," said Kent Gates, who travels the country doing Internet safety seminars .The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has received at least 288 MySpace related complaints, according to Mary Beth Buchanan, a lawyer in Pittsburgh.
"Your profile on MySpace shows all your personal information to anyone on the Web. And MySpace even lists this information by birthplace and age. It's like a free checklist for troublemakers and it endangers children," Buchanan said. | Which of the following can be the best title of the passage? | MySpace | ['Internet safety', 'Generation gap', 'The digital era'] |
A new retail phenomenon from Japan which allows customers to walk away with free products is to launch in Britain.
From tomorrow, visitors to Sample Trend's central London store can try anything on its shelves, and all of the products can be taken home without charge. For a nominal annual membership fee of PS60, users are free to enter the shop once a month and help themselves to no less than PS250 worth of goods every year. The only 'catch' is that shoppers are asked to complete a simple questionnaire about each product they try.
Known as 'try-vertising', the concept allows manufacturers to test products and receive consumer feedback before launching onto the open market. It is already very popular in Japan and now looks set to transform the fortunes of the embattled UK retail industry. According to new figures, stores are facing a Christmas crisis with the weakest High Street trading for six months.
Michael Ghosh, the brainchild behind Sample Trend, said: "The concept behind Sample Trend is unique in the UK. It allows shoppers the opportunity to walk away with a number of real, full-size products of their choosing without handing over a penny."
The concept of in-store try-vertising is simple but effective. Businesses across all sectors, from cosmetic manufacturers to beverage makers, place new products on the shelves at Sample Trend and wait for consumers to try them out.
Customers complete a short 10-point questionnaire about the product, and the feedback they provide is used to make any last-minute improvement before the product is brought officially to market. The Sample Trend store stocks everything from cosmetics, food and drink, and household goods.
Ghosh, the former advertising and sales director for Disney Europe, said such feedback may also build brand loyalty from the outset---a particularly appealing prospect for new businesses. | The customers need to fill a questionnaire to _ | give feedback about the products | ['give suggestions for the products', 'recommend the products', 'express their thanks'] |
The office smelled like money. Brand new carpet, somebody's expensive perfume still hanging in the air. The chairs in the waiting room are leather and the copy machine has a million attachments and there's pictures on the wall that I don't know what they're supposed to be. Made me ashamed of the shirt I was wearing, the cuffs all frayed and some of the buttons don't match. The secretary is a knockout and I figure Dennis has got to be getting in her pants. Red hair and freckles and shiny skin that looks like she just got out of a hot shower. A smile like she really means it. My name was in the book and she showed me right on in. Dennis shook my hand and put me in a chair that was slings and tube steel. The calendar next to his desk had a ski scene on it. Behind him was solid books, law books all in the same binding, also some biographies and political stuff. "Too bad you couldn't make the reunion," Dennis said. "It was a hoot." "I just felt weird about it," I said. I still did. It looked like he wanted me to go on, so I said, "I knew there'd be a bunch of y'all there that had really made good, and I guess I...I don't know. Didn't want to have to make excuses." "Hard to believe it's been twenty years. You look good. I still wouldn't want to run into you in a dark alley, but you look fit. In shape." "I got weights in the garage, I try to work out. When you're my size you can go to hell pretty quick. You look like you're doing pretty good yourself." Charlene is always pointing to people on TV and talking about the way they dress. With Dennis I could see for the first time what she's talking about. The gray suit he had on looked like part of him, like it was alive. When I think about him in grungy sweats back at Thomas Jefferson High School, bent double from trying to run laps, it doesn't seem like the same guy. | Who says that the author looks fit and in shape? | Dennis | ['not enough information', 'Charlene', 'the author'] |
We did our science fair project together , the evolution of the peanut embryo . Pizza was always served at her house , because I was too picky of an eater for anything else . Being friends does n't require much when you 're ten . | What may have happened after we completed the project ? | We displayed it at the science fair | ['We celebrated our ninth birthday', 'We decided to be friends with each other', 'We had pizza with peanuts on top'] |
We were trying to think of what to do when Sarah suggested we go to her pool . Her pool had a slide , 2 diving boards , and were really deep . I did n't think my mom was going to let me go but she did supprisingly . | Why was the narrator happy to go to Sarah 's ? | The narrator was n't expecting to get to go . | ['Sarah has a cool mom .', 'Sarah has a cool gym .', 'None of the above choices .'] |
Sleeping for less than six hours a night greatly increases the risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke , a study has found. It is the stuff of nightmares for those whose busy work schedule or busy family life means getting up early and staying up late. Scientists claim that the modern tendency to delay going to bed in order to get through more of the items on the 'to do' list has serious health consequences. But take care. Those who have too much sleep are also more likely to suffer a heart attack. While the extra sleeping is unlikely to be the cause, long-term illnesses such as heart disease often make sufferers feel tired, so sleeping for longer than nine hours a night may be an early warning sign.
Researchers found that those who slept for less than six hours were almost 50 per cent more likely to suffer a heart attack and 15 per cent more at risk of strokes. They believe that not having enough sleep disrupts the balance of two key hormones , ghrelin and leptin , which control the appetite. Poor sleepers tend to eat more and are more likely to be fatter, so are at greater risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, which lead to heart attacks and strokes. Experts recommend adults get at least six or seven hours' shut-eye a night to stay healthy.
But as many as 60 per cent of us do not think we are sleeping enough, with a third suffering from sleeplessness. The researchers, from the University of Warwick, warned that trying to push too much into one day by going to bed late and getting up early could lead to serious illnesses later in life. They looked at the sleeping habits of almost 475,000 participants from 15 previous studies across eight countries, including the UK, the U.S., Japan, Sweden and Germany. Their findings, published in the European Heart Journal, show that those who slept for less than six hours were 48 per cent more likely to develop or die from heart disease and 15 per cent more likely to develop or die from a stroke. Not having enough sleep decreases the levels of leptin in our blood, which means we do not feel as satisfied after eating. At the same time, it raises the levels of ghrelin, responsible for triggering our appetite, thus making us feel hungrier.
The scientists believe that our 'work hard, play hard' society encourages us to sacrifice sleep and ignore our health. The trend for late nights and early mornings is actually a ticking time bomb for our health so you need to act now to reduce your risk of developing these life-threatening conditions. | According to the passage, why don't we feel as satisfied after eating? | All above add up. | ['Because not having enough sleep disrupts the balance of two key hormones, ghrelin and leptin, which control the appetite.', 'Because not having enough sleep decreases the levels of leptin in our blood.', 'Because not having enough sleep raises the levels of ghrelin, thus making us feel hungrier.'] |
Want to travel as cheaply as possible while enjoying the great scenery as much as you like?
Backpacking is the way. As the most popular traveling choice among young western people, backpacking allows you to travel at your own free will. Carrying a tent, sleeping bag and clothes,
.
It is a thrill to put our ability to test and challenge ourselves with sorts of difficulties we might come across. So, backpacking is something young people can hardly deny.
Young people in Europe often travel around by train. Now, with plane tickets dropping in price, more are traveling to distant countries, such as Australia and China. And some just travel within their own countries.
But no matter where a backpacker travels, planning in advance is important if he or she wants to enjoy the trip.
Clothing
In summer, light,
clothes are best. Backpackers must remember to travel lightly and not pack too many clothes.
Medicine
There are many medicines, especially for summer, such as those for sunstroke, snake bites and mosquitoes. Others are useful in every season, such as those for common colds, poisoning and diarrhea.
Cards
Three types of cards are of great value for backpacks: student Identity Card, personal ID and a credit card.
A student ID card can be helpful for saving money. It often gets train tickets and entrance tickets for cheaper prices in many Western countries.
Personal ID card can, not only get you out of trouble with local police, but also prove useful in all sorts of other situations.
Carrying a credit card can be a safe way of carrying money, as cash can easily get lost, stolen or wet.
And of course, don't forget to enjoy your trip! | What is the author's purpose to write this passage? | To offer some useful advice for traveling. | ['To give some ideas about traveling.', 'To encourage the young to travel.', 'To tell people how to avoid something unpleasant.'] |
What are feelings for? Most nonscientists will find it a strange question. Feelings justify themselves. Emotions give meaning and depth to life. They exist without serving any other purposes. On the other hand, many evolutionary biologists acknowledge some emotions primarily for their survival function. For both animals and humans, fear motivates the avoidance of danger, love is necessary to care for the young, and anger prepares one to hold ground. But the fact that a behavior functions to serve survival need not mean that. Other scientists have regarded the same behavior as conditioning and learned responses. Certainly reflexes and fixed action patterns can occur without feeling or conscious thought. A baby seagull pecks at a red spot on the bill of its parent. The seagull parent feeds its baby when pecked on the bill and the baby gets fed. The interaction need have no emotional content.
At the same time, there is no reason why such actions cannot have emotional content. In mammals that have given birth including humans, milk is often released automatically when a new baby cries. This is not under intended control but it is reflex. Yet this does not mean that feeding a new baby is exclusively reflex and expresses no feeling like love. Humans have feelings about their behavior even if it is conditioned or reflexive. Yet since reflexes exist and conditioned behavior is widespread, measurable, and observable, most scientists try to explain animal behavior by using only these concepts. It is simpler.
Preferring to explain behavior in ways that fit science's methods most easily, scientists have refused to consider any causes for animal behavior other than reflexive and conditioned ones. Scientific orthodoxy holds that what cannot be readily measured or tested cannot exist, or is unworthy of serious attention. But emotional explanations for animal behavior need not be impossibly complex or unstable. They are just more difficult for the scientific method to check on in the usual ways, so cleverer and more skillful approaches are called for. Most branches of science are more willing to make successive evaluation of what may prove ultimately unknowable, rather than ignoring it altogether. | Which of the following can be learned from the passage? | Scientists usually apply reflexes and conditioning in explaining animal behaviors. | ['Breast-feeding a baby is conditioned or reflective but have no emotional connection.', 'Reflexes and conditioning will lead to a better understanding of animal emotions.', 'Many evolutionary biologists believe that emotions are to some degree for survival.'] |
I maintained that temperature for 10 minutes ( according to McGee 's instructions ) before moving the pan to a cold water bath and lowering the temperature to 115 degrees , at which point I mixed in 3 tablespoons of our favorite commercial yogurt from Seven Stars Farm . I poured the mix into a warm quart jar and placed the jar in a cooler with a heavy pot full of hot water . I placed an instant - read thermometer in the cooler , aiming to maintain a temperature of about 115 degrees . Turned out I did n't need to do anything further . | Why did they place a thermostat in the cooler ? | It was important that they had the temperature perfect . | ['They were testing out different temperatures for the cooler .', 'None of the above choices .', 'They were unsure what temperature to set the cooler at .'] |
I love going to the spa. Honestly, who doesn't. These days, unfortunately, my spa trips are few and far between. I blame the damn kids for that one! So, as you can imagine, I was pretty damn excited when the in-laws presented me with an Urban Spa voucher for the Urban Indulgence package: one hour hot stone Lomi Lomi massage followed by a Heavenly Spa Facial - two hours on indulgent bliss, for Christmas.
I had never had a hot stone massage before so was very much looking forward to this, if nothing else out of curiosity about what is involved. Whenever you see pictures advertising a hot stone massage, the beautiful model always has a bunch of largish stones on her back so I wasn't sure whether it was more an acupressure experience where they left the stones strategically placed on the back to work their magic or whether it was an actual massage. Turns out that it is an actual massage. I requested a firm massage as my back has really been giving me issues. Carrying 15kgs of Crazy Kid or 9kgs of Kiki (or 26kgs of double babies) really isn't too good for the back so it had been causing me problems for a couple of months. My therapist (the lovely Kristy) gave me an expertly firm massage and used a small, smooth hot stone, along with her hands, to perform the massage. It was quite a unique experience as one minute I could sense that she was using her hands to do the massage then then next I'd get a sweep of hotness as the stone was run over me. It really was a delightful sensory experience. As my back was a problem area, Kristy spent 30 minutes just on that then the other 30 minutes was spent on the rest of my body. I could feel myself drifting in and out of consciousness throughout the massage. One really special thing about this massage was that the massage table was heated. Such a small touch, but one that was greatly appreciated (although it was a great contributor to my lack of consciousness!). | Who gave the tired mom a massage? | Kristy | ['Crazy Kid and Kiki', 'the in-laws', 'not enough information'] |
Student Services
Students' Union
Every University has a Students' Union. If students are the lifeblood of a university, the Union is surely its beating heart.
For students, by students
A Students' Union is run by students and acts independently. At the end of each academic year, it will find six students to hold a sabbatical position managing the Union for the coming year. That the six successful sabbatical officers have only recently experienced issues affecting students ensures that your needs are very well understood.
Letting your hair down
Although the University is spread across a fairly wide area, the Union is centrally located and is only a short walk from any of the main buildings. This makes it very easy to catch up with friends who might be on a different course.
At night, the place really comes alive - we have three different bars to suit every occasion. The venues are student-only so you can be sure of meeting people with a similar outlook and we throw in a transport service to make sure you get home safely.
The Union also organizes various formal balls throughout the year, with the highlight being the end-of-year ball.
Supporting you
Beyond having fun, we also make sure some of the more serious issues are effectively dealt with. If you have a problem with your course, another sabbatical officer is trained to help you. Being independent from the University means we can represent and support you to the best of our ability, and once you reach university you may find that you become aware of more national or political issues. | The person who takes up a certain post of the Students' Union _ . | learns what the students need | ['is very happy and easy', 'can affect the life of any student', 'has understood everything of the University'] |
So I got extra best gift points because of that . :) Am I the only stupidhead out there who wants to be the giver of * the best gift * at any party ? ugh , it makes me miserable , and yet it 's a compulsion.anyway , fun shower , but very long . | Why does the narrator put so much effort into the gift ? | They want to have the best gift . | ['None of the above choices .', 'The gift is for a loved one .', 'The gift is a secret for a special person .'] |
Albert Szent-Gyorgyi was born in Budapest on September 16, 1893. In 1911 he entered his uncle's laboratory where he studied until the outbreak of World War One, when he joined the army. He served on the Italian and Russian fronts, and he was permitted to leave the army in 1917 after being wounded in action. He completed his studies in Budapest before he went to Hamburg for a two-year course in physical chemistry. In 1920 he became an assistant at a university in Leiden, the Netherlands and from 1922 to 1926 he worked with H. J. Hamburger at the Physiology Institute, Groningen, the Netherlands.
In 1926, Szent-Gyorgyi was ready to end his own life after an embarrassing problem in his career. The scientist, thirty-two, had written a paper and handed it to his boss for approval to publish. His boss threw it in the dustbin. Concluding his life was a failure, the young researcher quit. Unable to support his wife and child, he sent them home to her parents. His final wish was to attend one last scientific meeting, to be among scientists, to have one last good time. So he went to the 1926 International Physiological Society Congress in Sweden.
Sitting in the audience, lost in self-pity, Szent-Gyorgyi listened to the president of the society, Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins, refer to the fine work of a researcher: Szent-Gyorgyi! After the speech, collecting his courage, he introduced himself to Hopkins. The great man invited the young scientist to Cambridge to do further work.
Szent-Gyorgyi's life changed. He discovered the oxidation-preventing action of vitamin C. He won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1937. He accounted for his success by saying that discovery is seeing what everyone else has seen but thinking what nobody else has thought. | Why did Szent-Gyorgyi want to end his own life in 1926? | His pride was hurt by his boss. | ['He was not satisfied with his paper.', "He couldn't support his family.", 'His boss stopped him attending a conference.'] |
The office smelled like money. Brand new carpet, somebody's expensive perfume still hanging in the air. The chairs in the waiting room are leather and the copy machine has a million attachments and there's pictures on the wall that I don't know what they're supposed to be. Made me ashamed of the shirt I was wearing, the cuffs all frayed and some of the buttons don't match. The secretary is a knockout and I figure Dennis has got to be getting in her pants. Red hair and freckles and shiny skin that looks like she just got out of a hot shower. A smile like she really means it. My name was in the book and she showed me right on in. Dennis shook my hand and put me in a chair that was slings and tube steel. The calendar next to his desk had a ski scene on it. Behind him was solid books, law books all in the same binding, also some biographies and political stuff. "Too bad you couldn't make the reunion," Dennis said. "It was a hoot." "I just felt weird about it," I said. I still did. It looked like he wanted me to go on, so I said, "I knew there'd be a bunch of y'all there that had really made good, and I guess I...I don't know. Didn't want to have to make excuses." "Hard to believe it's been twenty years. You look good. I still wouldn't want to run into you in a dark alley, but you look fit. In shape." "I got weights in the garage, I try to work out. When you're my size you can go to hell pretty quick. You look like you're doing pretty good yourself." Charlene is always pointing to people on TV and talking about the way they dress. With Dennis I could see for the first time what she's talking about. The gray suit he had on looked like part of him, like it was alive. When I think about him in grungy sweats back at Thomas Jefferson High School, bent double from trying to run laps, it doesn't seem like the same guy. | How did the narrator probably stayed in shape? | He worked out in his garage. | ['not enough information', 'He goes for runs around the park.', 'He is a football coach.'] |
So i went to St. Louis with my sister and my niece over the weekend , and it was great . I soooo did not want to come home . It made me realize that i really just want to live my life on a series of road trips . | Why did n't the speaker want to return from the trip to St. Louis ? | They enjoyed the break from the mundane and wished they could do this more often | ['They lost their favorite bag in their hometown and being back there reminds them of this loss', 'They have outstanding warrants and returning home means risking arrest', 'None of the above choices .'] |
The origination of the "gap year" concept came in the decade following the Second World War when youth travel and cultural exchange was discussed among governments as a useful tool to create more of a global understanding to prevent future global wars. However, the first gap years actually started in the UK in the 1960s when the Baby-Boomer generation in the midst of the Swinging Sixties headed off to India on the infamous Hippie Trails ,inventing the independent travel market.
Australian Graham "Screw" Turner, based in London in 1973, loaded a double-decker bus with the first paying customers and drove them to Kathmandu. They arrived three weeks late. Top Deck Travel, the company he founded, still exists today. In 1979 another Australian, Dick Porter, founded STA Travel to bring in the final piece of the puzzle. It was a high street travel agent for students and youth (those under 26) with which he was able to develop global youth travel as he opened student travel agencies around the world.
In the UK in the 1980s the Baby-Boomers were accustomed to family life with their young children and so traveling less, and the next generation were influenced by the addiction to money, careers and wealth. The housing market crash meant fewer funds available for parents to fund youth travel. But steady UK and global growth continued as STA Travel opened up branches around the world.
A combination of the Baby-Boomer's children reaching 18 (whose parents encouraged world travel as they did in their youth), the UK coming out of decline and new, exciting, color1ful media channels to bring gap year products to market resulted in an explosion of activity in the UK in the 1990s as gap year travel and gap year volunteering took off pre-, during, and post-university. Demand grew, prices for air travel fell, and the roots of it becoming a tradition of growth were set.
The modern gap year pioneers came in the form of Tom Griffiths and Peter Pedrick who brought the gap year market onto the web in 1988 with the launch of www.gapyear.com. The two pioneers have invented products, offerings, phrases, and concepts that form the frame of the global gap year industry seen today. Known as the gap year guru. Tom Griffiths is recognized as a global authority on gap years and acts as a media spokesperson around the world. | Which would be the best title for the passage? | Brief History of the Gap Year | ['The Development of STA Travel', 'The Pioneers of the Gap Year', 'Origination of the Gap Year'] |
“Teachers like to agree with each other, when we talk about learning. It’s hard to change that, when the model we have wanted to make work has nonetheless been failing for 40 years.” Professor Brian Boyd
No area has remained up there in the contentiousness charts in Scotland as the notion of business and education working together to do something better for our young people.
Most schools do not ‘partner’ with colleges or universities. Instead, they are production facilities for undergraduates and college entrants. Fewer are set up to systematically provide apprenticeship opportunities as well as learning. At NoTosh, we’ve been working on a few, nascent projects to change the attitudes of schools from being these production facilities into something more of a life support - what metrics of success might we use if schools judged their success on the results of their alumni, five, ten or twenty years down the line, much like universities do?
City of Glasgow College have partnered with Newlands Junior College (NJC) to make the experience of a day in college more than what, in other circumstances, is too often perceived as a day off from school. The Junior College is called this, and not a school, for that very reason, to mark it out as a stepping stone between school and full-blown college. NoTosh helped last August to provoke the team around their thoughts of what 'unschool' might look like.
The College was backed and founded by Jim McColl, one of Scotland’s top business people.
In the future, suggests, McColl, might be be possible to take funding of learning out of its pre-existing silos, particularly for this group of students, about 60 in every city at these ages, who just need a different approach to the traditional comprehensive approach? A crossover funding model that helps learning happen in both ‘school’ or Junior College and college or university might be interesting. In fact, some of the world’s top universities are thinking of such models for their own students: Stanford’s 2025 project talks about the Open Loop, where learning and work happen over far more than the usual four year degree, offering students a chance to grow through not just learning, but contributing to society through their work, too. | Who is talking about a project for a college where learning and work happen over far more than a usual four year degree? | Stanford | ['Brown', 'not enough information', 'Harvard'] |
This orientation takes place every Saturday . Then the people can volunteer . Seems to be something the girls I talked to forgot to mention . And I actually did see something like that when snooping around on the shelter 's site but I thought there must have been some kind of mistake since the other girls went there easily . But anyway , we ca n't do that animal shelter at all since we have to turn in the research plan for the project that Sunday and there 's just not enough time , so we give up there . | What would happen if we went to the animal shelter ? | We would get a bad grade on our assignment . | ['We would help sign up volunteers at the orientation .', "We would fix the shelter 's website .", 'None of the above choices .'] |
Weekend Miracles
Weekend Miracles give children aged 9 and older in the Children's Center the opportunity to visit a host family who partners the child to find the child a permanent family. The host family arranges activities that the child will enjoy and introduces the child to their circle of friends--in order to develop a lasting connection with someone.
Organization: Kidsave International
Location: the United States
Duration: 2 days to 6 weeks
Web Designer Needed
We need the skills of a Web designer to help us redesign our website. The project will be fun and fulfilling, and give much needed visibility to our grass-roots projects that are serving children and mothers in every corner of the world.
Organization: Children's Fund
Location: the United States
Duration: 3 weeks to 2 months
Living Miracles
Doctors and dentists are needed as volunteers at Shechen Medical Clinic in Nepal for two months or longer. In Tibet, we need doctors for only 1-2 months. Dentists can come for one month or longer. Please understand that modern conveniences are not available here.
Organization: Dilgo Khyentse Fellowship
Location: Nepal
Duration: 21 days to 6 years
Teaching English to Children in India
The Salus Foundation, Inc. needs help from volunteers, teachers, college students or recent college graduates trained in ESL, or who are willing to be trained in ESL to teach English to the students at the Sulaxim School.
Organization: The Salus Foundation, Inc.
Location: India
Duration: 6 weeks to 9 months
Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Cameroon
In Defense of Animals in Africa needs help from highly motivated, mature volunteers who care about the conservation of great apes and are willing to live in an isolated, challenging, French-speaking environment for six months to benefit our future generation.
Organization: In Defense of Animals in Africa
Location: Cameroon
Duration: 6 months | The purpose of Weekend Miracles is mainly to help children _ . | find a family who is willing to raise them | ['enlarge their circle of friends', 'learn more about the outside world', 'get chances to communicate with other children'] |
Do you prefer British English or American English? Here are opinions from our readers.
Andy: Well, being in British for 3 years now from New Zealand I've come to realize that a lot of British people pronounce words how Americans do. But in saying that, I guess the more educated British people do not pronounce words the way some Americans do. So, I prefer Educated British English.
Bill: Well, I am studying English and I think British sounds funny and I prefer Americans sounds. Although I can tell that everyone else in my class loves British pronunciation and thinks American English is less pretty or even ugly. I don't agree at all, though.
Cindy: At first British English accent sounds better and wonderful but then it gets annoying, so I love American English.
Dale: I prefer the British accent. It sounds like someone reading a poem. I just like the pronunciation of the British people, very clear and sounds like music! British accent is more musical.
Edward: When I listen to the BBC announcers, I notice that they're exploding the letters out, not pronouncing them. And some British people from the North of England or Scotland speak with strange accents. I mean it is difficult to understand their English.
Frank: As a matter of fact, English for International Communication is very much like American accent. I love the American accent. | Which reader didn't state clearly which pronunciation he or she preferred? | Edward | ['Andy', 'Bill', 'Cindy'] |
It is a little over a year since she and I last spent a night together as lovers . And I can still remember the words she told me then . Of course she then decided to go and marry the mutt anyway ... | What kind of words was I told ? | Words about love | ['Words about a dog', 'Words about another man', 'Words about anger'] |
WASHINGTON — They called themselves "crusaders" for a reason.
The three Kansas militiamen planned to blow up an apartment complex housing Somali refugees during the 2016 presidential election, unleashing what one of them called "Crusades 2.0."
But their plan was foiled after their arrest just weeks before the election, highlighting the changing enemy list of a movement founded on the back of anti-government activism a generation ago.
And with the election of a president whose policies many militia members support, the urge to confront the government appears to have lost some of its urgency. Instead of railing at the government, they have in recent years turned their venom against new-found foes: Muslims, immigrants, the Antifa.
"Some of the militia groups have been refocusing their attention on secondary enemies for the movement," said Mark Pitcavage, who researches extremism at the Anti-Defamation League civil rights group.
Often lumped together with other right-wing groups, the anti-government movement comes in different forms.
There are the "preppers," so called because they stockpile water, food and other essentials in preparation for civil unrest.
There are the "survivalists," people who learn skills to “live off the land” in case of a disaster.
There are “sovereign citizens” such as the suspect in the recent shooting at a Waffle House in Tennessee who are opposed to paying taxes and believe they should decide which laws to follow.
And then there are the militiamen who conduct regular military-style training to resist a government they see as engaged in a global plot to take away their guns and constitutional rights.
The modern militia movement dates back to a series of events in the early 1990s, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Among them: the 1992 election of Democratic President Bill Clinton and an FBI attack the following year on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, an event seen as "evidence of an out of control government willing to attack citizens."
Under Clinton, the number of anti-government groups soared but it fell during President George W. Bush's two terms before peaking at 1,360 under President Barack Obama. | What does Trump think of the modern militia movement? | not enough information | ['He will neither condemn nor condone them', 'He has no comment on the matter', "He changes the subject when he doesn't want to discuss an uncomfortable topic"] |
So, I worked with a friend of mine who was a playwright to put together a play to take to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It was a three person show, and one of the roles was written specifically for me. Many of the lines were written after we improvised the scenes in my living room as she wrote the piece. Took it to Scotland, where it was quite well received. A year or so later, it was being produced in New York in a much more prestigious setting. I auditioned, was called back a couple times, and got to the play the role again. Fantastic! THEN, it was produced by an even larger theatre. Different producer, different casting director, etc. I went to the open call for it, and the casting director treated me really poorly. It was odd. She looked at my resume and said, “It says you have already played this role.” I said, “Yes, I was fortunate enough to workshop it and originate the role.” She looked at me like I was lying. I mean, shuttled me out the door like I was a crazy woman. Needless to say, I was not called back. And that was okay—(I mean, of course I wanted to do the show with this group of people, but hey, we can’t always get what we want). Fast forward to opening night: my playwright friend invites me to see the show. The actress playing “my” role was fantastic, but they had to change lines in the script that indicated what she looked like, because she was of Hawaiian descent. Again, no big deal…and she was great! What was strange was meeting the director that evening. My friend introduced me as the originator of the role, and the director asked me why I hadn’t auditioned…Overall, it wasn’t a harsh rejection or a terrible story, it was just weird to have been treated like a liar when I was not lying… | When did the actor perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival? | before auditioning in New York | ['after auditioning in New York', 'before her friend wrote the play', 'not enough information'] |
A funeral for Zbigniew Brzezinski, the national security adviser to President Jimmy Carter and a noted foreign policy expert and thinker, will be held Friday at St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
Brzezinski died May 26 in Virginia. He was 86.
In a statement, Carter called Brzezinski “a superb public servant” as well as “brilliant, dedicated and loyal.” Along with Henry Kissinger, Brzezinski helped shape U.S. foreign policy with a lasting impact, while also serving as an adviser to Presidents Lyndon Johnson and John F. Kennedy.
One of his most well-known accomplishments came in 1978, when Brzezinski helped President Carter reach an agreement between Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat to secure the Camp David peace accords between the two countries.
He also was involved in making other major U.S. foreign policy decisions during the Carter administration, including negotiating the Panama Canal Treaty, arming mujahedin in Afghanistan to fight the Soviet invaders and planning a failed mission to rescue 52 American hostages held in Iran.
Alexander Vershbow, a former deputy secretary general of NATO and former U.S. ambassador to Russia, told VOA Brzezinski's wisdom also guided U.S. and NATO policy in the post-Cold War period.
“On one hand, listening to the appeals of countries like Poland, like Czechoslovakia, like Hungary, to become part of the Western family, which they were denied 70 years ago ... but also reaching out to Russia, and trying to help Russia become an integral part of the European family, the common European house, as [former Soviet leader Mikhail] Gorbachev described it,” Vershbow said.
Following his work in the White House, Brzezinski continued to be an influential voice on foreign policy matters. He served as a counselor and trustee at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a professor at Johns Hopkins University.
Brzezinski went on to ruffle the feathers of Washington's power elite with his 1983 book, "Power and Principle," which was hailed and reviled as a kiss-and-tell memoir.
“I have never believed in flattery or lying as a way of making it,” he told The Washington Post that year. “I have made it on my own terms.” | Why did Brzezinski have a lasting impact? | because he was a superb public servant | ['not enough information', 'because he guided NATO policy', 'because he armed the Mujahedin'] |
In his lifetime, Ray had done a number of things for which he was not proud, things he'd like to see just as well stuffed down a dark hole. Everybody had things of which they were ashamed. Everybody has committed their share of sins that they wish they could take back. But this wasn't one of them, and he resented the implication that it was -- the implication that someone would dare to judge him for something they did not fully understand.
It was a good thing, a right thing, like the time he had given emergency CPR to the woman already ten minutes dead and gone, the woman whose mouth tasted of chocolate death and scrambled eggs, just to spare her horrified children the sense of helplessness while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. That had been a noble thing like this one was. Should have been.
Perhaps it was always less difficult to have things fail here, with the living, than it was with the dead. The dead had no opinions, no agendas. They weren't sensitive. The dead did what you fucking told them to do and didn't complain. Right?
The living simply did not understand that there were rules. They didn't want to understand something so banal. Someone who didn't take the time to understand the rules had no right to pass judgment on him. Not that it ever stopped them.
"I hear that you are unhappy," he said into the phone, then had to pull the receiver away from his ear so the woman on the other end could scream at him some more.
Conflict de-escalation technique number one was invariably affirmation. Make it clear that you are aware of the individual's feelings and frustrations, that you are at least listening to their side, whether or not you personally may eventually have the authority to validate or alleviate those feelings. People liked to be listened to. The illusion of having a voice was almost as good as actually having one. Isn't that why people still bothered to go to the polls on election day and vote?
And it worked on most people. This woman was not one of them. | Why does Ray believe people still vote? | it makes them feel that they have a voice | ['To understand the rules', 'not enough information', 'For affirmation'] |
U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that he had instructed his representatives not to sign a communique by all seven leaders attending the G-7 summit in Canada, citing statements by Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made after he left.
"Very dishonest and & weak," Trump tweeted in response to Trudeau's remark that the new U.S. tariffs on aluminum and steel were "insulting."
"Based on Justin's false statements at his news conference, and the fact that Canada is charging massive Tariffs to our U.S. farmers, workers, and companies, I have instructed our U.S. Reps not to endorse the Communique as we look at Tariffs on automobiles flooding the U.S. Market!" Trump added.
"International cooperation cannot be dictated by fits of anger and throwaway remarks," French President Emmanuel Macron's office said in a statement about Trump's withdrawal from signing the communique. The statement also said Trump's action is a display of "incoherence and inconsistency."
"Germany stands by the jointly agreed communique," Germany spokesman Steffen Seibert said in a statement.
Trudeau closed the summit Saturday by refusing to budge on positions that place him at odds with Trump, particularly new tariffs on steel and aluminum that have irritated Canada and the European Union.
He said in closing remarks that Canada would proceed with retaliatory measures on U.S. goods as early as July 1.
"I highlighted directly to the president that Canadians did not take it lightly that the United States has moved forward with significant tariffs," Trudeau said in the news conference following the two-day summit. "Canadians, we're polite, we're reasonable, but we will also not be pushed around."
British Prime Minister Theresa May echoed Trudeau, pledging to retaliate for tariffs on EU goods. "The loss of trade through tariffs undermines competition, reduces productivity, removes the incentive to innovate and ultimately makes everyone poorer," she said. "And in response, the EU will impose countermeasures."
Trudeau and May also bucked Trump on another high-profile issue: Russia. Trump wants to have Russia — which was pushed out in 2014 over its aggression in eastern Ukraine — rejoin the group. Trudeau said he was "not remotely interested" in having Russia return to the group, made up of the world's seven most advanced economies. | After leaving the summit, Trump probably went where? | United States | ['France', 'Ukraine', 'not enough information'] |
it s yours , not theirs , so don t worry!. Eligible for free shipping ( us only ) on orders over $ trade - in your old me for credit toward this item ! ships same business day , unless restocking . | Why is the writer offering this deal on their products , with free shipping and telling the reader not to worry ? | They want to build a rapport with their customer base by offering an introductory deal so that people will go through them more frequently . | ['They are doing this out of the goodness of their hearts and out of a genuine desire to help the customer find satisfaction', 'They care deeply for the customer , and they want to minimize the costs that they are exposed to', 'None of the above choices .'] |
Chilean rescued miner Edison Pena ran the New York City Marathon on November 7th , less than a month after he was rescued from a collapsed mine that trapped him and the other 32 miners for 69 days. Pena ran 10 km daily through the mine's tunnels to beat the anxiety, wearing cut-down boots until rescuers sent him a pair of sports shoes through a narrow hole that served as the miners' "lifeline" to the surface.
"When I ran in the darkness, I was running for life," Pena told a news conference in New York. "I was running to show that I wasn't just waiting around. I also wanted God to see that I really wanted to live." The miners were discovered alive on August 22---17 days after the mine collapsed, but it took many more days for rescuers to dig a hole big enough to bring them out.
The New York Road Runners, which organizes the marathon, had invited Edison Pena to the event after hearing his story. They thought he could ride in the lead vehicle or hold the finish line tape, but Pena said last week he did not want to watch, he wanted to run. "I was very eager to take on this big challenge," he said. "I wanted to show the world I could run." He hoped to run the 26.2-mile race in about six hours. "I have a knee injury, but I am eager to cross the finish line," he said.
An Elvis Presley fan who asked rescuers to send the singer's music down into the mine, Pena broke into song at the news conference with the Presley hit Return to Sender.
On the morning of November 7th, Pena, known as "the runner" by fellow miners trapped with him, set out to cover the course along with thousands of other runners and completed the race in five hours and 40 minutes. | Pena can be best described as _ . | strong-willed | ['smart-minded', 'hard-working', 'warm-hearted'] |
About 10 years ago my daughter was about 2500 kilometers from Newcastle, and rang me one day crying because of an emotional problem she was facing. She was about 20, and in a town known as Ayrlie Beach in Northern Queensland. I asked her what it was that she needed most in that moment, and she replied that she needed support, and my arms around her would be the best thing that she could hope for! Because I couldn't do that in that exact moment, I asked her to describe her surroundings to me (I have ly no idea 'why', at the time), and said that if she hadn't heard from me in about 30 minutes, she could ring me back. I asked her to stay exactly where she was.
After hanging up the phone, I just sat for a few seconds. After only a very short time a phone number jumped into my head. I rang the number and it was a woman who had bought a house from me about 18 months previously, when I was working in Real Estate. My exact words to her were these, "Oh, it's you Liz, I have no idea why I'm calling you in particular, but my daughter is in trouble in Ayrlie Beach, and I just got the thought to ring you and tell you that. Have you any idea why?"
"It could be because my son lives there," says Liz.
"Oh really, that's got to be it," I said. "Do you mind giving me his phone number, Liz?"
"Of course not, and I can only hope that he can be of some help!"
I rang straight away (only about 5 minutes have passed since telling my daughter that somehow I'd get her help). Fortunately, he answered immediately, and I told him the story of who I was, and why I'd rung.
I gave him the description of my daughter; where she was standing; and that she needed emotional support if he could find it in his heart to help out so unexpectedly like this. "Oh yes, I can see her," he said..."she's right across the street from where I'm standing!" He walked across the street and told my daughter that her Dad had sent him!
Imagine that...she almost fainted: only about 10 minutes had passed since she had rung me! I believe that she said something like this, "Wow, Dad's getting pretty good at this stuff!".
That's intuition at it's best! | The author's daughter probably felt _ when the man told her that her dad had sent him. | surprised | ['disappointed', 'doubtful', 'excited'] |
One spring it stopped raining in early March and didn't start again.
There was one very well-off bunny in the village who had a large burrow and lots of food saved up. He wasn't worried about the drought at all. The other bunnies, though, looked at the purple-red nettles withering in the fields and the mayweed that hadn't even flowered and wondered if they were going to have enough food to get them through the next winter.
The very well-off bunny was named Albertus, but everybody called him Big Al--at least they called him that when they were sure he couldn't hear them. Big Al was in fact a very large bunny with long, white, silky fur. He had lots of land that his parents had left to him, and he never let any of the other bunnies gather food there. The story was that Big Al had sat on the one bunny who tried to make off with some of his carrots until the small bunny begged for mercy. After Big Al let him up, the small bunny moved to another village.
One morning a dozen or more bunnies sat around the village square, licking the dew off the dried and wrinkled clover to quench their thirsts, and talking about the drought. There was still a bit of a cool breeze from Possum Creek, a mile or so away. Sophie Bunny, who was large and sleek, with a black circle around one eye, was there with her husband Lenny and their youngest, Ralph, who still lived at home with them.
"I don't mind telling you," Lenny said, "I'm getting a little scared by all this." Lenny was a small, tan bunny with buck teeth and big cheeks like a chipmunk.
"No need to be afraid," said the short, overweight Reverend Billy Bunny, the village's spiritual leader. "The Easter Bunny will provide." He sat, as he usually did, by the thick green hawthorn bush in the middle of the square--although the bush was neither as thick nor as green as it had once been. | The drought probably lasted: | Months | ['not enough information', 'Days', 'Years'] |
A car needs gas to run and your body also needs food to work for you. Eating the right kind of food is very important. It can help your body grow strong to take care of what you eat.
There are four main food groups altogether. The _ group has food like milk, cheese and sour milk. The other three groups are the meat and fish group, the fruit and vegetable group, and the bread and rice group. Each meal should have at least one food from all four main groups. With all these food together, you will be given enough energy during the day.
It is easy to get into bad eating habits. You may eat your breakfast in a hurry to get to school on time. Or you may not have time for a good lunch. It may seem easy to finish your supper with fish and chips all the time. But you will find yourself tired in these days and you can not think quickly.
Watching what you eat will help keep your body healthy and strong. It is also good to take some exercise. It will help you eat more if you take a walk or play games in the open air. Having a good eating habit with some exercise is the key to your health. | Which of the following is a good eating-habit? | Having at least one food from all four groups in each meal. | ['Going to school without any breakfast', 'Eating fish and chips for supper all the time.', 'Eating your lunch in a very short time.'] |
Henry found work in a bookstore after he finished middle school. He wouldn't do anything but wanted to get rich. Mr. King thought he was too lazy and was going to send him away. Henry was afraid and had to work hard.
It was a cold morning. It was snowing and there was thin ice on the streets. Few people went to buy the books and the young man had nothing to do. He hated to read, so he watched the traffic. Suddenly he saw a bag fall off a truck and it landed by the other side of the street.
"It must be full of expensive things," Henry said to himself. "I have to get it, or others will take it away. "
He went out of the shop and ran across the street. A driver saw him and began to whistle , but he didn't hear it and went on running. The man drove aside, hit a big tree and was hurt in the accident. Two weeks later Henry was taken to court . A judge asked if he heard the whistle when he was running across the street. He said that something was wrong with his ears and he could hear nothing.
"But you've heard me this time." said the judge.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Now I can hear with one ear."
"Cover the ear with your hand and listen to me with your deaf one. Well, can you hear me? "
"No, I can't, Sir." | Why did Henry say that he was deaf? | He didn't want to pay for the accident. | ['He wanted to have a joke with the judge.', "He wanted to get the judge's help", 'He wanted to find another piece of work'] |
I was a student nurse at the time. I was assisting in the delivery of an infant. My specific task was to work with the rather over-excited father-to-be. He was an absolute delight to work with…very solicitous of his wife all throughout, very cooperative with the staff, and very appreciative of the help we were giving the mother-to-be. The background was that after 7 years of marriage, and 2 tragic miscarriages, THIS pregnancy had come to full term, and the child—deliberately they did NOT want to know the gender—was healthy, and both “mom” and “dad” were excited about the upcoming birth. The child finally emerged, the MD held up the child, and “dad” blurted out “It’s a girl!! You wanted a girl!!! Oh my God, she’s beautiful!!” Then he buried his face on his wife’s shoulder and was sobbing for pure joy. The MD quickly put him to work…he was to cut the umbilical cord. “I’m not going to hurt her, am I??” MD assured him no, he wouldn’t. He made the cut, and came immediately over to the wife…”Honey…are you all right?? I didn’t hurt you??”” While the his daughter was being bathed and checked out by the APGAR nurse, he excited called out the various observations—she as healthy..she was pinking up…she was so beautiful “I can’t believe it.” When the nurse returned the little girl to “mom”, the three of them cuddled together, tears just pouring from his eyes…and we in the birthing suite were all getting teary-eyed ourselves. That was 30 years ago, and I still get tears just thinking about what I consider the most beautiful moment of my life, one that I was lucky to share with these two wonderful people. | What does the mom do for a living? | not enough information | ['teacher', 'lawyer', 'nurse'] |
This week could turn out to be pivotal for the Trump White House as both major parties get ready for midterm congressional elections in November.
President Donald Trump’s decision to reverse a policy of separating families coming across the U.S. southern border came in the wake of a political firestorm that fired up opposition Democrats and alarmed even some Republicans. At the very least, it likely set the stage for immigration to be a key issue in November.
Trump was in combat mode Wednesday during a political rally in Duluth, Minnesota, where he vowed to make immigration a central focus in the upcoming congressional campaign.
“If you want to create a humane, lawful system of immigration then you need to retire the Democrats and elect Republicans to finally secure our borders,” Trump said to an enthusiastic crowd, some chanting, “Build the wall!”
Just hours earlier, the president reversed his controversial policy of separating children from their parents by signing an executive order in the White House.
“We are going to have strong, very strong, borders. But we are going to keep the families together,” he said.
Trump decided to back away from the controversial policy of separating families after an outcry from around the country that included protests in several states, including Arizona, Texas, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.
Also driving the outrage was a recording of children crying out for their parents released by the investigative journalist group ProPublica.
The separation policy drew condemnation from Republicans including former first lady Laura Bush and a host of Democrats.
“We should be able to agree that we will not keep kids in child internment camps indefinitely and hidden away from public view,” said Maryland Democratic Congressman Elijah Cummings. “What country is that? This is the United States of America!”
Advocates for a tough border policy sided with the president including Art Arthur of the Center for Immigration Studies. He cited a recent upsurge in attempted border crossings. | What state does the Democratic Congressman Elijah Cummings represent? | Maryland | ['Pennsylvania', 'Massachusetts', 'not enough information'] |
On Christmas Eve Slawek Przekosniak received an SMS with these wishes: Wishing yo good ping super new". He didn't know who sent him that surprisingly enigmatic message. And he doesn't know to this day. A pity, because thanks to that person he reached his current status and number 67 on the list of the wealthiest Poles.
Back then, during that beautiful, rusty white Christmas Eve night, Przekosniak, who was rudely kicked out from a social network for utopian fanatics of extreme phobias (www.ilovefobia.pl) just a few days earlier, got an idea.
It was a quite good idea too, and the next SMS ("All at cart by unintentionally only honest lamb") convinced him it was the best idea of his life.
Slawek Przekosniak, together with a friend from ilovefobia.pl - Czesiek Ciag, decided to set up an on-line service, through which one could send SMS greetings to mobile phones. And the most important feature of the service was that texts of the wishes were not going to be predetermined and there would be no set list of pre-selected options. Messages would be created by a special software program from random words provided by a customer. Such a system would allow for truly unique greetings, and after all, nobody said they had to be comprehensible.
Czesiek took care of the development of the software, which for now they named "John of the Disc". Czesiek had suitable experience in the matter. While on the forum for (select as appropriate) phobics he designed an application, which created slogans for street protests. The application, even though it produced phrases completely illogical and nonsensical, became quite popular, and some of its most unique catchphrases you could have seen on TV - "Out With There Harm Out!" or "To Them Bag Away Now Now!"
Two future men of success got to work and the SMS greeting portal bestbestbest.pl went live just before Easter. | How long did it probably take to complete the application | A generous amount of time | ['Short span of time', 'Several months', 'not enough information'] |
I open my eyes and the world is a savage horror of fire and destruction , people were screaming from all over or wailing for help . As I was brought to the door the sky went back and exploded into flames . The shambling dead of hell lunged forward and I was ripped from the arms of my aunt and Robert . | What is the narrator in the middle of experiencing ? | nature going wild | ['everyday occurrence', 'a funeral', 'None of the above choices .'] |
People who smoke could lose around one third of their daily memory, researchers say.
A study by a team at Northumbria University showed that smokers lost more of their memory when compared to non-smokers.
And the research also found that those who kicked the habit saw their ability to recollect information restored to almost the same level as non-smokers.
The study involved more than seventy 18-to-25-year-olds and included a tour of the university's campus. Those who took part were asked to recall small details, such as a list of songs played at a campus concert and tasks completed at various points-known as real world memory test. Smokers performed badly, remembering just 59 percent of tasks. But those who had given up smoking remembered 74 percent and those who had never smoked recalled 81 percent of tasks.
Dr. Tom Heffernan, who leads Northumbria University's Collaboration for Drug and Alcohol Research Group, said the findings would be useful in anti-smoking campaigns. He said, "Given that there are up to 10 million smokers in the UK and as many as 45 million in the United States, it's important to understand the effects smoking has on everyday cognitive function-of which prospective memory is an excellent example. "
"This is the first time that a study has set out to examine whether giving up smoking has an _ on memory. We already know that giving up smoking has huge health benefits for the body, but this study also shows how stopping smoking can have knock-on benefits for cognitive functions too. ''
The research will now investigate the effects of passive smoking on memory, while Dr. Heffernan and Dr. Terence O'Neil will look into the effects of third-hand smoking-toxins left on curtains and furniture. | According to Dr. Tom Heffernan, the findings _ . | would contribute to fighting against smoking | ['would be really a surprise to the public', 'would be used in real world memory test', 'would be nothing new to the researchers'] |