【推荐1】An advance in electronic publishing could make the ebook you are reading seem as dated as a silent film. Publishers hope to explore the growing success of ebooks by releasing versions with added soundtracks and musical accompaniments.

The noises in the first multimedia books released in Britain on Friday include rain hitting a window in a Sherlock Holmes tale. When the plot of a book reaches the most exciting part, background scores will create tension. In America, works by Shakespeare and Jane Austen have already been released with music and background noise so that, for example, readers can hear tea cups clinking in Mr. Darcy’s garden as they read Pride and Prejudice.

Supporters argue that sound effects are the next logical development for ebooks and will add excitement for younger readers. Critics, however, will argue that the noise will ruin the simple pleasure of having the imagination stimulated by reading.

Caroline Michel, chief executive of the literary agency, said the new generation of computer-literate readers was used to multiple sensory input. She said, “Young people have split computer screens where they may be watching television and replying to an email at the same time. If that’s what the market wants then we should respond to the market.”

Booktrack’s sound effects work by estimating the user’s reading speed. Each time you “turn” a page, the software reassesses where you have reached in the text and times the sounds to switch on accordingly. If the soundtrack becomes out of synch (同步), a click on any word will reset it.

Some authors fear that a soundtrack could destroy the peace and quiet of libraries and ruin the pleasure of reading. David Nicholls, author of One Day, the bestseller now released as a film, said, “This sounds like the opposite of reading. I have enough trouble reading an ebook because I’m constantly distracted by emails.”

Stuart MacBride, the crime writer whose novel Shatter the Bones was an ebook bestseller, sells 18% of his books as electronic downloads. He said, “If I’m reading, I will do the noise in my head. I don't need someone to tell me what tea cups clinking sounds like. That would irritate me.”

【推荐1】Picnic Shelter Reservations

Vancouver Parks and Recreation maintains four covered picnic shelters that are available for reservation at the following parks:

●Fisher Basin Community Park

●Leroy Haagen Memorial Park

●Marine Community Park

●Marshall Community Park

Picnic shelters are available to reserve between May 1 and September 30 each year. Reservations are for the entire day with a reservation fee of $100. When not reserved, shelters are available for free. Reserve a picnic shelter by calling 360-487-7100.

Shelter Reservation Cancellation Policy

If canceled one month or more before the rental date, 100% of the fee will be refunded. If canceled 1-4 weeks before the rental date, 75% of the fee will be refunded. No refunds will be granted if the reservation is canceled less than one week prior to the rental date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a way to find out if an event is already scheduled at a park?

Yes. Contact Marshall Community Center at 360-487-7100 to find out about events taking place in our parks.

Q: What facilities are included with a picnic shelter reservation?

Reservations include use of all picnic tables located within the shelter and electricity (there is no electricity at Marine Park). Playground facilities and restrooms will be shared with the public.

Park Use Permits

Depending on the type of event you’re hosting, you will need to get a Park Use Permit from Vancouver Parks and Recreation. A Park Use Permit gives you permission to bring special items and equipment into the park.

【推荐2】A New Viewing Platform (平台) at Camley Street Natural Park

There’s a new viewing platform added to the landscape at Camley Street Natural Park. The platform is designed to bring architecture and nature close together. It is a peaceful place to relax and helps people discover nature, especially wildlife. You’ll have a look at kinds of birds if you’re lucky.

The platform is established with the aid of the New Architects: Finland UK Exchange Program, which brings together new architectural talents from Finland and the UK to explore cities’ ever-changing relationship with water.

The platform is designed by a team of young Finnish architects. The inspiration comes from the rocky islands off the Nordic coastline. For Finns, these islands are places to relax the mind and get away from busy city life. The platform offers Londoners a chance to experience this escape.

To find out more about the inspiration for the design, please visit www.viewpointlon-dom.fi/.

The platform is also an important new learning base for Camley Street Natural Park. It will be used as an outdoor classroom and a place to host workshops for school children. It will give children views of the canal and other wildlife and a chance of getting close to nature.

Local schools can contact here to learn more.