1 . Whether you’re hiking through Yellowstone or camping in the Ozarks, choosing the best backpacking stove (炉子) to take with you can make a big difference. Read on for some of our top picks.
Soto Windmaster 4FlexBackpackers love its convenient built-in igniter (点火器), powerful heat output, and four-pronged (四管的) pot stabilizer, which provides a more stable platform for cooking than three-pronged stoves.
Buy it now at REISolo Stove Titan
The Solo Titan burns twigs, pine cones, leaves, and any other biofuels you may find out in nature, offering a safe and natural alternative to burning gas. The Titan is considered mid-size, ideal for cooking for several people.
Buy it now at SoloStoveFire Maple Star X2 Cooking System
Based on hundreds of reviews, hikers say they’re impressed by this gas-powered stove’s easy setup. The Star X2 also features Heat Exchange Technology, which the company says provides superior wind-resistance in different weather environments, helping to reduce overall boil time.
Buy it now on AmazonSoto Amicus
Weighing just 2.9 ounces, the Soto Amicus is well known for its light weight and attractive appearance. Multiple Amazon reviewers praise this backpacking stove’s easy setup and four integrated pot stabilizers, which create a stable base for cooking in the wilderness.
Buy it now on Amazon or REI1. Which stove suits you best if you want a quick meal?
| A．Soto Amicus. | B．Solo Stove Titan. |
| C．Soto Windmaster 4Flex. | D．Fire Maple Star X2 Cooking System. |
| A．Easy setup. | B．Wind resistance. |
| C．Relative stability. | D．Attractive appearance. |
| A．An adventure travel report. | B．An outdoor travel guide. |
| C．An advertisement for facilities. | D．A cookbook for easy meals. |
2 . Apply for the 2024—2025 School Year
We are thrilled that you are considering Marist School for your child’s next chapter. Marist has two primary entry points for students in 7th and 9th grades to which we typically accept 150 and 50 students respectively.
Marist School utilizes Ravenna, an application management app, for all aspects of the admissions process. Through Ravenna, parents can access the Marist application, submit supporting materials, track application status, and view admission decisions. Our application for the 2024—2025 school year will be available late September with a deadline on January 18, 2024.
Importantly, Marist continues to require the SSAT as part of the application process. On Saturday, January 6, 2024, Marist will serve as a community test site for the SSAT. This is the last national testing day prior to our application deadline when a first set of SSAT scores is due.
Important Dates
September 2023—March 2024 | Marist School admissions events |
Late September 2023 | Marist 2024—2025 application available in Ravenna |
October 2023—January 2024 | Required SSAT testing |
December 3, 2023 | Open House |
January 18, 2024 | Deadline to apply to Marist; preliminary(初步的) application and fee, parent and student questionnaires, and a first set of SSAT scores are due |
February 1, 2024 | Deadline for Marist to receive any outstanding supplemental materials; transcripts, teacher and administrator evaluations, and parish/church verification form are due |
February 12, 2024 | Deadline to submit separate tuition assistance application |
March 30, 2024 | AAAIS common notification date |
April 11, 2024 | Deadline to respond to offer of admission |
| A．A brochure of admission. | B．A school calender. |
| C．A schedule of lectures. | D．A timetable of student. |
| A．Late October, 2023. | B．December, 2023. |
| C．At Christmas of 2023. | D．Late January, 2024. |
| A．In person. | B．By post. | C．Online | D．On recommendation. |
3 . Summer Day Camps
Join the Environmental Learning Center this summer for adventure in the outdoors! We can’t wait to be part of your summer!
Young Experimenters | June17-21 | $200 |
Participate in hands-on experiments from environmental disciplines of science. By using the scientific method, recording data and running experiments, students will study and connect with the natural world. | ||
The Wildness Week | June 24-28 | $220 |
Do you know how to catch a fish, where to find frogs or how to copy the call of a red wing black bird? Do you want to learn how to find pure water and build a temporary living place? We’ll give you the outdoor skills to is cover the hidden wonders of nature. | ||
Animal Antics | July 8-12 | $230 |
From the common squirrel to the mysterious wind scorpion, the ELC is home to an abundance of wildlife. We’ll spend the week studying them through exploration, observation and experimentation. | ||
Outdoor-ologists | July 22-26 | $260 |
Ever wonder what it takes to spend a career out in nature? This week of camp will focus learning about on all the different sorts of people who work outside. | ||
Refund Policy | ||
Cancellations made on or prior to March 20 will be refunded at 100%. Cancellations made between March 21 and April 17 will lose the $50 deposit. Ater April 17 and up to two weeks prior to the first day of camp, a 50% refund will be given. After two weeks prior, no refunds will be given. | ||
| A．To interpret the singing of birds. | B．To experiment on wild animals. |
| C．To get along with wild animals. | D．To survive well in the wild. |
| A．Outdoor-ologists. | B．Animal Antics. |
| C．The Wildness Week. | D．Young Experimenters. |
| A．$230. | B．$180. | C．$115. | D．$50. |
4 . NLB Mobile app — a library in your pocket
The National Library Board (NLB) Mobile app is your personal library, anywhere. anytime. By signing in, you will be able to enjoy the full suite of services available to library members such as borrowing items and reading emagazines and enewspapers. But even if you don’t sign in, you can still:
●Search the library catalogue (目录) and share the title
●Locate nearby libraries based on your current location
●View highlights of library happenings
What do I need to sign in?
You will need a myLibrary ID. If you do not have it, you may create one online or using the app’s login page — tap on the+ button on the top right of the app’s screen.
What if I forget my myLibrary ID or password?
You can retrieve (恢复) your myLibrary ID and password:
●Online with your Singpass or NRIC/FIN number. Once you have signed in, the system will automatically detect if you have a myLibrary ID and display it. It will also let you reset your password if you have forgotten it.
●Via the NLB Mobile app, with your Singpass or NRIC/FIN number. Tap on the+ button on the top right of the app’s screen, then tap on “Forgot your myLibrary ID or password”.
When I try to log in, the app says “Profile already exists”. What do I do?
We are sorry that you are encountering this problem! Here are the steps.
●Go to your phone’s Settings menu.
●Select “Apps” or “Application manager” or “Applications”.
●Tap on“NLB Mobile”.
●Tap on “Storage”.
●Select “Clear Data”.
●Select “Clear Cache”
●Try signing in again. It should work this time. If not, please take a screenshot of the error message and email it to enquiry@nlb.gov.sg.
1. What can users do via NLB Mobile app without signing in?
| A．Reading emagazines. |
| B．Borrowing enewspapers. |
| C．Sharing the title of the items in the library. |
| D．Previewing the books available to borrow. |
| A．Singpass. | B．MyLibrary ID. |
| C．NRIC/FIN number. | D．The physical NLB card. |
| A．decide to voice complaints about the service |
| B．have any questions about the NLB Mobile app |
| C．are unable to clear NLB Mobile data on the phone |
| D．fail to solve the “log in” problem following the instructions |
5 . Community Music Classes
Community Music at Tufts offers a year-long program of Saturday classes for children aged 2 to 18.
| Singing Teens (12-15 year olds) Instructor: Adriana Ausch Class Time: 1:15-2:15 pm $360 per semester Full year course Perfect your singing or pick up a new skill! Learn the basic keys of singing like breath and pronunciation. Each week the class will practice warm-ups and learn a song together; in the second part of the class the students take turns for single instructions. |
| Music Theory and Composition One hour class: 12 noon-1 pm For students aged 9 & up Instructor: Phillip Grannan $335 per semester The primary goal of this course is to develop your child’s creativity — both in composing music and in ways of thinking about music — while filling the basics of music theory. The class is designed for students who have little or no experience with composing and music theory. |
| Violin Class One hour classes: 9 am-10 am, beginning class; 10 am-11 am, level two Instructor: Yank’l Garcia $360 per semester Beginning violin students will improve technically and musically in a group environment that promotes teamwork and encouragement. Solo and group material will be equally emphasized so that students learn how to play by themselves and with other musicians. |
| Group Drumming One hour class: 11 am-12 noon For students aged 9 and up Minimum 4 students Instructor: Lauren Caso $325 per semester Experience the challenge and fun of traditional drumming. Stick and hand techniques will be applied. Songs and chanting may accompany various pieces in this ongoing series. Prior completion of Foundations of Rhythm in World Percussion is highly required for beginners. |
| A．It focuses on traditional songs. | B．It sets a limit to learner numbers. |
| C．It is targeted at inexperienced singers. | D．It offers one-to-one instructions. |
| A．Phillip Grannan. | B．Adriana Ausch. | C．Lauren Caso. | D．Yank’l Garcia. |
| A．Violin Class. | B．Group Drumming. |
| C．Singing Teens. | D．Music Theory and Composition. |
6 . Multi-City Vacation Sale
Route Ⅰ: Dublin & Edinburgh
Ireland and Scotland may be close, but the two countries couldn’t be more different. From cosmopolitan Dublin to historic Edinburgh, experience the best of two capital cities on this 6-or 8-night extravaganza (狂欢)! See ancient texts at Trinity College, climb up the hill of Edinburgh Castle, and of course taste some of the best beer on the planet.
Route Ⅱ: Lisbon, Seville & Madrid
This exciting 8-night adventure will introduce you to the fascinating cities of the Iberian Peninsula, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Route Ⅲ: Central Europe Classic: Budapest, Vienna & Prague
Experience three of Central Europe’s most beautiful cities on this 6-night vacation. See the two different sides of Budapest, and have a look at the palaces in Vienna.
Route Ⅳ: Ireland & Scotland
Spend 10,12 or 14 nights traveling across Ireland and Scotland. Stay in comfortable bed, have breakfasts and explore cities, the countryside and coast in your own car. This Celtic adventure is totally up to you!
ROUTES | PRICE *PER PERSON |
Dublin & Edinburgh | $1,322→$1,222 |
Lisbon, Seville & Madrid | $1,378→$1,278 |
Central Europe Classic: Budapest, Vienna & Prague | $1,499→$1,399 |
Ireland & Scotland | $1,568→$1,468 |
* Vacation is round-trip, per person, based on 2 travelers from John F Kennedy Intl(JFK). Includes airfare & airport taxes, hotels, car rental, departure transfer, tours and daily breakfast.
* $100 off per person before 02/28/2024.
1. Which route allows you to enjoy some of the world’s well-known beer?| A．Route Ⅰ. | B．Route Ⅱ. | C．Route Ⅲ. | D．Route Ⅳ. |
| A．Travelling across Ireland. | B．Exploring different cities. |
| C．Adventuring in your own vehicle. | D．Knowing more about UNESCO. |
| A．The travellers can choose how long to stay. |
| B．The travellers can enjoy a discount before a certain date. |
| C．The travellers are offered all kinds of food. |
| D．The travellers have access to completely different performances. |
7 . Have you ever wished you could speak a foreign language without taking the classes? Have you ever had trouble while travelling abroad because of the language barrier?
Meet MUAMA Enence—a Japanese high-tech invention that allows you to communicate in more than 40 languages, without wasting your time and money for boring language classes. When you communicate with another person, no matter what language he or she speaks, this tiny but genius device instantly records and translates over 40 languages. You can use it when travelling, for business meetings or whenever you wish to say something in a different language.
How Does it Work?
Although it is armed with the latest technology, using the device is super easy. All you need to do is to choose the language in which you want to communicate and record your words or sentences. You can even record really long sentences and MUAMA Enence will translate everything perfectly!
Why is MUAMA Enence so popular?
This genius device allows you to start communicating(YES, speaking!)with almost every person in the world. This technology was never before available to the public. The original price is $110. For a limited time only, this device is available at a discount of 20%.
Our Conclusion—Buy it While it’s Still Available
The low-cost and high-quality Enence translator is changing the world. The product has been selling like crazy, but the stock won’t last long as the supplies are limited. We recommend ordering MUAMA Enence translator while it is still available.
Click here to check availability now!
1. How can MUAMA Enence give a hand to people?| A．By taking a photo of words or sentences and translating them. |
| B．By helping people hold online business conferences. |
| C．By effectively teaching people a foreign language. |
| D．By putting one language into another one. |
| A．$11. | B．$20. | C．$22. | D．$23.5 |
| A．It is a fast-selling product. |
| B．It is a little tough to operate. |
| C．The sales of the product are uncertain. |
| D．There are enough supplies of the product. |
8 . Your help makes a big difference!
These organizations provide year-round support for those who need it the most. Please give your generous support to one or more of these charities.
Back Up
For over 35 years, Back Up, the national charity has helped people affected by spinal cord injury rebuild their independence after a devastating (毁灭性的) injury. Today, Back Up is at the forefront of helping people in UK adjust positively to spinal cord injury. Your donation really matters! Donate at backuptrust.org.uk.
Debra UK
Debra has been devoted to gifting vital care to EB patients for 60 years. EB (epidermolysis bullosa) is a genetic disease that causes the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch. There are no cures for EB, but specialist healthcare are available in Birmingham and London. With your support, Debra can continue to provide grants (补助金), ensuring patients across the UK medical support. Please donate at debra.org.uk.
Chase Africa
When Chase Africa enabled Venzetina to earn a living, she set up her own business and now sends her two children to school. Venzetina said: “Life could have been so much harder. Thanks to the Chase Africa, I can support my family.” Chase Africa, a charity organization founded in 2012, has changed many African women’s life. To donate, please visit chaseafrica.org.uk.
The Trauma Care Charity
The Trauma Care Charity has helped Trauma (创伤) victims for 22 years. They work with all levels of medical professionals, from volunteers, nurses and consultants. To find out more, scan the QR code or go to traumacare.org.uk.
1. Which charity organization has the shortest history?| A．The Trauma Care Charity. | B．Back Up. | C．Debra UK. | D．Chase Africa. |
| A．backuptrust.org.uk. | B．debra.org.uk. | C．traumacare.org.uk. | D．chaseafrica.org.uk. |
| A．They support the disabled in Europe. | B．They provide jobs for homeless people. |
| C．They offer help to patients in UK. | D．They donate money to women in Africa. |
9 . Camping tips: Which overnight wilderness experience is right for you?
If you’re an experienced backpacker, read no further. This article is for camping rookies, those who have never slept beneath the stars or haven’t pitched a tent since their youth but are seriously thinking about overnighting in the wilderness.
Car camping
At its most basic, car camping involves packing a tent, sleeping bag, fold-up chair, cooler and camp stove into your vehicle and staying at a drive-up campground. Nearly every national park, and many state and county parks and private facilities, offer drive-up campgrounds with restrooms, potable water, fire rings or pits, and maybe even hot showers. So there are lots of choices.
The downside of car camping is the fact that these campgrounds are often packed with other campers. Not a lot of privacy, they can be noisy, and possibly hinder your quest of communing with nature.
Backpacking
No vehicle required; just your feet and a good pair of hiking boots or shoes to get you to the next overnight spot. A multi-day hiking trip is without doubt the most immersive way to experience the great outdoors.
Different from maybe car camping, it requires the least expense and equipment. All you really need are a backpack, sleeping bag, water bottle, small first-aid kit, enough food to last the entire travel. It can be done just about anywhere on the planet.
Boat Camping
While this does involve owning or renting a watercraft or using a ferry or water taxi service to reach the overnight site, camping via canoe, kayak, raft or boat offers a similar get-away-from-it-all adventure as backpacking.
Experienced paddlers and boaters usually prefer to camp on their own along a secluded shoreline. But many adventure or wilderness outfitters offer guided trips that can last anywhere from a couple of days to two or three weeks. With a boat, you can sometimes camp places that not even backpackers can reach.
1. Who are the intended readers?| A．Red-blooded males | B．White-collar staff |
| C．Blue-blooded tourists | D．Green-hand campers |
| A．Backpacking allows you to communicate with nature deeply. |
| B．Car camping is the most economic way to experience nature. |
| C．The drive-up campgrounds provide people with private environment. |
| D．Boat camping offers the same adventures as backpacking. |
| A．Feature | B．Style | C．Travel | D．Entertainment |
10 . If you love talking about vacations as much as you love going on vacation, then this card game Destination Anywhere from Table Topics is for you.
There aren’t any rules — it’s just you, your friend, and 135 cards printed with conversation starters that all relate to travel. The questions are open enough. They might inspire you to share the funniest stories from your previous travels. “What do you always forget when you’re packing for a trip?” may, for example, remind you of the time when you forgot to bring your tent on a week-long hike. And “Do you prefer making tours or seeing sites on your own?” is practically begging your sister to talk about the time she got lost on a self-guided tour through the Tuscan countryside and was rescued by a kindly old sheepherder. The game is recommended to ages 12 and up, and you can get it on Amazon for $25.
If the Destination Anywhere version doesn’t sit well with you, there are plenty of other Table Topics versions to choose from. The “Geek Pop!” edition ($22) could encourage a lively debate. “Not Your Mom’s Dinner Party” edition ($25) will keep your guests entertained with questions like “Have you ever been accompanied by security?” The “Family” edition ($25) is a great way to get silent kids to come out of their shells a little. “Would you rather know how to fly a plane, drive a race car, or rock climb?” pretty much guarantees an answer that isn’t “Yes”, “No”, or “Good”.
You can browse all the Table Topics card set on Amazon.
1. What do we know about the game Destination Anywhere?| A．It is only suitable for adults to play. |
| B．It requires players to follow certain rules. |
| C．It prompts people to start talking about travel. |
| D．It is the cheapest of all the Table Topics card games. |
| A．Family | B．Geek Pop! |
| C．Destination Anywhere | D．Not Your Mom’s Dinner Party |
| A．To show how to play the card games. |
| B．To give suggestions on holding parties. |
| C．To encourage people to go on vacation. |
| D．To recommend the Table Topics card set. |
