1 . Can you imagine a cloud floating in the middle of your room? Do you want to know what it feels like to fly like a bird? Find your answers in Time Magazine's 25 "Best Inventions". Here, we have picked out the most interesting 4 to share with you.
Talking Gloves
Ever felt confused by the sign language used by disabled people? Here is the "helping hand" you need. Four Ukrainian students have created a pair of gloves that helps people with hearing and speech problems communicate with others. The gloves are equipped with sensors that recognize sign language and translate it into text on a smartphone. Then the smartphone changes the text to spoken words.
Google Glasses
Google Glasses are like a computer built into the frame of a pair of glasses. With its 1.3-centimeter display, the glasses allow you to surf the Internet and make calls without even lifting a finger. The glasses also have a camera and GPS mapping system. Users can take and share photos, check maps and surf the Internet just by looking up, down, left and right.
Indoor Clouds
It's not virtual.That's a real world. Dutch artist Smilde managed to create a small but perfect white cloud in the middle of a room using a fog machine. But it required careful planning—the temperature, humidity（湿度）and lighting all had to be just right. Once everything was ready, the cloud formed in the air with the machine. But it only lasted for a short while.
Wingsuits
The suit fulfills your dreams of flying like a bird.Well, not exactly flying, but gliding（滑翔）through the air. It increases the surface area of the human body, which makes it easier for people to float in the air. Fliers wearing wingsuits can glide one kilometer in about 30 seconds.
1. Who will probably be the users of “Talking Gloves”?| A．Disabled people | B．Normal people. |
| C．Trained people. | D．Working people. |
| A．By moving the mouse. | B．By tapping the keyboard. |
| C．By moving the eyeballs. | D．By pressing the button. |
| A．Talking Gloves. | B．Wingsuits. |
| C．Google Glasses. | D．Indoor Clouds. |
2 . Some best music and opera holidays for 2019.
Tangle wood Festival
The villages of Lenox and Stockbridge in western Massachusetts have been the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra for more than 80 years, and its annual Tanglewood festival is East Coast America’s most distinguished music event. Andris Nelsons, BSO music director, conducts 14 of the concerts and star performers include Emanuel Ax, Paul Lewis and Anne-Sophie Mutter. Tickets on sale Feb 10.
June 15—Aug 25 (tanglewood.org)
Aspen Festival
This year is the 70th anniversary of the Aspen Music Festival, one of the longest-running and most prestigious festivals in the United States. The 2019 program has yet to be announced, but a typical eight- week summer season includes more than 400 classical music events—including concerts by five orchestras, solo (独奏) and classical music performances, fully staged opera productions, music lessons, lectures, and children’s programming. Tickets and details available in February.
June 27—Aug 18 (aspenmusicfestival. com)
Grand Teton Music Festival
Aspen’s great classical music competitor in the Rocky Mountains is the Grand Teton, which has been held in Jackson Hole since 1962 and at its heart is a timber concert hall, the Walk Festival Hall, famous for its friendly atmosphere and excellent natural sound. Despite its relatively modest size, the hall attracts the greats—current music director is the Scottish conductor Donald Runnicles. The program for 2019 is yet to be announced but subscriptions are on sale from Feb 1, single tickets from March 1.
July 2—Aug 17 ( gtmf. org)
Salzburg Festival
The excitement is building in Salzburg both for this summer and for its 100th anniversary year in 2020. Bar the Proms, it is the world’s oldest music festival and this year it will pack in an unbelievable 199 performances in 43 days at 16 venues. This year’s theme is ‘Myths’ and includes first public performances of Mozart’s Idomeneo and George Enescu’s opera dipe.
July 20—Aug 31 (salzburgfestival. at)
1. Which of the festivals has the shortest history?| A．Tangle wood Festival. | B．Aspen Festival. |
| C．Salzburg Festival. | D．Grand Teton Music Festival. |
| A．It is held from June 27 to Aug. 18. |
| B．Its tickets can be available from March 1. |
| C．It is best known in the east coast of America. |
| D．Its more information can be got from gtmf. org. |
| A．Their tickets can be got in February. |
| B．They will be held in the same months. |
| C．They both have music and opera performances. |
| D．Their audience can be both adults and children. |
3 . My Year Abroad
This month in Travelers Corner there are three teenagers’ experiences in year-abroad programmes.
Mariko Okada - Tokyo
My year abroad in the United States was a fantastic experience. I’m not a shy person, and I was very comfortable speaking to everyone. So I got lots of speaking practice. I also learned lots of interesting things about American culture. When I got home, my friends all said that I had improved so much! I hope to go back again in the future.
Carla Fonseca - Rio de Janeiro
I spent last year studying English in London. I’m from a small town, and London is a very big city. Sometimes I felt it was too big. There were so many people to talk to, but I always felt bad about my English. I missed my family, and I really missed my two cats. My roommate was always using our telephone, so I hardly had the chance for a nice long talk with my parents. I think it was a good experience for me, but I’m glad to be home!
Alvin Chen - Hong Kong
Studying in New Zealand was an interesting experience for me, but it was also lots of hard work! I had English classes six hours a day, five days a week—with lots of homework. I also kept a diary of my experience. I like to write, and I wrote two or three pages in my diary every day. On Saturdays, my home stay family took me to lots of interesting places and showed me so many wonderful things about the culture. I’m really glad I went!
1. All the three teenagers went abroad ________.| A．to have a holiday | B．to visit friends |
| C．to study English | D．to find a job |
| A．Carla. | B．Mariko. |
| C．Alvin. | D．None of them. |
| A．a sports club newsletter | B．a science documentary |
| C．a news website | D．a travel magazine |
4 . Craziest Food Festivals sounds like a joke topic, but once you start looking into it, you’ll realize they’re everywhere---the crazier, the better.
1. Bibimbap Festival
In the South Korean town of Jeonjuloves, their “mixed rice” dish is a hearty serve of rice topped with raw beef, a rainbow of vegetables, a raw egg and gochujang sauce (韩国的辣椒酱) so much. They take four days out of October to celebrate it.
Like any festival there’s music, entertainment and magic, but making it that little bit different is the bibimbap that’s whipped (搅拌) up in a big bowl by dozens of chefs and served to over 400 people.
2. Waikiki Spam Jam (怀基基午餐肉节)
Who knew this canned meat had so much love? Well, it turns out that a can of Spam is the go-to item in Hawaii, along with a grass skirt and garland (花环). The people of Hawaii love Spam so much that they even spend a day in May serving out the best Spam, a type of cheap canned meat made mainly from pork.
3. Bessieres Easter Egg Festival
At Easter time, for those in the French town of Bessieres it’s all about an egg far less sweet.
Here they celebrate the holiday by getting dozens of chefs to make one large omelette (煎蛋卷) - 15,000 eggs strong - for the townsfolk (市民).
4. Potato Days Festival
This festival actually takes place in Barnesville, Minnesota(明尼苏达州), the US. Over the last Friday and Saturday in August the town celebrates its potato-growing skills by hosting potato picking and peeling contests, as well as a Miss Tater Tot pageant (盛典) for five-and six-year-old girls.
1. Bibimbap is ______.| A．a kind of egg cake far less sweet |
| B．a can of meat made mainly from pork |
| C．a fried potato ball covered with sauce |
| D．a rice dish mixed up with vegetables, etc |
| A．from 22 to 25 October | B．in May in Hawaii |
| C．in Barnesville, Minnesota | D．in a French town |
| A．Bibimbap Festival | B．Waikiki Spam Jam |
| C．Bessieres Easter Egg Festival | D．Potato Days Festival |
5 . At Beaver Meadows Ranch on Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, there is a long list of outdoor winter activities for the entire family. Take a winter vacation there.
Ice Fishing
For $10 a day, visitors can try their hand at ice fishing. Ice fishing is available from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. You will need to bring your own ice fishing equipment because it cannot be rented. You will need to have your fishing license too. For more about it, call 800-462-5870.
Hot Chocolate & Cookies Sleigh Ride
Passengers take a 15- to 20-minute sleigh ride through beautiful Colorado country. During the sleigh ride, you’ll have the experience of stopping at an old-time cabin, warming yourself by a fire and eating cookies while drinking hot chocolate. You will need to contact them at 970-231-1955 to set up a time for your sleigh ride.
Winter Horseback Riding
Experience winter horseback riding while viewing the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding 840 acres where Beaver Meadows Ranch makes its home. You’ll be guided on a tour by one of the expert wranglers (牧马人) when the weather permits. One-hour rides cost $35 per person and two-hour rides cost $50. For more information, contact them at 866-881-7679 to set up your horseback riding winter activity.
Other Winter Activities Information
For more information about Beaver Meadows Ranch, or if you’d like to book a room for an adventurous holiday, call 970-881-2450. It’s not very often you can find a one-stop adventure spot full of winter activities. Take advantage of your free time this winter season and enjoy the outdoor scenery in Colorado.
1. If you want to enjoy sleigh rides, you will call _____.| A．800-462-5870 | B．970-231-1955 |
| C．970-881-2450 | D．866-881-7679 |
| A．$50. | B．$70. |
| C．$100. | D．$140. |
| A．In the latest news. | B．In a children’s book. |
| C．In a travel guide. | D．In a sportsman’s diary. |
6 . Make Money This Summer with Sunny Libraries!
Do you have too much free time this summer vacation? Do you need a summer job to earn extra money? Do you want to be involved in your community? Sunny Area Library System (SALS) has job opportunities for high school students. These are good chances to get work experience.
Book Theater brings children’s book stories to life. It has shows at all Sunny Libraries. Applicants should enjoy performing in front of an audience and working with young children. Work Hours: Practice: Fridays 4:00 pm — 6:00 pm Performance: Tuesdays 10:00 am Rate of Pay: $16/performance | Computer Tutor helps guests to deal with technology problems, involving Internet searches and using the SALS Website to find materials. Applicants should have computer skills. Work Hours: Monday—Friday 9:00 am—5:00 pm Rate of Pay: $ 8/hour |
Bookmobile helps the driver find the routes to libraries. The truck you work in is air-conditioned, and the driver is friendly. Applicants must be able to lift heavy boxes. Work Hours: Sunday and Friday 9:00 am — 4:00 pm Rate of Pay: $10/hour | Reader Desk provides service with a smile while checking materials in and out to guests. Friendly attitude and ability to work on library data system required. Work Hours: Monday—Tuesday 8:00 am—4:00 pm Rate of Pay: $ 7.50/hour |
| A．$64. | B．$120. |
| C．$320. | D．$140. |
| A．To repair computers. | B．To lift heavy boxes. |
| C．To work with young children. | D．To check materials for guests. |
| A．To attract students to libraries. | B．To raise money for libraries. |
| C．To introduce new books. | D．To provide job opportunities. |
7 . Washington, D.C. Bicycle Tours
Cherry Blossom Bike Tour in Washington, D.C.
Duration: 3 hours
This small group bike tour is a fantastic way to see a world-famous cherry trees with beautiful flowers of Washington, D.C. Your guide will provide a history lesson about the trees and the famous monuments where they blossom. Reserve your spot before availability — the cherry blossoms—disappear!
Washington Capital Monuments Bicycle Tour
Duration: 3 hours (4 miles)
Join a guided bike tour and view some of the most popular monuments in Washington, D.C. Explore the monuments and memorials on the National Mall as your guide shares unique facts and history at each stop. Guided tour includes bike, helmet, cookies and bottled water.
Capital City Bike Tour In Washington, D.C.
Duration: 3 hours
Morning or Afternoon, this bike tour is the perfect tour for D. C. newcomers and locals looking to experience Washington, D.C. in a healthy way with minimum effort. Knowledgeable guides will entertain you with the most, interesting stories about Presidents, Congress, memorials, and parks. Comfortable bikes and a smooth tour route(路线) make cycling between the sites fun and relaxing.
Washington Capital Sites at Night Bicycle Tour
Duration: 3 hours (7miles)
Join a small group bike tour for an evening of exploration in the heart of Washington, D.C. Get up close to the monuments and memorials as you bike the sites of Capitol Hill and the National Mall. Frequent stops are made for photo taking as your guide offers unique facts and history. Tour includes bike, helmet, and bottled water. All riders are equipped with reflective vests and safety lights.
1. Which tour do you need to book in advance?| A．Cherry Blossom Bike Tour in Washington, D.C. |
| B．Washington Capital Monuments Bicycle Tour. |
| C．Capital City Bike Tour in Washington. |
| D．Washington Capital Sites at Night Bicycle Tour. |
| A．Meet famous people. | B．Go to a national park. |
| C．Visit well-known museums. | D．Enjoy interesting stories. |
| A．City maps. | B．Cameras. |
| C．Meals. | D．Safety lights. |
8 . Take a trip to one of London's theme parks for an adrenaline-packed day out. From thrilling rides through history, to wild animals - both mythical and real - London's theme parks offer great entertainment for families and groups.
Unlike most London attractions, some amusement parks aren't in central London, but are easily reached by train, coach or car.
Chessington World of Adventures
Whether it's adrenaline - pumping rides, wild animals or underwater adventures you're after, Chessington delivers. There are three main sections: the Theme Park has 10 themed lands with more than 40 rides and attractions including roller coasters, dodgems and rides suitable for younger children. Chessington Zoo houses 1, 000 animals including tigers, lions, giraffes, penguins and a petting zoo.
Shrek’s Adventure
Board the Dreamworks. Tour Bus for a 4D experience with cheeky Donkey as your guide. You'll be taken through 10 live, fairy-tale-themed shows including Shrek's Swamp and a mirror maze(迷宫). Suitable for all ages, but particularly those aged 6 to 12 years old.
London Dungeon
Take a scary but humorous 90-minute journey through 1, 000 years of London's history at the ever - popular London Dungeon. There are 18 interactive shows with 20 live theatre actors and two rides to guide you through the city's murky past. Walk the Whitechapel Maze with Jack the Ripper, visit a medieval torture chamber, and be careful not to lose your head on The Tyrant boat ride with King Henry VⅢ!
KidZania
Set your imagination free at KidZania at Westfield London – the new role – playing park for children that’s taking the world by storm. A child-size city complete with shops and locations including a fire station, a bank and a theatre stage where children can role-play around 60 different jobs and professions, KidZania aims to teach life skills such as financial literacy, teamwork and independence.
1. If vistors want to enjoy the excitement of roller coasters, they can go to ________.| A．KidZania | B．Shrek’s Adventure |
| C．London Dungeon | D．Chessington World of Adventures |
| A．Students studying history. | B．Underwater adventurers. |
| C．Police officers. | D．Animal lovers. |
| A．A science textbook. | B．A news report. |
| C．A travel guidebook. | D．A geography magazine. |
9 . During the cold winter days, there are some interesting festivals in the world. Look at the following ones.
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
Place: China
Time: January 5 to February 5
People build incredible things out of ice and snow, decorating them with lights.
The Carnival of Venice
Place: Italy
Time: between February and March
One of the most beautiful festivals in the world, people wear masks and elaborate costumes to hide differences among classes, and there are contests for the best costumes.
Holi Festival
Place: India
Time: late February/ March, on the last full moon day
Hindus and Sikhs, in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka celebrate the main day of this incredibly fun 16-day festival by throwing colored powder and water at each other.
Sundance Film Festival
Place: Utah, the US
Time: end of February
The largest independent film festival in the US. Watch both feature films and shorts. You need to buy a ticket.
1. Which country will you go if you life watching movies?| A．America | B．China |
| C．India | D．Italy |
| A．Sundance Film Festival. | B．The Carnival of Venice. |
| C．Holi Festival. | D．Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. |
| A．In early January | B．In late February |
| C．In early March | D．In late January |
10 . Monthly Talks at London Canal Museum
Our monthly talks start at 19:30 on the first Thursday of each month except August. Admission is at normal charges and you don’t need to book. They end around 21:00.
November 7th
The Canal Pioneers, by Chris Lewis. James Brindley is recognized as one of the leading early canal engineers. He was also a major player in training others in the art of canal planning and building. Chris Lewis will explain how Brindley made such a positive contribution to the education of that group of early “civil engineers”.
December 5th
Ice for the Metropolis, by Malcolm Tucker. Well before the arrival of freezers, there was a demand for ice for food preservation and catering, Malcolm will explain the history of importing natural ice and the technology of building ice wells, and how London’s ice trade grew.
February 6th
An Update on the Cotsword Canals, by Liz Payne. The Stroudwater Canal is moving towards reopening. The Thames and Severn Canal will take a little longer. We will have a report on the present state of play.
March 6th
Eyots and Aits-Thames Islands, by Miranda Vickers. The Thames had many islands. Miranda has undertaken a review of all of them. She will tell us about those of greatest interest.
Online bookings:www.canalmuseum.org.uk/book
More into:www.canalmuseum.org.uk/whatson
London Canal Museum
12-13 New Wharf Road, London NI 9RT
www.canalmuseum.org.uk www.canalmuseum.mobi
Tel:020 77130836
1. When is the talk on James Brindley?| A．February 6th. | B．December 5th. |
| C．November 7th. | D．March 6th. |
| A．The Canal Pioneers. | B．An Update on the Cotsword Canals |
| C．Eyots and Aits-Thames Islands | D．Ice for the Metropolis |
| A．Miranda Vickers | B．Malcolm Tucker |
| C．Chris Lewis | D．Liz Payne |
