1 . Best Hotels Along the California Coast
Crystal Cove Beach Cottages
These 1938 beachfront rooms occupy a part of Newport Beach’s Crystal Cove State Park. At the beginning, developed as a movie set, these attractive houses, now repainted in lively beach style, aim to remain the original look with Murphy beds.
Advance booking is required, as the rooms sell out the moment they are available (可获得的).
www.crystalcove.org.
Montage Laguna Beach
Standing guard over 30 beachfront acres, Montage Laguna Beach transports you to that pleasant house with marble baths, comfortable bedding and ocean views.
Three swimming pools, including one just for kids and another relaxation space, four onsite restaurants and a kids club are just a small part of the outstanding service offered by this hotel.
www.montagehotels.com.
Terranea
Just south of Los Angeles, atop the Palo Verdes Peninsula, Terranea offers ocean-view guest rooms along with heated baths and rain showers.
Families love the huge swimming pool, the water slide, the kids program, the nightly bonfire (篝火) and the selection of kid-friendly restaurants. The young appreciate the dirt road that snakes away into the distance.
www.terranea.com.
El Capitan Canyon
Just north of Santa Barbara in a coastal corner, El Capitan Canyon promotes a life lived outdoors, with some extra comfort.
Guests stay in heated tents (帐篷) decorated in the Native American style with raised beds, and private outdoor picnic tables. Guests can also access a swimming pool, and taste dinners at the award-winning restaurant.
www.elcapitancanyon.com.
1. What are you required to do to go for your holiday at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages?| A．Bring a quality tent. | B．Book a room in advance. |
| C．Get a membership card. | D．Prepare food for a picnic. |
| A．A room with Murphy beds. | B．An original movie set. |
| C．A special pool for children. | D．An outdoor picnic table. |
| A．www.crystalcove.org. | B．www.terranea.com. |
| C．www.montagehotels.com. | D．www.elcapitancanyon.com. |
2 . This prepaid postcard features a daytime image of Sydney’s iconic Opera House.
Prepaid postcards can be posted from any red post box located in Australia or at your local Australia Post retail outlet and can be sent worldwide or to domestic locations.
No stamp is required as the prepaid postcard includes postage, making it easier for you to stay in touch.
Australia’s most recognisable landmark, the Sydney Opera House, was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth II 50 years ago on 20 October 1973. Praised throughout the world, and recognised as a masterpiece of human creative genius, this extraordinary building was a winning design of Danish architect Jorn Utzon (1918 –2008) in an international design competition. It was named on the World Heritage List in 2007 as “a masterpiece of 20th century architecture”. The Sydney Opera House is also Australia’s number one tourist destination, welcoming more than 10.9 million visitors a year. It is also one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres, presenting more than 2,000 shows 363 days per year, for more than 1.5 million people.
Background information, technical details and gallery images on all our latest stamp issues are available on the Australia Post Collectables website.
Issue date: 10 October 2023
Issue withdrawal date: 1 May 2024
First day cover’s withdrawal date: 8 November 2023
Visit the articles section of the Australia Post Collectables website for additional content relating to stamp issues, including interviews with experts and designers.
To ensure you have the correct postage for sending your letter or card, please check our up-to-date postage rates.
1. What can we learn about the Sydney Opera House?| A．It is open all year round. |
| B．It was financed by Queen Elizabeth II. |
| C．Its design is a winner of an international design competition. |
| D．It is the most popular tourist destination all over the world. |
| A．About half a year. | B．About one year. |
| C．About two months. | D．About two years. |
| A．To appeal to people to purchase more stamps. |
| B．To persuade people to visit the Sydney Opera House. |
| C．To introduce some interviews with experts and designers. |
| D．To call on people to buy the postcards of the Sydney Opera House. |
3 . A new study shows that U.S. teens see more television commercials (广告) for alcohol than for jeans, sneakers, or other teen products, the New York Times reported Dec. 18.
For the study, the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth (CAMY) at Georgetown University studied the 208,909 alcohol commercials on television. They found that nearly 25 percent of the ads were viewed mainly by teenagers, rather than adults.
Furthermore, 12-to-20-year-olds viewed more commercials for beer and other alcoholic drinks than products marketed directly to young people, such as gum, snacks, and juice. “No one is watching what the industry is doing, and the industry is in denial (拒绝承认),” said David A. Kessler, dean of the School of Medicine at Yale and an adviser to CAMY.
The alcohol industry uses voluntary rules to reduce the number of ads seen by those under age 21. The rules say that ads should not air during programs where at least half of the audience is underage (未成年的).
“We do not forgive illegal underage drinking under any circumstances,” said Jeff Becker, president of the Beer Institute. “This industry does not, and never has, targeted our advertising to people who can’t legally buy our products.”
However, the report found that alcohol ads ran during 13 of the 15 most popular shows for teenagers, including “Seventh Heaven,” “Gilmore Girls, ” “Dark Angel,” “That ‘70s Show,” “Friends,” “E.R.,” and sporting events.
Jim O’Hara, executive director of CAMY, said the industry rules are false. He added, “These standards do not protect youth from exposure and overexposure to alcohol advertising and marketing.”
1. What’s the result of the study conducted by CAMY?| A．Teenagers like alcohol than jeans and sneakers. |
| B．Alduts see more alcohol ads on TV than teenager. |
| C．Teenagers see ads for alcohol ads on TV more than adults. |
| D．The older teenagers are, the better they like ads for alcohol ads. |
| A．The alcohol industry is widely praised. |
| B．The alcohol industry is closely watched. |
| C．The underage will see less ads for alcoholic drinks in the near future. |
| D．Young people can easily buy such products as alcoholic drinks, snacks and juice. |
| A．Dark Angel and Seventh Heaven are shows for adults. |
| B．The industry rules protect youth from alcohol advertising. |
| C．Not all the most popular shows for teenagers air alcohol ads. |
| D．Teenagers can drink alcohol with the permission of their parents. |
| A．Alcohol commercials on TV. |
| B．Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth. |
| C．Illegal underage drinking is not permitted. |
| D．Teenagers see more TV ads for alcohol than other products. |
| Brighten up your garden at night cheaply, attractively, conveniently Get the new SOLAR GARDEN LIGHT today! | |
| Developed using the latest technology | Available in fifteen attractive pastel (清淡柔和的) and bright colors |
| No electricity bills | Uses solar energy |
| No wiring | Easy to install |
| Comes in a variety of attractive shapes — blends (协调) in easily in any garden | Lights up for twelve hours |
| Bright Lights Sdn. Bhd. 235, Persiaran Kenanga, 40000 SHAH ALIM. Tel: 03-72345618 Also available at: JDP Lights Sdn. Bhd. 12, Jalan Desa, 47200 PETALING JAYA. Tel: 03-72310486 For home delivery call 03-72355618 | |
1. Why is the Solar Garden Light convenient?
| A．It is developed using the latest technology. |
| B．It keeps the house brightly lit the whole day long. |
| C．No wiring is required to light up the garden. |
| D．It lights up for hours. |
| A．It comes in a variety of shapes and colors. |
| B．It is bright and attractive. |
| C．It is colorful. |
| D．It is cheap. |
| A．To introduce to gardeners the Solar Garden Light. |
| B．To attract customers to buy the Solar Garden Light. |
| C．To highlight the companies selling the Solar Garden Light. |
| D．To inform house owners about the functions of the Solar Garden Light. |
5 . The Children’s Library is currently offering pick-up service. Customers may tell us your requests for any books or movies over the telephone by calling (561) 6552776, on Mondays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Customers can click here to browse our available titles. Limits on requests are 15 per family. Pick-up time is 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays of the same week when requests are made. Please note some items listed as available may become unavailable before your order is filled.
Once a request is made, library staff will call you to confirm your request, and reserve pick-up time for Tuesday or Thursday between 10 a.m. and noon.
When arriving for pick-up, customers are asked to drive through the Rovensky staff parking lot, attached to the building which houses the Children’s Library. On arrival, call our Children’s Library to let them know you are here and a staff member will place your bag. Please remain in your vehicle. Please place all returns in our book drop.
The Children’s Library offers a variety of programs throughout the year, including Preschool Story Time, Family Story Time and special events. Programs for children in kindergarten and higher grades are offered during the season, November through April, on selected weekdays. Children are invited to borrow books, use iPads, play games, build with blocks and enjoy special programs at no charge.
Children of all ages, newborn through 17, must always be accompanied by an adult while in the Children’s Library. Likewise, all adults must be accompanied by a child.
1. When can customers make a call to tell the requests?| A．10: 30 a.m., Tuesday. | B．11: 30 a m. Thursday. |
| C．10: 30 a. m., Monday. | D．1: 00 a.m., Monday. |
| A．Drive through a park. | B．Pay some money for books. |
| C．Remain in the Library. | D．Inform the library of their arrival. |
| A．On a notice. | B．On the Internet. | C．In the library. | D．In a newspaper. |
| A．At 7:30. | B．At 8:20. | C．At 8:30. |
| A．A talent show. | B．A movie. | C．A basketball match. |
8 . Group Visits and Tours
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston(MFAH) welcomes groups to experience the Museum’s collections and exhibitions. Discounts (折扣) for self-guided group visits and expert-guide d group tours are there for those who book 10 or more tickets.
From the great art collections of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston—with objects crossing the world and human creative history—to the ever-changing schedule of thematic exhibitions, the Museum offers a lot of tour topics to suit your interests. Visit as a self-guided group, and you and your guests can explore at your own pace. For a deeper exploration into the galleries, request (要求) an expert-guided tour.
Policy
The Museum offers tours and packages to groups of 10 or more for the Museum’s collections and selected exhibitions. Membership benefits and free individual admission may not be used at the same time with school or group visits. Tours led by guides who don’t work in the Museum are not allowed; please contact groupsales@mfah.org in advance of your visit for all tour requests.
Reservations
For price information, contact groupsales@mfah.org or 713-639-7878. To make a reservation (预定) request, complete the group visit request form. At least one-week advance notice is needed for self-guided visits and two weeks for expert-guided tours. Reservations are confirmed with an order number and decided by advance payment.
Looking for school tours? Find information here or email schooltours@mfah.org with your questions.
Main address: 1001 Bissonnet, Houston, Texas 77005
MFAH Information Line: 713-639-7300
1. How can you get discounted tickets for the Museum?| A．By visiting it with an expert. | B．By buying at least ten tickets. |
| C．By booking tickets in advance. | D．By paying a visit with your family. |
| A．Groups led by a guide they bring. | B．Children without their parents’ company. |
| C．Those coming with a clear visit plan. | D．Visitors without membership. |
| A．Call 713-639-7878. | B．Buy the ticket two weeks ahead. |
| C．Visit schooltours@mfah.org. | D．Pay for your ticket in advance. |
9 . The Boston Public Library’s October talks feature a range of outstanding persons and topics.
*The South Boston Historical Society presents an author’s talk by Jim Lynch. He will discuss the lives of three generations making a living on the Boston’s seaside in his novel The Longshoremen: Life on the Waterfront on Friday, October 2, from 6:30 p. m. to 9:20 p. m. at the South Boston Branch.
* Margaret Ellen Newell, a great author, explores the stories of Indians enslaved by English settlers in New England and shows how they influenced New England society in very important ways in the eighteenth century. It’s on Sunday, October 4, from 6 p. m. to 8 p. m.in the Commonwealth Salon at the Central Library in Copley Square, at 700 Boylston Street.
*Nancy Schin is best-known for her sculpture in Boston, notably her bronze duck and ducklings in the Boston Public Garden. She will explore her major public projects, including what inspired them, and what goes into making a beautiful work of public art on Monday, October 19, from 5 p. m. to 7 p. m. in the Commonwealth Salon, at 700 Boylston Street.
*Erica Ferencik details The River at Night, set against the tough beauty of the Maine wilderness, which describes the risky journey of four friends in the undeveloped world where they fight to survive a boat accident. It is on Friday, October 23, from 6:40 p. m. to 9:20 p. m. in the Commonwealth Salon.
* Frederick Douglass Opie, author of Southern Food and Civil River Feeding the Revolution, shares the ways southern food nourished (滋养) the fight for freedom going back ages along with valuable recipes associated with the era; It’s on Monday, October 26, from6 p. m. to 9 p. m. in the Commonwealth Salon.
1. What’s the theme of Margaret Ellen Newell’s talk?| A．A brief history of New England. |
| B．The formation of New England society. |
| C．The stories of English settlers in America. |
| D．The influence of Indian slaves on New England. |
| A．The talk on Oct. 2. | B．The talk on Oct. 4. |
| C．The talk on Oct. 23. | D．The talk on Oct. 26. |
| A．They’re all given by some famous authors. |
| B．They’re all held at the South Boston Branch. |
| C．They all recommend some admirable persons. |
| D．They are all library talks to be held in October. |
10 . Upcoming Book Fairs and Festivals
If you’re an author, you owe it to yourself to check out this list of book fairs and festival s that authors can attend.
Bouchercon World Mystery Convention, October 14—15, San Diego, CA. The World Mystery Convention is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization which holds an annual convention in honor of Anthony Boucher, the distinguished mystery fiction critic, editor and author. Bouchercon is their annual world mystery convention, where every year readers, writers, publishers, editors, and booksellers gather for a weekend of education, entertainment, and fun!
The Appalachian Writer’s Conference, October 28, Berea, KY. The conference is a literary workshop that offers beginning writers a chance to sharpen existing skills and learn new techniques from award-winning, seasoned novelists, non-fiction writers, memoirists, and poets. The guests will stay at Historic Boone Tavern Hotel and have a chance to meet Kentucky Artisans.
Kansas Book Festival, November 10—12, Topeka, KS. This event, designed to celebrate the best of Kansas literature, arts and history, will offer a variety of activities for Kansans of all ages, including meet-the-author sessions, panel discussions, book signings and sales, and a special tent with projects for children. This event is free and open to the public.
Indie Book Fair, November 19, Orlando, FL. The Indie Book Fair’s mission is to create a space to allow independent authors to sell and showcase their work, build their readership and make everyone aware of their brand. The vision is through multiple book fair events that are FREE to the public and will include virtual buying for readers who cannot attend. The fair will be held 3 times a year.
1. What’s special about the event to be held in San Diego?| A．It lasts the longest. | B．It aims to entertain the volunteers. |
| C．It educates the public on publications. | D．It is intended to honor a well-known author. |
| A．Staying at a hotel for free. | B．Improving their writing skills. |
| C．Winning writing awards. | D．Meeting with independent authors. |
| A．In San Diego. | B．In Berea. | C．In Topeka. | D．In Orlando. |
