1 . Scotland’s landscapes, history, and culture offer a great variety of experiences. This summer, join our unique ranger programs to discover Scotland like never before!
Young Clan’s Highland Games (June 4 to August 22)
A delightful experience for children! Test their skills in traditional Scottish games and compare their abilities to the historical legends of Scotland. No prior experience needed. Fun and educational, this program is flexible to fit your schedule. Meet at the Highland Folk Museum.
Wild Highlands Exploration (May 25 to September 3)
Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Perfect for families, this program offers guided hikes through scenic trails, wildlife spotting, and camping adventures. Learn about Scotland’s native wildlife and how to responsibly enjoy the natural environment. Gather at the Glencoe Visitor Centre.
Loch Ness Legends and Lore (June 8 to September 3)
At the world-famous Loch Ness, this program combines breathtaking views with captivating stories about the Loch’s history and the mysterious Nessie. Ideal for families and photography enthusiasts. Meet at the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition for this engaging talk.
Photography Workshops in the Isles (June 18 & July 11)
Enhance your photography skills in Scotland’s picturesque landscapes. Join our expert photographers for hands-on workshops.
6/18—Isle of Skye Sceneries: meet at the Old Man of Storr parking area.
7/11—Capturing the Aurora: meet at the Shetland Isles Observatory.
1. What do we know about Young Clan’s Highland Games?| A．It combines education and pleasure. | B．It requires previous experience. |
| C．It offers scenic views. | D．It tests athletic skills. |
| A．Offering guided hikes. | B．Enhancing photography skills. |
| C．Being most suitable for families. | D．Learning about traditional Scottish games. |
| A．To offer a variety of sport activities. | B．To provide natural and cultural experiences. |
| C．To focus on historical landmarks. | D．To teach about wildlife conservation. |
2 . 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. |
3 . 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. |
4 . 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. |
5 . Volunteer Wildlife Transporters Needed!
What is a wildlife transporter?
● Wildlife transporters help get rescued sick, injured and orphaned wildlife from a rescuer, carer or vet clinic to a wildlife hospital or a wildlife carer.
● All wildlife will be securely contained for safe transport, so no handling experience is required.
What equipment do I need?
● A reliable vehicle with air-conditioning and sufficient room to place transport carriers. A standard SUV is sufficient.
● Basic rescue supplies
—Cardboard boxes of various sizes
—Plastic rescue baskets
—Pet carriers
● Other supplies
—Second-hand towels, pillowcases or other soft cloth for lining and covering transport carriers
—Notebook and pen/pencil for marking boxes and completing paperwork
—Packing/sticky tape to secure cardboard boxes and to attach paperwork to the animal’s carrier
● Specialised transport carriers
Some wildlife (such as koalas, snakes) will already be contained in a more specialised transport carrier by the rescuer and the animal will remain in that carrier for transport. You do NOT need to have these specialised carriers.
How do I get started?
● Become a Wildcare member—join online at https://wildcare.org.au/help-us/join/.
● Register for and attend a Rescue and First Aid for Wildlife workshop—all training workshops are free for members.
● Get your basic supplies ready as listed above.
● Complete the online Rescue/Transport List Application Form.
●Join the Wildcare members-only Facebook groups—Wildcare Wildlife Transport Facebook group/Wildcare Community Facebook group.
Then what?
● Keep us up to date with your contact details so we can get in touch quickly and easily.
● Keep an eye out for posts from wildlife rescuers and carers asking for assistance with transporting.
● Keep your mobile handy so you don’t miss calls for help.
1. What equipment does a volunteer wildlife transporter need to have?
| A．Metal rescue baskets. | B．An air-conditioned car. |
| C．Some specialized carriers. | D．New towels or pillowcases. |
| A．Pay for the training workshops. | B．Ask for assistance when necessary. |
| C．Update their contact information in time. | D．Complete the application form with a pen. |
| A．A review. | B．A report. | C．A paper. | D．An advertisement. |
6 . 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. |
7 . 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. |
8 . We are delighted to welcome all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity in our National Gallery. For the protection of visitors and staff, as well as to preserve the National Gallery’s collections and facilities, the following policies apply when visiting:
West and East Building Visitor Policies
·Visitors, as well as their backpacks, coolers, purses, packages, and other containers, may be subject to inspection.
·Please do not touch objects in the galleries. Dirt, moisture, and other contaminants present on hands can stain or corrode the surfaces of artworks. Some works are more fragile than they appear, and even simple touching can cause permanent damage. Please keep a distance of about two feet from the art at all times.
·Children may not be carried on the shoulders of another person or in a backpack child carrier. Unattended children under 12 years of age are not permitted in the galleries. Please keep your children with you at all times.
Interacting with Staff
Our dedicated staff are here to make your visit safe and enjoyable. Please treat them with respect. We value empathy, integrity, diversity, equity, access, and inclusion. Abusive, harassing, discriminatory, or threatening language or behavior toward staff or other visitors will not be tolerated. Thank you for helping us create a positive and welcome environment for all.
Accessibility
All galleries and facilities are wheelchair accessible. The 6th Street entrance to the West Building and the 4th Street entrance to the East Building have ramps to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. Wheelchairs are available at all entrances on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit our Accessibility and Inclusion page for more information.
1. Who are the policies mainly for?| A．Visitors. | B．Parents. | C．Children. | D．Staff. |
| A．All galleries are friendly to the wheelchair users. |
| B．You need to be two inches away from the artworks. |
| C．Children under 12 years of age are not permitted in the galleries. |
| D．You can touch some artworks on condition that you keep your hands clean. |
| A．An advertising brochure. | B．An organization website. |
| C．A national newspaper. | D．A scientific website. |
9 . Pet parents — cats and dogs under 20 pounds — can travel on Capitol Corridor for $30 one-way! If your furry family member fits the bill, take them on your next adventure. Check out the information below and how to book your next trip. Our check-in process is simple, making traveling with your four-legged friend easy and enjoyable.
What to Know
As you plan your next train trip with your pet, note that we welcome a maximum (最大) of 6pets per train. Booking needs to happen in advance and only one pet reservation is allowed per customer. Pets cannot be booked with multi-ride tickets, bus connections or unaccompanied minors (未成年人).
When at the station, your pet must always travel in a carrier, which counts as one piece of carry-on baggage, and the combined weight of your pet and carrier is 20 pounds. While aboard trains, it must be able to sit, lie down and remain entirely inside without touching the sides of the carrier. It is not permitted in the Café, or Quiet Cars.
How to Book
Select your trip on the booking machine.
Add your travel details and proceed until you see the option to customize (定制) your trip.
Add a pet to your booking for $30.
Contact 800-USA-RAIL if you need to change your reservation.
The Rules
Your pet must be at least eight weeks old and be unsmelly, harmless, not disruptive, and require no attention during travel.
You confirm that your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and accept responsibility for your pet by signing the pet release document at check-in.
1. How much does a pet owner have to pay for the pet for a round-trip?| A．$15. | B．$30. | C．$45. | D．$60. |
| A．Book ahead of schedule. | B．Take a carrier weighing 20 pounds. |
| C．Buy a multi-ride ticket. | D．Contact 800-USA-RAIL first. |
| A．Eat in the Café. | B．Sleep in Quiet Cars. |
| C．Travel in a carrier. | D．Lie behind the door. |
10 . While Alice has her adventures in the Wonderland, you can have your own as well this summer. British contemporary artist Philip Colbert has created a Lobster (龙虾) Wonderland in Changsha, Hunan Province.
Date: July 15
Location: Changsha International Finance Square (Changsha IFS)
About Philip Colbert
His globally welcomed lobster series has won the hearts of a large number of followers. The artist, with a master’s in philosophy, takes lobster as his second personality.
Through large installations, public art theme exhibition and new media art, the artist has introduced works from galleries and created a surreal art scenery in city’s public space with a combination of pop art and local culture.
Features
In Changsha IFS, Colbert’s exhibition, which is the London-based artist’s first large-scale outdoor public art installations, has three major sectors, showcasing his large installations, sculptures and new media arts as well as the special works created for the event.
The opening ceremony, an art carnival, saw the debut (首次登台) of a 12-meter-long Lobster Taikonaut specially made by Colbert. His Lobster Flower and Lobster Shark also found their way in the parade. At the southwest square, people can find Lobster Fountain towering 12 meters and enjoy two major theme sectors, Lobster Island and Lobster Skate Park.
Lobster Rainbow, a lobster breaking through a roof with a rainbow behind it, is the artist’s brand-new work for Changsha IFS. In his works, such as Daydreamer, Colbert also expresses his wish of narrowing the distance between art pieces and people.
1. What is Philip Colbert well known for?| A．Alice Wonderland. | B．Shark experience. |
| C．Lobster series. | D．Rainbow story. |
| A．It took place in the open air. |
| B．There was no special works for the event. |
| C．People can enjoy lobster fountain and lake. |
| D．Lobster Island is the artist’s brand-new work for Changsha IFS. |
| A．A shopping brochure. |
| B．An art magazine. |
| C．A science report. |
| D．A fashion advertisement. |
