Every child has a dream of what they want to be, right? When Renee Butts was little, her dream was to become a volunteer firefighter because her father was one. Sadly, when she was 14, her beloved father passed away and she was unable to do volunteer work with him. However, she was determined and never gave up, which makes for a good firefighter.

Now Renee is a member of the Carmel Fire Department, where she is required to be an Emergency Medical Technician. She should also be ready to deal with any emergency, like fighting a fire, dealing with a car accident or helping someone who’s sick. Sometimes she is in the driver’s seat or using the water pump. Renec works nine to eleven days a month on 24-hour shifts. She also has a family to care for, as her husband is also a busy firefighter. Dealing with housework and working so much can show her great determination.

When I asked Renee what the best part of her job is, she replied, “Helping people and the satisfaction of saving lives.” I think that shows signs of being a true hero. She’s always willing to do anything for anyone in need. Renee says that her job is frightening at times, but extremely exciting. “The worst part of my job is that I see death. Actually, sometimes, people die in the accident, for which I was very sorry,” said Renee.

I was inspired by this because I know I would be very scared to do her job and don’t know if I could handle seeing people die. With 140 people in her station, Renee is one of the only three women, but that doesn’t bother her. She says everyone gets a fair shot and they all do the same jobs.

We would never live without people like her who have the courage to risk their lives. Renee’s determination rubs off on me and helps me believe that I can do anything.

7 . It is an ancient Chinese tradition to cherish grain. In ancient China, farming promoted the development of civilization so people regarded grain as a God. The ancient people firmly believed that “food is the most important thing for the people”. The earth God “She” and the grain God “Ji” were the earliest gods worshipped by our ancestors and the country was called “Sheji”.

Chinese believe in food conservation. Scholars have strongly advocated that “every single grain is fruit of hard work” and nothing should be wasted. Strong daily practices are associated with “respecting” the grain. Families that run out of rice never leave their container completely empty. There is always a little rice left in it. Parts of the poultry (家禽) and livestock that are unsuitable to be the main dishes are always deliciously cooked.

Food also helps bring people together. In Chinese culture, “Ju” (get together)is a very particular word. There are many ways to get together, but the word “Can” is usually added to it in case of festivals, birthday celebrations, moving to new houses, weddings and funeral. “Ju Can”(get together and have dinner)is an important way for Chinese families to bond.

But these ordinarily frugal (节俭的) people often end up wasting food during “Ju Can”. Some reports show that the annual waste of grain in China is close to 6% of the total grain output, of which, the waste rate of a large party is as high as 38%. The food waste is driven by people’s flamboyant nature-they think the plates must be full and taking away packed food from a party is “disgraceful”. The dishes at a dinner party have become a symbol of a person’s wealth and having too many dishes at the menu has become fashionable, thus promoting waste.

Small to a person, a family, big to a country, the whole human race, to survive, to develop, we have to be frugal. Being frugal does not mean being mean, it simply means one is wise enough not to waste food. If the culture of diligence and frugality is more widespread in all countries, it would provide for a stronger foundation for national security and family happiness.

9 . Things to see, hear, watch and read.

For more culture coverage and streaming recommendations, see vulture. com.

MOVIES

Go to New York Film Festival

Sans virtual screenings.

Lincoln Center, through October 10.

The city’s most impressive cinema showcase opens with the world premiere (首映) of Joel Coen's The Tragedy of Macbeth, with Deazel Washington and Frances McDormand as the ruthless(冷酷无情的) would-be royals, and includes new films from Pedro Almodóvar (Parallel Mothers), Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog）, Celine Sciamma (Petite Maman), Paul Verhoeven (Benedetta) and Apicbatpong Weerasethakul (Memoria).

ALISON WILLMORE

THEATER

See Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

Rolling on the river.

Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, reopens October 8.

With many Broadway shows returning, theater-goers can catch up with the shows they meant to attend but never quite got to. No one should miss a second chance to see star Adrienne Warren. The power-packed, laser-voiced performer will only be back playing the central role from October 8 to 31, and while her successor will no doubt be incredible, Warren...is simply the best. Do not miss her this time out.

HELEN SHAW

PODCASTS

Listen to Storytime with Seth Rogen.

Ft. celebrities and regular people.

Sirius XM’s Stitcher October 6.

Seth Rogen has teamed with producer Richard Parks III to show the stories of his interviewers as cinematically as possible, no matter how ordinary. Upcoming guests include Quinta Brunson, Joe Mande, and Paul Scheer.

NICHOLAS QUAH

ART

See Julian Lethbridge

Geometric abstractions.

Paula Cooper Gallery, 521 West 21" Street, through October 16.

Julian Lethbridge is a sort of under-known master of modeling the complex possibilities and variations of the visibility of thought. His works convey an intensity (强烈) of intention and a smoldering (郁积的) emotionalism.

JERRY SALTZ