1 . What’s on
Bluedot
Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire, 21-24 July
Bluedot returns for four days of music, art and space science. Among the treats are talks by physicist Jim AI-Khalili, astronaut Tim Peake, space scientist Monica Grady and BBC Sky at Night’s Chris Lintott, alongside a bill of stand-up comedy, art and music by the likes of Bjork and Groove Armada. Day tickets ￡35/visitor, weekend tickets ￡179/visitor.
Late Night Explorer
Kielder Observatory, Northumberland, weekends, 11:30 pm
Wonder at the Moon, planets and galaxies under the guidance of expert astronomers, and use the observatory’s high-quality telescopes. Also enjoy a log-burning stove (炉子) and a hot chocolate. ￡46/visitor.
Herschel to Hawkwind
Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, 2 July, 7:30 pm
Rock guitarist and astronomer William gives an entertaining talk that explores the connection between music and the sky, including live music and a singalong. ￡16/adult; ￡13/child.
Craig Telescope Talk
Bredhurst Village Hall, Gillingham, 29 July, 8 pm
Greg Smye-Rumsby brings to life the story of the Craig telescope, for a brief time in the mid-19th century the largest refracting telescope (折射望远镜) in the world. Was this strange instrument just an expensive folly? ￡18/visitor; ￡24 with food.
1. What might Bjork do for visitors during 21-24 July?| A．Serve them a hot chocolate. | B．Entertain them with music. |
| C．Give a lecture on the universe. | D．Discuss how music relates to the sky. |
| A．￡13. | B．￡16. | C．￡26. | D．￡32. |
| A．Observatory Science Centre. | B．Jodrell Bank Observatory. |
| C．Bredhurst Village Hall. | D．Kielder Observatory. |
2 . Paris is one of the most-visited destinations in the world. A relaxing trip to Paris takes a little bit of planning. Here are some tips for you to make your trip smooth.
Planning your trip
Have a passport for international travel. A passport costs $110 and takes 6-8weeks to arrive after you apply.
Booking Flights
The cheapest month to fly is March, especially if you can leave on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. You’ll save even more money by booking around 90 days in advance. In the summer months, tickets will be more expensive no matter when you book.
Enjoying Your Time
●Visit the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the most recognizable symbol of Paris. To avoid the crowds, go to the Eiffel Tower early in the morning. It costs €25 to go to the top, or €10 to climb to the first 2 levels on foot.
● See the Notre Dame Cathedral
At present, the Notre Dame Cathedral is closed to tourists due to the fire that destroyed parts of the cathedral. However, you can still visit the outside of the cathedral.
● Go to the Louvre to see world-famous art
The Louvre hosts the Mona Lisa along with 35, 000 other pieces of art. If you’re pressed for time, visit the highlights. The Louvre costs €15 at the museum or €17 in advance (to skip most of the line).
● Take a day trip to Versailles
If you have a day to spare, head to the palace of Versailles, around 14 miles southwest of the city. Take a tour to see King Louis XVI’s palace and gardens. It costs €20 to visit the palace and grounds.
1. When can we book plane tickets to save the most money?| A．In March. | B．In June. |
| C．In August. | D．In December. |
| A．You can climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower free of charge. |
| B．Visitors can pay an extra to save the queue time in visiting the Louvre. |
| C．The Notre Dame Cathedral was completely destroyed in a fire. |
| D．Visiting the palace of Versailles is the most expensive among the four attractions. |
| A．A travel brochure | B．A course plan. |
| C．A research paper. | D．An encyclopedia. |
3 . Never climbed before? It doesn’t matter! Boulders Indoor Climbing Centre is a fantastic outing for the whole family that’s guaranteed to pack your day with fun and adventure! No experience is necessary.
Under the guidance of qualified instructors, you will step outside of your comfort zone in a safe and controlled environment. All equipment is provided — just bring your spirit of adventure and your willingness to challenge yourself! Boulders specializes in introducing people of all abilities into this vertical (垂直的) world in a fun, safe and inclusive way!
With climbing walls that reach between 4 to 12 metres in height, Boulders, whose task is to teach you all the skills required to climb safely, is designed to train the bravest explorer. You will learn how to move around the climbing wall in a safe manner, and how to differentiate (区分) between grades and varieties of techniques.
There’s even a café on site with free Wi-Fi, so send the children to climb and check in with the office while you’re enjoying a skinny latte! Boulders offers a wide range of climbing activities, including:
Climbing classes for children, families, students and adults
Birthday parties for all ages
Children’s holiday activities
Soft play for children 7 years old and under
Climbing-Introduction courses
Opening hours: Mon.-Thur. 10:00-22:00
Fri. 10:00-21:00
Sat.-Sun. 10:00-18:00
Price: Adults £15 Children £10
The price includes entry to the wall after the session, your one-off registration fee and shoe hire.
Family pass: £38
Up to 4 persons. Rental shoes & chalk included.
1. Which is the requirement for the climbers in Boulders Indoor Climbing Centre?| A．Awareness of safety. | B．Being brave and adventurous. |
| C．Previous experience of rock climbing. | D．Abilities to communicate with others. |
| A．To instruct the climbers to gain skills of climbing safely. |
| B．To help instructors to enjoy the spirit of adventure. |
| C．To guarantee the climbers out of their comfort zones. |
| D．To equip learners with abilities to design climbing walls. |
| A．Having soft play at 10 am on Wednesday. |
| B．Attending a birthday party at 8 pm on Saturday. |
| C．Taking climbing classes at noon on Sunday. |
| D．Attending climbing classes at 9 am every Friday. |
4 . The Best Activities in Melbourne
It’s time to start planning how you’ll keep entertained. We’ve put together four family-friendly activities for you.
Visit Melbourne Royal Show
Some visit the show for the thrilling rides, the others feel amazed at award-winning cakes, the cutest baby animals... or maybe you’re all just united in a love of sugar-filled show bags. This year’s Melbourne Royal Show is set to be bigger and better than ever, running for 11 days, with all the fantastic attractions that we know and love.
Meet Magical Dragons at Kryal Castle
If your family has a love for the fantastical, you can get up close to mysterious dragons at Kryal Castle. There will be a wide range of activities themed around the famous creatures, including an exciting dragon egg trip and dragon soldier training. You’ll come face to face with dragons, and catch the thrilling Dragon Cup Tournament, where noble soldiers and brave knights battle for the Dragon Cup.
Get Inspiration from First Nations Artists
The activity is inviting kids to express their creativity at the immersive (沉浸式虚拟现实的) art experience. The organizer will have little kids using their personal creativity to create their own artworks that can be taken home, surrounded by the world of art and culture as inspiration. There will also be free gifts and interactive art plays. It’s suitable for age 5 to 12.
Let Loose at the Museum of Play and Art (MoPA)
MoPA is a kids’ museum, a place where kids can engage with fun exhibits. The exhibits at MoPA are designed for kids aged 1 to 9. Kids can practice their fine motor skills, build and race in the Zoom Room, climb up to Sunset City for a sweet view of the museum and get creative at the MoPA Art Car.
1. How is this year’s Melbourne Royal Show different from before?| A．It offers live music. | B．It has thrilling rides. |
| C．It is larger than before. | D．It has award-winning cakes. |
| A．It lets kids get writing inspiration. | B．It is mainly about the culture. |
| C．It’s the most suitable for kids. | D．It offers free gifts to kids. |
| A．The MoPA. | B．Melbourne Royal Show. |
| C．First Nations Artists. | D．Magical Dragons at Kryal Castle. |
5 . Directory of camps for kid and teens. Find the best overnight, residential and sleepaway camps for this summer.
*Game On! Sports Camp 4 Girls
Girls Only - Day Camp
Chicagoland Area, Illinois, USA - (847) 229-9959
Game On! Sports 4 Girls is the best organization committed to empowering young girls through sports. Our unique & fun programming, all-girl environment, and staff of passionate role models foster the “GIRLSTRONG” crucial to every girl’s development as an athlete and a person.
*International Riding Camp
Girls Only - Overnight Camp
Greenfield Park NY, New York, USA - (845) 647-3240
Located 90 miles NW of NYC. 2, 4 and 8 week sessions, Mother Daughter week. Horse shows, jumping, three hours riding daily. Beginners welcome. Tennis, water skiing, jet skiing, arts and crafts. Swim your horse in the ocean! Organic food menu. One week Equestrian(马术)Teen Tour of Russia.
*All Tournament Players Park
Boys Only - Day Camp
Marietta, Georgia, USA - (678) 384-6500
Baseball, volleyball, softball, and basketball camps for all levels.
*Ak-O-Mak
Girls Only - Overnight Camp
Ahmic Harbour, Ontario, Canada - (705) 387-3810
Ak-O-Mak: “B ound by tradition and inspired by the future”. Founded in 1928, as North America’s first competitive swim camp, Ak-O-Mak is dedicated to providing the perfect combination of traditional camp experience and sport activity. Instruction provided in over 25 sports/activities.
*Michigan Tech Sports Camps
Both boys and girls - Day and Overnight Camp Houghton, Michigan, USA - (888) 829-9688
Basketball, cheer, skating, football, ice hockey, mountain biking, soccer, tennis & volleyball.
*Endicott College Sports Mania
Both boys and girls - Day and Overnight Camp
Beverly, Massachusetts, USA - (978) 232-2312
The Endicott College Sports Mania Day Camp is a dream come true for the child who loves sport.
1. Which number should you call if you want to improve your swimming skills?| A．(847) 229-9959. | B．(845) 647-3240. | C．(678) 384-6500. | D．(705) 387-3810. |
| A．International Riding Camp. | B．All Tournament Players Park. |
| C．Ak-O-Mak. | D．Michigan Tech Sports Camps. |
| A．Enjoying horse performances. | B．Practicing cooking organic meals. |
| C．Riding horses through the day. | D．Travelling to Russia for a week. |
6 . We’re giving London’s Lidos some love this summer. Whether you're an outdoor swimming fanatic or are yet to dip your toes into the water, there are plenty of options for you. Let’s dive right in!
Brockwell Lido
Located in the corner of Brockwell Park and surrounded by low line art decorated with redbrick walls, the unheated 50m pool has a dedicated army of year-round swimmers, and queues often stretch all around the block on summer days. Do book ahead if you can. There’s also a gym and fitness center on-site, all operated by Fusion, with the added bonus of an outdoor sauna available during the winter season.
Hampton Pool
Hampton Pool is well-known for its famous moonlight swims, taking place late at night in the summer months. Not a night owl? During the day, two outdoor pools are available—a 36m one for the adults, and a 12.5mlong one for learners and toddlers. They’re heated year-round. As well as the moonlight and Christmas Day swims, Hampton Pool offers other special events including picnic concerts in the summer months.
Charlton Lido
Charlton Lido has all the equipment and classes a gym fanatic might need, but we’re here to talk about the outdoor pool. 50m long, heated, surrounded by a sun terrace in the summer months, with drinks available to buy from Coffee Corner in June-September. Members can take part in classes such as aqua aerobics in the outdoor pool free of charge.
Oasis Sports Centre
Central London’s only heated, outdoor pool, this one comes with the added bonus of being located on a sun terrace. The outdoor pool is just one part of the Oasis Sports Centre, which also houses a gym, indoor pool and exercise studios. The 27.5m long outdoor pool is surrounded by a patio area and sunbathing deck, with the added bonus of a sauna nearby. Sure, views of the rooftops of Covent Garden make it feel like something of a hidden gem (宝石).
1. Which swimming pool is suitable for a night swimmer?| A．Brockwell Lido. | B．Hampton Pool. |
| C．Charlton Lido. | D．Oasis Sports Centre. |
| A．It is a pool built outdoors. | B．It is surrounded by a sun terrace. |
| C．It has a large pool for toddlers. | D．It offers free training sessions. |
| A．They are heated outdoor pools. |
| B．They are decorated with red walls. |
| C．They have pools of similar size. |
| D．They offer an added sauna service. |
7 . If someone asked whether you like the arts, you’d probably say you do—at least in theory. According to a survey, more than two-thirds of U.S. adults say the arts “lift me up beyond everyday experiences.” However, only 30 percent attended a concert of any type in 2017; 23 percent went to an art museum. Fewer than half actively created art of any kind.
The mismatch can boil down to the fact that we are weighed down by our day-to-day responsibilities, leaving our schedule packed. Maybe you like to play a little background music while you work or do the chores, but even before the pandemic, most of us rarely, if ever, saw a live performance, let alone visited a gallery or watched a play.
Too often, we let the dull reality of life get in the way of the arts. But this is a mistake. The arts are the opposite of an escape from reality; they might just be the most realistic glimpse we ever get into the nature and meaning of life. If you make time for consuming and producing art—the same way you make time for work and exercise and family commitments—I assure you that you’ll find your life getting fuller and happier. Think of a time when you heard a piece of music and wanted to cry. Or maybe your dizziness as you emerged from a narrow side street in an unfamiliar city and found yourself in a beautiful town square as if in a fantasy. They probably stimulated a sudden awakening, much like the shock from a lungful of pure oxygen after breathing in smoggy air.
If you are among the people who feel that art is pure pleasure to experience and participate in, you might see it as a luxury item, while a preferable attitude is to treat art less like a distracting pleasure, and more like exercise or sleep, a necessity. Then draw up a schedule of your art exposure journey, and gradually weave art into your everyday life.
1. What prevents people from enjoying the arts?| A．Shortage of time. | B．Avoidance of duty. |
| C．Lack of interest. | D．Art space inaccessibility. |
| A．It explores mysteries of life. | B．It sparks emotional responses. |
| C．It enhances physical well-being. | D．It offers a getaway from daily life. |
| A．Ways to integrate art into routine. | B．Barriers to combine art and life. |
| C．Forms of distracting pleasures. | D．Benefits of engaging with art. |
| A．Art Journey: Refreshing Soul |
| B．Art Pursuit: Transforming Dull into Full |
| C．Embracing Art: From Luxury to Necessity |
| D．Connecting with Art: From Reality to Fantasy |
8 . UC Berkeley Youth Recreation Summer Camps
UC Berkeley Youth Recreation will provide a wide variety of one-week outdoor experiences and activities for the youth on summer camps 2023. Here are four best summer camps.
Windsurfing Camp
This camp is designed to teach students the basics of windsurfing, including balance and self-rescues. Through a combination of classroom instruction, demonstration and water time, campers are able to master the basics of the sport. A comfort with wind and water is strongly encouraged. Campers must be ages 10-17 to register. All campers must be able to swim and weigh 100 pounds or more to safely use public windsurfing equipment.
Price:$330. Those who have participated before can receive 10% off.
Sailing Camp
Campers learn and review the essentials of sailing at their experience level on the beautiful San Francisco Bay! 2023 brings exciting updates to the camp and helps sailors master new skills. Previous sailing experience is required. Campers must be ages 12-18 to register. All campers must have basic swimming skills.
Price:$255.
Skateboarding Camp
In this camp, skateboarders will learn mechanics and basic riding skills such as balance, riding switches, and dropping-in. Skaters will be assessed on the first day of the session and the lessons will be adapted to their ability. All participants are educated in skateboard safety. Campers must be ages 8-16 to register．Participants must bring their own skateboard，helmet and knee＆elbow pads（护具）.
Price:$300. $240 per person for group registration.
Rock Climbing Camp
Learn climbing skills，knot-tying，top-rope climbing and equipment care. Sites include Strawberry Canyon, Remillard, Indian Rock and Cragmont Parks. Campers must be ages 9-15 to register. All campers can enjoy the bus service to and from the campsites.
Price:$275.
1. What common skill is required for the participants of Windsurfing Camp and Sailing Camp?| A．Previous learning experience. | B．Swimming |
| C．First aid knowledge.. | D．Personal protective equipment. |
| A．It is intended for primary pupils. |
| B．It'll issue certificates of excellence. |
| C．It gives a 10% discount for group registration. |
| D．It bases its lessons on campers’ levels. |
| A．Windsurfing Camp. | B．Sailing Camp. |
| C．Rock Climbing Camp. | D．Skateboarding Camp. |
9 . The MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR is back and bigger in Belton, Texas in 2024! Join us Feb. 16-18, 2024 (Friday-Sunday), at the Cadence Bank Center (formerly the Bell County Expo Center) for a THREE DAYS of opportunities to live a more independent and economical lifestyle, such as learning DIY skills to slash your monthly bills, stopping overpaying for basic necessities. And you can get the chance to learn directly from some of the most sought-after experts in the world of sustainability!
The MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR is your passport to money-saving hacks, health-boosting remedies, and environmental strategies from leading experts and entrepreneurs around the country.
Enjoy dozens of workshops, exhibitions, demonstrations, and the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR bookstore! Children 17 and under are FREE and do not need to register.
Buy in Advance and Save!
Get your tickets early and get excited!
Individual day prices will increase $5, Weekend and Preferred Seating will increase $10 the weekend of the Fair.
What do you get with your ticket type?
Ordinary Pass
This registration provides access for one adult to Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, including dozens of on-stage workshops, a robust marketplace and attractions in Belton, Texas, on February 16-18, 2024. It does not include access to Hands-On or Extended workshops.
Preferred Seating Pass
Enjoy the following benefits when you get a Preferred Seating Pass:
● Access to seating in the front rows of most workshop areas.
● The complete MOTHER EARTH NEWS Archive 1970-2022: Classic Edition on USB (a $59.95 value!)
Please note: All FAIR ticket sales are final and non-refundable unless the event is canceled. Please, no pets allowed other than service animals.
Visiting Hours:
Feb. 16. Friday·12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Feb. 17. Saturday·9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Feb. 18. Sunday·11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
1. The main purpose of the FAIR is to help visitors know more about ________.| A．the new breakthroughs in the medicine |
| B．the challenges of the environmental protection |
| C．the recipes for self-sufficiency and sustainability |
| D．the sustainable development of the global economy |
| A．Thursday | B．Friday | C．Saturday | D．Sunday |
| A．Visitors will be refunded if the FAIR is cancelled. |
| B．Every visitor can learn about the history of the FAIR. |
| C．A guide-dog for the blind isn’t allowed into the FAIR. |
| D．Adult visitors have free access to Extended workshops. |
10 . 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 (搭建) 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 (阻碍) 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 quiet 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．Green-hand campers. | D．Blue-blooded tourists. |
| A．Boat camping offers the same adventures as backpacking. |
| B．Backpacking allows you to communicate with nature deeply. |
| C．Car camping is the most economical way to experience nature. |
| D．The drive-up campgrounds provide people with private environment. |
| A．Business. | B．Entertainment. | C．Style. | D．Travel. |
