Many years ago, when we first went to Canada, we were driving through Montana to Colorado with our two children, then aged 8 and 11. As it was getting1we started looking for a hotel, only to find out that it was 2time in that part of the country, and all the hotels were3.
Finally, around 9 o'clock in the evening, we 4at a gas station to fill up on gas. My husband asked for a 5 book and told the woman at the counter that we were trying to find a hotel. She told us it would be6 He tried for 15 more minutes. When he was 7 the woman, Linda, said she and her family8 nearby and would be happy if we spent the night at her home.
My husband was 9 at her offer of generosity (慷慨). She called her son to10us, since she had to 11at the gas station till midnight.
When we reached their home, her husband 12 us. He invited us to have coffee and chat while we 13his wife. She came past 12 am. We asked if we could slip away in the morning so as not to14them. They said we were now 15 and we would have to have breakfast with them.
Next morning, we ate breakfast, and when we were 16my husband asked if he could offer some 17.They would not hear of it and 18 we were their guests. We kept in touch for many years, and invited them to our 19 too. Over the years, we lost touch, but have 20 forgotten their kindness.
Easy Habits That Help You Live Longer
Go for a jog
Among all the things you can do to achieve longevity, one of the most critical is to exercise. Aerobic activity, like running, is important for getting your blood pumping and your heart working. A recent study showed that a one-hour run adds seven hours to your life, up to four hours per week. People who run have a 25 to 40 percent reduced risk of early death, and live about three years longer.
Get more sun—but not too much
The “Sunshine vitamin” -vitamin D, that is-has been shown to fight disease, improve bone health, and avoid depression. One study even found it to extend lifespan by 33 percent. But because vitamin D comes from the sun, and our modem lives don't let us spend much time outside, we might not be getting enough. Getting 15 to 30 minutes of sun exposure a day should be enough for vitamin D production.
Eat more plant protein
A recent study from Harvard found that people who ate a diet high in processed meats like ham, were at a higher risk of death—but those who got their protein from plants had a lower risk, especially of heart disease-related deaths. The study said that for every three percent increase in calories from plant protein there was a reduction in risk of death by 10 percent.
Eat nuts
Although you may think nuts are unhealthy because they are calorically high, the exact opposite is true—they can actually extend your life. A study from Harvard found that daily nut-eaters were 20 percent less likely to die during the study. Specifically, the rates of death from heart and breathing disease were reduced. Other research has shown walnuts have a huge role in heart health because of the amount of antioxidants (抗氧剂）they contain.
Last year she and I rescued several hurt street baby dogs and we had the homeless momma dog vaccinated （接种疫苗） by a local animal rescue here in Mumbai, India where we live as foreigners. We have been meaning to go volunteer at the shelter ever since. I was recently feeling the push to serve more, so I scheduled a Saturday visit.
My daughter had social invites and was torn, but she also felt the push to visit the shelter so planned to go join her friends later in the day. We piled up old blankets, sheets and pillows to take along and donate. On arriving and touring we met 500 dogs and 200 cats being cared for at this shelter.
After the tour we served meals to the puppies in the sick/injured puppy ward. We held and comforted those who would clearly survive their injuries and several who were so sick that the volunteer vet on hand said they had a 50/50 chance of being alive next week. Then we led two sick, abandoned young kittens with an eyedropper.
While feeding the animals I watched the workers who were cleaning out some of the dog houses with healthy dogs who would be returned to the streets. I was so touched by how often they stopped in their duty to pet and play with these dogs. The many workers and volunteers are paid nothing to support these animals and they do it with such love.
My daughter and I stayed for 4-5 hours, beyond the time she had scheduled to meet friends for lunch. She chose to skip her social date and spend more time with these animals despite the tough conditions. Tired and dirty, we felt blessed to share some time with people who care deeply for relieving the suffering of so many vulnerable beings.
Renowned British physicist Stephen Hawking died peacefully at his home in the British university city of Cambridge in March 14 at age 76.
Hawking, whose 1988 book “A Brief History of Time” became an unlikely worldwide bestseller and cemented (奠定) his superstar status, dedicated his life to unlocking the secrets of the Universe. He held the post of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, which is a position that was once held by Sir Isaac Newton.
Born in 1942 in Oxford, where his parents spent the final months of pregnancy to avoid the bombings of London, Hawking was said to have been a good student although it wasn't until he was in his 20s that his true potential began to really shine through. Having initially wanted to study Mathematics, Stephen Hawking chose, instead, to read natural sciences with emphasis on Physics.
Having found University life boring, so much so that he joined the University rowing team to relieve the boredom, it was only following an oral examination that he was awarded a first class degree.
While at Cambridge, Hawking was diagnosed with a motor neurone (神经元）disease. He was initially given two to three years to live. The illness gradually robbed him of mobility, leaving him confined to a wheelchair, almost completely paralysed and unable to speak except through his trademark voice synthesiser (合成器）.
Stephen Hawking led an incredible and well documented life. He was referred to in many TV programs, films, and even songs, and appeared as himself in a number of programs including Red Dwarf and the Big Bang Theory. His genius and wit won over fans from far beyond the world of astrophysics (天体物理学）, earning comparisons with Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton.
Garden parties are one of the traditions that began in the United Kingdom and France a number of centuries ago. Both the British and French versions have roots in the weekend getaways that were enjoyed by the upper classes. In the afternoons and evenings, the grounds of the estates (房产) would be softly lit with candles and lanterns, food prepared and set in long buffet tables for the guests, and comfortable seating always within reach.
People tended to dress up for these types of outdoor events, which made them quite a festive occasion. String bands often provided a graceful melody that served as one of the ways that the elegant tone of the occasion was set and maintained.
Today, the concept lives on around the world. No longer just an event for the well to do, the garden party is a weekend gathering in many neighborhoods. Neighbors are invited to come enjoy the outdoors by attending a cookout, complete with plenty of grilled food, lots of seating, and usually plenty to drink. It is not unusual for a few simple games to be available as well, depending on the size of the space. Music does not necessarily have to be provided by a live band anymore, although some people prefer the chatter and laughter of people enjoying themselves to any type of musical accompaniment.
The modern version can be very free form, or use a special occasion or theme as the basis for the event. For example, a birthday is a great reason to throw this type of party. Major patriotic holidays often provide the theme, with the decorations revolving around the national colors and other symbols. Fun times, such as Valentine's Day or and Easter egg hunt, can also be the reason for putting together a party. As long as the event takes place outdoors, has people to interact, and includes food and drink, the event is complete.
Scientists say eating less can slow the aging process of cells in the body. The researchers studied mice, not people.
One group was able to eat as much as it wanted. The other animals in the other group are limited to eat. Their diet had 35 percent fewer calories than the first group of mice.
The mice with the diet restrictions(限制) were more energetic and suffered fewer diseases. They were not just living longer, they seemed to stay younger for a longer period of time. When you restrict calories (in mice), there is a direct increase in lifespan - the average age of the animal
But how? The researchers found that fewer calories slow down a natural mechanism in cells called ribosomes (核糖体). Ribosomes are responsible for making important proteins in the cells. But with fewer calories, they slow down.This, in turn, keeps cells and the entire body functioning well.
Earlier studies have suggested a link between calorie restrictions and slowed agingCalorie restriction as a way to slow aging has not been tested in humans. But the main finding for people is the importance of taking care of our bodies And this may help us make better decisions about what we eat.
A. The less we eat, the healthier we are.
B. Researchers studied two groups of mice.
C. This finding is good news if you are a mouse.
D. This gives the cells more time to repair themselves.
E. The findings help to explain how exactly our bodies age.
F. However, this is first to show how the ribosomes can influence aging.
G. Calorie restriction caused real biochemical changes that slowed down the rate of aging.
增加：在缺词处加一个漏子符号（∧)，并在此符号下面写出该加的词。
删除：把多余的词用斜线（\）划掉。
修改：在错的词下划一横线，并在该词下面写出修改后的词。
注意：1．每处错误及其修改均仅限一词：
2．只允许修改10处，多者（从第11处起）不计分。
Today I met with a little dog seemed to run to me on purpose. I stopped in time to avoid hitting the dog.
Luckily, it was not injuring, but lay on the ground. I came nearer and touched at its side gently. It jumped to its foot quickly and stared at me kindly. Seeing nothing seriously, I was about to leave when the dog stops me by biting my trousers. So I wanted to take the dog away but that I did was unfair for its master. Just then, the woman came, saying that the dog was hers. But she said I can take it away as she had some many dogs at home. Thus I got a lovely pet.
My best friend and I walked to an ice cream shop today. I brought my water bottle out of habit and commented to her that I had no idea why I brought it. We kept (go) though. On our way, a man asked either of us had money for water, or a drink or something. He was sitting on the ground at the time with a sign he stopped holding up.
I offered my reusable water bottle for him(keep). He drank all the water quite (quick). He gave me my bottle back after all. I said to my friend with a smile, “That wasI brought it then.”
On the return back from the ice cream store, I tried to get water to go, in case he (may) be still there. They only had mineral water and coconut water there, something he probably disliked. It turned out he was no longer there, though.
My friend and I talked about keeping water (bottle) on hand in our vehicles and socks with added positive statement notes. This way, we give away (use) thingsare truly helpful. We both like the idea and these things will (prepare) soon.
