Strangest Festivals around the World
Through the years, people have found many ways to celebrate important occasions in their lives. If you're looking for an interesting and off-the-beaten-path tourist site, here are some most wonderful and unusual festivals from around the world.
Battle of the Orange, Ivrea, Italy
Each year in February, a battle takes place in this Italian town among thousands of tourists who throw oranges at each other during a 30-minute fight. The aim is to try and knock down other people by attacking them with oranges so that they cannot stand any longer.
Underwater Music Festival, Florida, America
Rather than being held at a typical concert hall, the Underwater Music Festival takes place on the seabed in July. Aiming to protect the sea lives, this unique custom features musicians playing music below water level. 100 feet deep in clear water, talented musicians wear diving equipment, performing free concerts for sea creatures and humans alike.
Rayne Frog (青蛙) Festival, Louisiana, America
The Rayne Frog Festival is held every fall in Rayne, Louisiana. The festival features all things frog: frog races, frog jumping, and the selection of the Frog Derby Queen. Besides music performance, it also holds a variety of frog-themed runs, fairs and other activities. If you are into frogs, there's no other place you'd rather be in mid-November.
Night of the Radishes (萝卜), Oaxaca, Mexico
Night of the Radishes is a celebration that takes place every December 23rd in Oaxaca, Mexico. It features all kinds of radish sculptures (雕塑). The tradition began when local radish growers began carving their produce in order to attract customers. But radishes are just radishes after all, and the sculptures don't last.
Teens and younger children are reading a lot less for fun, according to a Common Sense Media report published Monday.
While the decline over the past decade is steep for teen readers, some data in the report shows that reading remains a big part of many children's lives, and indicates how parents might help encourage more reading.
According to the report's key findings, "the proportion (比例) who say they ‘hardly ever' read for fun has gone from 8 percent of 13-year-olds and 9 percent of 17-year-olds in 1984 to 22 percent and 27 percent respectively today."
The report data shows that pleasure reading levels for younger children, ages 2—8, remain largely the same. But the amount of time spent in reading each session has declined, from closer to an hour or more to closer to a half hour per session.
When it comes to technology and reading, the report does little to counsel(建议) parents looking for data about the effect of e-readers and tablets on reading. It does point out that many parents still limit electronic reading, mainly due to concerns about increased screen time.
The most hopeful data shared in the report shows clear evidence of parents serving as examples and important guides for their kids when it comes to reading. Data shows that kids and teens who do read frequently, compared to infrequent readers, have more books in the home, more books purchased for them, parents who read more often, and parents who set aside time for them to read.
As the end of school approaches, and school vacation reading lists loom(逼近) ahead, parents might take this chance to step in and make their own summer reading list and plan a family trip to the library or bookstore.
Some people say global English is no longer just controlled by British or American English, but is running free and developing uniquely local forms. Can you figure out the following terms?
"I like your smile, but unlike you put your shoes on my face." This is a way of saying "Keep off the grass" Or "people mountain, people sea", which means "very crowded".
These examples are what we call Chinglish. When it comes to Chinglish, if all you know is "good good study, day day up", you will be considered "out man".
Nowadays, more Chinglish words have been created, for example, a Chinese idiom is translated as "smilence", a combination by the English word smile and silence.
Chinglish usually offers a humorous look at misuses of the English language in Chinese street signs, products, and advertising. They are favoured by some English speaking tourists and visitors. Dominic Swire has been living in Beijing for a couple of years. "I think many Chinese people complain about the Chinglish and badly translated English. But you know, sometimes for us foreigners, it's actually quite charming to see them. I think if the translations of English in China were all perfect, then something would be lost from Chinese culture."
However, Chinglish will probably become a "cultural relic" in the near future. Beijing has made a comprehensive plan to improve foreign language services and correct Chinglish within five years. "It is very ridiculous to see Chinglish on the signs in some scenic spots. And they are a kind of barrier for communication between Chinese and people from other countries," a Beijinger said.
Some Chinese university experts side with Chinglish. They argue that English has absorbed elements from other languages such as French and Spanish in its growth, and now it's Chinese's turn.
Traveling by train can be a romantic way to see the world. Since it was one of the original forms of transportation worldwide, here are some fantastic train trips to add to your travel list.
Qinghai-Tibet Railway
Where it goes: Xining to Lhasa
Why not start with the world's highest train ride? The Qinghai-Tiber Railway climbs to great heights of over 16,0000 feet as it snakes trough the Himalayas. The wonderful 1215-mile journey only makes seven stops.
Eurostar
Where it goes: London to/from Paris
Eurostar is a popular way for folks to get from London to Paris, thanks to its quick travel time, but it has another attraction that makes it a great train trip. For 20 minutes, you will actually be riding 150 feet underwater through the famous English Channel.
Trans-Siberian Railway
Where it goes: Moscow to Vladivostok
The Trans-Siberian Railway is another historically famous railroad that should be on your travel list. It is also the world's longest continuous railway. Along the way, you will pass through eight time zones and have plenty of time to see the beautiful Russian countryside.
Glacier Express
Where it goes: St. Moritz to Zermatt in the Swiss Alps
This train ride is a favorite among many, as it's arguably the best way to experience the Swiss Alps. It's much more about the journey than the destination, and it gives new meaning to the term slow travel, taking over seven hours to pass just 180 miles. But it's one of the most scenic train journeys out there, so the slow pace is welcomed.
Owning a pet is a fun and rewarding experience. But every animal and their needs are different, so how can you make sure that you choose the right one for yourself? Here are some top tips from national pet charity Blue Cross.
Do your research
You may like the look of a particular pet but that doesn't mean they're right for you. . So, think carefully about what you want from your pet and do some research before you take one on. Some pets may also require more vet care than others. Take French bulldogs and pugs for example, they can suffer many health issues over their lifetime, including problems with their breathing and skin conditions due to their exaggerated features.
For example, if you work full time and you want a dog, who would take care of them during the day? If you want a cat, will they have access to outside space while you're out during the day? Familiarize yourself with the size and exercise requirements of different pets to make sure they're the right choice for you.
Do your sums
From everyday things like insurance, food and toys to unexpected vet bills, having a pet is certainly a financial commitment.. Make sure you factor in how much your new pet will cost before you choose them.
Use a reliable breeder (饲养员)
If you do want to buy a dog or cat, ask a vet or breed club to recommend a responsible breeder. Ask the breeder for all the relative paperwork and see the pet's parents or relatives to observe their temper, general health and welfare. Because these may well tum out to be puppy farmers or commercial dealers who have little interest in the welfare of the pets they sell.
A. Charities can offer support and advice about individual pets
B. Think about your lifestyle
C. Don't throw yourself into the financial trouble
D. Adjust your taste
E. Don't purchase online or from dealers who offer multiple types of pets
F. We'd advise owners to really do their research before taking on one of these pets
G. Every pet has its own personality and some often have strong characters
Irma started a business, but later because of lack money, he had to close it. After that he started to feel very 1 .
This problem of Irma was later 2 by Professor Krishnan. One day he 3 Irma to his home and asked, "Are you still 4 ?" "Yes, all my efforts have been 5 ." Ima answered. Hearing this, the professor 6 him a dead tomato plant and said, "I take care of it carefully, 7 it still died. There is always something 8 that happens." "If success is only a matter of luck, what is the 9 of doing so much?" asked Irma. "You will understand after you open that door," said the professor. Irma opened it, and saw lots of 10 and healthy tomato plants there. "Oh! How did you do that?" asked Irma.
"Of course, not all my efforts have been wasted; so it is with yours. If you 11 doing the right things, then your 12 of success are greatly increased. But if you feel defeated because of failure, life won't give you any 13 . "At last, Irma understood the lesson of success, 14 what to do and came out with renewed energy. Finally he had a very big business.
It is true that no matter what we try, we can't 15 the result, but it's also true that those, who never give up, achieve success in the end.
Vincent Van Gogh
Born in the Netherlands in 1853, van Gogh led a simple life in a small town until the age of 16. He then left school and joined a company of art business in the larger city. During the next seven years, van Gogh bought and sold paintings in the Netherlands, London, and Paris. He eventually realized that dealing with others' artwork was not his dream. He soon discovered that his dream was to become an artist himself.
He spent much of his time in learning the basic skills of drawing. He believed that to become a great painter, one must first master the ability to draw. It was only after he was comfortable in this area that he began to use oil paints. That is when van Gogh developed a style for color that made him one of the most respected artists of all time.
Van Gogh's paintings are amazing representations (代表) of his view of the world. He used his brush and oils to make layers that built the painting until it was almost three-dimensional (三维). This quality makes people want to reach out and touch the painting.
Perhaps one of the most memorable examples of van Gogh's use of color and brush style is his painting The Starry Night. The sky swirls across the canvas (画布), while the stars glow with unearthly brightness. Each brushstroke (笔画) creates the movement and lights. Under the sky rests a village painted with smaller strokes and finer detail, giving the impression of peace. A large tree in the foreground suggests that the view is enjoyed from the top of a hill, which offers a glimpse of the majesty (庄严) of the night sky. The Starry Night displays the gift of van Gogh's ability to create a powerful image with simple brush and oils.
Van Gogh spent only the last ten years of his life painting. Yet van Gogh today is considered one of the greatest artists of all time. His influence is strong; many painters mimic his style and use of color. His artwork can be found in museums all over the world.
假如你是建华中学的学生王新，看到21世纪英文报征稿启事，题目为"The Person I Admire Most"。请你投稿，内容包括：介绍一位你所崇拜的人（如梵高等），并说明崇拜他（她）的原因。文章题目已给出，请抄写在答题卡作文区。
( 1 ). 学习：有效地学习，学习习惯等；( 2 ). 做人：与人友好相处等。
注意：1). 词数100左右；2). 发言稿开头和结尾已给出，不计入总词数。
参考词汇：efficiently(高效地）、effective(有效的）
Good morning, everyone! It is my honor to be here to share with you my opinions on what to learn in senior high school.
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Thank you!
