A surprising new research from Auckland University of Technology (AUT), New Zealand contradicts the commonly held view that surfers are folks only focused on their own fun. Instead, they often play an important role in saving lives. The research reveals that these thrill seekers selflessly save people they see struggling in the ocean as swimmers or after boating incidents, and so actually reduce deaths from drowning (溺水), playing a key role in making beaches safer.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 236,000 people drown worldwide each year, with drowning the third leading cause of unintentional death.
However, according to a survey, at the heart of the research, life-saving acts of heroism by surfers who save others in difficulty in the ocean waters around them, are surprisingly common. In fact, based on the sample of 418 surfers, respondents reportedly rescue an average of three people drowning or struggling in the water over the course of their lives, and some even report taking part in 10 to 20 rescues. This makes surfers the under-recognized guardians of the beach rather than the self-centered images shown in movies like Fast Times at Ridgemont High, or Point Break.
In addition, the survey found that in almost 90 percent of rescues, people aided by the responding surfers required no further treatment after the incident, making their help unlikely to be reported and so recorded, As one of the survey's co-authors Jamie Mead says, "We need to get surfers the recognition they deserve and do more research to accurately quantify (用数量表述) how many rescues they're actually doing."
Since this research was published, there has been a growing interest in the training of surfers in life-saving skills. Sonia Keeper, an experienced surfer and instructor, explains that the insights provided by the survey have motivated surfing organizations to expand their reach and connect with an even broader community of surfers. "If life-saving skills are rolled out (正式推出) to the broader coastal surfer communities around the world, this preparation can help ensure that a good day at the beach doesn't turn into a sad one," she adds.
Smart Water Bottles
Hidrate Spark Smart Water Bottle
This bottle is our top overall pick, because it tracks your water intake, connects to your smartphone using Bluetooth, and records your data in a mobile app. If you forget to drink, this bottle will flash to signal to you. You can also use the app's Find My Bottle feature to track its location. It's available in a range of bright colors and sizes. The only drawback is that there's no self-cleaning feature.
ICEWATER Smart Water Bottle
If you're looking for a smart water bottle while saving some money, we recommend this one. There's a lock feature that stops water from flowing out when it's not in use. This bottle can play music through Bluetooth and comes in both plastic and steel versions. It's not dishwasher safe, however.
LARQ Bottle PureVis
It is perfect for walks, hikes, or sightseeing trips. To use the bottle's self-cleaning function, simply fill it up with water, press the switch, and wait. UV-C LED technology kills off harmful bacteria inside. Besides, the battery can last up to one month on a single charge. Just note that this bottle can't track your water intake.
CrazyCap UV Water Purifier & Bottle
It comes with a lifetime warranty (保修单), so you can be confident that it'll hold up even after the sudden fall. Unfortunately, it can't track your water intake, but the double-walled bottle can keep water cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 . There are a wide range of bright colors and patterns. The bottle has two self-cleaning modes. It will automatically clean every four hours.
A grocery store in Ann Arbor, Michigan opened on Tuesday to the public. This is an artist's uneatable creation. The Plastic Bag Store presents shelves filled with items such as meat, eggs, cakes and so on, all of which are made from single-use plastics taken from streets and garbage.
The store at times during the day will be transformed into a stage for a series of short films in which puppetry(木偶戏表演), shadow play, and handmade sets are used to tell a story of how the overabundance of plastic waste we leave behind might be misinterpreted by future generations—and how what we value least may become our most lasting "cultural legacy (遗产)".
Theater and film director Robin Frohardt is the creative driving force behind the Plastic Bag Store. "I got the idea many years ago after watching someone bag and double-bag and triple-bag my groceries," Frohardt said on Tuesday. "I just was sort of struck by how much packaging was involved in our everyday lives. And it just seemed so unreasonable. I just thought, maybe I could set up a project to change it." Combining a real-life supermarket with film experience, Frohardt planned to use art and humor to question our culture of consumption and convenience and to show one of the greatest problems of our planet.
Plastic bags are created by fossil (化石) fuels and often end up as waste in landfills and the ocean. Americans throw away 100 billion plastic grocery bags per year. She hopes that she can continue to tour with the project and bring it to different communities. "My dream would be that this project will become unnecessary one day," said Frohardt.
"Frohardt's work reminds us, with humor, to think not just about the next two weeks, but also about the next two decades and the next two centuries. What will remain hundreds of years later? We hope that our legacy will be plays rather than piles of plastics," said Tim Tompkins, President of Times Square Alliance.
A Norwegian company has created what it calls the world's first zero-emission(排放), autonomous cargo ship(货船). Developed by chemical company Yara International, the ship was designed to reduce emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases, and move goods away from roads to the sea.
The shipping industry accounts for between 2.5% and 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the International Maritime Organization. Nearly all of Norway's electricity is generated by hydroelectric power, which is generally considered to have much lower carbon emissions than burning fossil fuels, despite the fact that it still produces greenhouse gases.
Capable of carrying 103 containers and with a top speed of 13 knots, it will use a 7 MWh battery, with about a thousand times the capacity of one electrical car. The ship will be charged near the port before sailing to container harbors along the coast and then back again, replacing 40,000 truck journeys a year.
As well as providing a greener option compared to conventional cargo ships, there is no crewman, which means it will be more cost-effective to operate. Initially, loading and unloading the ship will require humans, but gradually, all loading, discharging, and some other operations will also be eventually operated using autonomous technology. That will involve developing autonomous cranes(起重机) and carriers, which are the vehicles that place containers onto ships.
According to researchers, fully autonomous ships are the future. But there are many challenges to overcome before autonomous ships can be used for commercial long sea journeys. Navigating traffic in large ports could be a major barrier.
Without a crew aboard to carry out maintenance checks, autonomous ships would need built-in self-diagnosing systems with the ability to detect and fix problems, or call for human assistance.
Although Yara International has no plans to add more autonomous ships to its operations, we may see more elements of AI technology used on commercial ships in the future. Elements are already being used in shipping today when it comes to the voyage and we'll see more partly autonomous elements added.
Civilization began with agriculture, and though humanity has changed significantly, agriculture remains very important. In certain countries, its significance is more apparent, but the reality is that every country in the world depends on agriculture for one thing or another.
It provides employment. Whether it's working as a farmer, a harvester, a technician for farm equipment or a scientist, there are plenty of jobs available in this field. In developing countries, agricultural jobs help reduce high rates of unemployment.
It's crucial to a country's development. Economic development is tied to a country's agricultural sector. When trade, national avenue, and employment are combined in a positive way, a country enjoys reduced poverty and boosted economic growth. Because strong agriculture results in benefits fairly quickly, focusing on it is one of the best ways to speed up development and improve a country's standing across the globe.
It drives innovation in technology. Because healthy agriculture is so essential to a country's well-being, it's been the setting of some of the most exciting innovations in technology. Through artificial intelligence, blockchain software, and more, scientists and farmers have been figuring out ways to increase crop productivity, use less water, and reduce negative impacts on the environment. For scientists and tech companies, agribusiness is one of the most fascinating and productive fields to work in.
It's the source of our food supply. Arguably, the most important aspect of agriculture is that it's the source of the world's food supply. No matter where or what you are eating, the ingredients in your meals come from somewhere. All roads lead to agriculture. In countries dealing with food insecurity and severe malnutrition, their agricultural sectors are suffering. When agriculture thrives(蓬勃发展), fewer people go hungry.
It can help heal the environment. Agriculture possesses the power to cause harm or heal. When farmers prioritize biodiversity on their land, it benefits the earth. Having more biodiversity results in healthier soil, better water conservation, and healthier pollinators(传粉者).
All in all, agriculture plays a critical role in the entire life of a given economy. Agriculture culture is the backbone of the economic system of a given country.
Traditionally, businesses use name badges(胸卡) for security and personal identity; the whole look also contributed to brand identity. But the use of name badges has so much more to offer:
Name badges complete the overall look of an employee. Businesses who carry out this practice show that they pay attention to detail, no matter how small, giving the staff a professional look. Customers are more comfortable dealing with someone who looks professional and well trained.
Name badges give employees identity. Name badges can make employees feel better about their jobs because they are not just nameless people. Name badges also promote a friendly environment, which leads to happier employees. Furthermore, the knowledge of being easily identified also makes an employee perform better, lest(以免) they be reported for bad service.
Name badges promote communication. This allows for easier communication, and employees are able to assist customers better when they know exactly what the customer wants or needs. A name can certainly make a big difference, not just for overall customer experience, but for the business as well.
Name badges lend an air of familiarity. Customers are more comfortable when they know who they are speaking to or who is assisting them. Employees may also be required to find out the customer's name, all in the spirit of providing personalized service.
Name badges keep security in check. While name badges can keep businesses secure by identifying that the right people are where they should be, they also make customers feel secure by knowing who they are dealing with.
A．Name badges come in different colors and styles.
B．Name badges make employees look more professional.
C．Satisfied employees, in turn, deliver better customer service.
D．It's easier to talk to someone when you can address them by name.
E．In companies using name badges, the employees are more efficient.
F．Customers won't risk mistaking another customer for a member of the staff.
G．As a result, name badges make employees more approachable and business smoother.
How to Make a Homemade Gift
Looking for a heartfelt gift that won't leave you broke? Try making your own. Such sorts of gifts can make a major impression.
While cards can be purchased at nearly any supermarket or department store, making one yourself can make a statement about the time and effort you're willing to spend on the recipient. The most important part, though, is the words you write on it. Try to be sincere and honest while writing something.
Create a scrapbook(剪贴簿). A scrapbook isn't just a great gift. To make a scrapbook, you'll just need some paper, glue and photos of you and the gift recipient. Stick the pictures in any order you want on your sheets of paper. For example, you can begin with photos of your first meeting.
Prepare love coupons (礼券). These are fantastic gifts for family members and close friends. The basic idea is to make a small book of "coupons" from zero. For example, if you're giving the coupons to your mother, you might write "I will go to a movie with you" on one of the coupons.
Make a pack of cards. For this gift, you take an ordinary pack of cards and turn it into something special by writing your praise for the gift recipient on each one. When you give the gift, offer to use the cards to play your favorite card game together.
A. Write a heartfelt card.
B. Make a piece of DIY art.
C. Write things they would like on each of them.
D. This is sometimes also called "The Things I Love About You".
E. There are hundreds of affordable DIY projects that make great gifts.
F. It's a way to remind your friend of all the great memories you have together.
G. Making something by hand is often more impressive than spending lots of cash.
What do a picturesque sunrise, a nice cup of coffee, and holiday celebrations have in common? Being open about your feelings can be rewarding. Here are some reasons for sharing your feelings with others.
Expressing your feelings connects you with others. When it comes to relationships with your family and significant others knowing how to express your feelings is the key to creating intimacy (亲密关系). However, it is that sincere revelation(透露) that enables you to bond with your loved ones.
In a study, after participants expressed their emotions, brain images showed a decrease in the brain activity in the amygdala, the part of the brain associated with feelings, indicating a calming effect on the brain. The researchers concluded that talking through emotions decreases the strength of these emotions.
Sharing your feelings boosts health. According to The New York Times, holding everything inside and not expressing your emotions can be harmful. But choosing to appropriately share them benefits you mentally and physically. By doing so, you can normalize your speaking about emotions and emotional needs. This can help not just you, but also others.
Speaking about your emotions enables you to get help.When you put what's in your mind into words, you are making that experience or emotion real, instead of ignoring it. That's a way of recognizing yourself. Moreover, talking about your feelings allows your loved ones to help you. They are naturally concerned about your well-being.
All in all, accept your feelings, even negative ones and learn to manage them. Practice sharing your feelings on a regular basis, and you will benefit a lot.
A. Opening up keeps emotional intensity down.
B. Sharing your emotions improves brain function.
C. Telling others about the depths of your feelings can be scary.
D. If so, you'd better avoid judging yourself and other people.
E. These are all wonderful experiences that you can share with loved ones.
F. By letting them know what you're experiencing, you can get their support.
G. That may cause increased stress levels and risk of developing related diseases.
How to make the most of your time with your host family
Living and studying abroad can be a meaningful and enriching experience. And living with a host family is one of the best ways to immerse (沉浸) yourself in the culture. Here are some tips on making the most of your time with your host family.
You have to understand that host families are doing it just because they want to give a kid the opportunity to live abroad. They are willingly changing their lives so you can experience this! With their support, things become easier.
Many people struggle to feel comfortable with their host families at first. This is a completely normal feeling! You've just left everything you've known for years behind to start a new life. It's okay to be confused. While you may know the language, some expressions can be hard to understand at first. Be patient with yourself and remember that you will adapt but it will take some time.
Feeling at home can be difficult at the beginning. That's why spending time in common areas is necessary. If you spend all your time in your room, it's going to be hard to feel like you belong. Joining in everyday activities with your host family will help you create a family bond. For example, some families like having dinner together on weekends. Make time for those moments.
Communication is key. If you are unsure about something, ask! It's normal to know few customs and habits at first, so instead of doing things blindly, just ask. Your host family will understand and help you. When you are out with your host family, ask them about these, and keep learning them when you are on your own!
A. The language barrier can also be a struggle.
B. Showing gratitude will take you a long way.
C. Keep in mind that when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
D. Then, you'll have chances to expose yourself to their language.
E. It's also normal not to know a lot about unspoken social rules of the country.
F. Not only will they appreciate it but you will also feel like a part of their world.
G. However, living with a foreign family can be difficult and adapting to it can take some effort.
China's efforts to fight desertification in its northern area (achieve) remarkable progress over the past 45 years. So far, the Three-North Shelter Forest Program (launch) in 1978 has planted and conserved 32 million hectares (公顷) of forests and restored 85 million hectares of degraded grassland, and the forest (cover) in the project area has increased from 5.05 percent in 1978 to 13.84 percent today.
The project has set up a green Great Wall to act as a safeguard sandstorms, conserves oil and water and promote agricultural development in the northern border of China. Though extra ordinary achievements are made in the program, the work (say) to be still challenging due to the wide distribution and severe conditions of desert land. The environmental delicacy of the region and continuous environmental issues make the task even (hard).
Recognizing the importance of desert ecosystems in regulating climate and keeping balanced environment, the authorities shifted from a traditional approach to working in harmony with it, (allow) for sustainable development and coexistence. Bringing nature to (it) original condition should not rely on human efforts in the long term. The scientific and holistic(全面的) approach to conserving mountains, rivers, forests and farmland is crucial, the ecologists believe can help nature restore itself.
It is believed that Chinese knotting, also known as zhongguojie, originated for recording information and exchanging messages writing was invented. Over the past thousands of years, knots (play) an important part in the life of Chinese. (initial), Chinese knots acted as good -luck charms to drive away evil spirits. Today, Chinese knots are widely used to decorate homes during festivities.
A major characteristic of Chinese knots is that they are often tied from a single continuous length of string. The knots are commonly named the shape it takes. Chinese knots are created in a (various) of colors such as gold, green, blue, or black, though the most commonly used color is red, symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
Crafting the Chinese knot is a three-step process (involve) tying knots, tightening them and adding the finishing touches. The knots (pull) tightly together and are strong enough to be used for binding or wrapping, making them very practical.
Today, most of such knots are often mass manufactured in factories. Skilled knot artists weave complex knots that you might see (sell) as souvenirs that you can take back with you. If you have time, why not try your hand at it? Perhaps these age-old charms can add touch of good luck to your daily life?
注意：1. 写作词数应为 80个左右;2. 请按如下格式在相应位置作答。
Enhancing Social Skills in Students
注意：1.词数80左右；2.可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
Dear Students,
参考词汇：the Festival of English Arts and Culture 英语文化艺术节
注意：1. 写作词数应为80个左右；2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Dear Student Union,
……
Yours,
Li Hua
A grandmother was filmed taking notes during a Marvel superhero movie marathon, which at this point includes 30 movies. She wanted to be closer to her1 and talk to them about their2 .
Cheryl Skiados, who is in her 70s, has 13 grandkids3 , aged from 6 to 22, and they're all big Marvel fans. Rather than writing off their interests as silly, as grandparents are 4 doing, she decided to try to get on the same 5 as them.
"I just 6 my grandparents, and I noticed my grandma was making her way through all the Marvel movies," said 18-year-old Jackson. "She was7 them in the order they came out and she asked if I wanted to watch one with her, so of course, I said yes8 ."
"I think it really shows how much she9 her grandchildren, because she is willing to10 there for hours and watch superhero movies, and take notes on them, just so she can have something11 to talk to her grandkids about."
The video has 12 the hearts of many online and racked up(累计) nearly seven million views, and hundreds of thousands of likes, along with it.
"We all 13 Grandma is getting the recognition she deserves for being a(n)14 grandmother," said Jackson.
Skiados, in response to the15 , says she "thinks it's funny," and "her heart was warmed by all the comments."
