Search the Website(journal 2)

When searching the website of the owl at purdue, I get much information of writing skills. I can find many kind of writing ways in the website so that it’s a good way to improve my composition when using it. Even, it introduce the grammar and mechanics because I often make a mistake there. I am glad to discover the website how great is. If I work hard, I believe I can be better in writing. The more I practice, the better I am.

Introduce Myself(journal 1)

Hello, my name is Tracy. I come from PingTung. I study in the second year of the culture university. My major is English so I must work hard in speaking, listeniting, reading and writing. My hobby is playing basketball and listening to pop music and making friends. I have been a college student for one year. I hope the second year I will improve my English ability and become better gradually. I want to let myself feel different. After all, I am a college student so that I need to decide what the life I want to lead.

A Blessing of Bags and Bears

More than 35,000 foster children have found hope and encouragement, thanks to the kindness of one teenage girl.

Fourteen-year-old Makenzie Snyder gives duffel bags and teddy bears to foster children in America. These children have few possessions and are often shuffled between temporary homes. Makenzie also includes a personal note with each bag to encourage the kids.

When she was 7 years old, Makenzie met two foster children who kept all their belongings in a trash bag. This experience inspired her to start colletcing stuffed animals and duffel bags to send to foster children.

In 1998, Makenzie founded the organization Children to Children with the help of her older brother and parents. She soon received a $15,000 grant and raised over $50,0000 in other donations. She then created a Web site and set up an office for her organization. Money, bags, and teddy bears have been pouring in ever since.

Makenzie's story has inspired thousands of people. She's even collcted donations of stuffed animals from famous personalities like former President Bill Cliton and Oprah Winfrey.

Makenize's organization makes it easy for anyone to help. People can send donations directly to Makenzie. Or they can collect the bags and stuffed animals themselves. They can then contact their local social services office, which will distribute the donations to foster kids.

Over 530,000 children in America live in foster care. Makenzie hopes to send a duffle bag and stuffed animal to every single one of them. She often receives feedback on her Web site from other kids who want to help,too.

"You have a great heart" one young fan recently wrote to her. "You're the same age as me, but probably 50 times older in the heart!"

Makenzie is also an accomplished baton twirler who participates in national competitions. Somehow she finds time to practice her baton twirling for up to three hours a day! According to her mom, Makenzie is an excellent time manager.

Whether she's collecting stuffed animals or twiriling her baton, Makenzie gives her best. She is an inspiration to people who want to make a difference in their community.

never seen words:

1.duffel 2.foster 3.shuffle 4. belongings 5.twrirl

useful words:

1.social service 2.accomplished 3.pour in 4.distrubute 5.personality

summary:

Makenzie is a girl who has a kind heart. She concerns about the foster children that can't take their toys between temporary homes. She realizes how poor the children are. Therefore, she establishes the organization where helps the foster children to own their duffel bags and teddy bears. She has an important effect on the community.

thinking:

I admire Makenize very much. She is only 14 years old. However, she has a kind heart to help the children. She collects many bags and teddy bears to give them. How kind she is. She even established a organization. She inspired many people to donate their toys for foster children. I am moved deeply by the article. People should often aid people who need to help. I want to follow the girl to donate my toys.

Importing Chinese Culture

Many Chinese youth listen to hip-hop and Western pop songs. They drink Cocacola, eat at McDonalds, and watch Hollywood's latest movies. Western popular culture has definitely established roots in Asia. In the same way, some parts of Chinese culture have become trendy in the West. Westerners have always appreciated delicious Chinese cooking. But the current interest in Chinese culture extends beyond the food. Some of today's latest trends among Westerners have been imported from China. Here are some Chinese fads that have made their West.

Bubble tea

Starbucks coffee is trendy in Asia, but bubble tea is the new popular drink in North America. Bubble tea has been popping up in coffee shops and teahouses all over the U.S. and Canada. Although this Asian drink started out as simple iced tea that's shaken to produce bubbles, the name" bubble tea" can now mean a variety of Asian tea beverages. The most famous kind has the distinctive feature of chewy tapioca shaken with the tea. Although this Asian drink started out as simple iced tea that's shaken to produce bubbles, the name "bubble tea" can now mean a variety of Asian tea beverages. The most famous kind has the distinctive feature of chewy tapioca shaken with the tea. Although Americans traditionally associated tapioca with dessert ingredients, more and more people are willing to sample their tea with tapioca.

Chinese characters

Most Westerners can't read Chinese characters. But today Chinese characters are quite trendy among Western youth. Characters can be seen on T-shirts, baseball caps, jewelry and many other other items. Many Westerners think Chinese characters look cool, even if they don't know what they mean. This blind admiration sometimes creates amusing results. One American man had his name translated into Chinese and then carved on to a chop. He was embarrassed when a Chinese friend later explained that the name on the chop was actually a girl's name.

Tofu

Until recently, Westerners considered tofu an exotic Asian food. But as its health benefits have become better known in the West, tofu has quickly found its many Western kitchens. Western cooks now use the versatitle food in ways that Chinese cooks probably never dreamed of. They've transformed tofu into burgers, cheese, ice cream and other Western foods. Even McDonalds has begun selling a tofu burger called the McVeggie. So the next time you eat at McDonalds, remember that "real" American burgers are now sometimes made with Asia's most common tofu.

never seen words:

1.fad 2.distinctive 3.versatile

useful words:

1.admiration 2. character

summary:

When the foreginers bump into the Chinese food, what happened to them? At first, the foreginers can't accept the flavor about Chinese food; however, they fall in love the flavor such as bubble tea, tofu etc.

thinking:

To this day, many kids love French fries, chicken and hamburger etc. The western food has an important effect on our life. So, the Chinese food have the same reason. Today,American know the tofu is a health food and mix with hamburgers and taste delicious. As long as, we are able to try the different culture food and many food have special flavor.

Learning Language at Any Age

As the world gets smaller, billingual skills are becoming ever more important. People with bilingual skills have more travel, educational and career opportunities. And parents know a bilingual child has great potential in today's world. But when should a person begin learning a second language? Many experts believe in a "critical period" from birth to 5 years. They say that language learning is easiest and most effective at this time. Actually, success stories can come at any age. Still, each age group has its own characteristics that are important to consider.



Blessed bilingual babies(birth-2years)



Babies become bilingual naturally when their parents are fluent in more than one language. Children who learn two language from birth have many advantages. Their language "class" is full-time and their "teachers" are doing parents who give them plenty of attention. These lucky learners usually achieve flawless pronunciation in both languages.



Tiny talkers(3-5years)



Young children have flexible tongues, light schedules and fearless attitude toward learning new languages. Bilingual preschoolers pick up their first language from their parents. Then they are introduced to another language at a preschool or childcare center. They mantain their first language because it is spoken at home. And they acquire the new language through songs, stories and other enjoyable activities at school. Young children need to have their first language supported to learn the new language successfully. Equal exposure to both languages will get tiny students talking!



Challenges for school-age language learners (6-13years)



On the surface, school- age learners may be better equipped to learn a second language. Study habits improve as students mature. And research shows olders children can perform better on language tests. Unfortunately, children learning a second language in the classroom often fail to gain life-long proficiency. Their exposure to the new language may be limited to a few hours each week. Pressure from parents and tests also makes language learning less enjoyable and less successful. After age 6, children's learning enviorments will affect fluency far more than their age.



Hope for mature learners(14 years and up)



Older learners face severals difficulities. Their busy schedules make it difficult to squeeze in language classes. Their tongues refuse to cooperate to produce new sounds. And their pride prevent them from practicing with native speakers. On the bright side, older students have many language strategies available to them. To gain proficiency later in life, try making the following techniques part of your daily routine. These techniques do not involve embarrassing activities or lengthy classes. In fact, you'll probably find these exercises relaxing and enjoyable.



Reniew your day. Think in your second language about your actions, experiences and observations from each day.



Eavesdrop. Pay special attention to the sounds native speakers make when they talk. By emphasizing sounds and phrases as you learn, you are more likely to master the pronunciation and grammar.



To improve your writing skills, read what really interests you, even if it's challenging.



Talk to youself ! Imagine what you would say in different situations. Do it consistently and you can increase your chances of becoming bilingual at any age.



summary:

Bilingual skills are becoming important. If we can learn a second language, we can get the chance to find work and help us more in the future. Maybe, different age learning language has different. Language learning is easiest and most effective at this time. when we learn language in different age , we can have different effective.



you have never seen words:

1.bilingual 2.flawless 3.eavesdrop 4.dote



useful words:

1.characteristic 2.acquire 3.equip 4. consistently



thinking
In fact, the children learning are so fast. What subject they also realize fast, learning language is special. In different steps children they have their special abilities. These are infant ability. For example, if they who 0~2 years old, their parents are also their teachers. They can have good pronuciation. Language is like a bridge that can connect with sides each other. If we are good at languages, we can make more friends and broden our horizon. In the competition in the society heavily, our parents have desplined children since they were very young.

The man and the opportunity

The lack of opportunity is ever the excuse of weak, vacillating mind. Opportunities! Every life is full of them.


Every lesson in school or college is an opportunity. Every examination is a chance in life. Every business transaction is an opportumity---an opportunity to be polite, an opportunity to be manily, an opportunity to be honest, an opportunity to make friends. Every proof of confidence in you is a great opportunity. Every responsibility thrust upon you strength and your honor is priceless. Existence is the privilege of effort, and when that privilege is met a man, opportunities to succeed along the line of your aptitude will come faster than you can use them.



Young men and women, why do you stand here all the day idle? Was the land all occupied before you were born? Has the earth ceased to yield its increase? Are the seats all taken? The position all field? The chances all gone? Are the resources of your country fully developed? Are the secrets of nature all mastered? Is there no way in which you can utilize these passing moments to improve yourself or benefit another?



Don't wait for your opportunity. Make it, as Napoleon made his in a hundred "impossible" situations. Make it, as all leaders of men, in war and in peace, have made their chances of success. Make it, as every man must, who would accomplish anything worth the effort. Golden opportunities are nothing to laziness, but industry makes the commonest chances golden.

you have never seen words:
1.vacillating 2.transaction 3.priceless 4.yeild 5.thrust

useful words:
1.opportunity 2.responsibility 3.examination

summary:
we need to catch the opportunity in time, or it disappear fast. If people usually have no confidence in the event, they could lose opportunity easily. However, the opportunity is special we need to have confidence to catch them and prepare uor ability for our future.when it comes, we can catch them stedily.

thinking:
I think opportunity dosen't wait for people. Everyone also hopes to own their opportunity such as an opportunity to be honest, an opportunity to make friends etc. I dosen't stand there to wait for the chance:however, I need to pursuit the opportunity. I want to be positive to come true my dream. If I have an oppportunity, I will be well-prepared to use it.

Pixar: Designing Digital Delight

The first thing viewers of Rataouille will notice is how subtle the animation is. Despite the realistic appearance, everything from our lovable rodent hero to the shiny pots and pans of the gourmet kitchen is computer-generated. It could only be the work of one company: Pixar Studios, the leader in digital animation.

Pixar began as a division of LucasFilm, owned by George Lucas, the director of Star Wars. During the 1980s, Pixar's designers spent thousands of hours in the studio, breaking new ground for digital animation. They worked on special effects for movies such as Star Trek and Young Sherlock Holmes. The creative genius behind Pixar has been director and animator John Lasseter.From day one, Lasseter focused on quality, hiring only the best animators and shooting for nothing short of perfection. Apple founder Steve Jobs believed in Pixar's potential and purchased the company in 1986.

Originally, Jobs wanted to steer the company in the direction of graphics handware development. When this attempt failed, Pixar found itself on the brink of bankruptcy and had to rely on its a animation department to pay the bills. After years of making animated commercials for LiveSavers, Tropicana and Listerine, Pixar's big break finally arrived.

Pixar's commercials caught the eye of Disney, which teamped up with the small company to create the full-length animated film Toy Story. Pixar's years of research and knowledge were finally put to the test, and the result were amazing. The film was a huge hit worldwide. Pixar followed this up by releasing seven additional films, including Finding Nemo and The Incredibles, both of which received critical acclaim and box office success.

One of the tradmarks of a Pixar film is its meticulous attention to detail. Lesseter believes that "Every movement in an animated scene must have a reason for being" For example, the team at Pixar spent mouths observing sea life before they began drawing the rough sketches for Finding Nemo.

Pixar also knows that fancy animation alone is not enough to create a great movie. Lasseter thinks the growth of the main characters is equally important. In Cars, for example, we watch the hero, Lightning McQueen, change from an arrogant rookie race car into a compassionate hero who cares for others.

Pixar's future looks bright. There are already plans in the works for Pixar's next release, a story about a robot named Wall-E. With its innovative graphics technology and superb attention to story development and details, Pixar is sure to take us into many more previously unimaginable fantasy worlds.

words:

1.rodent 2. gourmet 3.graphics 4. meticulous 5.rookie

useful words:

1.digital 2.steer 3.bankruptcy 4.arrogant 5.critical 6. innovative 7.trademark

summary:

Pixar's animation is great so that many kids like to see their movies. Pixar not only designs the beautiful animation but imagines what the story need to act. He concentrates on their work. His ability has been admired by many movies. Therefore, many people like his film very much. However, he works hard to make the animation and combine with the story. It's really important to get together between the story and the animation. Because Pixar's work hard to make people see the terrific movie.

thinking:

I like Rotatouille very much. The story said a rat which can cook very well. It helps a boy who work on a tasty restaurant. Therefore, the boy who was teached by a rat cooked very well. I admire the Pixar who can make the animation beautiful. When I finished his movie, I always have a nice day. I suggest people to see his movie. You can find how special the animation is.

Italian Tenor Pavarotti Dies At Age 71

Luciano Pavarotti, whose vibrant high Cs and energetic performances made him the most beloved and celetrated te enor since Caruso and one of the few opera singers to win crossover fame as a popular superstar, has died. He was 71.

His manager, Terri Robson, told the AP in an emailed statement that Pavarotti died at his home in Modena, Italy, at 5 AM local time. Pavarotti was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year and underwent further treatment in August.

"The Maestro fought a long, tough battle against the pancreatic cancer which eventually took his life. In keeping with the approach that characterized his life and work, he remained positive until finally succumbing to the last stages of his illness, the statement said.

For serious fans, the unforced beauty and thrilling urgency of Pavarotti voice made him the ideal interpreter of Italian opera, especially in the 1960s and 70s when he first achieved stardom. For millions more, his charismatic performances of songs like Nessun Dorma from Puccini's opera Turandot came to represent what opera is all about.

In fact, Nessun Dorma was Pavarotti's last performance, sung at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, in February 2006. His last full-scale concert was at Taichung, Taiwan, in December 2005, and his farewell to opera was in Puccini's Tosca at New York's Metropolitan in March 2004.

words:

1.diagnose 2.tenor 3.vibrant 4.genre

useful words:

1.undergo 2.represent 3.compose 4.farewell 5.thrilling 6.succumb

summary:

Pavarotti was a great man. His voice was one of the famous opera singers so that many fans felt sad to hear bad news.He died when he was 71.He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.He was sick soon.What's worse, he can't breast the cancer. People knew we will lose a man who had a great high voice. Having a beautiful singing voice that was one of the best ever.He will live in our mind forever.

thinking:

I admire the singer so that I feel sad to hear the bad news. He was a special man between the pop music and the opera. So many young people like him very much. He was a beautiful interoreter of Italian opera. He let me feel how the opera was wonderful and let me enjoy very muh such as Nessun Dorma. He made me know the opera bewitchment.

Three Days in Cape Town

As you apporoach Cape Town by boat, the first thing you'll see in the far-off distance is Table Mountain. The level plateau, flanked by steep cliffs, forms a dramatic backdrop to the city sprawling out beneath it. If you're lucky, light

clouds will float gently on the top, giving the impression that a tablecloth has been laid for a giant's banquet.

Table Mountain is Cape Town's most popular and iconic tourist attraction. At 1,086 meters above sea level, it will be scenic climb if you're feeling energetic. Most tourists, however, prefer to be carried up in the cable cars. Once you've arrived, the magnificent views of the city and Table Bay will make you feel like you're standing on top of the world.

After your descent into the city, it's time to get an understanding of Cape Town's history with a visit to the Castle of Good Hope.Built by Dutch settlers in 1666 to protect this strategic city from the British, the castle is South Africa's oldest building. The signal cannon still fires at noon every day, serving as a reminder of the castle's significance.

You can end off the day with a trip to the V&A Waterfront. Go shark diving at the Two Oceans Aquarium and learn about shipwrecks at the Martime Mesume. There are also a wide variety of designer shops and craft stalls offering the shop-till-you-drop experience. And when it's time to relax, nothing beats a cruise in the harbor with a cool cocktail and a deep red sunnet.

Robben Island will give you a glimpse into South Africa's dark history. Situated 12 km from the mainland, it was a place of exile and imprisonment for 400 years. During the apartheid years, political prisoners like Nelson Mandela spent decades in brutal isolation.

After your lockup on the island, go for a refreshing dip in the sparkling blue waters can be a bit chilly. To the east lies False Bay. You'll find the waters there much warmer, and it is also more popular with surfers because of the bigger waves.

Wine tasting is set aside for your third day. The Stellenbosch wine route offers world-class cellars nestled in fertile green valleys. Stellenbosch, a sleepy town steeped in South African tradition, is the heart of the country's wine industry. You'll taste not only great wine but also friendly and relaxed South African way of life.

Cape Town breathes clean and cool mountain air while basking in the African sun. It's a city that will slow you down as you're gently calmed by the rhythms of the sea. Here you can write your worries in the sand and then sit back and watch the lapping waves wash them away.

summary:

You can read the Cape Down where can realize the history of South Africa. You can enjoy the sunney day there and take a ship to vander. If you read the article and you will want to go there right now.

words:

1.apartheid 2.lockup 3.nestle 4.maritime 5.plateau

useful words:

1.magnificent 2.significent 3.descent 4.strategic

thinking:

I like to travel so I choose the article you can follow the writer to enter the place where has magnificent view. For example, you can go shark diving at the Two Oceans Aquarium and learn about shipwrecks at the Maritime Mesume. You can also enjoy the red sunset and dreak the cool cocktail. I can't wait to go travel to the Cape Down.

French Fries Fuel

Whenever people go outside, they often get a face full of smoke. Passing vehicles pollute the air with black clouds and terrible smells. But soon, people will be able to enjoy a breath of fresh air. Driving us towards a friendiler world and cleaner enviroment is a new fuel called biodiesel.






Biodiesel is made from vegetable oil like soybeans and corn. In addition, oil from animal fat can be used. Recycled cooking oil from restaurants, like McDonald's, can also be used to make "fast food" fuel. Because of its ingredients, biodiesel is renewable and can be produced in your own country. The result is less stress over reducing crude oil supplies, and more business for local farmers.







Biodiesel can be used in any diesel-powered machine. No changes are necessary. Tractors, trucks, and buses can operate with it. Even better, biodiesel's natural ingredient cause it to burn cleanly. Fewer oil change and longer engine life result from using it.



But most importantly, it is environmentally friendly. Biodiesel produces little carbon dioxide and other harmful gases. Therefore, it's good for the air, slows global warming, and prevents acid rain. It may even give off a pleasant smell, like French fries!

Biodiesel is a new solution from an old idea. Over a century ago, Rudolf Dieseel invented the diesel engine to run on peanut oil. Unfortunately, his dreams were sunk when Diesel mysteriously drowned. Soon his ideas have now come back to life.

To get your engine running on biodiesel, a gradual switch from regular diesel is recommanded. Therefore, mixtures like B20 have been created to help engines adjust. B20 is 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel.

Leaders worldwide are cleaning up their cities with biodiesel. The U.S. military is the main consumer of B20. The government of France has ordered that all diesel engines use biodiesel. In 2003, Berkeley, California started using biodiesel in 90 percent of its diesel vehicles. And the tailpipes of Taipei city's garbage trucks are also blowing clean biodiesel air!

With crude oil supplies in decline, and environmental issues increasing, new power sources are mapping out our future. Biodiesel is just one idea that is getting us back on the right track.

summary:

We have an new fuel called biodiesel. It is made from vegetable oil. We not only reduce the crude oil supplies but recycle it again. Most importantly, we can protect our environment from making pollution heavily. Many country do this fuel gradually. New power has an good effect on our life.

words:

1.fuel 2.biodiesel 3. crude oil 4.tractor 5.petroleum 6.tailpipe

useful words:

1.operate 2.harmful 3.solution 4. replace 5. decline 6.adjust 7.recomman

thinking:

People feel happy they have new fuel to use. Biodiesel's natural ingredient cause it to burn cleanly. Fewer oil changes the longer engine life result from using it. Biodiesel reduces harm to the environment because it is renewable and produces little carbon dioxide. Biodiesel burns cleanly and can be used in any diesel powered machine. People can't live without the new fuel called biodiesel. I concern about our earth so I want to read the article. It is really a good way to let our earth purified.

The Courage to Sacrifice

PROFESSOR LIVIU LIBRESCU

Many years before tragedy struck the campus of Virginia Tech, Professor Librescu had faced the horrors of the Holocaust- and survived. So perhaps when he heard gunshots outside his classroom on the morning of April 16, 2007, memories of violence prompted him to block the classroom door. This gave his students time to jump from the second story windows. But the 76-year-old professor couldn't withatand the gunman's force for long and was shot to death. In the days following the attack, students were full of praise for Professor Librescu and his heroic action.





THE FOUR CHAPLAINS




Not long after midnight on Februrary 3, 1943, a German submarine fired three torpedoes at the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, a transport vessel, and scored a direct hit. The four U.S. Army chaplains on board, George Fox, Alexander Goode, John Washington and Clark Poling, immediately began assisting frantic soldiers by distributing life jackets. After giving their own life jackets away, the chaplains locked arms with one another as the ship began to sink. They continued to encourage the soldiers floating nearby, even as they themselves faced certain death in Arctic wayers. Thanks to the four chaplains' bravery and sacrifice,230 men survuved the attack.

summary

The Four Chaplains

When the ship sank, the four chaplains sended the life jackets to every soldiers. They even take their ones to the soliders who have no life jackets.

The Professor Liviu Librescu

When it broke up, the professor protect their students from getting injured. The professor was seventy six years old but he is so brave and can't withstand the ball. So he sacrifice unfountunally.

words

1. chaplain 2. torpedo 3.holocaust

useful words

1.withstand 2.sacrifice 3.courage

thinking

I deeply admired. They are brave men. They have the heart of kindness. It needs to have much courage to rescued other people even sacrifice themselves. When I read the two short stories. I'm so moved that I make a decision to help people with simple ways. We should take a respect for them. They were so great.

A Taste of Mexico

Few foods are more festive than Mexican cuisine. The bright colors-including reds, greens, yellow-are a fiesta for the eyes. The food's varied textures are a delight for the mouth. And the many finger foods make it possible to eat a whole meal without ever picking up a fork.

What more could you ask for?

I recently made my way to a local restaurant in search of some festive Mexican fare. Right away, the restaurant's colorful Mexican decor made me smile. I knew I had come to the right place.

I started my mouthwatering Mexican meal with a popular appetizer-quesadilla. This dish is made with a fried tortilla-or flatbread-folded over a cheese center. I ate my quesadilla with my hands. And before I knew it, that tasty finger food had me in a happy mood.

Next, I wrapped my fingers around another delicious appetizer-chicken flautitas. These small, flute-shaped snacks are filled with shredded chicken and fried until golden brown. The moist chicken center and crunchy tortilla shell made my taste buds dance.

Tortilla chips also make a great Mexican meal-starter. Whole tortillas are cut into triangle-shaped pieces and deep-fried to make these tasty chips. They can be dipped in either a spice saisa(a tomato-based dip) or a cool guacamole(made from avocados). I tried each dip, and both were simple delectable.

But by then, I was ready for something a little more filling. So I ordered two main dishes: a chicken chimichange and a beaf enchilada.

The enchilada, on the other hand, was a Mexican bandito that set my taste buds on fire. Covered with a spicy tomato sauce and topped with cheese, this enchilada completely satisfied.

After devouring my enchilada, it was time to cool down. So I ordered a scoop of fried ice cream. As I took a bite of this scrumptious frozen treat, I pondered a very important question: Just how do they deep-fry ice cream without melting it? It made for a fun ending to my very festive meal.

summary

Mexican cuisine makes the author joys. There are some bright colors including reds, greens, yellows in the food so that we can't wait to taste it.The Mexican food let the author feel satisifed. It make for a fun ending to my very festival meal.

words

1.decor 2.moist 3.delectable 4.fare

useful words

1.delight 2.ponder 3.mouthwatering 4.appetizer

thinking

I like to taste food so I choose about food's article Mexico's food also let me happy because it is different Taiwan's food. For example, a quesadilla looks delicious and we can eat them with our hands. Finding them, we can also eat them with special sauce. Oh, Mexico is my heaven. I also like the Fried ice cream. I can't imagine what the favor is. I really want to try it.

Out of the Desert

Burj Dubai is rising at the rate of a floor a week in Dubai, a city-state in the United Arab Emirates. It aims to beat skyscrapers being built in Shanghai and New York to become the world's tallest building in 2009. Additionally, Burj Dubai's design would allow it to be extended should a new, taller skyscraper be proposed. This way, at that time of its opening, its position as the world's tallest building will be guaranteed. Dubai already boasts the world's tallest hotel, richest horse race and largest man-made island. Burj Dubai is only the latest-and tallest-of the city's many claims to fame.

Big dreams

If there's one word that can describe Dubai, it's ambitious. Less than 50 years ago, Dubai was a small fishing village. In 1959, Sheikh Rashid, ruler of Dubai until 1990, borrowed millions of dollers with the dream of building a great city. His son, Sheikh Mohammed, has continued that vision. In the past decade, he's run Dubai much like a CEO, transforming it into the amazing city it is today.

Burj AI Arab, the tallest, most luxurious hotel in the world, is a symbol of Dubai and its accomplishments. The hotel's sail-shaped strucyure rises 54 stories from its own man-made island in the Persian Gulf. Stepping onto the island costs US$50; spending a night can cost up to US$7000.

The world's largest man-made island-Palm Jumeirah-was completed last year with 4000 residences, 30+ hotels, marinas and more. Shaped like a palm tree, its "branches" fan out into the Persian Gulf. Two even larger islands like this one are currently being planned or built.

Despite these accomplishments, Sheikh Mohammed says he's only achieved 10 percent of his vision for the city. Ultimately, he hopes to his transform Dubai into a center for trade and tourism in the Middle East.

Dubai already draws 7 million tourists a year. Many come to shop at large malls like the Mall of the Emirates, which features an indoor ski slope. In the future, they'll be able to visit Dubailand, a theme park currently under construction. It will be twice as large as Disney World.

The people

But perhaps the most intersting aspect of Dubai is its mix of people. Over 80 percent of the population isn't native-born. People from over 150 nations have come to Dubai to live and work. Sixty percent of the foreigners come from South Asia. They provide much of the labor that makes the building projects possible.

Others come from Europe, America or India and work in white-coller industries. They, along with many native Arabs, benefit from the prosperity that oil and development have brought to Dubai.

The wealthy upper class enjoys world-class events like the Dubai World Cup, the world's richest horse race.

Horses and jockeys from around the world compete for its US$6 million grand prize. Meanwhile, spectators can compete in fashion contests. Prizes are awarded for "Best Dressed Couple" and "Best Hat."

Indeed, to many, Dubai is a paradise where dreams come true. It's hard to believe the city was once almost all desert. As Burj Dubai reaches higher into the sky, people's dreams for Dubai only grow bigger.

summary

The article talk about the change of Dubai. There are a rich and a big hotel. We can even know the building in the highest all around the world in the future. According to the article, we can read about the desert's place. It not only has the oil but there is a big city where is prospertity.

words

1.city-state 2.marinas

useful words

1.guarantee 2.ambitious 3.structure 4.residence 5.prospertity 6.feature

thinking

There are the desert, the camles and the oil there. But now, we can see different Dubai. We can even go travel to live the the rich hotel and to shop the mall. Many different people gather to the place where can let me know the new city will develope. Because the article, I can know the changes of Dubai. It is a new power joining the propertity city.

The Oarina: Sunds of History

Have you ever wondered what the world's oldest musical instrument is ? Scientists believe the ocarina, a small, hollow flute shaped like an egg. Some are 4000 years old. Historians believe that the ocarina traveled along ancient trade routes with the Chinese into Southeast Asia and Europe 1000 years ago.

Every ocarina has a few small holes for the fingers and a big one for the mouth. The earliest ocarinas found in China were made of stone, wood, bone, shell, and gourd. They were often decorated with special designs of animals and humans. In museums, you can see ocarinas shaped like dogs, cows, horeses, and even turtles!

Ocarinas looked like animals because ancient people's lives were closely tied to nature. Possibly the first songs were made by people trying to imitate the sounds around them. Scientists believe that in ancient times, people would play the ocarina at important ceremonies. Sometimes old villagers would tell stories of magical animals and forests. While telling theses stories, they would also sing, dance and play the ocarina.

The ocarina may be the most popular instrument in the history of music. Anyone can pick it up and produce pleasing sounds within a few minutes. In fact, people from all over the world still make and play this little flute. The ocarina to pacify their enemies and win wars!

Any object that old certainly has stories and myths associated with it. The ocarina has myths of great masters who used its sweet sounds to tame wild beasts and monsters. There are also stories of great musicians who played the ocarina to pacify their enemies and win wars!

Though the ocarina is a simple thing, it can really make your imagination fly. If you play an ocarina today, you might be making exactly the same sound another person played long, long ago. It is almost as if you are "playing" history or traveling through time. How cool is that?

vocabulary:

1. produce 2. structure 3.master 4. enemy 5. exactly 6. imitate

my thinking:

This article talks about the history of ocarina. I love music so that I think the ocarina's voice beautiful. According to the article, I really realize the ocarina so special it is. It's not only to be a fish but to be like a Taiwan island. The ocarina can play beautiful's voice and it can carry easily. We can also learn it easily. Therefore, I know how magical the ocarina is!

Can Money Buy Happiness?

Many of us dreams of having thousands and thouands of dollars to spend on anything we desire. We buy lottery tickets, enter contest or spend hours building a business or playing the stock market. We're sure when we have plenty of money, we will be happy. But will we?

While having some money does have an impact on our level of happinese, having a lot of money does not. People in the United States whose income goes from 20000 US dollars a year to 50000 US dollars a year are more likely to be happy.

But after 50000 US dollars, happiness does not increase as salaries go up. Why is that? It's because we are never satisfied. "We always think if we just had a little more money, we'd be happier," says Catherine Sanderson, a psychology professor at Amherst College. "But when we get there, we're not. "

"The more you make, the more you want. The more you have, the less it brings you joy. " says Danile Gilbert, a psychology professor at Harvard. "We incorrectly assume we'll get more pleasure from more, and we don't."

The things money can buy don't make you happy either. A lot of research suggests that you won't find the " good life " buying expensive "toys." You finally buy that BMW you've always wanted and it soon loses its appeal. Then, instead of wondering if a new car is what really makes you happy, you decide you just need a different new car. It's an endless cycle.

To really be happy, you need to understand what makes you happy in the first plance. One secret of happiness: people. Surveys have found that people need people. Those who have five or more close friends are 50 percent more likely to describe themselves as "very happy." Good relationships have a far greater effect on happiness than large raises in salary. Andrew Oswald is an economist at England's University of Warwick. He says, "If you're looking for happiness in life, find the right husband or wife rather than trying to double your salary."

So invest your time and energy in people. The payoff is much bigger in terms of happiness!


vocabulary:

1. contest 2. impact 3. psychology 4. assume 5. appeal 6. survey 7. economist 8.invest


my thinking:

I love this article who let me get the inspiration about whether happiness can be bought. People usually earn much money so that we can buy many things and believe as long as have money we can buy everything we want. However, we ignore something which we can't buy using money. What's that? It's love and health. We can't use money to buy them. I am impressed I have seen the movie named "The pursuit of hapiness" Even though, the man had little money, he had a son. He worked hard to earn little money to live. I think it is important for love and health.Without them, we can't live for the future. We need money but it can't let us buy happiness.

Saying "Thank You"

Some friends invite you over and serve you a delicious dinner. Someone loans you his car while yours is being repaired. You are sick, and a friend brings you a meal and cares for you. How do you show your gratitude?

Sometimes simply saying thank you is enough. Other times, it is thoughful to say thank you in a more specific way. Be sure to tell that person what it is you appreciate and why you appreciate it.

Here are some common ways to say thank you. You can write a thank-you note. People are very busy theses days. A handwritten note shows you took the time to tell someone you appreciate him or her. Or you can call and thank the person. You would be surprised how this can make someone's day. Another idea is to send a thank-you e-mail or e-card. This is not quite as personal, but it still shows your appreciation.


vocabulary:

1.gratitude 2. specific 3. handwritten 4. make one's day


my thinking:

Using "Thank You", it is polite to people. For example, treat a friend to a movie, meal, snack or coffee. Or presents the with a basket of fresh fruit or a homemade treat. Or select some flowers from your garden or the florist. Attach a thank-you note.

As you can see, there are many ways to say thank you. Think of some ways of the ideas, and the person being thanked will feel good too. It's a win-win situation.

Where in the World Did You Learn to Speak English?

A Global Language

If someone told you, "Let's grab a jumper,throw the Esky in the boot, and hit the frog and toad," would you know what they were talking about? You would if you were Australian. The same suggestion in the United States would be, "Let's grab a sweater, throw the cooler in the trunk, and hit the road!"

If you can speak English, you can get by in just about any country in the world. That is what we are told. But oftentimes when you arrive in the foreign land of your choosing, the people there speak an entirely different type of English from what you are used to! You may find youself confused, misunderstand, or --worse yet--laughed at.

Over 370 million people the world speak English as a native language and even more speak it as a second language. Not surprisingly, numerous English dialects have developed.These variations have been heavily influenced by the other language spoken in each region, by geographic isolation, and by modern technology and lifestyles. And when it comes to English slang and colloquialism in a particular place, you had better consult a dictionary to avoid embarrassment.


The Queen's English

After settling in North America, British colonists' English began to change.
Many of the changes can be attributed to Noah Webster, who wrote a dictionary with spellings based on the simplest possible pronunciation of words and his own personal choices.Centre became center, color became backyard. American English also differs in its syntax, or the way sentences are put together. Speakers of British English would say that were going away "at the weekend," while Americans would say they were going away"on the weekend."

Modern invention and innovations also played their part in shaping American English, as popular brand names such as"Kleenex," "Band-Aid," and "Frisbee" have become part of the vocabulary.

Adapted froms of British English are spoken outside the UK in most countries that were part of the British Empire, such as Australia and New Zealand, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, and the Caribbean. Canadian English is usually British in its spelling, but many of the pronunciations and usuages are strongly influenced by French and by Canada's American neighbors to the south.

All of these variations in English may be intimidating, but remember: a friendly smile is part of the universal language.


vocabulary:

1.jumper 2.toad 3. dialects 4. geographic 5. slang 6.colloquialism 7.colonist 8. syntax


my thinking:
English is an important language all around of the world. We should use it to communicate with foreigners. Maybe, I should not feel scared; instead, We must speak English bravely because of going forward to the international stage. We aren't only to stay Taiwan. Therefore, we must strengthen our English because it is like our bridge to connect to the foreginers. Although, some country which use English differ from some country, I think it is ok.
It makes no difference to care about the English details. It's for us enough to communicate with people who understand. Most of important thing is we must let our English get better.

Beijing's Olympic Volunteer Team

Planning on checking out Beijing's 2008 OLympic Games? If so, keep your eyes open for one special team. The members of this team won't rowing, wrestling or canoeing. Instead, they might be found greeting fans at the airport, directing pedestrian traffic in Tiananmen Square, or perhaps even selling Beijing duck at a concession near the Olympic Stadium. Who are they ? They're the team of Olympic volunteers.

Let the recruiting begin

For Beijing's 2008 Olympic Games, a staggering number of vounteer are needed to help make the Games a success. Never before has such a large vounteer drive been con-ducted in China. Recruiting and coordinating all those vounteers presents a big challenge for BOCOG(Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad), the administrative body in charge of planning China's Games. The good news is that BOCOG has already developed objectives for its vounteer drive. After the summer Olympics in Athens concluded, Advanced magazine tapped sources close to BOCOG, getting an early insight into the recruitment process.



Help wanted


First , BOCOG needs an astounding 100,000 volunteer for Beijing alone. Smaller volunteer teams are also needed for China's other Olympic venue cities: Qingdao, Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenyang and Qinghuangdao have room for another 17000 volunteers in total.

What kind of jobs will the Olympic volunteers do? They will handle security, traffic control, computer support, first aid, and just about every imaginable task in between.

Volunteers with specific skills can apply to the professional category, taking position such as IT specialists, nurses, engineers or translators. Volunteers without special training can apply to the common category, where ticket takers, greetsers, guards and other support staff are needed.


Higher, faster, stronger

Beyond demonstrating a particular ability, Beijing's Olympic volunteers must have a good attitude and a commitment to their jobs. Acting as ambassadors for the Games, the volunteers will need to learn basic Olympic history, facts about Beijing, and most importantly, basic English competency will be a fundamental expectation of all the volunteers.

The training commitment required for each Olympic volunteer is 80 hours of instruction over a two-week period. Volunteers aren't remunerated for their service, but they do gain useful experience. Moever, the chance to participate in China's biggestever sporting event is perhaps its own reward. After the 2008 Games, all volunteer names will be permanently memorialized in a sculpture called the "road of volunteer."


Becoming an Olympian

Who can apply to be an Olympic volunteer? Almost anyone! Though university students in Beijing are the most desirable applicants, BOCOG's volunteer drive will extend across China and also the world. Chinese in other provinces, overseas Chinese and even foreigners have an apportunity to take part. If you'd like to become an Olympic volunteer, keep your eye on the BOCOG Web site:en.beijing2008.com Starting in the summer of 2006, BOCOG will begin its volunteer drive in earnest. Further details will be presented at that time.


Unsung heroes

No Olympic Games would succeed without the contributions of its volunteers, and we acknowledge and appreciate them. It's a noble thing for them to offer their time and effort to take part in something important, especially if their work is behind the scenes. As modern Olympic Games founder Baron Pierre de Coubertin said, "The most importmant thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part."

vocabulary

1.pedestrian 2.staggering 3.astounding 4. competency 5.remunerate 6.memorialize
7.in earest


My thinking

I'm pleased because Beijing's Olympic will be coming. I love sports so I want to understand about the Olympic. According to this article, I can know the China's Government wants to look for the volunteers who can serve people. Although, they have no salary, I think they can learn how to serve people and how to help people. Ithink it's a good way to let us grow up. What's best, we can have a great experience. We can cherish the experience even though we can share it for everyone who want to know.Beijing Olympic is a important activity. It needs to help by all around the world. I want to join the volunteer team. I can't wait.