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.