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My mother at 85 was quick, with good vision and sharp reaction for her age, but one day she knocked into three parked cars on a supermarket parking lot. We never found out exactly how it happened, but the investigators figured Mom hit the accelerator instead of the brake.

Mom was lucky, even though she spent two weeks in the hospital. But we unwillingly concluded that it was time to take Mom's car keys. Tears ran down her cheeks. I think she never felt old until that moment, when I took away the independence provided by the car.

In the days that followed,we suggested she take taxis to shop,but she wouldn't do it:"That's not my style." Fortunately, she lived in the city and quickly slipped into the habit of taking the bus. She began to enjoy her new life. But most old people have no convenient public transportation or shops within walking distance.

We seemed to have made a right decision. But is tragedy like that a reason to take away the car keys of the elderly? I think not. Age doesn't necessarily prove anything. Slower reactions or not, senior citizens are much better than teenagers. They usually drive more slowly. They get honked at a lot, but their slower speed reduces the risk of death and destruction. The worst risk-takers on the highway are young men between the ages of 18 to 25, but no one suggests taking away their keys on raising the driving age to 26.

The death rate in the past year for motorists between 16 and 20, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, was more than double that for drivers over 70. The older citizen who tries to avoid danger is likely to take personal responsibility more seriously than a younger person who causes danger through partying risk.

So, let Granny drive for as long as she can. Road age is a lot less dangerous than road rage.

Being a relatively new technology, VR technology is clearly just beginning to take off. There are companies producing their own VR headsets, but they are still not as big as other products that are meant to entertain. Apart from the limited choices, one more thing that is worth noting about the current state of VR is the fact that content is limited, as well as applications. Most of the products available on the market today are aimed at gamers and mostly special for high-end buyers because of its expensive price

Despite being full of potential, however, there are also some challenges that should be dealt with in order to ensure the success of VR. Among others, one of the most significant would be the need for powerful devices that would complement(匹配) the headsets. For Oculus Rift, for instance, a powerful video card is needed for a computer, something you might not have at home, making the VR technology inapplicable.

In addition, there are also challenges when it comes to beauty. Today's VR headsets look almost entirely the same-they are huge and heavy and they look silly. Producers must find a way in order to make the design more beautiful.

Producers will also be challenged to make VR headsets more affordable so that more people will be able to purchase them. Most of the models currently available are just too expensive for average buyers.

Lastly,and perhaps most importantly, the challenge is to find more applications. It is currently being centered on game paste applications, Producers are challenged to come up with creative ways in order to increase the usefulness of such a promising device.

In sum while it is undeniable that VR is big in today's time, there's a lot of room for improvement. There are limited choices when it comes to VR products available on the market, and for many, it is still a bit expensive. Others lack knowledge on bow it works, which results in hesitation. There are also some problems that have yet to be solved and more opportunities to be uncovered. it would be safe to say that it is new, still in its infancy, but hopefully it is getting to the top.

A children-raising game called "Chinese Parents" has gained popularity among Chinese players recently with its real-life setting and realistic plots. Released on September 29, this online game has received over 13,000 comments on Tencent WeGame and Steam, two popular gaming platforms in China, in less than a month, according to data from the two platforms.

"Why not re-experience the joy of changing your life through the game?" said Sun Shoubin, 28-year-old in the city of Zibo in east China's Shandong Province. He spent almost all his spare time on the game as soon as he downloaded it.

Players are responsible for cultivating their fictitious children online. During the lifetime of these children, they must make vital choices for them just like Chinese parents do in real life, such as choosing extra-curricular classes, deciding their majors in universities,and even finding marriage partners for them.A "child's" physical condition, IQ level, and imagination can be improved by attending courses arranged by the player "parents" in each round of the game.

"From the game, I also learned that ongoing efforts can bring about great changes to our lives." Su said. "I can understand my parents more,and show my appreciation for the hardships they have overcome for raising and training me."

Chinese parents are more likely to plan almost everything for their children. Social issues about Chinese parents, families, and education of children tend to arouse heated discussions. "I integrated these ideas into the game, creating a sense of ‘rebirth' for players and driving them to experience a virtual child-rearing life through entertainment," said Yang Geyilang, the game producer.

Some negative comments were also made by the game players. "This game is somewhat controversial," a player named Producer Kalin commented, highlighting that although exams are important we cannot regard the scores as the only standard to judge a child, which has become a routine for many Chinese families.

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About a month ago, my husband and I found kindness in an unlikely place: standing in line at a Subway sandwich shop to pick up a quick dinner.

It was extremely busy on this particular night, and I noticed a dad behind us with his little girl, who looked to be around four. The man seemed as tired as my husband, but the little girl was cheerful and excited as she waited for her sandwich and cookie.

I watched as the man behind us got closer to the front of the line. He started to look worried. Right before we checked out, I heard the man say to the woman who had made his sandwiches that he was sorry to just leave his out because he didn't have enough money to pay for them all. He looked very embarrassed. His little girl continued jumping around excitedly.

I quietly asked the cashier to add the man's whole order to ours. I paid the $87.73, and we got out of there before the man behind us knew what had happened.

Like many others since COVID-19 hit, our family of five was living on one income. I was holding our debit card(and knew that we only had $90.16 in our account. That was all we would have until payday three days later. But still, it felt great to be able to help that family, even though we would be out of money for a few days.

What happened next was amazing. My husband went back to that Subway the next week to pick up five sandwiches that I thought would cost $44.58. There was $47 in our account. But it turned out that the dinner cost more than we had on the card. My husband told them to put his sandwich back because he couldn't afford it. Then he paid for the four sandwiches and headed to our car.

注意：1. 续写词数应为150个左右；2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

As he opened the door, one of the female workers ran to him. 

……

The two men nodded at one another and went on their way. 

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 Martin,

How are you doing? 

……

Yours sincerely,

Li Hua

A lot of the growth of the street libraries can be due to the Covid pandemic (新冠疫情). In Hervey Bay, Denise Campbell set up her library during the lockdown (封禁). Her (neighbor) were used to borrowing books from her extensive library and she saw this as a way (keep) it going. "It just helped our street to still communicate each other although we weren't able to go to each other's houses," she said. Her library also provided puzzles and games, attracted many kids.

"Those adult readers didn't like going to the library in beginning, but it gave (they)an easier way to get through the lockdowns. It was nice to be able to give back, and I (feel) that improved my spirits at the time as well."

These Little Street Libraries provided a  (value) service during the pandemic and the popularity has not decreased. People use them to find books on specific hobbies like cooking and children are developing a love of reading books. It is more convenient than  (go) to a bookstore or a brick-and-mortar library. But even more  (important), with a shared interest, the libraries are bringing communities closer together.

My son, daughter and I all needed new glasses this year. After searching for an optometrist (验光师) we scheduled a(n) 1 . The exams went well and we all 2  our new glasses. The 3  was enough to make my wallet weep, though.

When the new glasses arrived, we all tried them on and 4 seeing clearly again. Like I always do, I put the 5 ones in an old shoe box, which was full of glasses 6 stored. I felt bad about all of them just sitting there 7 dust. My daughter soon found a company that accepts second-hand glasses and then gives them to those who need but can't 8 new ones.

As we packed all the 9 to mail out, my mind went back to a time when I was the one in need. I can still remember 10 my broken, plastic glasses' frames for the twelfth time because we couldn't afford new ones. I didn't know why we 11 so much when my young family didn't do anything wrong. It was one of those questions I asked but never expected to get a 12 .

At present I think I 13  know what that answer is. The truth is that we all 14  pain, struggles and suffering in this life. We can use them to grow selfish and bitter or we can use them to grow loving and kind. May you always choose 15 . May you always choose love.

How to Learn Several Languages at a Time

Learning a new language is a challenging and wonderfully rewarding experience. At some point, you may find yourself needing or wanting to learn several languages at the same time. However, it also allows you to challenge your brain and take advantage of the similarities and differences between the languages you're learning.

 If you have a choice, choose to learn one language that is easier for you, and another or others that are more difficult. An easier language will be one that is similar to your native language or another language that you know, while a more difficult language will be one that is less similar.

Make one language your priority.  This way, at the end of your hard work, you are more likely to be skilled in at least one of your languages, rather than only knowing a small amount of each of them.

Translate between the languages you're learning. One way to keep all the languages you are learning active in your mind is to try translating between them, rather than translating them back to your native language.

Add all of the languages to a language-learning app or website. Several language-learning apps and websites, such as Duolingo, Memrise, Clozemaster, Anki and Lingvist allow you to add several languages at once.  This way, when you are on-the-go, you have quick access to a way to study any of the languages you are trying to learn.

A. This process can be very difficult.

B. Choose languages that vary in difficulty.

C. Study the same topic in all of the languages.

D. You can use a website to find a group like this.

E. This can help you understand the languages on a deeper level.

F. It is helpful to give one of the languages the most time and attention.

G. Download an app, and then add all of your languages, if they are available on it.

Indoor food growing operations are seeing both successes and failures in the United States. Some companies in the food industry are investing (投资) even as competitors fail.

California-based Plenty Unlimited this summer began working on $300 million indoor plants, while Kroger announced that it would be increasing its availability of vertically (垂直地) farmed produce. Meanwhile, two indoor farming companies that got strong backing—New Jersey's AeroFarms and Kentucky's AppHarvest—filed for financial failure and reorganization. And a five-year-old company in Detroit, Planted Detroit, shut its doors this summer.

The industry changes do not worry Jacob Portillo, a grower with Eden Green Technology, an indoor farming company. "The fact that some people are failing and other people are succeeding is going to happen in any industry you go to," he said.

Indoor farming refers to growing crops indoors, which experts sometimes call "controlled environment agriculture". There are different methods. One method called vertical farming involves putting produce from floor to ceiling, often under artificial lights and with the plants growing in nutrient-enriched water. Other growers are trying very large greenhouses, indoor beds of soil in big buildings and using special robots for parts of the farming process.

Supporters say growing indoors uses less water and land and permits food to be grown closer to consumers, saving on transport. Indoor growing is also a way to protect crops from increasingly extreme weather caused by climate change.

But critics question the sustainability (可持续性) of operations that can require a lot of energy for artificial lights. And they say paying for that light can make profitability impossible. Curt Covington of AgAmerica Lending, a private investment company centered on agriculture, is not convinced that indoor farming operations can work—except in special cases. Given the high cost of indoor operations, Covington said, "It's just hard to be very profitable."

While temperatures continue to climb, visitors are still coming to see Death Valley National Park on the California-Nevada border. The park is known as the hottest place on Earth. This past weekend, the temperatures climbed to 53.33℃. Most visitors at this time of year make it only a short distance to any area in the park before returning to the cool air in their vehicles.

Early information from the park service shows that across the nation's 424 national parks, at least four people have died this year from heat-related causes. That includes a 65-year-old man from San Diego who was found dead at Death Valley earlier this month.

Death Valley National Park suggests visitors be careful and not have expectations of rescue. While park rangers (护林员) drive on park roads and can aid tourists in need, it is unsure that lost visitors will get help in time.

Physical activity can make the heat feel even worse and leave people exhausted. Alessia Dempster, who was visiting from Edinburgh, Scotland, said, "It's very hot especially when there's a gentle wind. You would think maybe that would give you some slight relief from the heat, but it just really does feel like an air blow dryer just going back in your face."

Death Valley is a narrow area that is below sea level and surrounded by high mountains, the park service's website says. The dry air and small plant coverage let sunlight heat up the park surface. The heat then becomes trapped in the valley.

Still, several areas in Death Valley continue to draw tourists. Badwater Basin, made up of salt flats, is considered the lowest point in all of North America. The 183-meter Ubehebe Crater dates back over 2,000 years. And Zabriskie Point is a great sunrise viewing spot.

Josh Miller, a visitor from Indianapolis who has been to 20 national parks so far, shared that feeling. "It's hot, but the scenery is awesome," he said.

Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist Frank Wilczek has been honored with this year's Templeton Prize. The award recognizes individuals whose life's work brings together science and spirituality.

Wilczek is known for his research into the laws of nature. In a statement, the John Templeton Foundation said his work changes "our understanding of the forces that govern our universe." It said he used physics to address "the great questions of meaning and purpose pondered by generations of religious thinkers."

John Templeton created the prize in 1972. It is one of the most highly valued prizes at more than $1.3 million. Past winners include Jane Goodall, Mother Teresa and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Wilczek told The Associated Press, "It's a company I'm very glad to join in." He added, "It's encouragement in a direction that I've really only taken up in a big way quite recently... which is thinking about not just what the world is and how it came to be this way but what we should do about it."

Over a long career, Wilczek had many successes. He won the 2004 Nobel Prize along with David J. Gross, and H. David Politzer for their 1973 research explaining the unusual properties of the strong force. Wilczek is currently a physics professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Arizona State University and Stockholm University. He is also the founding director of Shanghai Jiao Tong University's T. D. Lee Institute. He has also written several books that are informed by science but look into spiritual and philosophical questions.

Heather Dill is the Templeton Foundation president. In a statement, she said, "Like Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, he is a natural philosopher who unites a curiosity about the behavior of nature with a playful and profound philosophical mind."

Four Self-Portraits (自画像) by Famous Artists

Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino)—"Self-Portrait", 1506

One of the beautiful self-portraits by famous artist Raphael was drawn at the age of 23. It measures around 45cm×33cm and is located at the world-famous Uffizi Gallery. The Italian painter used oil on board to draw his self-portrait, which was the clearest and the most recognizable self-portraits of Raphael himself.

Leonardo da Vinci—"Portrait of a Man in Red Chalk", 1512

"Portrait of a Man in Red Chalk" is a self-portrait of da Vinci at the age of 60 and measures around 33.3cm×21.6cm, which is on display in Biblioteca Reale, Turin, Italy. It is drawn with red chalk on paper and represents the head of an elderly man in a three-quarter view. In the portrait, the length of the hair is uncommon in Renaissance (文艺复兴) portraits.

Rembrandt van Rijn—"Self-Portrait with Beret and Turned-up Collar", 1659

Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn painted his self-portrait in 1659 when he was 53 years old. It shows his worried expression that clearly portrays the troubled condition of his mind at that point of his life since the year 1659 was a year of anxiety for him. This self-portrait found its place among the Benjamin Altman Collection, which has been exhibited in the Metropolitan Museum of Art since 1913.

Edgar Degas—"Degas Au Porte-Fusain", 1855

Edgar Degas made this self-portrait only when he was twenty-one years old. It was one of the most remarkable of his fifteen self-portraits. Degas was seated as seemingly without fear and anxiety. The pose in the painting was formal and academic. The painting is located in the musée d'Orsay, Paris, France.