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Recently, research on how a new virtual (虚拟的) reality (VR) experience educated primary children about the fire disasters was done. It was developed by the University of South Australia, aiming to educate children to learn how to be safer in a fire. 

Focusing on children aged 10-12 years old, the new VR experience presents a situation where children are tasked to look after a friend's dog just before a fire event begins to spread. They participate in a series of problem-solving activities to help save and protect themselves and the dog.

The findings showed that more than 80 percent of children reported that they felt more confident to calmly assess the situation and make wise decisions to protect themselves from a fire. This isl especially important considering that 91 percent of participants originally lacked any knowledge of fires, and that 67 percent had said that they were too young to make safety decisions in a fire. 

The researchers believed such immersive (沉浸式的) VR experiences had real potential (潜力) to attract and educate the young. "As children born in digital times, they are interested in such technology and they can experience events realistically yet within the safe environment." said Delene Weber, one of the researchers. "Well-designed VR can provide a chance for children to apply newly-acquired knowledge, strengthen their learnt concepts, and enable immediate reaction—all incredibly valuable learning tools."

Meanwhile, because children have fewer life experiences, aren't as physically strong, and are less likely to have learned much about fire safety, they're often most at risk. Yet the ability for children to contribute to fire safety at their household should not be underestimated (低估).

"Children do not need to be passively attacked by disasters and with purpose-built virtual reality experiences such as these, we can help children understand the risks and realize they can help," said Weber.

The classic 1951 science fiction film "The Day the Earth Stood Still" includes an impressive character—a frightening robot (Gort) whose terrible actions are under control only when he is ordered, "Klaatu Barada Nikto". What does this mean? I don't know. But when I overhear my students speaking to each other, I am often similarly confused.

I teach at a university. One of the "problems" is that as the years pass, I get older, but my students remain the same age—18 to 22. Early on, when I was in my 20s and 30s, this wasn't an issue, as we were close enough in age to speak the same language. But lately I have become well aware that a language ship seems to have sailed, and I am not on board.

Let me make it clear by using an example: Recently, when I walked into my class, my students were chatting happily with each other. One of their comments caught my ear: "Venmo it to me." I had no idea what "Venmo" meant, so I asked. The good-natured students were happy to explain it to me, and in return I nodded with an awkward expression, as if I should have known better.

I went home that evening, absorbed in that moment of noncomprehension (不理解). I am not against change, but I am uncomfortable with change when its pace has me hanging on by my fingernails. If I were to awaken from a five-year nap, I'd have no idea what people were talking about. 1 just wouldn't understand the language.

Their willingness to explain their words to me is a great comfort, and I congratulate myself on at least having interest in what they're talking about, as well as on my ability-for the most part-to understand their explanations.

But what will happen if my interest wanes and that the language ship finally disappears over the horizon? The answer, to me, is clear: Klaatu Barada Nikto. 

The Bicycle Adventure Club (BAC) is a non-profit, bicycle touring club for serious cyclists with a current membership outnumbering several thousand. Members volunteer to create and lead a variety of bicycle tours. Our club goes back over 40 years to the Bicycle Touring Society. We have a large number of members who have been with the club for many years. We enjoy the fellowship of exploring the world with our cycling friends on tours developed by club members for other members. 

Membership in BAC is open to experienced touring cyclists over 18 years old. The membership fee to join is $30 for an individual and $60 for a couple; renewal fees each year after that are $ 20 for individuals and $40 for couples and is due on the anniversary of your join date. Members that allow their membership to stop will need to rejoin the BAC at the full rate. Only BAC members can sign up for and participate in rides. New BAC members are required to have email access in order to receive club communications and to apply for club rides. 

Each rider brings his/her own bicycle or rents one suitable for the ride. The bicycle should be in good condition and each rider is responsible for performing his or her own bike maintenance (维护) as necessary. It is up to each participant to determine that he or she is able to do any ride for which they sign up. However, the ride leader makes the final determination as to who is accepted for each ride. 

If you're a serious cyclist and this sounds like your type of club, please join us.

—A man ____ himself a popular singer.