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These collections tend to focus on common things that we all need, but which we don't use constantly. This saves on the environmental impact of producing the items by reducing the demand for new things.

For families, financial barriers can mean that things like toys or comfortable clothing can be knocked down the priorities list. But these libraries create a sense of equality in the community, meaning that individuals don't need to go without.

There are several ways to find out where your closest sharing library is. It maps 50 libraries across the UK. But if your area isn't listed by those sites, don't give up hope. Some communities will set up smaller, informal versions of these libraries — for example, street WhatsApp groups where people ask if anyone on the road has the thing they're looking to borrow, or local pass-it-on groups. Attend the Network's online workshops to learn more about sharing libraries and how to set one up for themselves.

In a world where we're encouraged to continue to collect more and more stuff, sharing libraries are taking a stand for the environment and for our personal finances. So, next time you find yourself in need of something handy, consider looking for a way to borrow it.
 

A. Still no luck?

B. If unlisted, search locally.

C. At the core of sharing libraries is greater access.

D. This is the fundamental idea behind sharing libraries.

E. This concept challenges traditional ownership models.

F. Start by checking the UK Sharing Libraries Network website.

G. It'll be easy on the planet, easy on your pocket, and great for the community.

This sad story became widely discussed. Sigmund Freud and modern scientists studied this idea. In 2015, an award-winning short film called Henry retold this story.

How does this apply to real life? Most people remember being hurt by close relationships – broken friendships, family conflicts, or romantic betrayals. Since these connections matter deeply, their damage hurts more. Should we stop trusting others? Schopenhauer said yes, but science would say otherwise.

A study in PLOS Medicine reviewing 148 studies with over 300,000 people found those with strong social connections live 50% longer. The National Institute on Aging warns that loneliness harms health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes daily — making Schopenhauer's advice concerning.

When hurt repeatedly, people often fall into defense mode. Relationship expert Hilary Sanders explains common defense behaviors: going silent during arguments, seeing normal comments as criticism, or overreacting to small issues. These reactions often start in childhood. If parents often criticized or classmates bullied someone, they might develop habits like pretending not to care or getting angry easily. While these helped survive childhood pain, they cause problems in adult relationships when used unconsciously.

The good news is people can change. Through therapy, many learn to recognize their defense patterns and understand their origins. Couples can improve relationships by learning each other's emotional triggers and responding thoughtfully instead of arguing. However, Sanders warns that defenses shouldn't be removed suddenly — it's like taking down a wall brick by brick.

Although Schopenhauer focused on the pain of closeness, the hedgehog story actually shows our deep need for connection. Unlike real hedgehogs, humans aren't born with physical spines. By carefully lowering our defenses around trustworthy people, we might truly enjoy both warmth and safety in relationships.

"We now have proof that dogs and humans had close connections earlier than we thought in the Americas," said the study's lead author, Francois Lanoe, an assistant researcher at the University of Arizona's School of Anthropology.

"People interested in the origins of the Americas want to know if the first humans arrived with dogs. Until we find these animals in old digging sites, we can only guess — it's hard to confirm. This discovery is very significant."

In a 2018 archaeological study, the same team found a lower leg bone from an adult dog-like animal at a site in Alaska. Carbon dating showed the animal lived 12,000 years ago, near the end of the Ice Age. More recently, in June 2023, the team dug up an 8,100-year-old jawbone from a similar animal at a nearby site.

For the new study, scientists performed chemical tests on these bones. They found salmon proteins, suggesting these animals ate fish regularly. This was unusual because dog-like animals at the time only hunted land animals, showing human influence.

While the team believes this is the earliest known relationship between humans and dogs, they say it's too soon to be certain. A key question remains: "What defines a dog?" said Dr. Ben Potter, a co-author of the study and an archaeologist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Though these creatures acted and looked like dogs, they might be too ancient to be genetically connected to modern dogs we know today.

I thought of cancer survivor Lynne Hartke's brave story in this issue, about struggle to reach the top of El Minsti, a dormant volcano in Peru, and the lesson she learned. Like Lynne, I hate to give up before reaching a goal, even if mine was more modest. Yet maybe, like Lynne, I should recognize that my plan is not always God's plan, not today at least, and maybe not on any given day.

We don't pick stories for an issue around a certain theme. Still, a theme sometimes suggests itself as the pieces develop. Take our cover story, by Mary Bryant Shrader. Her plan was to become a hard-charging corporate lawyer. Now she's a You Tube cooking star and prepper, teaching people traditional ways of keeping a kitchen. Little did she know how that philosophy would influence her faith in a moment of crisis. In her story, Night and Day, all Jessica Reed desired for was to be normal. Yet was her idea of "normal" God's idea? Take a cross-country ride with Jim Hinch and son in The Two Dudes, and witness how the best-laid plans of a father can take a different turn.

In my life, I've learned that the path laid out before me was not the one I thought I would follow. And yet it has brought great fortune. Even on a late-winter day on a snowy hillside trail. "Come on, Gracie," I said. "Let's go see the beavers."

Discover the collection

The National Gallery displays one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of European painting. It includes many famous works, such as Van Eyck's Arnolfini Portrait, Velazquez's Rokeby Venus, Turner's Fighting Temeraire and Van Gogh's Sunflowers. All major traditions of Western European painting are represented from the artists of late medieval and Renaissance Italy to the French Impressionists.

This plan will help you to explore the collection. You may wish to start by finding one of the famous paintings illustrated overleaf. You can also plan your route using the ArtStart touch-screen guides. Free guided tours and a variety of audio guides are available.

For further information, ask at Information Desks or pick up the What's On and Book Now guides for full details of talks, tours and family events.

A public collection

The paintings in the National Gallery belong to the public and entrance to see them is free. The Gallery was founded in 1824, but it did not acquire its current home, designed by William Wilkins, until 1838. The site in Trafalgar Square was chosen for its central location, accessible to both the rich of West London and the poorer communities of the East End. The building has been extended and improved over the years, most notably in 1991 with the opening of the Sainsbury Wing, designed by Venturi, Scott Brown & Associates. The Gallery continues to ensure that the widest possible public can enjoy the paintings.

If you do not wish to keep this plan, please return it to an Information Desk for recycling.

The Do-It-Yourself Disaster

"Who wants to show us their special project first?" Mrs. Williams asked the whole class. For this project, we were allowed to do anything, as long as we did it ourselves.

I shrank into my sweater as usual, silently begging, Don't call on me. Don't call on me. Around me, hands shot up like popcorn. The more others leaned forward, the deeper I sank.

"Michael, your project, please." My name rang as loud as the fire alarm. I hadn't even lifted a finger! My hiding trick didn't work.

I walked to the front of the class on shaky legs and set my birdhouse on the table. "This is how to build a birdhouse," I began, my throat tight. "Look at your audience, Michael," Mrs. Williams reminded me from the back of the room. I took a deep breath and started again. "I looked online for plans and went to the lumberyard (木料场) with my dad. Someone there helped cut the walls and drilled the hole." I turned the birdhouse to show all four sides.

Luka's hand shot up. We were supposed to take questions if anyone had them. Luka was my friend, but he always asked a billion questions. I just wanted to finish and sit down.

"So if someone at the lumberyard cut the wood and made the hole, and your dad drove you there, what did you do?" he asked.

My throat felt even tighter. "This was my idea," I rushed to explain. "At the lumberyard, I told the workers exactly how to cut the wood. And see this?" I flipped open the roof. "I made it open and shut with these metal clips (夹子), so I can clean out the house after the birds leave." Some kids stood up to see. "Then I nailed all the walls together." I picked up the heavy hammer (榔头) I had bought. I had left one of the nails sticking out a little so I could demonstrate.

Spotting Luka watching, I gave the nail a powerful hit. The hammer came down on the roof instead of the nail. Crash! The roof caved in. The sides bent. The birdhouse landed in a noisy mess at my feet.

注意：

1.续写词数应为150左右；

2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

Paragraph 1: The crash echoed into total stillness.

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Paragraph 2: At the sight of the bird feeder (喂食器), the class cheered and clapped.

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Thanks to advances in animal tracking technology, one can match with a wild animal and track its movements through Chinalife's bracelet by scanning the accompanying QR code.

In addition to tracking the movements of wild animals, digital adoption programs provide unique opportunity to form a virtual bond with them. just a few clicks, anyone can adopt a wolf, koala, or red panda, even if he or she is miles away. These virtual "mamas" are also offered a chance (see) their babies offline.

Since 2022, Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo has launched a "virtual adoption" program individuals, families, and even companies can adopt animals through a mini-program. Participants can interact with their (choose) animals, learn about their habits, and support their protection — all from home.

Currently, these innovative digital programs, ranging from tracking the (journey) of wildlife to virtual adoption, (bridge) the gap between humans and animals. Through these (create) initiatives, individuals are not only gaining insights into animal behaviors, but are also actively participating in conservation efforts advancing research in the field.

Meanwhile, the collected animal tracking data serves as a valuable resource and foundation for scientific research. All wildlife conservation ultimately comes down to habitat protection. In this process, animals' data can act as bioindicators, (assist) governments and organizations in developing more reasonable environmental protection policies.

"Anything in a bag along the highway usually isn't1," said Kane. The bag's contents2 him but in a good way. Inside were tennis shoes and toys, spilling out of3 gift wrapping. Kane brought the bag to headquarters, but nobody had4 the gifts missing. Kane made a Facebook post, hoping it would5 in front of the right eyes — and soon. Christmas morning was only one6 away.

Ten hours later, Kane was wrapping up for the day, and still nothing. He told the night crew about the7 and that someone might be in touch. Any claims could be8 via the names of the kids on the gift tags, which he purposely had left out of the post.

Around 9 p.m., WSDOT's Madi Voie got a(n)9. More crewmen, invested in getting these gifts home by Christmas morning, had been working hard to track down their10 and they finally got11. A woman had posted on Facebook that her brother David Carli had lost a trash bag full of kids' Christmas gifts. Had anyone12 them?

Voie's co-workers saw Kane's post and13 the dots. They gave Voie's phone number to Carli, and the two met up just after midnight on Christmas morning. Carli had spent most of Christmas Eve14 trying to replace the missing presents.

"Working holidays and nights is15," says Voie. "But being able to make someone else's Christmas better, I was pretty excited."

●The need for quick action

Procrastination often happens when tasks feel big and complex. It's common to switch your attention to something small, like an email, for quick satisfaction. It's a good idea to break down the big task into smaller pieces. What you really need is the motivation to start. Once you're started, motivation is like a wheel already rolling down the hill. Take action that gets you going.

●The need to find the best way

Knowing where to start is a matter of narrowing it down to the best choice. The analysis often causes paralysis (停滞), which is a form of procrastination. Try narrowing down the options for starting to three things that are interesting to you. Choose one to start with to move toward accomplishment more quickly.

●The need to create order out of chaos

Some people also struggle to find the "right" way — a need to make sure everything is perfect and done in the exact correct order. You can become stuck because the path forward can feel chaotic. Then, put the list in the most logical order. It can also be helpful to think of what might go wrong to ensure everything gets noticed.

These unmet needs that cause procrastination are often related to our personality type. By determining what's stopping you, you can understand exactly what you need to get out of first gear and into drive.
 

A. Narrowing is really about focus.

B. Big projects can have plenty of options.

C. This shift increases motivation and influence.

D. Push through by listing what needs to be done.

E. And they boil down to needs for action, perfection and structure.

F. The key to dealing with procrastination is figuring out what's behind it.

G. Even if it seems productive, it's holding you back from more meaningful work.

As part of the preparations, Mr. Poddi's team has installed 20 fire-detection sensors in the Santu Lussurgiu forest.

These sensors, which hang from branches three to four metres off the ground, collect comprehensive information, including gases, temperature, humidity, and air pressure. These data are then analyzed by AI models. If anything unusual is spotted, emergency services are alerted.

Until now, fire detection on Sardinia has relied on human sight. But usually, the fire is noticed only once it has started to spread. The sensors work more like a sense of smell, identifying the chemicals in the air caused by hidden fires before flames and smoke are visible. This allows firefighters to step in before the blaze is too large to control and to have a clearer sense of where to tackle it.

The sensors are designed to be installed every few hundred meters in high-risk fire zones. This deployment can make sensors much cheaper than alternative wildfire suppression methods. Once installed, the sensors can last for up to 15 years and can be updated remotely.

Given the differences in environments, AI models must be tailored to regional characteristics. A system for Italy may not work in Canada. Mr. Poddi says the ultimate test for Sardinia will be if the sensor networks can be deployed (部署) with equal effectiveness along the pine forests near the island's beaches. These environments are very different from those in Santu Lussurgiu.

To truly enhance early fire detection, sensor networks will need to be installed on a large scale. Even so, their real impact will depend on how well they are integrated with other existing firefighting measures, from mapping and data-analysis tools to the ability to promptly deploy firefighters. Moreover, the risk of time-wasting false alarms from such sensitive systems is very real. Overcoming such challenges will bring significant rewards. All the various technologies can and should work together to build a strong solution.

But recently, there's been a move toward simplicity, similar to minimalist (极简主义) art in the 1960s, which rejected complexity and favored abstraction by removing all unnecessary elements. A recent research explored whether shoppers actually prefer this packaging — and, if so, why.

First, researchers analyzed over 1,000 consumer goods, such as shampoo, and cereal, from the largest supermarket chain in the U.S. They found that products in simple packaging generally had higher retail prices than similar products that didn't, indicating that shoppers are willing to pay more for products in this packaging.

In a follow-up study, university students were asked to look at different packages and reported how much they were willing to pay, how many ingredients they thought the products might have and how pure they perceived (理解) the products to be. The results showed that the preference for simple packaging was due to the fact that pared-down designs sent a subtle yet powerful signal: purity. Participants were more likely to assume that the products contained fewer ingredients, along with fewer preservatives, added colors or artificial flavors, and were willing to fork over more cash for them — regardless of whether they actually contain fewer ingredients.

However, simple packaging design is not always effective. For generic brands (卖场自家品牌), typically sold at a lower price, the simplicity of the packaging may signal low quality rather than purity.

Shoppers' desires can also influence their preference. When people seek healthier options, they'll pay more for products with simple packaging. However, when consumers want to treat themselves to junk food, they'll be more likely to purchase products with complex packaging, which signals many ingredients and lower purity — qualities associated with more flavor.

When I went to college, however, my mindset towards food sharply changed. No longer a student athlete, I began to learn about wellness. In a lecture, our professor took a cup of Sprite and showed its sugar content by comparing it to a cup of pure sugar. I was stunned. For the first time, I realized my eating habits needed to change.

Immediately, I cut out nearly all sugar from my diet. I refused cake at parties and skipped late-night pizza with friends.

Though these habits were good for my physical health, slowly, they began to weigh on my mental health. What started as restricting sweets turned into weighing myself multiple times a day and obsessively (过度地) tracking calories. Despite being at a healthy weight, I was consumed by thoughts of food: What did I eat that day? How much do I need to work out to burn it off? On the outside, I was physically fit, but on the inside, I was anxious about maintaining this state of perfection with food.

It wasn't until I graduated that I began to critically reflect on my obsession with food. I realized the sense of control my strict habits brought me was actually doing the opposite: In placing so much emphasis on food, I felt out of control. How could I shift to a balance of healthy eating with the occasional indulgence?

Slowly, I learned that the world would not end if I eat some ice cream or drink a glass of Sprite. At my core, I believe letting myself enjoy small pleasures is what makes me feel more human and alive. For me, this balance is crucial to living a fulfilling, satisfying life.

The first time I saw Lily, my new classmate, a wave of disappointment washed over me. Her chaotic hair stuck out in all directions as if going g against gravity, the thick-rimmed glasses made her eyes look extremely big, and her clothes — loose blouses and long skirts — seemed like they were scratched straight out of a recycling store.

She was so different from the trendy girls in our class. I leaned towards my best friend, whispering, "She looks like a total bookworm. Probably she has no social skills." Of course, it was exactly what her appearance indicated.

For weeks, I secretly made fun of Lily. During lunch breaks, while the rest of us gathered around tables, chatting and sharing gossip (闲话), she would sit alone in the corner, her nose buried in a thick novel. Every time I caught a glimpse of her, I'd roll my eyes and exchange dismissive looks with my friends. But there were moments when I couldn't help but notice how effortlessly she answered teachers' questions in class. Her responses were so fluent and confident that it sent a small flow of unease through me. Still, I pushed those thoughts aside, determined to hold onto my previous thoughts.

One day, our teacher announced the group project on environmental protection and when I found out I was paired with Lily, a sense of fear settled in my stomach. I imagined long, painful meetings filled with her awkward silences. But as we sat down to discuss our plan, I was immediately taken aback.

Lily pulled out a stack of neatly organized research papers, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she outlined her ideas. "We could organize a community clean-up day," she said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "And create interactive educational posters to make recycling fun!" I listened, shocked, as she spoke with such passion and clarity. For the first time, I felt a bit of doubt about my initial judgment.

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 we worked together, that doubt grew into an overall realization.

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The day of the presentation arrived, and I watched in awe as Lily took the stage.

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1.卫生现状；

2.改进意见。

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 fellow students,

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The English Club

American Internet celebrity IShowSpeed is causing a lot of excitement across global media for his marathon live streams of his tour. over 37 million followers, IShowSpeed, better known as "Hyperthyroidism Brother" in China, (visit) several cities in the last few months.

In Henan, his funny attempts at Shaolin Kungfu, important part of Chinese culture, including getting "defeated" by a master's staff, highlighted China's martial arts heritage at the same time sparked global interest.

In Chengdu, his exaggerated reactions to intangible cultural heritage became popular, showcasing the local people's daily life (vivid). Beijing's douzhi led to a funny cultural exchange, bridging gaps with humor. He was amazed by the live stream signal in high-speed rail tunnel and was excited (recognize) on the streets.

His journey comprised everything from traditional intangible cultural heritage to cutting-edge technology, from the bustling street-level charm to the warm humanity that covers Chinese society. His unscripted videos broke stereotypes, (allow) Western audiences to realize, "China is safer and more welcoming than the media claims." Through laughter, he proved cultural exchange thrives in everyday moments.

His trip not only introduced China's diverse facts to the world but set an example of cultural understanding can be achieved through simple, real-life interactions. IShowSpeed's friendly (explore) encourages global fans to see China beyond outdated media stories. As he shared, "Come to experience China (you) — it's full of surprises!"

Then, Mikey began to cry. "Play car-car, Mikey," Hill whispered, hoping that might make him3. The front seat was a long bench, and without a seat belt, Mikey had the4to slide over to the driver's seat. Mikey5 the steering wheel (方向盘) suddenly and6, his foot knocked the gear shift (换挡杆). The car, parked on a slope (斜坡), began to roll backward.

Hill's eyes widened as she glanced through the window7: cars zoomed back and forth on the busy8below. Just then, a swift figure9 — a young man dashed toward the car, got the door open, and put the brake on, the car10 from traffic.

The stranger was11 but composed. His eyes met each of theirs and he12 the children to make sure that they were unhurt before leaving.

His13 saved their lives — an act of courage that became a family legend for decades. "It seemed like slow motion, yet it actually all happened in seconds," Hill14. "His bravery impressed me. Every time I drive by that street or see a donut shop, I15 that fateful day and the kind stranger."

For me, it's the unhealthy foods like chocolate that put a smile on my face—well, I do have a sweet tooth! It might seem obvious that's bad for our waistline, usually makes us happy.. But dietitians tell us that eating bad food for a long time not only leads to many health problems, but it can also affect our mental state and cause depression.

The link between our mind and food has been looked at by scientists. They've recently found that it's the bacteria (细菌) in our body that affect our mood. Researchers in Canada have found that certain "good" bacteria help reduce anxiety in mice..

Many food products are claiming to be high in such "good" bacteria and some of the best types are homemade food like yogurt.. Maybe I should change my diet to brighten me up! Doctor Michael Mosley would agree. He's been looking into this for the BBC and says the best food to cheer us up is in a "Mediterranean diet"; olive oil, whole grains, lots of fruits and vegetables. Sugar: terrible for you!

So maybe it's time to lay off the fatty and sugary things., even if the science behind it is complex. It's not rocket science but this is further evidence for the saying "we are what we eat". There are other factors that can change our mood but it seems we have some ability to improve how we feel by controlling what we put on our plate.
 

A. I don't want to give it a try.

B. Eating healthily may seem simple.

C. We are indeed determined by the we eat.

D. This really makes me think twice about what I eat.

E. Food also gives us energy and minerals our body needs.

F. Most of us get this feeling when we use food as a quick pick-me-up.

G. For us humans, this means food with "good" bacteria can improve how we feel.

We already knew that omega-3s — "good" fats found in seeds, nuts and some fish — can boost our immunity (免疫力), heart health and brain function. They have also been linked to changes in epigenetic (表观遗传的) markers — chemical tags on DNA that control the activity of genes and, in turn, how cells behave. This implies that omega-3s reduce the pace of biological aging, often defined as a measure of how quickly someone's body is worsening compared with other people.

Dr. Heike Bischoff-Ferrari and her team at the University of Zurich wanted to explore omega-3's effect on aging further, as well as find out how it may work alongside vitamin D supplements and exercise. The team divided 777 people in Switzerland, aged 70 to 91, into eight groups. On top of their existing lifestyle habits, each group was told to take varying combinations of a daily 1-gram dose of omega-3, placebo (安慰剂) pills and 2,000 international units of vitamin D. In addition, some groups were instructed to do 30 minutes of strength training three times a week.

At the start of the es study, the researchers tracked biological aging using epigenetic clocks which analyze age-related DNA markers in blood samples. These markers typically decline with age, damaging cell function.

After three years, the scientists found that the participants who took omega-3 only had aged by around 3 months less, on average, than those who were only given placebo pills. They took into account factors that could affect the results, such as the participants' actual age and sex. What's more, those who took omega-3 along with vitamin D and did strength training aged even less, compared with people who didn't introduce any of these habits. "The effect was somewhat more pronounced, almost four months of rejuvenation (恢复青春)," says Bischoff-Ferrari.

"These effects may seem small, but could be important for some," says Richard Siow at King's College London. "For an older person, in about three months, there could be a lot of age-related decline going on, so this becomes more significant," he says.

Every AI system we create functions as a mirror, reflecting our values, priorities, and assumptions. When facial recognition technology struggles to identify darker skin tones, this is not a breakdown; it is a reflection of the assumptions and perspectives inserted in the data it was trained on.

In 2018, Amazon abandoned an AI-powered hiring tool after discovering it held prejudice against female candidates. The AI wasn't programmed to discriminate, but it was trained on historical hiring data that favored men, and it learned to copy those patterns. Similarly, research from UC Berkeley found that mortgage (抵押贷款) approval methods often less favorable terms to Black and Hispanic applicants, reinforcing longstanding inequalities in lending.

The use of AI systems in law enforcement, healthcare, and education reveals similar patterns. Predictive policing tools tend to focus on certain communities because they are trained on historical crime data. Algorithms (算法) in healthcare may be more likely to give wrong information to patients belonging to certain groups. Automated grading systems in schools have sometimes been shown to favor students from wealthier economic backgrounds over others when the quality of the work is the same. In all these cases, AI isn't creating new biases (偏见), but it is reflecting existing ones.

This mirroring effect manifests a significant opportunity for self-examination. As AI continues to develop, we must ask ourselves how we as individuals want to shape its role in society. This isn't just about improving algorithms, but ensuring that AI is deployed responsibly. Some organizations are already taking steps in this direction.

As we continue to integrate AI into our lives, we must recognize that these systems don't just predict our behavior; they reflect our character. That reflection allows us to make better, more principled choices, but only if we're willing to look closely and take responsibility for what we see.