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网络一对一口语练习，告别哑巴英语！

　　Experts found a tiny gold combined toothpick and earwax spoon, believed to be more than 385 years old, during the search for a shipwrecked Spanish galleon off the Florida Keys.

　　The late 16th or early 17th century grooming tool, which weighs only about an ounce, was located Sunday by Blue Water Ventures diver Chris Rackley as he searched the area about 22 feet below the surface and 40 miles west of Key West. He says its value could exceed $100,000.

　　The divers, who are searching the shipwreck trail of the Spanish galleon Santa Margarita that sank in a 1622 hurricane, also recovered ceramic pieces, spikes, ships' fittings, rigging elements and two skeleton keys.

　　"We were on the trail on the Margarita site following the artifact scatter pattern to the north," said Blue Water head archaeologist Dr. R. Duncan Mathewson. "This is the furthest point on that trail where gold has ever been found before, so it confirms that we're on the right trail."

　　The search for Santa Margarita artifacts began more than a quarter-century ago by the late Key West treasure hunter Mel Fisher. Today, the Blue Water team is leading that search under a joint-venture partnership with the Fisher family owned company, Motivation Inc.

　　Almost a year ago, Blue Water divers located gold bars, gold chains and a lead box containing thousands of pearls that were carried by the Margarita. The value of that find was estimated at more than $2 million.

　　日前，寻宝专家在佛罗里达礁岛群附近搜寻一艘失事的西班牙帆船时，发现了一个一体的微型金制牙签和耳勺。据说这套工具已有超过385年的历史。

　　这套清洁工具制造于16世纪晚期或17世纪初期，仅重约1盎司（约28克）。这套工具是碧水探险队的潜水员克里斯?拉克利上周日在西礁岛以西40英里、水下22英尺的水域找到的。克里斯说，它的价值可能会超过10万美元。

　　当天，潜水员在该水域搜寻1622年在飓风中沉没的西班牙"圣玛格丽塔"帆船的残迹时，还发现了一些陶器、金属片、船上的零件和帆索以及两把万能钥匙。

　　碧水探险队的首席考古学家R?顿肯?马修森博士说："我们一直在寻找玛格丽塔的残迹。我们跟随船上散落古物的分布一直向北航行，这是找到金子的最远的地方，这证明我们的路线是正确的。"

　　"圣玛格丽塔"寻宝活动开始于25年前，当时的负责人是西礁岛已故寻宝专家梅尔?费舍尔。如今，碧水探险队与费舍尔家族所属的"动力集团"建立了合资合作关系，负责开展寻宝活动。

　　近一年前，碧水探险队成员在寻宝时找到了金条、金链和一个盛有几千颗珍珠的铅盒。据估计，这次发现的宝藏总价值超过200万美元.

Vocabulary:

skeleton key:万能钥匙

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　　"First we make our habits, then our habits make us."- Charles C. Noble

It's such a simple concept, yet it's something we don't always do. It's not exceedingly difficult to do, and yet I think it's something that would make a world of difference in anyone's life.

　　Break your goals into habits, and focus on putting those habits into autopilot.

　　Last week when I wrote my Ultimate Guide to motivation, there were a number of questions about my belief that having One Goal to focus on is much more powerful than having many goals.

　　There were questions about my personal goals (such as running a marathon, eliminating debt, and so on) and how I was able to achieve them while working on different projects, and so forth. How can you have one goal that takes a long time, and still work on smaller projects at the same time?

　　These are excellent questions, and my answer takes a little explaining: I try to turn my goals into habits, and in doing so, I put my goals on autopilot. Turning a goal into a habit means really focusing on it, intensely, for at least a month, to the exclusion of all else. The more you can focus on it, the more it'll be on autopilot.

　　But once you put it on autopilot, once a habit is firmly established, you don't really have to focus on it much. You'll still do it, but because it's a habit, you only have to use minimal focus to maintain that habit. The goal becomes on autopilot, and you can focus on your next goal or project or habit.

　　My Marathon Example

　　Let's look at my marathon goal as an example. I was just starting out in running, and I had the brilliant idea to run a marathon within a year. (Btw, that's not the brightest idea - you should run for a couple years before attempting marathon training, or it'll be much, much more difficult for you.) So that was my goal, and it was my main focus for awhile.

　　But in order to achieve that goal, I broke it down into two habits:

　　1. I had to make running a daily habit (while following a training plan I found online).

　　2. I had to report to people in order to have accountability - I did this through family, friends and coworkers, through a blog, and through a column in my local newspaper every two weeks. With this accountability, there's no way I would stop running.

　　The daily running habit took about a month to form. I focused on this exclusively for about a month, and didn't have any other goals, projects or habits that were my main focuses. I did other work projects, but they kinda took a backburner to running.

　　The accountability habit took a couple months, mainly because I didn't focus on it too much while I was building the running habit. But it stuck, and for that first year of running, I would report to people I knew and blog about my running every day (this was in Blogger blog that has since been deleted), and I would write a column every two weeks for my local paper.

　　Once those two habits were firmly entrenched, my marathon goal was pretty much on autopilot. I could focus on my debt reduction goal (as an example) without having to worry too much about the marathon. I still had to do the work, of course, but it didn't require constant focus.

　　And eventually, I ran the marathon. I was able to achieve this because, all year long, I had the daily running habit and daily accountability habit. I put my marathon goal into autopilot, and that made it much easier - instead of struggling with it daily for an entire year, I focused on it for one month (well, actually two) and was able to accomplish it while focusing on new habits and goals.

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　　A blonde with two red ears went to her doctor.

　　The doctor asked her what had happened to her ears and she answered, "I was ironing a shirt and the phone rang - but instead of picking up the phone, I accidentally picked up the iron and stuck it to my ear."

　　"Oh Dear!" the doctor exclaimed in disbelief. "But, what happened to your

other ear?"

　　"The jerk called back!"

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　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 THE FALSE COLLAR

　　There was once a fine gentleman, all of whose moveables were a boot-jack and a

hair-comb: but he had the finest false collars in the world; and it is about

one of these collars that we are now to hear a story.

　　It was so old, that it began to think of marriage; and it happened that it

came to be washed in company with a garter.

　　"Nay!" said the collar. "I never did see anything so slender and so fine, so

soft and so neat. May I not ask your name?"

　　"That I shall not tell you!" said the garter.

　　"Where do you live?" asked the collar.

　　But the garter was so bashful, so modest, and thought it was a strange

question to answer.

　　"You are certainly a girdle," said the collar; "that is to say an inside

girdle. I see well that you are both for use and ornament, my dear young

lady."

　　"I will thank you not to speak to me," said the garter. "I think I have not

given the least occasion for it."

　　"Yes! When one is as handsome as you," said the collar, "that is occasion

enough."

　　"Don't come so near me, I beg of you!" said the garter. "You look so much like

those men-folks."

　　"I am also a fine gentleman," said the collar. "I have a bootjack and a

hair-comb."

　　But that was not true, for it was his master who had them: but he boasted.

　　"Don't come so near me," said the garter: "I am not accustomed to it."

　　"Prude!" exclaimed the collar; and then it was taken out of the washing-tub.

It was starched, hung over the back of a chair in the sunshine, and was then

laid on the ironing-blanket; then came the warm box-iron. "Dear lady!" said

the collar. "Dear widow-lady! I feel quite hot. I am quite changed. I begin to

unfold myself. You will burn a hole in me. Oh! I offer you my hand."

　　"Rag!" said the box-iron; and went proudly over the collar: for she fancied

she was a steam-engine, that would go on the railroad and draw the waggons.

"Rag!" said the box-iron.

　　The collar was a little jagged at the edge, and so came the long scissors to

cut off the jagged part. "Oh!" said the collar. "You are certainly the first

opera dancer. How well you can stretch your legs out! It is the most graceful

performance I have ever seen. No one can imitate you."

　　"I know it," said the scissors.

　　"You deserve to be a baroness," said the collar. "All that I have is a fine

gentleman, a boot-jack, and a hair-comb. If I only had the barony!"

　　"Do you seek my hand?" said the scissors; for she was angry; and without more

ado, she CUT HIM, and then he was condemned.

　　"I shall now be obliged to ask the hair-comb. It is surprising how well you

preserve your teeth, Miss," said the collar. "Have you never thought of being

betrothed?"

　　"Yes, of course! you may be sure of that," said the hair-comb. "I AM

betrothed--to the boot-jack!"

　　"Betrothed!" exclaimed the collar. Now there was no other to court, and so he

despised it.

　　A long time passed away, then the collar came into the rag chest at the paper

mill; there was a large company of rags, the fine by themselves, and the

coarse by themselves, just as it should be. They all had much to say, but the

collar the most; for he was a real boaster.

　　"I have had such an immense number of sweethearts!" said the collar. "I could

not be in peace! It is true, I was always a fine starched-up gentleman! I had

both a boot-jack and a hair-comb, which I never used! You should have seen me

then, you should have seen me when I lay down! I shall never forget MY FIRST

LOVE--she was a girdle, so fine, so soft, and so charming, she threw herself

into a tub of water for my sake! There was also a widow, who became glowing

hot, but I left her standing till she got black again; there was also the

first opera dancer, she gave me that cut which I now go with, she was so

ferocious! My own hair-comb was in love with me, she lost all her teeth from

the heart-ache; yes, I have lived to see much of that sort of thing;

but I am extremely sorry for the garter--I mean the girdle--that went into the

water-tub. I have much on my conscience, I want to become white paper!"

　　And it became so, all the rags were turned into white paper; but the collar

came to be just this very piece of white paper we here see, and on which the

story is printed; and that was because it boasted so terribly afterwards of

what had never happened to it. It would be well for us to beware, that we may

not act in a similar manner, for we can never know if we may not, in the

course of time, also come into the rag chest, and be made into white paper,

and then have our whole life's history printed on it, even the most secret,

and be obliged to run about and tell it ourselves, just like this collar.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 衬衫领子

　　从前有一位漂亮的绅士；他所有的动产只是一个脱靴器和一把梳子。但他有一个世界上最好的衬衫领子。

　　我们现在所要听到的就是关于这个领子的故事。

　　衬衫领子的年纪已经很大，足够考虑结婚的问题。事又凑巧，他和袜带在一块儿混在水里洗。

　　"我的天！"衬衫领子说，"我从来没有看到过这么苗条和细嫩、这么迷人和温柔的人儿。请问你尊姓大名？"

　　"这个我可不能告诉你！"袜带说。

　　"你府上在什么地方？"衬衫领子问。

　　不过袜带是非常害羞的。要回答这样一个问题，她觉得非常困难。

　　"我想你是一根腰带吧？"衬衫领子说--"一种内衣的腰带！亲爱的小姐，我可以看出，你既有用，又可以做装饰品！"

　　"你不应该跟我讲话！"袜带说。"我想，我没有给你任何理由这样做！"

　　"咳，一个长得像你这样美丽的人儿，"衬衫领子说，"就是足够的理由了。"

　　"请不要走得离我太近！"袜带说，"你很像一个男人！"

　　"我还是一个漂亮的绅士呢！"衬衫领子说。"我有一个脱靴器和一把梳子！"

　　这完全不是真话，因为这两件东西是属于他的主人的。他不过是在吹牛罢了。

　　"请不要走得离我太近！"袜带说，"我不习惯于这种行为。"

　　"这简直是在装腔作势！"衬衫领子说。这时他们就从水里被取出来，上了浆，挂在一张椅子上晒，最后就被拿到一个熨斗板上。现在一个滚热的熨斗来了。

　　"太太！"衬衫领子说，"亲爱的寡妇太太，我现在颇感到有些热了。我现在变成了另外一个人；我的皱纹全没有了。你烫穿了我的身体，噢，我要向你求婚！"

　　"你这个老破烂！"熨斗说，同时很骄傲地在衬衫领子上走过去，因为她想象自己是一架火车头，拖着一长串列车，在铁轨上驰过去"你这个老破烂！"

　　衬衫领子的边缘上有些破损。因此有一把剪纸的剪刀就来把这些破损的地方剪平。

　　"哎哟！"衬衫领子说，"你一定是一个芭蕾舞舞蹈家！你的腿子伸得那么直啊！我从来没有看见过这样美丽的姿态！世界上没有任何人能模仿你！"

　　"这一点我知道！"剪刀说。

　　"你配得上做一个伯爵夫人！"衬衫领子说。"我全部的财产是一位漂亮绅士，一个脱靴器和一把梳子。我只是希望再有一个伯爵的头衔！"

　　"难道他还想求婚不成？"剪刀说。她生气起来，结结实实地把他剪了一下，弄得他一直复元不了。

　　"我还是向梳子求婚的好！"衬衫领子说。"亲爱的姑娘！你看你把牙齿（注：即梳子齿。）保护得多么好，这真了不起。你从来没有想过订婚的问题吗？"

　　"当然想到过，你已经知道，"梳子说，"我已经跟脱靴器订婚了！"

　　"订婚了！"衬衫领子说。

　　现在他再也没有求婚的机会了。因此他瞧不起爱情这种东西。

　　很久一段时间过去了。衬衫领子来到一个造纸厂的箱子里。周围是一堆烂布朋友：细致的跟细致的人在一起，粗鲁的跟粗鲁的人在一起，真是物以类聚。他们要讲的事情可真多，但是衬衫领子要讲的事情最多，因为他是一个可怕的牛皮大王。

　　"我曾经有过一大堆情人！"衬衫领子说。"我连半点钟的安静都没有！我又是一个漂亮绅士，一个上了浆的人。我既有脱靴器，又有梳子，但是我从来不用！你们应该看看我那时的样子，看看我那时不理人的神情！我永远也不能忘记我的初恋--那是一根腰带。她是那么细嫩，那么温柔，那么迷人！她为了我，自己投到一个水盆里去！后来又有一个寡妇，她变得火热起来，不过我没有理她，直到她变得满脸青黑为止！接着来了芭蕾舞舞蹈家。她给了我一个创伤，至今还没有好--她的脾气真坏！我的那把梳子倒是钟情于我，她因为失恋把牙齿都弄得脱落了。是的，像这类的事儿，我真是一个过来人！不过那根袜带子使我感到最难过--我的意思是说那根腰带，她为我跳进水盆里去，我的良心上感到非常不安。我情愿变成一张白纸！"

　　事实也是如此，所有的烂布都变成了白纸，而衬衫领子却成了我们所看到的这张纸--这个故事就是在这张纸上--被印出来的。事情要这么办，完全是因为他喜欢把从来没有过的事情瞎吹一通的缘故。这一点我们必须记清楚，免得我们干出同样的事情，因为我们不知道，有一天我们也会来到一个烂布箱里，被制成白纸，在这纸上，我们全部的历史，甚至最秘密的事情也会被印出来，结果我们就不得不像这衬衫领子一样，到处讲这个故事。

　　（１８４８年）

　　这篇故事发表于１８４８年哥本哈根出版的《新的童话》里。它是根据现实生活写成的，安徒生说，一位朋友和他谈起一位破落的绅士。此人所有的财产只剩下一个擦鞋器和一把梳子，但是他的架子却还放不下来，一直吹嘘自己过去的"光荣"。事实上，在一个阶级社会里，没有了财产就没有了特权，何况衬衫领子本身已经破烂了。最后它只有"来到一个造纸厂的箱子里。周围是一堆破烂的朋友：细致的跟细致的人在一起，粗鲁的跟粗鲁的人在一起，真是物以类聚。""它已经成了造纸的原料了，最后变成纸，这个故事就是在这张纸上被印出来的。"这是一起含蓄的讽刺小品。

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　　Aries　(March 21 - April 19)

　　You're tempted to spend quite generously this summer, and you won't think twice about dishing out large sums on recreation and for the one you love when crisp green bills fall in your direction. You won't be in bad shape, Aries, if you curb your impulsive spending habits. Perhaps a household expense you hadn't foreseen will need to be dealt with. Save a little for that potential domestic upgrade or to help out a family member who might call upon you for assistance.

　　禁不住诱惑的白羊座今夏消费颇大，需控制冲动消费的习惯，多考虑一下可能的家庭开支。

　　Taurus　(April 20 - May 20)

　　You certainly have a talent for attracting money into your life as a material-oriented Bull! If you play the stock market, you are apt to land some big hits this summer. However, you may also face a few losses when Saturn squares Mars toward the end of July, whether due to an unexpected downturn in the marketplace, or through your carefree attitude towards spending. Your generosity is what makes you fantastic company, but can also leave you hanging when the bills come due.

　　金牛座具有聚财的天分。但投身股市的金牛座需注意六月底可能会稍有一些损失。

　　Gemini　(May 21 - June 20)

　　Your thoughts may stray toward summer travel or maybe a move to a new dwelling when extra cash flows in for you. The Twin doesn't like to think about budgeting, but don't spend it all at once. In case you find yourself itching for a new job or needing a long break from the tedious routine of your current employment, stow away some dough in the event that your boredom catches the eye of a superior. You may get that work break after all, but not necessarily on your terms.

　　双子座不喜做预算，但也不会把钱一次花光。如果有闲钱，今夏双子可能会有旅行或换住所的打算。

　　Cancer　(June 21 - July 22)

　　You will likely want to use that extra influx of cash for home redecorating or to take an extended family trip. If you own your own place, you may want to refinance your mortgage payments or even make some needed repairs on a roof. Your sensible nature when it comes to money matters keeps you in good shape for whatever may come your way. The summer looks pleasant for the Crab, no matter what you decide to do.

　　巨蟹很可能会将闲钱花在住宅装修或举家出游上。

　　Leo　(July 23 - August 22)

　　You will also find some extra currency in your wallet this summer. The Lion's exuberant, fun nature empties the purse quickly, however. You may also feel the pinch of extra expenses, especially regarding children if you have them. With Saturn entering your sign and squaring Mars this July, you are faced with the lesson of how to work with what you have or with less than what you are accustomed to. Remember: A good time doesn't necessarily depend on how much you can spend.

　　今夏，狮子座手上会有些闲钱，但奢华享乐的本性会让其很快将钱包扫荡一空，若遇额外开销便觉资金紧张。

　　Virgo　(August 23 - September 22)

　　Your practical nature toward budgeting benefits you, diligent Virgo. And, your strong work ethic doesn't hurt either. You will see a payoff for your diligent labor, perhaps a promotion or a raise. Be sure to take a vacation. You will have a grand time while transiting Venus in your sign accompanies you. With a challenging Saturn aspect to your house of distant travel, your dollars are better spent on domestic or local travel. Consider a camping trip.

　　细心的处女座工作勤勉且擅长做预算，有望得到提升或涨工资，最好将钱用在国内或当地旅游上。

　　Libra　(September 23 - October 22)

　　Don't get overconfident and spend beyond your means, Libra, when you get that extra monetary boost this summer. Save a little for potential extra expenses on the place you live with roommates or your significant other. If you are renting a place, a roommate just may move out without any advance warning or your rent may be raised. Take a little break and a low-cost vacation with a dear friend or your honey.

　　天秤座需注意，手中有闲钱时切莫过于自信、过度消费，需存些钱以备不时之需。

　　Scorpio　(October 23 - November 21)

　　This summer, it is entirely possible for you to inherit a bundle from a long lost aunt or benefactor, or perhaps your dollars will manifest as stock points rising in your portfolio. Whether your treasures come from a relative, a friend or through your own ingenious investment skills, expect to receive from the universe. Don't blow that gift all at once, Scorpio. Consider a tax-deductible donation to your favorite charity. It's good karma.

　　今夏，天蝎座很可能会有一笔遗产继承，或因股市上涨而有一笔进项。切记不要将钱一下花光，可以考虑捐赠慈善事业。

　　Sagittarius　(November 22 - December 21)

　　It certainly has been a trying financial chapter for the Archer, with Pluto hovering in your sign for quite some time now. Unplanned expenses, such as pesky health problems, may have been gobbling up your hard-earned dollars. This has consumed some of your income, not to mention your patience. The good news is that an infusion of much needed funds comes your way to help you offset those expenses. But wait just a little before planning travels to foreign lands.

　　　　　　一些意料之外的消费，如健康问题，可能已经耗费掉射手座辛苦挣下的钱，也磨损了射手座的耐性，但所幸的是你会得到一笔资金来弥补这些损失。

　　Capricorn　(December 22 - January 19)

　　Your scrutiny in spending and seeking the best buy has served you well, Capricorn. Your stockpile of greenbacks grows more mountainous. You are one of the most financially prepared persons for a catastrophe. No such epic disasters are expected this summer, however, but perhaps a little aid for a family member or housing expense will be. You might even decide to buy a home. Rest assured that your thrifty habits get you a good deal, but always read the fine print carefully.

　　审慎消费、择优消费的理念让魔羯座积蓄颇丰。今夏，魔羯座不会有大的财务支出，但可能会在帮助亲戚或住房消费上有些许开销。

　　Aquarius　(January 20 - February 18)

　　Aquarians are noted for brilliance in many artistic endeavors. Too bad that doesn't extend to accounting. As Mars in Taurus and Saturn in Leo cross your Sun this summer, you'll need to solidly ground yourself in your monetary behavior. You, of all people, need to read the fine print on every piece of contract, lease, and warranty. Yes, you may get some extra moolah, but it will probably depart from your possession quickly.

　　今夏，不善理财的水瓶座需严把财务关，仔细阅读每一款合同、租约或担保，以免遭受损失。

　　Pisces　(February 19 - March 20)

　　Your money situation looks in order, Pisces, with the strong possibility of gaining some additional income. Sudden changes in career or job opportunities are to be expected with a short lapse of dipping into savings. Don't worry - with Venus in Virgo stimulating Uranus in your own sign, you'll get that needed reassurance that helps quell the anxiety you've been carrying. You'll be able to handle those unforeseen adjustments in your world with ease.

　　双鱼座财务状况正常，可能会有额外收入进帐。突然的职业变动可能会带来积蓄的流失，但你会轻松处理好这些无法预料的调整。

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　　充血 CONGESTION

　　抽筋 CRAMP

　　晕眩 DIZZINESS

　　脱水 DEHYDRATION

　　颤抖 SHIVERING

　　过度费力 OVEREXERTION

　　体温过低 HYPOTHERMIA

　　超呼吸 HYPERVENTILATION

　　心肺复苏术 CPR

　　脱离险境 OUT OF STICKY SITUATION

　　呼吸急促 BREATHE QUICK

　　疲劳 FATIGUE

　　温度 TEMPERATURE

　　麻痹 PARALYSIS

　　刺痛 TINGLING

　　中毒 POISONING

　　窒息 SUFFOCATE

　　感染 INFECTION

　　惊慌 PANIC

　　大腿 THIGH

　　肌肉 MUSCLE

　　二氧化碳 CARBON DIOXIDE

　　一氧化碳 CARBON MONOXIDE

　　救生圈 FLOAT

　　刺伤 STING

　　紧急电话 EMERGENCY PHONE

　　绷带 BANDAGE

　　过敏症 ALLERGY

　　注射 INJECTION

　　局部麻醉 NOVOCAINE

　　曾对药物食品敏感或过敏 ANY ALLERGIES OR SENSITIVITIES

　　曾有外伤流血不止 PROLONGED BLEEDING FROM CUTS

　　糖尿病 DIABETES

　　高血压 HYPER TENSION

　　心脏病 HEART

　　肺部 LUNG

　　肿瘤 TUMOR

　　血液疾病 BLOOD DISEASE

　　胃部 STOMACH

　　肾脏 KIDNEY

　　肝病 LIVER

　　急救箱 FIRST AID KIT

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夜归鹿门山歌

孟浩然

山寺钟鸣昼已昏， 渔梁渡头争渡喧。

人随沙路向江村， 余亦乘舟归鹿门。

鹿门月照开烟树， 忽到庞公栖隐处。

岩扉松径长寂寥， 惟有幽人自来去。

RETURNING AT NIGHT TO LUMEN MOUNTAIN

Meng Haoran

A bell in the mountain-temple sounds the coming of night.

I hear people at the fishing-town stumble aboard the ferry,

While others follow the sand-bank to their homes along the river.

...I also take a boat and am bound for Lumen Mountain --

And soon the Lumen moonlight is piercing misty trees.

I have come, before I know it, upon an ancient hermitage,

The thatch door, the piney path, the solitude, the quiet,

Where a hermit lives and moves, never needing a companion.

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　　This week, the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives held a conference to highlight the work being done by our Nation's armies of compassion, with help from the Federal government. This conference demonstrated the remarkable difference these groups have made over the past eight years.

　　When I first came to office, I was troubled to see many of our citizens' greatest needs going unmet. Too many addicts walked the rough road to recovery alone. Too many prisoners had the desire for reform but no one to show them the way. Across our country, the hungry, homeless, and sick begged for deliverance -- and too many heard only silence in reply.

　　The tragedy was that there were good men and women across America who had the desire to help but not the resources. Because many of them worked with small charities, they were overlooked by Washington as potential partners in service. And because many of them belonged to faith-based organizations, they were often barred from receiving support from the Federal government.

　　So I set about to change this with a new approach called "compassionate conservatism." This approach was compassionate, because it was rooted in a timeless truth: that we ought to love our neighbors as we'd like to be loved ourselves. And this approach was conservative, because it recognized the limits of government: that bureaucracies can put money in people's hands, but they cannot put hope in people's hearts.

　　Putting hope in people's hearts is the mission of our Nation's faith-based and community groups, so my Administration decided to treat them as trusted partners. We held these groups to high standards and insisted on demonstrable results. And they have delivered on those expectations.

　　Through their partnerships with the government, these organizations have helped reduce the number of chronically homeless by nearly 12 percent -- getting more than 20,000 Americans off the streets. They have helped match nearly 90,000 children of prisoners with adult mentors. And they have helped provide services such as job placement for thousands of former inmates.

　　Faith-based and community groups have also had a powerful impact overseas. In Africa, they have participated in our Malaria Initiative. In just over two years, this effort has reached more than 25 million people -- and according to new data, malaria rates are dropping dramatically in many parts of that continent.

　　These groups have also been a vital part of the Emergency Plan for AIDS relief. When we launched this program in 2003, about 50,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa were receiving anti-retroviral treatment for HIV/AIDS. Today, that number is nearly 1.7 million.

　　Behind each of these statistics, there are stories of people whose lives have been changed by the kindness of faith-based and community organizations. One such person is Ramie Siler. Ramie was once lost to substance abuse, recidivism, and depression. Even when she tried to get clean for her daughter's high school graduation, Ramie couldn't break free from her addiction. Then she found a faith-based group called The Next Door. At The Next Door, Ramie met people who stood by her throughout her difficult recovery. They gave her a second chance to become a productive citizen and good mother. Today, Ramie is reunited with her daughter. She now helps other women as the Next Door case manager. When Ramie describes her turnaround, she uses the words of Saint Paul: "Old things have passed away; behold, all things are becoming new."

　　I'm grateful to every American who works to create this spirit of hope. Because of you, our Nation has made great strides toward fulfilling the noble goals that gave rise to the Faith-Based and Community Initiative. Because of you, I'm confident that the progress we have made over the past eight years will continue. Because of you, countless souls have been touched and lives have been healed.

　　Thank you for listening.

　　END

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　　What makes one person more intelligent than another? What makes one person a genius, like the brilliant Albert Einstein, and another person a fool? Are people born intelligent or stupid, or is intelligence the result of where and how you live? These are very old questions and the answers to them are still not clear.

　　We know, however, that just being born with a good mind is not enough. In some ways, the mind is like a leg or an arm muscle. It needs exercise. Mental (done with the mind) exercise is particularly important for young children. Many child psychologists (心理学家) think that parents should play with their children more often and give them problems to think about. The children are then more likely to grow up bright and intelligent. If, on the other hand, children are left alone a great deal with nothing to do, they are more likely to become dull and unintelligent.

　　Parents should also be careful with what they say to young children. According to some psychologists, if parents are always telling a child that he or she is a fool or an idiot, then the child is more likely to keep doing silly and foolish things. So it is probably better for parents to say very positive (helpful) things to their children, such as "That was a very clever thing you did." or "You are such a smart child."

1. The words "intelligent" and "brilliant" in the first paragraph probably mean _______ while "dull" in the second paragraph means ________.

A. bright and splendid; slow in thinking and understanding

B. pretty and handsome; ordinary-looking

C. great and important; common

D. hopeful and helpful; careless　

2. According to the context we can guess that a genius is ________ while an idiot is ________.

A. a normal person; a funny person

B. a strong person; a weak person

C. a highly intelligent person; a foolish or weak-minded person

D. a famous person; an ordinary person　

3. A person ________ is more likely to become a genius.

A. whose parents are clever

B. often thinking about difficult problems

C. often helped by his parents and teachers

D. born with a good brain and putting it into active use　

4. It is better for parents ________.

A. to praise and encourage their children more often

B. to be hard on their children

C. to leave their children alone with nothing to do

D. to give their children as much help as possible　

5. Which of the following is NOT true according to the article?

A. Parents play an important part in their children's growth.

B. The less you use your mind the duller you may become.

C. Intelligence is obviously the result of where and how you live.

D. What makes a person bright or stupid is still under discussion.

Keys: 1. A 2. C 3. D 4. A 5. C

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