The Square

Jack Dorsey, the co-inventor of Twitter, is promoting his latest invention called the Square. The square is a small plug-in attachment to your mobile phone that allows you to receive credit card payments.

The idea starting from Dorsey's friend Jim McKelvey who was unable to sell some glass work to a customer because he couldn't accept a particular card being used.

Accepting credit card payments for something you're selling isn't always easy, especially if you are mobile like a tradesman, or delivery service at a trade show.

This latest invention uses a small scanner that plugs into the audio input item on a mobile device. It reads information on a credit card when it is swiped(刷卡). The information is not stored on the device but sent over secure channels to banks. It basically makes any mobile phone a cash register for accepting card payments.

As a payer, you receive a receipt via email that can be instantly accessed securely online. You can also use a text message to authorize payment in real time. Retailers can create a payer account for their customers which speeds the payment process. For example, a cardholder can assign a photo to their card so their photo will appear on the phone for visual identity confirmation. Mobile devices with touch screens will also allow you to sign for goods.

There are no contracts, monthly fees, or hidden costs to accept card payments using Square and it is expected the plug-in attachment will also be free of charge.

As with Twitter, it's expected that Dorsey will direct the company based upon feedback from users. Square Inc. has offices in San Francisco, Saint Louis and New York and is currently beta testing the invention with retailers in the United States.

1.Why is Jack Dorsey promoting his latest invention?

A. To test a plug-in attachment.

B. To identify a particular credit card.

C. To sell some glass work to a customer.

D. To allow people to receive credit card payments.

2.What can we infer from Paragraph 4?

A. The service performs only on special mobile phones.

B. The latest invention is just a small scanner.

C. The Square contains information on a credit card.

D. It is safe for your information to be sent to banks.

3.How can a cardholder receive a receipt?

A. By email online.

B. By oral message.

C. By a payer account.

D. Over safe channels to banks.

4.What does the writer imply in the last paragraph?

A. The invention may be used in the future.

B. The Square has already put into use widely.

C. The invention hasn’t been tested these days.

D. The Square is popular among people in the US.

Over the last week,a "poisonous kale(甘蓝菜)" theory has been going widespread after an article warned that the vegetable was associated with a variety of medical conditions.It's time to separate fear from fact on the health benefits of kale.

As a member of the cabbage family,kale is low in calories and rich in nutrients and minerals,especially vitamin A,C and K.Consumed for thousands of years,it's been a health plus for millions of eaters throughout the world.

However,numerous web articles have reported on some evidence offered by a medicine researcher.The researcher found that thallium(铊)was detected in a few people who were heavy consumers of kale.Thallium is a heavy metal often found in trace amounts(微量)in soil and minerals.His conclusion was that these medical conditions were connected to the impact that trace amounts of thallium detected in some kale samples had on the body.

I don't think the conclusion is based on a strict scientific basis.It's essential to point out that the original report was in a web magazine,not a scientific journal which is subject to peer review by other scientists.A scientific review includes a careful evaluation of how the findings and conclusions were made.Certain factors are critical before an evidence-based conclusion can be made,such as: how many people were in a study;how well controlled were other factors;how much kale was consumed and for how long;how much thallium was in the kale.

It is a fact that kale and other vegetables can absorb thallium from the soil.But the ability for a plant to absorb traces of a chemical does not automatically make it harmful to your health.And even finding measurable amounts of thallium in someone's body doesn't imply that the thallium is causing an ill health effect,according to the CDC.

But we can still learn a lesson from this.Plants grow in soil.Growers must continue to be careful in monitoring the quality of their soil.And what about consumers?Eat your kale—and include lots of other colorful fruits and vegetables.As with all things in nature,variety is key for good health.

1.What do you know about kale?

A. It is high in fat. B. It is low in calories.

C. It is poor m nutrients. D. It is rich in protein.

2.The medicine researcher made a conclusion that .

A. these medical conditions were related to thallium

B. trace amounts of thallium had little effect on the body

C. thallium was found in trace amounts in the minerals

D. kale had a lot of health benefits on human bodies

3.According to the writer,the original report m a web magazine is .

A. scientific B. essential

C. unreliable D. popular

4.The writer thinks that kale is .

A. safe to consume B. poisonous to eat

C. hard to conserve D. terrible to smell

Guitar Lessons for Guitar Players

Playing the same things over and over again when you pick up the guitar? Teaching yourself for Years but you hit a wall? Don't know what to do next? Whether you're a total beginner, or an old guitar player, we'll get you working on something you can benefit from. I'm a professional teacher, over 30 students at my studio in downtown Berkeley and several music schools in San Francisco, Alameda, and Mountain View.

No matter what style you're into, I guarantee there are songs by your favorite bands that you could

learn. Call at 510-333-9091 or e-mail at blueschool47@gmail.com

Dance Classes for Students 2 5 Through Adult

Motion Dance Center in Martinez is now accepting registration (注册) for all fall dance classes. There are classes offered in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip -Hop, Contemporary and Cheerleading. Classes run like the school year Sept through June. Prices are very reasonable at only $45 a month. That's for a one-hour class once a week for a month. This studio is known for their younger child program. We are always looking for talented instructors too. If you want more information call Deena at 925-229-5678.

Qi Gong with Angie

Qi Gong is the perfect activity for anyone, at any age. It combines gentle movement and meditation(冥想), breathing regulation and relaxation. The exercises are designed to reduce stress and anxiety and improve blood and energy circulation (循环) throughout the body, therefore increasing immune (免疫的) function, improving energy levels and sleep.

Thousands of Qi Gong lovers around the world have experienced the extraordinary benefits of this gentle, ancient Chinese exercise form and are healthier and happier for it. Join us to experience the benefits for yourself!

WHEN: Tuesdays from noon to 1pm

WHERE: Halanda Studio 1062 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125

COST: $12 per class drop-in (即到即学的) or $45 for a pre-paid set of 4 classes

CONTACT: Angie at angie@lokahiacupuncture.com , 408-887-6000

1.The purpose of ad 1 is to ________.

A. build a bridge between guitar players

B. look for teachers for several music schools

C. attract guitar players to attend music classes

D. help guitar beginners to improve their techniques

2.Sarah and Jessey decide to attend the dance classes for six months. They each will have to pay ___.

A. $135 B. $270

C. $540. D. $1,080

3.According to Angie, the Qi Gong exercise is ___________.

A. traditional, gentle and unpopular

B. ancient, positive but complex

C. simple, effective but a little violent

D. traditional, gentle and effective

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