Millions of people are now using what are called“peer-to-peer”networks. Basically, you link your computer to other computers all across the country, mostly so you can give something in exchange for music for free.“But here's the problem,”“Early Show”Consumer Correspondent Susan Koeppen says as part of the broadcast's series, “Somebody's Watching You”: thieves are using the same networks, and they're not interested in music-they're seeking access to your financial information.

  Beth Pope learned the hard way. When she put peer-to-peer software on her computer, she had one goal in mind: increasing her music library.“I thought I could get access to other people's music folders and they could have access to my music folders,”she says,“and that was about it. I didn't think it went any further than that.”

   Are Your Medical Records Watched? That is, until she was contacted by the Secret Service-with shocking news-someone had stolen personal information from her computer-using the very software she used to trade music. With the help of David Dunn, a member of the Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force, Koeppen decided to see what personal information she could find using a peer-to-peer network.

  Thieves typically seek documents such as credit reports, tax returns, or the federal financial student aid application, Dunn says.“Obviously,”says Dunn,“we aren't going to download it, because it's someone's personal information. I'm sure that, whoever (this file sharer) is didn't want her (student aid application) confirmation number available online for somebody to download.”Pope says she's done using peer-to-peer.“I've gotten all of that off my computer, ”she says.“I pay for music now. It's the best way to do it. There's no way that I would ever do that again.”

   The trade group for file sharing software companies says they are working on better systems to prevent the misuse of the peer-to-peer networks. Still, Koeppen urges that people, for instance, delete Lime Wire from their computers, or make sure they have the latest version, which should have updated security features.

Thieves are trying to get access to your computer in order to      .

  A. find your personal information

  B. see how your computer is working

  C. talk with you

  D. help you with your system

Why did Beth Pope use peer-to-peer software?

  A. Because she wanted others to use her information.

  B. Because she wanted to try it.

  C. Because she wanted to increase her music library.

  D. Because she wanted to get others' financial information.

Susan Koeppen tried to       .

  A. warn the readers of dangers of sharing music files with others.

  B. warn the readers not to share music files with others.

  C. tell us a true and funny story

  D. advertise the peer-to-peer networks.

From the passage we get to know       .

  A. we shouldn't believe others.

  B. computers make our life easy and comfortable.

  C. softwares help us to share music with others

  D. everything has two sides, the good side and the bad one

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children (MGHfC) have invented a new term that describes dangers associated with cigarette smoke: third-hand smoke. Study results published in January, 2009 discuss how third-hand smoke is especially dangerous for children.
Have you ever walked into a room that had the smell of cigarette smoke, regardless of the fact that a fan was moving the air and no one was smoking at the time? This is what researchers are calling third-hand smoke — and it represents the poisonous deposits (存积物) that are left behind long after a cigarette is put out. 
Cigarette smoke contains gases and small particles that are deposited on every surface it comes in contact with, for example, the smoker’s hair and clothing, or the environment the cigarette was smoked in. It’s dangerous for young children who may crawl on polluted surfaces. Third-hand smoke is a serious health risk for our kids, especially those who live in the homes of smokers.
Jonathan Winickoff, lead author of the study, explains, “When you come into contact with your baby, even if you’re not smoking at the time, he or she comes in contact with those poisons. And if you breast-feed, the poisons will transfer to your baby in your breast milk.” Winickoff adds however, that nursing a baby if you’re a smoker is still a better choice than bottle-feeding.
Researchers involved in the study also surveyed more than 1,500 families in an effort to learn about adult attitudes regarding the danger third-hand smoke represents to their children and how that might affect smoking in the home.
Approximately 95 percent of nonsmokers and 84 percent of smokers believe that secondhand smoke is dangerous for children.
On the issue of whether third-hand smoke threatens the health of children, 65 percent of nonsmokers and 43 percent of smokers felt that third-hand smoke harms kids. When asked about rules regarding smoking in the home, approximately 88 percent of nonsmokers said they don’t allow smoking, while only 27 percent of smokers forbid smoking in the home.
However, both non-smokers and smokers who felt that third-hand smoking was harmful to children’s health were more inclined to (倾向于) restrict smoking in their homes.
【小题1】The study led by Jonathan Winickoff focused on _______.

A.bad influences long after a cigarette is smoked
B.third-hand smoke and secondhand smoke
C.the bad effects of smoking on common people
D.the terrible smell of cigarette smoke
【小题2】How does the text explain what third-hand smoke is?
A.By telling results of a survey.
B.By giving statistics.
C.By making comparisons.
D.By giving an example.
【小题3】The following measures to prevent the effect of third-hand smoke are effective except _______. 
A.keeping kids out of room when you smoke
B.cleaning the house to get rid of poisons
C.making yourself clean before contacting kids
D.trying to forbid smoking in home

Having one of those days—or weeks—when everything seems to annoy you? Even if you do nothing about it, your bad mood(心情) will probably go away after some time. But with a little effort, you can forget it much faster—often within a day or two.

    Walk it off

     Exercise is the most popular bad ­mood buster. A person who's in a bad mood has low energy and high tension. Taking a fast ten­-minute walk, or doing some quick  exercises can do wonders towards changing the bad mood.

Tune it out

Listening to your favorite music for a while can also make tension go away quickly, because music starts connection with past positive experiences we've had.

Give yourself a pep talk

    Stop and listen to what's on your mind. Bad moods are often started by too many negative thoughts. Write them all down on paper, the pessimistic(悲观的) messages you've been giving yourself, and then give optimistic answers. (“I still don't have a job.” vs “I have two interviews next week.”)

Reduce your stress

Relaxation techniques are wonderful mood­lifters. These include deep breathing, stretching and visualizing(想像), all of which sound complicated(复杂的) but aren't. One easy way to visualize: close your eyes and picture a favorite place, such as the beach. Another simple way to distress is to make a to­do list. One reason for being in a bad mood is feeling you have no options. By taking control over certain areas,  you realize you're not helpless. You can make changes in your mood and life.

Avoid things that won't improve your mood

TV may not help much: you need to increase your energy level and stimulate(刺激) your mind—something that the TV show “Neighbors” won't do. And before you reach for that piece of cake and coffee, think about how mood and food are linked. Sugar and caffeine contribute to depressed moods. The better choice? Research shows that carbohydrates, such as potatoes and pasta(面食), produce calming effects in people who have a desire for them.

1.Which of the following may help us stop a bad mood?

A. Doing nothing about it           B. Exercising and enjoying music.

C.Writing down negative thoughts    D.Talking about it with neighbors.

2.Why is it suggested that you close your eyes and picture the beach?

A. It helps remove bad mood.         B. It brings us a new technique.

C. It is not complicated to do so.       D. It is an area to be easily controlled.

3.TV may not improve your mood because it _____________.

A. shows what happens around you       B. does not energize you

C. reminds you of eating and drinking     D. produces a calming effect

4.Which would be the best title for this passage?

A. Energy Level and Stress       B. How to Beat a Bad Mood

C. Bad Mood and Our Life       D. How to Control Your Feeling

 

Real-life Friends

Most people know the saying: A man's best friend is his dog; and that Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. However, dogs can’t offer advice or make you a cup of tea when you need one; and precious stones are cold comfort when you need a hug, and a shoulder to cry on.

What are Friends?

There are many ways to describe a friend. Friends are the family you can choose for yourself. Friends are a much better medication(医疗)than medication is, and people who spend time with friends are happier with their lives as they are less lonely.

A good friend will put you to bed when you’re lost consciousness. Ensure you’re not laid on your back, and remember to remove your shoes. You should be able to tell a true friend anything without being judged by them.

How do Friendships Begin?

This is an easy question. Find someone else who has similar interests with you. You now have another person to talk to about your shared interest but remember they like to talk too, so be prepared to shut up and listen once in a while. Hopefully they will have other friends and will introduce you to them, thereby expanding your circle.

Friendships which begin due to location, for example, next-door neighbors or school classmates, rarely survive transitions such as moving to other neighborhoods, schools, colleges, jobs, immigration, and so forth. Attend a school reunion and you’ll wonder what on earth you ever had in common with these people other than your age, although it is possible to have a friendship with someone you met at school. Mutually maintain it, and eventually become godparent or “uncle” to each others’ children.

How Friendships are Maintained

To have a friend you must also be a friend and be prepared to be there for them should they need you. Failure in this respect would label you a fair-weather friend and you would most probably be abandoned.

Boundaries

Like every other relationship you have in your life, there are boundaries you shouldn’t cross with your friends. One of those is money: Don’t lend to your friend and don’t ask for a loan yourself.

Friends are unpaid counselors(顾问),but phoning them at 2 am because you’re awake and would like a chat is not a good idea. Neither is phoning them at 10 am if you know they’re a shift-worker. Friends are people who need some space and quiet time. Generally, it all boils down to mutual respect and understanding.

It’s not a good plan to interrupt your friend while they’re on a date/on holiday/attending an orchestral recital/at a funeral.

Trust

Trust is the most vital element in any relationship. If you’re not trustworthy then you probably don’t deserve friends, so try to remember that you promised to see that dull film with them or applaud them at their first attempt at a karaoke or an Open Mic night. If you have promised to look after their clothes while they go for a bet, then make sure you do. You might like to carry enough cash to help them out too, as you never know when that situation might be reversed.

Don’t lie to your friend: if they know you well they’ll know you’re lying or will at least be suspicious. If you find out something that you know will hurt your friend, be tactful(圆滑). Do they need to know? Would they appreciate knowing? Can you tell their mum so she can break the news? Cowardly, yes, but mums usually have a much better way with words. Remember, if you do decide to tell them and it’s painful, they will probably need some time alone, after lashing out at(抨击)the closest thing—you. In that case, play the waiting game. Then don’t beat them up about it afterwards.

A Friend for Life

Strong friendships can last a lifetime with care and consideration. The benefits are multi-folds; you’ve got someone to share birthday cake with, and especially for single people, a pub meal or a trip to the cinema is no fun alone, is it? Plus it’s always nice to know there’s someone there for you, as you’re there for them, through the bad times as well as the good. Altogether now: Oh I get by with a little help from my friends. Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends.

1.According to the passage we can learn that good friends should be ___________.

A.paid counselors

B.money lenders

C.good listeners

D.next-door neighbors

2.The author brings in the topic by ___________.

A.giving negative examples

B.raising a relative question

C.describing a natural fact

D.explaining what friends are

3.The underlined phrase “a fair-weather friend” in Para 6 probably refers to a friend who _____.

A.likes only fine weather

B.will always stand by you

C.likes to make friends in fine weather

D.will run away from you when you need help badly

4.What can be inferred from the passage?

A.The more friends you have, the happier you will be.

B.Medication is also a better way to maintain strong friendships.

C.You may lose a friend if you are always telling lies to him or her.

D.We should only make friends with those having similar interests.

5. From the last paragraph we can learn that the author ____________.

A.doubt whether there are true friends and friendship

B.has lost a lot of good friends without any reasons

C.has already benefited a great deal from his friends

D.has been tired of making friends with single people

6. Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?

A.How to make friends.

B.Friends and friendship.

C.Ways to maintain friendship.

D.Boundaries of friends.

 

The Worst Part

Mom is usually home on Sunday but this week she was going to a big golf game and I was all alone in the house. I was mad at Mom for divorcing Dad.

I kept looking at the telephone until I couldn’t stand it any longer. I picked up the receiver and dialed Dad’s number over in Bakersfield. I even remembered to dial I first because it was long distance. “You promised to phone me this week but you didn’t,” I said, feeling I had to talk to him.

“Take it easy, kid,” he said. “I just didn’t get around to it. I was going to call this evening. The week isn’t over yet.”

I thought about that.

“Something on your mind?” he asked.

“I hoped you would call, so I waited and waited.” Then I was sorry I said it.

“There was heavy snow in the morning,” he said, “I had to chain up on highway 80 and lost time.”

I know putting chains on eight big wheels in the snow is no fun. I felt a little better, as long as we were talking. “How is Bandit?” I asked.

There was a funny silence. For a minute I thought the line was dead. Then I knew something must have happened to my dog.

“Well, kid—”, he began. “My name is Leigh!” I almost yelled. “I’m not just some kid you met on the street!”

Keep your shirt on, Leigh,” he said. “When I had to stop along with some other truckers to put on chains, I left Bandit out of the cab, I thought he would get back … I have sent out a call to CB radio, but I didn’t get an answer yet.” I was about to say I understood when there came the bad part, the really bad part. I heard a boy’s voice say, “Hey, Bill, Mom wants to know when we’re going out to get the pizza?”

1.From the story we know that _______.

A. Leigh’s dad never had a rest on Sundays          B. Leigh was a deserted boy

C. Leigh’s dad lived in another city                D. Leigh’s mother often went to golf games

2.What happened to Bandit?

A. It was frozen to death.        B. It was let out of the cab and got lost

C. It was killed by a truck.        D. It ran off Highway 80 and into the mountain.

3.The underlined sentence “Keep your shirt on” probably means “_______”.

A. Listen to reason    B. Stop talking      C. Calm down    D. Keep warm

4.In Leigh’s eye, “the worst part” may be that ________.

A. his dad got remarried          B. his parents got divorced

C. his dad didn’t love him         D. his mom didn’t take him to pizza

 

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