查看: 13600|回复: 35
阅读权限14威望0 级论坛币28 个学术水平0 点热心指数0 点信用等级0 点经验76 点帖子4精华0在线时间0 小时注册时间最后登录
积分 10, 距离下一级还需 14 积分
权限: 设置帖子权限
道具: 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 热点灯, 雷鸣之声, 涂鸦板, 金钱卡
购买后可立即获得
权限: 隐身
道具: 金钱卡, 雷鸣之声, 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 涂鸦板, 热点灯
American food&br/&美国食物&p&&/p&&You are what you eat.& Nutrition experts often use this saying to promote better eating habits. What we put in our mouths does become a part of us. But we can look at this statement another way. What we eat reflects who we are--as people and as a culture. Do you want to understand another culture? Then you ought to find out about its food. Learning about American food can give us a real taste of American culture. &br/&　　&你吃什么就成为什么样子&营养专家经常使用这句话来倡导更好的饮食习惯，入嘴的东西确实成为我们的一部分．但我们也可以从另一个角度来看这句话，我们所吃的反映出我们自己－－不论就人或文化而言．你想了解另一种文化吗？那么你应该去认识他们的食物．认识美国食物可以让我们得知美国文化的精髓。 &br/&　　What is &American food&? At first you might think the answer is easy as pie. To many people, American food means hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken and pizza. If you have a &sweet tooth,& you might even think of apple pie or chocolate chip cookies. It's true that Americans do eat those things. But are those the only kind of vittles you can find in America? &br/&　　何谓「美式食物」？乍听之下你可能认为答案容易得很。对许多人而言，美式食物就是汉堡、热狗、炸鸡和披萨。如果你是好吃甜食的人，你可能会想到苹果派或巧克力片饼干。美国人确实吃这些东西，但这些就是你在美国唯一找得到的食物吗？ &br/&　　Except for Thanksgiving turkey, it's hard to find a typically &American& food. The United States is a land of immigrants. So Americans eat food from many different countries. When people move to America, they bring their cooking styles with them. That's why you can find almost every kind of ethnic food in America. In some cases, Americans have adopted foods from other countries as favorites. Americans love Italian pizza, Mexican tacos and Chinese egg rolls. But the American version doesn't taste quite like the original! &br/&　　除了感恩节火鸡以外，挺难找到典型的美国食物。美国是个移民之地，所以美国人吃的食物来自许多不同的国家，当人们移居美国，他们也将自己的烹调带了进来。那也就是为什么在美国你几乎可以看到所有不同民族的食物。在某些情况中，美国人把外国的食物视为最爱。美国人喜爱意大利的披萨，墨西哥的玉米饼和中国的春卷，但是这些东西的美国版味道却不很道地！ &br/&　　As with any large country, the U.S.A has several distinct regions. Each region boasts its own special style of food. Visit the South and enjoy country-style cooking. Journey through Louisiana for some spicy Cajun cuisine. Take a trip to New England and sample savory seafood dishes. Travel through the Midwest, &the breadbasket of the nation,& for delicious baked goods. Cruise over to the Southwest and try some tasty Tex-Mex treats. Finish your food tour in the Pacific Northwest with some gourmet coffee. &br/&　　和许多大国一样，美国有数个截然不同的地区，每个地区都以自己特有的食物夸口。走访美国南部享受乡村式的烹调；到路易斯安纳州品尝辛辣的凯郡式料理；走一趟新英格兰试尝它美味的海鲜；再到中西部「美国的面包之乡」品尝可口的烘培食品；乘船游览至西南部尝试一些好吃的墨式德州小吃，最后到太平洋西北岸，啜饮美食家的咖啡，作为美食之旅的句点。 &br/&　　Americans living at a fast pace often just &grab a quick bite.& Fast food restaurants offer people on the run everything from fried chicken to fried rice. Microwave dinners and instant foods make cooking at home a snap. Of course, one of the most common quick American meals is a sandwich. If it can fit between two slices of bread, Americans probably make a sandwich out of it. Peanut butter and jelly is an all-time American favorite. &br/&　　生活在快速步调之下的美国人通常只能「很快地吃几口」。快餐店提供赶时间的人各种食物，从炸鸡到炒饭，应有尽有。微波炉晚餐和实时餐点使得在家烧饭省事又快速。当然，最平常的美式速餐之一就是三明治。任何能夹在两片土司中间的东西，美国人就可以把它作成一份三明治，花生酱和果酱更是一直都深受美国人的喜爱。 &br/&　　Americans on the go also tend to eat a lot of &junk food.& Potato chips, candy bars, soft drinks and other goodies are popular treats. Many people eat too many of these unhealthy snacks. But others opt for more healthy eating habits. Some even go &all natural.& They refuse to eat any food prepared with chemicals or additives. &br/&　　忙碌的美国人也趋向于吃一大堆「垃圾食物」。洋芋片、糖果、汽水和其它好吃的东西都颇受欢迎。许多人吃了太多这类不健康的零嘴，但是其它人则选择较健康的饮食习惯，有些人甚至选择「全天然」的食物，他们拒绝吃任何有化学制品或添加物的食物。 &br/&　　American culture is a good illustration of the saying &you are what you eat.& Americans represent a wide range of backgrounds and ways of thinking. The variety of foods enjoyed in the U.S. reflects the diversity of personal tastes. The food may be international or regional. Sometimes it's fast, and sometimes it's not so fast. It might be junk food, or maybe it's natural food. In any case, the style is all-American. &br/&美国文化是「你吃什么就成为什么样子」这句话的好写照。美国人代表了范围广泛的背景和想法。在美国可享受到的各式食物正反映出个人品味的多样化。这食物可能是国际性也可能是地区性的；有时是快餐，有时也不见得；它可能是垃圾食物，也可能是天然食品。然而无论如何，它们都是美式的。&&&p&&/p&Music &br/&美国人的音乐爱好&p&&/p&James Fenimore Cooper, an early American writer, once said, &The Americans are almost ignorant of the art of music.& If that was once true, you would never know it today. Most Americans--even those without a musical bone in their bodies--have a favorite style of music. Many people enjoy classical and folk music from around the world. But other popular music styles in America were &made in the U.S.A.& &br/&一位美国早期的作家柯柏（James Fenimore Cooper）曾说：「美国人对音乐艺术几乎可以说是相当的无知。」如果这话曾经是事实，今日你绝不会这么认为了。大部份的美国人，甚至包括那些没有音乐细胞的人，都有自己喜爱的音乐型态。许多人喜欢世界各国的古典音乐和民俗音乐，然而美国其它的流行音乐则是「在美国制造」的。 &p&&/p&Country and western music lies close to the heart of many Americans. This style originated among country folks in the southern and western United States. Country music tells down-to-earth stories about love and life's hardships. Guitars, banjos and violins--also known as fiddles--give country music its characteristic sound. The home of country music is Nashville, Tennessee--Music City U.S.A. Country music even has its own theme park called &Opryland& where you can enjoy music shows and fun rides. &The Grand Ole Opry,& the oldest radio show in the United States, broadcasts country music live from Opryland every weekend. &br/&乡村和西部音乐深得很多美国人的人心，这种型态的音乐起源于美国南部和西部的乡村小民们。乡村音乐传述着真实不加渲染的爱情故事和生活中的艰难。吉他、五弦琴和小提琴（violin又名fiddle）可弹奏出乡村音乐的特殊音色。乡村音乐的发源地是田纳西州的纳许维尔市--美国的音乐城市。而乡村音乐甚至还有它自己的主题乐园--Opryland呢！在那儿你可以享受音乐表演以及好玩的游乐设施。美国最老牌的广播节目「The Grand Ole Opry」每个周末都实况播放Opryland的音乐。 &br/&Jazz music, developed by African-Americans in the late 1800s, allows performers to freely express their emotions and musical skill. Instead of just playing the melody, jazz musicians improvise different tunes using the same chords. The peak of jazz music came in the 1920s, known as &The Jazz Era.& This period produced musicians like Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington. These musicians later created the &big band& sounds of the 1930s. Different styles of jazz developed in different cities, such as New Orleans, Chicago, New York and Kansas City. Composer George Gershwin brought jazz into the world of classical music with pieces like &Rhapsody in Blue.& &br/&爵士乐是十九世纪末期由非裔的美国人发展出来的。它让表演者自由地表现他们的情感和音乐技巧。不仅演奏旋律，爵士音乐大师用同样的和弦即兴演奏出不同的曲调。爵士乐的高峰期出现于二○年代，该时期被称为「爵士年代」。这个时期创造出来的乐手有阿姆斯特朗（Louise Armstrong），古德曼（Benny goodman）和埃林顿（Duke Ellington）。这些乐手稍后都创造了三○年代的「大乐团」之音。在不同的城市也孕育出不同的爵士风格，像是纽奥尔良、芝加哥、纽约和坎萨斯市。作曲家盖希文（George Gershwin）更以像「蓝色狂想曲」这样的作品，将爵士乐带入古典音乐的世界里。 &br/&The 1950s saw the development of an explosive new music style: rock 'n' roll. Performers like Elvis Presley and songs like Bill Haley's &Rock Around the Clock& made rock music widely popular. This powerful music style addresses issues like love, sex, drugs, politics and death. Often it rebels against the accepted values of society. Rock concerts, featuring loud music and sometimes weird stage acts, have become a major part of American youth culture. Music videos on television have spread the message of rock to the far corners of the globe. &br/&五○年代见证了一种爆炸性新乐风的开展：摇滚乐。像猫王这样的歌手以及像哈利（Bill Haley）的Rock Around the Clock这样的歌，使摇滚音乐普遍地受到欢迎。这种具震撼力的音乐型态探讨了爱情、性、吸毒、政治及死亡等的主题。它常常叛离社会所接受的价值标准。标榜大声的音乐、甚至怪异的舞台表演的摇滚音乐会，已成为美国年轻人文化主要的一部份。而MTV已将这股摇滚的风潮传到世界最远的角落了。 &br/&And the beat goes on. Pop music represents popular styles--like the music of Karen Carpenter--that have wide appeal. &Golden oldies& from the past bring back pleasant memories for many. Rap music, which burst onto the music scene in the 1970s, is actually more like a rhyming chant. Rappers give a strong--sometimes vulgar--message about life in the streets. &br/&音乐的节奏继续延伸下去。通俗乐代表了受大众喜爱的音乐风格，像木匠兄妹的音乐即吸引广大的群众。这些过去岁月中的遗留下来的「黄金老歌」，为许多人带来愉快的回忆。饶舌音乐在七○年代快速跃上音乐的舞台，它事实上很像是具节奏性的唱话。饶舌歌手传达出强烈、有时是低俗的街头生活信息。&br/&Americans have always been a religious people, and music has long been a part of their religious experience, as well. From colonial days, hymns and praise songs have enhanced worship. Negro spirituals, such as &Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen,& reflect hope in God in the midst of suffering. Today's Christian styles fit all musical tastes--from country to jazz to pop to rock to rap. &br/&美国人一向是相当宗教性的民族，而音乐长期以来也是他们宗教经验中的一部份。自殖民时期开始，诗歌和赞美诗都提升了敬拜的层次。像「无人知道我的困难」这样的黑人灵歌，反映出苦难中对上帝的盼望。今天的基督教音乐包含了各式的乐风--从乡村、到爵士、到通俗、到摇滚、再到饶舌歌。 &br/&In America, music is a shared experience. People grow up with piano lessons, chorus classes and marching band practices. They can talk about their tastes in music when there isn't anything else to talk about. If James Fenimore Cooper were here today, he would surely have to change his tune. &br/&在美国，音乐是一种大家共有的经验。人们在钢琴课、合唱课程和参与游行乐队的演练经验中成长。当无话可谈的时候，他们就可以谈谈自己对音乐的喜好。如果今天柯柏还在世的话，他就得改变他的论调了。&&&p&&/p&Family &br/&美国家庭&p&&/p&&Please pass the turkey and dressing.& What does this simple request make you think about? If you are an American, you think about Thanksgiving. A turkey dinner symbolizes Thanksgiving for Americans. What does Thanksgiving remind Americans of? Their families. Thanksgiving is a family time. On this holiday, families gather to gobble up the gobbler and stuff themselves with stuffing. Family members enjoy watching parades and football games on TV and just being together. What does &family& mean to Americans? &br/&「请将火鸡与配料递给我。」这个简单的请求令你想起什么？如果你是美国人，你会想到感恩节。对美国人而言，火鸡大餐象征感恩节。感恩节提醒了美国人哪些事情呢？--他们的家人。感恩节是家人聚集的时间，在这个节日，家人聚在一起对着火鸡以及鸡腹中的调味材料大快朵颐；家人享受一起看游行、看足球比赛的电视转播以及同聚的时光。到底家庭对于美国人的意义是什么？ &p&&/p&The traditional American family is a &nuclear family.& A nuclear family refers to a husband and wife and their children. The average American family today has two or three children (and maybe a few pets). In some cultures, people live close to their extended family. Several generations may even live together. In America, only in a few cases does more than one household live under one roof. &br/&传统的美国家庭被称为「核心家庭」。核心家庭包含了先生、太太和小孩子，今日美国的一般家庭有二个或三个小孩（或者再加上几只宠物）。在一些文化里，大家庭住在一起，甚至好几代的人同住。在美国，只有极少的情况下才会有超过一个家庭同住一个屋檐下。 &br/&American values receive a warm welcome in the home. Many homes are run like a democracy. Each family member can have a say. A sense of equality often exists in American homes. Instead of fearing Mom and Dad, children may think of them as good friends. Husbands and wives often share household chores. In many cases, a child can enjoy privacy in his or her own bedroom. From an early age, children gain responsibility in handling money. They may receive a weekly allowance or even work part-time jobs. Often parents give children freedom to make their own decisions. Preschoolers choose what clothes to wear or which toys to buy. Young adults generally make their own choices about what career to pursue and whom to marry. &br/&美国人看重对家人回家时热诚的欢迎。许多家庭用民主政治般的方式来治理，家中每个人都有发言权利，公平观念广泛存在于美国的家庭当中；除了敬畏之情外，孩子们也将父母亲当成好朋友，夫妇经常彼此共同分担家务；许多家庭的孩子在自己的卧室内享有隐私权；孩子们在很小的时候便有理财的责任，他们可能每个礼拜会有零用钱或是出去打工；父母亲常会给孩子们自己做决定的自由，学龄前的孩子可以自己选择穿什衣服或买什么玩具，青年人则可自由选择职业及结婚的对象。 &br/&Families in America, like those in every culture, face many problems. Social pressures are breaking apart more and more American homes. Over half of U.S. marriages now end in divorce. More than one in four American children are growing up in single-parent homes. As a result, many people believe the American family is in trouble. &br/&正如许多其它文化一样，美国的家庭也面对许多问题。社会的压力正将愈来愈多的美国家庭解体。现在，超过半数以上的婚姻在美国是以离婚做结束；每四个小孩中就有超过一位是由单亲养育长大的，它的结果是造成了许多人相信美国家庭有麻烦了。 &br/&Even so, there is still reason for hope. Many organizations are working hard to strengthen families. Americans almost unanimously believe that the family is one of the most important parts of life. The vast majority also feel that the traditional two-parent family is best for children. They realize that problems in family life in recent years have brought about serious consequences. As a result, more and more people are making their family a priority. Many women are quitting their jobs to stay home with their children. Families are going on vacations and outings together. Husbands and wives are making a concentrated effort to keep their marriages solid. &br/&即使如此，还是有盼望。许多机构正努力巩固家庭。几乎所有的美国人都相信家庭是生命中最重要的一部份。大多数人也认为传统双亲式的家庭对小孩子是最好的。他们明白近来家庭生活的问题，已带来了许多严重的结果。所以，愈来愈多的人将家庭视为第一优先。许多妇女辞去工作在家陪孩子。全家人一起渡假或出去玩，丈夫与妻子一起集中心力使婚姻稳固。 &br/&The United Nations has declared 1994 the &International Year of the Family.& Not just in America, but all over the world, people recognize the importance of strong families. How do you strengthen the family bond? Do special things for each other. Talk to each other. Play together. Spend time together. Oh, and one more thing: be thankful for each other. If you have a family, every day should be Thanksgiving. &br/&联合国已宣布一九九四年为国际家庭年。不止是在美国，全世界的人都明白一个稳固的家庭的重要性。你如何坚固你的家庭呢？为彼此做些特别的事情，一起聊天，一起玩，花时间在一起。喔！还有一件事情：对彼此怀着感恩之心，如果你有家庭，每天都应是感恩节。&&&p&&/p&Travel &br/&美国旅游风尚&p&&/p&It's summertime, and the livin' is easy. For many Americans, this is the season to travel. Why? Because school is out. Because the weather is great. And most of all, because we all deserve a break. When Americans take a break, they often head for their favorite vacation spot.&br/&夏天到了，生活很惬意。对很多美国人来说，这是个旅游的季节，为什么？因为学校放假，因为天气很好，但最重要的是，休个假是我们所应得的。美国人休假时经常会去他们最喜欢的渡假地点。&br/&Throughout their history, Americans have been people on the move. The early immigrants had to travel to get to the New World. Once they arrived, they settled along the East Coast. But they weren't content to stay there. Explorers and traders journeyed to the unknown western territories. Later, settlers moved west to develop these new areas. As a result of this westward migration, Americans eventually occupied the whole continent-from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Even today, Americans seem unable to stay put. Research says that the average American moves every five years.&br/&纵观整个历史，美国人一直是个迁移的民族。早期的移民者必须长途跋涉才能抵达新大陆，他们一到达就沿着东岸定居，但却不满于长居那地，冒险家和商人旅行至未知的西部地区。稍后，移民者也向西迁移去开发这些新地区。由于向西迁移，美国人最后占据了整块新大陆--从大西洋到太平洋。即使到今天，美国人似乎仍然无法在一地久居。根据研究，美国人平均每五年要搬一次家。&br/&Besides their habit of changing addresses, Americans are used to traveling. Some people make long-distance commutes to work daily. Their jobs may even require them to take frequent business trips. Most companies provide an annual vacation for their employees, and people often use that time to travel. Some people just visit friends or relatives in distant states. Others go on low-budget weekend excursions and stay in economy motels. Those with more expensive tastes choose luxurious resorts and hotels. Camping out in the great outdoors appeals to adventurous types. Some travel in recreational vehicles (RVs) to camp out in comfort, while others &rough it& by sleeping in tents.&br/&除了搬家的习惯以外，美国人也很习惯旅行。有些人每天上下班得做长距离的通勤，工作上甚至经常需要因公旅行。大部分的公司每年会提供年假给员工，人们通常会利用这段时间去旅行。有些人去远一点的别州拜访朋友或亲戚，有些则在周末有个经济的小假期，并住在花费不高的旅馆里。品味较昂贵的人选择豪华的渡假地点和饭店；绝佳的户外露营则吸引冒险型的人。有些人开着旅行车出游，以舒适的方式露营；有些人则睡帐篷尝试野外生活。&br/&Most Americans prefer to travel within their nation's borders. Why? For one thing, it's cheaper than traveling abroad, and there's no language problem. But besides that, the vast American territory offers numerous tourist attractions. Nature lovers can enjoy beaches, mountains, canyons, lakes and a wealth of natural wonders. Major cities offer visitors a multitude of urban delights. The convenience of modern freeways, railways and airplanes makes travel in America as easy as pie.&br/&大部分美国人比较喜欢在国内旅游，为什么呢？其中一个原因是，国内旅游比国外旅游便宜，也没有语言不通的问题。但除此原因以外，占地极广的美国国土提供了许多能吸引游客的地点。爱好大自然的人可以到海滩、山上、峡谷、湖泊和很多大自然奇景地区游览。大城市也提供给游客们很多都市型态的娱乐。现代高速公路、铁路和飞机使得在美国旅行很容易。&br/&Many American vacations are as unique as the people who take them. Families often plan their trips with the kids in mind. More and more &family friendly& vacation resorts offer special programs for children. History buffs seek out famous historical sites and museums. Environmentalists prefer &green vacations.& These trips allow them to observe flora and fauna up-close without disturbing the sensitive balance of nature. Some people find sea cruises relaxing and refreshing. Others hit the water to go fishing, skiing or white-water rafting. Daring souls get the thrill of a lifetime on trekking expeditions and safaris in remote places from Africa to Asia.&br/&很多美国假期非常特别，和参与此种假期的人一样特别。全家出游时通常会将孩子考虑在内，有愈来愈多「适合全家出游」的渡假地点为孩子提供特别的活动。对历史有兴趣的人会找一些著名的历史据点和博物馆。有环保意识的人喜欢「环保假期」，这样的旅行使他们能近距离观察动植物，并且不会扰乱了大自然敏感的生态平衡。有些人觉得海上旅游能使心情放松并感到清爽，有些人则到水边钓鱼、滑水或泛舟。胆子大的人到亚洲和非洲去探险狩猎作长途旅行，享受一辈子难得一次的刺激。 &br/&Americans aren't the only people in the world who travel. International business, mass communication and jet airplanes have created a world of globetrotters. People all over the world enjoy going abroad to travel. And no matter where they live, people enjoy visiting scenic spots in their own country. But being on the go makes Americans what they are: people on the move. In America, almost every-body is a tourist sometime. &br/&美国人不是世上唯一爱旅行的人。国际企业、大众传播与喷射机创造了一个环游世界者的世纪。全世界的人都喜欢到海外旅游，不管住在那里，人们都喜欢去造访自己国家内风景优美的地区。不过好动的本性使美国人变成今天的模样：成为爱迁移的人。在美国，几乎每个人都有旅游的经验。&&&p&&/p&Sports &br/&美式运动&&&p&&/p&In many parts of the world, there are four seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter. In the U.S., there are only three: football, basketball and baseball. That's not completely true, but almost. In every season, Americans have a ball. If you want to know what season it is, just look at what people are playing. For many Americans, sports do not just occupy the sidelines. They take center court. &br/&世界上的许多地方，一年有四季：春、夏、秋、冬。美国，却只有三季：足球、篮球和棒球季。这并非完全正确，但也差得不远了。每一个季节，美国人都有乐趣。若你想知道此季为何，看看人们正在打什么球就行了。对于多数美国人而言，运动并非只是一旁站的小消遣，它是生活中很重要的一环。 &br/&Besides &the big three& sports, Americans play a variety of other sports. In warm weather, people enjoy water sports. Lovers of surfing, sailing and scuba diving flock to the ocean. Swimmers and water skiers also revel in the wet stuff. Fishermen try their luck in ponds, lakes and rivers. In winter sportsmen delight in freezing fun. From the first snowfall, skiers hit the slopes. Frozen ponds and ice rinks become playgrounds for skating and hockey. People play indoor sports whatever the weather. Racquetball, weightlifting and bowling are year-round activities. &br/&除了这「三大运动」，美国人还做许多其它的运动。天热时，他们喜欢水上运动。冲浪、驾帆船和潜水的爱好者群集于海中。游泳和滑水者，也纵情于水中。渔夫在池塘、湖泊和河川里试他们的运气。冬季，运动员在冰天雪地里也玩得很开心。从下雪的头一天起，滑雪者便登上雪坡。结了冰的池塘和溜冰场成了溜冰和冰上曲棍球的场地。不论气候如何，人们都从事户内运动。回力球、举重和保龄球都是全年性的活动。 &br/&For many people in the U.S., sports are not just for fun. They're almost a religion. Thousands of sports fans buy expensive tickets to watch their favorite teams and athletes play in person. Other fans watch the games at home, glued to their TV sets. The most devoted sports buffs never miss a game. Many a wife becomes a &sports widow& during her husband's favorite season. America's devotion to athletics has created a new class of wealthy people: professional athletes. Sports stars often receive million-dollar salaries. Some even make big money appearing in advertisements for soft drinks, shoes and even toiletries. &br/&对许多的美国人而言，运动不只是为了好玩。它几乎成了一种宗教崇拜，数以千计的运动迷会为了能亲眼目睹他们喜爱的球队或运动员比赛而出高价购买门票。其它的球迷则守在家里寸步不离地收看电视转播。那些最热衷的运动迷 ，从不错过任何一场比赛。而当先生们最热衷的运动季节到了的时候，他们的太太们都变成了「运动寡妇」。美国人对于运动的投入形成了一个新的富有阶级：职业运动员。运动明星通常会收到上百万元的薪水。其中有些人甚至是因为替饮料、鞋，甚至个人化妆用品拍广告而赚了一大笔钱。 &br/&Not all Americans worship sports, but athletics are an important part of their culture. Throughout their school life, Americans learn to play many sports. All students take physical education classes in school. Some try out for the school teams, while others join intramural sports leagues. Athletic events at universities attract scores of fans and benefit the whole community. Many people also enjoy non-competitive activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping or hunting. To communicate with American sports nuts, it helps if you can talk sports.&br/&并非所有的美国人都崇拜运动，但运动的确是他们文化当中极为重要的一部份。在他们的学校生活当中，美国人学习许多运动。所有的学生都必须在学校修体育课。有些人参加校队的选拔；有的则加入校内的运动联盟。在大学中举办的运动比赛通常吸引众多的运动迷，并且造福整个社区。许多人也喜欢从事一些非竞争性的活动像健行、骑单车、骑马、露营或打猎。要和美国运动迷沟通，最好是能畅谈运动。&br/&Sports in America represent the international heritage of the people who play. Many sports were imported from other countries. European immigrants brought tennis, golf, bowling and boxing to America. Football and baseball came from other Old World games. Only basketball has a truly American origin. Even today some formerly &foreign& sports like soccer are gaining American fans. In 1994 the U.S. hosted the World Cup for the first time ever. &br/&美国的运动代表着从事这些运动的人的国际遗产。许多的运动是从外国引 进来的。欧洲移民把网球、高尔夫、保龄球和拳击带进了美国。足球和棒球则源自其它的欧洲传统比赛。只有篮球是唯一真正源自美国本土，即使在今日，一些原本是外来的运动例如英式足球也吸引了许多的美国运动迷。在一九九四年，美国首次负责举办世界杯足球赛。 &br/&Not only do Americans import sports, but they export sports fever, as well. Satellites broadcast games to sports fans around the globe. The World Series, the U.S. professional baseball championship, has begun to live up to its name. The names of American superstars like basketball great Michael Jordan have become household words the world over. Who knows? Sports seasons may even change world weather patterns.&br/&美国人不只是「进口」运动，他们同样地也「出口」运动狂热。他们对全球的运动迷作卫星转播。世界系列的美国职业棒球锦标赛，也已渐趋名符其实。一些美国的超级明星，像是篮球巨人麦可乔登已经成了全世界家喻户晓的人了。谁知道呢？运动季节甚至可能会改变全世界的气象型态呢。&&&p&&/p&Driving &br/&美国人的开车习惯&&&p&&/p&Meet Mitsuaki. He recently arrived in the United States to enter university. He wants to do well in his studies and adjust to the new culture. But Mitsuaki has a problem. It's not his roommates. It's not his school fees. It's not even his English ability. Mitsuaki's problem is that he doesn't have a car. And in America, that really makes him a foreigner. Mitsuaki has already discovered a basic fact of American culture: Driving is a way of life. &br/&介绍你认识三和木，他最近刚到美国上大学。他的目标是想把书读好并且让自己能够适应这个新的文化。但三和木却遇到了一个问题。问题不是室友，不是学费，甚至不是他的英文能力，三和木的问题是没有车。在美国，没有车真的会让他成了一个十足的外国人。三和木已经发现了美国文化中一个很基本的事实：开车是一种生活方式。 &br/&It's not that there's no public transportation in America. Many cities have taxis, buses and subways to help commuters get to and from work. Some large universities even have buses to take students to classes across campus. But most people find it much more convenient to drive, even if they do have to deal with traffic. Nowadays busy families often have more than one vehicle. Many people view their car as a status symbol. But no matter their social status, people without wheels feel tied down. &br/&美国不是没有大众运输工具，很多都市都有出租车、公车和地下铁帮助通车族上下班。有些规模大的大学甚至有公车在校园里载送学生到各个教室上课。不过大部份的人还是觉得开车更方便，即使他们得面对交通拥挤的问题。现今忙碌的家庭通常拥有一辆以上的车。很多人把车子视为地位的象征，但是不管他们的社会地位如何，没有车的人往往觉得很受束缚。.&p&&/p&When Mitsuaki first arrived, he was amazed at how young many American drivers there were. Young people in America often get their driver's license around age 16 by passing a written test and a driving test. In many cases, before they can get their license, they have to take a driver education course. This course gives students hands-on practice with driving. It also helps to reduce the high cost of insurance. For teenagers, being able to drive--and in some cases, have their own car--is a big deal. It gives them a sense of power and freedom. Many young Americans consider a driver's license a right, not a privilege. It's rare to find an American teenager without one. &br/&当三和木刚抵达美国时，他很惊讶美国许多开车的人年纪实在很轻。美国的年轻人通常在16岁左右就会通过笔试和路考，取得驾照。很多时候在他们取得驾照之前，他们必须上一个驾驶人教育课程，这个课程提供给学生们实际的驾驶练习，它也有助于降低高额的保险费。对青少年来说，能够开车，甚至拥有一辆自己的车是一件了不起的事，因为它带给他们一种权力与自由的感觉。很多美国的年轻人把驾照视为一种权利，而不是一项特权。在美国要找到一个没有驾照的青少年是很不容易的。 &br/&Mitsuaki finally decides that he needs a car. His host family helps him find a good used car to buy. But before he gets his license and starts driving, he has to understand that the American style of driving is defensive, not offensive. He also needs to learn some of the basic rules of the road that good drivers follow. &br/&10 Commandments of Good Driving in America &br/&1. Yield to vehicles who have the right of way. 2. Don't cut in front of other vehicles. 3. Drive within the speed limit. 4. Obey all road signs and police officers. 5. Pull over to the side of the road when you hear a siren. 6. Stop completely at red lights and stop signs. 7. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. &br/&8. Park only in a designated parking space. 9. Use your turn signals when turning or changing lanes. 10. Don't drink and drive. &br/&三和木最后终于决定他需要一辆车，他的寄宿家庭帮助他找到了一辆好的二手车。但是在他拿到驾照并且开始开车之前，他必须先了解，美国人的开车方式是属于防守型，而不是进攻型。他也需要学习一些好的驾驶人应该遵守的基本道路规则。 &br/&在美国优良驾驶的十大诫命： 1. 礼让有先行权的车子。 2. 不超车。 3. 行车不超速。 4. 遵守所有的路标和交通警察的指挥。 5. 听到警笛声时，立即靠边停车。 6. 遇到红灯和停止标志时要完全停下来。 7. 在行人穿越道上要礼让行人。 8. 只能在指定的停车地区内停车。9. 转弯或换车道时要打方向灯。 10. 不要酒后驾车。 &br/&As a car owner, Mitsuaki has the responsibility of maintaining his car. He knows that regular maintenance checkups can help to prevent many serious problems. But no matter how careful the maintenance, all vehicles need to be repaired sometimes. Many Americans take their cars to a garage for maintenance and repairs. Others like to work on their own vehicles. Not Mitsuaki. He decides that being a student is enough work for him. &br/&身为一个车主，三和木必须负责维修他的车子，他知道定期作保养检查可以预防许多严重的问题发生。不过，不管多么小心地保养，所有的车子有时候都必须修理。很多美国人把他们的车子送到车厂保养和修理；有些人则喜欢自己动手修车。但三和木可不这么做。他觉得当一个学生已经够他忙的了。 &br/&Driving is to Americans what flying is to birds. It's almost part of their nature. For many Americans, being behind the wheel is like their natural habitat. But if they don't drive carefully, they can become an endangered species. &br/&开车对美国人的必要性，就像鸟儿需要飞翔一样，几乎就是他们天性的一部份。对许多美国人而言，「坐在方向盘后面」就像是他们自然栖息之处。不过，如果他们不小心开车的话，他们可就会变成濒临危险的动物了。&&&p&&/p&Shrek the Ogre------The ugliest movie star ever&p&&/p&史上最丑的电影明星---怪物史瑞克&p&&/p&1. The first thing you notice about Shrek the Ogre is that he is ugly. As drawn by William Steig in his picture book Shrek!, the ogre has rotten green skin, red eyes, ears that look like miniature elephant trunks, and a big, hairy, potato nose. Steig writes, &His mother was ugly and his father was ugly, but Shrek was uglier than the two of them put together.& Creatures in the swamp where Shrek lives are all afraid of him. Flowers wilt in his presence. Shrek is ugly--very ugly. &p&&/p&看到怪物史瑞克，你首先会注意到他的丑。威廉史泰格在童话画册《史瑞克！》中画的这只怪物，有腐败的绿皮肤、红眼睛、长得像小型象鼻子的耳朵、还有一个多毛的马铃薯大鼻子。史泰格写道：「他的老妈很丑，老爸也很丑，可是史瑞克比他们俩个加起来还要丑。」跟史瑞克住在同一个沼泽里的生物都很怕他。花儿因他的出现而凋零。史瑞克真是丑--丑毙了。 &p&&/p&2. But Shrek's red eyes and hairy nose haven't prevented him from becoming the star of a new animated movie, a movie which is attracting lots of attention and showing signs of becoming a huge success. Shrek took his first step towards movie stardom when his book caught the fancy of the two young children of movie producer John H. Williams. The two kids loved the story of the ugly ogre who leaves his swamp and goes out into the world in search of adventure. As he read the story over and over again to his children, Williams himself started to see Shrek's potential. &He was a great movie character in search of a movie,& says Williams. &p&&/p&但是史瑞克的红眼睛和毛鼻子，并未阻止他成为一部新动画片的主角，这部电影备受瞩目，看来会成为热门大片。史瑞克迈向明星之路的第一步，在于他的书吸引了电影制作人约翰威廉的两个小孩喜爱。这两个小孩很喜欢这只丑陋的怪物离开沼泽到世界各地冒险的故事。威廉一遍又一遍地念这个故事给他的小孩听，自己也开始看出史瑞克的潜力。「他是个极适合拍成电影的角色，」威廉说。 &p&&/p&3. Before long, Shrek had his movie, and it has all the ingredients of a classic. Produced by the PDI/DreamWorks studio, Shrek features a fable-like story bursting with humor and fun, a first-class voice cast, and some of the most advanced animation effects ever seen on the screen. &p&&/p&没多久，史瑞克就有了自己的电影，而且拥有经典钜作的所有要素。《史瑞克》由PDI/梦工厂制作，是部充满幽默与乐趣的寓言式故事，拥有一流的配音人员，以及一些首度出现在银幕上的先进动画效果。 &p&&/p&4. The movie version of Steig's story is a sort of fairy tale in reverse. &Shrek kind of looks at all the fairy tale traditions we grew up on,& says producer Jeffrey Katzenberg, &and takes great fun turning all those storytelling 5)conventions upside-down and inside-out.& &br/&史泰格原著故事的电影版有点像是童话故事的颠覆版。制作人杰佛瑞卡森柏格表示：「《史瑞克》可以说是审视了所有伴随我们成长的童话故事传统，然后彻底颠覆那些样板的叙事手法，得到无穷的乐趣。」 &p&&/p&5. In the movie, Shrek's quiet life in the swamp is interrupted by the arrival of a band of fairy-tale characters, including blind mice, three little pigs, and a big, bad wolf. They've been banished into the swamp by the evil Lord Farquaad. In order to help his new acquaintances go home, and to regain the peace and quiet of his own home, Shrek agrees to carry out a mission for Farquaad. He will rescue Princess Fiona from a dangerous, fire-breathing dragon. Fiona will become Farquaad's bride, and the exiled mice, pigs, and wolf will be allowed to return home. &p&&/p&影中，史瑞克在沼泽里的平静生活因为一群童话故事角色出现而起了波澜，包括瞎老鼠、三只小猪和大野狼。他们是被邪恶的法魁德大王驱逐到沼泽去。为了帮助这些新朋友回家，也为了恢复自己家园的平静，史瑞克答应替法魁德完成一项任务。他将从一只危险的喷火龙手里救出费欧娜公主。费欧娜将成为法魁德的新娘，而被放逐的老鼠、猪与狼就可以回家了。&p&&/p&6. Providing the voices for the characters is a cast that includes Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and John Lithgow--all great comedy actors. Meyers, famous for his role as the funny spy Austin Powers, plays the title role of Shrek. He says he took the role in part because Shrek's tale is &a great story about accepting yourself for who you are.& Director Andrew Adamson says that Meyers was able to step into his character and stay there, even between takes. Meyers became Shrek, and provided wonderful, improvised lines. &The improv moments were gold,& says Adamson. &Those are the moments that give the animators the most to go on, because at that point, it's not a written piece of dialogue, it's a character come to life.& &p&&/p&为这些角色配音的演员包括麦克梅尔斯、艾迪墨菲、卡麦蓉狄亚以及约翰李斯高--个个都是卓越的喜剧演员。以饰演滑稽间谍奥斯汀鲍尔而闻名的梅尔斯，担任主角史瑞克的配音。他说他之所以会答应演出这个角色，部分原因在于史瑞克的故事「以接受自己的本色为主题，是个精采的故事」。导演安德鲁亚当逊说梅尔斯能够融入角色，甚至在等待下场拍戏的时候都不改变。梅尔斯变成了史瑞克，并且提供了相当棒的即兴台词。亚当逊表示：「这些即兴演出的时刻相当珍贵，它让动画家能充分发挥，因为这时候已经不是事先写好的台词，而是活生生的角色在说话。」&p&&/p&7. Playing Shrek's 1)talkative buddy, a donkey, is veteran comedian Eddie Murphy, another great improviser. Co-director Vicky Jenson said that Murphy &could make you fall on the floor laughing with his interpretation of even a single word.& Murphy explains that he likes to do animated films because, if they're done right, they last forever. And he says his kids love them. &I explained to them that Daddy is playing a jackass in Shrek, and they really got a kick out of it. They love hearing their father's voice come out of a cartoon.&&p&&/p&老牌喜剧演员艾迪墨菲为史瑞克多话的伙伴--一只驴子--配音，他也很会即兴表演。副导维琪简生说，墨菲「即使只诠释一个字，也能让你笑得在地上打滚。」墨菲解释说他很喜欢参与动画片，因为只要做的好，动画片可以永垂不朽。而且他说他自己的小孩也都很喜欢。「我对他们解释说，老爸要在《史瑞克》里扮演驴子，他们全都乐坏了。他们很喜欢听到老爸的声音从卡通人物的嘴里发出来。」 &p&&/p&8. To bring these characters and their world to life, the filmmakers have used the latest in animation technology. To portray human emotions, they rely on a unique facial animation system developed at PDI/DreamWorks. The complex system builds up a character's face layer by layer, from the skull up through all the individual muscles, all the way to the skin--or in some instances, the hair. It allows the character to show an astonishing range of emotions. Also available to the filmmakers was new technology for animating fluids and fire. They put it to good effect, creating the fearsome dragon's fire-breath, moats of boiling lava, and a silly scene involving a bath of mud and beer. &p&&/p&电影工作者使用最新的动画科技，赋予这些角色和他们的世界生命。为了表现人类的感情，他们靠的是PDI/梦工厂研发出来的一套独特的脸部动画系统。这套复杂的系统一层一层地建造出角色的面貌，从头骨往外到每根肌肉，一直到皮肤--有时是毛。角色能够表现来的感情范围大得惊人。此外电影工作者还可以使用一种最新科技来制作流体及火焰的动画。他们运用出极佳的效果，创造出恶龙喷出的火、滚烫岩浆的护城河，以及在泥浆和啤酒中洗澡的一个可笑场景。&p&&/p&9. &We envisioned a magical environment that you could immerse yourself in,& says co-producer Aron Warner. &Every leaf on every tree moves, the dirt moves, the dust rolls ... there's a sense of atmosphere, a sense of weight to the props. You can almost smell it.& 共同制作人阿伦华纳这么说：「我们想象出一个奇幻的世界，你可以沉浸在其中，」「每一棵树上的每一片叶子都会动，泥土会动，灰尘滚滚……有空气的感觉，道具彷佛有重量感。几乎闻得到。」 &p&&/p&10. The combination of great comedy actors and advanced technology promises a memorable movie. Shrek's world and story are brought vividly to life, and the timeless moral of the story is convincingly realized. As producer Katzenberg says, &Each of our characters comes to understand that there is something wonderful-warts and all-about who they are. I think that's true for all of us: that the people who ultimately come to know and love us, see the strengths inside of us. Whether you're a princess, a donkey, or even a big, green, stinky ogre, you can find love and happiness.& &p&&/p&伟大的谐星与先进科技的结合，保证会是一部令人难忘的电影。史瑞克的世界和他的故事生动地呈现出来，故事里的永恒寓意也表现得令人信服。就像制作人卡森伯格所说：「我们每一个角色到最后都发现，自己的本色--包括瑕疵在内--有相当美好的一面。我认为我们每一个人也都是这样：到最后能了解并爱我们的人，都是看出了我们内在的力量。不管你是公主、驴子，甚至是又大又臭的绿色妖怪，都能找到爱与幸福。」&&&p&&/p&Government &br/&美国政府 &p&&/p&&Of the people, by the people, and for the people.& That's how Abraham Lincoln described the American government in his Gettysburg Address. These simple phrases capture the essence of American democracy. Instead of ruling over U.S. citizens, the government is ruled by them. Elected officials are known as public servants who represent their constituents. Americans can get involved in government by voting, by writing letters to their representatives and even by organizing peaceful demonstrations to make their voices heard. Each American citizen has a vested interest in how he or she is governed. Former President Theodore Roosevelt expressed the American view of government well: &The government is us.& &br/&「民有、民治、民享」，这是亚伯拉罕．林肯在盖茨堡演说时，描绘的美国政府。这简短的几个字道出了美国民主的真谛。美国政府不是统治人民而是受人民所统治。民选的官员被认为是人民的公仆，他们代表的是他们的选民。美国人可经由投票，向他们的代表陈情、甚至于组织和平的示威活动，来发表心声，参与政事。每一个美国公民都有一份保护自身利益的权利与义务，来决定他们的政府该如何执政，前总统泰迪．罗斯福深刻地表达了美国人对政府的看法：「政府就是我们。」 &br/&At first glance, it might seem that the U.S. president, as &leader of the free world,& is the &ruler& of America. On Inauguration Day, the swearing in of President Bill Clinton for his second term will reflect the pomp and circumstance of a coronation ceremony, with dignitaries from around the world in attendance. Even as far back as George Washington, who once rejected a suggestion to become &King of America,& people have sought to ascribe far-reaching powers to the president. But the Constitution ensures that the president will not become an all-powerful ruler. &br/&乍看之下，身为「自由世界领袖」的美国总统似乎是美国的「统治者」。在就职日，来自世界各地达官显要的出席，使柯林顿总统的第二任就职宣誓仪式，如同国王加冕典礼一般的华丽与隆重。即使远朔自华盛顿总统，他曾经拒绝了成为「美国国王」的建议，人们还是想要把无比的权力赋予总统。但是美国宪法确保了总统不会成为一个集权的统治者。 &br/&The U.S. government, as outlined by the Constitution, is divided into three branches: legislative, executive and judicial. The legislative branch passes the laws, the executive enforces the laws and the judicial interprets the laws. The legislative branch is comprised of the two houses of Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Thanks to CNN, C/SPAN and the nightly news, many lawmakers have almost become celebrities in their own right. The executive branch is represented by the president, who is called the chief executive or chief of state. Besides that, as commander in chief of the armed forces, the president carries more than a little clout in world affairs. The judicial branch is made up of the Supreme Court and about 100 other federal courts. The nine Supreme Court justices hold office for life. &br/&美国宪法概略的将政府分为三部份：立法部门、行政部门及司法部门。立法部门通过法律：行政部门执行法律而司法部门诠释法律。立法部门由国会的参议院及众议院所组成。承蒙CNN及C/SPAN和夜间新闻之抬爱，这些议员们都因个人的论调、举止成了名人。行政部门由总统代表，他被称为最高行政长官、或是国家元首。除此之外，身为三军司令，美国总统在世界局势所有的影响力也是不小的。司法部门是由最高法院及大约100个其它的联邦法院所组成。九位最高法院的法官是终身职。 &br/&In order to prevent any one branch of government from becoming more powerful than the other two, the Constitution has established a system of &checks and balances.& For instance, when Congress passes a bill, it must have the signature of the president in order to become law. But even if the president rejects the bill, Congress can override his veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and the Senate. The Supreme Court, as final arbiter of the Constitution, can overturn legislative acts or executive orders if it finds them to be unconstitutional. In this way, the powers of government are balanced, or held in check. &br/&为避免任何一个部门的权力大过其它两个部门，宪法设立了一套「制衡」制度。例如，当国会通过一个法案，它必须由总统签署后才能成为法律。但即使总统否决了这个法案，国会可以透过参、众两院三分之二的票数同意而不顾他的否决。身为宪法最后仲裁者的最高法院，如果发现法令或是行政命令违宪，可以将其推翻。如此，政府的权力就可以被制衡了。 &br/&In many countries, power rests with a strong centralized government. In contrast, under the American federal system, the national government shares its power with the state governments. The federal government possesses only those powers clearly delineated in the C all remaining powers are reserved for the states. &br/&在许多国家，权力集中于中央政府。相对之下，在美国联邦制度下，国家政府与州政府分摊权力。联邦政府只拥有宪法中明确陈述的权力，其它所有的权力都保留在州政府。 &br/&The English political theorist Thomas Paine wrote in 1776, &Government, even in its best state, is
in its worst state, an intolerable one.& The American government, like every government, has its share of thorny problems. An increasing number of governmental agencies and government workers has created the problem of bureaucracy, where a mountain of paperwork stifles efficiency. Lobbyists make appeals to Congress on behalf of special interest groups. As a result, those with the biggest lobby--and the most money--tend to have the loudest voice in Washington. &br/&英国政治理论家汤玛士．潘尼在一七七六年写道：「政府，即使在在其最好的状态，也不过是一个无可避免的恶魔；在它最坏的状态，就是一个无法忍受的恶魔。」美国政府就像每一个政府一样，也有棘手的问题。不断增加的政府机构及公务员造成了官僚政治的问题，使堆积如山的纸上作业扼杀了效率。游说者为特定利益团体向国会上诉请愿。结果，说官人数最多，即钱最多的团体，在华盛顿就有最大的声音。 &br/&Americans harbor mixed feelings about their own government. They recognize the need for it, but they remain suspicious of it. To some Americans, the government is Big Brother, an oppressive organization which delights in taxing its people and meddling in their affairs. To others, the government is a rich Uncle Sam who provides for the poor and protects his people from bullies at home and abroad. But no matter how they view their government, Americans wouldn't trade it for any other on the face of the earth. &br/&美国人对他们自己的政府怀有复杂的情感。他们知道它存在必要性，但还是对它存疑。对某些美国人来说，政府是一个压抑人民的组织，以向人民征税为乐，并干预人民隐私的「老大哥」。对其他人来说，政府是一个富有的山姆叔叔，它供养穷人并保护它的人民在国内外免受欺凌。不管他们怎样看待他们的政府，美国人都不会将它与地球上任何一个政府交换的.&&&br/&&br/&Health & Fitness &br/&美国人的健康与健美感 &p&&/p&Picture this: Two very fat men enter an ice cream shop. They sit down and order two giant sundaes. After enjoying their rich desserts, they go to a health club and have a good workout. They're trying to work off all those calories they ate. Who would be so silly? Some Americans would. When it comes to health and fitness, Americans have mixed emotions. On the one hand, they are concerned about their health. On the other, they have some very unhealthy habits. &p&&/p&想象一下这个景象：两个大胖子进入一家冰淇淋店，他们坐下来点了两客大圣代。吃完高热量的甜点后，再去一家健身俱乐部好好地运动一番，想把吃进去的热量消耗掉。谁会这幺傻呢？有些美国人就是这幺傻。谈到健康与健美，美国人有矛盾的情结，他们一方面关心自己的健康，另一方面又有一些很不健康的习惯。&p&&/p&Americans know the benefits of having a healthy diet. In school, children learn to eat a variety of healthy foods. People grow up aware of the value of counting calories. They hear about the health dangers of chemicals added to packaged food. They realize they shouldn't eat too many sweets or fats. Many American consumers read labels carefully for nutrition information. That way they can compare products and eat the best foods. &p&&/p&美国人知道健康饮食的好处。孩子们在学校里学着吃各种健康食物。人们从小到大也非常注意计算食物的热量。他们听说了现成食品中所添加的化学物质会损害健康；也了解不该吃太多的甜食或富含油脂的食物。很多美国消费者仔细地研读卷标上的营养成份，以便能够比较产品而吃到最好的食物。 &p&&/p&Keeping fit--or maybe getting in shape--is often high on the list of New Year's resolutions for Americans. In the past two decades, fitness has become a fad. Many Americans have joined health clubs to work out with professional equipment. Sports stores sell athletic shoes and clothing for every possible exercise situation. People can even buy weights and equipment and set up their own exercise center at home! &p&&/p&保持健美——或者保持匀称的身材——通常是美国人新年新计划中高居前面的一项。过去20年来，健美已蔚为风尚。很多美国人加入健身俱乐部，使用专业的设备做运动。运动商品店里售有各种运动项目所需的运动鞋和服装。人们甚至买哑铃和训练的设备，在家里设置专属的运动中心！&br/&Statistics give health experts good reason to be disappointed. Americans exercise less than they used to. The number of people taking part in fitness activities dropped from 41.7 million in 1991 to only 32 million in 1993. Among high school students, only 37 percent exercise three times per week. However, 70 percent of teenagers watch at least an hour of TV every day, and 38 percent watch over three hours. As a result, the average American gained eight pounds during the 1980's. At least one-third of Americans weigh 20 percent more than their ideal weight. &p&&/p&统计资料令健康专家们感到失望，美国人已不再像从前那么常运动了。参与健身活动的人数，从一九九一年的4，170万人到一九九三年已降为3，200万人；在高中生当中，只有37%的学生一星期运动三次，然而，却有70%的青少年每天至少看一个小时的电视，有38%则看超过三个小时。结果在1980年代，美国人的平均体重增加了八磅，至少有三分之一的美国人比理想体重超重20%。 &p&&/p&Still, by many standards, Americans enjoy good health. Medical care in the United States, while expensive, is among the best in the world. The U.S. Government requires strict food inspections to ensure that food is of the highest quality. Food producers must label products accurately. Many resources, such as magazines, TV programs and even the Internet, allow people to find out how to improve their health. Americans know how to make themselves more healthy. They just need to do it. &p&&/p&不过从很多的标准来看，美国人仍然拥有健康。美国的医疗照顾虽然昂贵，但却是全世界最好的。美国政府要求严格的食品检验，以确保最佳的食物品质。食品制造者必须在产品上贴上精确的卷标。很多信息来源如杂志、电视节目、甚至网际网络都提供人们增进健康的方法。美国人知道如何让自己更健康，然而他们只需要实际行动。 &p&&/p&&br/&Pets &br/&美国宠物&p&&/p&Americans love pets. And it's not just puppy love, either. Many pet owners treat their furry friends as part of the family. Sometimes they spice up their pets' lives with entertaining videos and amusing toys. If they have an eye for fashion, pet owners can dress their pets in stylish clothes. For special occasions, they can use canine perfume to make their dogs smell, well, less beastly. You might say Americans treat their pets like they treat their children-sometimes even better.&br/&美国人很爱宠物，而且这不只是一种不成熟、短暂的爱。很多宠物的主人把这些毛茸茸的朋友当作家庭的一部分，有时候还为宠物准备娱乐用的录像带和玩具来增添牠们生活的乐趣，如果宠物的主人具有流行的眼光，还会让他们的宠物穿上时髦的衣服，在特殊的场合里，甚至为宠物喷上狗儿专用的香水，让牠们味道好闻一点，减少一些动物身上的味道。你也可以说，美国人待他们的宠物如同待他们的孩子一样--有时甚至更好。&br/&In America, there are more households with pets than those with children. At least 43 percent of U.S. homes have pets of some sort. Exotic creatures, such as monkeys, snakes and even wolves, find a home with some Americans. More common pets include tropical fish, mice and birds. But the all-time favorites are cats and dogs, even at the White House. The Clintons' cat, Socks, has replaced the Bushes' dog, Millie, as reigning First Pet. Americans sometimes have strong feelings about whether dogs or cats make better pets. &Dog people& and &cat people& often enjoy friendly rivalries.&br/&在美国，有宠物的家庭比有孩子的家庭还多。至少百分之四十三的美国家庭有宠物，有些美国家庭养一些外国品种的动物，例如猴子、蛇、甚至狼；比较常见的宠物有热带鱼、老鼠、和鸟。不过，一直广受欢迎的是猫和狗，连白宫也不例外。柯林顿总统的猫--袜子，已经取代了布什的狗--米利，成为神气的「第一宠物」。美国人有时候很在乎到底最好的宠物是猫还是狗，「爱狗的人」和「爱猫的人」喜欢开玩笑地彼此争辩。&br/&Leading a dog's life in America isn't such a bad thing. Many grocery stores sell gourmet pet foods to owners eager to please their pets. In Houston, Texas, dogs can have their dinner delivered to their homes, just like pizza. Well-to-do canines can attend doggy daycare centers while their owners work. Pets can even accompany their owners on vacation. Fancy hotels are beginning to accommodate both man and beast. Furry guests at Four Seasons Hotels can enjoy gourmet meals served on fine china and sleep in soft beds.&br/&在美国，狗所过的生活并不坏，很多杂货店都卖有宠物美食，让主人可以讨好他们的宠物。在德州的休斯敦市，狗儿还能享用专程送到家的晚餐，就跟披萨一样。家境富裕的狗儿在主人上班的时候可以去狗儿托育中心。宠物甚至可以和牠们的主人一同去度假，高级饭店已经开始可以同时留宿人和宠物，这些毛茸茸的客人在四季饭店可以享用以精致瓷器盛装的美食，并在柔软的床上睡觉。&br/&Beneath the fluffy luxuries, there lies a basic American belief: Pets have a right to be treated well. At least 75 animal welfare organizations exist in America. These provide care and adoption services for homeless and abused animals. Veterinarians can give animals an incredible level of medical careNfor an incredible price. To pay for the high-tech health care, people can buy health insurance for their pets. And when it's time to say good-bye, owners can bury their pets in a respectable pet cemetery.&br/&在舒适奢华的享受之下，其实存在着美国人的一种基本信念：宠物有受到妥善对待的权利。美国至少有七十五个动物福利组织，他们为流浪动物及被虐待动物提供照顾与领养的服务。兽医能提供给动物极好的医疗照顾--价格也极昂贵，若为了负担更先进的健康医疗照顾，人们可以为他们的宠物买健康保险。如果和宠物道别的时机到了，主人们可以为宠物买一块体面的墓地。&br/&The average American enjoys having pets around, and for good reason. Researchers have discovered that interacting with animals lowers a person's blood pressure. Dogs can offer protection from burglars and unwelcome visitors. Cats can help rid the home of unwanted pests. Little creatures of all shapes and sizes can provide companionship and love. In many cases, having a pet prepares a young couple for the responsibilities of parenthood. Pets even encourage social relationships: They give their owners an appearance of friendliness, and they provide a good topic of conversation.&br/&美国人一般都喜欢有宠物为伴，这是有原因的。研究人员发现，与动物为伍能够降低人的血压。狗能防止小偷及不受欢迎的访客。猫能帮忙清除家里讨人厌的害虫和有害的小动物。任何种类及大小的小宠物都能带给人们相伴与爱的感觉。很多时候，拥有一只宠物能帮助年轻夫妻做为人父母责任的准备。宠物甚至有助于人际关系：它们使主人们看起来更友善，并且也带给人们一个交谈的好话题。&br/&Pets are as basic to American culture as hot dogs or apple pie. To Americans, pets are not just property, but a part of the family. After all, pets are people, too.&br/&宠物是美国文化中很基本的一部分，就如热狗和苹果派一样。对美国人而言，宠物不仅仅是他们所拥有的一样东西而已，它是家庭的一部分。毕竟，宠物也是「人」啊！ &p&&/p&&&p&&/p&
载入中......
阅读权限20威望0 级论坛币141 个学术水平0 点热心指数0 点信用等级0 点经验732 点帖子60精华0在线时间16 小时注册时间最后登录
积分 106, 距离下一级还需 39 积分
权限: 自定义头衔
道具: 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 热点灯, 雷鸣之声, 涂鸦板, 金钱卡, 显身卡下一级可获得
道具: 匿名卡
购买后可立即获得
权限: 隐身
道具: 金钱卡, 雷鸣之声, 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 涂鸦板, 热点灯
&p&真的有用吗&/p&&p&&/p&
阅读权限10威望0 级论坛币21 个学术水平0 点热心指数0 点信用等级0 点经验59 点帖子3精华0在线时间0 小时注册时间最后登录
积分 3, 距离下一级还需 7 积分
权限: 设置帖子权限
道具: 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 热点灯, 雷鸣之声, 涂鸦板下一级可获得
道具: 金钱卡
购买后可立即获得
权限: 隐身
道具: 金钱卡, 雷鸣之声, 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 涂鸦板, 热点灯
impossible
阅读权限14威望0 级论坛币23 个学术水平0 点热心指数0 点信用等级0 点经验104 点帖子16精华0在线时间0 小时注册时间最后登录
积分 16, 距离下一级还需 8 积分
权限: 设置帖子权限
道具: 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 热点灯, 雷鸣之声, 涂鸦板, 金钱卡
购买后可立即获得
权限: 隐身
道具: 金钱卡, 雷鸣之声, 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 涂鸦板, 热点灯
我要好好读一读
阅读权限20威望0 级论坛币52 个学术水平0 点热心指数0 点信用等级0 点经验384 点帖子95精华0在线时间0 小时注册时间最后登录
积分 104, 距离下一级还需 41 积分
权限: 自定义头衔
道具: 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 热点灯, 雷鸣之声, 涂鸦板, 金钱卡, 显身卡下一级可获得
道具: 匿名卡
购买后可立即获得
权限: 隐身
道具: 金钱卡, 雷鸣之声, 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 涂鸦板, 热点灯
10篇文章那，不是一篇
阅读权限24威望0 级论坛币431 个学术水平0 点热心指数0 点信用等级0 点经验1830 点帖子77精华0在线时间313 小时注册时间最后登录
积分 399, 距离下一级还需 51 积分
权限: 自定义头衔, 签名中使用图片
道具: 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 热点灯, 雷鸣之声, 涂鸦板, 金钱卡, 显身卡, 匿名卡下一级可获得
道具: 抢沙发
购买后可立即获得
权限: 隐身
道具: 金钱卡, 雷鸣之声, 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 涂鸦板, 热点灯
阅读权限20威望0 级论坛币32 个学术水平0 点热心指数0 点信用等级0 点经验453 点帖子93精华0在线时间11 小时注册时间最后登录
积分 104, 距离下一级还需 41 积分
权限: 自定义头衔
道具: 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 热点灯, 雷鸣之声, 涂鸦板, 金钱卡, 显身卡下一级可获得
道具: 匿名卡
购买后可立即获得
权限: 隐身
道具: 金钱卡, 雷鸣之声, 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 涂鸦板, 热点灯
阅读权限14威望0 级论坛币5 个学术水平0 点热心指数0 点信用等级0 点经验143 点帖子7精华0在线时间7 小时注册时间最后登录
积分 14, 距离下一级还需 10 积分
权限: 设置帖子权限
道具: 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 热点灯, 雷鸣之声, 涂鸦板, 金钱卡
购买后可立即获得
权限: 隐身
道具: 金钱卡, 雷鸣之声, 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 涂鸦板, 热点灯
强！肯定有用，涵盖美国多元文化，根据这些内容，自己再深入一些内容肯定有很大帮助，不仅是考博，其他的英语考试有了这种精神作文应该不成问题~！
阅读权限20威望0 级论坛币44 个学术水平0 点热心指数0 点信用等级0 点经验519 点帖子108精华0在线时间0 小时注册时间最后登录
积分 114, 距离下一级还需 31 积分
权限: 自定义头衔
道具: 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 热点灯, 雷鸣之声, 涂鸦板, 金钱卡, 显身卡下一级可获得
道具: 匿名卡
购买后可立即获得
权限: 隐身
道具: 金钱卡, 雷鸣之声, 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 涂鸦板, 热点灯
阅读权限34威望0 级论坛币11760 个学术水平4 点热心指数7 点信用等级2 点经验4947 点帖子1204精华0在线时间1680 小时注册时间最后登录
学科带头人
学科带头人
积分 4510, 距离下一级还需 1315 积分
权限: 自定义头衔, 签名中使用图片, 设置帖子权限, 隐身, 设置回复可见
道具: 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 热点灯, 雷鸣之声, 涂鸦板, 金钱卡, 显身卡, 匿名卡, 抢沙发, 提升卡, 沉默卡, 千斤顶下一级可获得
道具: 变色卡
购买后可立即获得
权限: 隐身
道具: 金钱卡, 雷鸣之声, 彩虹炫, 雷达卡, 涂鸦板, 热点灯
开心签到天数: 444 天连续签到: 90 天[LV.9]以坛为家II
来自新东方背诵50篇的吧？
论坛好贴推荐}