'There is an animal that helps to fight crime, is therapeutic(1)to be around, and is a good companion. However, this animal is also used for fighting and guarding illegal drugs. It's a Pitbull. It's a dog with a reputation. Over the past few centuries, this dog has been used as a tool and a weapon. When immigrants first came to North America, they brought this mixed breed(2) for defense and hunting. The English had crossed(3) bulldogs with terriers, and the result was an animal that had the best characteristics of both. Bulldogs are very strong and athletic, while terriers have a 'never-give-up' attitude. That combination makes a naturally dominant breed of dog. In fact, pitbulls, along with german shepards and rotweillers, are the three notorious(4) breeds that have been involved in attacks on humans. But there is no concensus about this. Some studies show that it is bad training, no training, and poor conditions that lead these dogs to violence. It's a bit like trying to drive a tank through town when you actually don't know how to drive. Something bad is bound to(5) happen. Humans need lots of guidance, and dogs are no different. Any dog needs to be trained properly, but a dog that has natural aggression and strength needs extra training. I saw a pitbull the other day while I was having coffee with a friend of mine. It wasn't aggressive or dominant. In fact, it wasn't even very big. It was a puppy, and oh my goodness, how cute. It's owner asked if he could leave 'Sally' with us while he went into the cafe to get his coffee. "Of course!" was our answer. "Be careful, because she nips when she gets excited," warned the owner. The little puppy was warm and wiggly and very enthusiastic. I could see how anyone could fall in love with a young pitbull, without realising the work and responsibility needed to bring it up properly. And yes, she did nip me. I thoroughly enjoyed petting and playing with her. I hope that Sally will be well trained, so she and people around her can always enjoy eachother safely.
1. 'Therapeutic' means healing in some way.
a. Foot massage can be quite therapeutic.
b. Knitting is very useful and also therapeutic.
2. A 'breed' is a kind of animal, a type of the species.
a. That breed of dog is very energetic.
b. Mixed breeds are often healthy and intelligent.
3. 'To cross' sometimes means to mix different breeds of animals, or types of plants.
a. They crossed a plum tree with a cherry, and made a tree that produces giant cherries.
b. What do you get when you cross a dinosaur with a pig? Jurassic pork.
4. 'Notorious' means a person, animal, or thing with a bad reputation.
a. He is a notorious thief. Don't lend him any money!
b. She is notorious for spreading people's secrets.
5. 'Bound' is followed by the infinitive of a verb. This combination means that something is destined to happen, like a natural consequence.
a. He's naturally clumsy. He's bound to have an accident sooner or later.
b. They are so talented. They're bound to be famous one day.
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Liz: It's nice to get back and put our feet up.
Mother: You're telling me! My feet are killing me. But we had such a lovely day, dear.
Father: I had no idea that there were such wonderful museums in this city.
Mother: I could have spent all day in the art gallery.
Liz: Me too Mum; and I was thrilled that there was an exhibition of Paul Klee. I love his work.
Father: No, that's not my cup of tea, - too many squares and rectangles.
Liz: Oh Dad. It's expressionism. There's a world of expression and depth in all his shapes.
Father: Well, there's nothing quite like a Rafael Santi's battle scene.
Liz: That's not my cup of tea, thank you very much. I'm a pacifist.
Mother: Oh, they're all splendid in their own ways. Today was just the ticket. We're so fortunate to have access to great art.
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"It's the best place in Wenatchee," I said to my husband, as I described the new Pybus Market. This all-year-round(1) shopping center and farmer's market is the latest addition(2) to Wenatchee. It is a real step forward for this town which, up until now, hasn't had a substantial farmer's market. Also, because our climate has very cold, snowy winters, and very hot summers, we need a place indoors where shoppers can find fresh produce and locally made goods. But it's not only about food. There is a certain amount of art in Pybus. Past the rows of fruit shops, cafes, and a bistro, is a side door that leads to a very different space. The first thing you see is a huge, unfinished clay(3) statue of Mr. Pybus, the English immigrant who built the steel(4) building that now houses this market. Beyond him, is a very hot and colorful corner of activity: glass blowing. It's the first I've ever seen in Wenatchee. There is a long, glass display cabinet full of large, ornaments of all colors of the rainbow. The craftsman sits at the end, goggles(5) on, holding a torch that has a white hot flame. He focuses totally on his art. He is melting a long stick of glass and shaping it into a flower. A small group of observers gather(6), and we all stand silently watching while he creates his art. When he finishes, he introduces himself and hands us some pamphlets, "We do glass blowing classes now down by the river," he says enthusiastically. Now that would be something unusual to try, fascinating, potentially dangerous, but also beautiful. I will return to Pybus, regularly I think, and perhaps eventually take a private class in that colorful craft.
1. 'All-year-round' is an adjectival phrase. Can you guess its meaning? Yes, it means 'all year long' or 'all year'.
a. They opened an all-year-round heated swimming pool.
b. The shop has all-year-round Christmas supplies.
2. 'The latest addition' is an efficient phrase that can be used in multiple ways.
a. That baby girl is the latest additon to their family.
b. The latest addition of the iPhone is now available in shops.
c. Do you have the latest addition of the monthly magazine?
3. 'Clay' is a super thick soil that can be used to make bricks and pottery.
a. Some bricks are made of clay mixed with straw.
b. He makes clay pots.
4. 'Steel' is a very strong metal alloy, made mainly from Iron.
a. The frame of the skyscraper is steel.
b. The film 'Man of Steel' is about Superman.
5. 'Goggles' are special glasses used in sports of all kinds. They usually have a rubber rim that has contact with the face.
a. Put your skiing goggles on so you can see when you come down the mountain.
b. These are the best swimming goggles I have ever bought.
6. 'To gather' means to collect.
a. We gathered the new flowers from the garden.
b. A crowd gathered outside the club.
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Liz: I hope the food gets here soon; I'm starving!
Father: Yes, sorry I slept for so long, I just couldn't seem to wake up.
Liz: That's alright Dad. It's better that you sleep than be grumpy all day.....
Father: Me? Grumpy? Never!
Liz: So, after breakfast what would you two like to do first? Art museum or park?
Mother: Well, we should do the park first while it's still cool, don't you think? Then, when it's hotter we can go to the art museum.
Father: Good thinking dear. But if I don't eat soon I'll pass out and you'll have to carry me. Where are my eggs and bacon?
Liz: Yes, they are taking a long time. I wonder what the problem is.
Father: It sounds like they're still gathering the eggs from the chickens and chasing the pigs!
Liz: Oh, so you're never grumpy, eh?
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