Researchers are placing robotic dogs in the homes of lonely old people to determine whether they can improve the quality of life for humans. Alan Beck, an expert in the human-animal relationship, and Nancy Edwards, a professor of nursing, are leading the animal-assisted study concerning the influence of robotic dogs on old people’s depression, physical activity, and life satisfaction. “No one will argue that an older person is better off being more active, challenged, or stimulated (刺激), ”Edwards points out. “The problem is how we promote that, especially for those without friends or help. A robotic dog could be a solution.”

In the study, the robotic dogs, called AIBO, are placed for six weeks in the houses of some old people who live alone. Before placing AIBO in the home, researchers will collect data for six weeks. These old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activities before and after AIBO being placed. Then, the researchers will study the data to determine if it has inspired any changes in the life of its owner.

“I talk to it all the time, and it responds (回应) to my voice,” says a seventy-year-old lady. “When I’m watching TV, it’ll stay in my arms until it wants to go down. It has a mind of its own.”

The AIBOs respond to certain orders. The researchers say they have some advantages over live dogs, especially for old people. Often the elderly are disabled and cannot care for an animal by walking it or playing with it. A robotic dog removes exercise and feeding concerns.

“At the beginning, it was believed that no one would relate to the robotic dog because it is metal and not furry,” Beck says. “But it’s amazing how quickly we have given up that belief.”

“Hopefully, down the road, these robotic pets could become a more valuable health helper. They will record their masters’ blood pressure, oxygen levels, or heart rhythms. AIBOs may even one day have games that can help stimulate older people’s minds.”

   We all go through times when we feel we are not good enough. We might feel that way at work or in school or even as a parent. Here are some things to remember when you feel like that.

【小题1】 When I started my Ph.

【小题3】 It doesn’t exist. What’s perfect to me is not perfect to you. So if you think that there is some objective measurement of perfection and that the rest of the world is judging you on that，then you are wrong. Most people are too worried about their own lack of perfection to judge you.

【小题4】 Our sense of self-worth is based on our thoughts. We have been programmed for many years with thoughts about ourselves. Messages come from our parents，our peers，teachers，the media and our own labels. But guess what？They are only thoughts. Just because you think these thoughts，it doesn’t make them true.【小题5】

   While some high school seniors begin to enjoy writing their college essay, others fail to see the importance of it. In some cases, these 600 words determine acceptance or a rejection. 【小题1】 It is also a process of self-discovery. Here are some helpful tips.

1. Have fun! When you get upset, it is reflected in your work. Relax, breathe and realize that this is the time to expose a side of you that the grades cannot.

2. Don’t settle for basics — be creative! 【小题2】 Stay away from volunteer work, your dead dog and vacations. Admission counselors (入学辅导员) see thousands of essays a month; make sure your essay is distinct from your experience and personality. Do not focus on what you think they want you to write, but what is actually significant to you.

3. 【小题3】 Although it is effective to appeal to the emotions of an admission counselor, I do not recommend writing an essay about sad stories. Self-pity can be annoying, and most admission counselors do not want that to be their first impression of you. 【小题4】 Make sure that the story is focused on your growth, not on the struggle.

4. Your essay is not a longer version of your resume (简历). If you send in a resume, there is absolutely no need to restate what is on it. Many students like bragging (吹嘘) about how much they do. It is amazing that you are involved, but admission counselors do not only want to hear about how much you do, especially if they already see this on your resume. 【小题5】

Good luck on your college essay!

   As we all know, books are very important to us. They can provide us with many useful things. 【小题1】 However, how can you become a good reader? Do you know what effective ways to read are? I suggest you should follow these tips.

【小题2】 Libraries are wonderful places to find a variety of books. What’s more, you can fix your attention on the book in this quiet, comfortable place because you won’t be disturbed. You can also relax yourself in this comfortable place.

Pick out reading materials that most interest you. Finding materials that interest you is the first important step in improving your reading. 【小题3】 If you have trouble understanding what the author’s trying to say, you may not enjoy the book. If you are interested in a book, you will enjoy reading it again and again.

Know what your purpose is. If you want to learn the language, you should learn the sentence structures, the useful words and expressions that you may need to use later. 【小题4】 The more words you are exposed to, the more your vocabulary will grow. This will help you write a good composition. 【小题5】

How to Speak in Public

Many people have a fear of public speaking. They worry that they will lose their words，bore the audience or somehow make a fool of themselves. It is easy to try to avoid public speaking，but that usually doesn't work out. Everyone has to speak publicly at some point in their life. You may give a speech in a class or a meeting. Maybe you'll have to give a speech for some honor you've received. 【小题1】

Relax. 【小题2】 Your audience don't expect you to be perfect. They want you to succeed just as much as you do. If you're thinking you'll forget everything，remind yourself that you are prepared and knowledgeable. Imagine yourself doing well.

Be yourself. You are not Jack Canfield or Tony Robbins. Share your true personality with your audience，and they'll find you reliable. 【小题3】

Know your topic. Try to speak about the subject you know well. Research the topic to make sure that you are correct. Public speaking is easier when you don't feel like a fraud（骗子）.

【小题4】 Choose your message for the group you are speaking to carefully. If you' re giving a public speech, then rude jokes certainly won't be suitable.

Give value. Base your speech on 2 or 3 main points. 【小题5】 They' ll be satisfied if they leave with something they can use, and that is what public speaking is all about.