He could already feel the Grand Commander’s anger. When, or if, they returned, he was sure the commander would annihilate (destroy) the whole crew. The commander’s antipathy (an opposition in feeling) for those who failed was well known. He had all too often destroyed whole fleets for failing a mission. It was time for Orion to
make a decision.

Just as he was to announce to the crew that there was a glitch in the navigation system and that their mission was about to change, Sergeant Aurora escorted Private Gemini into the room. “Sir, we discovered what caused the problem with the navigation computer. Private Gemini introduced a virus into the program.”
Amazed, all Orion could ask was “Why?”
With absolute serenity, Private Gemini explained, “I can’t go on another mission to take over an
innocent planet. We haven’t the right.”
“Your motive may be honorable, Private, but I can’t condone (forgive) such behavior. I will have to put you in confinement. Take her away.”

When he was alone, Orion smiled. He would release the clever and attractive private in a couple days. He would soon interview her more thoroughly to see what she had done to the computer, but in his heart he felt she had helped them all. They were now emissaries (a representative sent on a mission) for peace. It was time to finally tell the crew that they were headed on a mission of discovery and that they would be bringing a message of peace to those they encountered among the stars.

Conservationists (a person who works to save the environment) hope the list will heighten public awareness of the dangers animals face and elicit (draw or bring out) responses on ways to save these animals.

The giant panda, a symbol for endangered animals, is endemic (natural to a particular area) to Southwest China. The panda eats about twenty to thirty pounds of bamboo a day. As human populations grow, animals lose more of their natural habitat (the environment where a plant or animal typically lives, surroundings). Forests and grasslands are being destroyed for timber, agriculture, and housing expansion. The giant panda’s habitat is diminishing due to encroachment (the act of gradually taking over an area) for agriculture and timber needs. The Chinese government has established more than fifty panda reserves, which shields almost 60 percent of the current population. Estimates place about 1,600 pandas in the wild.

The babirusa, or wild pig, found on Sulawesi and other Indonesian islands is listed as vulnerable. The unusual-looking babirusa has two sets of tusks, one of which grows on the top of the snout and curves back toward the animal’s forehead. The babirusa is omnivorous,( eating all types of food)  eating fruit, leaves, and small animals. Though protected, hunting contributes to the animal’s decline. They are killed for food, and their unusual skulls are found in local markets for sale to tourists. In the last census, only 5,000 babirusa were found in the wild.

The blue whale, found in every ocean, is listed as endangered. The largest mammal (warm-blooded vertebrate) on Earth, blue whales are usually 80 to 100 feet long and weigh more than 100 tons. They eat about 8,000 pounds a day of krill, a shrimp-like animal. Before the whaling era, population estimates were close to 250,000 animals. About 99 percent were killed due to whaling. In 1966, the International Whaling Commission put a moratorium (suspension of an activity) on hunting blue whales. Current estimates place the blue whale population between 5,000 and 12,000.

Blue whales now face threats from pollution, including increases in ocean noise levels (possibly interfering with their low-frequency communication) and global warming (disrupting migration patterns and altering food supplies).

These examples illustrate the major threats animals face: habitat loss, hunting, and pollution. The field of zoology (the study of animals, including their behavior and development) has helped people learn more about animals. With this knowledge and by working together, individuals and governments can avert the loss of today’s threatened animals.

Planet Desire, rated PG-13, now playing at The Strand, Horizon, and Multiplex 11

Don’t miss Planet Desire, a new action thriller, showing in 3D. A shy, amiable young man is drawn into a video game thanks to a computer glitch (a minor malfunction or technical error). His sister discovers the malfunction and sets out to save him despite her aversion to technology ((a strong dislike of something and a desire to avoid it)). Breaking protocol (a standard method for controlling data transmission between computers), she arranges a late night clandestine (secret, private) meeting in the woods with a computer genius who works for a secret government agency. The genius agrees to help by allowing her to play a virtual (existing in the mind) reality game he has created. He gives her his assurance that the game is safe and that it will connect her to her brother.

Her only hope is to step into the unknown, but can she trust this man? The plot might sound wild, but it all feels real. You are right in the action during the exciting 3D scenes of the siblings’ adventures, which include rafting, mountain climbing, and scuba diving. The superb acting and sound track also contribute to making this a must-see movie.

New Burger Place Serves Up Fun

Take a break from your frenzied (wild,  agitated,  mad) studies and head over to Pearl’s for food arid fun. Pearl’s is a great new burger place that is quickly becoming popular with students. The menu features the omnipresent hamburger (present everywhere at once), but Pearl’s offers a few unusual toppings. Some of the choices that may intrigue (to fascinate) you include blue cheese and gorgonzola (cheddar and jack cheese are also available), pineapple slices, jicama, and ice cream (yes, you can have a dessert hamburger-it even comes with a cherry on top). The menu also features delicious fries, onion rings, Buffalo wings and a variety of salads and sandwiches. Desserts include scrumptious pies and cakes. Pearl’s has ten flavors of shakes. I give a standing ovation (applause, approval) to the banana shake: it’s the best shake I’ve ever tasted! Owner Pearl Barnes is a resourceful woman (able to deal skillfully with new situations). She has managed to fit twenty tables and ten counter seats into the small space, but the way she arranged everything the place doesn’t feel crowded, even on a busy Saturday night. Come enjoy good food and fun people at Pearl’s.·

Located at 1543 Central Street, open for lunch and dinner; low prices.

Children hear new vocabulary when they are read to, and that stimulates the brain. A child’s language skills can even surpass (to go beyond) adult expectations when discussion of a book becomes part of the reading environment. When adults talk to children about the stories they have read together what happened, which characters they liked best, what the point of the story was a children’s critical thinking skills are greatly increased.

Adults shouldn’t impose (force on others) their reading interests or level on a child. Asking children to read books too far above their comprehension level can impede (to block) their reading development.

The mastery of reading is tied to self-esteem, so parents want to make sure not to push their children. A simple way to see if a child wants to read a book is to take the child to the library or bookstore and let the child find books that · interest him or her. An adult can guide a child’s choices, especially based on .the child’s interests (dinosaurs, knights, the ocean), but-the child should be excited about the books ·the family, takes home to read. Children have an
innate (possessed at birth) interest in language, and parents can support that natural interest through wise

Parents can also be reading advocates (a person who supports a cause) by  having books in the home and reading themselves.When a child sees a parent enjoy reading, the child learns that it is a fun and important skill to acquire. Today’s children are so susceptible (sensitive) to the lure of television and video games (most children spend three to four hours a day in front of the television) that it’s essential for, parents to take the lead in making reading an exciting and memorable experience.

All children have the potential (the ability for growth) to be successful readers. For some children, reading skills 0will come quickly and easily; for others, it will take more time. If parents are ever unsure about a child’s reading ability, they can always contact school or community programs for advice.

Topic: Relationships

Dear April,
I just started college, and my roommate is destroying my serenity (peacefulness). I am usually a calm person, but my roommate’s dour (dismal,  gloomy) nature is upsetting me. Every time I come home, she has something depressing to say, and then I too feel gloomy. What can I do to cheer us both up?
Truly,
Desperate for help

Dear Desperate,
You cannot be submissive (obedient, passive) in this situation. Don’t surrender to her unhappiness! You must exemplify (to model, to represent) the type of person you want your roommate to be. Show her how to be cheerful by being cheerful yourself. When she makes a depressing comment, respond. with a positive view. Most people prefer to be around amiable (good-natured, agreeable) people, and your roommate needs to see that. Take her out on the town, and let her see how people respond to a warm greeting and friendly face. If this plan doesn’t work, start looking for a new roommate.

Dear April,
One of my new friends has recently disappointed me. I thought we had a real affinity (fondness, attachment,  liking). We have had great times going to movies and hiking on the weekends.. However, in the last month, he hasn’t been very dependable (trustworthy, responsible) where money is concerned. He has borrowed money from me five times and never paid me back. I don’t want to appear mercenary (selfish, greedy), but I am beginning to think he is just being my friend for financial reasons. The first loan was for five dollars, but last week he borrowed seventy dollars. Yesterday I hinted about my being short on cash hoping he would pay me back; instead, he suggested I get a second job. What should I do about this friendship?
Sincerely,
Looking for change

Dear Looking,
Quit being so discreet! Tell your friend he needs to pay you back immediately. If the direct method isn’t fruitful,· you will know that he is only interested in the friendship your wallet can provide. You may have to write off the loans as a learning experience. Good friends share similar interests, but they also respect each other by paying back money. It is time to find out if your friend has a bad memory or if he sees you as his personal ATM. Good luck!

2. Vocabulary:

1. serenity (adj) /səˈriːn/: peacefulness
2. dour (adj) /dʊər/: dismal,  gloomy
3. submissive (adj) /səbˈmɪs.ɪv/: obedient, passive
4. exemplify (v): /ɪɡˈzem.plɪ.faɪ/: to model, to represent
5. amiable (adj) /ˈeɪ.mi.ə.bəl/: good-natured, agreeable
6. affinity (n) /əˈfɪn.ə.ti/ : fondness, attachment,  liking
7. dependable (adj) /dɪˈpen.də.bəl/: trustworthy, responsible
8. mercenary (adj)ˈ/mɜː.sən.ri/ : selfish, greedy

1. Reading 

College can bring several challenges, but learning how to study effectively can make your life easier. Three important points to consider are place, time, and attitude.

First, you need a comfortable place to study. If you can’t focus on what you are reading, that usually indicates (to point out) the need to find a new study location. Consider finding a quiet space on campus, such as the school library. You don’t want to be distracted by noises (i.e., roommates talking or a television show). You should even consider turning your cell phone off to enable (to make possible) you to fully concentrate. Prepare a study bag that is always ready to go to the library or other quiet location. Basic items to keep in your study bag include a ruler, calculator, paper, pens, and pencils. Throw in the appropriate notes and books for a particular study session, and you are ready to go. If you are doing research or writing, your study spot should provide access to a laptop or the college’s computers.

Once you have a study spot, make study time a central part of your day. To implement (to put into practice) your study plan, get a large calendar. Write the dates of your exams and due dates for papers on it. Also put your study times on the calendar. Put the calendar by your bed or in the kitchen where you can check it daily to see what assignments are coming up. Pay attention to your body to see when you feel the most alert and arrange your study times within these periods. Decide if you are the zealous (enthusiastic; eager) night owl whose mind ignites once the sun goes down, or whether you concentrate better soon after you wake up. Set aside at least two hours every day, and ideally study at the same time each day to make it a habit. If your life is especially busy, having intermittent (stopping and beginning again, irregular) study periods can also work. Four twenty to thirty minute study periods throughout a day can be used to review notes or to make a quick draft of a paper. When learning new terminology (the study of terms for particular subjects), studying words in ten to fifteen minute segments each day works better than studying the same words for ninety minutes once a week.

Finally, you need the right attitude to study successfully. People often undermine(to weaken or damage) their study efforts by being stressed. People learn better if they are rested and relaxed. Go into each study session with a positive attitude. If you think the reading material will be interesting, you are more likely to find it so. If you walk into a classroom with the assurance (self-confidence; certainty) that you will do well on a test, you are more likely to succeed than coming in filled with doubts. If you happen to do poorly, don’t berate (to scold harshly; to criticize) yourself. Severely criticizing yourself to the point where you want to give up will not help you study better. Instead look at what went wrong. Maybe you needed to study more or you read the questions too fast. Work to do better in the future. Also don’t let apathy (lack of interest) derail your planning. We all get bored at times, but procrastination usually leads to inferior work. Remind yourself of your goals for attending college as a way to motivate yourself. With efficient study skills, you can always walk onto campus with confidence.

2. Vocabulary:

1. indicates (v) /ˈɪn.dɪ.keɪt/ : to point out)
2. enable (v) /ɪˈneɪ.bəl/: to make possible
3. zealous (adj) /ˈzel.əs/: enthusiastic; eager
4. intermittent (adj) /ˌɪn.təˈmɪt.ənt/ : stopping and beginning again, irregular
5. terminology (n) /ˌtɜː.mɪˈnɒl.ə.dʒi/: the study of terms for particular subjects
6. undermine (v) /ˌʌn.dəˈmaɪn/ : to weaken or damage
7. assurance (n) /əˈʃɔː.rəns/; self-confidence; certainty
8. berate (v) /bɪˈreɪt/ : to scold harshly; to criticize
9. apathy (n) /ˈæp.ə.θi/ : lack of interest