Get Ready, Get Set, Get Muddy! 预备，起！沾满泥巴吧！
As adventure races gain popularity, the Muddy Buddy stands out
各式各样的冒险比赛愈来愈受欢迎，而「泥浆夥伴」比赛尤其突出抢眼
August 15
You stand at the starting line, ready to meet the challenge that lies ahead. In a few moments you will take on the Muddy Buddy. This unique and entertaining race will have you smiling ─ and dirty ─ in no time.
Unlike a traditional race, the Muddy Buddy requires each racer t

Cruising Down to Mexico 航向墨西哥
The trip of a lifetime, both on and under the water!
踏上千载难逢的旅程，水上、水下任你遨游喔！
August 12
Every day, cruise ships depart from different places for exotic ports of call. Earlier this year, my husband, Mike, and I were fortunate enough to be on one.
Our ship, the Norwegian Spirit, measures 268 m in length and can accommodate 1,996 guests and over 900 crewmembers. This floating city offers everything a passenger co

As Busy as Beavers 忙碌的海狸
Beaver advice: Work first, play later
海狸的忠告：工作优先，玩乐次之（译注：标题的as busy as beavers，或as busy as a beaver (後面可与building a new dam)连用，意指工作非常忙碌或勤奋做事，本课语带双关地描述 busy as a beaver building a new dam的实际情况。以下许多含beaver的成语不只是比喻，因为主人翁实际上就是beaver。）
August 10
Bucky was an eager beaver. "Make way!" he cried. "Why-ah, here comes another log!"
"

A Day for Dad 属於爸爸的日子
Get ready to celebrate Dad's big day
快准备好来庆祝属於爸爸的大日子罗
August 7
Day in, day out, dads take on the many complex responsibilities of parenting. Now, a special day to thank them has come. What can we do? The answer may be simpler than you think. The following dads open up about what's important to them on Father's Day.
"The great thing about being a father," says Andrew, an expatriate in Hong Kong, "is seei

Celebrity Chefs 名人厨师
These chefs are making people happy, one dish at a time
这些名厨为人带来欢乐，盘盘餐点皆令人开怀（译注：此处将片语one at a time (逐一、依次) 加以变化。）
August 5
Many of today's famous chefs don't simply cook exquisite food. They wear many hats ─ television host, restaurant owner, author and even philanthropist ─ and bring joy to viewers, readers and eaters everywhere.
Jamie Oliver: England's young and influential chef
Jamie Olive

Fun in the Sun 乐在阳光下
For Americans, fun in the sun often means a suntan
对美国人来说，在艳阳下玩乐代表肌肤会晒成古铜色
August 3
In the Western world, many believe a tan gives a person a healthy glow. Americans love the sun, and some spend hours outside getting a tan. Others spend money getting a tan inside at a tanning salon. Americans do this in spite of all the warnings about skin cancer. Eighty-one percent of teenagers know that sunburns increase the risk of d

Cool Ideas for Hot Weather 炎炎夏日消暑妙方
Tips to help you keep cool this summer
能让你在今夏清凉解暑的妙招
August 1
Finding ways to beat the summer heat can be difficult but not impossible! Try a few of these fun ideas, and you'll cool off in no time.
Eat spicy food
Spicy food causes you to sweat. And as the sweat evaporates, it cools your body down.
Use cold sheets
Put away your blankets and sleep between sheets. Put your sheets in a plastic ba

How Much Should You Spend on Your Pet? 在宠物身上该花多少钱？
Is there a limit to what you should spend to save your pet?
花钱来延续宠物的生命，是否该设上限？
July 30
Today, humans aren't the only ones benefiting from advanced medical technology. For a price, sick pets' lives can also be extended through medical procedures. While many people support this type of spending, others are strongly opposed to it.
Conversation A
Adam: My dog, Cooper, has been a bit

How Sharks Work 追根究底谈鲨鱼
Sharks may not be friendly, but they are fascinating
鲨鱼或许来者不善，但牠们可是令人着迷的海中娇客喔
July 28
The summer beach season is prime time for shark attacks. It seems like sharks are attacking all the time. But that is something of an illusion. The number of attacks is very small (only 23 in Florida in 2006).
Have you ever wondered about the sharks themselves? It turns out that sharks are absolutely fascinating creatures.

Japanese Socks 日式袜
Traditional Japanese footwear finds fans around the world
传统日式足部（译注：footwear指穿在足部的产品，因此鞋、袜都包括在内）产品在全球各地找到了知音
July 27
Geisha, traditional Japanese entertainers skilled in music and dancing, move gracefully in platform flip-flops. But how do these ladies protect their feet, especially during cold Japanese winters? The answer is tabi, traditional white, split-toe socks that can be worn with flip-flops. Geish