新世纪视听说第四册部分原文U16.docx

1、新世纪视听说第四册部分原文U16Unit1Track-4-1-OL-5Modern buildings: We love them, We hate themThe world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris is almost 500 years old, and it face a very modern problem. There simply wasnt enough space for six million visitors each year. In nineteen eighty-nine, American architect I. M. Pei

2、 designed a striking glass pyramid in the buildings center to be a visitor entrance and shopping arcade. But he also started and angry debate. Some people felt his glass building was a piece of art, like the ones inside the museum. Others said it was just an ugly, modern mistake.Kyoto, Japan, is the

3、 countrys ancient capital, and the heart of its culture. Its railroad station was too small for the millions of visitors. In 1997, the city completed a new station in a huge shopping center, right in the oldest part of the city. Designed by Hiroshi Hara (原广司), the building also contains a hotel and

4、department store. Before it was built, critics said that the high, wide, modern building would destroy the citys traditional look. On the other hand, supporters said it would bring new like into the city center.Track-4-1-OL-7The future building boomInterviewer: What do you think is the biggest probl

5、em facing our citiesErika: I think its overcrowding. Talkto anyone living in a major metropolitan area and they will say the same thing: Theres no space. Even the suburbs are getting crowed.I: Well, in some places there simply isnt any land left for building, rightE: Yes, thats true, but you have to

6、 think creatively. You cant give up so easily.I: Think creatively What do you suggestE: What Im saying is that we can build more structures underground. We can add parking lots, malls, hotels, and even apartment buildings. Theres plenty of space.I: Isnt it expensiveE: Yes, it can be. In the past bui

7、lding underground has been very expensive. However, we have new technology that will bring the cost down. It involves using robots. You dont have to pay robots a salary!I: Isnt “building down” more dangerous than other kind of constructionE: Actually, I think its safer than building skyscrapers, for

8、 example. Remember, we already do it. We have subways and underground shopping malls. Im just suggesting we invest in a variety of bigger projects and that dig deeper.I: What would you say to people who doubt your ideaE: I can understand their feelings. Whenever theres a new idea, it can cause contr

9、oversy. But “building down” is not some kind of impractical idea. It makes sense. There is so much space underground: It can accommodate a lot of traffic, storage, and people. With the new technology we have, wed be crazy not to consider the idea its the wave of the future!Unit 2Track-4-2-OL-5In tod

10、ays report, we look at a new technology called pervasive computing.Pervasive computing means putting tiny computers into everyday electronic appliances, such as toasters and microwaves. With pervasive computing, appliances can communicate with their users and with other appliances!Some companies now

11、 sell pervasive computing products like a “smart” toaster. It remembers your favorite kind of toast: light or dark. Companies are designing a “smart” coffee maker and a “smart” clock. The coffee maker can measure the water and coffee. It can even put milk in your breakfast coffee and make black coff

12、ee in the afternoon. The clock will check the time on other clocks in your home, and give information about other appliances. For example, it can tell you, “Your coffee maker needs more water.”And thats only the beginning. One company is now advertising “Save time phone your washing machine!” Engine

13、ers are making a “smart” house. In the house, the lights, heater, and air conditioner change automatically when family members come home. This makes the home comfortable, and it saves a lot of energy. Pervasive computing could change many parts of our daily lives.But do people really want pervasive

14、computing Do they really need technology everywhere One company asked people about their opinions on “smart” appliances. There were surprises. A “smart” refrigerator can buy more food on the Internet, but people didnt want it, because it might make mistakes.“Pervasive computing is as important as a

15、telephone,” says Rebecca Blair, president of InnoTech Corporation. But some of these products are not useful, or even practical. Companies should learn more about the technology that people really want.Track-4-2-OL-7Local girl rescuedShe may have a broken leg, but she cant be happier. Morgan Bailey,

16、 11, is happy to be alive.Tuesday was like any other day for Morgan. She was at school. It was fourth period, and she was the first student to arrive in the gymnasium for her physical education class.Suddenly there was a loud noise.“There was a sharp cracking noise and then a loud boom. After that,

17、I dont remember anything,” said Morgan.The roof of the gymnasium had collapsed under the heavy snow. Morgan was trapped underneath. She couldnt escape.“I woke up and there was a big piece of wood on my leg. I couldnt move it. I was starting to get cold.”Fortunately, help was nearby. A new program us

18、ing “rescue robots” was tried for the first time.“We were nervous about using the robot,” said Derrick Sneed, the man in charge of the program. “But in the end, the robot gave us reliable information. It was extremely well.”The rescue robot was able to go into the gym and locate Morgans exact positi

19、on.“We send in robots first because it may not be safe for humans,” said Mr. Sneed. “Human beings are not as useful as robots in some situations. A gas leak, for example, could kill you or me but wouldnt hurt a robot.”Although it didnt happen in Morgans case, some robots can bring fresh air or water

20、 to people who are trapped.Rescue robots go into rough, dangerous places. They work in life or death situations. They have to be durable.Doctors say that Morgan is doing well. She should be going home in two or three days. What is the first thing she wants to do after she gets out of the hospital“I

21、want to meet my hero,” laughs Morgan. “That little robot that saved my life!”Unit 3Track-4-3-OL-51.A bank robbery in Virginia, USA, was stopped when the robber and the bank teller couldnt reach an agreement. The robber pushed a holdup note under the window, but the teller looked at it, said, “I cant

22、 read this,” and gave it back. The robber pushed the note through a second time. The teller crumpled the note up and threw it at the robber. He picked it up and walked out of the bank.2.A professional ice hockey player will miss the rest of this seasons games because he injured himself. National Hoc

23、key League goalie Jean-Louis Blanchard went on the injured list after he fell and seriously hurt his back. He was walking out of a restaurant in Ottawa, Canada, when he slipped on some ice.3.The first international camel beauty contest was held last week in Alxa, in western China. More than 100 dres

24、sed-up camels entered the contest. The judges examined them for shiny hair, tall humps, and beautiful costumes. Unlike human beauty contests, though, there were no interviews with the contestants.4.X in Sheffield, England, arrested a 41-year-old man for stealing five cars. Graham Owens went to car d

25、ealers and said he wanted to buy a car, and borrowed a car to test-drive. Each time, he drove the car around, then cleaned it inside and washed it outside before leaving it at the side of the rode, and walking home.Track-4-3-OL-71. Nutty newsLulu is a kangaroo. For 10 years she has lived with the Ri

26、chards family. Lulu was adopted by the family after they found her next to her dead mother.Mr. Ken Richards is a farmer. He was working on his farm when a heavy tree branch suddenly fell on top of him.Lulu stood next to Mr. Richards body. She started barking and didnt leave Mr. Richards side.“Ive ne

27、ver heard Lulu bark like that she sounded like a dog. She barked and barked and she didnt stop,” said Celeste, Mr. Richards daughter.After 15 minutes, the Richards family went to investigate. They found Ken on the ground and he was unconscious.“Lulu is a hero,” said Celeste. “She saved my father.”Mr

28、. Middleton, an expert veterinarian, said that Lulus story is rare. “I have never seen a kangaroo act like that. Maybe Lulu helped Ken Richards because the Richards family is the only family she has ever known.”Lulu has always followed Ken around the farm. Shes a loyal, friendly, and very intelligen

29、t kangaroo. After Ken leaves the hospital, he is planning to go everywhere with Lulu.2. Nutty newsApproximately 175,000 people live in the Republic of Vanuatu, an island chain east of Australia. It is a popular tourist destination because theres a lot to do there: you can visit waterfalls, go horseb

30、ack riding, take an aerial tour, or visit a traditional Ni-Vanuatu (Ni-Vanuatu is a demonym used to refer to all Melanesian ethnicities originating in Vanuatu. It also refers, more generally, to nationals and citizens of Vanuatu, whatever their ethnicity.) village. Vanuatu is most famous for its scu

31、ba diving and snorkeling.In an effort to draw attention to these popular water sports, Vanuatu has created a worlds “first”: the government has opened an underwater post office. You have to be a certified scuba diver to work there. The office is three meters below the surface in an area on the outsk

32、irts of Port Vila, the capital city. So far, the post office has hired four workers. They will work in a room surrounded by the beauty of Vanuatus underwater world. Customers will buy waterproof postcards on land and then dive down to the post office to receive a special waterproof stamp.Unit 4Track-4-4-OL-5Youve never met Melissa Hayes, and you dont know her name, but you know her voice. Melissa records information messages for the telephone company. When you hear The number you called