Millions of citizens throughout the central US are jumping into pools, sitting in the shade, and turning on their air conditioners as they try to beat the heat.With record-breaking temperatures and unbearable humidity attacking the central US.17 states from Texas to Michigan have all received heat advisories and warnings. "Even with the air conditioning on, it's 82 degrees Fahrenheit in the house," said North Dakotan Betty Smokov.'The heat is really unpleasant and sticky.'"I According to the National Weather Service, the heat is not likely to ease up soon. In Western Oklahoma, the heat is even worse.There, temperatures have frequently climbed to above 110 degrees over the past several weeks." _ " said Daryl Williams, a weather forecaster in Norman, Oklahoma.On Saturday night, the asphalt at a busy road in Enid, Oklahoma, crumbled due to the extreme heat. Across the area, citizens are keeping cool in many different ways.Cities like Chicago and Detroit are providing relief for their citizens by opening cooling centers for those without air conditioning in their homes.Others are heading to the water to cool down.But in some cases, the water itself needs cooling.Dwight Anderson, an amusement park owner in Omaha, Nebraska, had to put two tons of ice cubes into his park's swimming pools to lower the water's temperature from 88 degrees to 82 degrees. But not everyone is complaining about the heat.Sixty-five-year-old Detroit citizen Marcellus Washington enjoyed the weather as he walked along the Detroit River to stay cool."What a wonderful weather! It's a very pleasant day, " he said. By saying "The trend is not our friend right now," Daryl Williams means that _ . A) people have to beat the heat themselves B) it is getting cooler and people will feel pleasant soon C) people will have to face the terrible heat for more days. D) people don't want to meet their friends because of the heat
C
It was late one evening. I can't remember what it was about, but my dad and I had a very big argument when my mom was away. We both said things we didn't mean, and in the end I said, "I'm leaving." And he said, "Good. The sooner, the better." I threw a few things in a suitcase and closed the door angrily behind me, not knowing where I was going. After walking aimlessly for about 20 minutes, I stopped at a local supermarket. Then my phone rang. It was my mom calling. She said, "Hey, Mary. Where are you? Dad is worried about you." "How can he worry about me? I've been away for nearly half an hour, but he didn't call," I said with annoyance . My anger returned and I remembered all the hateful things he'd shouted to me. "Listen, Mom. You can tell Dad that I'm fine. I'll call you tomorrow," I said and hung up. I walked around the store, trying to get my thoughts together. By the time I paid for my _ , it had been much later than I used to be out alone. When I left the supermarket, a large piece of white paper was in front of me. On the piece of white paper were these words: "Please come home! I miss you and I'm worried about you!" Then a car pulled up beside me. Hanging out of the window was my dad. Beside him, smiling gently, sat my mom. And that's when I started laughing. I laughed so hard that I cried. Despite my best efforts to run away from home, my father finally managed to track me down. I couldn't leave now, not with him sitting there with caring eyes. What probably happened at the end of the story? A) Mary returned home happily. B) Mary still refused to go home. C) Mary's father became angry again. D) Mary's mother hated her father.
A
Q: Not willing to pay $400 for a basic room or upwards of $1,200 for a suite at a luxury hotel? We hear you. In the past, this meant having to put up with cheap hotels. Essentially, you got what you paid for. But all that's changed, as mid-level hotels have begun competing for a population that travels more then ever. Even in New York and San Francisco --- two of the most expensive cities in the country --- one can find comfortable, affordable options with much modern conveniences. We searched the country for the best hotels under $150. Hotel 340 St. Paul, Minnesota, USA This twelve-storey English-renaissance building once served as a downtown clubhouse for St. Paul's outstanding people; today, the repaired structure houses the hotel on the top three floors. Its 35 rooms stand out for hardwood floors, marble showers and nice views of the Mississippi River, and room comforts include iPod docks , free local and national telephone calls and coffee makers. The University Club of St. Paul, a grand hall bar, and an all-new-60,000-square-foot fitness center(free for guests)also share space in the building. Marina Inn San Francisco, California, USA Located in the Marina district, where the streets are lined with luxury stores and great restaurants, the Marina Inn is the ideal place for business or pleasure. Few destinations offer the quality and variety of environment, scenery, entertainment, accommodation, and dining that waits for you here at the Marina Inn. It's a ten-minute walk to Fisherman's Wharf and there are abundant bus connections to take you anywhere in the city. Hotel Havana San Antonio, Texas, USA When one thinks of his historic Texas town, usually the southwest comes to mind. So does Mexico. Since 1914, the hotel has served passers-by. The 27 rooms come in all shapes and sizes, many of which include Turkish carpets and elegant Cuban art on the walls. Bathrooms are distinguished with Red Flower body care products. When you select the Hotel 340, _ . A) you can have a view of the Mississippi River B) you can be free to visit thirty-five rooms there C) you can be offered an iPod for free D) you can live in its fitness center for free
A: A