Article: One evening last summer, when I asked my 14-year-old son, Ray, for help with dinner, his response shocked me. "What's a colander ? " he asked. I could only blame myself. In the family, nobody else's hands went in the sauce except my own. But that night, as I explained with a touch of panic that a colander is the thing with holes in it, I wondered what else I hadn't prepared Ray for. As parents, while we focus on our sons' confidence and character, we perhaps don't always consider that we are also raising someone's future roommates, boyfriends, husbands, or fathers. I wanted to know that I'd raised a boy who would never ask the woman in his life, "What's for dinner?" So I came up with a plan: I would offer Ray a private home economics course. I was delighted to find that he didn't say no. For two hours, three days a week, Ray was all mine. One day, as his tomato sauce reduced on the stove, he washed and seasoned a chicken for roasting. Then he rolled out the piecrust and filled it with apples, all while listening to my explanation on the importance of preheating an oven. I knew that he would rather have been shooting hoops in the driveway than learning to mend socks with his mother--he tried to beg off sewing lessons, even though I insisted that one day, someone would find the sight of him fixing his own shirt very attractive-- but it couldn't be denied that he was learning, and more than just housekeeping. "I appreciate what you do as a mom," he told me one day. Ray now understands the finer points of cooking, and more importantly, he realizes there's nothing masculine about being helpless. Now, not only can he make his own dinner, but also he can make a big meal for his family. That's what I call a man. I'm glad that I prepared so great a present for my future daughter-in-law. Question: We can infer from the text that Ray _ . Yes or no, is the answer "made great progress in cooking."?
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Article: Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival Where: Becket, Massachusetts When: Jun.15---Aug.24 Each summer, this influential dance center presents a number of classes and performances by more than 50 companies from around the world. Highlights in this season include the Dance Theater of Harlem's production of Alvin Ailey's "The Lark Ascending", which opens the festival. Many events are free. Ticketed performances start at $22. Jacobspillow.org. Moab Music Festival Where: Moab, Utah When: Aug.29---Sept.9 This area is better known for mountain biking than for music . But since 1992, it has hosted a private festival that brings classical, jazz, Latin and other types of music to the land. This year there will be 16 concerts, including three "Grotto Concerts", where guests take a 45-minute boat ride down the Colorado River to performances. Events start at $25. Moabmusicfest.org. Cheyenne Frontier Days Where: Cheyenne, Wyoming When: July19---28 There is something for everyone at this 117-year-old festival, from an "Indian village" and Old West museum to country concerts. But the competition is still the main attraction, with cowboys and cowgirls competing for major money in the world's largest outdoor stage. Competition tickets start at $18, and concert tickets at $23. Cfdrodeo.com. The Glimmerglass Festival Where: Cooperstown, New York When: July6---Aug.24 Each summer, opera lovers from around the country (and the world) travel to upstate New York to watch productions that include stars like Nathan Gunn and Ginger Costa-Jackson. This year's performances include Wagner's "The Flying Dutchman" and Verdi's "King for a Day", in honor of the 200th birthdays of both composers. Tickets start at $26. Glimmerglass.org. Question: If you want to enjoy a "Grotto Concert", which date suits you best? Yes or no, is the answer "September 4."?
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Article: It's not the first movie to show the end of the world. But in the latest box office hit 2012 it is neither aliens nor a killer disease that threaten the human race, but climate change. Some say the film lacks good dialogue and its science is questionable, others believe German director Roland Emmerich makes up for these flaws in special effects. An earthquake destroys the White House and Yellow stone National Park ends up in flames. Emmerich borrows from the old Mayan story which says, that the world will end in 2012.He is being criticized for Internet rumors about doomsday "There is no factual basis for these claims,'' NASA said on its website. "Credible scientists worldwide know of no threat connected with 2012,'' it insisted. "After all, our planet has been getting along just fine for more than 4 billion years, " they added. According to the UK's Daily Telegraph, it was first thought that the disaster would happen in May 2003. When the world continued, supporters picked the last day of the Mayan calendar. "Every culture has a myth of destruction , just as they have a myth of creation. These myths |of destruction tend to surface during times of crisis , " Michael A. Ryan, an assistant profess of history,speaking to Purdue University News. Ryan studies apocalyptic themes from the Middle Ages at the US university. "Today's current economic climate is a state of crisis for many people who are worried whether they can afford to feed themselves,"he added. Question: What led to the end of the world according to the film 2012? Yes or no, is the answer "Climate change."?
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Article: Born in 1982 in Australia, Nick came into the world with neither arms nor legs. Through his childhood Nick dealt with the challenges of studies as well as sadness as he was questioned why he was different from all the other kids. But soon he realized that even with them, he was still unlike his classmates. As Nick grew up he learnt to do more and more things on his own. He adapted to his situation and found ways to finish tasks that most people could only do by using their arms. As time went by Nick began to _ his situation and achieve greater things. In grade seven Nick was elected captain of his school and worked on various fund-raising events for local charities. After school Nick went on with further study and get a double bachelor degree . By the age of 19 Nick started to fulfil his dream of being able to encourage other people through motivational speaking and telling his story. Nick believes that there is a purpose in each of the struggles we meet in our lives and that our attitude towards those struggles can be the single most effective factor in overcoming them. At 25 years old he moved to California, USA, where he is the president of an international organization.Since his first motivational speaking when he was 19, Nick has traveled around the world,sharing his story with millions of people. Question: Nick's story shows his belief that _ . Yes or no, is the answer "attitude is everything"?
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