【每日阅读训练第四期——速度越障15系列】【15-10】文史哲

ElenW

好久没有看新闻了  大家一起来吧！加油！

SPEED
[Time1]
Famed Marvel Comics superheroes like Spider-Man, X-Men and the Fantastic Four will soon call a part of Hong Kong Disneyland home, when the theme park opens an area dedicated to the comic-book stars.
On Wednesday, Hong Kong Financial Secretary John Tsang said the theme park, which is 52%-owned by the city's government, will add an area featuring 'Marvel heroes' as part of the resort's expansion program.
Hong Kong Disneyland, the smallest of Walt Disney Co. DIS +1.08%'s parks worldwide, last week reported its first annual profit since its 2005 opening. The park has struggled over the years to boost attendance from its key target demographic─tourists from mainland China─many who aren't enamored enough of Disney characters to make a special trip to the park. The park has also been competing with Ocean Park, a Sea World-type marine park in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Disneyland has added several new themed 'lands' over the last few years to boost its size and attractiveness.
The addition of Marvel in Hong Kong will be the first of its kind of any Disney resort, and could be a big draw for mainland Chinese tourists after the success of several Hollywood smash-hits that featured Marvel characters. Marvel superheroes could also attract older and more affluent visitors, as opposed to the younger audiences that the traditional Disney characters target.
The Marvel addition is the latest move by Disney aimed at reaping the benefits of its $4 billion acquisition in 2009 of Marvel Entertainment. In May, 'The Avengers', the first Marvel film to be released by Disney since its Marvel purchase, shattered box-office records.
Earlier, Disney said it would prioritize plans to introduce theme-park rides based on Marvel superheroes
(280)
[Time2]
Australian mining entrepreneur Clive Palmer on Tuesday unveiled blueprints for Titanic II, a modern replica of the doomed ocean liner, although he stopped short of calling the vessel unsinkable.
The ship will largely recreate the design and decor of the fabled original, with some modifications to keep it in line with current safety rules and shipbuilding practices, and the addition of some modern comforts such as air conditioning, Palmer said at a press conference in New York.
The three passenger classes, however, will be prevented from mingling, as in 1912, Palmer said. "I'm not too superstitious," Palmer said when asked whether recreating a ship best known for sinking was tempting fate.
White Star Line, the operator of the original ship, had said the Titanic was designed to be unsinkable. Some 1,500 people died on Titanic's maiden voyage in 1912 from Southampton to New York after the ship collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic.
Unlike the original, Titanic II will have more than enough space in its lifeboats for every person on board and will have additional escape staircases. Markku Kanerva, sales director at Deltamarin, the Finnish company designing the ship, said it would be the "safest cruise ship in the world."
Palmer declined to answer questions about the project's cost. Although the Titanic was the world's largest ship in her time, she would be smaller than many of today's modern cruise ships.
"It's not about the money," Palmer said. "I've got enough money for it, I think that's all that matters." Forbes estimated Palmer's net worth to be $795 million in 2012. He describes himself as a billionaire
Titanic II will be built by Chinese state-owned CSC Jinling Shipyard, which is already building four ore carriers for Palmer's mining business, he said. The contract to build Titanic II has not yet been signed, Palmer said.
(307)
[Time3]
Athens——the name brings to mind buildings with tall, white columns and statues of Greek gods and goddesses. Museums take visitors back to the time of ancient Greece. When visiting the city, visitors feel like they're in the middle of a history lesson.
Athens gave birth to Western culture. This is where the West's ideas of government, law, justice and liberty all began. Architecture, science, drama and poetry also flourished here.
The history of Athens is tied to mythology. The god that came up with the most valuable legacy for humans was to give the city its name. Poseidon and Athena each wanted the honor. Athena produced an olive tree
-the symbol of peace and wealth. Poseidon offered a strong horse needed for war. The gods decided Athena's gift would better serve the people, and the city became known as Athens.
More treasure of ancient Greece lies in the National Archeological Museum. Opened in 1874, the museum contains the best collection of Greek art in the world. It is crammed with treasuresmore than visitors can see in a single visit. Visitors can view treasures from all the ancient civilizations that controlled the city throughout history. The vases, statues, carvings and other art objects show the life of those who lived in ages past.
But a visit to Athens is more than a lesson in ancient history. Modern Athens hums with activity. The city offers every modern convenience. If you do go to a Greek home for dinner, do your best to eat everything on your plate. Uneaten food insults the cook. Taking second helpings is the best way to show how much you enjoy the meal.
(344)
[Time4]
PM Raila Odinga and deputy PM Uhuru Kenyatta are favourites to succeed President Kibaki, in the first poll since the post-2007 election violence.
Thousands of supporters gathered for the two rallies in central Nairobi.
The president has urged Kenyans to vote peacefully on Monday and for the losers to accept defeat.
All the candidates have promised to respect the result of the vote.
The election is the first to be held under a new constitution, adopted in 2010 in an attempt to avoid a repeat of ethnic clashes in which more than 1,200 people were killed and an estimated 600,000 forced from their homes.
The post-election violence in 2007-8 broke out after Raila Odinga claimed he had been cheated of victory by supporters of President Mwai Kibaki.
Mr Odinga later joined a government of national unity under a peace deal.
His main rival this time, Uhuru Kenyatta, is facing trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague in a few weeks' time for allegedly orchestrating some of the bloodshed. He denies the charges.
Mwai Kibaki is standing down after two terms as president, but the events of 2007-8 continue to worry Kenyans.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) this week released a report detailing cases of violence, hate speech and ethnic intimidation, warning that campaigns had "continued to raise emotions and inflame passions as they campaign for votes".
On Saturday Mr Odinga denied a report in the Financial Times quoting him as saying that if he lost it would be "because of blackmail and intimidation". Mr Odinga called the story a "total fabrication" and said he felt "absolutely slandered".
"Cast your vote and keep the peace," President Kibaki said in a televised address to the nation on Friday.
"Let us send a clear message to the world that our democracy has come of age. A peaceful vote is a vote for a secure, prosperous and stable Kenya."
The government says some 99,000 police officers are being deployed around the country, at polling stations and vote counts, in order to prevent a repeat of the violence.
Presidential candidates must secure support from across the country in order to be declared the victor, so they cannot just rely on support from their ethnic groups, as has been the case in previous elections.
If no candidate obtains more than 50% of the vote, there will be a run-off on 11 April.
Elections are also being held for members of parliament, new posts of regional governors and members of county .
(421)
[Time5]
The cardinals who will elect the new pope following the historic resignation of Benedict XVI are continuing to make their way to Rome, the Vatican said Saturday, with some likely to arrive only Monday or Tuesday.
The first of a series of meetings known as general congregations takes place Monday morning -- and a priority for the cardinals attending will be setting a date for the special election, or conclave, held to pick the next pope.
The Vatican has said it's not sure whether a date will be agreed on as soon as Monday.
If cardinals are still arriving as the general congregations start, the timetable may be delayed.
The cardinals will also hold important discussions on the future direction of the Roman Catholic Church, which has been beset by scandal in recent years, and the kind of leader they want to see at the helm.

All the cardinals attend the general congregations, but only cardinals who are younger than 80 are eligible to vote for the new pope in the conclave. They are expected to number 115, the Vatican has said.
Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said Saturday that 75 cardinals normally live in Rome and another 66 have arrived or are in the process of arriving, making 141 in total.
Most of the cardinals who live in Rome are retired and/or over the age of 80, and therefore are not entitled to vote for the new pope.
It's not clear how many of the cardinals now in Rome are among those who can vote.
The Sistine Chapel, where the cardinal-electors meet for the secretive conclave, is not yet being prepared for the process, Lombardi said.
Tourists and pilgrims are continuing to visit the Sistine Chapel -- famed for the ceiling painted by Michelangelo -- at the moment, Lombardi said.
Benedict resigned Thursday evening, the first pope to do so in six centuries, and will probably never be seen in public again.
Now known as pontiff emeritus, he will spend the next few weeks at the papal summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, before moving to a small monastery within the Vatican grounds.
He spent the first day of his retirement reading and praying, following a good night's sleep, Lombardi said Friday.
（372）
OBSTACLE
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919) was the 26th President of the United States. He is well remembered for his energetic personality, range of interests and achievements, leadership of the Progressive Movement, model of masculinity, and his "cowboy" image. He was a leader of the Republican Party and founder of the short-lived Progressive ("Bull Moose") Party of 1912. Before becoming President (1901–1909) he held offices at the municipal, state, and federal level of government. Roosevelt's achievements as a naturalist, explorer, hunter, author, and soldier are as much a part of his fame as any office he held as a politician.

Born to a wealthy family, Roosevelt was an unhealthy child suffering from asthma who stayed at home studying natural history. In response to his physical weakness, he embraced a strenuous life. He attended Harvard, where he boxed and developed an interest in naval affairs. A year out of Harvard, in 1881 he ran for a seat in the state legislature. His first historical book, The Naval War of 1812, published in 1882, established his reputation as a serious historian. After a few years of living in the Badlands, Roosevelt returned to New York City, where he gained fame for fighting police corruption. He was effectively running the US Department of the Navy when the Spanish American War broke out; he resigned and led a small regiment in Cuba known as the Rough Riders, earning himself a nomination for the Medal of Honor (Which was received on the Presidents behalf January 16, 2001). After the war, he returned to New York and was elected Governor; two years later he was nominated for and elected Vice President of the United States.

In 1901, President William McKinley was assassinated, and Roosevelt became president at the age of 42, taking office at the youngest age of any U.S. President in history. Roosevelt attempted to move the Republican Party in the direction of Progressivism, including trust busting and increased regulation of businesses. Roosevelt coined the phrase "Square Deal" to describe his domestic agenda, emphasizing that the average citizen would get a fair shake under his policies. As an outdoorsman and naturalist, he promoted the conservation movement. On the world stage, Roosevelt's policies were characterized by his slogan, "Speak softly and carry a big stick". Roosevelt was the force behind the completion of the Panama Canal; he sent out the Great White Fleet to display American power, and he negotiated an end to the Russo-Japanese War, for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize. Roosevelt was the first American to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Roosevelt declined to run for re-election in 1908. After leaving office, he embarked on a safari to Africa and a trip to Europe. On his return to the US, a rift developed between Roosevelt and his anointed successor as President, William Howard Taft. Roosevelt attempted in 1912 to wrest the Republican nomination from Taft, and when he failed, he launched the Bull Moose Party. In the election, Roosevelt became the only third party candidate to come in second place, beating Taft but losing to Woodrow Wilson. After the election, Roosevelt embarked on a major expedition to South America; the river on which he traveled now bears his name. He contracted malaria on the trip, which damaged his health, and he died a few years later, at the age of 60. Roosevelt has consistently been ranked by scholars as one of the greatest U.S. Presidents.

Presidency 1901–1909
On September 6, President McKinley was shot while at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. Initial reports in the succeeding days suggested his condition was improving, so Roosevelt embarked on a vacation at Mount Marcy in upstate New York, across the state from Buffalo. He was returning from a climb to the summit on September 13 when a park ranger brought him a telegram informing him that McKinley's condition had deteriorated, and he was near death.

Official White House portrait by John Singer SargentRoosevelt and his family immediately departed to go to Buffalo. When they reached the nearest train station at North Creek, at 5:22am on September 14, he received another telegram that McKinley had died a few hours earlier. Roosevelt arrived in Buffalo that afternoon, and was sworn in there as President at 3:30pm.

Roosevelt continued McKinley's cabinet and promised to continue McKinley's policies. One of his first notable acts as president was to deliver a 20,000-word address to Congressasking it to curb the power of large corporations (called "trusts"). For his aggressive attacks on trusts over his two terms he has been called a "trust-buster."

In the 1904 presidential election, Roosevelt won the presidency in his own right in a landslide victory. His vice president was Charles Fairbanks.

Roosevelt dealt with union workers also. In May 1902, United Mine Workers went on strike to get higher pay wages and shorter work days. He set up a fact-finding commission which stopped the strike. It resulted in the workers getting more pay for less hours.

In 1905, he issued a corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, which allows the United States to "exercise international policy power" so they can intervene and keep smaller countries on their feet.

Roosevelt helped the well-being of people by passing laws such as The Meat Inspection Act of 1906 and The Pure Food and Drug Act. The Meat Inspection Act of 1906 banned misleading labels and preservatives that contained harmful chemicals in them. The Pure Food and Drug Act banned food and drugs, that are impure or falsely labeled, from being made, sold, and shipped.

The Gentlemen's Agreement came into play in 1907, banning all school segregation, yet controlling Japanese immigration in California. That same year, Roosevelt signed the proclamation establishing Oklahoma as the 46th state of the Union.

Building on McKinley's effective use of the press, Roosevelt made the White House the center of news every day, providing interviews and photo opportunities. After noticing the White House reporters huddled outside in the rain one day, he gave them their own room inside, effectively inventing the presidential press briefing. The grateful press, with unprecedented access to the White House, rewarded Roosevelt with ample coverage.

He chose not to run for another term in 1908, and supported William Taft for the presidency, instead of Fairbanks. Fairbanks withdrew from the race, and would later support Taft for re-election against Roosevelt in the 1912 election.
(1067)

cleotina

1'50
Desiney will enlarge its park and add several cosmic heros as a special part to attract the tourism from mainland.
2'09
the entreprenoure plan to bulit a boat Titanic 2 to attract customers
2'08
the City Athens, the museum and culture about this place
2'09 Kenya's president appeals that all the candidates should accept the finnal result, not lunching any violent activities.
2'12
8'
the biography of Roosevelt, who is one of the most famous president of USA

448406078

1-280-1'35''
HK Disney land is going to add a part of Marvel to attract more vistor from mainland. HK Disney land first reported its annual report of these years since 2005 open.
哈哈~~我计划GMAT考完一定要去Diseny好好玩一玩~~~^^
2-307-1‘43’‘
Titanic II is going to be build in China by Australian entrepreneur, its cost will lower than many modern trips. and it will also be the safest ship in the world.
3-344-1'45''
Museum of Athens is about ancient Greece. visitors not only can feel ancient histroy and culture, but also can taste food.
4-421-2'03''
an election, all candidates agree to respect the result, no one won the votes more than 50%
5-372-1’55‘’
Cardinals only before 80 can vote, making it not sure how many now in Rome are qualified. Tourists and pilgrims are keeping visit, former B spend all day reading and praying after retiring.
1067-4'52''
Brief introduction about R. His achievement before president of US.
About his childhood, his college, his political history.

viphuangshu

Passage 1
3'
Disneyland in HK wants to add the superheroes in the Marvel Comics to the park. HK Disneyland starts to earn profit this year. And the theme park of superheroes will attract older tourists. Marvel entertainment was acquired by Disney Company in 2009. This is the first time Disney Company put the superheroes characters in the park.


passage 2.
2'
Australia mining entrepreneur decided to build titanic two, which will possess the sample appearance with Titanic. Titanic is the cruise which sink into the sea after colliding with iceberg in 1912. Some 1500 people died in the cold sea. Titanic two has more safety facilities than the old Titanic. The titanic two will be built by a China state-owned company, but the contract has not been signed yet.


Passage 3.
3'
Athens has a long history and preserved historical architectures until now. Athens gave birth to western culture.The history of Athena ties to the mythology.National Archeology Museum own a lot of collections of Greek art. Athens has become a modern city, which offers modern convenience.


Passage 4.
3
Kenya will hold a general election on Monday, there are two candidates for this election, the PM, and deputy PM. more than 1200 people died in the ethnic clashes.The candidates should secure support around the country, not only rely on the ethnic group support. If nobody can win more than 50% of the vote, the presidential election should be held again on 11 April.


Passage 5.
3
The Pope Benedict resigned last Thursday evening, and the cardinals plan to vote for the next pope. The new pope will generate from the general congregations. All the cardinals will attend the congregation, but only cardinals with age below 80 can vote for the new pope. Some cardinals already in Rome, some are still on the way to Rome, and the resigned Pope Benedict enjoy the retired life.


Obstacle.
6'
This article talks about a Roosevelt who is the 26th president of US. Roosevelt was born in a wealthy family and had illness when he was child. In 1901, the President William McKinley was assassinated, and the vice presidents Roosevelt became the president at his 42 years old. He was the first American who won Nobel Peace Prize for his negotiating an end of Japan-Russia war. In 1904, he won presidential election and started his second term. He passes some law to help the well being of people, he chose not to run the third term and support another Republican leader to become the president. For American, he is one of the greatest presidents in US history.

cheungby

15-10
Time1——1'30''——186wpm——Hongkong Disney Land will develop a new Marvel hero area to attract more tourists from mainland China..
Time2——1'33''——191wpm——An Australian enterpreneur annouced his plan to build a huge ship Titanic II whick will be built by a Chinese company.
Time3——1'49''——202wpm——A brief introduction to Athens, the mythololy about where its name came from, ith national archeological museum and also some small tips about eating in Greece.(two paragraphs repeated each other?)
Time4——2'19''——175wpm——This paragraph explained the campaign violence in the past few times election in Kenya and this time the Kenyan President asked people to keep peace when voting to show the world that their democrocy has come of age.
Time5——2'04''——179wpm——This part explained the coming cardinal meetings in Rome to vote for the next pope in Rome Catholic Church.
Obstacle:5'43''——183wpm——main idea: The article is about the whole life of President Theodeo? Roosevelt, the 26th American president. He was popular and remembered as a great president by American people. He was born in a wealthy family but unhealthy in his childhood. After graduated from Harvard, he had ever gone to Cuba and New York where he got famour and remembered by people, and then in 1901 after the President ?? was assassinated Vice President Roosevelt became the President. And also he won his own presidency in 1904. During 1901-1909, he become the first American Nobel Peace Prize winner because of what he had done in the Ruso-Japenese war, and also he passed the food medicine act? and set the jounalist room in White House. Then in 1908 election he lost the compaign and went to South America? and died when he was 60.

having6

1-2'08"
HongKong Disneyland home plans to open an area dedicated to Marvel superheroes to attrat tourists from mainland China.
2-2'10"
Clive Palmer plans to build Titanic 2, which will recreate the design and decor of the fabled original at the same time meet the current safety rules and shipbuilding practices.
3-2'01"
Athens gave birth to western culture, and the history fo Athens is tied to mythology. Now,the treasures are stored in the meseums. Now, visitors to Athens can feel like in the middle of a history lessen as well as enjoy modern convenience.
4-2'33"
The president of Kenyans has urged a peaceful vote and try to avoid violence.
5-2'41"
The election of new pope will be started because the resignation of Benedict XVI. The cardinals will also hold important discussions on the future direction of the Roman Catholic Church.
obstale-7'43"
The author introduces us one of the greatest American presidents--Roosevelt and tells us the experience of him as politicians, naturalist, explorer and soldier.

spencerX

thx for sharing!

0:01:00
0:01:09
0:01:09
0:01:27
0:01:32

0:04:32

blairwashere

1 01.08.6 marvel comic characters will present in HK Disney land.

2 01.50.2 the Australia planed to rebuilt the  titanic 2. they have already have the blue print for this ship. this time the titanic is more safer than last one. By the way the ship is subcontract to a Chinese  state- own company.

3 01.40.3   Athens and godness want the honor from the god. and they want their name in the city.

4 02.07.1 the president is elected out from the election, and many policeman come to protect him.

5  02.10.6

carolxxchen

来啦!第一次。
2.04" the hk disneyland added a part for marvel heroes to enhance its competitiveness and earn more profits.
2.09" Palmer decided to build the Titanic 2 and his decision intrigued doubts from all walks of people.
2.19" the name of city Athens came from the mythology of Athena, and a visit to Athens is more than a lesson in ancient history, people can enjoy the culture too.
2.48" this election in Kenya pay much attention to the security on the process because the 2007 broke out.
2.35" the cardinals to elect the new pope are continuing to arrive in Rome,and  only those who are younger than 80 can vote.the first pope resigned.
6.43" it mainly talks about Roosevelt's experience which showed his unique charateristics and about his presidency from 1901 to 1909

hxfnp92

【每日阅读训练第四期——速度越障15系列】【15-10】文史哲
2'08 280 Marvel Comics will soon move into HK Disneyland
1'44 307 A ship that dulicate Titanic will be built more saver.
2'40 344 Athena's story and meanings today.
3'56 421
2'55 372
7'12 1061 Introduction of the 26th president of US Roosevelt's achievement and whole life.
The history of his political life.