(Question)
While reading a story on 20-somethings complaining about how the economy is ruining their life plans, I couldn't help but think the 20-somethings sound like a bunch of spoiled children who grow up expecting everything to be easy for them. As a 20-something myself, I certainly share their disappointment -my husband and I probably won't be able to buy a house until we're in our forties, and we two are burdened by student loans. But why should it be different? Being young people in America, shouldn't they take up all of the challenges and opportunities that this country offers? Consider some of these views shared in the story: Jennifer, 29, owner of a two-bedroom apartment with her husband, worries that she won't be able to have children for at least a decade because they can't afford to buy a house yet. I read that, and I thought what planet she is living on where you need to own a house in order to have kids? Has she ever visited a developing country, or even downtown areas in this one? Home ownership is a luxury, not a fertility requirement. A 26-year-old man in the story is disappointed that he can't afford to get a Ph. D. in literature. Well, that sounds a bit like expressing disappointment that no one will pay you to write poetry on the beach in Thailand for five years. Yes, it's sad that these young people feel so lost. But I think the problem is their extremely high expectations, not economic reality. Beth Kobliner, author of Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties, says that she thinks people's expectations grow up when their wealth appears to be increasing. Their parents probably see their home values rise along with their investments. "So we have people who have grown up in an environment where people have great expectations of what living well means," says Kobliner. This recession will certainly play a role in forcing those expectations into more realistic group. In the meantime, it seems much better for our mental health to focus on being grateful--for our one-bedroom... Which of the following is NOT one of the complaints of the 20-somethings? A) They can't have children for at least a decade for they can't afford to buy a house. B) They have only a one-bedroom apartment to live in. C) They can't buy a house until 40 and are burdened by student loans. D) in literature.
(Answer)
B


(Question)
Arts and crafts projects for children aren't always easy to get. If you're looking for some new arts and crafts ideas to keep your kids entertained at home, you can find many Internet sources. Here's a quick look at some online sources of how-to, try-this, and have-fun arts and crafts for kids.   Website 1: Amazing Moms                            http://www.amazingmoms.com   This site divides arts and crafts projects by age group, occasion, and even has an index  of projects for quick reference. Special occasions listed include Halloween, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas. The projects come with a list of needed materials and brief instructions. There're also pictures so you can know what your finished projects should look like.    Website 2: Squigly's Arts &Crafts                           http://www.squiglysplayhouse.com  This is another big page of children's arts and crafts ideas, The sections on this page include Seasonal Crafts, Jewelry, and Just for Fun. And Just for Fun. Each project comes with clear directions and a list of what you'll need to complete the craft.    Website 3: All Free Crafts                            http://www.allfreecrafts.com This busy site has links for seasonal arts & crafts like your basic Halloween, Christmas and Mother's Day, plus links for how-to pages on foam   crafts and recycling-based crafts. The pages include instructions and material lists. There are additional links for more crafts like candle-making and sewing.     Website 4: Family Fun  http://familyfun.go .com This site arranges arts and crafts ideas by children's age and by category (easy to do, seasonal, etc.). Age groups include toddlers, 4-5,6-8 and 9-12-year-olds. Project ideas include material lists and directions. There's also a star-rating system based on scores by users and other readers. Users can leave comments, too. Website5: The Activity Cupboard                        http://www.mothers-home.com This is a large resource page of all types of links for... Website 1 and Website 2 are similar in that they  _  . A) include recycling-based crafts B) divide arts and crafts projects by theme. C) provide supplies-needed lists and instructions D) have an index of projects for quick reference.
(Answer)
C


(Question)
Question: I have a one-year-old female bulldog, who has recently taken to biting my shoes when we are in the park and I'm on the mobile. She can be slightly aggressive and I'm starting to get worried and a bit annoyed. How do I stop her? ----Susan, London. Answer: You need to get this problem under control before it could escalate  . I always advise owners not to talk on the mobile phone when they go for a walk with their dogs, because they should be focusing on this time with their pets, but I know people have busy lives and need to make phone calls. The behavior she is showing is either controlling or playfulness, but they both result from the same issue ---- you are not paying attention to her. If you must make phone calls while on a walk, try to still engage with your dog by speaking towards her, playing some sorts of game and so on. If that doesn't work, you'll have to try more of a training approach. You will need a training line and some treats. Start your walk in the usual way, make a phone call, and when your dog starts displaying the undesired behavior, simply stop walking --- otherwise she will see it as a game. When she is calm and looking at you, or if she sits, give her a treat; then continue walking. If she starts up again, pick up the lead, gently pull it, and tell her "no".  Then ask her to sit and give her a treat if she does. The aim of this is to try to get her to forget how much fun it is biting your shoes. Do little sessions every day --- and try not to answer the phone if you know it's going to be a long conversation. Be patient and good luck! Remember that if an animal shows signs of distress or discomfort, an early visit to the vet is always recommended. How can Susan get her pet dog to forget the fun from biting her shoes? A) By playing some sort of game with the pet dog. B) By punishing the pet dog strictly. C) By training her not to do so. D) By leaving her at home.
(Answer)

C