If you happen to be walking in your local park tomorrow and you find a book with a label inside (1) ... Read and Release me," don't just treat it as a (2) ... . You've probably (3) ... across an example of bookcrossing, a book-sharing movement (4) ... in 2001 by American software developer Ron Hornbaker, whose aim is to "make the (5) ... world a library'. Bookcrossers "release' books either by (6) ... them on to friends, or by leaving them in public places for others to (7) ... up, or 'catch', and then read, before they in (8) ... release them back "into the wild". Over half a million people worldwide take (9) ... in bookcrossing, "releasing books in cafés, airports, bus stations, telephone boxes. Often a book is left in a place which is associated with its (10) ... or content: Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express on a train, for example, or an archeology book in a museum.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (1) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (2) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (3) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (4) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (5) ... is that it is (6) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (7) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (8) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (9) ... out to be a matter of (10) ... rather than necessity.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (1) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (2) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (3) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (4) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (5) ... is that it is (6) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (7) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (8) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (9) ... out to be a matter of (10) ... rather than necessity.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (1) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (2) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (3) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (4) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (5) ... is that it is (6) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (7) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (8) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (9) ... out to be a matter of (10) ... rather than necessity.

Attitudes towards shopping have changed dramatically over the last decade or so. Some people argue that we have (1) ... a society of consumers, and that nothing but spending money (2) ... us happy. On the other (3) ... , anyone who has worked hard to (4) ... money surely has the right to spend it on whatever they wish. Provided that we are prepared to save enough of our money for a rainy day, there seems little wrong with using the rest to (5) ... for things that (6) ... us pleasure. The delights of shopping are all too obvious. Attractive displays of food on supermarket shelves, and clothes which look fantastic on shop window models, tempt customers to part with their money, even if they do not actually need the goods they are buying. The real question is: would we all be happier if we were (7) ...? The answer is probably that we can be just as happy with money as we can without it. ERRA, what we should do is (8) ... an effort to return to the things that really (9) ... in life and share what we have worked so (10) ... to get with others less fortunate than ourselves.

Years ago, back in the days when I was just a kid, my family used to have Sunday picnics together in a nearby part of the countryside. We would (1) ... a suitably quiet and pleasant spot, then (2) ... several hours chatting, eating and playing games in the (3) ... air. Since then, though, my parents' life has become so busy that they never seem to have the time for outdoor family meals any more. In my (4) ... this is a great pity, so I've recently started to organise picnics of my own. I get in (5) ... with some of my closest friends and first we (6) ... on a suitable place to go. Then we talk about who'll bring which food. This ensures that there will be a (7) ... of tasty things to eat, particularly if everyone makes the meals they do best. It's important, though, to keep the food simple, as everything has to (8) ... into a backpack and then be carried across fields and up river vall's. When we finally (9) ... our destination, it's time to sit down, relax and (10) ... each other's company. And I'm absolutely certain that food tastes better on a picnic than anywhere else!

Don Strange, who works as a vet in northern England, (1) ... a busy life. As well as having to (2) ... pets which are unwell, he often visits farms where problems of various kinds await him. He has (3) ... count of the number of times he has been called out at midnight to give (4) ... to a farmer with sick sheep or cows. Recently, a television company chose Don as the subject of a documentary programme it was making about the life of a country vet. The programme showed the difficult situations Don (5) ... every day. It also showed Don (6) ... a meeting with villagers (7) ... about the damage a new road might (8) ... to their local environment. Viewers loved the documentary and, overnight, Don became a household name, known to millions of people. He continues to receive large numbers of letters which make a real impression on him, especially those from teenagers who have (9) ... the important decision to become vets themselves as a (10) ... of seeing the programme.

Don Strange, who works as a vet in northern England, (1) ... a busy life. As well as having to (2) ... pets which are unwell, he often visits farms where problems of various kinds await him. He has (3) ... count of the number of times he has been called out at midnight to give (4) ... to a farmer with sick sheep or cows. Recently, a television company chose Don as the subject of a documentary programme it was making about the life of a country vet. The programme showed the difficult situations Don (5) ... every day. It also showed Don (6) ... a meeting with villagers (7) ... about the damage a new road might (8) ... to their local environment. Viewers loved the documentary and, overnight, Don became a household name, known to millions of people. He continues to receive large numbers of letters which make a real impression on him, especially those from teenagers who have (9) ... the important decision to become vets themselves as a (10) ... of seeing the programme.

When the Moscow State Circus goes on its annual (1) ... of Europe, the younger members of the circus are still expected to (2) ... with their education. The circus usually stops for a few days in each town, so how do the young performers manage? One twelve-year-old gets up very early to practise her act before going to school. "It's exhausting (3) ... but I like the circus life," she says. "The worst part is when I (4) ... new friends and have to leave them, although I try to keep in (5) ... with them." The person who (6) ... the circus (7) ... sure that all the children get a proper education. When the circus arrives in Britain, he (8) ... the traveller education service and gives them the details of all the children and when they will be in certain towns and cities. "It's a fantastic system, he says. "I receive a (9) ... when we (10) ... the next town telling us where to meet. We are then accompanied to the school and introduced to the head teacher."

When the Moscow State Circus goes on its annual (1) ... of Europe, the younger members of the circus are still expected to (2) ... with their education. The circus usually stops for a few days in each town, so how do the young performers manage? One twelve-year-old gets up very early to practise her act before going to school. "It's exhausting (3) ... but I like the circus life," she says. "The worst part is when I (4) ... new friends and have to leave them, although I try to keep in (5) ... with them." The person who (6) ... the circus (7) ... sure that all the children get a proper education. When the circus arrives in Britain, he (8) ... the traveller education service and gives them the details of all the children and when they will be in certain towns and cities. "It's a fantastic system, he says. "I receive a (9) ... when we (10) ... the next town telling us where to meet. We are then accompanied to the school and introduced to the head teacher."

When the Moscow State Circus goes on its annual (1) ... of Europe, the younger members of the circus are still expected to (2) ... with their education. The circus usually stops for a few days in each town, so how do the young performers manage? One twelve-year-old gets up very early to practise her act before going to school. "It's exhausting (3) ... but I like the circus life," she says. "The worst part is when I (4) ... new friends and have to leave them, although I try to keep in (5) ... with them." The person who (6) ... the circus (7) ... sure that all the children get a proper education. When the circus arrives in Britain, he (8) ... the traveller education service and gives them the details of all the children and when they will be in certain towns and cities. "It's a fantastic system, he says. "I receive a (9) ... when we (10) ... the next town telling us where to meet. We are then accompanied to the school and introduced to the head teacher."

Whether you like it or not, celebrity gossip is hard to avoid. Newspapers, magazines and websites are (1) ... with photos of the stars. Celebrities, (2) ... the badly-behaved ones, regularly (3) ... enormous publicity in the media. It seems we're (4) ... by scandal, eager to know who is going out whom, and whose marriage has just fallen apart. Thanks to the public's (5) ... for gossip, a paparazzo can be (6) ... $500,000 for each 'exclusive' photo of stars like Britney Spears and Cristiano Ronaldo

Celebrities (7) ... that money-hungry reporters and photographers follow them everywhere they go, often (8) ... them serious troubles. In response, celebrity hunters argue that famous people shouldn't be so sensitive. They should accept their loss of privacy as the (9) ... of wealth and success. But have things gone too far? Do we really have a 'right to read about stars having a mental breakdown, or to see pictures of them looking completely devastated after they've (10) ... up with their husband or wife? There seems to be a fine line between curiosity and cruelty.

Whether you like it or not, celebrity gossip is hard to avoid. Newspapers, magazines and websites are (1) ... with photos of the stars. Celebrities, (2) ... the badly-behaved ones, regularly (3) ... enormous publicity in the media. It seems we're (4) ... by scandal, eager to know who is going out whom, and whose marriage has just fallen apart. Thanks to the public's (5) ... for gossip, a paparazzo can be (6) ... $500,000 for each 'exclusive' photo of stars like Britney Spears and Cristiano Ronaldo

Celebrities (7) ... that money-hungry reporters and photographers follow them everywhere they go, often (8) ... them serious troubles. In response, celebrity hunters argue that famous people shouldn't be so sensitive. They should accept their loss of privacy as the (9) ... of wealth and success. But have things gone too far? Do we really have a 'right to read about stars having a mental breakdown, or to see pictures of them looking completely devastated after they've (10) ... up with their husband or wife? There seems to be a fine line between curiosity and cruelty.

Whether you like it or not, celebrity gossip is hard to avoid. Newspapers, magazines and websites are (1) ... with photos of the stars. Celebrities, (2) ... the badly-behaved ones, regularly (3) ... enormous publicity in the media. It seems we're (4) ... by scandal, eager to know who is going out whom, and whose marriage has just fallen apart. Thanks to the public's (5) ... for gossip, a paparazzo can be (6) ... $500,000 for each 'exclusive' photo of stars like Britney Spears and Cristiano Ronaldo

Celebrities (7) ... that money-hungry reporters and photographers follow them everywhere they go, often (8) ... them serious troubles. In response, celebrity hunters argue that famous people shouldn't be so sensitive. They should accept their loss of privacy as the (9) ... of wealth and success. But have things gone too far? Do we really have a 'right to read about stars having a mental breakdown, or to see pictures of them looking completely devastated after they've (10) ... up with their husband or wife? There seems to be a fine line between curiosity and cruelty.

Not many people enjoy having their photo taken at a birthday party or special event. However, taking photos could also be damaging our ability to remember special moments: A group of experts (1) ... out an experiment in an art gallery. They wanted to see if people remembered paintings better when they took pictures of them. The first tour guide led one group of people around. As well as learning about the artwork, they were encouraged to take photographs. A second group had the same tour but weren’t (2) ... to use their cameras. The next day, their memory was tested to see how much they could remember about the paintings. Although both groups did well in the memory test, the people who didn’t take photographs remembered more (3) ... to the others. Despite taking photographs, it seems the photographers didn’t (4) ... as much attention to the paintings. So, although they have photographs to look back at, they don’t have the memories.

Hollywood is associated with fame, fortune and glamour. Every year, thousands of young people (1) ... up there, hoping that a producer will spot them and think they have that special something that audiences want to see. Unfortunately, most of them are (2) ... on a journey that leads to disappointment. Take a (3) ... round Los Angeles and ask any waiter or waitress and they will tell you that they are only working there for the time being, until they get their break in films. A combination of failure and economic problems usually means that they eventually (4) ... up their minds to leave and return to the small town they came from, without having made their fortune.

Before you come to the (5) ... that a life in film is for you, ask yourself carefully if you are ready for that change of direction. You'll have to travel and live for a long time at your own (6) ..., working in jobs that provide you with a low (7) ..., with only the occasional glimpse of a star to (8) ... you where you want to be.

One of the most difficult but rewarding pastimes is mountain climbing. The modern climber must (1) ... many different skills. Rock climbing (2) ... a combination of gymnastic ability, imagination and observation, but perhaps the most necessary skill is being able to (3) ... out how much weight a particular rock will support. Mountaineers climb in groups of three or four, each climber at a distance of approximately six meters from the next. Usually one person climbs while the other climbers (4) ... hold of the rope. There is no (5) ... that the most experienced climber goes first. He shows the other climbers which (6) ... to go, making the rope secure so that it is (7) ... for the others to follow. With much mountain climbing, snow skills (8) ... a very important part. The number of dangers (9) ... by climbers is almost endless. And the (10) ... of oxygen at high altitudes makes life even more difficult fot mountaineers.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (1) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (2) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (3) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (4) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (5) ... is that it is (6) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (7) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (8) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (9) ... out to be a matter of (10) ... rather than necessity.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (1) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (2) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (3) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (4) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (5) ... is that it is (6) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (7) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (8) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (9) ... out to be a matter of (10) ... rather than necessity.

When the Moscow State Circus goes on its annual (1) ... of Europe, the younger members of the circus are still expected to (2) ... with their education. The circus usually stops for a few days in each town, so how do the young performers manage? One twelve-year-old gets up very early to practise her act before going to school. "It's exhausting (3) ... but I like the circus life," she says. "The worst part is when I (4) ... new friends and have to leave them, although I try to keep in (5) ... with them." The person who (6) ... the circus (7) ... sure that all the children get a proper education. When the circus arrives in Britain, he (8) ... the traveller education service and gives them the details of all the children and when they will be in certain towns and cities. "It's a fantastic system, he says. "I receive a (9) ... when we (10) ... the next town telling us where to meet. We are then accompanied to the school and introduced to the head teacher."

When the Moscow State Circus goes on its annual (1) ... of Europe, the younger members of the circus are still expected to (2) ... with their education. The circus usually stops for a few days in each town, so how do the young performers manage? One twelve-year-old gets up very early to practise her act before going to school. "It's exhausting (3) ... but I like the circus life," she says. "The worst part is when I (4) ... new friends and have to leave them, although I try to keep in (5) ... with them." The person who (6) ... the circus (7) ... sure that all the children get a proper education. When the circus arrives in Britain, he (8) ... the traveller education service and gives them the details of all the children and when they will be in certain towns and cities. "It's a fantastic system, he says. "I receive a (9) ... when we (10) ... the next town telling us where to meet. We are then accompanied to the school and introduced to the head teacher."

When the Moscow State Circus goes on its annual (1) ... of Europe, the younger members of the circus are still expected to (2) ... with their education. The circus usually stops for a few days in each town, so how do the young performers manage? One twelve-year-old gets up very early to practise her act before going to school. "It's exhausting (3) ... but I like the circus life," she says. "The worst part is when I (4) ... new friends and have to leave them, although I try to keep in (5) ... with them." The person who (6) ... the circus (7) ... sure that all the children get a proper education. When the circus arrives in Britain, he (8) ... the traveller education service and gives them the details of all the children and when they will be in certain towns and cities. "It's a fantastic system, he says. "I receive a (9) ... when we (10) ... the next town telling us where to meet. We are then accompanied to the school and introduced to the head teacher."

Whether you like it or not, celebrity gossip is hard to avoid. Newspapers, magazines and websites are (1) ... with photos of the stars. Celebrities, (2) ... the badly-behaved ones, regularly (3) ... enormous publicity in the media. It seems we're (4) ... by scandal, eager to know who is going out whom, and whose marriage has just fallen apart. Thanks to the public's (5) ... for gossip, a paparazzo can be (6) ... $500,000 for each 'exclusive' photo of stars like Britney Spears and Cristiano Ronaldo

Celebrities (7) ... that money-hungry reporters and photographers follow them everywhere they go, often (8) ... them serious troubles. In response, celebrity hunters argue that famous people shouldn't be so sensitive. They should accept their loss of privacy as the (9) ... of wealth and success. But have things gone too far? Do we really have a 'right to read about stars having a mental breakdown, or to see pictures of them looking completely devastated after they've (10) ... up with their husband or wife? There seems to be a fine line between curiosity and cruelty.

Whether you like it or not, celebrity gossip is hard to avoid. Newspapers, magazines and websites are (1) ... with photos of the stars. Celebrities, (2) ... the badly-behaved ones, regularly (3) ... enormous publicity in the media. It seems we're (4) ... by scandal, eager to know who is going out whom, and whose marriage has just fallen apart. Thanks to the public's (5) ... for gossip, a paparazzo can be (6) ... $500,000 for each 'exclusive' photo of stars like Britney Spears and Cristiano Ronaldo

Celebrities (7) ... that money-hungry reporters and photographers follow them everywhere they go, often (8) ... them serious troubles. In response, celebrity hunters argue that famous people shouldn't be so sensitive. They should accept their loss of privacy as the (9) ... of wealth and success. But have things gone too far? Do we really have a 'right to read about stars having a mental breakdown, or to see pictures of them looking completely devastated after they've (10) ... up with their husband or wife? There seems to be a fine line between curiosity and cruelty.

Whether you like it or not, celebrity gossip is hard to avoid. Newspapers, magazines and websites are (1) ... with photos of the stars. Celebrities, (2) ... the badly-behaved ones, regularly (3) ... enormous publicity in the media. It seems we're (4) ... by scandal, eager to know who is going out whom, and whose marriage has just fallen apart. Thanks to the public's (5) ... for gossip, a paparazzo can be (6) ... $500,000 for each 'exclusive' photo of stars like Britney Spears and Cristiano Ronaldo

Celebrities (7) ... that money-hungry reporters and photographers follow them everywhere they go, often (8) ... them serious troubles. In response, celebrity hunters argue that famous people shouldn't be so sensitive. They should accept their loss of privacy as the (9) ... of wealth and success. But have things gone too far? Do we really have a 'right to read about stars having a mental breakdown, or to see pictures of them looking completely devastated after they've (10) ... up with their husband or wife? There seems to be a fine line between curiosity and cruelty.

Archaeologists (1) ... that a perfectly preserved 5,500-year-old shoe has been discovered in a cave in Armenia in south-west Asia. It is (2) ... to be the oldest leather shoe ever found. The shoe was made of a single piece of leather, stitched at the front and back, and was shaped to fit the wearer’s foot. It had been stuffed with grasses, either for warmth or to make sure it kept its shape. The shoe is relatively small but we can’t say for (3) ... whether it was worn by a man or a woman,’ says Dr Ron Pinhasi, an archaeologist on the research team. ‘We thought at first that it was about 600−700 years old because it was in such good shape.’ Shoes of this type from later periods have turned up in archaeological excavations in various places in Europe, and shoes of a very similar design were still being used on the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland as (4) ... as the 1950s. It’s obviously a style which (5) ... popular for thousands of years.

Archaeologists (1) ... that a perfectly preserved 5,500-year-old shoe has been discovered in a cave in Armenia in south-west Asia. It is (2) ... to be the oldest leather shoe ever found. The shoe was made of a single piece of leather, stitched at the front and back, and was shaped to fit the wearer’s foot. It had been stuffed with grasses, either for warmth or to make sure it kept its shape. The shoe is relatively small but we can’t say for (3) ... whether it was worn by a man or a woman,’ says Dr Ron Pinhasi, an archaeologist on the research team. ‘We thought at first that it was about 600−700 years old because it was in such good shape.’ Shoes of this type from later periods have turned up in archaeological excavations in various places in Europe, and shoes of a very similar design were still being used on the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland as (4) ... as the 1950s. It’s obviously a style which (5) ... popular for thousands of years.

What is the secret of long life? Reducing calorie intake by 30 per cent is thought to lead to a longer lifespan, but for many, this can mean (1) ... a starvation-like diet. However, scientists are now developing a drug which they believe can switch on a particular gene that has the same effect without the pain. A recent (2) ... of centenarians (дол­го­жи­те­ли) found, though, that many in the over-100 age group had led unhealthy lifestyles for a long period of their lives. For these people a long life is the (3) ... of a longevity gene and scientists have been working on a drug that can imitate this gene. Or is it all down to the mind? Some scientists believe that if we "think" younger our bodies will follow. Research has shown that by (4) ... people imagine they are twenty years younger, many of the (5) ... of ageing actually go into reverse.

What is the secret of long life? Reducing calorie intake by 30 per cent is thought to lead to a longer lifespan, but for many, this can mean (1) ... a starvation-like diet. However, scientists are now developing a drug which they believe can switch on a particular gene that has the same effect without the pain. A recent (2) ... of centenarians (дол­го­жи­те­ли) found, though, that many in the over-100 age group had led unhealthy lifestyles for a long period of their lives. For these people a long life is the (3) ... of a longevity gene and scientists have been working on a drug that can imitate this gene. Or is it all down to the mind? Some scientists believe that if we "think" younger our bodies will follow. Research has shown that by (4) ... people imagine they are twenty years younger, many of the (5) ... of ageing actually go into reverse.

Audio books are recordings of books read aloud. In recent years, their sales have (1) ... rapidly, with many more books becoming available through streaming services. In fact, many titles often appear online at the same time as the printed books are published. There are various reasons for their (2) ... popularity. Firstly, it is possible to listen to an audio book while relaxing or doing household tasks like washing and cleaning, when travelling to school or work, and doing exercise or sport while you are on your (3) .... Many people, of course, would like to read more, but simply do not have enough time; here, too, audio books can (4) ... a huge difference. Whenever somebody has a few moments to (5) ..., they can switch on their relevant device and settle down to listen to the next chapter of their favourite book.

Audio books are recordings of books read aloud. In recent years, their sales have (1) ... rapidly, with many more books becoming available through streaming services. In fact, many titles often appear online at the same time as the printed books are published. There are various reasons for their (2) ... popularity. Firstly, it is possible to listen to an audio book while relaxing or doing household tasks like washing and cleaning, when travelling to school or work, and doing exercise or sport while you are on your (3) .... Many people, of course, would like to read more, but simply do not have enough time; here, too, audio books can (4) ... a huge difference. Whenever somebody has a few moments to (5) ..., they can switch on their relevant device and settle down to listen to the next chapter of their favourite book.

Not many people enjoy having their photo taken at a birthday party or special event. However, taking photos could also be damaging our ability to remember special moments: A group of experts (1) ... out an experiment in an art gallery. They wanted to see if people remembered paintings better when they took pictures of them. The first tour guide led one group of people around. As well as learning about the artwork, they were encouraged to take photographs. A second group had the same tour but weren’t (2) ... to use their cameras. The next day, their memory was tested to see how much they could remember about the paintings. Although both groups did well in the memory test, the people who didn’t take photographs remembered more (3) ... to the others. Despite taking photographs, it seems the photographers didn’t (4) ... as much attention to the paintings. So, although they have photographs to look back at, they don’t have the memories.

Roger Press, 40, has (1) ... his career. After spending five years as a concert pianist he has gone into business, recently (2) ... up his own company. „I have always thought that it‟s important to be commercial, to participate and compete in the modern world. So although moving on was a difficult decision, having (3) ... it I felt relieved in many ways. When I(4) ... up my performing career, people around me were more sad and disappointed than I was. But I felt free and at last I knew I was getting serious about life. After getting a qualification in business administration I (5) ... the recording company EMI and started producing programmes about famous artists. A year ago I left EMI and formed a new company, New Media Systems, which (6) ... in multimedia programmes. Now that I run my own business I am in control of my life and I can feel (7) ... of my achievements. Although the stress is high and I work (8) … hours, the stress (9) ... in piano playing was much worse. It (10) ... physical, emotional and mental skills. I prefer the pressures I live with now.'

Hollywood is associated with fame, fortune and glamour. Every year, thousands of young people (1) ... up there, hoping that a producer will spot them and think they have that special something that audiences want to see. Unfortunately, most of them are (2) ... on a journey that leads to disappointment. Take a (3) ... round Los Angeles and ask any waiter or waitress and they will tell you that they are only working there for the time being, until they get their break in films. A combination of failure and economic problems usually means that they eventually (4) ... up their minds to leave and return to the small town they came from, without having made their fortune.

Before you come to the (5) ... that a life in film is for you, ask yourself carefully if you are ready for that change of direction. You'll have to travel and live for a long time at your own (6) ..., working in jobs that provide you with a low (7) ..., with only the occasional glimpse of a star to (8) ... you where you want to be.

Hollywood is associated with fame, fortune and glamour. Every year, thousands of young people (1) ... up there, hoping that a producer will spot them and think they have that special something that audiences want to see. Unfortunately, most of them are (2) ... on a journey that leads to disappointment. Take a (3) ... round Los Angeles and ask any waiter or waitress and they will tell you that they are only working there for the time being, until they get their break in films. A combination of failure and economic problems usually means that they eventually (4) ... up their minds to leave and return to the small town they came from, without having made their fortune.

Before you come to the (5) ... that a life in film is for you, ask yourself carefully if you are ready for that change of direction. You'll have to travel and live for a long time at your own (6) ..., working in jobs that provide you with a low (7) ..., with only the occasional glimpse of a star to (8) ... you where you want to be.

Hollywood is associated with fame, fortune and glamour. Every year, thousands of young people (1) ... up there, hoping that a producer will spot them and think they have that special something that audiences want to see. Unfortunately, most of them are (2) ... on a journey that leads to disappointment. Take a (3) ... round Los Angeles and ask any waiter or waitress and they will tell you that they are only working there for the time being, until they get their break in films. A combination of failure and economic problems usually means that they eventually (4) ... up their minds to leave and return to the small town they came from, without having made their fortune.

Before you come to the (5) ... that a life in film is for you, ask yourself carefully if you are ready for that change of direction. You'll have to travel and live for a long time at your own (6) ..., working in jobs that provide you with a low (7) ..., with only the occasional glimpse of a star to (8) ... you where you want to be.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (1) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (2) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (3) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (4) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (5) ... is that it is (6) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (7) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (8) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (9) ... out to be a matter of (10) ... rather than necessity.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (1) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (2) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (3) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (4) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (5) ... is that it is (6) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (7) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (8) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (9) ... out to be a matter of (10) ... rather than necessity.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (1) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (2) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (3) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (4) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (5) ... is that it is (6) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (7) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (8) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (9) ... out to be a matter of (10) ... rather than necessity.

When the Moscow State Circus goes on its annual (1) ... of Europe, the younger members of the circus are still expected to (2) ... with their education. The circus usually stops for a few days in each town, so how do the young performers manage? One twelve-year-old gets up very early to practise her act before going to school. "It's exhausting (3) ... but I like the circus life," she says. "The worst part is when I (4) ... new friends and have to leave them, although I try to keep in (5) ... with them." The person who (6) ... the circus (7) ... sure that all the children get a proper education. When the circus arrives in Britain, he (8) ... the traveller education service and gives them the details of all the children and when they will be in certain towns and cities. "It's a fantastic system, he says. "I receive a (9) ... when we (10) ... the next town telling us where to meet. We are then accompanied to the school and introduced to the head teacher."

When the Moscow State Circus goes on its annual (1) ... of Europe, the younger members of the circus are still expected to (2) ... with their education. The circus usually stops for a few days in each town, so how do the young performers manage? One twelve-year-old gets up very early to practise her act before going to school. "It's exhausting (3) ... but I like the circus life," she says. "The worst part is when I (4) ... new friends and have to leave them, although I try to keep in (5) ... with them." The person who (6) ... the circus (7) ... sure that all the children get a proper education. When the circus arrives in Britain, he (8) ... the traveller education service and gives them the details of all the children and when they will be in certain towns and cities. "It's a fantastic system, he says. "I receive a (9) ... when we (10) ... the next town telling us where to meet. We are then accompanied to the school and introduced to the head teacher."

When the Moscow State Circus goes on its annual (1) ... of Europe, the younger members of the circus are still expected to (2) ... with their education. The circus usually stops for a few days in each town, so how do the young performers manage? One twelve-year-old gets up very early to practise her act before going to school. "It's exhausting (3) ... but I like the circus life," she says. "The worst part is when I (4) ... new friends and have to leave them, although I try to keep in (5) ... with them." The person who (6) ... the circus (7) ... sure that all the children get a proper education. When the circus arrives in Britain, he (8) ... the traveller education service and gives them the details of all the children and when they will be in certain towns and cities. "It's a fantastic system, he says. "I receive a (9) ... when we (10) ... the next town telling us where to meet. We are then accompanied to the school and introduced to the head teacher."

Whether you like it or not, celebrity gossip is hard to avoid. Newspapers, magazines and websites are (1) ... with photos of the stars. Celebrities, (2) ... the badly-behaved ones, regularly (3) ... enormous publicity in the media. It seems we're (4) ... by scandal, eager to know who is going out whom, and whose marriage has just fallen apart. Thanks to the public's (5) ... for gossip, a paparazzo can be (6) ... $500,000 for each 'exclusive' photo of stars like Britney Spears and Cristiano Ronaldo

Celebrities (7) ... that money-hungry reporters and photographers follow them everywhere they go, often (8) ... them serious troubles. In response, celebrity hunters argue that famous people shouldn't be so sensitive. They should accept their loss of privacy as the (9) ... of wealth and success. But have things gone too far? Do we really have a 'right to read about stars having a mental breakdown, or to see pictures of them looking completely devastated after they've (10) ... up with their husband or wife? There seems to be a fine line between curiosity and cruelty.

Whether you like it or not, celebrity gossip is hard to avoid. Newspapers, magazines and websites are (1) ... with photos of the stars. Celebrities, (2) ... the badly-behaved ones, regularly (3) ... enormous publicity in the media. It seems we're (4) ... by scandal, eager to know who is going out whom, and whose marriage has just fallen apart. Thanks to the public's (5) ... for gossip, a paparazzo can be (6) ... $500,000 for each 'exclusive' photo of stars like Britney Spears and Cristiano Ronaldo

Celebrities (7) ... that money-hungry reporters and photographers follow them everywhere they go, often (8) ... them serious troubles. In response, celebrity hunters argue that famous people shouldn't be so sensitive. They should accept their loss of privacy as the (9) ... of wealth and success. But have things gone too far? Do we really have a 'right to read about stars having a mental breakdown, or to see pictures of them looking completely devastated after they've (10) ... up with their husband or wife? There seems to be a fine line between curiosity and cruelty.

Whether you like it or not, celebrity gossip is hard to avoid. Newspapers, magazines and websites are (1) ... with photos of the stars. Celebrities, (2) ... the badly-behaved ones, regularly (3) ... enormous publicity in the media. It seems we're (4) ... by scandal, eager to know who is going out whom, and whose marriage has just fallen apart. Thanks to the public's (5) ... for gossip, a paparazzo can be (6) ... $500,000 for each 'exclusive' photo of stars like Britney Spears and Cristiano Ronaldo

Celebrities (7) ... that money-hungry reporters and photographers follow them everywhere they go, often (8) ... them serious troubles. In response, celebrity hunters argue that famous people shouldn't be so sensitive. They should accept their loss of privacy as the (9) ... of wealth and success. But have things gone too far? Do we really have a 'right to read about stars having a mental breakdown, or to see pictures of them looking completely devastated after they've (10) ... up with their husband or wife? There seems to be a fine line between curiosity and cruelty.

Archaeologists (1) ... that a perfectly preserved 5,500-year-old shoe has been discovered in a cave in Armenia in south-west Asia. It is (2) ... to be the oldest leather shoe ever found. The shoe was made of a single piece of leather, stitched at the front and back, and was shaped to fit the wearer’s foot. It had been stuffed with grasses, either for warmth or to make sure it kept its shape. The shoe is relatively small but we can’t say for (3) ... whether it was worn by a man or a woman,’ says Dr Ron Pinhasi, an archaeologist on the research team. ‘We thought at first that it was about 600−700 years old because it was in such good shape.’ Shoes of this type from later periods have turned up in archaeological excavations in various places in Europe, and shoes of a very similar design were still being used on the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland as (4) ... as the 1950s. It’s obviously a style which (5) ... popular for thousands of years.

What is the secret of long life? Reducing calorie intake by 30 per cent is thought to lead to a longer lifespan, but for many, this can mean (1) ... a starvation-like diet. However, scientists are now developing a drug which they believe can switch on a particular gene that has the same effect without the pain. A recent (2) ... of centenarians (дол­го­жи­те­ли) found, though, that many in the over-100 age group had led unhealthy lifestyles for a long period of their lives. For these people a long life is the (3) ... of a longevity gene and scientists have been working on a drug that can imitate this gene. Or is it all down to the mind? Some scientists believe that if we "think" younger our bodies will follow. Research has shown that by (4) ... people imagine they are twenty years younger, many of the (5) ... of ageing actually go into reverse.

Not many people enjoy having their photo taken at a birthday party or special event. However, taking photos could also be damaging our ability to remember special moments: A group of experts (1) ... out an experiment in an art gallery. They wanted to see if people remembered paintings better when they took pictures of them. The first tour guide led one group of people around. As well as learning about the artwork, they were encouraged to take photographs. A second group had the same tour but weren’t (2) ... to use their cameras. The next day, their memory was tested to see how much they could remember about the paintings. Although both groups did well in the memory test, the people who didn’t take photographs remembered more (3) ... to the others. Despite taking photographs, it seems the photographers didn’t (4) ... as much attention to the paintings. So, although they have photographs to look back at, they don’t have the memories.

Roger Press, 40, has (1) ... his career. After spending five years as a concert pianist he has gone into business, recently (2) ... up his own company. „I have always thought that it‟s important to be commercial, to participate and compete in the modern world. So although moving on was a difficult decision, having (3) ... it I felt relieved in many ways. When I(4) ... up my performing career, people around me were more sad and disappointed than I was. But I felt free and at last I knew I was getting serious about life. After getting a qualification in business administration I (5) ... the recording company EMI and started producing programmes about famous artists. A year ago I left EMI and formed a new company, New Media Systems, which (6) ... in multimedia programmes. Now that I run my own business I am in control of my life and I can feel (7) ... of my achievements. Although the stress is high and I work (8) … hours, the stress (9) ... in piano playing was much worse. It (10) ... physical, emotional and mental skills. I prefer the pressures I live with now.'

A soda drink with a turkey and gravy flavour that is (1) ... as undrinkable by its manufacturers is selling extraordinarily well. Unexpectedly large quantities of bottles have been sold in the United States where they are preparing to (2) ... Thanksgiving later this week. A company in Seattle which (3) ... in unusual flavours put 6,000 bottles on (4) ... last week at 99 cents each. They sold out within hours. Yesterday bidding (став­ки) on the eBay online auction site (5) ... more than 60 dollars a bottle. The nastiness of Turkey and Gravy Soda appears to be its biggest selling point. It (6) ... the perfect joke gift to take home to Mum or a younger brother or sister. At Thanksgiving families traditionally (7) ... a long weekend together. One newspaper reporter who (8) ... the drink said that, at first sip, it tasted of sweet caramel and savoury butter and it got worse from there. Curiously, the drink is (9) ... for vegetarians. Peter Van Stolk who (10) ... the company which makes the drink called his product 'gross'.

Until recently, vegetarianism was fairly uncommon in Britain, and it is still (1) ... strange by some. But since the 1960s its popularity has (2) ... greatly, to the extent that high street stores stock a huge (3) ... of products for vegetarians. The reasons people (4) ... for not eating meat are numerous. Perhaps most vegetarians do it for moral reasons, arguing that it is wrong to kill. The opposing point of (5) ... is that it is (6) ... for us to kill for food. Still, there are societies where eating meat is not allowed because it is against their religion. There are other good reasons to (7) ... up meat, one of which is the inefficiency of livestock farming. Although it is, in (8) ... cheaper to eat only vegetables, in practice vegetarianism is most popular in richer countries such as Germany and Britain, where many people exclude meat for health reasons. In these countries, at least, it (9) ... out to be a matter of (10) ... rather than necessity.

When the Moscow State Circus goes on its annual (1) ... of Europe, the younger members of the circus are still expected to (2) ... with their education. The circus usually stops for a few days in each town, so how do the young performers manage? One twelve-year-old gets up very early to practise her act before going to school. "It's exhausting (3) ... but I like the circus life," she says. "The worst part is when I (4) ... new friends and have to leave them, although I try to keep in (5) ... with them." The person who (6) ... the circus (7) ... sure that all the children get a proper education. When the circus arrives in Britain, he (8) ... the traveller education service and gives them the details of all the children and when they will be in certain towns and cities. "It's a fantastic system, he says. "I receive a (9) ... when we (10) ... the next town telling us where to meet. We are then accompanied to the school and introduced to the head teacher."

Whether you like it or not, celebrity gossip is hard to avoid. Newspapers, magazines and websites are (1) ... with photos of the stars. Celebrities, (2) ... the badly-behaved ones, regularly (3) ... enormous publicity in the media. It seems we're (4) ... by scandal, eager to know who is going out whom, and whose marriage has just fallen apart. Thanks to the public's (5) ... for gossip, a paparazzo can be (6) ... $500,000 for each 'exclusive' photo of stars like Britney Spears and Cristiano Ronaldo

Celebrities (7) ... that money-hungry reporters and photographers follow them everywhere they go, often (8) ... them serious troubles. In response, celebrity hunters argue that famous people shouldn't be so sensitive. They should accept their loss of privacy as the (9) ... of wealth and success. But have things gone too far? Do we really have a 'right to read about stars having a mental breakdown, or to see pictures of them looking completely devastated after they've (10) ... up with their husband or wife? There seems to be a fine line between curiosity and cruelty.

Archaeologists (1) ... that a perfectly preserved 5,500-year-old shoe has been discovered in a cave in Armenia in south-west Asia. It is (2) ... to be the oldest leather shoe ever found. The shoe was made of a single piece of leather, stitched at the front and back, and was shaped to fit the wearer’s foot. It had been stuffed with grasses, either for warmth or to make sure it kept its shape. The shoe is relatively small but we can’t say for (3) ... whether it was worn by a man or a woman,’ says Dr Ron Pinhasi, an archaeologist on the research team. ‘We thought at first that it was about 600−700 years old because it was in such good shape.’ Shoes of this type from later periods have turned up in archaeological excavations in various places in Europe, and shoes of a very similar design were still being used on the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland as (4) ... as the 1950s. It’s obviously a style which (5) ... popular for thousands of years.

Archaeologists (1) ... that a perfectly preserved 5,500-year-old shoe has been discovered in a cave in Armenia in south-west Asia. It is (2) ... to be the oldest leather shoe ever found. The shoe was made of a single piece of leather, stitched at the front and back, and was shaped to fit the wearer’s foot. It had been stuffed with grasses, either for warmth or to make sure it kept its shape. The shoe is relatively small but we can’t say for (3) ... whether it was worn by a man or a woman,’ says Dr Ron Pinhasi, an archaeologist on the research team. ‘We thought at first that it was about 600−700 years old because it was in such good shape.’ Shoes of this type from later periods have turned up in archaeological excavations in various places in Europe, and shoes of a very similar design were still being used on the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland as (4) ... as the 1950s. It’s obviously a style which (5) ... popular for thousands of years.

What is the secret of long life? Reducing calorie intake by 30 per cent is thought to lead to a longer lifespan, but for many, this can mean (1) ... a starvation-like diet. However, scientists are now developing a drug which they believe can switch on a particular gene that has the same effect without the pain. A recent (2) ... of centenarians (дол­го­жи­те­ли) found, though, that many in the over-100 age group had led unhealthy lifestyles for a long period of their lives. For these people a long life is the (3) ... of a longevity gene and scientists have been working on a drug that can imitate this gene. Or is it all down to the mind? Some scientists believe that if we "think" younger our bodies will follow. Research has shown that by (4) ... people imagine they are twenty years younger, many of the (5) ... of ageing actually go into reverse.

What is the secret of long life? Reducing calorie intake by 30 per cent is thought to lead to a longer lifespan, but for many, this can mean (1) ... a starvation-like diet. However, scientists are now developing a drug which they believe can switch on a particular gene that has the same effect without the pain. A recent (2) ... of centenarians (дол­го­жи­те­ли) found, though, that many in the over-100 age group had led unhealthy lifestyles for a long period of their lives. For these people a long life is the (3) ... of a longevity gene and scientists have been working on a drug that can imitate this gene. Or is it all down to the mind? Some scientists believe that if we "think" younger our bodies will follow. Research has shown that by (4) ... people imagine they are twenty years younger, many of the (5) ... of ageing actually go into reverse.

Audio books are recordings of books read aloud. In recent years, their sales have (1) ... rapidly, with many more books becoming available through streaming services. In fact, many titles often appear online at the same time as the printed books are published. There are various reasons for their (2) ... popularity. Firstly, it is possible to listen to an audio book while relaxing or doing household tasks like washing and cleaning, when travelling to school or work, and doing exercise or sport while you are on your (3) .... Many people, of course, would like to read more, but simply do not have enough time; here, too, audio books can (4) ... a huge difference. Whenever somebody has a few moments to (5) ..., they can switch on their relevant device and settle down to listen to the next chapter of their favourite book.

Not many people enjoy having their photo taken at a birthday party or special event. However, taking photos could also be damaging our ability to remember special moments: A group of experts (1) ... out an experiment in an art gallery. They wanted to see if people remembered paintings better when they took pictures of them. The first tour guide led one group of people around. As well as learning about the artwork, they were encouraged to take photographs. A second group had the same tour but weren’t (2) ... to use their cameras. The next day, their memory was tested to see how much they could remember about the paintings. Although both groups did well in the memory test, the people who didn’t take photographs remembered more (3) ... to the others. Despite taking photographs, it seems the photographers didn’t (4) ... as much attention to the paintings. So, although they have photographs to look back at, they don’t have the memories.