Life
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Tree Snails Released Back to Polynesia After 30 Years: Can They Restore Ecological Balance?
“In the month of April in the year 2023, a grand total of 5,000 Polynesian tree snails (hereinafter referred to as tree snails) embarked on a momentous journey spanning an astounding distance of 15,000 kilometers by means of air travel. Their final destination was none other than the majestic islands of Moorea and Tahiti, nestled within the enchanting realm of French Polynesia. These resplendent snails, on the brink of extinction upon the Polynesian isles, have been the subject of unwavering scientific endeavors spanning three decades, all aimed at restoring their vibrant existence. Tree snails, indigenous denizens of the Polynesian islands, possess a diminutive stature, measuring less than 2.5 centimeters in…
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Rachel Carson: The Gentle Warrior Who Awakened the Modern Environmental Movement
With a tranquil demeanor, Rachel Carson does not appear to be a trailblazer who dares to revolutionize the world, yet she employs scientific concepts “fortified” by literature to rouse the world’s perception of nature, devoid of any hint of modesty or condescension. Carson was born in the petite town of Spring Creek, Pennsylvania. Her mother’s melodic aptitude and reverence served as the spiritual nourishment she assimilated from an early age. During her formative years at a women’s college, Carson fearlessly transitioned to the field of biology. Simultaneously, her affection for reading and writing, coupled with her acute intellect, rendered her almost destined to become an “ecological writer.” In 1932, Carson…
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My New Life: Unpacking, Painting, and Growing
I embarked on solitary living. My abode occupies the fifth level, where my minuscule existence remains concealed. The climate is delightful, for it is the balmy season of spring. Its zephyr emerges through crevices, and the illumination is exceedingly faint, gently alighting upon the beige drapes. This fabric, adorning the curtains, was initially preserved by my grandmother. Similar to me, she possesses an affinity for accumulating trifles. Gradually, an abundance of possessions amasses, inundating the entire cabinet with seemingly “useless” items. Nonetheless, we perpetually assert: “They shall prove useful when the need arises!” Indeed, my rental abode is devoid of any belongings; everything is immaculately white, while the verdant grass…
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From “Dumb Kid” to Model Student: My Journey of Overcoming Academic Challenges
My academic performance has not been very proficient since I was a child. Elementary calculations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division were repeated, yet few were accurate; Chinese pinyin was learned repeatedly, but it took a considerable amount of time to recognize it; even in aesthetic education courses such as music, I was admonished by the teacher for my lack of musicality. I cannot fathom why, but during that period, I resembled a dauntless unicorn with exceedingly limited aptitude. Despite the hardships each day presented, I remained sanguine, engaging in a clandestine competition with myself, firmly convinced that I was the most formidable warrior. As I matured, a clearer understanding…
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Liu Dacai’s Kung Fu: A Story of Craftsmanship and Resilience
Surrounded by majestic mountains and meandering water, Dadao Mountain encompasses the entire village, and Liu Dacai possesses unparalleled swordsmanship. Residing in the picturesque hamlet of Dapingzi, nestled halfway up the mountain behind Dadao Mountain, Liu Dacai was sought after by every household during festivities, joyous occasions, matrimonial unions, and the arrival of new daughters-in-law. Renowned as a culinary virtuoso, Liu Dacai’s expertise in butchery, meat carving, vegetable preparation, and orchestrating grand feasts was truly an art form. The severed head, trotters, and choice cuts of meat were meticulously arranged, eliciting unanimous admiration. In particular, the two-knife technique, resembling a celestial crescent, evoked awe. Paying visits to relatives and accompanying the…
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From Abandoned Manor to Ecological Garden Farm: A Story of Transformation and Renewal
After the Ear Grain, the copious rains momentarily ceased, and the weather finally commenced to clear up. During the weekend, Luo Feifei and his spouse embarked on an excursion. While traversing the scenic road encircling the lake, they caught sight of an estate. Recollecting that a comrade had captured breathtaking photographs of Lingxiao blossoms in this vicinity a few days ago, they resolved to alight from their vehicle and explore further. Ren Shaohang circumnavigated the estate and observed that all three gates were firmly shut. Seated at the rear, Luo Feifei possessed keen vision and espied an entryway through the verdant belt. Thus, she entreated him to park the car…
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A heartwarming tale of two “Mi”s: A stranger’s favor and a bond that transcends time and distance
Cutting potatoes into julienne, slicing cucumbers, and dicing eggplants, the rice knives resounded melodiously on the chopping board, while the basins brimming with vegetables were successively filled before me. Glistening droplets of perspiration cascaded swiftly along their natural course. Rice raised his arm, using the aged sleeve to dab at his countenance. After completing the vegetable preparation, he proceeded to steam the rice. As he scooped up the pristine grains, a serene smile graced his lips. A year later, due to land acquisition and demolition, he lost the ancestral abode that had sheltered him for decades, along with the meticulously cultivated land. Bereft of his cherished dwelling and fertile acreage,…
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Gaugamela: A Journey to Alexander the Great’s Greatest Victory
Before embarking upon an ancient battlefield, I typically engage in meticulous premeditation: prior to venturing into a particular country or region, I diligently scour the internet for precise coordinates and landmarks, and subsequently allocate dedicated time to explore the topography of the battlefield, guided by the map. Perhaps only Alexander the Great chanced upon the Gaugamela battlefield. Inadvertent to its significance, he traversed the hallowed grounds until the tour guide enlightened him, stating, ‘This expanse is the Gaugamela battlefield, a testament to Alexander’s prodigious triumphs.’ As the clock struck 1 am, I peered into the surroundings, hoping to espy monumental edifices. Alas, all that met my gaze were vast plains…
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Eastern and Western Embroidery: A Tale of Two Tapestry Traditions
“Modern Chinese embroidery art not only upholds the essence of ancient Chinese traditional embroidery, but also assimilates the characteristics of traditional Western embroidery techniques and Western painting styles, giving rise to a novel trend in modern Chinese embroidery techniques epitomized by Shen embroidery and random stitch embroidery. During the biannual London Textile Fabrics Exhibition (held in January and September), an array of fabrics, exuding elegance and grandeur, captivate fabric enthusiasts in various forms. Britain boasts a plethora of traditional embroidery types, including crosses, vestments, vestment embroidered ribbons, white linen robes and hooded shawls, cloak-style robes, sacrificial vestments, ribbons, socks, and more, intended for religious attire. Regardless of size or purpose,…
