The Thread of Permanence
By William Zorach

It is a wonderful feeling to create something. But today, I think there is a lack of power of communication. If people, not just artists, but all kinds of people, could only open their hearts and express their sorrow, their happiness, their fears and hopes, they would discover they had an identity with the main stream of life which they never saw before.

sometimes fear and cynicism so grip our minds that we lose heart. Then I try to remember how the great artists of the ages had the power of expressiveness. Theirs was the power to communicate, to exalt, to move the observer to joy or tears, to strike terror and awe in the hearts of men; not just to decorate or merely entertain.

If we can expand the boundaries of men's thoughts and beliefs, we will discover we all have creative possibilities - talents to make ourselves real identities as individuals, with a hold on the thread of immortality. If we can awaken ourselves to it, I am convinced we shall find that this is an alive and exciting age of adventure and experimentation from which a new beauty and a finer world will emerge.

4. 经典电影 独立日
Good morning.
In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in this history of mankind. Mankind -- that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps its fate that today is the 4th of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom, not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution -- but from annihilation. We're fighting for our right to live, to exist. And should we win the day, the 4th of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in
one voice:" We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive!" Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!

3 经典散文 the only way to make a friend 交友的唯一方式
The Only Way to Make a Friend
By Herbert Lehman


So many things affect a man’s philosophy and his life that I find it difficult to put into words my personal beliefs. I hesitate to speak of them publicly for fear of giving the appearance of preaching.

Two convictions, however, I believe have more than any others influenced my thinking both in private and in public life.

First, commonplace as it may sound, I am convinced that what we get out of life is in direct proportion to what we put into it. Second, I must respect the opinions of others even if I disagree with them.

Throughout my long and rather busy career I have always held firmly to the belief that I owe life as much as it owes to me. If that philosophy is sound, and I believe that it is, it applies, I hope, to all of my activities—to my home, to my daily work, to my politics, and above all things to my relationships to others.

Life is not a one-way street. What I do, what I say, even what I think, inevitably has a direct effect on my relationships with others. I am certain that in the degree that my attitude towards others has given convincing proof of loyalty, sincerity, honesty, courtesy, and fairness, I have encouraged in others the same attitude towards me. Respect begets respect, suspicion begets suspicion, hate begets hate. It has been well said that “The only way to have a friend is to be one.”

None of the blessings of our great American heritage of civil liberties is self-executing. To make effective such things as brotherhood, kindliness, sympathy, human decency, the freedom of opportunity, the very preciousness of life—to make these things real requires respect and constant vigilance. This is the core of my American Faith.

As I have said, I believe I must help to safeguard to all men free expression of their views even though I may be in disagreement with them. I must listen to and study responsible views; sometimes I will learn much from them. No individual and no nation has a monopoly of wisdom or talent. When an individual or a nation becomes self-satisfied or complacent, it is time, I believe, to be deeply concerned. He who closes his ears to the views of others shows little confidence in the integrity of his own views.

There can be no question with regard to the inherent rights of Americans to enjoy equal economic opportunity in every field, to secure decent living conditions, adequate provision for the moral and spiritual development of their children, and to free association with their fellow men as equals under the law and equals in the sight of God. These rights can be safeguarded and advanced only where men may think and speak freely. I reject a fundamental principle of democracy if I seek to prevent a fellow citizen of different background from fully expressing his thoughts on any subject. I have tried to express a few of my own thoughts on this subject which is very close to me. I think that we will have good reason for optimism about the future of the American ideal as long as men can and will say, without fear, what they believe.

4 词汇掌故 fireworks 烟火
Now, the VOA Special English program, Words and Their Stories.

I’m Rich Kleinfeldt.

Today we tell about the word fireworks.

The expression “fireworks” gets its meaning from the fireworks that people shoot into the sky when they are celebrating a great event. Rockets explode to fill the dark, night sky with bright reds and blues, with yellows and greens and whites.

The expression also means a great show of noisy anger, or something exciting. For example, a defense lawyer in a court trial may become very emotional in arguing with the government lawyer about evidence affecting the accused. The judge finally stops the loud argument and calls the two lawyers forward. He tells them, "I want no more of these fireworks in my courtroom."

Another kind of fireworks can be any event or activity that is especially exciting. One such event is falling in love. If anything can produce fireworks, it is a sweetheart's kiss or the touch of a lover's hand. Often movie or television cartoons show fireworks to represent the excitement of a kiss.

People use the expression fireworks throughout the year. But if you live in the United States and want to see real fireworks, the best time of the year is about now. The Fourth of July is Independence Day in the United States. Americans traditionally celebrate their nation's freedom with giant public parties and fireworks at night.

In Washington, for example, large crowds gather near the Washington Monument to listen to music and watch a huge fireworks show. In other cities and smaller towns, local people listen to band concerts and watch fireworks explode in a dark sky.

Many other countries around the world also enjoy the tradition of exploding fireworks on special days. In Australia, the city of Sydney begins each new year with a fireworks show at midnight. China is the birthplace of fireworks. Large fireworks shows were held often during earlier times in China. Now, people use small fireworks to help celebrate weddings and birthdays.

France also has a great fireworks tradition. A large fireworks show always takes place on Bastille day which celebrates the beginning of the French Revolution. The French city of Cannes holds an international fireworks competition each year in July and August.

In India, people have been using fireworks for more than five hundred years. A great Indian fireworks show takes place during the religious celebration of Diwali, every autumn.

Fireworks shows are popular around the world. But if I do not end this program right now, there will be fireworks from my producer.

2 心灵鸡汤 butterfly effect of life人生的蝴蝶效应
“Thank you for your application. We would like to congratulate you,” the letter read. Those words can make your heart skip a beat and bring tears to your eyes. The feeling of following your dreams is inexplicable and proof that all your hard work was worth it.
“感谢你的申请。我们要恭喜你，”信上写道。那些话能使你的心为之一颤，让你热泪盈眶。追随梦想的感受是难以言喻的，并且证明你所有的努力都是值得的。

It is a signpost in life, a trail marker. It is a day you will never forget, the day you opened that envelope and your future was revealed. But what about all those days in-between—the ones that make and break you, the days that are nothing special.
那是人生中的一个标记，人生路上的里程碑。那是你永远不会忘记的日子，那天你打开那个信封，你的未来就随之展现。但是在你获得录取信之前的所有日子呢？那些使你成功也使你崩溃的日子，那些平平淡淡的日子。

Would you have received that acceptance letter had you not attended the college fair at your school? What if you had forgotten to send an essay with your application, would you have been rejected?
要是你那时没有参加学校的学院展，你还会收到录取信吗？如果当时在寄申请书的时候，你忘记附上一篇个人陈述，你会被拒绝吗？

In life, one step creates the next. Each day is of equal importance, no matter how good or bad. There is no moment in life that does not matter. Regardless of how insignificant, each choice, each day, each idea, is the birth of the next. Something simple can completely reshape your life. It’s just like the Butterfly Effect and you never know what is at the end. To go back in time and change one moment in the many that create your life could change everything that follows.
人生中，步步相随。无论好与坏，每一天都一样的重要。人生中没有一个时刻是无关紧要的。不管如何不值一提，每个选择、每一天、每个想法，都会引出下一步。简单的事情可以完全重塑你的人生。那就像是“蝴蝶效应”，你永远不知道最后的结果是什么。若回顾从前并改变创造你人生的众多时刻中的一个，随后的一切也会被改变。

If I’ve learned anything, it is that everything matters. You can struggle through life in an attempt to create the perfect path, but the truth is you will always wonder if it could have been better. Everything is important and nothing need be changed—to climb up the hill may be difficult, but you’ll reach the top no matter which path you choose.
要是说我悟出什么道理，那就是任何事情都是重要的。你可以奋斗一生，试图创造完美的人生之路，但事实是你总是怀疑是否原本有更好的路可以走。每件事情都是重要的，任何事情都无需改变——攀山的过程可能是艰辛的，但无论你选择哪条道路，你终会到达顶峰。

3 哲理短文 four wives四个妻子
Four Wives
　　There was a rich merchant who had four wives. He loved the fourth wife the most, taking great care of her and giving her nothing but the best. He also loved the third wife very much. He's very proud of her and always wanted to show off her to his friends. However, the merchant was always in great fear that she might run away with some other men. He, too, loved his second wife. She was very considerate and patient. Whenever the merchant faced any problems, he always turned to his second wife and she would always help him out and put him through difficult times. Now, the merchant's first wife was a very loyal partner and ad made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and business as well as taking care of the household. However, the merchant did not love her and although she loved him deeply, he hardly took any notice of her.
　　One day, the merchant fell ill. Before long, he knew that he was going to die soon. He thought of his luxurious life and told himself, "Now I have four wives with me. But when I die, I'll be alone. How lonely I'll be!" Thus, he asked the fourth wife, "I loved you most. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No way!" replied the fourth wife and she walked away without another word. The answer cut like a sharp knife right into the merchant's heart. The sad merchant then asked the third wife, "I have loved you so much for all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" "No!" replied the third wife. "Life is so good over here! I'm going to remarry when you die!" The merchant's heart sank and turned cold. He then asked the second wife, "I always turned to you for help and you've always helped me out. Now I need your help again. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" replied the second wife. "At the very most, I can only send you to your grave." The answer came like a bolt of thunder and the merchant was driven to despair. Then a voice called out, "I'll follow you, wherever you go." The merchant looked up and there was his first wife. She was so skinny, as if she suffered from malnutrition. The merchant said, "I should have taken much better care of you while I could have!"
　　Actually, we all have four wives in our lives:
　　The fourth wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we spend in making it look good, it'll leave us when we die.
　　The third wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, they all go to others.
　　The second wife is our family and friends. No matter how close they have been there for us when we're alive, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.
　　The first wife is in fact our soul, often neglected in our pursuit of material wealth and sensual pleasure. Guess what? It is actually the only thing that follows us wherever we go. Perhaps it's a good idea to cultivate and strengthen it now rather than to wait until we're on our deathbed to lament.

4 词汇掌故 hold
Now, Words and Their Stories, a VOA Special English program about American expressions.

现在是美国之音慢速英语《词汇掌故》。

I'm Rich Kleinfeldt with expressions made using the word "hold."

我是里奇•克林沸德（Rich Kleinfeldt），讲述与hold有关的表达。

"Can't hold a candle to" is a popular expression. It is from the time before electricity, when people used candles for light. Someone who lived in a big house would have a servant light his way by holding a candle. The expression meant that the person who cannot hold a candle to you is not fit even to be your servant. Now, it means such a person cannot compare or compete. In the following song, singer Dolly Parton tells her new love that her old flames, her old lovers, cannot compare with him...

短语"Can’t hold a candle to"（比不上）很常见。它源自人们使用蜡烛照明的无电年代。住在大房子里的人会有一个仆人为其举着蜡烛照明。那时这个短语指不能举蜡烛的人甚至不配做仆人。现在它意为无法比拟或竞争的人。接下来这首歌里，歌手多莉•帕顿（Dolly Parton）告诉新爱，旧爱远比不上他。

Another expression is "hold your tongue." It means to be still and not talk. "Hold your tongue" is not something you would tell a friend. But a parent or teacher might use the expression to quiet a noisy child.

另一个短语是"hold your tongue"，意思是保持缄默。该表达不用于朋友之间。但父母或老师能用这一短语让吵闹的孩子安静下来。

"Hold out" is an expression one hears often in sports reports and labor news. It means to refuse to play or work. Professional football and baseball players "hold out" if their team refuses to pay them what they think they are worth. Members of labor unions "hold out" and refuse to work until they get the work agreement they want.

短语"Hold out"常在体育新闻或劳工新闻中出现，意为拒绝打球或工作。如果职业足球或棒球队拒绝支付球员应得的薪资，其球员就会拒绝出赛。工会成员会罢工，直到他们得到想要的劳工合同。

The expression "hold up" has several different meanings. One is a robbery. A man with a gun may say, "This is a hold up. Give me your money." Another meaning is to delay. A driver late for work may tell his boss, "I was held up by heavy traffic." Someone who was robbed on the way to work might say, "Sorry, boss, I was held up by a hold up."

短语"hold up"有几种不同的意思。它有抢劫的意思。持枪男子可能会说，“抢劫，把钱交出来。”它还有延误的意思。开车上班迟到的员工可能告诉老板，“堵车耽误了时间。”在上班路上被抢劫的员工可能会说，“对不起老板，我被抢劫给耽搁了。”

Still another meaning of the expression is for a story to be considered true after an investigation. The same driver late for work could say, "My boss did not believe a hold up held me up. But the police confirmed what I said, so my story held up."

另一种意思是调查后确认属实的情况。同样开车上班迟到的员工可能说，“我老板不相信我被抢劫给耽搁了，但这得到了警方证实，所以我的说法经得起考验。”

"Hold on" is another expression. Often it means wait or stop. As you leave for school, your brother may say, "Hold on, you forgot your book."

短语"Hold on"通常指等一下或停一下。你去上学时，弟弟可能会说，“等一下，你忘了带书。”

"Hold on" is used to ask a telephone caller to wait and not hang up his telephone. If you call a library to ask for a book, the librarian might say, "Hold on while I look for it."

短语"Hold on"还用于让来电者稍等，不要挂电话。如果你打电话至图书馆找一本书，图书管理员可能说，“稍等一下，我正在找。”

Our final expression is "hold the line." That means to keep a problem or situation from getting worse -- to hold steady. For example, the president may say he will "hold the line on taxes." He means there will be no increase in taxes.

我们讲述最后一个短语是"hold the line" ，意思是防止问题或事态恶化，保持稳定。例如，总统可能说他将保持税收稳定。他的意思是不再加税。

Now, I must "hold the line" on this program -- I have no more time left today.

现在，我必须保持节目平稳，因为今天的节目时间快到了。

This VOA Special English program Words and Their Stories was written by Frank Beardsley.

以上是美国之音慢速英语《词汇掌故》，由弗兰克•贝斯里（Frank Beardsley）撰写。

I'm Rich Kleinfeldt.

我是里奇•克林沸德。

2. 人生感悟 decline of reading 阅读的衰退
[00:00.15]Decline of Reading
阅读的衰退
[00:03.24]We have a crisis on our hands.
我们正面临着危机。
[00:06.29]You mean global warming?
你是指全球变暖问题？
[00:08.19]The world economy?
世界经济问题？
[00:09.42]No, the decline of reading.
不，是阅读衰退的问题。
[00:13.16]People are just not doing it anymore, especially the young.
大家现在都不读书了，尤其是年轻人。
[00:17.49]Who's responsible?
谁该负责？
[00:19.48]Actually, it's more like, What is responsible?
其实，问题更应该问成:什么该负责？
[00:23.46]The Internet, of course,and everything that comes with it—Facebook, Twitter.
当然是因特网，还有所有伴随它而生的产物，比如脸谱网站，推特微博。
[00:29.38]You can write your own list.
你自己就可以列出个清单。
[00:32.08]There's been a warning about the imminent death of literate civilization for a long time.
很长时间以来就有读写文明即将消亡的警戒。
[00:38.44]In the 20th century, first it was the movies, then radio,then television that seemed to spell doom for the written world.
在20世纪，先是电影，然后是收音机，再然后是电视机，似乎都会给书写领域带来灭顶之灾。
[00:47.45]None did.Reading survived;in fact it not only survived,it has flourished.
但没有一样办到了这点。阅读幸存了下来；事实是它不仅幸存下来，它还兴旺得很。
[00:54.35]The world is more literate than ever before—there are more and more readers, and more and more books.
整个世界比以前任何时候都更有文化修养—世界拥有了越来越多的读者，越来越多的书籍。
[01:02.49]The fact that we often get our reading material online today is not something we should worry over.
我们如今时常从网上获取阅读材料，对这一事实我们无需过虑。
[01:09.15]The electronic and digital revolution of the last two decades has arguably shown the way forward for reading and for writing.
过去20年的电子，数字革命可以认为是为阅读和书写指明了前行的道路。
[01:18.40]Take the arrival of e-book readers as an example.
以电子书籍阅读器的推行为例。
[01:23.30]Devices like Kindle make reading more convenient and are a lot more environmentally friendly than the traditional paper book.
像Kindle这类设备是的阅读比起在传统纸张上进行的阅读更为方便，也环保得多。
[01:32.44]As technology makes new ways of writing possible,new ways of reading are possible.
正如科技使得新的书写方式成为可能，它也给新的阅读方式提供可能性。
[01:40.36]Interconnectivity allows for the possibility of a reading experience that was barely imaginable before.
互联性使我们有可能拥有在以前几乎是无法想象的阅读体验。
[01:46.32]Where traditional books had to make do with photographs and illustrations,an e-book can provide readers with an unlimited number of links:to texts, pictures, and videos.
传统书籍只能使用照片和插图，而电子书籍可以为读者提供到文本，图片和视频的无数链接。
[01:59.59]In the future, the way people write novels, history,and philosophy will resemble nothing seen in the past.
未来人们写作小说，历史和哲学的方式将和以往所见的方式完全不同。
[02:08.16]On the other hand, there is the danger of trivialization.
但另一方面确实存在着琐碎化的危险。
[02:10.57]One Twitter group is offering its followers single-sentence-long "digests" of the great novels.
在一个微博群它的粉丝提供优秀小说一句话长的摘要。
[02:20.35]War and Peace in a sentence?
一句话的《战争与和平》？
[02:23.14]You must be joking.
你在开玩笑吧。
[02:25.18]We should fear the fragmentation of reading.
我们应该警惕阅读的碎片化。
[02:28.31]There is the danger that the high-speed connectivity of the Internet will reduce our attention span—that we will be incapable of reading anything of length or which requires deep concentration.
存在着这样的危险:互联网的高速链接性会缩短我们的注意力，也就是说我们无法阅读任何一定长度或要求注意力高度集中的东西。
[02:42.19]In such a fast-changing world,in which reality seems to be remade each day,we need the ability to focus and understand what is happening to us.
在如此快速变化的世界中，现实似乎每天都被重新缔造，我们需要有能力集中注意力并理解正在发生的事情。
[02:53.25]This has always been the function of literature and we should be careful not to let it disappear.
这从来都是文学所具有的功能，我们应该小心，别让这个功能消失。
[02:59.31]Our society needs to be able to imagine the possibility of someone utterly in tune with modern technology but able to make sense of a dynamic, confusing world.
我们的社会要能够设想出现这种人的可能性:他既完全和现代科技合拍，又能理解这个时刻变化，令人迷惑的世界。

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