What do Leonardo da Vincii, Marie Curie, and Albert Einstein have in common? They were all left-handed, along with other famous people including Brad Pitt Prince William, and Barack Obama. In fact, an estimated 13 percent of the world's population may be left-handed and still most people around the world are right-handed.

    What makes a person become right-handed rather than left-handed? As yet no one really knows for sure. One simple idea suggests that people normally get right-handedness from their parents. Studies have found that two right-handed parents have only a 9.5 percent chance of having a left-handed child, whereas two left-handed parents have a 26 percent chance of having a left-handed child. Another common theory is that left-handed people suffer mild brain damage during birth, which makes them left-handed. However, if this theory were true, it would not explain why the percentage of left-banded people is so similar in every society, when birth conditions vary so much from society to society.

    Whatever the reasons behind it, people's attitudes toward left-handedness have changed a lot over the years. Statistics show that although 13 percent of young people (10-20 years old) are left-handed, only 6 percent of the elderly are left-handed. Left-handed children used to be punished until they began using their right hand like other children, but today people who are left-handed are no longer looked down on nor are they considered abnormal. For most people today, either case is perfectly acceptable.

    Most young people enjoy some forms of physical activity. It may be walking, cycling, or swimming, or in winter, skating or skiing. It may be a game of some forms—football, basketball, hockey, golf or tennis. It may be mountaineering.

    Those who have a passion of climbing high and difficult mountains are often looked upon with astonishment. Why are men and women willing to suffer cold and hardship, and to take risks in high mountains? This astonishment is caused, probably, by the difference between mountaineering and other forms of activity to which men give their leisure.

    Mountaineering is a sport and not a game. There are no man-made rules, as there are for such games as golf and football. There are, of course, rules of different kinds which would be dangerous to ignore, but it is this freedom from man-made rules that makes mountaineering attractive to many people. Those who climb mountains are free to use their own methods.

    If we compare mountaineering with other more familiar sports we might think that one big difference is that mountaineering is not a “team game”. We should be mistaken in this. There are, it is true, no “matches” between “teams” of climbers, but when climbers are on a rock face linked by a rope on which their lives may depend, there is obviously teamwork.

    The mountain climber knows that he may have to fight forces that are stronger and more powerful than man. He has to fight the forces of nature. His sport requires high mental and physical qualities.

    A mountain climber continues to improve his skills year by year. A skier is probably past his best by the age of thirty. But it is not unusual for men of fifty or sixty to climb the highest mountains in the Alps. They may take more time than younger men, but they perhaps climb with more skills and less waste of effort, and they certainly experience equal enjoyment.

    Feeding birds is a popular way to watch wildlife. But experts say it might put wild birds at risk.

    Feeding birds is not necessary for their survival except in extreme weather conditions. Feeders(喂食器)can definitely help birds get through that kind of weather. But most birds eat insects and show little interest in bird feeders. For those birds, we can grow native plants in a natural environment. Birds which are fond of eating seeds will be more likely to come to feeders if there is some cover nearby. This lets them feed and then fly to protective areas, such as in trees.

    The most common mistake people make with their bird feeders is that they put feeders in places where birds are easily frightened by passers-by, risk being hurt by cats, or risk flying into windows.

    So set up a bird feeder at least one meter away from a window. That way, if a bird gets frightened, it won't get killed when it hits the glass. Owners of cats should keep them inside home so they can't hurt the birds.

    Some birds are more aggressive at feeders. They eat a lot and do not leave much food for other birds. A solution is to put the food in more than one place by using different kinds of seeds or fruits. This can also increase the number and diversity of birds in your neighborhood. But don't feed wild birds anything salty, like potato chips, or food that could choke them, like bread.

    Pay attention to food quality and freshness. Unprotected food left too long in feeders will turn moldy(发霉), which can kill wildlife.

    Another word of advice: Always provide a supply of clean water for birds, but use care when looking for the right birdbath. If the birdbaths are too deep for birds, putting a few large stones in the water can give the birds a place to sit.

    NYRR is celebrating 20 years of free youth running in Central Park at the NYRR Summer Community Run. This event is perfect for all ages, with waves for runners, walkers, and families with strollers(婴儿车), to encourage participation by all.

    Take on a 1.5-mile course and then enjoy the post-race festival full of fun activities.

    Note: Please be sure to register all those who will be participating on race day­including those little ones in the stroller.

    Live Results

    Live unofficial results are available during the race at liveresults.nyrr.org and in the NYRR app, including leaderboards, map tracking, and an individual runner search that can be shared on Twitter.

    Race Number Pickup

    Numbers and souvenir (New Balance water bottle) may be picked up at the NYRR RUNCENTER at 320 West 57th Street on the following dates:

    * Sunday, August 11, 9: 00 a. m. ­5: 00 p. m.

    * Monday­Friday, August 12­August 16, 7: 00 a. m. ­8: 00 p. m.

    * Saturday, August 17, 8: 00 a. m. ­7: 00 p. m.

    Show the QR code(二维码) from your race confirmation email or your NYRR account to pick up your race materials. Please pick up during the week to avoid crowds on race day. Race-day lines may affect your ability to get to the start on time. Please note that souvenirs may not be available at race-day pickup.

    Race-day pickup will be available at Race-Day Central in Central Park from 6: 00 a.m. to 7: 30 a. m.

    Detailed Route Info

    Begin your race on the west side of the 72nd St Transverse, and head south around the southern end of the park, continuing onto East Drive. Turn left onto the 72nd St Transverse and head to the finish line near Bethesda Terrace.

Four Best Zoos in the US

Saint Louis Zoo

Saint Louis Zoo is devoted to research and conservation. In 2022, it received the Worldwide Conservation Award from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums for research and work in the Galapagos Islands. The zoo is home to more than 16.000 animals, which are kept in clean and spacious natural habitats （栖息地）. Open year-round and free to visit, Saint Louis Zoo houses Andean bears, polar bears and Sumatran orangutans, to name a few.

Zoo Atlanta

Opened in 1889 and one of the oldest zoos in the US. Zoo Atlanta is one of the top zoos worth visiting in Atlanta. Home to giant pandas. Sumatran tigers and western lowland gorillas （猩猩）. the zoo participates in local and global conservation programs. Visitors say the gorilla s and giant pandas are two of the highlights here. Adults (12-64): $34; Seniors (65 &over): $32; Children (3-11): $26; Children (3 &under): free.

Bronx Zoo

With more than 700 species and an area of 265 acres, Bronx Zoo in New York City is the largest urban zoo in the US. Since it's hard to see the entire zoo in one day, prioritize must-see attractions like the Wild Asia Monorail （单轨列车） and the Congo Gorilla Forest during your visit. Adults (13 &over): $33.95+; Seniors (65 &over): $28.95+; Children (3-12): $23.95+; Children (2 &under): free.

Oakland Zoo

Oakland Zoo is situated about 20 miles east of down town San Francisco. It is home to more than 850 native and foreign species. Visitors can see African lions, American alligators and grizzly bears in large natural habitats. Zoogoers say they like the hillside layout and the Sky Ride that affords bird's-eye views of the animals. Children under 2 years and seniors (76+): free; Children (2-14) and adults (15-75): $15.75.