Attraction of the Minions

When it comes to film, people usually favor good over evil,focus on the hero and ignore the supporting characters. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

Originallycomedic background characters in the film Despicable Me(卑鄙的我), these yellow pill­shaped nuts, havetotally stolen the show and turned into a popular figure. This summer thecharacters debuted(首演)in their own self­titled movie in theaters abroad, having the second biggestopening weekend of all time for a cartoon film according to USAToday.Recently, McDonald's has been including Minion toys with kids' meals in someareas, causing loyal fans to flock to the restaurant to collect them all. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

Themovie's huge popularity even surprised its writers.“We never knew the Minionswere going to be so popular.It just became a force of nature，” the film's co­writer Cinco Paul toldthe LosAngelesTimes.

{#blank#}3{#/blank#}For many, the appeal is obviously their cuteness.Their simple nature can easilysurpass cultures and age groups.Even children can draw them.Thousands ofexamples of fan­made Minion art from fingernails to Halloween clothes arevisible on global social media platforms.

Butthere's more to the phenomenon than just cuteness.US entertainment website HitFix explains that their way of communicating makes the creatures influential aswell. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} But it seems everyone can understand them through theirexaggerated(夸张的)movements and expressions.

Moreimportantly, their childlike mannerisms is a brand of humor that winshearts.“Clumsy, foolish Minions are recognized as the ultimate betapersonalities，”wrote Peter Debruge of US entertainment magazine Variety.

Theydesire nothing more than to serve their most despicable master. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}“Perhaps we love Minions because they remind us of ourselves，” HuffingtonPost associate Web editor SaraBoboltz wrote, “or an evil version of ourselves.”

How to Pick the Perfect Family Tent

    People like camping. But to ensure everyone has a good time, choosing the right family tent is important. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Here's how to choose the perfect tent for your family.

    First of all, consider the size of the camps. Generally speaking, four-and-six-person tents are popular with families. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} But a couple of features（特点）can make all the difference. For families with small children, a tent with a single entrance is a better choice. This makes it easier to keep track of who's coming and going. Of course, two doors can offer added more convenience.

    Some tents require two full-grown adults to set them up. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Be sure to take into account the setup and breakdown needs of any model you're considering. It may be necessary to go with a smaller model, or even two smaller tents, rather than one large tent for your family.

{#blank#}4{#/blank#} Or, if friends have a tent, see if you can borrow it for an overnight in your backyard. You'll quickly discover what you like and don't like.

    As an alternative, many outdoor shops have rental departments. Do your research to determine what style and size you think would work best, and find out if you can rent that model or one that's similar. Finally, if you are in a rush, ask if you can climb inside the tent at the store. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. Getting in and out of the tent sounds basic.

B. To save money, you can make one on your own.

C. But you can turn to anyone for help when necessary.

D. It could be a problem if you're the only adult when camping.

E. Take the tent you are considering out for a “test drive” before you buy.

F. It's your home away from home, and the place where you'll sleep and relax.

G. This will give you a chance to assess all the features up close and in person.

    Here are six diet foods that can hurt your weight loss journey.

    Diet soda.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Drinking diet soda can make you likely to overeat. The answer is because your body is tricked into believing you're ingesting sugar and it makes you crave more.

    Microwave popcorn.

    Microwave popcorn contains the organic compound diacety to give you that butter taste. Try to avoid this ingredient! {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Granola bars.

    Commercial granola bars can be loaded with corn syrup, salt and processed oils that can add to your waistline.   {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Veggie burgers.

    Say isn't so! Going veggie could damage your diet. Read the labels.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}Also Hexane has been found in veggie burgers. This a gasoline by-product used during the process of separating soybeans into oil.

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    Yup. Low fat-products like yogurt can be loaded with sugar. In a cup of Stoneyfield Farm French Vanilla yogurt, there are 20-plus grams of sugar.

    Blue chips.

    Blue corn chips or vegetable chips are a great alternative to potato chips. But again, there needs to be portion control. They can be loaded with salt and fatty oils.

A. Roast meat.

B. Low fat yogurt

C. Diet soda can actually make you gain weight

D. You're better off making your own popcorn

E. Some are made with processed soy and loaded with oils and butter

F. It is as important for thinking as it is for lifting, especially as we age.

G. Opt(选择)for making your own granola at home, but watch your potions.

    Everyone dreams. If you've ever tried to figure out the meaning of a strange dream, you're not alone. Humans have been trying to make sense of dreams since recorded history. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Here are some of the findings.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} People with great creativity are more likely to dream about unusual settings and about blocks in the natural world, such as a log or a rock they can't get around.

    You've got a heart problem. People who have frequent nightmares may be significantly more likely to suffer from an irregular heartbeat or chest pain. If you have those problems, it's more difficult for you to breathe at night. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    You're avoiding something. Do you dream about being followed by a stranger, a monster, or a giant tidal wave? This could indicate that you're afraid to deal with something in your daily life. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    You'll have a good result in a test. Students whose performance improved were those who had dreamed about the maze (迷宫) during the sleep. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} This improves learning and problem-solving skills.

    Despite the fact that technology has vastly expanded our understanding of dreaming, much of what occurs when we're asleep remains as it has always been: a mystery.

A. How creative you are.

B. Dreaming may strengthen memories.

C. What kind of problem solver you are.

D. What can our dreams tell about ourselves?

E. How can we understand better about ourselves?

F. That explains why you cannot have a sound sleep.

G. Ask yourself what issue or emotion you're faced with.

Dangerous Driving Habits

Approximately 1. 3 million people around the world die in road accidents every year, making it one of the top ten causes of deaths. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}To prevent these consequences, here are some dangerous driving habits you should avoid.

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Were you actually surprised by this one? Here's the truth — you're 23 times more likely to crash if you text while driving. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}Disturbingly, 77 percent of young adult drivers say they can safely drive while texting. Actually, distracted driving accidents, including those caused by the use of handheld devices, form the No. 1 killer of teens, according to the NHTSA and others.

Drive when you're tired.

Avoid driving when you're tired, since you will have slower reaction times and you are very likely to fall asleep at the wheel. If you're exhausted and your body needs sleep, it is going to get it, one way or another. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}If you're already in the car, pull over and take a nap and then continue when you've woken up. Having someone with you in the car can help prevent accidents, since you are more likely to be alert if you have company.

Keep an eye on the kids.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, passengers are ranked by drivers as among the most frequent causes of distraction（分心）. Young children are four times as distracting as adults, while infants can be eight times more distracting, the AAA Foundation reports. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}.

A. Talk on the phone.

B. Text and update social media.

C. Therefore, keep an eye on the kids if you drive fast.

D. It takes about five seconds of attention to send a brief text.

E. If you're very tired, avoid driving home and take a cab instead.

F. So think twice before glancing at your little one at the backseat.

G. Another 20-50 million people are injured due to road accidents every year.