Computer Dreamer Who Invented the Mouse
Douglas C. Engelbart was 25, just engaged to (be MARRied) and
thinking about his future when he had a dream in 1950 that
(would change/has CHANGEd) the world.
He had a good job working at a government aerospace
laboratory in California, but he wanted to do something
(more) with his life, something of value that might last,
even outlive him. Then it came to him. In a single stroke
he (HAd) what might be safely called a complete
vision of the information age.
The angel in his dream spoke to him of technology’s
potential (EXPANDing) human intelligence, and from it he
made out a career that indeed had lasting impact. It led to a
host of inventions that became the basis for the Internet
and the modern personal computer.
In (LATEr) years, one of those inventions was given a
warmhearted name, reminding of a small, furry creature
given to scurrying across flat surfaces: the computer
mouse.
Computing was in its infancy when Dr. Engelbart entered
the field. Computers were ungainly room-size calculating
machines that could (be USEd) by only one person at a
time. Someone would feed them information in stacks of
punched cards and then wait hours for a printout of
answers. Interactive computing was a thing of the future,
or in science fiction. But it was growing in (DR. ENGELBART's)
restless mind.
In his dream, he saw himself (SITting) in front of a large
computer screen full of different symbols. The screen, he
thought, would serve as a display for a workstation that
would organize all the information and communications
for a given project.
Keeping fit
The fitness boom of the past decades led to a big rise in the numbers of people participating in sports and activities. Those who pursue the latest fitness fashion are convinced that staying in good physical form requires much more than regular exercise and balanced meals. For anyone who really wants to be healthy, fitness has become an integral part of their lives. A lot of health and fitness clubs, and public leisure centres that were created in many countries indicate the popularity of sports during the past thirty years. These centres with their swimming pools, sunshine beach, water slides, and tropical plants and gyms are very popular among the people. Families can spend their holidays at huge indoor water parks. In such places everybody will have much fun.
There are many opportunities for keeping fit. First of all it is necessary to do exercises. People of different ages can design exercises that will fit them. Running, jumping, swimming, bending and stretching are among the most popular exercises. Many people prefer jogging, which is the cheapest and the most accessible sport. Walking is a very popular activity too. For example, popular running competitions are now held everywhere. Lots of people want to see if they can run faster than everyone else. The big city marathons have become sporting events. Television and newspapers report about them in detail. In order to keep fit some people do aerobics or yoga; others prefer some kind of weight training in a gym. People can easily learn more about fitness through popular books and videos that are sold almost everywhere. A healthy body becomes a fashion, an ideal of the life of today. Even moderate physical activity can protect against heart disease and strokes as well as improve general health and the quality of life. Everyone can benefit from being a little more active. Making small changes like using the stairs instead of the lift or walking or cycling instead of taking the bus can help people live a more active, healthier and enjoyable life. Many sports activities have become part of daily Russian life. Football has always been the most popular sport among boys. Playing football is healthy; football also brings people close because in order to win people have to work as a team. Bicycling is very popular in Russia. Skiing, skating, fishing and hunting are wide spread in our country. In summer many people like to go to the bank of the river on a hot day to swim. Another activity that is popular in our country is roller-skating. Today it has reached its peak in our country. At present the lack of facilities make enthusiasts use city pavements or parking lots.
Unfortunately, many people do not take enough exercise to keep themselves healthy. According to the statistics nowadays 60 percent of men and 91 percent of women are below activity levels necessary for a fit and healthy life. Many men and women are overweight.
– I get up very early. Every morning I do my morning exercises. It takes me forty-five minutes to do them. Once a week I go to the swimming pool. On Sundays if the weather is fine I like to ride a bicycle in the park.
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