text:
MJ GALLERY AT PONTE 16 (MJ GALLERY, ) is an art gallery located on the second floor of the Ponte 16, Ponte 12A - 20, Rua das Lorchas e Rua do Visconde Paço de Arcos, Macau. It is the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia, and the second permanent exhibition venue in the world to exhibit artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson.

History

Hoffman Ma Ho Man, the executive director and deputy chairman of Success Universe Group Limited, began a collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia when he spent $350,000 USD at Julien's Auctions on November 22, 2009, in Times Square, New York City.[1][2][3] on a crystal glove that Jackson wore in 1983 during a televised performance as part of the 25th anniversary of Motown.

In addition, he purchased ten other items: including a platinum music recording sales certification by the Recording Industry Association of America, which is signed by Jackson.[4][5][6] There were more than 40 Jackson-related items in the auction.[7][8]

The MJ Gallery facilities

The MJ Gallery covers more than 4,000 square meters and accommodates approximately 200 people per hour.[9][10]

It is divided into four sections: _Time Tunnel_, _Main Exhibition Hall_, _Billie Jean Setting,_ and the _Ponte 16 Gift Gallery._

-   TIME TUNNEL (): features “MJ, The King of Pop” at the entrance, with Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 as the first stop in Michael Jackson's biography.[11][12]
-   MAIN EXHIBITION HALL (): features Neverland Ranch, “We Are the World”, and _Thriller_ artworks and album materials.[13]
-   BILLIE JEAN SETTING (): features scenes from the music video "Thriller, including CD covers of Michael Jackson albums, and his suit from _Men in Black II_ .[14][15][16]
-   PONTE 16 GIFT GALLERY (): Offers Michael Jackson-themed gifts and souvenirs.[17][18]

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

title: MJ Gallery at Ponte 16

question: Where is the MJ Gallery?

answer: The MJ Gallery is located on the second floor of the Ponte 16.

text: Is not specific as to the geographical location of Ponte 16.

refinement: The MJ Gallery is located on the second floor of the Ponte 16 in Rua das Lorchas e Rua do Visconde Paço de Arcos, Macau.

text: "MJ GALLERY AT PONTE 16 (MJ GALLERY, ) is an art gallery located on the second floor of the Ponte 16" is evidence that the second floor of Ponte 16 is the location of the MJ Gallery.

answer: The MJ Gallery is located in Ponte 16, Macau.

text: "MJ GALLERY AT PONTE 16 (MJ GALLERY, ) is an art gallery located on the second floor of the Ponte 16, Ponte 12A - 20, Rua das Lorchas e Rua do Visconde Paço de Arcos, Macau" is evidence that the location given is correct.

answer: The second floor of the Ponte 16 [building] in Macau.

text: "MJ GALLERY AT PONTE 16 (MJ GALLERY, ) is an art gallery located on the second floor of the Ponte 16, Ponte 12A - 20, Rua das Lorchas e Rua do Visconde Paço de Arcos, Macau" is evidence that the location given is correct.

question: What does the MJ Gallery showcase?

answer: Artifacts and memorabilia from Mr. Jackson's life and work.

text: The answer does not use Michael Jackson's full name, so it is unclear who "Mr. Jackson" is and why he is significant.

refinement: Artifacts and memorabilia from Michael Jackson's life and work.

text: "It is the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia, and the second permanent exhibition venue in the world to exhibit artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson" is evidence that the gallery showcases artifacts and memorabilia from Mr. Jackson's life.

answer: Artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson.

text: "It is the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia, and the second permanent exhibition venue in the world to exhibit artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson" is evidence that the gallery showcases artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson.

answer: Artifacts and memorabilia relating to Michael Jackson.

text: "It is the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia, and the second permanent exhibition venue in the world to exhibit artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson" is evidence that the gallery showcases artifacts and memorabilia relating to Michael Jackson.

question: Whose collection is on display?

answer: Hoffman Ma Ho Man, the executive director and deputy chairman of Success Universe Group Limited.

text: "Hoffman Ma Ho Man, the executive director and deputy chairman of Success Universe Group Limited, began a collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia" is evidence that the collection belonged to Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

answer: On display at the MJ Gallery are items from the collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia owned by Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

text: "Hoffman Ma Ho Man, the executive director and deputy chairman of Success Universe Group Limited, began a collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia" is evidence that the collection belonged to Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

answer: On display are items purchased by (belonging to) Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

text: "Hoffman Ma Ho Man, the executive director and deputy chairman of Success Universe Group Limited, began a collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia" is evidence that the collection belonged to Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

question: List the sections of the MJ Gallery.

answer: Time Tunnel, Main Exhibition Hall, Billie Jean Setting, and Ponte 16 Gift Gallery.

text: "It is divided into four sections: _Time Tunnel_, _Main Exhibition Hall_, _Billie Jean Setting,_ and the _Ponte 16 Gift Gallery._" is evidence that the four sections listed are accurate.

answer: Time Tunnel, Main Exhibition Hall, Billie Jean Setting, and the Ponte 16 Gift Gallery

text: "It is divided into four sections: _Time Tunnel_, _Main Exhibition Hall_, _Billie Jean Setting,_ and the _Ponte 16 Gift Gallery._" is evidence that the four sections listed are accurate.

answer: Time Tunnel, Main Exhibition Hall, Billie Jean Setting, Ponte 16 Gift Gallery.

text: "It is divided into four sections: _Time Tunnel_, _Main Exhibition Hall_, _Billie Jean Setting,_ and the _Ponte 16 Gift Gallery._" is evidence that the four sections listed are accurate.

question: How many Michael Jackson-themed galleries are in Asia?

answer: This is the first gallery of its kind.

text: While this is the first such gallery in Asia, it is not the first of its kind but rather the second.

refinement: This is the first gallery of its kind in Asia.

text: Does not mention that the article is unclear if any subsequent galleries have been established in Asia.

refinement: This is the first gallery of its kind in Asia. The article does not mention if any more have been established since.

answer: This is the first; it is not mentioned it any others have been established since.

text: Typo ("it" instead of "if").

refinement: This is the first; it is not mentioned if any others have been established since.

text: "It is the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia" is evidence that this is the first such gallery in Asia.

answer: Only two permanent exhibition venues in the world exhibit artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson. Two others can't be confirmed from the story.

text: Does not answer the question of how many of those venues are in Asia,.

refinement: Only two permanent exhibition venues in the world exhibit artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson. Two others can't be confirmed from the story. This is the first one located in Asia.

text: The line "Two others can't be confirmed" seems to imply there are two more beyond the ones listed in the article. That is unattested.

refinement: Only two permanent exhibition venues in the world exhibit artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson. This is the first one located in Asia.

text: Does not state that it is unclear whether more have been built in Asia.

refinement: Only two permanent exhibition venues in the world exhibit artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson. This is the first one located in Asia. It is not stated whether any more have been established in Asia since.

question: Write a ~2 sentence summary.

answer: MJ Gallery is a Michael Jackson-themed art gallery located at Ponte 16 in Macau and is the first of its kind in the Asia region. It includes objects and artifacts of Michael Jackson's life and work. The gallery has an entryway before leading into an exhibition hall with exhibits that include scenes from the music video, "Thriller," copies of Michael Jackson albums, and his suit from "Men in Black II."

text: Omits mention that the gallery consists of the collection of Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

refinement: MJ Gallery is a Michael Jackson-themed art gallery located at Ponte 16 in Macau and is the first of its kind in the Asia region. It includes objects and artifacts of Michael Jackson's life and work and consists of the collection of Hoffman Ma Ho Man. The gallery has an entryway before leading into an exhibition hall with exhibits that include scenes from the music video, "Thriller," copies of Michael Jackson albums, and his suit from "Men in Black II."

text: "located on the second floor of the Ponte 16, Ponte 12A - 20, Rua das Lorchas e Rua do Visconde Paço de Arcos, Macau" is evidence that confirms the stated location of the exhibit.

text: "It is the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia" is evidence that this is in fact a Michael Jackson-themed gallery and that it is the first of its kind in Asia.

text: "BILLIE JEAN SETTING (): features scenes from the music video "Thriller, including CD covers of Michael Jackson albums, and his suit from _Men in Black II" is evidence confirming the listed contents of the gallery.

answer: MJ Gallery is located on the second floor of Ponte 16 art gallery in Macau. It features an exhibit of artifacts from Michael Jackson's life and career for a total price of $624,700 USD. The gallery contains four sections: the Time Tunnel, the Main Exhibition Hall, Billie Jean Setting, and the Ponte 16 Gift Gallery. The exhibit includes clothing worn in Thriller music video, memorabilia of music awards, and a display of the Neverland Ranch from the music video Men In Black II.

text: The total price of the items in the gallery is unattested.

refinement: MJ Gallery is located on the second floor of Ponte 16 art gallery in Macau. It features an exhibit of artifacts from Michael Jackson's life and career. The gallery contains four sections: the Time Tunnel, the Main Exhibition Hall, Billie Jean Setting, and the Ponte 16 Gift Gallery. The exhibit includes clothing worn in Thriller music video, memorabilia of music awards, and a display of the Neverland Ranch from the music video Men In Black II.

text: The list of contents is inaccurate (for example, that Men In Black II is a music video).

refinement: MJ Gallery is located on the second floor of Ponte 16 art gallery in Macau. It features an exhibit of artifacts from Michael Jackson's life and career. The gallery contains four sections: the Time Tunnel, the Main Exhibition Hall, Billie Jean Setting, and the Ponte 16 Gift Gallery. The exhibit includes scenes from the Thriller music video, CD covers of Michael Jackson albums, and his suit from Men In Black II.

text: Omits mention of Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

refinement: MJ Gallery is located on the second floor of Ponte 16 art gallery in Macau. It features an exhibit of artifacts from Michael Jackson's life and career. The gallery contains four sections: the Time Tunnel, the Main Exhibition Hall, Billie Jean Setting, and the Ponte 16 Gift Gallery. The exhibit includes scenes from the Thriller music video, CD covers of Michael Jackson albums, and his suit from Men In Black II. The gallery is sourced from the collection of Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

text: "located on the second floor of the Ponte 16, Ponte 12A - 20, Rua das Lorchas e Rua do Visconde Paço de Arcos, Macau" is evidence that confirms the stated location of the exhibit.

answer: The MJ Gallery at Ponte 16 in Macau is a permanent exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia relating to Michael Jackson. The items on display were purchased by Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

text: Omits mention that this gallery is the first of its kind in Asia.

refinement: The MJ Gallery at Ponte 16 in Macau is a permanent exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia relating to Michael Jackson. The items on display were purchased by Hoffman Ma Ho Man. This is the first such gallery in Asia.

text: "located on the second floor of the Ponte 16, Ponte 12A - 20, Rua das Lorchas e Rua do Visconde Paço de Arcos, Macau" is evidence that confirms the stated location of the exhibit.

text: "Hoffman Ma Ho Man, the executive director and deputy chairman of Success Universe Group Limited, began a collection of Michael Jackson memorabilia when he spent $350,000 USD at Julien's Auctions on November 22, 2009" is evidence that the items were purchased by Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

answer: MJ Gallery at Ponte 16 (MJ Gallery) is an art gallery located in Macau that, when it opened in January 2020, was the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia and the second permanent exhibition venue in the world to exhibit artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson. It is divided into four sections: the Time Tunnel, which features an entrance to MJ Gallery and MJ, The King of Pop, followed by a biography with him and the Jackson 5, the Main Exhibition Hall, which features artwork related to Neverland Ranch, "We Are the World", and "Thriller", Billie Jean Setting, where the viewer can visit scenes from the music video "Thriller", and the Ponte 16 Gift Gallery, which features gifts and souvenirs inspired by MJ's iconic style.

text: The opening date of January 2020 is unattested (and incorrect, as the gallery seems to have been established in 2010).

refinement: MJ Gallery at Ponte 16 (MJ Gallery) is an art gallery located in Macau that was the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia and the second permanent exhibition venue in the world to exhibit artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson. It is divided into four sections: the Time Tunnel, which features an entrance to MJ Gallery and MJ, The King of Pop, followed by a biography with him and the Jackson 5, the Main Exhibition Hall, which features artwork related to Neverland Ranch, "We Are the World", and "Thriller", Billie Jean Setting, where the viewer can visit scenes from the music video "Thriller", and the Ponte 16 Gift Gallery, which features gifts and souvenirs inspired by MJ's iconic style.

text: For clarity's sake, the four sections should be listed without their contents, as the current phrasing makes it unclear which are the titles of the four sections.

refinement: MJ Gallery at Ponte 16 (MJ Gallery) is an art gallery located in Macau that was the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia and the second permanent exhibition venue in the world to exhibit artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson. It is divided into four sections: the Time Tunnel, the Main Exhibition Hall, Billie Jean Setting, and the Ponte 16 Gift Gallery.

text: Does not mention Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

refinement: MJ Gallery at Ponte 16 (MJ Gallery) is an art gallery located in Macau that was the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia and the second permanent exhibition venue in the world to exhibit artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson. It is divided into four sections: the Time Tunnel, the Main Exhibition Hall, Billie Jean Setting, and the Ponte 16 Gift Gallery. The gallery is sourced from the collection of Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

text: "located on the second floor of the Ponte 16, Ponte 12A - 20, Rua das Lorchas e Rua do Visconde Paço de Arcos, Macau" is evidence that confirms the stated location of the exhibit.

answer: MJ Gallery is the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia and features objects from his life and work. It is divided into four sections: _Time Tunnel_, _Main Exhibition Hall_, _Billie Jean Setting_, and the _Ponte 16 Gift Gallery._

text: Confusing formatting (underscores).

refinement: MJ Gallery is the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia and features objects from his life and work. It is divided into four sections: Time Tunnel, Main Exhibition Hall, Billie Jean Setting, and the Ponte 16 Gift Gallery.

text: Does not mention Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

refinement: MJ Gallery is the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia and features objects from his life and work. It is divided into four sections: Time Tunnel, Main Exhibition Hall, Billie Jean Setting, and the Ponte 16 Gift Gallery. It consists of the collection of Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

text: Does not mention the location of the gallery.

refinement: MJ Gallery, located in the Ponte 16 in Macau, is the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia and features objects from his life and work. It is divided into four sections: Time Tunnel, Main Exhibition Hall, Billie Jean Setting, and the Ponte 16 Gift Gallery. It consists of the collection of Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

answer: MJ Gallery at Ponte 16 is the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia, and the second permanent exhibition venue in the world to exhibit artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson.

text: Does not mention Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

refinement: MJ Gallery at Ponte 16 is the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia, and the second permanent exhibition venue in the world to exhibit artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson. The gallery consists of the collection of Hoffman Ma Ho Man.

text: "It is the first Michael Jackson-themed gallery in Asia, and the second permanent exhibition venue in the world to exhibit artifacts from the life and work of Michael Jackson" is evidence that this is the first gallery of its kind in Asia and the second such exhibition in the world.


split: train

text:
The Million Mile Road

I have walked this path for as long as I can remember. The days and nights blend together, into slurry of marching feet. There are others who walk on this endless journey. Ahead of me, and behind me, the millions fade into the distance. Occasionally, one will fall. Some are picked up by the ones who walk with them. Some, they pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and continue on their journey. But some don't get back up. They lie in the dirt, motionless. The others walk around them, either oblivious to their plight, or simply numb to their existence. We walk on, and they disappear from sight. I have looked to both horizons, for days at a time, but they are never there. Those that fall and do not get up simply disappear. We walk this path, the sound of thousands of feet meshing into a cacophony of sound.

I grow tired of this journey. Every day I feel myself grow a little weaker, a little slower. The constant sound of feet hitting the ground, this marching drumbeat, lulls me. I just wish to sleep, to rest my head. So I lie down, on the side of the road. I will not be long, for all I wish to do is rest. Just for a little while. The others continue on, marching on the same path that is the only thing they have known. But I must rest. I lay my head to the ground, and close my eyes. I must rest, if only to regain enough strength to continue on.

Suddenly, there is a shift. The sound is not the same as it was before. I open my eyes, and look up. Someone has stopped. Why? She is staring at me with piercing blue eyes. Why is she staring at me? Why can’t I simply rest? A voice. She is speaking.

“Why are you laying there?”

Isn’t it obvious? I am tired. I wish to sleep. And you are bothering me. Let me rest.

“No one who lies down does so simply because they are tired.”

Well, I have. I want to rest. I want to be left alone to my sleep. The others have left me here, and now I just want to close my eyes and see no longer.

She looks at me puzzlingly, as if I were some piece in a museum that hadn’t been there before. She won’t just go away and let me sleep, but I don’t want to get up to shoo her away. I’m just tired, and all I want to do is be left alone so that I can finally rest. This road goes on, never-ending, and I am sick of the constant walking. I’m sick of the unwavering pace. All I want to do is rest. Is that such a crime? She is speaking again.

“You know, I tried to lay down once. All I wanted to do was rest. But then someone stopped, and made me get up. They wouldn’t let me sleep.”

What is she talking about? Is she one of those who fell? Is she one of the ones who were pulled back up? I have never seen her before, but I am certain that I saw all of those who fell. My mind is buzzing with questions. Distracting, confusing questions that only keep me from sleep. And still she is talking. And still she is explaining.

“… and so they told me, 'if you stay here, the wolves will find you.' But I did not care. But he did. And he did not let me stay. He told me, 'if you are too weak to walk, I will help you. If you are too tired to walk, I will carry you. But I will not leave you to the wolves.'”

The wolves? I have never seen a wolf. I have seen nothing on this trail but the vast expanse of nothingness that rings it on both sides. But she is persistent. I have never had another on this trail interact with me in this way before. I do not know how to respond. So I tell her,
“I am tired. Just let me sleep.”

She cocks her head to the side. Her mouth forms the shape of a small ‘o’. As she stands there, I notice that the people on the trail have become a blur. All of them are slowly disappearing into a mist. All of them but her.

“If you are weak, then I will help you walk. If you are tired, then I will carry you. But I will not leave you to the wolves.”

How? How could this person show such care to one which they have never met? Slowly, shakily, she helps me to my feet. A mix of emotions flow through me. This girl has decided that I am worth helping. This girl has decided that I should be alive. I feel a wave of emotion wash over me. I have never felt like this before. I have never felt this warm feeling. The aches in my bones, the sleep in my eyes, the haze in my brain, all of it starts to disappear.

I continue to walk this path, day after day, night after night. When I grow tired, the others help keep me on the path. I am grateful for the help of strangers. Of people who had every right to ignore my existence. I walk along this path, but I no longer feel tired. My steps are no longer weak, no longer slow. They have given me a purpose that I previously lacked.

I walk along the path. A man falls to the ground, just off the side. Others walk around him, either oblivious to his plight, or numb to his existence. I stop in my tracks. Looking directly at him, I ask,
“Why are you laying there?”

Isn’t it obvious? He is tired. He wishes to sleep.

“Why are you bothering me?”

I smile to myself.

“Because you cannot sleep. The path may be long, and you may be tired, but you have been walking alone this whole time. I cannot allow you to stop here.”

He looks at me.

“Why?”

My mind goes through the many memories of my time on this path. Of those who I have met, and those whom I have walked with. I know why he must walk the path, but he will need to find out for himself.

“If you are weak, I will help you walk. If you are tired, I will carry you.”

But I will not leave you to the wolves.

title: A short story.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What motivates the narrator to get back on his feet to continue the path he is on?

answer: It appears the narrator has compassion for another soul in need as he stops another soul who falls on the dirt road to help her up.

text: This doesn't answer the question

refinement: The girl that stops beside him on the path decides he is worth helping the same way she was once saved. The narrator felt something he has never felt before. He felt warm waves of emotions and suddenly his aches and haze in his brain all started to disappear. His steps on the path no longer felt weak. He now had a purpose he previously lacked.

answer: The narrator is motivated to get back on his feet to continue the path he is on because he cares for the person who has fallen. He wants to help them get back on the path, to continue their journey, though it may be exhausting. The desire to help someone in need motivates him to be supportive and to continue on the journey.

text: This is incorrect

refinement: The girl that stops beside him on the path decides he is worth helping the same way she was once saved. The narrator felt something he has never felt before. He felt warm waves of emotions and suddenly his aches and haze in his brain all started to disappear. His steps on the path no longer felt weak. He now had a purpose he previously lacked.

answer: The girl that stops beside him on the path decides he is worth helping the same way she was once saved. The narrator felt something he has never felt before. He felt warm waves of emotions and suddenly his aches and haze in his brain all started to disappear. His steps on the path no longer felt weak. He now had a purpose he previously lacked.

answer: The narrator is motivated to keep going because of compassion. He feels empathy for those who have fallen, and wants to ensure they keep on moving. He realizes that they need to continue, regardless of how tired they may be, to avoid being eaten by the wolves. Love is what motivates him to keep going and to help those in need of it, both on and off the path.

answer: A girl finds the narrator on the road, stops to help. She aggressively offers her help and reassures the narrator that she will help him regain his strength.


text:
To Hatch From a Broken Egg

I was sitting in the living room with my arms crossed when Grandpa gathered the family around the dining room table. Grandpa was a giant of a man, with thighs like redwoods and hands like plains. I was the last to stand up when I began to walk over to the circle that had formed around the table. “I would like to see,” Grandpa began, with big pauses between each phrase, “someone attempt to balance this egg upright, without using any tools to hold it up.”

The whiteness of the egg stood out in Grandpa’s wrinkled and purple spotted hands. It seemed so small. I studied the egg while my family began to buzz. My older cousin smirked and whispered something in my Dad’s ears that made him laugh. Uncle Joe was doing one of his James Cagney impressions to my brother and cousin. Aunt Anna had walked in the room from cooking and chuckled when she saw my grandpa holding the egg.

I was the only one paying attention, focusing on how you could possibly make a small oval stand. No one else was going to complete this challenge but me. When my Mom put her arms around my chest, and gave me a kiss on the cheek I pushed her away and said, “I can do it!”

My grandpa’s heavy eyes shifted to me and his lips peeled into a grin, revealing yellow stained crooked teeth. His hands, like a giant compared to mine, handed me the egg. I began working right away.

I made quick glances to Grandpa as I tried to balance it, hoping his gray eyes would light up at a correct attempt or that his white eyebrows would raise at a sign of progress, but he remained unemotional and still. I tried to ignore the commentary of my family at first.  Dad said, “oh so close,” several times with a laugh while Uncle David commentated like a sports announcer, “Jake Lacey. Balancing the egg. Can he do it? Ah, keeps missing.”

After several minutes my older cousin said, “Come on, Jake. Give it back to Grandpa.” I ignored him but when my Mom stepped in saying, “Hun, you can try later, it’s fine,” the doubt became harder to ignore.

“Let me just try!” I said, trying not to sound upset.

Eventually my Uncle Joe stopped impersonating James Cagney. My father raised his eye brows and stood up from the table and my brother began to attack me. “Jake you can’t do it.”

“Don’t worry, Jakey. It’s impossible,” someone else said.

I wanted to shut my family up and make them see that I could do it. I wanted them to know that just I could complete a task that was impossible for most. And I did.

I finally stood the egg up right. It wasn’t balancing against anything; it was just standing up on its own. All because of me. I looked up in amazement, hoping to see my family enthusiastic with my accomplishment, but instead, half of them were gone and the other half had already moved on to new conversations. Only my cousin Rachel said, “Wow! Look guys! Jake did it!”

As Rachel began to get my family’s attention I looked to Grandpa who was not grinning but seemed thrown by the egg standing up. As I waited for a response from Grandpa, the whole family began to circle back around the table.

Before they could all see what I had done, Grandpa snagged the egg off the table, smashed it lightly against a plate, leaving the egg’s bottom flat surfaced with a crack, placed the it on the table, and forced a chuckle as everyone watched the egg stand up on its own. He said, “That is how you make an egg stand.”

I quickly looked at my Grandpa, who avoided eye contact with me and laughed deliberately with the older cousins. My head spun to my parents, who had acknowledged Grandpa’s quaint gag but not my success and then it spun back to my Grandpa who was still ignoring me.

I darted out of living room and up to my room. I dove into my bed, grabbed my Teddy and belted a long hard cry into my pillow. No one came up to check on me until after they had lit the candles.

title: Flash Fiction Piece, notes please?

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What was most devastating for the boy?

answer: The most devastating aspect of this piece was the lack of recognition or appreciation the boy received from his family in spite of achieving a difficult feat. While his accomplishment was not ignored outright, it was overshadowed by lighthearted comments, disregarded outright and ultimately forgotten. The boy felt devastated by being ignored by his family.

text: The narrator held his grandfather in high regard, and attempted the impossible task in earnest possibly to impress, and be noticed by, him. Include his grandfather, specifically, in the response.

refinement: The most devastating aspect of this piece was the lack of recognition or appreciation the boy received from his grandfather, and the rest of his family, in spite of achieving a difficult feat. He attempted this impossible task to impress his grandfather, that he holds in high esteem. While his accomplishment was not ignored outright, it was overshadowed by lighthearted comments, disregarded outright and ultimately forgotten. The boy felt devastated by being ignored by his family.

answer: That his family hadn't recognized his accomplishment.

text: The narrator held his grandfather in high regard, and attempted the impossible task in earnest possibly to impress him and the rest of his family. It was devastating to the narrator when his grandfather snatched away the egg just after he actually achieved balancing it, and cracked the egg to complete his gag. His parents didn't acknowledge what his grandfather did to him, or his achievement. Include this expanded version in the response as well.

refinement: That his family hadn't recognized his accomplishment. He holds his grandfather, specifically, in high regard and used this challenge to prove himself to his grandfather and his family. This is undermined when his grandfather undoes his solution before himself or his family could acknowledge it. His grandfather's gag was more important to his family than his achievement.

answer: The most devastating part of this particular experience for the boy was having his achievement ignored by the people who were supposed to be supporting him. The others around him seemed more interested in a tedious task than in his undeniable success. The boy was left feeling embarrassed and disrespected.

text: The narrator attempted the impossible of balancing the egg to be noticed by his grandfather, who he holds in high esteem. His grandfather disavowed his achievement. Mention his grandfather specifically in the response.

refinement: The most devastating part of this particular experience for the boy was having his achievement ignored by his grandfather, specifically, as well as the rest of his family who were supposed to be supporting him. The others around him seemed more interested in a tedious task than in his undeniable success. The boy was left feeling embarrassed, disrespected and invisible.

text: The rest of his family was not engaged in a tedious task while Jake attempted to balance the egg. When Jake looked up after balancing the egg he looked up to see half his family gone and the other engaged in new conversations. Change tedious task to this description of what his family was busy with.

refinement: The most devastating part of this particular experience for the boy was having his achievement ignored by his grandfather, specifically, as well as the rest of his family who were supposed to be supporting him. The others around him seemed more interested in new conversations than in his undeniable success. The boy was left feeling embarrassed, disrespected and invisible.

answer: That no one seemed to care that he had turned the egg.

text: The task the narrator attempted was to balance the egg without the use of any tools. Remove 'turned' in the response to 'balanced'.

refinement: That no one seemed to care that he had balanced the egg.

text: 'No one' in the response refers to his grandfather and the rest of his family that was gathered together. Change 'no one' in the response to 'his family and his grandfather'.

refinement: That no one in his family, especially his grandfather, seemed to care that he had balanced the egg.

answer: The boy succeeds in his grandfather's challenge to balance the egg. However, before the rest of the family notices, the grandfather takes it and smashes it. Then he makes the joke he had prepared. Apparently, his grandfather had never expected him to balance the egg.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

Summarize all the attempts to balance the egg.

answer: The protagonist's grandpa sets the challenge to see who can stand an egg upright without any tools. The protagonist is the only one attempting the challenge, but his family tries to discourage him by saying it's impossible, making him feel doubt. Finally, the protagonist finally balances the egg but is ignored by his family, except for his cousin Rachel.

text: The protagonist glances at his grandfather while attempting to balance the egg to ascertain if he is going about it the right way. His grandfather remains unemotional and still. Include this in the response as well.

refinement: The protagonist's grandpa sets the challenge to see who can stand an egg upright without any tools. The protagonist is the only one attempting the challenge, he glances frequently at his grandfather for guidance but he remains unemotional and still. but his family tries to discourage him by saying it's impossible, making him feel doubt. Finally, the protagonist finally balances the egg but is ignored by his family, except for his cousin Rachel.

text: His family taunts and jeers at him while he attempts to balance the egg. Change the wording of the third sentence to include the jeers and taunts. Also the remove the double use of 'finally' in the fourth sentence.

refinement: The protagonist's grandpa sets the challenge to see who can stand an egg upright without any tools. The protagonist is the only one attempting the challenge, he glances frequently at his grandfather for guidance but he remains unemotional and still. His family tries to discourage him by taunting him and making him feel doubt. Finally, the protagonist balances the egg but is ignored by his family, except for his cousin Rachel.

answer: The family gathered around the table, and on Grandpa's instructions, someone was supposed to try balancing the egg without any tools to hold it up. The older cousin, Dad, Uncle David, and Aunt Anna all mocked the challenge, while only the protagonist - the protagonist's Mom included - supported the effort. Following some initial struggles, the protagonist finally managed to balance the egg upright. Feeling ignored after the family paid little attention to his accomplishment, the protagonist cried to Teddy.

text: Jake's older cousin, his brother, his father and his Uncle Tony all jeered and sneered at him for attempting the challenge. Change the wording for the first part of the second sentence to demonstrated the commentary Jake had to endure.

refinement: The family gathered around the table, and on Grandpa's instructions, someone was supposed to try balancing the egg without any tools to hold it up. Jake's older cousin, his brother, father and Uncle David jeered and taunted him while he attempted the challenge, while only the protagonist - the protagonist's Mom included - supported the effort. Following some initial struggles, the protagonist finally managed to balance the egg upright. Feeling ignored after the family paid little attention to his accomplishment, the protagonist cried to Teddy.

text: The protagonist's mom did not support him in his attempts to balance the egg, in fact she dissuaded him twice. Change the second part of the second sentence to reflect this doubt.

refinement: The family gathered around the table, and on Grandpa's instructions, someone was supposed to try balancing the egg without any tools to hold it up. The protagonist's older cousin, his brother, father and uncles jeered and taunted him while he attempted the challenge, while only the protagonist believed that he could do it, with even his mother expressing doubt. Following some initial struggles, the protagonist finally managed to balance the egg upright. Feeling ignored after the family paid little attention to his accomplishment, the protagonist cried to Teddy.

text: His grandfather especially made light of the protagonist's achievement, wounding him. After this the protagonist dove into his bed, grabbed his teddy and belted a cry into his pillow. Change the wording in the third sentence to include his grandfather as well as the correct sequence of events after the disappointment.

refinement: The family gathered around the table, and on Grandpa's instructions, someone was supposed to try balancing the egg without any tools to hold it up. The protagonist's older cousin, his brother, father and uncles jeered and taunted him while he attempted the challenge, while only the protagonist believed that he could do it, with even his mother expressing doubt. Following some initial struggles, the protagonist finally managed to balance the egg upright. Feeling ignored after the family paid little attention and his grandfather disavowed him his success, the protagonist dove into bed, grabbed his teddy and belted a cry into his pillow.

answer: After Grandpa commands the family to attempt to balance the egg, the narrator joins in and tries, along with everyone else, until his family steps in and tells him it's impossible. The narrator ignores them and perseveres until he succeeds. His family is dismissive of his achievement, hence the outburst.

text: The narrator is the only one that attempts his grandfather's challenge, while the rest of his family jeers at his attempts. Change the second part of the first sentence to reflect that it is only the narrator that takes up the challenge.

refinement: After Grandpa commands the family to attempt to balance the egg, the narrator takes up the challenge while his family jeers at him and tells him it's impossible. The narrator ignores them and perseveres until he succeeds. His family is dismissive of his achievement, hence the outburst.

answer: The narrator's cousin tells him it is impossible to balance the egg. Jake insists he can do it.

text: His grandfather sets the family gathered the task of balancing an egg without the use of any tools. Jake takes up the challenge, while his family commentates and doubts him. Include this information in the response and change the first sentence to include other family members participating in the taunting.

refinement: His grandfather sets the family gathered the task of balancing an egg without the use of any tools. Jake takes up the challenge, while his family commentates and doubts him, with his older cousin telling him it is impossible to balance the egg. Jake insists he can do it.

text: Jake eventually succeeds in balancing the egg, after looking to his grandfather for guidance and not finding any. Include Jake's success at the end of the response.

refinement: His grandfather sets the family gathered the task of balancing an egg without the use of any tools. Jake takes up the challenge, while his family commentates and doubts him, with his older cousin telling him it is impossible to balance the egg. Jake insists he can do it and eventually succeeds without anyone helping him.

answer: Jake attempts to balance the egg for ages. At first his family stands around him giving commentary. However, when he continues after a long time, everyone tells him to give up. He proceeds and eventually does balance the egg.


text:
BRENT STUART LILLIBRIDGE (born September 18, 1983) is an American former professional baseball utility player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees. He was known for his versatile playing skills and defensive prowess in the outfield. As a utility player, he started at every position except pitcher and catcher in his career.

Amateur career

Lillibridge attended Henry M. Jackson High School in Mill Creek, Washington.[1]

Lillibridge played for the Washington Huskies baseball program for three seasons, where he was named to the All-Pac-10 Conference Team for three straight seasons.[2][3] In 2004, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod Baseball League.[4]

Professional career

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Lillibridge in the fourth round, with the 121st overall selection, of the 2005 MLB draft.[5]

[Lillibridge during his tenure with the Atlanta Braves in 2008]

Atlanta Braves

On January 17, 2007, the Pirates traded Lillibridge with Mike Gonzalez to the Atlanta Braves for Adam LaRoche and Jamie Romak.[6]

Lillibridge began the season in Triple-A for the Richmond Braves. He played 19 games and batted .195 with one home run before his contract was purchased on April 26, 2008.[7] He made his major league debut on that same day against the New York Mets and had four at bats and struck out three times. He doubled for his first major league hit on June 25, 2008 at Toronto.

On July 12, 2008 in a game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, Lillibridge hit his first major league home run against relief pitcher Joe Thatcher.[8]

Chicago White Sox

On December 4, 2008, the Braves traded Lillibridge, Tyler Flowers, Jon Gilmore, and Santos Rodriguez to the Chicago White Sox for Javier Vázquez and Boone Logan.[9]

On April 11, 2011, Lillibridge hit a fifth-inning home run off Dallas Braden. It was the 10,000th home run hit in the 112-year history of White Sox baseball.[10]

Lillibridge garnered media coverage after he made two back-to-back, game-saving and game-ending defensive catches while playing right field on April 26, 2011. The catches comprised the two final outs of a game played against the New York Yankees in Yankee Stadium and resulted in the White Sox getting the victory.[11]

Boston Red Sox

On June 24, 2012, Lillibridge was traded to the Boston Red Sox with Zach Stewart for Kevin Youkilis and cash.[12] The Red Sox designated him for assignment on July 16.

Cleveland Indians

Lillibridge was traded by Boston to the Cleveland Indians on July 24, for minor league pitcher José De La Torre.[13] On November 20, 2012, Lillibridge was assigned outright to the Indians Triple-A affiliate Columbus Clippers.[14][15] Lillibridge declined the assignment to Columbus and was granted free agency on November 26.

Chicago Cubs

[Lillibridge playing for the Iowa Cubs, triple-A affiliates of the Chicago Cubs, in ] On January 10, 2013, Lillibridge signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs.[16] On March 31, the Cubs added Lillibridge to their major league active roster.[17][18] He was designated for assignment on April 16, 2013.[19] On April 19, Lillibridge cleared waivers, and was assigned to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs of the Pacific Coast League.[20]

New York Yankees

On June 21, 2013, Lillibridge was traded to the New York Yankees for cash considerations.[21] The Yankees promoted Lillibridge to the major leagues when they placed Derek Jeter on the disabled list on July 19.[22] He was designated for assignment to make room for the activation of Alex Rodriguez on August 5.[23] He was outrighted from the 40-man roster and optioned to Triple-A on August 9.[24] He declared free agency on October 1.

Texas Rangers

Lillibridge signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers on December 12, 2013.[25] He was assigned to the minor league camp on March 22, 2014 failing to make the Rangers' opening day roster.[26] He became a free agent after the 2014 season and had chosen to retire by the start of the 2015 season.[27][28]

Personal life

Lillibridge is married to Stephanie, with whom he has two children.[29] Lillibridge is a Christian, and his invitation to baseball player Steven Souza to attend church with him led to Souza becoming baptized.[30]

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

[19]

[20]

[21]

[22]

[23]

[24]

[25]

[26]

[27]

[28]

[29]

[30]

title: Brent Lillibridge

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

List all of the teams Lillibridge has played for.

answer: Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers

text: It is omitted that he also played for the Washinton Huskies baseball program in college, and on a collegiate summer baseball team, the Harwich Mariners.

refinement: Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers. He also played for the Washinton Huskies baseball program in college, and on a collegiate summer baseball team, the Harwich Mariners.

answer: Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees

text: Texas Rangers are omitted.

refinement: Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Texas Rengers.

text: It is omitted that he also played for the Washinton Huskies baseball program in college, and on a collegiate summer baseball team, the Harwich Mariners.

refinement: Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Texas Rengers. He also played for the Washinton Huskies baseball program in college, and on a collegiate summer baseball team, the Harwich Mariners.

answer: Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees and Texas Rangers.

text: It is omitted that he also played for the Washinton Huskies baseball program in college, and on a collegiate summer baseball team, the Harwich Mariners.

refinement: Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees and Texas Rangers. He also played for the Washinton Huskies baseball program in college, and on a collegiate summer baseball team, the Harwich Mariners.

text: a missing comma after 'New York Yankees'

refinement: Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers. He also played for the Washinton Huskies baseball program in college, and on a collegiate summer baseball team, the Harwich Mariners.

answer: Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers. In all Lillibridge has played for eight teams. He also played for the Washinton Huskies baseball program in college, and on a collegiate summer baseball team, the Harwich Mariners.

answer: Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees.

text: Pittsburgh Pirates are omitted.

refinement: Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

text: It is omitted that he also played for the Washinton Huskies baseball program in college, and on a collegiate summer baseball team, the Harwich Mariners.

refinement: Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Pittsburgh Pirates.  He also played for the Washinton Huskies baseball program in college, and on a collegiate summer baseball team, the Harwich Mariners.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

Summarize Lillibridge's career with the Atlanta Braves.

answer: Lillibridge played for the Atlanta Braves in 2008 and was acquired by the Chicago White Sox in December 2008. He played for the White Sox until being traded to the Boston Red Sox in 2012. In 2013, he was traded to the New York Yankees, followed by signing with the Texas Rangers in 2014. Lillibridge has retired from professional baseball.

text: It is irrelevant that he played for the White Sox until being traded to the Boston Red Sox in 2012; in 2013, he was traded to the New York Yankees, followed by signing with the Texas Rangers in 2014; Lillibridge has retired from professional baseball; he played for the White Sox until being traded to the Boston Red Sox in 2012.

refinement: Lillibridge played for the Atlanta Braves in 2008 and was acquired by the Chicago White Sox in December 2008.

text: It is omitted that he was traded to the Braves on January 17, 2007. He began the season Triple-A. He played 19 games and batted .195 with one home run before his contract was purchased. He made his major league debut against the New York Mets and had four at-bats and struck out three times. On July 12, 2008, he hit his first major league home run against relief pitcher Joe Thatcher.

refinement: was traded to the Braves on January 17, 2007. He began the season Triple-A. He played 19 games and batted .195 with one home run before his contract was purchased. He made his major league debut against the New York Mets and had four at-bats and struck out three times. On July 12, 2008, he hit his first major league home run against relief pitcher Joe Thatcher. Lillibridge played for the Atlanta Braves in 2008 and was acquired by the Chicago White Sox in December 2008.

text: It is irrelevant that Lillibridge played for the Atlanta Braves in 2008.

refinement: was traded to the Braves on January 17, 2007. He began the season Triple-A. He played 19 games and batted .195 with one home run before his contract was purchased. He made his major league debut against the New York Mets and had four at-bats and struck out three times. On July 12, 2008, he hit his first major league home run against relief pitcher Joe Thatcher. Lillibridge was acquired by the Chicago White Sox in December 2008.

answer: He was traded to the Braves on January 17, 2007. He began the season Triple-A. He played 19 games and batted .195 with one home run before his contract was purchased. He made his major league review against the New York Mets and had four at bats and struck out three times. On July 12, 2008, he hit his first major league home run against relief pitcher Joe Thatcher.

text: 'debut' rather than 'review'

refinement: He was traded to the Braves on January 17, 2007. He began the season Triple-A. He played 19 games and batted .195 with one home run before his contract was purchased. He made his major league debut against the New York Mets and had four at bats and struck out three times. On July 12, 2008, he hit his first major league home run against relief pitcher Joe Thatcher.

answer: Brent Lillibridge started his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2007. He made his major league debut with the team in 2008, and went on to hit his first major league home run that same year. The Braves traded Lillibridge to the Chicago White Sox in December 2008, where he continued playing until being traded to the Boston Red Sox in 2012. He signed with the Chicago Cubs in January 2013, but was designated for assignment in April of that year. He was then traded to the New York Yankees in June 2013, before being re-designated for assignment later that month and eventually released.

text: 'where he continued playing until being traded to the Boston Red Sox in 2012. He signed with the Chicago Cubs in January 2013, but was designated for assignment in April of that year. He was then traded to the New York Yankees in June 2013, before being re-designated for assignment later that month and eventually released' is irrelevant so I would delete it.

refinement: Brent Lillibridge started his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2007. He made his major league debut with the team in 2008, and went on to hit his first major league home run that same year. The Braves traded Lillibridge to the Chicago White Sox in December 2008.

text: un unnecessary comma after '2008'.

refinement: Brent Lillibridge started his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2007. He made his major league debut with the team in 2008 and went on to hit his first major league home run that same year. The Braves traded Lillibridge to the Chicago White Sox in December 2008.

answer: Lillibridge was traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Atlanta Braves for Adam LaRoche and Jamie Romak. He began the season in Triple-A for the Richmond Braves and played 19 games there. His contract was purchased by the Braves after he batted .195 with one home run. His major league debut came against the New York Mets, in which he struck out three times. He doubled for his first MLB hit on June 25 with the Braves against the Toronto Blue Jays.

answer: Lillibridge first played 19 games in Triple-A in 2006, batting .195 with 2 homers. He played a grand total of 10 games in the regular season with the Atlanta Braves, totaling 9 at-bats, striking out three times and got his first hit. Lillibridge then played 15 games with one home run in Triple-A before his contract was purchased.

text: It is not stated that he played a grand total of 10 games in the regular season with the Atlanta Braves,

refinement: Lillibridge first played 19 games in Triple-A in 2006, batting .195 with 2 homers. He had 9 at-bats, striking out three times and got his first hit. Lillibridge then played 15 games with one home run in Triple-A before his contract was purchased.

text: He had 4, not 9 at-bats.

refinement: Lillibridge first played 19 games in Triple-A in 2006, batting .195 with 2 homers. He had 4 at-bats, striking out three times and got his first hit. Lillibridge then played 15 games with one home run in Triple-A before his contract was purchased.

text: It is not stated that he got his first hit.

refinement: Lillibridge first played 19 games in Triple-A in 2006, batting .195 with 2 homers. He had 4 at-bats, striking out three times. Lillibridge then played 15 games with one home run in Triple-A before his contract was purchased.

text: It is not stated that Lillibridge then played 15 games with one home run in Triple-A before his contract was purchased

refinement: Lillibridge first played 19 games in Triple-A in 2006, batting .195 with 2 homers. He had 4 at-bats, striking out three times.

text: I would delete 'first'

refinement: Lillibridge played 19 games in Triple-A in 2006, batting .195 with 2 homers. He had 4 at-bats, striking out three times.

text: It is omitted that he made his major league debut against the New York Mets. On July 12, 2008, he hit his first major league home run against relief pitcher Joe Thatcher.

refinement: Lillibridge played 19 games in Triple-A in 2006, batting .195 with 2 homers. It is omitted that he made his major league debut against the New York Mets. He had 4 at-bats, striking out three times. On July 12, 2008, he hit his first major league home run against relief pitcher Joe Thatcher.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

Summarize Lillibridge's career with the Chicago White Sox.

answer: On December 4th 2008 he was traded to the Sox along with Tyler Flowers, Jon Gilmore and Santos Rodriguez. On April 11, 2011 Lillibridge his a fifth inning home run off Dallas Braden. It was the 10,000 homes run hit in the 112-year history of White Sox baseball. Lillibridge garnered media coverage after he made two back-to-back, game-saving and game-ending defensive catches while playing right field on April 26, 2011. This resulted in the White Sox getting the victory.

text: missing commas after '4th', 'Jon Gilmore', '2011', and 'game-saving'.

refinement: On December 4th, 2008 he was traded to the Sox along with Tyler Flowers, Jon Gilmore, and Santos Rodriguez. On April 11, 2011, Lillibridge his a fifth inning home run off Dallas Braden. It was the 10,000 homes run hit in the 112-year history of White Sox baseball. Lillibridge garnered media coverage after he made two back-to-back, game-saving, and game-ending defensive catches while playing right field on April 26, 2011. This resulted in the White Sox getting the victory.

text: 'fifth-inning' instead of 'fifth inning'; '10,000th home' instead of '10,000 homes'.

refinement: On December 4th, 2008 he was traded to the Sox along with Tyler Flowers, Jon Gilmore, and Santos Rodriguez. On April 11, 2011, Lillibridge his a fifth-inning home run off Dallas Braden. It was the 10,000th home run hit in the 112-year history of White Sox baseball. Lillibridge garnered media coverage after he made two back-to-back, game-saving, and game-ending defensive catches while playing right field on April 26, 2011. This resulted in the White Sox getting the victory.

text: 'hit' instead of 'his'

refinement: On December 4th, 2008 he was traded to the Sox along with Tyler Flowers, Jon Gilmore, and Santos Rodriguez. On April 11, 2011, Lillibridge hit a fifth-inning home run off Dallas Braden. It was the 10,000th home run hit in the 112-year history of White Sox baseball. Lillibridge garnered media coverage after he made two back-to-back, game-saving, and game-ending defensive catches while playing right field on April 26, 2011. This resulted in the White Sox getting the victory.

answer: Lillibridge played for the Chicago White Sox from 2008 to 2012. He was traded to the White Sox for Tyler Flowers, Jon Gilmore, and Santos Rodriguez from the Atlanta Braves. The White Sox designated Lillibridge for assignment in July 2012. After signing a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs in January 2013, Lillibridge was added to their major league active roster on March 31. However, he was designated for assignment the next month, and eventually outrighted to Triple-A on August 9, 2013. He declared free agency after the 2014 season.

text: He was traded to the White Sox along with, not for Tyler Flowers, Jon Gilmore, and Santos Rodriguez from the Atlanta Braves

refinement: Lillibridge played for the Chicago White Sox from 2008 to 2012. He was traded to the White Sox along with Tyler Flowers, Jon Gilmore, and Santos Rodriguez from the Atlanta Braves. The White Sox designated Lillibridge for assignment in July 2012. After signing a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs in January 2013, Lillibridge was added to their major league active roster on March 31. However, he was designated for assignment the next month, and eventually outrighted to Triple-A on August 9, 2013. He declared free agency after the 2014 season.

text: It is not stated that the White Sox designated Lillibridge for assignment in July 2012.

refinement: Lillibridge played for the Chicago White Sox from 2008 to 2012. He was traded to the White Sox along with Tyler Flowers, Jon Gilmore, and Santos Rodriguez from the Atlanta Braves. After signing a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs in January 2013, Lillibridge was added to their major league active roster on March 31. However, he was designated for assignment the next month, and eventually outrighted to Triple-A on August 9, 2013. He declared free agency after the 2014 season.

text: It is irrelevant that after signing a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs in January 2013, Lillibridge was added to their major league active roster on March 31. However, he was designated for assignment the next month, and eventually outrighted to Triple-A on August 9, 2013. He declared free agency after the 2014 season.

refinement: Lillibridge played for the Chicago White Sox from 2008 to 2012. He was traded to the White Sox along with Tyler Flowers, Jon Gilmore, and Santos Rodriguez from the Atlanta Braves.

text: It is omitted that on April 11, 2011, Lillibridge hit a fifth-inning home run off Dallas Braden. It was the 10,000th home run hit in the 112-year history of White Sox baseball. Lillibridge garnered media coverage after he made two back-to-back, game-saving, and game-ending defensive catches while playing right field on April 26, 2011. This resulted in the White Sox getting the victory.

refinement: Lillibridge played for the Chicago White Sox from 2008 to 2012. He was traded to the White Sox along with Tyler Flowers, Jon Gilmore, and Santos Rodriguez from the Atlanta Braves. On April 11, 2011, Lillibridge hit a fifth-inning home run off Dallas Braden. It was the 10,000th home run hit in the 112-year history of White Sox baseball. Lillibridge garnered media coverage after he made two back-to-back, game-saving, and game-ending defensive catches while playing right field on April 26, 2011. This resulted in the White Sox getting the victory.

answer: He was traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Chicago White Sox with Tyler Flowers and Jon Gilmore on December 4, 2008. He made a base hit on April 11, 2011 and that was the 10,000th home run hit in the Cubs history. Lillibridge made back-to-back game-saving and game-ending defensive catches in April 26, 2011 for the White Sox.

text: missing commas after '2011'; 'on' instead of 'in'; 'Cub's' instead of 'Cubs'.

refinement: He was traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Chicago White Sox with Tyler Flowers and Jon Gilmore on December 4, 2008. He made a base hit on April 11, 2011, and that was the 10,000th home run hit in the Cub's history. Lillibridge made back-to-back game-saving and game-ending defensive catches on April 26, 2011, for the White Sox.

answer: Lillibridge played for the Chicago White Sox for two seasons, during which he had a game-saving and game-ending defensive catches against the New York Yankees. He was traded by the White Sox to the Cleveland Indians in July of 2012 and signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs in January of 2013. He was designated for assignment by the Cubs on April 16, 2013, and traded to the New York Yankees on June 21, 2013. Lillibridge spent the remainder of 2013 and 2014 in the minor leagues for the Rangers.

text: Lillibridge played for the Chicago White Sox from 2008 to 2012.

refinement: Lillibridge played for the Chicago White Sox from 2008 to 2012., during which he had a game-saving and game-ending defensive catches against the New York Yankees. He was traded by the White Sox to the Cleveland Indians in July of 2012 and signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs in January of 2013. He was designated for assignment by the Cubs on April 16, 2013, and traded to the New York Yankees on June 21, 2013. Lillibridge spent the remainder of 2013 and 2014 in the minor leagues for the Rangers.

text: It is irrelevant that he signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs in January of 2013. He was designated for assignment by the Cubs on April 16, 2013, and traded to the New York Yankees on June 21, 2013. Lillibridge spent the remainder of 2013 and 2014 in the minor leagues for the Rangers.

refinement: Lillibridge played for the Chicago White Sox from 2008 to 2012., during which he had a game-saving and game-ending defensive catches against the New York Yankees. He was traded by the White Sox to the Cleveland Indians in July of 2012.

text: 'a game-saving instead of 'a game-saving'.

refinement: Lillibridge played for the Chicago White Sox from 2008 to 2012., during which he had game-saving and game-ending defensive catches against the New York Yankees. He was traded by the White Sox to the Cleveland Indians in July of 2012.

text: It is omitted that he made a base hit on April 11, 2011, and that was the 10,000th home run hit in the Cub's history. Lillibridge made back-to-back game-saving and game-ending defensive catches on April 26, 2011, for the White Sox.

refinement: Lillibridge played for the Chicago White Sox from 2008 to 2012., during which he had game-saving and game-ending defensive catches against the New York Yankees. He made a base hit on April 11, 2011, and that was the 10,000th home run hit in the Cub's history. Lillibridge made back-to-back game-saving and game-ending defensive catches on April 26, 2011, for the White Sox. He was traded by the White Sox to the Cleveland Indians in July of 2012.

answer: Lillibridge was traded with four other players to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Javier Vázquez and Boone Logan. The team made him their starting right fielder. On April 11, 2011, Lillibridge hit a fifth inning home run off Dallas Braden to equal their 10,000th home run spec. After batting .170 in 65 at-bats and having large defensive lapses, Lillibridge was traded back to the Atlanta Braves.

text: It is not stated that after batting .170 in 65 at-bats and having large defensive lapses, Lillibridge was traded back to the Atlanta Braves.

refinement: Lillibridge was traded with four other players to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Javier Vázquez and Boone Logan. The team made him their starting right fielder. On April 11, 2011, Lillibridge hit a fifth inning home run off Dallas Braden to equal their 10,000th home run spec.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

Summarize Lillibridge's career for the Chicago Cubs.

answer: Lillibridge signed a Minor League contract with the Chicago Cubs in January 2013. He was signed to the MLB active roster in March, but was designated for assignment in April. He was traded to the New York Yankees in June and was outrighted out of the 40-man roster in August.

text: an unnecessary comma after 'March'

refinement: Lillibridge signed a Minor League contract with the Chicago Cubs in January 2013. He was signed to the MLB active roster in March but was designated for assignment in April. He was traded to the New York Yankees in June and was outrighted out of the 40-man roster in August.

answer: After playing in the minor league system for the Cubs, he was added to the roster by November 2013. A year later, Lillibridge was added to the roster for the 2014 season. He signed a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs for 2015, but he did not make the roster. He has since chosen to retire from baseball.

text: It is not stated that a year later, Lillibridge was added to the roster for the 2014 season; he signed a minor-league deal with the Chicago Cubs for 2015, but he did not make the roster; he has since chosen to retire from baseball.

refinement: After playing in the minor league system for the Cubs, he was added to the roster by November 2013.

text: It is omitted that he was signed to the MLB active roster in March but was designated for assignment in April.

refinement: After playing in the minor league system for the Cubs, he was added to the roster by November 2013. He was signed to the MLB active roster in March but was designated for assignment in April.

answer: Lillibridge's first contract for the Chicago Cubs started on January 10, 2013. He was first added to the major active roster on March 31. He was designated for assignment on April 16 and categorized by the Cubs on April 19.

answer: During the 2013 season, Lillibridge was signed by the Chicago Cubs as a minor league free agent. He was later called up to the major leagues, but was designated for assignment when Derek Jeter returned from injury. Lillibridge was eventually outrighted to the minor leagues and is currently a free agent.

text: It is irrelevant that he was later called up to the major leagues, but was designated for assignment when Derek Jeter returned from injury. Lillibridge was eventually outrighted to the minor leagues and is currently a free agent.

refinement: During the 2013 season, Lillibridge was signed by the Chicago Cubs as a minor league free agent.

text: It is omitted that Lillibridge signed a Minor League contract with the Chicago Cubs in January 2013. He was signed to the MLB active roster in March but was designated for assignment in April. He was traded to the New York Yankees in June and was outrighted out of the 40-man roster in August.

refinement: During the 2013 season, Lillibridge was signed by the Chicago Cubs as a minor league free agent. Lillibridge signed a Minor League contract with the Chicago Cubs in January 2013. He was signed to the MLB active roster in March but was designated for assignment in April. He was traded to the New York Yankees in June and was outrighted out of the 40-man roster in August.

answer: He was signed for a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs on January 10, 2013. On March 31, the Cubs added Lillibridge to their major league active roster. He was designated for assignment on April 16, 2013.


text:
31 July 2017
The open day recently held at the Serekunda General Hospital in Serrekunda was exciting opportunity to engage and sensitise the Serekunda community about the two new projects NeoInnate and EPIC HIPC which are set to commence soon.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Mr Lamin Marong, Deputy Director of Nursing Services who represented the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Alagie Manneh, representing the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Serekunda General Hospital, representatives from WHO, staff from MRCG, staff from the Serekunda General Hospital as well as Alkalos, religious leaders and people from the surrounding communities. With the theme “Partnering to reduce Newborn infections”, participants were entertained with a drama from the local Kanyeleng group and speeches from the honoured guests.

On the behalf of the CEO of Serekunda General Hospital, Alagie Manneh, thanked MRCG for coming up with this laudable project, noting that their doors are always open for partnership and emphasised their support in implementing this important project.

[Speakers during the event]

Speakers during the event

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mr Lamin Marong, Deputy Director of Nursing Services, expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to MRC Unit The Gambia in their endeavour to reach out to the community in Serrekunda. He explained that “Malnutrition is a major cause of immune deficiency leading to greater frequency and severity of common infections”. He added that “primary malnutrition is common among children of all socio-economic levels due to poverty, lack of education, food allergies, inappropriate or limited diet and eating disorders”

Mr Marong assured the MRCG that the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through the Regional Health Directorate would engage health workers in sensitising the MRCG health activities with Serrekunda to create more awareness.

Giving his remarks, Prof Umberto D’Alessandro, Unit Director, explained that, “little is currently known about iron homoeostasis during the first week of life and even less is known about the comparisons of nutritional immunity between full term, preterm and low birth weight neonates. The NeoInnate study will, therefore, look into how iron is regulated in the body of the newborn.” He further added that “in an effort to study neonatal nutritional immunity and its role in neonatal susceptibility to infection, MRCG will conduct an observational study in 450 Gambian full term, preterm and low birth weight vaginally delivered neonates born at Serekunda General Hospital.” He also highlighted that in the fight against the infectious disease it is crucial to understand better the way the newborns immune system functions. The EPIC-HIPC study will be using novel methods to study this and will provide useful information that may help us to better protect this vulnerable group using vaccines.

[Participants during the event]

Participants during the event

Giving his statement, Prof Andrew Prentice, Head of the Nutrition theme said, “This study is part of a wider portfolio of research trying to improve the health and wellbeing of young babies and the general population of the people of The Gambia”. He added, “how we feed our young women and mothers and how we feed our young men and fathers is crucial to the health of the babies that will emerge and will grow with long life”.

Speaking at the event, Dr Carla Cerami, Principal investigator of the NeoInnate study, gave an overview of the NeoInnate project which, she said, seeks to assess how iron is regulated in the body of the newborn. Dr Olubukola Idoko also gave an overview of the EPIC HIPC project. She explained that the projects seek to determine how the immune system of the newborn is regulated and what it means for vaccination.  She stated that the knowledge gained from the study could help inform the development of the next generation of vaccines better suited for use in very young children.

Related posts:

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

Summarize what the speakers said about malnutrition.

answer: One speaker said malnutrition is a cause of immune deficiency which leads to the frequency and severity of common infections being greater than normal. It is common because of poverty, lack of education, food allergies, and eating disorders. Primary malnutrition is common in children of all social classes.

answer: Mr Lamin Marong, Deputy Director of Nursing Services, explained that "primary malnutrition is common among children of all socio-economic levels due to poverty, lack of education, food allergies, inappropriate or limited diet and eating disorders." He added that "malnutrition is a major cause of immune deficiency leading to greater frequency and severity of common infections" and that primary malnutrition is common among "children of all socio-economic levels".

answer: Malnutrition is a major cause of immune deficiency which leads to a higher frequency and severity of common infections. Primary malnutrition is common among children of all socio-economic levels due to poverty, lack of education, food allergies, inappropriate or limited diet and eating disorders. Both the NeoInnate and EPIC-HIPC projects aim to better understand how the immune system of the newborn functions in order to help protect this vulnerable population.

text: While this response is correct, incorporating which speaker talked about malnutrition will make the response stronger.

refinement: Malnutrition is a major cause of immune deficiency which leads to a higher frequency and severity of common infections, according to Mr. Lamin Marong, Deputy Director of Nursing Services. Primary malnutrition is common among children of all socio-economic levels due to poverty, lack of education, food allergies, inappropriate or limited diet and eating disorders. Both the NeoInnate and EPIC-HIPC projects aim to better understand how the immune system of the newborn functions in order to help protect this vulnerable population.

answer: Mr Lamin Marong, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, expressed thanks to MRC Unit The Gambia in their efforts to help Serrekunda. He discussed how malnutrition is a major cause of immune deficiency and discussed how common malnutrition is. He was especially discussing how malnutrition affected children.

text: This critique needs some additional details added to it about the exact words that Mr. Lamin Marong stated about malnutrition. Additionally, the first sentence of this response is completely useless to answering the question and should be omitted.

refinement: Mr Lamin Marong, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, stated that " Malnutrition is a major cause of immune deficiency... and primary malnutrition is common among children of all socio-economic levels due to poverty, lack of education, and much more." He discussed how malnutrition is a major cause of immune deficiency and discussed how common malnutrition is. He was especially discussing how malnutrition affected children.

answer: Malnutrition is a major cause of immune deficiency which leads to greater occurrence and severity of common infections. Primary malnutrition is common among children of all socio-economic levels due to poverty, lack of education, improper diet, and eating disorders. This study is part of a wider portfolio of research aimed at improving health and wellbeing of young babies and the general population in the Gambia. Malnutrition can lead to increased susceptibility to infection and the results of the NeoInnate and EPIC HIPC studies could help inform development of vaccines better suited for use in very young children.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What does Professor Umberto D'Alessandro talk about?

answer: He tells the audience about NeuroInnate. It seeks to assess how iron is regulated in the body of the newborn.

text: More detail can be added to this response to address the question fully. This response does not do justice to what the question is asking.

refinement: Professor Uberto tells the audience about NeuroInnate study. It seeks to assess how iron is regulated in the body of the newborn. Little is known about iron homeostasis during the first week of life and even less is know about nutritional immunity in preterm and low birth neonates.

answer: Professor Umberto D'Alessandro discusses the NeoInnate study, which seeks to understand how iron is regulated in newborns. The study will also assess how this relates to vaccine development and immunity. His presentation also touches on the EPIC-HIPC study, which will explore and determine how the immune system of newborns functions.

answer: Professor Umberto D'Alessandro talks about the NeoInnate study which aims to assess how iron is regulated in the body of a newborn. The study may offer insights into how the body's immune system operates. The EPIC-HIPC project seeks to determine how immune function may relate to vaccine development.

answer: He discusses how little is currently known about iron homeostasis during the first week in life. This has effects on nutritional immunity in infants of irregular birth weights and terms. He is planning on pioneering a study to look at how iron is regulated in the body of the newborn.

text: This is a good response but needs some additional clarifying details to

refinement: Professor Umberto discusses how little is currently known about iron homeostasis during the first week in life. This has effects on nutritional immunity in infants of irregular birth weights and terms. He is planning on pioneering a study (the EPIC-HIPC) to look at how iron is regulated in the body of the newborn.

answer: Prof Umberto D'Alessandro talks about the NeoInnate project, which seeks to assess how iron is regulated in the body of the newborn.

text: A little more detail from the passage can be included to make this response stronger.

refinement: Prof Umberto D'Alessandro talks about the NeoInnate project, which seeks to assess how iron is regulated in the body of the newborn. He has stated that little is known about iron homeostasis and even less is known about neonatal nutritional immunity. He has also pioneered a study, the EPIC-HIPC study, that will provide useful information to protect vulnerable groups using vaccines.

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

Summarize everything about the event.

answer: The event was held at Serekunda General Hospital in Serrekunda and was attended by several dignitaries and community members. The theme was "Partnering to Reduce Newborn Infections." The Deputy Director of Nursing Services representing the Minister of Health and Social Welfare and the Principal Investigator of the NeoInnate study both gave speeches as well, discussing the relevant projects. The NeoInnate project seeks to assess how iron is regulated in the body of the newborn, while the EPIC HIPC project seeks to determine how the immune system of the newborn is regulated, with the hope that this information can help inform the development of more effective vaccines.

answer: A recent open day was held at the Serekunda General Hospital in Serrekunda, attended by many dignitaries and featuring a drama from the local Kanyeleng group and speeches from a variety of speakers given during the occasion. The event, with the theme being "Partnering to reduce Newborn infections," sought to sensitize the Serekunda community about what are Set to be two new projects thenceforth known as: "NeoInnate" and "EPIC HIPC".

answer: The Serekunda General Hospital held an open day to engage and sensitize the Serekunda community about two new projects. The event's theme was "Partnering to reduce Newborn infections". Participants were entertained with a drama from the local Kanyeleng group and speeches from the honoured guests. There were several dignitaries in attendance, including representatives of the Ministry of Health, MRCG, The Serekunda General Hospital, WHO, and religious leaders. Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Deputy Director of Nursing Services Lamin Marong expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to MRC Unit The Gambia in their endeavour to reach out to the community in Serrekunda. Prof Umberto D'Alessandro gave an overview of the NeoInnate study which seeks to assess how iron is regulated in the body of the newborn, while Dr Olubukola Idoko outlined the EPIC HIPC project which seeks to learn more about how the immune system in the newborn functions and what that means for vaccine development. Overall, the event aimed to raise community awareness about these two initial projects and their impact on reducing newborn infections.

answer: The Serekunda General Hospital in Serrekunda set up an open day to inform the Serekunda community on the two new projects NeoInnate and EPIC HIPC. Representatives of WHO, MRCG, and the Serekunda General Hospital were present.

answer: The event was held in the Serekunda General Hospital and was an opportunity to engage the Serekunda community about the projects which are about to commence. Several dignitaries attended, including Mr. Lamin Marong and Alagie Manneh. Staff from the WHO and MRCG also attended as well as staff from the hospital.

text: Details about the projects presented and what they are should be included in the response.

refinement: The event was held in the Serekunda General Hospital and was an opportunity to engage the Serekunda community about the projects which are about to commence. These projects revolved around malnutrition and neonatal nutritional immunity. Studies such as EPIC_HIPC and NeoInnate were discussed. Several dignitaries attended, including Mr. Lamin Marong and Alagie Manneh. Staff from the WHO and MRCG also attended as well as staff from the hospital.


text:
He sat silently in his bedroom with the shades pulled down and the lights switched off. It was afternoon, so this failed to create the effect of complete darkness. Rather, it caused a bluish dimness to permeate the room. How dramatic, he mused, but it soon passed from his mind, replaced by a shade of some other train of thought.

It was only a shade because he had never truly had a fully formed thought about it. ‘It’ was an emotionally destructive event that had happened only a day prior. The thoughts he had had about it weren’t full in that they lacked any amount of emotion; they were totally logical, totally reasonable.

He was no stranger to such a thing; this had happened to him a number of times before in similar situations, but an emotional shock had always come a few hours later. Not this time. The fact that it had been a full day and nothing of the sort had transpired was enough for him to know the shock would never come.

The event was that his girlfriend had broken up with him. Naturally, the few people he had informed had given him plenty of advice on the matter. “There are other fish in the sea”; “Don’t give up! You can get her back!”; “Don’t be too sad”.

‘There are other fish in the sea’ was entirely obvious. The boy knew he would eventually find someone else, forget about his old girlfriend, and be happy. He knew that there was no such thing as “the one”.

‘Don’t give up! You can get her back!’ was foolish: no he couldn’t. The only way she would want to be with him again would be if she made the decision of her own accord. People were stubborn. Unwavering. Illogical. Their minds could not be changed on these matters.

‘Don’t be too sad’ was the most curious. Its stupidity and uselessness aside, the boy seemed to be following it of his own accord with his aforementioned lack of emotional thoughts. He had felt no rush of sadness, of helplessness or of desperation. His sadness had been private, internal. Its effects on his behavior were nothing more than some tiredness, and perhaps a tendency not to laugh as hard at jokes. Anyone who was unaware what had happened would assume he was just low on sleep; not that an event of immense consequence had just occurred in his life. Quiet sadness.

The boy knew from experience (both personal and of others) that ‘getting over a breakup’ typically involves a feeling of superiority, of maturing, of scorning your former partner. This was foolish, he felt. It was natural, and he had nearly given into it, but he had stopped himself. Perhaps he was above her, but not by all that much. He tried his best not to think any lower of her than she objectively deserved.
The silhouette of a tree outside his window shone through the shades. He stared as it danced in the wind for half a minute, then blinked.
Seemingly out of nowhere, the words ‘stupid bitch’ entered his mind, but he shook them off. There it is again, he thought; that unrelenting desire to show himself that it didn’t matter. That she was inconsequential, and that the prior event had been a fortunate one. But it hadn’t been. And he knew that he could never truly ‘get over her’ unless he accepted that it had indeed been a bad occurrence.
And she truly was not a stupid bitch. She was a wonderful, intelligent girl, who had been nearly perfect for him. And yet, she possessed a select few qualities that made the two of them incompatible. It was a terrible shame.

At that moment, his mother opened his bedroom door, bringing in light from the hallway, “There you are, sweetie. I’ve been looking for you. What are you doing in here all by yourself?”

“Nothing, Mom. I was just going to go mow the lawn.”

She smiled, nodded and left the room. The boy followed a few moments later, and went to get the mower.

title: Quiet Sadness

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

Why is the narrator depressed?

answer: His girlfriend broke up with him

answer: The narrator is depressed because his girlfriend broke up with him. Despite knowing this event logically, the lack of emotion he has related to the event has left him without true sadness or an acknowledgement of how important the girlfriend was to him. Instead, he feels just tired and has a tendency not to laugh as hard as he used to. The underlying sadness he feels is due to the realization that the girlfriend was perfect for him in some ways but not in others, making their separation a true shame.

answer: He's still attracted to his ex-girlfriend.

text: This is right after break-up

answer: He's depressed because he was broken up with.

answer: The narrator is depressed because his girlfriend broke up with him, and he has been left feeling devoid of emotion. He knows logically that he will get over her, but for whatever reason he has yet to feel the rush of sadness or other expected emotions. This leaves him feeling disconnected from the happenings around him.

question: Write a ~3 sentence summary.

answer: An unnamed narrator is still recovering from the breakup of his girlfriend. It has been a full day, and yet he still feels sad. While he thinks logically about the breakup and needs to begin moving on from her, he also harbors a desire to show everyone that she was stupid and broke up with the wrong person because she's stupid.

answer: The narrator is depressed that his girlfriend broke up with him. The advice other people give him agitates him. He knows the only way to get over her is to accept that even though they were nearly perfect for each other she had a few qualities that made them incompatible and that is a shame.

answer: The narrator is leaning back in his chair thinking about his love being broken up by his girlfriend. He collects himself enough to go mow the lawn. His mother finds him and encourages him to think about his ex less.

text: His mother does not encourage him to do that

refinement: The narrator is leaning back in his chair thinking about his love being broken up by his girlfriend. He collects himself enough to go mow the lawn.

answer: The protagonist sits in his room in the aftermath of his breakup. He rationally considers that there are other fish in the sea, that he will find a new partner, and that breaking up was probably a fortunate occurrence. Yet he is nonetheless completely unaffected by the emotional shock. He knows the event is a terrible shame, and struggles with irrational desires to view his ex as inconsequential or stupid. He eventually forces himself to go do something else, mowing the lawn.

answer: The narrator spends time in his bedroom in a state of quiet sadness after his girlfriend breaks up with him. He knows intellectually that there are other fish in the sea and it is inevitable that he will get over the breakup, but emotionally, he has felt nothing. The event does not cause the rush of sadness that would ordinarily follow. The initial shock has forever changed his relationship with his former girlfriend, but he doesn't feel superior or resentful in the aftermath. Instead he just feels sad. His mother interrupts him and he goes outside to do some yard work.


text:
BY MARK SAVAGE
Music reporter

image copyrightGetty Images

image captionPop duo Yu Quan are one of the most popular acts in China

MORE THAN 977 MILLION PEOPLE IN CHINA - 72% OF THE POPULATION - LISTEN TO MUSIC EVERY WEEK, ACCORDING TO A NEW SURVEY OF THE COUNTRY'S LISTENING HABITS.

The average Chinese consumer enjoys 16 hours of music per week, with 66% of listeners using a streaming service.

It lags behind the US, where 91% of the population listens to music every week, and the UK, where the figure is 85.5%.

But China has a healthy live scene, with 57% of affluent fans attending concerts, compared to 51% in the US.

The figures, compiled by US company Nielsen, show a great disparity between wealthy Chinese consumers and those on lower incomes.

In total, 83% of affluent consumers listen to music at least once a week; compared to 53% for low-earners.

The well-off tend to prefer Western or English-language music, and are more likely to listen to pop, rock and jazz.

They spend an average of 914 yuan ($139, £97) on music every year; while poorer Chinese consumers spend just 118 yuan ($18, £13).

Nielsen projected that spending on music would increase over the next decade - with overall consumer spending expected to reach $56 trillion (£39 trillion) driven largely by young, affluent, connected consumers with disposable incomes.

However, piracy remains a major barrier. Just 3% of low-income consumers said they would be "very likely" to pay for a streaming service in the future.

image copyrightReuters

image captionTaylor Swift brought her 1989 World Tour to Shanghai last November

The findings will be read with interest by record companies in the West, who are increasingly looking to China to offset falling revenues at home.

Once largely closed to foreign music, the country has gradually loosened restrictions and emerged as a crucial territory for bands of all sizes.

Wham! made headlines 31 years ago by becoming the first Western band to play in Beijing and the southern city of Guangzhou; and as recently as 2002, a concert by Kenny G was considered big news.

Now Chinese cities frequently turn up on the touring itineraries for a range of acts. Taylor Swift, Bob Dylan, Robbie Williams, Bon Jovi, Michael Buble and Ellie Goulding have all played there in recent years.

But booking a show in Shanghai is not without its pitfalls.

Before foreign artists can perform, the culture ministry runs background checks and pre-approves set lists. In 2006, the Rolling Stones were told to drop five songs - including Honky Tonk Woman and Let's Spend the Night Together - because of their suggestive lyrics.

"Fortunately, we have 400 more songs that we can play so it's not really an issue," said Mick Jagger.

Other artists have been banned completely. Jay-Z had permission for a 2006 concert turned down because of his "vulgar lyrics"; while Kraftwerk were denied Chinese visas because they had been slated to perform at a pro-Tibetan independence concert in 1999 - even though the appearance was eventually cancelled.

Sir Elton John also attracted disapproval when he dedicated his 2012 concert in Beijing to the artist and activist Ai Weiwei.

He received a visit from police, while the state-run newspaper Global Times said the singer was "disrespectful" when he "forcibly added political content to the concert".

"If they had known that this concert would be dedicated to Ai Weiwei, many in the audience would not have come," it said.

More on this story

-   -   -

question:
Answer the following question based on the above passage:

What does the text say are some pitfalls for western bands booking a show in Shanghai?

answer: Chinese officials run background checks on foreign artists performing in the country, and may turn down requests based on concerns over lyrics deemed inappropriate or disrespectful.

answer: The main pitfalls for western bands booking a show in Shanghai are having songs approved and being met with potential censorship from the Chinese government.

answer:
Before foreign artists can perform, the Chinese government runs background checks, and approves set lists for concerts. In 2006, the Rolling Stones had talked to, and were told to drop five songs from their concert because the had too many suggestive lyrics.
Other artists have been banned from all future concerts in China. The Rolling Stones don't mind dropping songs, if it means avoiding a ban. Kraftwerk were denied a visa from China because they were slated to perform at a pro-Tibetan independence concert in 1999.
Other artists who have criticized the Chinese government for their human rights violations and environmental policies were also rejected by concert organizers. Elton John received a visit from police after dedicating his concert to a Chinese artist and activist.

text: Too much detail

refinement: Before foreign artists can perform, the Chinese government runs background checks, and approves set lists for concerts.

answer: In Beijing, the culture ministry runs background checks and pre-approves set-lists before foreign artists can perform. Any song with suggestive lyrics must be dropped from the set. Other artists are banned completely for having too many vulgar lyrics. Another artist was visited by police for being "disrespectful" when they dedicated the concert to Chinese artist and activist, Ai Weiwei.

answer: The Rolling Stones were asked to omit five songs from their set list, while the government denied permission "for political reasons."