The emu is the world’s second-largest living bird by height and is native to Australia. The Yaraka Hotel in the state of Queensland barred two emus because of bad behaviour. The birds were well known at the hotel for popping2 in for a few biscuits or a slice of toast. However， recently， the two birds have become a nuisance3 to the guests staying at the hotel. A rope has been put across the stairs leading up to the hotel to keep the birds out. There is also a sign for guests saying， “Please let yourself through the emu barrier4.”
　　鸸鹋是世界上体型第二大的鸟类，原产于澳大利亚。昆士兰州的雅拉卡旅馆阻拦两只鸸鹋，因为它们行为恶劣。两只鸟在旅馆很出名，因为它们常来吃点儿饼干或烤面包片。然而，最近这两只鸟却引起了旅馆入住客人的反感。旅馆用绳子拦住通往酒店的楼梯，把鸟挡在外面。还有一个牌子为客人写着：“请自行穿过拦鸸鹋的障碍物。”
　　One of the reasons for the emu ban is that the birds have learned to climb the stairs. They have been wandering up to the hotel’s bedrooms and shocking guests in the corridor. Travellers have to be very careful because they will poke their heads in...and drink all the coffee...and steal your toast. You don’t want to get between an emu and its food. They’ve got very sharp beaks5.
　　禁止鴯鹋进入的原因之一是这些鸟已经学会了爬楼梯。它们一直在酒店的卧室里徘徊，在走廊里把客人吓一跳。旅客必须非常小心，因为它们会把头伸进来……喝掉所有咖啡……然后偷吃你的面包。你肯定不想处在鸸鹋和它的食物之间，它们的喙非常锋利。
　　（英语原文选自：breakingnewsenglish.com）
　　【Notes】
　　1. emu [■] n. 鸸鹋 2. pop [■] v. 突然出现
　　3. nuisance [■] n. 讨厌的人或东西 4. barrier [■] n. 障碍物，屏障
　　5. beak [■] n. 喙
　　▲Discussion议一议：
　　1. Should any animals or birds be allowed in hotels？ 旅馆应该允许任何动物或鸟类进入吗？
　　2. Would you let an emu steal your breakfast？ 你会让一只鸸鹋偷走你的早餐吗？
　　3. What would you do if you saw an emu outside your room？ 如果你看到房间外面有一只鸸鹋，你会怎么做？
　　▼欢迎投稿！
　　 你对上面的几个问题有什么样的想法呢？快快来稿同我们分享你的感想和你的故事吧！你的稿件将有机会在我们的“寒窗心语”栏目中刊登并向大家展示！
　　[投稿须知]
　　1. 英文60～150词左右;
　　2. 电子稿件内请附上你的中文简介，包括就读学校、年级、班级、姓名、兴趣等，以及电子版生活照一张;
　　3. 电子稿件内请留下你的联系方式，以便我们在采用稿件后和你及时联系并寄送样刊;
　　4. 电子稿件请发至邮箱：785704986@qq.com，邮件名请注明“九年级寒窗心语”。