N26 : Twenty-sixth lesson S00-TITLE : Our ancestors? S01 : One of the major problems facing our modern cities is the congestion and pollution S02 : caused by what one great English politician once called "the infernal combustion engine". S03 : But don't go thinking that the problem is recent: alas, it was ever thus... S04 : An anthropologist studying an ancient American people discovered that they had a strange ritual: S05 : they worshipped an animal called the Rac, a peculiar and dangerous creature that was a vital part of their everyday life. S06 : This highly advanced society devoted an inordinate amount of time to the feeding and care of the Rac, S07 : a large beast not unlike a fully grown bull in size, strength and temperament - but less intelligent. S08 : Although the Rac could be used for practical purposes, it was chiefly a status symbol. S09 : Most families owned at least one Rac, spending vast sums of money on its upkeep, S10 : while some better-off members of the tribe kept whole herds in order to show off to their neighbours. S11 : Sadly, the Rac was not a sturdy animal: its average lifespan was just ten years or so. S12 : It had to be fed frequently, and it often fell ill and had to be taken to a specialised - and highly expensive - medicine man. S13 : Furthermore, the Rac had some unusual habits that other advanced cultures would have considered harmful. S14 : For one thing, they bred very quickly, and no real efforts were ever made to curb this problem. S15 : As a result, more and more special paths had to be built so that the Racs could travel along them, S16 : for they would race against each other at high speed, requiring that special areas be set aside just for them. S17 : So high was the cost of building the facilities that a special levy had to be paid annually to the community. S18 : Unlike cows and other beasts of burden, the excrement of the Rac could not be used as a fertiliser or fuel. S19 : Worst of all, they would often run amok, killing any members of the tribe who happened to be nearby. S20 : Though we have no proof, the Rac could well have been responsible for the disappearance of the entire society. S21 : Far-fetched as this may sound, just try reading the word Rac backwards... T00-TRANSLATE : Exercise: Translate T01 : Don't go thinking that this is a new trend; it has always been this way. T02 : The damage had to be seen to be believed. T03 : For one thing, she was a great writer. For another, she was also a brilliant economist. T04 : You'll only throw fuel on the flames if you answer his email. T05 : Although his excuse may sound far-fetched, it's absolutely true.