When you feel lonely and sad, you might need a nice, warm hug to cheer you up. But__41__ there is no one around to hug you? This is not a problem if you have a “hugging chair.” This type of chair is a rocking chair that has a large doll__42__into it. The doll resembles a woman in a funny hat, and it has extra-long arms that can wrap the person who is sitting in the chair. Although the chair can__43__ comfort for anyone, the Japanese company that designed it said it was meant__44__older people. About 25 percent of all Japanese people are over the age of 65. This number is likely to rise, and many older people __45__living alone. The hugging chair can help such people feel less lonely by hugging them and playing familiar music, which can be comforting for older people.

   Imagine coming back to your place to a smart home after a tiring day at work. Doors and windows open and close automatically, your favorite music plays throughout the house, and dinner cooks itself. These sound like science fiction, but more and more homes are outfitted with such capabilities. 

   Smart homes can be controlled remotely through smartphones or portable computers. Often there are also computerized panels on different walls of the home, with various functions for the house owner to choose from. Most smart homes are equipped with controls for lights, heating, air conditioning, and electronic devices. The owner may also decide which other features to include. 

   For example, people who travel frequently might be concerned about security. With a smart home, they can check cameras in and around their house from anywhere in the world. They can turn lights on and off to see better and can even get instant alerts when motion sensors are set off. For other people whose priority is convenience, a smart house might take care of feeding pets and watering plants, or it might have a smart refrigerator that can trace its contents, suggest meal options or even order groceries when they are used up. 

   Smart homes are also a great helper in saving resources. They can reduce energy consumption and manage renewable energy systems or recycling programs. They can actually calculate how much money they save for their owners each month. These modern homes provide advantages for the elderly and disabled, too. 

   They can increase quality of life by making sure people are safe and comfortable at home. They are a wonderful alternative to round-the-clock care at institutions. The smart home of a dementia patient, for example, can remind its owner about daily activities like showering and eating. It can also monitor and give medications. The house can even contact emergency services when necessary. 

   Smart home technology presents exciting opportunities that are changing the way people live. Although they are limited to some basic capabilities at this point, they are believed to be able to do almost anything in the future. 

        Capitan was a beloved German shepherd with a glossy, dark coat and kind, knowing eyes. He was always__ 27__ Miguel’s side, the two of them inseparable as Miguel pushed into his later years. When Miguel passed away, Capitan disappeared — only to turn up later at the cemetery, lying on Miguel’s grave. He grieved the separation __28__ death brought. Despite many attempts __29__ him home, Capitan always ran away, back to the cemetery 15 blocks from the house.

        After 12 years at Miguel’s gravesite, Capitan also passed away. He was mourned as a community member, __30__ to many in the town and an example of the love that connects all living things.