【推荐3】“A library card was the first thing that I had ever owned here,” says Razmyar, who arrived in Finland as a refugee (难民). Unable to speak the language, and trying to make sense of the new city, she was surprised to be given a library card that would let her read books for free. “I still have that library card in my wallet today in honor of the privilege(特殊待遇)presented to a refugee by a foreign land,” she says.

Today, Razmyar is a key official of Finland, and plans to build a new central library called Oodi. She is not alone in her love for libraries. The country’s 5.5 million people borrow about 68 million books a year.

While libraries worldwide are facing budget(预算)cuts, a decline in users and closing down, Finland is bucking the trend. The UK spends just £14.40 per head on libraries. But Finland spends £50.50 per head to satisfy citizens’ needs. While more than 478 libraries have closed in the UK since 2010, Helsinki, a city in Finland, is spending €98 million creating a huge new one.

Why are Finland’s city libraries growing? 84% of the country’s population is urban, and libraries are vital places for socializing. Besides, while many libraries worldwide provide Internet access and other services, libraries here have expanded to lending e-publications, sports equipment, and other things of occasional use.

And Oodi will offer more since people need places to meet, work, and develop their digital skills. It has been designed to give citizens a free space to actively do what they want to do. Its design is certainly exciting. However, the most impressive thing is that the project is such a costly one that it will cost the citizens a huge sum of money, but it has not been controversial(有争议的). “They’re excited about it across the board,” says architect director Harris. “It will be important to daily life here in Helsinki.”

Oodi is more than a monument to citizens’ pride. As part of Finland’s celebration of a century of independence, the library is not merely a place to store books. “I think Finland could not have given a better gift to the people. It symbolizes the significance of learning and education, which have been fundamental reasons for Finland’s development and success,” says Razmyar.

【推荐2】One of the first things that Harvard University professor Daniel E.Lieberman points out in his new book Exercised is the double meaning of the word. Not only does it mean voluntary physical activity,but as an adjective,exercised suggests being worried, anxious or tired.And there lies the problem with exercise. Most of us just don't like doing it.

Lieberman pursues a double course in"Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do ls Healthy and Rewarding'". The professor presents an in-depth look at how humans evolved from hunter-gatherers who didn't have to think twice about getting enough exercise, to those of us who have to push ourselves away from our couches and devices. The parts of the book devoted to biology and evolution can be a bit hard to understand, although Lieberman often introduces them nicely with anecdotes.

Throughout his book, Lieberman discusses the origins of exercise, a modern pursuit.In the 1700s, Samuel Johnson didn't consider the words"play"and"exercise"worthy to be included in his dictionary. Although children have always played and sports have been a "human universal,exercise outside the context of sports was extremely rare until relatively recently, Lieberman writes. He also considers various contemporary forms of exercise and their benefits: running (which he does), walking, dancing, weight training, games and even cage fighting. He drops in on a Swedish company in Stockholm whose CEO requires a weekly "sports hour"to be participated in by all employees.

However, Lieberman's primary viewpoint- that exercise is indeed good for you-comes with an important warning.It must be enjoyable.The paradox（矛盾的情况），he writes，"is that our bodies never evolved to function optimally（最佳地）without lifelong physical activity but our minds never evolved to get us moving unless it is necessary, pleasurable or rewarding.

Exercise,he writes should be social."None of us is an island when it comes to health. Our well-being is interconnected. Some is better than none.Keep it up as you age."

【推荐3】When you walk in a Chinese city early in the morning, you’re likely to see groups of people exercising in the park. You’ll see them moving through a series of slow graceful movements. As their bodies flow from one exercise to the next, their minds are focused only on their deep, relaxed breathing.

Tai chi is part of national cultural heritage (遗产) which Chinese people take pride in. This ancient mind-body exercise is known as tai chi, and you don’t have to live in China to benefit from it. According to a survey in 2007, more than 2 million Americans are currently practicing tai chi.

Tai chi is called a mind-body type of exercise because it combines meditation, focused breathing, and physical movement. Because it’s also a low-impact (低强度的) exercise, it may be particularly suitable for older adults, but it’s a beneficial exercise for people of all ages.

Tai chi developed in China as a type of martial art. Today tai chi is used to develop fitness, meditation, balance, breathing, and well-being.

If tai chi is something you might like to try, look for a tai chi class near you. Keep in mind that training programs are different in many ways. You might want to ask around for a recommendation or try a class before you sign up. Ask potential tai chi instructors about their training and experience.

Tai chi is generally considered a low-risk exercise that is both safe and enjoyable. If you have any physical or medical problems, talk with your health care provider before starting any exercise program. And remember, although tai chi has many benefits, it can’t take the place of regular medical care.