【推荐3】Although most weddings follow long-held traditions, there’s still room for American individualism. For example, the usual place for a wedding is in a church. But some people get married outdoors in a scenic spot. A few even have the ceremony while skydiving or riding on horseback! The couple may invite hundreds of people or just a few close friends. They choose their own style of colors, decorations and music during the ceremony. But some things rarely change. The bride usually wears a beautiful long white wedding dress. She traditionally wears “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” The groom wears a formal suit.

Several close friends participate in the ceremony as attendants, including the best man and the maid of honor.

As the ceremony begins, the groom and his attendants stand with the minister, facing the audience. Music signals the entrance of the bride’s attendants, followed by the beautiful bride. Nervously, the young couple repeats their vows (誓言). Traditionally, they promise to love each other “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.” But sometimes the couple has composed (编写) their own vows. They give each other a gold ring to symbolize their marriage commitment. Finally the minister announces the big moment, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride!”

At the wedding reception, the bride and groom greet their guests. Then they cut the wedding cake and feed each other a bite. Guests talk with each other while enjoying the cake, drinks and other treats. When the reception is over, the newlyweds run to their “decorated” car and speed off. Many couples take a honeymoon, a one- to two-week vacation trip, to celebrate their new marriage.

【推荐1】STEM Summer Programs for High School Students

STEM is a term that stands for science, technology,engineering,and mathematics. Here is a list of some of the best STEM summer camps for high school students.

Future Matters Program

It is an 8-week paid summer research experience for high school students. This is a hands-on program for students interested in pursuing a career in medical research. Students will attend seminars led by faculty and participate in discussions with peers.

Simons Summer Research

It is a seven-week program located at Stony Brook University. Students will have the opportunity to participate in special workshops, tours and events free of charge. They will conclude the program by producing a written research abstract and research poster.

Research Science Institute

It is the first cost-free summer program of its kind. During this six-week program, students will dive deeper into the world of science and engineering by experiencing the entire research cycle. In this program, students attend lectures given by famous professors and prepare written and oral presentations to present their research.

Program in Math for Young Scientists

This is a six-week intensive mathematics program designed for students across the globe. Unlike common programs, it offers a great deal of independence for students to choose their own schedules and decide what they want to study. Besides learning, there is also “mandatory (强制的) fun time” built into the weekly schedule so that students are able to have non-math related activities.

【推荐3】Four Shows to See

Falcons: The Art of the Hunt

The hunting training of falcons (猎鹰) has long been attractive to humans.Aslongagoasearly8th-century Syria, falcons were being trained to become skilful hunters for the royal courts (皇家庭院). The practice spread across the world. A news how in the National Museum of Asian Art collects paintings and objects from ancient Egypt to China celebrating the hunting power of the birds. (Jan. 15-Jul. 17, 2022).

Iké Udé: Nollywood Portraits

The success of Nigeria’s Film industry has also meant the rise of charm and famous people in what is called Nollywood. Iké Udé returned to Lagos, the largest part of Nigeria, in 2014 after three decades as an artist in New York City to photograph the leading stars, often in costumes from their films, as well as directors and producers in the $3 billion industry. The result reflects the changing nature of African identity in the 21st century. (Opens Feb.5, 2022)

Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight

Pacific Northwest music and projects accompany (伴随) a major show at the National Museum of the American Indian by Tlingit glass artist Preston Singletary. Organised by the artist with the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington, it was originally supposed to open in the fall of 2020. The show tells the story of Raven and his efforts to change the world by bringing light to people from the stars, moon and sun. (Jan, 28, 2022-Jan. 29,2023).

Baseball: America’s Home Run

This show features hundreds of U.S. and international stamps remembering baseball’s finest players. First organised to mark the 150^th anniversary (周年庆) of professional baseball in 2019. “Baseball: America’s Home Run” will feature some historic objects that have never appeared on public show. (Apr.9-Sep.25, 2022)