【推荐2】Should we allow modern buildings to be built next to older buildings in a historic area of a city? In order to answer this question, we must first examine whether people really want to preserve the historic feel of an area. Not all historical buildings are attractive. However, there may be other reasons—for example, economic (经济的) reasons—why they should be preserved. So, let us assume that historical buildings are both attractive and important to the majority of people. What should we do then if a new building is needed?

In my view, new architectural styles can exist perfectly well alongside an older style. Indeed, there are many examples in my own home town of Tours where modern designs have been placed very successfully next to old buildings. As long as the building in question is pleasing and does not dominate (影响) its surroundings too much, it often improves the attractiveness of the area.

It is true that there are examples of new buildings which have spoilt (破坏) the area they are in, but the same can be said of some old buildings too. Yet people still speak against new buildings in historic areas. I think this is simply because people are naturally conservative(保守的)and do not like change.

Although we have to respect people’s feelings as fellow users of the buildings, I believe that it is the duty of the architect and planner to move things forward . If we always reproduced what was there before, we would all still be living in caves. Thus, I would argue against copying previous architectural styles and choose something fresh and different , even though that might be the more risky choice.

【推荐3】Do you have a spare room in your house? What about a driveway for your car? Both of these can help you make money.Many people who are feeling the pinch are taking advantage of what’s been called the “sharing economy”.

Perhaps the best-known example of a company in this field is Airbnb---an American web business which allows you to rent out your spare room to holidaymakers.It says it operates in 34,000 cities and it has over 1,500,000 listings.It seems to have concerned the market!

A British company is doing something with parking spaces.JustPark’s founder, Anthony Eskinazi, says ,“When I had the original idea,Ispotted a driveway close to a sports stadium.It would have been so convenient if I could have just parked in that driveway rather than in commercial car park.” And he has a big clientele（客户）:around 20,000 people have advertised their spaces on the site,and he says around half a million drivers use it.There are other sites doing very similar things,like Uber and Lyft---these let drivers share their cars with other passengers.Any driver knows how valuable a place to park is .A church near Kings Cross in central London has apparently made over £200,000 by renting out space in its yard to travelers!

Because this is a new business world,those rules aren’t there yet and many people are happy to share...as long as it pays!

But the sharing economy has its critics:the competitors of these new companies.People who run things like traditional B&B, commercial car parks and taxi services are afraid of ending up out of pocket.And there is another issue:regulations on these new business are unclear.How will renting out your driveway affect your neighbor?

【推荐1】A survey with 2,004 people shows only 35.5 percent of those surveyed prefer to live in big cities, and 61.3 percent prefer a more comfortable life in small cities. Where would you prefer to live? Readers share their opinions.

urbexer (China)

I always enjoy living in the big cities as everything is convenient. However, convenience does not necessarily always mean a better life. My flat in Shenzhen is very convenient in terms of location to supermarkets, restaurants and nightlife. However, I would say my quality and enjoyment of life is not good.

xiphoid (US)

While I never cared for large cities, my wife loves them. Being from Hongkong, she is an entirely city girl. However, we found we are perfectly happy here in a mid-sized city. Ann Arbor is just the right size. It has 200,000 people, plus a very rich cultural life, thanks to all the students of U of M. It provides just about all the convenience that a large city can offer without the heavy rush hour traffic, heavy pollution and high crime rates.

libbycrystal (China)

Personally, I think, struggling in big city is a worthwhile experience; especially when you are young. While those in big cities meet more difficulties than people who live in relatively small and comfortable, it’s worth it. I know people are likely to have lonely moments even while they’re surrounded with people in crowded streets, and I can’t help being in tears sometimes. I do, however, know everything will get better.

cyberspook (Australia)

I lived and worked in a mid-sized city by Australian standards for many years. There was plenty of work and housing prices were high, but the lifestyle was busy and full of stress. When I moved to a very small town on an island, there were fewer jobs here, but the housing prices were cheap, and the lifestyle was light and care free. This kind of life suits me most, and I will not be moving any time soon. Choosing between living in a city or smaller area depends on what your life goals are. If you want money, you should go to a city; but if you want a peaceful life, with good health, then smaller areas all the way.

【推荐3】Five and a half billion people across the world live without a household toilet. Hundreds of millions of people are using facilities that are unhealthy and more than a billion people defecate (排泄) in the open.

Michael decided to take action in response to what is one of the world’s greatest public health crises. He invited 32 health workers from 16 communities in the southern Highlands of Madagascar to attend a training to organize communities to completely wipe out open defecation.

After completing the initial training, the 32 health workers returned to their towns and got to work. They met with their community and began to map out their town. Together they toured the area and pointed out every spot where people often defecate. Many of them became embarrassed after realizing the high amount of human waste in their community. They then continued to make a bill for the total costs of trips to the local health center when being treated for gastrointestinal (肠胃的) diseases. They quickly began to realize the financial involvement, besides the health risks of open defecation.

The communities began to solve the problem on their own. They considered ways to reduce the cost, by using local materials. Bamboo fences were suggested as an alternative to wooden fences. Mud could be used to build walls instead of bricks. Before Michael starting his project, 267 toilets existed for the 6,700 people living in the communities Michael aimed to reach. It was not enough at all. More than 300 additional toilets were built. He was pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm he saw from the community towards making open defecation less.

【推荐2】Here are four books online, aiming to strengthen spoken and writing skills for English- language learners.

Arnie the Doughnut

Suggested grade level: lst- 2nd

Arnie looks like an average doughnut made by one of the best bakeries in town. Still, a doughnut is just a doughnut, right? WRONG! Click to see what happens.

Themes in the story:lmagination, Humor, Friendship

Brave Irene

Suggested grade level: lst- 2nd

Brave Irene is a dressmaker's daughter. One day, Irene volunteers to send the dress made by her mum to the palace on time, in spite of the snowstorm. Click and see how she overcomes difficulties.

Themes in the story: Courage, Overcoming difficulties

The Empty Pot

Suggested grade level: lst-2nd

The Chinese Emperor announces a test to choose the country's next king. The child who raises the best flowers from a seed given by the Emperor will be the one. Ping is unable to get his seed to come out-but Ping's empty pot is the best of all. Why?

Themes in the story: Honesty, Learning from failure

Clark the Shark

Suggested grade level: Kindergarten- 2nd

Clark i,s a shark who loves life, but his enthusiasm is too much for his friends, so his teacher helps him find a way to turn it down. Finally, Clark knows how to get along with his friends.

Themes in the story:Self-Control, lVLanners, Friendship