【推荐1】For high school seniors who are admitted to multiple colleges, deciding which one to attend often requires additional research and careful consideration. The traditional decision day of May I is approaching, though some colleges have pushed that date back as campuses shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic (新冠疫情). As deadlines approach, here are some ways that parents can help, starting with their role in the decision process.

Choosing a college is an exciting but stressful process for many tens. Parents should try to be understanding instead of adding more stress. Getting into a good college isn’t about impressing the neighbors. Although it may be easier said than done, parents shouldn’t compare their ten’s college acceptances or rejections with those of their friends’ children, says Christopher Rim, founder and CEO of Command Education. Doing so just adds more stress to the college decision process, he says. “Not comparing is obviously the advice that I give,” Rim says. “Every student is without doubt so special, so unique and has different passions and interests.”

Teens have probably already spent some time looking into the academic offerings of each college they applied to, but experts say it doesn’t hurt for families to do some additional research before making a final college choice. Parents can help their teens research and think through the width and depth of academic opportunities offered at a college, Christine Chu, a premier college admissions counselor at IvyWise, a New York-based education consulting company, wrote in an email. This includes the majors and minors (副修科目) provided, course selections, accessibility of faculty, undergraduate research opportunities and study abroad programs, she said.

Anyway, if parents really want the students to have buy-in into their choice, it needs to be their choice.

【推荐1】Nothing beats live music, but the venue makes a difference. When you're able to score tickets to an incredible concert in an incredible place, you won't forget the experience. Here are some of the coolest music venues from around the world. If you haven't been to any of these, you've got some traveling to do.

Red Rocks might be the most beautiful and famous venue in the United States. At 6,450 feet above sea level, Red Rocks is a geologically formed natural stage. Its massive sandstone provides a perfect stage for jam bands. If you're into the blues and jazz, you'll have no trouble finding something in line with your interests.

Smallest venues on this list, Meet Factory is an art gallery, theater, and music venue. The venue only accommodates 1,000 people, so you won't see any huge names come through. Still, it's a great place to see up-and-coming local acts, and if you've got an eye for contemporary art, you'll love your time here.

Originally built around A. D. 70, the Arena of Nimes presents concertgoers with an interesting question: Should they enjoy the music, or marvel at the architecture? The Arena is, after all, one of the world's best-preserved Roman theaters. Many major touring acts plan stops at the Arena of Nimes, especially during the venue's annual festival.

The Sydney Opera House is one of the world's most famous performing venues. I's also one of the most distinctive buildings in Sydney, thanks to the breathtaking design by Danish architect Utzon. It hosts about 40 events per week, so whether you're into jazz, rock, classical music, or opera, you'll find something to watch.

【推荐3】Everywhere I look, there are new buildings being built. The neighbourhoods that I knew as a boy, filled with beautiful old buildings, have mostly disappeared, and in their place, modern, high-rise buildings have appeared. If we continue in this way, nothing will remain of our heritage; soon I will no longer recognize my city. What is left of the city’s traditional buildings and neighbourhoods must be preserved and it is important to begin this process now.

Historic preservation has become popular all over the world in recent years, but many countries have chosen new construction over preservation. There is good reason for this. As the population has become larger, people want the usefulness of modern living. However, the built environment should be more than shiny new buildings with air conditioning and washing machines; it should also show the beauty of our culture and heritage. How can our children understand our culture if we erase so much of the physical evidence (物证) of it?

The reasons for preserving historic buildings are not simply about an emotional connection to the past. There are also good economic reasons in favour of preservation. The repair and preservation of historic sites can become an economic engine, drawing tourists and small businesses to the area. There are several good examples of this in the Middle East. In Dubai, the historic AI Bastikiya district draws thousands of tourists every year from all over the world. It also attracts local people, eager to learn about their city’s past.

Those who are against historic preservation think that it is too expensive. But many recent projects all over the world have told us that this is not necessarily the case. In fact, renovation (翻新) of an existing building can cost about $40 per square metre less than even the most basic new building, while preserving the beauty of the original building. What is more, environmental experts believe that the greenest building is the one that is already built. New building almost always has a more serious environmental influence because it requires the use of all-new materials that must be transported, often over long distances, instead of recycled materials that are already on site. We recycle so many other things. We can and should recycle buildings, too.