【推荐1】A new program encouraging children ages 9 to 12 to get interested in computers, math and science starts next week at all 36 libraries of the San Diego Public Library.

Called “Spring into STEAM”, the program will offer workshops in March, April and May. It begins on March 2.

“We know that science education is so important now, and technology is changing so fast,” said Misty Jones, library director. “We see this as a way to bring kids new ideas and help them know more about the world around them.”

STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math, and there will be workshops in each area. This year’s theme(主题) is “Bug Out!” so the science workshop will invite insect(昆虫) experts to explain the survival skills of insects. The engineering workshop will watch bees as builders. For math, the kids will learn spatial geometry(空间几何学) by making 3­D paper insects. Kids in other workshops will learn computer coding, create a light using a glass bottle, or build insects using pipe cleaners and LED lights.

Jones said she’s also excited about the chance for children to take part in the International Barcode of Life Project, which is trying to create a digital catalog(电子目录) of different kinds of insects on Earth. Kids in San Diego can ask for free insect collection tools at their local libraries beginning on March 2. Insects they collect can then be sent in for DNA identification(鉴定).

Jones said it is unusual for every library to start the same program at the same time. “It’s something we’ve been trying to do, and I think it’s just the beginning of the chances we will be able to offer,” she said.

【推荐3】We’re giving London’s Lidos some love this summer. Whether you're an outdoor swimming fanatic or are yet to dip your toes into the water, there are plenty of options for you. Let’s dive right in!

Brockwell Lido

Located in the corner of Brockwell Park and surrounded by low line art decorated with redbrick walls, the unheated 50m pool has a dedicated army of year-round swimmers, and queues often stretch all around the block on summer days. Do book ahead if you can. There’s also a gym and fitness center on-site, all operated by Fusion, with the added bonus of an outdoor sauna available during the winter season.

Hampton Pool

Hampton Pool is well-known for its famous moonlight swims, taking place late at night in the summer months. Not a night owl? During the day, two outdoor pools are available—a 36m one for the adults, and a 12.5mlong one for learners and toddlers. They’re heated year-round. As well as the moonlight and Christmas Day swims, Hampton Pool offers other special events including picnic concerts in the summer months.

Charlton Lido

Charlton Lido has all the equipment and classes a gym fanatic might need, but we’re here to talk about the outdoor pool. 50m long, heated, surrounded by a sun terrace in the summer months, with drinks available to buy from Coffee Corner in June-September. Members can take part in classes such as aqua aerobics in the outdoor pool free of charge.

Oasis Sports Centre

Central London’s only heated, outdoor pool, this one comes with the added bonus of being located on a sun terrace. The outdoor pool is just one part of the Oasis Sports Centre, which also houses a gym, indoor pool and exercise studios. The 27.5m long outdoor pool is surrounded by a patio area and sunbathing deck, with the added bonus of a sauna nearby. Sure, views of the rooftops of Covent Garden make it feel like something of a hidden gem (宝石).

【推荐1】The Ultimate Guide for an Amazing Family Trip

Wondering how to take your kids on a special weekend trip while also giving yourself a relaxing time? Come to Universal Beijing Resort to immerse yourself in this world of movies!

• How to get to Universal Beijing Resort

If you are taking the subway, Universal Beijing Resort is the final stop of the Batong Line and Line 7. The park is equipped with nearly 10000 regular parking spaces, so driving is another quick and convenient option.

• Must-Bring Checklist

Have these prepared ahead of your trip so that you could enter the park:

Universal Studios Beijing One-Day-Dated Ticket

Valid ID Card / Pre-uploaded photo validation information through after-buying ticket message link or Universal Beijing Resort Official App

Face masks

Register for the green health QR code on the visitation date

• Safety Reminder

To ensure the health and safety of every guest and team member, please visit the Universal Beijing Resort Official channels before visitation for the latest Safety Guidelines. Universal Beijing Resort will closely monitor the developments of the pandemic situation and adjust the operational schedule in a timely manner.

• Family Travel Tips

Universal Beijing Resort offers convenient services for families. Stroller rental services are available near the front gate of the park to make it easier for the whole family to get around.

For children's safety, some attractions have height limits. Make sure to pick attractions that are suitable for your child! Here is a list of the attractions mentioned in this guide and the height requirements:

• Stay up-to-date with us

Want to learn more about Universal Beijing Resort? Download the Universal Beijing Resort Official App or check out our WeChat/Alibaba Mini Program to get insider tips, keep up with Park news and plan for your trip. Don't forget to also follow our official WeChat account to stay up to date on the latest events and promotions that you don't want to miss!

【推荐2】For years, airlines, touring companies, and tourism boards have used VR technology to market destinations to potential customers. Now, “the impact of COVID-19 may allow it to shake off its image of being a trick to attract public attention, says Ralph Hollister, a tourism analyst at Global Data and author of a report on the VR travel industry.

Virtual travel experiences are seeing a sudden rise in popularity. Still, there’s a big gap between using VR to “try before you buy” and treating virtual reality like the destination itself. Basically, the technology isn’t ready yet. 360-degree VR videos are usually experienced through a headset or an app. The headsets are expensive, heavy, and uncomfortable to wear for more than 30 minutes. The apps have none of these problems but simply aren’t as impressive.

Limited sensations are another problem. The videos focus on sounds and sights but can’t do much with smell, touch, or taste, and VR experiences tend to only be a few minutes long — hardly the equivalent (相等物) of a two-week vacation in Spain.

Erick Ramirez, a philosopher at Santa Clara University who studies VR, compares the future of virtual travel to a classic thought experiment: Imagine that you could connect yourself up to an “experience machine” and simply feel happy forever. Philosopher Robert Nozick, who developed the experiment, thinks nobody would want to be hooked up to (连接到) such a thing. Ramirez says “I do think that there are some kinds of tourist experiences where the value in them is in the doing, not just in the seeing and hearing, and it will be tough for VR to copy.”

If the technology becomes complex enough, those aiming to reduce our carbon footprint might prefer this form of escape. VR travel does bring parts of the world to people who are physically unable to visit certain landmarks. Most of all, it could help bring people to places that are otherwise inaccessible.