【推荐2】Buying furniture is easier than ever. You can even order a new table and chairs online without ever leaving home. But did you ever think about how furniture is made? The process begins with trees but now researchers have found a better way: growing it in a lab instead of a forest. Instead of cutting down trees and adding to deforestation, Velasquez-Garcia said, “If you want a table, then you should just grow a table.”

The research group found a way to actually grow plant tissue (组织) — wood and fiber — in a lab that is similar to the way cultured meat is grown. While there is still a long way to go to actually grow a table, the team was able to grow structures from cells from zinnia leaves.

Making furniture and other items from biomaterials could eliminate cutting down trees in forests. “The way we get these materials hasn’t changed in centuries and is very inefficient,” said Velasquez-Garcia. “This is a real chance to avoid all that inefficiency.”

There are other benefits to using lab wood too. Lab grown wood can be handled to take on any shape — like 3 D printing — so it may be possible to build a table without glue or screwing parts together.

Beckwith, a mechanical engineering PhD student, was inspired by a visit to a farm to try to make land-use more efficient and environmentally sound. “That got me thinking: Can we be more strategic (战略上的) about what we’re getting out of our process? Can we get more yield for our inputs?” she told MIT News. “I wanted to find a more efficient way to use land and resources so that we could let more farmlands remain wild, or to remain lower production but allow for greater biodiversity.”

Today, the two largest uses of trees are to make wood products and paper. When new biomaterials become readily available, forests will lose their economic value and will be preserved for their environmental, health, and recreational value. These researchers, like Velasquez-Garcia, are speaking for the trees.

【推荐3】I’ve been living in Spain for decades and I securely guarantee that I have a talent in figuring out the cool hidden local spots. As a foreigner, I couldn’t care less about doing the touristy things or enjoying fancy cuisine.     1     So I always attempt to find something that’s appealing and fun yet represents the local culture, and that offers an interaction with the locals.

My reputation for doing this has grown.     2     Since I am somewhat fluent in Spanish, I could charge people for this and become somewhat of an official tour guide. I choose not to though, because to me, the most important thing is making sure the tourist, who already spent a lot of time and money getting to where I am, has the fun and cultural experience they could possibly have.     3     In that case, tourists can explore the local culture further at the lowest cost. They could otherwise spend a significant sum of money on a guided tour that keeps them comfortable but separated from the culture. I choose to give them an experience that’s deeper and opens their mind, all for free.

    4     When someone is visiting your area, don’t just take them to the touristy spots. Show them the places that mean something to you. Show them your heart through the places that you show them and the experience you give them. There’s something good in almost every town out there. If you don’t have any spots in your area that you like, learn to find the good in the place you live. If you find the good in where you live, you will also find the good in yourself. It’s a time that both you and the tourist will probably never obtain again.     5    

【推荐1】Concerned about staying safe in your hotel? This list of Hotel Safety Tips will give you the tools and techniques you need to feel and be safe. From years of staying in hotels (mostly for work) we’ve learned how to minimize the risk of hotel theft or other hotel risks by employing the simple but effective hotel safety strategics listed below.

Always lock the door

All hotels have door latches that add an extra layer of security to the door. It won’t stop the most determined thieves, but it will slow them down and for the less ambitious it might be enough to scare them off. If your door has a manual lock, be sure to flip it locked. You can’t have enough protection.

Avoid leaving valuables in your room

Numerous staff members have master keys that can open every room in the hotel and the cleaning staff enters your room at least once a day. While most are professionals and wouldn’t dream of taking anything, there’s no need to tempt them by leaving your diamond ring on the bed or laptop in plain sight. Always take valuables with you IF you can.

Use the privacy signs whenever possible

If you do have to leave your room make sure you hang the privacy sign. If the guest is in the room, hotel staff may avoid the guest. You can also turn your TV on to further indicate someone’s in the room improving the chances your stuff will be safe. This hotel safety tip obviously doesn’t apply if you desire your room being serviced.

For a bonus hotel safety tip, hang the sign when YOU are in the room to make sure they stay clear.

Learn the hotel exits

If you’ve ever experienced escaping from a hotel at 2 in the morning for a hotel fire it’s not pleasant! Take a quick glance at the exit plan posted in the room and be ready. Don’t forget to leave your luggage when you exit your room in a fire situation.

【推荐2】Winter Solstice Celebrations From Around the World

The winter solstice (冬至), the longest night of the year, falls on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and June 20 or 21 in the Southern. Since ancient times, people all over the world have recognized this important occurrence and celebrated the following “return” of the Sun in a variety of different ways. Old solstice traditions have influenced holidays we celebrate now, such as Christmas and Hanukkah. Here are some solstice traditions both new and old to help light your way to longer days.

Soyal

Soyal is the winter solstice celebration of the Hopi Indians of northern Arizona. Ceremonies include purification, dancing, and sometimes gift-giving. At the time of the solstice, Hopi welcome the kachinas, some protective gods from the mountains. Prayer sticks are crafted and used for various blessings and other ceremonies.

Yalda

The Persian festival Yalda, or Shab-e Yalda is a celebration of the winter solstice in Iran that started in ancient times. It marks the last day of the Persian month of Azar. Yalda is viewed traditionally as the victory of light over dark, and the birthday of the sun god Mithra. Families celebrate together with special foods like nuts and some stay awake all night long to welcome the morning sun.

Midwinter in Antarctica

Even Antarctica gets its share of solstice celebration, thanks to the researchers staying there over the long, dangerously cold season. While those of us in the Northern Hemisphere are enjoying the most daylight hours, in the Southern Hemisphere they are celebrating Midwinter. Festivities include special meals, films, and sometimes even handmade gifts.