【推荐1】Today, there are a large number of ways to exercise and stay healthy. From working out in a gym to riding a bike to work, staying active may have never been easier. Despite all this, a new study finds Americans are actually much less active than their ancestors over 200 years ago. In fact, researchers from Harvard University say the average American people stay physically active for 30 fewer minutes than people did in 1820.

The team came to this conclusion after examining historical data which shows that body temperature among Americans has been falling for years. The results of a Stanford University report showed that the average body temperature of Americans has dropped from the age-old 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit(华氏温度)to about 97. 5 degrees.

They also looked at changes in metabolic rates(代谢率), which measure how physically active people are. Researchers found that the resting metabolic rate—the total number of calories the body burns while completely at rest—has declined by six percent since 1820. Researchers say metabolism plays a key role in producing body heat and much of this depends on how active a person is.

So what’s the cause of all this? “Instead of walking to work, we take cars or trains; instead of manual labor in factories, we use machines,” says lead author Andrew K. Yegian. “We’ve made technology do our physical activity for us. Our hope is that this helps people think more about the long-term changes of activity that have come with our changes in lifestyle and technology.”

The team also pulled data from two other studies to come up with an estimate of how much exercise Americans got in 1820 in comparison to today. “This will bring great benefits to my field of work because it can help us assess just how much increases in the incidence(发生率)of heart disease and Alzheimer’s is related to decreases in physical activity,” says Daniel E. Lieberman.

【推荐3】English history is vast, from its rule under the Romans to the rise, heights and fall of the British Empire. When choosing a book to recommend on my country’s history, I wanted something that could summanze this sweeping history but didn’t get stuck in the details of things that hold me back from completely engaging with this truly rich history. Then, I found Dominic Hnynes’ A Brief History of England.

The book is a tour through the whole of English history, from its earliest people to the movement of settlers from Europe. It looks at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, Elizabeth I’s ruling and the lasting impact of Shakespeare. Then it touches on the English Civil Wars and the shift of rule from kings and queens to the parliament(议会) running the country and the establishment of the political parties. It also covers the Napoleonic Wars and the world wars and even considers England’s post-Brexit (脱欧后的) present and future.

This really is quite the sweeping book. However, it’s very short. This means it’s easy to navigate and get a hold of a huge amount of history, but it also means it’s very light on the details. At times, this can be upset, as there are parts where it feels like just another paragraph or page would really elevate this book. But for an introduction to English history or perhaps a reminder or refresher, it’s great and particularly useful as it is likely to fill in some gaps in your knowledge.

Furthermore, because of the pace of the book, there’s not a boring moment. It’s a real page-turner, covering the succession(交替) of kings and queens, wars, and changes in the social order of the country at home and the country’s influence across the world.

One reviewer on Amazon described the book as “a small masterpiece”, and said. “This is a great book for anyone who wants to get a c-ash course in English history or for those who want a quick reference to that subject.”

So, jump in, dear readers, and get a hold of what made England what it was, what it went on to be, and where it may stand in our global future.

【推荐1】As most of us know, talking and listening don’t go smoothly every time.Will your parents take you seriously, believe what you say, listen to and respect your opinions?    1    But some of what happens depends on you, too.Since communication is a two－way street, the way you talk can influence how well a parent listens and understands you.So here are some guidelines to consider when talking to parents：

●Be clear and direct.Be as clear as you can about what you think, feel, and want.    2    They can listen better or be more helpful if they understand what you mean and what’s really going on.

●Be honest. If you’re always honest, a parent will be likely to believe what you say.If you sometimes hide the truth or add too much drama, your parents will have a harder time believing what you tell them. If you lie, they’ll find it hard to trust you.

●Try to understand their point of view.If you have a disagreement, can you see your parents’ side?    3    Telling your parents you understand their views and feelings helps them be willing to see yours, too.

●Try not to argue or complain. Using a tone that’s friendly and respectful makes it more likely that your parents will listen and take what you say seriously.    4    If you think your emotions might get the better of you, do something to blow off steam before talking: Go for a run.Cry.    5    Do whatever it takes to sound calm when you need to.

【推荐3】Three Books for A More Honest View of Parent

Nowadays, it seems there are two ways to write about parenthood. I am heartily sick of both. This year I’ve decided to hug books that are inspiring and honest, yet do not avoid the pleasures of parenthood.

Life Among the Savages     Shirley Jackson       price: $15

Shirley Jackson, author of one of the most amazingly sinister novels of all time and of the short story The Lottery, also wrote two charming novels about raising her four children in an old farmhouse in rural Vermont. In Life Among the Savages, Jackson’s humor is as thrilling as her horror, and her children seem never to inspire in her anything worse than a fond exasperation (恼怒) .

A Blind Man Can See How Much I Love You       Amy Bloom       price: $13. 95

A Blind Man Can See How Much I Love You contains one of the most absolute expressions of a mother’s love in fiction. Much of it takes place in the waiting room of a gender-reassignment surgeon. It’s about a woman who is determined to be the mother that her child needs her to be. In this collection ordinary women rise to the occasion demanded by motherhood. They make mistakes but they generall succeed in making up for them.

Family Man     Calvin Trillin     price: $ 18

In his memoir (回忆录) Family Man, Calvin Trillin writes with humor about his wife and daughters. He gives what I think is the single most useful piece of parenting advice “Getting advice on the best way to bring up children is like getting advice on the best way to breathe sooner or later you’re probably going to forget it and go back to your regular old in-and-out.” Trillin gives the impression of being the best kind of husband.