【推荐1】When I was 16years old and in foster care （非亲代养）in Tennessee，people told me I was unadoptable．But I desperately wanted a family．I sought the help of a judge，even the commissioner of the Department of Children's Services and was adopted just a week before my 18th birthday．

We have a lot to be grateful for and this holiday season .Let's not forget about the more than 415000 youth in foster care especially older youth．These youth are the most likely to get overlooked for adoption but they shouldn't be．They need and deserve a family just as much as young children do．Making an older youth a part of your family can bring just as much a joy as adopting a baby or a younger child-without all the diapers and potty training．

My adoption was life changing and probably the best thing that ever happened to me．I still remember the first gift my parents gave to me．It was a Mickey Mouse key chain with a key to their home．They told me that no matter what happened they would always love me and I'd always have a place to come home to．This is our 17th Thanksgiving together…

My first Thanksgiving with my family was a little overwhelming with lots of extended family including grandparents，aunts，uncles，and cousins．However，it's when I realized that I would never have to spend another holiday alone and that was truly an amazing feeling．

I was always eager to spend time with my little sister，Beth．She was six when I joined the family．My dad always says he knew we were really sisters，and I was no longer a guest in the house when Beth and I had our first fight．Today，she's one of my best friends，and I'm her biggest cheerleader．

There were also bittersweet Thanksgivings．One we spent in my mom's hospital room．It was there that she helped me plan my wedding but passed away three weeks before the ceremony，My dad walked me down the aisle，and my sister was my maid of hono,Because of our bond we were able to support each other through that challenging time and that's what family is for-the good and bad times．

It's nice having my dad and sister to share holidays and special occasions．But they're even more important when it comes to the little things like having someone to share my bad day with,celebrate my promotion at work，or help me think through a difficult decision．It's in these moments that I just can't imagine being alone in the world．

I'm so glad that I didn't listen to those people who said I was unadoptable，I'd never find a family，and that I was putting myself out there for rejection．It's a risk for older foster youth to consider adoption．It's an opportunity to be rejected once again． But it's a risk they should take because life doesn't end at 18．It's really just beginning．

If you know someone who might consider adopting an older teen，please share my story--and have him or her think of my family．They didn't get to see my first steps or watch me be a pilgrim in my second grade Thanksgiving play．But they taught me so many things about life and were there to watch me walk across the stage when I graduated from college and law school and accompanied me to the White House last year as I was honored for my work helping foster youth．

I look forward to many more Thanksgivings with my family and I'm eternally thankful they chose me to be a part of their family．

【推荐3】If you use social media to chase away loneliness, a new study suggests you’re going against the gain.

We may have heard a lot about the benefits of interacting with others online, but the findings of a study conducted by University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine scientists show a direct relationship between social media usage and feelings of isolation (隔绝). In short, the more time you spend on social media, the lonelier you may feel.

With increased interaction on a large number of apps that allow for endless virtual connectivity, loneliness seems like the last problem frequent social media users would face, but according to the leader of the study Brain Primack, it has the exact opposite effect.

“Mental health problems and social isolation are at widespread levels among young adults nowadays,” Primack said, “We are naturally social creature, but modem life tends to separate us instead of bringing us together. While it may seem that social media presents opportunities to fill the social void (空隙), I think this study suggests that it may not be the solution people were hoping for.”

Primack and his team examined the social media habits of 1,787 U.S. adults aged 19 to 32 via a questionnaire that asked about the time and frequency they spent on the most popular social media platforms. Eventually, they determined that young adults who are constantly logging into social media reported more feelings of isolation than those with less social media usage. Frequent exposure to unrealistic descriptions on social media instead of face-to-face social interactions may give people the impression that others are living happier, more connected lives, and this may users feel more socially isolated in comparison.

【推荐1】Definitions of adult learning vary, but it is usually defined as all forms of learning undertaken by adults after having left initial education and training, however far this process may have gone.

Education and training are important factors for achieving the strategy objectives of raising economic growth, competitiveness and social inclusion. However, with some exceptions, the process of implementing education and training remains weak. Most education and training systems are still largely focused on the education and training of young people and limited progress has been made in changing systems to mirror the need for learning throughout the lifespan.

An additional 4 million adults would need to participate in lifelong learning. Recent research confirms the importance of investing in adult learning. The research on adults indicates that those who engage in learning are healthier, with a consequent reduction in healthcare costs.

The big economic challenge in Europe is to raise its growth and employment performance while preserving social cohesion(凝聚力). The rapid progress in other regions of the world shows the importance of creative, advanced and quality education and training as key factors of economic competitiveness. General levels of competence must increase, both to meet the needs of the labour market and to allow citizens to function well in today's society.

Europe is facing big demographic(人口的) changes that will have a major impact on society and on the economy and consequently on education and training provision and needs. Over the next 30 years, the number of younger Europeans will fall by 15%. One in three Europeans will be over 60 years old, and about one in ten will be over 80.

Given the challenges identified above, raising the overall level of skills of the adult population by offering more and better learning opportunities throughout adult life is important for both efficiency and equity reasons. Not only does lifelong learning help make adults more efficient workers and more active citizens, it also contributes to their personal well-being.

【推荐2】It is widely known that any English conversation begins with the weather. Such a fixation with the weather finds expression in Dr. Johnson’s famous comment that “When two English meet, their first talk is of weather.” Though Johnson’s observation is as accurate now as it was over two hundred years ago, people fail to come up with a good explanation for this English weather-speak.

Bill Bryson, for example, says that, as the English weather is not at all exciting, the interest in it can hardly be understood. He argues that “To an outsider, the most striking thing about the English weather is that there is not very much of it.” Simply, the reason is that the unusual and unpredictable weather is almost unknown in the British Isles.

Jeremy Paxman, however, disagrees with Bryson, arguing that the English weather is by nature attractive. Bryson is wrong, he says, because the English preference for the weather has nothing to do with the natural phenomena (现象). “The interest is less in the phenomena themselves, but in uncertainty.” According to him, the weather in England is very changeable and uncertain and it draws the English as well as the outsider.

Bryson and Paxman stand for common misunderstandings about the weather-speak among the English. Both of them, somehow, are missing the point. The English weather conversation is not really about the weather at all. English weather-speak is a system of signs, which is developed to help the speakers overcome the natural reserve and actually talk to each other. Everyone knows conversations starting with weather-speak are not requests for weather data. Rather, they are greetings. In other words, English weather-speak is a means of social bonding.

【推荐3】You are given many opportunities in life to choose to be a victim or creator. When you choose to be a victim, the world is a cold and difficult place. “They” did things to you which caused all of your pain and suffering. “They” are wrong and bad, and life is terrible as long as “they” are around. Or you may blame yourself for all your problems, thus internalizing (内化) your victimization. The truth is, your life is likely to stay that way as long as you feel a need to blame yourself or others.

Those who choose to be creators look at life quite differently. They know there are individuals who might like to control their lives, but they don't let this get in the way. They know they have their weaknesses, yet they don't blame themselves when they fail. Whatever happens, they have choice in the matter. They believe their dance with each sacred (神圣的) moment of life is a gift and that storms are a natural part of life which can bring the rain needed for emotional and spiritual growth.

Victims and creators live in the same physical world and deal with many of the same physical realities, yet their experience of life is worlds apart. Victims relish (沉溺) in anger, guilt, and other emotions that cause others — and even themselves — to feel like victims, too. Creators consciously choose love, inspiration, and other qualities which inspire not only themselves, but all around them. Both victims and creators always have choice to determine the direction of their lives.

In reality, all of us play the victim or the creator at various points in our lives. One person, on losing a job or a special relationship, may feel as if it is the end of the world and sink into terrible suffering for months, years, or even a lifetime. Another with the same experience may choose to first experience the grief, then accept the loss and soon move on to be a powerful creative force in his life.

In every moment and every circumstance, you can choose to have fuller, richer life by setting a clear intention to transform the victim within, and by inviting into your life the powerful creator that you are.

Where: Becket, Massachusetts

When: Jun.15-Aug.24

Each summer, this influential dance center presents a number of classes and performances by more than 50 companies from around the world. Highlights(最精彩的部分) in this season include the Dance Theater of Harlem’s production of Alvin Ailey’s "The Lark Ascending", which opens the festival.

Many events are free. Ticketed performances start at $22. Jacobs pillow. org.

Where: Moab, Utah

When: Aug. 29-Sept. 9

This area is better known for mountain biking than for music. But since 1992, it has hosted a private festival that brings classical, jazz, Latin and other types of music to the land. This year there will be 16 concerts, including three "Grotto Concerts", where guests take a 45-minute boat ride down the Colorado river to performances.

Events start at $25. moabmusicfest.org.

Where: Cheyenne, W yoming

When: July19-28

There is something for everyone at this 117-year-old festival, from an "Indian village and Old West museum" to country concerts. But the competition is still the main attraction, with cowboys and cowgirls competing for major money in the world’s largest outdoor stage.

Competition tickets start at $18, and concert tickets at$23. cfdrodeo.com.

Where: Cooperstown, New York

When: July 6-Aug.24

Each summer, opera lovers from around the country travel to upstate New York to watch productions that include stars like Nathan Gunn and Ginger Costa-Jackson. This year’s performances include Wagner’s "The Flying Dutchman" and Verdi’s "King for a Day", in honor of the 200th birthdays of both composers(作曲家).

Tickets start at $26. glimmerglass.org.

【推荐2】The popularity of niche（小众的）sports has increased, thanks in large part to pop culture interest. From the traditional Japanese martial arts to ancient Greek combat sports. Here are some trendy options you won't want to miss.

Kendo

This Japanese martial art is gaining popularity in China, partly because of Japanese sports manga（日本漫画）series such as One Piece（海贼王）. In many major cities, it's not uncommon to see young athletes carrying the bamboo swords used for Kendo.

Kendo is a form of swordsmanship（剑术）that requires concentration, discipline and constant repetition, but the benefit goes beyond physical fitness. According to the South China Morning Post, practicing kendo can effectively relieve stress and relax one's mind.

Boxing

Some of the greatest English-language writers, like Ernest Hemingway, Jack London and TS Eliot, were hardcore boxers. After reading their portrayals of tough boxers, some readers have been inspired to pick up their own pair of boxing gloves and enter the ring.

Boxing is more than just a workout. Sure, it can give you a lean and strong body. But according to boxing expert Hollywood Hino, it's a kind of addiction as well. Boxing gives you "the challenge of learning technique, as well as the general empowering feeling of hitting something", he told Yahoo Sports.

Parkour

The James Bond blockbuster Casino Royale (2006) introduced parkour to the mainstream, with an intense action scene that shows Bond using skills to go through an urban landscape. That's parkour in a nutshell: the art of moving quickly and creatively through unconventional obstacle courses. Parkour gives young people a way to improve themselves, both physically and psychologically.

【推荐3】Learning English can sometimes seem like a difficult thing to do—the grammar can be very confusing and spoken English seems to be changing all the time. But，it is not as hard as it seems and the most important thing for any learner to achieve is confidence with the language. If students are nervous about using English or worried about making mistakes，they won’t feel like practicing，and without practice they cannot make progress.

General English courses aim to give students that confidence. Whether students are complete beginners or advanced learners，schools want them to be confident about using English by the time they finish their course. To do this，schools have developed General English courses which combine a range of different teaching methods.

In class，teachers encourage students to work together so that they can practice new words and grammar. They always try and make this class work interesting and fun. Many schools are equipped with language labs and libraries where students can work on their own with audio tapes and video and computers. And outside the classroom，the learning continues，where students are meeting together socially，visiting local attractions，or at home with a host family.

Most schools offer General English courses which are either part-time—usually 15 hours per week—or full-time，which can be as much as 40 hours. This type of course is available all year round. Students can normally start a General English course every Monday，and can study for as long as they like. Other types of General English courses may last a minimum number of days or weeks. Some of the most popular General English courses are available during the summer holiday period. These are usually part-time，and schools organize social activities for students in their free time. Some schools offer special activities like sports.

General English courses also give students the chance to discover new parts of Britain. With so many schools offering this type of course，students can go almost anywhere，and while they are studying，they will have a chance to explore the countryside or towns and meet local people. Whenever they go in Britain they are assured high quality courses.

【推荐1】From driving to landing on moon, more and more human tasks are being taken over by artificial intelligence(AI-人工智能). It will make everyday tasks easier and bring benefits to different industries.

And yet, like any other technology, AI will also bring risks and dangers. When people mention that AI could be dangerous, they think of the situation in films where an AI program decides to kill or enslave all humans. While this possibility is unlikely for now, there are many other dangers that AI could bring to mankind.

In February 2018, a group of AI experts got together to discuss the possible misuse of AI. What they found was that “Every AI advance by the good guys is an advance for the bad guys, too”. Their main worry was that criminals could use AI for many bad purposes, including using AI to create websites that could steal people’s personal information. Another possible risk was faster hacking(黑客)—AI programs could be taught to find weaknesses in software and break into computer systems. Some other risks were as dramatic as the ones we see in books and movies. For example, long-distant attacks could be made easier through the use of AI. And, finally, there were some worries on imitating voices as well. It is possible that AI could be used to make false photos and videos. In china, tech giant Baidu has developed a program called Deep Voice that can “clone” anyone’s voice by studying a 3.7-second audio sample (声音样本).

Many people in the tech world have expressed worry about AI. People like US businessmen Bill Gates and Elon Musk have called for the industry to be more strictly controlled, as there are few laws currently governing the use of AI. Famous British Physicist Stephen Hawking even thought AI could finally cause the end of mankind. “Once humans develop artificial intelligence, it will take off and redesign itself at an alarming rate. Humans…couldn’t compete and would be replaced.”

【推荐2】The annual marathon in my town occurred as scheduled. My job was to follow behind the runners in an ambulance in case any of them needed medical attention. As the athletes began to pace themselves, the front runners started to disappear. It was then that my eyes were drawn to the woman in blue running shorts and a baggy white T-shirt.

I knew we were already watching our “last runner？” Her feet were turned in, yet her left knee was turned out. Her legs were so crippled（跛足的）and bent that it seemed impossible for her to walk, let alone run a marathon.

The driver and I watched in silence as she slowly moved forward. We would move forward a little bit, then stop and wait for her to gain some distance. Then we’d slowly move forward a little bit more. As I watched her struggle to put one foot in front of the other, I found myself breathing for her and urging her forward. I wanted her to stop, and at the same time, I prayed that she wouldn’t.

Finally, she was the only runner left in sight. I sat on the edge of my seat and watched with respect and amazement as she pushed forward with sheer determination through the last miles. When the finish line came into sight, the cheering crowds had long gone home. Yet, standing straight and proud waited a man. He was holding one end of a ribbon tied to a post. She slowly crossed through, leaving both ends of the ribbon fluttering behind her.

I don’t know this woman’s name, but that day she became a part of my life- a part I often depend on. For her, it wasn’t about beating the other runners or winning a prize. It was about finishing what she had set out to do. When I think things are too difficult or I get those “I-just-can’t-do-it,” I think of the last runner. Then I realize how easy the task before me really is.

【推荐3】Two things changed my life: my mother and a white, plastic, daisy bike basket. I have thought long and hard about it and it’s true. I would be a different person if my mom hadn’t turned a silly bicycle accessory (配件) into a life lesson I carry with me today.

It was summer and, one day, my mother drove me to the bike shop to get a tire fixed — and there it was in the window. White, shiny, plastic and decorated with daisies, the basket seemed so appealing and I knew I had to have it.

“Mom, please can I please, please get it? I’ll do extra chores for as long as you say. I’ll do anything, but I need that basket. Please, Mom. Please?”

“You know,” she said, gently rubbing my back while we both stared at what I believed was the coolest thing ever, “If you save up, you could buy this yourself.”

“By the time I make enough it’ll be gone!’

“Maybe Roger here could hold it for you,” She smiled at Roger, the bike guy.

“For that long? He can’t hold it for that long, Mom. Someone else will buy it. Please, Mom, please?”

“There might be another choice,” she said. My mother bought the beautiful basket and put it safely out of reach in some hiding place I couldn’t find. Each week I eagerly counted my growing nest egg earned by extra work here and there (washing the car, helping my mother make dinner, delivering milk around the neighborhood). And then, weeks later maybe, I counted, re-counted and jumped for joy. Oh, happy day! I made it! I finally had the exact amount we’d agreed upon.

Days later, the unthinkable happened. A neighborhood girl I’d played with millions of times appeared with the exact same basket fixed to her shiny, new bike that already had all the bells and whistles. I rode my bike fast home to tell my mother about this disaster, this horrible turn of events.

And then came the lesson I’ve taken with me through my life: “Honey, your basket is extra-special,” Mom said, gently wiping away my hot tears. “Your basket is special because you paid for it yourself.”