1 . These days, more and more people go to the gym to work out. But with so many gyms out there, how do you know which one is the right one for you? We find some information about the best gyms in New York City so you can have a better idea of what each gym offers.

New York Sports Club

Initiation Fees: Neighborhood membership, $49.99; Passport membership, $49.99.

Membership Costs: Neighborhood membership, $44.99 a month; Passport membership, $ 99.99 a month.

Additional Fees: Neighborhood membership, $49.99 a year; Passport membership, S 49.99 a year.

Locations: Locations in all five boroughs.

Classes: Studio classes, athletic conditioning, boxing, kickboxing and yoga.

Planet Fitness

Initiation Fees (入会费): Regular membership, $5; Black Card membership, no initiation fee. Membership Costs: Regular membership is $10 a month and includes free fitness training and free wifi. Black Card membership is $ 22.99 a month and includes access to all Planet Fitness locations, free fitness training, free wifi, half-priced cooler drinks and worldwide travel deals.

Additional Fees: $39 membership fee a year.

Locations: Locations in all five boroughs (区).

Classes: None.

Chelsea Piers

Initiation Fees: Call to request.

Membership Costs: For a specific gym, varies by location.

Locations: Chelsea and Brooklyn.

Classes: Strength and conditioning, cycling and yoga.

24 Hour Fitness

Initiation Fees: $0 on select memberships.

Membership Costs: $79.99 for Ultra Sport.

Locations: Midtown and Madison Square Park.

Classes: Studio classes, free weights, group cycling and personal training.

4 . Jeanne Calment, a French woman, became record breaker on 17 October of 1995, when at the age of 120 years and 238 days, she became the longest-lived human being on record. A Japanese man died in 1986 at the age of 120 years and 237 days.

Jeanne Calment lives in a small old people’s home in the south of France; her husband, her only child and her grandson have all died. She is nearly blind and deaf and is always in a wheelchair, but her doctor describes her as being more like a 90-year-old in good health than someone of 120. She still has a lively sense of humor. When asked on her 120th birthday what she expected of the future, she replied: A very short one. She also remarked that she thought the good Lord had forgotten all about her.

So what is the key to a long life? According to some doctors, diet, exercise and no smoking are the three important factors. Jeanne Calment has followed two of the tips. She has always eaten a healthy diet, and she used to do exercise every day until she broke her leg at the age of 115. However, until recently she drank two glasses of strong red wine a day, and she does smoke (now only a little). Besides, Jeanne Calment might have got very good genes from her parents. Her father lived to the age of 94 and her mother to 86.

A local lawyer bought her house when she was 80 under an agreement that he would pay her some money every year until her death. It must have seemed a good move at the time, but so far the lawyer has paid her at least three times the value of the house. Every year on her birthday Jcanne Calment sends him a card saying: Sorry, I’m still alive!

5 . A man was driving when he found a lady needed help. So he stopped. When he was coming up to her, she was worried _________ nobody had stopped for hours. Besides, he didn’t look safe as his appearance was so ugly and _________. He could see how scared she was, so he tried to calm her, “I am here to help you. Don’t worry. My name is Bryan Anderson.”

The car _________, so he had to crawl (爬) under the car to repair it. When the job was done, she asked how much she should   _________ him for his help. Bryan smiled, “If you really want to pay me back, the next time you see someone who needs help, _________ the person help. And think of me.”

Several days later in a small _________, the lady saw a waitress nearly eight months pregnant (怀孕的). The waitress gave her a friendly smile although she was _________ after spending the whole day on her feet. Then the lady _________ Bryan. The lady paid for her meal with a $100 bill. When the waitress got change and came back, the lady had gone. She _______ a note on the napkin (餐巾纸), “You don’t owe me __________. Somebody once helped me, just like now I’m helping you. If you really want to pay me back, don’t let this chain of __________ end.” The waitress found four more $100 bills under the napkin.

That night the waitress came home earlier, wondering how the lady could know how much she and her husband needed money when the   __________ would soon arrive. She knew her husband worried about that, so she was very __________ to tell him the news. Then she kissed him and __________, “Now everything will be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson.”   

The help you give to others shall always get back to you, so please don’t __________ to offer a helping hand whenever someone needs help.

7 . There is no doubt that to study abroad gives you an excellent opportunity to learn things which are very helpful in your career building.

Today Canada has earned a good name in providing quality education and a safe environment for its students. That is why more than 130,000 international students register every year in famous Canadian universities. It is an ideal education destination and gives students a unique experience of education and its diverse arts and culture. Canada spends a lot on education and is ranked the highest in G-8 countries.

To study in Canada is very cost-effective. These universities are affordable compared to other universities in the world such as in the US, New Zealand and the UK where the cost of education and living is very high. According to a survey in 2006, “Canada offered the lowest tuition fees for foreign students compared to the UK and Australia.”

The low rate of crimes and the peaceful safe environment of the country also attract lots of international students to Canadian universities. Canada has 92 universities and 175 community colleges and university degrees have three levels — Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral.

A Bachelor’s degree in Canada is for three or four years’ full-time study depending upon the nature of the program you are doing. On the other hand a Master’s degree consists of two years of study. For a Doctoral program in a Canadian university you require a minimum of three to four or sometimes five years of research and study.

You can also find many diploma (学位证书) and qualification programs in Canadian universities where the time is generally one year. Some of the Canadian universities are well-regarded worldwide and the degree and diploma obtained from these Canadian universities are recognized globally and promise a bright future. After the completion of studies a person could also find great job offers in Canada itself.

8 . I ask every student applying for Pitzer College the same question, “What do you look forward to the most in college?” I was surprised and delighted when a student replied, “The possibility of failure.” Of course, this is not how most students respond to the question when sitting before the person who can make decisions about their academic futures, but this young man took a risk. “You see, my parents have never let me fail,” he said. “When I want to take a chance at something, they remind me it’s not a safe route to take. They tell me taking a more rigorous course or trying an activity I may not succeed in will ruin my chances at college admission. Even staying up late to do something that isn’t related to school, they see it as a risk to my academic work and college success.”

Kids all over the world admit they are under huge pressure to be perfect. So students are usually in shock when I tell them I never expect perfection. How could a leader of admission at one of America’s most selective colleges not want the best and the brightest? The reality is that perfection doesn’t exist.

I’ve known teenagers will never be perfect. They do silly things, fall down, and lack confidence. The ability to bounce back is a fundamental life skill students have to learn on their own. The lessons of failure can’t be taught in a classroom. During my weekend of interviews, another student told me, “I’m ashamed to admit I failed calculus (微积分), but I decided to take it again and got a B-plus. I will still take calculus, and even though I don’t love it, I’m glad I pushed through!” I asked him what he learned from the experience. “I learned to let go of shame,” he said. “I realized that I can’t let a grade define (定义) my success. I also learned that if you want anything eagerly, you can achieve it.”

I smiled as I wrote his words down on the application-review form. Apparently, he has the coping skills to adjust to college life. Failure is about growth, learning, overcoming and moving on. Let’s allow young people to fail. Not only will they learn something, it might even get them into college!

9 . Are you looking for the best amusement park in the world? Whether you wish to get the wonders of dreamland or want to be amazed by the craziest rides, there are numerous places that would surely give you excitement.

Gardaland

Considered to be one of the top amusement parks in the world, Gardaland is located in the Northeastern Italy and is an incredible journey for everyone. Begin a fantastic adventure with the themed water well, and the thrilling rides that include Blue Tornado, Raptor, Magic Mountain, and a lot more. While it also happens to be the fascinating one amongst the best amusement parks in the world, there is never a dull moment in this wonderland.

Universal Studios

Noted as one of the best amusement parks around the world, Universal Studios, Osaka attracts millions of visitors every year. It is popularly known as the home of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This theme park has word-class entertainment for all ages to enjoy to the fullest. Many attractions are similar to that of Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Happy Valley

Happy Valley is one of the best amusement parks around the world for kids and families. It is a magical place for extreme adventure rides and carnivals. Composing of nine areas of different themes including Sunshine Beach, Shangri-la Woods and Typhoon Bay, you are sure to have a great time here.