1 . All of us have taken an instant dislike to someone, and then felt guilty about being too judgmental. But now it seems we should place more trust in our first impressions. Most people can correctly judge a total stranger following a short meeting, according to scientists.

And in general, the more confident the people are, the more likely they are to be correct in their assumptions. Jeremy Biesanz, who led a team of researchers from the University of British Columbia, said: “Many important decisions are made after very brief encounters — which employee to hire, which person to date, which student to accept”. Although our first impressions are generally accurate, it is necessary for us to recognize where they may be not good enough.

The researchers arranged for two groups of more than 100 people to meet in a meeting. Much like speed-dating, the volunteers spoke to everyone in their group for three minutes each. At the end of each three-minute chat, they were asked to rate each other’s personalities, and how well they thought their impressions “would coincide with someone who knows this person very well”.

To find out what the person was “really” like, the scientists had his friends and family fill out his personality reports. Generally speaking, the more confident the volunteers felt in accurately rating another’s personality, the closer their ratings were to those of the other person’s friends and family, the researchers said.

However, the participants with the highest accuracy were those who rated themselves moderately(适度)accurate — those highly confident of their judgment were less successful. The scientists concluded that, although we know people are different from each other, a good judge of character knows that in many ways people are mostly alike. For example, almost everyone would prefer being kind to being unfriendly.

Therefore, while first impressions can be generally accurate, they are not conclusive in working out whether somebody really is “better” than someone else.

8 . Sydney Cinemas in Historic Buildings

The Orpheum

Running since 1935, the Orpheum is of beautiful art design. When it was built, the Orpheum was used as a theatre with a stage and dressing rooms. It could seat 1,735 people. Later, the theatre was turned into a shopping mall. However, in 1986 the theatre was bought by Mike Walsh OBE and turned into a theatre again. Now this six-screen cinema shows old and new films to people. And you can still enjoy live (现场的) music on weekends.

Where: Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, 380 a Military a Road, Cremorne

The Ritz

This family-owned cinema was built in 1937. At first, the cinema had a number of owners until, in 1993, when the owners planned to pull down the building, the local government ordered people to protect it forever. Since then, another five screens have been added, making the Ritz one of Sydney’s oldest multiscreen cinemas. It’s known for its beautiful architecture (建筑风格) and low ticket prices.

Where: 45 St. Pauls Street, Randwick

Golden Age Cinema and Bar (酒吧)

Golden Age Cinema has been carefully rebuilt. It now includes a wonderful bar that serves wines, beers and cocktails, and serves snacks and food specials to match the cinema program. Also in the building Golden Stage features live music acts. A trip to Golden Age Cinema is a relaxing experience for visitors.

Where: 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills

10 . The following is the information of some excellent hotels at the famous resort (度假胜地) for skiers in Italy.   

£550 per person

The hotel Ela lies in the center of the resort, only 100 m from the main ski lift and 300 m from the ski school meeting point. It is ideal for those who prefer a hotel which is very close to all the resort’s action.

Rooms (2-4 people): Twin rooms with cable TV, hairdryer, shower and WC. All rooms have recently been redecorated.

£540 per person

It is near shops, bars and restaurants. The hotel is a great choice for those looking for lively nightlife. The famous bar is just on the ground floor.

Rooms (2-4 people): All rooms are located on the 2nd and 3rd floors and have hairdryer, mini-safe, satellite TV, shower and WC.

Please note: This hotel doesn’t accept groups larger than 6 people.

£559 per person

It is an attractive hotel decorated in the traditional style and offers comfortable accommodation. The atmosphere is welcoming. It is 300m from the main ski lift and the village center.

Garage: £10 a day

64 rooms: Twin or double bedrooms with shower, hairdryer, satellite TV, telephone and safe.

£540 per person

The Villa Cary is a small but well located hotel with comfortable rooms for two people making it ideal for couples. You’re guaranteed a warm welcome from the English owner.

Rooms (2 people): Pleasantly furnished double bedrooms with cable TV, mini-safe and bathrooms with shower and WC.