2 . In the world of digital health, Silicon Valley-based Mindstrong stands out. It has a remarkable team and tens of millions of funding. It also has a fascinating idea-its app, based on mental functioning research, can help detect troubling mental health patterns by collecting data on person’s smartphone usage-how quickly they type, for instance.

The company’s app collects information about how people are typing and runs it through a machine learning algorithm (计算程序) to determine which data can predict their emotional state. The idea is to use that data to establish a “normal” pattern-so it can be compared with someone’s typing habits on any given day. If the habits change, slower or more anxious than normal, the app can warn a health care provider.

The promise of this technology has made Mindstrong incredibly popular since it was launched last year; already more than a dozen counties in California have agreed to apply the company’s app to patients. Does the app live up to its promise? There’s no way to tell. Almost no one outside the company has any idea whether it works, leading some experts to wonder if the technology is ready for the real world. “I wouldn’t waste all that time and money in the wild until they get sure that some of those things are as specific as they hope they are,” said Rosalind Picard, a researcher at MIT Media Lab, who is familiar with Mindstrongs work.

“It has passed the gold-standard clinical tests for depression and anxiety,” said Dr. Paul Dagum, the company’s founder. “We’re confident, and we’re already seeing some really exciting results.” Mindstrong officials said that among their most encouraging results is that its app can even predict how a person will feel next week, kind of like a weather app for your mood. “For a clinician(临床医生) or someone looking after a patient, they know that it could be very, very powerful,” Dagum said.

6 . Today, we are told children don’t spend enough time in the fresh air. Many of them are addicted to a screen either on a computer or a TV—they seem to be living in a virtual world. They have lost touch with nature.

But now 400 organizations in the UK, from playgroups to the National Health Service, are encouraging children to have some “wild time”. They want kids to swap at least 30 minutes of watching TV or playing computer games for time playing outside. Activities such as building dens, climbing trees, rummaging for conkers and playing hide-and-seek are just some of the things kids can do. Even if they live in a city, they can go on adventures in the garden or the park.

Children often need a helping hand from their mums and dads. They need to be shown what to do and where to go. Andy Simpson from the National Health Service says, “We want parents to see what this magical wonder product does for their kids’ development, independence and creativity, by giving wild time a go.”

So despite the complicated world that young people grow up in now, it seems that going back to basics and experiencing “nature’s playground” is what modern children need. David Bond from Project Wild Thing says, “We need to make more space for wild time in children’s daily routine, freeing this generation of kids to have the sort of experiences that many of us took for granted.”

This might sound a bit old-fashioned to you but there’s no age limit on enjoying yourself!

7 . “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.” This quote (引语) is attributed to Mark Twain. In today’s Internet world of “fake news”, lies spread even faster and the truth is having trouble finding its shoes.

To make matters worse, most young people get news from social media sites where facts are mixed with rumors (谣言), half-truths and complete lies. This has led to young people becoming confused. In the latest PISA, which tested 15-year-olds worldwide on academic subjects, fewer than one in ten of the examinees were reported to be able to distinguish fact from opinion. A Stanford University study showed that students at all levels of education could not tell real news from fake news. In one instance, 80 percent thought that a paid advertisement was a real news story.

Fake news is spread by people who have a prejudice (偏见). They want to influence public opinion either for or against something or someone. It is important for young people to recognize when they are being used and to be skeptical about online information.

The traditional media, such as newspapers and television, are still the more credible sources of information. Reporters are professionally trained to look for facts, and editors have the job of making sure those facts are correct. However, if you get most of your information online, you have to be your own editor. In that case, the first thing to do is to look at the writer of a post. Is this person known to be credible? Does the site where you read the post have a prejudice? Next, look for other sources from the mainstream media to confirm the information. In other words, by putting on your truth shoes you won’t be fooled into chasing lies.

8 . For those who are keen to explore natural wonders and cultural heritage sites and to pursue (追求) the passion of local people for ice and snow in Jilin Province, now it is the time to go there.

Rime observation

Compared with rime (雾凇) in other regions of China, rime in Jilin city is unique (独特的) because it is thick and crystal clear. A toothpick-thick tree branch can be covered in frost as thick as an adult’s thumb. The best time to observe is at 6-10 a.m. between November and February.

Winter fishing

Chagan Lake is one of the top 10 largest freshwater lakes in China. It covers more than 500 square kilometers. Winter fishing on Chagan Lake is an ancient tradition that dates back to the Liao Dynasty and Jin Dynasty. It was listed as a national-level intangible (无形的) cultural heritage item in 2008.

Hot springs

For those who want to feel warm in winter in Jilin Province, the area of Changbai Mountains could be the best place to visit. The region, formed after a volcanic eruption in ancient times, holds hundreds of hot springs with an average temperature above 60℃. The hot springs are said to be good for health because of their stable flow, constant temperature and mineral-rich water.

9 . If you are dreaming of visiting one of those picture­perfect European towns filled with old­world attractiveness and scenic beauty, here is a look at the most beautiful small towns in Europe.

Manarola

Manarola, Italy, is filled with rainbow-colored homes along the Mediterranean coast. This attractive fishing town is famous for its unbelievable wine, and the paintings. There are no cars here, no traffic lights, or traffic noise. You can drive to Manarola, but you will have to park just outside the town and then take a shuttle bus or walk in on foot.

Garmisch­-Partenkirchen

Garmischh-Partenkirchen, Germany, is an attractive mountain town, once two separate towns, one Roman and the other Teutonic. The 1936 Winter Olympics forced them to become one, though the two sides still have different characters. The town dates back to the 15th century AD, filled with narrow streets lined with historic three or four­story buildings painted with religious scenes.

Marsaxlokk

The energetic trading port of Marsaxlokk, Malta, was built in 900 BC. Today, this picture­like town is the main supplier of fish to the island nation that sits in the Mediterranean Sea. It has no modern buildings to ruin its attractiveness. With such quiet surroundings, including the traditional fishing boats, it is a particularly charming place to visit.

Portmagee

In a country filled with beautiful towns, Portmagee, is a standout, sitting on the southwest coast of Ireland. This seaside fishing town has a row of brightly colored buildings along with a rich and colorful history. At The Bridge Bar, you will find live music many nights of the week along with nice food and a fine glass of beer.

10 . When we answer questions with silence, it is often very powerful indeed.     1     For some people, silence comes naturally. But there are quite a few of us who need to learn the art of practicing silence. Read on for more reasons to try silence in your daily communications.

Silence gets people’s attention

If you have ever been in a classroom, you have most likely experienced how silence often gets everyone’s attention. When the teacher stops talking, a signal goes to the brain that something has happened.     2     The same is true in our daily conversations. If we fall silent, people will notice it and we gain their attention.

Silence uses body language

Often our body language is a more powerful way of communicating than what comes out of our mouth.     3    The ability to understand and use body language is a powerful tool that can help you connect with others, express what you really mean, and build better relationships.

Silence offers sympathy for others

There are times in life when silence offers sympathy and understanding to others. Sometimes we simply don’t have the right words to communicate to someone who is struggling with a hurtful or painful situation. But we can still show them that we care and we are there for them.     4    

Silence is polite

    5     They may be radio broadcasts, news channels, stores and the constant chatter of people around us. So when we do get the chance to talk, we usually feel like we have to fill every thought into a short period of time. However, when we are silent we give others a chance to speak. We show them that they matter.