1 . Nostalgia (怀旧) has become increasingly common in our current climate of unexpected, fast-paced change. More and more people are turning back with longing for what feels like simpler, sweeter times. They collect cassette tapes, manual typewriters even decades-old video games.

Is it a mistake to get too obsessed with the past? Some psychologists warn that too much devotion to the so-called good old days is an escape from reality; it can indicate loneliness or that a person is having a difficult time coping in the present. Psychologist Stephanie Coontz argues that nostalgia distracts us from addressing the problems of modern life and contributes to anxiety, depression, insomnia etc.

But new studies suggest that a modest dose of nostalgia is not only harmless, but actually beneficial. They suggest it helps strengthen our sense of identity and makes us feel more optimistic and inspired. It is also a tool for self-discovery and memories are a psychological immune response that is triggered when you want to take a break from negativity. Interestingly, those happy memories can be particularly beneficial both to kids in their teens and to society’s elders. Recalling our childhood reminds us of “the times when we were accented and loved unconditionally,” says Krystine Batcho, a psychologist. “That is such a powerfully comforting phenomenon, knowing that there was a time in life when we didn’t have to earn our love.” Nostalgia can transform even the most ordinary past into legends which warms the heart and the body. Let’s not forget that nostalgia has been a source of inspiration to innumerable American writers. Mark Twain recalled his boyhood, writing, “after all these years, I can picture that old time to myself now, just as it was then: The white town drowsing in the sunshine of a summer’s morning.”

So go ahead, daydream a little about your best childhood friend, your first car, a long-gone family pet. As Dr. Sedikidessays, “Nostalgia is absolutely central to human experience.” But at the same time, keep these words of wisdom from the great inventor Charles Kettering in mind as well: “You can’t have a better tomorrow if you are thinking about yesterday all the time.”

2 . Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Founded in 1899 as the country’s first museum specifically made for children, today’s BCM is comprehensive, with a permanent collection of 30,000 objects, including musical instruments, masks and dolls. Kids love the interactive World Brooklyn, a small cityscape lined by stores where children can pretend to be working grown-ups.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Looking for interactive art that welcomes curious minds? Then head to Inside Art, the current show up at CMOM, which lets your little ones climb in and over and all around the exhibits. It’s ideas like this that make the 40,000-square-foot so special. Learning about culture, history and science is a pride for kids aged six and under. CMOM also hosts classes—like Gross Biology for kids who are interested in insects—all designed with the latest child-development research in mind.

DiMenna Children’s History Museum

The hands-on displays at this kid-focused arm of the New York Historical Society transport children back through 350 years of US history, with a special focus on NYC. Children are encouraged to climb around and interact with exhibits that highlight the lives of kids who grew up to become famous doctors, athletes and political figures. Little New Yorkers can get in on sing-alongs and crafts. Other family programs include cooking classes, games and story hours.

Staten Island Children’s Museum

Staten Island Children’s Museum nurtures creativity. It offers hands-on experiences like the Block Harbor (plenty of blocks to play with!), larger-than-life games like Connect Four and Dominoes, and even the opportunity to climb through a human-sized anthill or play firefighter at Ladder 11, so you'll find immersive fun around every corner. Don’t forget to stop by Green Living Room powered by the wind energy where the kids can learn about ways to reduce our carbon footprint.

3 . What's on your travel list? I've consulted several travel experts to find out some places worth visiting.

Where ： New Orleans, Louisiana

Chosen by： Natalie DiScala is a writer and editor at johnnyjet. com, covering travel trends? products and family travel.

Why： New Orleans is known for its music and food—not to mention the festivals. It has about 130 festivals each year so there's really no bad time to visit. Bourbon Street is the obvious choice for food, drink and jazz and it's definitely a must-visit location, especially for first-timers to the city.

Where ： Vail , Colorado

Chosen by： Becca Ingle is an active family travel blogger. She is the founder of BeccaIngle, com, where you can read all her travel guides.

Why： Vail is the perfect destination for families and travelers looking to find almost everything in one central spot. Stay at the amazing Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail to be steps away from Vail Village, a popular town with special heated stone streets for strolling（漫步）,restaurants and bars, coffee shops, ice-skating, a movie theater and a bowling alley.

Where： Hudson Valley, New York

Chosen by： Devorah Lev-Tov is a food and travel writer who regularly writes for The New York Times , Afar, Conde Nast Traveler , etc.

Why：New Yorkers go to escape the city when they need a healthy close to nature and relaxation there. The 750-mile biking and hiking route links communities across New York State and links up to the Hudson Greenway Trails. The region was recently equipped with the famous Charlie Palmer Restaurant.

Yours,

Li Hua

7 . "Everything happens for the best, "my mother said whenever I faced disappointment. "If you carry on, one day something good will happen. And you'll realize that it wouldn't have happened if not for that _________ disappointment.

Mother was _________. As I discovered after graduating from college in 1932, I had decided to hunt for a job in _________, then work my way up to sports announcer. I went to Chicago and _________ on the door of every station--but got _________ every time. In one studio, a kind lady told me that big stations couldn't _________ hiring a(n) _________ person. "Go out in the suburbs and find a _________ station that'll give you a chance, "she said. I turned to Dixon. Illinois.

While there were no radios announcing jobs in Dixon, they had opened a store and wanted a local athlete to _________ its sports department. The job __________ just right for me. But I wasn't hired. My __________ must have shown. "Everything happens for the best, " my mother reminded me. Dad offered me the car to __________ job. As I left his office, my frustration __________. I asked aloud, "How can a fellow get to be a sports announcer if he can't get a job in a radio station?" I was __________ the elevator when I heard MacArthur calling, " What do you say about sports? Do you know anything about __________ ?"Then he let me stand before a __________ and asked me to broadcast a(n) __________ game. I did a 15-minute football occasional commentary（实况报道）, and Peter told me I would be __________ Saturday's game! On my way home, as I have many times, I __________ my mother's words: If you carry on, one day something good will happen.

I often wonder what __________ my life might have taken if I'd not gotten the job at Montgomery Ward.

9 . A British friend told me he couldn't understand why Chinese people love eating sunflower seeds (葵花子) as a snack so much. “I’ve met a lot of older Chinese and many have a crack in their front teeth; I believe that's from cracking the seeds,” he said.

I had never noticed the habit, but once he mentioned it, I suddenly became more aware. I realized that whenever I’m watching TV or typing a report, I always start mindlessly cracking sunflower seeds. My friend doesn't like sunflower seeds, and, to him, it seems unnecessary to work so hard just to get one small seed.

When we were young, the whole family would usually get together for Chinese New Year. Then, we all lived close to one another, usually in a small city, and sometimes even neighbors would go doortodoor on Chinese New Year’s Eve to check out what every household was making.

I remember my parents would be in the kitchen cooking. In the living room, a large table would already be laid out, complete with a fancy tablecloth, readymade dumpling fillings, and dishes full of candy, fruits and sunflower seeds.

Some of the dishes were to be offered to our ancestors later, while others were for neighbors and children to eat before the evening feast. I must have learned how to crack sunflower seeds back then.

I don’t think it’s right to criticize one’s choice in food or eating habits, no matter how strange they may seem.

It’s not only in China. When I went abroad, I found people had all sorts of strange habits when it came to food. In Denmark, they put salted red fish on bread and eat it for dinner, no matter how much it ruins their breath. They think it’s a delicacy, and it’s connected with their culture. I think it’s a wonderful tradition.