2 . The 4 Best Museums to Visit in Boston

Boston is a city filled with history, which is one of the reasons it’s a great destination to visit. Exploring Boston’s museum scene will give you a taste for what this New England city is all about. Read on for the best in the city.

MIT Museum

The MIT Museum’s main purpose is to share science and technology research and innovation. There are all sorts of shows with inventions that will spark conversation around a variety of topics related to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). Along with many hands-on experiments in the afternoon.

Hours: 10:00 a. m.-5:00 p. m. Self-guided tour tickets available for students and seniors ($5) and adults($10).

The Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts may be the most popular museum in Boston. Founded in 1870, the museum has grown over the years to now feature nearly 500, 000 works of art. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, along with art classes for those interested in improving their skills.

Hours: Monday-Sunday 10 a. m.-5 p. m.. Tickets: Adults-$25, Students-$23, Children-$10.

The Sports Museum

Located on the 5th and 6th floors of the TD Garden is The Sports Museum. It’s here that you’ll see a half-mile worth of exhibits and learn about the history of all the Boston sports teams and their championship titles over the years. (For more information, you may click here.)

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a. m.-5 p. m. and Sunday 11 a. m.-5 p. m. Tickets (same price for each tour): Kids 6 and under-FREE, Kids 7-18-$10, Adults-$15.

The Museum of Science

One of the most popular museum s in Boston, the Museum of Science has something for everyone with over 500 shows that are both educational and interactive. The museum has a big emphasis on STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math), and you’ll see this brought to life through their exhibits throughout the year.

Hours: Saturday to Thursday 9 a. m.-5 p. m. and Friday 9 a. m.-9 p. m.

Tickets: Kids-$23, Adults -$28, Seniors -$24 for Exhibit Hall. Save $3 per ticket by purchasing Exhibit Hall tickets a day in advance online.

3 . Over the years, April Fools’ Day has become larger than life. While it may be seen as just a bit of fun, there is more to jokes and humour than may be obvious, begging the question: are the jokes on the 1st of April a good or a bad idea?

Every year, individuals and newspapers present jokes on the 1st of April that may be funny, yet sometimes causing an unexpected upheaval. One radio announcement made in 1949, that a mile-wide swarm of wasps (一群黄蜂) was heading for Auckland, was taken a bit too seriously. The news even came with advice on how to prepare for the incoming insects, resulting in all residents walking outdoors tucking (塞) their trousers into their socks, wearing masks (面罩) as well as setting honey traps outside their doors.

What makes things funny? This is a million-dollar question and one that’s not easily answered. First, it’s influenced by the context, the culture, and personal opinions, meaning that it’s not consistent (一致的) across populations. Besides, if a joke is violating (违反) a norm or rule, it’s more likely to be regarded as funny. Such violations need to be harmless, as they can otherwise be considered unpleasant. In terms of personal experience, serious events may be considered funnier over time, while stubbing (踩) a toe, considered a small violation, would lose its comedic effect over time. Interestingly, people, children, in particular, have been found to be more likely to laugh when they are near others compared to when alone.

Jokes may not seem serious but can actually serve social functions like managing emotions and also be used to deal with matters in work. For example, studies have found that there is a meaningful function of humour in healthcare settings, as it strengthens the connection between medical staffs and patients as well as relieves stressful situations linked to end-of-life care among nursing professionals.

However, it’s suggested that jokes be used cautiously. For example, David Letterman gained reputation (名声) for an interview he had done with Lindsay Lohan in 2013, when the audience had laughed loudly at his repeated questions about her going to receive treatment. However, 8 years later, his comments were seen as offensive (冒犯的). So it’s important to ensure that any violations made are not significant enough to damage your future fame.

5 . Rap music has long been the poster child for negativity in society for a number of decades. It has been criticized (批评) in the media and seen by a good number of people as a bad influence on citizens in general. The lyrics might have something to blame in this regard as they often seemingly celebrate violence as well as drugs and alcohol. The reality is that rap music is greatly misunderstood. In spite of the negativity that often surrounds it, however, rap music can have a positive influence on listeners.

One of these positive effects is that it has been used as a great unifier of diverse populations around the world. It started as a subculture among African American communities in America but it is now a phenomenon of global culture. As a matter of fact, it isn't only limited to African American communities, as non black communities make up seventy five percent of the global rap audience. Its infectious rhythms, catchy beats, and relatable lyrics hold universal attraction that goes beyond cultural and language barriers.

Rap has also been vital in promoting social and political awareness among the youth of today. Rap music educates people from different points of views and raises many social issues. Rap is channel (渠道) for people to speak freely about their view on political or social issues and by doing so, it encourages teenagers to become concerned and aware of these issues. A few of them that rap has created awareness in are racial discrimination (歧视), the importance of education and believing in your dreams.

Rap music is entertainment (娱乐) and should not be treated any differently than any other form of entertainment out there. If critics of rap music still believe that rap only sends negative messages, they should listen closer. The bottom line is that all rap music is not degenerate (堕落的) and consideration should be taken when analysing the message that the music is presenting

6 . With iconic landmarks (地标) and architectural marvels, Seattle is one of the best places to visit in the Pacific Northwest. The following best-selling tours will make your trip a trip to remember.

This tour will give you the chance to see the highlights of Seattle at your own pace. With a one-day or two-day ticket, you can hop on and hop off the open-top double-decker bus at any stop and listen to an audio guide throughout the journey.

This chef-guided food tour will take you to explore Seattle’s food culture in two hours. You will start with a bite of yogurt featuring local dairy. Next, you stop by for a quick snack of dried apples and cherries, followed by tasting a cup of award-winning thick soup. You will also learn where the chefs get their produce from, and see the production of cheese on-site.

Starting from Seattle’s central waterfront, this one-hour Seattle harbour cruise will take you along the shoreline, enjoying views of the Seattle skyline. You’ll view the Seattle Great Wheel, Seattle Aquarium, Olympic Sculpture Park and Myrtle Edwards Park from the boat. Additionally, you’ll see the Olympic Mountain range and a 14,410-feet-tall volcano, located 60 miles southeast of Seattle.

This two-hour, small-group tour will take you into the attractive world beneath Seattle’s streets. You’ll travel along the underground pathways constructed over a century ago and learn interesting details about Seattle’s early history from your knowledgeable guide.

8 . The Great Smoky Mountain area is one of the most gorgeous vacation destinations in the USA. It would be no surprise if guests here book one of the amazing hotels.

Black Fox Hotel

Rooms at this lovely hotel come equipped with great amenities (便利设施) and feature s to make your stay as stress free as possible. Take a relaxing dip in the indoor swimming pool before heading back to your room. Guests will also enjoy taking advantage of the on-site restaurant and the fitness center.

Smoky Getaways Hotels

Smoky Getaways Hotels offer free parking, microwaves and fridges in all guest rooms! Each room comes equipped with a full kitchen and a grill — plus, they are pet friendly! Smoky Getaways Hotels are located close to Dollywood Amusement Park, so it is perfect for a family getaway.

The Resort at Governor’s Crossing

Here guests can enjoy a wide variety of exciting water park rides in both indoor and outdoor parks. From water basketball and water slides to a hot tub and a lazy river, utmost recreation and fun await at the indoor and outdoor pools, making it perfect for a family vacation.

Quality Inn Creekside

This hotel is sure to add comfort and convenience to your amazing trip. Guests will be able to enjoy a fun outdoor pool as well as amenities such as a mini-bar, a fitness center, and bicycles to rent. It is close to some amazing shopping centers and restaurants as well.

Browse through all of the hotels and the perfect one is just a click away!

My grandpa lived at the top of a mountain all by himself. This was my first time to stay with him. I was curious about everything around. Sometimes I went into the woods and pretended that I was Alex the Adventurer. I must stay near and I couldn’t go past the big rock alone. This way, Grandpa could always see me from the yard.

One morning, I raced up the path back to Grandpa’s yard as fast as I could. “Grandpa, I hear something strange in your woods!” I told him. He saw the excitement and fear in my eyes. “Let’s go to find out what it is.” He took my hand with his big and warm one. As we hiked toward the big rock, I held Grandpa’s hand tighter. I could feel my palms becoming sweaty.

Cack-cack-cack (呱呱呱)! There was that sound! I grabbed Grandpa’s leg. “What is that, Grandpa?” I whispered. “It’s the first sign of spring,” he said. “How about you going past the big rock a bit. See if you can find out what it is.” “By myself?” I hesitated, unsure of what to do next. “I promise it’s safe,” he gently encouraged me. “And I’ll stay here by the big rock where you can see me.”

“No.” I looked at Grandpa. His whole face seemed to be smiling, even his eyes. I wondered what an adventurer would do. I stood up straighter and made a brave face. “Grandpa,” I said, “I think I can do it.”

Crunch! Crunch! My feet stepped on the dead leaves as I got closer. Suddenly there was silence. I stopped and looked back. My face must not look so brave, because Grandpa said, “It’s all right, Alex. Just a little further.”

I stood up straighter and took a big step forward.