2 . Boston wants to be smarter. The city has taken advantage of tiny sensors, big data and other technologies to become more responsive to its residents’ needs. But technology alone is not sufficient to make today’s cities liveable. Boston has discovered that it also needs to reach the old-fashioned low-tech community and integrate that technology with city life.

Kris Carter, co-chair of the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics, rolled out Boston’s smart city program in 2014. It started with an app that residents could download to report locations where sidewalks needed repair. The city collected those reports and decided which place should be repaired.

The system worked beautifully, except for one problem: most of the alerts came from wealthier neighborhoods, where the concentration of smartphone-equipped residents was highest.

Boston’s push to become a leading smart city now contains a core tenet: high-tech initiatives(方案) shouldn’t only benefit the already well-resourced. Under Carter, technology is seeping into the city’s functioning and daily life, but with a special eye to serving those populations and neighborhoods that need the most support.

Instead of letting tech-savvy(懂技术的) residents and high-tech companies drive the process. Carter’s group run meetings in local libraries and other public spaces to find out what problems people in different neighborhoods care about solving. “Some cities take the point of view that if you put out the right technology devices, people will figure out how to take advantage of them,” he explains. “We wanted to start with a grass-roots view of what challenges needed to be addressed.” Only in that context, he adds, does technology enter the picture.

When it comes to sidewalks, Boston has introduced a second method of collecting repair tips. In addition to its smartphone app, it has hired people to get out and walk the city’s 1,700 miles of sidewalks to take notes on their condition. “Combined with our other sidewalk information, that gave us an even better way to predict where faster repairs would do the most good,” says Carter. “We’re really always looking for whatever mix of approaches best solves the problem.”

To help you further understand Chinese culture, our school will organize trip to the Confucius Temple. I'd like to share some details about them with you.

As scheduled, we will to meet at 7:30 a. m. on Thursday at the school gate. We will first visit the Confucius Temple, where we can learn much about Confucius but have a deeper understanding of the traditional Chinese culture. Then, we will visit several ancient building. After that, we were going to enjoy some puppet shows. You will be great impressed. Finally, we will taste some special snacks, that are truly delicious. By the way, knowing briefly about the Confucius culture on advance would be quite helpful.

Please be sure to arrive at the appointing place in time.

The Students Union

5 . There’s nothing quite like a holiday abroad with your girls, and as we look forward to a more positive 2021 these places should be at the top of your bucket list.

Cannes

When you think France, often the famous romantic capital Paris comes to mind. However, you’re with your girls. So why not have the journey south to Cannes? This holiday is for the girls that want to live like the stars for a weekend or two. Not only does it offer a beautiful view, you will feel like celebrities(名人) as you wander around the place film stars call home during the Cannes Film Festival.

Brazil

For the girls group with the most reveler(饮酒狂欢者), the place for you is Rio de Janeiro. The iconic Rio Carnival, is truly where Brazil comes to life in an explosion of colour and passion. Full of parades, shows and dancing in the streets, the perfect party, Brazil is the perfect destination for a girl’s holiday.

Thailand

From the crystal clear waterfalls, the elephant home and the full moon parties Thailand offers countless adventures for a girl’s trip.

Start with Bangkok, the city of angels. For the girl’s trip that’s all about sightseeing, a visit to Wat Pho is must. While you’re at the temple you can stop to receive a traditional Thai massage(按摩).

Amsterdam

Known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system. Amsterdam is packed with adventures waiting to be had. Start your trip right with a canal tour. The history of Amsterdam is closely connected with water. Floating down Amsterdam’s canals is one of the most magical and memorable ways to discover the city especially with a glass of wine or two.

8 . Travel Safe

You’ve always wanted to go to Alishan. The Alishan Scenic Area has so many marvelous places to explore. Now you’re finally going to take that trip!    1    

If you choose to work with a travel agency, choose a qualified one. Note what is included in the trip and what is not. If you are not sure, ask questions. Make sure everything is clear before you agree to the trip and pay your money. When you purchase your trip, also buy travel insurance.    2    

If you are arranging your own accommodation, book a safe and legal hotel. For your own safety, choose one that meets the standards of department for tourism administration. After you arrive in the Alishan area and check into your hotel, look around. Locate the emergency exits.     3       Check your hotel room, too. Make     sure the doors and windows close and lock.

There are many delicious restaurants around Alishan. Enjoy your food, but protect yourself from food poisoning.    4     Eat well-cooked, hot food.

    5     You   don’t want to set them down someplace and forget them. On your trip, you’ll likely see   things you want to buy. Shop wisely. Compare prices and bargain if you can. Do not buy any imitation goods or illegal wildlife products.

9 . Around the Mount Rushmore area of South Dakota, there are many things that you can do with the family. Below is a list of tours we can provide.

Tour 1

This tour brings visitors to the Holy Terror Mini Golf course. Since it is located on the side of a hill, you get to experience the fresh South Dakota air and enjoy the great outdoors. The course features three different types of lawn that’s like real golf course and it features many slopes and stairs. Therefore, it is a challenging course for those who love a little competition.

Available between March 15& Oct 31

Tour 2

Take a fun train tour to find out how people used to travel in the days before modern cars.

Experience travel the way it was in the 19th century with the 1880 Train, a completely restored authentic steam engine train, as you explore the beautiful Black Hills area of South Dakota. The tour runs daily and is disabled-accessible.

Available between May 9 & Sep 30

Tour 3

This is an 8-hour guided sightseeing bus tour. You’ll see Mount Rushmore National Memorial,

Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, as well as other beautiful sights along the way for a great introduction into American history. Lunch and hotel pickup are included.

Available between May 13 & Sep 15

Tour 4

This tour gives visitors the chance to tour an authentic gold mine- Big Thunder Gold Mine. The mining museum is a fascinating and informative site with displays showing what life was like for those who really "went for the gold”. There is no additional charge to get in the museum, and guests are encouraged to try and pan for gold and other riches.

Available between May 25& Oct 11