2 . How to motivate (激励) a lazy teenager

Here’s how to give the teenagers the motivation they need without nagging (唠叨) them.

    1    

A teenager needs between 8-10 hours of sleep every night but most only get about 6.5-7.5 hours of sleep per night. So when a teenager is forced out of bed at 7 am or 8 am to go to school, their natural sleep cycle is thrown off and they will likely appear lazy, unmotivated, all symptoms (症状) of lack of sleep.     2    .

It is recommended that teenagers spend no more than two hours a day sitting in front of a small screen and get 60 minutes’ exercise a day.     3    .

It’s important for teenagers to help with tasks and learn responsibility.     4    . Be firm and clear about the results for not finishing the housework-this can range from no screen time, to less pocket money or not being allowed to go out with their friends.

Teenagers might not act like they need it or want it.     5    . When teenagers know adults are emotionally (情感上) available to support them, a welcome change in their behaviour may be seen.

4 . Friendship plays an important role in our life. If you and your friends are in conflict (冲突) and your friendship is coming to an end, it’s time to work through hurt feelings and misunderstandings.     1    .

Reflect and write down the good. Before you face a difficult conversation with a friend, stop and reflect (反思).     2    . At that time this friendship brought you joy or excitement. Use that memory as an inspiration to write down things you thank for about a friend. Beginning the communication repair from a place of gratitude and positive sides is going to make the conversation a lot more meaningful.

    3    . If repair efforts have not worked in your usual ways，try another way. Send more postcards, write more letters or send someone a book you think they would enjoy. In your letter, include why you think the relationship feels embarrassed—and why you want to repair it. You may realize your friend is going through something. You’ll begin the all-important practice of listening, before you even sit down to talk to each other.

Give it time and try again. The expert noted that friendships may require time to settle back into normal after the conflicts. People differ in how they deal with conflicts.     4    . That lasting uncomfortable feelings may require further attention.

Sometimes a friendship suffers due to a miscommunication. The experts encourage people not to let a single problem break up a friendship. Don’t give up a friendship because one conflict has appeared.     5    .

5 . An international design competition was held in 1955 for an art center to be built. There were 233 entries received from many countries. Danish architect Jorn Utzon won the competition with his unique design of shells that looked like sails on a boat.

The construction began on March 2, 1959 and was expected to be accomplished within 4 years. However, they quickly ran into trouble. The ground was not suitable to hold the weight of the building and huge concrete foundations (混凝土地基) had to be built. Mr Utzon had also made mistakes about how many columns (柱) would be needed to support the roof, thus making the concrete shells at the risk of falling down.

Mr Utzon figured out a new way to disperse the weight of the concrete by making each shell out of a part of a perfect globe. The 14 shells look like a single piece of concrete, but they are actually built across frames (框架) of concrete to hold them in place. They weigh as much as 15 tons each. The highest roof point of the building is 67 m above sea level — the same as a 22-storey high building.

This major correction saved the project but added one decade to the building time. The building consists mainly of two main halls, a number of smaller theaters, performance halls and other additional facilities. Both main halls are housed in relatively large sail-shaped structures, and the smaller performance halls are housed at the ground floor. In particular, the grand organ (风琴) in the concert hall is one of the world’s largest organs containing over 10,000 pipes.

The Sydney Opera House is a great success in the history of architecture. It is not only a world-famous performing arts center and the landmark of Sydney, but also recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world of the 20th century. In 2007, the Sydney Opera House was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

6 . On an autumn day, a stranger rang a woman’s doorbell. The woman looked through the peephole (窥视孔) and saw a man. At first, she thought it was a salesman who might go away. When he didn’t, she decided to answer and see what he wanted.

The man asked if a woman named Karen lived at the address. The woman answered that Karen was her mother, but she wasn’t home now. The man smiled, handed an envelope over and then walked away. When the woman saw the contents of the envelope, she was shocked. She then rushed out of the apartment to run after the man, but the stranger was gone.

Inside the envelope was $1,000 in cash and a letter explaining where the money was from. “Please accept this gift. Our late mother devoted much of her time and resources to helping people through Random (随机的) Acts of Kindness program. One way our family honors her is to keep the tradition with acts of random kindness. Although we do not know you personally, other members of our community identified you as a deserving recipient of this gift. Please use this money in any way you see fit.”

Random Acts of Kindness does not have to involve the giving of money. It can be as simple as sharing your time with someone lending an ear, or offering a compliment (赞美). The most important part is that the act is done with no expectation of anything in return.

It turned out that Karen had been battling cancer for three years. The illness left her financially struggling and this amount of money would really help her. We truly never know what someone is going through and how much a random act of kindness might help turn their life around. Surely, $1,000 won’t necessarily meet her need, but it can go a very long way in changing someone’s luck and setting them on a better path.

7 . Canada is a vast and diverse country that offers plenty of incredible tourist destinations. From wonderful natural landscapes to lively cities, Canada has something for every traveler. Here’s a guide to some of Canada’s top tourist destinations.

Located in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a breathtaking destination known for its turquoise (绿松石) lakes, snow-covered mountains, and plentiful wildlife. Explore the landmark-Lake Louise, hike to amazing viewpoints, and spend time in the natural hot springs.

Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most famous natural attractions. Witness the steep (陡峭的) power and beauty of the grand falls from various viewpoints. Take a boat tour, visit the Butterfly Conservatory, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of Clifton Hill.

As Canada’s largest city, Toronto offers an impressive experience. Discover the famous CN Tower, explore the busy neighborhoods of Kensington Market and Distillery District, and visit world-class museums such as the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario.

Whistler is a well-known winter sports destination, famous for its world-class ski slopes and winter activities. In summer, enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and golfing in the impressive mountain scenery.