3 . Two and a half months before the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins, and almost six months before it enters its peak (高峰), weathermen are already predicting (预测) that it could be particularly active.

Officially, hurricane season begins from June 1 and runs through November. One reason is that sea surface temperatures in the tropical (热带的) Atlantic are already at record highs.

Meanwhile, another significant potential factor in this year’s hurricane season is taking shape thousands of miles away in the Pacific. Over periods ranging from three to seven years, the waters of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean warm and cool in turn as a result of a repeating climate pattern called the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). El Niño makes Atlantic hurricanes less likely to form but La Niña does.

During the 2023 season, ENSO was in an El Niño period. However, by the time the 2024 season starts, it will have changed into a “neutral(中立)” period, but that by the peak months, it is likely to have changed fully into a La Niña.

“How quickly that change occurs can affect everything as well,” says DaSilva, a lead hurricane weatherman. “There’s a lag time. So, while we expect the change to occur in mid-summer, it may not be until late summer or fall where we really see those effects across the Atlantic basin.” As a result, he says, this year’s hurricane season could remain particularly active deep into November.

Of course, no report can predict when individual storms will come or the paths they will take, but DaSilva warns that those who live in areas likely to suffer hurricanes, especially around the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, should prepare. “If a tropical storm system comes into this area, it could rapidly strengthen, potentially close to land,” he also warns. “And that’s why people need to be careful and have their hurricane plans ready. Because any system with these kinds of conditions can explode very quickly. That’s what we’re concerned about.”

5 . My weight gain began while I was in veterinary (兽医的) school at Purdue University ten years ago, and it continued to increase quickly once I got married and had three children, all while running my own photography business. Needless to say, my busy schedule and caring for others took away from caring for myself. I knew I needed to work out and eat better; I was just too scared to ask for help on where to begin.

My turning point took place on January 20, 2021. It was the day before my husband and I celebrated our ninth anniversary (周年纪念日) that I decided to better myself. I was 32 years old and over 260 pounds. I thought to myself, “My kids are so little, and the route I am on isn’t going to allow me to be here long enough to watch them grow in life.” It just destroyed my happiness.

I began running at STRIDE in January 2022. My first class there was just power walking. After the class was done, I thought to myself, “Man, I think I could push myself a little harder next time.” And I did.

With love and encouragement from all the members surrounding me and the guidance and support from the coaches, I have been running ever since and loving it. I have never been a runner. Now I feel like my day doesn’t start without running, and that makes me so proud to say. I have come so far since joining STRIDE, but not just physically. Running has helped my mind and soul in more ways than one, and I’m so grateful for that. Running has given me a purpose again — a purpose to be a better mom, a purpose to be a better wife, a purpose to do better with my career, and a purpose to just better myself, which I so enjoy again.

If you’re in the same situation I was in, don’t hesitate to take action. I’ve made it and you can, too.

6 . Gaining real-world work experience through volunteering is a great way for students to build skills, increase employability and enjoy a range of other benefits.

Become a leader

Regular volunteers, regardless of their age, are often trusted with important roles, giving students a chance to develop their confidence and communication skills, while being treated like a valued member of a team.     1     However, a trusting and supportive manager will encourage students to speak up when they think something could be improved.

Students volunteering stand out from the crowd

Students volunteering gain valuable experience that they can add to their CV (简历). Employers will look very favorably on students’ volunteer work experience. Volunteering gives students the opportunity to put what they learn in the classroom into practice.     2     They’ll be one step ahead when it comes to entering the workplace, already equipped with some of the key skills needed for the role.

Improve mental and physical health

Perhaps the biggest benefit that students can gain from volunteering is the positive boost to mental and physical health. A recent study found that 77% of volunteers benefited from improved mental health after volunteering.     3     And it makes sense, with many volunteer roles involving physical activities such as walking, manning drink stations at sporting events, playing with children at camps and more.

Work in a team

    4     It’s a great way to gain experience working in a team. Many workplaces are shifting toward cross-function al collaborative teams, so being able to give concrete examples of working in a team to future employers will be a big plus.

Students volunteering can test out a career

Often students choose to study a degree without really knowing what the career involves. Perhaps it’s what their parents do, or they think it sounds interesting, or it was simply a subject they were good at during school. But without gaining real-world experience in the career, it might end up being a big waste of time and money.     5    

7 . In many movies, the clothing the actors wear is an important part of the story. In Rome, there is a workshop that has been a big part of Italian and international film history for 60 years.

Tirelli Costumes in Rome is a workshop that makes special clothing and costumes. It has earned the name the “Oscar tailor’s shop” for its work in film costume design.

In recent years, its workers helped create the costumes for Ridley Scott’s movie Napoleon. The film’s costume designers were nominated (提名) for an Oscar. “Maybe it will win! Let’s add another medal to the medal collection,” the shop’s current head, Dino Trappetti said. “Of course, the Oscar is not won by the shop. The Oscar is won by the costume designers. But the tailor’s shop has the honor of having participated to make it win.”

Umberto Tirelli started the shop in November 1964. It has been behind 17 Academy Awards for best costume design. The beginning of the workshop started with Tirelli’s passion for collecting old clothes. He searched for clothing in the markets worldwide. He slowly collected more than 15,000 real pieces of clothing that date from 1750 to 1980. At the start, the shop had a sewing machine and two cutters.

Tirelli could have accepted many international projects because the market was immediately interested. But Tirelli, who died in 1990, was not sure enough though the co-workers agreed on expanding the market. Dino Trappetti remembered him saying: “I’m not going to America. If America wants, America will come looking for me.”

Over 60 years, the tailor’s shop has created more than 300,000 costumes which feature hand-cut, hand-sewn creations. Costume designers come up with ideas from historical information.

8 . Do you want to improve your English writing skills? Here is a chance for you. Our English writing courses are now open for enrollment (注册), welcoming students who like expressing themselves through words.

Our courses focus on developing writing skills in various genres (体裁), such as narrative, descriptive, and expository writing. Whether you’re a beginner seeking to master the basics or an experienced writer wanting to improve your skills, our courses offer something for you.

Led by experienced instructors who are devoted to developing your writing talents, our classes provide a supportive and inspiring environment for growth and learning. Through detailed writing guidance, positive feedback and interactive discussions, you will sharpen your writing skills and expand your creative view.

Joining our English writing courses not only improves your writing abilities but also enhances your critical thinking and self-expression. Writing is not just about putting words on paper; it is about crafting attractive stories, expressing unique opinions, and connecting with your readers on a deeper level.

Join us and let your words connect with the world. Dare to dream, dare to write, and dare to be heard. Welcome to a world where your voice matters and your stories come to life. Click here to enroll now and let your writing journey begin.