After the classmates reunion, some graduates decided to visit their old university professor.
The conversation soon turned into1about stress in work and life.2his guests with coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and3with a large pot of coffee and a variety of cups—porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some4, some expensive, some exquisite—5them to help themselves to the coffee.
When all the students had a cup of coffee6, the professor said, “7you have noticed, all the nice-looking expensive cups have been taken up,8the plain and cheap ones. While it is9for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the10of your problems and stress. "
"Be assured that the cup itself adds no11 to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even12what we drink. "
"What all of you really want is coffee, not the cup, but you13went for the best cups... and then you began14each others’ cups.”
“Now consider this: life is the15; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not16, nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only17the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee.18the coffee, not the cups! Don’t let the cups19you ... enjoy the coffee20.”
The marshmallow(棉花糖), a white, cottony, sweet confection (甜食)is synonymous(同义) with “temptation” in the US. This all began 50 years ago when psychologist Walter Mischel sat 5-year-old children down at a table and gave them a simple choice: they could eat one marshmallow now or, if they wait, receive two marshmallows later.
Mischel and his colleagues at Stanford wanted to understand the nature of self-control. If children could avoid eating the marshmallow over a set period of time, they were told they’d receive two as reward. If they couldn’t resist temptation, they wouldn’t get the second treat.
The Marshmallow Test became famous due to a remarkable discovery made some years later. Those children who were able to resist temptation for the reward of two marshmallows grew into adults who were more successful in school, work and relationships. They were also thinner, calmer, more sociable, better at managing their money, and less likely to be addicted to any substances.
It seems having the ability to wait for two marshmallows is quite important. In the US, there are “Don’t Eat the Marshmallow!” T-shirts, and investment companies have used the marshmallow test to encourage retirement planning, according to The Atlantic.
Many people have interpreted the results of the Marshmallow Test to mean fate is predetermined by one's biology. But Mischel has just published a new book — The Marshmallow Test: Mastering Self-Control — which claims the true meaning of the experiments is just the opposite.
“The most important thing we learned is that self-control — the ability to regulate one's own emotions — involves a set of skills that can be taught, and learned,” Mischel told journalism website Vox.com. “They’re acquirable. Nothing is predetermined.”
What's more, he says, these experiments provide concrete lessons about self-control we can use as adults. Grown-ups can use these methods to quit smoking, or stick to a diet, or save money.
Mischel and other psychologists argue that the battle between instant gratification (one marshmallow now) and long-term gratification (two marshmallows later) is really a battle between two different systems in the brain.
, there is a theme park for you!(疑问词+ever引导让步状语从句)
It will bring you into a magical world and , you are travelling through space, visiting a pirate ship or meeting your favorite fairy tale Disney cartoon character.(make+宾语+宾语补足语;whether...or...不论是否……,不管是……还是……)
Here is some must-know information from a handbook on how people behave in doing business in some countries.
In Brazil
Brazilians are warm and friendly. They often stand close when talking and it is common for them to touch the person on the shoulder. People often greet each other (particularly women) with light cheek kisses. Schedules tend to be flexible, with business meetings sometimes starting later than planned. But to be safe, be on time. Meals can stretch for hours—there's no such thing as rushing a meal in Brazil. Lunches also can start in the mid to late afternoon. Brazilians are social, preferring face-to-face communication over mails or phone calls.
In Singapore
Singaporeans shake hands when they meet and often also greet each other with a small, polite bow. Business cards should be offered and received with two hands. Arriving late is considered disrespectful. So be on time. Efficiency (效率) is the goal, so meetings and dealings often are fast-paced. Singaporeans are direct in their discussions, even when the subject is about money. Rank is important and authority is respected. This determines both people interact in meetings. For example, people avoid disagreeing outright with someone with a higher rank.
In the United Arab Emirates
In the UAE, status is important, so the most senior or oldest should be greeted first with their titles. The handshake seems to be longer than elsewhere. So, do not pull away the handshake. Women should cover themselves when it comes to dress. Men also tend to be covered from neck to elbows (肘部) and down to the knees. People do not avoid entertaining in their homes, but they also hold business meals at restaurants. Touching or passing food or eating with your left hand is to be avoided. When meetings are one-to-one, if your host offers you coffee, you should refuse. It might seem odd, but it is a cultural tradition. Coffee should only be accepted if it is always set out or presented.
In Switzerland
The Swiss tend to be formal and address each other by last name. They also are respectful of private lives. You should be careful not to ask about personal topics. Punctuality(守时) is vital, something that comes from a deep respect for others' time. Arrive at any meeting or event a few minutes early to be safe. They also have clear structure in their companies. Higher-ups make the final decisions, even if others might disagree. Neat, clean dress is expected. The Swiss follow formal table manners. They also keep their hands visible at the table and their elbows off the table. It is polite to finish the food on your plate.
If you are ever in Connecticut, you need to be sure to take the family to Lake Compounce Theme Park. The park lies in Bristol, Connecticut. It has been opened since 1846 and is known as America's oldest park.
In October, they open the park for an event called Haunted Graveyard which is open at night. The rates are $ 34.99 for regular tickets, $ 25.99 for kids and $17.99 for those over the age of 60. If you go before 5: 00 p. m., you only pay $17.99.Kids under the age of three are free and parking is $8.00.
The rides at the theme park are so much fun. The ride liked by all is the Boomerang with the top speed of over 45 miles per hour. The drop on this ride is 125 feet. Another popular ride is the Pirate Ship. These two rides are great for thrill seekers because you actually feel as if you were falling out of your seat.
The park also has plenty of water rides for those who love water fun, such as water guns and water slides. Lights Out is a fast water slide that is all in the dark. It goes around what looks like a lighthouse. Besides the rides, the park also has fun shows for the whole family. They have a great show and a cool circus. There are also some great places to eat at the park.
You can stop at the entrance to get a map first. You won't be able to visit the whole park in a day so you should have your family choose what you want to and have fun!
, you should be careful.
I always think how lucky I am that my work as a travel writer introduces me to extraordinary locations, experiences and people. However, my recent hot air balloon(热气球)1 over the breathtaking ancient temples of Bagan has proved the most impressive. Without 2 it will stay with me forever, and years later I can still smile at the fond 3.
There are over 2200 temples and pagodas(宝塔) on the plains of Bagan, 4 the 11th and13th century. For me, Bagan is the place where travel5 come true.
The sunrise hot air balloon experiences are popular so it's best to book6. My husband Ryan Wright and I were picked up at 5:10 am. After picking up some additional guests, we made our way to the launch field. The pilots(飞行员) introduced themselves and 7 the basics of ballooning. They were warm, 8 and funny and set my nerves at ease.
Then, 9I even realized what had happened, we were off the ground. The earth just seemed to drop away from the hot air balloon. 10, I felt nothing when the ropes were 11 and we started to fly into the sky. Graeme suggested some of the best sights and photo 12, starting with the sunrise.
Once the sun was up, the temples and pagodas were even more beautiful. Ranging from 13 groups of buildings to tiny structures, Graeme was keen to point out some of his personal favorites, as well as those buildings 14 restoration(修复) work. Who knew that bamboo scaffolding(脚手架) could be so beautiful 15the sunrise?
With the end of our flight approaching, Graeme 16 us of safe landing procedures. I really 17 that he was so clear and focused on 18! We were soon back on solid land. A circle of chairs had been19 for us to enjoy a light breakfast.
This hot air balloon journey was the most 20 travel experience of my life.