Article 8

On Thanksgiving Day, Americans are used to having a big meal and taking a trip. However, this year, according to the report, there are less people taking a trip while Thanksgiving than people in last year. Why does this phenomenon happen? That is because the decrease of economic; even America is influenced. The decrease of economic influences not only America but the whole world. Usually Americans will take a several days trip to other states or even foreign country to celebrate their Thanksgiving holiday; however, because of the decrease of economic, many Americans would rather stay at home instead of going on a vacation. Staying at home can help them save a lot of money. A whole family gets together, watching TV, chatting with each other; it can both increase family’s relationship and save a large amount of money. This is the new style of Americans to celebrate their holiday. Spending less money is really a good way to save money, but if people keep doing so, then the tourism will become worse. It is not a good method to improve the economic. The government should take some useful tips so that the difficulties of economic could be really improved.

Article 7

Nowadays, economy becomes worse and worse, not only in Taiwan or America, but all over the world. It’s hard for people to save money for price of commodities becomes higher and higher and people’s salary do not rise. Since the environment and market can’t be changed, all we can do is change our consumption habit and living habit. We can buy fruits and vegetables in season because they will be cheap than those out of season; we can buy commodities while they are on sale, but there is one thing can’t be saved – presents! No matter how hard the time is, presents represent one’s intentions so that we are unable to skip this item. But it doesn’t mean the higher the price is, the more your intention represent. Thus, there is a new way to send presents. Now that the price of present is higher, why not do it on your own? If so, not only can show your intention but also is a money-saving way. With little money and time, make a unique hand-made present for the receiver, he or she will be happy because it is only for him or her. In addition, I think writing a card is also a good way. Sometimes a touching sentence is more touched than a present. Next time it you want to send a present, maybe you can try to make a unique hand-made present.

Article 6

Hiking into Chinese HistoryAccording to JEREMY GOLDKORN in Hiking into Chinese History, Beijing, the city is surrounded by a horseshoe of mountains, nearly a mile high. You may not think of outdoor activities when mentioning Beijing, but there is much more interesting spots to be found outside the city in the mountains, where you can combine historical pursuits with some of the finest day hiking in China.I was confused when I first read this report. Nowadays people go to Beijing to visit historical pursuits that were left since ancient China. It’s weird to connect Beijing to outdoor activities. After reading this article in detail, I understand what the article meant. The city is protected by the mountains from barbarians on the plains to the north, west and east, and that was why Kublai Khan established his capital there, which was called Yuan Dynasty. Therefore, there is much more Mongolian romance to be found outside of the city in the mountains. It seems that Beijing is a city with not only historical sites but natural scenery.Moreover, people’s choice of where to visit in Beijing may have much more selections. In 2008, the Olympic was held in Beijing. In order to build standard stadium and attract people’s attention, Beijing authorities built many buildings that are well-designed, combined modern and traditional style. Those buildings become a part of the symbols in Beijing though the Olympic was over. Next time you visit Beijing, probably you can arrange your routines including traditional and modern, natural and humanistic.