Researchers are placing robotic dogs in the homes of lonely old people to determine whether they can improve the quality of life for humans. Alan Beck, an expert in the human-animal relationship, and Nancy Edwards, a professor of nursing, are leading the animal-assisted study concerning the influence of robotic dogs on old people’s depression, physical activity, and life satisfaction. “No one will argue that an older person is better off being more active, challenged, or stimulated (刺激), ”Edwards points out. “The problem is how we promote that, especially for those without friends or help. A robotic dog could be a solution.”

In the study, the robotic dogs, called AIBO, are placed for six weeks in the houses of some old people who live alone. Before placing AIBO in the home, researchers will collect data for six weeks. These old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activities before and after AIBO being placed. Then, the researchers will study the data to determine if it has inspired any changes in the life of its owner.

“I talk to it all the time, and it responds (回应) to my voice,” says a seventy-year-old lady. “When I’m watching TV, it’ll stay in my arms until it wants to go down. It has a mind of its own.”

The AIBOs respond to certain orders. The researchers say they have some advantages over live dogs, especially for old people. Often the elderly are disabled and cannot care for an animal by walking it or playing with it. A robotic dog removes exercise and feeding concerns.

“At the beginning, it was believed that no one would relate to the robotic dog because it is metal and not furry,” Beck says. “But it’s amazing how quickly we have given up that belief.”

“Hopefully, down the road, these robotic pets could become a more valuable health helper. They will record their masters’ blood pressure, oxygen levels, or heart rhythms. AIBOs may even one day have games that can help stimulate older people’s minds.”

   You can choose to think positively and see the good things around you，or you can choose to think negatively and only see the negative things around you. It's all up to you. 【小题1】 Look at what optimists do.

Believe in themselves.

While others doubt their own abilities，optimists believe they are good enough just the way they are and constantly try to get better. They trust their own intuition（直觉）and abilities when carrying out their day-to-day activities. 【小题2】 They don't need everyone's approval.

Believe in others.

Optimists not only believe in themselves，but also in other people in their lives. 【小题3】 They know that when you treat a person as he or she is，that person will remain so. But if you treat a person as he or she ought to be，that person will become what he or she ought to be. Optimists simply see sparks of good in others and work to turn the sparks into a roaring flame.

【小题4】

Optimists believe in seizing what life throws at them. They are not blind to the risks and dangers involved in taking chances，but rather look at the bigger picture，the resources available and then make every opportunity count for a much brighter future full of possibilities.

Forgive.

Optimists know better than to underestimate（低估）the power of forgiveness. Martin Luther King Jr. recognized the past was the past and forgiveness was the path to a better future for everyone. 【小题5】 Optimists know tomorrow is another day and another opportunity to correct what needs correcting and create a brighter reality.

How to Achieve a School Goal

Every person wants to achieve the goals set at the beginning of a new school year.

•【小题1】. When it comes to choosing your goal，make sure that it states exactly what it is that you want to achieve. If your goal seems too big，divide it into simpler，easier tasks.

•Write down your goal. You can write it in a journal or write it on a sticky note. Writing keeps your memory fresh and helps you clear up the useless things in your brain. Try to keep a journal or a diary.

•Break your goal down. By breaking your goal up manageable sections，it allows you to mentally make your way through the goal until the end of a year. 【小题2】 . Therefore you’re far less likely to give up or dodge your goal by taking shortcuts or refusing to do anything.

•【小题3】. Turn off all distractions（使人分心的事物）like TV，the Internet，your phone and every other devices you have at home. Keep emails，phone calls，texts，ete. to a minimum.

•Make it happen. 【小题4】 . Thinking is a useful start but thinking doesn’t do the heavy work and thinking certainly won’t move mountains. Go out every morning knowing what you need to do and then do it！

•Stay positive. Keep saying that you can do it. Stay motivated and be confident.

•Reward yourself. 【小题5】 . Every once in a while，if you complete a goal，treat yourself to an extra bar of chocolate or make time to read that book you’ve been wanting to read two months ago.

How to Create a Mind Map

Most of us think visually but write textually. 【小题1】It also makes the information we list more difficult to process，remember，and share.

【小题2】It combines the brain's visual nature with our tendency to write down words. We end up with a diagram that combines logic and order in a less structured manner. This promotes clearer thinking and better comprehension. 【小题3】

So，how do you create a mind map？The most basic method is to just use a pen and paper，or a marker and whiteboard. It begins with a central topic or idea，then flows outward. 【小题4】 The next level of topics is represented by branches extending from it.

There aren't really any rules for creating mind maps. While most flow outwardly from the central topic，some users prefer to build mind maps in one direction. 【小题5】This can make groups of ideas easier to identify（识别）and remember. It also makes a mind map more enjoyable to create and use.

Mind maps are extremely effective for taking notes, planning a project, brainstorming an idea, presenting information to others, and many other uses. Take out your pen and have a try.

   While some high school seniors begin to enjoy writing their college essay, others fail to see the importance of it. In some cases, these 600 words determine acceptance or a rejection. 【小题1】 It is also a process of self-discovery. Here are some helpful tips.

1. Have fun! When you get upset, it is reflected in your work. Relax, breathe and realize that this is the time to expose a side of you that the grades cannot.

2. Don’t settle for basics — be creative! 【小题2】 Stay away from volunteer work, your dead dog and vacations. Admission counselors (入学辅导员) see thousands of essays a month; make sure your essay is distinct from your experience and personality. Do not focus on what you think they want you to write, but what is actually significant to you.

3. 【小题3】 Although it is effective to appeal to the emotions of an admission counselor, I do not recommend writing an essay about sad stories. Self-pity can be annoying, and most admission counselors do not want that to be their first impression of you. 【小题4】 Make sure that the story is focused on your growth, not on the struggle.

4. Your essay is not a longer version of your resume (简历). If you send in a resume, there is absolutely no need to restate what is on it. Many students like bragging (吹嘘) about how much they do. It is amazing that you are involved, but admission counselors do not only want to hear about how much you do, especially if they already see this on your resume. 【小题5】

Good luck on your college essay!