Life note 1 Today I had a conversation with my retired father and it was like this: " You should find something to do. Having life focus can make one live longer and happier. It doesn't have to be a paid job." I said to my dad. " I know. I just need time to search what kind of thing I want to do." My dad replied. After the conversation, I pondered a bit. I think I am right about suggesting my father getting something to do for the rest of his life. Meanwhile, I also feel the importance of developing second or multiple interests besides job skills. One thing is that those interests can invigorate our lives; another thing is that they may possibly become our career tools. And they can also be our life center once we retire. The reason why my father needs time to find one is that he did not develop any interest when he was little or young, and he had no time to do it (or he may even not beware of it) after he built the family. Because of my father, I told myself that I should explore more and experience more so to find the one that I enjoy the most. And make it my hobby and interest...

What's your attitude toward the political climate in your countries?

I wasn't that kind of person who cares much about the political issues in my country, but in these two years I started to..., probably  because I have graduated from college and began to live in the real world.  When I realized the politicians in my country care only about their own interests, and did and said things that are against the greatest benefit of the society, I felt angry and helpless. Although it's always the issue in human history, I feel like it's the worst in current society.  Look at the incumbent politicians, who really puts the country before anything? 

What's your opinion in this respect?

The advantage of knowing a language that people around you don't know?

Two days ago, I chatted with an American friend who I used to work with. He said that he knows Spanish, so back to the time we worked together, he always used Spanish to talk to another coworker who also knows Spanish to complain someone. Most people there were Americans, so they would not  know what they were talking about. It got me to think that talking in a foreign language in such an environment  is indeed advantageous, but what if someone knows the same language as well, and knows you are talking bad about people you both know?

I myself also had the same experience. At that time, I thought it is a good way to vent by speaking in a language people around me don't know. But I think it is somewhat impolite now. Especially when you are the one who doesn't know the language. You would suspect whether they are talking bad about you. By and by, the atmosphere would be teeming with distrust...

Do you have any similar experiences ? or what do you think about this?

A preposition question! Hello, I'm here to ask a question about preposition. I was asked about a question: " ________night of fire". there are four options: a) in, b) on, c) at d), of. I gave the wrong answer by saying that it might be "in", but the answer should be" on". So I want to ask why we should say on in this case? Thank you in advance for any responses.Revised: The whole sentence is: Luckily, they were not at home_________the night of the big fire. My question is don't we usually use "at"before night? Thank you all for your information.

What it feels like to know several laguages? My mother language is Chinese, and I learned English and some Japanese. But I just can't learn them well, especially when I tried to learn both at the same time. Sometimes I saw some people on italki being able to know several languages, which makes me wonder how they learn so many languages simultaneously and how to keep the passion to learn languages. I even wonder how often they use those languages. Does everyone have the same question as I do?

A question asked by student hello, I was asked a question: why " the first six to cross the river will win." can't be written in this way: " the first six crossing the river will win." To me, both make sense, but the first sentence, according to the answer, is correct. Can anyone tell me how to explain both? Thank you.

Learning to get along with my mom and the way treat people Not until recently did I realize that I am sort of ill-humor. I had thought that I am amiable and mild. However, some instances just proved I was wrong. Firstly, I often get mad at my mother. When she accuses me of something I think justified, I would be very angry with it. I always think that my mom is a drama queen. She is always the starter of all of my family fights, so I can easily get wild while she's trying to arouse any. Secondly, looking back, I found that there were a couple of instances that I treated others inappropriately. I always gave others a cold shoulder when I didn't feel right. I used to think I am righteous to treat people that way. However, I don't think that anymore. Instead, I am so regretful for what I have done and who I've been. I have made up my mind to correct myself by calming myself down when I am about to be angry and trying my best to be agreeable. Also, I would spent some time meditating, to think what makes me angry and if it worth my anger, if I can try not to be mad with the same thing next time. I am still working on it. Sometimes I could not control it, but I would try to tell myself what is the right thing to do. Hopefully I would become what I want myself to be in near future.

20 something When I first watched a TED talk talking about how we, as people in 20s, should think and treat our lives, I did not think too much cause I was only 20 that time. I thought there's much time for me to figure out. However, as time goes by, I now have turned 24. I still have not figured out what my life should be. Every decision that I have made was out of my imagination. I had thought being a salesperson should be good for me, but as it turns out, it wasn't. Then, I thought being a teacher is my real thing, and though I am doing well, I still wonder sometimes whether this is a right choice in my life. Every time I saw some acquaintance sharing their success in their lives, it made me feel anxious. It seems that I did nothing special at all. But when I think it in a different way, I doubt why life should have a certain pattern and why should I make myself into a kind of person who I am naturally not. Many different thoughts have run up in my head over and over again. I just hope that I can settle down as soon as possible.

Any opinions on the British cook Jimmy Oliver? I personally like watching his program. I like his passion for cooking and his action of spreading idea of eating vegetables. But I can't agree that he always wears ring while cooking. I think it is not so hygienic. Also, he always says let's add a bit of oil, but I only see he add more than "a bit". lol What are your opinions of him?