Mass media are tools of communication.Mass media allow us to record and pass information rapidly to a large，scattered(分散的)audience.They extend our ability to talk to each other by helping us overcome barriers caused by time and space.

    There are various ways in which mass media make daily life easier for us.

    First,they inform and help us keep a watch on our world. They gather and pass on information we would be unlikely or unable to get on our own.

    Second，mass media help us to arrange our time and life.  What we talk about and what we think about are greatly influenced by the media.When people get together，they tend to talk about certain happenings in the newspapers or on TV.Because we are exposed(暴露)to different points of view through different kinds of media every day，we are able to evaluate(评价)all sides of a certain issue.

    Third,the media are used to persuade people. A good example is advertising through the media.Newspapers，magazines and TV are filled with all kinds of colorful，persuasive advertisements.Though many advertising may not say openly that they want you to buy a certain product，they describe their products in such a way that you may want to buy them.

    Fourth,the media also entertain.  All of the media make some efforts to entertain their audience.For instance，even though the newspaper is primarily a medium of information，it also contains entertainment features(特征)．Television，motion pictures，fiction books and some radio stations and magazines are devoted mainly to entertainment.It is estimated that in the future，the entertainment function of mass media will become even more important than it is now.

    A family story is like a puzzle. Each family member leaves some clues. Family members come together because they have a common tie with one another, sharing a name and special traditions. Exploring family roots and sharing past memories ensure each tradition lives on.

    Ancestory.com has created customized (订做的) “Our Name is History” books to give your family a look into your history by learning about your last name. By visiting it, you can check if information is available for your last name. Ancestory.com researchers have collected more than 5 billion names from records such as passenger lists, immigration records and from birth, marriage and death records. The collected information is then used for each customized book.

    “Our Name is History” books are available for nearly 200,000 last names, accounting form 85 percent of all the US homes. The collected information is a great start of learning about your family roots. This book will not only surprise your mother, but also become a precious memory to pass down through the generations. It can also be an inspiration for her to talk about all the special women in her life. So instead of just giving her flowers or jewelry, give her a special family name book and share your favorite memories with her.

    After learning the general history of your last name, your might be inspired to continue your exploration. The “Our Name is History” books include a special software product for building, searching and sharing your family history.

    To learn more about “Our Name is History” books, visit www. Ournameinhistory.com. The deadline to order in time for Mother's Day is April 30.

    If you enjoy fall activities, the state of Virginia is the place to be. There are many festivals to choose from. Here are four I believe will be great fun.

Henry Street Heritage Festival

    It will last from Saturday September 21^st 2014, 11:00a.m,until 10:00 p.m .The festival is held by the Harrison Museum of African American Culture. This public festival takes place in Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke. It is a celebration of the culture, history, and arts of African Americans and there is always a lot of entertainment, which includes local and national talent.  Last year entrance was $10.00

    Mountain magic crafts festival

    This festival takes place on Saturday October 5^th, 2014, at 19753 Main Street, in Buchanan, Va. The time is 10:00a.m. until 5:00p.m .This will be a celebration of the region's heritage(遗产), through history, crafts and music. There will be free, live music throughout the day, and plenty of arts and crafts plus delicious food.

    Massanutten fall festival

    The time and location is Saturday October 12^th,2014, 11:00a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Massanutten Ski Area. This Fall Festival will feature more than 60 arts and crafts vendors(小贩), food vendors, live music, wine tasting, children's activities, and more. Tickets are $5 in advance, and $10 at gate. Children under age 8 are admitted free. Rides will run between the hours of 11:00am to 3:00 pm. Be in line with your ticket; no later than 2:30 pm.

    Children's Arboretum(植物园) Festival

    The fun takes place, on Saturday October 19^th, 2014 from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. There will be musical instrument shows and performances, singers, crafts, dance exhibitions and lessons. There will also be seed collecting trail activities, trail tours, story time, and snacks. This fall festival is a free event

    Now people are very concerned about the food problem. Steve Wilson prefers organic fruit, delivered right to the doorstep. He is willing to pay for it. If this is not possible, the 30-year-old computer technician will spend the extra money at the supermarket to buy organic food.

    “Organic product is always better,” Wilson said. “The food is free of pesticides(农药), and you are generally supporting family farms instead of large farms. And more often than not that it is locally grown and seasonal, so it is more tasty.” Wilson is one of the growing number of shoppers buying into the organic trend, and supermarkets across Britain are counting on more like him as they grow their organic food business. But how many shoppers really know what they are getting, and why are they willing to pay a higher price for organic product? Market research shows that Wilson and others who buy organic food can generally give clear reasons for their preferences—but their knowledge of organic food is far from complete. For example, small amounts of pesticides can be used on organic products. And about three quarters of organic food in Britain is not local but imported(进口)to meet growing demand. “The demand for organic food is increasing by about one third every year, so it is a very fast-growing market,” said Sue Flock, a specialist in this line of business.

    If you have come to Britain, there are some beautiful places you can't miss. Below are four that you can enjoy during your trip to Britain.

    Cotswolds

    The Cotswolds are a range of hills measuring about 2,000 square kilometers, designated as an area of outstanding beauty and shared by countries of Somerset, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. Sometimes known as "The Heart of England", the hills are small but perfectly formed and dotted with pleasant towns and well-preserved old villages inhabited mainly by well-preserved old English folk.

    Bath

    Bath is a historic Roman and Georgian spa city. It is a World Heritage (遗产) site, situated in 100 miles west of London and 15miles southeast of the nearest big city, Bristol. A unique city, Bath is famous for its hot springs, Roman period baths, medieval heritage and stately Georgain architecture. The famous English writer Jane Austen spent some time there, and her novel is a satire of the social life of the city at the time. Many of the sites she mentioned are still able to be visited in the city today.

    Much Wenlock

    The Shropshire town of Much Wenlock is a characteristically English town, off the beaten track, but well worth a visit. Not only is Much Wenlock a stunning beautiful medieval town, but it also played a part in the birth of the modern Olympic Games. Much Wenlock is the birthplace of William Penny Brookes, the inspiration for the modern Olympic Movement and founder of the Wenlock Olympian society. In recognition of its sporting heritage, the 2012 London Olympic Games named one of their mascots Wenlock.

    Castle Combe

    Nestled in a wooded Cotswold valley, with the ambling Bybrook River flowing through its heart, Castle Combe is a truly delightful example of the traditional English village. Architecturally, little has changed since the 15^th century. There are no street lights or TV aerials and you enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and you will understand why it has won the "Prettiest Village in England" award so many times. Castle Combe is also a favored location for Hollywood film and television companies.

    There was an earthquake this morning. I was working in front of my computer when it hit the city. The quake started with a sudden loud noise. I thought that something heavy in a neighbor's house probably had fallen. However, the walls and the floor began to shake. I finally realized it was an earthquake.

    My son Zac, a sixteen­year­old boy, was sleeping with his door locked. Being sixteen, he can sleep through any kind of noise. "Zac!" I shouted. "Are you OK?" But nobody replied. I was a little worried. I couldn't imagine that someone was able to get such a deep sleep. The house was dancing. There were waves in the swimming pool. I was afraid the house would come down. "Zac!" I yelled, knocking on his door with an open palm (手掌). "Zac! Wake up! It's an earthquake! We need to get out!"

    My son finally emerged in his underpants. We looked around the room. I knew that we should hide under a table to stop things from falling on us and stay away from glass. Unfortunately, none of our furniture was designed for hiding under. "Should we go into the garden?" Zac asked. "No, trees could fall on us!" I said. Actually, Zac had done earthquake drills (训练) at school. He must have been told to hide under a desk and cover his head. But we had nothing to cover our heads in the house.

    Luckily, before we took any action, the windows stopped moving and the pool calmed down. Everything went back to normal soon. But both my son and I knew what we should do, because we knew if there had been a really big earthquake this morning, we couldn't have escaped from it.