When I was two years old, I was diagnosed with a sensorineural (感觉神经) hearing loss. My mother cried when she found out—she wanted her son to be happy and able to experience everything life had to offer. I went to a special playgroup twice a week where a nurse discovered I had taught myself to read. I then attended a school for the deaf from age three to six.

I remember looking around the room there. People talked and signed to each other. I had a best friend and I did very well in class. But I told my mother that I wanted to go to the regular school with hearing people, because I felt more like a hearing person than a hearing-impaired (听力受损) one. I didn’t even use sign language! I lip-read and listened with my hearing aids. After visiting a public school for a day, my mother agreed to let me go. Needless to say, I have functioned very well.

Many people don’t even know I am hearing-impaired until they see my hearing aids. My girlfriend often forgets that I have any problem, and I feel fortunate that she does not look down upon people like me. The only problem I have with this hearing loss is that some people discriminate against me. The fact is that I am just as normal as anyone else. The only differences are that others need to speak up, and I have some help from my hearing aids.

The next time you see hearing-impaired people, don’t feel sorry for them—that just gives them an excuse to victimize themselves and hurt their own potential. Instead, encourage them and tell them that a handicap（缺陷）only hurts a person if he or she lets it.

Phone addiction has a number of negative effects. Here are some ways to remove it.

In order not to look at your phone as soon as you wake up in the morning, place your phone in another room or your coat pocket. Then spend at least the first 30 minutes of your day building good habits. 【小题1】

Studies show that on average we use the phone 50 to 150 times a day. So you should do something meaningful to avoid looking at it. You could do some reading, do a crossword puzzle or even something as simple as a walk in the yard. 【小题2】

One of the main problems with smart phones is that you worry if you don't check your phone regularly, you may miss out on something important, such as invitations to events or work emails. 【小题3】 When someone has something important to tell you, they may give you a call. Therefore, it is necessary to stay away from your phone sometimes.

What's going on in the real world, right in front of you, is almost always more important than what is happening online. Put away your phone when you are with someone important. 【小题4】 For example, having dinner with friends will become awkward when you always check your phone.

【小题5】 That is because being addicted to the phone before going to bed greatly influences your sleep. This can harm your physical and mental health in the long run. Therefore, make it a rule to stop using your phone an hour before you go to sleep.

In recent years, towns across Italy have been racing to launch plans aimed at attracting new residents to revive the towns. From abandoned homes selling for a euro, to ready-to-occupy houses at low prices, there has been a tendency for competition.

The picturesque town of Presicce is the latest to enter the game with a very alluring offer. Officials say they will pay people up to 30,000 euros to buy an empty house and take up residency. Even better, the houses for sale as part of the deal are priced around 25,000 euros. The cash motivation is expected to breathe new life into the depopulating town, where newborns are fewer each year.

Presicce traces its history to the Middle Ages, booming during the Renaissance as a prosperous place known for its fine wine, cheeses and cattle trade. It gains a reputation as a “town of green gold” for green olive trees and olive oil. Its location is incredible, surrounded by the nature of the Salento area and close to beautiful beaches and clear waters of Santa Maria di Leuca. “There are many empty homes in the historical center built before 1991 which we would like to see alive again with new residents,” says local councilor Alfredo Palese. “It is a pity witnessing how our old districts full of history, wonderful architecture and art are slowly emptying.”

According to Palese, a 2019 merger (合并) with the nearby town Acquarica to create the larger town Presicce-Acquarica has provided them with extra money to ensure the project can continue for years to come. “After the merger as per Italian law, our wider territory will be blessed with more public funds, roughly 1,000,000 euros per year for several years forward, which we intend to invest to renew the old district,” says Palese.

The town hall has already launched other plans to attract more residents, including tax benefits to set up new business activities and baby bonuses for families with kids.