There are many different ways to solve a problem. One way is to be creative. People often think creative thinking is just for artists and designers, but this is not true. Dr. Edward de Bono, an expert in creative thinking and problem solving, has shown the world that using creativity to solve problems is very useful in business and in our communities, and will continue to be so in the future.

One example of creative thinking is the solution to a parking problem in a town center. In the areas close to stores, people can only park for 20 minutes. There are parking meters where people pay to park in these areas. However, the problem is that many people leave their cars there for longer than 20 minutes. Dr. Edward de Bono’s solution is to make a rule that all cars parked in these areas must keep their headlights on. Of course, drivers will want to return to their cars before their car batteries (蓄电池) die.

According to Dr. de Bono, people will need to use creative thinking more often in the future. To help people think more creatively, he designed the “Six Thinking Hats” system(系统). The system helps people think about a problem in different ways in order to find a solution. In the system, there are six imaginary hats of different colors. Each hat symbolizes a different way of thinking. For example, the white hat helps people consider the facts. The black hat is the most logical(有逻辑的) and helps people consider why a possible solution may not work. So, next time you have a problem in your community, think about it creatively, from different perspectives, and see what ideas you have.

How do money problems influence our social life? Do we simply stop going out and enjoying ourselves? And, if we do stop going out, are there any other ways to party?

Last Christmas, Yorkshire Bank, UK did a survey to see how people were planning to celebrate the festive season when they had not much money to spend. They found that eight out of ten Britons preferred an invitation to a house party to a night out in a bar or club.

So, the question is, how can we throw a party without spending all our money? Easy just read our “hot tips”:

Hot Tip #1 — Careful planning

“It’s all in the planning,” claim party experts. If you plan the number of guests and the menu with prices in mind, it won’t be expensive. Remember, less is more — the fewer guests you invite the lower your costs will be. Equally, if you hold the party in your own home, if you buy a few candles and simple decorations, you’ll be able to create a bar scene in your own front room.

Hot Tip #2 — Shop intelligently

One of the biggest costs is the food and drink. If you shop efficiently, you will spend less money on them. In big supermarkets, you often have “three for the price of two” food offers. You can also pick up alcohol (酒), people won’t require a three course meal — a simple spread of crisps, olives and dips (调味酱).

Hot Tip #3一Caring is sharing

Don’t be scared to ask your guests to bring something. If you invite close friends, they’ll be happy to contribute. For example, you could ask someone to bring some snacks and someone else to bring cups. After all, the idea is to get your nearest and dearest together in honour of friendship and good times.

So what are you waiting for? Find an excuse to celebrate and start sending out those invitations. But remember, save yourself some money, get creative and don’t do everything yourself.

Some kids feel uncomfortable. Here is the advice for them.