Ice cream businessman Mikey Cole's treats are cooler than cool. Truffle Shuffle, Foxy Brown, Brady Bunch — these are just a few of the popular ice creams made at Mikey Likes It Ice Cream in NYC's East Village. But nine years ago, Michael "Mikey" Cole, the man behind the cold ice creams, was serving something different:" I spent six months on Rikers Island selling drugs (毒品)，" says Cole, a native New Yorker. "That time in my life was about having fun and being reckless (不计后果的), but things hit home when I was put in prison (监狱)."
Determined to be a changed man once he'd done his time, Cole, now 37, graduated from college and held various jobs until the death of his aunt Lucy — "She used to tell me, 'Don't go left when you're supposed to go right'" — led him to find his real interest. While cleaning out her apartment, Cole discovered her cookbook collection, including a recipe (食谱) for chocolate ice cream. He bought an ice cream maker and began experimenting with her recipe. "It took me away from everything，" he says. Six experiments later, Cole perfected his chocolate treat, Ice Ice Baby, and began selling ice cream out of his apartment.
In 2014, Cole opened his own shop not far from where he grew up. But no matter how popular he becomes, Cole is committed to (忠于) his neighborhood. "For me, ice cream is about encouraging other Mikeys to start businesses and give back," says Cole, "just like my aunt taught me." How sweet he is!
Until March 18, New York City is hosting the New York International Children's Film Festival (NYICFF). The festival presented films from 24 countries. 50% of the filmmakers are women.
Since February 23, when the festival began, viewers have been able to choose from more than 100 films at six theaters across the city. Although the event is considered as a children's festival, the films set no rules as to who you are or where you come from.
Among the films presented at the festival, Zoo and Zombillenium are two impressive (给人深刻印象的) ones. Zoo is a British war film that shows the difference that a kid can make.
Tom is the protagonist (主角) of this heartwarming story. Tom's dad is the owner of the Belfast Zoo. After he leaves to fight in the war, Tom has to save the zoo's baby elephant, Buster, from being killed in the war.
"I loved it," said 9yearold Gabriel Bieller of New York City after seeing the film. "It really taught how kids could make a difference."
Ella Hanson, 7, was also moved. "The sweet story of a kid like me making a difference when faced with difficulties caused by a war," she said, "was very encouraging."
Zombillenium is an animated (动画的) French film about working hard to achieve your dreams. Hector Saxe is the immediately dislikeable protagonist. His management job is all about rules. But after he starts working at the amusement park (游乐园) that he hates, he puts all of his love into getting it ready for his daughter to visit.
The film had many positive reactions (反响) from the audience. "The story presented great, lifelike characters," said Sami Ali, 12.
Oliver, 10, who did not provide a last name, said, "It was rather sad, but it underlined the importance of never letting go of the things that you care about."
You failed to pass exams and you might feel a bit like a failure, but actually you were not. Here are some signs that show you are doing well in life even though you don't think so!
Sometimes a bit more than you should! Food is such an overlooked (忽略的) blessing, yet if you miss it for a few hours you will start feeling the necessity of it. Take the time to enjoy your next meal, whatever that is.
Knowledge is at your fingertips. Since knowledge is power, seize that power and let it help you in the pursuit (追求) of your dreams. Take advantage of all the "learning" chances that come your way.
You have a dream. You have the ability to embrace it and create it. Don't give up on dreaming or on your dreams. They are what life's best things are made up of.
You have the ability to forgive. Never mind the world, just your life! Imagine how unhappy you would be if you did not have the ability to forgive others' mistakes as well as your own. You have the unique gift for forgiving and moving on.
You strive (努力) to be better. The fact that you are feeling a bit down because you haven't achieved what you want to achieve shows you are trying. You always strive to be better. So don't give up.
A. You have food to eat.
B. Whatever your dream is, it's yours.
C. Each difficulty has led you to where you are today.
D. In this day and age, you can learn anything you want.
E. Sometimes forgiveness is really a gift you give to friends.
F. And as long as you continue to do that, success will come.
G. Can you imagine what this world would look like without forgiveness?
