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Americans have been described as the type of people that work hard and play hard.American pop culture reflects this in the variety of choices in music, entertainment, performing arts and sports.For the most part, American people enjoy a wholesome, safe and full life of work, family, and relaxing activities including sports, vacations, music, movies, family gatherings, theatre, concerts, and the list goes on.Often a particular region of America has its own trademark pop culture life that attracts residents who enjoy the specialties of that region.Like a vast display of dishes at a bounteous buffet, America holds fun and pleasure for all to taste from surfing and swimming on the California coast, to winter skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling in the North, tapping the two step in Texas； hiking, rafting and rock climbing in the beautiful Rocky mountains； enjoying the glitz and glamour of a Broadway play in New York, to a colorful Autumn drive through the picturesque New England countryside.
Much of the perception of America by other nationalities comes from the American movies and TV shows popular around the world.It is important to remember that while movies provide fun entertainment, some of the spectacular depictions of American life in movie scenes do not represent the everyday experiences of the average American.
- Music
Rock concerts, Broadway musicals, barbershop quartets, marching bands, MTV videos.Once again the diverseness of America's people has developed a musical palette for every listener to find his favorite.The genres of American pop music range from the beat of rap, through the harmony of the boy bands, to the twang of the country-western.Finding America through its music brings you closer to the culture and attitudes of the American people.Musical genres in America include: Bluegrass, Country, Folk, Rap, Reggae, Easy Listening, Classic Rock, New Age, Alternative, Hip Hop, Classical, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Rock, Latin, and Gospel.
For more information about the American music scene, you can visit http://music.yahoo.com/.
- Television:A favorite American pastime, watching television provides entertainment for people of all ages. The popularity of cable TV brings more variety than ever before imagined into American homes. Choices include: educational, Action Adventure, soap operas, game shows , multi-national programs, dramas, sit-coms, reality programs, news, talk shows, cartoons, sports, cooking.
For a look at the top rated TV shows in the United States click here.
- Movies:
HOLLYWOOD!!Going to the movies has long been a favorite leisure activity of the American life.Grab your popcorn and candy and go out with your American friends for a night at the movies.Watching movies is a great way to practice your English and will help you be plugged in when your friends start talking about the recent movies that they've been seeing.
For information about the latest movies, show times (U.S.), and theatres that are near you while you are in the U.S., check out the Earth's Biggest Movie Database or Movies.Com.
A good way to familiarize yourself with America's history and past is to watch classic American movies.Check out Classic Movies.
Check out the New York Times Best 1000 Movies Ever Made, read reviews and see trailers.
Here are a couple of other important things Taiwanese students should take care of as soon as they arrive in the US in order to make their transition to life in America as smooth and painless as possible.
Banking
When you are in the United States you may want to open a checking account and / or a savings account so you can access your money easily.
What is a Saving's Account?
A savings account is an account at a savings bank, commercial bank, or a savings and loan (S&L) that pays interest on deposits, usually from the day of deposits to the day of withdrawals.Savings accounts usually have lower or no minimum monthly balance and often have few restrictions.Savings accounts are generally designed for those seeking a conservative investment program or for those who want to build funds gradually for a major purchase.Like checking accounts (below) savings account funds can be taken from the bank either by visiting a bank branch, or taking cash out through an ATM machine.
What is a Checking Account?
A checking account is an account at a savings bank, commercial bank, or a savings and loan (S&L) that normally pays no interest.Checking accounts usually have lower or no minimum monthly balance and often have few restrictions.Checking accounts are generally designed for those seeking an easy means of paying for daily expenses, either using cash or a written check.Like savings accounts (above) checking account funds can be taken from the bank either by visiting a bank branch, or taking cash out through an ATM machine.
Simply find a local bank and go to the “new accounts” department where an employee will help you open your account. Since banks are private businesses, you may want to research to find the bank with the least cost to you, best services and highest interest rates. If you want the bank will issue you an ATM card and a pin number. Almost everywhere you go in the states you can use your ATM card easily to make purchases. You can also withdraw money from your checking account at an ATM machine using your ATM card but if you use a machine from another bank you will be charged a small service fee. Always bring a reasonable amount of cash with you when you go out as sometimes the machines do breakdown.
You may also set up an internet banking account. The best resource for you to find out more about this is the internet itself.
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