A For those who are tired doing the laundry, Samsung has found an answer: a washing machine that can tell you when your laundry is done via a smartphone app(application). Strange though it may seem — “ my wife already does that ” was a common response among attendees viewing the device when it was introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week — Samsung is just one of many appliance makers racing to install a large number of internet-connected features in machines in an effort to make them “ smart ” . Last year, it was a refrigerator that tweeted. T his year, it ’ s Wi-Fi-enabled laundry machines and fridges that can tell you when your groceries are going bad. The washers and dryers, available starting in the spring, connect to any smartphone through a downloadable application . T he phone can then be used as a remote control, so the machines can be turned on and off while their owners is at work or on the bus. Samsung says it ’ s not just something new — the app connection actually has some practical uses. “ If you started to dry clothes in the morning and forgot to take them out, you can go to your phone and restart your dryer for the time when come home, so your clothes are refreshed and ready to go, ” said spokesperson Amy Schmidt. The company also says that with electricity rate( 电价 )varying depending on the time of day, more control over when the machines are used can help save money. Perhaps, but what they will probably really accomplish is what all good technologies do — enable laziness. Rather than getting up to check on whether the laundry is done, users will instead monitor it on their phones while watching TV. B Big Brothers Big Sisters is based on the simplicity and power of friendship . I t is a program which provides friendship and fun by matching vulnerable young people (ages 7-17) with a volunteer adult who can be both a role model and a supportive friend. Volunteer tutors come from all walks of life — married, single, with or without children. B ig Brothers and Big Sisters are not replacement parents or social workers. T hey are tutors: someone to trust, to have fun with, to talk and go to when needed. A Big Sister and Little Sister will generally spend between one and four hours together three or four times each month for at least twelve months. T hey enjoy simple activities such as a picnic at a park, cooking, playing sport or going to a football match. T hese activities improve the friendship and help the young person develop positive self-respect, confidence and life direction. Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations exist throughout the world. I t is the large and most well-known provider of tutor services internationally and has been operating for 25 years. Emily and Sarah have been matched since 2008. Emily is a 10-year-old girl who has experienced some difficulties being accepted by her schoolmates at school. “ I was pretty sure there was something wrong with me. ” E mily ’ s mum came across Big Brothers Big Sisters and thought it would be of benefit to Emily by “providing different feedback about herself other than just relying on schoolmates to measure her self-worth. S arah wanted to get involved in a volunteer program . “I googled it and found out how to be a part of it. I thought it would be fun for me to get involved in making time to do something because sometimes it is all work and no play. ” Big Brothers Big Sisters has been of great benefit and enjoyment to both Emily and Sarah. T hey love and look forward to their time together and the partnership has certainly helped Emily be more comfortable in being the wonderful, happy and unique girl she is!