More student than ever before are taking a gap-year (间隔年)before going to university.It used to be called the “year off” between school and university.The gap-year phenomenon originated(起源) with the months left over to Oxbridge applicants between entrance exams in November and the start of the next academic year.

    This year, 25,310 students who have accepted places in higher education institutions have put off their entry until next year, according to statistics on university entrance provided by University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) .

    That is a record 14.7% increase in the number of students taking a gap year. Tony Higgins from UCAS said that the statistics are good news for everyone in higher education. “Students who take a well-planned year out are more likely to be satisfied with, and complete, their chosen course. Students who take a gap year are often more mature and responsible,” he said.

    But not everyone is happy. Owain James, the president of the National Union of Students(NUS), argued that the increase is evidence of student had ship – young people are being forced into earning money before finishing their education. “New students are now aware that they are likely to leave university up to ￡15,000 in debt. It is not surprising that more and More students are taking a gap year to earn money to support their study for the degree.NUS statistics show that over 40% of students are forced to work during term time and the figure increases to 90% during vacation periods,”he said.

    Hidden from the noise of Washington, D.C., Hillwood Museum is a special treasure. It contains (包含) one of the finest personal collections (收藏) of Russian and French art in the world.

    Hillwood Museum was once the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. She was a rich businesswoman. She owned one of the largest food companies in the United States. She was also very interested in collecting beautiful French art and furniture.

    She moved to Russia in the 1930s as her third husband, Joseph Davies, became the American ambassador (大使) in Moscow. Marjorie Merriweather Post had a love for Russian art as well. She bought the house in Washington in 1955 and she wanted to make it into a museum after her death. Many art experts helped Mrs. Post create its fine collection.

    Hillwood has many rooms which are filled with her treasures. Visitors can see beautiful music boxes from the eighteenth century and colorful paintings of European princesses (公主). Experts say the ancient wood and gold furniture from France is some of the finest ever made. Visitors can even look at Mrs. Post's jewels and clothes.

    The museum also has several beautiful gardens. One is designed like the gardens in Japan. It has a bridge and visitors can watch flowers floating in the water. Flowers are also grown all the year in a special glass building or greenhouse. These flowers are placed in the house throughout the year.

After a walk, visitors can rest at a nearby eating place. They can also buy objects to remember this special museum.

    Here's advice on where to find job applications.

Company Websites

    If you are interested in working for a particular company, visit their website. Career information is usually listed in the “Careers” or the “About Us”section of the site. Often, you will be able to apply for all company positions directly from the website.

Job Boards and Engines

    If you aren't sure what company you want to work for, you can look for job applications on job boards and job search engines. These contain job listings for positions at many different companies. Sometimes you have to go to the company website to fill out a job application. At other times, you can apply directly on the search engine or job board.

In Person

    Applying for a job in person is a little different than applying for employment online. It's not as complicated, but you will need to be prepared to apply and interview on the spot. You have to make sure you dress professionally, and bring all the materials you need.

    Below is a list of sample employment applications and click to find what you want.

    There are many theme parks in Florida. These amusement parks are designed for kids big and small and have plenty to offer adults, too.

    Magic Kingdom

    Orlando is the center of theme parks in Florida. Of all the parks, no trip to Orlando would be complete without a visit to Magic Kingdom. The center of Disney world, with Main Street USA and Cinderella's Castle, is here at Magic Kingdom. There are rides for kids of all ages as well as shopping and dining.

    Epcot

    After Magic Kingdom, the best-known theme park in Disney World is Epcot. This is a good place for curious kids who want to learn about the planets, the stars, and the workings of the human body. The good and wine festival is another big draw to Epcot.

    Animal kingdom

    When it comes to the top 4 Florida theme parks, Animal kingdom must be on the list. You may have had the chance to go to a zoo before, but Animal kingdom brings the concept of a zoo to new heights. Sure you can go on the safari (狩猎旅行), but there are also rides on different animals, even dinosaurs.

    Universal's Island of Adventure

If your kids have the need for speed, you will surely want to check out Universal's Island of Adventure. Here roller coasters and thrill rides will combine the magic of the movies with plenty of twists (旋转) and turns. You'll also find Wizarding World of Harry Potter here—something the whole family is sure to enjoy.

    Let's catch a glimpse of the latest inventions this year.

    Parallels lets you use desktop apps on your phone

    You'd think most applications would have created a mobile app by now — but many companies still use desktop apps exclusively. Now Parallels Access lets you access them on your smartphone. All you need to do is download the app, then connect Parallels' Applification™ to your computer, so you can access important files and other apps with a single click. You can easily use your apps in full-screen mode, using intuitive(直观的) touch controls to work faster than before.

    Usually, Parallels Access is $19.99, but you can get it now for $9.99.

    Take your lighting to the next level with this smart switch

    You probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about your home's lighting, but it's important: the way that you control your lighting affects the environment (and your electric bill).

    This WiFi wall switch is controlled via a companion app on your smartphone, so you can control connected lights or ceiling fans from anywhere.

    Usually, the Meross WiFi Wall Light Switch costs $45.99, but right now it's on sale for $39.99 .

    Shoot beautifully clear videos with this smartphone gimbal

    If you're interested in shooting professional-quality videos and photos, you don't have to spend a fortune to take a beautifully composed shot: just use this Rigiet Smartphone Gimbal instead.

    A gimbal is a support for your camera (in this case, your smartphone) that allows it to pivot（移动）, and automatically detect and adjust to the position that you want to film in. Unlike any other camera hardware you might own, this one comes with its own accompanying app.

    Usually, this Rigiet Smartphone Gimbal is $269, but you can get it now for $109.99.

    Researchers have been investigating for years the ways in which screens affect the quality of a person's reading. The magazine Scientific American reported that at least 100 studies have been published on the issue since the 1980s.

    Virginia Clinton carried out a research examination. She is a professor of Education, Health and Behavior at the University of North Dakota. She found what she called a "small but significant" difference in reading text from screen versus paper.

    Clinton looked at 33 past studies that examined paper versus screen reading. All of the studies were done between 2008 and 2018. The studies collectively had 2,799 study subjects, including both children and adults. Clinton's examination found that reading from paper generally led to better understanding and improved a person's performance on tests connected to the reading material. And, she found no major differences in reading speed between the two.

    Clinton and other researchers have found screen readers often believe they understand a text better than they really do. And, they are more likely than paper readers to overestimate how well they would do on a test of the materials they have read.

    Yet, this overestimated sense of understanding is especially common among screen readers. Clinton said, "There are many possible reasons for such findings. Overconfidence of reen readers, for example, could be the result of a distracted, less focused mind. Readers' preferences are also important. Research shows the majority of people of all ages prefer reading from paper. If you are enjoying the reading process, you're going to be more involved. You're going to be paying better attention. Preferences are a key issue here."

    Several studies have found that people often think of paper materials as something more important and serious. "If you are reading from paper, your mind thinks this is something important. I need to pay attention to it," Clinton said.