【推荐3】Every so often, a Chinese fashion symbol unknowingly turned the fashion landscape upside down. This time, we unearth the imperial tomb of China’s Empress Dowager Cixi(慈禧)(1835-1908)and find her great passion for luxurious nails.

Ancient Chinese nobles started growing long nails during the Warring States Period to show that they weren’t manual laborers, but it wasn’t until the Ming Dynasty that long nails and nail guards became an important symbol of material prosperity. And the trend reached its peak in the Qing Dynasty, with Cixi as its poster woman. Cixi nurtured a nail length of roughly 20 cm on her ring and pinky fingers and took care of them in gem-laden(镶满宝石), colorful nail guards. During the day, Cixi usually wore nail guards made of gold or silver. According to the memoirs of her maid, before bed, she would switch them into nail pockets made of bright yellow satin(缎子), probably in a motherly manner similar to covering her nail babies into their sleeping bags.

The origins of nail guards began in the Han Dynasty more than 1000 years prior to their mainstream glory. At that time, they weren’t particularly decorative. It wasn’t until the Qing Dynasty that they became as expensive and delicate as people today know them to have been. Common design patterns included plants, flowers, and calligraphy art. Cixi, on the other hand, had unique rights to dragon and phoenix(凤凰)carvings on her nail guards. Needless to say, she didn’t skimp on exercising these rights.

Long nails may no longer be front and center on the fashion stage today. Yet the period drama series like Empresses in the Palace (2011), Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace (2018), and Story of Yanxi Palace(2018)brought in the popularity of the Morandi color palette(莫兰迪调色盘)in China’s nail art circle. Inspired by Italian painter Giorgio Morandi, the manicure(美甲)industry today also adopts a more softened color scheme that gives off a feeling of balance and elegance.

【推荐3】The European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN, is a European research organization that operates the largest particle (粒子) physics laboratory in the world. Set up in 1954, the organization is based in the northwest of Geneva on the Franco-Swiss border. At CERN, we try to discover what the universe is made of and how it works.

Taking part in the largest scientific experiment in the world.

The program is now open for applications. All applications should reach us no later than 22 October 2021. 

This is a chance to continue your studies while spending up to 36 months working with leading scientists. Whether you’ve already chosen a subject or are still making your decision, if your major is engineering or computing, this is an invitation to further your knowledge in a great organization.

There are no openings at the moment but as soon as there is a new position, it will be published here.

Thinking of doing your PhD abroad and looking for funding? Then the Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD fellowship (奖学金) for Early Stage Researchers in Europe might be the right chance for you. 

The program is now open for applications. All applications should reach us no later than 24 October 2021. 

If you’re an undergraduate (大学生) in engineering or computing and are looking for a practical training period or a place to complete your final project, you could spend 4 to 12 months at CERN during the course of your studies.

The program is now open for applications. All applications should reach us no later than 20 October 2021.

The Administrative Student Program is aimed at undergraduate students majoring in administration who will spend a training period of 2 to 12 months at CERN during the course of their studies.

【推荐1】Here are some of the most beautiful medieval castles in the world.

Eltz Castle, Germany

Eltz Castle sits on top of a hill surrounded by a thick forest. Located in Rhineland-Palatinate due to its secluded (僻静的) position, it is a world away from other castles. Eltz Castle has seen its fair share of conflict but was never destroyed over the centuries. Interestingly, Eltz Family has possession of the castle to this day.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

One Scottish beauty is the Edinburgh Castle. Sitting on top of Castle Rock, it overlooks the capital of Scotland. Unsurprisingly, considering the majority of medieval castles had strategic locations, the key was being able to see the enemy and remain difficult to reach. During the First and Second Wars of Scottish Independence, the ownership of the castle changed between the Scottish and the English several times.

Vianden Castle, Luxembourg

Even though its origin dates back to the 10th century, Vianden Castle was steadily built over three centuries between the 11th the 14th century. Vianden Castle is an example of the Romanesque style with semi-circular arches, even though there were Gothic additions later on. Just like many other medieval castles, Vianden Castle lies on top of a hill overlooking the town of Vianden.

Bran Castle, Romania

Bran Castle sits atop a former Teutonic Knights stronghold (要塞) dating back to the early 13th century. It is approximately 2,500 feet above sea level and rises from between surrounding trees. It overlooks the picturesque village of Bran, and the several towers and turrets (塔楼) give it a mysterious atmosphere.

【推荐2】Morgan’s Wonderland, located in San Antonio, Texas, is a theme park intended mainly for mentally or physically disabled children. The park was built by a man called Gordon Hartman, a former real estate developer(房地产开发商).     1    

Completely wheelchair-accessible, the park is home to a variety of thrilling rides.     2     The adapted rides include the Off-Road Adventure, where guests can test their driving skills in sporty vehicles.

Moreover, each visitor is offered the option to wear a GPS Adventure Band, which allows them to keep track of each other while in the park.     3     For example, when the riders scan the band at the Off-Road Adventure, a photo will be taken and sent to their email.

In June 2017, Morgan’s Wonderland celebrated the opening of Morgan’s Inspiration Island.     4     The wheelchair guests can transfer out of their chairs into unique, waterproof chairs and enjoy the splash park without risking damage to their personal wheelchairs.

    5     Besides, fees for the general public are set at a much discounted price so that people of all ages and abilities can come together and play in a fun and safe environment.