Understanding the Various Types of Bonds

Understanding the Various Types of BondsWhen it comes to understanding the various types of bonds, chemistry is perhaps the most important skill for people to develop. It takes a little time and practice to become a good chemist. Yet, by doing so, not only can you earn money, but you can help science progress and help humankind.Bonds form when two or more molecules come together. Chemists use bonds to describe these different systems where two different molecules interact with each other. In chemistry, all bonds are based on two main factors: that they have to be long-lasting and that they have to be equal in size.Bonds are formed in nature when there is a higher molecular weight of one of the molecules than another. This means that one molecule is heavier than the other, which gives them a higher attraction to each other.The first bond in nature was created during the ice age. This is actually a fairly complex bond, made up of several smaller bonds. We've since discovered how import ant bonds are and how they contribute to the chemical reactions. It was actually Alexander Fleming who came up with the naming of these types of bonds, stating that they were used in food preparation.Sometimes bonds aren't created directly, but are rather created through a process known as a bonding energy change. This change is due to temperature, pressure, and molecular size. When two hydrogen atoms join with one oxygen, there is a tiny change in the bond between the two atoms. These types of bonds are known as double bonds and are extremely important to understand.Carbon bonds are also important to understand, and you might be familiar with them as carbon nanotubes. They are both large and fairly rare, so you shouldn't be able to find them easily. They are very strong and are used in certain products and in medicine to help reduce or eliminate fat.Chemistry is extremely interesting, and it's true that it does take some hard work to learn about the different types of bonds. But, i f you're committed to doing your best, you can make money and help mankind. After all, you'll never be too old to start learning. So, get out there and get involved with chemistry!

Brainy Secrets of Green Tea

Brainy Secrets of Green Tea Green tea is a rich source of antioxidants, polyphenol, flavonoids and other useful ingredients. The healing properties of green tea are almost boundless. Polyphenols, contained in green tea, block the growth of cancer cells and enhance the insulin activity. Fluoride, another natural component of green tea, inhibits the growth of oral bacteria, prevents tooth decay and gum disease. Green tea increases the metabolic rate, which stimulates weight loss. Tea is a source of flavonoids, improving the LDL-HDL cholesterol ration and protecting blood vessels. Drinking green tea hinders the accumulation of free radicals and boosts immune system which may delay ageing. Unlike synthetic medications, all these miraculous effects of green tea are achieved without negative physiological consequences. So, several cups of green tea per day, with its immense healing and anti-ageing properties, could help to protect you from many diseases. In addition to positive influence on health, drinking green tea can also improve brainpower. Researchers  discovered that some natural ingredients found in tea can improve brain performance, memory and attention span. Catechins, contained in tea, were found to preserve brain cells from the negative influence of the protein, which builds up with ageing and weakens cognitive activity. Thus drinking tea helps to reduce such age-related disorders as progressive cognitive decline and dementia. Tea, like coffee, contains caffeine that has stimulating influence on the central nervous system, increases alertness and reduces fatigue. It is known that caffeine may cause headaches and increased blood pressure. However, tea is a safer stimulant than coffee because tea contains theanine, which reduces potential side effects of the caffeine. The natural combination of theanine and caffeine in tea is exceptionally beneficial in improving brain performance on cognitive tasks. A recent study from China revealed even more fascinating facts. Epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG ), an organic chemical in green tea, was found to promote the generation of neural progenitor cells. This provides benefits for learning by improving spatial memory and object recognition. An ancient Chinese wisdom declares: “Drinking a daily cup of tea will surely starve the apothecary.” Modern scientists  confirmed this old saying. Drinking tea protects your body from ageing, prevents diseases and keeps your mind sharp. Drink several cups of green tea every day and take all the benefits of this amazing beverage!

12 Wicked Fun Ways to Learn Any Language

12 Wicked Fun Ways to Learn Any Language 12 Wicked Fun Ways to Learn Any Language Looking for minimum stress and maximum fun?Too many fun ways to learn  are just typical study tactics in disguise.Cmon, flashcards are never going to hold a candle to video games.It may sound strange, but you cant learn everything by  studying.As it turns out,  you may have to totally  stop studying to really become fluent.Im dead serious.So, blow off your work.Procrastinate that assignment.Put your textbooks back on the shelf.I promise it isnt too good to be true! Why Learn a Language the Fun Way?Say goodbye to  making  excusesIm the guiltiest of this. No time, no energy, no money, no resources. You dont need any of that anymore. Dont join the pity party, wondering however will I learn my target language? You wont ever have to force yourself to stay motivated again, cause I know youre always going to be down for a little fun time.Manipulate your brains rewards centerWith fun methods, your brains pleasure system is triggered constantly. Its why we can scroll through dozens of funny cat pictures without getting bored, even though were doing nothing beneficial for our brain or body (except for absorbing cuteness).Now, your brain will start to connect that positive feedback and pleasure with language learning.Remove roadblocksSometimes you study so much that you actually start getting  worse.  Has this happened to you? This is a major complaint from near-fluent learners living abroad and encountering their target language in the real world for the first time.They get paralyzed and dont know what the heck they should even study.How do you study things like understanding fast-talkers, low-talkers, mumblers, obscure colloquial expressions, little-known dialects and slang that became popular last month? You cant learn that stuff by studying in the traditional sense.Train your brain to live  using your target languageRight now, your brain knows that it should be using your target language in specific situations, like when reading a textbook, watching a subtitled movi e or chatting with a conversation partner.  Now its time to train your brain to use that target language constantly in everyday life. Thats the next big step from student to fluent speaker.Keep language fresh and current in your mindLanguage is always evolving, along with popular culture, current events and more. Cultural references are constantly embedded in peoples language.Its not a guilty pleasure anymoreâ€"to be fluent you  need  to know about modern entertainment, leisure activities and humor found in your target languages country. Any language learner knows: It royally sucks to miss out on jokes and references.Transform everyday activities into language learning opportunitiesDont just wait for designated study time to roll around. Some fun learning methods are based on things you already do regularly, like cooking and browsing the internet. Other methods help you redirect spare time to fun language practice time.  By using these fun activities, youll be able to inject a littl e language learning into normal, everyday activities.How to Integrate Fun Activities into Language LearningPepper your daily schedule with funLittle bits of fun language learning can fit nicely even into the busiest of schedules. Whenever you have a few minutes, like when youre in the bathroom and browsing the internet on your phone (like I know you do), you can be practicing your target language. Let no spare moment go to waste!Dont burn your books just yetYoull still need formal learning and periods of focused study time. The idea is to incorporate more  fun learning methods into your daily routine. You can certainly cut down on your more intense study sessions, but overall youll still need these to succeed.Take breaksPlenty of research on human motivation has shown that were more productive when we take lots of frequent, little breaks. Try the following patterns to structure your study time and keep your brain refreshed:Study for 20 minutes, take a 5-minute break.Study for 30 min utes, take a 10-minute break.Study for 50 minutes, take a 20-minute break.During the study period, use your more formal study methods. During the break period, use one of our suggested  fun  language practice methods.12 Wicked Fun Ways to Learn Any LanguageThe first five items on this list will get you connected online, showing you how to use the internet for some fun new ways to learn.  1. Browse  RedditReddits my go-to place for language learning.Make an account, explore and subscribe to subreddits (pages that are thematically-oriented to one specific region, interest, etc.) where people speak or study your target language. For example, if youre learning French you might want  to subscribe to the subreddits  reddit.com/r/learnfrench, reddit.com/r/french or reddit.com/r/franceâ€"that last one being bilingual.There, youll find great articles in your target language, along with comments from users. Youll also come across  memes, gifs and fun images. Not only will you learn how  other countries and cultures use these mediaâ€"which is kinda fascinating all on its ownâ€"but youll also learn about a societys favorite types of humor, plus ongoing jokes related to  popular culture, current events and social issues.You can also filter Reddit search results to only pull up posts in your target language.Youll just feel like youre browsing away on Reddit, but youre actively connecting with  communities of language learners and native speakers.2. Use region-specific social mediaYeah, Facebook is popular pretty much everywhere. But you may have also noticed that certain areas of the world have their own social media sites with intense regional followings. See what native speakers of your target language are using, then sign up and start chatting!For example, WhatsApp  is popular in Europe and Latin America, while Kakao Talk is what Koreans use to chat. Hi5, despite being based in the U.S., could not be more latino,  while many in  Spain still use  Tuentiâ€"the Spanish Face book.3. Play online video gamesComputer-based games like Minecraft, World of Warcraft and Team Fortress 2 let you join group conversations and work cooperatively with others.To get an idea of what gameplay will be like in your target language, check out the videos on Twitch. Id recommend either  searching the site by language (for example, type German into the sites search bar) or by video game titleâ€"or both. Listen to how French trolls berate other players and work the word n00b into their sentences.As for other popular games like Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto and so on, Google party up threads for speakers of your native language. Search for this using your target language! They often look to recruit more game companions on online forums, since gaming is always more fun when youve got buddies to chat with.4. Find friends onlineDont just stop at language exchange sites. You may find it fun to use chat messengers and video conferencing to converse with native speakers, but that o ften involves stiff, formal conversation, awkward pauses and corrections. That adds a different level of pressure to the situationâ€"youll still be in learning mode, trying to watch your words carefully and improve your speaking.Want some more chill interactions? Try making friends in real life!To get started, try Meetup. This is ideal if youre living abroad and looking for more opportunities for casual interaction with native speakers or fellow learners. Its also great while living in a country that doesnt speak your target languageâ€"simply search for conversation nights and cultural activities related to the language, and youll be sure to find some like-minded peeps  to hang out with.5. Date in your target languageSingle and ready to mingle? Okay, Im notâ€"I got into something committed before the inglorious rise of Tinder and Grindrâ€"but I know there are a lot of language learners out there looking to hook up. There are a few ways to go about finding matches who speak your targ et language.Set your region to a place where your target language is spoken.Change your application interface to your target language.Include your spoken languages in your profile, and attract native speakers like flies.For sites and apps offering  this option, filter potential matches by  languages spoken.Want to arrange a hookup in your destination before your plane even touches down?  Tinder Plus, the next level of Tinder, is working overtime to market to us international, jet-setting, traveling types. If youre hoping for something a little less casual,  Match  has separate pages specifically for seeking partners internationally.Were leaving web pages for now and heading to our phones! These next two tips will show you how to use your phone for good, not evil. Your phone usually distracts you from anything and everything, but now  it can help you learn while you waste your life away!6. Set your phone interface to your target languageEasy as cake. Navigating your phone in your tar get language forces you to use your target language every time you pick up that mesmerizing little device. Eventually, youll learn all the key words you need to get to text messages, contact lists, emails and Facebook, and youll find that youre swiping and tapping your device as quickly and easily as you did in your native language!7. Use only the most entertaining appsSkip the flashcard apps for now. Try out fun  apps that aim to deliver instant gratification.Duolingo  gets you learning  through cheerful, addictive games. You choose game content based onthemes (food, animals, etc.) or linguistic points (present tense, gender, etc.) and play a round of three-strikes-youre-out. Get the answers correct to advance and earn points. You can use these points for rewards, like bonus lives and health elixirs to store for extra-challenging rounds.FluentU has  collected tons of real-world video clipsâ€"like music videos, movie trailers, news, Disney movies and childrens showsâ€"and turned the m into personalized language learning lessons.  Start using FluentU on the website  with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download the FluentU app from  the  iTunes  or  Google Play  store.Free City Maps and Walks  is great for iPhone users who enjoy playing with the first-person street view on Google maps. Take walking tours of nearly 500 cities worldwide! Look at street signs, billboards and more as you go to learn about language, culture, architecture and more.World Lens Translator  is about to blow your freaking mind. The future has officially arrived. Simply point your smartphone camera lens at a text (or look at it with your Google Glass if youre so lucky) and have it translated before your eyes, in real time.*Bonus: Download your favorite smartphone and tablet games in your target language! For example, did you know that all those silly little game that you just cant stop playingâ€"take, for example, Plants vs.  Zombiesâ€"are frequently available in Spanish, French, Japanese and many, many more languages? For some, youll need to do the initial download with the different language indicated. For others, you can simply change the interface language in game settings.Finally, well be eating our way to fluency in these  last five ways to learn a language while having a seriously fun time.8. Seek out recipes in their native languageCan Paula Deen really make authentic fried plantains  as good as any  Ecuadorian  mamita? Does Martha Stewart secretly have a Korean mother who taught her how to make that ultimate kimchi? Um, probably not.If you want recipes that are authentic down to every last step of preparation, youre better off searching for them in your target language. For example, few English plantain recipes will suggest you grab a rock from outside to smash em down after frying. Thats one beautiful little cultural detail you miss out on if youre not finding recipes directly from their country of origin!9. Watch step-by-step culinary instruction videosStep right into an authentic kitchen, and let a native speaker of your target language take  you to culinary heaven. Quality, step-by-step cooking videos are absolutely everywhere on the internet. Just search for your desired recipe in your target language on YouTube!Youll find everything from beautifully-lit and organized walkthroughs by  professional chefs to normal people filming their home  food preparation. Each type of video has its own advantages. The best part about any cooking video is that it was created for you to follow carefully. That means theyre usually very detailed. The cook will speak clearly, slowly and explicitly, which is perfect for language learners.Cook along with them, or simply binge watch these videos when youre hungry and daydreaming about delicious food.10. Shop in ethnic grocery stores with imported goodsAs a lifelong dawdler, I love leisurely strolling through grocery store aisles and mulling over the different items. This is even more fun when w andering around an ethnic grocery shop.Any major city is bound to have Japanese convenience stores akin to those found on the streets of Tokyo. Latin grocery stores are arguably the most cost-efficient places to stock up on bulk bags of rice and beans. Most or all of the items in these kinds of stores will have labels written in your target language. Its a language learners goldmine.Make a shopping list based on the recipe youve found online in your target languageâ€"and write it out in that language too, of course.Head  to Google maps and see whats in your area!Even if you live in a rural area, like myself, the nearest large town or small city should still offer plenty of options. Visiting one of these stores is really  worth the occasional drive if you can swing it.11. Order imported food onlineIf you enjoy shopping online and get a rush of excitement when an Amazon box appears on your doorstep, trying browsing online for foreign products related to your target language. What do n ative speakers order while theyre abroad and feeling homesick? Is there a particular product their country is famous for?Look for products with stellar reviews that offer little tastes of local cuisine.12. Eat out in an authentic restaurantIf youre learning abroad, eat where the locals eat. Avoid tourist-packed restaurants like the plagueâ€"theyre usually overpriced and serve food  watered down to foreign palettes anyway.If youre in your home country, track down where native speakers of your target language own restaurants. This will introduce you to authentic food, and often the menu will be partially or fully written in their home language. You can chit-chat with the hosts, waiters and busboys to your hearts content, allowing you to try out your language skills and maybe even make friends.See? I told you these were seriously  awesome ways to learn a language without studying. Now go have some fun and get started today! And One More ThingIf youre digging these fun ways to learn a l anguage, youll love using FluentU. FluentU makes it possible to learn languages  from music videos, commercials, news and inspiring talks.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that natives  speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse Screen.FluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.Interactive transcript for Carlos Baute song.You can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs learn mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.

6 Traits of a Good Babysitter

6 Traits of a Good Babysitter pexels.com Think you got what it takes to take care of kids? Looking for some extra money? Consider babysitting! If you love kids and feel like you have a pretty good handle on how to take care of them, babysitting could be the perfect part-time job for you. Babysitting is not only fun but also often pays really well depending on who you are babysitting for. However, it’s not just about gusto; you have to have the skills and traits that parents want in someone who is taking care of their kids. You also, of course, have to be someone who kids want to hang out with. Here are some traits that kids and parents look for in a babysitter. 1. Energetic Kids usually have boundless energy, so you need to be able to keep up with them. You need to have enough energy to keep up with them physically, mentally, and emotionally. You need to be energetic and outgoing and ready to take on whatever your kids might throw at you (sometimes literally!). Kids want someone who is fun and outgoing rather than reserved and laid back. Make sure before you go to babysit that you are well rested and ready to go! 2. Engaged You have to be willing to stay engaged with the kids the whole time. It can be incredibly exhausting to look after even just one kid, and you might be tempted to retreat for just a few minutes to check your texts or just take a breather, but try and resist this. Going back to the first point, you need to draw upon your energy reserves and push through. Don’t be that awful kind of sitter that just plops the kid in front of the TV and sits back on their phone the whole time. This isn’t good for the kid, and it won’t leave a good impression of you on the parents either. 3. Flexible Because babysitting isn’t a set 9-5 job, twists and turns can arise. The parents might be running late for pickup, they might call you last minute for a job, or they might have flimsy pay rates. No matter what, it’s best for you to stay flexible with your time and expectations. Don’t go into a babysitting job expecting to clock in and clock out exactly on time. The more flexible you are with your schedule and expectations, the more attractive you are to parents as a babysitter. You don’t want parents to grossly overstep and take up hours of your free time, but it’s best to expect that they might be a few minutes late here and there or that plans will change last minute. After all, life is unexpected! 4. Authoritative Babysitting isn’t all fun and games; you will indisputably have to discipline the kids you are babysitting at one point. Don’t be a pushover when it comes to discipline, or the kids will definitely take advantage of you. Kids are smart and they can be cunning any sign of weakness they will take advantage of, so stand your ground. Be kind and gentle, but show authority so the kid knows who is in charge. Sometimes kids see the time with a babysitter as a time where their parent’s rules can be bent. Don’t give into this. Enforce the rules of responsibility and care. 5. Prepared Come prepared! Don’t just show up the house with no plans. Take a few moments to think of some games and activities that you can do with your kids once you are there. Bring some craft supplies or board games from home in case the kids get bored with their own toys. Bringing activities of your own is a great way to shake things up for the kids and give them the opportunity to play with some new toys for a few hours. 6. Loving Lastly, and most importantly, you have to be loving. You have to want to take care of the kid and to make them happy. You have to be caring and sensitive and there to help the kid through whatever they may need. You need to be able to put the kid’s wishes before your own at times like a real parent would. Kids can easily tell who loves them and who doesn’t. You don’t want to be harsh and uninterested because the kid and the parents will quickly pick up on this. Work to create a bond with the kid that draws strength from the care you have for them. pexels.com

Chemistry At The University Of Chicago Is A Challenging Class

Chemistry At The University Of Chicago Is A Challenging ClassChemistry at the University of Chicago is a challenging class. It is a course that consists of many different topics including both theory and experimental methods.The malleable definition or molar concentration that occurs in the practice lab will always be present when it comes to the chemistry classroom experience. Students will learn about the complicated ways that chemical components combine with other chemicals to create new substances. There are several such concepts that will be taught in the Chemistry 101 class that a person will take, but there are more involved things that they will be required to learn.One of the most popular theories to be used in this chemistry lab is the famous gas law. This is the equation that relates temperature and pressure to increase the mass of gases. Many people use the theory of this equation to relate the amount of heat that is generated to the amount of water that is being added to a mixture of hot and cold liquids.Another concept that is being used in this molar definition is that of vibrational energy. This is used to describe the ability of molecules to vibrate, which can lead to certain reactions. It is very important to the understanding of the chemical principles and in the process of making life-sustaining substances like the air we breathe. This theory is being used by a company that is manufacturing water purification systems for drinking.There are many other complex concepts that will be taught in this definition chemistry class that one should take part in. You will learn how to make acid from bases using the correct procedures. You will also learn how to make a compound using two atoms.This course may be challenging in the beginning of the semester, but as long as you are consistent and diligent, you will be able to finish all of the work for the course within one year. It is important to remember that there is a limit to the amount of time that y ou can study in a specific class. You should try to complete all of the requirements on time.There are many students who think that this type of chemistry is not what they really want to be doing, but if you are willing to put forth the effort, then you will find yourself with a rewarding career in the field of science. This is an exciting field that is just starting to come to fruition.

Vcu Tutoring Schedules - Make the Right Choice of a Vcu Tutor

Vcu Tutoring Schedules - Make the Right Choice of a Vcu TutorOne of the most effective Vcu tutoring methods is to find the right tutor for the students. Even if a student has good grades, they still want to improve. Therefore, they need a reliable tutor who will also help them in their future educational career. The Vcu tutoring schedule can be customized and you can even hire a tutor on the Internet.For finding the right tutor for the students, you can create an email address where you will collect all the application materials from the tutor and mail them to your chosen tutor. Some students may want to work with a particular tutor which you may contact by email. This will prevent the possibility of any mistake. There are some college admissions process, which you have to follow as well. You have to submit the same information as that of your tutors to the college.By using the web-based version of Vcu, it is now easy to get in touch with your tutor from any place where you are even on the road. Thus, you can directly contact the tutor by email, phone or even through online chat.You have to decide on the tutor whom you can trust and a reputable one. You have to read the resumes of the tutor and compare the results which will make you know if the tutor can really improve your grades.You can get the application form and other materials from the official website of Vcu or from the broker who helped you find the best tutor. Most of the brokers have their own online application form. In the Vcu Tutoring Schedule, you have to state your exact dates and place when you will be done with the tutoring. You can just ask the tutor to be available for some classes.However, there are some things that you have to consider before hiring a tutor. First, you have to select the right Vcu tutor who will help you in the future and help you excel in your academic career.It is said that the main reason behind the major disadvantage of online learning is that the material is not very easy to read and understand. If you want to concentrate on something else, then it is very hard to go to the computer and read. So, if you want to succeed in your academic career, you must look for a reliable and effective tutor.

What Kinds of Organic Chemistry Practice Exams Will I Be Given?

What Kinds of Organic Chemistry Practice Exams Will I Be Given?If you are considering an organic chemistry course, it is important to know the kinds of question that will be presented in these kinds of chemistry practice exams. There are a variety of questions that you will need to answer on your test, so it is important to know what questions will be asked in each kind of exam. Below is a brief explanation of the kinds of questions that will be presented on these types of chemistry exams.The first type of question on this kind of exam is the chemical formula. These kinds of practice exam questions will involve the laboratory where you will need to have an exact understanding of the molecules. If you do not have a good understanding of the chemical formula, then this might cause problems for you in the future. This kind of chemistry exam is especially helpful for people who plan to take the lab method of chemistry courses.For people who are just starting out in their organic chemistr y course, these kinds of chemistry practice exams are beneficial because they can help you familiarize yourself with some of the fundamentals that you will need to understand. However, there are many other kinds of chemistry exam, which are much easier for beginners. It is important to make sure that you find the kind of chemistry practice tests that are appropriate for you and your level of experience.The second type of chemistry exam is the comparative analysis of a chemical reaction. These kinds of chemistry practice exams are very helpful for people who are interested in chemistry because they allow you to see different reactions when you do things like mixing different substances together. These kinds of chemistry exam questions will test your ability to use the right instrument and calculate the exact rate of the rate that your solution will have in a certain period of time.Finally, there is the comparative procedure of a chemical formula. There are two different kinds of thes e kinds of exam, one that requires you to determine how the reactants interact with the catalysts, and the other that tests your knowledge of chemical formulas. With these kinds of chemistry practice exams, you will be able to determine whether or not you are able to work with a specific substance.For the final type of organic chemistry practice exams, you will be given an actual laboratory setting. In these kinds of labs, you will be working with different chemicals that you will need to mix together in order to create the different chemical solutions. You will also need to learn about the best way to add different solutions into different tubes to create the final solution.Once you have learned the types of chemistry practice exams that you will have to complete for your organic chemistry class, you will be ready to go on to the next step. That step is to take the lab method of chemistry course and enroll in a laboratory. If you find that you are able to successfully combine all o f the kinds of organic chemistry practice exams that you have learned, then you are ready to head into the lab and become an organic chemist.

How Italian Cuisine can Enthuse you to Learn Italian

How Italian Cuisine can Enthuse you to Learn Italian The Role of Gastronomy in Teaching the World the Italian Language ChaptersIs Pasta Even Italian?How Italian Food Conquered the WorldItalian Terminology and Recipes Used in EnglishItalian language lessons at school, online Italian courses and one to one Italian tuition are just some of the ways people study Italian as a foreign language.The Italian language is known around the world for its beauty, but why not deviate a bit from the beaten track and focus more on Italian culture for a while?Learning a new language doesn’t just have to be about reciting greetings, the Italian alphabet and doing countless listening comprehension and Italian grammar exercises â€" watch some Italian films, enjoy the literature of Italy, and, of course, try some Italian cuisine!As a learner of Italian as a second language, the way you learn to speak the language as you move from basic Italian to conversational Italian language skills and eventually becoming fluent in speaking Italian, is completely up to you.Starting with Italian conversation as a basis can be a good s tart if you're looking for some cultural immersion to learn more about Italy and its fascinating past whilst you pick up new words along the way.Italian culture is one of the richest and most active in the world, so let’s dive in!Starting with the world-famous cuisine of Italy, which is probably the reason why you already know a few Italian words and phrases. DanielaItalian Teacher 5.00 (9) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuciaItalian Teacher 5.00 (4) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarilùItalian Teacher 5.00 (8) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarcoItalian Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AntonellaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GiusyItalian Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EnricoItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FedericaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsIs Pasta Even It alian?‘Should we eat at an Italian restaurant?’‘Do you fancy a pizza?’Here are two phrases which are asked across the UK and the rest of the world â€" it’s fair to say Italian cuisine has conquered the world.For a lot of cuisines on every continent, Italian food often sets a convivial and colourful mood for a meal.Pizza is often shared between friends at informal gatherings and times of celebration, and its nature makes for a cheerful atmosphere.Food brings people together - especially pizza! ¦ source: Pixabay - Engin_AkyurtThis is maybe the reason why Italian gastronomy has become a part of our eating habits over time, especially when we’re looking for a sociable meal.For many of us (students in particular), pasta is a go-to base for a lot of dishes.This inexpensive yet nourishing foodstuff can be served with different meats and sauces, meaning pasta is the queen of the food kingdom!For many people from all parts of the world, pasta is one of the great symbols of Itali an cuisine, however, it seems that this amazing food may not actually be from the Italian peninsula.There is a legend that holds Marco Polo responsible for importing pasta into Italy in the 13th century following his travels to China!So, are the Chinese the true inventors of this recipe?Unfortunately for our friends in the Far-East, the answer is no.This is just an urban myth that has managed to stay in the collective memory of the Italian people.There is, in fact, evidence to suggest that the Greeks and Romans were the first creators of pasta, as they cooked lasagne-sized ribbons which resembled the noodles we know today.And if that doesn’t quite cut it for you, there is a tomb in Rome which is dated at 300 B.C. and represents a pasta roller and cutter.Italian cuisine is heavily inspired by Roman dishes, although not completely.Find a tutor through Italian lessons London or a city near you to answer all your questions about pasta dishes - in Italian, of course!How Italian Food Co nquered the WorldIf we had to choose the 4 great cuisines of the world, there would certainly be some debate.The reason it may cause some argument is that taste is a subjective matter. Some people prefer spicy food, whereas others like lighter or sweet flavours.Still, in terms of ‘adoption’, there is no doubt that Italian, French, Chinese and Japanese cuisines are among the most widespread in the world today with restaurants on every continent. Italy, France, China and Japan are 4 countries that have made food an art in its own right.And let’s not forget Middle-Eastern, Spanish and even American cuisine to a lesser degree.Among all of these countries, it still seems that Italia is at the forefront of the cooking world as the most widely enjoyed.All you have to do is think of the amount of pasta, pizza and even cheese that is eaten every day.This may seem like a bit of an assumption but in January 2015, France TV Info broadcast a report precisely about the tasty food that comes from Italy.And here’s the crazy part:almost 14 billion pasta dishes are consumed and eaten every year worldwide. 14 billion!The French media also claims that the famous pasta carbonara, that many of us strive to cook with cream instead of eggs cleverly mixed with pasta, is probably the most regularly cooked recipe in the world.Italian Terminology and Recipes Used in EnglishWhen it comes to discussing gastronomy as well as music, cinema and art history, Italian as a romance language has become adopted across the globe â€" and sometimes we don’t even realise we’re using Italian words!By listening to music and learning basic music theory, you’ll be using Italian words to describe what’s going on. These may include forte, piano, crescendo, adagio, allegro, meno mosso, the list goes on.You may not even realise it, but you might also be familiar with Italian painters such as Raphaël, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.You’ve probably also tried some traditional I talian recipes which are known all over the world, such as lasagne, cannelloni, and gelato.Even though recipes have been borrowed and adapted, Italian cuisine certainly hasn't lost its essence ¦ source: Pixabay - greekfood-tamystikaYour knowledge of Italian culture, vocabulary and expressions often goes a lot further than this.Italian may not be your native language, but you could have already mastered some aspects before you even have your first lesson!PizzaAlong with pasta, pizza dishes are also a strong symbol of Italy and its language and culture.Trying it at a restaurant with your friends, ordering it from the takeaway when you don’t want to cook or maybe even having a slice before a sporting event, ‘pizza’ is one of the most commonly-used Italian words in the world.The basic recipe has its origins in the Italian city of Naples in the south of the country.Today, there are all kinds of pizza with varying sizes and toppings, but the original dimensions of the base were 35 cm in diameter with a depth of 2 cm for the crust.CarpaccioLet’s have a look at something a bit lighter.When we think of preparing or ordering a carpaccio, one immediately thinks of something fresh where we can savour for the delicacy of each slice we eat with a little olive oil and ‘parmigiano’.Carpaccio has spread around the world as more and more people make it a part of their diets. Today, carpaccio represents thinly-sliced meat served on a plate.MozzarellaDespite the worldly successes of gorgonzola and parmesan, mozzarella is a real best-seller when it comes to Italian cheeses.Tomato and mozzarella is a match made in heaven in terms of taste and freshness, which explains the reason why it is such a popular pizza topping.Mozzarella and tomatoes: a classic combination ¦ source: Pixabay - RitaEFor those who regularly eat this kind of cheese without knowing much about it, it may interest you to know that it is made from buffalo milk.Veal MilaneseThis is yet another typical I talian dish.Veal alla Milanese is made from breaded veal escalopes which are covered with parmesan cheese and browned in a frying pan.This recipe has been adopted and adapted by many people around the world and the ‘alla Milanese’ part of its name is now used to describe any dish cooked in this way with parmesan.RisottoLike veal Milanese, pizza and pasta, risotto is a perfectly Italian dish which is used by many as a basis for their own recipes.The rice is fried in oil or butter before being cooked in a broth.After this, you can add whatever you like to the recipe! This could include mushrooms, meat, fish, cheese or veg.LasagneIf you’ve ever taken a trip to Italy, you must have sampled some of the local lasagne.Lasagne, just like pizza and pasta, always appears on the menus of Italian restaurants as a highly-popular and incredibly symbolic export of Italy.Today, you can easily find all kinds of lasagne such as beef, chicken, salmon and vegetable lasagne.Learning to speak Itali an isn’t just about mastering the Italian verbs in all of their tenses and learning how to perfect your Italian pronunciation â€" achieving proficiency in Italian is also about the culture, which includes its wonderful cuisine.Of course, engaging in Italian culture and occasionally learning a bit of Italian vocabulary and reciting grammar rules won’t be enough to reach fluency in your Italian speaking.The best way to learn Italian is by taking a pro-active approach to your learning by looking for online Italian course, taking an Italian language course at a local language school, looking for private Italian tutoring, signing up for an Italian classes near me in the evenings, studying Italian at university or even looking for free Italian lessons are all things that will keep your language active and equip you with the language skills you need to fluently communicate in Italian.Did you know that speaking Italian is a real asset in the fashion industry?

Piano Playing 101 Chords

Piano Playing 101 Chords All about chords: Superprof's essential tips for improving your piano game ChaptersThe major and minor piano chords4 indispensable piano chordsLearn piano chords with a private instructorBefore all else, learning to play the piano is about self-expression. This is the same no matter the genre â€" from jazz piano to classical piano â€" and method. But getting there is the result of years of training to read sheet music, understand music theory, learn solfege and tempo and play chords.When you begin to learn to play on the piano or keyboard, you’re faced with â€" like every absolute beginner â€" a seemingly unattainable goal: coordination between the brain and the right and left hand. Then there’s the challenges of sight reading and improvisation. And how to find that middle C…But you don’t have to be a great piano virtuoso like Bach or Schubert to take pleasure from piano playing: with some basic chords, you’ll be able to play pieces by the greats. To play a Bach Prelude, for example, you only need to master a relatively easy arpeggio of chords! An d with determination and practicing, you won’t be far off from Beethoven’s Clair de Lune sonata!In this article, Superprof is focusing on learning the basic piano chords â€" they may seem difficult to new beginner piano players, but they are easier than you think. Soon you’ll know how to play a chord perfectly. Get your metronome ready!Get out your metronome: we're watching you.. LouisPiano Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlisonPiano Teacher £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BarbaraPiano Teacher £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Chi yuenPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomPiano Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErenPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtiePiano Teacher £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe major and minor piano chordsTo learn the basic pia no chords, there’s no need to study solfege in an intensive piano class.  You can easily retain several chord progressions, because the fingering doesn’t change much. Although taking a piano course is not usually a bad idea! (But stay away from free piano online lessons.)Generally, on the piano, the left hand plays the chord, while the right hand plays the melody. The melody comprises notes in the scale in which the chord is played. If this seems difficult to understand at this point, just remember one thing:  playing the melody means juggling with notes played by the left hand.Ok but how can you learn, recognize, and play minor chords and major chords? These are things you could find out in a private piano lesson or an online piano tutorial too!The major piano chordsPop quiz: do these notes belong to the minor chords or major chords?The major chords are what bring certain “joyful” sounds to the ear. You know what tunes we mean!They’re not as hard to play as you might thin k. But you’ll still need to learn a few solfege basics first, notably concerning the note intervals. How well can you read music or play by ear?Always start from the tonic note to play a perfect major chord. Then, increase by two keys to find the major third. Then, go one and a half pitches higher to find the minor third, the last note in a three-note chord. For example, a major C is played as such:  c, e, g. that’s the perfect chord of C major, composed of a fundamental (c), a major third (e) and a minor fifth (g).If you follow this, you can play all the major chords of a major scale:C: c-e-gD: d-f#-aE: e-sol#-bF: f, la, cG: g, b, dA: a-c#-eB: b-d#-f#This gets a bit more complicated when playing flat and sharp major chords: you’ll need to move your fingers on the black keys by counting the note intervals.But be careful! Always be sure to remain two pitches between the tonic and third chord, and one and a half pitches between the third and fifth. (No one said it was easy to le arn how to play piano!)The minor piano chordsThe minor chords add a more melancholic sonority to a piano piece, creating a sadder atmosphere.Now that you know how to play a major chord and have started to train your fingering, finding the minor chord will be a piece of cake!Really?Yes, because to find the minor key of a piano chord, you just need to lower the major third by a half key: the one that becomes a minor third is played on the flat (often a black key to the left) of your note. It’s the same process for the major chords: a minor C becomes a c-e flat-g. And this time move one and a half key between the tonic and minor third, then two keys between the third and fifth. If you’re interested in improving, consult a basic chord chart to learn other basic chords! Next you’ll be playing arpeggios and octaves on the piano keyboard in your sleep!4 indispensable piano chordsOne major advantage of playing piano is that once you know the basic chords, you’ll also know how to imi tate the basic guitar or accordion chords. From your beginner piano lessons you could be an accordionist one day!Scales are often repetitive in music.Was it Michel Audiard who said that “The piano is the accordion of the rich”? Well, both have black keys at least!A main instrument of music instruction, the piano is often called the “noblest”  of all the string instruments. Once you’ve learned all about sharps and quarter notes on the piano, it will be easier for you to pick up any other instrument!And yet,  playing a “functional” melody doesn’t call for many chords. To do this, you need only learn four chords, the magical whole chords:C majorG majorA minorF majorThese chords are called magical because they are found in a vast range of music, from the Beatles and Pink Floyd to Elton John, from today’s pop and variety hits to classical music of the past.Magical chords are piano chord progressions that “sound” good to the ear, and are constructed in the same struc ture (in  musical harmony, the seven degrees of a piano scale). How well can you read music?Magical chords are often composed as such:A major chord in the first degree (the first note of the scale),A major chord to the fifth degree (fifth note of the scale),A minor chord in the sixth degree (sixth note of the scale),A major chord in the fourth degree (fourth note of the scale).Creating melodies with the suit of C major, G major, A minor, F major, are favorites that always work well! You’ll be a great piano player soon enough!The hardest part isn’t actually playing the chords, it’s finding a melody that works well!Thanks to this degree hierarchy, if you want to change the key of the piano degrees, just change from where, on the keyboard, you played the first chord. For example, if you begin by an E major:  E  major  (e, g#, b),  B major  (b, d#, f#),  C sharp minor  (c#, e, g#),  A major  (a, c#, e). It’s easy to do this on the keyboard because the interval between each note is the same. Who said it was difficult to learn piano?If you are having trouble, here is a trick: count each note of the scale of C (do, ré, mi, fa, sol, la, si, do) on your fingers and find the chord progression. All beginner pianists will be happy to discover that many a song is constituted of the same magical whole chords. Music is not as hard as you might think, so start practicing those piano keys!Learn piano chords with a private instructorWith a private piano teacher (perhaps one found on Superprof?), every beginner musician wanting to learn to play piano will benefit not just from a tailor-made pedagogical piano method, but also by regular follow-up.Don't forget that a music teacher might be the most important tool for learning piano.So make sure you assess your progress and future goals at each piano lesson with your teacher. What to revise for the following week: Für Elise, Bach’s Prelude or something more contemporary? Your posture, an octave, or something more advanc ed?In a private piano lesson, a piano teacher will create progress plan and target the student’s weaknesses. In this way, the piano lesson will be adapted to your level: is an initiation necessary, does the student need to revise solfege basics, learn to read sheet music, work on right/left hand coordination, or pass directly to playing a piano song?Whether the lesson takes place in the piano student’s home or in a music school, the student needs an environment that’s conducive to chord training. That means spending the necessary time on applying music theory, learning how to form chords with the intervals of notes, perfecting fingering, etc.The piano teacher should also provide students with a chord chart to work on at home.After having reached a certain level, the student could also ask his or her music teacher â€" a personal trainer for the piano â€" to teach him or her how to play songs by the big composers, like the Nocturne Opus 9 No. 2  in E flat major by Frederic Chopi n. No more Mary had a Little Lamb for you!Other than reading sheet music and learning piano tunes, the student can also ask his or her teacher to play different music genres, such as jazz piano, blues piano, tango or classical music. Why not do a bit of research on the Internet, where you’ll find plenty of videos and free piano tutorials to teach you about music styles!Lastly, private piano classes are a powerful tool of motivation, especially for kids and adolescents.If I had to learn the piano on the internet alone when I was an adolescent, there’s a strong chance I would have abandoned playing. In contrast, my 5 years of private lessons in music school during my primary school and high school years allowed me, almost 15 years later, do chord progressions that actually still sound good, and not feel completely inept in front of a keyboard!You might enjoy that same feeling by employing a Superprof piano teacher, rather than doing an anonymous search for piano lessons London...