A Day in the Life at Oregon State University

A Day in the Life at Oregon State University Melissa, who specializes in English tutoring, writing tutoring, and a number of other subjects, shared her college experience below. She earned her bachelors degree in psychology from Oregon State University in 2012. Check out what she had to say: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Melissa: I did my undergraduate work at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. The town had around 60,000 people and the school had around 18,000 students. The University was a huge part of the community and public transportation was free for all OSU students. I usually took the city bus or rode my bike around campus. Corvallis is a safe place and OSU has a very nice campus that is both pedestrian and bicycle friendly. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Melissa: Overall, I think the professors and advisers make themselves available, but it depends on the department. I had problems when I was taking statistics with TAs not being available and that was really frustrating. I ended up getting a tutor and did really well, but I really needed the extra help. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Melissa: I lived about a mile off campus. The dining halls were really nice and provided many choices for students and staff. They were almost always busy during day and were a great place to meet friends. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Melissa: The College of Engineering, Business, Geoscience, and Fish and Wildlife were the big programs at OSU. I started out studying business and psychology. While taking general requirements, I didnt feel like there was a lot of support, but within the departments, professors seemed more invested and did a good job of providing support for students. The College of Business had a lot of tools and resources to support students with computer labs, internships, and scholarships. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Melissa: At first it was hard for me to make friends and get to know people. Greek life is huge at OSU. I was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta at my previous school and I didnt pledge once I got to OSU. There were a lot of big events, game day activities, and things to do on the quad and at the Memorial Union, but I was really busy with work and school so I wasnt able to fully participate. Over time, I made friends with people who I had classes with a lot and through study groups, which was really nice. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Melissa: The Career Center was always holding big events and recruiting opportunities, but the student support I found most helpful was through the library. The library was open 24 hours a day, and had so many student services including scanning books into digital files, access to online articles, and study rooms. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Melissa: There are so many places to study on campus at OSU! The Valley Library is huge! The coffee shop in the basement was one of my favorite places to study. I also liked the MU. The buildings are all huge and even though they are busy, they provide enough seating to accommodate a lot of students comfortably. Describe the surrounding town. Melissa: Downtown is a short distance from campus and is a popular destination for students, especially on weekends. There are small shops, coffee shops, restaurants, parks, and a river. Just outside of town, there are great places to go hiking like Marys Peak, Bald Hill, and Peavy Arboretum. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Melissa: The student body was big with around 18,000 students. The popular required classes like math and statistics were really big and had between 100 and 150 students per section and those professors usually taught several sections and had several hundred students. In those classes it was impossible to get help from the professors. The upper division classes usually had between 25 and 50. I liked the small classes a lot better. Most of my classes were smaller and I was pleased with the size. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Melissa: My favorite class at OSU was Geo 300. The professor (Dr. Cook) was one of the most informed people Ive ever met and his lectures were awesome. Although the class was on resource management, he touched on every element of life including personal enrichment, history, politics, business, and ecology. Every year he took a group of students to Albania to work in a village, where he had a library and he would personally fund a scholarship for one student from that village who excelled. He encouraged me and inspired me through his teaching. He was an amazing person and an excellent teacher. Check out Melissas tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

5 Horrible Solo Albums From Famous Musicians

5 Horrible Solo Albums From Famous Musicians Mac Going solo isnt easy.  Once you leave a famous band, its hard to achieve  the same level of success on your own. In this article, Jessica Kane from SoundStageDirect  discusses  five solo albums from famous musicians that just  didnt cut it There are unknown reasons as to why some famous musicians feel the need to try to wing it on their own. Some have found great success upon breaking away from their band, while others have only put more nails in their creative coffins. Ready to hear what many consider some of the worst albums by solo artists? Here are five horrible solo albums from famous musicians: 1) Gone Troppo by George Harrison The Beatles are perhaps the most famous rock band of all time. Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr have all had successful and well-received solo albums in their post-Beatles lives. However, Gone Troppo by Harrison is one of the weakest releases of the bunch. To say that George Harrison is full of talent is a massive understatement, but his charm, skill, and focus fell short with this album. Its generally regarded as underwhelming and does not capture the magic that Harrison has brought to other albums. Listen to the title track and hear a part of George you havent  heard before: 2) Two Sides of the Moon by Keith Moon Keith Moon is known as one of the most iconic and powerful drummers in rock history. His thunderous hammering can be heard across all of The Whos powerhouse albums of the 1960s and 1970s. Two Sides of the Moon delivers you on a half hour journey to a much too dark side of Moon that is best left unexplored. The tracks on this album are as lifeless as the actual moon. Keith Moon, while a savage drummer, is a pitiful solo artist. He lacks the talent of most famous singers, and despite an impressive lineup that includes Joe Walsh, Ringo Starr, and a rumored David Bowie,  Two Sides of the Moon plays more like a strung-out mishap. This is what happens when you let someone as wild as Keith Moon alone to his own devices inside of a recording studio, with the intention to do a vocal cover album. 3) This Time by Melanie C The Spice Girls treated the world to energetic, fun, and sexy pop music that bred a cult of millions of Spice wannabes and fashion-deficit followers. Sporty Spice, or Melanie C, tried to capture some of that same success in a post-Spice Girl world but fell flat  on her face. While not one of the worst albums of the last 100 years, This Time is just unoriginal and dull. This was Melanies fourth solo effort and one of her weakest. In contrast, Northern Star was a solid pop experience that had good energy and lasting themes. Let your bleeding ears check it out here: 4) Who I Am by Nick Jonas This album deserves to be ranked among the worst albums of all time on every list of bad albums, ever. The Jonas Brothers are known for their cute pop rock that caters to pre-pubescent teen girls. Nick Jonas tried to set himself apart with this edgy attempt at a solo album. The blues is universal, as everyone feels suffering and angst, but Jonas needs to keep out of the blues world. This track is all the reason to stop listening to Nick Jonas: 5) Oh Yes I Can by David Crosby David Crosby is perhaps best known for his influential work with the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash, Young, but as a solo artist, hes been hit and miss. Oh Yes I Can is a definite miss. Released in 1989, this album does not bring the listener the same deep emotional satisfaction that was found in previous releases. Crosby is an excellent songwriter and performer, but he should have kept this one to himself. The impact he found in other hits is missing from this release. Conclusion Youve just experienced five horrible solo albums  back to back. Hopefully your ears are recovering now! If you want to avoid making horrible solo albums yourself, schedule a lesson with a private music instructor and get better at your craft today! Know any other horrible albums from famous musicians? Comment below! Post Author:  Jessica Kane Jessica Kane is a music connoisseur and an avid record collector. She currently writes for SoundStage Direct, her go-to place for all turntables and vinyl equipment, including VPI Turntables. Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

English Listening Exercise The Future

English Listening Exercise The Future As we enter into the last month of the year 2013, we may start to think about the past and wonder about the future. Talking about predictions and the future can be difficult in English.We use will for general predictions but if we are talking about probability. We can also use could, might, or may. This weeks English listening exercise  uses a TED video featuring Pete Alcorns prediction for the 2200 uses these words frequently.Answer the questions below in comments, and well respond.1. How long does he think we are from a new enlightenment? 2. The worlds population is expected to ____ ___ at something hopefully a bit less than 10 billion. 3. What are the 2 benefits of a declining population? 4. What happened in Europe after the plague? (4 things) 5. Human history is kind of viewed as this _________ ____ from the good old days. 6. Why talk about the future? 7. Fear for the future can lead to some ____ decisions. 8. What does he predict for your great great grandchildren?What do you th ink about the worlds future? What about your countries future? As always if you put your answers in comments Ill correct them. Carlos 1. 150 year2. Top ..3. Few people make investment in properly about that / drives wages increase4. rises wages / land reform / technological innovations / .. the middle class5. downhill fly6. to avoid the nasty murders past7. rush decisions8about.I tried but I couldnt understand any words, Thanks LOIEnglish CarlosGood work.Question #2: top out-it means to level off Question #3: two things: property prices drop and wages increase Question #4: Good! you had it all the verb you are missing is: birth of the middle class.Question #5: downhill SLIDE; when something decreases in value or importance.Question #6: good; murder is the the verb and noun the adjective is: murderous.Question #7: rash-this means too quick without thought. It was a rash decision to buy the house.Question #8: a new enlightenment and a general positive future. Carlos can you try th e writing exercise? Ilka 1. How long does he think we are from a new enlightenment? 150 years. 2. The world’s population is expected to top out at something hopefully a bit less than 10 billion. 3. What are the 2 benefits of a declining population? Price of land drops, wages increase. 4. What happened in Europe after the plague? (4 things) Rising wages, land reform, technological innovation, and birth of the middle class 5. Human history is kind of viewed as this downhill flied from the good old days. 6. Why talk about the future? Because transitions are dangerous times. 7. Fear for the future can lead to some rash decisions. 8. What does he predict for your great great grandchildren? They will forget all about mouths(?) and instead they will be planning for the future and starting to build the 20sth century enlightenment. LOIEnglish Ilkagood listening skills!Question #5: downhill slideQuestion #8: They will forget all about malaise-malaise |m?'laz, -'lez| noun: a general feelin g of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify: a society afflicted by a deep cultural malaise | a general air of malaise. Ilka Not that good! I need to repeat the listening many times Thanks a lot!

English Collocations with Read - English Lesson via Skype

English Collocations with Read - English Lesson via Skype Reading is a wonderful pastime and hobby. It is a great way to spend your time and while you always have a book with you, you will always have a friend.  The following are expressions with the word READ or English collocations with read as they’re commonly known.There are many ways to read: to read for fun  (just to enjoy it as a pure pleasure)  there is reading for work or study  using text book (reading factual or educational books).This academic reading often requires you to read detailed reference books or instruction manuals.The internet now has also changed our approach to reading and many people preferring the option of E-readers (electronic books). However, whether online or in hard copy the pleasure should be the same. English Collocations with Read Here are some expressions with read:READ OUT LOUDread in a way that other people may hear youThe teacher will often ask the pupil  to read out loud  to the class to practice pronunciation and diction. (to learn to read and pronounce the words correctly).  Where the teacher does not want to be disturbed she might ask the class to read quietly to themselves  while she corrects the homework. Here the children will open the book and read it methodically line by line without being heard.When giving the pupils homework or home assignments she/he might ask the kids to read through or over  a few chapters in the book and discuss it in class the following day.“Read through chapters 2 and 3 for your homework and we will discuss it together tomorrow. Also read over the piece on the History of the Great War for next week” he instructed them before the bell to end class sounded.READ FROM THE TOPread from the beginningWhen actors or actresses are auditioning for a part in a film or theatre p roduction they have to stand in front of the director or producers and read their lines (audition or practice). The director will instruct them to read from the top. English Collocations with Read - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here's what you can do next: READ YOUR MINDto know what someone is thinkingIt is always funny (strange) when someone you are talking to guesses or anticipates what you are going to say before you have even opened your mouth. We think these people can read our minds.Some magicians do this as part of their stage performance and seem to know somehow what letter or card or number you selected. It is all a mystery to me but I really enjoy such performances.When Johnny got home he was really hungry and when he opened the door he got the familiar smell of pizzas.  â€˜Oh Mum he said you are a mind reader  I was going to order one as I am starving.  Thanks!’ Idioms and Expressions with Read Here are some idioms and other English expressions  with read:TO READ SOMEONE THE RIOT ACTwhen somebody is very angry because of something you did and didn’t doJennifer was only 17 but she had been drinking a few beers with her friends for quite a few months. One day her father  saw her in the park with her friends with cans of beer in their bags. He really read her the riot act  and when he finished he told her she was grounded for a month. (could not go out with her friends)READ THE SMALL PRINTmake sure you understand the contract fullyWe are always warned when buying something important or when considering signing any contract that we should take great care and read the small print. This is where terms and conditions are written that might be important later on.   Retailers often hope that the small print will not be noticed.Catherine was buying a new laptop.  It was expensive and she had saved her money for quite a few months to buy it. Her father told her to read the small pri nt.READ BETWEEN THE LINESThis does not mean literally. However,  when something is written between the lines it usually refers to something not written but a hidden meaning or something important that you need to be aware of before you proceed.The Foreign Minister made a statement to the press conference ‘If country ABC continues to move into our territory as they have been doing recently, then we may have to take certain actions to protect what is ours.’ Reading between the lines he meant they would defend their territory with force if they had to.READ SOMETHING INTO SOMETHINGThis means to think or believe there is something important in what someone says even when it was not intended.You can also use it negatively  DON’T READ SOMETHING INTO SOMETHINGJames asked his girlfriend if she wanted to go with him to the concert. She said no and he was a little disappointed. She said  â€˜Don’t read anything into that please. I don’t want to go because I have an important exam the next day and I have to do some study.’Well, I am off now to read a book. I am in the middle of a wonderful old classic “Our Mutual Friend” by Charles Dickens. There is nothing I like better than to curl up (nice and cosy) on the sofa reading an interesting book. This one is really good and I am trying to resist (stop myself) from reading it from cover to cover (from beginning to the end) in one day. I just cannot put it down (cannot stop!).

The beginners guide to teaching abroad in Asia

The beginner’s guide to teaching abroad in Asia Every year, Asia continues to be a top teaching destination for teachers abroad, offering a wide array of career opportunities for both ESL and certified teachers. Right now, schools across Asia are actively recruiting new teachers for teaching jobs in Asia for the upcoming school year. While teaching in Asia is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, teachers need do their research carefully before applying for teaching jobs abroad. To help you get started, we’ve compiled some helpful information on the best places to teach abroad in Asia: China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore, including average teacher salary, benefits, typical start-up costs, cost of living, as well as the most popular areas to find teaching jobs in each country. Country Average Teacher Salary Benefits Start-up Costs Cost of Living Teaching job hot spots (urban/rural) China 10,000 - 13,000 RMB (approx. $1,500 - 2,500 USD) Airfare, housing allowance, vacation time, health insurance Initial daily expenses Low Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen Japan ¥250,000 - ¥300,000 (approx. $2,200 - 2,625 USD) Airfare, health insurance, end-of-contract bonus Initial daily expenses Low in rural areas Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, as well as rural areas South Korea 1.8 - 3.0 million KRW (approx. $1,500 - 2,600 USD) Airfare, 50% health insurance, contract completion bonus, rural placement bonus Initial daily expenses Medium in urban areas Seoul, Pyeongchon, Songpa, as well as rural areas Taiwan NT 40,000 - 62,000 (approx. $1,260 - 1,900 USD) Airfare, health insurance, housing allowance Initial daily expenses Very low Taipei Thailand $800 - 1,200 USD Airfare, health insurance Housing, initial daily expenses Very low Bangkok, Chang Mai Singapore $4,500 SGD (approx. $3,170 USD) Airfare, relocation allowance Housing High in urban areas Singapore Looking for more advice on teaching in Asia? Join our forum to connect with current teacherstoday!

Passport to Fluency! The 11 Best Language Apps for Travel

Passport to Fluency! The 11 Best Language Apps for Travel Passport to Fluency! The 11 Best Language Apps for Travel Are you about to embark on the  trip of a lifetime?Maybe youre going abroad to study a language youre learning in college.Or maybe you just have a bad case of wanderlust and dont even know much about the language spoken in your soon-to-be-host country.Either way, you might be feeling a little nervous.But fear not.There is, as the old folk saying goes, an app for that.In this post, well detail how to choose a travel app to serve your language needs. Well also look into 11 of the most awesome language apps travelers ought to check out and download pronto! A Thousand Travel Apps: How to Pick the Right One(s) for YouWhen it comes to traveling, there are many categories of apps: flight apps, hotel apps, weather apps, even currency apps. They all serve a particular purpose and can help make the traveling life a breeze.In the same way, the language apps that are designed to help you get around your host country where people are speaking a totally different language can serve you in differ ent ways, and you have plenty of choices out there.So here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right app or apps for your travels.Make sure an app is compatible with your preferred mode of communication.Different language travel apps have different virtues. A voice translator app, for example, can mediate your conversation with a native speaker. There are apps you can literally ask something in your native language that will then produce an audible translation of your question in the target language. Then a native speaker can answer you in their native tongue by speaking into the phones mic, and a few milliseconds later, youll know where the nearest train station is!So thats all well and good, but you might not be comfortable holding up your phone to a strangers face so they can listen to it. Maybe you imagine a more direct communication, without the mediation of a smartphone. Perhaps you should choose an audio phrasebook app that can teach you the most useful phrases in the target language so you can ask the questions yourself.Or maybe interacting face-to-face with native speakers could prove to be too overwhelming. Maybe you just want an app that will translate written or printed text. There are apps that do this. Simply point your phones camera to some printed material or signage and youll immediately have the translation.So consider these different situations, and look for apps appropriate for your preferred mode of communication.Read user reviews.Of course developers will tell you their product is the killer app. But take a few minutes to scroll down through the different reviews and youll get a peek at how the app actually fares in the field.Those reviews that give it high ratings tell you why the app rocks. What features were deemed most useful by many of the users? How did it bridge the language gap? Did users rave about an apps accurate translations? Look for repeating themes and common observations.If five reviews call it super fast, t hen there must be something there.Those reviews that give it a low score can warn you of features that users find wanting. Did the translated audio sound robotic? Was the interface confusing?Also pay attention to what languages previous users have used an app for, as its best to choose an app that has a proven reputation for your target language. Not all apps are equally effective for all languages. Because of the inherent qualities of spoken and written languages, an app might work great for European languages but might leave you clueless when it comes to Chinese characters and other writing systems.Avoid apps that might interfere with your travel experience.An app should not require you to be so involved that it makes you forget that youre standing in one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe. A great app facilitates rather than distracts.Pick an app with a friendly user interfaceâ€"one thats easy to navigate. A travel app should get you what you want quickly and let you move al ong.Sometimes, an app that has too many options or supports too many languages becomes too much for a traveler. It need not support 200 languages when you know youll only be going to Barcelona. It may be fine if it does, but a perk is only a perk if you use it. When it takes too long to hunt for a specific functionality, find something thats more streamlined but still delivers.And an additional tip, just so you can fully appreciate your travel experience and maximize an app at the same time: Practice using it starting weeks before you leave.That thing should be like the back of your hand by the time you board the plane. You should already know what its capable of, what its limits are and some shortcuts. You shouldnt be firing it up for the first time in your destination.Well now look at eleven awesome language apps for travel that deserve some space in your smartphone.Passport to Fluency! The 11 Best Language Apps for TravelGoogle TranslateAndroid | iOSEver had the experience of wal king the streets of a foreign city, happening by an interesting store sign and wishing you knew what it meant? Well, say no more, Googles app will help instantly translate that inscrutable sign. Simply press the camera icon and take a video of what youre seeing. And just like magic, those words will transform into words that you can understand, right before your very eyes. (Dont even take your eyes from your phones screen because it all happens so fast!)You can do this with street signs, restaurant menus, food packaging instructions and newspaper headlines. With this app on hand, the world suddenly becomes a more meaningful place. Im telling you, Harry Potter and Percy Jackson never had it this good.This functionality comes on top of the apps text lookup and voice recognition function, with the latter allowing you to carry a conversation with a native speaker.And oh, the app is free and supports translations for  more than 100 languages. (not all features are available for every lan guage, but you can check on whats available for a specific language here).TripLingoAndroid | iOSThis app packs so much punch, frequent international travelers will find it hard to let go.For starters, TripLingo has a phrasebook for 13 supported languages, which conveniently organizes the most useful language expressions. Categories like Just the Basics and Eating and Drinking ensure you dont get into mental gaps during interactions with native speakers, or run out of things to say. Speaking of native speakers, TripLingo creates four levels of formality when talking to them: Formal, Casual, Slang and Crazy.(How many apps will teach you how to talk crazy in a foreign language?)TripLingo has a learning section where you get access to audio lessons and a dictionary as well as flashcard sets in your target language.But if you dont have time for them on your trip, the app also has voice and text translator functions, which get your basic translation needs sorted.For more complicated or di fficult translations, the app actually gives you access to live person help. For a fee, you can call standby translators and get in-depth translation services.In addition to all this language help, the developers have proved that they have users well-being in mind because theyve integrated traveler tools like safety information, cultural guides, etiquette advice, dining options, currency conversions and even a tip calculator.Like I said, it will be hard to let go once you get used to TripLingo.FluentUAndroid | iOSFluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like movie trailers, music videos, news and vlogsâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons. Sounds great, but what exactly does that have to do with travel, you may ask?Well, as it turns out, aside from warming up your language skills for your trip, FluentU can help you prepare and plan for the trip itself as well as give you vocab for situations you actually encounterâ€"like ordering in a restaurant in Japan  or seeing the sight s in Quebec.The Culture video category includes travel videos, educational clips about cultural and historical sites, and ideas for things to see and do in various countries and cities specific to your target language.Every video comes with interactive captions and translations, so youll be able to use authentic content to enhance your travel experience without ever feeling lost or intimidated.You can also use the search bar to find places, activities, food and more. For example, maybe you search for castles once you get to Germany and wind up considering a day trip to  the Neuschwanstein. Or maybe you type in Granada because thats where youre going to be next week and this  Granada-specific video series packed with useful travel terminology pops right up.The best thing about FluentU is that you can work all of your language learning seamlessly into your travels and travel planning, whether you happen to be on or off the road (or in the air).FluentU is currently available for nine m ajor languages, with more in the works.Lonely Planet GuidesAndroid | iOSCount yourself lucky if your host city is one of the 100+ cities already curated by Lonely Planet experts.With this app, youll be pointed to must-see sights and must-do activities. Itll help you explore the landscape of Amsterdam, Barcelona, Cape Town, Dubai, etc. Youll be guided on the groundâ€"where to go, what transportation to take, what neighborhoods might be interesting. There are maps and travel tips that you can use so you can roam the city with confidence.As a language learner, youll be especially interested in their audio phrasebooksâ€"which include the perfect things to say as you get around and interact with the locals. So on the plane, before you hit the ground running, listen to these travel phrases as pronounced by native speakers.The phrasebooks, available in 19 languages, used to be stand-alone apps. They were fine in that state. But integrated into their guides, language learning travelers are able to bridge the gap between knowing where they want to go and actually getting there.As long as youre traveling, youll also benefit from checking out Lonely Planets numerous other guides, books, maps and resources that are available for a staggering number of countries and locales on their website.(How to) Pronounce(iOS only)Pronunciation is as important as vocabulary and grammar. You dont want to be like the language learner who memorizes all his lines before a big trip, only to discover that native speakers dont understand a single word he says. He may be saying the right words, but his intonation, emphasis and diphthongs are all over the placeâ€"he might as well have spoken a totally different language.(How to) Pronounce app to the rescue! Its role is simple enough. You type a word, and you hear it spoken by a native speaker. You get an audio example of how the syllables and the stresses roll off the tongue of someone whos heard them from birth. You can even vary the speed and listen to the words pronounced in slow mo.This app is currently available in 18 different languages, with regional differences for English. Its perfect not just for actors who need to deliver some lines, but if youre a business traveler who doesnt want awkward attempts at being understood, or if you want haggle with a seasoned street vendor. You need to show natives that you know what its all about. And that starts with pronunciation.MemriseAndroid | iOSSay youre at the airport waiting for your flight. The Memrise app could kill time and make that wait super productive.Its an app that integrates the latest in memory research and gets you learning foreign words and phrases. The Memrise method of getting this done is really easy. It repeats the words youre learning over and over. Simple, right?But Memrise does this in a non-repetitive and interesting manner.So lets say you find yourself working with the Spanish word muy  (very). The app will first introduce the word and let you pick the English translation from a set of choices. Then maybe later it will give you the English translation and make you pick the other way. Or it may give you an audio clip and ask you to type the word. It can also ask you to say the word into the phones mic. All this time, the app is also introducing you to other words.By using a number of mini-tasks and their permutations, youre able to slowly integrate the target words into your memory. So by the time you get on the plane and find yourself seated next to a native speaker, you have something to contribute to the conversation other than that gorgeous smile of yours.Memrise supports over 20 languages.iTranslateAndroid | iOSThe iTranslate app lets you speak in over 100 languages, so that wherever you are in the world, you can soar over language barriers.This app has voice recognition technology. Speak into your phone, and it will convert your words into text. That text will then be translated into your desired language. So within secon ds you get a translation for what you just said. You can then have a native speaker have a look-see or listen to it. (For some of the worlds major languages, you dont even need an internet connection to enjoy this feature.)iTranslate can have entire websites translated automatically, which takes away the guesswork in your research. Also, the app contains dictionaries so you can look up words. Heck, they even have verb conjugations for different tenses. Its like having a complete language cheat sheet for your travels.TandemAndroid | iOSTandem is best known as a language exchange app. Language exchange is when you trade teaching your first language to somebody for them teaching you his/her first language. So for example, youre an English speaker who wants to learn Korean. The Tandem app helps you find a Korean native speaker who also wants to learn English. By helping each other out, you both get closer to your language learning goals. (The app can help you find native speakers of  15 0+ different languages.)You might be wondering why Tandem is included in this list for travelers. Its because you can also use Tandem to find some friends who reside in the country youll be visiting. You can get to know them months in advance, so when you fly in for a visit, some friendly smiles are waiting for you, helping you to get around. Theres nothing like a local to help you immerse in the target language.Of course, be sure to follow standard safety precautions. Never meet anyone by yourself, and always keep meetings to public places.Foodictionary (International Food and Beverage Translator)(iOS only)One thing youre sure to do in your travels is eat. And it would be a shame to be in a foreign country and still be scarfing down your usual Big Mac.Food is big in every culture. And as language learners, food is one of the very first things we learn in any languageâ€"along with colors, animals and yeah, the cuss words. But what if youre sitting in some authentic restaurant, havin g managed to make decent banter with the patient waiter who hands you the menu, and youre suddenly staring at words youve never met before?Whip out your Foodictionary app. Just choose from the list of 7 languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian and Greek), type in the dish from the restaurant menu and voilà, you get that beurre  is butter in French and that escargots au beurre  is tantilizingly right.Another way of finding your food is by using the categories provided on the app. So, for example, in the Appetizers section, youll find the most common appetizers in the culture.Foodictionary is a handy tool to solve the mystery that is your meal. Now you can get back to enjoying your food and the rest of your trip!LikeALocal(iOS only)Would you like to discover those hidden places and tucked away corners only native speakers know about? This one here is for travelers who want to venture off the beaten path and dive hard into the local scene. The LikeALocal app is a city guide that has been described by the Huffington Post as the Yelp for tourists.If you want to know what native speakers think is the best restaurant in town, if you want insider info on the most happening places in the city or if you just want to find out where the locals love to hang out, this is the perfect app for you. (Theyve curated over 60 cities and counting!)With no language lessons, no voice recognition technology and no hope of translations, why is this on our list of language apps?Because its an app that puts you right in front of native speakers.Language learning is about interaction and communication: a shared experience in a local bar, standing in a long queue with native speakers, nonsensically singing along with a local singer and butchering the language along the way. Thats what speaking a language is all about. Its getting in there with the natives, engaging in the same experiences, immersing yourself in their world and in their language.This app is for advance d and intrepid language learners and travelers who really want to go deeper into the culture and the language.Use LikeALocal in conjunction with the other apps mentioned in this list and get ready to take travel and language learning to a whole new level.WaygoAndroid | iOSGoing to China, Japan or Korea? Then the Waygo app is a must have. Other more general translation apps sometimes have trouble when it comes to Asian scripts like those used for Chinese, Japanese and Korean, but this app is actually meant specifically for them.So when you find yourself looking at text in these languages that you dont understand, simply point your video camera at them and an instant translation will be given. Youll hear how the words are pronounced and even be provided with a pronunciation guide. This award-winning app works best on signage, menus and other printed materials.Best of all, Waygo works offline.Its time to pack your things, have a true friend drive you to the airport and fly to the host country of your choice.Any combo of these language apps will have your back, and youll not be at a loss for words.So have the travel experience of your dreams, and the language learning experience of a lifetime.Good luck!

10 Literary Pickup Lines And How To Turn Them Down

10 Literary Pickup Lines And How To Turn Them Down Photo Via: http://www.virginmedia.com There are several things wrong with this line. For one thing, what does it even mean to be Romeo and Juliet? That you’ll kill yourself for each other and end up with nothing? You do realize this is one of the greatest tragedies of all time, right? How you should turn this line down: “I’m more like the Rosaline to your Romeo. Spoiler alert: we’re not going to end up together.” 2. “I’d like to Catch 22 of you.” Ew, gag. For one thing, you should certainly think this one through before even thinking about saying it. I mean seriously, you want there to be 22 of this person? You’ll regret that the second you let the words leave your lips. This line practically turns itself down. How you should turn this line down: “Good, then all 22 of us can turn you down at the same time, and maybe then you’ll get the hint.” 3. “I hear you have Great Expectations, but if you give me a chance, I’m sure I can live up to them.” This isn’t the worst line I’ve ever heard, but it’s still not one worth entertaining. For one thing, I’ll bet the speaker didn’t even like the book, and if they did, they obviously have extremely boring taste. So they’re either a liar or a complete bore: neither option has much potential. How you should turn this line down: “Since you thought that line was going to work, I’m going to go out on a limb and say you’re probably wrong.” 4. “I can Sense you have a lot of Sensibility. I’m sorry, was that a little too Austen-tatious of me to say?” Photo Via: http://images2.fanpop.com This one’s clever, I’ll absolutely give the author that. But aside from this, you picked one of the most boring Jane Austen novels ever. “Sense and Sensibility?” Really? At least go traditional and pick “Pride and Prejudice” or something. How you should turn this line down: “Sorry, but I have more Sense than Sensibility, which is exactly why I’m going to turn you down.” 5. “Is your name Scarlett? Because I swear, when I saw you, I was Gone With The Wind.” One, almost no one is named Scarlett anymore. So why you’re opening with that question, I have no idea. What happens when she says no? You look stupid and you’re going home alone. Two, saying you’re “Gone With The Wind” just leaves too much room for her to turn you down. This line’s a mistake and you know it. How you should turn this line down: “That’s so interesting, because I really want you to be Gone With The Wind, too.” 6. “I’d do Wild Things wherever you Are.” You’re coming on way too strong. This is a children’s book and you’re trying to throw in sexual innuendos? Are you kidding me? Not only does this line deserve to be turned down, but it deserves a slap in the face as well. You disgust me. How you should turn this line down: “That’s great! There’s something really wild I was hoping you could do for me right now: disappear.” 7. “If you say yes, our love story could be the next Nicholas Sparks novel.” Photo Via: http://mediafiles.cineplex.com I’m sorry, stop right there. Are you seriously suggesting that starting out a relationship with a line this cheesy could possibly lead to a love story so fantastic, a major motion picture starring Zac Efron or Channing Tatum could be made out of it? That’s what I thought. How you should turn this line down: “In that case, I’m going to go ahead and say no.” 8. If you’re going to bed, mind if I Slytherin? Props on the “Harry Potter” reference, but aside from that, this line is all wrong. For one thing, it’s too suggestive for a young adult novel, for another thing, you chose to use the bad guys in your pickup line? That’s so wrong. How you should turn this line down: “Why don’t you make like the invisibility cloak and disappear?” 9. “If I were a werewolf, I’d want to imprint on you.” As if the “Twilight” reference wasn’t enough to lose you points, the fact that you don’t really understand the concept of imprinting would do you in. You can’t choose who you imprint on. Read the book. How you should turn this line down: “Sorry, I’m team Edward.” 10. “Are you looking for a relationship, because if you are, I volunteer as tribute.” Photo Via: http://www.amommystory.com As much as I love “The Hunger Games,” the volunteering as tribute thing is a little overdone. Plus, volunteering as tribute isn’t meant to be a good thing. Did you even read the book? How you should turn this line down: “If I was stuck in that arena with you, I’d step off the platform just to get away. There are countless more literary pickup lines that are sure to be thrown around from time to time, so pay attention to them. And I encourage you to get creative when turning them down. There really isn’t much more satisfying than that.