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Month: January 2017

Why Learn Foreign Languages?

Why Learn Foreign Languages?

Our world is getting ever more connected and the citizens of the world are rapidly bridging national, social, and linguistic differences. When crossing cultural boundaries, language is the single most important tool. Language provides the key to broadening career and educational opportunities, enhancing the exchange of ideas and information, and of course enjoying the beauty of other cultures.

For many people who stopped learning languages ​​at school and have not been involved since then, the prospect of learning new languages ​​can be rather daunting. It can take hard work to reach a good standard and then there is the challenge of maintaining that level of profitability. But there is no reason why you should not enjoy and succeed in learning languages ​​like Hindustani or Chinese. Even though people are all different – they learn at different speed levels and have different pronunciation – they tend to be best when it comes to learning and to communicating. With the right attitude, learning techniques, and guidance, you can master any language. The many benefits are obvious.

Understand the World

"Language is the means of getting an idea from my brain into yours without surgery" – Mark Amidon

Language is the source of many misunderstandings, especially so when communicating across cultural boundaries. Although English is often known as a widely spoken and understood language in the world, it is still far from sufficient for understanding cultures of other linguistic backgrounds. It goes without saying that you gain more from a visit to a country if you can converse in the local language and actually get to know the people rather than just communicating in English with people in the tourism industry or academic elites. Use of even the most basic vocabulary helps to break down barriers and establish good relationships. It shows your respect towards the people of the country and that you take a genuine interest in them.

A basic knowledge of the destination language is a reasonably small task to achieve and should be included in anyone's preparations. Learning a selection of key words or expressions specific to your sector or profession enables you to reach out and find or provide meaning in conversations. Being able to get your message across in the language of your destination culture allows you to transition more comfortably and increasingly immerse yourself. You will be able to express your thoughts and speak for yourself, thus inviting opportunities for new friendships and gaining the trust and respect of your hosts.

Reveal the Heart of Culture

"To have another language is to possess a second soul" – Charlemagne

Words shape the way we think. We dissect nature along lines laid down by our native language. Language is not simply a reporting device for experience but a refining framework for it. Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going. It introduces you to a different way of thinking and looking at the world. Any language …

The Missing Ink – Phillip Hensher (How Reading Has Made Us Who We Are)

The Missing Ink – Phillip Hensher (How Reading Has Made Us Who We Are)

Phillip Hensher’s highly readable book, The Missing Ink, contrives to inspire a revival of handwriting. His is an eloquent account and a journey through a vanishing world which with technology may be poised to disappear forever.

What spurred Hensher to write his book was a realisation that he had no idea what the handwriting of a friend, he had known for over a decade, looked like. Though the friend had emailed Hensher and sent him text messages, he had never sent a letter written by hand. Life continues like this and relationships can go forever with people hardly noticing that there was no need for handwriting anymore. He points out that handwriting has stopped being an

essential intermediary between people.

Will some part of our humanity, Hensher asks, be lost apart from the habit of writing with a pen on paper? With shimmering prose, Hensher delves into the history of handwriting-the pioneers who were handwriting teachers. He looks at the different styles. He looks at what handwriting has meant to humanity. He cites eccentric conclusions about personality, illness, psychosis, and even suitability for employment which students of the pseudo-science of graphology have drawn from the close scrutiny of handwriting.

He muses about his early life at school learning handwriting, the graduation to the adult joined-up style, the callus on his right hand where the pen used to rest, and the school boy penchant to use the pen as a missile. He remembers the spilling of ink onto the shirt, and his constant crunching of the pen until there were indelible tooth marks.

Hensher repeatedly asks if we should care that handwriting is vanishing since the internet and its keyboard has replaced everything. After all bad handwriting has cost businesses and governments a fortune. Millions of letters could not be delivered because of bad handwriting. In the 1994 Kodak said that ‘400 000 rolls of film could not be returned because names and addresses were unreadable’

So in the age of computer terminals, who cares if handwriting disappears? Hensher wittily lists a few reasons that drive the decline in handwriting skills. With the dawn of the digital age the curriculum in many western countries increasingly gives little time to the teaching of handwriting. Fewer than half British primary schools set aside time to teach handwriting.

Some teachers are beginning to see teaching writing as a chore rather than developing a skill. Some education departments encourage ‘only proficiency with the keyboard.’ Some authorities have even recommended that children only be taught how to sign their names, and that the time previously given to teaching handwriting be dedicated to learning keyboarding and typing.

Hensher cogently argues for the preservation of handwriting. Far from it being an expression of education or class or involving us in some way with the written word, he conveys superbly the role it still has to play in our lives. He cites research that shows that improvement in writing skills not only forms the building

blocks for written language …

How Much Do College Umpires Make?

How Much Do College Umpires Make?

Fees for college umpires vary substantially depending on the level and location of the game. At the highest level, NCAA Division I, a three man umpiring crew will be assigned to cover a series with meals and lodging paid, and mileage reimbursed. In addition, each member of the crew will receive pay between $150 and $350 a day. For instance, if the crew works a single nine inning game, the pay may be $150. If the crew works two seven inning games, the pay may be $250.

NAIA generally pays less as does junior college. For junior college games the pay is around $100 for a single nine inning game and $150 or so for two seven inning games. Mileage is generally not paid to juco umpires.

As a general rule summer college pays even less. Typically the range is $70-$120 per game without mileage, per diem, or lodging.

College teams will play 50-60 games, from February to June (if they’re lucky). Summer collegiate leagues play 40-50 games and start in early to mid-June and run until the first of August. Fall ball is hit or miss and the pay is considerably reduced.

College umpiring is the highest level of amateur umpiring and the competition is fierce. Most of these umpires have extremely impressive credentials including professional experience and professional training (i.e. umpire school). The best way to begin your collegiate umpiring career is to be noticed by the college conference umpire assignor. Usually this is done at a camp where you are evaluated, or sometimes by association and recommendation of other umpires.…

Workplace Violence – Detect the Warning Signs & Triggering Events

Workplace Violence – Detect the Warning Signs & Triggering Events

Our other articles on workplace violence describe its nature and scope, our POSTAL formula and behavioral profile, and defusing techniques. Here we describe the warning signs and triggering events … and what to do when you detect them.

The POSTAL Formula for Workplace Violence Prevention:

Profile + Observable Warning Signs + Shotgun + Triggering Event(s) = Always Lethal

The Profile is most useful during the hiring process, to screen out potential perpetrators. For your existing workforce — and when dealing with outsiders — we turn to the…

Observable Warning Signs

These warning signs, which can be newly acquired negative traits, parallel and overlap the profile, but now we focus on current behavior. So, instead of a previous history of violence, our first warning sign is observed…

  1. Violent and Threatening Behavior

    2.

    For Patrick Sherrill (the first postal worker to “go postal” in 1986), it was tying up neighborhood dogs with bailing wire and a strong fascination for weapons.
    In general, this also includes:

  • Destruction of property or threats of sabotage
  • Disregard for the safety of others or violation of safety procedures
  • Threats, intimidation, bullying, e.g., Seung-Hui Cho of Virginia Tech and Harris and Klebold of Columbine (as both perpetrators and victims)
  • Violence against a family member, e.g., Mark Barton murdered his wife and children just before his Atlanta day-trading massacre
  • Stalking or harassing others. Cho was involved in at least three stalking incidents, the first occurring 18 months prior to his rampage. Also, he placed harassing phone calls to his roommate and took cell phone pictures of female students’ legs under their desks.

  • Strange Behavior

    • Patrick Sherrill’s neighbors noted his strange behavior in the neighborhood — mowing his lawn at midnight and peering into neighbor’s windows while wearing combat fatigues. His coworkers said he preferred his own company and described him as enigmatic. Cho was known as the question mark kid. He had an imaginary girlfriend who lived in outer space.

    In general, strange behavior can include:

    • Becoming reclusive, e.g., a sudden withdrawal from friends or acquaintances
    • Poor personal hygiene or a deteriorating and unkempt appearance
    • Inappropriate dress, e.g., Cho never took off his sunglasses, even indoors
    • Bizarre or paranoid behavior
    • Erratic behavior or an extreme change in behavior

  • Emotional Problems

    • For example, Patrick Sherrill was often angry and frequently depressed. A district court found Cho to be: “an imminent danger to himself as a result of mental illness.” Professors described him as insecure and depressed, as were the boys of Columbine. This also can include:

    • Drug or alcohol abuse
    • Appearing to be under unusual stress; signs of depression or despondence
    • Inappropriate emotional display, e.g., screaming, explosive outbursts, rage, crying

  • Performance Problems

    • Sherrill’s coworkers perceived him as a problem employee and a consistent non-performer. Virginia Tech declined to divulge details about Cho’s academic record, but Cho’s mother was increasingly concerned about his inattention to class work and his time spent out of the classroom. Performance problems also can include:

    • Inability to concentrate … decreased energy
    …
    Marry a Filipina – Is it Really For You?

    Marry a Filipina – Is it Really For You?

    You have decided to seek a Filipino Bride. Have you really done enough research? Chances are, probably not. Educate your self and you will be on the right track to haveing a beautiful, loving and loyal Filipina wife. My Filipina wife and I have been married for 3 years in September. It was the best decesion of my life but it may not be for everyone. Check this out and see.

    There are many things a man should consider when seeking a Filipino Bride. Of course the awesome endearing qualities of the Filipina are very attractive to most men on the planet. They are beautiful, loyal, family dedicated, respectful and are raised with a special sense of honor that is know as delicadesa. Which is a Spanish term. Directly translated to English means daintiness.

    Before you start or expand your education there are a few questions you need to ask yourself.

    1. Can you afford this adventure? In the USA you will need to provide proof of meeting your bride to be at least one time. Meaning you will have to visit her at least once in the Philippines. Or what ever country she resides. My wife was working in Japan when we met and when I went to see her we had a great time. I recommend you visit her twice and do NOT get married on the first visit. There is more on the reason why on our website. The average cost of taking a trip to the Philippines from the US is $3000 total. Which includes your flight and hotel and a few extras. If you reside closer to the Philippines then good for you.

    2. Are you aware of the enormous amounts of scammers on most Filipino dating sites? There are many professional daters that are very good at conning men out of their hard earned money. I should know I lost more than a few $ on one. Since starting our site I have found her pictures on at least 5 different sites.

    3. What exactly do you know about the Philippine culture? At the very least read up on some of the dos and don’ts of the culture here. Most Filipinos will tolerate the typical westerner but you will be more well liked and respected if you learn some of the practices of the culture here. It would also be wise to learn the Philippine history also. You will have a better understanding of the culture if you do. Here are some great sites to get you started. Philippine Culture and Philippine History.…

    How To Select And Use A CD DVD Burner

    How To Select And Use A CD DVD Burner

    CD DVD burners are available for all purposes, at a wide variety of prices. Some are built into your computer, some can be installed by a professional, while others are external and stand alone. It might be daunting when it comes to choosing the hardware that will fulfill your personal needs. But producing DVDs, CDs, and Blu Ray discs at home as never been faster, easier, or cheaper. Here is a look at some of the different types of CD DVD burner hardware that are available to you.

    When it comes to starting a band or a solo career, recording your very first album can be expensive if you pay a studio to handle the recording and editing. Creating a demo will open you up to possibilities in finding a record deal. Most computers nowadays have a built in CD burner. Some will even have a CD DVD burner that you could record music videos with. Most have efficient quality and speed. Be sure to use CDs that are not rewriteable. Rewriteable CDs might not play in older players. Also be sure to avoid storing MP3 files to save space. Many CD players can not detect and decode MP3 files.

    Making your own DVD of home movies is the modern way to cherish family moments. While clunky VHS tapes aren’t compatible with other players, a DVD works in most Blu Ray disc players. Again, nonrewritable is the way to go for maximum compatibility. A CD DVD burner can usually burn CDs and DVDs quickly and efficiently. If you have plans to make just a few copies for friends and family members, it should be a cinch to edit and burn your own DVDs and CDs with your CD DVD burner.

    If your computer does not have a CD DVD burner, you might be able to have one installed. A standalone CD DVD burner, or even a Blue Ray burner, could be the best option for maximum quality. They work with most desktop computers and they are a must for laptop owners. Most standalone burners and multipurpose and have more options than one built into a computer. If you plan on burning many CDs, DVDs, or Blu Ray discs, it will be best with an external model. These models will also usually come with advanced video editing software that can make it much easier for you to create super compatible, high quality music and video recordings. They will usually connect via USB cord to your computer, or even directly to your camera or television set. Once bought, they can be used regularly to burn any writeable CD or DVD disc.…

    Mother – Pulse of Life

    Mother – Pulse of Life

    Mom… When I decided to write about you my pen is stopped on the pulse, and my hands are frozen, not for nothing but because my mind and my heart have not been able to express even a word about your soul pure. I begged for my memory so much to help and provide me with words which express what lies in me, but they were powerless compared with the greatness of your soul. O compassionate; My heart is filled with tons of love and gratitude, and of your standing as bells of your situations and education are still ringing in my ears. You educated me and I thanked you by crying, you taught me how to go my first step and I thanked you by escaping, you gave me delicious food and I thanked you by throwing you with dishes, you give me a pen and I drew on the walls. All these situations were in the last periods of childhood, and what remains is your compassion, you are the only person who bore my affliction.

    Mother’s Day is intended for honoring your immaculate inquiry, reminding of what you created, but this day is much less than what you gave us; what you gave humanity; what you gave life. Specifying one day to honor your achievements, to say what the agony you suffered to grow up generations who are building nations, is not enough for your pure position. You are the peace of the universe, Mom.

    Whenever we tried to say the achievements of this great human, we can not give her what she actually deserves, even we can not give her simple parts of her right, you are the great person who rocked the cradle with your right and are able to shake the world with your left. She studied with us, overpassed the difficulties of life with us and graduated from schools and universities with us. She is happy for our successes and she blesses our days, thanks to all of this.

    On the other hand, How we have provided for Motherhood, what we have done for her since childhood and what we did after her old age, we got married and neglect her because of our work. We could not coordinate our days with her, although we know that she has dedicated all her life to us. We should acknowledge that all what we have and all what we achieve is thanks to her, even the blood that is flowing in our veins is from her spirit. We should return to our senses, cherish the role of our mothers, respect them, have pity on them as they do with us and smile to them as they instilled love in our souls. In the end the mother is priceless and we should pray for God to protect her.…

    Three of Osaka’s Best Hospitals

    Three of Osaka’s Best Hospitals

    Osaka is the second largest city of Japan. This financial centre is home to 7% of the Japanese population and also draws in outsiders with its reputation as a major tourist destination. Osaka has many renowned recreational parks, castles, shrines, aquariums and beaches. In general, the health care sector of Osaka is well developed and has many world class hospitals with English speaking employees to care for the needs of visitors to the country. This article outlines some of the better hospitals of Osaka.

    Kitano Hospital, located at 2-4-20 Ohgimachi,Kita-ku,Osaka was founded in 1928 and is operated by the reputable Tazuke Kofukai Foundation. Kitano Hospital has 707 beds and more than 1000 staff. It has full fledged sectors for all medical specialties including dialysis and mind-body medicine. The hospital has well designed OPD, a research center and a relaxation room. The surgery sector features a central operation theater and conducts a variety of general and specific surgeries. The modern hematology department offers effective treatment for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. The hospital has 24-hour emergency and ambulatory care and a well equipped emergency room(ER) where service of many physicians and surgeons are available. The departments of anesthesiology and critical care medicine are comprised of 7 staff doctors and 5 residents who work in association to provide the best possible care. The ICU has modern facilities to provide respiratory, sedative, circulatory and analgesic care to patients. This is also a premier institution for medical education and research. Tel: 6-6361-0588

    Sumitomo Hospital situated at 2-2 Nakanoshima 5-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka is another reliable hospital in Osaka that provides high quality health care service. This modern hospital founded in 1921 employs eminent doctors and offers especially good personal care to its patients. This huge health care facility has full fledged departments in all medical specialties including some rare specialties. These special centers include a cancer chemotherapy center, a diabetes center and a digestive disease center. The surgery department has the necessary facilities to perform various operations such as thoracic surgery, plastic surgery, and cardiovascular surgery. In addition, the hospital has well equipped ICUs, an emergency department and various laboratories. Warm accommodations in spacious rooms are provided in the hospital. Tel: (06) 6443-1261

    Nissay Hospital is situated at Itatibori 6-chome, Nishi-ku, 550-0012 in Osaka. It is a well equipped general hospital that offers quality medical service. This modern hospital has achieved the certificate of approval from the Council for Quality Health Care and is recognized by numerous medical societies of Japan. The hospital provides comprehensive health care in every medical department. It has a minimally invasive medical center, a cancer treatment center, and a center for lifestyle-related diseases. The surgery section of the hospital is prepared to conduct endoscopic surgeries such as thoracic, spinal, abdominal, gynecologic and urological surgeries. The hospital also offers effective service in hemodialysis, bone marrow transplants, blood stem cell transplants, antibody therapy, glaucoma surgery, laser photocoagulation and much more. Luxurious accommodations are also available. The hospital is also a well known …

    Are Tummy Tuck Belts The Magic Pill for Abs?

    Are Tummy Tuck Belts The Magic Pill for Abs?

    If you have been watching commercials late at night, you may have run into the infamous Tummy Tuck Belt System commercial. This system claims to help you lose an entire inch of belly fat within one month of use guaranteed.

    I found the entire commercial a bit too good to be true but being an action orientated person that was totally desperate to reduce belly fat, I took the plunge and purchased the belt. The belt arrived within 7 days after ordering it and it also came with a thermal cream that is used in conjunction with the belt.

    How does the Tummy Tuck Belt System work?

    It needs all but 10 minutes of daily use for you to reduce your waistline by an entire inch within a month – so it claims. I was intrigued by the short amount of time that it required but I also realized that their marketing angle was almost like selling a magic pill for abdominal fat loss.

    The instructions state you first apply the cream to your belly and then place the tummy tuck belt over the belly and strap it up tight. After getting the belt properly situated, the next step is to begin doing two full minutes of abdominal crunches and exercise if you feel up to it. You are supposed to use the belt every day of the week for an entire month to get the one inch reduction in your waist line.

    The Tummy Tuck Comparison Study Results:

    I also found another commercial that used a University Study without any actual name mentioned of the university where the study took place that showed two groups of people that exercised and followed the same exact diet. One group wore the tummy tuck belt while the other group did not wear one. At the conclusion of the study the group that wore the tummy tuck belt lost double the amount of inches of their waistline than the group that did not wear the belt.

    Of course this does not necessarily validate that the belt works because it did not provide any credentials associated with a true clinical study.

    Is the Tummy Tuck Belt the Magic Pill for Abdominal Fat Loss?

    Overall, it seems like there is some truth to the claims made in the “As Seen on TV” infomercials but nonetheless if it motivates an individual enough to get off their behind and start exercising even for 2 minutes a day, well then it’s a job well done.…

    Importance of Value Education

    Importance of Value Education

    Seven sins: wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character,commerce without morality, science without humanity, worship without sacrifice, politics without principle.

    -Mahatma Gandhi

    Just in case you believe that great social problems are beyond your scope, consider this story: God said to me: Your task is to build a better world. I answered: How can I do that? The world is such a large, vast place, so complicated now, and I am so small and useless. There nothing I can do. But God in his great wisdom said: Just build a better you.

    – Anonymous

    The moral values present a true perspective of the development of any society or nation. They tell us to what extent a society or nation has developed itself. Values are virtues, ideals and qualities on which actions and beliefs are based. Values are guiding principles that shape our world outlook, attitudes and conduct. Values however are either innate or acquired. Innate values are our inborn divine virtues such as love, peace, happiness, mercy and compassion as well as the positive moral qualities such as respect, humility, tolerance, responsibility, cooperation, honesty and simplicity.

    Acquired values are those external values adopted at your “place of birth” or “place of growth” and

    are influenced by the immediate environment. Examples of acquired values are one’s mode of dress, the way you bless, cultural customs, traditions, habits and tendencies.

    The main causes of moral degeneration are:

    – Lack of respect for the sanctity of human life.

    – Breakdown of parental control of children in families

    – Lack of respect for authority, seen through the brazen breaking of the law and

    Total disregard for rules and regulations

    – Crime and corruption

    – Abuse of alcohol and drugs

    – Abuse of women and children, and other vulnerable members of society.

    – Lack of respect for other people and property.

    To solve all these type problems it is necessary to know the main causes of the above problems. We know today children are tomorrow’s citizens. If we give good education to the present day children, the future of the next generations will be well. My opinion education is the solution for all types of the problems. Now we are living in the modern century. If we use science and technology in the proper way it is not difficult for us to solve all the problems of the non-moral and value things.The main object of the study is to inculcate moral and value based education in schools and colleges and to know the attitude of intermediate students towards moral values. Gandhiji advised the inmates of Sabarmati Ashram on the practice of the following values in their day-

    to-day life:

    1. Ahimsa

    2. Non-stealing

    3. Non-possession

    4. Swadeshi

    5. Manual work

    6. Fearlessness

    7. Truth

    8. Chastity

    9. Equality of religion

    10. Removal of untouchability

    11. Control of palate

    Important life goals and personal characteristics:

    Life goals and Personal characteristics are very necessary for all types of persons in the society.

    Life Goals:

    – …