South American Food

South American Food Everything You Need to Know About South American Cuisine ChaptersWho is South American and What do They Eat?Regional Diversity in Food on the South American ContinentSouth American Dishes and Their Influence Around the WorldThe Best Recipe Ideas, From Peruvian Ceviche to Argentinian ChimichurriDo you know what language is spoken in Paraguay? Or perhaps what a Churrasco is? While you may have thought you knew many cultural distinctions of the South American continent, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about South America and their famous recipes.Whether you're visiting South American cities or simply want to know about the region, learning through cuisine is great GiovanniCooking Teacher 4.83 (12) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HalimaCooking Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VincenzoCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GinellaCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all ou r tutors ArronCooking Teacher 5.00 (2) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoshuaCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlickCooking Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWho is South American and What do They Eat?When you think about the Americas and American cuisine, what comes to mind? What many might consider to be American food, like the classic hot dog, cheesy macaroni and sweet apple pie, isn’t actually representative of American countries. American recipes and American food extends to cover way more than the gastronomy found in the north. In fact, examining what exactly the South American continent is and what South American foods are can give you insight into one of the oldest and diverse cuisines on the planet.In general, when people refer to South America today, they refer to thirteen countries whose geographical bulk is, for the majority, located in the southern hemisphere. These South American countri es include nations like Paraguay, Uruguay Suriname and the Islas Malvinas (also known as the Falkland Islands) â€" each with their own deliciously diverse food culture.However, the our current system of classifying continents hasn’t always been in place. The seven continent model wasn’t actually proposed until the 1950s, and is based more on shared culture than the science of tectonic plates. The way we have structured the South American continent highlights both the cultural and societal similarities and differences of the countries that make it up.While South American food draws up images of Amerindians, or indigenous people, and ancient agricultural goods such as lima beans, maize, passion fruit and the black bean â€" much of the traditional dishes that we know and love today have been engendered by the various historical evolutions of the region.From the fish stew and clam chowder recipes of the coast to the tenderloin and vegetable comfort food of inland cities, the South A merican diet has been forever transformed by three main forces. While this is not a definitive guide to the origins of the food of the region, the basic powers that have influenced South American cooking are: creole, or criollo, culture, immigration and the colonization of European groups such as the Spaniards, Dutch and French.Whether you’re drinking a caipirinha in Rio de Janeiro, or eating Venezuelan tamales, or hallacas, in Caracas, the amount of food options in South America will be enough to make your reconsider “Columbian” or “pre-Columbian” narratives of South American history.Get information about cooking courses London.Regional Diversity in Food on the South American ContinentFrom Tierra Del Fuego to Peru, South American countries aren’t just unique in the 448 languages they speak, but also in the recipes that they share. The reason why so many countries share similar recipes have to do with their shared history of agriculture, immigration and colonization. One of the clearest examples of this can be seen through the plantain. Whether you’re in Bolivia or snacking on some Argentine chivitos, you’re bound to find a dish involving plantain around every corner. From being a common street food to a prized comfort food, the plantain can be found fried, boiled, sautéed and more.While many consider this variant of the banana to be a quintessential South American food, the origins of the plantain can actually be found in the slave trade. Plantains originally made it onto the African continent by way of Madagascar, whose shores had been reached with Southeast Asian traders. What quickly became widespread in West and Central Africa was then used as provisions on slave ships crossing the Atlantic. Today, they’re made into crisps called tostones in Venezuela, and patacon pisado in Ecuadorian and Columbian slang. In the Bolivian kitchen, they’re mashed and fried with cheese in a dish called masaco de platano. Using condensed milk, they can al so be made into a sweetened desert.Another example of the wide variation between the same dishes in South American countries can be seen through a drink called pisco. A brandy that is traditional both in Chilean and Peruvian cuisine, the origins of Pisco is said to have begun with Spanish settlers. Now a common cocktail on the South American continent, found even in Uruguayan bars or small cities in Bolivia, it is prepared differently in both Peru and Chile.Arepas are another great instance of the variations in South American cuisine, found from the Andean mountains to the coasts of French Guiana. A fried, cornmeal dough patty, this recipe can be made either sweet or savoury depending on your cravings. Originating from the ancient civilizations of South America, it is today most predominant in Colombia and Venezuela.From chorizo and churros to hominy and raisins, the diversity seen in South American food is a product of a range of the historical, economic and political events in the last decades.Plantains have become important to South American food cultureSouth American Dishes and Their Influence Around the WorldNow that you’ve gotten a grasp of what you’re likely to find in South American restaurants and kitchens, it’ll be helpful to understand how South American cuisine holds similarities to many different countries around the world. Looking towards Latin American cuisine, one special recipe that has been adopted in both Central American countries and the Caribbean is the Empanada. Empanadas are baked, stuffed dough pastries whose filling and preparation varies depending on what city or kitchen you’re in.Common in Argentine, Chilean, Paraguayan, Bolivian and Peruvian cuisine, empanadas have become a staple dish in countries like Belize and Honduras. In Honduras, however, these empanadas are known as pastelitos and are actually made sweet. Ceviche is another dish that has been adapted throughout Latin America. Finding its roots in Peru, this dish is, in its essence, as seafood salad. Prepared using fresh fish, citrus and herbs â€" the large variation in recipes is caused mostly because of the differing availability in sea creatures. In Mexico, for example, ceviche is not only commonly made up of octopus, but it is also served on top of a crisp-like tortilla known as a tostada.Looking on the global scale, many Asian countries share many of the same food rites and recipes as the South American continent. Recalling plantains, countries like India and Indonesia use the delicious fruit to make savoury crisps or sweet desserts. With regards to empanadas and ceviche, the Philippines have their own version of both dishes. While South American food has influenced many of the global plates we love today, Filipino ceviche and empanadas have actually both developed independent of the continent.Considering ingredients alone, many of the agricultural goods that South America produces and utilizes in their most common dishes are equally as im portant to countries in Africa and Polynesia. One of the major examples of this can be seen through the cassava, also known as yuca or manioc. Prepared in both sweet and salty dishes, cassava has become a staple ingredient in many traditional recipes these regions.The Best Recipe Ideas, From Peruvian Ceviche to Argentinian ChimichurriWhether you’re backpacking through a sparsely populated natural park or are visiting one of the many metropolitan areas of South America, it’s always helpful to know how some of the locals make their favourite dishes. If you’re also looking to spice up your weekly lunch routine, trying any one of these recipes will be sure to satisfy your taste buds.A specialty of Rio, you can try feijoada everywhere in BrazilFeijoadaFeijoada is a bean stew made of black beans and meat. Especially loved in Rio de Janeiro, the Northern regions of Brazil actually tend to toss in some vegetables to the recipe, such as kale and okra. If you’re looking for something hearty that isn’t just your typical beans and rice, feijoada might be the way to go. Here are some of the principle ingredients:Black beansChorizoBaconOnionRed pepperTomatoWhile the dish takes a relatively small time to prepare, the bulk of the time will actually be spent cooking the stew. One helpful tip if you’re working with uncooked beans is to start soaking them the day before in order to shorten the cooking time.ChimichurriChimichurri sauce is an Argentinian specialty that is typically served as a condiment. Whether you use it to mix in your salads, dip potatoes in or serve on top of meat dishes, chimichurri will be sure to taste great with just about anything. The main ingredients don’t tend to vary much and include:ShallotsChili peppersGarlicWine vinegarParsleyHerbsThe kinds of herbs that you add to the dish will depend on the kinds of flavours you want to use to compliment whatever dish or appetizers you will be eating. For example, while some recipes call for oregano , you can also add mint or fresh cilantro. While the eating habits and recipes of the continent are extremely important, what they drink is equally as appetizing. If you’re interested in a unique drink to try, you can either buy or attempt to make your own chicha, a grain based drink.

Different Accounting Exams

Different Accounting Exams There Are So Many Ways To Use Your Accounting Degree ChaptersACA Associated Chartered AccountantICAEW Chartered Accountant QualificationCPA Certified Public AccountantCFA Certified Financial AnalystCMA Certified Management AccountantCFE Certified Fraud ExaminerIf you’re already studying accounting at university, or are considered studying accounting at a bachelor’s or master’s level, then it’s always worth spending some time thinking about where your accounting degree could take you.Understandably, some may think that an accounting degree will only help you if you want to become an accountant after university, but the fact is that accounting degrees, and subsequent qualifications, can really bolster your career prospects across a wide range of roles within the accounting, business, and finance world.Below are some of the most common qualifications that someone with a degree in accounting may pursue.Passing accounting exams may help you to travel internationally in your career. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, stokpic, Pixabay)Deloitte;K PMG; andErnst and Young.Even outside of the Big 4, there are many mid-tier professional services firms, as well as local accounting firms, and even companies within an industry that encourage their graduates to study for the ACA.This is because having the ACA after your name means that you’ve had to undertake the rigorous examination, study, as well as relevant work experience in order to achieve membership to the ICAEW.Individuals that hold an ACA work in a number of different fields, as diverse as tax, accounting, auditing, and corporate finance. Therefore, you certainly won’t be limiting your career options if you did decide to pursue the ACA.ICAEW Chartered Accountant QualificationThe ICAEW has been around for a very long time, having been founded in 1880. As a result, there are over 150,000 members of the ICAEW worldwide today, which helps to further emphasise how internationally regarded the ACA qualification is.However, it usually takes many years to fully complete the re quirements of the ACA, so it’s worth ensuring that you’ll have sufficient time to study for the exams and ensuring that you’ll be able to balance your working life, social life, and your ACA studies.The ExamsTo meet the examination requirements of the ACA, you’ll have to pass 15 exams in total, which are split across three different levels:The certificate level exams;The professional level exams; andThe advanced level exams.The certificate and professional levels contain six separate exams at each level, while the advanced level comprises  three different exams.For an indication of the types of topics you’ll cover during the exams, it’s worth knowing what each exam covers.The certificate level exams are as follows:Accounting;Assurance;Business, Technology and Finance;Law;Management Information; andPrinciples of Taxation.The professional level exams are as follows:Audit and Assurance;Business Planning;Business Strategy and Technology;Financial Accounting and Reporting;Fin ancial Management; andTax Compliance.Finally, the advanced level exams are as follows:Case Study;Corporate Reporting; andStrategic Business Management.Other Membership RequirementsIn addition to the examination requirements, to become ACA qualified you must also meet a number of other criteria, including having sufficient relevant professional work experience. For further details on what the ICAEW’s membership requirements are, please consult the ICAEW’s website.Successfully completing accounting exams could boost your future earning potential. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, kalhh, Pixabay)Scotland; andEngland.CFA Certified Financial AnalystIf you would like to work within the realm of finance, but don’t really envisage yourself taking a more traditional accountancy role, then it may be worth considering whether a career in investment management is right for you.Roles in investment management are varied, and you could end up working for a range of organisations, including investment banks, asset managers, or even private equity firms. Some may find work as a research analyst, while others work as portfolio managers or risk managers, or perhaps even take on a different role entirely.If you think the CFA could be the right qualification for you, then the best advice is to be prepared before undertaking the qualification.The CFA is broken down into three different levels â€" Level I, Level II, and Level III. To give an idea of pass rates, the June 2018 exam sitting saw:A 43% pass rate for Level I;A 45% pass rate for Level II; andA 56% pass rate for Level III.The CFA has a reputation for being difficult to pass, although that’s not to say you can’t successfully complete the CFA provided you have the commitment, dedication, and the academic aptitude for the materials.Having the CFA can really boost your career prospects in the investment management industry, and may also improve your future earning potential, so it’s certainly worth researching.Further informa tion on the CFA qualification can be found on the CFA Institute’s website.Most accounting exams take a lot of time to prepare for. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, StockSnap, Pixabay)CMA Certified Management AccountantIf you were considering management accounting as a career path, then you may prefer to undertake a more specialised qualification, rather than follow an ACA, ACCA, or CPA programme of study.If so, then a CMA qualification may be right for you.Alike the CPA, the CMA is predominantly a US-based qualification, as the CIMA, a different qualification, tends to be more common in the UK.However, if you foresee yourself working in the US in the future, then the CMA may be the way to go. The CMA is issued by the US-based Institute of Management Accountants, known as the IMA for short.In terms of the exams that you need to pass to gain the CMA qualification, the CMA exam comprises two different parts:Part One (which concerns itself with “financial reporting, planning, performance, an d control”); andPart Two (which concerns itself with financial decision making).It’s estimated that students should take 12 to 18 months to pass both parts of the exam, but you have up to three years to complete both parts if you need more time.When it comes to future career opportunities, the CMA can help management accountants get ahead in a wide variety of roles. For example, a CMA may work as a financial controller, treasurer, cost accountant, and perhaps as a chief financial officer.CFE Certified Fraud ExaminerOne specialised area that accounting graduates may consider entering is that of fraud examination.A certified fraud examiner is specifically trained to detect, and if possible, prevent, fraud in companies and businesses. They do this through a variety of techniques and skills, including being able to review a company’s financial and accounting records to see whether instances of fraud can be detected.A certified fraud examiner can work in a variety of industries, al though the most common include banking and the wider financial services, government, and the accounting industry.Discover Your Future CareerIf you want to study accounting at university, or you’re currently studying an accounting degree course, then it’s reassuring to know that there are plenty of job opportunities out there for you, both within and outside of the accounting sector.If you know that you’d like to have a career in accounting, finance, or business, but don’t know where to start, looking through the above qualifications may give you an idea of the direction in which you’d like to take your career.Generally speaking, however, to be successful in these kinds of industries, it’s worthwhile having solid numerical skills, communication skills, and analytical skills.If you feel like you need to improve on any of the above areas â€" for example, if you feel that your general knowledge of business could be better, or you’d like to improve your mathematics knowledg e â€" then you can also reach out to a tutor at Superprof for help.Superprof has an array of tutors across subjects such as maths, accounting, and business, so it’s a case of finding a tutor that specialises in the field you’d like help with. This search is made easier by the fact that you can enter your postcode to find local tutors in your area and also find tutors that are happy to provide remote tuition.

How to Learn Chinese Fast

How to Learn Chinese Fast How to Learn Chinese Quickly Chapters Learn the Basics of Chinese Get Help Working on Your Chinese Build Your Chinese Abilities over TimeWhile most people might think English is the most spoken language in the world, it’s actually Chinese. In fact, with 1.35 billion speakers, Chinese is miles ahead.  Spoken by locals in mainland China or Taiwan, Chinese immigrants in other countries, tourists, and businesses, the Chinese language is spoken all over the world to some degree.  It’s probably a good idea to learn the language for both your career and to generally get a better understanding of this global culture.How can you learn Chinese as quickly as possible? Can you learn Chinese London? Is Chinese grammar difficult? You probably have a lot of questions about Chinese language courses and learning Chinese in general. Let’s imagine that you only have somewhere between 30 minutes and an hour every day to dedicate to language learning. What are the best ways to make sure you’re getting the most out of every m inute you spend studying?Learning a language quickly doesn’t necessarily mean learning the new language in a sloppy or shoddy way.  That’s why in this article we’re going to show you some tips and tricks that will help you reach your ambitious goals of learning Chinese in a structured and organised way. NingChinese Teacher 5.00 (10) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorraineChinese Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoyceChinese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicoleChinese Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KatyChinese Teacher £16/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YangChinese Teacher £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChengChinese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Learn the Basics of ChineseThere are several “Chinese” languages but not many of them are used globally. When we say Chinese , we generally mean “Mandarin Chinese”. However, there are around 7 main modern Chinese languages.If you want to become fluent in Chinese, you have to learn the basics first. (Source: pixabay.com)You should distinguish between Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese, for example. Cantonese is spoken by around 71 million people in places such as Hong Kong, Macau, and around South East Asia. However, we’d recommend learning Mandarin Chinese specifically before trying to tackle Cantonese.Why?  Because Mandarin Chinese is the official language of the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, and Singapore. You can also speak Chinese in parts of Vietnam, Cambodia, and a number of different regions around the globe. Mastering every aspect of Chinese would take years and hundreds of hours of classes.By focusing on Mandarin Chinese first and foremost, you’re less likely to become demotivated and, as a result, increase your chances of success.  This will ensure that your studies remain condensed and structured.Discover how you can teach yourself Chinese...  Buy an Adequate BookEven if you’re really motivated, you shouldn’t just buy the first book on Chinese that you see.  We recommend doing some research on which books will be best for you. Since Chinese is quite different to European languages like English, French, German, and Spanish,  you should invest in good resources that cover all the basics.If your goal is to master Chinese and you’re just starting out, the previous advice is hugely important.  Here are a few books you should check out:Integrated Chinese - Yuehua LiuChinese for Dummies - Wendy AbrahamNew Practical Chinese Reader - Xun LiuUse On-line Learning ToolsWhen it comes to sharing information, the Internet is an invaluable tool. You can find some really interesting resources for learning Chinese effectively.  There are a plenty of websites and mobile apps that can help you learn and practice Chinese:Audio: This site can help you to learn Mandarin Chines e by using Pinyin. Pinyin is a system for romanising Chinese words.Chineasy: This is a fun way to learn Chinese while having fun. It will also help you better recognise Chinese characters. You’ll soon be able to read Chinese characters thanks to Chineasy.Anki: Anki is a great system for working with flashcards and is great for anyone struggling with reading Chinese characters. You’ll soon see that there’s more to this system than meets the eye!Learn Basic Chinese WordsIf you want to make learning Chinese easier, you should always start with some useful words and expressions.  When we say basic words, we mean everyday words that you can use in almost every situation.Flex your mental muscle by learning new Chinese vocabulary. (Source: www.gratisography.com)You’ll need to learn words and expressions like “ni hao” (hello), “zai jian” (goodbye), “wo de ring ming shi” (my name is...), “duo shao qian” (how much is it?), “chi fan” (eat) and “qu” (go).It’s w orth noting that the words “yes” and “no” don’t really exist in Chinese. In fact, you have to use expressions like “hao ah” (that’s good) and “bu xing” (that’s not good).Discover more ways to  make learning Chinese easy...  Build On Your Chinese BasicsTo learn Chinese quickly and effectively, you should know the following rules. There are certain words in English that don’t exist in Chinese and vice-versa.Here are a few key rules:In Chinese, you don’t conjugate verbs.“Yes” and “no” don’t really exist.To make Chinese sentences, you need a personal pronoun and a verb. Unlike other languages, you just put the pronoun with the one form of the verb.There are four different tones. This means that each word can have four different meanings depending on how it’s pronounced. However, you can make yourself understood without perfectly mastering the tones.When it comes to negations, the word “bu” is usually used for most verbs but some do use “mei” .Make Word ListsOne of the best ways to effectively learn a foreign language is to put together word lists to help you better memorise vocabulary. While  Chinese is often thought of as a difficult language,  you shouldn't make things even more complicated by having to look a word up in a dictionary just three days after you thought you’d learnt it.  Organise your vocabulary and word lists thematically to help you remember the words better.  We recommend writing your words on card stock and organising certain groups of word by colour, for example.Groups could include:Basic wordsThe environmentCookingTravellingTime (months, days, seasons, etc.)LeisureUncover more basics of learning Chinese...   Get Help Working on Your ChineseIn order to effectively improve your Chinese, we’ve put together a couple of ways that could really help you make significant improvements in a short amount of time:Make sure you do everything you can to learn as effectively as possible. (Source: freestocks.o rg)Take Chinese lessons: you could either go to a language school or university for group lessons. Most big cities will have a number of language schools or centres or a university where Chinese is taught. Whether you’re a total beginner, intermediate, or speak Chinese at an advanced level, you should be able to find a class or a teacher for your level. To make sure you’re choosing the right class or teacher, you should make sure to do a level test so that you’re not doing classes that are too easy or too difficult.Get a private tutor that can teach you Chinese at home: This means that you’ll be the only student in class and the tutor can dedicate all their time to teaching you. Just like they would at a university or language school, a tutor can evaluate your level and make sure their lessons are going at the right speed. They’ll also work out which methods work and which don’t so that you’ll get the most out of every hour you spend with them. Build Your Chinese Abili ties over TimeChinese is very different to languages like English, French, German, and Spanish. In addition to its history, China and other countries where they speak Mandarin Chinese have different religions, cultures, and norms that influence the language and make it even more different to European languages.This is why you should consider immersing yourself in Chinese culture to help you better learn the language. This can also help you to master the four tones more quickly.Find out how you can have fun while learning Chinese...  To Improve Your Chinese, You Have to TalkWhile memorising new Chinese words is a good start, you have to start speaking Chinese as soon as you can.Get in touch with Chinese associations in your region. There are Chinese institutions in almost every region in the country and they're a great way to learn more about the culture from people who can speak the language perfectly.If you’re a student, you could even consider getting in touch with foreign stude nt groups. There are around 90,000 Chinese students currently in higher education in the UK.  This means you’ll have plenty of chances to find Chinese-speaking students.Reading is also a great way to improve your Chinese. (Source: freestocks.org)Get Your Brain Used to Chinese by ReadingAs we said earlier in the article, books are an important resource when it comes to learning languages.  While you will need to get books  on Chinese when you first start learning the language, you can soon move onto books in Chinese.The more you read in Chinese, the more your brain will become accustomed to the language and its lexicon. You’ll soon find identifying the four tones much easier and you’ll have a better understanding of how the words are used and pronounced.While there isn’t a perfect method, there are plenty of tips and tricks to help you speed up the process for learning Chinese. It doesn’t really matter which language you’re learning since you can use a lot of these tips a nd tricks for any of them as you make your way towards fluency.You should always start by building a strong foundation of basics (greetings and everyday Chinese phrases) in the language. Then, if you’d like to learn quickly and avoid picking up bad habits, you can get a Chinese teacher, attend Chinese classes, or get a private tutor offering online Chinese tutorials.Once you're conversational, you can immerse yourself in both the language and culture as much as you can and speak to Chinese people or anyone who speaks the language.Finally, once you've mastered Chinese pronunciation, grammar, and know how to speak well, you can start the long and arduous task of honing your language skills and becoming fluent! Good luck!Discover the many ways you could learn Chinese...  Take Mandarin classes London or throughout the UK with A Superprof tutor!

Reasons to Study Geography

Reasons to Study Geography Why You Should Study Geography ChaptersThe Study of GeographyWhat a Degree in Geography Will Prepare You forGCSE Geography is of Vital ImportanceWhy Study Geography?A show of hands, please: how many of you know anyone who is a geographer? We’re guessing there are no hands waving in the air... right?That is because so-called geographers go by many other names; names we are much more familiar with, such as ‘oceanographer’ or ‘climatologist’ or ‘GIS specialist’.Most people believe attaining a geography degree will not provide competitive job opportunities.In fact, some people think that, now that the entire world is mapped, geography should be relegated to an academic exercise and nothing more!Nothing could be further from the truth...Geography is regarded as the mother of all sciences both for its far-reaching subspecialties and for its long history, which began as simply as someone thinking ‘What lies on the other side of that hill?’Have you ever done that? Been somewhere, in an urban landscape or on holiday in unfamiliar territory and been beset by the urge to explore and discover?Superprof taps into that very human urge to prospect, to examine; to investigate and uncover reasons why the study of geography is as vital today as when the first humans migrated out of their Cradle of Civilisation.eruption of Anak Krakatoa in Indonesia makes a timely and excellent case for the need to study landforms and coastlines.Since the eruption, the island has been reduced to about a quarter of its size, clearly proving that our earth is dynamic rather than static.That being the case, shouldn’t such changes, no matter how incremental, be studied, recorded and compiled?Another phenomenon that illustrates this point succinctly is Italy’s disappearing coastline.That observation was not casually made by avid beachgoers disappointed that the sea has taken over their favourite sandy strand but by people qualified to compile and analyse data.That eroding coastline surrounding the world’s bi ggest boot is attributed in part to global warming: the melting of polar ice caps causing sea levels to rise.That would mean then that climatologists and oceanographers should jump in the fray and work on solutions, right?However, the main cause of that coastline’s erosion is human activity: taking sand from the beaches to build ever more.The government is surely at fault here; allowing city planners to build so much!Would you be terribly surprised to know that all of the career fields mentioned above are  subspecialties of geography?Through a variety of disciplines, cataloguing earth’s natural and man-made changes is the purview of geographers.A background in geography will provide you with a steady career in regional planning Source: Pixabay Credit: Paul Br 75What a Degree in Geography Will Prepare You forGeography is a social science with many divisions.Studying geography as an undergraduate will indeed prepare you for a lot of different careers, but which branch of geography would you undertake?You may, for example, decide to specialise in physical geography; to learn about:Climatology: the study of weather conditions over long periods of time to provide predictionsMeteorology: analysing weather processes for short-term forecastingHydrology: studying the amount and quality of water; in a specific region or across the planetBiogeography: the pattern of species distribution and their effects on the environmentOceanography: the study of oceans and seasEnvironmental geography: studies the spatial aspects of humans’ interaction with the environmentThe flipside of physical geography is human geography; the study of people and their cultures, communities, economy and environment.An undergraduate degree in this discipline could lead you to a satisfying career in urban geography; laying out roads or mapping future factories.Other branches of this far-reaching humanities study include economic geography, cultural geography, social geography and applied geograp hy.Whether you relish the prospect of travelling all over our world or plan on staying local with an office career, as a geography major, you would certainly have a wide range of choices when it comes to working.Why just see how the study of geography has evolved from the days of Sir Francis Drake:If computers are your bailiwick, you could train as a geographical information systems specialist, a career in which you may opt for fieldwork or stay in an office, conducting an analytical study of datasets.In short, there is no shortage of career fields for anyone taking a geography course of study!GCSE Geography is of Vital ImportanceLondon is in... France, right? Eleanor Clarke, bank tellerConsidering how all-encompassing the field of geography is, it seems rather astounding that the subject is not a part of the core curriculum in our schools' later years.And it’s not just UK schools that have forsaken geography courses!A look at schools in America reveals the same state of affairs: the study of world regional geography, let alone learning about one’s own natural environment has taken a back seat to other sciences.The truth is brutal: no education in earth science will result in nobody being qualified to staff the many positions calling for such training. Who will manage earth systems for generations to come?Conservation and environmental problems are very real issues facing humanity today. Learning how to resolve them requires ongoing effort; a chain of dedication that involves everybody.Exposing our youth to the challenges they will face, such as climate change and environmental management, is the best way to introduce and engage them early in a strategic concern for the world they will inherit.Another reason to encourage environmental studies is to understand how common events impact different regions of the world.We are quite fortunate that we have many systems in place to protect us from natural disasters such as floods. Other parts of the world are not so lucky; their physical environment is impacted by environmental change, sometimes severely.In order to become well-educated global citizens, our students must have more than a passing acquaintance with the challenges that beset our and other societies.It is not enough to view documentaries such as the Blue Planet series or bandy about words such as sustainability and ecology.Our students need to understand the interrelationship of these concepts as well, so that they may be inspired to seek a science degree and work toward better earth stewardship for centuries to come.Let Superprof help you find a geography tutor!Consulting a GPS does little to develop your spatial analysis skills! Source: Pixabay Credit CFVIWhy Study Geography?With satellite-generated GPS, what do we need maps for?Perhaps people think that, because the world has been completely discovered and mapped, explorers are no longer needed and cartography is a dead science.Nothing could be further from the truth! Cartogr aphic skills are still highly in demand; classroom maps and atlases will never go out of style.Who do you think draws all of those maps and inputs geographic information for display on your GPS? Geographic information systems specialists, that who!Besides, it is a bad idea to rely exclusively on your GPS â€" which, again makes the case for studying geography!Doing so will help you develop exquisite navigation skills by helping you to build spatial relationships.Just as explorers of old navigated by astronomy â€" the position of the stars relative to their current place, you too could cultivate such a geospatial intelligence by studying the unique features of any environment you find yourself in.Let us say you are a graduate student preparing to study abroad. How would you get ready for such an adventure?Might you consider the cost of a geography tutor in your plans?You would listen to news reports, become more than mildly curious about other cultures and develop a fascination for en vironmental science with regard to the new region you will find yourself in.Will there be a lake to swim in? How about hiking trails? What about urban development: are you going to a big city or a smaller town?By the time you return from you stay away, you will have surely realised that your experience and geographical studies have helped you understand the phenomenon of globalization on a deeply personal level.Which, in turn, furthers your grasp on world geography and cultural consciousness... and that is exactly the type of understanding we need to cultivate!The study of geography represents humanity’s future safety in a changing environment as well as an understanding of our history.If you want a better grasp on world history, you should start by digging into geography!A geography program of study promises career stability full of excitement and engagement as well as an understanding of global ecological systems and how we humans impact them.For better or worse...Why wait? Lear n more about what geography courses can do for you and for our world!

The 10 Best Guitar Brands for Acoustic Electric Players

The 10 Best Guitar Brands for Acoustic Electric Players Jessica Dais Many beginning guitarists ask the same question: which are the best guitar brands? Is there a particular brand that outshines the others? Finding the best guitar really comes down to your interests and determining the type of music you want to learn. Although the material you’ll learn for electric, classical, and acoustic is very similar up front, certain guitars are more appropriate for specific genres of music. In this article, we’ll dive into several top guitar brands to help you decide which guitar is right for you, no matter your style. Top 10 Best Guitar Brands Most guitar brands offer a variety of different types of guitars. However, each company is most likely known for a particular style. Here are some of the best guitar brands to get you started! Best Acoustic Guitar Brands Taylor Taylor is a brand known for high quality instruments and well-defined tone. They have been building guitars since 1974. Many of their top-end guitars are made in the United States, while cheaper Taylor models are made in Mexico. While Taylor guitars are very nice, this particular brand comes with a fairly hefty price tag to match. If you’re ready to invest in your first long-term acoustic guitar, then this is an excellent option! Breedlove Breedlove is a lesser-known guitar brand that emerged just a few years ago. Their acoustic guitars offer a great sound, while their process for sourcing materials and testing for quality is a key aspect that sets them apart from larger companies. Instead of mass producing factory-made guitars, every Breedlove guitar is unique in its own way. The Passport Dreadnought Mahogany guitar has become one of Breedlove’s most popular models because of the rich tone produced by its dark wood. You can see in the video above how the Breedlove style truly sets them apart from the rest of the industry. Yamaha You may know them for their motor division, but Yamaha was originally founded as a music company. They began with pianos and after being successful in that market, they built their guitar brand. Today, they’ve been building guitars for over 50 years and are still going strong. Yamaha manufactures guitars that start in a very reasonable price range and end in the upper levels of the atmosphere. If youre looking for variety, look no further. The various types of guitars that Yamaha offers have consistently good reviews and are great for all occasions. Martin If you have spent any time in the guitar world, you’ve definitely heard of Martin. They have been one of the top guitar brands, in the acoustic space, far longer than anyone else. In fact, theyve been building guitars since the 1830s! Many of Martin’s antique models have sold for thousands of dollars, even with some damage. Martin guitars have always been lauded for their perfect tone and comfortable feel. These guitars will definitely require more of an investment to purchase, but they are well worth the cost in the long run. Arcadia On the other side of the spectrum from Martin, Arcadia is a company that makes very good beginner guitars. Their focus is on providing you or your child with an affordable guitar to begin learning. Their models range from the DL41 (a full-size acoustic guitar) to the DL36 (a ½ size guitar). These guitars are very affordable and can be purchased for $100 or less on Amazon. Eventually, you will want to upgrade to one of the other top guitar brands on this list. However, if you’re just starting out on the instrument, Arcadia is a good way to go! Check out the DL41 in the clip above. Best Electric Guitar Brands Fender Fender is a guitar brand that has risen to legendary status in the electric marketplace. While they are primarily known for their Telecasters and Stratocasters, they also offer some unique solutions for the acoustic guitar player as well. Of the Fender electric guitars, the Stratocaster is a fan favorite. If you’re looking for a dirty blues sound like Eric Clapton or Jimi Hendrix, you can’t get anything better than a Strat! Gibson Because of their unique innovations like dual-coil pickups, the Gibson sound has developed into one of the most recognizable tones available. This is one of the many reasons Gibson made our list of top guitar brands.   The Gibson Les Paul is probably one of the most iconic guitars to emerge during the rock era. If you prefer the modern rock sound of Slash and his peers, then the Gibson Les Paul is the way to go! The only big drawback of Gibson guitars, for most beginners, is their price tag. Epiphone If you would like a Gibson-esque sound but are just starting out on the guitar, you need to check out Epiphone, a company that is owned by Gibson. Their guitars follow many of the same processes as the traditional US-made instruments, however they are made overseas. This allows them to sell at a much more budget-friendly price. Ibanez For all the shredders out there, Ibanez is the perfect fit for you! Players like Joe Satriani, Paul Stanley, and Steve Vai all use Ibanez guitars because of their unmatched hard-rock capabilities. Along with a Floyd Rose tremolo system, Ibanez electric guitars give you the ability to do things other guitar brands simply do not. In some ways they are a cross between Gibson and Fender. They have a similar body style to a Stratocaster while using the dual-coil pickups of a Les Paul. These guitars are primarily for rocking out and testing the limits of guitar engineering. If you want to shred with the best, go ahead and try one! Jackson Jackson is another brand that has re-interpreted the nature of guitar music. This is a brand you will rarely find outside of the metal and rock genres. Their guitars are designed to sound great with heavy distortion or on a clean channel. If you want to play modern rock, a Jackson guitar is a great choice. Famous for their Floyd Rose Tremolo system, they offer guitars that range from $199 to $1,299 so there is something for everyone. Ready to Start Playing? Hopefully you found this list of the best guitar brands helpful. By now you know where to shop for guitars, but have you found a place to advance your playing skills? TakeLessons offers private, one-on-one guitar lessons with experienced and qualified teachers. If you’re not ready to purchase private lessons yet, check out the free online guitar classes at Takelessons Live. At no cost, you can join a group of like-minded learners and begin taking classes on your own schedule. Did we leave any notable guitar brands off this list? Let us know who you’d add in a comment below! Post Author: Donnie E. Donnie teaches acoustic, electric, and bass guitar online, as well as locally in Nixa, MO. He has a Bachelor’s from Liberty University and has been teaching since 2015. Donnie enjoys rock, jazz, blues guitar, and more. Learn more about Donnie here! Need Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

Checkmate Talking About Overcoming Adversity in English

Checkmate Talking About Overcoming Adversity in English Ugandan girl, Phiona Mutesi leads chess revolution from the slums Whenever we read the paper, we generally extract the information we need without being moved by many, if indeed any, of the articles. Today, however, was an exception for me as I was genuinely touched by a piece I read in the UK Guardian newspaper about an Ugandan girl of humble origins who is on her way to becoming one of the finest chess players or Grandmasters in the country.Before we read the article, lets think about some of the issues it raises:Discussion Questions  Have you ever overcome a situation of adversity?Do you think women have achieved full equality with men in the country in which you live?Is there a group in your country you feel are unrepresented and maybe even that their rights are denied? If so, what can be done to improve the situation of this group?Grammar Questions:  In journalism this is called a color piece, meaning that it focuses on descriptions and impressions rather than analysis. As a result, the article in rich in adjectives. See if you can spot ten ex amples.Pick out one example of a comparative adjective and one example of a superlative adjective?What is the  most used tense in this article: Past simple or present simple?Pick out two examples of direct and two examples of indirect speech in the text.Find two synonyms for the word adversary in the text.Ugandan girl, Phiona Mutesi leads chess revolution from the slumsby Xan Rice in KampalaDespite background the 15-year-old girl is already countrys number two player and has competed at World Chess Olympiad.Photo of Phiona Mutesi by Xan Rice for The Guardian. In a rickety church in a Ugandan slum, a girls hand thrusts forward and a black bishop falls. The girl shows no emotion, though she knows the end is near. Striking quickly, silently, the black queen is toppled, and then the king. Only then does she smile.You attacked too much, she tells the boy sitting opposite her on the wooden bench, a homemade board between them.Phiona Mutesi is 15. She has just finished primary school and i s still learning to read. Her family is so poor they have been evicted from tiny, rented shacks more times than she can remember. She is about as far as you could get from the typical chess player in Uganda â€" doctors, bankers, and their children who attend elite schools.Yet Mutesi already has a strong claim to be the best female player in the country. Last September she competed in the World Chess Olympiad in Siberia as Ugandas No 2, the only girl in a team of university students and working women. On her return she triumphed in the richest and most prestigious local tournament, defeating the countrys top-ranked player along the way.So unlikely and swift has been her rise â€" she has had little formal training and plays largely on instinct â€" that some of Ugandas chess officials are now whispering that Mutesi may not be being unrealistic when she says in a soft voice: I want to be grandmaster. That is still a long way off. But it may not be as improbable as the achievements that she and the other children of Katwe slum in Kampala have already achieved.Theyve caused a chess revolution here, says Godfrey Gali, general secretary of the Uganda Chess Federation.Born in 1995 in Katwe, a vast slum where streams of sewage crisscross the dirt paths, Mutesi was three when her father died. Her sister died soon afterwards. Mutesis mother worked hard, rising at 3am to go the market to buy avocados, eggplants and pumpkins to resell, but money was always tight. After one year of primary school Mutesi was forced to drop out, along with her brothers, and sell boiled maize in the slum.They were just a few of many children in Katwe compelled to work rather than learn â€" children that Robert Katende, a 28-year-old Ugandan employed by the US charity Sports Outreach Institute, was trying to help. Realising his football project was not for everyone, Katende decided to teach chess to a few children. Mutesis brother was among them. One day she followed him to Agape church, where t he games took place. She was nine at the time.I had never heard of chess. But I liked how the pieces looked, she says.Mutesi was a quick, determined learner. Every night she practiced against her brothers, a kerosene lamp in their shack illuminating a board borrowed from Katende. Within a year she was regularly beating Coach Robert. He was impressed â€" I could see how she planned many moves ahead â€" but not surprised. Other children in his class had already proved that growing up poor was no hindrance to being a good player, and may even have been an advantage. These kids in the slums are used to thinking How will I get through the day, Katende says. They are survivors, and chess is a game of survival.After initial resistance from the chess federation, which had insisted that the national junior championships were for schoolchildren, but not children from the streets, Katende was allowed to enter a team from Katwe in 2005.For most of the children it was the first time they had lef t the slums.At the tournament they were isolated, and some of the other competitors thought they were dirty, Katenda recalls. In fact they were wearing their best clothes and looking as smart as they could.In 2007, aged 11, Mutesi entered for the first time. Some of her opponents were twice her age. She won the competition. She defended her title the following year. Though tournaments have not been held since, Mutesi and some of her Katwe team-mates were moving on to bigger things. In 2009 she and two boys from Katwe travelled to Juba, in South Sudan, for a regional childrens tournament involving 16 countries. It was the first time she been to an airport, had her own room, or ordered from a menu.She won all her games, and the girls title. The boys were undefeated too; together they won the team prize. That alone was not groundbreaking â€" though a minnow in world terms, Uganda is rated third among the chess-playing countries in sub-Saharan Africa.But the fact that Mutesi and her two team-mates were all from very poor backgrounds, with little or no access to theory, was unprecedented.In Uganda chess has always been seen as a game for the rich, like golf, says Gali. Now the kids from the slums are among the best players in country.At the Olympiad in Siberia Mutesi was trailed by American and Dutch television crews who had been alerted to her remarkable story. She struggled, losing her first four games â€" opponents included the Canadian No 1 and an Egyptian grandmaster â€" before managing a win. Her consolation was meeting her chess hero, Gary Kasparov.I performed badly, but next time will be better, says Mutesi.Signs are good that it will. She was undefeated at the year-end tournament in Kampala, beating most of her Olympiad team-mates, and taking the first prize of £130. Some of it she used to buy hair extensions and some to pay off her school fees. The rest she offered to Katende. He refused it, but helped her to buy four mattresses and a quadruple bunk bed. Now, for the first time, Mutesi and her family dont have to share two flimsy mattresses on her floor.Phiona has become something in the country, from nothing, her mother, Harriet, says.Katende smiles and says: In chess, it does not matter where you come from. Only where you put the pieces.Did you find this article interesting? Feel free to share it on Facebook and Twitter.

Teen Resume Building

Teen Resume Building If your teen complained about being bored last summer, its time to reframe the thinking. Summer break is a perfect opportunity to gain experience and better oneself. Here are a few great uses of time that will benefit your teen and strengthen her resume: Get an internship. Internships are one of the best ways for teens to get practical experience and exposure to a real-world professional setting. Though more common in college, many organizations hire high school interns too. Have your teen talk with the guidance counselor to learn about what might be available in your area. In every community, there are all kinds of organizations in needand these organizations rely on volunteers. This is a perfect way for your teen to get experience and grow as a person. Look to the high school clubs for ideas, but the local nursing home, animal shelter, and community center are also likely to have options. Build skills. Subject-matter knowledge is essential in college, but there are other aptitudes your teen needs for success like communication, speaking, and writing. Contact Huntington about using summer to help your teen build skills like these. Try something totally new. Encourage your teen to get out of his comfort zone and learn something new. Explore academic camps on everything from marketing to programming. Check out a new hobby, instrument, sport or activity. Work on a personal project. If theres one thing teens have a lot of in summer, its time to explore passions. Formal experiences and jobs offer the chance to learn, but your teen can also create her own learning experiences. Create a blog. Do a photography project. Research something. There are many possibilities if your teen gets creative. Learn a language. Your teen might take a foreign language class during the school year, but summer is a good time to do some online learning. Check out Rosetta Stone or Babbel for starters. Take a college class. Your teen might not get excited about the idea of summer school, but college classes will challenge him in new ways. Check out local colleges for high school-specific programs and community colleges that welcome high school students. Prepare for the SAT or ACT. Strong scores on the SAT/ACT make teens more impressive applicants for their colleges of choiceand make them stand out as students. And theres no better time than summer to take a prep course at Huntington. Summer is a great chance to relax and recharge after the grind of a busy school year, but for college-bound teens, its also an opportunity to learn, grow and build the resume. Encourage your teen to use this break wisely. When the time comes to apply to college, she will be glad she did. Huntington Learning Center works with high school students every summer who are eager to become better students. We focus on all kinds of academic subjects as well as essential study skills like organization and time management. Contact us to learn more about our learning programs for high school students.

First Week Back at School - ALOHA Mind Math

First Week Back at School Once all the back to school shopping is done, the new clothes are laid out; everything seems set for the new school year. As all parents know, the first week back at school can still be full of surprises, in spite of all our planning over the last weeks of summer. Here are a few back to school ideas you could try, to prepare for that first week back: Communicate with the teacher: If you feel there is any information that would be useful for the teacher to have, write a simple note and send it with your child on the first day of school. This will help calm your child’s fears if any, and also help the teacher know what to expect. It would be great if the lesson plans for the first week back could be shared with you. Try to meet classmates: If you have an idea of whom your child’s classmates are going to be, try to set up play-dates with some of them in the weeks before school starts. In this way, when school starts, there will be some familiar faces for your child to look forward to meeting. Get a health check-up done: Make sure that your child has had all the necessary check-ups for her age, and in case of any allergy or other relevant medical information like Asthma, make cards for your child to keep on her person, as well as send along the information to the school nurse or whoever else is responsible. Plan lunches for the week: One of the biggest stress factors on school mornings can be packing the lunches, if you aren’t prepared for it. Plan a lunch menu with your child for the week. Try to get it ready and in the fridge the previous night. If not, get all the components ready so that you just have to put it together in the morning. This saves a lot of time, and you can concentrate bett er on your child rather than the food. If your child eats lunch at school, here are some interesting ideas from Huffington Post for school lunches. Be ready to listen: Especially at times of transition such as starting middle or high school, your child will have a lot of information to process and understand and will want to discuss many of these with you, but only if you keep your ears open. It is very important that your child understands that you are always ready to listen without being judgmental, as this is the only way they will keep sharing with you as they keep growing up. A great way to supplement what your child learns at school is by sending him to Abacus and English classes by Aloha USA. Please check our website for more details: http://www.aloha-usa.com Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/aloha.usa and on Twitter: @AlohaKidsMath for constant updates and tips for your child’s education and development. Photo Courtesy: http://www.flickr. com/photos/tabor-roeder/6085668928/