Basic Information About Salt in Chemistry

Basic Information About Salt in ChemistryIf you are a beginner in chemistry, one of the very first things that you will need to learn is salt. Since this is such an important concept to understand, it is imperative that you get your salt-chemistry basics right. Read on to find out the important points you need to know about salt and how to use it for useful purposes.A regular salt is actually a crystalline mineral, or mineral compound, which consists of one or more sodium ions, usually sodium chloride. These salt compounds are actually considered to be good for your health because of their antiseptic properties. The material is usually either from natural sources, such as sea water, salt deposits in underground aquifers, or it is synthetic, produced synthetically or synthesized.If you are going to be using salt for the rest of your life, you should ensure that you know how to use it safely. This article will help you do so.Salt is a combination of hydroxide and acid. When dissolved i n a liquid, the water has two water molecules attached to the sodium ions. When the water is then filtered out, the dissolved sodium is left behind. In water, the term 'salt' is often confused with that of 'sodium chloride'. However, since this chemical is of different composition, the salt can be defined as a salt, even if it does not consist of sodium.Salt is a very useful substance in many ways. It can be used to dissolve substances, like water, which might otherwise not be soluble, because they can be very strong when they come in contact with them. They can also be used to dilute solutions of other solvents. On the other hand, too much salt can affect the body, causing serious problems when consumed in excess amounts.Common salts are commonly used in many medical procedures, as well as in kitchens for many foods and beverages. They are also widely used as fuel and cooking agents in most restaurants and households around the world.If you are a beginner in chemistry, make sure th at you have a basic understanding of the uses of salt. By doing so, you can also enjoy all the benefits that this useful substance brings to your day.

The Advantages of Learning How to Speak German

The Advantages of Learning How to Speak German Why German Lessons or a German Language Course is a Brilliant Idea ChaptersGerman: A Language with an Exciting HistoryLearn the Most Widely Spoken Language in EuropeLearning German to Study in GermanyLearn to Speak German for a Career in GermanyMake Your Career International by Learning GermanFacts and Figures for the German LanguageGerman Culture at Your FingertipsWhy English Speakers have a Head Start when Learning GermanWhy Learning German isn’t as Difficult as You ThinkBe Inspired to Learn GermanMaybe you’ve been wondering about learning a new language for a while and are struggling to make a decision.If German is one of the languages you’re considering, there are plenty of reasons why you should learn to speak it.To learn German is to open up a world of possibilities in your career (whether in the UK or abroad), uncover the rich cultural heritage and be able to share in the many influences the German language has had in business, culture and the media. SönkeGerman Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClaudiaGer man Teacher 4.89 (9) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SefaGerman Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HilaryGerman Teacher 5.00 (16) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LisaGerman Teacher 5.00 (8) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChrisGerman Teacher 5.00 (19) £39/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors WendyGerman Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HowardGerman Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsGerman: A Language with an Exciting HistoryThe German language as we know it today is descended from a group of distinct dialects spoken in and around Northern Europe, which have also evolved into other modern European languages such as Danish and even English, which consequently belong to a family called the Germanic languages.These ancient dialects have their own history too. For example, they have been used in the original transcriptions of ancient Buddhist texts, and were a lso brought together and standardised in the Protestant translation of the Bible, which paved the way for modern German.Another striking fact about these dialects is that the German language spoken by the Amish community in Pennsylvania comes from the Low German dialect.Learning German is not just about learning new words, but discovering the history of the language in detail and understanding how several dialects came together to produce modern German.Learn the Most Widely Spoken Language in EuropeIn France, just 15.4% of school pupils choose to learn German, often preferring to learn English or Spanish for the travel advantages.However, those learning German can also benefit from more than the language itself.Students of German can easily use and improve their language skills through enjoying the work of Goethe, as German teacher Thérèse Ouchet explains:  â€œSpanish is reputed for being easy, and German for being difficult. However, the grades of German learners are actually bet ter than those who of people who choose to learn English and a lot better than the grades of Spanish learners. The wide range of films on the Second World War obviously has an impact, even if people prefer the Iberian sunshine to the grey weather in Germany!”German is also a particularly useful language for those who want to work in international organisations, with German being the most commonly used language in the European Union.In June of 2012, the European Commission published a report on the languages most widely spoken as a mother tongue across Europe:German (16%),Italian (13%),English (13%),French (12%),Spanish (8%),Polish (8%).This may come as a surprise, but don’t forget that German is an official language in Austria, Luxembourg, Lichtenstein and Switzerland, as well as the Italian province of Bolzano.Achieving fluency in German will open up a world of opportunity when it comes to travelling and working within the EU.Learning German to Study in GermanyApart from the UK as an exception, German educational institutions aren’t too different to those found in the rest of Europe.To help with your decision on which school to choose, here are the types of educational establishments available in Germany:German public universities: For international students, these can be free and offer general and theoretical education in subjects such as business studies, medicine and engineering. Scholarships are also available for some students.Fachhochschulen: These are higher education institutions which teach students with a view that they will enter a skilled field. To be accepted in Fachhochschule, international students must pass entrance exams to ensure their level.Colleges of Arts, Film and Music: These organisations offer training for future artists of painting, fashion, music or cinematography and can give qualifications up to doctorate level.Private universities: These can be compared to the university equivalent of private schools in the UK. They offer a n extra boost when it comes to recruitment and starting a career after graduation. However, at around €20,000 per year, this doesn’t come cheap.One of the best reasons to study in Germany is the increased ability to enter into the world of work after finishing your degree.Studying in Germany demonstrates an open mind, which UK employers will admire.Do university differently and learn German at the same time ¦ source: Pixabay - StockSnapBut to have access to a truly German education, you must have first mastered the basics of the language.When the time comes to submit your application, certain universities may ask you for an official language certificate such as the DSH or TestDaf.To get an idea of their German language level, foreign students can take the online OnSet test.It is best to gain a good understanding of German before you, the learner leave to study there â€" but don’t worry, you don’t have the be fluent.It is only necessary that you have good enough listening an d comprehension skills to be able to take German lessons, and your language will improve just by living there and interacting with native speakers.Learn to Speak German for a Career in GermanyGermany is the second largest export destination of the UK.This means that business between the two countries couldn’t be much better.Another interesting point is that recruitment in the tourism industry for the German-speaking population is thriving like never before!If you speak good enough German, you’ll have no problem working in a health club or as a tour guide anywhere in the world.Germans are becoming increasingly fond of South-East Asia, so if you’re looking for adventure, take a trip to the Phi Phi Islands!But if you’re not sure about leaving Europe, take comfort in the fact that German tourists also enjoy Greece, Italy and Portugal.With their 6 weeks of holidays per year, Germans have plenty of time to travel â€" so why not be a part of this?It’s not uncommon for Brits and o ther Europeans to learn German to work in Germany.This is because it is a lot simpler to find work and better career prospects in Germany â€" especially if you already have experience of working or studying abroad.In April 2015, the  unemployment rate in Germany was just 4.7%, compared to 5.6% in the UK.But what is the reason for this difference?Germany is known for taking risks and quickly developing new sectors to their economic advantage.German bosses also use different communication methods to ours. For example, the use of new technologies plays a big role in business communication and development, therefore, becomes more efficient.In order to be able to work in Germany, it is necessary to have a knowledge of basic German at the very least.Without knowing the language, you’ll rely on speaking English which may harm your chances of social and professional integration.You can accelerate your learning of German with private German lessons wither with a one to one home tutor or an online course. SönkeGerman Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClaudiaGerman Teacher 4.89 (9) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SefaGerman Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HilaryGerman Teacher 5.00 (16) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LisaGerman Teacher 5.00 (8) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChrisGerman Teacher 5.00 (19) £39/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors WendyGerman Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HowardGerman Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsMake Your Career International by Learning GermanFrench, German and Spanish are all languages which will make your CV attractive to potential employers.Mastery of the German language is not just an asset in the UK, but in the international market too!Contrary to what some people believe, German is a beautiful language which is used and loved all over the world as an official a nd minority language.With a second language, your career can take you anywhere ¦ source: Pixabay - MeditationsFor instance, in the USA, Germano-Americans form the largest ethnic group in the country, representing more than 17% of the population, and it is estimated that 2 million US citizens can speak fluent German.Across the globe, German is a minority language in:BrazilNamibiaTanzaniaParaguayChileVenezuelaRomaniaThe USAKnowing how to speak German is therefore incredibly useful for those who enjoy travelling, as well as those in the world of business, who can use their skills to communicate with customers on practically every continent.Language skills and becoming more and more sought after in the world of work, as mastery of more than one language demonstrates the work ethic of candidates who may need to found and maintain professional international relations.Facts and Figures for the German LanguageBecause it’s human nature to look for concrete information, here are a few fact s and figures which demonstrate the need for German speakers:German is the second most used language for scientific publicationsGermany has the third largest number of applications for scientific patents in the worldMore than 100 million people around the world speak German as their first languageGerman is the most widely spoken language in Europe, with a significant number of German-speaking populations in Austria, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein as well as Germany itselfGermany boasts the largest economy in Europe â€" so why wouldn’t you want to be a part of it?German is one of the three languages spoken in the region of Alsace (alongside French and the Alsatian dialect)10% of the world’s books are printed in GermanGerman grammar has 4 cases (also called declensions): nominative, accusative, dative and genitiveGerman Culture at Your FingertipsGermany is far more than the land of sausage and beer.As a country, Germany has an immense cultural wealth, boasting nearly 40 UNESCO worl d heritage sites such as Cologne cathedral and the Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm.Its heritage extends to its literature and art. Here are a few recommendations for learners of German to enjoy:LiteratureThe complete works of Geothe: Start with Die Leiden des jungen Werthers (The Sorrows of Young Werther) for a bit of romanticism in a world of sadnessKafka’s Der Process (The Trial): a man who is accused of murder in a strange worldThomas Mann’s Der Zauberberg (The Magic Mountain): A major work of German literature and a beautiful glance into the early 20th centuryCinemaFriedrich Wilhelm Murnau’s Nosferatu: Phantom der Nacht (Nosferatu the Vampyre): an adaptation of the story of DraculaDas Leben der Anderen (The Lives of Others) by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck: how a spy is caught in his own trapWolfgang Becker’s Good Bye, Lenin!: how a family recreates East Germany after the Berlin wall falls whilst their mother is in a comaSoul Kitchen by Fatih Akin: to show you that Germa n comedy does exist!MusicContrary to the stereotypes about the German language (that it sounds aggressive or ugly), there is a certain musical beauty about it.Some of the most famous musical pieces are in German, including several Operas stun spectators at every performance. They include:Tristan und Isolde (Tristan and Isolde) by Richard Wagner: An adaptation of the 12th-century work based on the myth. Performances can last up to 4 hours 30 minutes.Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte  (The Magic Flute): An internationally famous operaAnd let’s not forget Beethoven’s 9 symphonies!Everyone knows the famous opening to his 5th, and you’re certain to have heard Ode to Joy, which is part of the 9th symphony.This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to German language cultural exports, so what are you waiting for? Delve deeper with your knowledge of German!Why English Speakers have a Head Start when Learning GermanAt the beginning of secondary school, pupils have the choice of learni ng a second language â€" but this often comes with dilemma: French or German?French seems to be a good option, with lots of cognates and only a hop across the channel if you want to practice.German and English have more in common than you might think ¦ source: Visualhunt - Defence ImagesBut German has something different: easy pronunciation. That is, for speakers of English as a first language.This is because English and German both belong to the family of Germanic languages, meaning they have their roots in Northern Europe. During the middle ages, these two languages would have had a similar rhythm and intonation to one another, as well as similar grammatical structures.This means that the way English and German use nouns, adjectives and pronouns would have been, and still are quite similar.Even if there are distinct differences between these languages, it’s not difficult to spot words and phrases that look alike.Bruder = brother,Mutter = mother,Machen = to make,Lerner = to lear n,Hundert = one hundred,Kann = can,Nun = now,Haus = house,Universität = university,Kamera = camera.So now you know why Germans speak such good English â€" and you can do the same with German!Not only do Germans learn English, they also borrow words!This is usually the case when naming new technologies. One such example is the word ‘computer’, which linguists decided to borrow after failing to invent a German-sounding equivalent.One the other hand, English has welcomed a few German words into its vocabulary, including ‘kindergarten’.Why Learning German isn’t as Difficult as You ThinkPeople are often reluctant to learn German for two reasons. Firstly the conjugation â€" this is all about the way verb forms change according to their relationships with the other words in a sentence.English conjugation is often regarded as simple in comparison to that of other languages, but this shouldn’t worry you.The second reason people are apprehensive about German is the grammatical ca ses â€" something which is practically absent from English.Cases show the status of a word within a sentence, and pronouns and adjectives can change depending on the case.Both conjugation and cases sound like tricky subjects, but if you spend enough time learning German, they will come naturally.German construction is quite logical, which many learners like.For example, the German word for ‘water bottle’ is Wasserflasche. Thanks to the similarities between English and German, it is not difficult to see that this word is a construction of ‘water’ and ‘bottle’.Another perhaps more obvious positive about German is that it uses the same alphabet as English, and is therefore easier to learn than Greek or Russian.This makes German pronunciation a lot easier, especially since it is a phonetic language â€" meaning that it sounds like it is written.Learn German and fall in love with its cultural heritage ¦ source: Pixabay - jh146Overall, German isn’t very difficult to learn †" the difficult part is being motivated enough to keep practising and confronting your weaknesses.Learning a new language can keep your brain young and open doors to new personal and professional opportunities as well as allowing you to explore a different culture with your own language skills.Be Inspired to Learn GermanThe Germans Love to InventFrom the Gutenberg printing press to the discovery of electromagnetic waves by Hertz, the development of chemotherapy by Ehrlich and Einstein's theory of relativity, Germans have often proved themselves to be great innovators.This trend is still continued today, with 4 of the 10 most innovative businesses and 12.7% of the world’s patent applications coming from Germany.As a nation which works for research and development, the Germans are always on the ball with new technology.Germany exports the second highest number of gadgets (behind the USA) and boasts over 600 businesses to do with biotechnology.Aside from this, Germany is also well-kn own for its prowess in the automobile industry, which is the most developed in Europe.Germans: Keen Tourists with a Lot of buying PowerWith an average of 6 weeks of holiday to take every year, the Germans have the time and the means to travel â€" and they do!In 2007, they spent a record 91 billion euros on international travel.Wherever you go, you will notice the number of German holiday makers.So be a part of their passion for travel and learn their language!Begin learning German with a private tutor:German lessons LondonGerman courses GlasgowGerman lessons LeedsLearn German online

How To Solve Linear Equations By Graphing

How To Solve Linear Equations By Graphing The solution of a linear equation: - We say that x=m, y=n is a solution of ax+by+c=0. How to solve linear equations by graphing: - i) Express y in terms of x. ii) Choose at least two convenient values of x and find the corresponding values of y, satisfying the given equation. iii) Write down these values of x and y in the form of a table. iv) Plot the order pairs (x, y) from the table on a graph paper. v) Join these points by a straight line and extend it in both the directions. This line is the graph of the equation a x + b y + c = 0. Example: - Draw the graph of the equation 2 x y + 3. Using the graph, find the value of y, when x = - 2. Solution: - 2 x y + 3 = 0 implies y = 2 x + 3 When x = 0, then y = 2 * 0 + 3 = 3 When x = 1, then y = 2 * 1 + 3 = 5 X 0 1 Y 3 5 Now, plot the points A (0, 3) and B (1, 5) on a graph paper. Join AB and extend it in both directions. Then, the line AB is the required graph of 2 x y + 3 = 0. Given: x = -2. Take a point M on the x-axis such that OM=-2. Draw MP, parallel to the y-axis, cutting the line AB at P. Clearly PM=-1. Therefore x = -2, then y = -1

Everything to Know About Japanese Entertainment

Everything to Know About Japanese Entertainment Entertainment in the Land of the Rising Sun ChaptersThe Must-See Films of JapanBest Japanese TV SeriesJapanese Game ShowsManga Publication MagazinesNippon is one home to one of the oldest civilizations on earth and, because of this, has witnessed countless examples of artistry in the forms of sculpting, painting, photography and film-making. Having influenced East Asian popular culture since time immemorial, Japan saw artistry flourish even in the Heian and Meiji periods.Today, Japan travel and tourism isn't just centred around understanding Japanese government, culture and society but also aspects such as street fashion, Japanese television, media and more. From the 17th century, Ukiyo style of painting to the Tokyo and Kyoto subculture of Harajuku's Lolita fashion - art created for and by Japanese audiences has been steadily gaining traction on the world stage for decades now.Whether it be anime and manga or television documentaries, getting to know Japanese culture and language doesn't strictly mean you have to take a trip to Japan. On the contrary, Japanese language and popular culture has been made much more accessible thanks to the help of 21st century technology.While Studio Ghibli, Akihabara kawaii pop culture, otaku, and more have put Japan on the map in terms of entertainment, it’s the entirely original and deeply rooted cultural media that have helped export Japanese pop culture to the rest of the world. Whether you want to get to know more about Japanese society and Japanese people, want to improve your Japanese language skills or even want to design your own manga anime one day, learn everything you need to know with this guide on everything to do with entertainment in the country.Japanese films have made an impact on generations of filmmakers NanaJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YukoJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EllyJapanese Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoJapanese Teac her £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MelanieJapanese Teacher £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamesJapanese Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PippaJapanese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarikoJapanese Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Must-See Films of JapanWhether you're preparing for your upcoming trip to Osaka, want to know more about kawaii, or cuteness, culture, or are simply curious to learn more about everything from Japanese pop songs to Japanese animation - the easiest way to start learning about culture in Japan is by watching movies!Japanese style is, like all cultures in the world, made up of a plurality of identities and subcultures. The yen, kimono, woodblock prints - Japanese fashion, architecture and lifestyle are as diverse and historically nuanced as any. Movies, however, can help bring both the main ideas and subtleties of Japanese society and history to the fore front. Here are some of the best Japanese movies you must see.Seven SamuraiA cult film considered by many to be the best movie ever made, Seven Samurai was directed by acclaimed Akira Kurosawa in 1954. The movie's plot centres around a 16th century village that hires 7 samurai in order to defend and protect their citizens against the bandits in the region. Known for its epic scenes and classic plot, the movie has influenced generations of directors and actors since its initial debut. Earning praise both domestically and internationally, the film has continued to receive awards throughout the years.The GrudgeWhile this film might already be popular with English speaking audiences thanks to the help of its American remake released in 2002, many movie lovers have recognized the original as the best of its kind out of all the iterations that have since come out.Created in 2000 under the title Ju-On and directed by Takashi Shimizu, the film tells the story of school teacher Shunsuke Koba yashi. Kobayashi, worried about a truant student, pays his family home a visit only to find out that the boy is dead. After that spooky encounter, Kobayashi starts experiencing strange phenomena happening all around him.Some of the other notable Japanese movies you should check out are:GodzillaTokyo StoryHana-biBattle RoyaleBest Japanese TV SeriesWith classic theatre drama like Kabuki, subcultures like visual kei, and sports like sumo wrestling, Japanese artists have had an impact in the world arena for centuries. Boasting some of the best comic books, anime manga and more - it's no wonder much of contemporary youth culture includes many Japanese idols.While modernity has taken much of the guesswork out of finding new music, books and shows to try out - it can still be overwhelming to navigate the crowded space of Japanese entertainment. If you're looking for cool Japan guides for understanding many a fandom, music, pop culture, manga and anime - the best place to start is by watchi ng TV!While it may surprise you, whether you're currently living in Japan or want to visit someday, real-time viewership is still higher than internet audiences. Take a look at some of Japan's most famous shows and you'll probably figure out why.Learn about Japanese culture through their entertainment industryMy Boss, My HeroTouching on the same themes as the wildly popular Japanese manga Great Teacher Onizuka, this 2006 drama was released on Nippon TV in 2006. The story's main character, Makio Sakaki, is a 27-year old Yakuza member whose gang leader is actually his father.When his father decides Makio must go back to high school and finish his degree, he is forced to disguise himself as a 17-year old and re-integrate into a society that is not only unrecognizable, but with whose modernity he's lost touch with.One Litre of TearsCantered around the narrative of Aya Kito, the drama was released in 2005 under the Japanese title Ichi Rittoru no Namida. In the story, Aya's expectations o f starting her high school experience on the right note are shattered when she starts to lose function in her body. Diagnosed with an incurable disease, she must re-orientate how she views her place in the world. Be warned, the title is what it is for a reason!Whether it be the style in Shinjuku, the history of the Edo period, postwar economics, or a traditional tea ceremony - Japan has been at the forefront of style, finance and history for centuries. Getting a glimpse of Japanese popular culture can help you start to untangle their society's long and diverse narratives. Here are some other Japanese dramas you should check out:Switch Girl!!Hanazakari No Kimitachi ENodame CantabileHibana: SparkJapanese Game ShowsCat cafes, pop music, Japanese tea and Japanese comics - Japanese soft power has consisted of exporting its entertainment to the world for decades now. One of the most well received of these has come in the form of game shows. Regardless of whether you're interested in build ing your own Japanese garden or can't point out Japan on a map - you're bound to love the drama, comedy and suspense contained in an episode of some of Japan's most famous game shows.Ninja WarriorRemade into many similar game shows in countries around the world, Ninja Warrior is made up of 4 rounds where contestants must complete obstacles and tasks within certain time limits and physical boundaries. The typical set up of a round consists of an obstacle course that each contestant must complete by reaching the buzzer at the end of the line. Out of the nearly 100 candidates put to the test, only four are allowed at the final round.Tetsuko's RoomOriginally airing on TV Asahi in 1976, the show is hosted by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. Running for half an hour, the talk-show made history in 2015 when, celebrating its 10,000th episode, it was inaugurated into the world's hall of fame for the longest running, single-hosted talk show in the world. Tetsuko Kuroyanagi is one of the most admired women in the country and has been an ambassador for UNICEF since 1984.Take a look at some more instances of Japanese artists, Japanese history and more through some other great Japanese game shows like:Dero!Takeshi's CastleMarshmallow Funny FaceJapanese Literature, Culture and MoreInterested in post war autobiographies, Japanese anime or science fiction? Here are all the different types of Japanese publications you should check out to learn more about the language, culture and economy!Read some of the best popular Japanese manga!Manga Publication MagazinesWhat started with Osamu Tezuka, often hailed as the father of manga, has grown into an international art form loved by many. Before manga get published as graphic novels, they often get their start by being included in pre-publication magazines specifically for manga. The different types you can check out are:Shojo mangaJosei mangaShonen mangaSeinen mangaThe first word in these different types of manga stand for the Japanese word for wo man, young adult female, boy and man.Beauty MagazinesIf you want to learn more about beauty tips, trends and fashion, take a look at some of Japan’s most popular beauty magazines:JellyMamagirlElle JapanArts and Culture MagazinesInterested in Japanese music, sports and politics? Some of the magazines you should check out include Records Collectors' Magazine, Music Magazine and Bungeishunju.LiteratureHere are some recommendations if you're just getting started with Japanese literature. From science fiction like Gundam to classic texts.Tale of Genji by Murasaki ShikibuConfessions by Kanae MinatoSnow Country by Yasunari kawabataLearn more about the different kinds of publications Japan has to offer!

The History of New Years Resolutions

The History of New Year’s Resolutions Hindsight is 20/20, so let's begin 2020 by taking a look back at one of our favorite New Year's articles. If you're planning to make a New Year's resolution for 2020, here's some context behind the traditionand maybe some inspiration too. If resolutions have been around for over 4,000 years, can you make yours last more than a couple of months? Now that 2018 is here, you may be thinking about your own history of making New Years resolutionspromises to exercise more often, or to study more regularly. Maybe you lived up to these promises in 2017, or maybe you didnt. But have you ever wondered why we make New Years resolutions in the first place? Consider the history that surrounds this annual tradition: [RELATED: 10 Study Habits to Avoid] The origins of the New Years resolution You may be surprised to learn that the core concept behind New Years resolutions has existed for at least 4,000 years. The ancient Babylonians celebrated the new year with Akitu, a festival that included promises to the gods to repay debts or return items they borrowed. It took place in March, not January, because the new year was tied to the planting of spring crops. However, the idea of starting the year off on the right foot is an echo of our modern tradition. New Years resolutions and the Romans January 1 was decreed the start of the new year by Julius Caesar in ancient Roman times, and the Romans also promised good behavior in the coming year. This practice was linked to the Roman god Janus, who was associated with beginnings, endings, doorways, and transitions. The month of January was named after him, and he was represented as a two-faced god who looked back to the past year and ahead to the next. New Years resolutions and watch night services Another historic tradition related to New Years resolutions is the watch night servicea Christian church service typically held on New Years Eve or New Years Day. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist faith, began the tradition of holding these services in the 1700s, in the belief that Methodists should reaffirm their covenant with God each year. Watch night services included prayers, song, and self-reflection, and similar services are still held today. [RELATED: The Importance of Self-Reflection: How to End the Year on a Positive Note] The terminology of New Years resolutions As discussed above, the concept of promising better behavior in a new year has existed for centuries, but the current terminology is a more recent development. The first recorded use of the phrase new year resolutions was in a newspaper article from 1813, according to Merriam-Webster. The article noted that there are many people accustomed to receive injunctions of new year resolutions, who will sin all the month of December, with a serious determination of beginning the new year with new resolutions and new behaviour... (Sound familiar?) By this point, its clear that the practice of these annual promises was becoming common enough that people would understand the above reference. Since then, the practice has only become more popular. A recent poll suggests roughly 44% of Americans plan to make changes in 2018. Although few people seem to completely succeed in the long term with their New Years resolutions, about two-thirds of those who made a 2017 resolution said they kept at least part of their promise. [RELATED: 2017 New Years Resolutions for Students] Now that you know the story behind New Years resolutions, perhaps you will be inspired to help keep this tradition alive and to prevent your own resolutions from fading into history. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Peter Matthew Bauer of The Walkmen Talks Living Room Shows and Liberation!

Peter Matthew Bauer of The Walkmen Talks Living Room Shows and Liberation! Megan L. Growing up on indie rock, The Walkmen were among my favorite bands in high school and college. Though they are now on extreme hiatus, members of the band continue to make great music that I can love as an adult too. The bands bassist Peter Matthew Bauer embarked on a solo career with his 2014 album Liberation!, an album that pairs spiritual themes and literary references with catchy rock hooks and psychedelic vibes. I got the chance to talk with Bauer about his musical background, his solo career, and his favorite Latin American authors. TL: How did you get into playing music? PMB: I started taking guitar lessons when I was a kid from a guy in Washington DC who was sort of the local guitar teacher of choice. I did that for a couple years. I had a friend who was an older kid who had a band, so I wanted to be like them. And now youre a guy who a lot of people would want to be like, with your time in The Walkmen and your incredible solo record.  Whats it been like for you getting out on your own and writing songs? Its a lot of fun. Its great! Its a little lonely I guess. Its a lot more on you when its your own name and youre doing everything. That makes it fun. One of the things I really love about your record is how you incorporate some Eastern sounds in your music, a little reminiscent of George Harrison and the Beatles but theres also something really modern and cool about how youve done it. Did you have a kind of guiding philosophy around how you used those elements? I was writing these songs about how I grew up, so I thought if I could figure out ways to use slightly Indian sounding things in a couple spots, without it sounding kinda hacky, it would be fun, sort of funny. I had a harmonium laying around the house and I liked the sound of it, and that was the idea. Theres not that much of it that was meant to be Indian, its just sort of stuff I had. Yeah, its a really light touch with that instrumentation but its really cool. One of my favorite songs on the record is Latin American Ficciones. Is that a reference to any specific author? Yeah, its a reference to Jorge Luis Borges, and Roberto Bolaño also. I think I  just changed it to Ficciones because  I had a bad mix of it when it was called Latin American Fiction. [Laughs]. Its a dumb joke. Its sort of a song from when I was figuring out how to sing and what I was going to sing about, and I think both of those writers have meant a lot to me in terms of how strong their voices are. As much as people think of them, Borges especially, with intricate plots and being this erudite fella, really hes bluffing his way through the whole thing and its just his personality. Its himself coming through whatever hes talking about that he thinks is interesting. He could write a movie review and youd know who it is. I think thats the sign of a really great writer or artist or whatever. They can be doing anything and you can tell its that person. And I think its also very anti-psychological too, which I think is nice. Its not like hes whining or self-referential, which I think is a happy way to be. In songwriting, a lot of people think its about trying to exorcise these psychological problems or something like that, and I dont think thats the case. Even maybe people who think thats what theyre doing arent necessarily doing that, because that  isnt really whats universal. So it sounds like for you songwriting is more about the experience and finding a way to transmit something universal. A lot of the songs also reference spirituality, from Hinduism to Scientology. Where does that theme come from for you? I guess its just how I grew up and what I think about. Its not that popular of a theme in rock music, which is weird because its a pretty big chunk of life, to reckon with that sort of thing seriously, or not seriously, or somehow. Its what I think about and talk about and read about, so I thought Id write songs about it. It seemed more where Im coming from than writing songs about anything else. What was it like for you growing up? My father and mother were both very heavy into meditation and spirituality, so I was kind of dragged around as a kid to different ashrams and things  like that. So I thought if youre gonna write a solo record with your name on it, and its your first one, it should be about where youre coming from, that seems to be what people do. Thats where I was coming from, so I figured I would find my own take on that and figure out what all that meant to me. Do you feel now after writing those songs like you have a better grasp on what all that experience meant? Yeah, a little bit. I think it helps to kind of process something in a song, to process the experience in a way that you wouldnt otherwise. Its much less of a psychological thing and more just the experiences coming across in music, which I think is something that the musical form can do that maybe other forms cant do as well. So I see youve done entire tours of living room shows, playing in peoples homes. How have you enjoyed that as compared to the club circuit, and how did the living  room tours come about? Well, it came about because its a smart way of doing things when youre by yourself. Its either that or you hire five of your friends and drag them around and lose a lot of money. Or you can kind of go out on your own and meet people and have these shows. You come to realize if youre going to be playing for 50, 100, 200 people, you really dont need a drumset to get your point across. It kind of ends up being a little off-putting to be playing with a huge band in a small room. It can be fun on certain nights but if youre just trying to get yourself over to people its not that great. I actually prefer it a lot now that Ive done it, to the alternative. Its a small group of people and you meet everybody, and I think they have a better experience than if they went to a rock club which can be very standoffish. Yeah, theres a kind of intimacy in a house show that you dont get at another venue. Yes, its a different thing. I think its something people will start doing more of. Theres starting to be a little network of it across the country, which is great. It feels fresher, youre not going to the same place that 500 other people just went through. You get to blaze your own trail. It takes a little more for everyone to be there, so everyone involved has more intention than just a Friday at the local indie rock place. I like it a lot better. So  you have a performance coming up at KAABOO and some other tour dates as well. Whats next for you? I just moved to Los Angeles so Im trying to figure out what the hell to do with my life. [Laughs]. Yeah, so Ive got to figure that out and from there Ill see what happens next. Im going to put a more LA based band together, or something like that I think, just to start playing with locally and work with some folks out here. And just trying to enjoy California. It seems pretty damn great. Keep up with Peter on Facebook and Twitter, and dont miss him when he performs in your town! 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

Healthier, Wealthier, Wiser Making New Years Resolutions in English

Healthier, Wealthier, Wiser Making New Years Resolutions in English With the start of a new year, people make resolutions. These are intentions to do something new or to change old ways or habits in the year ahead. You, for example, might resolve to learn English this year!What are your resolutions for 2011? Let’s learn some vocabulary.Personal lifeI resolve to…..Take up a hobby or a pastime.Learn something new and explore a fresh talent.Engage in foreign travel.Catch up with old friends.Quit bad habits like smoking or excessive drinking.Battle the bulge (lose weight).Get in control of finances, reduce spending and get out of debt.Read more books and broaden my general knowledge.Be more environmentally conscious and recycle.Professional LifeI resolve to….Embark on further education to develop my job prospects.Do some voluntary work in my community.Stop procrastinating (putting off) and to take my career goals more seriously.Explore the job market and find more challenging work.As we learn vocabulary on making resolutions lets listen to a news r eport  on this very issue. See if you can answer the questions below:When does the report say is the right time to start our new years resolutions?How many adults in the UK have vowed to be fitter, thinner, healthier or wealthier at the start of the new year?What body carried out the study?How many people will have given up on their resolutions within a week?What percentage of people sticks to new years resolutions for the entire year?What is the most difficult promise to keep?What is the most popular new years resolution according to the study?What percentage of people made a resolution to save money last year?How did you get on? Feel free to send us your answers and email us any questions you might have on the class.