April 18, 2009
English language is loaded with non-standard phrases, which rooted so deeply in its vocabulary that at times cannot be distinguished from the accepted Standard English terms. On the one hand, they jazz up the language of native speakers, making it very lively, natural, and authentic.
However, on the other hand, non-standard phrases make a pile of understanding hassles to English learners, who helplessly try to gain an understanding of all intricate words and phrases, invented by the language speakers impromptu.
This really stands for some reason, because the most difficult aspect of learning another language is not a great bulk of its vocabulary, but an extensive number of non-standard phrases. Non-standard phrases, used here to denote idiomatic expressions, which make up a considerable part of the lexicon of language users.
The best advice to the English learners is not to make many efforts, trying to remember tons of idioms at one sitting, but to learn the most common ones gradually and naturally through the learning material or lively communication with native speakers. Remember that it is much better to be accurate in the non-idiomatic English than inappropriate when using idioms.
It is a well-known fact that English is heavily idiomatic. The phenomenon of vast idiomatic basis of the English language is rather explanatory. First, English is a multicultural language, that’s why it comes under the influence of different languages and borrows new phraseological units extensively. Second, as new concepts are developed, new terms are needed for their indication, so instead of creating new words, we simply put together already existent words, which acquire new sense in combination.
Idiomatic expressions come across all over the place. Even a cursory scanning of the newspaper headlines and perfunctory watching of television shows or news broadcast clearly reveal the extent to which idiomatic language is a part of day-to-day life and communication. Being stripped of the non-standard phrases everyday language will lose its flavor and become pedestrian and dull.
What is especially interesting about idioms is that they can be defined in different ways, depending on the functions they fulfill. Idiom can be a figure of speech, which means that the words in idiomatic expressions are used figuratively, rather than with their literal meaning.
When we say that someone is in the soup, instinctively we feel that there is no real soup involved. We know that here the meaning of the word soup is figurative, and we guess from the context that someone who says it implies that a person is in trouble and has some serious problems.
Native speakers got so used to figurative language they speak that they don’t realize of how large a proportion of what they say and write is metaphorical. A great number of idioms which is used in everyday language are colloquial metaphor. Wikipedia offers very clear and to the point example to illustrate this statement: get lost! – which means go away or stop bothering me.
Idiomatic expressions are extremely common and are found in all kinds of English, both formal and particularly informal. After all, frequent occurrence of the idiomatic expressions in speech does not make them understandable for everybody. As the origin and history, standing behind them, remains enigmatic and obscure both for native speakers of the language and English learners.
The origin or also called etymology of idioms, which can be literally interpreted as tracing back to the roots of emergence of words and phrases in the language, is a vast field of unceasing debates of scholars and a fruitful ground for equivocal opinions and views of linguists.
Indeed, language users do not pay attention to the stylistic peculiarities of the phrases they use, and do not reflect much on the origin of the words they utilize on a daily basis. Indeed, usage of idiomatic expressions is par for the course for us, and we do not notice the beauty of the language we speak. English idiomatic language is a real diamond in the rough, which has enormous topical variety of forms and fascinating and surprising origins.
So be natural in your communication, keep your language simple and be sure to polish this rough diamond perfectly well.
Linda Correli is a staff writer of http://www.CustomResearchPapers.us/ and an author of the popular online tutorial for students “What Teachers Want: Master the Art of Essay Writing in 10 Days”, available at http://www.Go2Essay.com/ Visit Linda’s web log at http://custom-research-papers.blogspot.com/
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April 18, 2009
There is no doubt that Internet content providers from India have already had a huge impact on the online writing freelance market.
However the interesting thing is that most content providers from other parts of the world and mostly those based in the United States have simply chosen to ignore them. As Internet content providers based in India continue to win one online writing assignment after another, many are simply writing them off as low quality writers who hardly stand a chance in the competitive world market for content providers.
Actually this is the same mistake folks in other industries in The United States did to products coming in from China and to a lesser extent India and are today deeply regretting their folly because it is too late to do anything about it.
It is useful to study the advantages many an Internet content provider from India has over other competing content providers based in other parts of the world.
Internet content provider India Enjoys Much Lower Costs
One huge advantage that the Internet content provider from India brings to the table is the unbelievably low costs of living they seem to enjoy in India. The result is that they can charge low single-digit-dollar figures for each article they churn out and still end up not only paying their bills, but also greatly prospering. This is an advantage that cannot be ignored because one of the things the Internet has done is to open up business to the entire world meaning that geographical barriers have come crashing down. Customers are no longer limited to choosing a local service provider, they can actually select one from any part of the world if they can get a price advantage and still end up with acceptable quality.
This is why despite the language issues, it seems many webmasters and blog owners feel that the quality of Internet content provision they are getting from India is good enough. In fact many webmasters who can hardly write themselves find it very easy to make slight changes and corrections to the content they receive from India and end up with very acceptable quality to use on their sites. Others have even found Internet content providers from India who are able to produce quality content that has no American language or grammar issues in it.
One Does Not Require A Picasso for Internet content
I have met some perfectionist Internet content providers who are busy killing themselves and their businesses ensuring that every piece of writing they produce is a work of art. There is even one particular one who has painstakingly produced a sort of rigid template that writers should stick to for every article they write for him. He has ended up very frustrated and now firmly believes that he is one of the very few online writers on earth who can write decent copy.
Christopher Kyalo is a successful online entrepreneur and publisher. Read the rest of this article at his self publisher blog.
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April 16, 2009
Kindergarten Ring
Some pre-schools usually go to great lengths to add some style to their graduation events with accessories such as a kindergarten ring or honor cord. But in some places these are considered a hazard due to the high chocking and strangulation risk they pose for the young prospective graduates. Nonetheless, the kindergarten ring is a great addition to a child’s memorable collection of their early years in school since they are made of durable materials with unique designs that may be specific to them. In terms of design, the
kindergarten ring
is mostly made of stainless steel, bronze or gold coated plastic that normally has distinctive graduation graphics such as school name, year of class and the graduate’s name. To get the best ring for the young prospective graduate the school usually uses a calibrated paper or tool to get their finger size which may range from a three to a seven. Next they work out the required design, symbols and students name and then forward the details to suppliers who source and deliver the rings to the kindergarten for their graduation ceremony. These rings can be worn during the ceremony but are normally presented in a clear view box.
GraduationSource, a leader in graduation regalia products since 1960.
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April 12, 2009
The first advice I give to people who want to improve their speaking or presentation
skills is, “Don’t fight the feeling of being nervous!” Feeling nervous is normal. Nearly
every speaker, including the professionals, has that feeling before getting up in
front of an audience. The difference is that veteran speakers give that feeling a
different name: they see it as excitement or “aliveness.” It’s a feeling that lets you
know that you’re about to do something exciting and the outcome is important to
you.
So the next time you feel nervous before a speech or presentation, welcome that
feeling and say to yourself, “thank you for the reminder . . . I’m glad I’m feeling this
way!” When I don’t have that feeling, my speech is likely to be flat and I have to work
much harder to deliver an engaging presentation.
When planning a talk, people usually ask: What am I going to say? Where do I begin?
Do I tell a joke? What if they ask questions I can’t answer? The answers come much
more easily if you shift the focus from yourself to your audience: Who are they?
What do they need? What are their expectations? What information would be most
useful or helpful to them? Why did they invite you to speak? The structure and
content of your presentation will flow more naturally from your audience’s needs,
and you will find it easier to adjust to your listeners during the speech.
A good way to start a presentation is to involve the audience right away. Capture
their imagination with a relevant story. Make a bold or visionary statement. If you
are not sure who your audience is or what they are expecting, you can do a quick
audience survey. Ask them key questions or get their feedback on the topic.
Often I will do an “attitude check” with an audience. I will ask them to call out
words that come to mind when they think about public speaking or talking to
reporters. Usually great words and phrases like “terrified” or “deer in the headlights”
emerge and I write them down on a flip chart or white board. This simple idea
accomplishes two things. It lets me know how the audience feels about the subject.
And it also give them permission to feel that way, which puts everyone at ease and
opens their minds to what comes next in the presentation.
Using humor can be a terrific icebreaker and a way to gauge your audience’s
response. But I don’t recommend starting with a joke or a humorous anecdote
unless you’re good at humor and are totally comfortable using it. Also, make sure
that any anecdote or humor is relevant and appropriate for your audience, the
occasion, and the setting.
If you are using visuals, like overheads or PowerPoint style presentations, don’t let
the technology become a crutch or a substitute for your content. There’s nothing
more boring than a speaker reading overheads or slides verbatim. Use visuals to
communicate complex material graphically or as a jumping off point for discussion.
Provide your audience with handouts so they can review the material later.
Remember, you have been asked to speak because people want to hear what you
have to say. There’s a built-in reason for the audience to support you and they want
you to succeed in your presentation. They are looking for honesty, good
information, and enthusiasm for the subject. People will forgive minor flaws in your
mechanics if you speak from your heart with passion and authenticity.
And of course, don’t forget to breathe!
Lorraine Howell owns Media Skills Training where she teaches business owners,
CEO’s, and management teams to speak with confidence and impact in an enjoyable
and down-to-earth way. Sign up for Lorraine’s FREE e-tips and also receive her FREE
5 Steps to Start a New Business Conversation (& Get Results, Too!)” by visiting her
website at http://www.mediaskillstraining.com
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April 12, 2009
Your articles end up on other websites – depending upon what you write about, your articles could show up on hundreds of sites for months. An article I wrote last year at this time is still being published by webmasters and ezine editors today. Not only will you get published online, but off line publications, such as traditional newsletters and magazines are also looking to publish your content.
I mentioned being put into ezines – this is tremendously valuable, since your article is now being read by hundreds, if not thousands of pre-sold, targeted visitors who are already interested in your product or service. A certain percentage will follow up on your article by visiting your website and exploring it.
Writing articles can lead to possible joint ventures or partnerships – once you’ve established yourself as an expert, this creates the opening or possibility of business entrepeneurs contacting you for joint venture opportunities. I’ve had manufacturers send me free samples of new products they’re getting ready to market. They’ve asked me to test or use the product, and provide an endorsement. If you test the product or service, and you genuinely like it, ask for the opportunity to sell it.
Don’t be afraid to go after what you want with this method. People are using it ever day, and using it very successfully. Establishing yourself as an expert in your field is an exercise which ultimately will cost you little time, and reap huge rewards if done correctly.
Michael Plante manages Read This! Article Directory/Submission Site, located at http://www.go-article.com/readthis. We offer free author membership for article submission. If you are looking for even more free content, check out our sister site, http://www.go-article-search.com
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April 12, 2009
Many online article writers use the online Internet article submission site venue to get the word out to the world. Yet so many of these websites are copy sites and have pretty horrific traffic count numbers. Let’s face it if you are going to post one hundred of your best articles online and put forth that time commitment then you know you expect someone to read them right?
Well, this is why I personally advise that you shop around and find a premier online article submission website that has been around for a while. Pick one, which has over 5,000 writers already signed up, 10,000 would be better. Even 15,000 writers if you can find one that is that well respected in the market place.
Do not pick an online article submission site, which has many of the categories with only one or two articles or even no articles for that matter in them. If the site is new it will most likely fail. The attrition rate is over 75% in 2-years. Meaning your chances of wasting your efforts are too high and those are not good odds, even in Las Vegas.
Play it smart and try to find an online article submission site, which has over 100,000 articles and over 50 unique categories and one, which has the traffic you need to win. Do not waste your precious time writing great articles that no one will read. Think on this in 2006.
“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
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April 10, 2009
From our deconstruction of hundreds of Hollywood blockbusters….
The Hero’s Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the Hollywood movies we have deconstructed are based on this template.
Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters.
The Hero’s Journey:
a) Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.
b) Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.
c) Interpreted metaphorically, laterally and symbolically, allows an infinite number of varied stories to be created.
and more…
Sample Movie Deconstructed: Out of Africa (1985)
FADE IN: Visuals and narrative; Karen; dreams; Africa; “I had a farm in Africa,” memories of Denys Finch Hatton, “a glimpse of the World through God’s eye…”
Call to Adventure. Karen “has got to be away from here;” she has got no life in Denmark etc. Karen’s Inner Challenge: she has nothing.
Refusal: Bror resists: “am I supposed to think you’re serious..”
Entering the New World and the First Threshold: the train to Africa; radically different from Denmark.
Clumsily entering the First Threshold: “shoo, shoo…”
New rules: “it’s rude not to stop the train here…”
Foreshadow of the Journey: Denys drops off some Ivory on the train; references to Barclay.
Meeting the Supernatural Aid: Meeting Faraj.
New and strange creatures in the First Threshold: Karen observes the Africans and is unwelcome in the Mens club by the stuffy colonials.
Pulled into the Adventure: one hour before the wedding.
Celebration on entering the New World: the marriage.
Emotional reaction at entering the First Threshold: “thank you for this..”
Meeting Allies: Meeting Lord Delamere, Felicity, Bror’s character (philanderer), Barclay Cole etc
Warning against the Journey: “Sabu, we can go now…”
Physical Separation from the Old State: arriving at the farm
Expectations Changing: they’re going to be growing coffee
Resisting the Transformation: “fetch some wine for my lover’s brother…; did I tell you Hans came to say Goodbye…”
Pulled into the Transformation: “can be many days before the rain, Sabu”
Duration of the Journey: three or four years.
Trial 1: Meeting the Chief
Tangible Representation of this Stage of the Journey: the injured boy’s leg; “the other boys will think you are afraid..”
Trial 2: the damn: “Sabu, this water lives at Mombassa”
Trial 3: Facing the Lion; saved by Denys.
Rest Break and Celebration (at the passing of the Trials) before the Seizing of the Sword: meeting Denys and Barclay and telling stories.
Reminder of the Inner (attachment): “when you were a mental traveler, did you take so much luggage;”
Receiving a Magical Gift (normally useful for the Seizing of the Sword): the pen
Marker of Change: Rain; Karen asks Bror to “come home; the boy comes to work at the farm.
Meeting the Oracle; learning about the Sword: the war means that Bror et al will have to go off to fight.
Resistance to Seizing the Sword: Denys resists; the discussion with Barclay; Karen doesn’t want Bror to go.
Time Stretch: Karen reminiscing.
Status Change: Felicity comes round; Karen’s status has risen.
Time Pressure to Seize the Sword: The Captain comes around; Karen will have to move into town.
Warning against Seizing the Sword: “that’s no place for a white woman.”
New World of the Sword: African Muslims praying
Difficulty getting to the Sword: the cows are hard to control.
Disorientation: Karen gets them lost.
Guidance from the Mentor: “God is Great Sabu…”
Hawks and Doves argue the value of continuing on the Journey: Barclay against her continuing; Denys gives Karen a Magical Gift (the compass).
Overcoming threats: Massai pass by.
Resistance and Conflict getting to the Sword / Proactive Growth Experience: Lion attack.
Mentor Guidance: “this Lion does not have this Ox, we do not have this Ox…etc”
Seizing the Sword: Karen arrives to meet Dee and Bror.
Transformation: “you’ve changed your hair..”
Rebirth through Death: Karen gets Syphilis; Karen has to go home;
Saying goodbye to the Old Self: leaving the farm; Denys; Bror; going home.
Time Stretch: “arsenic was my ally…”
The New Self: Karen returns; she enters the World again as the Wizened One.
Symbols of Change: almost everyone has a car now; the boy’s leg has healed etc…
Foreshadow of the Apotheosis: 1: Karen begins the detachment:; she can’t have children…
Foreshadow of the Apotheosis: Meeting Denys at Christmas
Resisting the Apotheosis: Karen builds the school.
Guidance and warning from the Mentor: “when these children are this tall, then this chief can be dead…”
Conflict towards the Atonement: Barclay has a fistfight.
Foreshadow of the Atonement and Apotheosis: Karen dances with Denys (“what exactly is it that you own”); Bror isn’t around for the New Year kiss.
Atonement: with the Father: Karen asks Bror to leave the house; Karen learns to be alone.
Learning to detach: “do they always have to whip them so..”
Resisting the Apotheosis: Karen won’t go with Denys.
Resistance to the Apotheosis: the car stalls.
Building up to the Apotheosis: learning to detach; the trip with Denys; the dinners, setting up camp; talking about the Massai.
Foreshadow of the Final Conflict: the aircraft.
The source of the Inner Challenge: Karen’s father killed himself.
Apotheosis: killing the Lion and sleeping with Denys without committing.
Reward: Karen takes the record player.
Resisting the Apotheosis: dinner with Barclay; ‘then I would have no-one.”
Denys comes and goes as he pkeases.
Foreshadow of the Refusal and the death of the Old Self: Barclay’s water has gone black.
Ultimate Boon: “Denys asks to move in..”
Death of the Old Self: Barclays funeral.
Ultimate Boon: “we spoke of nothing ordinary, small or real…we lived disconnected and apart from things…”; the magic flight
Refusal of the Return: Denys comes to ask for money….
Foreshadow of the Final Conflict: Karen needs to borrow money.
Break from the Old Self: Bror wants a divorce.
Foreshadow of the Master of Two Worlds: Letting the water go…
Magic Flight: Denys leaves.
Rescue from Without:: the fire.
[slicing]:
Crossing the Return Threshold: Karen asks for land for the Kikuyu.
Master of the Two Worlds: Karen prepares to leave; Says Goodbye to Denys et al; welcome into the Mens Club….”you were right, the farm never did belong to me.
Freedom to Live: Bror tells Karen Denys is dead; the funeral.
Goodbye to the Mentor.
Afterlife Act: Denys is buried on high ground.
Learn more…
The Complete 188 stage Hero’s Journey and other story structure templates can be found at http://www.clickok.co.uk/
You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.
Kal Bishop
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You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author’s name and site URL are retained.
Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. His specialities include Knowledge Management and Creativity and Innovation Management. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached at http://www.clickok.co.uk/
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April 10, 2009
While it may not ever be considered a bustling metropolis on the level of New York City or Los Angeles or Chicago, Boise (or, as it is sometimes known, Boise City) is a city with a rich history, a diverse community, and a successful business district.
The Boise River Valley, where Boise is located, has been a part of the American landscape even before the city itself was founded. In fact, legend has it that the name “Boise” derives from French Canadian trappers who hunted there in the 1820s, long before it was settled as a territory. They called the area “La riviere boisee”, which translates to “the wooded river;” hence, the named “Boise.” (The Boise River, by the way, is famous for its tree-lined banks.) The regions importance didn’t stop there, however. The Boise River Valley was also an important stop on the famous Oregon Trial. It’s obvious that Boise has been a part of America even before America knew it existed.
Culturally, Boise, Idaho, is a unique mix. Outside of Argentina, Boise is home to the fourth largest Basque population in the world. The Basque culture is so vital to Boise, in fact, that the city has a Basque Block, and the current mayor of Boise is of Basque descent. Believe it or not, Boise also has a thriving jazz scene, and the city hosts a well-regarded (and well attended) jazz festival each spring.
Clearly, Boise plays an important role in America today.
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April 7, 2009
You are a private investigator, or a member of a drug task force or just about any type of vice cop. You need to use body worn cameras for your covert operations, and you need to do it without it being detected. How can you do it? One way is by using a covert hat video camera. The camera is placed inside a traditional baseball cap, and the cable is attached directly a DVR that is worn elsewhere on your body. Nothing could be simpler, case closed.
Want to get even sneakier? Is a baseball cap to conspicuous when you’re wearing that dapper suit you need to wear? Then a super, hi-resolution, color button camera with suit button lens cover is just the ticket for you, and they are great to use with pocket DVRs. But suits aren’t the only thing you can use these handy little devices on. They also come with cuff button lens covers and shirt button lens covers so you don’t have to worry if it is a hot day and you have taken off your suit jacket or sports coat. Your shirt has you covered.
But what about those female investigators, they need to have some options available to them, too. Well, there are body worn cameras that come inside an attractive purse, which makes it one of the best portable recording devices around, because like your regular purse, it goes anywhere you go, and the mini-DVR can even be concealed inside it.
To purchase Gps Products and Surveillance Products Read other related articles on our Spy products blog
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April 7, 2009
Home gym equipment has gotten better and better over the years. Alright, I am not talking about those crappy infomercial home gyms. You know the ones that you see late at night at 2 in the morning. I have determined, almost of those home gyms are garbage.
I’m not saying that those early morning commercial home gyms do not work. I’m saying that if you look closely, and you’ll detect those home gyms are designed around 1 limited exercise. There was a time when a television home gym was trying to give as many various exercises as possible into one home gym. But it appears the new trend is to produce special home gym equipment centered around one unique exercise or bodypart.
The body part that seems most in vogue is the of abdominal region. It appears to me that the designers merely attend a commercial gymnasium, see what is there, and design a piece of home gym equipment that mimics what you would observe in a commercial gym. The problem is that when you’re working out at home, you don’t have all the other pieces of equipment available to you as you would at the commercial gym.
So, what are you going to do, but one physical exercise repeatedly? If you acknowledge anything about physical fitness, you know that performing the same workout repeatedly is a losing proposition. The body just conforms to the exercise. You needdiversity. That’s the rationality if you’re planning to buy a piece of home gym equipment, you want to purchase an physical exercise machine that is an all in one workout machine. That requires buying from a serious manufacture. The same producers that make commercial top-flight gyms. Fortunately, it is painless to do over the Internet. They will deliver it to your place, none hassle no more muss.
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