Organic Chemistry Teacher: Learn Blackbody Radiation

Organic Chemistry Teacher: Learn Blackbody RadiationOne important part of learning organic chemistry is learning how to control a blackbody (or absorbing radiation at any wavelength). Now, if you learn the concepts of absorption and emission, you are well on your way to becoming an organic chemistry tutor.When a light source emits radiation in the visible, ultraviolet, or infrared regions of the spectrum, that light is in fact absorbed by the surface in which it is located. As a result, the photons absorbed by a surface that can hold an electron remain in the object. If you want to create a blackbody, you have to stop the atoms from absorbing light, and instead allow them to emit the light they previously absorbed. That's the real essence of blackbody radiation, and the most fundamental concept of organic chemistry.So what does this have to do with organic chemistry? Well, it has everything to do with organic chemistry. Your teacher's guide was right, organic chemistry is all about a bsorption and emission. Remember the old chemical teachers telling you that absorption and emission are interrelated? They are!If you're like most students in organic chemistry, you've probably had trouble absorbing the concepts. The best way to learn about absorption and emission is to study blackbody radiation in organic chemistry. The basic ideas will get you going in organic chemistry, but you'll also gain knowledge about absorption and emission.A simple experiment in which you control a blackbody is a good introduction to the concept of blackbody radiation. Inorganic compounds that absorb light include water, carbon dioxide, and chloroform, and organic compounds include amino acids, sugars, and proteins. (There are also some gases that absorb light, including oxygen and nitrogen.)Fluorescent light emitting dyes can be used to determine the absorption of an element, and the amount of radiation absorbed by an element. The fluorescent dye is placed on the surface of the element, a nd a computer generates an image of what the surface looks like under a laser beam. To see the effect of absorption and emission, you'll need to know the spectra of light and atoms. Then you can determine which compounds absorb the visible, ultraviolet, or infrared portion of the spectrum.This is the only way to find out which compounds absorb light in the laboratory, since your teacher wasn't ready for it. Of course, the implications of these experiments are very practical.Another practical example is blacklight-emitting diodes. They don't really absorb light, but they generate a beam of light when the right combination of energy and voltage is applied. Use your organic chemistry tutor this time of year.

But she said No (A closer look at rape and sexual assault on college campuses)

But she said No (A closer look at rape and sexual assault on college campuses) gendercommthebomb.wordpress.com College Rape Statistics Lately campus buzz has been revolving around the topic of rape and sexual assault on college campuses. This is much more common than it appears and occurs in some of the most unpredicted places. Laurie Halse Anderson, award-winning novelist, describes the feeling as “I just want to sleep. A coma would be nice. Or amnesia. Anything, just to get rid of this, these thoughts, whispers in my mind. Did he rape my head, too?” in her novel Speak. This feeling, of being powerless has been felt by far too many individuals around the US and it is important to identify and speak out against actions which have left them this way. The AAUW reported in 2009 that 95% of attacks on college campuses are unreported, making sexual assault the silent epidemic. Because of this, sexual assault remains the most drastically underreported crime. Many times victims do not report their attack because of embarrassment, fear of their attacker or fear that they will not be believed when telling their story. Rape happens to men and women however, 3% of college women nationally have experienced rape or attempted rape during the academic year. The AAUW explains that when applying this statistic, a campus with 6,000 coeds will have an average of one rape per day during the school year. When looking at a school the size of Ohio State with its 55,100 students or University of Florida with 50,700 students, more than 9 rapes/attempted rapes happen per day. However, as noted previously most of these attacks go unreported. It is also important to realize that the statistics above are from 2009, but the numbers have not changed very much. On certain campuses, the number of assaults has dropped dramatically in the past four years; however, the presence of assault on campuses remains a constant threat. Campus Safety Magazine reported that 90% of acquaintance rapes involve alcohol and that 1 in 3 sexual assaults the perpetrator was intoxicated. This is extremely significant when looking at the party scene on your own campus. It is important to stay with friends when drinking and to have methods of reaching friends (cell phone, numbers, addresses, cab money) if something does go wrong. Many victims know their attackers. These types of assaults are known as acquaintance rapes, defined by RAINN as “Acquaintance assault involves coercive sexual activities that occur against a persons will by means of force, violence, duress, or fear of bodily injury. These sexual activities are imposed upon them by someone they know (a friend, date, acquaintance, etc.)”. The AAETS says that three-quarters of all rapes on college campuses are forms of acquaintance rape. Rape is a word which is hesitantly used by victims; however, if you said “no”, fought off your attacker, or felt powerless…it is a form of rape. Until next time, please research some information on the statistics on your campus and find ways to protect you and your friends against this silent but extremely dangerous threat.

5 awesome benefits of teaching English online

5 awesome benefits of teaching English online First off, let’s get some context out of the way! Why the huge demand for ESL teachers in China? As the world’s biggest ESL market, the fact that demand for English-speaking teachers is growing at an explosive rate in China is hardly earth-shattering news. Sidenote: If this does, in fact, come as a big surprise to you, then we recommend you check out our previous blogs on teaching English in China to get all caught up! Why teaching English in China is a popular choice for new graduates 5 reasons why you should teach in China But this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to physically relocate to China to land a job teaching Chinese English language learners. Teaching English to Chinese students online: A growing market of opportunity for North American teachers With the exploding demand for native English-speaking teachers in China, there’s probably never been a better time than right now to teach English online. Thousands of new Chinese students are taking English lessons online on a daily basis, and it just so happens that they’re mostly looking to learn English from teachers in the US and Canada. Why’s that? Well, the reality is, right now there’s simply not enough English-speaking teachers living in China to service the millions of students currently learning English there. As a result, many Chinese students are instead turning to learning English online from teachers living in the US and Canada. Due to the surging demand, there’s no shortage of career opportunities for North Americans looking to teach online. Right now, for example, VIPKID, China’s online English education platform, is looking for a whole bunch of Americans and Canadians to join its 30,000-strong North American teacher community. Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. If you fit the bill (that is, you have a Bachelor’s degree along with a year of classroom experience), you’ll be teaching 1-1 English lessons online to VIPKID’s more than 200,000 students, ranging in ages from 4 to 12, all across China. We’ve already covered what you need to know to get ready to teach online, but are you still trying to figure out whether teaching English online is the right move for you in the first place? Here are just a few benefits of online English teaching jobs to help you make your mind up! 1. The earning potential can be huge There are a wealth of opportunities to teach English online. VIPKID’s over 200,000 online learners makes it possible to teach abroad, while not actually living abroad! There’s no need to run around applying for teaching jobs abroad and going through the inevitable hoop jumping and hassle involved in packing up and moving to a different country for a new career opportunity. While you can expect to earn around $19 an hour teaching English online, on average, here’s a quick breakdown to give you a better idea of how teaching with VIPKID can help you boost your income: No. of hours teaching English online with VIPKID Monthly salary teaching English online (USD) with VIPKID 1 - 1.5 hours daily $650 3 -5 hours daily $2,000 Like most online teaching jobs, there are very little overheads involved in teaching ESL with VIPKID. You’ll need a stable internet connection, a laptop, a built-in or external webcam, a headset and a quiet, well-lit space to teach English lessons in, all of you which you’ll more than likely have at your disposal anyway! 1. You can have control over your schedule Whether you're a student or working part-time or full-time (as a teacher or otherwise), teaching English online is great for anyone looking for the flexibility to set their own working hours. Depending on where your students are located, you’re not bound by the 9-5 life. You don’t have to take your teaching 100% online from the get-go, either - teaching English online is a great option for certified teachers working full-time who also want to supplement their existing income. You can work the hours that you want - there’s no risk of having your online teaching work interfere with your day job. And if you’re not currently working full-time, you can set and customize your online teaching hours to meet the needs of your personal and family life. For example, not a morning person and hate setting that alarm clock? You can teach English online later in the day. Night owls, rejoice - all you have to do is cut down on your Netflix time in the evenings and teach a few lessons online instead! The early birds among us can slot in a lesson or two before their regular working day. Want to take a long weekend? You can always teach online for a couple extra hours from Monday to Thursday to offset the extra time you need to take off. 2. You can work from home (or from anywhere, really!) We all have different motivating factors for teaching English online but one of the greatest things about it is the freedom it affords you. It can be done from virtually anywhere and anytime. And you’re not necessarily tied to your home, either - anywhere quiet with a decent internet connection will do! There’s no time lost in commuting and the added stress of beating traffic, either. Teaching English online is also ideal for adventure seekers looking to travel around while earning money. You can experience living as many different countries as you like, without the fear of your savings running out looming over you! And bonus, you can skip the hassle of applying for a working visa! 3. You can gain valuable ESL teaching experience Trying to break into the ESL industry abroad and want to build up your English teaching experience for your resume? Teaching English language learners online could be the perfect jumping-off point for you. Take it from us - whether you’re teaching in a physical classroom setting or in a virtual learning environment, you’ll need to hone pretty much the same skills. It’s all firsthand experience that can really help your job applications stand out to prospective employers when you’re trying to secure a full-time job teaching English abroad in the future. 4. You can work in your pajamas Well - from the waist down, at least! Enough said on that particular perk of teaching English online - who doesn’t love stretchy pants?! 5. And last, but by no means least, it’s easy to get started! If you’re an online teacher with VIPKID, they’ll make easy-to-use resources available to you. This means you don’t have to reinvent the wheel and spend hours of your own time creating learning materials for your students. VIPKID also have their own training program to help you hit the ground running if you’re a newbie when it comes to teaching English online. So there you have it, aspiring online ESL teachers - the top 6 reasons why teaching English online is where it’s at! Let us know if you have any questions in the comments section below, and don’t forget to get your VIPKID teaching application in ASAP!

Is a Qualified Art Tutor Sign In Required?

Is a Qualified Art Tutor Sign In Required?Can a qualified art tutor to sign in at your school? A lot of people wonder what is the legal answer to this question. Generally, teachers who give the opportunity to become an art tutor will not need to sign in the student's record. However, teachers can offer their services as an art teacher as long as they have a valid teacher certification.The student who wants to be an art teacher needs to acquire the needed skills first. The art teacher will be a good teacher for his or her students. The teaching will be more engaging for students.Students need to look into the student's budget and ensure that he or she can afford to teach. It is not possible to have an art tutor sign in if there is no requirement for it. A teacher certificate must be obtainable. The student should be free from all sorts of constraints and limitations.The art teacher should be capable enough to give advice and suggestions on matters related to the art. It is important t hat they are free from any sort of political affiliations. The students should check whether the teacher is a licensed art teacher and also a member of a recognized association. If the student is uncertain about a teacher, the student should talk to his or her friends who can guide him or her.It is good to see the art instructor's portfolio. This is a good way to decide whether the teacher has the skills and qualities that the student requires. The art instructor should be capable enough to offer classes and lessons that are related to the subject.There are many art instructors who offer classes to students. In order to find the best art tutor, the student needs to verify the skills of the art instructor. The art instructor needs to be one who is able to teach about art history, composition, drawing, painting, etc.Once the student can actually observe the class, the student can proceed further. He or she can sign in as an art tutor or hire a substitute to go through the lessons. The student should also find out what skills the teacher has and whether he or she is able to offer guidance.

Tutoring Atlanta Georgia

Tutoring Atlanta GeorgiaTutoring in Atlanta Georgia has grown significantly in the past ten years or so. Not only are more students having difficulties finishing their schooling but also the financial outlook for the city as a whole is not so great due to the high unemployment rate, a slower economic recovery and an increased cost of living.There is still a lot of demand for tutors and they seem to be out in force, this makes Atlanta County an ideal place to do some tutoring. It is in Atlanta where you can find teachers who have been working for years and may have had their own students for a while.There are plenty of places where you can find tutors in Atlanta but the best option for those looking for a traditional setup would be in PACE and Atlanta PACE Center in Peachtree City. They offer all services for a full package. This includes tutoring the traditional way, but also provides additional support and services such as in-home study centers, senior programs, gifted programs, and even individualized tutoring.There are two full sized full-time centers located in Peachtree City and both offer tutoring in their respective areas. You can find the Peachtree City center online.The Peachtree City center has a tutor desk and staff members who will meet with you to discuss your needs and work through the details of your plan. You can also request a consultation from them for any questions or concerns that you may have.All tutors who teach at the Peachtree City center are qualified and licensed teachers. This means that you can expect a calm, personal interaction from them. They can help you to make changes if you feel that the one you are tutoring is not ready for tutoring at the center. Whether you have just moved to Atlanta or you've been living there for many years, Peachtree City is an ideal place to do tutoring. They have tutors available to work with all ages and educational levels. It is just a matter of finding a teacher who is willing to be flexible about y our plans for your time and their time.

5 Reasons Students Should Meet with Professors During Office Hours

5 Reasons Students Should Meet with Professors During Office Hours From getting extra help understanding class material to having the opportunity to dive deeper into a professors area of specialty, office hours are helpful in a variety of ways. Theyre one of the most valuable resources college students can use. Yet, office hours are also one of the most underutilized free resources available to students on college campuses. There are many reasons students should meet with professors during office hours, including gaining access to research opportunities, gathering valuable career advice, and getting a deeper understanding of class material. College professors are required to hold office hours weekly. Often, theyll be held at the same time on the same day(s) each week. Sometimes, professors will ask you to book office hours with them by appointment. During office hours, you get one-on-one time with your professor. Have you considered office hours but never attended? Here are five reasons students should meet with professors during office hours: 1. Office hours can help you better grasp course material No one is an expert in every academic subjectwe all need help from time to time. When theres something about a class you dont understand, or something youd like to practice in more depth, your professor can help. Having your own one-on-one session with him or her means youll have plenty of time to get the help you need. Your professor will appreciate your effort in coming in for help, especially when youre struggling. It demonstrates that you care enough about the class and your grade that youre trying to improve. But dont wait until right before an exam to get help, as it can be very busy during this timevisit your professor as soon as you think you need assistance. [RELATED: 10 Study Habits to Avoid] 2. Meeting with your professor during office hours can provide you with access to research opportunities If youre really interested in the same field that your professor is teaching, meeting with him or her during office hours to discuss research opportunities can be very valuable. Professors can discuss with you their own research experiences, which can help guide you toward one that might work for you. A professor may even have existing research opportunities in his or her department that he or she could offer you. [RELATED: How Students Can Improve Their Research Skills] 3. Visiting during office hours gives you the opportunity to receive career advice Interested in a specific academic subject area, but not sure what kind of career youd like to pursue? Meet with your professor during office hours to discuss your opportunities. He or she may be able to provide insight into how you can best use your skills. 4. Office hours can help you get to know your professor better Its important to remember that college professors are people too. They have their own unique interests and talents, and they can be very interesting people to talk to. Attending a professors office hours conveys your interest not only in their class, but also in them as an individual. It can be worthwhile to meet with your professors to chat about their past work and accomplishments. You may find inspiration, or get ideas for your own career. 5. Visiting your professor during office hours can give you the motivation you need to succeed If youre finding a particular class boring or not sufficiently challenging, you may benefit from visiting office hours. By doing so, youll have time to talk to your professor on a more in-depth level, which may increase your attention and focus. You may even find that the class is more interesting than you first believed. [RELATED: What I Wish I Knew Before Freshman Year of College] 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.

How to Make Poulet Basquaise

How to Make Poulet Basquaise How to Make a Good Poulet Basquaise ChaptersThe History of Poulet BasquaiseThe Poulet Basquaise RecipeWhat Can You Serve Poulet Basquaise With?Advice for Cooking Poulet BasquaiseOther Versions of Poulet BasquaiseHow Can You Learn to Cook Poulet Basquaise?“Food, to me, is always about cooking and eating with those you love and care for.” - David ChangThere’s more to French cuisine than beef bourguignon. That said, it was said to be the food most representative of France by the Institut Toluna. When polled, however, the French themselves chose the Blanquette de veau (veal) or steak and french fries.However, there’s one recipe that you need to learn how to cook, the famous poulet basquaise (Basque chicken). In this article, we're going to look at the history of poulet basquaise, a poulet basquaise recipe, what you can serve poulet basquaise with, advice for cooking it well, and how you can learn how to cook poulet basquaise and other great recipes. 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 our 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 tutorsThe History of Poulet BasquaiseThis local recipe became a French national dish and has now gained international fame. It was born in the Basque country and is an easy and tasty dish to make. Poulet basquaise originated in the Basque Country. (Source: kiosco)The chicken itself isn’t Basque but rather the sauce that accompanies it. The sauce is also known as “piperade” in the Basque country and is made from tomatoes, peppers, and spices.Initially, it was made of bread and vegetables. However, it evolved into the sauce as it’s known today. The bread disappeared but the veggies stayed. While often served alongside tuna, it’s famous for its use with chicken.Poulet basquaise is a great dish for any chef to make.You can also alter the recipe according to your taste and the ingredients you have on hand.Discover some other easy recipes for budding chefs.The Poulet Basquaise RecipeThe recipe isn’t complicated but you do need to make sure you get the sauce right.For six people, you’ll need:1 chicken1kg of tomatoes700g of peppers3 onions3 garlic cloves200ml of white wine1 bouquet garni6 tablespoons of olive oilSalt and pepper Getting good quality chicken is important when it comes to making poulet basquaise. (Source: Bru-nO)Cut the garlic cloves, onions, and peppers into small pieces. You can always cut the peppers into strips if you prefer.Place 4 tablespoons of olive oil into a saucepan. Let it heat up and then add the garlic, onions, and peppers. Brown the vegetables for around 5 minutes at a low heat.Peel the tomatoes and cut them into strips. Add them to the mix in the saucepan and cook them all on a low heat for around 20 minutes. Make sure you cover the pot while it simmers. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon.Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to a frying pan. Cut your chicken and brown it in the frying pan. If you don’t fancy a whole chicken, you can always get cuts of chicken.  Make sure you regularly turn the chicken to make sure it cooks evenly. You can also add salt and pepper.After 20 minutes of cooking the sauce, you can add the chicken into the mix. This is also when you can add the bouquet garni.  Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for another 35 minutes. The chicken will take on the taste of the sauce.Your poulet basquaise is ready! 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 our 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 tutorsWhat Can You Serve Poulet Basquaise With?Poulet basquaise is rarely served on its own. It’s commonly served with basmati rice. Basmati rice goes great with the basquaise sauce and the chicken. Rice is a common accompaniment for poulet basquaise. (Source: ImageParty)The onions, peppers, and tomatoes work well with rice. You can also add thyme to augment the flavours.  Of course, other types of rice also work quite well.In the south of France and the Basque Country, in particular, poulet basquaise is often served with steamed potatoes and parsley. There are several alternatives you can choose.  You can also serve it with chips or french fries. Chicken and chips with a basquaise sauce is a winning combination!  Mashed potatoes also work well.  You can also serve it with tagliatelle. Basquaise sauce has elements of bolognese. Tagliatelle is a treat with chicken.Couscous is another simple recipe for aspiring chefs to make. Learn how to make it yourself.Advice for Cooking Poulet BasquaiseSome chefs will tell you that love is the most important ingredient when cooking. While this is a golden rule whenever you cook, there are ways to make your poulet basquaise better. Practise makes perfect. The more you make poulet basquaise, the better you'll get at it. (Source: RitaE)Make sure you’re using decent utensils and opting for good ingredients. Quality chicken is important. You might want to get the chicken from a farm, for example. Free-range chicken is what you’re after.The tomatoes need to be good too as they’re the main ingredient in the sauce. Make sure they’re ripe and juicy. The recipe comes from the south of France where the tomatoes are often ripened by the sun.  If your tomatoes aren’t ripe enough, you’ll need to add some sugar to balance the flavours. Don’t go overboard, though!You can always add some good ham to the dish, too. This adds a nice flavour to the chicken. If you do, don’t add as much salt as ham is already quite salty.If you don’t want to add white wine, you can always add a vegetable or meat stock.Finally, poulet basquaise is better when its reheated. Consider making it the day before or in the morning.Learn how to make a lasagna.Other Versions of Poulet BasquaisePoulet basquaise, like many other popular dishes, has plenty of different versions. The recipe changes from town to town, family to family, and according to local tastes, etc.You can always replace the chicken with tuna. This is common in Basque seaside towns. Rather than preparing chicken, you can grill the tuna and mix it into the sauce. This is the most common alternative to poulet basquaise.  You could also opt for different meat or fish. There are no rules.You can also alter the sauce. You can add courgettes, aubergines, etc., and make the sauce more like ratatouille. Of course, you can add fewer vegetables than you find in ratatouille. You can also serve the sauce with scrambled eggs.After all, the sauce is an important part of the dish, not the chicken that often comes with it.How Can You Learn to Cook Poulet Basquaise?You can teach yourself how to cook poulet basquaise or learn from a professional. In either case, pract ice is important. You’re not going to become an expert just by reading the recipe. Even though it’s difficult to mess up a poulet basquaise, the more times you do it, the better you’ll get at it.In cooking lessons, a professional can give you advice on how much of each ingredient to use. Each chef has their tricks and tips to help you cook better.  You can also get private cooking lessons or attend a cooking workshop. Some places even offer you the chance to cook in their kitchens.Cooking schools tend to offer cooking classes throughout the year. Make the most of them!If you'd like to learn more about cooking or learn how to cook, consider learning with a private tutor on Superprof. No matter where you are, you can find a private tutor to help you. On the platform, there are three types of tutorial on offer: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials.Face-to-face private tutorials involve just the student and the tutor, ensuring that the student has the tuto r's undivided attention. Additionally, the tutor will tailor their lessons and course to the student. Of course, the tutor's time comes at a price and while these types of tutorials are the most cost-effective, they also tend to be the most costly per hour.If you're looking for something cheaper, there are online private tutorials. These tutorials are provided remotely via webcam and as long as both you and the tutor have a decent internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone, you can get tutorials from tutors all over the world. Since the tutor doesn't need to travel to you, they have fewer overheads and can schedule more tutorials each week, allowing them to charge less per hour. Of course, these tutorials are great for academic subjects but not so great for hands-on subjects.Finally, you can also get group tutorials. Since each student pays their share of the tutor's time, these tend to work out cheaper than any other type of tutorials. Of course, you won't get the tutor's undi vided attention like you would with the other types of tutorial. That said, if you and a group of friends all would like to learn how to cook, this is a great way to do it.Before you choose a private tutor, define your objects, your budget, and how you like to learn. This will help you work out the best type of tutorial and, most importantly, the best tutor. Keep in mind that many tutors offer the first hour for free so you can use this time to get to know your potential tutor.

5 Perfect Travel Destinations for Beginner Spanish Speakers

5 Perfect Travel Destinations for Beginner Spanish Speakers 1. Costa Rica Suzy S. Traveling to a Spanish-speaking country can be intimidating for a beginning Spanish speaker. Here, language  tutor Jackie A. shares her recommendations for beginner-friendly travel destinations So youve finished your first couple of Spanish lessons  and youre ready to practice your new skills. Traveling and experiencing a new culture is a great way to learn Spanish for beginners. Here are five travel destinations that are perfect for beginning Spanish speakers. 1. Costa Rica If you feel nervous about your Spanish, you can rest assured, the Ticos will embrace you and teach you how to live la Pura Vida! In Costa Rica, you can explore the Caribbean, the rain forest, and the Pacific. Although the country has its own currency (the Colon), many stores advertise with USD. Photo by Jane Boles 2. Panama This country has become an expat haven with many settling in the capital, Panama City. Its the only country where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic. The official currency is Balboa, but you can find a lot in USD as well. Bonus for you introverts, its not overpopulated, so you can truly get away from the hustle and bustle. Photo by Chris Goldberg 3. Dominican Republic This beautiful country on the island of Hispaniola is a popular tourist destination. Youll be able to find plenty of English speakers, but youll still have a great opportunity to practice your Spanish. Should you get stuck, the locals can switch languages for you. The Dominican Republic has an interesting history, and lively culture filled with food, music, and dancing. Photo by Noeliz Diaz Troncoso 4. Mexico Visit our friendly neighbors to the south to explore the country and practice your new language skills. Tourism is a big industry, so youll find lots of English speakers. Theres so much to do in Mexico; you can explore the beaches, rain forest, cities, and ruins. Theres not a beginner Spanish speaker that cant find something theyd like to do here. Photo by ruimc77 Y finalmente (and finally) 5. Puerto Rico Passports are optional for this Caribbean island thats filled with friendly Spanish speakers to help you with your new language. Many Puerto Ricans learn English in school, so the locals may be able to help you if you get stuck.  Enjoy the culture, food, dance, music, art, and breathtaking views. Photo by Giuseppe Milo No matter where you are in your Spanish learning journey, there are so many wonderful places that you can visit and practice your skills. Need to brush up on essential Spanish travel phrases? Check out the video below before your trip. By now youre ready to take off and explore all that the Spanish culture has to offer. Want to work on your Spanish-speaking skills without leaving home? Find a Spanish language tutor in your area! Jackie A. is an acting, English, French, and Spanish instructor in Essington, PA. She taught English as she studied abroad in Geneva, Switzerland  and is an active member of her  local improv troupe.  Learn more about Jackie here! 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

Famous Black Musicians From Then Til Now [Interactive Timeline]

Famous Black Musicians From Then Til Now [Interactive Timeline] Jessica Dais Black History Month is an excellent time to highlight the many famous black musicians who made their mark in American history. The music of these talented composers and performers transcended cultural borders and inspired many to follow in their footsteps. Some of these musicians overcame obstacles throughout their careers to raise awareness of black music. Others used their skills to fight social injustice and make a positive impact on society. Although they came from different backgrounds and musical styles, each of the artists below contributed to the music we know and love today. *Click the “Play” button next to each artist to hear a sample of their music!* Inspiring, World Famous Black Musicians From Different Eras James Reese Europe (1910s) James Reese Europe is referred to as the “Martin Luther King of music” because of his contributions during the early days of ragtime. Europe, who was born in Alabama in 1880, became the first black bandleader to perform at Carnegie Hall. He later led his band to France, where they performed for Allied armies during World War I. Europe’s bands were full, symphonic ensembles a contrast from the smaller groups of New Orleans that became the face of early jazz. Instead, Europe brought ragtime together with the military band tradition of John Philip Sousa and other composers. This hybrid style led to Europe’s appeal with multiracial audiences in a segregated society. Historians now refer to Europe’s style as “proto-jazz” or “hot ragtime.” His work introducing white audiences to the skill and creativity of black composers and performers helped create an environment where jazz could thrive. William Grant Still (1930s) William Grant Still created the first symphonic work by a black composer that was performed by a major orchestra. Still was born in 1895 in Mississippi, and he grew up surrounded by music. His stepfather took him to symphony performances and Still learned to play both the cello and clarinet. After serving in World War I, Still became an arranger for some of the most famous jazz acts of the 1920s. But his true passion remained symphonic work. His first symphony was written in 1930 and premiered the following year by the Rochester Philharmonic. Although the piece is for a traditional orchestra, it includes blues idioms and music from Still’s childhood. There were many famous black musicians by the 1930s in jazz music, but Still inspired other black composers to focus on symphonic music. He demonstrated that traditional black music was as powerful with a symphony as with a jazz band. Berry Gordy Jr. (1950s) Berry Gordy Jr., the founder of Motown, was born in Detroit in 1929. Gordy’s leadership of Motown Records led to the success of many famous black musicians including Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Gordy got his start as a songwriter who specialized in crossover hits. In the 1950s, Gordy wrote songs for Jackie Wilson and Etta James that reached the top 10 on both the RB and pop charts. This convinced Gordy that black musicians needed their own national record label to produce and promote their work to a larger audience. Over the course of the 60s and 70s, Motown would become a major force in the recording industry, exposing the country to black musical groups and helping launch the careers of many famous artists. Gordy’s ability to find, develop, and promote musical talent led to Motown being among the most successful African-American owned businesses of the 20th century. Nina Simone (1960s) As a child, Nina Simone dreamed of being a classical concert pianist. She began playing piano at the age of three and with the help of her family, she enrolled at Juilliard for a summer to prepare for classical piano program auditions. Her family moved to Philadelphia to help support her, but she was not accepted to the prestigious piano program at the Curtis Institute. Instead, she began performing jazz at cocktail bars to make money and during this time she also began singing. Simone performed songs based on her African-American heritage as well as her classical background. During the 1960s, she became known for her protest music, releasing original songs that specifically addressed the civil rights movements. Simone began to speak and perform at civil rights rallies and events, including the Selma to Montgomery marches. Her music directly addressed social injustice while combining jazz, classical, and spiritual influences. In 2018, Simone will be inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Afrika Bambaataa (1980s) Afrika Bambaataa not only transformed hip hop culture, but he used music to turn a street gang into a positive community force. Born Lance Taylor in the Bronx in 1957, Bambaataa grew up in the projects and eventually became a warlord of the Black Spades gang. However, a trip to Africa led him to change his name, and his worldview. Upon his return he began transforming the Black Spades into a group focused on positive community impact. Bambaataa saw hip hop music as the vehicle that his new group could use to create socially aware communities like the ones he saw in Africa. In 1982, Bambaataa took his hip hop group on a national tour to begin spreading his approach outside of New York. Bambaataa’s music combines early forms of rap, sampling from disco and funk, and advanced turntable techniques. Bambaataa focused on social messages in his music, referencing American leaders from Thomas Paine to Malcolm X. Without Bambaataa’s work, hip hop would not have the international appeal it has today. Get Inspired Each of these famous black musicians overcame obstacles to create music with a lasting impact. Let us know which musicians you find the most inspiring in the comments section below. If these stories inspired you to grow your own musical skills and talents, check out the free music classes at TakeLessons Live today! Guest Post Author: Ryan Sargent is the Vice President of the Technology Institute for Music Educators.  He is also Social Media Manager at SmartMusic, where he shares music education tips with teachers across the country.