Zero Production Property by Algebra Help For Humans

Zero Production Property by Algebra Help For HumansFor those who have been in a situation that seems hopeless, you will benefit from a Zero Production Property by Algebra Help for Humans. At least, that is the premise of this fictional tale, which sounds too good to be true. The 'policies' I've outlined are entirely fictitious, but it is a very compelling story and the author describes it in such a way that anyone could see that this is a great story, if only he would have known how to get this right!In the real world, there are only two options to make money: you can either make some (or several) and earn a profit or you can run out of people willing to buy the goods you produce. That means, to live in the United States of America, for example, that you have to work hard to make money, but if you run out of customers you have to put your products on a black market.This is why you have to build up a reliable financial system that will generate as much income as possible. How can you do this? By thinking of what the government does - whether it's its regulation of markets or its payments to its creditors.As we know, the Federal Reserve Bank issues currency and prints it into existence. The government uses this power to obtain funds from citizens through taxes, which in turn allow the government to pay its bills.Now, how did we get into this mess? Well, the 'free market' of today was essentially created by the government and in return, the banks will give us loans and this gives them access to our money - hence, credit cards.Since credit cards can be used for nearly anything, they also serve as a medium of exchange for money, which in turn helps them to earn more profits. What's wrong with this system?It's that we are basically paying for our purchases with cash, but we will get our purchases at very low prices through the use of credit cards. Yes, it's a lovely concept, but the makers of credit cards had no problem with this because they generated more profits.

Learning English for Christmas in Montana

Learning English for Christmas in Montana Christmas in Montana is special and I wanted to share a bit of the culture with our students. Also I’m going to give you some weather and local vocabulary.Below youll find a video from the Whitefish Christmas Stroll, but first, review this vocabulary to prepare you.English Christmas Vocabulary:stroll (v)  another word  for walking casually or slowly for enjoyment.Example: The Christmas stroll is an event in most small cities in Montana. Usually there are different winter sport like games or events and there is some shopping and a lot of street food.Keg (n)-a big barrel or bucket of beer.Example: The dogs pull a 25 pound keg harnessed to them and the dog with the fastest time wins the event.You’ll also see some of the dog sled team in their warm truck. You might notice the odd dog out. Christmas lights decorate the town and usually there is a lot of snow covering the ground.dump (slang)-when it snows a lot.Example:  I hope we get a big dump before Christmas.powder (slang)  a very light snow.Example: The skiing was so good, there was a lot of powder.Here is a complete vocabulary list for Snow in EnglishSnowflake-single piece of snow Each snowflake is unique.   Frost-snow or ice that has formed on a surface The cars windows are frosted.We got our first frost of the season. Flurries-snow falling in circular pattern due to the wind The weather is predicting flurries until 4PM. Accumulation   quantity of snow that has fallen and not melted. There will be 5-6 inches of accumulation.   Snow drift-piled snow by wind or by machine. That is a big snow drift! Blizzard-when snow falls with wind and visibility is very low. There is a blizzard coming and we recommend not driving.   Whiteout-  snow combined with wind and fog to create all white conditions where it is impossible to see. Whiteout conditions are reported on the highway.   Sleet snow with rain I love snow but hate sleet.   Slush melting snow on side walk or roads. Wear  your boots it is slushy on the sid ewalks. Black ice black hard ice on road that is difficult to see. Crust top layer of snow/having melted and frozen again. Oof, the skiing was crusty today.   Slopes snow/having fallen on mountainside/for skiing. Lets hit the slopes today for some great skiing.   Hard Pack hard smooth snow/for skiing Mogul bump of snow/for hopping while skiing.  Im not great at skiing moguls.   Grapple-hard pellet like snow. Is it snowing? No, its grapple.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our students!Remember if you want classes over the next couple of weeks, schedule early as many of our teachers are taking some time off to spend with their families.

Zines as Study Tools

Zines as Study Tools I tend to fidget. I fiddle with my pens, bounce my knees, and doodle while listening. When I was in school, I resisted my fidgets as much as I could. In fact, the only times my fidgeting really got me into trouble was when I would get caught playing with beeswax under my desk or drawing in the margins of my notebooks.  Still, these instances were enough to give me the strong impression that my habits were bad, and I suppressed them as much as I could. Now that Im older, however, I’ve found that its better to embrace the fidget. If I  do something with my hands during studying or listening activities, I am actually a more focused and effective learner. As as an educator, Ive noticed the same tendency to fidget in many of my students,  regardless of their age.  I recently realized that finding a way to incorporate hands-on activities into our tutoring sessions and learning processes could be useful to my students even if a topic doesnt necessarily have a hands-on component already bu ilt in.That’s where mini zines come in. Zines in ContextZines have a revolutionary, anti-authoritarian origin story, but they can be about anything, for anyone. They historically have tended toward an inexpensive, DIY aesthetic to make it easy to distribute them. However, zines dont have to be simply made. Artists have used high-quality materials to create particularly elegant zines. For students, zines can be efficient tools for disseminating information in an artistic and highly portable package. They can be stress-relieving tools for learning, practicing, or testing oneself on new information.The zines I make with my students are composed of a (usually colorful) sheet of paper and allow for six pages plus a front and back cover. The design is simple, requiring only seven folds and one scissor snip (staples optional!*). Altogether, zine-making is a quick, fun way to produce a useful study tool that fits into most pockets.*If you forgo the staples, you can turn your zine inside o ut and reuse it for another topic or unit!Zines as a Study ToolSo what does this actually look like in terms of studying? The short answer is: it depends! I’ve used zines for myself and with my students in a variety of ways. You can use one as a cheat sheet or study guide that will stand out among the constant shuffle of papers. Or, design it as a workbook of practice problems (or alternating examples and practice problems). You could even use it as a homework checklist, study plan, or a notebook for brainstorming on specific topics. The possibilities are endless. My students have used zines for topics ranging from vocabulary to US currency, from SAT math to literature, from brain teasers to creative writing, and so on.However, it’s not just the informational aspects that make zines effective. Physically writing down content is a form of application, which helps to enhance students’ memories of the material and supports stronger recall. Physically making something also helps c alm anxious students by serving as an outlet for dispelling nervous energy while learning new or difficult topics. Bringing color into the learning environment also stimulates mental activity and interest. Plus, students simply find zine-making fun!In short, incorporating zines into my tutoring sessions has enriched and deepened the learning process in ways I wouldn’t have anticipated beyond satisfying my need to fidget. These days, Im always looking for ways to incorporate mini-zine creation into my sessions. Whether or not your student is fidgety like me, Id encourage anyone looking for a fun way to enrich a students experience to do the same.Creating a ZineIf you’re ready to try your hand at zine-making at home, follow these simple steps (or print out this free guide):

Stories for Snowy Days

Stories for Snowy Days Stories for Snowy Days For many of us, the winter season means cold weather. Wind, sleet, snow, iceâ€"we can expect to deal with it all at some point.   Whether you enjoy sledding, snowshoeing, or simply building snowmen, there’s plenty of fun to have in the snow. However, there will also be times that you just want to stay warm in front of a fire or under a cozy blanket. On those days, why not curl up with a good book? And if it’s still warm where you live? What better way to get a taste of the cold than in the pages of a book with your imagination! Here are some great choices from Kumon’s Recommended Reading List to get in the winter spirit. Preschoolers and Beginning Readers Read Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young  collected by Jack Prelutsky The perfect book to read with your child, no matter how young! This poetry collection features rhymes on many topics, includingâ€"you guessed itâ€"winter! Filled with wonderful illustrations that will keep your kids enthralled, it’s also a great introduction to beloved authors like A.A. Milne and Robert Louis Stevenson. The Red Book by Barbara Lehman A book with no words? Ideal for building pre-reading skills, this illustrated book allows your child to tell their own story. The pictures begin with a child finding a red book in the snow, which is sure to kick-start the imaginations of kids who are escaping the snow themselves! The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats Few experiences can compare to playing in the snow for the first time. This classic children’s book, which young readers can tackle on their own, follows the adventures of a boy named Peter as he explores his snow-draped city. Elementary School Students The Mitten by Alvin Tresselt A fun story about a mitten that gets left in the snow and the woodland creatures that find it.   Beautifully illustrated, your kids will get lost in the tale. But watch out! The bestselling book is so fun, they might be tempted to drop their own mittens in the snow to see the story come to life. Snowed in with Grandmother Silk by Carol Fenner This heartwarming story shows that even two people who are seemingly very different can have more in common than they think. When Ruddy gets snowed in with his grandma, he’s forced to find ways to have fun. This book will teach your kids some important lessons, while giving them some great ideas on how to spend a snowy day! The Snow Walker by Margaret K. and Charles M. Wetterer Kids can get a glimpse of history while immersed in a thrilling adventure set in the late 19th century. Based on the real-life Blizzard of 1888, this book tells the story of a young boy and his father who venture out into the snow-covered streets of the Bronx to help their neighbors during an epic snowstorm. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater This beloved children’s book tells the story of an ordinary housepainter who one day finds himself in possession of a penguin, and then another, and then another. As Mr. Popper’s group of penguins grows, so do the hijinks. After your child reads the book, you can cuddle up on the couch together and watch the movie! Older Kids The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis Another story that was immortalized in film, this classic is worth taking the time to read. (The movies are great, too!) The first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series introduces the reader to the magical land of Narnia, where a spell has been cast so that it is “always winter but never Christmas.” Follow the adventures of the Pevensie children as they explore a new world. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Little introduction is needed for this Dickens classic that has been told time and time again on stage and screen. But nothing can beat the original! Read all about Ebenezer Scrooge and the three spirits who teach him an important lesson. Explore the entire Kumon Recommended Reading List! You might also be interested in: Kumon Staff Pick: The Snowy Day 8 Must-Read Collections of Poetry on Kumon’s Recommended Reading List Kumon Staff Pick: Were Going on a Bear Hunt Kumon Staff Pick: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Stories for Snowy Days Stories for Snowy Days For many of us, the winter season means cold weather. Wind, sleet, snow, iceâ€"we can expect to deal with it all at some point.   Whether you enjoy sledding, snowshoeing, or simply building snowmen, there’s plenty of fun to have in the snow. However, there will also be times that you just want to stay warm in front of a fire or under a cozy blanket. On those days, why not curl up with a good book? And if it’s still warm where you live? What better way to get a taste of the cold than in the pages of a book with your imagination! Here are some great choices from Kumon’s Recommended Reading List to get in the winter spirit. Preschoolers and Beginning Readers Read Aloud Rhymes for the Very Young  collected by Jack Prelutsky The perfect book to read with your child, no matter how young! This poetry collection features rhymes on many topics, includingâ€"you guessed itâ€"winter! Filled with wonderful illustrations that will keep your kids enthralled, it’s also a great introduction to beloved authors like A.A. Milne and Robert Louis Stevenson. The Red Book by Barbara Lehman A book with no words? Ideal for building pre-reading skills, this illustrated book allows your child to tell their own story. The pictures begin with a child finding a red book in the snow, which is sure to kick-start the imaginations of kids who are escaping the snow themselves! The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats Few experiences can compare to playing in the snow for the first time. This classic children’s book, which young readers can tackle on their own, follows the adventures of a boy named Peter as he explores his snow-draped city. Elementary School Students The Mitten by Alvin Tresselt A fun story about a mitten that gets left in the snow and the woodland creatures that find it.   Beautifully illustrated, your kids will get lost in the tale. But watch out! The bestselling book is so fun, they might be tempted to drop their own mittens in the snow to see the story come to life. Snowed in with Grandmother Silk by Carol Fenner This heartwarming story shows that even two people who are seemingly very different can have more in common than they think. When Ruddy gets snowed in with his grandma, he’s forced to find ways to have fun. This book will teach your kids some important lessons, while giving them some great ideas on how to spend a snowy day! The Snow Walker by Margaret K. and Charles M. Wetterer Kids can get a glimpse of history while immersed in a thrilling adventure set in the late 19th century. Based on the real-life Blizzard of 1888, this book tells the story of a young boy and his father who venture out into the snow-covered streets of the Bronx to help their neighbors during an epic snowstorm. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater This beloved children’s book tells the story of an ordinary housepainter who one day finds himself in possession of a penguin, and then another, and then another. As Mr. Popper’s group of penguins grows, so do the hijinks. After your child reads the book, you can cuddle up on the couch together and watch the movie! Older Kids The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis Another story that was immortalized in film, this classic is worth taking the time to read. (The movies are great, too!) The first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series introduces the reader to the magical land of Narnia, where a spell has been cast so that it is “always winter but never Christmas.” Follow the adventures of the Pevensie children as they explore a new world. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Little introduction is needed for this Dickens classic that has been told time and time again on stage and screen. But nothing can beat the original! Read all about Ebenezer Scrooge and the three spirits who teach him an important lesson. Explore the entire Kumon Recommended Reading List! You might also be interested in: Kumon Staff Pick: The Snowy Day 8 Must-Read Collections of Poetry on Kumon’s Recommended Reading List Kumon Staff Pick: Were Going on a Bear Hunt Kumon Staff Pick: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Google Secrets How to Learn a Language Using Google

Google Secrets How to Learn a Language Using Google Google Secrets: How to Learn a Language Using Google On the journey to fluency, you might think of Google as a road.You use it to get to important placesâ€"like language courses or study materials.You might not realize that Google is a language learning destination itself.But think about it.Google can pull from all the information in hundreds of languages found online.Its built on some of the most sophisticated technology out there, all with the purpose of connecting people and ideas from all over the world.You just need to know the right features and search tricks to put it all to use for your language studies.Here’s how to unlock Googles potential for foreign language fluency. Google Secrets: How to Learn a Language Using GoogleUse Image Search for Visual LearningWhat, to you, is the difference between an easy chair, a couch, a sofa and a recliner?How about a garbage pail, garbage bin or trash can?Words for physical objects can sometimes be perfectly clear to native speakers, but maddeningly tricky to pin down. As a language lear ner, this can make it difficult to build a vocabulary base that youre confident in.So instead of memorizing dictionary definitions, try adding Google Images to your vocabulary building regimen. Just look up a foreign word that youre learning, and youll quickly see how the image results can give you a much more precise, nuanced understanding.Here’s a perfect example. The standard English translation for the Chinese word ?? (wàitào) is raincoat or coat. But when I searched for images, I realized the word refers to all kinds of things that I might call a sweater or windbreaker in English. It’s clearly a broader definition than I realized!Take a few flashcards or a vocabulary lesson that youre working on, and see what discoveries Google Images brings to you.Plus, if you enjoy this type of real-world, visual learning, FluentU is a great supplement to your Google explorations. FluentU provides authentic foreign language videos thatve been transformed into language learning experienc es.Each video comes with interactive captionsâ€"click on any word for an instant definition and native pronunciation, as well as a picture to help you understand and remember the word. There are also flashcards with visual learning aids, quizzes, full transcripts and vocabulary lists to help you remember new words from each video once youre done watching.The videos are organized by genre and learning level, so you can easily find ones that work for you. FluentU also personalizes your learning by suggesting new videos based on what youve already learned.FluentU currently has programs for Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Italian, Japanese, Korean and English. Click any language youre interested in to explore the program for free with a FluentU trial.Use Site Search to See Vocab in Different ContextsWhen we take writing classes in school or study literature, we eventually learn that some words belong in some contexts and others don’t.You wouldn’t use Dr. Seuss wo rds in an academic paper, and if you’re writing a diary you probably won’t use the same language as Shakespeare.When you learn a foreign language or teach one to yourself, you run the risk of being unsure about this sort of thing. Without someone to guide your writing, you really don’t have much of a way to tell if you’re using the right words in the right situations.How can Google solve this problem?With a simple trick called site search. It’s very easy to use.You just type “site:” plus the name of a website, plus whatever you’re looking for. Then the results that come up will be restricted to that one website. This is a great way to look for posts by one author on a blog, for instance, or find all the times that a country is mentioned in a news publication.And as for language learning, you can definitely try non-English search queries too. Let’s say you’ve just learned the word mochila  (backpack) in Spanish. If we search different websites that run the gamut o f nonfiction, news and entertainment, we’ll find a few different examples.If I search a photography website, I’ll find articles about adventure or hiking backpacks made for photographers. A fashion website gives me advice about different styles of everyday backpacks.Each of these has their own related vocabulary and writing style to describe the same vocabulary word you just learnedâ€"making for perfect reading practice  and well-rounded communication skills.Get the Gist with Machine TranslationLots of language learners decry Google Translate, and not without reason. Everybody’s heard of the inaccurate or flat-out hilarious results it can come up with, and nobody should use it as their only learning resource.But if you’re careful with it, Google Translate can fill an important gap in language learning.How many times have you struggled to understand a long article in your target language? Next time that happens to you, put it into Google Translate to get the gist in English. Since you can see the two texts side by side, you can connect them mentally and start learning the patterns.You can even hover over the sentences with your mouse and see the relevant translation light up on the other side!Don’t worry, it’s not cheating to use a machine translator. When used correctly, its a step towards comfort with the structures, rhythms and common words in your target language.Check Your Language with Pattern-friendly SearchesThis is probably the biggest secret for language learning with Google, and here I am, giving it away.How is it that search engines give you the result you’re looking for in the top two or three results, almost every time?Its because search engines like Google are massively powerful pattern-recognition and pattern-analysis machines.If enough people click on a link, that means it’s valuable and it goes up in the search results. And if enough people type “faceboko” and then click on “Facebook,” Google knows to suggest an alterna te spelling for you.What else is based on patterns? Language.From sound systems to verb conjugations to adjective declensions, every language in the world follows (mostly) predictable rules and patterns. You can take advantage of this through strategic foreign language Google searches.Lets say youre unsure about a particular grammatical construction. Just type it into Google and see whether you get a suggested alternate phrasing or see different versions of it in the top results.To narrow it down, put the search inside quotation marks  and Google will look for that exact phrase all over the internet. This will also help filter for websites that are written entirely in your target language.If you get very few results (say, under 500,000) youll know your phrase is off. If its a short but incorrect phrase, you can often find the correct version within the search results or as suggestions at the bottom of the page.Get Free Literature for Your LanguageA lot of people never get beyond the images, maps and videos tabs on Google results. But did you know that there are also enormous indexes of published books and academic papers, absolutely free?Google Scholar and Google Books have tons of public domain material.Google Books lets you search the text of millions of published books, ranging from rare and out-of-print foreign books to the newest bestsellers. Got a book on your shelf you practically know by heart? See if you can find it online in your target language!And if you’re linguistically inclined, there’s no better resource than Google Scholar for in-depth academic papers. Some of them are way over my head, but others are absolutely fascinating.For me, these are the most helpful when I’m struggling with a complicated aspect of grammar that doesn’t have the slightest equivalent in my native language.The formal analysis of language in these papers isn’t for everyone, but try it outâ€"you may find a few gems.Be a Language Tourist from Your SofaOne of the re asons I travel is to go speak and hear other languages. The people and places around the world are cool I suppose, but as someone with a passion for languages, that’s what really drives me to go places.And if you’re reading this article, you might be in the same boat. When you get to your destination, will you be prepared?It’s a powerfully strong psychological effect to look around and see not a word of your native language. Depending on where you go, you might end up far away from bilingual signs or English advertisements. This can really be overwhelming for some people.So before you go, look up some of the places you’ll visit or dream of visiting on Google Street View and see what it’s like to be surrounded by foreign-language text all the time. Check the definitions of the most common words you see on street signs or business names.This is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in your target language from home. Plus, its fun and a great study motivator! It makes your lang uage seem more relevant and might even inspire some travel plans, if you dont have them already.And if you do have a trip booked, Street View tourism will make you less intimidated and more ready to enjoy your travels once youre there.If you know how to use it, Google can find just about anything for you.Language learning online has never been easier, and now that you know how to go about language learning with Google, you’ve stepped into a brand new world of resources.Whether it’s checking grammatical patterns or looking up images to help you understand definitions, there’s no better time than now to get started!Yassir Sahnoun is a content strategist, writer, polyglot and co-founder of WriteWorldwide. You can learn more about Yassir at YassirSahnoun.com. And One More ThingMake FluentU as regular a part of your life as Google, and itll prove just as indispensable. FluentU makes it possible to learn languages  from music videos, commercials, news and inspiring talks.With Fluent U, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that real people speak them. FluentU has a wide variety of videos, like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse ScreenFluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover over or tap on the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Interactive TranscriptsYou can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs quiz mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoAnd FluentU always keeps track of vocabulary that you’re learning. It uses that vocab to give you a 100% personalized experience by recommending videos and examples.

Depression And Plane Crashes

Depression And Plane Crashes Wreckage from the crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 (image via www.pamelagetler.com) Soon after the tragedy, the cockpit recorders were recovered from the plane and handed over to the authorities who analyzed the tapes. From this and other evidence it was preliminary determined that this crash was a murder-suicide brought by an onset of depression and psychosis in the copilot, Andreas Lubitz. Yet another tragedy has occurred and headlined news involving suicide. Months previously, one of America’s most beloved comics, Robin Williams, committed suicide as well. Just this week a teen took his own life in McKinney, Texas after severe bullying. These three are not isolated cases. In the U.S., suicide is the number 10 leading cause of death according to the Center for Disease Control. The World Health Organization says that depression, one of the most common causes of suicide, is the leading cause for disability in the developed world. Approximately 1 in 20 Americans have dealt with, will deal with, or are experiencing depression, although this number is estimated to be skewed down. Depression is simply a chemical imbalance in the brain brought on by a lack of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. These are neurotransmitters that cause good feelings and happiness. Typically, this is accompanied by an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone. People with depression with can experience lack of energy, apathy, consistent feelings of sadness or being down, disinterest in former hobbies and activities, insomnia or increased sleep, and thoughts of guilt, death, and/or suicide. This disease is remarkably treatable. With treatment, symptoms usually alleviate in a matter of 8-12 weeks. Treatment can include therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. With the end of the semester approaching, stress is piling on. (image courtesy of blog.fit.edu) Sadly, while depression is the most treatable mental illness, it is also the most frequent and the most frequently ignored. The problem arises when people will brush off symptoms as just “being down” or “in a funk.” Patients themselves might feel this way or parents and friends. Make no mistake; depression is not just a state of mind or attitude. It is a real, serious, life-threatening disease that has readily available treatment. In professional life, stress is an expected part of life. No one can escape the frustrating problems of bills, responsibilities and work. When stressed our bodies try to help us out by releasing cortisol. This neurotransmitter can give you a boost to your adrenaline system allowing you to cope with the problem easily. However, if the body experiences high levels of cortisol all the time, it can be very detrimental, leading to depression some studies have suggested. Pilots, actors, and even high school students all have high levels of stress. However, like I said before, stress is not necessarily bad. It can help you get things done, but the problem arises with how Americans and many other countries and cultures deal with stress. Many accept it as part of a job or environment and certainly that’s true to an extent, but stress can be minimized through a variety of mediums. When dealing with stress, try to take some time away from your problems. Find time for you. Some of the best ways to reduce stress in the body include exercise. With the weather finally warming up, it’s time to get outside. Sunlight has been shown to stimulate the release of dopamine and exercise has been proven to remove cortisol in the body. So find some friends and toss a Frisbee or play some street ball. Besides getting out in the sun, make sure to eat well. Being busy makes it really hard to push back carbs and sweets, but these foods can make you sluggish and decrease your energy levels. Make sure to increase your vegetable and fruit intake. Eating lots of these can re-energize you and make you more capable of tackling a tough day. (image courtesy of msw.usc.edu) If you’ve already fallen into the pit of despair, it’s not too late. Right now, you’ve realized you’re there so you can still get help. First, talk to your friends and family about how you are feeling. Let them know what’s going on. Have some time to complain. Just talk to someone and let it out. Purge the system of all the problems. Then go do something. Spend time with that friend doing something else. Get away from the problem for a bit. If you are experiencing depression or believe you are, please seek help for it. Depression success rates are amazing. Talk to your family doctor, a counselor, or a friend about it. They can set you up with services in your area that can help you deal with this illness. You don’t have to let depression win. If you are having thoughts of suicide or death please call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This last number is staffed 24/7, 365 days of the year by volunteers who care and will help you. Our culture is not the best about stress and work. Americans work more than most cultures and certainly the most in the developed world. This worker bee attitude is great for the country, but can be very bad for individuals. If school, work, or life is stressing you out too much, don’t let it beat you. You can do it. If you need help reach out. You can get better.

Action! Comedy! Drama! Learn Languages Through Movie Genres

Action! Comedy! Drama! Learn Languages Through Movie Genres Action! Comedy! Drama! Learn Languages Through Movie Genres Movies can teach you a lot.They can show you how to fight for what you want.They can help you learn magical spells to fix your glasses and/or make your nemesis suffer.They can even teach you how to destroy evil jewelry (thanks for that, Frodo).But theres one thing that watching movies can teach you that will benefit you more than any adventures through Middle Earth or to any wizarding school ever could.Watching movies can help teach you languages.Yes, real-world languages, not just Elvish or parseltongue.Whether you watch them online, on DVD or with your Roku, movies can pack the learning wallop you need to take your language skills to the next level.The first hurdle you encounter, though, might be which type of movie to choose for this purpose. After all, movie genres are just as diverse as languages themselves, and if youre not already familiar with the film scene in your target language, you might not have any clue where to start.Luckily, each movie genre has something to offer th e language learner, and furthermore, you can actually use movie genres to target specific skills and vocabulary sets.You cant go wrong when you watch a movie in your target language, but selecting the right genre can help you zero in on exactly what you want to learn.So  lights, camera, action! Heres all you need to know about taking a genre-based approach to improving your language skills with movies. Why You Should Learn Languages Through Different Movie GenresFirst of all, movie genres provide thematic vocabulary. Since different genres have different focuses, they also have vocabulary that matches their unique focuses, giving you access to tons of thematic vocabulary on practically whatever subject you can imagine.Secondly, you can easily guess what sorts of thematic vocabulary will be used based on genre, so its easy to anticipate what youll get out of watching. For instance, if youre  enjoying cartoons, youll get a lot of basic vocabulary thats good for beginners. If youre w atching a martial arts film, youll get plenty of action vocabulary. Just read any movies description and you can guess what sort of vocabulary it will include.Learning with different movie genres is also a more  entertaining way to go about learning with movies. If you use different genres to cover a wide breadth of material, you can use movies for learning material  whether youre in the mood for action, romance or laughs. And since youll enjoy a sense of satisfaction from targeting your learning needs successfully with content you like, youre much more likely to do it enthusiastically, which will help keep you learning with very little effort.Plus, watching different movie genres will expose you to authentic, native-level speech in different contexts. Practicing your listening skills not just with different speakers but also in different scenarios will help prepare you to understand real speech in context.Finally, watching genre-specific movies is easy to pair with additional activ ities to maximize your learning. In fact, ideally, you should  pair it with other activities. FluentU, for example, can help both structure your movie learning and provide a fun method of study to alternate with it. FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like movie trailers, commercials, mini-movies and moreâ€"and turns them into personalized language lessons that allow you to engage with the material.Just watching movies without engaging with them can be one of the  pitfalls to learning a language with movies, but luckily, there are plenty of great activities you can do to get more out of your movie watching experience. Just read ahead for some fun ideas!Action! Comedy! Drama! Learn Languages Through Movie GenresBelow, well look at what each movie genre can do for your language learning, along with at least one activity and a couple of recommendations. Of course, the ideal thing will be to pinpoint films for a given genre in your target language, so well also show you some general lists of great films for learners of different languages along the way that you can use to find the genres of your choice.DramaAbout the Genre and BenefitsDrama has a more serious reputationâ€"this is the genre youll generally see nominated for big awards.Movies in the drama genre can cover a wide range of topics, making it easy to select a film based on what vocabulary you want to learn, but that may mean you need to look beyond the drama categorization. For instance, you might find romance, history, crime and more within this genre, all with their own topical vocabulary sets.ActivityBig-deal dramas are usually written about extensively. Critics (both professional and amateur) want to put their two cents in to assess and analyze the latest, most anticipated offerings.For language learners, all the reviews, accolades and criticisms can be learning gold, since theres a good chance many are written in your target language.After watching a critically acclaimed drama film, go online and sear ch for the film name and review or analysis in your target language. Then, you can read what others have said about the movie you just watched, working a little thematic reading practice into the mix.You might even try writing your own reviews in your target language at IMDb to reinforce the vocabulary you learned in the film and practice your writing.Below are just two examples of dramas from a couple of languages that could be used for this exerciseâ€"go out and find your own!Drama Recommendations???? ????? (The Insult)  The Insult is a Lebanese film that features the Lebanese dialect of Arabic. In this Oscar-nominated film, events snowball and two men, a Lebanese Christian and a Palestinian refugee, end up on opposite sides of a court battle. While theres some inappropriate language (in fact, the titular insult itself), the film also features plenty of court scenes to help you perfect your Arabic legal vocabulary.Looking for more Arabic movies in different genres and dialects? He res a drama-heavy list of movies in Levantine Arabic, and heres a varied list of highly-acclaimed movies spanning multiple Arabic dialects.Una mujer fantástica (A Fantastic Woman)  This Spanish-language film out of Chile won an Academy Award as Best Foreign Language Film, and from watching it, its easy to see why. It follows a young trans woman whose older companion dies unexpectedly. In the wake of his death, she must confront grief, prejudice and the accusation that she is responsible for his death.You can find more Spanish-language movies of different genres on Amazon Prime, on Netflix and on other streaming sites.ComedyAbout the Genre and BenefitsThe main focus of comedy is obvious: its funny.The humor can vary between dark, goofy, slapstick or even a combination, but you can expect to laugh.One unique feature of comedies is that theyre more likely to feature wordplay than other genres, which can be helpful for advanced learners to really test out their skills. After all, under standing wordplay in your target language is a great sign that your skills are very advanced since it often doesnt translate directly or literally.ActivityFor anyone with a funny bone, activities associated with the genre come like second nature: just memorize jokes.You can use jokes as models for grammar rules, to help you memorize vocabulary or for speaking practice. Plus, you can go ahead and share them with your language-learning friends as a fun way to liven up your conversations.Another activity that you might try is to attempt to mimic the humor of a film. Based on the general tone and language of the film, you might also try making up your own jokes in your target language. What punchlines can you come up with that the protagonist failed to deliver? What funny scenarios could they have added to the film? Describe them in your target language for a little extra language practice.Comedy RecommendationsEr ist wieder da (Look Whos Back)Okay. Before you read any further, please s wallow any beverages that are presently in your mouth to avoid spit-takes.Got it down?Good. Look Whos Back is a German satirical comedy in which Adolf Hitler awakens from his bunker in 2014, is mistaken for an actor and starts shooting YouTube videos, all while adjusting to the modern world.Are you laughing yet?For more comedies and other genres in German, you can once again look on Netflix or Amazon Prime.Il a déjà tes yeux  (He Even Has Your Eyes)In this French comedy, a French-African couple finally gets to adopt a baby. Theres just one little surprise: the baby is white. The family must struggle with relatives who dont want to accept a white baby as one of their own and a racist social worker. Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, the film is categorized as a comedy and takes a more lighthearted approach.For French-language movies in this genre and others, check out Netflix, more Netflix and Amazon Prime.RomanceAbout the Genre and BenefitsAh, romance. Its the genre th at makes you long for long walks through the park with your beloved and/or Ryan Goslings cell phone number.However, the romantic genre generally overlaps with other genres, like comedy and drama. Still, films in that fall clearly into this genre usually feature romantic vocabulary and flirty interactions, so its an ideal genre for anyone looking to prepare for romance or just interested in learning more dating and relationship vocab.ActivityInevitably, heroes in romantic films face constant romantic setbacks. Think of pickup lines, declarations or explanations in your target language that could help them land their beloved or at least get out of trouble, realistically or not. Shout them at the screen as the protagonist flounders. See, you totally have more game than that silly protagonist.Romance RecommendationsAmélieIn this whimsical French romantic comedy, a shy, naive Parisian woman secretly affects the lives of those around her based on what she feels they deserve. But along th e way, she also falls in love with a mysterious stranger. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards and received widespread acclaim, and anyone who watches it will understand why. It has undeniable charm.Bianca come il latte, rossa come il sangue  (White as Milk, Red as Blood)Perhaps this Italian film could be better described as a romantic dramedy since it has aspects of romance, comedy and drama. But whatever you call it, Italian learners can fall in love with the movie. It follows a boy enamored with a girl who has cancer.For more Italian movies that fall into romance and other genres, check out this Netflix list.Action/AdventureAbout the Genre and BenefitsIf youre an adrenaline junkie and Black Friday shopping just isnt enough of a rush for you, action/adventure movies might be just what you need in your life.This genre offers edge-of-your-seat action. Action and adventure films can also include some sub-genres that you may not immediately associate with the genre, includin g war films, fantasy and sci-fi.While films in this genre may feature more specialized vocabulary, which can prove challenging, there are also more breaks in dialogue to give you time to think about what you heard.ActivityFor language learners, the action sequences will provide plenty of breaks in which you can easily work in a little speaking practice.Whenever the dialogue stops and action occurs,  try to narrate what youre seeing on screen. Give as many details as you can. Youre only limited by your own vocabulary, so its up to you what you say, but narrating will help you practice using your vocabulary in context, giving you speaking practice. You might just want to look up car chase ahead of time in your target language, because chances are, youll need it.Action/Adventure Recommendations???? (Kung Fu Yoga)This movie may be in Mandarin, but that doesnt mean that English speakers wont recognize a familiar face. Thats because Jackie Chan stars in this high-grossing action-adventure comedy.In it, Chan plays an archaeology professor who teams up with another professor to find Tibetan treasure. Though they manage to find it, a team of mercenaries stand in their way. You never know where mercenaries will crop up these days.Here are 7 more Mandarin movies on Netflix, and a list for Amazon Prime as well.Elite Squad: The Enemy Within  This popular and acclaimed Brazilian crime film follows a special operations force. Rest assured, there are plenty of intense situations that will get your blood pumping. And the increased blood flow to your brain must be good for Portuguese learning, right?Heres a list of Netflix movies in both Brazilian and European Portuguese.HorrorAbout the Genre and BenefitsIf you cant resist a good scare, horror is definitely the genre for you.Horror movies are designed to be frightening. Rather than leaning heavily on language, horror movies generally lean more on visuals (and, of course, gore). Still, youll get plenty of creepy vocabulary words , which you can study to distract yourself from the intense, quiet scenes where you just know someone or something is about to scare the living daylights out of you.ActivityThe creepy, prolonged silences that are so standard in the genre provide plenty of opportunities to insert additional learning opportunities during a horror flick.All you have to do is exactly what you do with any horror movie: shout advice to the protagonists. In this case, just try to do it in your target language. This will give you some speaking practice and the opportunity to use whatever vocabulary youve learned from the movie so far.Horror Recommendations??? (Train to Busan)Im sure all Korean students are eager to learn the word for zombie. Well, nows your chance! Train to Busan is a horror movie that features a father desperately trying to take his daughter to reach the one city thats safe from a zombie outbreak. But first, they must survive the train ride.Plus, with an American remake slated for the not- too-distant future, watching the original Korean movie might help you anticipate some of the twists and turns.Here are 7 more Korean movies on Netflix spanning various genres that you just might love.??????? (Tag)In this Japanese horror flick, a bizarre school bus accident leaves just one teenage girl alive. However, shes transported to a different high school in a strange, parallel universe where violence abounds.Its bloody. Its weird. And it just might be any horror fan and/or Japanese students favorite thing ever.Japanese and horror movies might seem to go hand in hand, but this list of Japanese movies on Netflix goes a lot further, genre-wise.Looking for horror movies in other languages? You may want to check out these 10 scary Spanish flicks and five German fright films. Some of these French sci fi features may also do the trick.ChildrensAbout the Genre and BenefitsWhether youre a kid or a kid at heart, childrens movies can be fun to watch. And lets be realâ€"some of their joke s are clearly intended for adults, anyway.While childrens movies are obviously intended for children overall, theyre also great for beginning and intermediate learners since they tend to rely on basic, general vocabulary and dialogue is usually spoken more slowly and clearly than in other films. So if other genres seem a little too daunting, this is the genre for you!ActivitySince childrens movies usually feature slower, clearer dialogue than other film genres, they provide a great opportunity to fine-tune your pronunciation as you watch.To get in some pronunciation, just repeat lines whenever theres a pause in dialogue. If the pauses arent as long as youd like, you might even try pausing the movie while you repeat the same line over and over again until youve nailed down the nuances of the pronunciation.If the movie inspires you to fully embrace your inner child, you might also try making well-decorated flashcards of vocabulary words you learned from the movie (glitter glue is opti onal). Then, you can study these words so that the next time you watch the movie, you can understand it with less effort.Childrens Movie RecommendationsAninaAnina is a Spanish-language animated movie from Uruguay/Colombia.It follows a girl who gets into a spat at school. She receives a punishment that propels her into various adventures that teach her about herself and the world around her.HeidiThis live-action childrens film from Switzerland uses Swiss German. Its based on the classic novel of the same name, in which a young Swiss girl moves to the Alps to live with her grandfather.Plus, as an awesome learning bonus, you can also read the original German-language book for free from Project Gutenberg  or listen to it for free from LibriVox.For more animated movies in the above and other languages, you can check out these lists:5 Animated Movies That Will Help Teach You Chinese10 Spanish-language Animated Movies That Illustrate Different Accents and Dialects8 Must-see French Animated Movies Youll Absolutely Love10 Must-see German Animated Movies Youll Absolutely Love6 Japanese Animated Movies to Bring Your Learning to LifeThe 15 Best Animated Movies for Learning and Improving English SkillsWith so many useful movie genres out there, no one will ever yell  cut  on your road to fluency!