Exploring the Six Most Popular Italian Dialects

Exploring the Six Most Popular Italian Dialects Brooke Neuman There are numerous Italian dialects spoken throughout Italy. Below, Italian teacher Liz T. shares the six most popular Italian dialects In the big boot of Italy, there are dozens of Italian dialects. In fact, almost every region has its own unique accent. While the literary Italian language is used throughout the country for law, business, and education, many people still use their region’s original Italian dialect. While it’s not necessary for you to learn every Italian dialect, familiarizing yourself with the most popular accents could come in handy when you’re traveling throughout Italy. Below is a breakdown of some of the most common Italian dialects. Review the list to help you recognize accents on your next trip to Italy! Milanese is  not actually classified as a form of Italian. Rather, its a dialect of the  Gallo-Italic sub-group that is  closely related to French and German. Similar to French and German, Milanese uses two additional vowels “ö” and “y” and subject pronouns are doubled in the second and third person. For example, the standard Italian phrase “Tu non sei” (You are not) is pronounced “ti te seet no” in Milanese. Spoken in Venice and the surrounding areas by over two million people, Venetian derives from Latin and Greek. The Italian dialect is  used mostly in informal contexts. One example of how it differs from standard Italian, is that in Venetian the word “Farmacia” (pharmacy) is replaced with “Apoteca. Florentine is the  most standard Italian dialect, commonly used by people under the age of 35. The dialect  uses nicknames of words. For example, the standard Italian word, “Formaggio” (cheese) is replaced with “Cacio” in Florentine. The further south you travel, the more heavy and harsh the Italian dialect  becomes. Also, because there are many immigrants that settle in Florence, there are several  different sounds that influence  the accent. In Romanesco, there are several deviations from standard Italian. For example, il turns into er and gli or I turns into li. Whats more,  the letter j is pronounced as i, whereas in the other Italian dialects its not. Typically, the  letter j  will appear in between two vowels or at the beginning of a word followed by a vowel. In Neapolitan,  a lot of vowels and endings are dropped. For example,  the standard Italian  â€œPiove” is written as  â€œChiove” in Neapolitan and Ci veddiamo dopo is written as “Ce verimm aròppo” Also, many traditional  Italian songs are written in this dialect, including the popular song “O sole mio”. Sicilians talk with such a thick accent that  people often mistake the dialect as a  completely different foreign languageand they are right! Sicilian doesnt derive from standard Italian. Rather it has linguistic elements from Greek, Latin, Arabic, French, Spanish, and more. Whats unique about this Italian dialect is that  plural endings of nouns end in  i, no matter what the gender. Mastering these Italian dialects can be tricky, but with the help of your Italian teacher you can practice speaking, reading, writing, and hearing these dialects together! Bona furtuna! (Now, can you guess this dialect?) Post Author:  Liz T. Liz T. teaches singing, acting, music and Italian lessons in Brooklyn, NY.  She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M. in vocal performance and has a graduate certificate in arts administration from New York University. Learn more about Liz 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

SAT Prep

How to Make the Most of Your Summer ACT/SAT Prep Summer is the perfect time to begin studying for the ACT or SAT. Regardless of which test you choose, or if you plan to sit for both exams, take advantage of the summer months as an opportunity to deep-dive into prep. Summer can allow you a more flexible study schedule and may leave you better rested to tackle test prep. Make the most of your summer ACT/SAT prep by registering for your exam, using your time wisely, and working with a tutor. Here are several other tips to help you make the most of your summer ACT and SAT prep: Make the most of your summer ACT/SAT prep by working with others Working with an ACT tutor, an SAT tutor, or a friend can be a great place to start with your summer test prep. A tutor can assess your weaknesses and offer suggestions on how to improve them. In addition, a tutor can provide customized help, thus increasing your efficiency during your summer study hours. Tutors often have numerous resources, so youre unlikely to run out of practice questions. A study group can also be helpful to your summer ACT/SAT prep in many ways, including: Your peers can hold you accountable to your review schedule Working with a study group can help you further identify both areas of needed improvement and areas where you are succeeding. [RELATED: What I Wish I Knew About Taking the ACT/SAT] Make the most of your summer ACT/SAT prep by using your time wisely If youre setting aside time to study for the SAT or ACT, make sure youre using that time wisely. Turn off your phone and remove all distractions. Experiment with using a timer to help you focus. While youre practicing, note what you need the most help on. Taking practice tests can help you recognize areas of focus and how to best use your prep time. After you take a practice test, review the results, identify what you need to work on, and practice those trouble spots before taking another practice exam. [RELATED: Time Management Tips for Students] Make the most of your summer ACT/SAT prep by scheduling practice time Just because its summer doesnt mean you cant use those great time management skills youve honed in high school. Set aside time in your schedule to practice for the ACT or SAT. Do you have a summer job or summer school commitments? Note these commitments in your calendar so that you can schedule prep time when you will be able to fully focus. [RELATED: Should I Take the ACT or SAT?] Make the most of your summer ACT/SAT prep by registering for your exam At the beginning of your summer prep, research upcoming test dates. Once you register for your exam, youll have a specific deadline to complete your studying by. Filling out your College Board profile can also be helpful before junior or senior year. Its great to take advantage of the summer time to get these administrative tasks out of the way. Make the most of your summer ACT/SAT prep by keeping your eye on the prize When SAT and ACT prep get stressful, its important to remind yourself of your end goal. Perhaps you have a dream college that youre working toward. Remember that great test scores can set you apart from your other well-rounded peers. When you get discouraged, remind yourself of your goalsyouve got this! 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 Learn Maths Easily

How to Learn Maths Easily How to Become a Maths Expert! ChaptersWhy Learn Maths?The Best Methods for Learning Maths QuicklyCan You Really Teach Yourself Maths?Start Learning Maths“Without mathematics, there's nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.” - Shakuntala DeviIt would be handy if maths was easier, though... Maths is about so much more than just the result, you need to understand how to work it out and apply theories to a given problem if you want to be a mathematician.Despite how difficult maths can be, it’s not going anywhere and will probably never be removed as an obligatory subject on the national curriculum.Kids are taught about maths from a young age. They start counting before learning to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. As they go through school, they'll learn to do more challenging maths problems.In this article, we’re going to have a look at why maths is important (both in and outside of the classroom) and how you can learn it (even if it's been years since y ou last studied it!).Find a reputable maths tutor on Superprof. MyriamMaths Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £200/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr parikhMaths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KamalMaths Teacher 5.00 (9) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PetarMaths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GowsikaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RubenMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ConorMaths Teacher 4.75 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhy Learn Maths?At first glance, you might think maths is discrete like some of the other subjects you have to study at school.You use maths in more than just your maths classes. (Source: sandid)Students generally fall into one of two categories: those who love maths, physics, chemistry, etc., and those who love English and the arts. Only a very small fraction of students love both.However, unlike what we sometimes think when we’re in school, maths can be really useful in life, whether at the checkout in the supermarket or just working out the bill at a restaurant. There’s no age limit, either. Students of all ages can work with the maths tutors on Superprof and get some extra instruction to help them.There are several reasons as to why people need maths tutoring:To get a good result on their courseworkTo pass a certain maths exam or qualification (such as the GRE).To impress during an interview in a job that involves a lot of mathsTo change careersIt can also be useful to brush up on your maths before going to university by studying certain maths topics like:AlgebraArithmetic (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, etc.)Analysis (statistics, graphing, etc.)CalculusTrigonometrySearch algorithmsGeometry (shapes, size, position, measurement, etc.)Mathematical logicAt the same time, learning math s can also help you develop certain skills that you can use in a huge variety of situations:Solving complex problemsImproving your short-term and long-term memoryImproving your cognitive reactionsBroadening your skill setLearning to use different programmesLearning maths can be like learning languages: you need to be motivated, give yourself achievable objectives, and study the different methods for solving problems. Remember that everyone’s different when it comes to their maths abilities.Which is the right method for you?The Best Methods for Learning Maths QuicklyTo motivate yourself to learn maths quickly, there’s nothing better than getting in touch with private maths tutors if you need someone to teach you maths! They’ll be able to:Help you deal with maths problems when you’re stuckGive you the tools you need to achieve your objectivesHelp you improve your memory and manage your time when studying for maths examsShare tips, tricks, and methods for students wanting to le arn maths methods more quicklyGive you an explanation of word problemsWho doesn't love pi? (Source: geralt)Whether you’re learning your times tables or studying the complex elements of maths, your private maths tutors can help you.They can tailor their tutorials and use various methods for effectively learning maths:Theory classes and homeworkMonitoring your progress with exams and testsTips and tricks for solving maths problemsGames for learning mathsExercises, activities, and worksheets to help you understand certain maths problemsQualified and experienced maths tutors are the best option for speeding up the learning process. They’ll each have their own ways of preparing their tutorials, which they’ll adapt to your needs, especially if you need to learn something quickly. Some of their favourite methods include:Repeating formulae aloudExplaining concepts back to them in your own wordsGiving you advice for studyingAsking you to summarise what you’ve learnt after each sessio nIf you have to brush up on mental arithmetic, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, or memorise times tables, etc., a maths tutor will be your coach. They’ll keep you motivated, make sure you’re focused on your objectives, and effectively manage your time to help you get the most out of your study programme.On Superprof, students can leave reviews of their tutors so you can see if they’re any good.  A lot of students get tutors to help them studying maths at GCSE or A Level. That said,  you can also learn maths on your own.Can You Really Teach Yourself Maths?You can learn maths in the same way you’d study English or history: go back over the past papers and pick up some good study guides.Don't be scared of numbers! (Source: geralt)Of course, it’s not quite that simple: you have to visualise the problem you’re presented with and also choose the right approach to solving it.There are plenty of people who struggle with maths, confuse prime numbers and rela tive numbers, and lack the necessary mastery of maths to do any real problem-solving. That’s why it’s essential for those who are learning maths on their own to use the right methods.Do you know if you’re a visual or auditive learner?If you do, you can choose learning methods that’ll help you learn maths really quickly:If you’re an auditive learner, focus on repetition, repeating things aloud like you did with your multiplication tables at school.If you’re a visual learner, you’ll probably want to focus on using visual resources and looking at brightly-coloured diagrams and seeing fractions as graphs in textbooks and on websites.You’ll need to remain motivated in order to reach your goals. Mathematics requires a combination of several things:Work focusing on the foundations of maths knowledge (learning tables off by heart, memorising the rules of arithmetic)An understanding of how to solve problems by using logic and critical thinking.While you can learn the former i n books, it’s more difficult to learn the latter in this way. Your teacher’s or tutor’s teaching skills will help you work out the reasoning. That’s why there are several things you’ll need to consider if you’re learning maths on your own:Focus on mnemonics: a lot of the formulae can be illustrated in easier ways.Use games to learn maths: you can play maths games on your mobile on the bus, on your iPad in the house, or even get printed maths games and puzzles to do on long flights.Make the most of all the tools at your disposition: you can access MOOCs whenever you want online, there are online calculators, and you can find websites with maths exercises to help you learn more quickly.Study maths on your own: However, this isn't the most effective method if you’re looking for really quick results. Of course, it does mean that you can revise how and when you want.It can be useful if you’re studying GCSEs or A Levels. A private tutor will encourage you when you’re fee ling demotivated, but if you’re learning on your own, you’re going to have to put a lot of effort in.Learn Maths Easily with these resourcesDon't forget to check out some of these maths websites and apps:ResourceProsConsSudoku, Chess, and Board GamesEasy to learnNot for specific maths skillsMontessoriMulti-platformJust for kidsiToochPositive reinforcement, progression, built-in calculatorRigid structure, American school systemBBC BitesizeWide range of subjects, activities, levelsBritish curriculum onlyAB Math LiteBright and colourful app, freeMostly arithmetic,Start Learning MathsSo how do you choose the right learning method for you?Ask yourself a few questions:What type of learner am I? Visual, aural, or kinesthetic?How much time can I spend studying maths per week?Do I want to learn by using resources other than textbooks?How urgently do I need to learn maths?“My child was struggling with their maths homework in primary school. This trend continued into secondary school. He had a good memory but struggled to concentrate on maths problems. Given he wanted to study the sciences, it was important that he was good at maths and he needed some help! Then we hired Baptiste to teach him. He focused on his strengths and weaknesses and helped build his confidence.”It’s important considering your strengths and weaknesses before you start any revision programme:If you’re easily distracted, stressed during exams, or you’re not sure how you’re going to improve your results, a private tutor can help you consolidate everything you learn each lesson with interactive activities.If you’re more autonomous, you could do online exercises, print out a worksheet, do some quizzes, or play maths games on your computer and soon you’ll have mastered what you need to learn.Learning depends on your personality, how you learn new information, and how you take notes.It all depends on how you want to learn. If you’re focusing on whole numbers, decimal numbers, or poly nomials, you should focus on trying to consolidate all your knowledge.If you want to become good at maths, you’re going to have to focus on clear objectives. So are you ready to learn the secrets of exponential functions and right triangles, etc.?Fire up your neurons and start learning! You can even learn whilst playing games...

The Beginners Guide to Starting Cross-Training

The Beginners Guide to Starting Cross-Training How Can You Prepare for Intense Physical Exertion? ChaptersThe Necessary Equipment for Cross TrainingA Cross Training Session for the First WeekA Cross Training Session for the Second WeekA Cross Training Session for the Third WeekA Cross Training Session for the Fourth WeekBeyond the First Four WeeksA Word on Nutrition“Training is everything. The peach was once a bitter almond; cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education.” - Mark TwainOf all the sporting activities in the world, cross training, sometimes wrongly referred to as CrossFit, is one of the most complete workouts you can do.In this article, we are going to have a look at the key exercises of cross training, the non-branded version of CrossFit, the equipment you'll need for it, and some sample sessions that you could do.yes, there is a difference!Others who have started working out for a short-term goal such as losing weight or because of a health scare soon abandon their resolution because getting fit was not their overall goal.Still others are tempted by their lifestyle: a night out with friends, the call for overtime at work, the impatience with repetition... there are also those who rapidly get bored and those who have no clear direction in their fitness plan.If you have stuck with your workout for four weeks, you are to be congratulated: a large percentage of fitness hopefuls don’t make it even this far into their lifestyle change!So, now that you are well on your way to becoming a lean machine, what should you do next?  That’s what we now take a look at.Workout StrategiesEven if you are burning with passion for your personal fitness, you are not immune to feeling the crush of repetition. In other words, you are at risk for boredom - not through any fault of your own, you can rest assured on that.As you well know, physical exercise releases endorphins in the brain that makes us feel so good! In part, that is what keeps people working out in the early stages of establishing a regimen.However, your body soon hits a balance: the amount of those feel-good chemicals in our brains is evened out so that we don’t quite get the rush that we experienced when we first started our routine.Also, after the initial ‘water loss’, that period early in one’s regimen when those who exercise are bound to see inches and possibly weight melt away, your body’s metabolism adjusts to its new level of activity and those losses taper down to about a pound or two per week.Note: losing a pound or two per week is a healthy amount; any more than that would be a cause for concern.You can see why some would quit exercising, don’t you?Increasing your reps and adding resistance to your workout does not make for a brighter burn; in fact, dramatic increases could actually damage your muscles and connective tissues!That is why experts recommend diversifying your workout.Once you have your body conditioned to working out through the outlined routines above, it is time to take your physical training to a new level.Cycling, whet her indoors or out, is excellent aerobic exercise! Source: Pixabay Credit: 12019The Aerobic WorkoutWhile it is true that any workout will work your heart to a certain extent, activities specifically designed to speed up your heart rate with get your body’s most important muscle in optimal shape.You may consider adding an aerobic class such as Zumba or step aerobics to your fitness repertoire.If you have no time for an extra session at the gym for such a class â€" or, now that warmer weather is here, you wish to take your workout out of doors, you might like to walk, jog, run or dance your way into heart health.You might even consider cycling to work and back!To avoid the issue that plagues every workout, namely burnout, try to switch your activities up. You might go biking one day, dance the next, and try out Nordic walking before the week is up.Note: swimming is also a great workout for your heart and it comes with the added benefit of being no-impact, meaning your joints won’t suffer while you work your muscles!StretchingWhile building endurance and gaining muscle tone are important to weight loss and fitness goals, equally important is flexibility.If you lack the range of motion necessary to perform such manoeuvres as a squat, plié or even a sit-up, you may injure yourself rather than help yourself get fit.It is therefore vital to warm up before any workout. Such a warm-up should include stretching.Even before you engage in the jumping jacks or deadlifts mentioned above, make sure your joints and muscles are properly conditioned by stretching them before you get started.A good stretching routine may include:Arm lifts: feet shoulder-wide apart, raise your arms above your head while inhaling. Hold for a slow count of five; exhale on the release. Repeat 10-20 timesSpinal stretch: with feet planted, lace your fingers behind your head; elbows out. Gently turn from side to side for a count of 10 per side.Alternately, you may place your hands on your hips wit h your knees slightly bent. Pitch forward while releasing your arms, allowing them to hang down. Pull yourself back up to standing position; repeat 10-20 times.Leg stretches: these warm-ups may include hurdler’s stretches, leg lifts and calf muscle stretches.Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, hands on hips. Raise yourself on your tip-toes, release. Repeat 10-20 times.Another great way to work on your flexibility is through yoga.You may enjoy a particularly vigorous Bikram yoga workout, opt for a more relaxing Hatha regimen or sweat it out in a hot yoga session.Whichever type of flexibility training you choose, make sure that it becomes an integral part of your workout!A Word on NutritionYou have revolutionised your entire life: working out is a vital part of your lifestyle and your health â€" perhaps an area of concern before your turnaround, is now better than it’s ever been.As your body becomes leaner and burns more efficiently, the next step in your fitness crusade is to c onsider and, if needed, change your nutritional intake.Obviously, you will not have the same nutritional needs as when you started your fitness regimen; in fact, you may need to eat more in order to maintain your target weight and muscle mass.Furthermore, depending on what your fitness goals are, you may need to adopt one or another food plan.The essential guidelines for Crossfit are 40% carb intake, 30% protein and 30% fat.You may have heard of The Zone diet or the Paleo diet; both of those plans approximately reflect the recommended diet for those who are intent on optimal fitness.The key to these nutrition plans’ success is avoiding processed foods and high-glycemic carbohydrates.You might wonder about the 30% fat. Isn’t fat touted as bad for you?Indeed, certain fats are bad for you and counterproductive to your fitness goals. However, not all fats are bad fats; in fact, we need fats to keep our bodies functioning properly.The fats you should incorporate into your diet come f rom oily fish, coconuts, olive oil and avocadoes, just to name a few sources.Crossfit, Nutrition and Weight LossLet us say you have decided on a Crossfit plan to lose weight and get in shape. Obviously, by this regimen’s very nature, you will lose a certain amount of weight but, here again, it all comes down to what you eat.The simplest weight loss solution is to take in fewer calories than you expend.  That simplistic assertion is rooted fact but omits one critical aspect: what kind of calories are you taking in?Not all calories are the same, nor do they burn in the same way.Protein, for example, increases how much energy your body uses to break it down and absorb it. By contrast, it takes only a little energy for your body to crack open and absorb carbohydrates.So, if you eat the equivalent of 100 grams of protein, you will have consumed around 75 net calories  that will need to be burned off.Eating 100 hundred grams of carbs, on the other hand, results in about 94 net calories  to burn off.Applying the philosophy above - take in fewer calorie to lose weight, can you see where it is more difficult to burn carbs than protein?  If your short-term workout goal is to lose weight, you may consider shifting the 40/30/30 guidelines mentioned above into higher protein and fats intake while lowering your carbs.Eating more protein will help you feel fuller for longer, causing you to not feel hungry as quickly and to reduce your overall food intake at mealtimes.Please note that this is not a permanent arrangement! As soon as you’ve hit your stride in weight loss, you should revert to the more healthy balance of protein, carb and fat intake.Crossfit, Nutrition and Muscle MassIf you are interested in gaining muscle mass, here too your food intake will play a large part in your success in achieving your goals.By dialling back on your fats intake and increasing protein and carbs proportionately, you will soon see gains in your musculature.Bear in mind that this too sho uld not be a permanent condition.After years of touting low-fat diets as healthy, both medical and fitness experts stress that a certain level of ‘good’ fats intake is necessary for optimal health.In fact, low-fat diets have been proven to reduce testosterone in males which could lead to muscular atrophy â€" the exact opposite of the condition you are working towards.So, once you’ve kick-started your performance, you should go back to the optimal 40/30/30 ratio mentioned above.This short guide is by no means a complete digest of everything you need to know. For more information about CrossFit and cross training, don't hesitate to get advice from some of the coaches or tutors on Superprof.

10 Essential Songs You Need on Your Halloween Playlist

10 Essential Songs You Need on Your Halloween Playlist Megan L. Whether youre turning your house into a creepy haunted mansion, heading to a rockin Halloween party, or getting the kids dressed up for trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, these Halloween party songs are the best way to get into the spirit. No playlist fit for consumption by ghouls and goblins is complete without these 10 essentials. Turn it up, and have a happy and safe Halloween! 1. Thriller Who doesnt love the Thriller dance? 2. Candy Because its not Halloween without plenty of candy. 3. I Put a Spell on You For extra bonus Halloween points, check out Bette Midlers version of this classic tune from the movie Hocus Pocus. 4. This is Halloween Another great Halloween movie, Nightmare Before Christmas, is full of great songs by Danny Elfman, perfect for this scary season! 5. Dead Mans Party Speaking of Danny Elfman, throw a Dead Mans Party with this 80s favorite. 6. Time Warp Rocky Horror is always appropriate. 7. Somebodys Watching Me This tune is perfect for a Halloween dance-off! 8. Ghost Riders in the Sky Johnny Cash brings the spooky vibes in this golden oldie. 9. Psycho Killer Run, run, run! 10. Monster Mash Because its not Halloween until youre doing the mash! Whats your favorite Halloween party song? Tell us all about it in the comments below! 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

9 Unusual Love Songs That Are Almost Romantic

9 Unusual Love Songs That Are Almost Romantic Sign up successful *This list is in no particular order. 1) Computer Love by Zapp and Roger (1985) Overview: The singer  seeks a romantic partner  through his computer. Why its unusual: Given the time period, this was  quite the unconventional love song. The internet didnt become a household commodity until the early 90s when the first commercial internet service providers (e.g. AOL) came about. The band, also known as Zapp, was certainly ahead of its time,  credited  for the inspiration behind the early 90s G-funk sound of hop hop. Finding love through the internet  must have seemed like a strange, distant concept when this song was released. Example lyrics: You know Ive been searching for someone Who can share that special love with me And your eyes have that glow Could it be your face I see on my computer screen Need a special girl, ooh yeah To share in my computer world, my computer world I no longer need a strategy Thanks to modern technology 2) Cupids Chokehold by Gym Class Heroes (2005) Overview: The lead singer goes through trials and tribulations finding the right girlfriend. Why its unusual: The ease at which the singer is able to gush about one girlfriend and move on to the next is astounding. In the music video, Cupid attempts to match the singer with a few different girlfriends. Whats most unusual about this concept is the chorus, in which Patrick Stump from Fall Out Boy sings, Take a look at my girlfriend, shes the only one I got. Not much of a girlfriend, I never seem to get a lot. Even though the singers  verses sound sweet and romantic toward his  new love interests, one cant help but feel cheated by his  kind words. Example lyrics: Its been some time since weve last spoke This is gonna sound like a bad joke But Momma, I fell in love again Its safe to say I have a new girlfriend And I know it sounds so old But Cupid got me in a chokehold And Im afraid I might give in Towels on the mat, my white flag is wavin 3) Whats New Pussycat by Tom Jones (1965) Overview: A man sings relentlessly about the facial features of a woman. Why its unusual: A catchy melody cant mask the lyrics of this unusual love song. While many love songs attempt to make the love interest sound appealing in terms of personality or temperament, this one makes no attempt whatsoever. The singer goes on and on about the nose, eyes, and lips of a woman he finds beautiful. By the off-chance a woman DOES finds these lyrics appealing, well be sure to take this off of the unusual list. Example lyrics: Pussycat, Pussycat Ive got flowers And lots of hours To spend with you So go and powder your cute little pussycat nose! Pussycat, Pussycat I love you Yes, I do! You and your pussycat nose! 4) She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5  (2002) Overview: A man sings about his  obsession with making a sad girl happy. Why its unusual: The singer drives miles and miles to wait outside the house of an insecure, vulnerable 18-year-old woman. Regardless of how the woman feels, the singer says he wouldnt mind  standing on her street corner in the pouring rain, waiting for her to approach him. Even though the sentiment of sweetness is there,  the imagery of a street stalker sours this unusual  love songs mood  a bit. Example lyrics: I know where you hide Alone in your car Know all of the things that make you who you are I know that goodbye means nothing at all 5) Ben by Michael Jackson (1972) Overview: A boy sings about his new friendship and how it makes him feel. Why its unusual: Its not a traditional love song, but it  exhibits many qualities of one; loneliness, insecurity, and understanding. What makes this love song unusual is the fact that its about a boy professing his admiration for his pet rat. It was originally written for a movie about a rat named Ben, but it eventually sold itself as a single, even ranking #20 on the Billboard Top 100 during its release. While its still a nice song about a childs  love for a pet, its not as deep as a traditional love song  would usually permit. Example lyrics: Ben, the two of us need look no more We both found what we were looking for With a friend to call my own Ill never be alone And you my friend will see Youve got a friend in me 6) Mirrors by Justin Timblerlake (2013) Overview: The singer professes his love for someone because they remind him of himself. Why its unusual: While couples usually thrive because they share common interests, the singer  here thrives off of dating a carbon copy of himself. Its nice to admire the qualities of a person who  you think reflects your own traits, but calling them a mirror  voids them of any individuality. Play this song for someone you love when  youre feeling especially narcissistic. Example lyrics: I cant ever change without you You reflect me, I love that about you And if I could, I Would look at us all the time 7) Sweet Tangerine by The Hush Sound (2006) Overview: A desperate ex-boyfriend pleads for his girlfriend to come back to him. Why its unusual: Upon first listen, you  may be too distracted by the upbeat nature of the song to  really listen to the lyrics. The lyrics start with the singer trapped outside, freezing in the rain, hoping to be let inside by his ex-girlfriend. He made a mistake in their past relationship and tries to justify it by saying, Without the sour, the sweet wouldnt taste as In just a couple verses later, the song  quickly turns into the tale of a desperate stalker breaking into his  exs house and  waiting under her bed until she wakes up. Can you see  how its  one of the more unusual love songs? Example lyrics: Crept through the curtains, as quick as the cold wind Slowly exploring the room where you sleep The stare of your portrait, the passing of your scent Left me no choice but to stay I will dissolve into the dark beneath your bed My hands will wait for a taste of your skin  8) These Foolish Things by Sam Cooke (1962) Overview: The singer thinks about his lover every time  he experiences certain phenomena. Why its unusual: Its a sweet song to sing to your lover but only after theyve passed away.  In the singers everyday life, he sees, hears, and smells things that remind him of his former sweetheart. If you choose to ignore  the lyrics about the ghost, you can get away with singing this to  someone you love! Example lyrics: The sigh of midnight trains in empty stations Silk stockings thrown aside dance invitations Oh how the ghost of you clings These foolish things Remind me of you 9) What Makes You Beautiful by One  Direction (2011) Overview: The singers are infatuated with a girl they deem as insecure and unaware of her beauty. Why its unusual: No matter how many compliments you give someone on their physical appearance, it wont change their internalized insecurities. The singers in this song seem to think otherwise, noting that what makes the girl beautiful is the fact that she doesnt know shes beautiful. Its a concept that makes sense if you dont think about it much. Example lyrics: If only you saw what I can see Youll understand why I want you so desperately Right now Im looking at you and I cant believe You dont know, you dont know youre beautiful Thats what makes you beautiful BONUS: Every Breath You Take by The Police (1983) Overview: A singer  vows to look after his love interest in an obsessive way. Why its unusual: If you listen to this song once, itll become immediately apparent that the singer is actually a stalker.  No matter what the love interest does in their everyday life, the singer wants to watch them do it.  Even Sting, the lead singer of The Police, said that the song was deliberately about a stalker.  Its certainly not the greatest song to sing at a wedding. Example lyrics: Every breath you take Every move you make Every bond you break Every step you take Ill be watching you Every single day Every word you say Every game you play Every night you stay Ill be watching you Conclusion See what we mean about unusual love songs? Trust us, there are PLENTY  more of these out there! If youre interested in songwriting but arent sure how to  begin, consider scheduling a private lesson with a songwriting teacher. With some practice, maybe youll make the next list of unusual love songs! Were any of these  unusual love songs surprising? Know any more? Comment below with your thoughts! 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

5 Most Valuable Resources for Writing a Personal Statement

5 Most Valuable Resources for Writing a Personal Statement MCAT Medical School Admissions The college personal statement is an opportunity for a student to sell himself or herself in the application process. This purpose of this essay is to show the admissions office who you really are. What about you is different from other applicants? What does your perspective make you unique? What experiences have you had that will shape your college career? This essay should provide additional evidence of your intellectual and creative achievement. As this is such an important part of the application, it’s important to do your research before you begin writing. Below is a list of valuable websites and resources to help you approach your personal statement: College Board is a mission-driven, not-for-profit website that aims to connect students to college success and academic opportunities. Each year, it helps millions of applicants prepare for a successful transition to college through various programs and services. For tips on personal statements and essays, check out Big Future by the College Board. College Confidential is a website designed to guide students and parents about the many aspects of the college admissions process and help them understand each stage of the process. The website has assembled an editorial team responsible in creating content and gathering helpful information about college admissions from the web. College Essay Organizer is a website that gathers past and present essay questions from different colleges and universities in the US and shares them to aspiring college students to help them write impressive personal essays and statements. The website has been helping tens of thousands of students get into the colleges of their dreams for decades through the service it provides. InGenius Prep is a website run by former admissions officers from the most competitive schools in the United States. It provides helpful advice, tips, and information about college application, passing standardized tests, interview preparations, and admissions requirement handling. Every year, InGenius Prep helps millions of applicants get into their dream colleges through application consultancy and candidacy building. U.S. News World Report is a big, multi-platform, publisher of news and information about education, career, and employment. It is known for the rankings it presents for Best Colleges, Best Graduate Schools, Best Law Schools, Best Medical Schools, and specific programs within those more general categories. Aside from these, the website features blogs, interview texts, and other useful information about college application and admissions that can help aspiring college students get into the school they prefer the most. While there are no strict guidelines in writing a personal statement and certainly no one-size-fits-all approach, you should consider the best practices as advised by members of the admissions committee and what they look for in a candidate’s essay to maximize the output of your personal statement. This article was written by a college admissions expert at InGenius Prep. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, '52337b73-0659-4f8e-b26c-4c198e0cdabf', {});

Staying Organized on Summer Road Trips with ADHD

Staying Organized on Summer Road Trips with ADHD Family road trips are fun and exciting, but they can also be stressful when one or more family members have ADHD. Some of this stress comes simply from being in close quarters and having to stay seated in the car for long stretches of time. While you cant do much to cut down on the amount of driving thats required for your trip you can tackle another source of stress disorganization. When youre in the car with kids, especially kids with ADHD, things can get messy quickly. You may start off with a clean car, but buckle kids into the back seat with their games, drinks, and food and the car can go from clean to a disaster zone in 5 minutes or less! This chaos makes it hard for kids with ADHD to keep track of their things, and can be the source of arguments, whining, and even tears. Often this backseat chaos doesnt get left behind once you reach your destination. When things are disorganized at the beginning of a trip, it is very hard for kids to become organized once theyre on the road . As a result, the hotel room quickly mirrors the messy car. Fortunately, it doesnt have to be this way. Using a few simple organization strategies before and during your trip will empower your children to keep their things organized. Kids with ADHD will learn that even though they may struggle to stay organized, there is a lot that they can do to keep track of their own things. Plan and create an activity bag for each child. Before your trip, work with your kids to make a list of the games and activities that they will keep in the car. Provide each child with a reasonably sized bag and let him or her know that everything he or she brings needs to fit inside. Travel cosmetics caddies can be the best car activity bags. They can hang from a car headrest, they can easily fold up and be carried into restaurants and hotel rooms, and they have clear pockets for keeping things organized. Label each of the pockets with the items that should go inside, and your kids will easily know where their things should be stored. They can also check the pockets before they leave the car, restaurant, or hotel to make sure they havent left anything behind. Clean out the backseat every time you stop for gas. Avoid letting wrappers, food, and other trash build up in the backseat by cleaning out the car every time you stop to refuel. Keep a trash bag in the car to make the cleanup easier. You can put your kids in charge of the clean-outs either by rotating the person responsible for the entire car, or by making each kid responsible for his or her own area. Make the task more fun by playfully scoring his or her clean-out efforts. Your kids will be aiming for 10s in no time! Wet-wipes are your friend. Deal with spills and messes before they get sticky by keeping wet-wipes and paper towels in the back seat. Your kids can do most of the spill clean-up on their own, but double check when you stop to make sure there isnt too much sticky goo left behind. Pack only what you need. One of the best strategies for staying organized on the road is to bring fewer things with you on your trip. Its always tempting to over pack, but its especially tempting with road trips because youre not restricted by airline luggage limits. Resist the urge to bring everything but the kitchen sink, and pack only what your kids will really need. When it comes to packing kids clothes, try packing each days outfit in its own gallon-size ZipLock bag. Put one complete outfit, including the shirt, shorts, socks, and underwear in a bag labeled with the day of the week and your childs name. Do this for every day of the trip, and your child will easily be able to find what he or she needs. As an added bonus, youll have only packed the clothes that are necessary and nothing more. Use a pop-up hamper. Dirty clothes can pile up quickly, and before long they can take over a hotel room. Keep the laundry under control by bringing along a pop-up hamper. These collapsible hampers take up very little space in a suitcase, and make it easy for kids (and adults) to see where their dirty clothes should go at the end of each day. With a little planning and a few good strategies you can help your kids stay organized while theyre on the road, even when they have ADHD. Everyone will feel more relaxed, and your kids will feel proud of how well they were able to keep track of their belongings independently. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.