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Monday 29 October 2012

What is the best way to learn English?



What is the best way to learn English?

Learning English, or any new language, is not as difficult as most people think.  The problem is that most people who try to learn English use the wrong methods and believe that just studying “harder and longer” is the right solution.
I have a lot of experience teaching English to people who really want to improve.  I’ve seen many people succeed and many people fail.  My  goal over the past couple of years has been to find the best way to learn English.
I’m a native speaker and I interview a lot of people for well paying international jobs and I have a lot of friends from all over the world.  I’ve listened to the secrets from all the best students I’ve seen.
The funny thing is that the students who learn well don’t even think they are studying.  They are having fun.  They don’t think of studying English as some terrible thing that they “should” do.  They learn from popular American TV shows, movies, and of course podcasts.
The worst way to study is to use a dictionary and try to remember a lot of new vocabulary words.  You will get bored quickly and you will forget a lot.  In over 10 years I’ve never seen anyone having success with this method.
Reading the newspaper is also a terrible way to study because the style of newspaper writing is completely different from the way that people actually communicate with each other.
It’s 2011 and you should be thinking of the most modern methods instead of the terrible ones of the past.  Your parents probably learned English in school and I’m guessing they don’t speak very well at all.  They are probably smart people, it’s just that schools don’t teach anything useful.  They focus on test scores and grammar and a lot of weird things that are really not important or necessary at all.
My brother and I have spent several years watching the best movies and TV shows and writing down all the cool slang and useful phrases and vocabulary that you will often hear and need in your daily life.  I use all of these really interesting and fun vocabulary and slang words and explain them clearly in 10-12 minute podcasts.  These are MP3’s that you can download on your Android phone, computer, Iphone, Ipad, Galaxy tab, or any other MP3 player like a regular ipod.
You can listen to our funny shows and learn a natural style of speaking between two brothers from Canada.  In case you didn’t know, we sound basically the same as Americans.  Even when we meet American people, they don’t know if we are Canadian or American.  We are from a city just outside of Toronto and we’re living in Shanghai China.  If you go to the gym, go for walks, drive a car, take the bus, or just have some time before bed to listen to us for 10-15 minutes per day, your spoken English, listening, and even writing will improve very quickly.   I know that because we’ve sold over 10 000 of these products.
We have many people send us emails every day telling us that they really improved a lot and it makes us really happy to hear that.  You can have the whole program downloaded immediately after you buy it.  If you want to know a little more about what we do, sign up below for our free English learning ebooks and learning advice that we will email you.  We are not a big boring company.  We will email you friendly funny stuff that will really help your life and help you become like a true native English speaker.

Monday 22 October 2012

How To Determine The Right Exercise Intensity For You




How To Determine The Right Exercise Intensity For You


We've all heard the exercise guidelines that recommend we participate in 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity 3-5 times per week. That seems easy enough to implement. Or, does it? The duration and frequency guidelines are very straight-forward and easily defined. But, "moderate" intensity is often left to interpretation. So, how do we define "moderate"?

First we need to understand that the definition of moderate intensity can be completely different from one individual to another. For example, a well-trained athlete may be in the moderate zone when running 5 miles in 30 minutes. Yet, for a novice exerciser who is very overweight, moderate means walking one mile in 30 minutes.

Don't let this confuse you. While the intensity level is very critical in the overall guideline, fortunately it's also fairly easily identified. The ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) defines moderate as an intensity of 40 percent to 60 percent VO2 maximum. But, since most of us don't know how to determine our VO2 maximum, there are easier definitions to utilize.


You can base VO2 loosely on your maximum target heart rate zone. A VO2 maximum of 40-60% equates to about 50 to 70 percent of maximum heart rate (MHR). And determining your MHR and the corresponding percent zones is relatively simple. Below is an easy calculation for determining your specific MHR and what 50-70 percent of equates to.


Target Heart Rate Zone


* Take 220 and subtract your age. This equals your MHR. (Example: For a 30 year old your MHR is 190)


* Next to determine your low range of 50 percent, simply take 190 and multiply it times 50 percent. (Example: For a 30 year old this would equal 95).


* Finally, to determine your high range of 70 percent, simply take 190 and multiply it times 70 percent. (Example: For a 30 year old this would equal 133).'


So, in this example the 30 year-old would want to exercise in a heart rate range of somewhere between 95 - 133 BPM. Keep in mind that this calculation is age-related. It does not take into consideration your fitness level. So, it is not completely accurate, but still a good guideline. For an even more accurate (and more complicated) method for determining your training intensity range, visit this link: http://www.workoutsforyou.com/intensity.htm


Also, some medications can raise or lower your heart rate and change the heart's response to exercise. Beta-blockers are among those that alter the heart rate. This means that people taking these types of prescriptions should probably use another option for monitoring their intensity.


There are some other very good ways to measure intensity for both people taking medications or those just looking for a more convenient method. Two good options are the Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) method and the Talk Test.


RPE


This takes into account what the exerciser is perceiving in terms of exercise fatigue and it correlates well with cardiorespiratory and metabolic factors like heart rate and overall fatigue. The RPE scale starts with 0 and ends with 10. A rating of 0 equates to doing nothing, being at rest. A rating of 10 is equal to maximum effort, working very, very hard. For moderate intensity, an exerciser should strive for reaching somewhere between a 4-6, which the scale defines as a somewhat hard to a hard effort.


A great way to measure intensity (where appropriate), is utilizing both the RPE and Target Heart Rate Zone. The exerciser should identify where they fall on the RPE scale when their heart rate is between 50 - 70% maximum. This will allow them to accurately use only the RPE scale for measuring intensity when it is not feasible to determine their THR.


Talk Test


The final method for measuring exercise intensity is the Talk Test. Like the RPE, the talk test is subjective. The exerciser simply ensures that he works out at a level where he can carry on a comfortable conversation. He should be able to breathe comfortably during exercise. In simple terms, the exerciser would be working out too hard if he has to take a breath between every word he says. On the flip side, he would be exercising at too easy of an intensity if he could sing several phrases of a song without breathing hard.

Now you know how to define "moderate" and that means you don't have any more excuses. It's time to get moving. Keep in mind that the ACSM guidelines are minimum recommendations. For more significant health improvements and/or weight loss or for more advanced exercises, consider increasing any part of the three recommendations found in their guideline

Friday 19 October 2012

How to speak English Effectively


Tips on How to Learn English Effectively

Do you want to know how to learn English effectively? If so, you are not alone. In fact, there are many people out there today who are working to learn English as a second language. No matter what the reason is that you are learning English, you want to make sure that you can learn it quickly and effectively as well. Whether you are learning English in a class, on your own, or with language teaching software, there are certain things that you can do to make sure that you learn the language effectively. So, here are a few tips to keep in mind that will help you on your journey towards learning the English language.

Make Sure You WANT to Learn

One of the first tips that can help you out if you want to know how to learn English effectively is to make sure that you really want to learn this language. If you really don’t want to learn, there is no book, no class, and no tips that are going to make it simpler for you. Make sure that you ask yourself whether you really want to learn English. If not, then it’s not for you. However, a real desire to learn the language can go a long way.


Figure Out What Motivates You


If you want to learn English effectively, you need to figure out what your motivation is. Why do you want to learn English so badly? Do you want to improve your current learning, get a better job, attend university, or enjoy your life in an English speaking country? No matter the reason you are motivated to learn this language, you need to understand what motivates you so you can use it as encouragement as you learn the language.


Decide on Some Goals


It is very important that you have goals in mind if you want to know how to learn English effectively. Setting goals will help you to know where you want to be and it will you to actually see your progress as you learn the language as well. Decide what your goals are, whether you want to improve your vocabulary, pronunciation, or even if you want to comprehend when you’re listening better. Once you know your goals, make sure that you are working to achieve them.


Be Sure to Practice


Practicing is probably one of the most important tips if you want to know how to learn English effectively. The more you practice your English skills, the better you will become at it. You can practicing by reading English, by writing emails and letters, by listening to television or the radio in English, or even by taking time to speak to other people who speak the English language. The more you practice, the fewer mistakes you’ll end up making over time, and you’ll become more effective with your English skills.


Speak without Fear


The biggest problem most people face in learning a new language is their own fear. They worry that they won’t say things correctly or that they will look stupid so they don’t talk at all. Don’t do this. The fastest way to learn anything is to do it – again and again until you get it right. Like anything, learning English requires practice. Don’t let a little fear stop you from getting what you want.


Surround Yourself with English


The absolute best way to learn English is to surround yourself with it. Take notes in English, put English books around your room, listen to English language radio broadcasts, watch English news, movies and television. Speak English with your friends whenever you can. The more English material that you have around you, the faster you will learn and the more likely it is that you will begin "thinking in English."


Work on Vocabulary Development


No matter what language you’re learning, a large vocabulary is going to be very important. This is especially important when you are learning the English language. One of the best ways to learn new vocabulary words is to start reading and you can also learn more by listening to the radio or watching television. Playing word games and doing word puzzles can also help you out when you are trying to enhance your English vocabulary.


Study on a Regular Basis


If you plan on learning a language, you are going to have to make studying a priority. It’s not just something you do every now and then, but it should be done every single day. When you study each day it is easier to retain the new things that you learn. You’ll also find that you can review easier every day and you’ll definitely remember what you learn a lot better as well. So, if you want to know how to learn English effectively, then you need to make studying a priority.


Make it Enjoyable


When you’re having fun, it actually makes it easier for you to remember things that you learn, so make sure that you make learning English fun. Take time to do puzzles and to play games, even if it does seem a bit childlike. They really can help you as you learn English and provide you with excellent practice.


Join an English Language Center


Most people have limited money, and everyone wants good value for money. With language centers it's like holidays - we probably know what we want, but no single holiday offers absolutely everything we want. With language centers it's similar, but there are important differences; you want some of the things you want from a holiday (a nice place, things to see, etc.) but you also want the professional service - the teaching, etc. - to be as good as possible. So click here for a professional (but also) personal list of some of the factors you can compare.



English is an easy language to start learning because:

it has no genders. Apart from people, all objects are 'neuter', not 'masculine' or 'feminine'. So you say 'it' for such things, and do not need to learn any genders.
it usually has easy verb endings. Apart from a few 'irregular' verbs, verb endings are easy, and hardly change.
adjectives remain the same for all words - there are no different endings to learn.
the singular and plural pronoun 'you' is the same. There is no need to decide whether to use a polite form, or an intimate form, when speaking to someone as in French or German. (English used to have the singular form 'thou', which was often used in the intimate way like 'tu' or 'du'. In fact, in dialects in parts of England, this is still sometimes used. And in the Republic of Ireland, they have a very sensible plural form of 'you', when speaking to several people: 'yous'.)

The difficult parts of English are: 

the spelling of a word may not show what the pronunciation (way of saying) the word is.

This is because English words came from many different sources. It is not a 'pure' language.

because English came from two main sources - old French, and old Anglo-Saxon, there is a very large vocabulary of words. Words with similar meanings may have come from both sources. For example, START (from Anglo-Saxon) and COMMENCE (from old French). The meaning is similar, but not precisely the same.
native English speakers use a lot of idioms, that is - words used in a way which is not their obvious meaning. An English speaker may say,

"I do not think much of apples." 


This does not mean he doesn't often think about apples. It means that he does not like apples very much!


Yet he might say,


"I think nothing of going for a swim before breakfast." 


What this really means is that he actually likes doing this, and that it is no problem to him!


But don't worry. You will find that you can understand and communicate even when you have not been learning English for long! 



10 tips to improve the way you speak English



i. Observe the mouth movements of those who speak English well and try to imitate them.

When you are watching television, observe the mouth movements of the speakers. Repeat what they are saying, while imitating the intonation and rhythm of their speech.
ii. Until you learn the correct intonation and rhythm of English, slow your speech down.
If you speak too quickly, and with the wrong intonation and rhythm, native speakers will have a hard time understanding you. 
Don't worry about your listener getting impatient with your slow speech -- it is more important that everything you say be understood.

iii. Listen to the 'music' of English.


Do not use the 'music' of your native language when you speak English. Each language has its own way of 'singing'. 

iv. Use the dictionary.
Try and familiarise yourself with the phonetic symbols of your dictionary. Look up the correct pronunciation of words that are hard for you to say.
v. Make a list of frequently used words that you find difficult to pronounce and ask someone who speaks the language well to pronounce them for you.
Record these words, listen to them and practice saying them. Listen and read at the same time.   
vi. Buy books on tape.
Record yourself reading some sections of the book. Compare the sound of your English with that of the person reading the book on the tape.
vii. Pronounce the ending of each word.
Pay special attention to 'S' and 'ED' endings. This will help you strengthen the mouth muscles that you use when you speak English.

viii. Read aloud in English for 15-20 minutes every day. 


Research has shown it takes about three months of daily practice to develop strong mouth muscles for speaking a new language.

ix. Record your own voice and listen for pronunciation mistakes.
Many people hate to hear the sound of their voice and avoid listening to themselves speak. However, this is a very important exercise because doing it will help you become conscious of the mistakes you are making.
x. Be patient.
You can change the way you speak but it won't happen overnight. People often expect instant results and give up too soon. You can change the way you sound if you are willing to put some effort into it.
Quick tips
Various versions of the English language exist. Begin by identifying the category you fall into and start by improving the clarity of your speech.
~ Focus on removing the mother tongue influence and the 'Indianisms' that creep into your English conversations.
~ Watch the English news on television channels like Star World, CNN, BBC and English movies on Star Movies and HBO.
~ Listen to and sing English songs. We'd recommend Westlife, Robbie Williams, Abba, Skeeter Davis and Connie Francis among others.



Want to Speak a Foreign Language Better? Learn to Write First!


Learning to speak a foreign language is very difficult. Not only do you have to understand what another person is saying, you have to think quickly enough to figure out how to respond. It can be frustrating to feel like you have a handle on a foreign language, only to try speaking it with someone from that background and come out on the other end completely turned around. What many people don't realize, though, is that one of the best ways to successfully speak a new language is to learn how to write it. Why? Basically, when it comes to a foreign language, if you can write it, you can say it.

In the simplest sense, writing practice is the ultimate way to really learn new vocabulary and practice verb construction. It's easy enough to memorize new nouns and verbs, but it's quite another animal to use them fluidly in speech. Practicing new words in writing is a perfect way to engrain them in your mind and remember how to use them again. You will also understand how to integrate them into full sentences.
Writing practice is also the best way to learn how to speak your mind in a new language. Most language courses handle daily conversation and academic writing and do a great job of preparing students for speaking to people of a completely different background. Unfortunately, they cannot prepare anyone for the reality of actually figuring out how to say what you want to say at a moment's notice, in a completely new language. Most beginners struggle with never feeling like they can completely convey their true thoughts, because they just don't have the words. That's why writing is so important. Writing long-form articles or essays in a foreign language is one of the only ways to practice making an argument or conveying a point of view.
Finally, what writing ultimately does for new language speakers is give them time to think and practice the language at the same time. Because there is no opportunity to sit and think about how to actually use a language when you have to speak it in conversation, writing helps you develop the ability to truly communicate. No matter what you would like to say, once you've taken the time to figure it out on your own, write it down and read it over, it will be much easier the next time when you want to make a point out loud. In fact, the more often you write, the more your brain will be able to memorize your unique communication style. After truly learning how to write in a foreign language, you will find your own, personal style of communication and sentence structure.
Instead of struggling with speaking until you find yourself more and more overwhelmed, try to combine learning to speak with learning to write. Not only will you find yourself understanding more of what others are saying, you will find that you're actually able to reply.

Life is to short for regrets!



Life is to short for regrets!



Life is short, time flies, and there is an ending. We all know that. The real question is, “what is the best way to use our precious time on this earth?” Is it to work all the time even if we hate our jobs? Is it to follow the herd and do what is expected by society? Is it to live a life of pleasure and hedonism?  Is it to help others? When you are truly down to the final hour of your life, what will you think of?
A real life nurse who took care of dying patients for many years in palliative care, documented some of the most common regrets of her dying patients.  She spent the last 3 to 12 weeks of her patients’ lives with them.
In Bonnie’s words below, here are the top 5 regrets of dying people.
1) I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself.

This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2) I wish I didn’t work so hard.

This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3) I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4) I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5) I wish that I had let myself be happier.

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Conclusion

As corny as it may sound, love seems to be the answer. Fill your life with love. For work, do what you love with people that you love. For play, spend time with people that you love, doing the things that you love. Happiness really is a choice.
The recipe for a regret-free life seems to be simple. Follow your heart and chase your dreams.