Computer Assisted Language Learning

The connection between computers and language is nothing new. We started seeing it in popular culture back in the 60's with Star Trek's communicators. The idea of ​​a universal instant translator of any language into any other language is an extremely appealing problem to techno-linguists. We're still nowhere near achieving that dream despite great strides that have been made with automatic translation services online.

There is no fear of losing the language classroom any time soon. More than any time in the last 100 years, students are flocking to ESL and EFL classes around the world. And more than ever, technology is becoming a core part of these classrooms. We are now entering a time when both students and teachers are 'tech savvy' and computers and related technologies have been part of their daily life from the start.

They have a familiarity and comfort level with technology that people born say before 1980 or so just do not have. As language students' lives becoming increasingly computer based, the importance of integrating computers with language learning is growing. Not only do students expect it, but it is also how many are most comfortable learning (for better or worse).

Sadly, and maybe this is only for those of us who are slightly older, the growing dependence on technology has responded in a disturbing lack of familiarity and comfort with traditional information sources - like books, libraries, and frattingly person-to-person communication.

So what should language teachers do? Should you integrate computers into your language classes and lessons? Well that will always depend on what you are trying to accomplish and why. By no means do you need to go 100% digital - although to completely ignore the importance of technology in language learning would be a major mistake in my estimation.

I know what I do in the classes I teach. I make use of computers in my classes when I see an overall benefit, and I do not when I can not see the benefit. What will you do? Well, that depends on you and your personal inclinations.

For now, keep in mind that while CALL, or computer assisted language learning, has come a long way in the last 15 years or so, the word 'assisted' is, and I think should always remain, central in the relationship between computers and language learning.

Benefits of 2D Animation

Since the 1990s, 3D animation has enjoyed an explosion in popularity. Nowadays, major motion pictures around the world use its techniques to create lifelike images that allow the viewer to feel as if they are part of the animated world being depicted on the screen. Despite the advantages and popularity of 3D animation, however, traditional animation in the form of 2D animation and others is still playing a central role in the world of animation. Since its advent in the early 1900s, it has provided a slew of benefits to animated projects. Following are just a few of the many advantages that 2D animation provides.

Efficiency

One benefit of 2D animation is the efficiency with which it can be produced. Animation by its very nature is never a simple process. As an art form, it requires a great deal of skill and creativity to produce objects, characters, and worlds that appeal to the target audiences and that accurately convey stories and messages. In addition, the numerous techniques and styles that have developed throughout the past century provide an array of tools from which the animator can choose.

However, while 2D animation demands as much skill as does 3D animation, it is generally faster to create simply because it does not require a third dimension. 2D animation companies do not need to create lifelike images the way that 3D animators do. Their cityscapes, for instance, do not need to consist of buildings with details that make them look like real buildings. This faster design can be beneficial to those who need a project completed in a timely manner.

Simplicity

A second benefit of 2D animation is the fact that its designs tend to be less complex than those provided by 3D animation. How beneficial a simpler design is depends upon the project. For instance, action films typically benefit from 3D animation because of the detailed action and complex images that use to draw the viewer in.

However, when the design needs to highlight the message, the services of a 2D animation studio are usually preferable. For instance, a clean design is often more effective in advertising, because it more clearly conveys the advertiser's message to the viewer. Certain games, such as Candy Crush, also depend upon a simpler design to appeal to their audiences. Some television shows, such as South Park, have built their success on a 2D animated design. Even some educational applications or explainer videos require a design that will not distract the viewers from the message that the project is trying to convey.

Cost effectiveness

The efficiency and simplicity of 2D animation lead to greater cost effectiveness, another boon to people who want the benefits of animation but who can not afford the sometimes steep price tag that companies 3D animation. The fact that this type of animation takes less time and is less complex means that it can be accomplished with fewer resources, savings that often translates into a smaller price tag. In fact, many projects utilize 2D instead of 3D animation at least in part because it is more cost effective for tight budgets and small companies. Any provider of 2D animation should be able to work with your budget to create a project that meets not only your creative needs but also your financial constraints.

Artistic freedom

Each type of animation brings with it numerous creative possibilities. However, 3D animation must always appear lifelike and realistic, no matter what scene, objects, or people it is depicting. As a result, the fanciful and exaggerated generally do not translate well to the 3D screen, and styles such as anime are more difficult to create through the use of 3D tools.

2D animation, on the other hand, makes entirely new worlds possible. For instance, through traditional animation, the animator can create people, animated cartoons, and more that do not exist in real life. As a result, anyone needing an animated project can use 2D animation to more easily create images and worlds that would otherwise be very hard to film and / or create using 3D tools. This aspect of 2D animation also lends itself well to creating projects targeted to specific audiences. Not only can the animator use their imaginations to create characters and worlds that are not lifelike or realistic, but, by doing so, they can engage in character design and other practices that result in projects tailor to the sensibilities of specific audiences.

Because of the artistic freedom that 2D animation provides, this type of animation requires a high level of talent that makes the animator as skilled as anyone working on a 3D project. The animator must use their creativity and knowledge of the art form to develop characters and worlds that meet the needs of the project, instead of focusing simply on creating as lifelike images as possible. From concept design to character design to storyboards, they must utilize their expertise to create exactly the type of project being envisioned and the goals that are in place for the project.

Choosing 2D animation for your animated project does not mean that you are limiting your choices. Instead, its efficiency, simplicity, cost effectiveness, and the artistic freedom that allows the animator to bring your idea to life provide you with advantages that in many cases make it a better choice than 3D animation for successfully perfecting your animated project.

International Income From Home

When considering an international business you need to consider existing market ties, market size, and the ability to market your products effectively. Just imagine all the legalities that are required to set up a business, for example in Hong Kong. The need to meet the countries rules and regulations, dealing with currency exchange, taxation and you would need to repeat these demands in each and every additional country, if you wanted an international business. I am exhausted just thinking about it!

There is a way to Fortify Your Income with an international business while eliminating these concerns. Align yourself with a global network that supports a seamless compensation plan. What is a seamless compensation plan? A company that embracees such a plan basically converges your earnings from foreign countries to a point system that in turn pays you on those points in whatever country you stay. Some benefits of being affiliated with a company that has a seamless compensation plan is the ability to see exotic places, and have the ability to embrace different cultures as you work your international business.

Network marketing or relationship marketing is here and here to stay. No time like the present to start a home-based business that you can grow as fast as you choose. The trick is finding a company of integrity that has a product line that is consumable. Remember, when you consume a product you love, you need more of the same! So, how do you go about selecting this integrity based, international business that has consumable products?

Let's begin by understanding buying trends. No single group in history moves trends faster and stronger than the Baby Boomer Generation. You have heard of these Baby Boomers your entire life. They have made millions for companies around the world by consuming the trends they pursue since the 1950's. Currently those Baby Boomers are most interested in maintaining and maintaining HEALTH and increasing or saving their FINANCES. The amazing thing is these particular trends are the concerns of all generations! Statistics show the main concerns for ages teens-20's Gen Y's, 20's-40's Gen X'rs, and 40-60's Baby Boomers is categorically HEALTH and FINANCES.

Dr. Stephen R. Covey says, "I think network marketing has come of age. It's become undeniable that it's a viable way to entrepreneurship and independence for millions of people." So, when searching for a home-based business, consider these qualities:

o International Opportunity
o Seamless Compensation Plan
o Unlimited Earning Potential
o No Inventory Necessary
o On-Going Professional Training and Support
o Available in Multiple Languages
o Products EVERYONE Needs
o Paid Weekly on Sales Volume
o No Boss (Yay!), No Set Hours, No Set Workplace
o No Employees
o Potential Tax Advantages
o Minimal Start-Up Costs
o Time Leveraged; Residual Income
o Exponential Growth
o Online Tools and Training

To learn more visit http://www.FortifyYourIncome.com or call 1-800-477-6494

Using Personal Finance Books As Motivators

There is no question that many people struggle with their personal finances. It looks like more and more you hear about the average credit card debt going up, with people having more and more problems paying their mortgage or saving for retirement. It is not a huge surprise, because the culture seems to promote spending money, and makes it seem like you are an outcast if you do not try to "Keep up with the Joneses."

However, there is a segment of society that people can turn to if they are looking for support and ideas and how to get out of this endless cycle, and that is personal finances books and websites. There are hundreds of books (probably too many) promoting the benefits of strong personal finance, with suggestions on how to live your life in a way that helps you plan for the future and make sure it is secure. These types of books can help in a couple of different ways.

One, they give you ideas to help you live more frugally and responsible with your money. They can also help you figure out the best places to put or save your money, since this is often an area where people feel overwhelmed. Oftentimes, you might want to start a retirement account, but you do not know how, so you simply do nothing. With the right materials, you can find out that it is not nearly as hard as you think it is, and you can get it done. It can help you realize that doing things 85% correctly is better than not doing anything at all.

Another way that these books can help is to provide you with encouragement and motivation. If you are at home on a Friday night because you do not want to spend the money it takes to have a night out on the town, it can get you down, and make you feel like you are missing out on life. However, if you have these books as motivation, it can help you realize that you may be sacrificing now so you can live a more rich life later. It can provide that spark that you need to make those financial changes in your life, and make sure that things are staying on the right path for you to reach your financial goals. This is especially true if you do not have friends that are helping you on that path.

For those struggling with personal finance, there are many great personal finance books that can help you reach your financial goals, and help you live a life without financial worries.

"I Can Only Wear Gold Jewelry" - The Truth About Jewelry Allergies

I can only wear gold jewelry, everything else breaks me out. " How many times did I hear that exact phrase from my mother when I was a child?

Why does everything but gold break my mother out? Is that statement even true? When I started designing jewelry over ten years ago I decided to find out. I wanted to design jewelry for my mom that she could wear without fear of a breakout. Now I am going to let you in on what I have discovered.

My mother, like many people, developments contact dermatitis when her skin comes in contact with some types of jewelry. Her dermatitis is a result of an allergic reaction to the nickel found in many types of jewelry. Nickel allergies are very common, in fact one out of every seven people are likely to suffer from a nickel allergy. More often, women tend to suffer from nickel allergies than men. Allergy treatment can help with the symptoms of a nickel allergy. Unfortunately once the allergy has developed, a person will remain sensitive to nickel for the rest of their life.

Nickel is found in many types of costume jewelry, especially those that are mass-produced. It may also be found in other everyday items such as coins, zippers, eyeglass frames, and cellphones.

So why is my mom allergic to nickel, you may ask. For some reason, which science still does not understand, her body has mistaken nickel (or similar metals like cobalt) as a threat. In response to that threat, her body causes an immune response (aka allergic reaction) to get rid of the threat. This reaction causes her to breakout in an itchy rash. But others could have a more severe reaction to nickel.

Now that I knew what was causing my mother's breakout, I set out to find out which types of jewelry did not contain nickel.

First I looked at gold jewelry . Generally speaking, yellow gold (above 14 karat) will not cause an allergic reaction. However white gold may. White gold alloys contain nickel and other "white" metals to produce its silver coloring. One out of every nine people will react to the nickel in white gold.

Another form of gold jewelry is gold filled or "GF" jewelry. Gold filled jewelry metal is created when a base metal is coated with a layer of gold. Gold filled differs from gold-plated by the amount of gold applied. The layer used in gold filled jewelry is typically 50 to 100 time thicker that the layer used to coat gold-plated products.

Next I looked at silver jewelry. For those who are nickel sensitive, fine silver and sterling silver are great choices for "white" metals.

Fine silver is by definition 99.9% pure silver. Jewelry is generally not made of fine silver because the metal is extremely soft and does not withstand normal wear and tear well.

Most silver jewelry is made using sterling silver. Sterling silver is by definition 92.5% pure silver. In most cases, the remaining 7.5% metal is copper. Copper is infused to harden the silver and make it more durable. I use this type of sterling silver in my jewelry designs it is a great metal for nickel allergic people. Sometimes you can distinguish sterling silver by a "925" mark found on the jewelry. This is common on manufactured pieces, but may not be present on artisan jewelry.

Some other metals that are considered safe for people with nickel allergies are:

Copper - Copper jewelry is generally considered pure and not mixed with nickel or nickel alloys.

Platinum - Platinum jewelry contains 95% platinum and 5% of a secondary metal typically iridium.

Titanium - Titanium jewelry is both hypoallergenic and durable. It is a highly recommended metal for those who suffer from nickel allergies.

Niobium - This is a reliably new metal in the jewelry industry. It is a rare earth metal that can be anodized (naturally coated with beautiful colors). Like titanium, this metal is recommended for nickel allergy sufferers, especially those looking for a pop of color.

Since I have given you a list of safe metals, I thought I would also give you a list of metal terms to watch out for when you are shopping for jewelry.

Fashion or costume jewelry typically has base metals that include nickel. Sometimes these metals are plated; however that plating will wear off over time exposing the skin to the base metals. If you choose a plated metal, remember that it will need to be re-plated regularly.

Some have suggested that brass may be a hypoallergenic option. However my research has suggested that brass is sometimes alloyed with small amounts of nickel or even lead to strengthen the metal.

German silver or nickel silver is a metal to stay away from where jewelry is concerned. German silver does not contain any silver. The silver referees to the silver coloration of the metal. The color is derived from a combination of nickel, zinc, lead, and tin found within the alloy.

Surgical or stainless steel - Surgical grade stainless steel is made to be in the human body. However, the steel alloy contains between eight and twelve percent nickel. I have heard contrary reports about how safe this metal is for people with nickel allergies. Since the steel alloy does contain nickel, I would tend to avoid it, but some people swear by it.

If you do buy a piece of jewelry and are concerned that it may contain nickel, commercial test kits are available online. These kits contain chemicals that react in the presence of nickel.

Doing a little research can prevent a nickel allergy attack and still allow you to wear beautiful jewelry.

Kids and Computers - Part 1

Getting ready to start school today is dramatically different than it was when we were children in many ways. Children are more aware of the adult world, more sophisticated and certainly more aware of technology and the internet than was imaginable even a few years ago. So when preparing your child for preschool and kindergarten, we should be prepared that computers will play a large role in much of their early childhood education. From letter sounds to spelling tests, from research reports to science projects - there really is no portion of modern schooling that has not been affected by recent developments in computers and technology.

To best understand what your child will learn about computers and the internet in their first years of education begin by visiting the school. When children begin preschool and kindergarten, computer technology is not taught as a subject area like language arts and mathematics. There are no tests about computer components or the inventors of the internet. However, being familiar with the purpose and general use of a standard desktop computer will be helpful for children when they are allowed access to the classroom computer, often a small-group activity at first.

Today's teachers are finding that many students come with a reliably high level of knowledge related to computer usage and the internet, while others have no exposure to any computer technology. Having computer experience is not yet a prerequisite for most toddlers starting school, however for children with experience using a mouse and keyboard, many of the early tasks that they will accomplish with the computer will be easier than for those without any practice. When tasks are easier and more familiar, children generally enjoy them more and are able to go beyond the basics to get a head start on the fundamental skills being taught with the technology (rather than having to focus on just learning the technology).

So how do you give your child the right amount of computer experience before school? Start by accurately assessing what they already know. Many parents are surprised by what their very young children are able to learn from their friends, the modern cartoons on television, and by watching mom and dad use the computer. School-aged children are generally eager to have a conversation with their parents related to how much they know about computers, even if it's not entirely accurate.

Spend time with your child on the computer discussing rules and demonstrating some fun, safe activities that can be done online, like:

• Visiting family-friendly websites
• Searching for picture printables
• Coloring online pictures
• Completing fun skills quizzes

Time spent using a computer mouse can help develop hand-eye coordination, while learning to use a computer keyboard is a great way to practice basic letter recognition skills and early spelling. By beginning to develop these skills when they are young, you will help your child be more confident during computer time in the first years of school.

There are many other areas to consider when introducing modern computers to children, including online communications and internet safety. Part 2 of this article will discuss these and other more advanced topics further.

Important Role of Financial System in the Economy

The financial sector provides six major functions that are important both at the firm level and at the level of the economy as a whole.

1. Providing payment services. It is inconvenient, inefficient, and risky to carry around enough cash to pay for purchased goods and services. Financial institutions provide an efficient alternative. The most obvious examples are personal and commercial checking and check-clearing and credit and debit card services; each are growing in importance, in the modern sectors at least, of even low-income countries.

2. Matching savers and investors. Although many people save, such as for retirement, and many have investment projects, such as building a factory or expanding the inventory transported by a family micro enterprise, it would be only by the wildest of coincidences that each investor saved exactly as much as needed to finance a given project. Therefore, it is important that savers and investors somehow meet and agree on terms for loans or other forms of finance. This can occur without financial institutions; even in highly developed markets, many new entrepreneurs obtain a significant fraction of their initial funds from family and friends. However, the presence of banks, and later venture capitalists or stock markets, can greatly facilitate matching in an efficient manner. Small savers simply deposit their savings and let the bank decide where to invest them.

3. Generating and distributing information. One does not always think of it this way, but from a society wide perspective, one of the most important functions of the financial system is to generate and distribute information. Stock and bond prices in the daily newspapers of developing countries (and increasingly on the Internet as well) are a familiar example; these prices represent the average judgment of thousands, if not millions, of investors, based on the information they have available for these and all other investments. Banks also collect information about the firms that borrow from them; the resulting information is one of the most important components of the "capital" of a bank, although it is often unrecognized as such. In these regards, it has been said that financial markets represent the "brain" of the economic system.

4. Allocating credit efficiently. Channeling investment funds to uses yielding the highest rate of return allows increases in specialization and the division of labor, which have been recognized since the time of Adam Smith as a key to the wealth of nations.

5. Pricing, pooling, and trading risks. Insurance markets provide protection against risk, but so does the diversity possible in stock markets or in banks' loan syndications.

6. Increasing asset liquidity. Some investments are very long-lived; in some cases - a hydroelectric plant, for example - such investments may last a century or more. Sooner or later, investors in such plants are likely to want to sell them. In some cases, it can be quite difficult to find a buyer at the time one wishes to sell - at retirement, for instance. Financial development increases liquidity by making it easier to sell, for example, on the stock market or to a syndicate of banks or insurance companies.

Both technological and financial innovations have driven modern economic growth. Both were necessary conditions for the Industrial Revolution as steam and water power required large investments facilitated by innovations in banking, finance, and insurance. Both are necessary for developing countries as they continue their struggle for economic development. But the effective functioning of the financial system requires, in turn, the precondition of macroeconomic stability.