The 5 Easiest Instruments Perfect for Adult Learners

The 5 Easiest Instruments Perfect for Adult Learners Sign up successful For one, adults are much more independent and self-motivated than a child being forced to take music lessons. With the right help, guidance, and motivation, any adult can excel at playing a musical instrument. If youre not sure where to start, here are five of the easiest instruments for adults to learn. The Easiest Instruments for Adults 1. Ukulele Inexpensive to buy and super fun to play, the ukulele is one of the easiest instruments to learn. With  just four  nylon strings (instead of the guitar’s six), you can quickly pick up simple chords and play some of your favorite songs in just a few weeks. Youll also be able to gain many fundamental skills that make it easier if you ever want to graduate from the ukulele to the guitar. 2. Harmonica Be it blues, jazz, rock, folk, or country music, the harmonica (also known as the Blues Harp) is a great choice for adult beginners. You dont need to know a lot in order to start playing and it has a big advantage that any note will be “in key” it’s hard to sound bad on harmonica! Plus, harmonicas are very portable  you can carry and practice it anywhere and any time. 3. Bongos If youre a fan of salsa, the bongos might be your calling. Bongos originated in Cuba and consist of two conjoined drums. It’s a simpler option than a full drum kit but can provide the same satisfying percussive experience. From there, you can move on to other types of drums and percussion instruments easily! 4. Piano The piano may seem complicated after all, you need to learn to coordinate both hands at once but it’s actually one of the easiest instruments to learn for adults. Because the notes are all laid out in front of you, it’s easier to understand than many other instruments. And although you can play wrong notes, you can’t ever play out of tune the way you can with other instruments. Moreover, due to its popularity, youll have no shortage of useful learning materials when you choose piano as your instrument! 5. Glockenspiel You might recognize the glockenspiel (pronounced “glock-ench-peel”) from your elementary school music classes or if you were ever enrolled in a Kindermusik class. It looks a lot like a smaller version of a xylophone, but instead of having wooden bars, its bars are made of metal, producing a bright and cheery sound. The glockenspiel is  a great way for you to get in touch with your inner child and your inner musician. Which Instrument Will You Choose? Learning how to play a musical instrument as an adult isnt as intimidating as it sounds. There are dozens of instruments out there that are simple and easy to get started with. And while the  options listed above  may be some of the easiest instruments to learn, there’s no need to limit yourself! Whatever instrument you choose, excelling at music will eventually feel easy and natural, just as long as youre genuinely engaged in your lessons and have a dedicated teacher who will nurture your inner musicality along the way. Need help finding a teacher near you, or online? Check out the music teachers at TakeLessons and start becoming the musician youve always dreamed of being! Guest Author: Christopher Sutton is the founder of Easy Ear Training and Musical U, where musicians can discover and develop their natural musicality. Born and raised in London, England, he lives with his wife, daughter, and far too many instruments. 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

How Much Does it Really Cost to Learn Spanish

How Much Does it Really Cost to Learn Spanish Sign up successful Supply and Demand One factor is your location. The cost of your Spanish lesson depends in part on how many Spanish tutors are in the area and the level of demand for Spanish tutors. If, for example, you live in Southern California where there are thousands of native Spanish speakers, it may be possible to find a tutor for less money. However, if you live in an area where Spanish isn’t as prevalent, it’s likely you will have to pay more for lessons. Also, the cost of a tutor in urban cities is generally more expensive than rural areas. With TakeLessons, you can filter your results based on your ideal price point. Tutors Experience Another factor is your tutor’s experience. There is typically a correlation between the experience level of a tutor and the cost of the lessons. Tutors with college degrees or PhDs in Spanish will be more expensive than current college students or recent graduates just beginning their teaching careers. Lesson Location Finally, consider the location of the lesson. Some tutors will charge you more if they have to travel far to teach, so to cut down on costs, try to arrange your tutoring session either at your tutor’s residence, or at a mutually convenient public place, like a library. If youre technologically savvy, you can increase your tutoring options and eliminate any travel costs altogether through video chat sessions and online Spanish lessons. Are there any additional costs? Once you find your tutor, any additional cost for Spanish lessons is pretty low. There are tons of free Spanish games, podcasts, and websites that you can use without spending more money. In fact, the only other materials you will need are likely a notebook and pencil, and maybe a workbook or textbook that your tutor can recommend to help structure the lessons. What are the benefits of learning Spanish? Learning a new language is a lot of work, but it’s well worth the time and money.  Youll be able to engage with people from different cultures, increase your career opportunities, expand your network, make new friends, and much more. While there are few options for free Spanish lessons for beginners, tutoring is an easy and affordable option for learning a new language. Check out TakeLessons to find a great Spanish tutor in your area! Bonus:   Learn about the budget-friendly options for learning Spanish! 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 Photo by  Keith Williamson

What is Microeconomics

What is Microeconomics Understanding Microeconomics ChaptersFinding a Microeconomics Definition That Works For YouGetting the Most Out of Your Microeconomics RevisionMicroeconomics is an area that’s often mentioned within the realm of economics, but if you’re new to economics study, it may be difficult to understand exactly what microeconomics is.In short, microeconomics is the study of the economy from the perspective of individuals or companies within an economy. Where macroeconomics, the other main field of economics study, is more concerned with the economy as a whole, students of microeconomics look at the economy from a bottom-up perspective.In the long run, understanding what microeconomics is and what areas of economics it impacts, whether that's wages, monetary policy or fiscal measures, can really help you get ahead in all aspects and topics of your economics studies.Understanding the Key Areas of MicroeconomicsNaturally, there is plenty to examine when it comes to microeconomics. For example, things that fall within the remit of microeconomics include:The study of demand and supply curves and the outcome of such studies;Understanding the link between wage changes and corresponding patterns of employment; andUnderstanding the variable  costs of producing goods and services.A good example of microeconomics analysis in action would be how economists interpret a rise in the cost of particular goods or services. If, for example, home exercise bikes suddenly spiked in price, then microeconomics would suggest that consumer demand for that particular product is likely to fall.As microeconomics, just like economics as a subject, is considered a social science, economists that study microeconomic trends and theories tend to create theoretical economic models and economic principles. These models try to describe what the economic behaviour to a particular event would likely be, under a particular set of circumstances.As such, it’s often an area of best guess and assumptions, rather than concrete fact. Neve rtheless, microeconomics remains a core area in any economics course and can be incredibly useful in providing insight into how economies operate at a base level.There can be a lot to get your head around when it comes to microeconomics concepts. (Source: CC0 1.0, geralt, Pixabay)Market prices are a true reflection of supply and demand; andConsumers have full information about the product and the prices that are charged for it and take such information under consideration when making purchasing decisions. Note that the opposite of this concept is asymmetric information.It is not uncommon for microeconomic theories to be based on the assumption that there is perfect competition within a market. While this can lead to useful theories that can, at times, accurately predict market behaviour, there are also issues with such an assumption.The main argument levied against such models is that, in reality, markets are not perfect, and do not always behave rationally. Examples of this imperfe ction or market failure and its implications can be easily found.For instance, businesses often seek to differentiate themselves from competitors and use such differentiation as justification for charging a higher price for the same product. This can be seen in price differences between a supermarket’s own-brand “value” range for, say, a sandwich, compared to the price that is charged by more “premium” brands such as Marks and Spencer.There is also some debate as to whether consumers really have perfect information about markets, which is a core assumption in many microeconomic theories.The idea of information asymmetry has been around for some time and came to prominence during periods such as the 1970s, during which time economists such as George Akerlof and Joseph Stiglitz  came to the fore.Akerlof highlighted the issue in his famous 1970 work “The Market for Lemons.” Akerlof argued that consumers did not always have access to the same information as sellers, which puts buyers at a disadvantage.This is because the seller often has more information and is likely to know the true value of a product. The buyer, on the other hand, may not have as much information, and so may not be able to tell whether the price of a product is reflective of its true value.In his work, Akerlof considered the used car market, where poor quality cars are referred to as lemons. In short, he highlighted that a buyer for a used car may actually end up paying more for a “lemon” than they otherwise would. At the same time, sellers of good quality used cars are put at a disadvantage, as a buyer, worried about buying a “lemon” would not be prepared to pay the higher price that a good quality car should command.Moreover, there have been recent developments in economic theory, with the advent of a field known as behavioural economics. Pioneered by figures such as Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, behavioural economists argue that the concept of a rational economic ag ent is itself flawed, as people do not always behave rationally or predictably.As such, microeconomics as a field continues to evolve, and with it, our understanding of how we behave and influence markets continues to grow.The world of microeconomics can be a difficult one to navigate. (Source: CC0 1.0, geralt, Pixabay)Getting the Most Out of Your Microeconomics RevisionSome students may find that they’re naturally drawn to microeconomics, whilst others may prefer to study macroeconomic topics. Although the two disciplines within economics are very distinct, you don’t have to necessarily prefer one over the other.Throughout your economics studies at school or university you’ll undoubtedly encounter both economics disciplines, and so getting to grips with both macro and microeconomics is a core skill to master.As such, if you find yourself struggling to get your head around key topics within your syllabus in relation to microeconomics, it may be time to reach out for additional help. Not only will extra assistance help to cement core topics that you may currently have difficulties with, but it will also be invaluable when it comes to exam time.This is because microeconomics tuition should not only help to improve your performance during the school or university year, but it should also give you a greater opportunity to get better grades when it comes to your final exams.There are many different ways you might choose to improve your economics knowledge. You could opt to teach yourself certain aspects of the curriculum you’re unsure of. For instance, you could:Read blogs specialising in microeconomics to help broaden your knowledge base;Listen to economics podcasts, such as Freakonomics Radio; orRead daily news articles related to the economy, whether that be local or global economic news.Alternatively, if you’d like to have someone else encourage you to study, then tutoring may be the way forward. Tutors, such as those available through Superprof, spec ialise in a range of subjects, from history, mathematics, statistics, to economics. As such, if you’re looking for an economics teacher that has experience teaching microeconomic topics, then Superprof should hold the answer for you.What’s more, you can select how you would like your tuition delivered. So whether you’re looking for online tutoring sessions, private in-person tutoring, or tutoring with a small group of friends, you can find a format that suits you, at a reasonable price.Find out more about international economics here.

How is Japanese Food Adapted Around the World

How is Japanese Food Adapted Around the World Do People Eat Real Japanese Food Outside of Japan? ChaptersJapanese Recipes: to Salt or not to Salt?Traditional Japanese Food... in Giant PortionsJapanese Cuisine: Let There Be Meat!It is quite common for people in lands other than Japan to proclaim a deep and abiding love for Japanese food.From the rituals of preparation to the presentation of dishes and the freshness of the ingredients, Japanese cuisine seems to earn much higher marks than, say, your favourite hamburger joint â€" no matter how high-end it is.Would you be surprised to find that what you have been eating and raving about this whole time merely capitalises on the idea of Japanese cuisine without wholly representing it?It’s not a matter of deceit, really. Those restaurateurs don’t have an eye on your wallet while providing thin slices of fish and small bowls of rice.However, they do have to obey the food safety laws of whichever country they operate in, which means that some aspects of authentic Japanese cuisine can only be experienced in Japan... and maybe a coupl e of other Asian countries.With the exception of oysters, people in the west generally refrain from eating anything that is still alive. By contrast, in Japan, eating live shrimp, octopus and fish is fairly common.Another sticky point from one food culture to the next is eating offal.With the possible exception of liver and the Scottish signature dish haggis, we in the west are not generally fond of eating animals’ organs or eyeballs but in Japan, fish eyeballs â€" and heads and organs are more than acceptable; they are a part of everyday eating.Of course, with more people advocating for more economical and sustainable eating practices in the west, nose-to-tail consumption of animals is gaining traction...Besides these two factors we just mentioned, how else does Japanese food around the world compare with traditional Japanese food eaten in Japan?our trademark fish’n’chips and even the ketchup we dip those chips in: we Brits live in a salted world. So does the rest of the west ern world.In fact, so overly-salted is our diet that the experts estimate we take in over 2 grams of salt more than is recommended by dietary guideline.Salt, or rather the lack of it is one reason that makes Japanese style eating so appealing to us.Does that mean that the meal you just enjoyed at your fav Japanese restaurant is in keeping with authentic Japanese cooking guidelines?Probably not.Japanese food is generally fairly bland in its purest form. Flavouring comes from fermented concoctions such as soy sauce, mirin, vinegar, cooking sake and miso.Most dishes served to Japanese people in their country are accompanied by condiments that elevate the food's flavour so the average Japanese chef doesn’t see salt as a necessary ingredient in food preparation.On the other hand, some ingredients used in cooking Japanese food have a naturally salty taste.Find some amazing cooking courses anywhere thanks to Superprof.Dashi broth is used extensively in Japanese cuisine to make soups and sauces and to simmer meat. It consists of fish flakes and seaweed; those ingredients combined create the impression of salt without actually using any.So, next time you dine at your fav Japanese eatery, disregard the saltshakers (and pepper shakers, too!) in favour of letting the natural flavours shine through.Get a start on planing your Japan trip: learn all about the various regional cuisines...A typical Japanese meal sees individual servings of bowls that are not full Image by Hirokazu Touwaku from PixabayTraditional Japanese Food... in Giant PortionsJapanese dishes run toward the small: small bowls, small plates and small cups for sake. Even Japanese rice dishes â€" donburi tend to be served in smaller portions than what westerners are used to.By contrast, portion size in the west... let’s be kind: would be enough for two meals. And that’s just the quantity of the food. If we’re talking calories, some meals represent an entire day’s recommended calorie intake!Wait a minu te, are we still talking about Japanese food?Indeed, we are. We’ll discuss ingredients in our next segment. Back to portion sizes, now.A typical Japanese meal served in a restaurant in Japan generally consists of a bowl of rice, three sides and miso soup of some sort.Those sides generally consist of something in season â€" the Japanese are big on seasonal availability of foods.What westerners are big on is having enough food to fill their bowls.Not that we’re greedy or anything but we tend to want the best value for our money â€" that makes good economic sense.Sing up for the best cooking classes London on Superprof.Unfortunately, that mindset has changed our relationship with food: the experience of dining matters less than the material value derived from it.That is another way that Japanese dining is fundamentally different than in the west: the quality of the experience is as important (or maybe more important) than the quantity of food consumed.To make that point, let us com pare the caloric content of sushi served in Japan versus what we are served in Japanese restaurants in the west:Tekka Maki, a type of tuna roll: 134 calories per servingTuna roll (western): 290 calories per servingUmekyu roll, made with pickled ume fruit and cucumber: 176 calories per servingDynamite roll, stuffed with prawn tempura and many other ingredients: 310 calories per servingNatto roll, made with fermented soybeans: 191 calories per servingSpider roll, made with breaded crab and avocado, daikon sprouts or cucumber: 400 calories per servingAnd then, there is the California roll; what most sushi lovers in the west consume, which differs vastly from the sushi that would be eaten in Japan.For one, it is rolled ‘inside out’, meaning the nori (seaweed) is concealed by the rice. This is done to appeal more to western senses.Additionally, the roll may be topped with other ingredients, such as salmon roe, and coated in roasted sesame seeds or in tabiko â€" what amounts to fish e ggs mixed with corn syrup and food colouring.That’s what that crunchy orange stuff on the outside of your sushi is.The second takeoff from Japanese sushi rolls is that it is stuffed with multiple ingredients; some may feature a condiment such as mayonnaise or wasabi.And they definitely feature ingredients that are not seasonal.One essential characteristic of authentic Japanese cuisine is that it relies heavily on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally; something that we are only now really starting to take into account in our food choices.Join the discussion: what is traditional Japanese food?You may have beef in your ramen bowl but you are not likely to find western-sized steaks served in Japan Image by takedahrs from PixabayJapanese Cuisine: Let There Be Meat!Where meat lovers in the west are concerned, perhaps nothing could rank higher than a Japanese steakhouse.A typical menu would include several cuts of beef, all prepared differently â€" grilled, braised or fried, and l iberally sprinkled with Japanese words: teriyaki, okonomiyaki, soba, udon...We’ll talk about noodles in a mo; let’s talk about meat eating in Japan.Those fabled hibachi restaurants, so common in our corner of the world, are considered high-end in Japan; an exquisite dining experience that is not available everywhere.Even in Kobe, home to the world’s most expensive beef, you would be hard-pressed to find a western-sized portion of beef; the best sampling of Kobe beef one can hope for is thin slices on a skewer, sold be a certified vendor... and they are rather dear.That’s not to say that there are no beef dishes to be had in Japan: beef sukiyaki is widely available, as is hot pot with beef.Also learn all about Japanese food specialities...Likewise chicken: those plump pieces of white-meat chicken simmered in sweet teriyaki sauce is purely a western invention. Ditto the chicken stir-fry.You would not be likely to find any chicken on a restaurant menu anywhere in Japan - save f or maybe chicken katsu. Depending on where you are in Japan, the closest you might come to finding commercially prepared poultry might be from a street food vendor.These cuts tend to be a fairly equal balance of flesh and fat or gristle.The exception to that would be the chicken sashimi found in the Kyushu region: like the typical fish sashimi, this dish consists of thin, raw strips of chicken meat as well as chicken hearts. It’s not for the faint-hearted!Chicken is sold in food stores and generally cooked for holiday celebrations; true to Japanese ethos, the entire animal is consumed, except for the bones.What about noodles? They are very popular in Japan and served in a variety of ways... quite unlike the way they are served in the west.In Japan, Soba noodles are typically made of 85% buckwheat. In the west, we tend to prefer egg noodles, so most of our Japanese restaurants use that type of noodle in the place of authentic Soba noodles.It is more common for them to use Udon nood les; those are 100% wheat.In the restaurants we're familiar with, unless one orders a vegetarian noodle dish, those concoctions tend to involve some sort of meat; usually a substantial amount.By contrast, soba and udon noodles in Japan are seldom served with any meat; if there is any, it might be a thin slice of kamaboko (a processed fish product) or tempura soba, which features a large shrimp.Should you have the pleasure of touring in Japan, you might be quite surprised at the food typically on offer: sushi and sashimi, plain white rice, fresh seasonal vegetables â€" all served in such a way as to be visually appealing.Even the mochi you might order for dessert will be cute and appealing!However, you should be prepared for a completely different taste sensation than you’re used to... and, perhaps, way more raw fish than you ever expected to eat.Would you like to try authentic Japanese food? Try these top recipes...

English Phrases Related to Relocation ?? - Learn English with Harry

English Phrases Related to Relocation ?? - Learn English with Harry Many of you I am sure have or will at some time in the future relocate to an English speaking  country. Here is my experience with some English phrases related to relocation.Moving home is a very stressful  (worrying) time and is the top 4 list of the most stressful  (comparative format of stressful) life experiences. I believe that when you relocate to another country  then that stress is multiplied by a factor of 2 or 3  (two or three times greater). English Phrases Related to Relocation I recently relocated within Europe but to a different country. The idea of a move  (relocation) is  always exciting and a bit of an adventure. However, when you actually do it and try to organise  everything to fall into place  (to happen at the same time) it can be extremely tricky  (difficult) as  problems you did not envisage  (think about) arise and knock you off track  (delay or prevent you  from completing your task).Usually, you need to have an apartment selected  (chosen) before you arrive unless you are going to  spend some time living out of a suitcase  (literally all your clothes in a suitcase in a hotel room). You  need to locate an apartment but it is impossible without the help of a real estate agent  (realtor,  a person who sells and rents out apartments and houses)  who knows the market in the city you are moving to.  Then you have to, as happened with me, register with the local authorities but to do that you need a permanent address. So it is a bit of a  chicken and egg situation! (What came first the chicken or the egg? What do you do first?) so should  you register first or rent? Then you need to organise utilities  (phone, internet, water, electricity and  heating). English Vocabulary related to Relocation - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: These are all achievable  (can be done) assuming there is no language issues. There was of course in  my situation as I did not speak the local language. Luckily I discovered  (found) a specialist who  assisted poor people like me and offered to bring me around  (introduce me to) the appropriate  services that I needed. This of course cost me a fee but it was invaluable  (very useful).Of course, in the modern world of a cashless society  (credit and debit cards only) you also need to  have a local bank account so that rent payments and utility bills can be set up  (arranged) as direct  debits  on your account (payments that are deducted monthly from your account).It always works out well in the end  (eventually) and you can start to enjoy your new surroundings.Here are some other English phrases related to relocation:To up sticks   to pack everything you have and move somewhere newPastures new   like a horse when it finishes eating the grass around him will move on. So when we  move on we go to pastures new.Greener pastures   similar to pastures new. To move on to something better.Home is where the heart is   houses and flats are made of bricks. The real home is where your heart  is.

Diagnostic Imaging Glossary

Diagnostic Imaging Glossary Diagnostic Imaging Glossary in PDF formatDownload Listening resources Radiologyinfo.orgA Day in the Life of a Radiological Technician Reading resources Radiologic and MRI TechnologistsRadiology Technician: A Day in the Life Grammar Checker Check  your grammar here. Vocabulary Activities Drag and Drop Vocabulary Matching ExerciseDrag and Drop French-English Vocabulary Matching Exercise Diagnostic Imaging Glossary allergic reaction The hypersensitive response of the immune system of an allergic individual to a substance. anaphylactic shock A sudden, severe allergic reaction characterized by a sharp drop in blood pressure, urticaria, and breathing difficulties that is caused by exposure to a foreign substance. anatomical landmarks An anatomical structure used as a point of orientation in locating other structures. angiography An examination by X-ray of blood or lymph vessels, carried out after introduction of a radiopaque substance, highlighting the presence and extent of obstruction to the vessel, if any. anode The positively charged electrode by which the electrons leave a device. artery The muscular-walled tube forming part of the circulation system that conveys blood from the heart to all parts of the body. aseptic Free from contamination caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms. benign Not cancerous. biopsy The removal and examination of a sample of tissue from a living body for diagnostic purposes. bladder A membranous sac for temporary retention of urine. bone The dense, semi-rigid, porous, calcified connective tissue forming the major portion of the skeleton of most vertebrates. brain The portion of the vertebrate central nervous system that is enclosed within the cranium, continuous with the spinal cord, and composed of gray matter breast feed Feed a baby from a mother’s breast. bruise An injury appearing as an area of discolored skin on the body, caused by a blow or impact rupturing underlying blood vessels. cancellous bone Another name for trabecular bone or spongy bone. catheter A thin tube that can be inserted in the body to treat diseases or perform a surgical procedure. cathode The negatively charged electrode by which electrons enter an electrical device central ray The central portion of the primary beam of radiation. cervical collar A neck brace used to support a patient’s neck and head. colonoscopy Visual examination of the colon from the cecum to the rectum. coronarography An exam requiring the puncture of an artery in order to introduce a hose through which a product impervious to X-rays will be injected, directly into the coronary arteries. compensating filter A device, such as a wedge of aluminum, clay, or plastic that is placed over a body area during radiography to compensate for differences in radiopacity. computed tomography A method of examining body organs by scanning them with X rays and using a computer to construct a series of cross-sectional scans along a single axis. contrast medium A radiopaque substance used in radiography to permit visualization of internal body structures. cortical bone Another name for compact bone. delivery The process of giving birth. diagnosis The identification of the nature and cause of a certain phenomenon. diagnostic radiography The examination of internal organs, bones, cavities and foreign objects; includes cardiovascular imaging and interventional radiography. diaphysis The shaft or central part of a long bone. disease A disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury. drug Substance which may have medicinal, intoxicating, performance enhancing or other effects when taken electromagnetic radiation It’s a form of radiant energy, propagating through space via electromagnetic waves and/or particles called photons enema A procedure in which a liquid is injected into the rectum to introduce drugs or to permit X-ray imaging. epiphysis The end part of a long bone, initially growing separately from the shaft. examination table A table used to support patients during medical examinations. false positive A test result that shows a disease is present when it is not. fast To abstain from all or some kinds of food or drink. fluoroscopy A technique where a fluorescent screen or image intensifying tube is connected to a closed-circuit television system to image internal structures of the body. fracture A complete or incomplete break in a bone resulting from the application of excessive force. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) A neuro-imaging procedure using that measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow. gamma camera A device used to image gamma radiation emitting radioisotopes. gonadal shielding A specially designed contact or shadow shield used to protect the gonadal area of a patient from the primary radiation beam during radiographic procedures. heart A vital organ that functions as a pump, providing a continuous circulation of blood through the body. image intensifier An imaging component which converts x-rays into a visible image. infectious disease Disorders caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. inject To introduce (a drug or vaccine, for example) into a body part interventional radiology A medical sub-specialty of radiology which utilizes minimally-invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system. intravenous tubing Plastic conduit used to administer various fluids to patients through a needle inserted into one of the patient’s veins. ionizing radiation A radiation composed of particles that individually carry enough kinetic energy to liberate an electron from an atom or molecule, ionizing it. kidney A pair of organs that are found on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage in the back. laxative A medicine or agent for relieving constipation. lead apron Lead shielding refers to the use of lead as a form of radiation protection to shield people or objects from radiation so as to reduce the effective dose. liver An important organ in the body , located under the ribs in the right upper part of the abdomen. lumbar puncture Insertion of a needle into the arachnoid membrane of the spinal cord, in the lumbar region. lung Each of the pair of organs situated within the rib cage, consisting of elastic sacs with branching passages into which air is drawn, so that oxygen can pass into the blood and carbon dioxide be removed. magnetic field A region around a magnetic material or a moving electric charge within which the force of magnetism acts. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) A non-invasive medical diagnostic technique that uses high-frequency radio-waves and a strong magnetic field to see inside body tissues. malignant Of a tumor, tending to invade normal tissue or to recur after removal; cancerous. mammography Uses low dose x-ray systems to produce images of the human breasts medical contraindication A symptom or condition that makes a particular treatment or procedure impossible. medical file, medical record A chronological written account of a patient’s examination and treatment that includes the patient’s medical history and complaints medical imaging The technique and process used to create images of the human body for clinical purposes or medical science. medicine An agent, such as a drug, used to treat disease or injury. needle A very thin, pointed steel tube that is pushed through the skin so that something (such as a drug) can be put into your body or so that blood or other fluids can be taken from it. nodule A small lump, swelling, or collection of tissue. Nuclear Medicine A medical specialty involving the application of radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. nurse A person who is trained to care for sick or injured people and who usually works in a hospital or doctor’s office. obstetrician A doctor specializing in the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the recuperative period following delivery. orderly An attendant in a hospital responsible for the nonmedical care of patients and the maintenance of order and cleanliness. operating room The room in which surgery takes place at a hospital. pad A thin, cushion like mass of soft material used to fill, to give shape, or to protect against jarring, scraping, or other injury Pathology The science of the causes and effects of diseases, especially the branch of medicine that deals with the laboratory examination of samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes. photoelectric effect The observation that many metals emit electrons when light shines upon them. pregnant Carrying a fetus or fetuses within the womb. prescription An instruction written by a medical practitioner that authorizes a patient to be provided a medicine or treatment. prosthesis An artificial body part, such as a leg, a heart, or a breast implant. pulse To take the pulse of the heart of someone, at his wrist. radiation It’s a process in which electromagnetic waves (EMR) travel through a vacuum or through matter-containing media; the existence of a media to propagate the waves is not required. radio wave A type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum longer than infrared light. radioactive The process by which an unstable atom emits radiation. radioactive dye A dye which gives off a small amount of radiation and used in some types of scan. radiological file A chronological account of all the radiological images that the patient did. radiologist A medical specialist who uses radioactive substances and X-rays in the treatment of disease. radiographer A person trainer to operate a scanner and who looks after patients during their appointment. radiolucent cushion Almost entirely transparent to radiation; almost entirely invisible in x-ray photographs and under fluoroscopy. Radio-pharmacology The study and preparation of radioactive pharmaceuticals. radioprotection Protection against harmful effects of radiation. radioscopy Examination of the inner structure of optically opaque objects by x-rays or other penetrating radiation; radiology. radiotherapy A therapy that uses radiation to shrink, and sometimes eradicate, cancerous cells/growths in and on the body. raise To move to a higher position; elevate. restraints An instrument or a means of restraining the patient to prevent movement move. resolution The degree of detail visible in a photographic or computer image. sedative A drug taken for its calming or sleep-inducing effect. skeleton An internal or external framework of bone, cartilage, or other rigid material supporting or containing the body of an animal or plant. skull A framework of bone or cartilage enclosing the brain of a vertebrate; the skeleton of a person’s or animal’s head. sonogram An image of a body organ or fetus created with reflected high-frequency sound waves. sonography An imaging procedure using the reflections of high-frequency sound waves to construct an image of a body organ; commonly used to observe fetal growth or study bodily organs. spleen A large, highly vascular lymphoid organ, lying in the human body to the left of the stomach below the diaphragm, serving to store blood, disintegrate old blood. stenosis The abnormal narrowing of a passage in the body. sterile field A specified area, such as within a tray or on a sterile towel, that is considered free of microorganisms. stretcher A litter, usually of canvas stretched over a frame, used to transport the sick, wounded, or dead. stretcher-bearer A person who helps to carry a stretcher, esp in wartime. swallow To cause food or drink to pass through the mouth and throat into the stomach. swelling An abnormal enlargement of a part of the body, typically as a result of an accumulation of fluid. syringe A medical instrument used to inject fluids into the body or draw them from it. thorax The area of the body that is located between the abdomen and the neck. thyroid A gland that makes and stores hormones that help regulate the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and the rate at which food is converted into energy. tumor A swelling of a part of the body, generally without inflammation, caused by an abnormal growth of tissue, whether benign or malignant. ultrasonography A technique using echoes of ultrasound pulses to delineate objects or areas of different density in the body. ultrasound An oscillating sound pressure wave with a frequency greater than the upper limit of the human hearing range. urinary bladder A membranous sac for temporary retention of urine. urinate To excrete or void urine. urography An X-ray technique for producing an image of the renal pelvis and urinary tract by the introduction of a radiopaque fluid. vein A blood vessel that carries blood toward the heart. vertebral column The series of articulated vertebrae, separated by intervertebral disks and held together by muscles and tendons, that extends from the cranium to the coccyx visible spectrum The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. waiting room A part of a building where people sit or stand until the event they are waiting for occurs wheelchair A device used for mobility by people for whom walking is difficult or impossible, due to illnes or disability. x-ray A form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to light but of shorter wavelength and capable of penetrating solids and of ionizing gases x-ray computed tomography A technology that uses computer-processed x-rays to produce tomographic images in virtual slices of specific areas of the scanned object, allowing the user to see what is inside it without cutting it open. Diagnostic Imaging Glossary in PDF formatDownload Please follow and like us:

Whats the Buzz All About Coffee in Different Languages and Cultures

Whats the Buzz All About Coffee in Different Languages and Cultures Whats the Buzz? All About Coffee in Different Languages and Cultures Coffee is a language in itself.Thats according to Jackie Chan, the internationally famous actor, martial artist and (evidently) coffee enthusiast.Its clear why that statement stands true: despite the fact that its always made using essentially the same simple ingredients, the idea of coffee nevertheless manifests itself in very different ways for different people, in different cultures and in different languages.If theres one thing that humanity has in common, though, its that we love a good cup of coffee, however we define the word.All over the world, coffee is a way to get rid of that morning grogginess or that Monday weariness. A  lot of people have coffee to thank for being able to pass as morning people.Coffee lets us be able to go into work or school with a smile on our face, and it gives us the energy to focus on the task at hand, like learning a new language.In many parts of the world its also a way of socializing, with different, sometimes intricate rituals involved in namin g, ordering, serving and consuming different forms of coffee.With all that in mind, one might argue that knowing how to ask for coffee is one of the most important things a language learner will learn.OK, maybe that was a bit of a stretch.Still, coffee is a fun thing to talk and learn about, so today well look at how people consume and talk about coffee in different cultures and languages.So pour yourself a nice hot cup of coffee and read on! Whats the Buzz? All About Coffee in Different Languages and CulturesWhere Did Coffee Come From?Coffee has a long history that, according to some, begins in the ancient forests of Ethiopia. Supposedly, a goat herder there discovered the energizing power of coffee after witnessing firsthand the effect that coffee had on his goats, who ate some of the seeds from a coffee plant. Word spread quickly, and soon coffee was being enjoyed from the plains of Ethiopia to the palaces of Persia.Well probably never know the full truth of coffees origin, but its clear that by the 16th century, coffee had made its way to Europe through trade between the Middle East and Italy. As with many new things, it was initially met with a hint of fear and an overreaction towards its bitterness, but soon people really began to enjoy the drink; even the Pope made his approval of it public!Eventually, coffee made its way to America. Tea was still the favored drink there until the Boston Tea Party, after which the colonials turned to coffee. Itsbeana favorite drink ever since then.No matter where you go, youll probably be able to get your coffee, likely without ever having to use a different word to order it.But have you ever wondered why? Why is the word coffee almost universally understood? To paraphrase a talented poet, whats in a name? A coffee by any other name would taste just as bitter.Heres the scoop: The word coffee originally came from Kaffa, the name of a former kingdom and current province of Ethiopia. It was referred to by the Arabs of th e Middle East as ???? (pronounced  /'kah.wa/) before they sold it to the Venetian merchants, who called it caffe. Through a few other twists and turns, that eventually worked its way into English as coffee.Weve touched on the history of coffee and its effect on the world, but theres still so much more. Theres a brilliant book on that very topic called The Devils Cup: A History of the World According to Coffee by Stewart Lee Allen, for coffee lovers who really want to know about the history of coffee around the world, without all that travel fare.For now, lets leave the past behind and focus on the present. Whats coffee culture like throughout the world, and how can we get ourselves a tasty sip of that sweet, caffeinated action?A Must: How to Order Coffee in Different LanguagesBeing able to sit down and chat with someone over a hot cup of coffee is one of lifes great pleasures. So in your quest to master your new language, be it Spanish, German,  French  or any other, it would no dou bt be useful to learn how to actually say coffee in different languages.Heres how to say it in some of the worlds most commonly spoken languages:Arabic:  ???? (qahwa)Chinese:  ?? (Kafei)French: CaféGerman: KaffeeItalian: CaffèJapanese:  ???? (Kohi)Korean:  ?? (Keopi)Portuguese: CaféRussian:  ???? (Kofe)Spanish: CaféRight about now, some of you might be thinking, Well thats not nearly enough for me to start my journey around the world, savoring all the coffee each culture has to offer! Dont worry, we hear you!Here are just a few more languages for the curious:Afrikaans: KoffieDutch: KoffieFinnish:  KahviGreek:  ?af?? (Kafés)Hindi:  ????? (Kofee)Icelandic: KaffiRomanian:  CafeaSwedish: KaffeYou can probably see by now that the word and pronunciation of coffee is more or less universal. And indeed, if you just say that word, regardless of the language, pretty much everyone will know what you want.Now, something you have to understand about all this is that just because the word fo r coffee may look and sound similar around the world, it doesnt necessarily mean that youll be talking about exactly the same thing when you say the word in different places and in different languages.Different Cultures, Different Coffee HabitsIn the same way that pudding can refer to very different things throughout the English-speaking part of the world, coffee (or the words foreign equivalent) will not always refer to the same thing.For example, when you think about having coffee, you might imagine a cup of hot coffee with a cube or two of sugar and some milk, maybe even a snack on the side.But in Finland, people are just as likely to think about drinking coffee while eating  leipäjuusto (bread cheese), which is a slice of squeaky cheese that youre supposed to coat in hot coffee before eating. Its a Finnish favorite.There are many different thingsâ€"some of them maybe quite weird by your standardsâ€"that people put into their coffee and/or eat while drinking coffee.But it isnt j ust the actual drink that might take some getting used to.  In some places, there can be a maze of customs and manners that you need to navigate if you want to drink coffee. Each culture has its own unique rules of etiquette in regards to coffee.For instance, while you can order any kind of coffee at any time of day in Sweden without being gawked at, ordering a cappuccino past morning in Italy is frowned upon.These kinds of customs arent things you absolutely must keep in mind when youre traveling and need that quick pick-me-up, but its always good to be aware, especially since many of these traditions go back a long way.The Turkish coffee tradition has remained the same for centuries, to give just one example. Coffee reached Turkey in the beginning of the 16th century and since then, its been an important part of Turkish culture. They have a very specific way of making coffee, using coffee beans that have been grounded into very fine powder.Everyone Needs Coffee? Gimme a Break!Typi cally, youll be working or studying, gradually losing steam as the day wears on. So on one of your breaks, you head over to the nearest coffeepot or coffee shop to get yourself a lovely cup o joe before that stress starts to mocha you crazy.What weve just described is a coffee break, something everyone has in almost every coffee-loving country. When did the whole world suddenly agree that a short break at work was meant for that wonderfully bitter, black beverage?This  story begins in the late 19th century in a little town in Wisconsin called Stoughton. There, the wives of Norwegian immigrants would leave work for a short while to take care of the kids and also enjoy a much-needed cup of coffee.It was something they were used to doing since coffee breaks stem from a quite  old custom in Scandinavia. In Sweden, for example, its known as fika, and its been a habit of the Swedes for generations, one that has worked its way into the formal business world.The Nordic nations pretty much c reated the concept of a coffee break, a fact those from Stoughton havent forgotten, which is why they celebrate every year in August with the Stoughton Coffee Break Festival.Still, while there were a few workplaces around the globe that adopted coffee breaks as a habit, it wasnt actually made a mandatory break until the mid to late 20th century.Why was it deemed necessary? It wasnt just because coffee breaks are a fun thing to have. Studies show that breaks help people learn and refresh themselves, increasing productivity when they start up again. A little caffeine goes a long way.Plus, coffee breaks are enjoyable, and enjoyment is a huge part of why we drink coffee so much and so regularly. Really regularly.On average, people in America consume at least two cups of coffee per day, while even the supposedly tea-loving  UK  consumes more than 50 million cups a day.The country that statistically loves coffee the most is currently  Finland, followed by Norway, Iceland and Denmark. Diff erent surveys and studies use different methodologies, which can change the order of the top coffee drinkers. Still, in basically every case, the Nordic and other northern European countries claim most of the top spots for coffee consumption.A Part of World CultureThe wonderful thing about coffee is that every nation has had a part to play in its distribution and development. From its humble beginnings in Ethiopia to its current status as our go-to break beverage, coffee is the result of centuries of cultures meeting, combining and innovating in order to socialize and counter the effects of the daily grind.Thats a great thing to remember, too, because while every culture has its own unique spin on coffee (and there are quite a few very unique spins out there), enjoying coffee is something all of them have in common.We drink it when we need energy and we drink it while getting to know someone or spending time with people we care about.Thats why in every country you go to, youll alway s be able to find a coffee shop of some kind, and theyll always understand what you mean when you ask for coffee, even if you dont get the local word for it quite right.Knowing that, when youre ready to go out into the real world and start using those new languages youve been learning, the best place to start might just be the first coffee shop you visit in a foreign country.  After all, finding common ground always makes learning a new language a bit easier.And if you meet someone at a coffee shop and youre looking for a great conversation starter, you can talk about all the interesting  stuff you just learned about coffee! And One More ThingIf you want to learn authentic languages and converse with locals about more than just coffee, youll love FluentU. FluentU makes it possible to learn languages from music videos, commercials, news, inspiring talks and more.With FluentU, you hear languages in real-world contextsâ€"the way that native speakers actually use them. Just a quick lo ok will give you an idea of the variety of FluentU videos on offer:FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but engaging, effective and efficient learning. It’s already hand-picked the best videos for you and organized them by level and topic. All you have to do is choose any video that strikes your fancy to get started!Each word in the interactive captions comes with a definition, audio, image, example sentences and more.Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily review words and phrases from the video under Vocab.You can use FluentU’s unique adaptive quizzes to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions and exercises. Just swipe left or right to see more examples of the word youre studying.The program even keeps track of what you’re learning and tells you exactly when it’s time for review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.Start using FluentU on the website with your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes store or Google Play store.

The best free 11plus resources

The best free 11plus resources The 11+ test is popular with parents hoping to get their child into a grammar school and parents are always asking us here at First Tutors, and our tutors, for the best resources to help prepare their child for this test. The 11+ examination is taken by in the beginning of year 6 by some pupils across the UK and is commonly made up of four different papers; verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English and Maths. We have teamed up with some of our specialist 11+ tutors and done some extensive research to find you the best free 11+ resources to help you give your child that extra preparation. Here are our top 10 websites for free, useful and vital information for parents and children wishing to explore the 11 plus examinations. 1. Sats-papers This site offers some free sample papers for you to download, covering verbal, non verbal, Maths and English. You can download the practice papers, the answer sheets and the mark schemes. 2. ElevenPlusExams This site offers some great advice about the 11+ exam and allows you to download some revision aids and practice questions for English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning. 3. 11PlusGuide Another great site for some good information and free 11plus papers in English, Maths, Verbal and Non-verbal. 4. Extra Tuition Centre This is a great website offering plenty of free 11+ resources from Maths and Verbal Reasoning worked examples to 'How to do' different Maths problems. 5. Bond11Plus Bond has been providing resources for the 11+ exams for a long time and are great at offering advice and giving free resources for all four of the subjects. They also offer a free 11+ starter pack for those that register with them. 6. 11plus.co.uk Great for 11+ resources, information and their 11+ assessment tool. 7. 11Pluswebsite This site offers free and paid resources for all the 11+ subjects, including free 40 and 50 question exam practice test in English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning. 8. Ksol These 11+ specialists have plenty to offer in terms of resources and information and is well-worth checking out. 9. 11PlusDIY Offers free downloadable mock 11+tests as well as paid resources. 10. 11PLusSwot This website offers a whole world of useful information, free tests and plenty of great resources. For more information on finding a private home tutor for the 11 plus exams click here. First Tutors is the leading UK tutoring service offering all the information you need to find the right tutor for your child.