Drama Among Chemistry Regents Leaves the U of R in Disarray

Drama Among Chemistry Regents Leaves the U of R in DisarrayA recent report claims that a previously unidentified NY chemistry Regents will be removed from the board to avoid scandal. Although the exact cause for the removal is not known, the report states that it is a direct result of the questionable handling of the situation.The Chemistry Regents in New York City are appointed by the New York City Council to serve on the Board of Regents. These are the individuals who make decisions regarding policy and policies of the University of Rochester. When the Council does not appoint someone to fill a vacancy or the appointment is not permanent, a Regent is appointed to fill the vacancy.Recently, two individuals have been placed on the Chemistry Regents. One is David H. Pobregzki, and the other is Leslie C. Horowitz. Both of these individuals have issues with each other and should be considered to be an issue for the future of the chemistry department.David H. is not a member of the U of R Board of Trustees. He has no relevant experience when it comes to chemistry, nor does he hold any experience in the field. Instead, he is a private businessman. This is clearly a conflict of interest that should be seen as one.Pobregzki, on the other hand, was appointed to the Board of Regents in May of 2020. In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must have earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry. However, according to the recent report, David H. received a master's degree in chemistry and took this information into consideration when making his decision to appoint someone to the Board of Regents. This is clearly a conflict of interest and should be addressed in the future.Additionally, the report claims that when Horowitzwas appointed to the Board of Regents, she was only appointed until the end of this year. A new candidate, Samantha Cohen, was put forward and even though Horowitz was appointed by the Council, Cohen received the appointment. So, in essence, a pe rson was appointed to the position for only three months. If this type of conflict of interest is acceptable for a four-year term on the Board of Regents, it is certainly an issue that needs to be resolved.Regardless of the actions of the individuals in question, this is now out in the open that the U of R's business is being handled in an unorthodox manner. This should make all those who are involved in the process worry.Students should know that the Chemistry Regents, and the Board of Regents in general, need to be transparent about their operations. These individuals should be held accountable when things go wrong. This is why transparency in their operation is essential in keeping the integrity of the University of Rochester as a whole.

ACT Study Guide Online ACT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace

ACT Study Guide Online ACT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace ACT exam, also called as the American College Testing assessment is the test taken by high school students to gain admission in colleges and universities in the United States. ACT exam is the standardized and recognized test and the scores received by students in ACT are sent to their desired colleges for their admission process. ACT test paper consists of 4 sections: English, Mathematics, Reading and Science reasoning. Apart from learning and understanding the concepts for this test, students must be aware about the time available to them to complete every section. Because of the limited time given, students must be able to work through the questions quickly. It is always recommended for the students to first attempt the easy questions and then later attempt the difficult or the time-taking questions. This way, it will give the student a little bit of time to think and answer the tricky ones in their own appropriate way. For students taking ACT with the Writing section, the test consists of an issue or a topic on which the students have to present their opinion. The time given for this section is 30 minutes and the students have to write an essay expressing their point of view and responding to the given topic. ACT exam does not give highly complicated questions on complex topics and hence in order to do well in all the sections of the test paper, students should practice basic concepts in which they are lagging behind and must keep track of the time accordingly.

Stand Up and Be Counted Enhance Your Career with Effective Presentations - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Stand Up and Be Counted Enhance Your Career with Effective Presentations - Introvert Whisperer Stand Up and Be Counted: Enhance Your Career with Effective Presentations If you were to conduct a survey of your colleagues asking them if presentation skills are important, then chances are that everyone would answer, “yes”. In fact, whether you’re looking to get promoted or to change jobs, then effective presentation skills can be the difference between success or failure. It’s not an accident that employers are looking to hire people with excellent communication skills. You might think that the need for presentations is limited to just a few scenarios, such as presenting a proposal, or speaking at a seminar, but nothing could be further from the truth. Presentation skills can be useful every single day, for example, when you’re in a meeting trying to get an idea across, when you’re on the phone with a client, and even when you’re giving a status update to your boss. Now that we’ve established the importance of good presentation skills, what are some of the ways you can go about honing your skills? Below you’ll find 5 strategies that can help take your presentations to the next level. 1. Be Prepared  It goes without saying that you need to be prepared if you’re giving a presentation to a large group of people, but it can also be useful to be prepared for common scenarios that happen during your working day. If, for example, you regularly attending meetings where you have to introduce yourself, then it can be really helpful to have prepared a short elevator pitch describing who you are and what you do. This short script is a great way to introduce yourself to new people, and has the secondary benefit of helping you relax more quickly around unfamiliar people. But this idea doesn’t just apply to an introductory elevator speech, it can also be applied to any topics you have to cover regularly as part of your job. 2. Practice  The more you practice giving presentations the better you’re going to get at them. One problem faced by people who are apprehensive or just plain terrified about giving a presentation, is where to start? If you’re not yet confident enough in your skills to give a presentation at work, then the easiest place to start is within a safe environment outside of the office. This could simply mean practicing your presentation skills in front of your partner or spouse, or it could mean joining a club, such as Toastmasters, where you won’t be judged and will be given lots of encouragement.  3.  Learn the Craft of a Good ArgumentPersuasive speaking and writing have been around for a long time. In fact, the first book about creating a persuasive argument was written over 2,000 years ago by Aristotle. If you’re looking to increase your persuasive speaking skills then this is great news, as it means there are literally thousands who have gone before you that have passed what they have learned. Some of the more popular techniques include Monroe’s Motivated Sequence, agitate and solve, prognosticate, and storytelling. 4.  Pre-empt ObjectionsThere are two parts to pre-empting objections. The first is to think of objections or counter arguments people are likely to have to your presentation and address them during your presentation. The second is more time consuming but very effective where you need to get approval for an idea, and that is to speak with each person who will be attending your presentation on a one-to-one basis, before the presentation takes place. This way you get the chance to ensure that their success criteria are met, and if not, there’s still time before the meeting to adjust your presentation so that their success criteria are met. In doing this you hugely increase the chances of your presentation going smoothly and your ideas being accepted. 5. Stand Out from the Crowd Let’s be honest, most presentations, particularly those in the workplace, are boring. They follow the same path of starting with a quick introduction, jumping into the main bulk of the presentation, and then finishing with a quick summary and obvious recommendation. Is it any wonder that people can’t resist the urge to look at their phones or use their laptops? To stand out from your peers think about what you can change up. Maybe you could start with the really big picture, or perhaps it might be interesting to start with the detailed facts and figures. Perhaps there is a personal story you could share. Maybe you could open with a question and then not answer that question until the end of your presentation. Whatever it is, try to make your presentation stand out from the 99% of presentations that all follow an identical format. Summary We all know when we’ve seen a good presenter, and when we’ve seen a poor one. Most of us also know that building a reputation as someone who gives great presentations can enhance our careers. However, despite knowing that presentations are important, most of us don’t know how to improve our skills. In this article, we’ve presented five tips to enhance your presentations, namely, be prepared, practice, learn how to construct a compelling argument, think about the objections people might have in advance, and structure your presentation to make it stand out from the crowd. Bio: Denis Geoghegan @epmgmt, is the founder of Expert Program Management, a site dedicated to helping people improve their leadership, management, and personal development skills. Go to top Let me emphasize that Self-Promotion doesn’t have to be obnoxious to be effective.  But, if you don’t Self-Promote you, who will?  If you ever want to get ahead, you have to learn how to Self-Promote. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that shows you simple, yet effective ways to Self-Promote. Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

What is a Math Expression

What is a Math Expression A math expression is an expression where numbers and variables are combined together and they form terms. Plain numbers written in an expression are called constants because they are fixed and their value cannot be changed. Variables are represented by alphabets and they however can vary, and hence we can assign them different numbers as their values depending upon the given question. In a math expression, these constants and variables are combined using different operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and they help us to simplify or estimate their value. Example 1:Find the value of the given math expression, x+ 6+ 3x 4 when the value of x is 2. Given math expression: x+ 6+ 3x 4 The value given here for the variable, x is 2 This implies that we can plug-in the value of 2 in the place of x in the above given expression. This gives: x+ 6+ 3x 4-2+ 6+ (3* 2) 4- 2+ 6+ 6- 4 = 10 Therefore the value of the given math expression when x= 2 is 10. Example 2: Find the value of the given math expression, 6p+ 8- 4p when the value of p is -1. Given math expression: 6p+ 8- 4p The value given here for the variable, p is -1. This implies that we can plug-in the value of -1 in the place of p in the above given expression. This gives: 6p+ 8- 4p -(6* -1) +8 - (4* -1) - -6+ 8+ 4 = 6 Therefore the value of the given math expression when p= -1 is 6.

Why Should You Learn Spanish

Why Should You Learn Spanish Why Study Spanish? ChaptersHow to Learn Spanish: By Visiting SpainLearn Spanish by Visiting Spanish-speaking CountriesReasons to Learn Spanish: It is a Relatively Easy Language to LearnBenefits of Learning Spanish: It is Becoming Increasingly PopularLearn Spanish to Stand OutLearn Spanish Because It’s CoolWhy learn Spanish is a question on the lips of a lot of students. After all, the importance of having a foreign language should not be underestimated, and there are a lot of reasons to learn Spanish while at school.The place that Spanish holds in the world means that this should be a question on the lips of adults looking to learn a second language later on in life too. After all Spanish is the world's third most spoken language, and second when ranked on the number of native speakers.So in this article, we’re going to have a look at why learning Spanish and taking Spanish lessons might be the right way to go.Before we get to Mexico, we need to talk about visiting the home of Spanish.There are adv antages to all Spanish study methods. However, while you can learn Spanish online, the best language learning takes place when you're putting your Spanish grammar into action and conjugating Spanish verbs in a genuine conversation. Don't get us wrong, Spanish courses are great. However, if you want to learn how to speak Spanish and work towards becoming conversational or fluent in your new language, you should definitely spend as much time as you can in Spain.Imagine walking on a Spanish beach in the sun. The country has a massive coastline, after all. If you’re not interested in the beach, don’t worry. With Spain, you’re spoiled for choice.You can discover beautiful beaches in Spain. (Source: Riccardo Bresciani)According to the World Bank, Spain received the third highest amount of tourists in 2016, after only France and the U.S.A, and it is very easy to see why.We’d recommend Barcelona which is a dream destination for millions of people.  That said, it’s also worth menti oning Madrid, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, and Malaga. However, there are plenty of more cities you could choose to visit. There are also plenty of Spanish student towns if you're thinking about studying there.Spain is famous for its cultural heritage, countryside, and relaxed lifestyle and friendly population. If you love partying, Spain is the country for you! Every day is a free Spanish lesson!Learn Spanish by Visiting Spanish-speaking CountriesOnce upon a time, Spain was really fond of expanding its borders. Over the centuries, the Spanish travelled the world and found themselves establishing colonies in the Americas, Africa, and the Caribbean.This is the main reason there are so many countries around the world that speak Spanish.  If you’d like to learn more, we recommend delving into Spanish history. So where is Spanish spoken? There are 20  Spanish-speaking countries, and they include: Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Gua temala, and Costa Rica.  If you’re not familiar with these countries, have a quick look on Google. You’ll soon be wanting to pay for your flights.Put simply, there are so many beautiful places that speak Spanish. In addition to their breathtaking scenery, many of them seem to be tiny versions of paradise for anyone wanting to get away.You don't get this kind of experience by taking Spanish lessons London and nor will you ever really learn to speak conversational Spanish just by studying Spanish vocabulary and verb conjugation.The time might be right to visit Machu Picchu in Peru, Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, the glaciers in the South and the Atacama desert in the North of Chile, and the Amazon rain forest in Ecuador or Colombia.  Let’s not forget famous cities like Buenos Aires and Lima, either. Both Central and South America are enchanting places that are home to different and distinct cuisines that you just have to try!If you want to discover these countries, not speaking Spani sh is going to make things difficult. There are loads of benefits of learning Spanish, but one of the best is the wide range of places that you can travel to as a result.Of course, there are plenty of Spanish-speaking communities outside of these countries, too. In some of the biggest cities around the world you will find Spanish speaking communities.  No matter where your travels take you, you’ll probably find a native speaker that you can learn Spanish with.There are many reasons to learn Spanish, one of which is the relative ease with which a native English speaker can learn it.Let us explain... Did you know that over half of the English vocabulary is from Latin or French?  This means that half of our words share the same roots as most Spanish words.  This means that when you learn to speak Spanish, you'll come across a lot of words that are more recognisable  than you’d first think.Learn Spanish quickly in Spain. (Source: pixabay.com)There are also plenty of Spanish words th at have made their way into the English language.  This means Spanish is usually easier to learn than Russian or Chinese, for example.  Of course, there’s still a lot of conjugating to do. Spanish seems to have so many tenses.  Then there’s all the false friends to confuse you.Learning a language still requires a lot of work on a regular basis and very few manage this on their own without taking any language lessons, attending Spanish class, or immersing themselves in a country where they speak their second language.If you want to learn Spanish, we’d recommend going to a Spanish-speaking country.As we mentioned in the previous sections, its history has made Spanish widespread,   so you won't be short of options. You could even consider looking into language courses you can do while you're there.  Practice makes perfect, after all, and immersion is the best way to practise! Immerse yourself in the local culture and language of a country.Forget about using any English phrases an d force yourself use the Spanish phrases you know to speak as much Spanish as you can. It might seem really difficult at first but you’ll soon get the hang of it.  Even if you don't speak advanced Spanish, basic Spanish should be enough to help you get by in the first few days.You should also make sure that you continue to study Spanish while you're there as once you can speak intermediate Spanish, you may struggle to gain more advanced language skills by just talking to people on the street.You'll also probably notice that spoken Spanish often barely resembles the language you've seen in some of your other Spanish resources. It might even be useful to work on your Spanish pronunciation before you have your first Spanish conversation.While you won’t become bilingual overnight, you’ll soon be having everyday conversations with the locals, learning an interesting Spanish verb or two, improving your comprehension, and getting familiar with local expressions.Benefits of Learning S panish: It is Becoming Increasingly PopularSpanish is one of the most important languages in the world. The number of Spanish speaking countries, coupled with the large amount of native speakers, means that Spanish is important in a whole range of sectors, including international trade.  This means that Spanish won't only help you on your next holiday, learning business Spanish could even enhance your career prospects, either by allowing you to move abroad, or taking on a more advanced role at home.Spanish is a great language that will take you to some amazing places. (Source: pixabay.com)Furthermore, there are so many Spanish-speaking markets working closely with the western world. After China and Canada, Mexico is the USA’s third most popular export partner.  Over 80% of Mexico’s exports are to the US, too.The EU is also close to completing a trade deal with the countries of Mercosur, which they say will lead to the creation of one of the biggest trading areas in the world. Th is trade deal will add to the one already in place with the Andean community.As you can see, speaking Spanish could open a whole world to you. Spanish isn’t just for speaking to the Spanish, after all. When it comes to learning a new language, Spanish is one of the most popular. Learn Spanish to Stand OutWant to stand out?  Speaking Spanish is a great way to differentiate yourself from the masses. So many people speak English nowadays.Being bilingual is great for your career. (Source: startupstockphotos.com)On the other hand, not speaking Spanish could also be a huge disadvantage as speaking Spanish can set you apart professionally.  Recruiters are looking for candidates with interesting résumés. So whether you want to work in a Spanish-speaking country, or develop your career at home, here's your chance to stand out.By learning Spanish, you’ll be able to find work more easily and you’ll be able to prosper professionally by applying to jobs where you get to interact with fri endly people. Furthermore, you’ll get the chance to travel to amazing destinations.For one, if you work in tourism, speaking Spanish will be a real asset. With so many native speakers worldwide, Spanish speakers are one of the largest groups who travel internationally. Therefore you will find them in all four corners of the globe, and as a Spanish speaker yourself, you will be invaluable to any company who offers services to this group of tourists.Therefore, if you don’t speak the language, you run the risk of being ignored by so many employers looking to do international business, or by businesses who deal with Spanish speakers at home.Learn Spanish Because It’s CoolWhen we’re asked “Why should I learn Spanish at school?”, our answer is always “Because it’s cool!”.Spain isn't the only cool place where they speak Spanish. (Source: André Cook)It can be tricky at first but with a bit of perseverance, you’ll start to get the hang of it and start making massive stri des towards fluency.  Spanish is both fun to speak and fun to listen to. It’s a melodic, flowing, and beautiful language.  There’s a reason that there are so many popular songs in Spanish at the moment.Now you know why it’s useful to learn Spanish online for your professional and personal life. So what are you waiting for? If you’re struggling and would like to learn more about Spanish, you can always get a private tutor to help you with a particular grammar point or something you don’t understand.  Don’t waste your chance to learn a language that is becoming increasingly important all over the world.Don’t forget that there’s also no limit to what age you can start learning Spanish. However, it can be easier if you start young. Think about it!

Where to Find Painting Classes in Cardiff

Where to Find Painting Classes in Cardiff Learn to Paint in the Capital of Wales ChaptersWhy Learn to Paint?Attending an Art ClassLearning to Paint in Cardiff: Your Best OptionsGet Yourself a Private Painting Tutor at SuperprofToo often, people think of painting as something that was done in the past. Like the classical music industry, or, say, philosophy, the painters and paintings that we recognise most easily are those that have been around for centuries. Think about Leonardo da Vinci or J.M.W Turner, Matisse or Gainsborough. These guys â€" and, unfortunately, they are almost always guys â€" determine what we think about and recognise as painting.And so, in every art museum you’ll ever go into, you’ll get the vibe that, with painting, the older the better. An arts education is really an education in art history â€" and there’s a constant sense of age. Really, we’re under the impression that a good museum of art is one that is a collection of relics, houses of history as much as houses of visual arts, ceramics, printmaking, and all the other art mediums that should, indeed, be timeless.The other side of this obsession with age â€" and, we suppose, with monetary value â€" is that the newer artists don’t really get a look in. Francis Bacon’s expressive images of the human figure, whilst stunning in themselves, are left to the art experts, and to a particular clique of art students who want something a bit different. Bacon, however, is moving, along with his artworks, into the pantheon of the great names in art â€" although, still, not really many people have heard of him.In this way, we find it quite refreshing that someone like Banksy â€" just down the road from Cardiff in Bristol â€" has developed such public fame and has done so by moving the creative process outside of the museum. He’s just been named the favourite artist of the British â€" and so should be an inspiration for artists today. For those that fiddle around in an art studio at home, as well as for those like you who â€" wisely, we might say â€" have decided tha t it is time to have a look for some arts classes to join.Finding painting classes in Edinburgh and painting workshops in Belfast!Painting is beautiful - give it a go!everyone should dabble in watercolors, acrylics, or oil paint; we think everyone should explore their creative side, whether in a sketchbook, in sculptural work, calligraphy or digital photography; in abstract portraiture or representational still life. And we’ll tell you why.We have a sneaking suspicion that engaging your creative mind â€" whether through digital media, color theory, or art and design â€" makes you a much healthier, happier, and more successful person. We suspect that people who have a love for the arts â€" from young artists to the elderly â€" and who make the space to develop that love, have better mental health. And this is because they have a space in which to express their feelings, to gather their thoughts, and to put their mind at rest.We suggest then that you do something similar. And whilst you can paint all you want at home â€" whilst at home you have the space to draw and paint, to dedicate yourself to your art forms and the skill of how to paint â€" you may well find that some guidance would be nice. And, alongside nice, it can be really helpful for the development of your skill.Find painting classes across the UK and painting classes in London!Attending an Art ClassBecause whilst it is lovely to spend your evenings at home indulging your love for visual art â€" dreaming of your first art exhibition and the praise of local artists â€" joining some class at the local center for the arts can be a real motivating factor in your work.Art camps, art workshops, or a formal art school are not just moments of teaching. They are times in which someone can guide you to explore new areas â€" new art materials, new techniques (abstraction, say, or observational work), and new subject matter. Art lessons are opportunities to listen to critiques of your work, and to develop on t hem. Painting classes are moments of inspiration â€" in which you can see what other people are doing and learn from them.This applies to painters of all skill levels and for ages from minors and kids art to adult classes and classes for teens. Learning to paint can be a little lonely and frustrating if you don’t know what to do with your materials and art supplies â€" your acrylic paint, say, or your gouache â€" and it’s this factor that usually makes people stop painting before they have even got going.The point is to avoid this lapse of interest. And art classes â€" from summer camps to adult painting classes London, a lecture series or a community art session â€" are the best way to keep this interest high.Explore your creative side with painting classes in CardiffFind painting classes in Leeds and painting lessons in Birmingham.Learning to Paint in Cardiff: Your Best OptionsCardiff isn’t exactly a byword for art â€" for public art nor for contemporary art. However, this i s really a little unfair of us all. Because the capital of Wales actually boasts a number of excellent art galleries, art schools, and opportunities for family art and adult art classes, alongside art schools for those fancying an arts degree. And it’s not like Wales, or indeed Cardiff, have ever been absent from the history of art either.So, all in all, it’s a great place to study, learn, and practice. And here are your best options for getting on with it!Paint and Create with Cardiff’s ArtSpaceThe ArtSpace is one Cardiff’s most reputable art learning centres â€" providing painting classes and workshops to adults in all sorts of different aspects of art production.They are based on the Curran Embankment â€" a short walk from the centre of town â€" and their programmes are pretty much always sold out. So, if you want to learn how to paint in a friendly, relaxed, but rigorously professional environment, you might want to book wayyy in advance.Just to get an idea, the courses on offer range from ‘Impressionist Painting’ to landscapes to palette knife painting. So, whatever art is for you, you’ll find it at the ArtSpace.Try some colour with Cardiff's art classes.Take a Degree in Painting at Cardiff MetWhilst it offers a whole load of short courses, evening classes, and adult learning opportunities in painting, Cardiff Met has a respectable school of art too. So, if you are young, and fancy studying for a Bachelor of Fine Arts, or indeed a Master of Fine Arts, there’s absolutely no reason not to.If you are interested in developing your studio art here, you’ll be showered with opportunities to learn fascinating stuff â€" from the history of art to cutting edge techniques. So, whether you are interested in watercolour or digital art, fiber art or the philosophy of artmaking, you’ll be well looked after here.And, with a degree in art, you’ll be equipped to navigate the commercial, practical, and social elements of being an artist â€" and prepare d to enter the world of art.Here are painting classes near me.Get Yourself a Private Painting Tutor at SuperprofWhether you are deadly serious about your art practice or just in it for the fun, if you are interested in art therapy or you want to apply to art school. Whichever is your motivation â€" and whatever your needs â€" you’ll find someone to help you indulge it at Superprof.Superprof is a platform that connects students to private tutors locally and across the world. Right now, we’re approaching eight million tutors worldwide in over a thousand different subjects, and painting â€" obviously, it goes without saying â€" is one of them.In Cardiff, we have eight tutors teaching painting, charging an average of £21 an hour. You’ll find here teachers specialising in watercolour or in oil, in graphic design or in drawing â€" and they are all lovely, friendly, and committed to what they do.Learn to Paint at the Art Workshop Cardiff.Over the last seven years, the Art Workshop i n Rhiwbina has been drawing kids, adults, and art enthusiasts of all ages to its doors â€" with the promise of first-class, professional painting education.From watercolour to printmaking, drawing to 3D work, it seems almost like there’s nothing the pair of artists who run the place can’t do.The classes are wonderful â€" enriching, fun, and creative â€" and the support you’ll get with your own work will make you reluctant to leave!Find painting courses in Manchester and painting classes in Glasgow!

In a Band Take a Lesson from Bob Dylan

In a Band Take a Lesson from Bob Dylan Suzy S. Theres no one quite like Bob Dylan. After all, its hard to compete with a recording career of over 50 years, a long list of achievements and awards, and spots in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. But if the idea of pop princess Kesha covering a Dylan song doesnt seem right, you may want to stay away from the newest 4-disc compilation Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International.   The project features newly-recorded Dylan covers by 80 artists, including Adele, Sting, Dave Matthews, punk rockers Bad Religion, country duo Sugarland, hip hop artist Knaan, and yes, were not joking Kesha. Throughout his career, Dylan shared his talents and influence with fans all over the world, appearing on numerous television programs, headlining several music festivals, and touring extensively around Europe, Australia, and the U.S.   If you have a band of your own, its important to follow in Dylans footsteps that is, get out there and start playing more shows.   Whether it be street performing, neighborhood gigs, or European tours (dream big!), here are 3 great reasons to play live: 1. Youll Make New Fans Fans or your fans-to-be cant get excited about your music when youre playing it for yourself in your rehearsal space, no matter how good it is. Recordings are good and important but there is nothing quite like a gig to really get your fans enthusiastic about your music. Think about your own experiences as a fan are you ever quite as keyed up about music you love as you are when you walk out of a really great gig? A good live experience just makes your fans more loyal to you. And what happens when your fans are loyal? They tell their friends. They bring their friends to your shows. Some of those friends will become your fans. And then they will tell their friends. And so on and so forth until you need to book a bigger venue to cram them all in. 2. Youll Hone Your Craft First of all, dont shy away from playing live just because youre not 100% sure you can hit every note without a flub 100% of the time. Its fine to play when youre a little rough around the edges in fact, in some genres, getting too slick will lose you fans. But the more you play live, the better you will get at it. Your sets will become tighter. Your confidence will grow. Getting comfortable on the stage is a crucial skill for a musician to have, and no, it didnt just come naturally to all of your favorite bands. Its something that takes practice, just like everything you do as a musician. You will only get better from show to show. 3. Youll Open Doors Live shows are the ultimate in networking opportunities for musicians. At every show, you have the chance of meeting (and making a good impression on) new bookers, promoters, music journalists, musicians, managers, agents and more. Even if, say, the local DJ you meet at your next show isnt the one to put your new song in heavy rotation, maybe the journalist they mention your show to gets curious, seeks you out and writes a story about you. Maybe the manager of another band on the bill passes your music on to a label. The possibilities are endless and every new face at a show is potentially the face that will make THE difference in your music career. Not convinced yet?   Let us know your thoughts, comments, and questions by leaving a comment! Like these posts?   Sign up to receive daily updates right to your inbox!   Click here to subscribe. You might also like Hittin’ the Road with Your Band? 7 Must-Read Tips 4 Things You May Be Doing Wrong at Gigs How to Build Up Your On-Stage Confidence Photo by Alberto Cabello.

Ask a Law School Admissions Expert Joyce Curll

Ask a Law School Admissions Expert Joyce Curll Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight form nationally recognized admissions experts. Joyce Curll served for 18 years as the Admissions and Financial Aid Dean at Harvard Law School. Prior to that, she was the Director of Admissions and Admissions Dean for 16 years at NYU Law School. Joyce is the author of The Best Law Schools Admissions Secrets, a best-selling guide designed to help prospective law students successfully navigate the admissions process. She earned her Bachelor of Arts cum laude at Harvard University as well as a Masters degree in Urban Planning from New York University. VT: How much time should be set aside to adequately prepare for and complete a Law School application? Joyce: To maximize the possibility of acceptance to your top choice school, plan ahead and start early, no later than the summer or early fall of the year before you want to attend, and even earlier to allow time to adequately prepare for the LSAT. The amount of time to actually complete your applications will vary according to what you have done in the course of your educational and work experiences. If you have laid good groundwork, you will save time in the long run, and your application will be more coherent. You will know whom you want as recommenders and may already have requested that recommendations be placed on file in your college pre-law advisors or Career Services office. You may also have planned ahead by giving careful thought to why you want to be a lawyer, and engaging in coursework and work/extracurricular activities that will inform that decision and provide fodder for both recommenders and your own personal statement. If you have not done these preparations, you wi ll likely spend more time on these time consuming parts of your application. The most time consuming aspects of completing an application include the time to prepare to take the LSAT, to prepare information and allow lead time for recommenders, and to write and edit your personal statement. Getting your application in early will put you ahead of comparable candidates who procrastinate or start the process late. VT: What is the single most important thing applicants should focus on with this application? Joyce: Coherence and consistency. Your application should present a coherent and consistent picture of you as a potential student. Your recommendations, your personal statement, and your own explanation of your background, accomplishments, and goals should give the admissions committee a clear sense of what you will bring to the class and how you will take advantage of the opportunities that their school offers. VT: What are the biggest mistakes one can make on a Law School Application? Joyce: Shading the truth. Outright dishonesty is an obvious disqualifier for someone who hopes to enter the legal profession, but even shading the truth or engaging in puffery in any aspect of your application will, if identified, cast doubt on even your genuine accomplishments. Law school admissions officers and their committees see many applications even in the course of one year, and they know exaggeration when they see it. VT: What do Law School admissions offices look for most in an applicants essays/personal statements? Joyce: Your essays and personal statements are your opportunity to paint a picture of yourself that will in many cases substitute for an interview. Even schools that offer evaluative interviews will not offer them to every candidate. In the virtual interview offered by these essays, you should answer those questions that you hope would be asked during an actual interview. You want the admissions officers to see that you know what the school has to offer and that you are equipped to take advantage of it. Since much of the learning in law school comes from interaction (in class and out) with your peers, you will want to share with the admissions committee what you will bring to the class. VT: Is there anything on a students application that would automatically disqualify them from being considered for the program? Joyce: Although there is nothing that will automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered, any form of dishonesty will be tantamount to disqualification. If you have a criminal record or any academic or other manifestation of dishonesty in your record, you should deal with that issue forthrightly in a separate statement. Your experience after any such incident should demonstrate that you have accepted responsibility for your actions and learned from the experience. There should be evidence that demonstrates that such incidents will not recur. Multiple instances of dishonesty make that job more difficult, but also more important. VT: What about the Law School Admission process differs the most from undergraduate admissions? Joyce: At the undergraduate admissions level, potential for success may be a key factor, whereas at the law school level, accomplishments are more salient. This is an obvious difference related to the broader experience of college graduates as compared to high school seniors, and it is reflected in all aspects of what you need to present, from your choice of activities and work experience, to your academic record and what your recommenders are able to assess. It is manifested by less focus on such factors as interviews and by most law schools devoting less manpower to the selection process than their undergraduate counterparts. VT: What kinds of things (experience, grades, etc.) might a student lack that would lead you to advise them not to apply? Joyce: This is more a question of whether this is the right time or whether the student has done the necessary groundwork to maximize his or her chances of admission to the best school for him or her. If the student has done the research to truly understand why to go law school at all, and particularly why this law school, there is no reason not to apply. There may be some rehab work to do before applying. Anything in the applicants record, from academic issues to LSAT scores, to disciplinary action or criminal charges, should be resolved before applying. What the resolution is can dictate whether or not it is advisable to apply. VT: Is there anything you might see on a students application that would quickly put them ahead in the running? Joyce: I like to see how a person takes advantage of opportunities, and how they deal with setbacks. A person who has maximized what opportunities have been made available or, even better, has created his or her own opportunities, is one who will take advantage of what my school has to offer, and take new opportunities as far as possible. VT: What advice do you have regarding LSAT test prep? Joyce: It is very important to prepare for the test, but only necessary to take a prep course if the discipline of having spent the money and having a teacher/tutor in front of you will assure that you will actually do the prep work. At Harvard Law School, we once asked our students how they had prepared for the test. Less than half had taken the prep course. Most had prepared for the test on their own, by sitting down with previously disclosed tests and working through them in a disciplined, self-timed way. Before taking the actual test, they owned the understanding of the test question types, and their own strengths and weaknesses. And it showed up in their results. VT: What do law school admissions officers look for in recommendation letters? Joyce: I look for a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of a candidate, with substantive examples of their accomplishments. A thoughtful critique, even with the description of a weakness, can actually enhance credibility on the positive side. I suggest that applicants give their recommenders enough lead time to write a thoughtful recommendation. I also recommend giving the recommenders a copy of your resume and a copy of your transcript(s) to help remind them of your accomplishments and interests. A well-written letter by you, requesting the recommendation, describing why you want to go to law school and what your activities have been since you studied with them can also be helpful. In that same context, a description of your activities outside their experience with you, but within their knowledge of the campus or other common ground, can help produce a more substantive, personalized recommendation. Giving them a copy of your personal statement is more problematic, in that a lazy or overburdened recommender might just repeat your wording, and make it appear that you wrote the recommendation for them. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Summer Reading Adventure 2019

Summer Reading Adventure 2019 Summer break is a perfect time for children to establish or renew a reading habit, which is why the Huntington Learning Center is launching its annual summer reading program, Reading Adventure. Reading Adventure introduces children to high-interest reading material and gets them excited about reading. Running from May to August, the program is for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Students choose books from Huntingtons pre-selected book lists, which offer a variety of high-interest choices by grade level and reading ability. Students then record what they read in their reading passport, sharing their opinions and observations about each book. Reading is an easy way for students to mitigate learning loss over summer break, Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center. The goal of Reading Adventure is to show children how fun and exciting reading can be, but the major benefit we see with children who participate in the program is that they retain their reading and literacy skills during the months they arent in school, she says. As with any skill that takes practice, students who read regularly become better at it, which makes it something theyre more likely to continue to do. Reading Adventure makes reading enjoyable and benefits children at the same time. Huntington shares that getting children to read over summer is easier than parents think. She offers a few tips on how to get their children reading during the break: Make an effort to find best fit books. What are your children into and excited about? Find books on those topics if your children seem uninspired when choosing their own reading material. Librarians are a great resource that can help you search genres and point children toward high-interest books. Read together. Sometimes, the best way to get children reading is to let them see you doing it too. Make family reading a relaxed nightly tradition. Set goals and establish small rewards. Theres nothing wrong with using a little bribery to motivate children to read more. An ice cream outing or sleepover with friends for every two books finished might be just the incentive a child needs. Find a nearby used bookstore. Wandering through any bookstore is stimulating and enjoyable, but theres something uniquely special about used bookstores. Take your children to one in your town and let them loose. The prices are low but the sense of discovery that accompanies every visit is high. Subscribe for newspaper delivery for the summer. These days, reading the newspaper to get your daily or weekly news is a novelty that many children might find fun. Reading the paper over coffee and orange juice could be a summer morning tradition with the early risers in your homeor save it for night time (with hot chocolate, of course). Read some blockbusters. Try choosing and reading a family book-turned-film together, then plan a movie night later this summer. There are lots of great options for children and teens out there, like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter, and The Lightning Thief, to name a few. To learn more about the Huntington Reading Adventure program, contact Huntington Learning Center at 1-800 CAN LEARN or visit www.huntingtonhelps.com. About Huntington Huntington is the tutoring and test prep leader.Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com.