What Does the Green Chemistry Impact Factor Indicate?

What Does the Green Chemistry Impact Factor Indicate?Ever wonder what the Green Chemistry Impact Factor is? Well, it is a number that is provided to the end user to indicate how good or bad the service provided by a particular company has been in achieving the client's expectations and helping them to meet those expectations.What does the Green Chemistry Impact Factor mean? It means that the corporation or the firm is being rated and graded on how well the firm or the corporation is meeting or not meeting the client's expectations. The client is sending a representative from the business in question to the conference room where the service was first requested by the client and to be judged against the client's expectations by the representative from the business. The business is also judged based on how the company or the corporation is progressing in fulfilling the client's requests and expectations.This rating system is designed to assist those companies and corporations that are o perating in today's business environment and those who are in the midst of their growth phase. In this industry, progress can be measured not only by the average but also by the Green Chemistry Impact Factor. There are many companies and corporations that are rated using this method to show how good or bad their performance is in the areas of market, competition, products, markets, services, and leadership.The Green Chemistry Impact Factor is one way to give an idea about the performance of a particular company in the market, for which this company is offering the service. A rating of a particular company in any field can be viewed through the Green Chemistry Impact Factor. This is used in a large scale business to help businesses or companies decide where they stand in the industry and whether or not they should jump in or if they should stay where they are.The Green Chemistry Impact Factor is a number which represents how good or bad the performance of a particular company or busi ness has been in the area of a particular service or product. All service or product companies are rated by the clients based on the Green Chemistry Impact Factor. For this reason, the rating is very important to companies that are operating in today's market. For example, if the Green Chemistry Impact Factor is very low, it might indicate that the company is just beginning to develop, whereas a company that is rated very high has already established a lot of profits.But how do you determine the Green Chemistry Impact Factor? There are many factors to look at, including the financial level of the company, the level of competition, the level of technology, the kind of customer that the company is servicing, and the level of support that the company is providing. With the combination of all these factors and scores, the client will be able to gauge the level of performance of the company and gauge the future possibility of the company or business. This is why the Green Chemistry Impac t Factor is so important to the business.The Green Chemistry Impact Factor is used in more than one aspect. It is used in many aspects of different companies and in various fields.

The 5 best places to save money teaching abroad

The 5 best places to save money teaching abroad Okay, so you’ve made up your mind to teach English abroad and now comes the exciting part: choosing where to go. Some people make this decision based on a lifelong obsession with a certain culture, or just a few breathtaking photos they see online. But for others, choosing where to teach might not be so simple. In fact, it might involve late nights and going so deep down a YouTube hole that there’s no way back. I’ve been there. Choosing where to teach abroad can be a headache and almost the hardest part of the puzzle. It can be overwhelming since the world is massive and the options seem endless. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. If you want to save money while teaching abroad, we’ve rounded up a few countries you may want to consider. 1. United Arab Emirates You can make more money than you can spend teaching in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), since the country offers some of the most attractive financial packages for teachers looking to work abroad. The salaries in Abu Dhabi and Dubai usually come with benefits like housing, flights, health insurance and an end-of-contract bonus. Some teachers even have their utilities covered (so you can blast the air-con without worrying about bank-balance-crippling bills). Although the UAE is one of the flashier teach abroad destinations, it’s certainly not impossible to save. The excellent compensation means you can live a relatively lavish lifestyle and still pocket a good bit of your wages. Teachers considering this part of the world will be well-positioned for flights to other countries in the Middle East, as well as parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. It’s also home to a large expat community, which can help new teachers settle in faster. Get a feel for exactly what living, spending and saving in the UAE is like with this teacher’s account of budgeting while living and working in the UAE. Amount in USD/month (approx. for 1 person) Salary for teachers in the UAE $2,400â€"$5,700 (tax-free)plus housing, flights, health insurance end-of-contract bonus Saving potential for teachers in the UAE Big savers: $2,500 Moderate savers: $1,500 Light savers: $900 Cost of living for teachers in the UAE (including utilities, transport, phone, groceries, etc.) Big spenders: $2,250 Moderate spenders: $2,000 Light spenders: $1,500 (all excluding rent) Start-up costs for teachers in the UAE $1,500â€"$2,000 (not including flights) 2. China China has always been subject to global curiosity, but it’s only in recent years that the opportunity to teach there has become truly attractive. As the economy continues to grow, the Chinese government is pushing education and investing in the English language. There are teaching positions in China to suit every type of personâ€"â€"from rugged rural villages to sprawling cities. As China’s demand for teachers grows, so do teachers’ salaries. The average teacher manages to save a decent amount of money in China. Although wages are low compared to Middle Eastern countries, the cost of living is much lower. It’s worth shopping around for the right position as benefits can vary and getting your flights and accommodations covered can go a long way towards fattening your wallet. Whether you’re an experienced educator or fresh grad interested in teaching in China, it’s worth checking out the Explore Program for some of the best opportunities. Amount in USD/month (approx.1 person) Salary for teachers in China $1,500â€"$4,500 (tax-free)plus housing, flights, health insurance end-of-contract bonus Saving potential for teachers in China Big savers: $3,000 Moderate Savers: $2,000 Light savers: $900 Cost of living for teachers in China (including utilities, transport, phone, groceries, etc.) Big spenders: $1,200 Moderate spenders: $800 Light spenders: $600 (all excluding rent) Start-up costs for teachers in China $1,000â€"$1,500 (not including flights) 3. Kuwait When people talk about teaching in the Middle East it often seems like the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia are the only countries that come to mind. But there are lots of countries investing in foreign teachers and ignoring them would be a mistake. Kuwait offers pay and benefits that are on par with its famous neighbours, but the cost-of-living is lower, making it an attractive option for families looking to teach in the Middle East. Teachers that make the trip to Kuwait will probably be a little surprised by how different it is to home. Men outnumber women and alcohol is banned (so it’s not exactly a party destination). It’s good news for people that enjoy socializing over food or family-friendly activities, as this is how people spend their free time in this small country. Kuwait is small enough to miss on a map, but world travelers won’t be disappointed as it offers easy access to the rest of the Middle East, as well as parts of Asia. Amount in USD/month (approx. for1 person) Salary for teachers in Kuwait $2,600â€"$4,000 (tax-free)plus housing,flights, bonus, healthcare Saving potential for teachers in Kuwait Big savers: $3,000 Moderate savers: $1,500 Light savers: $1,000 Cost of living for teachers in Kuwait (including utilities, transport, phone, groceries, etc.) Big spenders: $1,600 Moderate spenders: $1,100 Light spenders: $650 (all excluding rent) Start-up costs for teachers in Kuwait $1,000â€"$1,500 (not including flights) 4.South Korea If the Middle East or China seem a bit daunting, then perhaps teaching in South Korea is the answer. A modern country that boasts big cities and idyllic rural landscapes, English teachers have been traveling here in droves to pay off loans and even save for down payments. It’s not uncommon for teachers to go for a year and leave five years later! The quality of life is one of the best in the world and it’s not hard to put aside some serious cash. Budgeting while teaching in South Korea really doesn’t have to be hard. One of the main attractions of teaching in South Korea is that you really don’t have to skimp on experiences to save big. You can hop on a plane and quickly find yourself in Japan, China or Southeast Asia. Amount in USD/month (approx. for1 person) Salary for teachers in South Korea $1,800â€"$2,700plus housing, flights, healthcare and end-of-contract bonus Saving potential for teachers in South Korea Big savers: $1,500 Moderate savers: $1,000 Light savers: $600 Cost of living for teachers in South Korea (including utilities, transport, phone, groceries, etc.) Big spenders: $1,200 Moderate spenders: $1,000 Light spenders: $800 (all excluding rent) Start-up costs for teachers in South Korea $1,000â€"$1,500 (not including flights) 5. Kazakhstan If you fancy going off the beaten track in central Asia, then this might be a welcome option. Offering snow leopards and a doorstep to Europe, Kazakhstan is worth considering for the saving-savvy teacher. If you want a reasonable cost of living, great wages and immersion in a brand new culture, look no further. Stunning scenery and modern cities abound and there is no shortage of things to do and places to see. It’s the most diverse of the central Asian countries due to its unique history and ties to Russia. Tea addicts, bread lovers and shish kebab worshippers will all find what they’re looking for. It'seasy to maintain a high standard of living here. Cost of living can be expensive, but it’s balanced by the impressive wages. Teachers looking to move here will most likely need to be certified teachers at home. Amount in USD/month (approx. for1 person) Salary for teachers in Kazakhstan $3,000â€"$5,000, plus housing allowance, flights health insurance Saving potential for teachers in Kazakhstan Big savers: $3,000 Moderate savers: $2,000 Light savers: $1,000 Cost of living for teachers in Kazakhstan (including utilities, transport, phone, groceries, etc.) Big spenders: $1,500 Moderate spenders: $1,000 Light spenders: $800 (all excluding rent) Start-up costs for teachers in Kazakhstan $800â€"$1,000 Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. What you should consider if you’re looking to teach abroad as a way to save When I was picking a country there were a ton of questions on the tip of my tongue, but a few factors were non-negotiable. So, I stubbornly scoured the internet looking for specific answers in a sea of annoyingly generic information and let’s be frank, some pretty weird YouTube videos about what to expect in different countries. I’m going to save you that hassle by sharing my findings with you. First off, you should probably scribble down what you want from a position and try to focus on a couple of things to narrow down your search. For me, these were the non-negotiables (although I wanted to save, money wasn’t my only priority): a. Proximity to other countries - cheap travel options when teaching abroad I wanted to be close enough to other countries to make the odd country-hop budget-friendly. There was no way I was going to pack my suitcase for a year without getting to tick a couple of places off the bucket list. There are plenty of countries that are close to other places that have a high demand for English teachers. Look no further than Southeast Asia, the Middle East or Europe for a bunch of budget-friendly travel options. Some are cheaper than others, so it’s worth seeing how much flights out of your chosen country would cost you. b. Skimp on costs but not on experiences â€"choose a place that’s so fascinating you won’t get bored For me, the country needed to be rich in culture and have the option of teaching in rural areas. I had a hankering for an off-the-grid, immersive experience. I definitely did not want to end up in an expat community where there was an expensive city for me to blow my wages in. I wanted mountains, the total absence of temptation and an outdoorsy year away. Spending my weekends hiking stunning mountain ranges and exploring hidden temples was definitely a shortcut to saving money. As you search, try to think about what you will actually do on a day-to-day basis. Is having other foreigners nearby a priority? How immersed in the local life do you want to be? What kind of little luxuries do you need in your life? c. Look out for low cost of living, small set-up costs and good wages I spent hours online researching cost of living, anticipated savings, set-up costs and salary. Because sometimes the highest wages, don’t always result in the highest savings. If you’re still not sure where you want to go, download our TEFL Country Comparison Chart. Or why not try our salary calculator and see how your qualifications and experience will add up to?

Press Release italki launches WhatsApp for language learning

Press Release italki launches “WhatsApp for language learning” Language learning social network launches iPhone app to connect 1 million language partners around the world through text and voice chat SHANGHAI, China January 29, 2013 italki, the leading social network for language learning, has launched the first iPhone app to connect language learners around the world through text, voice, and images. The “italki Messenger” allows language learners to text message, voice chat, and share images with the over 1 million language learners currently using italki. “Chatting with a language partner is one of the most popular activities on the italki website.  Extending this to a mobile app is a great way to help our users stay connected and learn a language,” said co-founder, Kevin Chen. “Users can now practice their written and spoken language, anytime and anywhere.  No other app connects you instantly with other language learners.” italki’s iPhone app allows language learners to text message, voice message, and share pictures.  After creating an account, a user can search for new language partners by language or country.  Over 200 countries and over 100 languages are represented on italki, which gives users the opportunity to start practicing any language immediately. “We are delighted with the launch of italki’s iPhone app,” said William Bao Bean, an investor in italki. “We expect italki will continue to innovate on both mobile and web.” To download italki’s free iPhone app (“italki Messenger”), click here. About italki italki is an online language learning community that brings students and teachers together for paid and free language learning.  Since launching in 2007, the italki community has grown to over 1 million members from over 200 countries and has been featured in top international press such as Techcrunch, Mashable, The Independent, and The Guardian. Visit for more information. Press Contact: Ross Cranwell Marketing Director italki.com ross@italki.com

7 Fashionable Tech Accessories

7 Fashionable Tech Accessories Eco-Fused Waterproof CasePhoto Courtesy of Amazon.com If you have a smart phone and love being near the water, this accessory is a perfect fit for you! It is a great way to protect the super expensive phone youre holding in your hand whether youre on a boat, lounging by the pool, running around in the snow, or working at Sea World. With transparent sides it allows full normal use, including picture taking and touch-screen capabilities. These waterproof bags can fit iPhones, iPods and Samsung S4 and Samsung S3 phones. Additionally, it comes with a stylus pen that will work with the above mentioned devices and a microfiber cleaning cloth. Get more information about it on Amazon. 2. Olloclip 4-in-1 Lens Kit for iPhone $70 The Olloclip 4-in-1 LensPhoto Courtesy of Amazon.com For all of you crazy Instagrammin people out there, this accessory is about to take you to the next level! Though slightly pricey for some, it is definitely the more affordable option when it comes to taking awesome pictures. This 4-in-1 lens includes options for Fisheye, Wide-Angle, 10x Macro and 15x Macro. You also get a bonus iPhone tripod adapter how cool is that? Look for more information about it on Amazon. 3. Tablet Pillow $12-$35 The Tablet Pal 9-11 Inches Universal Holder/PillowPhoto Courtesy of Amazon.com For those of you who want to treat your iPad or tablet to a little luxury, stop here!  There are a variety of different types you can find: clunky, sleek, full-on-pillow, on-the-go, and many more. A tablet pillow allows you to prop up your tablet for a better view, rest it on your lap, or set it on the table. My favorite is the Tablet Pal 9-11 Inches Universal Tablet Holder/Pillow because of how much more sophisticated and stylish it looks compared to other brands. Tablet pillows or holders are great for when you are sick of holding up your tablet for long periods of time. Check out all of the different styles on  Amazon. 4. Boom Movement Swimmer Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker $60 Boom Movement Waterproof Bluetooth SpeakerPhoto Courtesy of Nordstrom This speaker is probably one of the coolest things I have stumbled upon. With a tail that twists and loops around virtually anything, you can use this Bluetooth waterproof speaker anywhere you need music and not worry about it getting water damage. Talk about taking shower singing to a whole new level! This speaker can be immersed in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Additionally, on just a two hour charge, this device will give you an eight-hour full volume playback time. By unscrewing the tail you will find a suction-cup option that will help boost the bass sound. With the Bluetooth option you can connect to your Smartphone or tablet and listen to the music you want, to your hearts content. You can find this accessory on Amazon and at Nordstrom. 5. Charger Sync USB Fabric Cable Cord $10 Fabric Cable CordsPhoto Courtesy of Etsy.com For those of you who want to have your own distinct cable cord to charge your iPhone 5/5s/5c/ iPad, then you should definitely check out these fabric cable cords. Because these handmade cords are made out of fabric, they have a longer cable lifetime and it also keeps it flexible. Do you have a pet who likes to chew on all of your cords? This is perfect for you, then, because the fabric keeps them from directly gnawing on the cord itself. Nine out of 10 reviews on this product were completely positive, and for only $10, I would totally check it out! You can find this product on Etsy. 6. Not Your Average Flash Drive $7-$100 Unique flash drivePhoto Courtesy of Etsy.com We all need flash drives. And if youre a college student you probably need two or three. However, getting a plain black one is not only boring, its dangerous. The majority of flash drives you see are black, navy, or silver. So what happens when you accidentally leave yours in the classroom? Chances are someone is just going to assume it is theirs and pick it up. This can be absolutely detrimental to your day, and possibly even your life depending on how much information you put on your flash drives. To save the day, Etsy provides a ton of different, adorable, hilarious options you could have as your flash drive to help differentiate yours from your neighbors. 7. Protect your tablet computer fashionably $10-$40 iPad cover casePhoto Courtesy of Etsy.com With all of the various activities you do throughout the day that require your tablet or laptop, it is important to have some sort of a case to help protect it from becoming scratched, or god-forbid you drop it. You should have a case that reflects your personality, and Etsy is by your side to help. However you can also find some really fun patterns on  Amazon, at  Target  and  Nordstrom and at so many other places. Look around and find one that showcases who you are! There are so many fun and unique technology accessories out there that are just waiting for you to find them. So spruce up that computer, replace that broken phone case, and carry around something that reflects your personality.

6 Tips For A Successful Skype Interview - by TutorNerds

6 Tips For A Successful Skype Interview - by TutorNerds 21st-Century Interview Tips: The Skype Interview Not too long ago, the interview process was fairly straightforward and traditional. Somebody sent a resume or called up their connections, they received an email or phone call to interview, attended the interview, and hopefully got the job. Although getting a job was no easier back then, the interview process is more complicated due to the use of modern technology, and many jobseekers are confused as to how to make the best of the 21st-century interview. More and more students are being interviewed via Skype. This makes it easier for a conglomerate or nationally based company to prescreen candidates who do not live in the area. This is also useful for the applicant as they dont have to worry about driving multiple hours to get to an interview or paying for a plane ticket when they might not get the job. However, Skype can become very impersonal very quickly and its important to follow certain procedures to make the Skype interviewing process professional yet friendly (READ: 5 Steps to Acing a Job Interview). 1. Do a mock interview Even though applicants will not be meeting with the HR team in person, its still important that they conduct a traditional mock interview. Its recommended that job seekers and new graduates ask a friend or family member to Skype with them so that they can deal with any technical difficulties that might occur during the real interview. 2. Appearance It has always been true that a person should look their best at an interview; Skype job seekers should still wear professional clothing and wear their hair and makeup in a professional style if it applies to them. They should also provide a neutral background setting that will not take away from their personality. For example, students should not conduct a Skype interview in their dorm room or in a local coffee shop because the noises in the background will be an unwelcome distraction. However, if it’s absolutely necessary to conduct an interview in a dorm room or student apartment, the job seeker should provide some sort of background screen or use a neutral wall. 3. Lighting Bad lighting on Skype can make somebody look 10 years older and overly tired or it can make them seem as though their face is a light bulb. This is something that job seekers of the past didn’t really have to worry about; modern jobseekers should ensure that the lighting is neutral and appropriate for a computer screen. 4. Personality Computers, by nature, are impersonal however, its important for new graduates and job seekers to make sure that their facial expressions and personality can shine through the screen. Students who are used to Skyping with friends and family who live far away are probably familiar with the process. However, students who dont regularly use Skype should start Skyping with a friend every couple of days so that they become used to their natural facial expressions, smile, and professional demeanor (READ: Handy Guide to Your Medical School Admissions Interview). 5. Be prepared Preparation is not unique to a Skype interview, however its very important that interviewees are ready to answer any number of questions in a natural way. There won’t be a real life environment that allows for small talk or to buy them a moment to think of an answer, so its more important than ever to know what questions a potential employer might ask, and how to appropriately and genuinely answer. 6. The thank you note Just because a Skype interview seems more casual, doesnt mean that the ‘thank you’ rule doesnt apply. Although many companies take great lengths to hide their company address â€" to avoid unsolicited mail â€" its very important that the person who interviews and applicant receives a ‘thank you’ of some sort within 24 hours of the interview itself. A handwritten thank you note is always best, but if a postal address is not available a formally written thank you email can be provided (READ: How to Choose a University). In addition to the initial thank you, applicants are advised to call or email the person who interviewed them 3 to 5 days after the interview to ask if they need any more information. Generally, the interviewer doesnt need more information but this is a polite way of reminding them that youre still waiting to hear if you got the job. In short Although the way people are being interviewed is changing, the overall process hasnt changed much in the last two decades. Jobseekers still want to make a great impression, be sincere, discuss what they can provide for the company, and also find out what the company can offer them in return. Good luck, jobseekers! All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us post about.

A New Kid in Town

A New Kid in TownWhen you have a long day at work, and you feel like going home, and just don't want to do it yourself, why not hire a tutor for the Big Apple? There are plenty of private tutors who can help you learn all about New York City on your own. They will help you start an adventure of seeing some of the best sights and relive some of the memories of living there.The Big Apple is one of the most crowded cities in the world. It is definitely a city that is renowned for its architectural marvels, and skyscrapers, and hotels, and museums, and other tourist attractions. But because of the hustle and bustle of city life, people can also get stressed out by the noise and congestion.However, living in the city life, and being able to experience some of the amazing sights and sounds of the city every day, is a wonderful way to unwind from the hustle and bustle of day to day life. So, if you are stuck in traffic or have a tiring commute, why not find a tutor to help you! You can meet them at the convenience of your home and get to enjoy the awesome city life.Tutors are very busy individuals, and they need someone to look after their needs and get them settled into the city. They will spend most of their time on the road and get tired quickly. So finding a tutor on your own can be a little bit confusing, and they might end up becoming frustrated, which would result in you doing all the work for them.However, hiring a tutor for the Big Apple, does not require you to look for a tutor. You can easily find one in the comfort of your home, and by doing some research, you can find a tutor who can make the trip to the Big Apple, easy for you. Plus you can save a lot of money.When you hire a tutor for the Big Apple, you can expect them to offer the same services that they would offer you in the city. Most tutors will offer lesson plans for an hour, or at least for half an hour, depending on how busy the day is. For a one-day visit, you can expect them to teach you the m ain sights, or to show you a guided tour, and give you suggestions of what you should be doing and where you should be going.Tutors for the Big Apple can also provide you with more than just a lesson plan. Some tutors will go off on a guided tour, which will take you on a trip through the city, and let you meet some of the buildings and landmarks. These tours are a great way to really enjoy the city.

How to Choose a Video Chemistry Textbook

How to Choose a Video Chemistry TextbookWhen it comes to learning about the sciences and the arts, there is a range of options for you to select from when it comes to choosing a video chemistry textbook. The latest book will be one that will meet your needs when it comes to an efficient introduction for your students to a course in this subject.The price of the chemistry textbook is important to consider as well. You need to make sure that you are going to get one that you can afford so that you do not have to worry about the cost of the material when it comes to the purchase. It is also important to make sure that the textbook you choose will meet the needs of your students when it comes to the amount of space that they need.One of the things that students are looking for when it comes to a science class is the knowledge and the scientific experience. They are looking for teachers who have a sound grasp of the science that they are studying and are able to provide students with the kind of class that they need to succeed. So, you want to make sure that the textbook you choose has plenty of information on chemistry that you can provide to your students. It is also important to make sure that the book that you choose will help students learn the science behind the materials that they are studying.The type of textbook that you choose will depend on what type of class you will be teaching. If you are teaching a class on physics, you might want to choose a textbook that is more in depth as well as longer in length. If you are teaching a math class, you might want to choose a book that has short information on the different techniques that are used to solve mathematical problems. This book can come in handy for students that are more likely to be math challenged.You will want to make sure that the textbook that you choose will fit in with the style of class that you will be teaching. The science and the art based classes may take more time to learn and may require a more advanced book than a class that is more about the science and less about the arts. This will also be dependent on how much of the material that you are going to be teaching is based on a theory or a fact.When you are making the decision about which textbook you will buy, make sure that you do not rush into a decision as quickly as possible. There are many textbook options out there so you may find that you do not want to buy a particular textbook because you are not 100% sure that you will be able to use it effectively. Also, if you choose to buy textbooks for online classes, it is important to make sure that you do not buy the wrong textbook.You want to make sure that you have the right book for the right situation. This will be one of the most important decisions that you make when it comes to making sure that you are getting the best science book for your classroom. Whether you are teaching a class on science or learning about the arts, it is important to make sure that you have the right book for the situation.

15 Strange Italian Traditions and Superstitions Explained

15 Strange Italian Traditions and Superstitions Explained Brooke Neuman Did you know that in Brazil its bad luck to let your wallet or purse hit the floor, as it means you’ll lose money? Or that in France it’s actually good luck to step in dog poop with your left foot? Like many countries, Italy has its fair share of wacky traditions and superstitions. In fact, Italy is said to be one of the most superstitious countries in the world. Below, we explore the 15 strangest Italian traditions and superstitions. Review this list before traveling to Italy to make sure that your trip isn’t cursed by  Malocchio or the evil eye. After all, you dont want to take any chances! 1. Don’t take a bath when you’re sick When you’re feeling under the weather, chances are you want to take a nice hot bath to soothe your pain. According to Italian traditions, however, taking a bath when you’re sick will only make you sicker as  will going outside with wet hair. 2. The unlucky number 17 Have you ever wondered why some hotels in Italy don’t have a 17th floor? It’s because the number is considered unlucky. The Roman numeral for 17 is XVII, but when rearranged to look like VIXI it means “I have lived,” a symbol that’s placed on ancient tombstones and associated with death. 3. Don’t place a loaf of bread up-side-down According to Italian traditions, a loaf of bread must always be placed facing up. This superstition is based on the religious fact that bread is considered a symbol of life, therefore, its bad luck to turn the bread up-side-down or stick a knife into it. 4. Watch where you lay your hat After a long day of sightseeing you might be tempted to toss your hat onto your bedâ€"don’t! Putting a hat on a bed is considered unlucky because it’s associated with death. According to tradition, when priests  visited the dying to give them their last rights, they  would remove their hat and put it on the bed. 5. Never seat 13 people at a dinner table If you find yourself sitting at a dinner table with 12 other people, then consider yourself unlucky. Having 13 people around the table at mealtime is considered bad luck, as there were 13 people at the Last Supper. 6. Single people, avoid brooms If you’re single and you see someone sweeping the floor, make a run for it. If someone brushes over your feet by accident, then you’re destined to be single for the rest of your life. 7. Don’t toast to bad luck When it comes to toasting, there are several things that can cause you to have bad luck. For example, never raise a glass that’s full of water and don’t cross arms with the person next to you when you clink glasses. 8. Stay clear of  air conditioners Wonder why there are no air conditioners in Italy? Italians believe that these evil contraptions blow dangerously cold air in your face, leading to “colpo dari” or a punch of air. 9. Touch iron to avoid back luck In the U.S., people will knock on wood to avoid tempting fate. In Italy, its common for people to tocca ferro or touch iron. We just hope  they arent touching a hot iron. 10. Bless a new home Its common for people moving into a new home-especially newlywedsto rid evil spirits and bless their home by performing certain rituals, such as sprinkling salt in the corners of all the rooms. 11. Eat plenty of lentils on New Years Eve Every culture has its own set of New Years traditions. According to Italian traditions, its customary to eat lentils after the clock strikes 12:00.  Also, dont forget to wear red undergarments, as this too will bring you luck in the coming year. 12.  Beware of a black cat crossing your path If a cat is crossing the street, dont be the first one to cross its path, as youll have bad luck. Its believed that black cats are a symbol of witchcraft and the devil. We, however, think they are super cute! 13. Carry a cornicello charm If you want to protect yourself against the evil-eye, carry a corincello charm around with you at all times. The charm, which resembles a chili pepper or a small horn, represents the horns of the Old European Moon Goddess and will bring you luck. 14. Dont  place objects in the shape of a cross Never cross objects in the shape of a crossfor example, your fork and knifeas this is considered to be an insult to the religious symbol of the cross and will bring you bad luck. 15. Dont spill the salt This superstitionwhich states that one must toss a handful of salt over their left shoulder to get rid of bad luckis also common in the U.S. In Italy, its also customary when passing the salt to place it on the table first before handing it over. This is just a sample of the many unique Italian traditions and superstitions. In addition to learning Italian, familiarize yourself with these wives tales  before your trip to avoid getting into any trouble. 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

TakeLessons Review ShowScoop Presents Concert Reviews

TakeLessons Review ShowScoop Presents Concert Reviews Suzy S. Imagine youre in a new city, looking for somewhere to eat. You and your buddies decide that Mexican food is what you want, and you see a few options down the road. Sure, you can look at their menus, but how do you really know which restaurant is better? Many people in this situation might turn to Yelp, the website that allows users to write reviews for everything from dentists to dollar stores. In this generation, when sharing your opinion with strangers is almost expected, word-of-mouth recommendations coming from social sites like Yelp are usually held at a much higher regard than any paid advertising. Now, lets flip this into the music scene. Youve heard all about that awesome new band thats topping all the charts. As polished as they sound on the radio, how do you know what theyre like at a live show? Do they kill it on stage, or do they leave you wondering what just happened? Is it worth your hard-earned cash, or are you better off paying a $5 cover to hear a lesser-known band at the dive bar down the street? Enter ShowScoop, the newest social platform to join the scene. The idea: members can review live shows and music festivals theyve attended, rating bands on things like sound quality, stage presence and crowd interaction. In addition to the concert reviews, ShowScoop also offers an exclusive community feel for its members. You can keep track of what shows youve been to, and also see which shows your friends have attended. And similar to Yelps Elite status, members with the most reviews may eventually gain access to private parties and VIP events. And there you go never be disappointed at a live show again. Or at least thats what theyre hoping to achieve. The website is still in its initial launch (as of today, it had a little over 100 reviews in total),   but we think its an interesting concept. The power of peer-to-peer reviews is undeniable but would you really let a couple of bad reviews sway you from seeing a band? Just because they were off during one show, does that mean you wouldnt give them a chance? Readers, we want to know your thoughts. Would you use or rely on these reviews to make your ticket-buying decisions? Leave a comment below, or stop by our Facebook page to join the discussion! Suzy S., TakeLessons staff member and blogger Like this post? Join the TakeLessons community and receive exclusive updates, expert advice, tips and more!  Sign up for email updates here! You might also like Surprising Findings: Where Most Teens Listen to Find New Music Getting Started with Music Recording gTar: Is This Grown-Up Guitar Hero Worth It? Photo by partie traumatic.