Secret Recipe for Vocal Health Right Here!

Secret Recipe for Vocal Health Right Here! Suzy S. Just kidding. There is no secret recipe. Really, the best and most basic way to keep your voice in shape is to hydrate. Water is key to a great singing voice. So you should definitely keep some water around while you’re singing right? That’ll keep you perfectly hydrated! Not quite. Its good to have water around when you sing, but it won’t actually reach your vocal folds. Whatever you drank about two hours ago is what is really doing all the work. So try to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day, and keep your voice well lubricated. But what about tea honey, and boiled ginger water, and lemon juice, and cough drops, or some liquid courage, and none of these will actually help you out. Caffeine, which is found in all teas, (black, green, or white) is a drying agent, and honey is just a sweetener. It might make you feel better mentally, but physically, you need to intake water to help your voice. The caffeine in the tea will dry out your voice, possibly making it feel scratchy. Caffeinated sodas, coffee drinks and any tea other than an herbal tea will dry you out, everyone reacts different. This isn’t to say you need to cut caffeine out of your life, but counteracting it with plenty of water is best. People claim to have all sorts of miracle voice cures â€" ginger, honey, lemon, etc. but nothing works as well as plain old water; and liquid courage? Not a good idea. Alcohol is also a drying agent, and takes a lot of the hydration out of your body. It also takes a full 36 hours to leave your system. Cough drops can be a hidden danger as well. People will often inhale cough drops like a vacuum cleaner if they think their voice is not feeling great. This is a really bad idea. Most cough drops contain menthol, which will suck every bit of moisture out of you! Check cough drop packages carefully; there are plenty out there that do not contain menthol. Often times, standing in the shower and cupping your hands around your nose and mouth an inhaling the water vapor for five minutes will help your nose and throat feel much better than a cough drop will. If you are in a bind, you aren’t feeling 100%, and need to perform or audition â€" no way out â€" sprays like Entertainer’s Secret or Oasis can help in a pinch. These products contain glycerin, which is a lubricant. So its acts like oil for your car except it’s lubrication for your vocal folds. If you just cannot get them to phonate. a little bit of one these products will help you get your voice up and running. My personal recommendation is Entertainer’s Secret because not only does it contain glycerin, but it also has no alcohol in the formula, and also contains apple pectin, which is a natural moisturizer. Apples are another great way to counteract a parched mouth during a performance under those hot, drying lights. Take a bite of a skinned apple before you go onstage. The moisture will last in your mouth much longer than a quick sip of water. Of course, this is on top of the 8 glasses of water you drank earlier! Water: its free, and you can get almost anywhere â€" and it’s the absolute best thing for your voice.

5 Things to Do the Summer Before College

5 Things to Do the Summer Before College The last summer before starting college is the perfect opportunity for students to check some much needed items off of their to-do list and to get prepared for the journey ahead. Here are a few things that you, as a soon-to-be college student, should squeeze into your schedule as you approach your first day of college: [RELATED: 5 Things to Do the Summer Before High School] Freshen up on the basics Been a few years since you took algebra? Are you forgetting the difference between youre and your, or other grammar rules? And how old do you have to be to be President again? If these are the questions you seem to be asking yourself with no answer on the nearby horizon, it would be wise of you to take the summer before college to refresh on some of those topics that have slipped your mind over the years. You can bet that college will take all these subjects to the next level of difficulty, so the basics are a great place to begin if you do not know where to start your preparation. Buy school supplies This may sound obvious, but make sure to get prepared for the school year by getting all of the supplies you will need (back-to-school shopping isnt just for younger students!). Remember, though, how college is very different from high schoolyou are going to need items not only for your classes, but also for dorm life if you are living on your schools campus. Books are expensive, so begin your research on potentially cheaper ways to obtain them now, versus waiting until the last minute and having to stand in that long line at the school bookstore. Youll also want to make sure youve got other necessities like folders, pens, highlighters, and perhaps even headphones and a laptop or tablet. Getting these things taken care of now, before you make the big move to campus, will save you headache later! Travel College is full of traveling opportunities over spring, winter, and summer breaks, but why not take advantage of this time before youve got new academic responsibilities and fit in some completely stress-free traveling? Gather up your friends and family and take a trip of a lifetime. Take a good hard look at that bucket list of yours and start crossing items off! Road trip across the states? Visit all of the baseball parks in America? European backpacking adventures? The possibilities are endless. Take care of financial aid Getting your finances in order before college starts is essential. If you are opting to take loans in the form of financial aid, make sure you have completed and turned in all of the necessary documentation. Call your colleges financial aid office to obtain information and get any questions you have answered. You do not want to have to deal with a lack of funding halfway through the year because you forgot little financial details that could have been completed easily during the summer months. Set personal goals Once you start school, it can be easy to get wrapped up in everything that is happening at once. Before you start college, it would be wise to step back and think about your priorities for the next four years. Do you know what you want to major in? Is joining many organizations important to you? What types of jobs or internships do you hope to obtain? While the answers to these types of questions will probably change over the next few years, it is important to begin thinking about these important decisions. You will be so much better prepared if you have at least an idea of the things you want to accomplish in college. College is a very exciting time, so the more preparation you can do now, the better. Go into college with an open mind and get ready for a life-changing chapter of your life! Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us atblog@varsitytutors.com.

Find Yourself a Kickboxing Club in Cardiff

Find Yourself a Kickboxing Club in Cardiff Looking for a Kickboxing Coach in Cardiff? Here are Your Best Options ChaptersWhy is Everyone Joining Kickboxing Classes?The Best Places for Kickboxing Training in Cardiff.In Cardiff, you can find kickboxing classes wherever you care to look â€" in fitness centres, specialist martial arts schools, and even mosques.Kickboxing is becoming one of the most popular styles of exercise and fitness class around, with classes popping up all over the place â€" and with long-established martial arts programs in designated centres opening their doors to many more people.The same applies in Wales’s capital, where more and more people are choosing a more active lifestyle. And alongside kickboxing â€" including Muay Thai kickboxing and the mixed martial arts (MMA) â€" other martial arts are increasing in popularity too.That’s not just the strict disciplines of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Karate, and the like â€" but fitness kickboxing, boxercise, and martial arts fitness regimes too.Honestly, it’s time that you joined in too. And we’re here to try and make that happ en.We’ve drawn up some of the best options for kickboxing training in Cardiff â€" from self-defense classes to classes designed to help you get in shape, from hand-to-hand combat and sparring training to the fighting techniques and defense techniques of the traditional martial arts.We hope you find it helpful!Find kickboxing classes across the UK or learn kickboxing in London! Kickboxing can be a pretty brutal sport - so be prepared! AndreyBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KostiaBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LeeBoxing Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SajBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KaranBoxing Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ThomasBoxing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HaileyBoxing Teacher 4.50 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidBoxing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhy is Everyone Joining Kickboxing Classes?People all over the world are joining kickboxing and martial art training sessions. And that’s not just because they want to throw punches around or get their hands on a black belt.Rather, people are starting to see the benefits of intense, full-body exercise and physical fitness. They are starting to see that with attempts to get fit comes self-confidence. And they are starting to realise that the best shape physically is not actually impossible to achieve.Kickboxing is one of the best exercise regimes around â€" and one of the best martial arts around for physical training. Not only will it help you burn calories â€" some say up to one thousand an hour â€" but it will help to develop your cardiovascular capacity, it will help you to tone muscles, and it will boost your stamina, your hand-eye coordination, and your strength.The thing about kickboxing is that it is so intense â€" and it works on your body at so many levels, from the strength training of punching to the focus and reaction required by self-defense techniques. Leaving the gym, you’ll be exhausted, in just the most beautiful way.Find kickboxing classes in Manchester and try to learn kickboxing in Birmingham.And Why Classes in Particular?But the other thing about kickboxing is that, really, it relies a lot on technique. Sure, you can go to a gym and punch and kick a heavy bag until you’re dripping with sweat. But really, if you want to feel the extent of the benefits of this sport, you need to do it properly.This means getting the technique right: the turn of the fist when you punch, the posture and movements, the balance and grace of every kick. This is where the benefits are felt â€" and, actually, where the risks are averted. Professional martial artists don’t really just punch at random â€" because you can do real damage to yourself in the process.Having someone to be there alongside you showing you the right movements and fighting styles is really important â€" as you’ll be assured that you are doing everything properly. You’ll have some to be accountable to, you’ll have the right psychological support, and you’ll build the self-confidence, the self-discipline, and the self-control that are really integral to the sport.Meanwhile, you’ll feel the benefit of training alongside others. Going to the gym solo is great, sure. But having a team of people all reaching their goals together is much more fun. And fighting, really, is a social activity â€" in which you’ll learn self-respect and respect for others too. Don’t underestimate this.The Best Places for Kickboxing Training in Cardiff.It’s important to know what you are letting yourself in for â€" and it is really crucial to have the knowledge of this wonderful, too-long overlooked sport.But now let’s take a look at the different options available for you. The places in which you can learn and the people you can learn with.Here are the top places for kickboxing coaching in Cardiff â€" and with kickboxing usually comes a whole host of other martial arts too.Let’s get started!Try kickboxing classes in Glasgow and kickboxing lessons in Belfast! Do kickboxing and workout like a hero!Take Kickboxing Classes at the Ultimate Fitness Centre, Cardiff.The Ultimate Fitness Centre is a fairly massive gym, dojo, and martial arts school on Penlline Street.Offering classes in kickboxing, kids martial arts, Muay Thai, and Jiu Jitsu, there are an awful lot of options on offer. They’re all guaranteed to get you improving in your chosen discipline â€" with world-class trainers, state-of-the-art equipment, and a really great community spirit.For all ages and abilities, it’s a convenient option right in the city centre.Students, Try the Cardiff University’s Kickboxing Club.Yes, lots of people complain about the students having it far too easy â€" and this is generally not actually very fair. However, in the field of sports and exercise, you might say that there’s a little bit of truth in it.Students at the University of Cardiff can join a kickboxing club for sixty quid a year â€" with training four times a week. That’s a pretty goo d deal.So, if you are at Cardiff Uni and you want to start getting in shape through kickboxing, this is hands-down your best option. You’ll be sparring, working on your fitness and technique, and having loads of socials â€" as is inevitable for any student club.Everyone else reading this will be dead jealous.Start Training in Krav Maga and Kickboxing at the WKMKA.The Wales Krav Maga and Kickboxing Association might be one of the best spots to learn the sport for those unlucky souls who aren’t still students.Run by the same bloke who manages the Ladies Box4Fitness (below) â€" Jason Orchard, a second dan black belt in kickboxing â€" the WKMKA is a really professional group that promises a great service and a formidable workout.Jason offers private sessions too, in which you can learn directly from one of the Krav Maga instructors. But whether it is the intensity of the one-to-one or the fun of group sessions you want, the WKMKA will change the way you work out.A Spot for Women Onl y: Kickboxing Training at Ladies Box4Fitness.As we said before, there are loads of different options for learners of the martial arts these days. And what used to be the exclusive remit of the hench macho man has been popularised a little.Women are getting involved in the martial arts like never before â€" and, as a result, the services for women-only kickboxing are booming.In Cardiff, the Ladies Box4Fitness is perhaps the best place to go for women seeking martial arts training. Despite its name, this isn’t just a fitness or ‘boxercise’ class. Rather, it’s a place that offers martial arts classes and serious one-to-one training in kickboxing, Krav Maga, and hard workout strategies.They are based in Cardiff Bay, just west of the Atlantic Wharf. With lessons for kids too, this is a cracking place to go to learn kickboxing. Train at kickboxing and see your health improve!Get in Shape with the Evolution Kickboxing Academy, Cardiff.The Evolution Kickboxing Academy in Rumney is another great option for those looking for kickboxing classes in Cardiff.Offering junior, adult, and women-only classes â€" as well as private sessions and group privates â€" they have a range of options to ensure you get the most out of your kickboxing training.They are incredibly supportive of their members, celebrating all of their victories and successes. Generally, it’s a wonderful place to learn the martial art. There might not be a nicer place to learn kickboxing in Cardiff.Find a Private Kickboxing or Martial Arts Instructor at Superprof.Whilst the martial arts scene is dominated by discipline-specific gyms and academies, there is a different way to learn.That’s with a private kickboxing coach or instructor, who can guide you personally to meet your specific goals.And that’s what we provide at Superprof, a platform tha t connects budding students to private tutors and instructors around the globe. All our kickboxing instructors are experienced, enthusiastic, and committed, and are available at a time and place that suits you.Finding a kickboxing coach is easy peasy with Superprof. Whether you want them in your own home, your local gym, or even online â€" all you need to do is get in touch and book a lesson. Most instructors offer their first lesson free â€" so you know exactly what you are letting yourself in for.

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? 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Three Tips to Performing Well on Standardized Tests

Three Tips to Performing Well on Standardized Tests Improving Academic Performance What priorities should students set, and how should parents help them get there with their integrity intact? MyGuru has three simple rules for navigating the college admissions process and the SAT/ACT â€" and this applies to the GMAT, LSAT, MCAT and GRE as well. Our rules are designed to take the stress out of the college admissions process, and make it possible for anyone to achieve a higher score on the SAT/ACT. Think Long Term Begin your formal test prep activities one year before the exam date. Every good test prep process begins with learning the ins and outs of the SAT or ACT. This requires a thorough review of each of the question types, the scoring method, and the format of the exam BEFORE ever doing a practice question. This is a relatively low pressure, low stakes way to prep and feel comfortable with the exam. Maximize Repetitions Do as many test prep questions as you can in order to get familiar with the patterns and habits of the question writers. This doesn’t require you to buy a ton of books or download massive databases of questions. As long as you get coverage across all the common question types, doing the same questions over will build the confidence and pattern recognition necessary to succeed. Tailor Your Learning You should avoid the cookie cutter approach at all costs. If you are testing at a high level on the math, but struggle with the verbal â€" attack the low hanging fruit! For you, an hour’s worth of verbal prep will yield more of a score improvement than an hour of math prep â€" so focus on the right things. Don’t waste your time (and money!) learning skills that will not help you improve your score. Do spend time practicing question types where you don’t feel as comfortable, and always look for new ways to relate to the material.Obviously, as providers of 1-1 tutoring and test prep, we at MyGuru believe that private, targeted 1-1 tutoring is a great way to accomplish tailored learning. However, there are other interesting and helpful tools to accomplish this. For example, MyGuru partners withBenchPrep to deliver customized, online test prep solutionsthat allow students to focus on specific areas, obtain feedback, and interact with peers and experts on their test prep journey.App lying these rules can help to lower the emotional and monetary cost of getting into college. If you need help with tutoring, MyGuru is proud to offer the best value in private SAT/ACT tutoring in Chicago. Feel free to call us to discuss our approach, or sign up for a tutoring session today. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(215486, '6baac2ae-05a3-4610-9d1f-265c8cbd809f', {});

Whats the Difference Between Much, Many, Little, and A Lot

Whats the Difference Between Much, Many, Little, and A Lot RULE:   Many is used with countable plural nouns like children and students. Much, on the other hand, can only be used with uncountable nouns like money or homework.  A lot can be used with both.           Many RULE:  Use many with plurals. INCORRECT: There were much people waiting in line. CORRECT: There were many people waiting in line.             Much RULE:  Use much with uncountable nouns. An uncountable noun has no correct plural form. INCORRECT: Do you make many money at your job?. CORRECT: Do you make much money at your job?       RULE:   Sometimes the uncountable noun is left out of the sentence. You can do this when the meaning is clear. There wasnt much to do.  There wasnt much  work  to do.           Little RULE:   Like  much, use little  with uncountable nouns: There wasnt  much  milk in the fridge. The  little  milk that remained was sour.           A Lot RULE:  Much and many are used mainly in negatives and questions. In affirmative sentences, use a lot of. INCORRECT: I have much homework. CORRECT: I have a lot of homework. INCORRECT: I need  much coffee to  wake up in the morning. CORRECT: I need  a lot  of coffee to  wake up in the morning.           A Few RULE:  Use  MANY  and  FEW  with plurals. There were  many  passengers on the bus.  Luckily, only a  few  of the passengers were wearing backpacks.          Practice Exercises Much many few little grammar practice exercise Find Much-Many-Little-Few Error Detection Exercise with Audio Find Much-Many-Little-Few Error Correction Exercise   Check Your Writing for Errors   Use the Virtual Writing Tutor grammar checker. Its free and has a number of useful writing tools that you can use: check grammarcheck spellingcheck vocabulary for cliches, power words, field related vocabulary, academic and conversational vocabulary, and check for target structurescheck your paraphrases for plagiarismcreate an outline for your essaycreate a hypertext narrativereview your feedbackand play an error correction game with your own errors     Please follow and like us: