The Health Benefits Of Becoming a Vegetarian

The Health Benefits Of Becoming a Vegetarian Why Become a Vegetarian? ChaptersCan We Survive On Simply Eating Fruit And Veg?Why Aren't More People Going Meatless?The Health Benefits Behind VegetarianismVegetarianism is a term that we are very familiar with in modern society, but how long has it been around for? And are experts able to confidently prove that it has positive effects on our bodies? Are there really benefits to our bodies if we avoid dairy products, meat and fish? Can we really get all our vitamins, nutrients and plant protein from a vegetarian diet?If you are interested in the history of the vegetarian movement, take a look at this related blog: The History Of Vegetarianism.Below, I will uncover the health benefits that are said to come from becoming a vegetarian. GiovanniCooking Teacher 4.83 (12) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HalimaCooking Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VincenzoCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discove r all our tutors GinellaCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArronCooking Teacher 5.00 (2) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoshuaCooking Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlickCooking Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsCan We Survive On Simply Eating Fruit And Veg?If you are familiar with the long-standing history of vegetarianism, or if you have been told war stories from your parents, grandparents or great-grandparents, then you may already know that, for a long time, Britons had to live on eating plant-based foods from cans or dug from the ground.During the war, people had to eat food they had dug up. Photo credit: Dark Dwarf on Visual HuntWhilst  famine and disease prevailed during World War II, meat became a luxury for the rich and so, for many years, we ate nothing but food that was grown in the ground.This just goes to show that a vegetarian lifestyle really is nutritious enough t o keep us going. Not only that, it fed the mouths of a nation going through some of the toughest physical and psychological conditions known to man - which indicates that it also gave them the strength they needed to get out of their living nightmare.This begs the question, therefore,  why are so many of us still eating meat almost every day of the week?It is encouraging to see the recent rise in allotments or vegetable gardens.With gardens now being quite a statement for many homeowners, the idea of being self-sufficient also appeals to the masses. This is why we see so many people on televised gardening shows longing for raised beds so that they can grow herbs and vegetables to use in their cooking.Why Aren't More People Going Meatless?I think that, ironically, the psychology that meat was once a food that only the rich could afford to buy has led to us eating more meat than we need to (because, as we know, a meat-free diet does offer the body what it needs). This is no doubt beca use we want to live in the best way possible and treat ourselves to nice things. Now that meat has been made affordable to all, we just can't help ourselves and continue to buy it because everyone around us is.Imagine a world where 90% of the population was  completely meat-free, how would you feel being one of the minority going into the shop to buy your steak with everyone's eyes on you? This doesn't mean to say that vegetarians look down upon meat-eaters, still they don't agree with their carnivorous eating habits.That said, I strongly believe that meat-eaters do not eat flesh from animals because they see the creatures as a lower class of species to them. There is no spitefulness to the act of meat eating. I think that those who adopt a traditional western diet simply don't think about the food they are eating in any depth, other than to consider which flavour combinations go well. Or perhaps it is that they don't want to think about it...Most meat-eaters don't tend to think abo ut how the animal meets its end. Photo credit:  Visual HuntMost people, especially animal lovers, will agree entirely that there should be rules against cruelty to animals yet they will continue to eat from them because that is what they are used to.If you are brought up in a household that eats meat day in, day out, it can be quite a daunting idea to cut it out from your diet entirely.The Health Benefits Behind VegetarianismThere are many scientific health benefits to adopting a vegetarian diet, which I will go on to list below, but one of the main and perhaps most important is purely the good it has on the soul.By not playing a part in the slaughter of animals, whether brutal or sensitive, our conscience can remain clear and we can feel like we are doing our bit to contribute to saving animals' lives.If a guilt-free life isn’t enough to sway you, then here are some facts on how a meat-free diet can benefit you physically, too.Eating food that is naturally low in saturated fat h as been proven to protect our bodies from debilitating or worse, terminal, illnesses and diseases such as heart disease, gall stones, hypertension, coronary heart attack and some diet-related cancers.Just as you’d expect, this low-fat diet also helps to keep our bodies in shape, resulting in a leaner and more toned figure. The cause of this is fewer calories entering our stomach, coming from power foods like grains, seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables, providing a good source of fibre and calcium in place of heavy proteins and carbohydrates (did you know that a fibre-rich meal keeps you feeling fuller for longer?).What people may not realise, however, is that it is not only the muscles and bones that benefit from vegetarianism. Experts say that vegetarian living often results in better vision and less skin degeneration â€" which effectively means that by going vegetarian, you could be winding back the years!Of course, there is one other very important part of the body that benefits : the brain. Balanced eating, a healthy body and feeling good in oneself are very important factors in supporting the health of your brain.With so many great effects on the body and mind, it is no wonder that athletes often choose to adopt a strict vegetarian diet, either permanently or to get them for before a game, race, match or other competition.Many classes focus on vegetarianism so why not join one of these cooking courses.Vegetarian Diets For Weight LossIf you are looking to become a vegetarian to better yourself and lose weight for your own self-confidence, then you might be interested to know that Slimming World offer vegetarian meal plans as well, which can be followed any time of the year (as can those provided by the National Vegetarian Week campaign, if you so wish!).Their 7-day recipe ideas will take all the hard work out of meal planning, so all you need to do is cook and enjoy the amazing, guilt-free food.Organisations like Slimming World can help you to plan your we ekly meals. Photo credit: mealmakeovermoms on VisualHunt / CC BY-NDCheck out the table below for some examples of a weekly vegetarian meal at Slimming World:MondayCrustless red onion and courgette quicheTuesdayAsparagus and roast pepper muffinsWednesdayBaked canelloniThursdayBaked eggs with peppers, spinach and tomatoFridaySouth Indian vegetable currySaturdayFeta couscous with griddled vegSundayMediterranean vegetable filo tartWith such diverse, flavourful and satisfying dishes on offer, it is a wonder why we find losing weight so difficult!The benefit of eating well-balanced vegetarian recipes designed by experts is that you can feel confident that you get the necessary nutrients, be good to your body and stay feeling full.Check out cooking class London to learn more about vegetarian recipes.World Vegetarian WeekIf you aren't up for sticking to vegetarianism for any length of time, but are keen to try out a meat-free diet first-hand in order to reap the many benefits even for just a small period, then you might like to try adopting a plant-based diet for a week.National Vegetarian Week 2018 will run from 14-20 May and is all about eating delicious and exciting plant-based food.Anyone can join, even if they don't plan to continue with a meat-free diet afterwards. The idea is to highlight the benefits of vegetarianism by encouraging others to try it out.If this interests you, or you want to invite a friend to join you eating meat-free food, then you can sign up for the campaign's newsletters which will be packed full of fantastic recipes, helpful information and competitions throughout the course of the week.This campaign is similar to the Veganuary one, set up to encourage people to go vegan for the month of January.I recently heard someone talking of Veguary too which, as far as I can tell, is the February equivalent of Veganuary, but for veggies.But you don't have to wait for one of the campaigns - go vegetarian today if it is something you have thought care fully about. You won't look back, I swear! And if you need some inspiration, there are many food bloggers who offer great recipe ideas.Further ReadingFor more interesting facts about vegetarian cooking, see the following blogs:  Tips To Be A Healthy Vegetarian

An Introduction To Different Drawing Techniques

An Introduction To Different Drawing Techniques Types of Drawing: Bringing Art to Life ChaptersUsing Graphite Pencils, Crayons And Colouring PencilsExperimenting With Dry Art MediumsCreating Colour With Chalks, Conte And PastelsPlaying Around With Pen On PaperDrawing is classed as a form of art which involves the artist making marks on a surface such as paper or card.While visual arts are now easily transformed into digital form using apps and software, the beauty of the visual arts for many is experiencing that connection between tool/medium and material. It is for this reason that the art of drawing lives on.That said, advanced tech can almost replicate that feeling of drawing or painting, with laptops now featuring digital notepads and apps responding to the touch of paintbrushes specifically designed for use on screens.If you are invested in drawing for a living, then the impact of technology on art might actually be an amazing breakthrough for you. However, you may feel that it is an invasion on the world of art. Furthermore, digital art could be a useful tool to help  beginners to figure out their drawing style and preferred medium(s), by looking at their on-screen appearance.But can an artist advocate the use of digital media? The answer is yes! Any artist, whether a hobbyist or a professional, should have a wealth of experience in a range of different mediums, but, mostly their chosen field.This means that if you have  learnt to draw on computers and you are good at it, then that is your medium so you should stick to it. Just because you use a different tool does not mean you are any less of an artist.In the past, illustrators were loyal to a particular style or technique. Many book illustrators, for example, would generally work with solely  pencils, pastels, chalks or charcoal. However, as times and trends have evolved, artists have become more confident and brave and are often using mixed mediums to create their works of art.While it is possible to manipulate most tools and techniques in a variety of ways to create unique styles, the c ombination of different mediums allows even more scope to create noteworthy results, mixing texture, colour and even  scale.Using just one simple medium, you can create light and shadows and create something quite beautiful. Photo credit: Arturo Espinosa on VisualhuntFurthermore, crayons are a popular choice for  illustrators of children’s books, along with oil pastels, due to the soft appearance of their application.Designers and architects also consider wax crayons as their friends as they are so easy to use and add a touch of colour and texture to any sketch or design.Graphite pencils, meanwhile, come in a range of colours but are more often than not used simply for their thick and fast application. As with normal pencils, graphite pencils also come in a range of sizes to suit all scales of work and people’s preferences.The main draw of graphite pencils is the smoothness they offer and the ability to easily create 3D objects using gradient, or light and shade.Sketching using graphite pencils offers a great deal of  flexibility and it is a particularly good choice for those doing rough, timed sketches (like life drawing, for example).Why Learn To Draw With Pencils Or Charcoal?Above all, one of the biggest plus to using tools such as crayons and pencils is the low cost.Most grocery stores will stock a range of art supplies, with colouring pencils and crayons included. Some of the larger superstores may even offer graphite pencils as well as a larger selection of paints and pastels.In addition, the nature of these materials means that they can be used on equally inexpensive surfaces like ordinary white paper (again, most shops will stock packs of printing paper that are perfectly suitable for a lot of these mediums). This means that there is no need to go out and buy special textured paper or card, and can therefore keep your costs down. This is particularly useful if you are already paying for a drawing tutor or are taking part in drawing classes.With bot h accessibility and cost at a low, these are the perfect mediums for beginners or for those turning to art as simply a pastime or hobby.Experimenting With Dry Art MediumsCharcoal is a dry art technique  often made from natural or organic resources like wood. Just like graphite, charcoal can be used on a smooth surface however for best results, charcoal should be applied onto textured paper.Charcoal offers a beautifully textured appearance so is best used by fine artists rather than designers working with smooth and precise lines. However, architects have been known to use the material at times to plan or to bring their drawings to life, as charcoal creates broken strokes which can represent a sense of movement.Charcoal is a great medium for life drawing as it is one that is often used to create quick sketches. Photo credit: Frédéric Glorieux on VisualHunt.comCanson Mi-Teintes, Canson Ingres, Strathmore 500 Series and Fabriano Tiziano are popular choices of artists’ charcoal, whi le other good pencil forms are Faber-Castell Pitt, Grumbacher, Winsor Newton, Derwent and Coates.What Is Charcoal Best Used For?Again, just like graphite pencils (which offer a similar final appearance), charcoal sticks are great when drawing large and fast pictures.Many artists taking part in life drawing classes choose to use this as a medium as they can use the powdery, textured finish to reproduce the appearance of curves, shape and subtle movements. As an organic material, charcoal is particularly well suited to creating images portraying nature.One thing to remember is that, as its name suggests, charcoal is a simple and monotone material. Yet, it can still be used to produce some fantastic pieces of work. Impressive drawings have been created by artists all over the world displaying landscapes and portraits in both traditional and contemporary styles.If you want to see just how far the medium can be manipulated, search for '3D charcoal drawings' in your Internet toolbar to f ind clever images that jump out at you.You wouldn’t have believed it possible to create such life-like drawings with just your hand and a piece of charcoal!Did you know that you can use cotton buds or the tip of your finger to smudge/blend charcoal after application? Be sure if you use your fingers to wash them after so as not to leave black fingerprints all over your artwork!Creating Colour With Chalks, Conte And PastelsChalks and oil pastels are the perfect mediums for creating colourful yet soft illustrations, with the first offering the paler outcome of the two.You may be used to the idea of using chalk on a blackboard, but such materials are really inconvenient for artists as they only offer a temporary surface. Instead, try applying chalks to coloured paper adapted for chalks or pastels (or any paper with a slightly textured surface).The beauty of chalk is that you can either apply the technique straight onto the paper or you can scrape some of the pigment onto a piece of sc rap paper and use the powdery substance as a new tool, with each offering very different finishes.Chalks often come in a slim format but jumbo chalks are also available and are sometimes better for artists as they aren’t as prone to breaking.Oil pastels can be blended to create beautiful colour combinations. Photo credit: SWARM GALLERY OAKLAND on Visualhunt.comConte crayons have been used by some of the worlds most renowned artists like Picasso, Degas and Delacroix, which shows how long they have been used in art.The colourful tool is made up of a blend of clay, graphite and natural pigment which means that it responds in a similar way to a graphite pencil but with stronger colour.Being thinner and harder than other pastels, they are well-suited to works requiring more precision, like detailed sketches.Oil pastels are the primary choice of medium for children’s picture book illustrator Lynne Chapman, who creates truly stunning images designed for young readers. Not only are her pieces high in energy, they are also of a supreme quality and are explosive in colour.Oil pastels allow the artist a great deal of flexibility thanks to their oily substance which never fully dries (unless locked in place with spray).  This means that the medium remains soft and therefore workable even after application.Oil pastels can be used a drawing material but can also be used to paint with, with either method enabling you to build up beautiful, creamy layers of blended colour.Playing Around With Pen On PaperLast but not least, biro sketches are a fantastic way of learning to draw.Many don't know that Fearne Cotton is a very talented artist as well as TV presenter and DJ, and she illustrated her recent book releases with various biro sketches. Her images, alone, can provide enough inspiration and reveal  how easy it can be to create your ideas  just by putting pen to paper.Even using something as simple as a biro can create a work of art. Photo credit: joncandy on Visual huntB y using pens in art, you are essentially using a medium that was designed to be written with, thus substituting the written word for a visual representation instead.Unlike charcoal, pastels and graphite pencils though, pens have narrow nibs and don’t always flow as easily so you may need to adjust your drawing style to suit.For instance, if you are using a marker pen or felt tip pen, you'll want to focus on the pressure you apply to create consistent or inconsistent lines and be careful not to allow ink to bleed on the paper from overuse.Why not take drawing lessons with a private tutor?drawing courses Londondrawing courses Glasgowonline drawing lessonscheck out drawing lessons for kidsdiscover drawing lessons for beginners

The Most Iconic Drumming Films

The Most Iconic Drumming Films The Best Films for Drum Enthusiasts ChaptersDrumming Movie 1: BirdmanFilms about Drummers: Wayne’s WorldFilms about Drumming: The Man with the Golden ArmFictional Drum Movie: Spinal TapOld School Drummer Film: The Gene Krupa StoryTop Drum Movie: WhiplashClassic Drum Film: A Damsel in DistressDrummer Movie Definitions'When someone is playing the drums, they aren't actually moving around a space; they're just moving their arms and limbs. They're stuck behind the drum set. So to film someone playing the drums and make it feel as kinetic as a car chase or a shootout or a battle scene was the challenge.'  -  Damien ChazelleDid you know that the most common drum beat is actually used in a number of classic hit songs?Believe it or not, Billie Jean, Eye of the Tiger, Stayin’ Alive, September and even Baby One More Time and Rolling in the Deep, all actually have the same kind of drum beats.If you are familiar with popular music then you have probably already heard the hit songs mentioned above and can bring those memorable drumbeats that flow throughout the songs to mind without batting an eyelid.But can you also think of any films where drumming  plays a significant role?No?From action films, thrillers, comedy dramas to docu-dramas and foreign films - drums are actually a crucial part of almost any film soundtrack. Music is an integral part of cinema and most films have trailers that are punctuated by a piece of music with drumming. Tarantino, Hitchcock, Almodovar - all the films are so great because of their soundtracks which are so fitting and recognisable.But films which place musical instruments at the forefront of the action, focussing on the actual instruments themselves are a lot less common.This is especially true of the drums, which are such an important part of film soundtracks, but usually remain in their discrete role as guardians of rhythm rather than the cinematic focus of the film.Whether you realise it or not - percussion instruments are central to the film! (Source: Wikimedia Commons )Birdman  was nominated for and eventually won the Oscar for  Best Picture and it is fair to say that this is some way thanks to the rhythm section of its soundtrack and the magic of drumming. It is a  film defined by its original soundtrack.Even though the film may not have anything to do with drumming in terms of plot, it is the musical instruments that help insight intrigue and all the plot to develop.The desperate turmoil of Michael Keaton is moved forward by the drumsticks of Antonio Sanchez, who is in sole control of the soundtrack.Still living the role that made him so famous, the main character of the film wants to create a new Broadway adaptation.The drum kit, although invisible, is clearly central to the film, which would not have been such a success without the jingle of the cymbals, the rhythmic beats of the bass drum and the climactic musical surges of the snare drum.Films about Drummers: Wayne’s WorldDirector:  Penelope SpheerisRelease Date:  1992Genre:  ComedyMany A ctors:  Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Rob LoweSynopsis :Stash away your brain for Wayne's World, which is a film characterized by humour of the absurd, somewhat in the same vein as  Dumb Dumber. But did you know this about humour:'There is a lot of rubbish written about toilet humour - people saying it is childish and pretending it is beneath them - but there is no doubting the effectiveness of a really good ...gag.' - Adrian EdmondsonGarth et Wayne air their own show in the suburbs of Chicago. A local TV producer stumbles upon their show and hires them.At the same time, Wayne falls for Cassandra, a bass guitarist of a hard rock band. However, a love triangle soon emerges and he is forced to fight for his love.The drum kit is used as a tool to express Garth's feelings, Garth being the shyer one of the duo. He is transported on stage by the magic of cinema and the soundtrack.Far from being a really great film and a classic American blockbuster, this is a lighthearted movie, purely for en tertainment, but it is its drumming soundtrack that has managed to guarantee viewers' respect  even though drum music is not in the foreground of the film.A piece of rock or jazz music is essential for every film!Films about Drumming: The Man with the Golden ArmDirector:  Otto PremingerRelease Date:  1955Genre:  DrameMain Actors:  Frank Sinatra, Kim Novak, Eleanor Parker, Darren McGavinSynopsis :Based on the book by the same name, The Man with the Golden Arm is most well-known for its signature tune written by Saul Bass and its soundtrack by Elmer Bernstein. This film was pioneering in the way that it made use of  jazz music and jazz drumming in cinema.Frankie Machine, played by Frank Sinatra, returns to Chicago after coming back from rehab. In order to not be haunted by his old demons and put himself on the straight and narrow, he begins to play jazz on the drums.Unfortunately, his new life is short-lived as soon enough, he arrives at an audition completely drugged up.The scene of his failed performance is truly legendary; never before has the young drummer's inner torment and chaos appeared so acute to viewers before. The wrong notes, the arrhythmia  combined together with the drummer's clumsiness lead us into the inner depths and shadows of his mind.It is the jazz drummer, Shelly Manne who plays Sinatra's double in the film.For those of you who are interested, this is the very first Hollywood film to openly address the issue of drugs and the effects they cause. SerbanDrum Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyDrum Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RussellDrum Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamesDrum Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StephenDrum Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeteDrum Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OllieDrum Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discov er all our tutors AlexDrum Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsFictional Drum Movie: Spinal TapSpinal Tap is a faux documentary for drumming and rock fanatics that has been made so well it seems almost real! (Source: Flickr)Director:  Rob ReinerRelease Date:  1984Genre:  Musical Comedy / Parody DocumentaryMain Actors:  Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher GuestSynopsis:This is Spinal Tap  is a kind of pseudo-rock 'n' roll documentary about a fictitious heavy metal band.The group appear on their (fake) tour of 1982 kitted out in full rock 'n' roll attire.The obsession with technique,  cultural pretentiousness, inflated egos, evil temptations, astrology - all the usual clichés are there but the events are somehow still plausible all the same!Everything is done in seriousness, which ultimately makes the facts seem hardly exaggerated at all. Each scene is so amusing and funny because it seems so real and as if we have already seen something similar 10 time s before!For example, one of the drummers belonging to  Spinal Tap describes a mishap he once experienced - during a show once, in the heat of the moment he climbed on his drum kit which duly collapsed beneath him! The anecdote perfectly encapsulates the overkill and the yearning for drama that is so often present in the rock industry (particularly among rock musicians and rock stars), which is often to the detriment of the music quality.Old School Drummer Film: The Gene Krupa StoryDirector:  Don WeisRelease Date:  1959Genre:  Drame / ComedyMain Actors:  Sal Mineo, Yvonne Craig, James Darren, Susan KohnerSynopsis:The great jazz drummer,  Gene Krupa, really needs no further introduction! Watching a drum film is akin to plunging into Gene Krupa's life thanks to this biopic.This film has it all - a mixture of comedy, romance and drama. This drummer movie tells the tale of the life of Gene Krupa, which is one defined by a desire to both achieve success and have a spliff!In spite of his undeniable talent, Gene Krupa's father did not want his son to play the drums. However, as we all know, Gene Krupa continued to play the drums all the same and through doing so, met his future wife after being introduced at a bar.However, after the death of his father, he decided to follow the path that his father had set out for him and threw himself into the study of theology. However, his passion for music would soon catch up with him.Gene Krupa truly is part of drumming history!Caught in the crossfire between his studies at the church and his desire to become a drummer, his counsellor asks him to choose a career path according to his own wishes rather than those of his late father.Eventually, as his drumming career progress, he gains more and more success but also begins to succumb to the negative effects of fame at the same time. His alcoholism and infidelities lead to the destruction of his marriage.Yet despite his faults and the tribulations in his life, the film still ends o n a positive note, especially as we know that in real life in remarries his wife some years after the events that occur in the movie took place.Top Drum Movie: WhiplashDirector:  Damien ChazelleRelease Date:  2014Genre:  DrameMain Actors:  J.K Simmons, Miles Teller, Melissa Benoist, Paul ReiserSynopsis:If there ever was a film dedicated to drumming, then it was this Whiplash!As intense as an all encapsulating drum solo, this drummer movie is a true cinematic gem. Intense drumming lessons are the focal point of the film, which hones in on the toxic relationship between a young drummer and his drumming instructor who is both cruel and unyielding.Hoping to be the new Buddy Rich, the drumming student is forced to endure humiliations, psychological manipulations and even physical violence (having cymbals thrown at him) at the hands of his drum teacher and supposed educator.Whatever your musical dreams are, whether you aspire to be a rock musician, a modern drummer, jazz drummer or jazz f estival performer, a composer, part of a big band or orchestra or simply one of the best drummers or jazz artists there are - seeing this young drummer practising melodic drum solos and his torturous drum lessons will probably be enough to put you off music for life!A true drummer will probably also wince at some of the errors in this movie (cymbals being heard one a drummer hits the snare drum, bad drumming footage, etc.).The abusive teacher and psychological violence of this film is at odds with the world of drumming that is usually seen as so relaxed.Some scenes show the aspiring drummer pushed to the extreme and are quite hard to watch - notably when he is shown bleeding as a result of his excessive training.In reality, the chance of that actually happening is almost next to none.Sure, you may get blisters. But only up to a point, after which the skin on your hand would simply adjust and become much rougher and harder.Is Whiplash a horror movie? For the young drummer whom the mo vie centres around it certainly is! (Source: Flickr)Classic Drum Film: A Damsel in DistressDirector:  George StevensRelease Date:  1938Genre:  Romantic ComedyMain Actors:  Fred Astaire, Joan Fontaine, George Burns, Gracie AllenThe film is a love story intertwined with the rhythm and beat of dance. (Source: Wikimedia)Synopsis :Fred Astaire shoots his first ever film without Ginger Rogers, his eternal sidekick, as the duo begin to tire of appearing together in public. Unfortunately, his new partner in this drum film does not quite have the talent of Ginger Rogers or Rita Hayworth and Fred Astair must go the tap dancing sequences alone!The movie is a romance in which Fred Astaire's and Joan Fontaine's characters find themselves falling in love with one another despite the obstacles put in their way by the hotel director and the aunt of Joan Fontaine's character.Fred Astaire uses drumsticks, followed by tap shoes, for an amazing choreographic display.Although it appears on occasion and has an undeniable presence, drumming takes rather a backseat in the film and does not constitute the main part of the performance.This movie would probably be better described as Fred Astaire's answer to La La Land!Drummer Movie DefinitionsWhat is an Accent in Music?It is a musical note struck noticeably harder and stronger than others, to emphasise a certain moment.What are Sweepers?Sweepers can replace drumsticks at certain times and are made of metallic strands or  fine nylon afixed to the end of a plastic handle - a bit like a mini broomstick for drummers! They are used a lot in jazz and to soften the sound of the drum.If you or your child want to be like the drummers you see on television or at concerts, why not consider online drum lessons  (including drum lessons for kids) as an option?

Summer Vocabulary - English Collocations and Idioms

Summer Vocabulary - English Collocations and Idioms Are  you getting excited about summer? Even though we in the UK are getting far too many grey days during the summer, we are still very excited when it finally arrives. Lets get ready for summer and explore some English summer vocabulary.In this post I also want to focus on popular   summer idioms that you can use in your daily English conversations. And you will find them below the infographics. Summer Vocabulary - Useful Collocations Don't keep this to yourself, tell the world: KEEP OUT OF THE SUNExample: Be careful when youre on holiday. Apply lots of sun cream, keep hydrated and keep out of the midday sun if you can.SIT IN THE SUNExample: I cant sit in the sun for very long with my fair skin.THE SUN IS IN YOUR EYESExample: The sun is in my eyes, I cant see a thing.SHIELD YOUR EYES FROM THE SUNExample: I wear a wide hat to shield my eyes from the sun.A DROP OF RAINExample: Their simple wedding ceremony   couldnt have been more perfect, and there wasnt a drop of rain that day. English Collocations about Summer GLORIOUS WEATHERExample: Yesterdays match was played in glorious weather with plenty of warm sunshine.  THE BEST OF THE WEATHERExample: It got clearer as I went North, so we must have got the best of the weather.  FEEL THE HEATExample: I could feel the heat of the sun on my back as I cycled through the park.ESCAPE FROM THE HEATExample: In summer, many people leave the city for the seaside to escape from the heat.DIVE INTO WATERExample: He dove into the water and started swimming.   10 English Idioms related to Summer THE CALM BEFORE THE STORMa quiet period before an expected hectic activity or a period of troubleExample: It was like the calm before the storm, as I knew difficult times were to come.  AN INDIAN SUMMERa period of warm, dry weather in the late autumnExample: Although the Indian summer is expected to bring us summer-like temperatures during September, we are now into the autumn season.DOG DAYS OF SUMMERvery hot summer daysExample: The dogs days of summer are over and the kids have gone back to school!FULL OF HOT AIRif someone is full of hot air, they are full of nonsense, they talk a lot without saying anything worthwhileExample: I did not believe a word she said. She was full of hot air.  UNDER THE SUNeverything or anywhere in the worldExample: Londons Oxford street has every shop under the sun, it is always at its busiest on a Thursday.A PLACE IN THE SUNa position which provides you with wealth and happiness, or whatever you have been hoping to achieve in lifeExample: He was one of those people who was always looking for  his place in the sun.ONE SWALLOW DOESNT MAKE A SUMMERone fact or event doesnt prove the rule, it may be an exceptionExample: Their first album was a success, but they know that one swallow doesnt make a summer and theyre prepared to work hard.A COLD DAY IN JULYsomething that will never happenExample: Itll be a cold day in July before I buy you a new car.TO BE IN HOT WATERto be in a lot of troubleExample: The Minister was in hot water last week after admitting he lied about attending a controversial meeting.TO MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINESto not waste time, to take advantage of an opportunity as soon as it arisesExample: Our competitors will catch on to our strategy soon, so lets make hay while the sun shines. 10 English Summer Idioms Don't keep this to yourself, tell the world: Summer Vocabulary SIESTAnot really an English word but used frequently. Particularly relevant in the summer when a quick “nap” or “forty winks” in the afternoon is just what you need to be ready for a long summer evening.Nap and forty winks refer to a quick sleep or rest.A QUICK DIPIf you are feeling a little hot and need to refresh a swim is often a good idea. A quick dip refers to a jump into a pool, river or sea to refresh yourself.TOP UP THE TANEveryone likes to look good and when the sun shines we can get that “good feeling” with a sun tan. People like to catch the sun rays on a regular basis over the summer to keep the tan looking well naturally.Twenty minutes in the sun a few times a week may just be enough to top up that tan!A NINETY NINE (a 99)Ice cream is a great way of cooling down when the sun gets a little too hot. Kids and adults all love the flavours. An old favourite and still available from all the ice cream stalls in UK cities is the 99. It’s a cone with ice cream a cho colate flake stuck into the ice cream and usually some strawberry syrup added. If you haven’t tried it you haven’t lived!!A BUTLINS HOLIDAYBefore flying to the sun became popular and within easy reach of the ordinary man, workers spent their two week summer vacation (usually the first two weeks in August) in a holiday camp organised and run by a company called Butlins. They still operate summer holiday camps in the UK today. They provide accommodation (chalets or small apartments) and entertainment for all the family. A good old British tradition still going strong today.THE BUCKET AND SPADENo holiday for the kids was complete without their traditional bucket and spade. These simple tools keep children of all ages occupied for hours on the beaches in any type of weather. Building sand castles and other impressive constructions with the help of Dad (or Mum) of course is a great diversion for all the family.What is summer holiday like in your country? Summer Vocabulary Songs There are many wonderful songs with beautiful lyrics describing that summer feeling when we throw off the winter/spring clothes and get ready for the warm lazy summer days.Summertime and the living is easyFish are jumpingAnd the cotton is highThese are the opening lyrics of an old song from an opera called “Summertime” based in the deep southern states of America.OrHere comes summerSchool is out, oh happy dayHere comes summerIm gonna grab my girl and run awayHere comes summer“Here comes summer” song is a little more upbeat and goes back to 1959!!! Whatever the year we all look forward to those long hot summer days and endless nights. Here are some words and phrases for your English summer vocabulary that you might just find useful.

Monday Link Roundup (August 7)

Monday Link Roundup (August 7) How Goofing Off Helps Kids LearnOne reason why free time is good for kids: it gives them mental space to process information and build their strengths.What Works for Getting Kids to Enjoy ReadingThe implication of these examples is that books should not just be available, but virtually falling into children’s laps, or at least, visible in as many locations as possible: in the classroom, in every room of the house, in the car, and so on.Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?The article everyones talking about this week: a sobering discussion of the effects of smartphone use on teenagers. Especially applicable in Silicon Valley where it seems like everyone has the latest technology.California State University Officially Ends Long-Time Use of Placement TestsInstead, the school will look at a combination of high school grades, SAT scores, and AP scores to decide if incoming students are ready for college-level work.Why Kids Cant Write |  What Parents Can Do to Nurture Good Writers |  How to Conquer the Admission EssayA solid collection of articles from the New York Times about writing, including a timely piece on writing the college admissions essay. Helpful advice: Choose a topic you really want to write aboutA good topic will be complexDont brag about your achievements. Instead, look at times youve struggled or, even better, failed.Sending Sons Off to College, and Finding Solace in a Big Box StoreCaitlin Flanagans reflection on her twin boys leaving the nest and heading off to college, and the inexplicable emotional draw of Bed Bath Beyond in this moment.Your Go-To Guide for Dorm Room EssentialsStill feeling the need to outfit your childs dorm room after reading Caitlin Flanagans story? Heres your shopping guide, courtesy of the New York Times.

Like It or Dislike It Facebook Working on Dislike Button

Like It or Dislike It Facebook Working on Dislike Button Photo Credit: abcnews.go.com The Like button, which first appeared on Facebook in 2007, is denoted by a thumbs up symbol, though the Dislike  button may not necessarily be a thumbs down. In fact, theres already discussion over whether the button is needed, what kind of impact it will have on the social media site, and even about whether it will really be a Dislike button at all. Facebook users have been clamoring for a Dislike button for years now, but it seems like now that they may get it, people are considering the ramifications of the feature. After the announcement, Facebook users went on Zuckerbergs Facebook page to talk about the idea, and many wrote they had no interest in seeing a Dislike button added to the site. Elsewhere on the internet, like YouTube and Reddit, you have the ability to immediately like and dislike or upvote and downvote a post, in addition to being able to comment on a video or posting. This isnt always a good thing, and people are worried that if Facebook adds a Dislike button, it will promote negativity and may even lead to cyberbullying. Those are some of the reasons that Facebook didnt originally offer a way to dislike something the social network didnt want to have a Reddit-style system since that wasnt the real purpose of the site â€" and also they didn’t want the ability to “Dislike” to lead to disrespecting or attacking others on the site. However, from what Zuckerberg has said about the development of this feature, the Dislike button may not really be that at all. Rather than showing your aversion to something, the tool Facebook is working on may be more of an Acknowledgement or Empathy button, for times when “Liking something isnt the appropriate response. Not every moment is a good moment, Zuckerberg said. Some people have asked for a dislike button because they want to be able to say that thing isnt good, and were not going to do that I dont think thats socially very valuable, or great for the community. Photo Credit: mashable.com For example, when someone posts about a death or a natural disaster, its not quite fitting to Like the post, and some may not want to comment on the matter. Right now, Facebook users dont have any other option but to Like something if they want to let someone know they saw their post and are thinking of them, even if they may not exactly Like whatever the person is sharing with the world. Facebook is focused on allowing people to interact and engage with each other, and its highly unlikely the site will just offer a Dislike right next to the Like button on posts and other actions on the social network. The reason for this so-called Dislike button isnt about negativity, its about offering users a way to connect with each other in a more sincere way. It will also give the content a higher probability of being seen as it competes with posts that get a lot of Likes since Facebooks News Feed algorithm is biased towards showing content thats received lots of thumbs up. Facebook has been working on the feature for a while now, and though it seems like an uncomplicated concept, the thought behind it and the exact idea of what it will be, the symbol that will denote it, and what its meant to do, have made the execution of the tool more complex. In fact, many have already been speculating about what the icon for this new feature will be and making suggestions. Some ideas that have been offered include an “Ear” button, which would allow users to tell others that they hear them and doesn’t hold negative or positive connotations, and two hands clasped in the shape of a heart or a hand holding a heart, which would convey empathy, among others. No specific date has been announced yet as far as when whatever this “Dislike” button ends up being will appear on Facebook, but it’s already got a lot of people talking, and users seem to be split about whether they “Like” this idea or would thumbs down it if they could.

Meet Gitanjali, a Former Kumon Student who Is Changing the World

Meet Gitanjali, a Former Kumon Student who Is Changing the World Meet Gitanjali, a Former Kumon Student who Is Changing the World Gitanjali is a former Kumon Student who is changing the world, invention by invention. Inspired by the Flint water crisis, she invented a cost-effective device that detects lead levels in water. Named Americas Top Young Scientist for her work on the device, she was inspired by a more personal crisis for her next innovation. Having witnessed a family friend struggle with addiction in the wake of a car accident, she developed a device to detect early-stage opioid addiction. Shes now working on an app to combat cyber bullying, tackling yet another societal issue. She credits Kumon with helping her learn to overcome challenges. You might also be interested in: Kumon of West Chester Students to Compete in the First Lego League World Championship Meet Marco, a Program Completer, Who Inspired Other Family Members to Reach their Highest Potential with Kumon Wanting To Make A Difference In The World, This Young Student Has Her Sights Set On Politics Meet Elina, a Dual Program Completer Who Has Developed Independence in Kumon Meet Gitanjali, a Former Kumon Student who Is Changing the World Meet Gitanjali, a Former Kumon Student who Is Changing the World Gitanjali is a former Kumon Student who is changing the world, invention by invention. Inspired by the Flint water crisis, she invented a cost-effective device that detects lead levels in water. Named Americas Top Young Scientist for her work on the device, she was inspired by a more personal crisis for her next innovation. Having witnessed a family friend struggle with addiction in the wake of a car accident, she developed a device to detect early-stage opioid addiction. Shes now working on an app to combat cyber bullying, tackling yet another societal issue. She credits Kumon with helping her learn to overcome challenges. You might also be interested in: Kumon of West Chester Students to Compete in the First Lego League World Championship Meet Marco, a Program Completer, Who Inspired Other Family Members to Reach their Highest Potential with Kumon Wanting To Make A Difference In The World, This Young Student Has Her Sights Set On Politics Meet Elina, a Dual Program Completer Who Has Developed Independence in Kumon