Chloroplast

Chloroplast Chloroplast: Chloroplast can be defined as one of three types of plastids, characterized by its high concentration of chlorophyll, the other two types, the leucoplast and the chromoplast, contain little chlorophyll and do not carry out photosynthesis. Plastid definition:Plastids are double membrane bound semi-autonomous organelles present in all living plant cells and photosynthetic protists. Chloroplast characteristics: It has a double membrane which encloses a fluid-filled region called the stroma. Embedded in the stroma is a complex network of stacked sacs. Each stack is called a granum and each of the flattened sacs which make up the granum is called a thylakoid. The thylakoid membrane, that encloses a fluid-filled thylakoid interior space, contains photosynthetic pigments. There are many grana in each chloroplast which are interconnected by unstacked stromal lamellae. The lipids of the thylakoid membrane have a distinctive composition. About 80% lipids are uncharged mono- and digalactosyl diacylglycerol and only about 10% are phospholipids. Functions of Chloroplast: Photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is a photochemical process by which the green plants convert the light energy into chemical energy in the form of reducing power and ATP, and use these chemicals to drive carbon dioxide fixation. Light is harvested by a specialized pigment called chlorophyll which is located in choloroplast. Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll, a light-absorbing pigment, contains a polycyclic, planar tetrapyrrole ring structure. Chlorophyll is a lipid soluble pigment. It has the following important features: The central metal ion in chlorophyll in Mg2+ Chlorophyll has a cyclopentane ring fused to pyrrole ring III The propionyl group on a ring IV of chlorophyll is esterified to a long-chain tetraisoprenoid alcohol. In chlorophyll a and b, it is phytol.. Oxygenic photosynthetic organisms contain different types of chlorophyll molecules like Chl a, Chl b, Chl c, and Chl d. There chlorophyll molecules differ by having different substituent groups on the tetrapyrrole ring. An-oxygenic photosynthetic organisms contain bacteriochlorphyll molecules. They are related to chlorophyll molecules. Accessory pigments: Besides the major light-absorbing chlorophyll molecules, there are two groups of accessory pigments which absorb light in the wavelength region, where chlorophylls do not absorb energy. The two types of accessor pigments are carotenoids and phycobillins. Location of photosynthetic pigments: In oxygenic photosynthetic organisms, photosynthetic pigments are found in thylakoid membranes. In anoxygenic photosynthetic organisms such as green Sulphur bacteria, photosynthetic pigments are found in plasma membrane and vesicles called chlorosomes attached to the plasma membrane. In the purple Sulphur bacteria, the bacteriochlorophylls are located in invaginations of the plasma membrane called chromatophores. Ultra-structure of chloroplast: The chloroplasts are covered by two plasma membranes. Each membrane of the chloroplast is tri-laminar and lipo-proteinous. The contents of chloroplast are heterogeneous. They consist of: The matrix or stroma: The internal space of the chloroplasts is occupied with a liquefied and transparent material called as the matrix or the stroma. It is the site where grana and inter-grana stay embedded. The grana: The chloroplasts comprises of many granular and chlorophyll containing structures, known as the grana. The size of the grana may vary from 0.3 - 1.7 microns. The chloroplasts may sometimes consist of 40 to 60 grana in the matrix. Each granum is further made of 10 to 100 dice-like, overlaid, membranous sections called as thylakoids. Each thylakoid is disconnected from the stroma or the matrix of the chloroplast by its membranes. Concept of photosynthetic unit: In 1932, Robert Emerson, and William Arnold provided the first evidence for the cooperation of many chlorophyll molecules in energy conversion during photosynthesis. They suggested that not all the chlorophyll molecules in a chloroplast were directly involved in the conversion of light energy into chemical energy. Using suspensions of the alga Chlorella and flashing lights of very short duration a saturating intensity, they determined the minimum amount of light needed to produce maximal oxygen production during photosynthesis. Based on the number of chlorophyll molecules present in the preparation, they calculated that one molecule of oxygen was being released during a brief flash of light for every 2500 molecules of chlorophyll present. It was later shown that a minimum of 8 photons must be absorbed to produce one molecule of oxygen and for this about 300 or so chlorophyll molecules act together as one photosynthetic unit in which only one member of the group- the reaction center chlorophyll- actually transfers electrons to an electron acceptor. The majority of the chlorophyll molecules serve as an antenna complex, collecting light and transferring the energy to the reaction center, where the photochemical reaction takes place.Chloroplast

Acrylic Painting Techniques for Beginners

Acrylic Painting Techniques for Beginners Acrylic Painting Techniques for Beginners ChaptersVersatility of AcrylicEssential Equipment for ExperimentationAcrylic Paint Techniques for BeginnersHow to Find Acrylic Painting TuitionAcrylic painting is an exciting hobby to pick up for the first time. Not only because of the incredible feeling associated with having a creative outlet, but also because of how versatile acrylic paint can be, and how wide a range of techniques you can apply to make your art stand out.If you’ve ever been curious about dipping your toes in the world of acrylic painting or simply finding a new way to express yourself, then this guide should help you find your feet and make the most of the fascinating substance. FernandoPainting Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaPainting Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidPainting Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPainting Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StefaniaPainting Teach er 5.00 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SakinaPainting Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenPainting Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Off2themoonholliePainting Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsVersatility of AcrylicFirst and foremost, what makes acrylic paint such a great option for creating art is its versatility and quick-drying nature.Despite the fact that oil painting continues to be the number one choice for many professional artists, the time it takes to dry can prove frustrating, and limit them somewhat in the scope of what they can pull off. Even as an amateur or beginner, choosing acrylic over oil can prove to be a great decision, since you will have a wide variety of techniques at your disposal to really unlock and unleash your creative side.What’s more, if you choose acrylic paint as your medium, you will be able to recreate many different painting styles. You’ll be a ble to apply the paint thinly, like you would with watercolour painting, or thicker, as in oil painting. Plus, it has the additional benefits over its counterparts of being impervious to cracking and fading.You can also use acrylic paint on a variety of surfaces. From the orthodox canvas or art paper, to rougher surfaces like wood or stone, you will be able to create some truly interesting art with a number of unique textures and aesthetics, defying the traditional image of painting on a canvas.The main downside to acrylic paint is the fact that it can produce a shiny aesthetic which can alter the look of the end product, and perhaps make it look less polished than say an oil painting would. Aside from that, all the signs point to acrylic paint being a great place to start out as a beginner looking to brush up on their painting skills or take steps towards a career in the arts.Essential Equipment for Experimentation Essential acrylic painting equipment to get you started.Now, before we get into the individual techniques associated with acrylic painting, it’s worth first taking a look at the essential equipment for such experimentation.Depending on the technique, you will need different supplies, but there are also some essentials that you’ll need before thinking about specifics.The top 3 supplies on your list should be a good brush, some paint of course, and a work surface.BrushFirst up, the brush. Of course, one option for getting your hands on a brush is to buy a beginner’s kit with everything included, which would be the most convenient way to go about it.However, things can get a bit tricky depending on what you are looking to achieve, since brushes come in all shapes and sizes. Just to give you an idea of what you’re working with, there are 8 different types of brushes commonly used in painting.Now that it’s sunk in, let’s see how we can make the process of buying your first bru sh a little easier.Your best bet when it comes to picking out a brush suitable for a beginner is to go for one that’s middle of the range, which means one which is anything from a size 6 to a size 8. From there you can go either way depending on what you feel your limitations are.The two main types of brushes are natural, and synthetic. Due to how hard acrylic paint can be on bristles, it’s typically better to go with a brush with synthetic bristles, to ensure you’ll get more use out of it. They are also easier to clean off with water, so you won’t spend half the time you want to be painting trying to get stubborn paint off the bristles.Lastly, make sure to invest in a decent paint brush holder or organiser. Depending on how many brushes you buy, you’ll want a nice way to store them all, so they avoid unnecessary wear and tear. From toothbrush style holders, to display stands which will give you easy access to your whole repertoire, decide which best suits your needs and k eep them on your workstation to make it easier to get started.Paint typeStudent grade vs Artist-gradeNext, once you’ve got your brush, it’s a good idea to consider the types of acrylic paint available to see which is best for you. The main difference in acrylic paints is whether they fall into the category of student grade or artist grade. As a general rule of thumb, student grade paints are more affordable but of a lower quality, while the artist grade paints, as the name suggests, are more suitable for professionals with a larger budget and a desire for the best quality paint.So starting out, since you likely don’t know whether you will continue with the hobby, you’d probably be best served opting for the more cost-effective option in student grade acrylic paint.Best Colours for BeginnersIf you’re very new to acrylic painting, it can be helpful to start off with some basic colours first, since you’ll be able to paint almost anything with just a few different staple col ours.White and black are essential, since they can combine with any of the other colours to produce a lighter or darker end result. Then, it’s worth investing in a series of warmer and colder colours. So that would be everything from yellow, red, and orange, to green, blue, and purple. This will cover most bases, and give you plenty of flexibility in what you can do on the canvas.I know it’s very tempting to want to buy obscure acrylic paint colours with fancy names, but if you’re just trying out the hobby for the first time, you’re better off experimenting with the basics to begin with.Work Surface The classic paintbrush and paper is always reliable.The last important supply you’ll need as a beginner, is a work surface to paint.While you may think a canvas is the best option, and it certainly is up there with the best, there are other options that will serve you just as well when starting out.Hardwood panels for example can prove to be excellent surfaces to get creative with. The main benefits of hardwood panels - which can be made of oak, or walnut for example - are that they last an age, and look fantastic. As a result, they make a great choice if you’re looking to gift your art to a loved one, or proudly stick it on display somewhere in the house.Paper is also a good option. Any type of paper will suffice, but you will probably experience better results with acrylic paper or watercolour paper. The heavy-duty acrylic paper will be a robust surface which will cater for many different techniques, while watercolour paper gives you a great variety of options for different eff ects and textures.Choosing a work surface essentially boils down to personal preference, but if you’re coming into the world of acrylic painting on a budget, a canvas or paper will likely be your best bets.Acrylic Paint Techniques for Beginners You’re only limited by your imagination with acrylic paint.When you have all your supplies together, you’re ready to begin experimenting with some of the many acrylic painting techniques out there. So as not to get too far ahead of ourselves we’re going to provide a brief overview of 10 of the most important, and most basic, techniques to get you started.DrybrushingThe simplest technique you’ll find in acrylic painting is without a doubt the drybrush. This technique consists of applying the paint directly to the canvas, which will give you a solid block of colour to manipulate with your brush. This technique is great for framing a painting, or for adding larger elements to your work.SplatteringA fun sounding technique, splattering is concerned with flicking paint from your brush onto the canvas to create a splattering effect. This technique requires a wet brush, and some paper towels nearby as it can get messy. This one is great for getting creative and making abstract scenes .DetailingUsing a brush with fine bristles, detailing is the technique which will allow you to create finer details for your work. Especially useful for faces, and other small details you’re looking to add to your art.GlazingA nice technique to add some shine and sparkle to your painting, glazing will help set your art out from the rest, while adding an interesting aesthetic element.LayeringLayering is the process of adding additional layers to your painting, to create a sense of depth. After the paint has dried (which shouldn’t take long with acrylic paint), you’ll be able to add extra layers to create the desired effect.BlockingThis technique requires minimal effort, so it's great for beginners. Tracing a picture, you will then choose different colours or shades for each part of the image in order to create an interesting visual. This one is fun for surreal paintings and for making something that looks great without needing plenty of experience in acrylic painting.MixingTher e is plenty of scope for mixing when it comes to acrylic painting. As well as the more traditional means of mixing to create new colours, like yellow and red to make orange, you can also get creative with different shades of the same colour. If you mix lighter and darker blues for example you can get some interesting shades which fall between the two, without needing to splash out extra cash for that specific shade of paint.DabbingAnother fun sounding technique like splattering, dabbing involves delicately or not so delicately tapping the top of the brush while holding it over the canvas. This will give you some interesting results and dotted patterns.StipplingStippling is a technique of painting on a number of small dots to the canvas to create interesting visual effects.WashingFinally, washing is a technique in acrylic painting that will create a similar effect to watercolour painting. This one is fun to experiment with drybrushing, as it can produce some outstanding end products. How to Find Acrylic Painting TuitionThere are a number of resources you can take advantage of to get ahead in acrylic painting.One of the best places to find acrylic painting classes is through the online course website: Udemy. Udemy has courses in a wide variety of subjects, including acrylic painting. You can work through the online course at your own pace and end up feeling confident expressing yourself through your new hobby.Here at Superprof, we have a team of qualified tutors on hand to help you get your acrylic painting up to speed in no time! Using the find a tutor near you search function on the website, you can see if there are some acrylic painting tutors in your area, but if not, you can always opt for online classes and reap the benefits.

What You Need To Know About The AIMS Test

What You Need To Know About The AIMS Test AIMS, or the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards is a state-required exam for elementary, middle, and high school students. The assessment is given to insure that Arizona classrooms are fulfilling the Arizona academic standards. Public school students in grades 3-8 and 10-12 are tested in reading, writing, science, and math. Test content depends on the grade, and corresponds to what students have learned in the classroom. All grades are tested on reading and math, while grades 5, 6, 7, and 10 must complete an additional writing portion. Only grades 4, 8, and 10 are tested on their science savvy. The AIMS assessment is designed to measure student proficiency in reading, writing, science, and math as required by state and federal law. Performance scores are reported as Falls Far Below, Approaches, Meets (which is considered passing) or Exceeds. The state-mandated AIMS exam is the central component of the Arizona State Accountability Model, as well as the Federal AYP model (the accountability portion of the No Child Left Behind Act). The Assessment Section of the Arizona Department of Education is responsible for giving the AIMS test as part of a statewide examination of Arizona public schools. Test writers work with educators to develop age-appropriate assessments and administer the annual exam. The AIMS A (Arizonas Instrument to Measure Standards Alternate) is a similar assessment that also meets federal guidelines to assess students who have cognitive disabilities. In order to graduate from Arizona public high schools, students must fulfill the AIMS High School Graduation Requirement, and pass the reading, writing, and math sections of the AIMS high school test. If students do not meet graduation requirements by the end of their senior year, their graduation from high school will be delayed and their diplomas withheld. Students will receive opportunities to study and retake the exam, or fulfill the AIMS requirements through other alternative methods. Doing well on AIMS exam can pay off. High school students who excel at the reading, writing, and mathematics sections may qualify for a scholarship to any of the three public state universities. To be eligible, students must complete 16 core courses (4 years of math and English, 3 years of lab sciences, 2 years of social sciences, 2 years of a foreign language, and 1 year of fine arts) by the end of their senior year, with a grade of B or better in each class. Students must also have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on an unweighted 4.0 scale, or be in the top five percent of their senior class. If a student doesnt exceed state standards on the three sections, they may still be eligible for a scholarship if they excel at 2 portions, and meet standards on the third. They would also have to score at least a 3 on two Advanced Placement (AP) exams or receive a 4 on two International Baccalaureate exams. The AIMS exam is designed to help Arizona gauge where students are in their education, and set standards as to where they should be. Through assessing students in public schools (including charter and district schools) educators and the state can work together to improve classroom learning, and help students graduate with the skills they need. The AIMS test also helps recognize qualified students through providing merit-based scholarships.

A Guide to Asian Cooking

A Guide to Asian Cooking Everything You Need to Know about Asian Food ChaptersAsian Cooking at a GlanceThe Best Asian Cooking BlogsEasy Asian RecipesChinese RecipesCooking with a Wok: the Magic PanWhy Is Asian Food so Different to Western Food?Whether for the Chinese New Year or just for a meal with friends, why not make some Asian cuisine?In this article, we’re going to have a look at a few different Asian recipes. Whether chicken noodle soup, Pad thai, egg fried rice, dumplings, stir fried beef and onion, or sweet and sour pork, you’ll be more than comfortable with the Asian culinary landscape by the time you finish reading.Let’s start by having a look around Asia before looking more closely at some of the most popular recipes before having a look at the wok, the magic pan that can make authentic Asian cuisine very different to ours. 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!Discover 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 tutorsAsian Cooking at a GlanceIf you say “Asian cuisine”, what food comes to mind first?Probably things like sushi, caramelised pork, Peking duck, or spring rolls.Get ready for a culinary tour of Asia! (Source: Sasint)But do you know which country each of these things come from?Let’s learn about the different specialities from around Asia:Chinese cuisine: Spring rolls get their name from the time of year they’re usually consumed, during celebrations announcing the arrival of spring. Chinese cuisine usually uses rice, noodles, vegetables, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. There are fewer spices used, except in S ichuan and Yunann regions.Thai cuisine focuses on the balance and precision between a variety of ingredients. It’s one of the most popular cuisines in the world. Rice and spices are the foundation of their dishes but if you want to make tom yum (a prawn soup), you’ll need to get prawns, mushrooms, and a fair few spices.Indian cuisine: you can taste the religious influence that greatly affects how Indians eat. Since there are a lot of vegetarians, there’s a lot of vegetarian Indian dishes.Burmese cuisine: there’s no messing about here, you eat with your hands! There’s a lot of fruit and vegetables used in Burmese food.Sticky rice is the basis for a lot of Lao cuisine. The world’s stickiest rice is often accompanied by meat, fish, and spices. The country’s capital, Vientiane, is also home to a large number of French restaurants, if you want something closer to home.Cambodian cuisine uses a lot of tropical fruit, rice, noodles, and soups. The large variety of rice availab le in Cambodia means that you can eat a different type of rice for every meal.Vietnamese food focuses on the 5 main types of taste: salty, sweet, bitter, sour, and spicy. Fish sauce, shrimp paste, soy sauce, rice, lemon grass, and fruit and vegetables are commonly used in Vietnamese dishes. It’s also famous for being some of the healthiest food around.The seasons are hugely important when it comes to Japanese food. There are very few oils and grease used in Japanese cuisine. Given that Japan’s made up of islands, it’s hardly surprising that fish features heavily in Japanese dishes.Kimchi, a dish made from fermented vegetables, is served with almost every meal in Korea. Unlike their Japanese neighbours, the Koreans eat a lot more meat than fish.You shouldn’t have any excuse for getting the various dishes confused now. If this little trip around Asia’s culinary landscape has whet your appetite, just wait until the next bit.The Best Asian Cooking BlogsNow that you know where some of the most famous Asian dishes come from, it’s time to put the theory into practice. To help you, here are the 5 best blogs for learning to cook Asian food.When it comes to learning to cook, visiting sites can be more helpful than visiting sights. (Source: Glavo)China Sichuan Food: As you can guess, this blog focuses mainly on food from the Sichuan region of China. It includes plenty of recipes for different traditional dishes. There are also posts on the eating culture in China if you’re interested in more than just the food.The Woks of Life: this blog is run by a few food lovers and includes traditional Chinese recipes as well as recipes from other cultures with a Chinese twist added to them. It’s a great idea for those looking to push the boat out a bit.My Korean Kitchen: as you can probably guess, this is a food blog for Korean food. In addition to the classics, there are some interesting recipes you probably won’t be familiar with. There’s also a useful shop on the blog for picking up the things you’ll need to start cooking.Just One Cookbook: This started as a collection of traditional family recipes. This also includes explanations of interesting cooking techniques used for making Japanese dishes. In addition to main courses, there are also recipes for desserts like green tea shaved ice.No Recipes: a great mix for anyone wanting to learn how to cook Japanese food (and others). There’s a good mix of recipes on here. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or fairly experienced when it comes to cooking, you’ll find something you’ll enjoy making. As the same suggests, though, this blog focuses on getting a better understanding of techniques and ingredients so you can start cooking without the need for recipes.Get your apron on and fire up the stove!Ready for the next step? GiovanniCooking Teacher 4.83 (12) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HalimaCooking Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimCooking Tea cher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VincenzoCooking Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover 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 tutorsEasy Asian RecipesIf you’re interested in cooking Asian food but are an absolute beginner, don’t worry, we’ve got easy recipes to get even the most inept chef cooking tasty meals.Here’s a quick example: Chinese noodle and vegetable stir-fry.Noodles can be simple and delicious. (Source: Vinsky2002)Ingredients for serving four people:200g of Chinese noodles400g of soybean sprout80g sliced Chinese mushrooms2 leek whites2 tablespoons of oyster sauce2 tablespoons of soy saucePreparation:Wash the mushrooms, slice the leeks, and rinse the soybean sprouts.Place the noodles in a pot of boiling water (as per the instructions on the packet).Rinse the noodles with cold water to stop them sticking together.Brown the mushrooms, leeks, and soybean sprouts in a bit of vegetable oil. Season with salt and pepper.Remove from the heat once cooked.Heat the noodles in the oyster and soy sauces.Add the vegetables after 2-3 minutes.Mix well and heat for a further 2-3.There you go! Asian recipes aren't always as complicated as you might think.Chinese RecipesIf Chinese food is your preferred  meal of choice on a Friday night you can find more recipes in our easy Chinese cooking blog.Cooking with a Wok: the Magic PanWhat’s better than making all your Asian recipes in a wok?You’ll quickly see that you can even use it for cooking western dishes.If you're going to be cooking a lot of Asian food, you should probably invest in a wok. (Source: Kalhh)So what are the advantages of using a wok for cooking Asian dishes?It’s fast:  Have you ever waited a long ti me in an Asian restaurant for a stir-fry? I doubt it!It’s cheap: since it’s quick, it requires less energy to heat then your traditional pan.It’s healthier: you don’t need to put a lot of grease or fat in a wok. If you buy a non-stick wok, you won’t need any. Less grease means fewer calories.There are 4 main ways to cook using a wok. You can:Sautéing: You can sauté plenty of different types of noodles as well as chicken or beef.Frying: You should probably ignore the part about cooking in a wok being healthy if you choose this option.Stewing: You could even cook beef bourguignon in a wok.Marinating: Do you need to make a nuoc mam for a dish? You can use your wok for this.Steaming: You’ll need a bamboo basket and a grill. Simply add water halfway up your wok and your food in the basket atop the grill. Cover and let it steam gently.Make sure your wok is hot before putting anything in it. You can throw a bit of water in to check. If it evaporates right away, your wok is re ady to be used.Since the wok will be hot, you’ll need an oil that can be used at high temperatures. Peanut oil is recommended since it has a high smoke point.You can learn these tips and more in cooking courses London or elsewhere!If you’re investing in a good wok, there are several materials to choose from: steel, iron, stainless steel, or non-stick. Historically, woks were cut from steel and pressed. These woks are fairly cheap but don’t tend to last as long.You should look for non-stick woks which will last longer. A wok with a 20 to 30cm diameter will give you enough space to comfortably mix ingredients together.Here are a few woks that are highly recommended:WokAvailable At:Size:Dishwasher Safe:Material:Price:Good Housekeeping Institute Score:Carbon Steel WokJohn Lewis24cmNoCarbon Steel £1898Ikea TolerantIkea33cmNoNon-stick £672Ken Hom Carbon Steel Performance WokJohn Lewis31cmNoCarbon Steel £28.9992Carbon Steel Wok (Flat Base)souschef.co.uk33cmNoCarbon Steel £1583Loft Co pper Effect WokMarks and Spencer30cmYesNon-stick £29.5075Why Is Asian Food so Different to Western Food?Do you like Asian cuisine and learning about Asian cooking?Of course you do or you wouldn’t have read this far. You’ve probably noticed that Asian food is quite different to a lot of Western cuisines.Why is that?This is the question that we’re hoping to answer in this part of the article.Firstly, the two cultures are diametrically opposed. A country’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its history, climate, and its culture. While a lot of bamboo grows in China, there’s not so much of the stuff in Spain. In Europe we grow a lot of wheat while rice is favoured in Asia.The two cuisines don’t use the same staples: European food uses wheat and Asian food uses rice.Furthermore, Asians regularly frequent markets, which can be found everywhere and at any time unlike in Europe where produce markets are often only a few days of the week. Asians use a lot of vegetables and spices, especially in India. We’re not as familiar with their versatility in the West.We season differently, too. In Asian cuisine, soy sauce is often used, whereas in European cuisine, there’s a reliance on olive oil, especially in the Mediterranean. This is where history can explain the roots of certain dishes. Soy sauce was used in ancient China and olive oil is thought to have originated in Crete.The way meats are cooked is also different between the two:Meat in Asia is often cut into thin slices and boiled. The wok is used to sauté, stew, fry, or steam it.Meat in Europe is often left whole so that different levels of cooking can be achieved in a pan. Steamed meat isn’t as common and Europeans prefer roast, grilled, or braised meat.Tastes are different, too. There are 5 main flavours: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and spicy.Asian cuisines tries to use all the flavours in harmony.European food, on the other hand, often only uses two of the flavours: salty or sweet. This is also why our stomachs can also sometimes struggle to digest the spicier foods from the continent.In short:“Asian cuisine” is as broad a term as “European cuisine” and it’s hard to talk about one or the other without going into more detail. In fact, Chinese food has almost nothing in common with Indian food.If you want to learn more about Asian food, there are plenty of different blogs you should check out.You can also find easy-to-follow recipes and impress your friends and take them on a culinary journey.Don’t forget to invest a wok if you’re looking to make Chinese or Vietnamese food. It’s a very useful tool that can even be used for cooking non-Asian cuisine, too.You should now know the main differences between Eastern and Western tastes.Book your next cooking courses  here.

The Key to LSAT Success Own Your Study Plan

The Key to LSAT Success Own Your Study Plan LSAT Law School Blog To get the most out of studying for any standardized exam, you need to completely own the preparation process. If you are working with an LSAT tutor, then yes, he or she should be an expert, and he or she should guide you. However, you are ultimately in control. Engage fully in designing your study plan to get the most out of the process. Before the law sits a gatekeeper. To this gatekeeper comes a man from the country who asks to gain entry into the law. But the gatekeeper says that he cannot grant him entry at the moment. The man thinks about it and then asks if he will be allowed to come in later on. “It is possible,” says the gatekeeper, “but not now.” --Franz Kafka, “The Law” I’ve helped a lot of future grad students get ready for a lot of different standardized tests over the years, and in that time I’ve arrived at two pieces of wisdom I consider to be bedrock. The first is that, if there’s one defining feature that distinguishes students who make the most gains in their test prep, it’s not any particular undergraduate major, or ivy league pedigree, or number of pencil graphiteâ€"it’s a willingness to take an active role in the process of their own test prep. The second piece of wisdom is that, of all the tests I teach, the one whose students are least likely to come to me knowing how to take an active role is the LSAT. I think it has a lot to do with the LSAT’s reputation. It seems like some impenetrable fortress, as old as time itself, to which no one gains access without the help of a wise guardian who knows the secret passages by which to smuggle in the lawyer-to-be, if he (the guardian) should desire to do so. This reputation itself is likely a product of the intimidating nature of law itself, and partly a product of the fact that the LSAT never changesâ€"neither in its difficulty, nor its style, nor its importance. It is almost as much of an institution as the law itself. But one key aspect of that reputationâ€"and a persistent problem for LSAT takersâ€"is that the LSAT questions themselves seem to resemble nothing most LSAT students have encountered before. They’ve done a lot of math problems, sure, but they’ve never done anything resembling the infamous Dinosaur Game from the June 2009 LSAT. They may have taken classes in formal logic, but that doesn’t necessarily prepare them for differentiating between a sufficient assumption and a necessary assumption. The LSAT seems to be a closed system, with no rules or principles but its own. Also, remember that there is no official pre-law major for undergrads. While the GRE looks a fair bit like the SAT, and while many GMAT students tend to have majored in business or finance, LSAT students come from every major. And, beyond that, they come from every walk of life. LSAT students tend to be the most age- and experience-diverse students I meet with, which is one of the things I like most about it. I’ve worked with plenty of college seniors majoring in poli-sci, but also with people in their sixties who only even declared a major because it was a requirement for graduating. What I’m trying to say is that because of its unique nature, there are a disproportionate number of LSAT students who come to me with no idea what is on the test, and with no game plan as to how they want to start figuring that out. By the time I first meet with a typical GRE student, I tend to know almost everything about her prep thus far. I know what books she’s been using, what she’s been scoring on practice tests, how many hours a week she’s been spending reviewing GRE vocabulary lists, whether she’s right brained or left brained, sometimes even what she plans to eat the morning of test day. A typical LSAT student, on the other hand, might guess that he will be bad at logic games because he heard they are difficult and because he is not good at math. Beyond that, he won’t give me much to go on. When I meet him for the first time, there’s a good chance he will have done little to no prep thus far, and will have little idea of what the different sections actually test or of where he really needs the most improvement. The GRE student will ask me what extra work she can do to prep when she and I aren’t meeting. The LSAT student, in this particular example, will not. And though I might recommend some homework, we are very likely to spend the first half of our next session reviewing things he forgot from the previous session. In either approach, of course, I’ll do my best to help craft a personalized study plan for the student. But with the GRE student, it feels like she already knows the direction her prep is going and is simply inviting me to step into an already-moving current. This is the right approachâ€"of course your tutor can be your guide, but at the end of the day, your tutor is a tool, amongst many other such tools, and you are the one who has to wield them. The LSAT student, on the other hand, seems to expect me to simply upload the information into his brain. Of course, not all LSAT or GRE students follow this pattern, but in my experience there is a strong, strong correlation. And I note the difference not because it makes my job any easier or harder, but because the students who fly the tutoring nest after having taken control of their test prep tend to do much better than the students who simply showed up and treated me like the teacher of a subject they had no interest in learning. So before you even meet with your tutor on Day One, you should familiarize yourself with the test as much as possible. This is just good business sense, peopleâ€"you’re going to get much less for your money if I have to spend the first thirty minutes of our first session explaining why the section people call “Logic Games” is called “Analytical Reasoning” on the test and the section I call “Arguments” is called “Logical Reasoning” on the test. Before you meet with anybody, I’d read up on the structure of the different sections of the test and I’d take a practice exam. In fact, I’d take several practice exams. Then, when you first meet your tutor, instead of asking what you need to work on, you can say, “This is what I need to work on; how can you help?” About the Author Steve is a graduate of Northwestern University, scored in the 99th percentile on the LSAT, and has been tutoring LSAT students for many years.

25 English Collocations with Come - English Lesson via Skype

25 English Collocations with Come - English Lesson via Skype Today were  going to look at some English collocations.And remember that in English a collocation  is a specific arrangement of words that  communicates a specific meaning.  Of course, we  could use other words to describe the  same meaning but we  prefer using  the collocation  over and over again.By the end of this post you will learn 25 English collocations with COME. 25 Common Collocations with COME COME FIRSTmeans to be of  the top priority or to be the most. Something that comes first  is the most important thing, it is a priority.Example: Your education comes first so  go to your room and study now.  (your education is your priority)Example: The customer always comes first.(the customer in a business is the most  important thing its the top priority so  serving the customer  or  helping the  customer is the most important thing)COME FIRSTWe can also use come first to  describe your status or position in a  competition.Example: We had a race in  school  yesterday. Mary  came first, I came second, and Sarah came last.COME CLOSEmeans to  almost do something or to almost achieve  something.Example:  He didnt come in  first place but he came close.  I came close to getting  an A in my test. I nearly got 100%.I came close to  buying a new car today. I nearly bought a new car.COME TO TERMSthis  means to reach an  agreement, to reach a compromiseExample: They could never come to te rms so they  got a divorce.COME TO TERMS WITH (something)This means to accept  a painful  or emotionally stressful situation or  event in your life.Example: It took  him a very long time to come to terms  with the death of his wife.  It took him a very long time to come to  terms with the fact that his wife has died.COME CLEAN ABOUTmeans to make a confession, to tell the truth about something that you have kept secretExample: It was our fault and we came clean about it.You will find more collocations with Come below the infographic. Collocations with Come - Infographic Don't keep this to yourself, tell the world: COME TO LIGHTmeans to be revealedExample: The plan for the merger came to light last week.COME EARLYmeans to arrive before the time that was arranged or expectedExample: I had to come early for the first meeting to complete the paperwork.COME INTO VIEWMeans to become visibleExample: As we turned the corner, the Eiffel Tower  came into view.COME TO MINDMeans to think of something without making any effortExample: Have you any suggestions? Nothing comes to mind, I’m afraid. COME LASTThis is opposite to COME FIRST, someone finishes competition or race in the last positionExample: Much to my amusement, Peter came last in this race.COME LATEmeans to arrive after the expected, proper, or usual timeExample: 45 minutes is the time you are allowed to come late to an exam.  COME ON TIMEmeans to arrive at a particular designated time, neither especially early nor lateExample: The performance  starts at 7 p.m. Please come on time.COME PREPAREDmeans to arrive ready beforehand for a specific purpose, as for an event or occasion. For example, come prepared for a test you need to do some preparation beforehand, go through certain chapters in the book. It also means that you have to bring something with you, for example, a pen, a ruler, a calculator, etcExample: You must come prepared for the quiz next time.  COME TO A DECISIONmeans to make a decisionExample: The company board has come to a decision to let the senior manager go.COME TO AN AGREEMENTsituation in which people have the same opinion about somethingExample: During the meeting we came to an agreement to invest in the health market.COME TO AN ENDmeans to stop, to reach an endExample: I was sad to learn that my internship has come to an end. Do you like this infographic? Here's what you can do next: COME TO LIFEmeans to become more real or excitingExample: My idea to write a book came to life when I was talking with my childhood friend.COME INTO PLAYwhen something becomes relevant, active or effective in a particular situationExample: When this new policy comes into play, fewer people will have rights to make transactions.COME IN PEACEwhen someone arrives somewhere with friendly intentionsExample: After three days the Indians came in peace and gave us supplies of corn and sweet potatoes.COME INTO THE PICTUREto become involved in a particular situation; for something to be considered or used in a particular situationExample: When coal came into the picture, it took about 50 or 60 years to displace timber.COME APARTmeans to break into pieces, to separate something into piecesExample: This table comes apart and you can store it away when you don’t use it.COME UP TRUMPSto complete something successfully, often without expecting itExample: Sarah came up trumps, winning the race des pite her injury.COME IN BLUE/YELLOW/GREENto be produced or to be available in a particular colour or sizeExample: Does this t-shirt come in green? Continue Learning English Why stop here? For

THIS KUMON STUDENT HAS A BLACK BELT IN TAEKWONDO AND APPLIES SELF-LEARNING IN HER EVERY DAY ROUTINE

THIS KUMON STUDENT HAS A BLACK BELT IN TAEKWONDO AND APPLIES SELF-LEARNING IN HER EVERY DAY ROUTINE THIS KUMON STUDENT HAS A BLACK BELT IN TAEKWONDO AND APPLIES SELF-LEARNING IN HER EVERY DAY ROUTINE Repetition. This is just one similarity between Kumon and Taekwondo.  In order to  master a new skill, it takes practice and repetition. At just  11  years old, Sriya understands the power of repetition.   She has a black belt in Taekwondo and is currently studying  2-years above her grade level in Kumon. There’s an essence of confidence surrounding Sriya that will help her overcome any obstacle as she works towards her future goal of becoming a pediatrician.     Sriya has experienced many academic accomplishments to compliment that black belt in Taekwondo. She’s received the President Award for Educational Excellence, placed 3rd  in an  American Mathematics Competition  against students older than her,  and is currently taking college courses.  In her spare time, she also volunteers  for  the  Alzheimers Association  Community Walk?to End?Alzheimers, 2018.   Because of her accomplishments both in-and-out of the classroom, Sriya was one of 56 Kumon Students from the United States, Canada and Mexico to attend the  2018 Kumon Student Conference.     She shares  how Kumon has helped her on her journey.   What’s the biggest benefit you’ve received from Kumon?   The biggest benefit I’ve received from Kumon is self-learning. In a situation where I don’t have a teacher or don’t know the answer to a question, self-learning is key. This will even help me later in life in my career.       What do you hope to accomplish from Kumon?   I want to be a  doctor,  so I want to use my Kumon skills like self-learning and my math  ability  to help me achieve my goals.     How has Kumon helped you in the classroom?   It has helped me a lot! In fact, I am advanced compared to my classmates. I am also currently taking college courses. Kumon has given me that basis of self-learning and skills which has helped me with those courses.       Sriya shakes hands with Kumon North America President Mino Tanabe How has Kumon helped you beyond academics??   Kumon has  taught  me to see repetition as a helping hand rather than a barrier. I know that each individual worksheet I work on is encouraging me to master my skills. This benefits me beyond academics, like in Taekwondo, tennis and swimming. I can see how repetition assists me to master everything I do. For example, when I practice skills in Taekwondo,  I  have to  do them repeatedly, that way I am sharp with those techniques. Every time I swing my  tennis racket across my shoulder, I am building skills.       What did it mean to you to be invited to the 2018 Kumon Student  Conference??   I loved meeting other people that shared the same mindset. I loved the speeches and seeing the brain power of my peers and how they work and realize the importance of education. If we all work together as a group, we can change the world with our education.     What advice do you have for other Kumon Students? The goal is to never give up!     Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: This Future Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Applies Discipline and Repetition In-and-Out of the Classroom Accomplished Pianist Applies Focus and Discipline in Her Everyday Routine This Black Belt in Karate is Driven by Perseverance This Student Learned the Power of a Routine with Kumon THIS KUMON STUDENT HAS A BLACK BELT IN TAEKWONDO AND APPLIES SELF-LEARNING IN HER EVERY DAY ROUTINE THIS KUMON STUDENT HAS A BLACK BELT IN TAEKWONDO AND APPLIES SELF-LEARNING IN HER EVERY DAY ROUTINE Repetition. This is just one similarity between Kumon and Taekwondo.  In order to  master a new skill, it takes practice and repetition. At just  11  years old, Sriya understands the power of repetition.   She has a black belt in Taekwondo and is currently studying  2-years above her grade level in Kumon. There’s an essence of confidence surrounding Sriya that will help her overcome any obstacle as she works towards her future goal of becoming a pediatrician.     Sriya has experienced many academic accomplishments to compliment that black belt in Taekwondo. She’s received the President Award for Educational Excellence, placed 3rd  in an  American Mathematics Competition  against students older than her,  and is currently taking college courses.  In her spare time, she also volunteers  for  the  Alzheimers Association  Community Walk?to End?Alzheimers, 2018.   Because of her accomplishments both in-and-out of the classroom, Sriya was one of 56 Kumon Students from the United States, Canada and Mexico to attend the  2018 Kumon Student Conference.     She shares  how Kumon has helped her on her journey.   What’s the biggest benefit you’ve received from Kumon?   The biggest benefit I’ve received from Kumon is self-learning. In a situation where I don’t have a teacher or don’t know the answer to a question, self-learning is key. This will even help me later in life in my career.       What do you hope to accomplish from Kumon?   I want to be a  doctor,  so I want to use my Kumon skills like self-learning and my math  ability  to help me achieve my goals.     How has Kumon helped you in the classroom?   It has helped me a lot! In fact, I am advanced compared to my classmates. I am also currently taking college courses. Kumon has given me that basis of self-learning and skills which has helped me with those courses.       Sriya shakes hands with Kumon North America President Mino Tanabe How has Kumon helped you beyond academics??   Kumon has  taught  me to see repetition as a helping hand rather than a barrier. I know that each individual worksheet I work on is encouraging me to master my skills. This benefits me beyond academics, like in Taekwondo, tennis and swimming. I can see how repetition assists me to master everything I do. For example, when I practice skills in Taekwondo,  I  have to  do them repeatedly, that way I am sharp with those techniques. Every time I swing my  tennis racket across my shoulder, I am building skills.       What did it mean to you to be invited to the 2018 Kumon Student  Conference??   I loved meeting other people that shared the same mindset. I loved the speeches and seeing the brain power of my peers and how they work and realize the importance of education. If we all work together as a group, we can change the world with our education.     What advice do you have for other Kumon Students? The goal is to never give up!     Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: This Future Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Applies Discipline and Repetition In-and-Out of the Classroom Accomplished Pianist Applies Focus and Discipline in Her Everyday Routine This Black Belt in Karate is Driven by Perseverance This Student Learned the Power of a Routine with Kumon

5 Ways to Make Networking Less Intimidating

5 Ways to Make Networking Less Intimidating Image via Pexels Don’t Apologize:  It’s a natural instinct to want to say “sorry” when approaching or reaching out to someone. Though you may think it’s the most respectful thing to do, it shows the person you’re trying to network with that you’re not confident and most likely lacking professionalism,  Meridith Levinson  of CIO.com notes. When approaching someone to build a connection, say something along the lines of “Hello! I don’t mean to take up much of your time, but…” This not only shows that you are considerate of their time, but it also shows that you are confident and strong in your communication skills. If you absolutely feel the urge to say that five letter word, just mutter it to yourself after you’re done talking to the person so they don’t hear it! Stray From the Term “Networking”: “Networking” has a heavy, intimidating connotation to it. For some, seeing or hearing the word can spiral them into an anxiety attack, stressing them out beyond belief. One way to make networking less intimidating is to abolish the term itself! If the word makes you feel like you have to be “something” or “someone,” try something else! The Editor of the Muse writes, “scratch that word altogether, and think of your next networking event as an open exchange â€" one with no pressure and plenty of opportunity. At an open exchange,” you’re free to  share ideas, contacts, information, and resources  with tons of interesting people.” Feels better already, right? Find Common Interests: What better way to build connections than to find common interests with others? If you can touch on a common interest or short/long term goal with someone, you can better connect with them, making the idea of exchanging ideas less intimidating. Authors Tiziana Casciaro, Francesca Gino, and Maryam Kouchaki of the Harvard Business Review write, “Numerous studies in social psychology have demonstrated that people establish the most collaborative and longest-lasting connections when they work together on tasks that require one another’s contributions.” Image via Pexels Host Your Own Get Together: This sounds informal, and maybe it is, but a small get together is a great way to get to know people and help reduce any anxieties you have about networking. The Editor of the Muse  suggests, “Email 10 of your friends, suggest a place and date, and ask each person to bring someone new. To keep the event more professional, you could plan a structured conversation about everyone’s career goals, the status of their job satisfaction, or even current industry trends.” Networking this way can help calm you and give you more of a sense of control of the people you talk to and the overall networking process! Utilize Social Media: Whether it’s LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., social media sites can be an easy way to connect with people and network at the click of your computer mouse. Fauzia Burke of the Huffington Post  notes, “Social media experts at  SocialMediaExaminer.com, say that Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are whole package platforms â€" and are considered both social media (tools) and social networking (a way to engage). “ You can find people with common interests through your job social media pages on Facebook or Twitter, or by simply exploring different organizations and clubs in your area! Networking as an introverted person is not the easiest task. There’s no denying the fact that it can be hard to put yourself out there and be vulnerable to others. However, through slow and easy steps, you will find that it will be way less painful and overwhelming than you thought! As always, good luck!