Willpower

Willpower is the power to say yes or no. The power to keep going when others quit or give up. What makes some people have more willpower than others? Think your willpower is what it is?

Well some scientists think that you can exercise willpower just like any other muscle in the body. Read their opinion on willpower. Do you agree?

http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2011/11/07/how-willpower-works/XlOvEG4FipvZ8vM8VUNBpK/story.html

How will you strengthen your willpower? Let Praxis International help!

Does Any of it Make Any Sense?

Science Daily has an interesting article addressing how we make sense of things we encounter. Why are some things easy to understand? And other things you continue to struggle with? What makes some people able to understand languages or numbers easier than others?

Well this article talks a bit about some people looking to address these questions.

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111120134821.htm

Do you think things makes sense just because of our nerve cells? If so how can we take care of them better?

Constructive Criticism

Sure it sounds like it should be helpful. However, often times constructive criticism can cause defensiveness and rifts in relationships.

The problem is that it can also be essential for helping us to grow and develop as professionals.

Therefore when giving and receiving constructive criticism it's important to keep some important rules in mind.

This article from the Harvard Business Review addresses some of these important aspects.

http://blogs.hbr.org/schwartz/2011/11/theres-no-such-thing-as-constr.html

Someone criticize something your office could do better. Need consultants to help? Contact Praxis International we can connect you with the right people!

Need a Fun Writing Prompt Excerise?

This website has just the task for you. Spice up your short story writing skills with this fun and creative task. All you need is your writing utensils and a dictionary! Sit down with a friend and see the different stories you both come up with!

http://www.my-creativeteam.com/blog/creativity-boost-3-dictionary-excursion/

Need to improve your writing skills or want some help with business translations>? Contact Praxis International we have the people you need!

Life Secrets and Tips

Sometimes we lose sight of where we are heading.
Here are some secrets and tips to help improve your quality of life.

 http://www.highexistence.com/life-secrets-and-tips/comment-page-1/

Which ones are you doing now?

Which ones will you be doing in the near future?

Graduate Students Preparing for the Working World

These days it's not enough just to have a graduate degree. Making the most of networking and opportunities presented is essential to securing a job; and even more work has to go into the process to secure your dream job.
This recent graduate writes an article on how and why grad students have been ignoring the warning signs given to them in the past about the difficulties of finding a job.

http://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2011/11/21/essay-why-graduate-students-ignore-warnings-about-job-market

So you agree with everything she says? Is it only the economy making it tough on recent graduates? What other education can help you excel?

Writing a Book

Many of us have a lot to say and just don't have the time to sit down and say it. Well this article explains the scientific method of writing a book according to the snowflake method.
Maybe it can help loosen up that writers block?

http://www.ehow.com/how_4681591_write-novel-using-snowflake-method.html

Would this method work for you? Do you have other suggestions?

Encyclopedia of Philosophy

There have been hundreds of philosophers over time. However, how do you keep track of them all? Now you can check them out on the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Look up a philosophy or philosopher and refresh your memory on some of the greatest ideas of all time. From Nihilism to Nietzsche you can get the answers you need regarding the philosophies on your mind.

www.iep.utm.edu/

Liven up your next party and start a philosophical debate! See where it leads you, maybe you'll be the next entry in the encyclopedia.

Exams

We have all had to take exams. Sometimes during an exam we don't always know the answer. In many of these cases we guess.

This website shows a list of creative answers to questions where people didn't know the answer.

Have a good laugh and check out some of these responses.

http://funnyexam.com/answers/popular/36398-complete-exam-like-a-boss

Don't want to have to guess?

No worries, contact Praxis International we can help you with all your language needs.

Sentence Length

How many words do you need in a sentence? Are short sentences better than long sentences?

Here is a fun article that shows you the importance of diversifying your sentence length in order to engage the reader.

www.robmacdougall.org/blog/2010/09/this-sentence-has-five-words/

What do you learn from this paragraph of sentence length? Do you know how to write effective sentences?

Let Praxis help you improve your writing skills!

Improve Your Brain

What if you could improve your memory? Your brain's speed and flexibility?
How about improving your problem solving skills? Is it possible?

Well Luminosity claims that through their excerises people can improve their 5 major core brain fuctions of:

1. Memory
2. Attention
3. Speed
4. Flexibility
5. Problem Solving

Does it work? We will let you be the judge of that. Check out:

http://www.lumosity.com/personal-training-plan/brain-areas

And let us know if you feel smarter!

The History of Movie Trailers

We all love move trailers and the origin of words can help lead us to discover why we say expressions the way we do.

This article addresses how the word Movie Trailer developed.

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2011/08/why-short-movie-advertisement-clips-are-called-trailers/

Praxis works with translation, dubbing, and interpreting. If you need help making a project reach it's target audience we can help you!

Anagrams

What is an anagram?

It is a word or phrase formed by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase. Many famous names and expressions come from Anagrams.

You may just be surprised the anagrams that can be produced!

Check out this website that allows you to play with and create your own Anagrams.
 www.wordsmith.org/anagram/
 What will you create next?

Telephone Greetings

Now we answer with Hello, Hi, Hey, What's up?, or the more formal: "This is so and so speaking"

However, what about the original telephone greetings?

Ever wonder what people used to say back in those days?

This article addresses the original preferred way to answer the phone. What do you think of it?

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2011/10/saying-ahoy-hoy-was-at-one-time-the-preferred-way-to-answer-the-phone/

Interested in improving your telephone skills in a language? Contact Praxis International, we can help you reach your goals!

Color Idioms In Different Languages - A project by Alan Kennedy

Idioms, can be tricky and they are there in any language.

Most languages have some kind of idiom dealing with a color.
Alan Kennedy did some research to collect some of these idioms in different langauges.
See how different languages use color to express a thought and idea.
Are the colors used the same in your langauge as in other languages?

http://www.starchamber.com/colors/color-idioms.html

Let Praxis International help you sort out the language colors in your life. Contact us today!

Untranslatable Words from Around the World

For those of us that speak more than one language, we have begun to realize that some words just don't transfer. 

There are slight differences in the meaning of some things that aren't available in another language at times. This can be one of the most frustrating things about language development for new learners. 

However, instead of being frustrated learn to embrace those differences. Cultural difference, language, and areas affect not just what we say, but what we mean and how we say it. 

 

Check out these 20 untranslatable words from around the world. Maybe you will find just the word you've been looking for.

http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/20-awesomely-untranslatable-words-from-around-the-world/2/

Praxis can help you find the words your looking for to say what you want. Why not write us today?

11 Things the Wealthiest Americans Can Buy for the U.S.

It's all over the news. The gap between the rich and the poor is widening. Maybe you didn't know how much. Look at the difference some of the funding of the world's richest could make in the US for those with less. Imagine how it is around the world.

 

http://faireconomy.org/node/1765

Personality Type

Ever wonder what famous person your personality resembles?

Does your personality match more with Freud or Napoleon?

This fun website breaks down the major personality types, their characteristics and gives you insight into some of the famous people with these same traits. Find out if you have the same characteristics of the scientists you admire, or match more closely to a great philosopher. The results may surprise you!

http://www.celebritytypes.com/philosophers/

Writer's Block Got You Down?

There are many reasons for writer's block, but no matter what the reason it leaves the writer frustrated. However, here are some helpful assessments of the ten most common forms of writer's blocks. 

 

These are followed by some superhero style forms of overcoming them. 

http://io9.com/5844988/

 

 

 

Writer's block or translation problems?  Let Praxis International help you!

50 Problem Words and Phrases

Not just non-native speakers have problems with English. There are confusing words for native speakers as well. What's the difference between forgo and forego? Why do you sometimes use a while and other times awhile?

Here is a close up look at how to use some of these tricky words and phrases. Maybe in the future you will know the answer for these tricky questions in the English language.

http://www.dailywritingtips.com/50-problem-words-and-phrases/

Need help gaining fluency? No problem talk to Praxis International!

Study Guide Strategies

Thinking of going back to university or getting an MBA? 
Have a job interview?
Learning a new job or language? 


Here are some helpful study guide strategies. This website gives you advice on how to make the most use of your studying time, and gain the knowledge you need to accomplish your goals. 


Are you optimizing your time? 

http://www.studygs.net/

Typography

Typography is art made from text. Check out some of this amazing typography. Think of how important not just how you say words are, but how you display them. 


Ways of communication are developing and changing daily. Are you keeping up with the times? 

http://blog.reflexstock.com/2010/08/50-extremely-awesome-examples-of-typography/

Want to develop your language skills or business communication skills? Contact Praxis International for information on courses!

Improve Your Writing Skills

Everyone can always strive to improve their writing skills, whether it's in their own language or another language. 


This article on Becoming a Better Writer lists 25 tips from famous writers on writing. See if any of them are helpful in improving your writing skills.

the99percent.com/tips/7082/25-Insights-on-Becoming-a-Better-Writer


Need help on translations, or learning to write better in a second language? Contact Praxis today and we can arrange the writing support you need. 

Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases

Now we find everything on the internet, even full books at times. Take advantage of these resources on the internet. For example, Greenville Kleiser has a book Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases, and sure you probably won't sit down to read the whole book. However, why not flip forward to use Impressive Phrases in your next job interview or presentation?




http://www.globusz.com/ebooks/UsefulPhrases/

Need more resources? Praxis International has a wealth of resources. Contact us today to see how we can help you. 

Be Your own Lie Detector

Just like other forms of communication there are experts in how people communicate lies. Discover some of the secrets of how these people can tell if your lying. 

Do you agree with these tell tale signs? Are you guilty of using them at times when you lie? 


Take a day to see if you can spot these characteristics in the people around you. www.blifaloo.com/info/lies.php

Can we Make Life Simple Again?

Now we can be connected at any moment. Things are happening at a record pace. However can we go back to simplicity? 

This is an interesting article that lists ways to make your life simpler. Do you think it’s practical? How do you suggest to make your life simpler? http://www.marcandangel.com/2010/11/01/60-ways-to-make-life-simple-again/

Can we Exercise our Brains?

Some scientists believe that various cognitive exercises help to keep our brain ‘fit.’ We have long heard that the rumors of an active mind keeps it functioning. Well there are many ways to do that from continuing your studies, learning new hobbies and now games! 

Check out cognifit games and see if you feel smarter. http://www.cognifit.com/

Just One Word Gets you Started

Need a writing stimulus?

Check out one word, whether your just looking for a topic for some creative writing or a fun way to practice your language skills, oneword can be a great resource. 

It will offer you a random word to write on. See where your writing takes you! Write with a friend to see how you both develop different thought processes from the same idea. http://oneword.com/

10 Steps to a more Confident You using just your Body Language

Showing confidence with your Body Language is as crucial a part of communication as learning a language. Do you have these skills?

Why not read more about some of the best ways to demonstrate them with simple steps, even if your not always feeling confident.

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/09/13/top-10-ways-to-show-confidence-with-body-language/

Then of course if you need help with language acquisition we can help you further with that at Praxis International. Just inquire about our language classes in English, Portuguese or any other language.

Following Dreams UP

Many people have seen the film 'UP' and have thought about how cool it would be to have a flying house. Well a group of real people put this idea to the test. Read about their experience.

http://www.fubiz.net/2011/03/07/real-life-version-of-up/

What dreams have you always wanted to test out? Why not try them now? There is no better time to test a dream, to reach a goal, or to try something new then the present moment!

Caverns of Petar

We are organizing a great get away event to the mystical caves of Petar in Iporanga.
You are invited to an unique and engaging trip: Caverns of Petar

Where: Petar, 320 km from Sao Paulo (4 hours drive) in Iporanga.

When: Friday, 21 - Sunday, 23 of October 2011

Includes: transportation by bus, shared occupancy room, all meals, guides and park entrances
Vacancies: Maximum 25 people

Why: It's a great way to see a new place, have fun and meet new people from around the world. And it's the only one like it anywhere in the world!

Cost: R$ 595,00.

Meeting point in Sao Paulo: Metro Butanta (yellow line) at 19h50 on Oct 23rd.

For more information and to sign up please visit our website at: http://bestofsp.weebly.com/

Reserve your spot now!!

An Image Personality Test

We all know that personality tests exist. Most of the time they are long lists of questions and answers that can at times be tedious. However, this designer created a personality test based on your preference of different images. She believes that this can tell a lot about your personality. Why not take the test and see if it’s an accurate portrayal of you?
http://designbyadrian.com/96pix/

Praxis International can help you develop your personality and skills connect with us for some of our fun filled networking events, and language events.

The Concept of Time

Time is a cultural, personal, and above all relevant. This interesting article on time looks at how our minds perceive time no matter where we are from. We have all had those experiences where a moment seems to last forever, or time seems to ‘fly.’ Read about how our minds warp our conception of time.
http://www.spring.org.uk/2011/06/10-ways-our-minds-warp-time.php

Think you have some spare time? Why not contact us at Praxis International to use your time wisely. Take a language course, participate in a cultural event, or volunteer! For more information contact info@gcpraxis.com

The Language of Movement

Language is not just about speaking. Many of the important messages that we convey can be seen in our body language, in fact maybe even as much as 50% of what we communicate is done via body language.
Different non-verbal cues give us impressions of a person. The importance of body language can make the difference in establishing a contact or not. It can be the difference between a good impression or a bad impression.
People who master their body language can present move confident, reliable, and social images of themselves. You can read more about body language in this article.

http://www.jinxiboo.com/blog/2009/12/15/what-does-your-body-language-say-about-you-how-to-read-signs.html

Miss Universe Pageant 2011 arrives in Sao Paulo

This year Sao Paulo will host 89 candidates who will participate in the Miss Universe 2011 Pageant at the Credicard Hall on September 12.  The Miss Universe contest is meant to be more than just a beauty pageant: women aspiring to become Miss Universe should be intelligent, well-mannered, and cultured. The contestants compete in swimsuit and evening gown competitions but the most important rounds for judging tend to be based on the question response rounds; where contestants must answer various questions.

The winner is assigned a one-year contract with the Miss Universe Organization, going overseas to spread messages about the disease control, peace, and public awareness of AIDS. Since Donald Trump took over the pageant in 2002, the winner has been given the use of a Trump Tower apartment in New York City during her one year reign.

Check out their itinerary.

http://www.missuniverse.com/events/index/2011/09/pageant

Restaurant Week is Coming to Sao Paulo

Participating in the week are more than 150 restaurants throughout the city of Sao Paulo with a variety of cuisines. The restaurants prepare a special menu for the event with starter, main course and dessert at a fixed price - which is a fixed price for all the restaurants participating - and lower than the standard menu options.

This August’s event celebrates the Year of France in Brazil, and the challenge for the chefs is to recreate or add a bit of French-inspired dishes or food to their menu. An estimated 500, 000 people are expected to participate.

São Paulo Restaurant Week  starts the 5^th of September and goes until the 13^th of September. Unless you have a MasterCard Platinum or Black and then you can get a sneak peek and go starting August 31.

Check it out at www.restaurantweek.com.br

Booming Brazil

People from around the world are flocking to Brazil. Brazil right now is thriving with economic development in preparation for the World Cup, the Olympics, and many new companies are bringing their business to Brazil where the economy is doing well and steady. In Sao Paulo it’s not difficult to be out one night and hear at least 4 or 5 languages in popular locations. Portuguese of course is the dominant language, but there are large communities of English, French, Spanish, and German speakers as well in Sao Paulo.

The New York Times wrote an interesting article about this migration here in Sao Paulo.
 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/13/world/americas/13brazil.html?_r=1&ref=americas

The world is becoming more global. Languages are now becoming international business tools. Why not increase your language skills, and your professional appeal? Contact us at Praxis International and we can arrange a teacher for you in the language of your choice!  www.gcpraxis.com

Teach A Class

Teach A Class is an online non-profit that is trying to bring education to orphans around the world. Using modern technology, including skype and virtual classrooms, they are creating a team of everyday people with something to share; a guitar lesson, language classes, a bit about a new culture, or anything else to connect children that normally wouldn’t have these opportunities to the world.

Those lucky enough to have internet access regularly are saturated with learning possibilities; from learning new cultures to learning things via the internet. What if you can share basic knowledge with someone that normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to learn it?

http://www.teachaclass.org/

Wordle

This is a wonderful site that allows you to be creative while showing what you have learned. Wordle is a tool 
for generating “word clouds” from texts that you provide.The clouds give greater prominence to words that 
appear more frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, 
layouts, and color schemes. See learning from another perspective.

(Image:  Techlearning)

A Trip of a Life Time

Wonderful trilogy of short films celebrating travel. '3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage... all to turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food'.

 If you just moved to Brazil and need some tips about pretty much anything - from language to cultural habits, 
places to go, entertainment guide, please contact us at info@gcpraxis.com or visit www.gcpraxis.com  
We are ready to do all this and much more.

Socio-Economical Differences in Brazil

Art Director Daniel Bronfen created images that represent the socio-economical differences between 
Brazilian regions. His work is based on the 2010 Brazilian Census.  If you just landed in Brazil, it´s worth
taking a look for a quick understanding of the expression ‘We have 5 different countries in Brazil'.

(Image: Maps of Net)

Visualy

Love infographics? Then you will probably adore this new infographic search engine.
Over 2000 infographics, all in one place.

Hans Rosling's 200 Countries, 200 Years, 4 Minutes

"Hans Rosling's famous lectures combine enormous quantities of public data with a sport's commentator's 
style to reveal the story of the world's past, present and future development. Now he explores stats in a way 
he has never done before - using augmented reality animation" 

(Picture: Jackarcher )

Rio 2016

Praxis is proudly ambiented in Brazil, and the Olympic Games will take place at the most beautiful city in the world.         So here is a quick peek of what to expect for the Olympics in Rio.

Praxis supports all foreigners that are interested in Brazil. For more, visit our page 

Watch Now

Watch now is both a resource for users and also a non-profit, online community that encourages everyone to collect, create, and share free, innovative, educational videos. 

Can Twitter Predict the Future?

"Internet forecasting: Businesses are mining online messages to unearth consumers’ moods—and even make market predictions"

Interesting article from The Economist.

Picture: @ngonews

 

Skype in the Classroom

Skype in the classroom is a free community to help teachers everywhere use Skype to help their students learn. It’s a place for teachers to connect with each other, find partner classes and share inspiration. This is a global initiative that was created in response to the growing number of teachers using Skype in their classrooms.

Photo: Uochi

The Secret Power of Time

Professor Philip Zimbardo conveys how time influences who we are as people, how we view relationships 
and how we act in this world. Amazing video presentantion.

The Economics of Seinfeld

The Economics of Seinfeld is a catalog of clips (sometimes entire episodes) from the hit
sitcom Seinfeld that explain various economical concepts. The goal of the site is to use pop culture to help educate 
people about economics. Brilliant.

Picture: http://gothamist.com/attachments/byakas/5411seinfeld.jpg 

Wordnik

"All the words, and everything about them, for everybody" 

 Not just definitions, but sample sentences, related words, images, statistics, audio pronunciation, and more  -  http://www.wordnik.com/

Photo: Calamity Meg