Thursday, July 12, 2007

Study French Anywhere, Anytime

Learning another language today isn't an impossible task any longer. Anyone can study and learn French anytime and anywhere they want. What it takes here though is genuine dedication to learn the language no matter how confusing and sometimes, difficult it could get.

For beginners, you could learn straight from home. Don't worry about not having a live person teaching in front of you the French language word by word. You can rely on learning directly from online language sites. You can look for reliable websites on the net which offers native French speakers as teachers. This is great for starters and even those that don't have any idea about the French language since your teacher can guide you properly. The procedure is simple. All you need to have is a personal computer at home, a reliable internet connection at home, a free telephone software system installed on your computer, headset and a webcam (for both of you) and you're ready to go.

Depending on your French background, you can take extended courses at home as well. Your tuition though will vary according to the level of French studies you have done so far. Take note that in taking separate courses, slightly higher tuition fees is at hand. Expect to receive a summary of the French grammar and audio materials for vocabulary.

If you're not planning any summer getaway, you can enroll for a French course which could last for about a week. Check on your local universities that could possibly offer this option. It's going to be a short course because it serves as a review for those who have already studied the French language. This is perfect for people who want to refresh what they already know about speaking French.

Choosing distance learning, no matter where you are located or where you'll be taking it is a good choice though it requires your dedication. You can enjoy studying alone though be sure you keep track of your time in taking the courses. Study French below three years.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Chieli Minucci & Special EFX Sweet Surrender Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

The extremely talented Smooth Jazz artist Chieli Minucci & Special EFX has released him latest CD on the Shanachie recording label, entitled Sweet Surrender.

Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

One of the refreshingly nice things about this CD is the way all of the participating artists seem to be really enjoying themselves. Combine that with the overall presentation and you've got one of Chieli Minucci & Special EFX's most impressive releases ever.

Overall Sweet Surrender is an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up and is most definitely a worthy addition to any Smooth Jazz collection. Truly an outstanding Smooth Jazz CD. One of those that is completely void of any wasted time, as each track is simply superb.

While the entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 - Mystical, track 4 - Sweet Surrender, and track 7 - Cry Of My Soul

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 11 - Children's Day. It's a great track!

Sweet Surrender Release Notes:

Chieli Minucci & Special EFX originally released Sweet Surrender on Feb 27, 2007 on the Shanachie label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Guitarzzz

2. Mystical

3. Astralcats

4. Sweet Surrender

5. Assension

6. Chant

7. Cry Of My Soul

8. Play With Me

9. Rush Hour (Dawn)

10. Rush Hour (Rush)

11. Children's Day

12. New Bop

13. Au Naturale

Chieli Minucci & Special EFX: Chieli Minucci (vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass guitar, programming); Philip Hamilton (vocals, percussion); David Mann (flute, saxophone); Jay Rowe (piano, keyboards); Jerry Brooks (bass guitar); Lionel Cordew (drums). Recording information: Bass Hit, New York, NY.