Learning new languages is one of my hobbies. I think it’s one of the reasons I went into opera. What other art form are you guaranteed to perform in another language? With this in mind, I am constantly looking for ways to maintain and improve the languages I speak. I found LiveMocha about 9 months ago and feel in love with it. Livemocha divides a language into courses, units, and lessons. Lessons are divided into four types of activities: learn, review, write, and speak. What’s nice is that you can also make flashcards from the content in the lessons, or you can make your own flashcards. There is even a chat feature, so you can connect with people learning the same language you are. Have you tried LiveMocha or have another way of learning languages quickly. Let me know. I am always open to ideas and suggestions.
February 11, 2010 – 9:35 am
As the co-founder of the Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition (MALC), I work to ensure that Massachusetts artists of all disciplines have a voice in public dialogue and key public policy initiatives that impact artists communities and the creative economy. I and other members of the MALC ensure that we have voices representing the creative economy on a local, state, and federal level. When Massachusetts established its Creative Economy Council the opera singer in me was very excited to hear what kinds of support and legislation would be brought forth to support performing and visual arts in the state. Unfortunately, the CEC has focused its efforts on developing the design, videogame, advertising, and film/tv industries, leaving the performing and visual arts left a bit out of the loop. Performing and visual artists contribute directly to the economy, and drive more business, in several ways. For example: A friend of mine hangs art exhibitions in community spaces (coffee shops, bookstores). When those businesses hold small exhibition openings, it brings additional visitors onto their sales floors. On the same token, having a band perform at bars, restaurants, and bookstores can bring additional customers who may not otherwise venture into a business. Hiring an [...]
