2009年12月2日星期三

Many chances to learn French

It’s tough to get a leg up in this city without knowing both official languages.

Most English-only speakers know how frustrating it is to see “bilingual” among the top requirements on a job posting.

Fortunately, there are dozens of places offering group and private courses to people wanting to improve their French competency at any level.

At Alliance Francaise, they separate group classes in three different blocks — beginner, intermediate and advanced. Each of those blocks has four or five different levels.

Someone taking classes in the upper level of the intermediate block can expect to comfortably converse in French.

Students could sign up for two-week intensive courses, six-week semi-intensive courses, or regular term classes.

The six-hour per day intensive courses cover one level per week, so a highly motivated student could potentially go from zero to reasonably bilingual in around 10 weeks.

The Conseil Des Ecoles Catholiques du Centre-Est offers a variety of blended French language training courses that are conducted half in-class and half online.

“We have all the levels from a real beginner up to those who want to take a more advanced business course,” said Carole Lapointe, co-ordinator of the French as a second language program. “It will prepare people to be functional, that is, to carry on a conversation, while at the same time, it will prepare them to undergo a test for a job that requires bilingualism.”

La Cite Collegiale has French language programs geared specifically for people already in or trying to get in to the federal government.

These courses are also offered at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. A language proficiency test is used to determine what level a student would be at.

The 11- to 13-week courses each comprise around 65 hours of in-class time at each level.

The University of Ottawa’s Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute also offers a three-week intensive course in French over the summer for people at the intermediate level.

The course focuses on listening, speaking, reading and writing with emphasis on vocabulary development and improved grammar skills.

The 21 hours of in-class time each week includes work in language laboratories for oral practice. Optional socio-cultural activities are also offered.

2009年9月13日星期日

weired shoes






look at these weired shoes,haha,it is so amazing.

2009年7月16日星期四

Back-to-school fashion is a study of the '60s

Peace, love and neon. Those are the back-to-school buzzwords for a generation too young to remember those fashion themes the first time around, or even the second.

This celebration of feel-good prints, including peace signs, flower power and butterflies, occurs against a backdrop of psychedelic colors and runs straight through toddlers to teens, fueling a 1960s redux by way of the '80s. (There also were a lot of '60s influences in '80s fashion; everything was just bigger and brighter in the "me" decade.)

For today's young, style-conscious set, born during the grunge and techno fashion phases, these are fresh and exciting looks.

"I think the reason the girls like it is this is all something new," says Lece Lohr, co-president of Justice, formerly Limited Too. "And it gives the mother a new reason to spend money because it's something the daughter doesn't already have."

Yet for anyone just a little older, defining '60s silhouettes — including the miniskirt, shift dress and peacoat — are must-have classics, and young girls are always looking to emulate what they perceive as "grown-up fashion," says Gloria Baume, fashion director at Teen Vogue.

Justice reports strong sales of tie-dye and peace signs in its spring-summer lineup, so both motifs will move forward for fall, although some colors will be a little muted in keeping with the autumnal season. They'll play off highlighter hues.

Then there are the Woodstock-infused bohemian touches, such as peasant tops and fringe, which lasted into the early 1970s. The young customer isn't a purist about the periods, observes Lohr with a laugh. "I don't think they have any idea that something is from the '60s, '70s or '80s — they just like it. Because the styles were so extreme, there's something a little bit about it like a costume shop."

There's also a fashion freedom that was celebrated in the late 1960s that kids connect with, says celebrity stylist Art Conn, adviser to "American Idol." "That casual vibe — that's easy to recreate and keep in that theme."

Sonya Cosentini, the TJ Maxx/Marshalls style expert who collaborated with Conn on the upcoming fall ad campaign, notes that starlets like Nicole Richie, Miley Cyrus, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen all embrace their inner boho, influencing girls everywhere. "The style has been mainstream for a while, but it's hitting big for back to school."

Why now?

Fashion is always cyclical, says Cosentini, but today's economy might be having an effect too, putting shoppers in that "I-don't-need-everything mentality" that ruled the hippie years.

"Because of the economic situation the whole country is in, people are looking for better days, comfort zone," says A.K. LaMonica, senior director of apparel for The Children's Place, which is emphasizing printed corduroy, "artsy-craftsy" silhouettes and rock 'n' roll florals in its girls' collection. "Hearing stories about the '60s makes them think of a time when things were freer and not living under this cloud."

Meanwhile, Rachel Panetta, director of marketing at Stride Rite, points out parallels between the modern environmental movement, strongly influenced by youth, and the peace movement of yesteryear. Children are aware of the world around them — and they dress accordingly, she says.

Who could argue with a little peace and love? wonders Mindy Meads, president and chief merchandising officer of Aeropostale and its new younger sibling line, P.S. From Aeropostale.

"Kids seems to understand a positive influence," she says. "They totally respond to it. Maybe they don't understand why, but it just feels good and looks good."

Many of the children's looks mimic what's coming down the pike for adult fashion, which also has a rebellious side for fall.

"We do a tremendous amount of research to explore fashion trends. We explore online resources, junior clothing and accessory stores, and runway," Stride Rite's Panetta says. "From these venues we interpret the colors, materials and styles and adapt them into kid-appropriate fashionable footwear."

Expect to see moccasins, hand-stitching and more fringe on girls' feet.

It's harder to recreate a retro feeling for boys, LaMonica explains, but The Children's Place is aiming to do it with faded washes and a few key pieces, including stadium windbreakers.

As for mom, she can try to capture the spirit of the '60s in a way appropriate for her age, knowing the limits of a largely youthful look, Conn says.

"For a mom, tights work for any generation, and so does a fringe boot or a handbag with fringe. That's your nod to the '60s," he says. "You don't want to see mom in a leather headband — I don't want to see that, and their daughters will run the other way."

2009年6月28日星期日

Ed Hardy

EdHardy, la marque portée par toutes les stars est disponible en Europe sur www.senz.com. Inspirée de l’imaginaire du rock’n’roll et de l’esthétique des tatouages californiens (têtes de mort, aigles, tigres, flammes, etc.) elle connaît un succès incontestable outre-atlantique

Inconnu en France leur créateur, Christian Audigier, originaire d'Avignon, a fait toute sa carrière aux Etats-Unis et avait lancé Von Dutch en 2000, qu'il a quitté plus tard pour lancer ses propres marques dont « EdHardy », du nom de l'emblématique tatoueur des stars d'Hollywood.


Aujourd'hui, EdHardy est portée par de nombreuses stars comme Madonna entre autres qui ne sort pas une semaine sans porter ses tee-shirts, casquettes, et tuniques griffées de la marque.

Découvrez la collection EdHardy sur www.senz.com, ainsi que des vidéos et galerie photos !!!!

2009年6月12日星期五

Coupe de Confédérations - Milutinovic :"Un gros challenge"

Cinq nations différentes. Bora Milutinovic a conduit cinq nations différentes vers cinq Coupes du monde (Mexique en 1986, Costa Rica en 1990, USA en 1994, Nigeria en 1998 et Chine en 2002). Plus étonnant encore, il a échoué en poule seulement en 2002. En avril dernier, il a pris les rênes des champions d'Asie qu'il mènera également lors de la Coupe de Confédérations qui débutera en fin de semaine. Les Renards du désert devront faire face à l'Afrique du Sud, les Espagnols et la Nouvelle-Zélande. Goal.com l'a interrogé pour vous.

Goal.com : Comment appréhendez-vous ce rôle de sélectionneur de l'Irak ?

C'est un gros challenge. Je sais que l'équipe n'a pas eu de bons résultats dans le passé. Ils m'ont appelé, ont parlé avec moi... j'ai pris le job.

Quel est l'objectif réaliste pour la sélection irakienne en Coupe des Confédérations ? L'Irak peut-il se sortir de son groupe ? Ou gagner ?

C'est difficile d'être réaliste dans le sport ! Vous essayez toujours de donner le meilleur. Notre groupe n'est pas simple. L'Espagne est l'une des meilleures équipes du monde, mais avec l'Afrique du Sud et et la Nouvelle-Zélande, nous avons une chance de passer. Quand j'étais à la tête du Costa Rica lors de la Coupe du monde 1990, peu de gens nous donnait une chance de passer. Nous étions avec la Suède, l'Ecosse et le Brésil, mais nous l'avons fait et nous nous sommes qualifiés. En sport, tout est possible si vous avez l'esprit d'équipe.

Justement, comment avez-vous trouvé cet état d'esprit depuis que vous êtes arrivé ?

C'est génial, malgré tous les problèmes. Il y a la guerre depuis six ans, mais quand vous allez au stade et que vous voyez les supporters, c'est incroyable !

Les performances ont beaucoup baissé depuis la Coupe d'Asie, pourquoi ?

Il y a beaucoup de difficultés. Dans une compétition tout doit aller dans le même sens et c'est ce qui s'était passé. L'Irak avait battu l'Arabie Saoudite en finale, mais ils étaient dans un élan particulier.

Afin de prendre les points dont vous avez besoin en Coupe de Confédérations, vous concentrerez-vous plus sur les matchs de la Nouvelle-Zélande et de l'Afrique du Sud, plutôt que sur celui de l'Espagne ?

L'Espagne sera évidemment un match très difficile, mais notre premier match est contre l'Afrique du Sud. dans ce genre de compétitions, il y a trois matchs et la façon dont nous prendrons les points n'est pas importante. Nous avons au moins besoin de quatre unités. Une victoire et un nul nous donnerons une chance. Deux victoires seraient encore mieux, mais peu importe d'où viennent les points.

L'Afrique du Sud sera un test difficile...

C'est une bonne équipe. Elle se prépare pour la Coupe du monde et la presse mondiale sera présente. La pression sera grande sur ses épaules. Pour une équipe locale, il est important de supporter la pression mentale et psychologique. Il y a également de la pression sur nous, mais la pression sur eux est encore plus grande. Quand ils joueront, le pays entier sera derrière eux, mais cela apportera de la pression en plus. Il est essentiel d'avoir une bonne préparation dans ces conditions.

Que pensez-vous du fait que la Coupe du monde se joue pour la première fois en Afrique ?

Le football appartient aux peuples et c'est le meilleur jeu du monde. C'est génial que la Coupe du monde aille en Afrique. C'est une partie importante du monde qui mérite sa chance.

Si vous passez les éliminatoires, vous pourriez rencontrer votre ancienne équipe, les Etats-Unis.

Ce serait génial ! Ce sera vraiment bien pour nous et pour eux, surtout que ça voudrait dire qu'ils seraient passés aussi. La fédération américaine de football est un exemple. De mon temps, elle était excellente, tout comme les coachs. Je n'aime pas comparer cette équipe à celle de 1994, mais elle a un bon entraîneur et une équipe très bien organisée. Peut-être n'a-t-elle pas de stars exceptionnelles, mais elle a de bons joueurs et une très bonne équipe. Le football aux Etats-Unis a tellement grandi !

L'Irak pourrait-il battre les Etats-Unis ?

Vous pourrez me le demander la veille du match, si cela arrive. Je ne veux pas répondre maintenant. J'envoie mes meilleurs voeux aux Etats-Unis.

L'Irak n'a pas pu se qualifier pour la Coupe du monde, cela rend-il la Coupe de Confédérations encore plus importante ?

Ce serait encore mieux d'être toujours en course, mais pour de multiples raisons, cela n'est pas arrivé. L'Irak était dans un groupe difficile avec l'Australie, le Qatar et la Chine. Nous avons peu de temps pour construire une équipe compétitive mais j'espère que nous pourrons faire quelque chose de bien.

Que se passera-t-il pour vous après la Coupe des Confédérations ?

Je peux seulement parler de cette compétition. Ce qui se passera après, on verra. C'est le football et c'est ma destinée (rires).

Vous avez supervisé plusieurs entraînements, les joueurs vous ont-ils impressionné ?

J'ai été très impressionné par leurs efforts. Ils ont montré beaucoup de détermination et une excellente mentalité. Ce ne sont pas simplement d'excellents joueurs, mais ils ont également montré beaucoup de passion et de discipline. C'est un début encourageant. Tout est différent, tout est difficile. Vous devez vraiment être là pour comprendre ce qui se passe dans le pays et comprendre la situation. C'est difficile pour eux, mais je les admire vraiment. C'est un peuple formidable.
from:http://www.goal.com

2009年5月31日星期日

ed hardy vehicel by BMI

Included in BMI’s remote control lineup are the Ed Hardy licensed vehicles, the Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro Car, the Remote Control Racing Tuner and the Full Function Cyclone Racers. The Ed Hardy Licensed Remote Control Vehicles include the Lamborghini and Mercedes models. Each one is a 1:12 scale car packaged in a whopping 24”x 12”x18” detailed window box. Both sets contain the 1:12 scale vehicle, radio control transmitter, 2 Ed Hardy decal sheets, the rechargeable battery pack for the vehicle, as well as the batteries needed for the transmitter. The features include a full function radio control, working headlights and tail lights, transmitter controlled horn and realistic sounds. They are item numbers CRSEHL and CRSEHM, being sold as a 1 piece minimum with 2 pieces to a case.

2009年5月21日星期四

mens swim wearing 2009

Need some ideas for a swimsuit during this humid Michigan weather? Men are really lucky these days with all of the swim styles there are to choose from.With most city pools and recreational sites opening this weekend, here are some of the coolest new lines out there right now. Although board shorts are the most popular, I am including a little bit of everything.
Ed Hardy is one of the most in style trends right now. The designer is fairly new to swimwear, but yet knows how to make a pair of board shorts stand out. The ones I like best appear in dark shades with a unique whimsical design on them, such as a heart or an angel of some sort.

beating yours ,ed hardy shoes

I can see you, and I’m laughing at you. You think you’re so cool, with your Rock & Republic jeans and your Ed Hardy shoes, leaning against the bar like you just don’t give a damn. Yeah, I’m laughing--because with all your swagger and attitude, you’re missing one small detail. You see, curled up in your drinking hand, is a bottle of Bud-Light.Dude, you are such an amateur.Listen, I have nothing personal against Bud-Light. Au contraire. It was the first beer that I ever drank. However, I used to drink formula out of a bottle, and you don’t see me doing that anymore either.My point is, why not drink a beer that tastes good? Flying Dog’s Double Dog Pale Ale is a bold beer that literally explodes with flavor. Double Dog pours with a dark caramel color that is rich and inviting, with lively carbonation and a perky, white head. A whiff brings pleasant herbal aromas like citrus and pine. One sip reveals a bold, well-balanced body, slightly sweet and prickly against the tongue, with a strong, and I mean strong, presence of hops in the aftertaste.Double Dog is a bit hard to find around Dallas. Currently, I get my weekly fix of it at The Ginger Man. If you know of any other places in town that serve Double Dog, please do me a favor and let me know.

Chris Harrison wearing ed hardy shirts

this is chris harrision's ' The Bachelorette' season premiere. Well hello, my friends -- oh how I've missed you. Just look what you people have done to me: This time last year I had never even blogged before and now I Twitter. I Twitter! What has happened to me? I'm so hip next thing you know I'll be wearing throsse Ed Hardy shirts and riding a motorcycle. (By the way guys, if that's your thing no offense -- women really love that!) The last season was so mentally and emotionally draining I wasn't really sure I was ready to jump back in the water so quickly with another season. I arrived the first night and found Jillian getting her makeup done. She hopped up with that infectious smile of hers and gave me a big hug. She was a breath of fresh air, and I knew right then we were ready to go again. I've done so many interviews where I've tried to describe what's so great about Jillian; the best way to sum it all up is what you see is what you get. She's the real deal and any of these guys will be lucky to end up with her -- and I'm truly hoping that happens. Notice I said hoping: For the first time in Bachelor/Bachelorette history, the show is premiering while we're still in production. So if somebody tells you they know how all this ends, you should also ask them for future lottery ticket numbers. After the jump: Bilbro, breakdancing, and more roses than ever addCredit("Adam Larkey/ABC") I'm sure you noticed we are back in the same house. I love shooting at this house; not only is it close to where I live, but it looks great on TV. Once again, huge props to the art department and lighting for making everything look so fantastic. I wish you all could meet the small army that works so hard to make this show so good. The first night is always a long one and this one was no different. We did have one little twist for Jillian: About half way through the night, I brought five more guys in. I really didn't think much of this, that is until I saw everybody's reaction. I figured it would be fun and Jillian would be excited -- the more the merrier, right? The original 25 guys got pretty territorial, and Jilli got a bit overwhelmed. I think she had just gotten a handle on everything when I threw her the curve ball. She ended up handling it like a pro and that's a good thing, because she ended up keeping most of the new guys. Speaking of, lets talk about the guys and the cocktail party. (Hold on, 'cause here comes a bunch of random thoughts about the guys and the night.) "On a scale of one to Bilbro... I'm Bilbro." Greg, I'm gonna miss you the most of all. Greg was certainly not the one for Jilli, but damn he would have been outstanding entertainment. Brian, "Hot tub Harris"... great line. That's gonna stick. Kyle, if your gonna roll up on The Bachelorette in a Members Only jacket, you can't think you have game -- you better have major game. No rose for Kyle, and we lost our only member. Greg and Mike challenge each other to a break off -- not since the '80s has such a battle been waged. Know this people: The rec center not only wasn't saved this time, it burned to the ground. In the end, in my humble breakin' opinion, Greg did get served and Mike stomped the yard. (Can somebody get Kyle's Members Only jacket for me please?) Tanner P's foot fetish... Let me tell you, at this point Jillian didn't know anything about his odd desires. Don't worry -- this story isn't over yet! You can bet your left pinky toe on that. Dave got the first impression rose -- what a perfect example of what a great women Jilli is. Dave really fell all over himself trying to speak when he got out of the limo, and I think Jillian knew his ego had taken a bit of a shot and he was embarrassed. Jillian really gave him a shot in the arm by giving him the first impression rose. Class move, Jilli! Wondering what you guys think of Wes and his song for Jillian. I know some of the guys were put off, but it worked on Jillian, and isn't that what really matters most? The first rose ceremony was one of the weirdest scenes I've ever walked into on this show. It felt like there were 50 guys in that room. I know it's only five more than normal, but it just felt very crowded in there. We went from 30 down to 20, so obviously the numbers are going to be a little different each week. This, oddly enough, really changed the show. (We'll discuss this more in the upcoming weeks.) Let me say this before I go, after nineteen roses I know you were confused, and thank God I was there to let you know there was one final rose left. What would you do without me? Wait, don't answer that! I need the job. It's good to be back, and I'm glad you're back with me. It's a great season and I think you'll all enjoy the ride.