The Importance of Your Boiler Chemistry

The Importance of Your Boiler ChemistryThe important and almost fundamental part of a boiler is its boiler chemistry. Batteries are the heart of every boiler and in order to make them work efficiently, the boiler chemistry must be perfect. It is vital that your boiler chemistry should be perfect. There are many problems with our current boiler chemistry which may lead to poor functioning of the boiler.Some of the problems with our boiler chemistry include rotenone and nitrites. Both rotenone and nitrites are very toxic chemicals and the first sign of their usage is a smell, which can cause serious health problems such as headaches, lethargy, vomiting, nausea, and cardiac issues.Nitrites are also very dangerous. If the boiler chemistry is not correct, then it could lead to nitrite poisoning which can damage your lungs. One of the most important things you need to do is find out if you have these two chemicals.Other problems with our boiler chemistry include electric corrosion, kerosen e and vaporization. Electrical corrosion can damage the condenser. Steam and water vapor can also cause the condenser to become hot and cause electrical damage.Generally speaking, if your boiler chemistry is low quality, then the boiler will not function efficiently. If you don't clean your boiler regularly, then you will have issues with these issues, but if you clean your boiler regularly, then you will have problems with both, boiler corrosion and rotenone and nitrites. You must clean your boiler properly every month or so in order to maintain a good boiler chemistry.The other thing that can be damaging to your boiler chemistry is the contact between the boiler and the element. This is the heating element. If this element gets damaged, then it will cause the entire system to fail.In conclusion, the first step in finding out your boiler chemistry is to find out if you have any of these two chemicals. If so, then you need to contact a professional, who will be able to tell you the importance of having your boiler chemistry right. There are some companies out there that are now offering their services for this.

How to Get the Most Out of Training and Gain Muscles

How to Get the Most Out of Training and Gain Muscles How to Start Circuit Training ChaptersCircuit Training: One Way of Total Body ToningOther Great Methods Besides CrossFit and Cross trainingOptimize Your Muscle Gain with the Power CircuitAdvice on How to Start Circuit TrainingCircuit training is a high intensity, strength training method that has existed for dozens of years and which is becoming more and more popular with athletes of all levels. Circuit training allows for muscle gain, increased endurance and bodyweight loss that is characterized by intense, short and repeated activity.You’re probably wondering what the advantages are of practising this technique of gaining muscle out of the diverse range of methods available to you: CrossFit, cross-training and classic weight lifting. Superprof invites you to discover the reasons why circuit training is the best way to boost your physical fitness, cardiovascular system and to burn fat â€" regardless of what level of training you’re in.Find a good personal trainer here. Ditch workout plans that aren't tailored to your goals and craft your own plan CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi im oleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsCircuit Training: One Way of Total Body ToningCircuit training is a specific method of training that involves weight exercises as well as bodyweight exercises accomplished in a series of short, repeated bursts without pauses for rest. Because of this resistance training method, you’ll be able to have a defined set of exercises in advance that can make for an interesting, interval training style workout routine. Before moving on to the next series of moves, you will have a rest interval.One main concern, whatever your gend er, is working on having a strong butt â€" one that can only be accomplished with physical activity. Luckily, circuit training is one of the ways you can accomplish this while losing weight and adapting it to your level.   This method doesn’t just help with losing weight in specific areas but typically involves upper body and lower body workouts.Circuit training is also a great way to work your heart health through cardiovascular exercise and improve endurance and stamina. Cardiovascular exercises are those that cause you to breathe heavily and is normally is characterized by total body movement.In fact, circuit training depends a lot on your respiratory system and your cardio abilities. Any athlete working with circuit training will be able to see the benefits on their heart and lungs through the weight training involved.In sum, circuit training requires little equipment, such as a kettlebell, dumbbell, barbell or medicine ball and can be adapted to all levels. Each workout shoul d include body workouts that work your full body and muscle groups. Some of the muscles you can expect to work are your biceps, triceps, glutes as well as muscles in your abdominal and leg region.Circuit training shouldn’t be confused with HIIT, which stands for high intensity interval training. While HIIT workouts are very similar to circuit training sessions, including using classic moves like squats and push ups, circuit training actually requires each move to be completed consecutively and without a rest break between them.Other Great Methods Besides CrossFit and Cross trainingCircuit training isn’t the only exercise program you can utilize if you’re training in sports â€" there are other methods you might want to check out, depending on your ultimate goal. Some examples, like CrossFit or cross training, can be equally as effective in providing training exercises for weight loss and for improving general, total body performance.CrossFit is a body workout that is derived fr om the CrossFit Inc. society and involves toning muscles, gymnastics, cardio training and more. Each day, a CrossFit athlete will have a WOD or workout of the day, defined for them in advance.Finding maps online that display gyms officially affiliated with CrossFit is a great way of finding a gym that is in your price range as well as willing to be adaptable to whatever sports level. The CrossFit method depends on discipline and intensity.CrossFit is different from circuit training in a number of aspects:Both can use materials like weights, but CrossFit tends to utilize heavier weightsCircuit training is centred around cardiovascular health while CrossFit centres around muscle gainCircuit training can be adapted specifically to womenCircuit training focuses on being a fat loss program that functions on working all parts of the body equallyOn the other hand, both training methods are very similar in many aspects, like the aspect of rest intervals. In both methods, this rest time tend s to be very short. Whether you’re at the gym with a personal trainer or simply workout out at home, both methods will leave you sweating with your heart pounding. Another similarity they share is the fact that both have a diverse range of body areas they focus on. You can combine high intensity cardio with your circuit routineCross Training is another training method you might be interested in to burn calories or body fat, which gets its name from the other two types but actually doesn’t have a lot to do with the two. Actually, cross training is generally used in sports played at the professional level and consists of training in a sport that is distinct to the one you’re already doing in order to reinforce different skills.This method allows an athlete to work on muscles other than the ones typically worked in the sport they specialize in. If you’re currently not training in a sport at a higher level, this method is probably not of interest.Optimize Your Muscle Gain with the Power CircuitIn order to work on specific areas of the body, athletes often turn to classic exercises and machines they can use that involves lifting weights. Weightlifting is one of the most classic methods of training that is characterized by completing the liftin g movement and then pausing between each rep of lifting.As you can see, this kind of workout is area-specific: arms, abdominal or legs â€" weightlifting allows you to train and build muscle in an efficient way. Comparing this to circuit training, instead of getting a general workout that works the whole body, classic weightlifting works specific body parts and is therefore very efficient in building muscle.Check for a personal trainer near me here.This, however, doesn’t mean that circuit training and weightlifting are  incompatible as training workouts. Weightlifting exercises can be integrated in a circuit workout framework and, going further, also combined with cardio exercise. For example, in order to move from a classic circuit training session, aimed for beginners, to a complex circuit training, aimed at muscular endurance, there exists one method called the power circuit.Circuit training has the advantage of increasing your metabolism, or metabolic rate, which is a result of the structure of the full body workout. After each rep, in which the body has a short recovery time, the body starts to burn fat. Methods such as the power circuit training are defined by fat burning exercises, with the number of reps adjustable to each level.For classic power circuit training, it is advised to complete 30 or 40 reps per move, with around 6 different exercises and 5 overall circuits. This framework isn’t static, though, and is meant to be modified according to skill level and the ability for whole-body movement.The efficiency of power circuit training can be traced to the explosive movements: each movement should be strategic and powerful in order for you to get meaningful results. Again, circuit training is based on time and not on the number of repetitions â€" something that applies to power circuit training as well.It’s also advised to alternate movements in order for variation in the areas you are working. This will give both your upper and lower body a wor kout â€" a full-body exercise routine where no muscle should be neglected.One session of power circuit training can be done in less than half an hour and gives you the intensity of weightlifting with the short time commitment of circuit training when compared to classic weightlifting.   There are many other ways to turn your power circuit training session into a cardio workout by incorporating both more anaerobic and aerobic exercise moves in each circuit. Practice circuit training with a friend or family member!Advice on How to Start Circuit TrainingCircuit training is a great way to increase cardiovascular fitness through weightlifting in order to experience both toning and realize your fitness goals. To get all the benefits of circuit training, you should prioritize good form.Your benefit from the total body workout of circuit training either with friends or alone, depending on what style of workout atmosphere you prefer. Regardless of what you choose, make sure your training environment is secure and safe.Completing strength exercises and body workouts for weight control is only one component to a healthy body. Paying close attention to what you feed your body and mind is an essential part of feeling and looking healthy.In order to reap the most fat burning and endurance building benefits out of the bodyweight exercises you do in this type of fitness program, eating a healthy diet will be just as important to building up your major muscle groups as the pushups and lunges you perform.Here are some examples of the types of exercises you’re likely to encounter in circuit training:Inverse crunchesRowingBurpeesJumping jacks or jump ropeMountain climber or jogging in placeTriceps or tricep dipsThe ideal circuit training is composed of a half hour of training and a half hour of rest. Each exercise should last anywhere from 30 seconds to 1 minute, with the same amount of rest time in between each move. What are you waiting for? Start your circuit training today!

Creative Coaching

Creative Coaching Everything You Need to Know About Creative Coaching ChaptersNot Just For Creative PeopleBasic Principles of Creative CoachingWho Could Benefit From Creative Coaching?Benefits of Creative CoachingFinding a Creative CoachCreative coaching is a coaching method that helps individuals grow into their most authentic selves.   The process is designed to bring the coach and the client together to collaborate on identifying and nurturing the clients’ greatest visions for themselves as people whether they are artists or just need a different perspective on life. To be creative is “relating to or involving the imagination.” We are all capable of using our imaginations. Every time we make a decision we imagine which choice we want. By using your imagination, you tap into the creative mind. The creative mind  is where we can make  the changes needed for a better life. Our ability to apply these creative skills, thinking and expression in all aspects of our lives provides enormous benefits and results.Creativity Coaching as a professional pra ctice aims to help clients figure out how to articulate and nurture their creative vision for themselves, recognize obstacles, establish attainable strategies for moving toward their visions and in setting up systems of shred and self-accountability to assist them in achieving their goals.  Creative coaching is all about seeing challenges and solving problems using multiple perspectives. Sometimes, we get caught up in our own thoughts and habits and don’t recognize that we have the tools to see old challenges in a new way. By approaching obstacles in this way, we can often find options and solutions we’ve used successfully in the past.A coach can help you unlock your creativity. (Source: stux)Basic Principles of Creative CoachingAt the centre of coaching is the idea that clients are given the power to help themselves. Creative coaches will not offer advice, give their opinions or pass judgement, but instead, they will equip you with the tools so you can help yourself. Instead o f instructing you, they will guide you to an answer. There are some basic principles of creative coaching that all coaches should follow:- Subjectivity: we all have different perspectives, none of which are 'right' or 'wrong', but some perspectives can be restrictive and can stop a person becoming who they want to be.- Empowerment: it is within everyone's capability to adjust their own perspective. With the tools that you learn through life coaching, anyone can learn to open their mind to achieve their goals.- Guidance: there is a difference between an instructor and a guide. An instructor shows a person exactly what to do, whereas a guide provides the tools and support a person needs to do something for themselves. A life coach is a guide, not an instructor; they will not tell you what to do.Have you ever thought: I really should update my website; I should call that contact I met last week; I should do a lot of things, but I just don’t have the energy or drive.Coaching can help you deal with these, and any other issues you might have in your career, or your life.Coaching is a means of bringing clarity to your life. It is a tool that will help you unlock your innate and natural creativity.Coaching helps you overcome the stumbling blocks that are holding you back from being the very best that you want to be.And there’s the core of creative coaching: it’s about what you want to be. Not what your agent, your boss, your partner, your friends, or even your life coach wants you to be.Coaching is not therapy. Rather, it is for people who are stable and grounded, yet feel stuck. Life coaches will encourage you to look at the present and the future, rather than dwelling on the past.A creative coach can improve many areas in your life (Source: jill111)Benefits of Creative CoachingCreative coaching can help you face your day with energy and enthusiasm, brimming with ideas and positivity to face the day. It can help you tap into your creative side so you can look a t life from a different perspective and think outside the box to find solutions to your problems, whether at work or at home.When you have clarity about what is important, essential and necessary in your work, in your life, then creative changes begin to happen. The exciting thing about tapping into your natural creativity is that once you start, your creativity overflows into all aspects of your life.Even if you don’t think you’re the creative ‘type’, we all have creativity in us. Creativity flows from a clear and calm mind. There is nothing to stop you from tapping into your natural store of talent. It is only the clutter within your mind that prevents your true creativity from shining through.Even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush, it doesn’t mean you don’t have the potential for creative expression. If you’ve ever cooked a meal, chaired a meeting, played a sport or written a report, then you’ve used your innate creative talents.Creative coaching can help b ring these talents out in a client no matter your profession.If you are a writer, photographer, artist, designer, musician, filmmaker, craftsperson or anyone in the creative industries, life coaching can help you tap into new and deeper layers of creativity to help you reach levels of success you’ve only dreamed of before.If you are a salesperson supplying goods and services to the creative industries; if you run a gallery; if you work with public arts organisations; if you’re an artists’ agent; if you are part of any business that is connected to the creative industries; then life coaching can help you find creative solutions that will make your business more efficient, more effective and more profitable.Finding a Creative CoachIn the UK creative coaching is an unregulated profession. This basically means that anyone can call themselves a coach. This doesn’t mean that you won’t find a great coach, it just makes it essential you do your research.Search online directories t o find coaches that have memberships with a professional body and have the appropriate insurance cover and qualifications.Having said this, rapport is one of the most important factors in finding the right coach for you. So don’t focus solely on qualifications but instead focus on finding someone you feel comfortable with.It’s a good idea to get in touch with a coach before you book a session. This way you can get a feel of what the coach is like before you commit yourself. Don’t feel obliged to continue if you don't want to, you are choosing someone to help you reach your personal goals so make sure you find someone you’re happy with.There are many resources online where you can find the right coach for you. You can search for specialist business coaches, relationship, spirituality or even creative coaches (if you need some help finding creativity in your life!).Sites like this one are full of resources to find a coach. Simply type in your postcode or town and hit the sear ch button to find a coach near you. Here you’ll find different profiles which describe who they are and what they do.No matter where you look for a coach make sure you do your research. Check that they have references, relevant experience and be picky!Creative coaching is something we can all benefit from at some point in life. It can help all of us find different perspectives on life and is a tool that can enrich our lives and help us lead a happier one!See more about these different types of coaching:personal development coachinghealth coachingbusiness coachingspiritual life coach

Billingsville Family Night - Heart Math Tutoring

Billingsville Family Night - Heart Math Tutoring Billingsville Family Night Billingsville Family Night January 15, 2016 Watch this third grader  show what she knows at family night. She has learned  the parts of 10, and shes ready to quiz her tutor! Combinations to 10 is the title of Heart’s third  concept notebook. It is considered the linchpin within the curriculum, as so many higher level skills depend on the ability to compose and decompose numbers up to 10. The student shown in this video now knows all the ways that 10 can be broken into two parts, as demonstrated by naming the missing piece in this hiding game. In this video, she quizzes her tutor with this same game. We love to see her feeling confident enough to turn the tables and act as the tutor!

5 Books to Read for Black History Month

5 Books to Read for Black History Month 5 Books to Read for Black History Month February is Black History Month, an opportunity to teach your children about the historical accomplishments and struggles of African Americans. By connecting children with history, they’ll gain a better understanding of the world they live in and develop compassion for other people. Taken from the Kumon Recommended Reading List, below is a collection of inspirational books honoring African heritage. Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears  by Verna Aardema This Caldecott Medal-winning folktale from Africa demonstrates the consequences of lying to others through a story of a mosquito causing a jungle disaster. This well-illustrated, moral lesson is funny and a great conversation starter about telling the truth. The Day  GoGo Went to Vote  by Elinor Batezat Sisulu This beautifully illustrated book marks a pivotal event in history. In 1994, South Africa held their first general election where all races could vote. As a result, Nelson Mandela was elected the first black head of state in that country. The story is told through the eyes of a young, excited girl who accompanies her frail and respected grandmother to the voting booth for this milestone occasion. Amos Fortune: Free Man  by Elizabeth Yates This biographical novel won the Newbery Medal for excellence in American children’s literature. Amos Fortune was a young, African prince captured by slave traders, sent overseas, and sold at an auction in New England. This inspiring true story is of a courageous man who goes on to master a trade and gain his freedom at 60 years old. The Other Side of Truth  by Beverley Naidoo Taking place in 1995, this Carnegie Medal winning novel tells a story of two siblings who are exiled out of Nigeria by their father after the children are left motherless by the actions of the corrupt government soldiers. The children flee to England and become Nigerian political refugees in a deeply engaging tale including the highly suspenseful reunification with their father. This book offers a world-view of the complexities in life including human rights and clashes of cultures. Cry, the Beloved Country  by Alan Paton Taking place in South Africa, this important book tells a compassionate story leading up to apartheid from 1948-1994. It weaves together the lives of a black minister, a white farmer, and the son of each. The reader is immediately caught up in the gravity of each character’s situation and irrevocably drawn into the plot that ensures. By the end, the profound power of the human spirit prevails. You might also be interested in: Booklist to Celebrate Chinese Culture Happy Read Across America Day! Kick-off National Reading Month by Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday With These Fun Activities 8 Must-Read Collections of Poetry on Kumon’s Recommended Reading List 5 Tips to Celebrate National Family Literacy Month 5 Books to Read for Black History Month 5 Books to Read for Black History Month February is Black History Month, an opportunity to teach your children about the historical accomplishments and struggles of African Americans. By connecting children with history, they’ll gain a better understanding of the world they live in and develop compassion for other people. Taken from the Kumon Recommended Reading List, below is a collection of inspirational books honoring African heritage. Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears  by Verna Aardema This Caldecott Medal-winning folktale from Africa demonstrates the consequences of lying to others through a story of a mosquito causing a jungle disaster. This well-illustrated, moral lesson is funny and a great conversation starter about telling the truth. The Day  GoGo Went to Vote  by Elinor Batezat Sisulu This beautifully illustrated book marks a pivotal event in history. In 1994, South Africa held their first general election where all races could vote. As a result, Nelson Mandela was elected the first black head of state in that country. The story is told through the eyes of a young, excited girl who accompanies her frail and respected grandmother to the voting booth for this milestone occasion. Amos Fortune: Free Man  by Elizabeth Yates This biographical novel won the Newbery Medal for excellence in American children’s literature. Amos Fortune was a young, African prince captured by slave traders, sent overseas, and sold at an auction in New England. This inspiring true story is of a courageous man who goes on to master a trade and gain his freedom at 60 years old. The Other Side of Truth  by Beverley Naidoo Taking place in 1995, this Carnegie Medal winning novel tells a story of two siblings who are exiled out of Nigeria by their father after the children are left motherless by the actions of the corrupt government soldiers. The children flee to England and become Nigerian political refugees in a deeply engaging tale including the highly suspenseful reunification with their father. This book offers a world-view of the complexities in life including human rights and clashes of cultures. Cry, the Beloved Country  by Alan Paton Taking place in South Africa, this important book tells a compassionate story leading up to apartheid from 1948-1994. It weaves together the lives of a black minister, a white farmer, and the son of each. The reader is immediately caught up in the gravity of each character’s situation and irrevocably drawn into the plot that ensures. By the end, the profound power of the human spirit prevails. You might also be interested in: Booklist to Celebrate Chinese Culture Happy Read Across America Day! Kick-off National Reading Month by Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday With These Fun Activities 8 Must-Read Collections of Poetry on Kumon’s Recommended Reading List 5 Tips to Celebrate National Family Literacy Month

Logic Behind the italki Language Challenge (and how to ensure your success!).

Logic Behind the italki Language Challenge (and how to ensure your success!). The October Language Challenge is just about to start. This time, we are asking our learners to take 6 hours of language classes in the space of two weeks. As opposed to the longer, higher-commitment challenges we have conducted before. We are terming this a sprint to help you jump start your language learning habits. In the same way that its difficult to stay with a gym membership, stick to a diet, or live up to ones New Years commitments, it can be difficult to study a language after that initial excitement of learning wears off, and consistent work needs to be done. What is the logic behind the challenge?   The model behind the language challenges for  italki is to encourage planning behavior that gives our learners a sense of traction. As an example, we looked at some innovative gyms and work-out oriented apps which charge a  user  more for skipping  a workout  (unlike traditional gyms with long-term commitments who are interested in user failure). We adopted a similar model, where the up-front cost of the challenge encourages a student to stick to their commitment. The purchases from the users who do not complete the challenge subsidize the rewards for those that do. (Of course, we would love for everyone to complete the challenge, and in the past few years the completion percentage has been climbing higher with each language challenge event). Whats m0re, the idea of getting a prize and the sunk cost back for completing the challenge is another good motivator to put in the extra effort.  Ultimately, having a reward at the end of the challenge works better to create a perspective shift in a learner: once the going gets tough, the competitive spirit and desire for the reward is a much better motivator than the feeling of Oh well, I guess Ive lost my ITC. Why is this challenge so short?   We are always experimenting with a better motivate to improve the language-learning process. In the same way that long-term gym commitments actually work to discourage the user, a longer challenge may seem difficult and daunting. This sprint format is designed to encourage forward planning in the short-term, and get our learners to try the optimal model for using italki (users who schedule on average 3 hours with a teacher per week tend to stick to the learning process longer, and get better faster). 2 hours per week is not quite enough, and 4 can be overwhelming and discouraging in and of itself. By making this a simple 6 hours/2 weeks challenge, we are hoping to let our challengers see the benefit of the optimal model, and give them the opportunity to feel how quickly they can improve using this format. Whats the secret to successfully finishing the challenge? The most important piece of finishing the challenge is  following a plan. That means the best way to schedule your sessions is all at once, in one go, to create a roadmap of your classes for yourself. In this sprint format challenge, it is a lot easier to plan out all the classes and make teaching requests ahead of time. If you want to avoid the crunch-time rush or stress of finding teachers, plan all 6 of your lessons distributed evenly over the duration of the challenge. First of all, you will have a lot more control over when and with whom you will be having your sessions. Secondly, making a commitment to a teacher will help you prioritize language learning, and give you the best possible chance to derive the greatest learning benefit from the sessions. There are still a few days left to register, and enrollment into the language challenge is open after the start date. Dont wait, get your language learning momentum rolling here: References: http://mashable.com/2014/01/23/fitmob-startup-gym/ http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2011/01/24/gym_pact_bases_fees_on_members_ability_to_stick_to_their_workout_schedule/ Logic Behind the italki Language Challenge (and how to ensure your success!). The October Language Challenge is just about to start. This time, we are asking our learners to take 6 hours of language classes in the space of two weeks. As opposed to the longer, higher-commitment challenges we have conducted before. We are terming this a sprint to help you jump start your language learning habits. In the same way that its difficult to stay with a gym membership, stick to a diet, or live up to ones New Years commitments, it can be difficult to study a language after that initial excitement of learning wears off, and consistent work needs to be done. What is the logic behind the challenge?   The model behind the language challenges for  italki is to encourage planning behavior that gives our learners a sense of traction. As an example, we looked at some innovative gyms and work-out oriented apps which charge a  user  more for skipping  a workout  (unlike traditional gyms with long-term commitments who are interested in user failure). We adopted a similar model, where the up-front cost of the challenge encourages a student to stick to their commitment. The purchases from the users who do not complete the challenge subsidize the rewards for those that do. (Of course, we would love for everyone to complete the challenge, and in the past few years the completion percentage has been climbing higher with each language challenge event). Whats m0re, the idea of getting a prize and the sunk cost back for completing the challenge is another good motivator to put in the extra effort.  Ultimately, having a reward at the end of the challenge works better to create a perspective shift in a learner: once the going gets tough, the competitive spirit and desire for the reward is a much better motivator than the feeling of Oh well, I guess Ive lost my ITC. Why is this challenge so short?   We are always experimenting with a better motivate to improve the language-learning process. In the same way that long-term gym commitments actually work to discourage the user, a longer challenge may seem difficult and daunting. This sprint format is designed to encourage forward planning in the short-term, and get our learners to try the optimal model for using italki (users who schedule on average 3 hours with a teacher per week tend to stick to the learning process longer, and get better faster). 2 hours per week is not quite enough, and 4 can be overwhelming and discouraging in and of itself. By making this a simple 6 hours/2 weeks challenge, we are hoping to let our challengers see the benefit of the optimal model, and give them the opportunity to feel how quickly they can improve using this format. Whats the secret to successfully finishing the challenge? The most important piece of finishing the challenge is  following a plan. That means the best way to schedule your sessions is all at once, in one go, to create a roadmap of your classes for yourself. In this sprint format challenge, it is a lot easier to plan out all the classes and make teaching requests ahead of time. If you want to avoid the crunch-time rush or stress of finding teachers, plan all 6 of your lessons distributed evenly over the duration of the challenge. First of all, you will have a lot more control over when and with whom you will be having your sessions. Secondly, making a commitment to a teacher will help you prioritize language learning, and give you the best possible chance to derive the greatest learning benefit from the sessions. There are still a few days left to register, and enrollment into the language challenge is open after the start date. Dont wait, get your language learning momentum rolling here: References: http://mashable.com/2014/01/23/fitmob-startup-gym/ http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2011/01/24/gym_pact_bases_fees_on_members_ability_to_stick_to_their_workout_schedule/

Is Starbucks Guilty of Green Washing

Is Starbucks Guilty of Green Washing Photo by Cherrysweetdeal via Flickr Starbucks is the world’s largest coffee house company, with over 20,000 stores in 62 countries. The environmental mission statement of the company claims that it is “committed to a role of environmental leadership in all facets of the business…” According to their mission statement, they aim to fulfill their goals by “understanding environmental issues”, “developing innovative and flexible solutions to bring about change”, “striving to buy, sell, and use environmentally friendly products”, and “instilling environmental responsibility as a corporate value”. In fact, their website has an entire section dedicated to their environmental cause and it highlights their efforts towards building greener stores, recycling and reducing waste, and ethically sourcing their coffee; but how far does the corporation truly go in accomplishing their mission? The issue of whether Starbucks is sincere in its efforts to promote environmental sustainability or not is frequently under question. Theyve often been accused of green washing, or the practice of using misleading information to present an environmentally responsible public image. Recently, Starbucks released a $1 reusable coffee cup whose design is aimed to create a cost effective way to encourage customers to reduce their waste. The company encourages customers to bring in their reusable cups by offering a 10 cent discount on their coffee refills. By the year 2015, Starbucks aims to increase the behavior of using multi-use cups from the current 1.9% to 5%. However, the benefit of encouraging the use of reusable cups depends on several factors. Some important considerations include the average number of uses that the cup gets (estimated to be roughly about one month of use), the impact of the plastic used in the production of the cup, the issue of the possibility of cross-contaminat ion of germs and the potential of negative health impacts for humans or the fact that the reusable cups are produced in China and must be transported to the United States. The idea of integrating a reusable cup in the everyday routine of coffee drinkers would be immensely beneficial in reducing the waste incurred by disposable cups, as roughly one billion cups a year are consumed by Starbucks coffee drinkers alone. Most Starbucks cups cannot be recycled in paper recycling systems because of the plastic lining inside the cups that keeps liquids from running out. The plastic lining in coffee cups was a concept developed by Starbucks to end the wasteful practice of double cupping hot beverages, but while solving one problem, it created another. Additionally, Starbucks was the first company to create cups that contain 10% post consumer recycled content, which is estimated to save thousands of trees, save half a million gallons of waste water, and several million pounds of garbage from landfills. Additionally, Starbucks claims to be an organization that “strives to instill environmental responsibility. However, in 2008 the wasteful water practices of the company came under great scrutiny when it was discovered that nearly 6.2 million gallons of water were being wasted a day. The company employed the use of dipper because it was believed to be the more sanitary option for washing spoons. After the discovery of such immense water waste, Starbucks pledged to reduce water consumption by 25% in company owned stores by the year 2015, and quickly began to look for alternative spoon washing methods. Since 2008, there has been a decrease in water waste by 17.7%, which may be an improvement, but ultimately these wasteful practices and the claim of being environmentally conscious or responsible closely resemble the practice of green marketing, a corporation’s attempt to associate its products, services, or identity with environmentalism. Ultimately, the claim that they are a company who aims to “buy, sell, and use environmentally friendly products” is a bit of an oxymoron. The coffee industry in and of itself is not sustainable. The cultivation of coffee requires that the native vegetation of tropical countries be removed so that the soils become vulnerable to erosion and loss of topsoil. Coffee also has a very large water footprint, requiring 140 liters of water to produce a single cup of coffee. By promoting coffee consumption, Starbucks is only perpetuating the growth of consumerism under the guise of environmental responsibility.