Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ category

• PHOTOS: Etiquette Tips For Japan http://huff.to/9QfAwm #
• India’s population challenge…pay to wait. http://huff.to/cnowHp #
• China’s Shirt-Rolling Men Defy Changing Etiquette http://huff.to/bGtc4A #
• @ab81 Bonjour! Glad you are using our software and enjoying it!!! . Keep us posted on your progress! in reply to ab81 #
• @aaronjuliuskim lol glad to see you are using Mango’s Japanese program!!! in reply to aaronjuliuskim #
• This week is our Open House…are you coming? RSVP below. http://fb.me/HMS0uXUL #
• @ab81 thank you – our team loves to hear your feedback! in reply to ab81 #
• The new Mango car! Well…it really is only a car Jessica saw at the Dream Cruise but we can dream right!!! http://fb.me/Floi7IMv #
• A Mango Coffee Mug on a dock in Maine. http://fb.me/uRZvqCcb #
• What a nice shout out from a library who has Mango! http://fb.me/EFBY6UGa #
• I posted 2 photos on Facebook in the album “Staff photos” http://bit.ly/9AvnqQ #
• @sclarkwxyz @MangoLanguages is a growing tech company in the D! We do foreign language learning software #backchannel in reply to sclarkwxyz #
• @sclarkwxyz We love your french accent! in reply to sclarkwxyz #
• Mango at “Three Sisters Spring”, Crystal River, FLA http://fb.me/EeNSrvDv #
• I posted 2 photos on Facebook in the album “Mango inspired Food” http://fb.me/GjYS5oiM #
• @catagator Wow! That is great! in reply to catagator #
• What is the best Mango flavored food you have ever had? Pictures would be awesome! #
• @ab81 You are making us hungary! in reply to ab81 #
• China’s 9-day traffic jam stretches 62 miles http://u.nu/5pzve (via @GuyKawasaki) #
• PHOTOS: 10 Strangest Places To Stay Around The World http://huff.to/daqoO2 #
• TRAVEL: RT @PatriciaVance: 10 Must See Sights around the world http://ht.ly/2tKM4 #travel #lp (via @goinglobal) #
• @MatthewDibble Cool! in reply to MatthewDibble #
• Mango is hiring! We need a cutting edge Interactive Designer. If interested, please apply here:… http://fb.me/EiNmNmAA #
• Great intro video on how to use Mango by the Cranbury Public Library http://fb.me/GkPEr2cO #
• @jrr1234 we can’t wait to see you! . What time do you think you will be stopping by? in reply to jrr1234 #
• @Taramichener thank you for sharing! in reply to Taramichener #
• @HowellMarketing we are hiring. in reply to HowellMarketing #
• Beirut’s Booming Art Scene http://huff.to/b5Am29 #
• Cute panda teaches kids to speak Spanish. Check out Little Pim, part of Mango Languages: http://ow.ly/2uhS1 (click on courses) (via @kcls) #
• Party today! Woo hoo! Are you stopping by? #
• @Tara_darling five new Programs? Do you mean languages? Sorry…a bit confused. help in reply to Tara_darling #
• #Holdthephone @sclarkwxyz is here at the @MangoLanguages office. #backchannel (via @HubertGAM) #
• Whew…party was so fun and a great time! Thanks to all who stopped by. Photos and videos coming soon! #
• Hi @sambagraphics Which language are you learning! in reply to sambagraphics #
• @jrr1234 So glad you had time to stop by! in reply to jrr1234 #
• @RachelReardon Great pic! Nice to meet you in person! in reply to RachelReardon #
• Hi @jensimon7 thanks for the shout out . By the way we will have 70 languages by end of 2010. in reply to jensimon7 #
• @sazbean woot! So glad you stopped by! in reply to sazbean #
• @sclarkwxyz there you go again with your cute accent lol in reply to sclarkwxyz #
• @TJList lol in reply to TJList #
• Open house parties are always fun. Esp w/ mango smoothies. (@ Mango Languages w/ @hubertgam) http://4sq.com/6BSrOl (via @DaveBenjamin) #
• @kcls thanks for sharing! Have you heard of our new children’s product? Little Pim? in reply to kcls #
• @crozerlibrary woot! in reply to crozerlibrary #
• any librarians out there? If so, need your help w/something. please @ reply @hardlynormal Pls RT http://bit.ly/bbeDtM (via @guinnessatticus) #
• RT @LiveMyJourney 20 Things Everyone Should Do in Italy — http://bit.ly/13fCTw — #travel #Italy #lp #Europe #tips (via @lonelyplanet) #
• @sazbean Glad you came…just was talking to Nikki outside. She is so nice! in reply to sazbean #
• @durrrthvader That is great! Keep us posted on your progress. in reply to durrrthvader #
• An official Mango Congratulations to one of the Mango owners Mike Teshuba on his recent engagement. We are so excited for you and Maria! #
• Staff is eating all the left overs from yesterday’s party. Food is still good! Yummo! #
• I posted 19 photos on Facebook in the album “Mango Open House 8/25/10″ http://fb.me/GtLvluWS #
• Moving abroad here’s a handy calculator for cost of living via @goinglobal http://ow.ly/2v7dG #
• Staying Forever – Living in Another Country: http://su.pr/2IEf9l via @almostfearless #Travel (via @GotPassport) #
• I posted 52 photos on Facebook in the album “Mango Open House 8/25/10″ http://fb.me/tgrJzRYr #
• @DazedPuckBunny Thanks! in reply to DazedPuckBunny #
• Just ran across this review of Mango…Some of the comments are great too! Thanks! http://fb.me/CjmRPDoe #
• Cool http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/29/magazine/29language-t.html?_r=1 #

• PHOTOS: World’s Most Stunning Cathedrals http://huff.to/dAyPvN #
• SURPRISE! The Top 10 Countries On Facebook http://huff.to/dxwa6j (via @beverlycornell) #
• 10 Sayings and their Strange Origins http://goo.gl/fb/827cP (via @MarkClayson) #
• RT @erwinheiser: @matthewbennett As my Spanish professor would say: “El monolinguismo es una enfermedad curable.” (via @matthewbennett) #
• To speak another language isn’t just cultured, it’s a blow against stupidity http://bit.ly/a3f87Y (via @matthewbennett) #
• How social media is changing the way we travel http://bit.ly/bMWq3C (via @SadieMHarris) #
• Ten things to do in Beirut for under ten dollars http://tiny.sm/jw via @globalvoices (via @pocketcultures) #
• What’s Popular Around the World? http://goo.gl/fb/GWR4l http://bit.ly/6vyuJy (via @MarkClayson) #
• @JimmyA7X18 yippee! in reply to JimmyA7X18 #
• @MetroLibraryOK Glad you like! We really appreciate all the extra stuff you have done to market Mango. You Rock! in reply to MetroLibraryOK #
• @MetroLibraryOK Cool! Just so you know, we do have an Educator’s edition that allows teachers to track student’s progress and offers testing. in reply to MetroLibraryOK #
• Lots of ideas floating around the Mango office today. Big things happening here! #
• @RachelReardon Merci! in reply to RachelReardon #
• Why did ancient Egyptian men wear cosmetics? http://tinyurl.com/28bnlz7 (via @GuyKawasaki) #
• Which #Islam Exploring the Word’s Many Meanings http://huff.to/bvr9Lt #muslim #culture (via @LCWllc) #
• New from Detroit Moxie: The Colorful Artist Village in Detroit http://bit.ly/c3u9TC #Detroit (via @becksdavis) #
• 11 Free Tools for #SocialMedia Optimization http://ow.ly/2q4VS (via @TopRank) (via @SocialNetDaily) #
• My new blog post: “A travelers thoughts on checking-in.” http://bit.ly/9pu0fP #socialmedia #4sq #travel (via @elatlboy) #
• @chatlibraries Woot! Thanks for the shout out! in reply to chatlibraries #
• @elatlboy Pleasure is ours! in reply to elatlboy #
• Big debate here in the office! Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? Why do you think so (not just scientific reason) #
• @grpl Mango languages!! lol in reply to grpl #
• We are so excited about launching Complete 2.0, we have been busy testing the product here and found a few minor… http://fb.me/E4l08aQy #
• @EstrellaBella10 True. We have some teachers and families who have used our SM channels for cust svc. #tweetea (via @OKE_News) –we do too! #
• We are all jamming to this song today! http://fb.me/H8X42v2T #
• What kinds of general library questions do our library friends always get at the reference desk? #
• 10 Tips for Taking Your Best Ever Vacation Photos http://bit.ly/auuJU9 (via @DemoWell) #
• NYTimes: Looking for Baby Sitters: Foreign Language a Must http://nyti.ms/bXzi28 #
• Japanese pork chop in downtown Osaka http://su.pr/4Qn5pi #travel tip #Japan by @Shelley__Lee (via @traveldudes) #
• @Larryferlazzo thanks for the RT! in reply to Larryferlazzo #
• @moretips4u thanks for passing our tweet along! in reply to moretips4u #
• @DemoWell thanks for spreading the word! in reply to DemoWell #
• 5 Most Unique Places to Visit Around the World http://ht.ly/2rNNV #travel #lp (via @PatriciaVance) #
• [PSLBlog] Evolving English: One Language, Many Voices (British Library): http://bit.ly/bgOSCT (via @twittbraries) #
• @laurasolomon lol in reply to laurasolomon #
• 66% of Public Libraries in US offering eBooks http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NoShelfRequired/~3/sbfbHll4k5I/ (via @pintini) #
• Are you coming to the @mangolanguages Open House next week? if so please RSVP! http://ow.ly/2rQic #
• Interesting article! http://fb.me/Eiz6uZg1 #
• What is your favorite ethnic food – if unusual please tell us about it. #
• @TJList we enjoyed you all visiting for the #drupal meeting in reply to TJList #
• We’re now subscribing to Mango Languages, a neat way to learn a language. The link from the databases page is: (cont) http://tl.gd/382589 #
• @BvilleTweets yippee!!! in reply to BvilleTweets #
• @faabo_blogging thank you for the write up! in reply to faabo_blogging #
• @missoulalibrary great job! in reply to missoulalibrary #
• RT @johnsonwhitney @vpynchon Does Language Influence Culture? http://bit.ly/dhIdzj @aliciamorga @ckburgess @kbrandall (via @MeghanMBiro) #
• Lots of innovative ideas being presented today! Lots of office references which is keeping the staff laughing! #
• @carlyatto Oh no – don’t tell the outside about Franco! He will scare customers away. in reply to carlyatto #
• @LCWllc Muchas Gracias! in reply to LCWllc #
• @ksue29 We are ready to go….are you? in reply to ksue29 #
• LUVING the submissions for this month’s JW Newsletter contest. If you could live somewhere else for the next 7 (cont) http://tl.gd/38rofn #

Every year in Siena, Italy, the Palio di Siena is held twice annually.  Known as just Il Palio locally, the race consists of ten horses, representing ten of the seventeen Contrade, or city wards, of Italy.

The race takes place both on the 2^nd of July and the 16^th of August every year, each date corresponding with a religious event.

Before the event, a pageant called the Corteo Storico occurs during which there is a choreographed parade with costumes.  This parade in itself attracts visitors from all over the world.   Right before the competition there are last minute meetings between the heads of the Contrada, in which alliances are made and strategy is discussed.  This is serious business!

The race itself lasts literally about a minute and 30 seconds, and it is entirely possible for a horse to win the race even if its jockey falls off and doesn’t finish the race.   As the jockeys all ride bareback on the horses, it isn’t too much of a surprise that they are sometimes thrown off while making tight turns or movements.

Have you ever been to a horse race?  Was it anything like this?

• @CamachoJose45 awesome! Keep it up!!! in reply to CamachoJose45 #
• @wordwazir thanks for sharing our news! in reply to wordwazir #
• State of the World’s #Indigenous Peoples http://bit.ly/aCdRve @un (via @langology) #
• : Learning Foreign Languages Enriches Your Life in Many Ways http://bit.ly/d5mJgB (via @riverland86) #
• Just another manic Monday! hmmmm What kind of goodies will this week provide? #
• Save the Date! August 25th we are having an Open House here at the Mango Headquarters from 12-8pm. We are… http://fb.me/EbbPxvBv #
• @meowymeows where do you live? in reply to meowymeows #
• @meowymeows Unfortunately we are not on Main Street. We are around the bend and up the hill by the creek. in reply to meowymeows #
• @meowymeows Good. in reply to meowymeows #
• #languages Advice for lower intermediate students: Look up online tabloids in the language you’re learning (cont) http://tl.gd/31hbrk #
• Mango – online language learning tool…http://bit.ly/cUatQv #ELL #elearning #language (via @kylepace) #
• @VioletaBedran Are you learning many languages? Great job! in reply to VioletaBedran #
• Paper hangers here in the offices today to put up our welcome in different languages mural. We are so excited! #
• @JNSQBlogParis Let us know what you think once you check it out! in reply to JNSQBlogParis #
• @MyMelange Thanks for the referral! in reply to MyMelange #
• @MyMelange Thank you! in reply to MyMelange #
• I posted 11 photos on Facebook in the album “New Mango Headquarters” http://fb.me/GMA8KUX8 #
• Hi @FANeighbors we like to think so! in reply to FANeighbors #
• Tomorrow is Mango Languages Day! Greet us with “Hello” in Tagalog and get a treat! http://bit.ly/9Q5hGp (via @ebreref) #
• @dorevabelfiore impressive…thanks for sharing! in reply to dorevabelfiore #
• @Coppell_Library yea! in reply to Coppell_Library #
• PHOTOS: Ramadan Begins Around The World http://huff.to/d01QJP #
• Canadian librarian leads worldwide digital revolt for free knowledge – http://j.mp/aqnoJw (via @uffish_thoughts) #
• How to eat politely in Japan http://idek.net/2wTi (via @GuyKawasaki) #
• @Tara_darling yep…the Mango elves are working on it! in reply to Tara_darling #
• @Tara_darling we love Mango addicts. in reply to Tara_darling #
• @Tara_darling what city do you live in? That is a lucky library! in reply to Tara_darling #
• Food & Wine: The World’s Weirdest Food Festivals http://huff.to/a8qeAh #
• Restaurant Tipping Around The World: What To Do Where http://huff.to/bpB3cE #
• @JNSQBlogParis so interesting! in reply to JNSQBlogParis #
• Worst fortune cookie ever… #photo http://bit.ly/bhGX4n (via @picturecool) –so sad!!! #
• Russia Pays High Price For Winter Olympics http://bit.ly/didrbe (via @SkyNews) #
• Confession: I have a super crush on Sweden. The country. (via @pnkrcklibrarian) #
• YUM!! Fab food stops in Venice: http://tinyurl.com/2gxzkyy #lp (via @Journeywoman) #
• Mango was in the Detroit News yesterday! http://fb.me/H8U6DBxw #
• @Tara_darling Wow you are on a roll! We might need to have an intervention! Keep up the great work. We have some new stuff coming out! in reply to Tara_darling #
• @Tara_darling Wow! very cool! in reply to Tara_darling #
• @baldwinlib Thanks for the shout out on our article! in reply to baldwinlib #
• @ChelseaLibrary Yippee! Thanks for sharing! in reply to ChelseaLibrary #
• @MLAoffice Thanks! We thought it was pretty cool! in reply to MLAoffice #
• @Tara_darling Which language is your favorite and why? in reply to Tara_darling #
• When is the last time you spent time at your library? Get a library card and use Mango Languages for free from… http://fb.me/DDYOVSVJ #
• Mango will try ustreaming our Open House on the 25th. Stop by and watch us! http://www.ustream.tv #
• @Tara_darling You and I are in the same boat. I (@beverlycornell) love those two languages too! in reply to Tara_darling #
• Going to library? Get library card & use Mango for FREE from anywhere you access the internet http://ow.ly/2ohsI #
• @IslandLanguages Thanks for the shout out! in reply to IslandLanguages #
• @support – I am wondering if my twitter following limit can be tweaked. I want to follow folks who follow us. Help #
• Tipping – why is it so easy for Americans to follow, yet so confusing for the rest of us? http://bit.ly/9a3cLT (via @501places) #
• School Starts in just a few days – get ahead and practice foreign language skills with Mango. http://ow.ly/2okde #
• What is your favorite foreign language word and why? #
• @RachelReardon That is a good one! Gotta love the French. in reply to RachelReardon #
• @MetroLibraryOK We left a present for you in your Mango points for the news piece and all your hard work! We love you! in reply to MetroLibraryOK #
• Rihanna’s Neck Tattoo TYPO http://huff.to/9xZ0D7 #
• Happy Friday the 13th! In Spain, the bad-luck day is Tuesday the 13th. So I get two days of bad luck. Yay me. (via @ProfNet) #
• How to use i.e. and e.g. in a sentence http://tinyurl.com/24gmv4b (via @GuyKawasaki) #
• @mateo_drumero Hi – thank you for your tweet. Unfortunately, right now Hengel is not in development, we have not had enough requests yet. in reply to mateo_drumero #
• @mateo_drumero Lo Siento! in reply to mateo_drumero #
• I posted 5 photos on Facebook in the album “Staff photos” http://fb.me/DQgcmpOX #
• @librarykerri hi! Let us know what you think! in reply to librarykerri #
• PHOTOS: The 8 Most Insanely Obvious Signs In The World http://huff.to/adXzhY #

• @MultiLingLiving in reply to MultiLingLiving #
• “Friendship is the golden ribbon that ties the world together.” #happyfriendshipday (via @IsabellesTravel) #
• @MultiLingLiving awesome! in reply to MultiLingLiving #
• @Margosha8 we are working on that version! in reply to Margosha8 #
• We are getting our conference room glass wall/door built today. Will be great for meetings. #
• Just got off the phone with Jon from @metromode. A great publication if you want to know what is happening in Detroit! #
• How swearing works http://u.nu/8qp9e (via @GuyKawasaki) #
• Cloudy Day in Detroit Today – Hopefully will make for good brainstorming meetings at the office! #
• Evansville, Indiana, Library now has Mango Online, Mango Take-Out (offline product-can be checked out) & our Children’s Little Pim Product #
• Launched Mango into the education market today! Very excited at working with schools, universities, ESL & Foreign… http://fb.me/EQ2ee0ag #
• The Poorest Countries In The World http://huff.to/d4Cg8V #
• @Nicole_Brewer thank you! in reply to Nicole_Brewer #
• @missoulalibrary woot! in reply to missoulalibrary #
• interesting #tweetea discussion-Especially for those tweeting on behalf of our companies. mango green tea was delightful (via @CoraMajewski) #
• PHOTOS: China Plans Huge Buses That Can DRIVE OVER Cars http://huff.to/dyGysp –cool #
• Our current list of Foreign Languages and ESL courses we offer. We are adding 35 more by end of 2010. http://ow.ly/2kYXT #
• @GlencoePL Woot! in reply to GlencoePL #
• Great article on how libraries are changing the way they do business. Including having Mango Languages! http://fb.me/FpdjeVej #
• http://fb.me/xvTGwhCQ #
• Jason, Mike, Ryan, and Mike (the Mango owners) were posing for a photo shoot this afternoon with one of our local… http://fb.me/uIoZAXup #
• Interested in learning a new language or brushing up on an old one? Try Mango Languages on our homepage! (cont) http://tl.gd/2u5dqe #
• New blog post: Language and thought http://wp.me/pC2OH-3v #tefl #elt #esol #tesol #language #beltfree (via @hoprea) #
• @hoprea when you going to write for us again. in reply to hoprea #
• @wtalbot great! in reply to wtalbot #
• NYTimes: Mom and Dad, Meet My Budget (travel on the cheap)
  http://nyti.ms/aFY8c3 (via @chrisbrogan) #
• RT @talk2brazil: RT @Brazilweekly: Read the new edition of Brazil Weekly at http://brazil-weekly.com (via @talk2brazil) #
• @hoprea great. . Think about it and let me know. in reply to hoprea #
• @WhosWorld Awesome! That is what we love to hear! Keeps us inspired to keep creating good stuff. in reply to WhosWorld #
• Great @sarabethw What do you think of our Little Pim software? in reply to sarabethw #
• @ottsworld We haven’t quite made it over there yet. We are now in England, Australia, Canada and the U.S. Soon! in reply to ottsworld #
• Great write up in Metro Mode today! http://fb.me/tjQxNzYr #
• The Mango Elves are very busy making language magic today! #
• Have you seen our You Tube Channel? http://fb.me/Dfzzx5La #
• @sarabethw Oh we sure hope so! We think it will drive traffic to the library and usage will be awesome! in reply to sarabethw #
• @VioletaBedran yes! . Can we help you? in reply to VioletaBedran #
• Interested in learning a foreign language for free? Mathews Library offers Mango Languages to all patrons. (cont) http://tl.gd/2un1d5 #
• : Tips for Becoming a Travel Writer http://esnews.org/2010/08/tips-for-becoming-a-travel-writer/ (via @riverland86) #
• Just saw big man in tiny car, driver on the right. Puzzled, looked closer. UK plates!! In Michigan??? (via @pfanderson)–where? #
• @pfanderson Funny! You never know what you may find in your day! in reply to pfanderson #
• Our youngest Mango, Joe Garofalo (library marketing coordinator) turns 21 today. Happy Birthday Joe! #
• @VioletaBedran We are so glad you are using Mango to learn Greek! Keep us posted on your progress! We love to hear from users. in reply to VioletaBedran #
• @smellgoodslady Thanks! in reply to smellgoodslady #
• Webinar Invitation: Join us for “All About Mango for Educators Webinar” http://conta.cc/biu6XB #
• Jason our CEO is speaking at a Second Stage Event with Crain’s http://fb.me/EnUy1g4A #

• The Most Anticipated Books For The Rest Of 2010 http://huff.to/cHUJEO #
• Hello @brownpau may we ask where in the program you think there is an error and what you should it be? Are you using Basic or Complete? in reply to brownpau #
• @brownpau ok thanks, I will let our product dev team know. in reply to brownpau #
• @hhibner woo hoo! thanks in reply to hhibner #
• 50 Reasons You Should Learn a New Language | Online College Tips …:
  Learning a new language can help tremend.. http://bit.ly/drTg4z #
• @wcpllib thanks for sharing! in reply to wcpllib #
• 10 Books that Screwed Up the World http://goo.gl/fb/EeOvp (via @MarkClayson) #
• How your language shapes the way you think http://is.gd/dL1pe (via @GuyKawasaki) #
• Bookstore Bingo http://huff.to/c5RRkV #
• 9 Of The Most Amazing Bookstores In The World http://huff.to/9vdTsy #
• Jason our CEO is honored to be in the ALA wrap up video with the likes of John Grisham and Toni Morrison. http://fb.me/wfRDr1TP #
• @librarycourtney Awesome! Thanks! in reply to librarycourtney #
• So excited Safelite came out and filled that windshield crack today.  Great job – it looks like brand new and insurance covered it! Woot! #
• ALA Magazine spin off @yourlibrary.org highlights all sorts of language learning programs going on at Libraries!… http://fb.me/Dgdq9inr #
• @stevelibrarian wow! Thanks…we love you too! in reply to stevelibrarian #
• @Strng_Dichotomy thanks! We love our libraries too! in reply to Strng_Dichotomy #
• @safelite I tweet too much…this was meant to come from @beverlycornell account. Thanks for listening. Am really impressed with service! in reply to safelite #
• Scoping out: “The world’s top 20 city skylines.” http://twurl.nl/24kz3d (via @raykwong) #
• 10 words you need to stop misspelling: http://bit.ly/8MhwXT (via @MarkShepard) #
• RT @babla: RT @hiannie: 7 Tips On How To Learn A Language Naturally http://bit.ly/blQJ3c (via @ielanguages) #
• PHOTOS: The 10 Happiest Places In The World http://huff.to/bBT3Jr #
• PHOTOS: The HOTTEST Study Abroad Destinations http://huff.to/coq8VD #
• Why does french spoken in English accent sound so awful, but English in a french accent so, well you know (via @501places) #
• @MarkShepard good stuff! in reply to MarkShepard #
• @hiannie no problem…interesting! in reply to hiannie #
• Just got off the phone with the great folks at Meet, Plan, Go. If you ever wanted to travel around the world this… http://fb.me/EiL4dYIS #
• @betsytalbot awesome! I will post it tomorrow. in reply to betsytalbot #
• Traveling to a foreign country & need to learn a language? Abington Township Public Library has Mango (cont) http://tl.gd/2q3a2a #
• Traveling to a foreign country & need to learn a language? The Scranton Library has Mango Languages! (cont) http://tl.gd/2q3a56 #
• Mango Languages: The Huntington Beach Library recently added an exciting new online learning tool: Http://bit.ly/aAYDwA (via @hbpl) #
• Interested in learning a foreign language for free? Gail Borden Library now offers Mango Languages to all (cont) http://tl.gd/2q3ajs #
• What’s the mood of the nation? Check out this Twitter map to find out: http://ht.ly/2ieew (via @Oneupweb) #
• #BeachThursday RT @WhyGoSpain: Here are our Top 6 Beaches in #Spain http://su.pr/AC7A15 (via @IsabellesTravel) #
• Which language are you learning and why? #
• I posted a new photo to Facebook http://fb.me/wsL86iLx #
• On the phone with the great folks at the Rhode Island state government! #
• @DazedPuckBunny Awesome! in reply to DazedPuckBunny #
• Thanks @wtalbot for the shout out. Which language are you learning? in reply to wtalbot #
• RT @intlentreprenr: Tip: Saving face is not considered lying in many cultures. Careful not to call people out on white lies. (via @LCWllc) #
• @FemmeFinance thanks for the shout outs! in reply to FemmeFinance #
• RT @james3neal: The power of museums and libraries by Marsha L. Semmel (of IMLS) on @make blog (cont) http://tl.gd/2qndpe #
• Toronto’s #MeetPlanGo tix going fast. Discuss long-term travel with the experts+network with other travelers (cont) http://tl.gd/2qne1k #
• World Population Forecast to Top 7 Billion in 2011 – http://nyti.ms/b3CLHz (via @DavidAVictor) #
• Cultural differences between Taiwan & the PRC: Currently reading (cont) http://tl.gd/2qv8s8 #
• Libraries are still a key research service http://ow.ly/2iHDL #library #librarians (via @weknowmore) #
• What influence does #language have on #culture Words in #Tagalog with no English #Translation http://bit.ly/cAAKKS (via @LCWllc) #
• The world’s strongest and strangest liquors http://tinyurl.com/29guw9g (via @GuyKawasaki) #
• RT @pikorua: RT @onzetaal: Don’t try this abroad: Common language mistakes http://bit.ly/a7T4dl (via @matthewbennett) #
• @theedman22 in reply to theedman22 #

Looking for something exciting to do tonight?  The Faroe Islands of Denmark celebrate a festival called the Olai Festival every year on July 28-29^th.  This festival begins on the eve of Saint Olav’s Day, and continues on through St. Olav’s Day itself.   Work stops, and people  head to Torshavn (the island where this takes place) to celebrate.

The festival attracts about 50,000 people and is rung in with processions, sporting events, meetings, and concerts.  It then moves into the next day with a governmental procession, at which time the actual governmental year begins.  They close the ceremonies at midnight with community singing.  People come dressed in their best, and they dance throughout the streets and towns.

From the end of May all the way until the end of July, there are festivals like this throughout the islands.  These festivals all have religious roots, and it is the festive nature of the people that makes them truly fantastic events.

Have you been to any great festivals overseas?

• 5 of the world’s most obscure places; worth a visit for the name alone http://bit.ly/cqOWsY #travel #lp (via @501places) #
• Learning Mandarin with Mango Languages So excited. (via @grlucy) –we are too! #
• @MultiLingLiving thanks for getting ideas. We have some great new stuff in development. in reply to MultiLingLiving #
• Brazil’s 3 tastiest treats: put a little history in your mouth http://bit.ly/c9sz0F #lp (via @lonelyplanet) #
• @MultiLingLiving great! Will do. in reply to MultiLingLiving #
• Autobahn Shut Down For Massive Party http://huff.to/d0T1Wg #
• FREE Dearborn Main Library Blockbusters Film Series 7/19 : http://bit.ly/aHnNgu TONIGHT’s MOVIE is SHUTTER ISLAND (via @freeismylife) #
• Language-learning software now available through library:
  Mango Languages online http://bit.ly/9dBls9 (via @David_Jamess) #
• Traveling to a foreign country & need to learn a language? Abington Township Public Library has Mango (cont) http://tl.gd/2k3e0t #
• RT @ToadLillie Columbus friends! You can learn a language through the library. @jeffrey_r sent me this great (cont) http://tl.gd/2k3eeh #
• Traveling anywhere exotic this summer? Check out Mango Languages on the MTPL website. It’s the easiest way to… (cont) http://tl.gd/2k3els #
• Celebrate Bastille Day by trying out the French courses in Mango Languages: http://bit.ly/tplmango (via @troylib) #
• Check out a new energy drink – it is Mango flavored. http://fb.me/wlviGSFV #
• @MultiLingLiving Appreciate your response on the blog. I sent your comments to our product development dept. Great feedback! in reply to MultiLingLiving #
• @MultiLingLiving I love Mango but can see how a novella could be fun! We have talked about adding music and other interactive items. in reply to MultiLingLiving #
• @MultiLingLiving Thanks – we are always checking in to see what folks are saying…listening is essential to be successful. in reply to MultiLingLiving #
• #languages Advice for lower intermediate students: Look up online tabloids in the language you’re learning (cont) http://tl.gd/2kevn5 #
• @MultiLingLiving Is he working from Mango Basic or Mango Complete? in reply to MultiLingLiving #
• Big Webinar today! #
• We are getting so excited about the new launch with new languages! #
• Check this video out — Mango Languages Summer Fiesta Friday Fun http://youtu.be/ebcYaBYhIe8 #
• PHOTOS: The Funniest Marketing Fails Of All Time http://huff.to/9kEn8j –all because of language #
• Or Mangoness! RT @charliecurve: If your clients still want your bid to compare “apples to apples” you haven’t communicated your orangeness #
• @fhcpl we are so excited that you have Mango!!!! in reply to fhcpl #
• @crafty184 thanks Chris! in reply to crafty184 #
• @nashworld check out http://www.findmango.com to find a library near you-lots of languages to choose from. Use from home. Just need a library card in reply to nashworld #
• @nashworld wonder why folks are selling? if you want to speak a language… Mango is awesome. Best of luck!!!! in reply to nashworld #
• @nashworld we are also coming out with a children’s program. Specifically For 0-6 year-olds. in reply to nashworld #
• @nashworld fair enough. in reply to nashworld #
• RT @carlaarena very interesting event happening this year in Brazil http://homelessworldcup.org (via @pocketcultures) #
• British slang translated fer us Americans. http://bit.ly/14XEfE [very helpful] (via @MarkShepard) #
• @MarkShepard Exactly. in reply to MarkShepard #
• @MarkShepard One that I heard was the boot of the car – I was thinking cars don’t wear boots but they were actually talking about the trunk. in reply to MarkShepard #
• @barseno It is on our product dev list. Not sure when they are going to get to it as they are working on an iPhone app for fall release 1st in reply to barseno #
• @MultiLingLiving In the complete version there is a Phrasebook Review – it is all online – nothing to print. I hope that helps. in reply to MultiLingLiving #
• Over the next couple of weeks fun Mango inspired Art will be installed in our new offices. It will really spruce up the place! #
• Where do you log into Mango? Library, Home, Office and why? #
• @MultiLingLiving my pleasure!!!! in reply to MultiLingLiving #
• @crazyjster There is no place like home! in reply to crazyjster #
• Quiet office today – many staff members out due to Ryan Colpaert our Sales Director getting married #
• It is raining cats and dogs here! Seriously crazy weather in Detroit the past couple of days. #
• Scientists Make Stunning New Discovery At Stonehenge http://huff.to/dvzExk #
• Interested in learning a foreign language for free? Try Mango Languages: http://tinyurl.com/2d6yaku (via @SupervisorOvitt) #
• Learn a New Language with Mango Languages! http://fb.me/C2oHlWiW (via @mybpl) #
• Are Facebook & Twitter hurting the Thai language? http://j.mp/cSfJdx (via @TweetSmarter) #

Guest blogger Marina has been with us sharing her experience in using Mango Languages to learn Brazilian Portuguese. Here is part four.

Several weeks into my Mango Languages experiment, shortly after completing my last blog post, I made an important change in my study routine.  No, I did not increase the number of lessons per week, as I had intended (for reasons explained below, this task remains to be accomplished).  The change was very simple, but it had such a profound effect on my learning experience, that it is worth describing in more detail.

What I did a few weeks ago was switch to a different version of the Mango Languages software.  This version, Mango Basic, focuses on building basic speaking ability, whereas the version I had been using previously, Mango Complete, addresses conversational and grammar skills. Yes, the grammar is there, although it is dealt with in a rather indirect–-and, therefore, less tedious–manner compared to most textbooks.

The reason for making the switch was the announcement that Mango is introducing Voice Comparison–an option that allows students to compare their recorded pronunciation to that of a native speaker.  I have always been a fan of the voice recording option in other language learning software packages, and so I was eager to try out this new feature. Since it was only available in the Basic version, I decided to “downgrade,” and this was a step that I never regretted.

The benefits of working with Mango Basic went beyond pronunciation practice, however.  I had initially assumed that Mango Basic was merely a scaled down version of Mango Complete, but the content of the Basic version is considerably different and, for a complete beginner, is certainly easier to master.  This version is also much more colorful, which can be a deciding factor for visual learners.  Furthermore, the lessons are broken down into very manageable bits, which provided a welcome respite from the lengthy dialogues of Mango Complete, which often made me wonder if I was biting off more than I could chew.

With this in mind, my strategy will be to work through the Basic version, making sure I thoroughly understand the material before I attempt to master the more complex vocabulary and grammar of Mango Complete.  In my last blog post I announced that I would try to complete several Portuguese lessons each week, but it did not work out quite as I had planned. I started a full-time teaching job in the meantime, and this had kept me very busy (and tired!), so the thrice-weekly Portuguese strategy had to be put on hold.  Knowing how detrimental extended gaps between lessons can be, I try to work little bits of Portuguese-related activities into my daily routines.  Conversations with my Brazilian flatmate (not in Portuguese, yet, but rather about the different aspects of the language) certainly help, as do my occasional encounters with other Brazilians–in real life and online.

Recently, for example, I received an email from a reader of a blog that I had started years ago when I was living in Kyrgyzstan and attempting to learn the Kyrgyz language.  The query was Kyrgyz-related, but its author turned out to be Brazilian, and so we ended up having a lively email interchange about regional differences in Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation.

On a slightly different note, my flatmate’s family is now visiting Turkey, so I may be in for a bit of speaking practice. Perhaps I should start drilling myself on basic Portuguese courtesies: “Olá. Como vai a senhora? Meu nome é Marina. Prazer em conhece-lo.“

Hey!  This is a great get away for all of you fitness enthusiasts out there.

Every year, there is an event in Mongolia called the “Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset.”  It is a whopping 100km (about 62 miles) run!  This event is focused around both the run and the beauty of the terrain.

The event usually attracts about 50 runners per year, who arrive either directly in the capital of Ulaanbaatar, or make the stop in Beijing before traveling there.  They are then flown to Camp Toilogt, a 2,700 sq. ft. lake surrounded by forests and mountains. There, they have a few days to relax before the run and do things like horseback riding, fishing, hiking, or visit with the locals.  On the day of the race, they begin at sunrise and have until sunset to run around the whole course and make it back to camp, with a few rest stops in between.  And you thought high school track was tough!

The race was held this year the 19th-24th of July, and is held every year with all proceeds going to help preserve the wildlife and nature preserve where the run takes place.

If you’re interested in doing something like this, you can register on the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset website here: http://www.ultramongolia.com/

Have you ever done any international runs? Would you? Tell us!