Sunday, July 20, 2008

Rosetta Stone V3: Spanish (Latin America), Level 3

Why is Rosetta Stone the world's No. 1 language-learning software? Because it works.

Escape the endless tedium of translation, memorization, and grammar drills. Get the language you want, the skills you need and the success you deserve by learning a new language naturally--the same way you learned your first language.



The complete immersion environment puts your native language-learning skills to work, eliminating your dependence on tedious translation and rote memorization.

Images Intuition

In Rosetta Stone you learn the meaning of new language from clear, real-life images.


In this activity you learn colors.

You advance using language you've learned and clues from new images. That's your intuition at work.


Now that you know colors, you can easily grasp the meaning of the new words...

Interactivity Instruction

Throughout Rosetta Stone, you constantly interact with the program to confirm your intuition.


...and then check what you've learned.

From beginning to end you build systematically toward your language-learning goals, for the most effective and enjoyable instruction anywhere.


And finally, you get the fun of trying your new language in a real-life simulation. Speech recognition shows you exactly how you're doing.

You learned your first language without translation.
You learned your first language easily and naturally by connecting words to objects and events around you. With Rosetta Stone, learn a new language the same way: using native speakers and thousands of real-life images to help you think in the new language from the very beginning. Studies show that learning exclusively in the new language, without translation as a crutch, is crucial.

The exclusive Dynamic Immersion method reinforces your natural language-learning skills with award-winning instructional technology. Identify your learning goals, then choose customized courses that take you there.

The timeless immersion method, along with research-based techniques and new technologies, make Rosetta Stone the clear solution to your language-learning needs.

What will you be able to do?

Understand everyday language.
Through Rosetta Stone's proficiency-based listening and reading activities, you'll learn quickly.

Pronounce words correctly.
After practicing with Rosetta Stone's speech recognition and analysis tools, pronunciation will come easily.

Speak without a script.
Contextual Formation makes sure you have the confidence and cues you need to get the words out on the spot.

Spell and write accurately.
You'll build gradually from letters to words and sentences.

Engage in real-life conversations.
With Milestone activities, gain confidence using speech alone in simulated situations.

Retain what you learn.
The unique Adaptive Recall reinforces language so it sticks with you in the real world.
Customer Review: great system
I am now on the 3rd and final level of Rosetta Stone's Spanish (Latin America). I have been very impressed with the series. I do also use Pimsleur Spanish CDs in my car to supplement my learning. I'd recommend both to anyone interested in learning any language.
Customer Review: Installation challenges
This version is sold as Vista compatible, however installation was not straight forward with Vista Ultimate as operating system. Once installed there is an error message as the file framedynos.dll is not found. We needed to copy it into the program directory. The activation program does not work with Vista, we needed to disconnect the PC from the internet and activate via phone. Neither of these two problems was listed in the manual. The good thing was that the phone service was available even late in the night. Once these two hurdles were overcome the program seems to be working well.


Over the last few years, we have seen quite a growth in the number of really good restaurants opening up in Fresno. Now, it is time to add Pangea to the top of that list.

Located in the heart of Fig Garden Village in Fresno, Pangea is the sister establishment to another great restaurant, Campagnia. With a family connection like that, Pangea automatically gets extra points from me.

My first foray into Pangea was back in late December. I stopped in while doing a story on New Year's Eve dining around the Central Valley. From what I have learned, the name Pangea, when translated, means 'All Earth.' Very earthy, huh? Well, don not let the name fool you. There are no hippy lovefest earth-children from the 60s serving you recycled food or making you wear hemp clothing.

No, instead, this 'All Earth' is very chic and sophisticated. From the walls to the tables to the sign on the door, I was really impressed at how the earth tone elements mixed with modern furniture designs. Basically, its stone age meets futuristic steel. Very hot! At Pangea, the experience goes way beyond the design and the furniture.

From their website, Pangea's staff writes, "Meant to be enjoyed among friends, Pangea is a dining experience, likened to a trip around the globe, of fine cuisine and premier spirits from every corner of our world."

The website goes on to say, "At Pangea Restaurant, our global flavors range from Pacific Rim and Latin to Mediterranean and Italian, and eclectic California Cuisine. Because our menu consists of various small plates; larger than typical tapas and smaller than an entree, we refer to our menu as 'global small plates.' We encourage the sharing of our dishes, which allows everyone to try many of our items in one sitting in an elegant, casual and fun environment."

I agree! Pangea is very eclectic-chic. In fact, it is a very new, different experience for the uber-traditional style of the Central Valley.

Because I had to hit six other restaurants in the next two hours, I did not get to stay at Pangea for more than a few minutes. But I promised myself, I would be back real soon. And I made good on my promise, returning later with two friends. We went for a late lunch, but ended up just ordering drinks and filling up on appetizers at the bar.

Actually, that was a good choice because we each ordered a few appetizers, a few drinks, gorged on the free bread and hung out for a while. Since it was not very crowded, we were able to ask the bar and wait staff for their suggestions on which appetizers they thought rocked.

Well, thank you staff members. You were right four out of four times. Here is the rundown of our appetizer feast and the prices (which are highly affordable).

Seared beef nigiri, asparagus & enoki mushroom with wasabi aioli ($5.00) This tops the list of my favorite appetizers of all time. The beef is sweet and tangy, which goes perfect with the asparagus. The taste is intensified by the wasabi aioli. Nice!

Pangea California roll in soy paper ($8) You really can't go wrong ordering a California roll anywhere. But I've not found any one who does it better than the Sushi makers of Pangea.

Crunchy Mexican spicy tuna roll topped with chipotle citrus aioli ($12) It's Latin ... it's Asian ... it's fusion done right.Tasty.

Ginger and garlic poached bok choy ($3) When we first decided to order this, I wasn't so sure I was going to like it. But for three bucks, I was willing to take a chance. It was pretty tasty. I was shocked, surprised and eventually, ordered a second round for the table.

And let us not forget the bread and the amazing Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. Man, they could just sell that as an appetizer and I would be there all the time.

I have been back for drinks several more times; often ordering the same exact appetizer feast. Maybe next time, I will actually go for dinner and try one their extraordinary sounding dinner entrees. Hope to see you there doing the same.

Contact Information: Pangea Restaurant

Located in Fig Garden Village, Fresno

Phone: (559) 225-3800

Website: http://www.pangearestaurant.net

Eddie Cadena is an Emmy Award Winning Writer who currently writes for Valley 411, the Central Valley Entertainment Portal powered by Netricks, Inc., a Central Valley internet company managing clothing site Bella Chica. He is also the recipient of the 2006 NAACP-Fresno Chapter Image Award for Broadcast.

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