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Dear Nancy,
Hello Everyone!
I hope that you are enjoying these final days of summer. This certainly has been an “old fashioned” one! It has been nice to see so much sun!
September is here and we are getting ready for our fall classes. We are offering New beginning classes in French, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Ukrainian and taking registrations now. Be sure to sign up early! We have intermediate classes in French, Italian and Spanish available along with other levels that are already in progress from our Spring session. Please call the office to find out about placement at 518-346-7096 .
Our Russian and Ukrainian classes are new and we are very excited to be offering these languages. We will also be offering Dutch and German private lessons as well this fall. Call the office at 518-346-7096 for more information and to register for Dutch and German.
New, this fall, is our on-line class in Italian. This interactive class will be conducted in real time with a teacher. Our Beginning Italian Class Level 4 will be broadcasted from a central location in Niskayuna. In other words, you will be part of a class, sitting with your classmates and your teacher will be conducting class from another location. Eventually, you will be able to stay in your home and take this class, while seeing and hearing your classmates. We will be sending you an invitation for a free demo class some time in September. At this time, French and Italian private lessons are already available as on-line classes given in real time.
We will be back at Chez Daisie for our Table Française get together on September 15th from 6pm to 8pm. This is a great place to come and speak French, and we are looking forward to seeing our French speakers! Native and near-native speakers, we know that if we don’t continue to use French, we lose it. To those students learning French, this is a great place to practice what you have learned in class. So mark your calendars. We are looking forward to seeing everyone in September.
The Language Learning Institute will be opening on September 7th for our 2010/2011 School Year. Due to Rosh Hashanah, we will be having private lessons only this week. All classes will start the week of September 13th and later. As we enter September, we at The Language Learning Institute wish you all a wonderful rest of the summer and a warm and special greeting to our Jewish friends as they celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Best regards,
Nancy Scarselletta Owner/Developer The Language Learning Institute 518-346-7096
We are a growing and expanding school, specializing in the learning and study of French, Italian, Spanish and newly added Russian and Ukrainian. We are looking for energetic, enthusiastic and talented people to join our team.
Le Isole Pontine – The Pontine Islands – The Small Islands of Italy
Situated South of Rome and Northwest of Naples in the Gulf of Gaeta, there are six Pontine Islands – Ponza, Palmarola, Zannone, Ventotene, Santo Stefano, the small island of Gavi and the solitary rock of la Botte. The islands were collectively named after the largest island in the group, Ponza. Ponza and Ventotene are populated, while the smaller islands are not. Ventotene and Santo Stefano are nature preserves. Ponza and Ventotene have delightful ports and attractive villages with colorful houses and plenty of places to eat out and enjoy the fresh fish and seafood of the area.
Ponza is the largest and most famous of the group and together with Ventotene is the only year-round inhabited island with regular links by ferry. The other islands are uninhabited, although you can stay on Palmarola in the summer, and it can be visited by boat from the two larger islands.
Despite their long history and the evidence of Roman and pre-Roman ruins, the islands are not a well-known tourist destination, except among the Italians who flock there in July and August. During the reign of Caesar Augustus, Rome used to exile political prisoners to Ponza and Ventotene; and Mussolini did the same thing in the 1940s. The islands were raided by pirates and Saracens during the Middle Ages and were abandoned as a consequence, but were later repopulated and officially included in the Unification of Italy in 1861. The islands have always been known for their mild climate and for the beauty of the surrounding waters.
Ponza – Monte La Guardia (915.3 feet) is Ponza’s highest point. From there you can admire the beauty of this narrow, long and half-moon-shaped island. Its coasts are ragged and rich in coves and smaller crags such as the small isle of Cavi and the cliff of La Botte. This island which is only 4.97 miles long is full of places to visit, such as the lovely beach of Ghiaia di Luna, which can be reached through a tunnel dug out by the Romans and which is full of archaeological remains scattered everywhere.
Ventotene – This small island (0.5 sq. miles) was formed by volcanic rocks once used to build houses which you can see when entering the port. Ventotene has generally high and ragged coasts and two small, beautiful beaches just behind the built-up area: Cala Rossano (close to the Porto Nuovo) and Cala Nave (with the three cliffs: Nave di Terra, Nave di Fuori and Scoglitello). In isolated areas away from the port there are other stretches of beach such as: Parata della Postina, Moggio di Terra and Parata Grande. The island was first used as a base by the Phoenicians, the Greeks and the Romans in the 1st century. It was subsequently equipped by Augustus with a port dug in volcanic rock, which is still in use today and which serves the huge Villa Giulia where he had relegated his daughter accused of infidelity.
Mediterranean ports, tiny vineyards, small villages, natural beauty, secluded beaches and grottos make these islands a wonderful destination.
Following the relaxing summer recess of the French government, the French people returned to heightened political tension between Sarkozy, the French President, and well, the rest of the world. Sarkozy is under fire this month as his anti-immigration policies are being highlighted by his mandate to deport all Roma people from France. The Roma people are an ethnic group which traces back to medieval India; however, now they call various areas of Europe their home. The administration is calling this a “voluntary deporation”, which means the government is issuing 300 euros to any Roma adults who are willing to leave. However, if they do not take the monetary incentive, they are still forced to leave within a month, without being privy to any of the money. Many have spoken out against Sarkozy’s policy. Even the Pope has expressed his opposition to the “voluntary” deportation. He has urged French citizens to accept people from varying backgrounds into their country, and he also encouraged parents to teach their children about tolerance and acceptance. On the political side, the European Union has shown opposition to Sarkozy as well. This policy not only goes against the fundamental values of the European Constitution which pushes for a united Europe, but it also violates the Schengen country rules, which allows Europeans and visitors with a Schengen visa to travel freely between European countries without concern for border-crossings. On Wednesday, two Romanian ministers met with the French government to discuss cooperation between the two countries. The meeting ended with a statement issued that claimed there was no tension between the two countries. We will need to wait to see if the French government truly honors their agreement and hope that tension in the Europe diminishes.http://www.france24.com/en/20100823-pope-france-roma-deportations-ump-clergy-sarkozy-church http://www.france24.com/en/20100825-france-romania-agree-cooperate-reintegration-eu-sarkozy-besson-paris-immigration http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romani_people
Classic French Recipe to accent your Summer veggies!
Salade Niçoise
With the right ingredients and a little time, you can easily treat yourself to this delicious French classic. Fill your plate and enjoy it as a light meal, or take a small portion as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
4 eggs, hard boiled 9 ounces green beans, trimmed and steamed 6 artichoke hearts in brine, drained 12 ounces mixed salad leaves 4 tomatoes, cut into wedges 15 ounce can tuna, drained 1 red pepper (capsicum), cut into thin strips 14 ounce can cannellini beans, drained 1 Tablespoon capers 1 handful of black olives 1 Tablespoon of chopped tarragon
Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl 2. Serve 3. Enjoy!
Easy Vinaigrette
Compliment your salad with a home-made vinaigrette. It takes barely any time or ingredients and is easy to prepare and tastes great.
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons of Vinegar 4 Tablespoons of Oil Juice of 1 Lemon juice 2 Tablespoons of Minced Garlic Salt Pepper
Thank you to all who responded to last month’s “Do You Know?”
Among Tour de France fans, the maillot jaune has become well-recognized as the leader of the race. What does the maillot à pois rouges indicate?
Answer:It indicates a secondary classification in the Tour de France, in which cyclists receive points for reaching a mountain top first. The leader of the classification is named the “King of the Mountains”
This Month’s “Do You Know?”
In Italy, the Alps form its northern boundary; which mountain range forms the peninsula’s backbone?
Thank you for your interest in our school. Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to anyone who might be interested in learning about the Language Learning Institute and our programs and events.
Best regards,
Nancy Scarselletta The Language Learning Institute, LLC
“This is my first experience with The Language Learning Institute. I have always wanted to learn to speak the Italian language. My grandparents on both sides are from Italy and I wish that my parents spoke the language to us but they wanted to make sure English was spoken all the time. I have only good things to say about the Institute. The instructors are all very knowledgeable in the Italian language and of the country. As a beginner, they make me feel very comfortable learning this beautiful language. I have enjoyed all of my classes and look forward to future classes with the Institute.”
Situated South of Rome and Northwest of Naples in the Gulf of Gaeta, there are six Pontine Islands – Ponza, Palmarola, Zannone, Ventotene, Santo Stefano, the small island of Gavi and the solitary rock of la Botte. The islands were collectively named after the largest island in the group, Ponza. Ponza and Ventotene are populated, while the smaller islands are not. Ventotene and Santo Stefano are nature preserves. Ponza and Ventotene have delightful ports and attractive villages with colorful houses and plenty of places to eat out and enjoy the fresh fish and seafood of the area. 
islands are not a well-known tourist destination, except among the Italians who flock there in July and August. During the reign of Caesar Augustus, Rome used to exile political prisoners to Ponza and Ventotene; and Mussolini did the same thing in the 1940s. The islands were raided by pirates and Saracens during the Middle Ages and were abandoned as a consequence, but were later repopulated and officially included in the Unification of Italy in 1861. The islands have always been known for their mild climate and for the beauty of the surrounding waters.
Ponza – Monte La Guardia (915.3 feet) is Ponza’s highest point. From there you can admire the beauty of this narrow, long and half-moon-shaped island. Its coasts are ragged and rich in coves and smaller crags such as the small isle of Cavi and the cliff of La Botte. This island which is only 4.97 miles long is full of places to visit, such as the lovely beach of Ghiaia di Luna, which can be reached through a tunnel dug out by the Romans and which is full of archaeological remains scattered everywhere.
used to build houses which you can see when entering the port. Ventotene has generally high and ragged coasts and two small, beautiful beaches just behind the built-up area: Cala Rossano (close to the Porto Nuovo) and Cala Nave (with the three cliffs: Nave di Terra, Nave di Fuori and Scoglitello). In isolated areas away from the port there are other stretches of beach such as: Parata della Postina, Moggio di Terra and Parata Grande. The island was first used as a base by the Phoenicians, the Greeks and the Romans in the 1st century. It was subsequently equipped by Augustus with a port dug in volcanic rock, which is still in use today and which serves the huge Villa Giulia where he had relegated his daughter accused of infidelity.
Mediterranean ports, tiny vineyards, small villages, natural beauty, secluded beaches and grottos make these islands a wonderful destination.
With the right ingredients and a little time, you can easily treat yourself to this delicious French classic. Fill your plate and enjoy it as a light meal, or take a small portion as an appetizer.
