Kamis, 19 Juni 2014

Cake Decorating Techniques

The cake has been baked, built and iced and is now ready for its adornments and embellishments that will turn the confection into a work of art! With creativity and imagination, the possibilities in cake decorating are endless, regardless of your skill level. To make the most of all the tools available, learn their functions and the methods in which to use them to bring your vision to fruition, adding your own personal style to it.
Sprinkles are a fun and simple way to add color and interest to a cake. From non-pareils (tiny, round sugary balls) to jimmies (the more cylindrical miniature candies) to sanding sugars (crystalized), you can vary the amount used on an iced cake for different effects. Drizzle sprinkles lightly over the top or cover the entire surface of the cake for a dramatic display. Some of the most useful and frequently used tools cake artists rely on to embellish their cakes are pastry bags, decorating tips and couplers to pipe designs. Buttercream icing, royal icing and chocolate are most commonly utilized in piping. The buttercream icing will pipe on smoothly directly onto a cake or a cake that is iced or covered (i.e. with fondant), but ensure the mixture is adequately stiff to maintain the composition of the shape. Royal icing is a mixture of confectioners' sugar and egg whites that will dry considerably hard. In general, it should be used to pipe decorations onto fondant-covered cakes, but not those iced with buttercream, as it will begin to absorb the grease and break down. Chocolate can also be utilized in piping, but as opposed to buttercream and royal icing, it must be heated and melted and will harden a lot quicker.
Regardless of the medium you use, piping adornments onto a cake can be done beautifully with the vastly different shapes and sizes available in decorating tips, in conjunction with pastry bags and couplers. Though both reusable and disposable pastry bags are available, determine what works best for you, keeping in mind that any residual that is difficult to wash out might affect your icing the next time you use it. For example, any lingering grease from buttercream will alter and eventually ruin the consistency of royal icing, so using separate bags for each medium is desirable. Once you've decided upon the type of icing and bag, insert the base of the coupler inside the bag, then fold its sides outward to facilitate the process of scooping the icing inside, avoiding as many air bubbles as possible. Add the desired decorating tip to the narrow end of the bag and twist on the ring until it is attached to the base. The beauty of the coupler is that you can easily switch out any decorating tips while still using the same bag of icing. By twisting the wide end of the pastry bag, the icing is pushed toward the tip and you can begin piping by gently squeezing the bag so the optimum amount of icing comes out as you decorate. From lines and ruffles to flowers and leaves to grass and basketweave patterns, all these motifs can be achieved with the appropriate tips, a varied amount of pressure applied to the pastry bag, and the perfect angle. Practicing on a flat board, as well as a vertical surface, mimicking that of a cake, will assist in perfecting your piping skills.
Stencils can also be used on the surface of a cake to transfer patterns. You can use a powder, such as sugar or chocolate, to achieve the markings or it can also be done with buttercream or royal icing. With the stencil directly flattened to the surface of your cake, you can apply the icing over the top and smooth it out with a spatula until the stencil is covered, making sure it does not move at any point. Then, carefully remove the stencil and repeat as necessary until the cake is covered.
Fresh fruits and flowers can be an exquisite garnish to cakes as well. While the use of flowers can enhance a presentation, it is essential that your choice includes edible blossoms and especially ones that have not been sprayed with any poisons or pesticides. Cake decorators must always familiarize themselves with all food safety regulations, inclusive of what flowers can be used on a cake and even those that must be removed prior to serving.
Shaped and sculpted decorations are very popular and prominent on a cake, especially in this modern age when embellished and extravagant cakes are not only dedicated for weddings or massive celebrations, but are widespread for parties and events of all kinds. Figures of people and animals can be sculpted and used as adornments, as well as an abundance of flowers and shapes. Similar to the mediums used to cover a cake, these decorations can be molded out of fondant, modeling chocolate, marzipan or gum paste. Because fondant is so soft and pliable, it is sometimes difficult to shape and requires a bit more stiffness, which can be achieved with the addition of Tylose powder or with the use of gum paste. Gum paste dries harder than fondant and besides figures, is often used to create sugar flowers because it can be rolled out thinly and holds its shape well.
There are many tools that can be used when forming figures and shapes. One of the simplest ways to create silhouettes is with the use of metal and plastic cutters that can be used to punch out the shape from the medium of choice. The cutters can vary from basic geometric shapes, such as circles and squares, to those of leaves and petals, as well as more intricate designs. Another extremely useful tool is a mold made from food-grade silicone. If you are using a material like fondant, you would fill the mold with it, remove the excess from the back, and use your hands and fingers to remove it inversely. If it does not come out easily, a short time in the freezer can aid in its removal. Without a cutter or mold, the next phase would be to mold the desired shape by hand or cut it out with a precision knife.
Pink Fondant Being Cut on Craftsy

Fondant and gum paste tools are also essential to adding features, details and depth. From knife, veining and ball tools to modeling sticks and cutting wheels, these gadgets are perfect to accentuate features and add dimension. Additional useful components, especially when creating sugar flowers, are foams to shape petals, stems and drying racks. To imprint a pattern directly onto fondant, embossing mats are also great for adding texture to the design.
Teal Bear Cake - Cake Decorating on Craftsy


Another cake decorating medium is that of isomalt, which is a sugar substitute that, when heated to a high temperature, can be molded to resemble glass and stones. Cake decorators experienced in sugar can pull and mold it into various shapes, such as flowers and ribbons, and even blow sugar spheres to be used for cake decor, creating gorgeous works of art.

sumber: http://www.craftsy.com/

indomie ku sayang indomie ku malang

mie? yaaa gua adalah salah satu dari jutaan orang didunia yang suka banget sama berbagai jenis mie dari mie instan, kwetaiw, bihun dan lainnya. dulu gua bisa dalam waktu seminggu gua bisa menghabiskan tujuh hari itu untuk makan mie. lama-kelamaan orang tua gua mulai sadar sama kelakuaan gua yang bisa dibilang gak manusiawi ini dan sukseslah gua dapet murka dari mereka. abis itu gua masih belum tobat juga. nah pada suatu ketika teteangga gua ada yang masuk rumah sakit karena kena penyakit liver kata nyokap sih dia sering telat makan dan suka makan mie. yaaa!!! dari situ gua mulai sedikit demi sedikit ngurangin kebiasaan gua itu. gua mulai nguranginnya bertahap. dari seminggu full makan mie sampe seminggu jadi tiga kali, seminggu jadi dua kali. dan tepat dimalam ini gua abis denger berita tentang tetangga gua juga yang baru keluar dari rumah sakit dan barusan banget keluarga mereka mendadak pada teriak-teriak histeris karena tetangga gua yang baru keluar dari rumah sakit itu mendadak aja ngeluarin darah banyak bgt. fix malem ini gua tobat beneran tobat:'))

How to Train Your Dragon 2






How To Train Your Dragon 2 is the sequel to the How to Train Your Dragon film adaption. It is currently scheduled to be released June 13, 2014 and features the returning cast of the first film with Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, TJ Miller, and Kristen Wiig reprising their roles. Gerard Butler was not initially included in the first announcements but has since been confirmed to be returning to the sequel as confirmed by Dean Deblois, co-writer and co-director of the first film.


The sequel's initial details were announced in October 2010, along with the tentative year of release. DeBlois is returning for the sequel but will take on sole writing and directing duties. Chris Sanders will serve as executive producer. The animated series aired August 7th 2012 building-up towardsDragon 2's release.

DeBlois has stated that the sequel will expand the current world of How To Train Your Dragon and will not be restricted to the island of Berk. Dragon 2 is apparently designed to be the 2nd chapter of a much greater story that takes the characters to new places and cultures, introducing new characters and dragon species in the process. He says this could potentially lead onto a 3rd film or further. Bonnie Arnold, who's returning as a producer for the film, states that the new adventure will show Hiccup on his journey of becoming a man and the leader of the Viking clan.

At 2013's CinemaCon event in April, DreamWorks premiered a teaser trailer for the film. In it, Hiccup is now 20 and more mature, also his appearance has changed and now sporting a new suit of flying leathers to accompany Toothless in flight. The trailer shows such a flight before the pair skydive through the air. Hiccup then activates his own leather wings to glide with Toothless, similar to how a flying squirrel moves through the air. Though the trailers has not been shown to the public, some still images of Hiccup and Toothless' new, aged designs have surfaced onto the internet.



Plot


Five years after the the Vikings of Berk have made peace with the dragons, dragon riders participate in a race. Stoick notices his son Hiccup's absence. Hiccup is on adventures with his dragon Toothless, as they discover uncharted lands and new territories. Hiccup reveals to his girlfriend Astrid that he has been avoiding his father, who intends to make Hiccup the Chief of Berk due to his coming of age, which Hiccup is reluctant to accept. During one of their adventures, Hiccup and Toothless are mapping the known world around Berk. They meet a dragon hunter named Eret who has been capturing Dragons for an insane conqueror called Drago Bludvist, whose goal is to take control of the dragons and then the world. Eventually,Hiccup and his friends come across an ice cave that serves as a haven for the dragons where Hiccup meets his long-lost mother, Valka. They learn in the cave that the dragons answer to an Alpha dragon called a Bewilderbeast, who can control all dragons and has the ability to shoot ice instead of fire.

Stoick tracks Hiccup to this cave where he discovers that his wife is still alive, and after they rekindle their love, they decide to return to Berk. Drago has also tracked them to the island and unveils his secret weapon--another Bewilderbeast, which is the same breed as the Alpha, but both bigger and stronger. Eret betrays Drago and joins forces with the riders, before a titanic battle ensues and the two Bewilderbeasts face off, during Drago's Bewilderbeast defeats the Alpha, thereby ending the fight by becoming the new Alpha and taking control over all the dragons, including Toothless, who has now been hypnotized by the Alpha and will not respond to Hiccup's command. Drago gives the order for the Alpha to kill Hiccup, and it decides to send Toothless. Drago leaves Hiccup to his fate as he prepares his now larger army for the invasion of Berk.

Even Stormfly, Hookfang, Meatlug, Barf and Belch, Cloudjumper, Grump and Skullcrusher succumb to the Alpha and joined Drago's army. Stoick and Valka sees Hiccup in trouble and rushes to rescue him. Toothless prepares to fire a fatal plasma blast at Hiccup while the latter tries to smack the former out of its trance but fails. Toothless fires the shot, but Stoick pushes Hiccup out of the way and is shot himself. Valka and the other dragon riders rush over to Hiccup and Stoick, and Valka solemnly announces that Stoick has been killed.

Toothless snaps out of his trance and realizes that he had committed a great sin, and attempts to help Stoick but is chased away by an enraged Hiccup. Toothless is then under the Alpha's control again and Drago rides Toothless to lead the final invasion of Berk. Hiccup, Valka and the dragon riders hold a cremation ceremony for Stoick. Hiccup, now filled with vengeance and regret at the loss of his father and capture of his dragon respectively, decides that they will fly back to Berk and defeat Drago once and for all.

The dragons on Berk start to behave weirdly just as Drago and his Bewilderbeast arrive. Drago promptly announces that Stoick is dead and his Bewilderbeast freezes Berk. The dragon riders ride the baby dragons back to Berk as Hiccup learns from Valka earlier on that the baby dragons are not affected by the Bewilderbeast's control as they listen to nobody.

Hiccup and the dragon riders return to find Berk completely frozen just as Drago's Bewilderbeast begins its attack on the village. Valka, Gobber, Astrid, Snotlout, Fishlegs, Ruffnut, Tuffnut and Eret work together to distract the Alpha while a vengeful Hiccup confronts Drago and a brainwashed Toothless. Drago is surprised to see Hiccup still alive and orders Toothless to shoot Hiccup again, promising that he will not miss this time. Hiccup attempts to snap Toothless out of its trance and is succeeding, much to Drago's surprise, who immediately orders his Bewilderbeast to try and regain control of Toothless. However, Hiccup eventually gets through to Toothless who frees himself from the Bewilderbeast's control.

Drago falls onto his Bewilderbeast while Hiccup manages to get onto Toothless and fly him to safety before they crash into the ocean. After reaching the surface Hiccup apologizes to Toothless for driving him away because of something that wasn't his fault and Toothless forgives him. Hiccup decides to blindfold Toothless to prevent the Alpha from controlling him again and Toothless trusts Hiccup to be his eyes. Drago orders his Bewilderbeast to shoot Hiccup and Toothless once more, and successfully freezes the both of them in a big blast of ice, seemingly killing them.

As Valka and the villagers of Berk grief over their apparent death, Toothless, now glowing with plasma charge, blows the ice up, revealing that he and Hiccup are safe. Toothless, now with enhanced fire powers, challenges the Alpha Bewilderbeast. All the dragons, including those enslaved by Drago, are touched by the bond Hiccup and Toothless shared and freed themselves from the Bewilderbeast's control, joining the people of Berk in a final standoff against Drago and his dragon.

Enraged, Drago has his Bewilderbeast to destroy everything, but Toothless and all the other dragons retaliate by firing at the Bewilderbeast simultaneously, severely injuring the latter and causing it to lose its left horn in the process while Drago's mechanical arm is also destroyed. Defeated, Drago and his Bewilderbeast retreat into the ocean as the villagers celebrate their victory and Toothless is crowned the new Alpha of the dragons, gaining the respect of all the dragons, including Cloudjumper.

Hiccup looks over the horizon in remembrance of Stoick and decides to carry on his father's legacy. He is officially appointed chief by Gothi the Elder and Gobber proclaims that the chief has finally come home as the villagers cheer. Astrid, happy that Hiccup has finally found what he was searching for, kisses him. Eret jokingly teases that Hiccup would make a great dragon-knapper and Hiccup sees that his father's dragon Skullcrusher now needs a new rider and thus allows Eret to successfully bond with it. As Hiccup does the closing narration, Berk is being rebuilt with a statue of Stoick erected in his honor while Hiccup, Toothless, Eret and Skullcrusher join the others in a dragon racing match. The film ends with Hiccup proudly declaring that, while Drago may have armies and armadas, Berk has their dragons.
sumber: http://howtotrainyourdragon.wikia.com/

Tugas Kelompok | 3SA02

Nama Kelompok : -Henny Hermawati
                             -Ita Rosita
                             -Sara Exalt Simamora
                             -Siti Wulandari
                             -Yulia Marita


Sumber: http://infogreget.blogspot.com/2013/03/14-contoh-majas-hiperbola.html

1 Gedung-gedung megah di kota metropolitan ini mencapai langit    biru.
2. Negeri ini akan runtuh jika ada banyak orang kikir seperti       Anda.
3.Isu kenaikan harga bahan bakar telah menenggelamkan isu lainnya   dalam samudera.
4.Gemuruh rasa di dadanya tak bisa ditahan lagi.
5.Kesedihannya telah memuncak dan membuat ia tak sanggup lagi       bernapas.
6. Cinta menyetrum kedua anak muda itu sehingga mereka kehilangan   kendali.
7.Tangan beton dan semangat bajanya telah menjadikan ia pribadi     yang sukses dalam hal harta.
8.Hati emasnya membuat ia banyak disayangi ibu-ibu di kompleks     perumahan ini.
9.Wajahnya teduhnya menghangatkan hati semua orang yang memandangnya.
10.Perangainya buas, tak heran jika banyak yang menjauhinya.


1.      Kesengsaraan membuahkan kesabaran, kesabaran pengalaman, dan      pengalaman harapan
2.      Ketua pengadilan negeri itu adalah orang yang kaya, pendiam,      dan tidak terkenal namanya.
3.      Air matanya mengalir menganak sungai.
4.      Ayah pulang pergi naik kijang.
5.      Semangatnya keras bagaikan baja.
..      Bibirnya seperti merah delima yang sedang merekah.
7.      Wajahnya pucat pasi bagaikan bulan kesiangan.
8.     Jalan kalian sungguh sangat cepat bagaikan semut.
9.  Sungguh merdu suaramu, rasanya pecah anak telingaku            mendengarkannya.


http://megapolitan.kompas.com/read/2014/04/07/1236216/Ahok.Akan.Tanya.Prabowo.Maksud.Pemimpin-pemimpin.di.Jakarta.Penipu.


1.      Sekarang di Jakarta ada penyakit yang luar biasa, pemimpin-pemimpinnya sakit.

https://twitter.com/search?q=%40perumpamaan&src=typd

1.      Orang yg optimis menyiapkan pesawat dan orang yg pesimis sibuk   dgn sabuk pengaman

http://bola.kompas.com/read/2014/04/08/0808512/Cruyff.Mourinho.Akan.Buat.Chelsea.Panas.

1.    Mourinho Akan Buat Chelsea "Panas"
2.    Ketika segala sesuatu berjalan dengan baik, menurutnya itu      adalah buah kerjanya.

http://www.anneahira.com/macam-macam-majas-20447.htm

1.      Bagus sekali kau masih tidur kala matahari telah tegak berdiri
2.      Dia sadar akan keputusan yang diambilnya sehingga keadaan yang    dialaminya dirasakan bagai makan sambal pare yang pahit, tapi    tetap nikmat di lidah
3.      Ingin rasanya jingga berlari seperti singa dan tak kembali        seperti waktu yang berlalu


1.      Badannya kurus bak tongkat pramuka
2.      Wajahmu cantik laksana mutiara di lautan
3.      Suami sebagai kapten, istri sebagai juru bicara
4.      Hidup kita bagaikan roda berputar
5.      Syhrini adalah bintang Indonesia
6.      Pemuda itu adalah tulang punggung keluarganya
7.      Pohon itu melambai - lambai ketika angin menerpa
8.      Sirine mobil polisi itu meraung – raung
9.      Pasar jatinegara itu dilahap si jago merah
10.  Baumu harum sekali, sampai – sampai semua yang ada di ruangan ini pingsan
11.  Mampirlah ke gubuk sederhana saya




http://rohmatullahh.blogspot.com/2013/09/PengertianMajasContohMacam-macamMajas.html
  1. Wajahnya kuning bersinar bagai bulan purnama
2.      Dia di anggap anak emas majikannya
3.      Perpustakaan adalah gudang ilmu
  1. Ia terkenal sebagai buaya darat.
  2. Rumah itu hangus dilalap si jago merah.
6.      Tubuhnya tinggal kulit pembalut tulang.
Kompas
1.      Cinta itu memang buta
2.      Politik di Jawa Timur tidak sekadar sebagai panggung kontestasi
3.      Cemburu membuat assifa gelap mata
4.      Juara bertahan tumbang
5.      Lebarkan sayap pendidikan Indonesia
6.      Pulau surge, tak semua indah
7.      Puluhan imigran gelap dari Afrika tenggelam
8.      Telaga kecil penyegar hidup
9.      Musim ini angin segar berhembus ke Liverpool
10.  Butuh tangan-tangan tekun untuk merawatnya.
11.  Kuda besi si ojek popi
12.  Jarum jam yang puluhan tahun berdetak menandai waktu tiba saatnya renta.
13.  Roda dan giginya pun mulai ada yang tanggal.
14.  Tabib jam antic turun tangan.
15.  Waktu pun berdetak.
16.  Kebaikan perawatan metode kanguru.
17.  Sepi yang terkoyak indah.
18.  Menaklukan itu berpendar-pendar bagai bola prismatic.
19.  Memancarkan berbagai kekayaan tafsir.



Novel Remember When
1.      Tulisan kamu gurih, enak dan nyandu di baca
2.      Hidup itu bagai sekotak coklat
3.      Hidup juga kaya cuaca hari ini bisa hujan besok juga cerah.
4.      Bohong-bohong kecil yang muncul, dan ironisnya bohong itu jadi seperti gulali.

Koran Nonstop
1.      Cabe-cabean marak didekat kantor walikota.
2.      Istri Caesar dikenal sebagai Miss Polkadot.
3.      Adam Lallana ingin di beli setan merah seharga Rp 500M.
4.      AF yang masih lugu akhirnya menuruti diajak kopi darat.
5.      Serigala Roma tertajam kedua.
6.      Mei 2014, raksasa Belanda dating ke Indonesia.

Kompas,  6 April 2014
1.      Laki-laki dimalam buta.
2.      Pengirimnya adalah warga dunia, yang mungkin masih bisa kita sebut dengan istilah lama, “sahabat pena”.
3.      Membuat pecinta kartu  pos di kolong langit manapun dapat mengirimkan pos.
4.      Mobil harus berjalan perlahan dan berhati-hati menyimak setiap jengkal jalan yang berkelok.
5.      Di bibir danau tampak tampak keramba-keramba milik penduduk.
6.      Jendela, lubang angin, daun pintu, dan lantai pabrik semuanya peninggalan masa lalu.
7.      Manchester City berpeluang memangkas jarak dengan pimpinan klasemen sementara Liga Inggris.
8.      Alex Ferguson “banting setir” menjadi dosen.
9.      Kesempatan main dikandang sendiri tidak ingin dilewatkan juventus
10.  Saat anak-anak seusianya masih mengenyam bangku pendidikan, Ahok justru sudah berkecimpung dalam  usahanya.
11.  Sosok il,muwan berotak encer, kaya imainasi, dan tak pernah berhenti bermimpi.

1.      Tak Bertuan, Uang Rp500 Juta di DIY Didalami Bawaslu.
2.      uang itu akan dipakai untuk serangan fajar sesaat pemilih memberikan hak suara mereka pada 9 April 2014. 




Maleficent


One day, a young trespasser from the human realm appears: this is Stefan, who breaks young Maleficent’s heart and returns, some years later on royal orders, to ensure her fairy wings suffer the same fate. Stefan, played as an adult by Sharlto Copley with the ropiest Scottish accent since Shrek, inherits the throne – and so it’s his daughter that Maleficent, fuelled by vengeance, not jealousy, turns up to curse.
For the next 16 years, on and off, she watches Aurora, who’s played as a young girl by Jolie’s daughter Vivienne, and as a teen by Elle Fanning, being raised by the three multi-coloured good fairies at their country cottage. (The good fairies’ roles are taken by Imelda Staunton, Lesley Manville and Juno Temple, which makes you wish Mike Leigh had been available to direct instead.)
It’s been four years since Jolie last appeared on screen, and you’d like to think she’s having fun here, even though a smile, under the circumstances, seems physically impossible. Her mouth is ruby-bright and pursed as a rosebud, while her cheekbones, which were fine enough beforehand, here look like something from the winners’ enclosure at Aintree. The venerable special make-up effects artist Rick Baker, who won an Oscar for An American Werewolf in London, was in charge of the reshaping of the Jolie features, and his work is wildly more convincing than the digital enhancements used elsewhere.
When the time comes for Aurora to prick her finger and the curse to take effect, Maleficent has realised the error of her ways, and dashes to the castle, where a confrontation with King Stefan ensues. The action sequences are executed with rhythm and punch, and our heroine swoops and swirls around like Iron Man in a sheath dress. Maleficent may be short on true enchantment, but until we find a superhero who can pull off a black silk cocktail gown in battle, she’s very welcome.

J. K. Rowling

British writer Joanne Kathleen Rowling, born July 31, 1965, is the creator of the wildly successful Harry Potter book series. Rowling attended (1976–1982) Wyedean Comprehensive School in Chepstow, England. She studied French at the University of Exeter (B.A., 1987) and, after studying in Paris, went on to work for Amnesty International in London. Rowling reported that she was on a train when she began to imagine the first book of the series. She later said, "Harry just strolled into my head fully formed."
In 1991, Rowling moved to Oporto, Portugal, where she taught English as a second language. She married a Portuguese journalist, with whom she had a daughter. She then moved to Scotland in 1994 and finished her first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, in 1995. The book was published by Bloomsbury Children's Books in 1997 and in the United States by Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic Press in 1998 (where it was renamed Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone).
Rowling went on to write six more Harry Potter books. All in the series were illustrated by Mary GrandPré. Film versions were made for all of them (8 movies, with the final book split into two films). The Harry Potter books proved to be a worldwide publishing phenomenon; new editions were greeted by millions of fans, some of whom waited in costume for a midnight release. Rowling also wrote Quidditch through the Agesand Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (both 2001).
In 2007, Rowling produced seven individual copies of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a volume of five fairy tales left to the character of Hermione Granger by Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows(2007). One of the seven copies was auctioned at Sotheby's in London. It sold for £1.95 million (about $4 million); all proceeds went to The Children's Voice campaign, a charity Rowling co-founded to help improve the lives of institutionalized children across Europe. The book went on sale to the general public in December 2008. In 2011, Rowling announced a new Harry Potter website called Pottermore, which features new and previously unpublished material about the world of Harry Potter. The Casual Vacancy (2012) is a novel aimed at adult readers.
J.K. Rowling lives in Edinburgh with her husband and three children.

sumber: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/contributor/j-k-rowling

Cute Cupcakes :9 yummy











which one your favourite cupcakes? if you asking to me i'll answer 'i want all of them' :9 yummy

American Culture & Social Life



Here you will find a brief guide to American culture and customs. Because the United States is so varied in its geography, ethnic backgrounds, and traditions, it is not possible to comment on every aspect of the culture or to say there is one acceptable or prominent set of social rules.
It is important to note that some people you meet will be more informed and accepting of cultural differences than others. Many people will be curious about your home culture and will ask numerous questions about the language, society, history, religion, and traditions of your country.
Basic Etiquette
Due to the friendly nature of most Americans, they are quick to use first names. Although this may make those who are accustomed to a more formal social environment somewhat uncomfortable, it is the norm for American culture. Formal titles (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Fr., Sr., Dr., etc.) are used together with the person's family name and should be used if you are speaking with the elderly or people in authority. They may later ask you to use their first name.
Punctuality is highly valued in the U.S. and is con­sidered a sign of respect toward the person whom you are to meet. Punctuality for private parties and casual events is more flexible; however, always inform the host of a dinner or formal occasion if you will be late or must cancel. Students are ex­pected to be on time for class and appointments with instructors. Your grade may be affected if you are late multiple times.
Many instructors and administrators welcome per­sonal interactions with individual students. Stu­dents are encouraged to ask questions and express their opinions in the classroom. Observe the American students' actions to identify what is ac­ceptable behavior.
Courtesy
Politeness and patience will serve you well in the United States. This includes remembering to say "please" and "thank you". This common form of respect is not reserved for those in a position of authority, but for each and every person that you meet in a store, on the street, in class, or in an office. If you need a favor or have a simple request, saying "please" will be much more effective than if you are simply demanding. Provided that you are kind, the person with whom you are speaking will likely return your kindness.
Personal Space
Americans prefer to maintain about 18 inches (46cm) of space between themselves and the person with whom they are speaking. This personal space is very important and, if limited, the individual may become uncomfortable.
Typically, Ameri­cans do not hug or kiss an acquaintance upon greeting, but rather shake hands or nod their heads. They also do not touch while speaking, although a brief touch on the arm or shoulder might indicate sympathy or concern to someone they know well. Once a friendship has developed, women may greet each other with a hug or embrace.
Privacy
Privacy and personal possessions are important to Americans. People work hard to have a car, house, clothes, and other belongings. Be sure to ask how someone feels about sharing his or her space and belongings.
Apparel
Formal dress is seldom worn on university campuses. Students typically wear jeans, shorts, skirts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and sweat­ers. For class presentations, job interviews, and other occasions, students may be asked to dress more formally. When attending a special event, you should ask the host of the event about appropriate attire.
Dining
The formality of meals in the U.S. varies consid­erably. To be safe, follow the lead of the host and other American guests. Here are some general etiquette guidelines:
  • It is not polite to pick up the plate from which you are eating. 
  • Food is generally eaten in small bites.
  • Do not slurp soup or beverages.
  • It is polite to converse during a meal unless you are attending a lecture or a toast is being made.
  • Always chew with your mouth closed.
  • Wait until everybody is seated at the table be­fore you start eating.
Language                                                                                                                                                    The English Language can be difficult to learn. Speaking, reading, writing, and using grammar in another language is challenging.
One area of the English language that can be especially difficult for non-native speakers is the use of idioms. Idioms are a group of words that have a figurative meaning that is separate from the literal meaning. For example, take the phrase, "It is raining cats and dogs." When somebody says this they do not mean cats and dogs are falling from the sky! What they are actually saying is, "It is raining heavily."
For a list of commonly used idioms in the English language click here!
Degrees of Friendship
Americans are generally very friendly people. They will often say, "Hi, how are you?" or "How is it going?" but do not wait for you to respond. These are friendly expressions, which are not always a question but rather another version of "hello". If an American seems friendly, it does not necessarily mean than he/she has devel­oped a friendship (a close relationship) with you. As is probably true in your culture, friendships are developed over a period of time. Although Americans may refer to classmates as "friends," often they are acquaintances rather than true friends. Finding true friends will take time, however, it is well worth the effort.
Dating and Sexual Relationships
A "date" is simply an agreement to meet at a certain time and place and to spend some time together. You should not interpret or expect a date to be anything more. It is common that someone you have met only briefly will ask you on a date. Generally, the male will pay for the date; however, many (especially students) "go Dutch," where each pays for him or herself.
In the U.S., dating is more casual and informal than in other cultures. Relationships between men and women of college age range from friendship to a strong emotional and physical relationship. As your friendships develop beyond acquaintance, you may not always understand what your partner expects of you. Be honest regarding your concerns and feelings as that can avoid misunderstandings and even greater discomfort. If your date appears interested in a sexual relationship and you are not, it is very important that you say "no" clearly. And if someone is saying "no" to you, listen. Unwanted sexual attention is a very serious matter in the U.S.; do not mistake an American's friendliness for promiscuity.
Homosexuality
Depending on where you come from, attitudes about homosexuality may seem very permissive or rather restrictive. While gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people are generally much more able to live openly in the United States than in previous generations, you may still find people who do not accept different sexual orientations. As with most large American cities, there is a vibrant GLBT community in St. Louis.
If you are in doubt about correct behavior, talk with American friends, your Resident Advisor, an international student advisor, or someone you trust.
Practicing Your Religion The United States is a multicultural society founded on tolerance and mutual respect; you should not hesitate to seek out opportunities to practice your religious beliefs. Organized religious groups of many denominations can be found at SLU, and others exist in the surrounding community.
Although America has a higher rate of church attendance than most other western societies, many Americans may be uncomfortable discussing religion. Others will want to share their religious views with you. Most people are sincere and straightforward, but some may try to take advantage of you or convert you to their religious beliefs by offering you their friendship. If you begin to feel uncomfortable in such a situation, politely but firmly explain that you are not interested.
Alcohol and Smoking 
In the United States, it is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to purchase, attempt to purchase, or be in possession of alcohol or other intoxicating substances. Therefore, no alcoholic beverage may be served or sold to anyone under 21 years of age. Students must present two forms of valid photo identification in order to purchase alcohol. Students found presenting false identification or taking other steps to acquire alcohol as a minor will be subject to disciplinary sanction.
Smoking is prohibited within all non-residential, University-owned and -leased buildings and on all university grounds. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, restrooms, lunch/break rooms, private offices, workstations, hallways, waiting rooms, conference rooms, and vestibules.

sumber:http://www.slu.edu/international-services-home/international-student-resource-guide