The Sound Of Mating Cats: A Review of Bueno, entonces…Spanish Lesson #12

March 16th, 2010
No comments
The most god awful sound is outside my window at this moment making it VERY difficult for me to concentrate on my spanish class from Bueno, entonces…learn Spanish Mating cats in the patio making sounds that are similar to torturing babies, soulless ghosts searching for peace…it is horrible and I want to throw rocks. OK, I am a cat lover, I will not be throwing rocks, but I hate their sounds and I will never look at cats the same way again after hearing these horrible sounds of lovemaking. I am in a bit of a mood because I am tired and thoroughly drained after teaching a class today and following it with 4 hours of private spanish classes. When you really want to learn something it is incredibly draining because you put all of your attention into what is going on at the moment to try and understand the crazy words being so beautiful slurred together at you. Spanish lesson #12 is pretty hilarious and right on par with my mood considering David and Jimena are both super cranky and getting frustrated and pissed with each other:

Tara Bueno, entonces... Reviews , ,

Share |

WIN A FREE iPad! Show us why YOU should learn Spanish in Argentina with Bueno, entonces…

March 5th, 2010
No comments

Upload a photo of yourself to our Bueno, entonces… Fan Page with a note explaining why you should win a trip for two to Argentina to learn Spanish:

*Each fan to get over 100 ‘Likes’ on their photo is automatically a Finalist for the ‘Learn Spanish in Argentina’ Trip Contest Drawing

*Any fan with 3000 likes wins a brand spanking new iPad!

Learn Spanish with Bueno, entonces... and win a trip to Argentina!

Learn Spanish with Bueno, entonces... and win a trip to Argentina!

Five Simple Steps:

1) Go to the Bueno, entonces… Fan Page. If you aren’t already, Become a Fan!

2) Look at where it says “Write something…”. Underneath that box, you will find a picture icon. Click on it!

3) Here you can ‘Upload a Photo’ or ‘Take a Photo’! Press ‘Share’ and the image should appear on our wall!

4) Tell your friends to ‘Like’ your photo. Make an Event, ‘Share’ your video, Tweet it, Blog it - do what you need to do to get everyone you know and everyone they know to ‘Like’ your Video!

5) ALL photos with over 100 ‘Likes’ will become a Finalist to win a trip for two to learn Spanish in Argentina!

Each fan to upload a photo will also receive a FREE 40-minute Spanish lesson from Bueno, entonces…and a Slang Dictionary!

And the iPad?

We’ve got a shiny FREE iPad with your name on it - as well as Bueno, entonces… Learn Spanish Levels I & II.* Just get 3000 likes for your photo and it’s all yours!

Bueno, entonces… is already the best-selling Learn Spanish App on the iPhone - and you’ll be the first to Learn Spanish on the hottest new Apple gadget!

Contest ends Thursday March 11th at 4 PM EST. Finalists will be notified via Facebook Message so make sure your settings allow non-friends to contact you!

GRAND PRIZE includes:
* Round trip airfare for 2 from a major international airport to Ezeiza International Airport, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
* Gateway Argentina customized (10-day) package (includes accommodation)

To find out more contest details (and everything else that is included in the Grand Prize) click here: http://bit.ly/ContestDetails

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to write to us at marketing@generallinguistics.com

Suerte!

The Bueno, entonces…Team

Any tax liabilities are solely the responsibility of any iPad winner. Sponsor will cover shipping costs only for iPad winners living in United States. iPad subject to availability. Prize is non-transferrable. Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the Contest, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Sweepstakes, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the operation of the Contest or to be acting in violation of the Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Use of any automated system to participate is prohibited and may result in disqualification. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Apple. Contest is open to residents age 18 and older in all jurisdictions where receipt of prizes or entry in the Contest is not prohibited by United States and/or local laws, rules or regulations. Prohibited countries include, but are not limited to, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, India and residents of any country embargoed by the United States. Sponsor reserves the right to remove any video violating copyright restrictions or containing inappropriate content.

This contest is also listed in:

Submit Your Contest
Contest Hub
Contests & Sweepstakes for Moms
Online Sweepstakes
Cool Contests, Great Prizes at Contest Alley
SandysRealm.com Sweepstakes - Sweepstakes, Instant Win Games, Freebies & More! FREE listing of prizes waiting to be won by YOU!
GJ’s Sweepstakes Crazy - Your Source for Online Sweepstakes and Contests - Detailed listings to hundreds of free sweepstakes, contests, games, and lottos you can enter on the Web.
Cyber Sweeps
CashNet Sweepstakes
Enter Online Sweeps

Caro Random ,

Share |

Who Am I? A Guide to All Names Gringo.

February 28th, 2010
1 comment

Image from zazzle.com

When traveling in Latin America, it is sometimes useful to know all the ways you might be addressed by a local.  I mean, you don’t want someone to refer to you as something and not know what it means, right?  Different countries have different names that they call foreigners, but there are a few ‘universal’ terms.  Here’s a quick lesson on all names gringo.

First and foremost, gringo is going to be the most popular name you come across.  Gringo originally comes from the days of the Mexican-American War.  The Americans wore green uniforms, and the Mexicans wanted them to get out of their territory, so they would shout ‘Green Go!’– and voilá!  Gringo!  Pretty neat, huh?  Since then, however, gringo has become a name that is used to refer to North American and European foreigners, despite the origin of the word.

Secondly, huero/a or guero/a is a popular name used to refer to white-skinned, blonde foreigners in Mexico.  However, their perception of what is blonde is a little different from that of what you might be used to.  Blonde means pretty much anything lighter than dark brown.  So if you have hair lighter than dark brown, you can expect to be called a huero/a or guero/a.

Next up, blanco/a.  This pretty much follows the same rules as huero/a and guero/a– refers to white people, but what you consider a white person might be a little different.  If you have even the slightest bit of a pale-ish complexion, you will probably be referred to as blanco/a.

Finally, yanqui.  This is a term used mainly for Americans in Argentina, but we’ve heard it’s used elsewhere, too.  It’s pronounced ’shankee,’ but is their own version of our yankee.  Apparently all Americans are Yankees.  This term is only used in Argentina, though, but you can expect to be called this all the time.

Alright, so there are have it!  Don’t be offended if you are referred to by any of these names– for the most part, they aren’t derogatory, unless they are said in such a manner.

There is a Bueno, entonces… class that includes some information on gringo-terminology, too– see, we’ve covered all important topics!  To check out the program, take a look at the Bueno, entonces… learn Spanish Youtube page, where you can see clips of the Spanish classes. Become a fan on Facebook to learn useful Spanish phrases, get cool info about what’s going on in the Spanish-speaking world, and save $50 off the program!

Tara Mini Lesson , , ,

Share |

Spanish Verb Conjugation Resource

February 26th, 2010
No comments

Find a great resource for conjugating verbs in Spanish! Check it out.

cori Random

Share |

La Frontera Final: A Review of Bueno, entonces…learn Spanish Lesson #30

February 26th, 2010
No comments
So 5 weeks of learning Spanish comes to a close with Bueno, entonces… and like all good stories we are left with an open ending! This class, as ever for the weekly review, was conducted over the telephone between David and Jimena, but was far less of a review than previous ones and more of a friendly conversation which went a little something like this:

David, our student, whilst attending a family party via Skype, was at home awaiting the arrival of his vecinita for a night of fun and romance, whilst Jimena, who also at home, was being consolled by her family following the breakup of her relationship…..does it get anymore soap operaesque!! Anyway the conversation continued with discussions about their future trips to Bolivia and Bariloche and it became apparent that la vecinita was not to show. Therefore, and with a good deal of hints from Jimena, the fairly obvious, although unthinkable at the beginning of Bueno, entonces occured…..the arrangement of a date between our hapless lovestarved duo!! But wait…..just as they were eagerly preparing to leave, there was a knock at the door……for me to find out who I guess I’ll have to go ahead with the next level of Bueno, entonces… and continue to learn Spanish…..and for you to know whose door the knock was at, then you’ll have to get off your arse and purchase this entertaining course!!
So what of my own progress?? Through this course I am happy to say that my Spanish has improved and I’ve been able to grasp the concepts of many grammatical functions. Some aspects are still rather confusing and I would like to have had some extra activities to accompany the classes and perhaps a little more interaction. However, I have been entertained and learnt a good deal of vocabulary and slang particularly focused at living in Argentina. I am by no means fluent, and one will not become so through Bueno, entonces… alone, so naturally I, like all us gringos, need to get out there and practice as much as possible with the those close to me and the ever so friendly locals!!
Hasta la proxima y espero que haya disfrutado su estadia!!
There you have it, Spanish lessons completed. To check out more from this reviewer, go here. Check out our Youtube Channel to see clips from all of our Spanish lessons and become a Fan on Facebook to get a $50 discount on the best Spanish language learning software in the history of the World!

Tara Bueno, entonces... Reviews ,

Share |

Martin, estás escuchando?: A Review of Bueno, entonces…learn Spanish Lesson # 28

February 26th, 2010
No comments

Lesson #28 of Bueno, entonces…starts out with David letting us know that his father was able to reconquistar his mom! Hooray!

They went out to a restaurante intimo and then spent a night in the Hyatt Hotel. Hey, if my husband flew across the Atlantic, took me out to an intimate dinner and then had reservations ready at the Hyatt, I’d be swept off my feet, too.

So, David was pleased, to say the least—in addition to his parents getting back together, he got the house all to himself and was able to caminar por la casa totalmente desnudo. And, obviously, anything involving nudity is a treat for David.

After a little outburst from Jimena (we’ll get to that later) we learn about different types of alojamiento, or lodging. We have hotel, hostal (remember, silent ‘h’!), and hosteria (inn), albergue juvenil (youth hostel), cabaña, y habitaciones en casa de familia. We also learn words like cama doble, cama matrimonial, sábanas, media pension, pension completa, pileta, gimnasio, baño privado, baño compartido, etc.

We then get into a little role play action, where David uses his vocabulario de alojamiento to call Jimena, who works for the hotel. She takes down the reservation, and then…well, sort of stumbles when David said the reserva was in the name of ‘David and Mariana’. David says that she is celosa, and she doesn’t exactly come out and say that she isn’t. Hmmm..

Bueno, during the last class, Jimena brought some torta for David to try and he said it was delicious. Jimena didn’t believe him, and when David brought up her cooking during this class, she flipped. Really, really sensitive in that department apparently. She even told Martin that he can andá a cagar…which is a pretty strong term for sweet Jimena to say.

I’m intrigued and I think I need to find out what happens ya! I see a Bueno, entonces…marathon in the very near future.

Check out the reviews of the entire Bueno, entonces…learn Spanish series from this author here. Want to view some clips of our Spanish classes? Head on over to the Youtube channel and see why people are raving about the hilarious new language learning software!

Tara Bueno, entonces... Reviews ,

Share |

A Review of Bueno, entonces…learn Spanish Lesson # 27

February 26th, 2010
2 comments
This image is pretty hilarious to me because I was walking with a friend today to find an art store in La Boca and we spotted a really cool hooded jacket in a store window. He is learning to speak spanish and went into the store to ask if he could try on the jacket in the window but totally called it a dress! The man looked at him and pulled a dress out behind the counter and then we all laughed so hard.

This same friend lives with me in the art collective in La Boca and he walked into my room the other night when I was taking one of my Spanish lessons with Bueno, entonces… He sat down to watch it with me and was laughing so hard saying “this program is incredible! I can’t believe it, its like a funny show!” It was another reality check how different it is. I have seen so many lessons now I have become used to being highly entertained while learning, but it was a great reminder as to how well done this language learning tool is. In lesson 27 they talk about the ritual of the bachelor party and David even gives an absurd strip dance in the sound booth. Something I learned from this lesson that I have been saying wrong for months now is “Mi encantaria!” When someone asks you if you can do something and you reply with this you are actually saying “I would love to but unfortunately cannot.” I have said this so many times and wondered why there was confusion following my reply…now I see.
Take a look at the below slide. I had to insert it just to challenge you to find me a better spanish program then this. Granted, not everything is about sex and having a good time in life - but shouldn’t it be?
: )
Check out more from this review blogger here. Go to our Youtube Channel to see video clips from our Spanish classes and find out how learning Spanish is more fun than you thought imaginable with Bueno, entonces…

Tara Bueno, entonces... Reviews, Video Clips , ,

Share |

Una nueva y la ultima semana!!: A Review of Bueno, entonces…learn Spanish Lesson #25

February 26th, 2010
No comments

How quickly time passes, as I am now into the final weeks classes of the Bueno, entonces… program and my attempts at learning Spanish in this way are drawing to an end…..obviously I shall continue to practice and learn the language in other forms!! I must admit that, and in the light of being critical of some classes, today was rather entertaining with the continuing stories of David and Jimena and their decisions to reconquistar their partners…..or hopeful partners in the case of the student. This is value for money entertainment which I am confident can not be matched in either Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur Spanish or other similar such courses and in case you haven’t stumbled upon it before, here is a little comparison chart of Bueno, entonces… and its rivals!!
Ok, so on with the lesson. Having laid their claims to reconquistar, the lesson provided a substantial amount of useful phrases for romance and romantic situations. These I have mastered to an art and are of particularly notable importance seeing as I am in a relationship with a porteña. Any gringo on the look out for some Latin American love would be foolish to overlook such useful Spanish phrases!!
Naturally the class included the standard confusing topic, with today being that in Spanish a number of femine nouns carry masculine articles…..el agua, el azúcar (sugar) and el alma (the soul) to name a few! Of course such confusion is a pain in the arse, however no hay que darse por vencido!!
An enjoyable and fun class to begin the final week, heres hoping it continues!

Want to see more from this reviewer? Check out his review blog to see what he thought of Bueno, entonces… learn Spanish Levels I & II. Check our more clips from our Spanish classes on the Youtube channel and become a fan of our Facebook Page to learn hilarious Spanish phrases everyday!

Tara Bueno, entonces... Reviews, Video Clips , ,

Share |

Even on Saturdays: A Review of Bueno, entonces…learn Spanish Lesson #24

February 25th, 2010
1 comment

It’s the weekend catch-up session again, and Jimena and David are both partaking in a spot of stalking…David is in Mendoza spying on his mother with the Tango instructor, and Jimena is following her boyfriend because she is convinced he is cheating on her. Unfortunate, but let´s be honest, all these gorgeous Argentine men allegedly cheat- before I came here I was warned that it’s a given (and it turns out he is probaly not even cheating, she’s just a really bad cook!) Ah dear, i’m sure there are no such exciting dramas on ‘learn Spanish’ programmes such as Rosetta Stone. So as usual the Saturday catch lesson has been a games session. ´Veo Veo´ is the Spanish version of ´I Spy´ and is useful to recap. The games this week have covered place descriptions and well as grammar and comparisons, and are a really good way to reiterate the lessons learnt throughout the week. ´Corregi a la Profe´ goes down particularly well with David (Correct the Teacher!) and is used to practice the correct useage of ´por´ and ´para´- i´m still not impressed that there is a time for ´for´and a time for ´for! And while i´m on one of my favourite rant and rave subjects (the complicated nature of Espanol) today´s little lesson in complication was the fact that that word ´banco´not only describes a bank, but also a bench. So be careful where you deposit your money! Now i´m going out, because I should not be aldentro, on the computer, on a lovely day like this!

Want to check out more from this reviewer? You can see her Rosetta Stone/Bueno, entonces…Pepsi Challenge blog here - and check out clips of our Spanish classes on our Youtube page. Become a Fan on Facebook and learn a new Spanish phrase everyday!

Tara Bueno, entonces... Reviews ,

Share |

Bueno, entonces…learn Spanish Lesson #21 Review

February 25th, 2010
1 comment
Well, a class with an abundance of information and a little sad, but comical, story to go with it and thus provide some much needed entertainment when learning Spanish or any other language. Apparently the hapless student had a torrid time at the Telo the previous evening along with his vecinita Mariana, with the room being a disaster leading to a fairly unsuccessful night…..for sure he could have benefited from the abundance of vocabulary featured in this class…..or are the Bueno, entonces… learn Spanish team feeding us a barrel full of chamuyo and none of these events ever happened……keeps the mind curious I suppose!!
Covered in today’s lesson were house and home descriptions, objects and adjectives to go with them, kitchen and bathroom vocabulary, comparisons and superlatives. Is always good when you stumble across something so simple as superlatives when attempting to learn a language…..all you are required to do is take the adjetivo and add isimo, e.g. guapo - guapisimo and bueno - buenisimo!!! Another worthy topic discussed today were comparisons, also for me an easy function to remember. There are too structures for these with one being mas/menos + adjetivo + que (more/less…..than) and the other tan/no es tan + adjetivo + como (as/not as…..as).
In all a good class with plenty of learning points, which for me is far better than prolonged no destination conversations. And to finish there was a mention of transvestites for tomorrow, could prove to be interesting as I see plenty on my home from work most days!
Want to see clips from our Spanish classes? Head on over to our Youtube Channel, then check out our Facebook Page to learn useful (and often hilarious) Spanish phrases.

Tara Bueno, entonces... Reviews ,

Share |