You can use language courses developed for U.S. diplomats for free. The courses, which usually feature PDF texts and MP3 audio—plus tests—were created before 1989 and are now in the public domain. Currently, you can't download anything, because the site's servers got swamped after a mention on Lifehacker. But I thought y'all might want to bookmark for future use, once things get up and running again.
Foreign Service language courses—for free
- TWEET
- COMMENTS
- Culture
Deletionpedia is where deleted wikipedia articles may live forever
Deletionpedia archives Wikipedia articles when the are deleted—a regular occurrence given how tightly "the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit" is policed by the insiders who edit the edits (previously, previously). [deletionpedia.org via Hacker News] Deletionpedia is a radical inclusionist wiki for rescuing articles that have been discussed from Wikipedia's deletionism. It was started by… READ THE REST
Southern culture magazine is a musical delight
I always enjoy the special music issues of Oxford America and Volume 23 is no exception. It features special articles focusing on the musical creators from the South, with essays interviews and personal remembrances. This issue, "Up South," has profiles of artists who migrated to the northern states and so had a huge influence on… READ THE REST
Cheugy: out of touch, trying too hard, but not quite uncool
Cheugy is a recently-coined word referring to anyone or anything that's a bit behind the times and trying hard. It's neither basic nor uncool, suggests Taylor Lorenz in the New York Times, but a kind of authentic cheesiness that's both obvious yet highly subjective amid the finely-gradated and self-conscious world of Tik Tokkers. One may… READ THE REST
Get a taste of van life with this unique living space for your car
Everyone's been seduced by the idea of camping at one point or another, right? Spotting the stars at night, falling asleep to the sounds of the woods, waking up to a sunrise … There's just something magical about sleeping in the great outdoors. But, of course, reality is often disappointing. Tents, in particular, can be tiny… READ THE REST
Get Microsoft Office Pro and 78 hours of training for an unbelievable price
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. Here's a catch-22: Most jobs and most schoolwork require you to use Microsoft Office programs in one way or another. Whether you need to type a document, create a PowerPoint presentation, or… READ THE REST
Make custom engravings for anything you own with 33% off this engraving pen
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. There's something extraordinary about personalized items. A monogram, a note, really anything personal, can give a ton of meaning to a seemingly mundane object. And one surefire way to make something unique… READ THE REST