One of the most important lessons I learned when I first traveled abroad was to pay close attention to local customs and rules of conduct. Learning to say your pleases and thank yous is important, of course, but where and when to say them is also an important thing to know.

Did you know that in many countries that it is considered rude to pick up and inspect produce at the stand? Yep. It’s because the farmer or purveyor is considered to be the expert in the situation; that and they don’t want every person who stops by touching their goods.

We are very happy to announce that Livemocha has been named one of only 3 finalists in the Education category of the 2012 Technology Impact Awards. The Technology Impact Awards are a program put on by the Washington Technology Industry Association and Seattle Business Magazine to recognize “companies and individuals that are creating or using information technology  in important and or innovative ways to significantly improve a company or industry’s business performance and or to provide an important public benefit.” The winners will be announced on September 25, 2012.

Read the official announcement here

The Olympics are up and running and in honor of these games’ host country, let’s play some music by some great English artists. There are so many to choose from, but for today let’s get us some of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Clash, Depeche Mode, Adele, Amy Winehouse, and of course David Bowie.

Enjoy!