So, you're on call...

[RenegadeAV8R]

You could build an aircraft in your living room, like this guy did:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52501459@N07/

[CL-Skadoo!]

Anyone try the Rosetta Stone software to try learn new languages? or is it just another typical infomercial?

Curious about that one as well.

[flying4dollars]

Yoga, hockey, gym, cook, clean, sleep, learn to play an instrument, learn a language, download movies etc.

[Nark]

Anyone try the Rosetta Stone software to try learn new languages? or is it just another typical infomercial?

Curious about that one as well.

I've tried the hear and repeat CD's but rote memorization isn't easy.

Rosetta stone:
I was offered free access to any language while I was still active duty Military.
I used the German software, and it was great. Now I can almost understand what Rammstiens Lyrics are.

Short story, long: Best language software I've come across.

[OceansEdge]

the idea behind rosetta stone is different and imo a better way of learning a language.

rather than teach translation, they teach you to 'think' in the language so rather than say "apple = pomme", they show you an red fruit = pomme, then add to that layer by layer red fruit picture = pomme rouge, green fruit picture = pomme vert, red fruit picture = cherise rouge (ok my french sucks ... but you get the idea)

seems a faster more intuitive way to learn

[Dhc6to8]

...

[DBA]

You could build an aircraft in your living room, like this guy did:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52501459@N07/

That's incredible.

[Severe Clear]

Photography. If you have the money get yourself a nice fancy camera with lots of buttons and a tripod. What pilot wouldn't like a new fancy complicated toy to play with!? It's what I do and it takes up hours of my time while on Medevac call. I've got some amazing pictures from lightning, to northern lights, night landscape and pretty much anything you can think of. Do alot of rescearch and learn how to photograph more challenging things such as fireworks, lightning and star patterns. Google is a great tool and it's how I taught myself to take photos that most people think are done by a professional. It's alot of fun and really addicting!

[floatpilot]

nice shot! Is that winnipeg?

[Severe Clear]

Edmonton Alberta.. Where it was +9 degrees 2 days ago and -20 now. Weather is always changing here which provides great a great variety of photos.. If your into that sort of thing!

[LAX]

All these ideas seem pretty solid to me. I am learning the guitar, a language, and I do several artistic projects. All three are massive commitments that each on there own take hundreds or thousands of hours of time.

the idea behind rosetta stone is different and imo a better way of learning a language.

rather than teach translation, they teach you to 'think' in the language so rather than say "apple = pomme", they show you an red fruit = pomme, then add to that layer by layer red fruit picture = pomme rouge, green fruit picture = pomme vert, red fruit picture = cherise rouge (ok my french sucks ... but you get the idea)

seems a faster more intuitive way to learn

I have some advice here. I have completed all 3 levels of Resetta Stone Spanish and can tell you that it, indubitably, needs to be supplemented. For teaching something like "Red fruit" it works great and is probably the easiest way to learn. However when you get to complex conjugations, reflexive verbs, sentence structuring etc. Rosetta stone is completely ineffective. It's like trying to study for you ATPL tests by someone showing you a GFA with some CBs then showing a picture of a plane crash. It's pretty easy to see it does no good for anything beyond basic learning. And I'm no expert here but I'm pretty sure Spanish/French kids still go to school to read/write/master their language anyways. I believe the idea, on its own, is bunk unless you're just looking to learn a few hundred phrases and words for your next vacation.
However, I will say that the low level Rosetta Stone is awesome. And once you understand the complexities of a language the higher levels work as awesome practice.

[Beefitarian]

The problem with learning French I've experienced is not having access to others that speak it to practice with. The second problem is if you do, you're only learning it for what ever region they are in or from.

It might be like going to India, Jamaica or Newfound land to learn english. Yes they speak the language but just try to communicate with an Albertan. "What did you say? I can't understand that guy."

"Je voudrez un HAMBURGER?"