A Retreat into Nature

To ensure that we did indeed make it outside into nature this summer (as it is quickly passing us by) Matt and I went to explore a new (as of 1993) wilderness area within a quick drive to Denver. We hiked a 12 mile loop in the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness. I am currently studying Assessments in Education, and I would say according to this most recent backpacking-assessment my endurance has certainly increased against all odds. My data: I did not even need to stop and rest much at all, and I could have kept on hiking the full loop, except that we wanted to camp out in the wilderness rather than back at the car. So, we did 8 miles the first day and 4 the next morning. It felt great on many levels and I'm thankful for the retreat.

this is, you know, one of those photos where you capture somebody jumping in the air, or at least you get the idea.

one of many river crossings

the lovely valley

These are a few of my favorite things: reading a book, sitting by a campfire, simple living.

and drinking coffee from a camping-pot, ahh.

Linguistic Look at Social Relationships

I had never heard of RSAnimate until yesterday. What a fascinating tool! It's perfect for visual learners and entertaining for everyone. My professor last night showed us this video lecture given by Steven Pinker, a leading voice on linguistics and cognitive science at MIT. The format of the video is as equally entertaining as the content of the lecture.

At least check it out, it's very interesting:::

A Funny Thing About Negation

A funny thing about negation is that some words that exist in negative forms have no correlating affirmative counterpart, which is really amazing and potentially hilarious. The following is an excerpt from Jack Winter's essay in the New Yorker, entitled "How I Met My Wife" (July 25, 1984, p. 82).
:::
It had been a rough day, so when I walked into the party I was very chalant, despite my efforts to appear gruntled and consolate.

I was furling my wieldy umbrella for the coat check when I saw her standing alone in a corner. She was a descript person, a woman in a sate of total array. Her hair was kempt, her clothing shevelled, and she moved in a gainly way.
:::
How fascinating that these words only exist in the negative. I love you, English, and your intricately evolving ways!

So, I've been a bit consumed ...

So, I've been a bit consumed with Linguistics lately. I'm taking a graduate course: Linguistic Analysis of English. And this is about as nerdy as I get =). I love language and languages and it's an intense course. So, if I'm going to share it will have to be about Linguistics! yea!

In general, my main impression has been: wow, English is way more complicated than I ever imagined! But I'm loving learning about all of the nuances and underlying rules that we unconsciously adhere to. Pat yourself on the back for speaking English if you do, it's quite an accomplishment. I will try to only mention instances that would be entertaining to a broad audience of English speakers.

Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope

It's been a while, but I just ran across this story through the TED talks website, which features videos from around the world about ideas worth spreading, if you are unfamiliar with TED, click here. William's story inspired "the undifferentiated torso/shoulder shake" in me which either precedes one of those cry for the sake of beauty cries or a heavy laugh. Here is a short video on youtube which tells his story. He also co-authored a book, called, The Boy who Harnessed the Wind, evidently it was a best seller, maybe I was out of the country at the time.

Here's the video::: Be Inspired!





William Kamkwamba's website: www.williamkamkwamba.typepad.com