August 2008 Archives

I've been a bit busy with school starting back up again, and for the next few weeks, until I find a good balance between school, work, and blog - I will be blogging a little less frequently, but certainly don't expect things to drop off all at once by any means!

I've been trying to enjoy my new schedule. Only 4 classes this semester, but some work intensive classes to deal with, and two research papers, which I may or may not share here once they are written and turned in for credit. Both of which would make wonderful additions to this blog. Although I'm wondering how many people actually thoroughly read research papers -let alone from an undergrad.

I've been going through a bit of frustration with the amount of work before me. The lackluster start to my Spanish class, so far, but I'm optimistically expecting the quality of the class to improve. My other classes have been fairly well balanced, but I'm still going to have to mentally prepare myself for the writing ahead of me.

You can expect a blog about some Brazilian Cuisine either tomorrow or in the coming week, as well as anything else I can scrounge up to interest my tastes and perhaps even your own, no that wasn't a pun for more cuisine entries!

(Picture Courtesy Chris Gin of a beach I would love to be at!)

I remember some of the first moments of exposure I had to a foreign language. For the most part learning a foreign language is expectedly different, hence the foreign element, but there are certain elements to a foreign language that aren't so foreign. I'm referring to cognates. Cognates are a wonderfully useful tool when learning a foreign language, and greatly reduce the amount of memorization necessary when acquiring a foreign language. Cognates usually exist within languages and languages related to each other, such as an vulgar Latin language(French, Spanish, Italian) all of which include a vocabulary with many easily distinguishable words for English speakers. They do however provide a slight bit of confusion for the initial who may mistake cognates as a mimic of the words they want to learn.

A prime example of a one-on-one conversation with someone who may not be well versed in the fact that cognates exist would consist perhaps of an English person asking how they might say "car" or "garage" in Spanish, both of the words are strikingly similar to their English counterparts "carro" and "garaje"  might be mistaken for a poor mimic and add to some initial confusion for the learner.

Just some short thoughts on cognates. An important feature of related languages to be aware of.

While browsing the interesting do it yourself website Instructables I found an inspiring and very unique tutorial filled with personal experiences. I found that there were lots of useful tips to consider. Managing money being among some of the most useful tips. Like most travelers money is something that needs to be guarded carefully since tourists are prime targets for being ripped off. Some other thoughts on really how to have an adventure. Couch surfing being among one of the most interesting and captivating methods of travel I've come upon.

You can visit the Handy Tricks World Traveler Edition right on over at the link I put in this sentence.

(Image courtesy  jrayfarm1980)

I've encountered another friend from Iran in the past days. So I decided to post a link to the blog my friend is using in order to learn English.

You can find him at his blog the English Village. A small blog still, but full of potential.

We had a nice conversation about some history of Iran and the history of my city in the USA a lot of interesting thoughts. People from Iran are incredibly open and friendly despite the terrible propaganda that you might hear about Iran.


Image courtesy rosemanios the details of the image:

Front:
Vessel terminating in the forepart of a fantastic leonine creature, Achaemenid;
5th century B.C. Iran Gold; H. 17 cm
Fletcher Fund, 1954 (54.3.3)

Horn-shaped vessels ending in an animal's head have a long history in the Near East as well as in Greece and Italy. Early Iranian examples are straight, with the cup and animal head in the same plane. Later, in the Achaemenid period, the head, or animal protome, was often placed at a right angle to the cup, as in this piece. In the manufacture of this gold vessel, several parts were invisibly joined by brazing, which demonstrates superb technical skill. One hundred and thirty-six feet of twisted wire decorate the upper band of the vessel in forty-four even rows, and the roof of the lion's mouth is raised in tiny ribs. Typical of Achaemenid style, the ferocity of the snarling lion has been tempered and restrained by decorative convention. The lion has a crest running down his back; his mane has the disciplined appearance of a woven material; and his flanks are covered by an ostrich plume. The inclusion of the plume, a departure from convention, suggests that this lion is winged and has some supernatural significance.

Back:
Fluted bowl, Achaemenid, Darius I or II; 522-486 B.C. or 432-405 B.C.
Iran Gold; H. 11.1 cm
Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1954 (54.3.1)

In the sixth century B.C., under the leadership of Cyrus the Great (r. 538-530 B.C.), the Achaemenid Persian dynasty overthrew Median kings and established an empire that would eventually extend from eastern Europe and Egypt to India. Achaemenid rulers included such famed kings as Cyrus, Darius I (r. 521-486 B.C.), and Xerxes I (r. 485-465 B.C.). They built palaces and ceremonial centers at Pasargadae, Persepolis, Susa, and Babylon. The Achaemenid Dynasty lasted for two centuries and was ended by the sweeping conquests of Alexander the Great, who destroyed Persepolis in 331 B.C. The Achaemenid period is well documented by the descriptions of Greek and Old Testament writers as well as by abundant archaeological remains.

Fluted bowls and plates of the Achaemenid period continue a tradition begun in the Assyrian Empire. While they were given as royal gifts, it seems that they were also valued and exchanged simply for the weight of the precious metals from which they were made.

In a previous blog I described the news of a language without numbers. Apparently according to further studies languages without counting numbers do not deprive the human mind of the ability to count, and people are still able to work with numbers. To what extent or how this is measured is puzzling. I question how a study can be done to accurately divine whether or not numbers are an innate human function that do not require language or fingers and toe communication. If I say bring me a handful or something equal to the fingers of the hand there is still use of language and commonality of respective numbered objects to get the job done. I'm wondering how the study worked.

The article describes the communication barrier between counting words and the problems it present. I still however find the idea dubious in that these direct claims are trying to perhaps become the antithesis to the Saphir-Worf Hypothesis. I'm one to believe that this hypothesis is altogether asserting a small deal of truth. I would also imagine that counting words up to at least 20 have some form of existence if not in the traditional Western fashion that there are either names or ways to describe the human body. Numbers are innate in the sense that you either have or do not have.

Still very interesting research with a very daring conclusion from what is found. You can read the entire article at New Scientist.

The ADL(Anti-Defamation League) a pro-Israel defense organization published an article recently on the Middle Eastern Antisemitism. You can read the small article and view cartoons illustrating this so-called Antisemitism right here at the ADL.

The defamation league does a great job of defaming the opinions espoused in these political cartoons, which for the most part I don't in the least consider to be antisemitic. Middle easterners are certainly not guiltless of being antisemitic. However, their points are perhaps more poignant and more humane than people care to acknowledge. The fact is if any of the presidential hopefuls were to come out against Israel and tell the truth about the horrifying crimes Israel has committed and the flagrantly unjust support that the United States has given to Israel to commit crimes against humanity with little restraint, then these candidates would be ousted. An unfortunate result of support a nation or a people because they have been discriminated against does not give them a free ride to commit the same acts against other people. These cartoons bring to light the obvious duality in our thinking, as if one people and nation has a right invade others because of a tragic past.

Certainly Israel is not the only responsible party for its acts, nor is it the only party guilty of crimes, but Israel as a state has certainly acted irresponsibly and without regard for human life or compassion for it.

I fail to understand how these cartoon do more than point out the obvious love affair of the United States with Israel for the mere fact that Jews inhabit Jerusalem. There is no antisemitism in admitting the power that this faction yields in American Politics.

This is a video I found recently thanks to one of my friends in Portugal a very touching video and something I had to share. The music illuminates each dimension of the painting both in a literal figurative manner. Demonstrating the complete horror of the the Civil War in Spain. All credit to lena gieske

You can watch this video at the link above. Unfortunately, it was too difficult to include right here on the blog.

An interesting blast from the past a photo that I found by way of Novo-Mundo shows a photo of a great group of buildings used to hold those dying from disease. The author of the photo writes,

"Town of the dead, North Ossetia, somewhere in caucasus mountains. A great plague wandered across area of current Ossetia in 16-18th century AD. Clans built houses for sick family members and kept them away there, while providing with food. People died there in slow, alone agony. Once they died, the made place for others. the "houses for dying" are filled with bones." dziadek.mroz

these seemingly quaint little homes are located somewhere in Russia. My geography is rusty, but the picture by the photographer is absolutely breathtaking. It brings to life the happenings there, the grief, the sorrow, the agony, and still perhaps some thoughts of hope within it all. A really interesting photo.

(Photo Courtesy dziadek.mroz)

So when you're studying for the upcoming exam which is presently looming as the start of fall semesters near, or perhaps already begun you ask yourself, "Am I eating right?" A question I often know that the answer to in despite my best efforts and lack of will power the answer is a very definite No. So here today I'm going to suggest a few brain foods either to enhance your learning experience or strengthen your intellect.

1. Açai. Yes, it's been recommended time and again by just about everyone for its antioxidantpowers and ability to keep you looking like a 20 year old for the rest of your life. In addition, it also helps to keep brain membranes supple, smooth, and ready in envelop whatever comes at it. I´m taking this from what I remember from the website I read this morning about how great Açai is, and I'll spare you the link, because I'm not the best at product promotion. Anyhow, as I described in previous entires Açai pulp tastes great with fruit. you can buy some Açai powder or Açai juice over at amazon.com or a local health food store in your area.
   
   
2. Goji Berries. This Chinese berry is rumored to have kept people alive for 300 years, or at least according to myth. I bought two big bags of these berries about a year ago, and
   I absolutely hate them. They are difficult to chew in a dried form are bitter and get stuck in your teeth. they go better in a smoothie type of mix, and would be better if they were chocolate covered. the seeds are absolutely horrendous and never stop coming at you, but again this little treat has enough antioxidants to be the pride and joy of anyone advocating yet another way to stay young and smart for ever.
   
   
3. According to the Learn a Language blog Lion's Mane Mushrooms are also a great supplement to your brain healthy adventures. It looks a bit like a shaggy dog and nothing worth eating in my book, but perhaps for the more experienced eater it would make a nice treat for a more adventurous person within to try something new. The blogger who tried it said he didn't notice many real effects from the mushroom, but who knows. There are apparently quite a great deal of beneficial fungus compounds out there. Sample with caution.
   
   
4. Omega acids. These Omega fatty acids have been linked to beneficial brain function, people who are deficient in Omega acids may have developed dyslexia or have learning troubles as a result of the deficiency. You can find this little compound in a handy supplement at the store (I recommend a no burp brand, as you may end up with quite a bad taste if you don't.). You can also find this supplement in eggs, some butter, fish, and a wide variety of other healthy foods for your body. I listed Açai up top as a great antioxidant. Açai also helps the body uptake more Omega acids enhancing brain function even more.
   
   
5. Cut back on the soda, but don't deprive yourself of coffee. Good coffee the real stuff has a lot of benefits in it for you. Recently, in a New Scientist article I'm not going to link to it was found that coffee drinkers lived longer and had better heart health. And sure enough coffee beans have all the antioxidants you'll ever need to live to be 300. Of course, you probably already were going to sip some coffee before I told you that.
   
   
6. If you want some snacks I recommend Raisins, M&M's with Almonds or Peanuts, and some good whole grains somewhere to top it all off.
   

What is glossolalia? Glossolalia is more commonly know as tongues. A phenomenon describing the production of speech from an unknown language, often ascribed to religious experiences, but most can produce glossolalia like sounds with ease. Some also believe that glossolalia can give the gift of tongues allowing a person to speak fluidly in a foreign language without having learned it, but unfortunately no actual proof of this has even been found. Most glossolalia consists of phonemes from the speakers native language and may additionally including phonemes from learned languages. It's a very interesting phenomenon but is nothing more than nonsense an obfuscation of language and sounds in the brain that comes out the mouth.

Additionally, I've included a TLC clip from Youtube before TLC sold out to reality television and actually ran interesting documentaries.

I found a really interesting website tons of cool articles on memory and other interesting topic. The website called speedlearning.org is really a cool place to visit. In one of their articles, entitled Grammar 101 the topic of ambiguous pronouns was brought to light. Here is an excerpt from the article:

Ambiguous Pronouns
More gibberish? My personal favorite song from kindergarten was B.I.N.G.O.
Remember the first line?

Ambiguous Pronoun Example 1:
 "There was a farmer who had a dog, and Bingo was his name-o."
The secret was to slap your leg as you withdrew one-letter at a time, with each new stanza.
a) Question? Whose name was Bingo, the farmer or the dog?

Ambiguous Pronoun Example 2:
 Wait. Drugs can kill kids. Keep them locked up.
b) Question? Who do we lock up, the kids or the drugs?
You just read two examples of Ambiguous Pronouns. But you really know the meaning of the sentence because you are experienced in thinking in English.
(Excerpt edited for style. Read entire article here)

I thought this was a really awesome example of ambiguous pronouns. In other languages, such as Spanish, the pronoun is often eliminated in the personal case, and is implied. Often because the actor is implied by the conjugation of the verb. A really provocative correlation between the ambiguity of pronouns.

(Pictures courtesy Marisol in Salta Argentina; Tren a las nubes.)

Although this isn't as much language related it was a great view that I found on the Wooster Collective a few days ago and wanted to share.

The Olympics are here or are they gone. I really am never sure how the Olympics work. The more than boisterous rigmarole over the Olympics in China is perhaps the biggest ever, at least in recent memory. China is accused of human rights abuses and politely refraining from letting itself get carried away with promises made for the Olympics. I will admit that China's human rights abuses should not be let alone for this event, but really put aside so China can share in this honor, and perhaps look back it its mistakes.

My friend from China has been competing in an English competition, which will decide on a role model for those people in China learning English. As a bit of a figure for the Chinese people to look up to. My friend came in third place in his district, with some help from me, and his excellent performance means he will go on to compete in Beijing (Non-Olympic event) to see if he will win the competition. Whether or not he wins he is without a doubt one of the best English speakers I know with their native language as Mandarin Chinese. He invited me to Beijing, but of course I couldn't manage to get there even if I wanted to do so.

Nevertheless, my point is that the Chinese are making a tremendous effort to be good hosts. They are of course less experienced in letting the world in according to a different set of rules. Although we should not reduce or refrain from putting pressure on their political regime for their abuses, but rather realize the summation of Chinese history and where they happen to be at this point in time, and then judge China accordingly by what is actually plausible. Rather than berate the Chinese people for not acting in line with the wishes that the world would like to see them aspire to.

The @ symbol is a really interesting symbol, especially because it is communicated through different cultures and languages quite differently. In Spanish as I noted previously it is called the arroba named for a unit of measurement. In other cultures it is called a snail or a small snail, some call it a dog, others a puppy, others see it as a monkey, and still more see it as an elephant. It reminds me the display when someone draws a dot on a blackboard, and asks the question, "What is it?," and everyone replies without any hesitation it's a dot. What else did you expect? Of course, depending on how you look at things it could be a myriad of different things. a whirpool of lines connecting you to a different universe, a bug, an eye, or whatever you mind allows you to see.

Nevertheless, that's the short entry for today. You can read all about what people like to call their @ symbols at Wikipedia.

My friend from Argentina showed me this video called Suncreen, and I believe in it wholeheartedly. He thought I ought to share it so here it is for you.

Today I'm including a video from the wonderful Astronomer Karl Sagan. It's a beautiful philosophical and inspiring video. Enjoy...

Writing systems are interesting, really. The topic of Abjads(Surprise! A writing system!) is of particular interest to me, so I decided to dedicate a blog entry explaining this system.

The Abjad was created several thousand years ago. According to a linguistics professor Michael Drout it was probably only invented once, and then spread to various cultures and was adapted to fit the needs of people. An Abjad is simply a character representing a single consonant, the Abjad may or may not contain vowels to accompany the consonant.  Abjads are a radically cool  idea, just think of it,  instead of memorizing symbols for  each idea  or even worse memorizing Japanese Kanjii for  syllables you  can now  say  a great deal of things with a small character set, which means less memorization, and greater ease of communication.

Simply put an Abjad is an alphabet, and it's a really amazing invention that people use every day. The fact is that most writing systems are extremely troublesome to invent. The Latin system may be one of the best, the Cryllic alphabet too, and Arabic variants.

Native Americans were dumbfounded by this invention, as they had no strong writing systems as they were being killed off and removed from their homelands. The Cherokee people described letters sent to them by messengers as magic leaves, because these letters proclaimed their fate, yet were so simply and generic, but perhaps the pen is mightier than a sword, since it brought about such radical ideas. A Cherokee citizen known as Sequoyah saw the significance of the Abjad and spent years creating his own Abjad for the Cherokee language the task took him almost 70 years, and was a difficult and labored process with an extremely turbulent set of circumstances surrounding its creation. Sequoyah labored continuously writing on bark attempting to establish a working alphabet, and at some turns his work was destroyed. Still more, Sequoyah faced the judgment of his tribe/nation when he attempted to present his Cherokee alphabet of 86 characters. He was subject to rigorous disbelief  as his tribe doubted him, but in the long run the new alphabet survived and was adopted. Thus ensuring the continuance of Cherokee customs and cultures, as people could now record in their own language the happenings around them, and although the nation was still greatly abused by the United States government the invention allowed more leeway than would have otherwise been possible without a written system.

You can read more about abjads and different types of Abjads at omniglot and you can find out a bit more about Sequoyah at Wikipedia. Picture from Wikipedia of Sequoyah display his alphabet.