Author: lekiare

There are all these myths out there that perpetuate this downside to being bilingual. Apparently, some people think bilinguals have a subpar vocabulary, and their intelligence is rather lacking, and it’s generally just to their detriment. There is no room in the brain for two languages. Except it seems that bilingualism prevents dementia.

Canadian scientists have found astonishing evidence that the lifelong use of two languages can help delay the onset of dementia symptoms by four years compared to people who are monolingual.

Imagine what three languages could do or even four. I can picture it now. People will be rushing to become linguists. Parents will actually teach their children their native tongue. Klingon will become nationally recognized.
As for those myths, I found them on some website, and I can’t believe that they even exist. Do people honestly believe that bilinguals have a lesser vocabulary? Please don’t make me smack you.
Via Slashdot.

There are icicles outside my apartment. It rains, and then it jingles. It almost sounds like a key play when the opposing team is third and inches, and we as students (alumni) are asked to take out those lovely thinks and make some noise. I keep glancing at my window half expecting it to crack.
It’s really cold outside.
I’m kinda loving it. I even went outside for a few minutes, and then I rushed back in because I couldn’t feel my fingers. It was great! Cold weather is gorgeous. I just wish I were warm now.

I feel human again, and that feels great. I just had to lie on the couch all day and watch mindless tv with the lights off. A few brain cells were lost. Oy. And as I’m typing this it may not be clear, but I’ve deleted quite a few spelling errors. Foghead strikes again.
Migraines are evil.
I thought I had one last summer, but I’m thinking that was just a fluke. This one wasn’t, and I didn’t catch it on time. Why? I’ve become complacent perhaps? Lack of pain for close to a year = stupidity. The signs were there. I was just in lala land or something.
I’m too hard on myself.
I hate migraines.
I despise foghead more. I sound stupid.
By the way, the forecasters in San Antonio are going nuts. This cold front is sweeping in and we’re supposed to get ice tomorrow and snow the next two days. Snow. White stuff. Methinks people will actually keel over and die. This doesn’t include the people who die from the accidents that will occur from the crazy drivers. They’ll see the stuff, freak out, and kaboom.
It’s frozen water people. Drive slowly. Unless you are me who likes to do spur of the moment things like go down steep hills laced with sheets of ice, and oops am I skidding? Been there. Done that. Very stupid. Fun. But stupid. And I was in my scooter, not in a car. I could have tipped over!
My lesson is very cold weather is pretty, but cold and dangerous. And if it does snow in San Antonio, I’m so going to have to take pictures even though I’ve seen enough of that white stuff to last a life time!

This week came back to bite me.

By now it’s old news, but the USA seems thrilled to know that David Beckham is coming to play for the Galaxy.

Taking the first step Thursday, Beckham announced a five-year deal to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy, starting this summer.
The Galaxy didn’t say exactly what they’ll pay him, but floated a figure of $250 million in salary and commercial endorsements over the length of his contract. In other words, his move could be worth $1 million a week.

For the MLS, this is great news. Soccer needs more exposure here in the States, and if David B. can do it, well I’m all for it. Besides, after watching him on GMA this morning, he’s not that bad looking. He’s way cuter than Posh that’s for sure.

Oh the turmoil! Oh the inhumanity! What about "Mind your own business."
The "disability community" is apalled, shocked, in an uproar about what is being done to this darling little girl called Ashley. Many of them are acting as if the treatment was done to them, and they forget that they aren’t Ashley!

I finally updated the blog list. If I have my way I’ll be doing some major overhauling on this blog. Oh gee, a new layout would be lovely, ya know. I finally got my hands on Photoshop CS, but the touchpad on my laptop does not agree with my finger. We’re currently in the middle of a love-hate relationship.

The best news anyone can hear is that they’re doing their job fairly.
One of my more recent Spanish students emailed her work to me, and she added in a little experience she just had. She was able to understand someone else’s conversation and correct them! I think that’s awesome. And if I had any help with this, then at least I’m doing something right because believe me sometimes it’s like searching for that single tinted marble in bowl full of multicolored ones.
So, this is good. My Spanish students are showing progress. Now, if only the bar would show me the same kind of leniency. Torts was not good to me today at all.

Apple’s iPhone. I was following the live updates on Engadget, and it really does seem impressive. The touchscreen capabilities alone scream ease-of-use, since the only thing it requires is a finger. Here’s hoping the actual screen can handle wear and tear, because my lovely video iPod scratches too easily. The phone shouldn’t.

The phones, which will operate exclusively on AT&T Inc.’s Cingular wireless network, will start shipping in June. A 4-gigabyte model will cost $499, while an 8-gigabyte iPhone will be $599, Jobs said.
IPhone is less than a half-inch thin — less than almost any phone on the market today. It comes with a 2-megapixel digital camera built into the back, as well as a slot for headphones and a SIM card.

Ah, exclusivity contracts. I love Verizon, which is why I won’t switch, but they have the worst phones. And here again Apple is choosing just one carrier, but I doubt this will garner Cingular legions of new clients, what with that lovely price tag.
Then again it is income tax season. How many people would actually be able to save $600 plus for something that shiny? It’s quite a wait.
For a mockup of the iPhone, its measurments, and how it compares to other gadgets, check out Kottke.

Not everything has been going well as late. I don’t want January to be the jinx, but as my friend, K, stated oh so clearly, would I rather this happen now or in February?
How about not at all.
There’s stuff with me that I can deal with, but when it happens to my friends, it rather shakes me a bit. They need good vibes right now.