My little sister and I went over to the house of my mother's colleague this afternoon. He has traveled quite a bit, and we were talking about Europe (the differences in educational demands, what little kids are taught there, etc).
He had lived in Sweden for a period of time in a university town -- a large percentage of the population were professional educators or those on their way. One morning, on the way into his flat, there was what he nicely called a "bag lady" standing in front of his door. He continued to walk toward her and she suddenly turned on him and said something in Swedish. He responded with "I'm sorry, I don't understand" and she immediately retorted, "It doesn't matter" and ambled on.
It was telling moment for Europe in general, where the majority speak at least two languages. The fact a nutso vagrant wandering around was able to turn on a dime and switch languages so easily left an impression on him. "Considering the town, maybe she just never finished her doctorate and became the village nut, who knows!"
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Partners in Crime
Dodo Bird is living in Los Angeles, working, and attending graduate school for poetry. Like her moniker, she was over-harvested by explorers to the point of extinction in the 17th century.
Pointer moved to New York City, and is trying not to write about work. Frequently pointing at things, she is anxious, shaky, and short-haired [on hiatus].
Pointer moved to New York City, and is trying not to write about work. Frequently pointing at things, she is anxious, shaky, and short-haired [on hiatus].
The "Toastmaster Harpoon Party" blog banner contains a map created by Ptolemy. Citation for this image is below:
Ptolemy, 2nd cent. ''Map of the World.'' 1482. John Carter Brown Library, Brown University.
Ptolemy, 2nd cent. ''Map of the World.'' 1482. John Carter Brown Library, Brown University.
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