OK guys...what day is best for our get together? I have class Tues/Thurs until 4pm and work changes weekly. Let's set a date by the end of the week so we can have time to ask off work. What date you get back Prof M? And do we want a lunch meeting or night get together..Let's get it rollin' kids! :)
Stacey
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Raw
Salvete Carissimi!
Boy have I missed you all, so much… It’s only been a week in Iraklion, and my mind does its usual telescopic thing with time. One minute it seems like I arrived yesterday, and the next that I have been here for centuries, that I never came to Tampa, that a place called CPR Hall is a figment of my imagination. And yet I know that there are people and places waiting for my return and I have found myself happy at the thought of returning to the states as I am happy now to be here with my family. Could it be (gasp!) balance? Finally?! Say it isn’t so!
The first week here is always the hardest, and years of back and forth have turned this experience from existential and devastating into mildly annoying. Once I make sure that my parents and brother are well, my mind relaxes and lets the outside world come in, a mostly unpleasant experience. Everything bothers me, everything offends me. There is no hot water on demand; garbage truck drivers are constantly on strike and streets are impassable; butcher shops with carcasses of un-skinned animals wearing the glassy eyes of death; no air-conditioning in the blistering heat; people who don’t believe in showers; uneven side walks; extravagant euro prices for things I buy for a $1.50 at Walmart; smoking everywhere, in restaurants, in elevators, in doctors’ offices.
All this, and more, used to bother me much more before I went to Rome last summer. Once I realized how many problems the eternal City has in common with a backwoods town like Iraklion, I chilled significantly. Yet I am far from being a true Stoic. I know, I know, the little luxuries of life do not amount to much, compared to human relationships, with all their joy and drama. And yet I need to remind you, especially those who have not traveled outside the States yet, not to take these little luxuries for granted. It is the small pleasures of that weave comfort in the heart and mind, so that real life, life with others that is, can happen…I hope this makes sense, it’s one of the many things that I wanted to talk about with y’ all (vobiscum), but Latin was first and time was never enough (which reminds me this great line from Ovid Ars longa, vita brevis). I trust that you are all enjoying your holidays, and I can’t wait for our reunion in July (Rachael, Mia, Olivia, Stacey, Jackie et ceterae, are you setting it up?). Thank you also for your individual e-mails and posts on the blog, to which I cannot answer at length because I have this old dial up connection here at home that falls through every 10 minutes or so. (I don’t want to go to any Internet Cafes here, with all those 14-year old boys that check out pornographic sites, play games, and smoke constantly!). Much love to all,
Your teacher, the spoiled brat
PS. There is this great episode of Seinfeld, where George’s father tries meditation to relax from his wife’s constant nagging. The exercise is to repeat calmly the phrase ‘Serenity now.’ Apparently it doesn’t work, because in the end he screams it hysterically ‘serenity now, serenity now!!’. It is an appropriate soundtrack to what I was writing above….
Boy have I missed you all, so much… It’s only been a week in Iraklion, and my mind does its usual telescopic thing with time. One minute it seems like I arrived yesterday, and the next that I have been here for centuries, that I never came to Tampa, that a place called CPR Hall is a figment of my imagination. And yet I know that there are people and places waiting for my return and I have found myself happy at the thought of returning to the states as I am happy now to be here with my family. Could it be (gasp!) balance? Finally?! Say it isn’t so!
The first week here is always the hardest, and years of back and forth have turned this experience from existential and devastating into mildly annoying. Once I make sure that my parents and brother are well, my mind relaxes and lets the outside world come in, a mostly unpleasant experience. Everything bothers me, everything offends me. There is no hot water on demand; garbage truck drivers are constantly on strike and streets are impassable; butcher shops with carcasses of un-skinned animals wearing the glassy eyes of death; no air-conditioning in the blistering heat; people who don’t believe in showers; uneven side walks; extravagant euro prices for things I buy for a $1.50 at Walmart; smoking everywhere, in restaurants, in elevators, in doctors’ offices.
All this, and more, used to bother me much more before I went to Rome last summer. Once I realized how many problems the eternal City has in common with a backwoods town like Iraklion, I chilled significantly. Yet I am far from being a true Stoic. I know, I know, the little luxuries of life do not amount to much, compared to human relationships, with all their joy and drama. And yet I need to remind you, especially those who have not traveled outside the States yet, not to take these little luxuries for granted. It is the small pleasures of that weave comfort in the heart and mind, so that real life, life with others that is, can happen…I hope this makes sense, it’s one of the many things that I wanted to talk about with y’ all (vobiscum), but Latin was first and time was never enough (which reminds me this great line from Ovid Ars longa, vita brevis). I trust that you are all enjoying your holidays, and I can’t wait for our reunion in July (Rachael, Mia, Olivia, Stacey, Jackie et ceterae, are you setting it up?). Thank you also for your individual e-mails and posts on the blog, to which I cannot answer at length because I have this old dial up connection here at home that falls through every 10 minutes or so. (I don’t want to go to any Internet Cafes here, with all those 14-year old boys that check out pornographic sites, play games, and smoke constantly!). Much love to all,
Your teacher, the spoiled brat
PS. There is this great episode of Seinfeld, where George’s father tries meditation to relax from his wife’s constant nagging. The exercise is to repeat calmly the phrase ‘Serenity now.’ Apparently it doesn’t work, because in the end he screams it hysterically ‘serenity now, serenity now!!’. It is an appropriate soundtrack to what I was writing above….
Sunday, May 20, 2007
new kitten
Hey all!
Hope everyone's summer is going well! I got a new kitten yesterday so I want to share pictures:
Her name is Amaya, which supposedly means "night-rain" in Americanized-Japanese. It's not correct in proper Japanese, but I still like it. As you can see, she has long fur and is pretty much all black. What doesn't show up in the photos is that her coat is shot through with random white hairs. They aren't concentrated enough to make patches anywhere. She also has black-on-black tabby stripes in natural light. Her eyes appear to be a mossy-green-brown, but the pigment may not have settled yet. She was born on April 1st. Her favorite activities so far seem to be playing with left-over bits of string and chewing on fingers.
Dixie is still doing as well as she can considering her health issues. She isn't much of a playmate, but she tolerates Amaya's presence.
~Rachael
Hope everyone's summer is going well! I got a new kitten yesterday so I want to share pictures:
Her name is Amaya, which supposedly means "night-rain" in Americanized-Japanese. It's not correct in proper Japanese, but I still like it. As you can see, she has long fur and is pretty much all black. What doesn't show up in the photos is that her coat is shot through with random white hairs. They aren't concentrated enough to make patches anywhere. She also has black-on-black tabby stripes in natural light. Her eyes appear to be a mossy-green-brown, but the pigment may not have settled yet. She was born on April 1st. Her favorite activities so far seem to be playing with left-over bits of string and chewing on fingers.
Dixie is still doing as well as she can considering her health issues. She isn't much of a playmate, but she tolerates Amaya's presence.
~Rachael
Friday, May 18, 2007
I found myself walking to Brit Lit the other day thinking about what I want my next tattoo to be. I want to have a special phrase or word put on me and I constantly find myself translating everything I think of (correctly I hope) into Latin. I'm thinking of something I want and I'm almost 100% sure of my choice. When I get a chance I need the services of the great Prof. M to final check and approve my grammar. I would quite upset if I translated or conjugated wrongly and ended up with something I didn't want on me forever.
I miss you guys that I haven't seen since class got out. ESPECIALLY PROF M!!!! :) Have fun in Greece. Keep in touch.
Stacey Bedard
I miss you guys that I haven't seen since class got out. ESPECIALLY PROF M!!!! :) Have fun in Greece. Keep in touch.
Stacey Bedard
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Hello all! it's only been a little more than a week, but it's already odd not being in Tampa, taking classes and sitting on the floor. ^-^
anyway, I was at work yesterday (first day back, oh Barnes and Noble, how i have kind of, sort of missed you) and found myself drawn to the languages section, looking at the Latin books. I didn't open any of them, due to a short break and also a lack of money, but i predict i'll find myself there often, because i'm already missing the language, as well as all of you!
i also found a old notebook of mine, from seventh grade spanish, and i'm babbling about how much i can't to get to college to take latin! i just thought it was a neat little thing.
and um, that's about it for now! just checking in.
mia
anyway, I was at work yesterday (first day back, oh Barnes and Noble, how i have kind of, sort of missed you) and found myself drawn to the languages section, looking at the Latin books. I didn't open any of them, due to a short break and also a lack of money, but i predict i'll find myself there often, because i'm already missing the language, as well as all of you!
i also found a old notebook of mine, from seventh grade spanish, and i'm babbling about how much i can't to get to college to take latin! i just thought it was a neat little thing.
and um, that's about it for now! just checking in.
mia
Monday, May 14, 2007
tardigrades
No, grades are not late-- bad pun, sorry...
What this post is really about is water bears, properly called "tardigrades." I don't know if anyone has ever heard of these amazing little creatures before, but I was telling Jordan and I think also Mia about them several weeks ago when we were studying for exams and I meant to post pictures of them to the blog for everyone's edification, but I forgot until just now.
Here's what they look like:
I heard about water bears while taking a class called "The History of Earth and Life" (a very good class to take if you're historically minded and hate science because this class is taught like a social science class, but it fulfills a natural science requirement) several years ago. They were the prof's favorite thing. Water bears, so called because they only need water to live - and even so, not very much - are found all over the world, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest peaks of the Himalayan mountains, from both polls to the equator and almost everywhere in between. They like moist environments best, so are not commonly found in deserts. They have been known to survive being dehydrated (at 1% of their normal hydration) for at least 120 years, and they can also survive in the vacuum of space. They can survive in a frozen state for years and years at a time. And for micro-organisms, they're kinda cute. They look like bears to some people, although I think some of them also look kind of like moles.
By far the coolest videos I've found of them moving are here and here. (Make sure the speakers on your computer are turned down, some of the videos play weird music.)
And you can go here for tips on how to find them in your own back-yard and see them (assuming you have access to at least a low powered microscope), and also to see another cool video clip.
;D
~Rachael
What this post is really about is water bears, properly called "tardigrades." I don't know if anyone has ever heard of these amazing little creatures before, but I was telling Jordan and I think also Mia about them several weeks ago when we were studying for exams and I meant to post pictures of them to the blog for everyone's edification, but I forgot until just now.
Here's what they look like:
I heard about water bears while taking a class called "The History of Earth and Life" (a very good class to take if you're historically minded and hate science because this class is taught like a social science class, but it fulfills a natural science requirement) several years ago. They were the prof's favorite thing. Water bears, so called because they only need water to live - and even so, not very much - are found all over the world, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest peaks of the Himalayan mountains, from both polls to the equator and almost everywhere in between. They like moist environments best, so are not commonly found in deserts. They have been known to survive being dehydrated (at 1% of their normal hydration) for at least 120 years, and they can also survive in the vacuum of space. They can survive in a frozen state for years and years at a time. And for micro-organisms, they're kinda cute. They look like bears to some people, although I think some of them also look kind of like moles.
By far the coolest videos I've found of them moving are here and here. (Make sure the speakers on your computer are turned down, some of the videos play weird music.)
And you can go here for tips on how to find them in your own back-yard and see them (assuming you have access to at least a low powered microscope), and also to see another cool video clip.
;D
~Rachael
Thursday, May 10, 2007
2,700-year-old fabric found in Greece
Totally excited about this! Must share! ~Rachael
AP Photo: An ancient bronze funerial urn in which archaeologists discovered 2,700-year-old fabric remains is seen in this undated handout photo released by the Greek Culture Ministry on Wednesday, May 9, 2007. The find, in the southern town of Argos, is extremely rare, archeologists said. (AP Photo/Greek Culture Ministry/HO)
2,700-year-old fabric found in Greece
By NICHOLAS PAPHITIS, Associated Press Writer
Wed May 9, 7:19 PM ET
Archaeologists in Greece have discovered a rare 2,700-year-old piece of fabric inside a copper urn from a burial they speculated imitated the elaborate cremation of soldiers described in Homer's "Iliad."
The yellowed, brittle material was found in the urn during excavation in the southern town of Argos, a Culture Ministry announcement said Wednesday
"This is an extremely rare find, as fabric is an organic material which decomposes very easily," said archaeologist Alkistis Papadimitriou, who headed the dig. She said only a handful of such artifacts have been found in Greece.
The cylindrical urn also contained dried pomegranates — offerings linked with the ancient gods of the underworld — along with ashes and charred human bones from an early 7th century B.C. cremation.
Papadimitriou said the material was preserved for nearly 3,000 years by the corroding copper urn. "Copper oxides killed the microbes which normally destroy fabric," she told The Associated Press.
Conservation experts from Athens will work on the fragile find.
"Our first concern is to save it," Papadimitriou said. "Afterward, it will undergo laboratory tests to tell us about the precise fabric and weaving techniques."
The burial was the only cremation among a half-dozen closely grouped graves found on the plot, which was scheduled for development.
"Cremation was very unusual in Argos, and this too makes it a special find," Papadimitriou said. "In my opinion, an affluent citizen may have wanted to imitate a funerary custom described by Homer to stand out among his peers buried nearby — who were not cremated."
The poet's "Iliad" and "Odyssey" enjoyed huge popularity throughout Greece. Composed during the 8th century B.C, and thought to be inspired by a war four centuries earlier, the Iliad describes slain heroes being cremated in elaborate funerals, which fell out of fashion in later times.
Modern Argos in the northern Peloponnese, some 90 miles south of Athens, is built on top of one of the most famous cities of ancient Greece. Also named Argos, the ancient city was mentioned by Homer as the seat of a Mycenaean hero-king who fought with the Greek army in Troy. It flourished throughout antiquity.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
AP Photo: An ancient bronze funerial urn in which archaeologists discovered 2,700-year-old fabric remains is seen in this undated handout photo released by the Greek Culture Ministry on Wednesday, May 9, 2007. The find, in the southern town of Argos, is extremely rare, archeologists said. (AP Photo/Greek Culture Ministry/HO)
2,700-year-old fabric found in Greece
By NICHOLAS PAPHITIS, Associated Press Writer
Wed May 9, 7:19 PM ET
Archaeologists in Greece have discovered a rare 2,700-year-old piece of fabric inside a copper urn from a burial they speculated imitated the elaborate cremation of soldiers described in Homer's "Iliad."
The yellowed, brittle material was found in the urn during excavation in the southern town of Argos, a Culture Ministry announcement said Wednesday
"This is an extremely rare find, as fabric is an organic material which decomposes very easily," said archaeologist Alkistis Papadimitriou, who headed the dig. She said only a handful of such artifacts have been found in Greece.
The cylindrical urn also contained dried pomegranates — offerings linked with the ancient gods of the underworld — along with ashes and charred human bones from an early 7th century B.C. cremation.
Papadimitriou said the material was preserved for nearly 3,000 years by the corroding copper urn. "Copper oxides killed the microbes which normally destroy fabric," she told The Associated Press.
Conservation experts from Athens will work on the fragile find.
"Our first concern is to save it," Papadimitriou said. "Afterward, it will undergo laboratory tests to tell us about the precise fabric and weaving techniques."
The burial was the only cremation among a half-dozen closely grouped graves found on the plot, which was scheduled for development.
"Cremation was very unusual in Argos, and this too makes it a special find," Papadimitriou said. "In my opinion, an affluent citizen may have wanted to imitate a funerary custom described by Homer to stand out among his peers buried nearby — who were not cremated."
The poet's "Iliad" and "Odyssey" enjoyed huge popularity throughout Greece. Composed during the 8th century B.C, and thought to be inspired by a war four centuries earlier, the Iliad describes slain heroes being cremated in elaborate funerals, which fell out of fashion in later times.
Modern Argos in the northern Peloponnese, some 90 miles south of Athens, is built on top of one of the most famous cities of ancient Greece. Also named Argos, the ancient city was mentioned by Homer as the seat of a Mycenaean hero-king who fought with the Greek army in Troy. It flourished throughout antiquity.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Beginning
Carissimae discipulae, discipulique
Ok, now that I can finally communicate with you without bursting into uncontrollable sobs, I thought to write a note to say goodbye before I go home on Tuesday (I have to see it in writing to believe it!). I will be lying if I tell you that I have completely recoved emotionally from the last time I saw you all together. I confess, that day was ROUGH, and your kindness, your surprise, and the beautiful gifts made it so intense I swear I was hearing my heart beat against my ear drums or something. I am currently wearing the tiny clock as a necklace, from its chain, and you are right, it DOES keep me on time. I am still unable to look at the plaque without tearing up, so I have postponed hanging it on the wall until I can deal with this in a better way...I meant what I said that day, that you guys have been hands down the best class I have ever taught, the funniest, the happiest, the warmest and yes, the smartest too. I was very pleased to give you all the good grades that you deserved. Teaching you reminded me every day why I have stayed in this country for a good decade, why I fight the daily impulse to jump on the next plane and go home. Years of difficulties are worth it for a single day like the one I had on your final.
I was saying that I am writing this to say goodbye, and yet goodbye does not seem quite appropriate. I know I will see a lot of you in Latin III, and even though I will miss sorely those who won't come, I hope to hear from you on the blog or over e-mail. I hold you onto your promise to have a reunion in July, and yes we will take pictures since I won't be crying by then (I hope!). (Candace, you promised you will erase that one you took, I must look like somebody died or something). Olivia, I am publicly holding you up to your promise to post wedding pics here; Rachael, keep us posted on your various artifacts and don't forget those utube videos; Mia, you do the same. I too will send pics from Crete--my dad tells me my cat has just had a litter, I cannot believe I am such a young and hip grandma already! And so, all is well with the world, amici; I cannot wait to be a part of the next phase of your lives--which reminds me, if any of you wants any references for summer internships and what not, please e-mail me and I will get in touch within 3 days or so (the goats don't have daily internet access!)
Much love to all,
Eleni
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Aesops Fables in Latin and Greek!
http://www.mythfolklore.net/aesopica/index.htm
Hello all this is an amazing site that has links to Aesop Fables
in both English, Latin and Greek for your enjoyment.
I hope you all did well on the final, that you enjoyed Latin II
and it was a pleasure going on this journey with you all during the Spring Semester
of 2007. May you all have a safe and blessed Summer and keep in touch via the blog
as I'm doing now and post on how the Classics and Latin has made a difference in your varied fields of interest and study so as to show how those cross references of the classics and ancient works come to improve and help us all in every varied field.
They also have some really cool kid tales poems and stories like Harry Potter in LATIN!
That is definitely something that should be promoted for us to read and for others to read and take in for their kids. ;0)
It could lead to the study of the truly great ancients and classics and only builds the vocabulary and understanding of language for those that arel earning to read write and speak in several tongues.
Let me know what else you all know of out there and keep the data sharing etc..
Also I hope if you've all not heard of Uncle Remus and those Stories and Fables because they aren't considered Politically Correct that you go and take a look at them and become familiar with those stories because they are a rich source of vocabulary and imagery. A gift for those that know the stories and make them part of yourself to think through and via their imagery.
http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext00/remus11.txt
Namaste and Stay Tuned
Jordan
Hello all this is an amazing site that has links to Aesop Fables
in both English, Latin and Greek for your enjoyment.
I hope you all did well on the final, that you enjoyed Latin II
and it was a pleasure going on this journey with you all during the Spring Semester
of 2007. May you all have a safe and blessed Summer and keep in touch via the blog
as I'm doing now and post on how the Classics and Latin has made a difference in your varied fields of interest and study so as to show how those cross references of the classics and ancient works come to improve and help us all in every varied field.
They also have some really cool kid tales poems and stories like Harry Potter in LATIN!
That is definitely something that should be promoted for us to read and for others to read and take in for their kids. ;0)
It could lead to the study of the truly great ancients and classics and only builds the vocabulary and understanding of language for those that arel earning to read write and speak in several tongues.
Let me know what else you all know of out there and keep the data sharing etc..
Also I hope if you've all not heard of Uncle Remus and those Stories and Fables because they aren't considered Politically Correct that you go and take a look at them and become familiar with those stories because they are a rich source of vocabulary and imagery. A gift for those that know the stories and make them part of yourself to think through and via their imagery.
http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext00/remus11.txt
Namaste and Stay Tuned
Jordan
Saturday, May 5, 2007
check it, my boho friends!
Nothing to do with Latin, but...
Found this amusing graphic on the website of which my biological mother, Susan, edits the newsletter, where they bring about a better world through encouraging the use of clotheslines instead of dryers:
Enjoy! ;D
~Rachael
Found this amusing graphic on the website of which my biological mother, Susan, edits the newsletter, where they bring about a better world through encouraging the use of clotheslines instead of dryers:
Enjoy! ;D
~Rachael
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Come ooooon Latin Final
So... I am so ready for this final. I'm actually looking forward to taking it and acing that thing! :) I'm really itching to know my grade average thus far. I'm a little worried, because I worry about everything, but I've been in class, done my quizzes, participated (bc I love it), blogged...I should probably stop stressing so much.
Guys, I can't believe I will not be taking Latin anymore. I'm really going to miss this class. I've made such good friends and Prof M. is hands down the best teacher I've ever had. I feel like I've made bonds with people that won't fade when the semester ends and this summer when Prof M finds me in her suitcase on the way home to Greece (Because I must go and thats the only way that seem affordable)we'll have to conjugate some verbs on the plane for old time sake. :) All joking aside, I wish I would have started studying Latin sooner in my college career and been able to take all 4 semesters. My goal is to keep up with it even though I'm not in class next semester. Maybe I can be Prof M.'s TA... ;)
anyway, tomorrow is going to be a great day,even for a final. :) Going to return to studying before I make myself cry...I'm such a baby. :)
Stacey Bedard
Guys, I can't believe I will not be taking Latin anymore. I'm really going to miss this class. I've made such good friends and Prof M. is hands down the best teacher I've ever had. I feel like I've made bonds with people that won't fade when the semester ends and this summer when Prof M finds me in her suitcase on the way home to Greece (Because I must go and thats the only way that seem affordable)we'll have to conjugate some verbs on the plane for old time sake. :) All joking aside, I wish I would have started studying Latin sooner in my college career and been able to take all 4 semesters. My goal is to keep up with it even though I'm not in class next semester. Maybe I can be Prof M.'s TA... ;)
anyway, tomorrow is going to be a great day,even for a final. :) Going to return to studying before I make myself cry...I'm such a baby. :)
Stacey Bedard
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
study session - Thursday
Hey y'all!
So another study session on Thrusday? Mia said she would get to the library a little later than Wednesday... I'm guessing 3 - 4? Hope to see y'all there! ;D
Rachael
So another study session on Thrusday? Mia said she would get to the library a little later than Wednesday... I'm guessing 3 - 4? Hope to see y'all there! ;D
Rachael
Library AGAIN!
I'm in the library with Rachael, Olivia, and Mia. Come down and study with us...yay! And Prof M. if you are around come visit us!
Stacey Bedard
Stacey Bedard
Mt. Etna
I just heard on CNN that Mt. Etna erupted yesterday and the day before. The eruption flung lava about 600 ft into the air. Guess that story back in chapter 10 wasn't kidding about "mons Aetna proicit saxa in caelum." Sed nulli Cyclopes adfuerunt hoc tempus. (Did I say that right?)
I tried to send CNN's the video via e-mail to the blog, but it doesn't seem to have gone through. If you'd like to see a video of it, here's a video on You Tube and another with really great sound.
~Rachael
I tried to send CNN's the video via e-mail to the blog, but it doesn't seem to have gone through. If you'd like to see a video of it, here's a video on You Tube and another with really great sound.
~Rachael
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