Estoy aprendiendo español.
I’m learning Spanish.
It’s one of those online programs you take at your own pace. I was inspired — or is the right word shamed — by colleagues from other countries who can speak two or more languages fluently.
And here I stumble about, barely doing English justice.
So now at night, while I’m plopped down in front of the TV watching Dancing with the Stars, I’m conjugating Spanish verbs. It’s a lot of fun (or, I should say, ‘muy divertido’).
Studies reveal it’s good for me, too.
In Europe, my perception of intelligence increases twofold if I, an American, speak a second language. Much more importantly, my long-term brain health is given a tremendous boost, too.
Specifically, a study at York University in Toronto found that patients diagnosed with Alzheimers who spoke a second language exhibited symptoms as much as five years later than their monolingual counterparts.
Wow. That’s the most effective advertisement for the Rosetta Stone I’ve ever heard.
So, if you know a second language, practice it. And if you don’t, consider learning one. It’s good for your brain.
Estudio, mis amigos!
No skin off me
It ain’t easy being pale. That’s why, some 11 years ago, I founded the PPA.
Pasty People of America
I’m not only the president, I’m a member…the pastiest member by far. You know that pale skin that kinda has a bluish glow?
That’s me.
A friend in Kansas City — also pale, also self-deprecating — inspired me to use the word ‘pasty.’ He too is a member for life. (No choice, really.) Today I am inspired by people who have a choice and stay pale, even at prom time.
The Melanoma Foundation of New England asked teens to sign a ‘no-tan pledge’ — a promise not to intentionally tan or visit a tanning salon before prom. There was a similar pledge for college students before spring break.
The pledge reads: “I realize that by getting a tan I am sharply increasing my chances of developing melanoma, which can be fatal if not caught in time. I have read the “Facts of Tanning” and understand the dangers of tanning beds and lying out in the sun.”
It was a contest, of course. The winning school — the pastiest party-goers come prom time – won $1,000 for their class.
Hey — I think I recognize that one student.
Cheaters.
→ Leave a comment
Posted in Beauty, College, Commentary, Education, Family, Health, Humor, Life, News, Summer, Weather
Tagged beauty, college, college students, commentary, education, family, Fashion, Health, high school, high school students, Humor, life, melanoma, melanoma foundation of new england, no-tan pledge, pale, pale skin, pasty, pasty people of america, pasty skin, prom, spring break, summer, tan, tanning, tanning booths