Dialectic Delights

I love accents. They bring me great amusement and joy. Not in a patronising way you understand - it's more about the variety and differentness.

In fact I'm sure you at least know someone who would profess to swoon over some fanciful young thing's dreamy Irish lilt. But I also enjoy the less celebrated regional intonations. To some, the South African accent is grating, but I love it, admittedly partly because it reminds me of my motherland. Others might find a thick Brummie accent offensive, but it brings a smile to my lips. And who doesn't enjoy the challenge of trying to understand what a Geordie is saying to them?

At the George Mason Univerity in Fairfax, Virginia, they are carrying out a research project around this. Check it out - have a play around and listen to some of them. Notice the Texan talking extremely fast so that he doesn't come across as dumb! (Without wanting to sound rude, there are certain accents that make it hard to take their owners seriously).

But this is an ongoing project - so can I plead with the northerners among us, don't just take a look at the site. For anthropological science, and for the good of my soul, please donate samples of your voice. The world wouldn't be the same without you!

Revolutionary

To boldly speak out against the failings and abuses of powerful religious leaders.

To offer dignity to those who were considered an embarrassment to society.

To treat women with respect in an era that cast them as less than nothing.

To honour the humble and oppose the proud.

To show no fear before those who could order his execution on a whim.

To suggest that we should love our enemies!

To willingly submit to a humiliating death, deserted by the thousands who once adored him, and by his closest friends.

Now that is revolutionary.

Words are not enough

Three years ago, I began to dream.

Two years ago, I left my job to pursue this dream.

Yesterday, I was offered the opportunity to fulfil it.

Words are not enough.

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me throughout this, and who hasn't told me to behave myself and get a proper career. Seriously, thank you.

You know you should have gone to bed earlier the night before when....

...you are completely thrown by your alarm going off.

"What's.....this....music?" you groan in your subconscious state, barely aware of your own existence. "It sounds so close."

A quick, bleary eyed glance at the clock, and you just about register the time. "But it's seven o'clock in the morning! Who on earth would put music on so early?!"

"Hang on, I know this song.......I think I quite like it......But it's the weekend for goodness sake!!"

"Isn't it......?"

"Oh, b*%%*€£s!!!"

Thought for the day...

At the moment I am reading The Day I Died by Steve Sjogren. This stood out to me:

"I am learning that listening is less about solving problems and more about helping a person uncover what he or she actually wants to say."

Could the ability and willingness to approach conversation with an attitude of service be one of the most undervalued skills in today's world?