ABC is live broadcasting the Scripps National Spelling Bee, in HD. Spelling is a competitive sport I guess. I am just tuning in and is recording the show just for further and future humiliation for myself.
I know none of the words.
Stupidity reaffirmed.
UPDATE:
WELTSCHMERZ and URSPRACHE, the two words that separate the runner-up, Finola Hackett and the champion, Katharine Close.
These two words are very difficult to pronouce indeed. I'm encouraging Wolfgang to learn German so that he can further his study in Germany in future (partly because it's inexpensive to study there because the German government subsidize foreign students generously, as I was told some years back). I'm not so sure that's a right decision on my part now. I'm amazed that someone would even know these two words, let alone spelling them the right way. How old does Close look to you? Perhaps it helps drive the point home how a particular skill, or any skill for that matter, can be pushed to the extreme through hard work and practice.
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See Wiki
ReplyDeleteShe's 13. And she looks 13 I guess.
I think these kids are naturally high achievers. Let's not go to potential child abuse here.
I know nothing about the German ed system. All I know is beer.
I finally get to see her on the bee yesterday evening on Channel News Asia. I was impressed. My wife said she's 14. She's pretty close.
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