Hello hello

As we plan to welcome over 1,200 guests including prospective students and their families to our campus this weekend for Hatter Saturday we look at different ways to say... hello!

In the United States a greeting would consist of a handshake, smile or a simple "hello", whereas in most Latin American or eastern European countries a kiss on the cheek (or two or three depending on the country or region!) would be the norm. Some countries however, have more unique forms of greeting another person. 

For example, if you're planning to visit Tibet anytime soon don't be surprised if someone sticks their tongue out at you. No disrespect is intended, but rather a friendly hello. Check out more interesting ways to greet someone here or click the link below!


http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/worlds-weirdest-welcomings/story-e6frfq80-1226005607767

Stay curious,

Team ASC

A Modern Day Jurassic Park Story

Last week, in a National Geographic- sponsored TEDx conference, a group of scientists met in Washington D.C. to discuss which animals we should bring back from extinction calling it: de-extinction. Unfortunately dinosaur's DNA has degraded a while ago and is not usable for this endeavor so your dream of petting a triceratops or flying with the pterodactyls is probably not going to come true sometime soon however you may be able to see a real life woolly mammoth or saber toothed cat one day. 

The list is surprisingly long at a whopping 24 animals. Check it out below.

http://www.businessinsider.com/24-animals-for-de-extinction-2013-3?op=1

Stay curious,

Team ASC

When English Isn't Enough

About 375 million people in the world speak English as their first language and countless others speak it as a second language, which together make English the most widely spoken language around the world. However, there are many words that exist in other languages that do not have direct translations into English and let me tell you that once you see some them you really begin to feel that English may not be enough to describe every feeling or circumstance we encounter in our lives.

For example, have you ever thought of a witty remark long after you have left a discussion that would have been perfect at the time? It is unfortunate that in English this act has no word or even a phrase that adequately describes it, but never fear because the French do. They call it l'esprit de l'escalier which literally when translated into English means "staircase wit," but more accurately translates to "the act of thinking of a clever comeback when it is too late to deliver it." There are countless other words and phrases just like this one that describe feelings that are universal, yet sadly do not exist in English. So what do we do when English is not enough to describe a situation, circumstance, or feeling? We search for the words in other languages and allow ourselves to have those sentiments fully expressed by a language that understands and expresses it far better than our own can. Case in point "deja vu" a French phrase commonly used in English to describe that a particular moment has happened before and you are reliving it. 

Here is a link to some other words that don't exist in English, I hope you enjoy them and use them when English just doesn't cut it.
http://www.mamamia.com.au/entertainment/words-that-dont-exist-in-english-but-should/

Stay curious,

Team ASC

Life of Pi

The number pi, also known but its Greek letter designation π, has become renowned for being a mathematical constant with infinite digits. Best known as for its approximate value of 3.14, pi is invaluable in understanding the structure of DNA, creating electrical appliances, studying the structure of the eye, and more. Pi has become so prominent that it has its own internationally celebrated day - the United States House of Representatives actually passed a resolution in 2009 desiginating March 14 as Pi Day!

Read more to find out learn some interesting facts about how pi is used and references in pop culture:

http://facts.randomhistory.com/2009/07/03_pi.html

Stay curious,

Team ASC

40 Extraordinary Things Happening Right Now

Have you ever thought what other people around the world might be doing right this very minute? There are tons of different things happening right now, things that you might not have thought about unless otherwise told. The website below points out some very interesting things that could change your outlook of today; for instance, "Someone who suffered from a severe injury last year is back on their feet." This is not something that we think about on a daily basis, but it is reassurance that obstacles can be overcome, you just need to be determined to overcome them.

http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/01/03/40-extraordinary-things-happening-right-now/

Stay curious,

Team ASC

Ten Interesting Facts about Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day fast approaching it's easy to associate this time of year with red heart-shaped decorations and chocolate exchanges but as it turns out there are many interesting facts about the popular holiday. For example, did you know that in Japan on February 14th only women get to gift their valentine? Men get to return the favor a month later on what is called "White day".

Check out some more interesting facts below!

http://didyouknowarchive.com/?p=1406

Stay curious,

Team ASC

Vocabulary Improvement

What did you find interesting, curious or new about the article? Did you have any questions?