Stuff

This will be an odd assortment, but as I think of strange projects I want to go do, I keep finding material, information and training things I need. A list:

a GPS camera--one that tags the image with date, time, and GPS signature

a video camera--for interviews, mostly, either on the level of folklore or documentary film

a good voice recorder

editing programs for still and video images, and instantaneous training on how to use them

headphones/mike for laptop--for Skype conversations, for learning languages...

a botany class

a mapping class

the syllabus for the still taught "Regions and Nations" course

an indigenous language

a review of folklore collection techniques

the Persian language--and already, a teasing and not quite possible opportunity, in an email from the Geography Chair:

Hi All,

Would you like to be funded to learn Arabic or another of the world's "strategic languages," as identified by Uncle Sam?

The applications for the 2011-2012 National Security Education Program's David L. Boren Scholarships for undergraduate students and Fellowships for graduate students are now available at http://www.borenawards.org/ Boren Awards provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. students to study in Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East, where they can add important international and language components to their educations.

But this involves a year studying in Maryland, then a year in Tajikistan. Both would be swell, but there's not enough money to keep paying my mortgage, take care of the dogs, ...

Portugeuse--to get me to Brazil

Such a simple wish list. Where were those 4 or 5 other idle years when I could have engaged all this experience?