“Speaking a language is like a superpower,” or so said a dear friend of mine. They allow you to move more easily through the world. They allow you to have friends in exotic places and foreign bank accounts. They make you feel like a spy, which is exhilarating. They are the most versatile of tools…

Birds are superlative. In studying my masters, I delved into the world of birds from their physiology to their behavior to their epic feats. Aside from their being the epitome of freedom, it is hard not to feel inferior when you are trying to track something that can see you better than you can see…

Rock climbing is my favorite exercise. It requires a great combination of strength and intelligence. In order to rock climb, you need to lift your own body, so you have a more intimate sense of the strength and power you possess. It rewards you for being maximally efficient with your own body and strength. The…

The smell of chocolate chip cookies is domestic. It is the smell of having the time and leisure to mix up a batch of cookie dough or two because you will have eaten the first before it hits the oven. The combination of simple ingredients to make something sweet and delicious is one of the…

Pillows are soft. They support your head when sleeping, but you have to pick wisely. Not just any pillow will work for people, and the wrong height and softness can cause aches, bad dreams, and sleeplessness. However, a good pillow can be the ultimate comfort. To protect your head and brain with something so soft…

Skiing is exhilarating. The combination of breathtaking views and breathtaking exercise both come to fruition in the fact that frozen water is slippery. There are probably four types of skiing: alpine, downhill, classic, and skate skiing, the latter three of which I participate in. The skis for each are different, as are the techniques and…

Eddie Izzard is intelligent humor. He basis a lot of his humor around the outrageous things that happen in the world be it history or modern. As this is the source, there is an extra-reward to understanding what he is referencing in his jokes, more so as he often moves into other languages. It appeals…

Screens are filters. They help to keep unwanted things out. They can also be used to sift through things or to provide the slightest amount of shade. The greatest thing about screens is probably that they are the most effective mosquito and fly repellent. They allow you to open your windows and doors to nature…