How Humans Formed Language

Evolution through teaching and toolmaking.

Toolmaking and Language

So it seems that the need to teach and communicate helped develop our language ability.

English: The Language of Science

English - tough translations

Those of us lucky enough to be born into the language may have an edge in science.  Still, I've found many who have learned it as their second language mastered it often beyond native speakers.  It is a challenge but it can be overcome.

Having a Growth Mindset

Great article on learning and why physics can explain human innovation and enlightenment

Sandy Dennis

I just watched an episode of the fugitive titled The Other Side of the Mountain.  Dennis played a young West Virginia girl who became attracted to the fugitive, Jannsen.   She played the part well.   It is easy to imagine that she became a very successful actress during her time.  Her soft voice and expressive facial mannerisms are endearing and believable. 

Sandy Dennis 

I checked to see what else she was doing and was saddened to read that she had passed away at age 54 from cancer. 

Jewell: Another Clint Eastwood Masterpiece?

Great Review

I can't wait to see it and am still amazed that a 90 year old Eastwood is out there creating memorable films.  May he live and work well into his 100's if he chooses to.


Oh and today I saw him as a gunfighter in an episode of the western Maverick.  He already had the moves to now seem obvious as pure Hollywood perfection on film.

Hugh Beamont - Best TV Dad

This is a great Video describing the background of Hugh Beaumont.  He's the TV dad that we all wouldn't have minded having for our own dad.

Review - The Art of Slow Writing Reflections on time, Craft, and Creativity - By Louise DeSalvo

Book Review - by Brent Herrick

The Art of Slow Writing  Reflections on time, Craft, and Creativity - By Louise DeSalvo

I’ll have to place this as one of the best books for an aspiring writer to get past the mental hurdles of completing a work.  I found myself already using some of the methods she described but hadn’t been given proof that it was a viable approach. Learning that other successful writers use these methods is a confirmation that these are justified.   But I only used a few of these and the list of ways to get through a project to completion is extensive in this excellent manual for writing. 

As the title describes there is an art to slow writing and just knowing that an expert  gives you permission to take your time in whatever manner needed to get it done. The worst thing to do is to give up.  Find a way if you’re at a logjam and DeSalvo gives you many methods to do so.  

The author also proves to you through her research that these aren’t all  just her methods but rather the approach taken by some of the most successful and prominent writers ever.  It helps to know that these are tried, true, and often used techniques to get the job done. As a writing teacher the author has honed the skills down to a precise collection of workable techniques to get through or around the obstacles to completing a work.

I now have to buy a copy of this book since I found one at the library but will have to add it to my writing reference collection and reread it often.

More than that, I now have to explore her other works since I have often found that if a writer has one good book out there that you’ve found you need to see what else they’ve done.  It’s often a wellspring of great reading.

I’d like to make this a longer and more complete review but the motivation to get to work on some of my longstanding projects pulls me away to get back to it.  So not only is this book a great information resource but I would now classify it as a motivational tool. 

***** Five Stars

Excellent