What I'm studying...

I love to learn. Here I give some of the more exciting topics I have learned about or am currently learning about. Some things I learn in classes, some things I learn through my own studies online or at the library or by listening to someone who is an expert. I've become an avid podcast listener, especially when driving, because it's an easy way to learn something new.

Science

Astronomy

I love star gazing and star parties. I have a hard time walking in a straight line at night because I'm always looking up. I've started an annual star party of my own with my friends during the month of August to enjoy the Perseid meteor shower. The planets are some of my best friends and I never fail to pick them out from among the stars whenever I walk outside. Planetary exploration is one of my favorite topics. I might even put together a curriculum for teaching a community class.

Science Podcasts

I enjoy listening to podcasts so much I thought I'd list a few of my favorite podcasts.
Dr. Karl
The Naked Scientists
Science at NASA
The Planetary Society

History

General History and Military History

I've always been interested in history but I have such a short memory that I have to keep learning it over and over again. I love history in general, but military history has taken my interest more and more over the past few months. Wars and military conquests have had a huge impact on societies and are often turning points in history. Perhaps that, and learning about different technologies, is why I find it so fascinating.

History Podcasts

History According to Bob
Military History Podcast

Languages

Japanese

Ever since my brother first went to Japan when I was a kid I've wanted to learn Japanese. Learning a language is not the easiest thing I've ever attempted--I still don't even know English!--but communicating with my nephews is one of my priorities. Something that is actually helping me is a podcast from JapanesePod101.com. They are great! I still only understand a small portion of what's going on, but I am beginning to recognize vocabulary words and I'm hoping I'll be able to learn enough to keep from getting lost when I go to visit.

Hungarian

Hungarian is definitely not an easy language to learn. Yet, I somehow managed to learn it well enough to carry on fairly detailed conversations. Sadly, I'm slowly forgetting it. It is not as easy to find people to speak with in Hungarian as it is in Japanese. The funny thing is whenever I try to say something in Hungarian is comes out partly in Japanese and vice versa! Talk about getting funny looks. I wish I could find a Hungarian podcast to listen to. If anyone knows of one, let me know!