Scripps National Spelling Bee

Am now watching a Spelling Bee on ABC. The contest is open to all English speaking student around the world. I remember decades ago that I used to join a contest like this. Back then, when you hear your name being called, you stand in front of the teacher behind the desk and she'll state a word that you need to spell out loud. If you're wrong, she'll tap the ruler and you're out.

This time, it's different. The stage is divided into two sections: the contestants on the right and the families & l-o-s-e-r-s stay on the left side. Once the speaker calls your name, you have to stand in front of a live audience. One of the judges states the word. As a contestant, you have a lot of options: you may ask the judge to repeat the word, ask the origin of the word, the meaning, other pronunciation, and how it's used in a sentence.

Not complicated enuff? The contest is freakin' televised. Plus, you have a bunch of photographers in front of you taking your photo.

As of this writing, there are only three girls left. Finola Hackett (from Canada), Katharine Close (from Jersey), and Saryn Hooks (from North Carolina).

Katharine Close won! Your parents must be so proud of you, girl!

Check out these words:
Heiligenschein
Hukilau
Austausch
Dasyphyllous
Icteritious