U-R-S-P-R-A-C-H-E

Proto-language may either refer to a language that preceded a certain set of given languages, or to system of communication during a stage in glottogony that may not yet be properly called a language.

Kerry Close won the 2006 Scripps National Spelling Bee last night by spelling the word ursprache correctly in the 20th round.

Some said I got a little too into it last night since I was clearly cheering against other spellers. Sorry, but I was happy to see Jonathan Horton go. He was really bugging me.

The saddest news of the day yesterday was the fall of Samir in the 7th round. Unbelievable. The good news is that he'll be back next year (for his 5th year)! Here is some footage of him during the 5th round yesterday. (LINK)