Wednesday, 08 July 2009

  • When the Obvious Hits You!

    This is, quite possibly, the most random thing I have ever posted [and that's saying a lot! -ed.], but I just had to note this for posterity!

    I was struck by the difference in how we write and how we speak. For instance, in the written word, we use the indefinite article "an" (rather than "a") before words that begin with a vowel. All words beginning with a consonant are usually preceeded by the indefinite article "a" rather than "an." However, in the spoken word, this precedent does not always feel natural.

    For instance, I was typing out the phrase "a SBC history" (short for "Southern Baptist Convention"). Now, if I were to say "a Southern Baptist history," there would be no problem. But should I attempt to say "a SBC history," I would end up tongue-tied. Saying "an SBC history" sounds much more natural. Why is this the case?

    Because we do not pronounce the letter "S" with an a "s" sound! We actually pronounce the letter "S" with an "E" sound (short "e" + long "s", like "mess" or "best").

    Weird...
    Is that common knowledge or have I been blessed by the Grammar Muse?
     
    EDIT: My collegiate comrade, David Wickiser, advises me that written grammar really is based on sound.  Thus, "an SBC history" really is the correct way to write it out, similar to "an hour" as opposed to "a hour."  Thanks, David!

Tuesday, 26 May 2009

  • Never Took a Sick Day

    There was a neat little article out toady about a Maryland high school student who never missed a day of school in 13 years, stretching from kindergarten all the way to high school:

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/25/AR2009052502293.html

    I'm sure this recognition has now branded her as "uber-nerd" among her peers.

    I know how difficult that sort of streak can be, since I never missed a day of grade school either.  Now, I don't mean to sound bitter, but how come I didn't get national exposure for my perseverance. 

    Oh well, at least I did get a surprise moment of recognition at my 2001 high school graduation when I got to stand and be recognized for 13 years of perfect attendance.  The funny thing was, up until that moment I literally had no idea I had never missed a day.  So, yes, I am, indeed, an uber-nerd.  Just call me the Cal Ripken of grade school.

Thursday, 16 April 2009

Thursday, 12 February 2009

  • Valentine's Day Advice from the Sonic the Hedgehog

    Some Valentine's Day funnies for your consideration:

    Good breath is essential to getting your cousins to help you protect a good blood line!Printed in the Comics section of the Louisville Courier Journal, 1958

    Dennis the Menace teaches us some suave around the ladies. (1958)A Valentine's Day tradition courtesy of Sonic the Hedgehog!


    And Sonic's possible inspiration... Winnie the Pooh Bear reminds us not to let someone touch you "in a not ok way"!

Wednesday, 31 December 2008

  • The End of TV as We Know It?

    spongebob 

    Appartently the countdown in Times Square will mark more than the end of 2008:
    http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/business/6188702.html

    Time Warner may be blacking out all Viacom programming, including Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, TV Land, Vh1, and Spike TV.  I can't say I'm really all that upset about it, since I haven't felt the urge to watch any of those networks in years outside of TV Land. Still, it is a sad turn of events. And it is this week's sign that the Apocalypse is upon us!

    MIDNIGHT EDIT:
    Aparrently, all the stations are still on the air as of 12:01 am, January 1, 2009.  Maybe millions of angry 8-year-olds called in to keep Spongebob on the air after all!

  • Visit Slimer_and_The_Real_Erasmus's Xanga Site
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  • Christian by God's grace; Baptist by biblical conviction