Mr. Parks is the Biology teacher at Brown County High School. One day in Botany class he held up a jar of Pedro’s Taco Salt, showing the front label to the class.
"What is this?" he asked
"Taco salt."
"Let’s see what’s in it?"
Mr. Parks turned the jar and read from the back label. As he spoke, the ingredients appeared on a screen. "The ingredients are ‘salt, dried red and green bell peppers, granulated sun-dried tomatoes, celery, parsley, cilantro, onion powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne, and silica to prevent caking.’ All natural, I see."
Mr. Parks set the jar down then addressed the class, "You will notice that all but two of the ingredients come from plants." Using a laser pointer, he highlighted ingredients on the screen "The peppers, tomatoes and cayenne are members of solanaceae, the nightshade family. The celery, parsley, cilantro and cumin are members of umbelliferae, the parsley family. And the onion and garlic are from liliaceae, the lily family. Any questions?"
A hand shot up.
"Yes, Tom. What is your question?"
"What family is the salt from?"
© 2009, Wesley G. Vaughn
http://www.wyzant.com/Blogs/Wesley_G_V/Students__Questions_and_Answers/ViewBlogPost.aspx?id=293
Monday, October 12, 2009
Mnemonic Sentences Help Distinguish Homophones
The English language abounds with homophones, words which share the same sounds, but have different meanings and, especially, spellings. There are also near homophones. These can be confusing to writer and reader alike. Most of the time the context tells the reader which word is intended, but sometimes it may mislead the reader. Therefore, it is important to properly spell the word you are using to clarify your meaning. The wrong choice among homophonic spellings may not only confuse your readers, it can make them stumble in reading your material. And it can make a poor impression when a good impression counts. Examples of this are resumes, cover letters and reports.
So how do we keep homophones straight? We may memorize many sets of homophones. But many of us have trouble just remembering what amounts to another list. I suggest using mnemonics. A mnemonic is a device which aids memory. What I am suggesting is mnemonic sentences or phrases which use the homophones in a set together in the same context. Just bringing them together reminds us that there are different spellings of same-sounding words which carry different meanings. I will give a few examples. You may create others to assist you in your writing.
Homophones: there, their, they're
They're over there with their luggage.
Near Homophones: weather, whether
I wonder whether the weather will be rainy or sunny.
Homophones: to, too, two
You have to mail two letters to Mr. Jones too.
Homophones: accept, except
They will accept all of these except that one.
Homophones: affect, effect, effect
This decision will affect every one of us adversely. The effect is unacceptable. Please do not effect this policy.
Homophones can be on the humorous side:
Tutu taught English as a Second Language (ESL) to immigrants. He was teaching Phan and Thu [pronounced "TOO"]. Phan learned fast, and soon moved from Level One to Level Two. One day Tutu's ESL supervisor came to him and asked, "Phan is almost through Level Two. When will we get Thu to Two too, Tutu?"
(This was posted on my tutoring blog on WyzAnt: http://www.wyzant.com/Blogs/Wesley_G_V/Mnemonic_Sentences_Help_Distinguish_Homophones/ViewBlogPost.aspx?id=276 )
So how do we keep homophones straight? We may memorize many sets of homophones. But many of us have trouble just remembering what amounts to another list. I suggest using mnemonics. A mnemonic is a device which aids memory. What I am suggesting is mnemonic sentences or phrases which use the homophones in a set together in the same context. Just bringing them together reminds us that there are different spellings of same-sounding words which carry different meanings. I will give a few examples. You may create others to assist you in your writing.
Homophones: there, their, they're
They're over there with their luggage.
Near Homophones: weather, whether
I wonder whether the weather will be rainy or sunny.
Homophones: to, too, two
You have to mail two letters to Mr. Jones too.
Homophones: accept, except
They will accept all of these except that one.
Homophones: affect, effect, effect
This decision will affect every one of us adversely. The effect is unacceptable. Please do not effect this policy.
Homophones can be on the humorous side:
Tutu taught English as a Second Language (ESL) to immigrants. He was teaching Phan and Thu [pronounced "TOO"]. Phan learned fast, and soon moved from Level One to Level Two. One day Tutu's ESL supervisor came to him and asked, "Phan is almost through Level Two. When will we get Thu to Two too, Tutu?"
(This was posted on my tutoring blog on WyzAnt: http://www.wyzant.com/Blogs/Wesley_G_V/Mnemonic_Sentences_Help_Distinguish_Homophones/ViewBlogPost.aspx?id=276 )
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Family Ties
"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity." (Psalm 133:1)
**** All Bible quotes are from the English Standard Version
*
Over the July 4th weekend, I attended a family reunion. Actually, two. The one on Dad’s side was held Friday-Saturday at my home church. The other, on Mom’s side, was a picnic Sunday afternoon at a church camp. It was good to see many so family members I had not seen in years, even decades. I also met many not seen before, especially younger ones, such as great nephews and my cousins’ grandchildren. The event went well. It is nice to see good, working relationships between people, especially those bound by bonds of blood.
*
Over the July 4th weekend, I attended a family reunion. Actually, two. The one on Dad’s side was held Friday-Saturday at my home church. The other, on Mom’s side, was a picnic Sunday afternoon at a church camp. It was good to see many so family members I had not seen in years, even decades. I also met many not seen before, especially younger ones, such as great nephews and my cousins’ grandchildren. The event went well. It is nice to see good, working relationships between people, especially those bound by bonds of blood.
*
Appropriately, the affairs were staged in Christian facilities. Christian faith and values have been strong on both sides of my family for generations. Both sets of grandparents were born-again believers in Jesus Christ, as were my parents. As good as it is to maintain earthly family ties, it is essential to maintain unity within the Family of God. Those of us who are Christians are bound by a bond of blood, not genetics but the Blood of Jesus: ". . . knowing that you were ransomed . . . with the precious blood of Christ . . ." (1Peter 1:19-20).
*
*
The New Testament sees Christians as members of a family. Paul quotes the Old Testament, where God said, "I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me" (2 Cor. 6:18). We are brothers and sisters in Christ. Believers are referred to as "brethren’ in Acts (Acts 11:1, 29). The Apostles called their readers "brethren" (Rom. 12:1; James 1:2; 1 Pet. 1:22; 1 John 3:13). And Paul advised Timothy to appeal to the members of the church as family (1 Tim. 5:1-2). In a sense, we can refer to weekly services as "family meetings," and annual campmeetings, conferences and conventions as "family reunions," because that is indeed when the Family of God gets together. The first verse of Bill Gaither’s well-known song says:
*
******** You will notice we say "brother and sister" ‘round here;
********** It’s because we’re a family, and these folk are so near;
******** When one has a heartache, we all shed the tears
********** And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.1
*
********** It’s because we’re a family, and these folk are so near;
******** When one has a heartache, we all shed the tears
********** And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.1
*
One thing I did not expect. A book. A sister presented a book Dad left for me when he passed away. She found it among Mom’s things. This is a very special book, 123 years old. The Gospel Delineator and Survey was written by my great great grandfather George R. Hand, a Christian minister from the nineteenth century. I will read this book not only for its information, but to get in touch with my ancestor, to know his mind and spirit. I cannot sit down and talk with him, nor walk with him, but I can read what he wrote.
*
We do have a book left for us by our Father in Heaven. It is jam-packed with information: history, personal stories, poetry, advice, rules & principles, etc. There is a lot we can learn by reading this book. That is why many people use it as a reference guide, a how-to book, a referee to settle arguments, etc. But it is much more than that. The best benefit of reading this book is getting in touch with the author, getting to know him better - his character, his intentions, his thoughts. Unlike my ancestor, we can sit down with God, the author of the Bible. We can talk with Him and walk with Him if we have a relationship with Him, if He is our Father.
*
*
In our family, the Family of God, we look forward to a family reunion, to meet not only the family members we already know, but also those whom we have never seen. We do not know the date and time of this reunion, but we do know the place. Until that time, many of us will go on to the "Foyer of Heaven" to await the grand event. Even better than meeting all the brothers and sisters, we will finally see our Father.
*
1. Bill & Gloria Gaither, "The Family of God", © 1970 by William J. Gaither*
Article © 2009, Wesley Vaughn
Thursday, June 18, 2009
What Flower is This?
What flower is this?
I know.
I just want to see how many of you can figure it out. Click on the photo to enlarge it.
Give your answer as a comment
After posting your guess, look for the answer on this page.
© 2009, Wesley G. Vaughn
Monday, June 8, 2009
An Appointed Time and Place
“And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined theirappointed times and the boundaries of their habitation.” ~ Acts 17:26 [NASB]
This year we celebrate 233 years since the Declaration on Independence was signed, marking the birthday of our nation. Ever since the first colonists arrived, there has been a sense of manifest destiny, the belief that our people were brought here by God and established on this continent for His purposes. Historically, we as a people have believed that our times are in God’s hand.
In a sense this is true for all peoples. The Apostle Paul told the Athenian philosophers that the Supreme God has determined both the times and the boundaries of all nations. We can see examples of this in history.
I saw this myself on a recent trip. When we were visiting Sedona, Arizona, seeking shelter from the rain while waiting for others, I found a display which told the story of the Sinagua people. The Sinaguas dominated central Arizona for more than 700 years. They farmed the Verde River Valley, built cities and villages on the cliffs, and mediated trade between peoples to the north, south, east and west. According to archaeological finds, they prospered and flourished. Then about AD 1450, they disappeared, leaving behind their cliff dwellings, canals, pottery and other artifacts. No one knows how or why. This does not necessarily mean the end of the people. The Mayan cities of Central America were abandoned long before the Spanish came, but the Mayan people still live in that area.
Like the Sinaguas, the Israelites occupied their land and dominated the surrounding area for about 700 years. Then they left their land. Unlike the Sinaguas, we know why, specifically why. They forgot God, who had given the land to them and had caused them to prosper. More than just forget God, they actually turned against Him. They gave their allegiance to other gods who were not really gods. So God caused them to be removed from the land. First the Assyrians took away those in the north in 722 BC. Then 136 years later the Babylonians took the rest away.
About 400 years ago, our civilization began to occupy this land. Later they established a nation, believing God had placed them here and made them a nation. This county has spread across the continent, from one ocean to the other. It now extends to the far north and to the middle of the world’s largest ocean. In our lifetimes, it has been the most powerful nation on earth. It has dominated the world’s economy. It has influenced the culture of almost every otherland on earth. It’s people have carried the Gospel to every corner of the globe. In many ways, itis seen as the greatest nation on earth.
Now we have reached the time when we, as a civilization and as a people, are turning away from the God who has made us a nation*. How long will God allow this to continue before He brings us down? How long before He removes us from our place among the nations? When will God determine the end of our time and our habitation?
* See the last verse of The Star Spangled Banner.
© 2009, Wesley G. Vaughn
This year we celebrate 233 years since the Declaration on Independence was signed, marking the birthday of our nation. Ever since the first colonists arrived, there has been a sense of manifest destiny, the belief that our people were brought here by God and established on this continent for His purposes. Historically, we as a people have believed that our times are in God’s hand.
In a sense this is true for all peoples. The Apostle Paul told the Athenian philosophers that the Supreme God has determined both the times and the boundaries of all nations. We can see examples of this in history.
I saw this myself on a recent trip. When we were visiting Sedona, Arizona, seeking shelter from the rain while waiting for others, I found a display which told the story of the Sinagua people. The Sinaguas dominated central Arizona for more than 700 years. They farmed the Verde River Valley, built cities and villages on the cliffs, and mediated trade between peoples to the north, south, east and west. According to archaeological finds, they prospered and flourished. Then about AD 1450, they disappeared, leaving behind their cliff dwellings, canals, pottery and other artifacts. No one knows how or why. This does not necessarily mean the end of the people. The Mayan cities of Central America were abandoned long before the Spanish came, but the Mayan people still live in that area.
Like the Sinaguas, the Israelites occupied their land and dominated the surrounding area for about 700 years. Then they left their land. Unlike the Sinaguas, we know why, specifically why. They forgot God, who had given the land to them and had caused them to prosper. More than just forget God, they actually turned against Him. They gave their allegiance to other gods who were not really gods. So God caused them to be removed from the land. First the Assyrians took away those in the north in 722 BC. Then 136 years later the Babylonians took the rest away.
About 400 years ago, our civilization began to occupy this land. Later they established a nation, believing God had placed them here and made them a nation. This county has spread across the continent, from one ocean to the other. It now extends to the far north and to the middle of the world’s largest ocean. In our lifetimes, it has been the most powerful nation on earth. It has dominated the world’s economy. It has influenced the culture of almost every otherland on earth. It’s people have carried the Gospel to every corner of the globe. In many ways, itis seen as the greatest nation on earth.
Now we have reached the time when we, as a civilization and as a people, are turning away from the God who has made us a nation*. How long will God allow this to continue before He brings us down? How long before He removes us from our place among the nations? When will God determine the end of our time and our habitation?
* See the last verse of The Star Spangled Banner.
© 2009, Wesley G. Vaughn
Monday, April 20, 2009
Public Usage and Free Speech
The attempt by the current administration to regulate which views are aired on radio and TV hinges on the concept of "public usage" of radio frequencies and the regulatory powers of the Federal Communications Commission granted in the 1927 law. John Armor addressed this issue in his current blog, "The Myth of Public Airways." The following is my response to this.
To many "public" means "governmental." This is a misidentification which falls right into the lap of leftists and other wannabe totalitarians. A little exercise of logical extension shows us where this leads:
1. We all breathe air and drink water and use the air we breathe to speak.
2. Since protection of the quality of the air and water is a public issue, then the "usage of public properties" includes all speech.
3. If the government has the right, even the obligation, to monitor and control the content of "public usage," then it must therefore monitor and censor, speech, even the most private.
4. But wait a minute! * Speech is protected by the Constitution. *
5. Don't let this let you breathe easy. The illiberal leftists will find a way to say that the First Amendment right of Free Speech is subject to the government's right and obligation to regulate the "public usage" aspect of our speech if it is in the interests of the "public good." And you can bet your last penny that if they think this will work in the courts, they will try it!
6. With that kind of reasoning, the entire Bill of Rights might as well have been written in sand.
See John Armor's blog:
http://townhall.com/columnists/JohnArmor/2009/04/17/the_myth_of_public_airways
***********************************************************
To many "public" means "governmental." This is a misidentification which falls right into the lap of leftists and other wannabe totalitarians. A little exercise of logical extension shows us where this leads:
1. We all breathe air and drink water and use the air we breathe to speak.
2. Since protection of the quality of the air and water is a public issue, then the "usage of public properties" includes all speech.
3. If the government has the right, even the obligation, to monitor and control the content of "public usage," then it must therefore monitor and censor, speech, even the most private.
4. But wait a minute! * Speech is protected by the Constitution. *
5. Don't let this let you breathe easy. The illiberal leftists will find a way to say that the First Amendment right of Free Speech is subject to the government's right and obligation to regulate the "public usage" aspect of our speech if it is in the interests of the "public good." And you can bet your last penny that if they think this will work in the courts, they will try it!
6. With that kind of reasoning, the entire Bill of Rights might as well have been written in sand.
***********************************************************
See John Armor's blog:
http://townhall.com/columnists/JohnArmor/2009/04/17/the_myth_of_public_airways
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Open Request to Sen. John S. McCain
Dear Senator McCain:
We need this change in campaign finance laws:
Ban contributions made through anonymous pre-paid credit cards.
The reason for this? These cards are a vehicle through which enormously wealthy individuals and groups can make political contributions many times the size which they can openly make. You ought to be sensitive to this following the last election.
Please introduce a bill to make this needed change in the Federal campaign finance laws.
Sincerely,
Wesley G. Vaughn
____________________________________________________________________
Dear Reader,
If you agree with this, please let Sen. McCain know your views.
Go to http://mccain.senate.gov/public/, click on "Contact," select "Contact form."
On the Issues list pick "Not listed."
Say what you want in the message box.
Thank you.
-WGV
We need this change in campaign finance laws:
Ban contributions made through anonymous pre-paid credit cards.
The reason for this? These cards are a vehicle through which enormously wealthy individuals and groups can make political contributions many times the size which they can openly make. You ought to be sensitive to this following the last election.
Please introduce a bill to make this needed change in the Federal campaign finance laws.
Sincerely,
Wesley G. Vaughn
____________________________________________________________________
Dear Reader,
If you agree with this, please let Sen. McCain know your views.
Go to http://mccain.senate.gov/public/, click on "Contact," select "Contact form."
On the Issues list pick "Not listed."
Say what you want in the message box.
Thank you.
-WGV
Thursday, January 1, 2009
One Year to the Next
Years ago, members of a panel were asked, "What do you do on New Year's Eve?"
One panelist said, "I sleep through it."
"How's that?" the host asked. "You mean you don't party or pray or watch the ball come down or anything like that?"
"Nope."
"Why would you sleep through rather than see the new year in?"
"To me the year is like life," the panelist responded. "You go to sleep in one then wake up in the next."
(c) 2009
One panelist said, "I sleep through it."
"How's that?" the host asked. "You mean you don't party or pray or watch the ball come down or anything like that?"
"Nope."
"Why would you sleep through rather than see the new year in?"
"To me the year is like life," the panelist responded. "You go to sleep in one then wake up in the next."
(c) 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
A Greeting for Christmas 2008 & New Years 2009
From an Old Rough Cradle
From an old rough cradle
To the old rugged cross,
From a manger of hay
To mansions of glory,
From Heaven to earth
To Heaven again,
Flows the steam
Of Redemption’s story.
© 2008, Wesley G. Vaughn
May the peace of God
reign in your hearts,
not only at this season,
but throughout the coming year.
Yours ever,
Wesley & Patty Vaughn
(c) 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
'Goldilocks' faith serves lukewarm mush
I found this column by Michael Medved. It is just as relevant today as it was in April 2007. Just click on the link to go to the article:
"Goldilocks' faith serves lukewarm mush"
by Michael Medved
in USA Today
Posted 4/22/2007 8:07 PM
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/2007-04-22-oplede_N.htm#open-share-help
My reaction: I went to high school and college in the 1960s. This was the decade of the Hippies. Many of them were rebelling against the establishments of their parents, more particularly the watered-down liberalism of mainline institutions and the materialism of well-to-do families.
This decade also saw young people flocking to join the Peace Corps, drawn by the call to give of themselves for others.
"Goldilocks' faith serves lukewarm mush"
by Michael Medved
in USA Today
Posted 4/22/2007 8:07 PM
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/2007-04-22-oplede_N.htm#open-share-help
My reaction: I went to high school and college in the 1960s. This was the decade of the Hippies. Many of them were rebelling against the establishments of their parents, more particularly the watered-down liberalism of mainline institutions and the materialism of well-to-do families.
This decade also saw young people flocking to join the Peace Corps, drawn by the call to give of themselves for others.
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