Bad Grammar

I've been planning to write about bad grammar for quite a while.  Then last night Steve showed me this posting on his daughter's Facebook page....

NOW (lucky you!!) you get to read about using good grammar and why it matters.   Here are examples of poor grammar I've heard over the years:

• "I ain't got none."  (use of "ain't" instead of "isn't", plus a double negative)
• "Can I help youz?" (e.g., at a fast-food restaurant)
• "Can I help who's next?" (hearing this practically makes me shudder)
• "I need to lay down." instead of "I need to lie down."  (Now, I've got to admit the rules for lay and lie are confusing.....  See here for more information  -->  Lay or Lie? )

Yes, I know it's boring to study the many rules of good grammar in school.  But, unfortunately the English language is complicated and it is very important to use correctly so that you speak and write like you are semi-educated.  Since both Grammie and Grandad were English majors in college, we Rivers kids were carefully corrected if we used bad grammar as we were growing up.

Sasha and Brock, I haven't heard you make mistakes often.....  but remember to think about what you're saying and writing.  For your amusement here's a funny picture I found on the Worstest Grammar Dot Com website:

Valentine's Day Fun

Following tradition of the past several years, today we had a good time as you hunted through the house for your Valentine presents.  You got to follow a trail of notes which eventually led you to a hiding spot (Brock even learned where his underwear drawer is).  I take great pleasure in alternating the note "sites" between upstairs & downstairs so you get lots of exercise...  it's very entertaining!  We also had "pink stuff" for dinner AKA penne a la vodka, along with Mama Lucia and Steve Albert meatballs.  Adding to the evening fun, Steve told us about his favorite disease (causing "swiss cheese" brain atrophy) - I've already forgotten its long name.

Recently Brock has been enjoying YouTube videos from the Disney movie Hercules.  This adorable song is sung by Megara, who was Heracles' wife in Greek mythology (read more about here here -->  Meg).  Especially for Valentine's Day, here is "I Won't Say I'm In Love" performed by Susan Egan:

Saint Valentine's Day

Is there a special girl who you'd like to be your Valentine this year?  Even if you don't ask her?

Hmmmmmm.  Sasha is very private about any romances in his life, as it seems Mom is not supposed to know about such things.  The last time I saw much evidence of a "girl" friendship was some years ago when he spent lots of time with Alli, a neighbor from across the street.  Brock insists he does not have a girlfriend, though recently mentioned a classmate Myllenia.  And it's interesting to note that Brock and Jenna, a neighbor from down the street, have been in the same class since Kindergarten.

Well, "Valentine's Day" has been shortened from "Saint Valentine's Day".  There were several martyred Saint Valentine's (read more here  -->  St Valentine ), but their historical connection to the Valentine's Day holiday is sketchy.  It's interesting, though, that Cupid is a symbol of Valentine's Day.....  and Cupid is the Roman name for Eros, the son of Aphrodite.  We learned about Aphrodite, the goddess of love, during bedtime reading this past week; Eros had a wonderful time shooting arrows at unsuspecting mortals, who would then fall madly in love with the next person they saw.  Here's an antique Valentine's card on this theme:

I expect that some day you both will have the wonderful experience of falling in love.  Perhaps you would like to consider the virtues of a potential sweetheart?  Hope you enjoy this fun video from the Disney movie Mulan - "A Girl Worth Fighting For":

Dragon Music

Well, I feel like writing a bit.  In spite of going to the annual Boy Scouts Sunday service at St. Monica's with our Bear Cub (Brock), I don't have any compelling thoughts to share.  So today, there will be no sermon... and not even a homily!

It's time for some music !!!  Brock, about an hour ago you were listening to your MP3 player.  I asked you to tell me what song is your favorite these days, and you immediately said Through the Fire and Flame - which was playing.  So, for all to enjoy, here is the video for Through the Fire and Flame by "DragonForce".  I had never heard of this metal band, and was interested to read up on them (link here ->  DragonForce).

Sasha, think you must like it too since Brock mentioned that you think the guitar rips are too difficult for you.  Having watched the video myself, I agree they are fast and furious !!

Going to Church

When I was young, my family went to church every week.  Well, you may be thinking "Of course, since Grandad is a minister!", but remember in the past almost everyone went to church every week.  Your Dad did too.

On Sunday mornings you probably wonder, "Mom, why do we have to go to church ??"  Well, there are lots of reasons - here are the main ones:

• If you pay attention at church, you'll find it provides a foundation for being a good person and making good decisions.....  and the right decision sometimes means choosing a more difficult path.
• I want you to have a "church family".  In any church congregation, you will get to know a diverse group of people - young and old, richer and poorer, and usually friendly.  In my experience, the adults at church are genuinely interested in children... that means YOU ! 
• We need to do things that benefit others.  It's tempting to focus only on what we want for ourselves.  Church helps us remember how important it is to spend our time, energy, and money supporting other people.
• I want you to be familiar with many stories and teachings from the bible, and hope you come to enjoy church music.  And also hope you'll be comfortable with prayer, since there will be trying times in your life when praying can make you feel better - plus, as an extra bonus, some prayers are answered !!

So, yes we're going to go to church.... as I try to raise up two boys to become thoughtful men.

Take a few minutes and read the NCFE blog entry below - and watch the My Sweet Lord video from "Concert for George".  This 2002 concert was a tribute to George Harrison of the Beatles.  The performers include Billy Preston (singing), Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Star:

      My Sweet Lord

Exceedingly, Exceptionally DREADFUL Jokes Corner #2

There hasn't been much snow this winter, but I've decided we need some snowman jokes.  (How lucky could you get?)

What do snowmen eat for breakfast?

• Frosted Flakes.

Where do snowmen put their webpages? 

• On the winternet.

Why did a snowman send his father to Siberia?

• Because he wanted a frozen pop.

How do you know when there is a snowman in your bed? 

• You wake up wet !

What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire?

• Frostbite.