Homographs & Heteromyms, 3

Do you wonder that English can be a challenging language to learn?

• A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
• When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
• I did not object to the object.
• The farm was used to produce produce.
• The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
• We must polish the Polish furniture.
• There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
• They were too close to the door to close it.
• The buck does funny things when the does are present.

Homographs: words that are spelled the same but that have more than one meaning
Heteronyms: Homographs that are pronounced differently

Homographs & Heteronyms, 2

These types of words may contribute to making English a challenging language to learn for some individuals.

• The bandage was wound around the wound.
• He could lead if he would get the lead out.
• The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
• Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
• A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
• Upon seeing the tear in the painting she shed a tear.
• A row erupted when the row of paintings was uncovered and two patrons wanted the same painting.
• It was my task to subject the subject to a series of tests.
• How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

Homographs: words spelled the same but with more than one meaning

Heteronyms: Homographs that are pronounced differently

Homographs & Heteronyms

My mother reportedly read aloud for 30 minutes a day while I was incubating in her womb. The research wasn’t out yet about reading aloud and talking to the fetus on a regular basis—so I have no idea what prompted her to do that. Nevertheless, my brain’s opinion is all that reading (and talking and singing and playing the piano) resulted in a built-in love of words that accompanied me when I slipped out the chute. Consequently, I’ll finish out this year’s blogs with some fun words. As you probably know, Homographs are words that are spelled the same but that have more than one meaning. Heteronyms represent Homographs that are pronounced differently. Have fun with them.

• To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
• The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
• The bass player credits his competence to his love of poached bass.

 More tomorrow.

Boxing Day

It’s Boxing Day and all through my place, the boxes are gone, both crate and case. This year instead of celebrating boxing day on December 26th (it used to be a big deal during my childhood in Canada), I varied that tradition by commemorating it in advance. I’ve never been particularly fixated on things, but since the 2014 earthquake and more recently all the fires in California, I’m more aware than ever that things are just things. What I truly value most by far are my connections with the brains and hearts of others. As some of you know, perhaps because of the Longevity Lifestyle Matters Program, I think it would be fun to live to be at least 122 years 165 days (a day longer that did Jeanne Louise Calment of Arles, France. And when it comes my turn to leave this planet, I am quite sure I will be thinking about the brains and hearts I have loved over a lifetime—not about things I have owned. If you’ve not already done so, you might want to make a list of treasured individuals and take this opportunity to tell them how grateful you are that they are in your life and how much you love them. Do it on Boxing Day or choose a Gratitude Day at another time of year. Just do it. Life is uncertain and you may be very glad you did. 

Happy 25th

It’s the 25th and all through the house,

There’s gratitude brewing—no fire to dowse!

My stocking hangs from the mantle with care,

Which means one foot is still going bare.

The sun peeking through a few drops of rain,

Makes hope for snowflakes somewhat in vane.

But the luscious smells of food on the air,

Carry great expectations for holiday fare.

Wherever you are and whatever you do,

I’m sending good thoughts to be with you.

Take time to add to your memory’s store,

With hugs and fun and laughter galore.

Remember that when all's said and done,

What really counts are the hearts you’ve won.

So from my brain and each little cell,

I wish you a very Happy Noel.

Altering Beliefs

According to Neurotheologians like Andrew Newberg, MD, even what constitutes a proof about something is itself a form of belief. Beliefs are susceptible to alterations especially in the presence of authoritarian as well as family and/or peer-group pressure. If the pressure becomes to great some “run away” from the environment. They may leave a specific culture behind for another part of the world or relocate in order to join a specific culture. The human brain, especially the left frontal lobe of the cerebrum, is always trying to come up with reasons for things and is very susceptible to deceptions and illusions. Studies have shown that neither child nor adult brains have a well-developed capacity to distinguish the accuracy of their beliefs; adults are particularly vulnerable in terms of maintaining self-deceptive beliefs. Therefore, in addition to identifying your beliefs, it is important to know your reasons for keeping, altering, or discarding a belief.

Health and Beliefs

Your biology (body) adapts to your beliefs, especially in relation to health. What you "believe" will happen (e.g., "I'm going to catch that cold!") often tends to happen. In fact, your beliefs may even impact your genetic potential. Estimates are that your genetic inheritance impacts about 30% of how well and how long you live—up to 70% of how long and how well you live is in your hands. Once embraced and acted upon, beliefs can take on a life of their own and run in the background, as it were, much like apps run in the background on your mobile phone. Although it can be a challenge to bring your beliefs to conscious awareness it is important to do so because you can manage (and maintain, change, or discard) only what you can consciously identify, label, and describe. More tomorrow.