I admit it, I am addicted to the National Spelling Bee. I watched the different rounds three different times this week, and have TIVO'd last nights final rounds, which I haven't seen yet. What is so compelling?? I have no idea. But I can't pull myself away. Although, given its over for this year, I guess I will have to.
I love the different ticks and rituals the kids go through before and while reciting the words. I love the deadly serious tone of the announcer and the judges. I guess I love how seriously everyone is taking spelling. It just cracks me up. But..I do have a few suggestions for Scripps:
1) no proper-name words. That's just mean. I saw several instances where the words were based on a Proper name. Like, say Megan..if I spelled it Meaghean (which would be SOOO wrong, btw). The word was Meagheanesque. And it meant, reminscient of the works of Megan. And derived from the name Meaghean. Now, really, what is the point of that?? If the kid had never heard of me, they would get it wrong, and why? I think one of the things I like about the bee is that kids can use logic. They can learn the origins of the word and the definition, and reason some of the spelling out. Proper names are just based on memorization.
2) no purely foreign words. They used the word "beurre" meaning butter in French. That is not an English word. The only time it is used here is on a French menu. Again, unfair.
That said, I love the bee and can't wait until next year. And, BTW, I can't spell a lick.
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Since January 3, 2008
1 comment:
Okay - you're likely to see beurre blanc on menus regularly, so I have to disagree with you on that one, but words for things like Polish folk dances and retired soldiers from defunct Hessian armies definitely seem to be stretching it.
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