School is out for the summer.
It's a time for vacation, for camping, for spending time with friends. It's a time for ice cream, reruns on television and swimming pools.
At least that's what we did when I was a kid. I'm not even sure if networks still do reruns.
But anyway, many years ago on a last day of school, a teacher told us we should strive to keep learning in the summer.
At least I think that's what she said. I was looking outside at the time.
Last week, the national spelling bee aired on ESPN (that may seem strange, but I'd take a spelling bee over Skip Bayless any day). I wrote down some of the words that were spelled and figured I'd use some of them in a column, as a way for the kids who are off to keep learning.
And as a way not to write about LeBron James.
Just as an example, here's a word, it's definition and an example of it being used in a sentence:
"Dedans"
Definition: Spectators at a tennis court.
Example: Columbian coach Chip Weingart was impressed with the enthusiasm of the dedans at his team's match.
Simple enough, right?
"Porwigle"
Definition: A tadpole, young frog.
Example: The Indians farm system is so weak I doubt they'd get a porwigle in a trade for it.
Good, right? Let's try another.
"Turnverein"
Definition: An athletic club.
Example: The Cleveland Browns often appeared to be a turnverein in name only.
"Ridotto"
Definition: A public entertainment of music and dancing often in masquerade popular in 18th century England.
Example: Carey football coach Todd Worst has the wishbone down to such a science it often resembles a ridotto, an unstoppable ballet of sport.
OK, that was a bit of a stretch. Let's try one more.
"Harengiform"
Definition: In shape of a herring.
Oh, boy, this ought to be good.
After years and years of being used for play, the football became strectched, taking on a harengiform shape.
So, did you learn anything?
Didn't think so. This column may have sent the English language back 30 years.
Still, the predominant point of this column is to entertain, maybe cause a laugh, hopefully not at my expense. Perhaps being comfortable as a writer of sports doesn't make me any more than a porwigle in the English language.
Still, one must relish a challenge, whether it's on the fields or on the presses. The quest for knowledge can grab us all, no matter what time of the year it is.
Call it a spell.
Zach Baker is the sports editor for The Advertiser-Tribune. He is not an English teacher.
Contact him at: zbaker(at)advertiser-tribune.com
