dum de dum....... Stalactites vs Stalagmites

[chknltl]

They are both spelled similarly with the exception of their 6th and 7th letters. Those letters are very useful in answering the question of which resides where. Stala'ct'ites are on the 'c'eiling or up 't'op. Stala'gm'ites are on the 'g'round as pointy 'm'ounds.

Just wanted to point that out, no particular reason.

[Suich]

1. That's a good one...thanks!

I just read another one yesterday about "a chicken will lay an egg" and "I will lie down."

Born in the '40's and proof that you're never to old to learn!

[chknltl]

5. As long as our 'hawks don't lay any eggs.

.... Hi Suich, chknltl here. I live nearby in McKenna which is about 20 miles south of Tacoma. I moved here from Lakewood Wa. last winter. Needless to say I am a big fan of our Seahawks and look forward to another thrilling season.

[AnneD]

2. I remembered...

G for ground but same thing. Never got it wrong on a test.

[Wounded Bear]

3. Never heard that one....

and never could remember which was which.

Thanks, I guess. I'll have to remember that for my spelunking final.

[Locut0s]

4. The neumonic I was taught was...

Stalactites hang from the ceiling and so have to do so very 'tightly'. They tightly grip the ceiling. Stalagmites are large and 'mighty' sitting on the ground.

[chknltl]

6. That one works well too.

I was in junior high when I needed to learn the correct use of both for reasons I've long forgotten. What I worked out was a natural fit and it stuck with me for over 40 years now.

[RudynJack]

7. Yes, that's the easy way to remember it.

At least, that's how I was taught, so it's easy for me. Screw letters - one is tight, one is mighty.

[Phentex]

8. Concave vs convex...

concave caves in.

[handmade34]

9. ah, yes

caves in Glenwood Springs, CO

[URL=.html][IMG][/IMG][/URL]

[LeftinOH]

10. Stalagtites are like "tights" that hang down from a clothesline;

Stalagmites are the other one. That's how I remembered it.

[pipi_k]

11. Yep...it's something

I learned way back in grammar school from a teacher who cared enough to help us kids remember stuff like that.


Other helpful reminders...

anthracite vs bituminous coal. Anthracite has a hard sound...so it's hard coal. Bituminous has a soft sound...so it's soft coal.

Camels...Dromedary has one hump (see the "D" on its side). Bactrian has two humps (see the "B" on its side)

The Great Lakes...HOMES:
Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior

I just love little reminders like these