Our dictionary defines the word obscure as not clear or distinct, not easily understood and then gives an example of an “obscure figure in the fog”.
Here are some great examples from Youtube. I found two old recordings from famous people. Their voices are obscured when compared to our modern technologically advanced recordings.
An obscured reading of the poem America by its author, Walt Whitman from 1890:

Thomas Edison used a wax cylinder to make a recording to business associates.

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Verb phrases with two or more helping verbs always keep a definite order. Most helping verbs can combine with other helping verbs but will not combine with all of them. Look at the examples below which are good combinations.
is being said, has been said, will be said, could have been said, may have said, had been said.
Now arrange the following helping verbs with the word in parentheses into a verb phrase. One of the helping verbs will not combine and must be left out.
Example: was, have, may (gone) = may have gone – was will not combine in this group.
1. am, will, being (fired)
2. been, could, does, have (learning)
3. might, do, have, been (sleeping)
4. must, were, be (discovered)
5. be, has, should (sold)
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Today my son studied Crater Lake. It is found in Oregon. It is the largest lake in the U.S.

interesting info clip

You can make a variety of puzzles at this site.

Not and its contracted form n’t are never part of the verb. Pick out the verb phrases in these sentences.
The game will not be finished for another hour.
The horse shouldn’t have been worked so much.
Wouldn’t you give me another chance?

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Everyone has weakness. It just shows more in some rather than others. Even the strongest, smartest and most successful have weakness.
Christians have weaknesses. Some wrongdoings are much more tempting than others.

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. . . are Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman
Burl Ives Sings Rudolph

Frosty The Snowman in color from when I was a kid
Part 1

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Ginny and I like to sing these types at the top of our lungs (and a little off key).
Rockin Around the Christmas Tree By Brenda Lee

Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms

I just realized tonight it’s time . . . time to bring out the Christmas songs! How do you do that? Well, we did it by singing as many as we knew off the top of our heads in the car on the way to church! And then, what’s even more exciting, I realized I can pull them up on YouTube. Not just play them from a WinAmp list. Here’s a very best version of Winter Wonderland by Louis Armstrong!!!!!
Love the nostalgia in this one from Charlottesville, North Carolina.

I found a neat website that talks of teaching character. It’s a PDF from a Montessori school in Texas. I like it. I substitute at several different school locations a few times each week. Teachers put character words all over their walls. I like that. But this character training has words of integrity coupled with stories that explain them. One of my favorite stories are in the mix. You should read it to your children if you have any 🙂
Five Character Virtues
Grace and Courtesy
Honesty
Self-Discipline – Prudence
Faith and Thanksgiving
Responsibility
“Please” by Alicia Aspinwall

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