Why the Word "Corn"?

Etymology, i.e. the history of words, has always fascinated me.  While engaged in my German studies recently I came across the word, “Korn,” which as an English speaker I falsely assumed meant “corn.”  The German word “Korn” actually translates to “grain” in English.  I was then curious what the English word “corn” translated to in German, which turns out to be “Mais.”  Having taken two years of Spanish in High School and being raised in North America, I instantly recognized the German word “Mais” as deriving from the Spanish word “Maize.”

So, what happened?  In the 18^th century, the English and Germans referred to the many varieties of grain as simply, “corn” (Old English) or “Korn” (German.)  American colonists referred to what we today call corn as “Indian corn” i.e. Indian grain.  Over time, we in the United States eventually dropped the adjective “Indian” and kept the noun “corn."  Meanwhile, our cousins back in England and Germany adopted the Spanish term, “Maize,” which the Spanish had adopted from the Taino, an indigenous Caribbean people.

Wait a minute.  If the word “corn” was the Old English term for “grain,” then where did that word come from?  How was it used?  See my train of thought and how unending and interesting the study of words can be?  OK, perhaps not for you.

But to answer the question, “grain” comes…

Just kidding.

Essay Contest

I can now officially say that my love for writing has put money in my pocket.  The following is an essay that I submitted for a work essay writing contest.  I won, which put $250 in my pocket.

                                              The Captain: An Unsought for Mentor
                                                          by TSgt Kevin Reed

I had been in the Air Force a mere four years and one month when I pinned on Staff Sergeant.  I was fresh out of Airman Leadership School and fully motivated to change the world, starting with the Air Force.  I was green and everybody knew it except for me.  Fortunately, someone took the initiative to mentor me.  The Air Force Captain in my work center was a prior-service Marine.  I looked up to him because he was respected by co-workers, a family man, and academically accomplished.  His work load was significant, yet he took the time to pass on his professional knowledge.  He explained to me his own professional “road-map”; where he was at, what it took to get him there, where he planned to be in the future, and how he was going to get there.  He demonstrated an enthusiasm not only for the job but also for instilling in me the skills to be successful.  There was always an emphasis on the importance of learning, both on and off duty.  What I found most valuable was his genuine feedback that revealed I was a valued asset to his team. 

Using the Captain as my role model, I went on to become distinguished graduate of Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, complete my Bachelor’s Degree, and start my Master’s Degree.  These accomplishments took a great deal of time outside of duty hours.  Being a family man himself, the Captain always stressed the importance of balancing professional development with taking care of one’s family.  Using his guidance, I have been able to accomplish my professional goals while also helping my amazing wife raise our six children.

Ten years have passed since I last worked with the Captain, yet the lessons I learned from him are still fresh in my mind.  I often ask myself if I am employing the professionalism, compassion, and enthusiasm that I witnessed him display on and off duty.  In addition to my children, I am responsible for Airmen of my own.  I have become known as an academic cheerleader, motivating those around me to place a greater emphasis on education.  I empathize when their struggles and celebrate with their triumphs.  Like the Captain before me, I take an invested interest in their success.  I now help my Airmen develop their own professional road-maps, advising them to avoid mistakes that I have made on my own path.  Ultimately, I seek to employ the Captain’s attribute of leading by example.  On a character level, that includes owning up to my faults and asking for forgiveness when necessary.  Rather than viewing this as a sign of weakness, I agree with the Captain that it is a sign of strength and integrity. 

            Take the time to look around and identify those around you that are your mentors in addition to those that you could be a mentor for.  Being a mentor does not require an official acknowledgment by either party.  The Captain never explicitly stated to me, “I am your mentor.”  He did not have to.  His actions demonstrated as much.  

Be a Hero, Write a Hero

My dear friend, Daniel Pike, has invasive squamous cell carcinoma.  This Wednesday, November 19^th, he will have over half his tongue removed, which will be followed by radiation and chemo treatment.  As a husband and father of three children, Daniel is the family’s primary source of income, yet his recovery will take him out of work for several months.

My plan is to raise money to help mitigate a portion of the financial burden the Pike’s will incur.  I will be the editor of an anthology of short stories contributed by anyone interested.  The final product will be free, but donations would be accepted and all profits would go to the Pike family.

Daniel is a huge science fiction, fantasy, and comic book fan.  The short stories should be in one of these genres, though much leeway will be given.  The overarching theme of the stories should be about the celebration of life, imagination, and hope.  There are no age requirements for contributors, yet I ask that there be no R rated content.  All contributors will retain intellectual rights to their stories (more than one submission is fine).  I ask that all stories be submitted to me by March 1^st, 2015.  I aim to have the final product out by June 1^st, 2015.  Please send submissions to kevinandallison@gmail.com. 

If you are not interested in this collaborative effort, please still consider donating now at the Pike’s personal fundraising site.