Spelling Matters

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published April 14, 2007 at 9:00 AM PDT

This story was published more than 17 years ago.

Think spellings not important? Think again! This week, Martha and Grant relate the strange tale of the $40,000 typo. They also talk about what its like to be borked, and advise a third-grade

Spelling Matters

Originally aired February 17, 2007

Think spelling’s not important? Wait until you hear the story of the spelling boo-boo that cost one Michigan county $40,000.

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Then Martha and Grant rant about computer spellcheckers, discuss how things get “borked,” and advise a third-grade teacher who’s determined to teach students six-syllable words. They also reveal the origin of such phrases as “since Hector was a pup” and “know by heart.”

Puzzle guy Eric Berman welcomes Grant to the show with a quiz designed especially for him.
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Spelling Matters

Think spellings not important? Think again! This week, Martha and Grant relate the strange tale of the $40,000 typo. They also talk about what its like to be borked, and advise a third-grade

Think spellings not important? Think again! This week, Martha and Grant relate the strange tale of the $40,000 typo. They also talk about what its like to be borked, and advise a third-grade