February 29, 2008

Mnemonics Ruined

My new favorite hobby is ruining useful mnemonics.

Which is correct? I’ll never tell. :)

How to tell the difference between the docile King Snake and the venomous Coral Snake?

Red on black, deadly attack.  Red on yellow, bite is mellow.

or...

Red on black, venom lack.  Red on yellow, kill a fellow.

How do sailors/fishermen know when it’s safe to go out to sea?

Red sky at night, sailor's delight.
Red sky at morning, sailor heed warning.

or...

Red sky at night, sea shows its might.
Red sky at dawn, safe to net prawn.

How do chemists remember what to add to what when mixing acid and water?

Acid to "watuh,"
Just as you oughta!

or...

Water to acid,
Solution is placid.