Grammar Study: Commas 32-1

This grammar study is from ?The Bedford Handbook' , fifth edition, by Diana Hacker, cr 1998. Exercises and notes are posted to stimulate English usage discussion.
Exercise 32-1
Add or delete commas where necessary in the following sentences. If a sentence is correct then write ?correct' after it. Use cut and paste. Edit a copy leaving the original will do too.
Because it rained all day Independence Day our picnic was rather gray and "soggy."
Because it rained all day Independence Day, our picnic was rather gray and "soggy."
a. When the Herbert's arrived at Deerfield Beach, it was quite obvious to everyone at the reception party that the Herbert's were over-dressed.
b. The man at that table complained loudly and the waiter stomped off and didn't come back.
c. If you complete the enclosed card, and return it within in two weeks, you will receive a free breakfast during your stay.

d. Nursing is physically, and mentally demanding, yet the pay is low.

e. Uncle Joe's pork ribs disappeared as soon as he put them up on the potluck table but he always had a stash for himself and a few very special friends.

From BH, "The comma was invented to help readers. Without it, sentence parts can collide into one another unexpectedly, causing confusion."

CONFUSING: If you cook Elmer will do the dishes. While we were eating a rattlesnake approached our campsite.
Topic 32a states: Usa a comma before a coordinating conjunction joining independent clauses.
In English there are seven coordinating conjunctions: ?and', ?but', ?or', ?nor', ?for', ?so', and ?yet'.
If the independent clauses are short and "in-line', then the comma can be omitted. ?The bus pulled off and we were on our way.' , for example.
Do not use a comma to separate coordinated word groups that are not independent clauses. A good truck driver drives safe and on-time.

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Topic 32b states: Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase.

?Just as the family was ready to eat, the cat jumped right up onto the table.'
?On a very small uninhabited island near Cuba, we found an old half- finished cinder block structure.'
But: ?In no time we were at 2,800 feet.
Descriptive phrases should have commas after them when they are used at the beginning of sentences.
?Finally have driven his last route assignment for the day, Jay then set his mind to heading home.
Other introductory word groups include transitional expressions and absolute phrases.
John Freck