There is a time and place for everything. Likely now is the time and this column is a place for quick thoughts and short notes. There may be connections among them, or no connection. Thoughts:
• We must find joy in some aspects of life. It is helpful to more than the one; it spreads;
• Joy diffuses the complications in life and complications exist; it is best to make light of them;
• The Voice was blessed with four opinion pieces this week. A person does not have to pass judgment;
• We can pass through difficult times and some times it takes time, however, we can do it;
• It is encouraging to see hopefulness from high school athletes who may participate this school year;
• It is how we react to negative circumstances, such as COVID-19 curse, that may make us stronger;
• We should be thankful and grateful for the dedicate persons who clear snow/slush from our streets;
• Most of life does better when common ground is a mutual objective without seeking polar opposites;
• Making an effort: Create COVID-19 vaccines and dispense as quickly as possible only can help society.
• Seeing the photo in The Voice of Red cutting the hair of a cute youngster (page 8) is soothing.
• Then there is the growing tragedy of carjacking reflected in another photo on page 8; help!!!;
• We are grateful for organizations in communities which work to help provide food to many in need;
• Accuracy, understanding, help society; one path is through requirement of civics classes in schools;
• All news organizations must deal in facts, with time to state opinions and make comments;
• The tendency to have a disregard for facts by any news organization hurts the Nation;
• Dignified sports heroes, such as the late Hank Aaron, Ryne Sandberg, and Carlton Fisk are models;
• With restaurants opening up to dining inside, there is an opportunity to keep them open;
• We must promote safety to keep the virus away and wearing masks helps everyone; believe it;
• Aurora Public Art seeks artists to make it brighter, so go to www.aurora-il.org/1952/Calls-for-Artists.
• We must learn we have more in common than that which can pull us apart.
Clear and Concise, Week 4, Year 2:
• Hosting is listed as a transitive verb, however, the noun is always the preferred usage. Hosting, in a sense, is an invented word. Words, which are invented and incorrectly used, make communication more difficult. Nouns and verbs are the pivotal parts of speech. Unfortunately, far too often we find nouns used as verbs. There will be greater clarity in writing when nouns are used as nouns and verbs are used as verbs. Regarding incorrect usage, or invention of words, the classic malapropism is irregardless. It is used instead of the word regardless. A person is a host is current tense which can be used incorrectly as is hosting. Blame a major advertising agency for a restaurant which used, I am liking….”
• Individuals can see the same thing and express it in polar opposites. Such a case in point may be the impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate set to begin Tuesday, Feb. 9. Such was the case in the Impeachment Trial in September 2019.
• Polar opposite? The regard for snow depends on the person: A driver going through a snowstorm is in direct opposition to the joy of a youngster who has no responsibility and has joy in romping in the snow. Perspective makes a difference.