Saturday Soapbox: Profanity is bleeping unnecessary
Bleeping unnecessary:
While we might not like it, we understand we live in a more profane, in-your-face world these days. But do we need the profanity that really doesn't add to the message? We're talking about political cartoons and comics, just to name two. And, yes, we know %&$#%!! is a more tame way to put things, but in almost all cases it's just not needed.
Are you feeling it?
You know, stress. With a capital S. The Chicago area is at the top of Forbes' list of America's Most Stressful Cities, just out this week. Our region ranked especially low on air quality and population density factors. Let's not tell the International Olympic Committee about this.
Lighting the way:
When it comes to energy conservation, one Carpentersville school stands out. Liberty Elementary took top honors recently in a District 300 contest to reduce energy bills. Liberty saved thousands last year, mainly through setting timers for lights and using heating and cooling only when people were in the building. Lessons for all of us.
Stop the vandalism:
Some criminals seem to think they can improve the public art. Ten of 11 bronze statues in Vernon Hills parks have been damaged since spring, and officials are rethinking the program. In August, someone broke off an ear on Pinstripes, the United Way horse in Barrington. We prefer art as the artist intended it.
Watching you:
Meanwhile, Naperville is beefing up its assortment of surveillance cameras downtown to deter crime and vandalism. Maybe we just need one giant eye in the sky to keep everyone in line.
Just wishin'
Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were such a thing as a Worst Seller List and Rod Blagojevich's book brought up the bottom?
Let's go!
It's been just over a week since Gov. Pat Quinn vetoed a flawed bill limiting campaign contributions with the promise from Democrats they'd do better by the mid-October veto session. That's about five weeks away. So, when and where are the meetings on a new bill?
A truly Rich Harvest:
Kudos to Solheim Cup organizers and caterers. Prom Catering donated extra food from the events to two shelters and a food pantry. That came in addition to the 1,500 pounds of food donated to Between Friends food pantry from those interested in watching practice rounds.
The bee's knees:
After 26 years of beekeeping at Kline Creek Farm near West Chicago, Lawrence DuBose received some much-deserved credit with the Illinois Association of Park District's Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award. Thank you, Mr. DuBose, for your contributions.
When you have to go, you have to go:
Naperville police say Anuj K. Shahi told them he was going 96 mph because he was trying to get to a bathroom. Do we need a law to prohibit that kind of distracted driving?
Lesson learned:
Roslyn Road School fifth-graders Haley Morris, Lizzy Hucker and Ivy Moore taught us a lesson with their work to bring chocolate milk back to Barrington Unit District 220. We all have the power to change our world.