Soapbox: Reflecting on a soldier's courage

Reflecting on a soldier's courage:Let all of us join in honoring the memory of Wheaton North graduate Robert Miller, a true hero who gave his life in saving his team of soldiers in Afghanistan. Let us all pause on Oct. 6 when his parents receive his Medal of Honor at the White House.Writing's on the wall:It may seem strange to those who remember JFK before Dealey Plaza that kids today might not be able to write a sentence in cursive. According to Burt Constable's column Thursday, few among us still use it. Our diaries are now on Facebook; our missives are texted. Who writes letters these days? Cursive is nearly as dead as Latin. So, really, what's the problem?Attention, football announcers:While high school football game announcers generally do a terrific job, there is one area of improvement that needs attention: scores of other games. Several websites (football.dailyherald.com comes to mind) offer scores updated throughout the evening, and a cell phone or laptop is all they need to keep fans informed of conference games. Try it.O'Hare ... beware:The Chicago City Council approved $1 billion in loans for new runways and a western terminal at O'Hare International Airport. Where will they get the money to repay it? Revenue from airport operations and . . . ticket fees. Hold onto your wallets, travelers.A break for soccer fans:Did you hear that the Chicago Fire has decided to waive the $15 parking fee for season ticket holders next season? That incentive will save those soccer fans more than $300. If it puts more people in the seats at Toyota Park, perhaps other sports teams could take notice.Animals in need:The Hooved Animal Rescue Protection Society in Barrington Hills took in 11 horses from a bankrupt owner and must find adopters before winter sets in. Save-A-Pet in Grayslake houses 486 dogs and cats and will run out of money in a few months. Consider adopting an animal if you can, or contributing toward their keep if you can't.For the safety of all:We're all for the First Amendment right to protest, but would it have been difficult for leaders of next week's anti-abortion demonstration in Lake Zurich to talk with the police chief about plans? With the misunderstandings of a protest in July, a little more dialogue would certainly help ensure the safety of the protesters, drivers and shoppers in the area.Excellence in education:Congratulations to six area schools that received the prestigious U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon award: Daniel Wright Junior High and Half Day School in Lincolnshire, Highland Middle School in Libertyville, Vernon Hills High School, St. Charles North High School and Highlands Elementary in Naperville. We're very proud.Watch for you wish for:One Chicago sports radio host remarked that we should thank the White Sox for holding our interest until the NFL season began. Now the wind is gone from the Sox's sails and our lakefront football team has more questions than talent. Let's hope the Bears can get us to the Blackhawks, who start practice next weekend.