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The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.

This week's Clippable Quote

"Wear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life." - 13th century Persian poet Rumi

Bring on the semifinals

Prospect, Maine South, Wheaton North, Cary-Grove, Lake Forest and IC Catholic Prep. Those are the "Sweet Six" local high school football teams who will vie for a shot at a state championship when they play in IHSA semifinal games today. The winners move on to NIU's Huskie Stadium next weekend. Good luck to them all.

Hoop springs eternal

And best of luck to those high school basketball teams in our area as a new season begins. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no IHSA hoops tournaments last year, and there haven't been any boys teams crowned state champions since 2019. Of course, we'll be rooting for suburban squads to bring home the big trophies in March.

Do you still drink from plastic bottles?

Don't.

What if we spared 'Tom'?

Did you know the centerpiece bird at the Thanksgiving table is responsible for about as much carbon as the mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, biscuits and cranberry sauce combined, according to researchers? Some of us will make up the calories with plant-based foods, which tend to be more eco-friendly. Might be worth a try - and the planet will be thankful.

History brought to life

Not many teenagers can call themselves published authors. But that's the case for 15 St. Viator High School honors history students who this month published "Arlington Heights' War on Terror," a book they wrote based on firsthand accounts of 11 local veterans who served in the Middle East. It's an impressive and important accomplishment.

Good idea, Metra

Being able to buy our own Metra tickets from vending machines at Cumberland, and the other little commuter stations, is a big plus for the occasional Chicago-bound rider. Metra's plans to install machines at all its stations starting next year is a welcome development, although we're a little sad at losing the human interaction at the ticket window.

One clear lesson from Kenosha

If nothing else, doesn't the Kyle Rittenhouse case illustrate why we all should be happy that Illinois doesn't generally allow Open Carry?

Go (Elgin) Bears

Congratulations to the Elgin Bears 11U-orange football team. The players, who are 11 years old and younger, will travel to Florida in early December for the United Youth Football League national championship. We will be rooting for them.

Take care

While Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays are a joyous time for many, they can also be an emotionally difficult time for those struggling. This holiday season, make it a point to reach out to someone you haven't talked to in a while to make sure they're OK. Sometimes that's all someone needs - to know that one person cares.

Giving thanks for some normalcy

We have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. Think back a year - many canceled traditional in-person holidays and shared turkey over Zoom. Some bundled up and visited family outside. This year, we have vaccines, more stability with COVID-19 and kids with some protection. Enjoy the holiday with your loved ones and share what you're thankful for.

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