Littlestuff Weekender-12-24-2011

First up….Merry Christmas and a special Chanukah to our Jewish sisters and brothers. The Chanukah observance is roughly half-way done at this point (Christmas Eve), and Christians celebrate Christmas tomorrow.

This weekender will begin with a short exegesis of the letter “L.” It is a letter that leads into Liberty, love and laughter. “L” is the beginning of every list, each letter and always laudable. We are a nation of Laws when our legislators respect and follow them. We can like something or loathe it, but we launch into our sentiment with the “l.” Life and land…two critical elements of personal freedom and prosperity are listed under “l.” “L” is important, but its true value will be found in the merging of this week’s letter analyses.

Monday we explored    N.

Wednesday we examined    O.

Friday we discussed the letter E.

And today we include the valuable L.

http://youtu.be/BDgm87S0WxU

and another rendition to drive home the 2^nd greatest gift to humanity

http://youtu.be/9Bts7ndhPw4

The greatest gift is Grace….undeserved and merciful.

We’re about 10 days from the Iowa Caucuses, and the fur is flying. Oddly the top candidate poll numbers hover around 25% for GOP presidential wanna-be’s which suggests that no one has captured the imaginations of Republican voters. Meanwhile Gary Johnson is making noise about running as a Libertarian because he rightly believes that Republicans would not allow him any traction. Throughout this campaign season, pundits and media types have speculated and questioned if Ron Paul would jump to a third-party if he failed to get the GOP nomination. Johnson’s LP flirtation certainly complicates the complication even further.

Super Tuesday is right around the corner in March and it appears that Romney and Paul are the only republican candidates who have qualified for the Virginia ballot. It requires 10,000 valid GOP signatures to have one’s name certified. This development suggests that Gingrich, Perry, Bachmann, Santorum and Huntsman are lacking the volunteer base in the cradle-of-liberty Commonwealth to get the job done. Each state has different criteria and deadlines. It will be fascinating to watch as this race begins to tighten. How they finish in Iowa and New Hampshire could have a huge impact on their building volunteer organizations going forward.

Meanwhile Tyrant Obama enjoys a 17 day vacation in Hawaii largely funded by you and me. I do not begrudge his frequent and lengthy vacations. I do wish that he would take a permanent one to Syria or Somalia.

Enough with the political news and commentary. It’s time for the Good News.

For the night:

http://youtu.be/cZ-8jYpa1-o 

In the morning:

http://youtu.be/LDPwNPAV6tA

This coming week I’ll be substituting for Fred LeFebvre on the “Morning News Show” from 6:00-9:00am, Tuesday through Friday on 1370 WSPD, Toledo.  www.wspd.com  Morning News Producer, Michael Hooper, and I are working on a strong lineup of interviews for the week. I do hope that you can tune in….or call us at (419) 240-1370 or toll-free (866) 321-1370.

Have a truly blessed Christmas or a special Chanukah. Be with the ones you love, or love the one you’re with. Feliz Navidad!

http://youtu.be/5g4lY8Y3eoo

Comment: cearlwriting@hotmail.com

www.littlestuff-minoosha.blogspot.com

Tue. through Fri., 6-9:00am, 1370 WSPD  www.wspd.com

Ee-yore

Although I do not have the reference, I believe that I once read that “e” is the most frequently used letter in the English language. I suspect that data was generated before texting became so prevalent and popular, but nevertheless the importance of “e” for effective and efficient transmission of thoughts and concepts should not be overlooked. “E” is an essential element for earnest erudition. How else can one learn if the essence of the educational tools has been excised or eliminated? The fifth letter is an exalted one that exceedingly enhances every English-language effort for efficacious communication.

The title of this column, ”Ee-yore,” elicits the image of a donkey. The beast that carried the Savior and the loyal friend of Pooh were representatives of that species. Never ebullient but always even tempered, the donkey is the epitome of everlasting endurance. Plodding onward with its exceptional cargo the donkey is an excellent example of faithful service. Although not especially swift, the donkey is a sure-footed example of everlasting diligence…..just like the “e.”   

http://youtu.be/wOgC5mheenI

The “E” as you may notice has a musical legacy. The Everly Brothers cover the Rick James and Smokey Robinson “Ebony Eyes.” “E” is so pervasive and entropic that you can entrust your essential essence to it for epochs or eons. Ethics, ethos and etiquette are extremely valuable in an equitable society that seeks to endure for many eras. When one is enveloped in error-prone environment, “E” can ensure an easy escape. If you err and take “e” for granted, perhaps you may have an epiphany and equate “e” with alphabetical equilibrium. Yes, “e” encompasses endearing balance as it energizes and enables consonants with enhancements that allow them to exceed their guttural simplicity when the vital vowel empowers them. Little “e” edifies consonants so that they become extremely enamored with their communication mission. “E” is a happy vowel as evidenced by its eternal effervescent energy. But “e” can also express excessive fright as in “eek!” when one encounters an unexpected interloper or rodent. If you find yourself in need of an “e” to complete a thought, you might peek in the weeds because the letter sometimes hides.

This is the third column this week that may appear to have a nonsensical purpose, but I assure you that tomorrow (Sat.) the Littlestuff Weekender will clarify the matter.

By the way, I’ll be sitting in for Fred Levebre and the Morning News on 1370 WSPD, Toledo Tuesday through Friday next week (27^th thru 30^th)…6:00-9:00am every day.  www.wspd.com

Comment:  cearlwriting@hotmail.com

www.littlestuff-minoosha.blogspot.com

         

Oh!

The letter “O” is a leader…often out in front and sometimes herding the rear to keep the other alphabetic miscreants in line. Please note: O’Leary and Donofrio…”o” assumes the alpha and the omega positions while providing strong internal support to the Italian rendition. The “o” can represent wonder and joy as in the “Ho, Ho, Ho” bellowed by a certain red-clad elf during this time of year. Contradictorily the “o” can project fear or dismay as in “Oh no!” It’s obvious that “o” is versatile… a great all-purpose utility player for the alphabet and our language. The occasional linguistic omnipotence of the oblong letter is overwhelmingly obvious to one and everyone.

Situated beside our previous letter of note, “n,” “O” has a much more robust involvement in the linguistic delivery of thought and concepts. It is “O” that introduces some of our most sacred and revered music:

http://youtu.be/LtIokMInmfA   

http://youtu.be/cZ-8jYpa1-o

“O” is not always serious. The rotund letter does have a sense of humor and often leads us to laughing memories and funky weather reports. It plays a prominent role in this Nitty Gritty Dirt Band cover:

http://youtu.be/bJX3F3XqL9c

As a stark example that “O” is sometimes frivolous and laughable, consider that many in the news media identify our President with a simple “O.” It is no accident that “o” and zero are quite similar and often mistaken for one another. One can observe the cross identification when people verbalize telephone numbers and substitute the “O” for zero. “Two-four-“O” is a corruption of the proper “Two-four-zero” because “O” has purpose and value as a critical component of the alphabet family and should never be confused with the valueless “zero” or the worthless president. There I go….on another watch list.

The vowel “O” has a multiplicity of purposes such as expressing surprise or amazement as in “Ooooooooooo!” In addition “O’s” shape coincides with the placement of one’s lips when uttering the valuable vowel. This is a vital benefit for lip readers which should not be summarily dismissed. As a loyal Buckeye, I have a deep abiding fondness for the “O” at both ends of Ohio. There was a song we used to sing at 4-H camp called “Round on the ends and Hi in the middle….O….HI…..O.” Furthermore, the “Script Ohio” with its “O’s” prominently displayed is globally famous.

http://youtu.be/XKL7_MSBR7Q

While the “o” initiates obfuscation, it also opens the word—obedience. Are you obstinate, obnoxious or obsequious? The pervasive “O” is the word-starter. Maybe you’re obtuse, obstructionist or obsessive…if so, the “o” is the leading edge of the descriptor. The “o”, it is clear, is essential for ongoing communication operations. No oppressive opposition can omit the operational opportunities orchestrated by the optimistic use of “o” in an orderly manner. O’ see, can you say “O?”

Friday’s column will examine Ee-yore.

Comment: cearlwriting@hotmail.com

www.littlestuff-minoosha.blogspot.com

Tonight (Wed-12-21-11) 6-7:00pm, 1370 WSPD, Toledo

www.wspd.com  Interview with Santa Claus

En

The letter “N” intrigues me. Though not as complete as “M,” it manages to be quite functional. As a political commentator, I enjoy foraging through polling and statistical data….numbers….starts with “n.” As a little child, I often rebelled against an “n” word….No! So, my relationship with “n” has been an up and down one over the six-plus decades of my life. “N” is used rather often when I describe politicians as in “numbskull,” no ethics, ninny or Nanny State. We often overlook “n” because it sits in the middle of the English alphabet….hidden from view and avoiding scrutiny. “A” and “z” are more popular, and the vowel aspect provides “a” with a more functional linguistic utility. Nevertheless, “n” slides through our discourse unnoticed but notably necessary.

No one knows the number of “n’s” that are needed for necessary communication clarification. Can you imagine a sentence or a paragraph that didn’t include an “n?” To reiterate: Ca you imagie a setece or a paragraph that did’t iclude a “ ?” Nearly impossible, isn’t it?

“N’s” are the worker bees of the language. They receive no notice and get no glory, but each and every day they silently go about their assigned tasks. “N’s” are the Tea Party. The Liberty group members are “n’s.” Anyone who labors in the vineyards of freedom without being recognized and glorified is an “n.” Just do the job and do it well. Slug forward for each inch of the battle ground, hold it, regroup and advance. That is what true “n’s” do….silently and effectively.   

Vowels are the glamorous members of the alphabet family. They are singled out for special recognition on “Wheel of Fortune.” The unforgettable and highly lauded “a, e, i, o, u and sometimes y” are indeed necessary for effective communication. The new age of texting has given them an amazing capacity for standing alone…without other letters complementing them. “U R a prince 4 doing it.” “Y not?” “N” on the other hand is generally relegated to a supportive but critical role. The most questionable use of  “n” is the taunting sound that uses “N’s” quite liberally: na, na, na, na, na……, ……na. This practice undermines the value of “n” and gives our quiet little buddy a bad reputation.

You may wonder why I would write such a frivolous column in these times of economic and political turmoil, or why I might write it during this season of Hope, Peace and Joy. Well, this is the time of year when many of us are more concerned about the unfortunate ones in our midst, and, in some respect, that could include the letter “n.” Also, during times of stress and chaos, we often fail to return to basic principles for answers to our difficulties. “N” is similar to a basic principle of economics and politics. Solid, unassuming, ever faithful, and sensible are qualities that are shared by “n” and many first principles. Selfishly I have always longed to be considered a man of letters, and this week could provide my big shot at philosophical and academic stardom.

Please never forget that little seen and never-praised “n” is a vital component in our efforts to communicate to others and for understanding one another. Never forget “n” and its contribution to human interaction in the English-speaking world. Never forget “n.” Never forget.

On Wednesday we’ll examine the sordid and exciting life of “O.”

Comment: cearlwriting@hotmail.com

www.littlestuff-minoosha.blogspot.com

Wednesday, 6-7:00pm, 1370 WSPD, Toledo   www.wspd.com

  We’ll be interviewing Santa Claus on Wednesday’s show.