• How much does the choice of words in day-to-day use engender and emphasize tension? For instance, suppose our lawyers and politicians “work” instead of “fighting” for us? And politicians, instead of demanding “deals,” seek “agreements.” Less confrontation, more empathy and understanding.
• I’m ticked off at the government’s $14 million paint job on the reflecting pool in our nation’s capital that taxpayers paid for. It took 6.75 million gallons of water to refill, also at the taxpayers’ expense. Within a short few days of completion, it is now totally green with thick algae and a total embarrassment to our country and upcoming 250th celebration. These results take “green with envy” to a whole new level! Where is St. Patrick’s Day when we need it?
• After witnessing the rugged action in the hockey playoffs, it is so amusing now to see the soccer players’ angst, grimacing, and feigning of injuries from any contact by an opposing player.
The flip side
• Thank you to Sanford for the lovely bronze sculpture by their library depicting a whimsical scene of children on a bridge of books symbolizing the bridge to education and learning. Oh, to be a little carefree child again running barefoot through the summer days. And yes, I often had a book in my hand and thanks to that being instilled in me as a child, I still love reading and learning new things.
NEED TO VENT?: I’m Ticked Off! Are you? Write to tickedoff@orlandosentinel.com or flipside@orlandosentinel.com.