Why Read the Newspaper?

 
 

    The word 'news' comes from North, East, West and South; and the newspaper is the publication that brings you information from all four directions.  Reading the news is a personal interest, yet necessary to be read by everyone.  It is vital to be aware of national, world and local events.  Even the advertisements are important for they inform us about new products.

   Reading the newspaper helps you stay sharp; the more you read the smarter you stay.  All news is useful because all reading is invaluable.  Interested in entering the medical field?  Improve your chances of landing a job by staying on top of the latest health and science news.  Need another reason?  Following the news allows you to obtain a well informed opinion on national and international debates.

Tip: If you're in a hurry, read the first few paragraphs to get the gist of the article.

So read the newspaper and remain au courant.

Free Breathing

         The music was superb! I encountered very delightful individuals, exchanged crazy stories and really enjoyed myself. 'Twas a good night.

How delicious a life I live, I am almost ashamed. Never am I in fear of the occasional bombing- the humdrum robbery or the everyday cruelty other countries realize.  I live- I breathe fully and freely. Really, I could go on about the troubles this world has to offer. I do so often I'll admit. Do you suppose, that beating ourselves up about something we never caused, something we are unable to completely eliminate, is wise? The tragedies are still very real despite our tears. To helping, and to aiding, I give a wholehearted yes! but to feeling sorry for what we cannot do, or feeling sorry in general I disapprove.

   It is so much nicer to help out where we can, when we can. To give what we are able, share our knowledge- we don't even need money! Share a smile- give a hug. Help the old man cross the street. Pick up that spill in the break room everyone is ignoring. There is no need to go overseas to help. Help those in your own backyard. Doing so nurtures a sense of peace within- it motivates others and keeps the love alive.

Truly, there is no need to feel great sorrow in free breathing.

Reflections

    I slouch in a sturdy wooden chair at a popular cafe I frequent. This particular cafe makes its home in a friendly part of Northeast Portland. Stretching, I peer into the mirror in front of me. Alberta is a bustle of cars here, bicyclists there- the occasional passerby. A woman with an idle smile approaches the counter and makes her order- her black hair is a plethora of crazy curls I vow to never forget.

     Again, my eyes slide toward the mirror. My ears detect John Lennon singing 'baby it's you'. And I think- with a consequential chuckle- "Baby, it really is you".

    Well it is me. And it is you. It is all of us actually. We all have extraordinary ability- and what do we do with it? I waste my precious eyesight on YouTube videos and Instagram photos. What might I do had I been born blind, and then given the gift of sight? Would I care so little and take it for granted? It is questions like these that arise when I peer into a mirror. 'Tis  the thoughts that plague me when pondering my own reflections.

   I am heading for a music gathering at a friend's house. I wonder what I'll encounter there!