The ‘b’ that ruined the spelling bee

Does it bother anyone else that the word “subtle” has a silent “b?” Is it ironic that the word subtle means “understated?” The “b” in subtle is, therefore, itself, subtle. Are you with me? We don’t spell “settle” with a b. It’s the same with settle, sidle, saddle, and Seattle.

New life in familiar places

When you’re the sole staff writer/photographer/editor of community newspaper, a three-day weekend means one thing: more events to cover! In all seriousness, I had a pretty great Easter weekend and I hope you all did as well.

Letter to the editor

Dear Editor: Dublin’s Easter EGGStravaganza wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the community, volunteers, organizations and businesses.

Don’t trip on those monosyllabic lookalikes

Do you have a word that is your verbal kryptonite? A word that you can’t seem to use in the correct context? I don’t, because — after all — I’m the grammar guy. I’m joking, of course! Certain words trip me up all the time.

Letter to the editor

Dear Editor: The public is to vote on Senator Bettencourt’s Constitutional Amendments Proposition 1 and 2 on May 7, 2022. I have included some frequently asked Q&A on propositions that are less than a month away from being voted on.

There’s a splinter in your word

It’s the time of year when we get outside and curse at weeds. Yes, it’s spring, which means I’ll be refusing garden gloves in favor of the feeling of dark, rich terra firma underneath my fingernails. It’s time to get in touch with nature again, and — ouch — I think I just got a splinter!

Placeholder names for every Tom, Dick and Harry

You probably know about placeholder names even if you don’t know that’s what they’re called. That’s the whole point; whether you’re intentionally or unintentionally being nonspecific about something, chances are you’re using a placeholder name. Take names, for example.

DVFD says thanks

Dear Editor: We would like to express our gratitude to all of the community that dropped off water, drinks, snacks, meals, financial support and other needed supplies for the Dublin Fire Department.

Solving problems since 1996

‘I’ll never use this in real life!’ If you were ever a kid, you probably said these words about a subject in school you hated and if you’ve ever taught or tutored, you’ve probably heard them more than once.

Please alllow me to interject myself

If you’ve ever yelled your feelings — you might have uttered an interjection. If you’ve ever shouted a forbidden word after dropping a glass jar of pickles — you might have uttered an interjection.