Many of us are somewhat familiar with the term “doublespeak.” Some, like me, may assume that we read that word in George Orwell’s book 1984, but, according to some material I recently read, we did not. According to that material, the following words are in 1984: ”doublethink,” “newspeak,” and “oldspeak.”  (I’m relying on the material I consulted. I did not take the time to reread 1984!) Somehow, over the years, all of that has sort of morphed into the term “doublespeak.”   According to Miriam-Webster.com, doublespeak is defined as, “language used to deceive usually through concealment or misrepresentation of truth.” On a related subject, another website had the following information that I thought was interesting: Terminology…

Originally, the title of this post was going to be different from the one you just read. I cannot honestly remember exactly what it was going to be, but I do know that I changed it after I talked briefly with the lady in the picture. Here is some of the “backstory.” Recently, Donna and I were in Cookeville, TN for some end of the school programs, concerts, etc. in which two of our grandchildren were involved – including the graduation of one of those grandchildren from high school.   Because of some of the policies of the school and because of his grades, he did not have to attend school as long…

[NOTE: I hope every English teacher I ever had will forgive me for my lack of poetry skills! The meter and rhyme may be lacking, but I pray this message still gets across, including to me! –Adam] I came to the Church building on a Sunday morn, all soured and upset with strife. And, wouldn’t you know it, as I came inside and sat down, no one cared for my life. — Oh, some smiled and some said “hello,” but it was clear they were just doing their job. They asked how I was and acted concerned, but I know their ruse–they were just simple words to lob. — I…