Things that could disappear

...and the world would be a better place.

Instead of a list, let me just focus on one thing I don't like: disposable paper products.

Here's what Emerson says in Nature:

"Nothing in nature is exhausted in its first use. When a thing has served an end to the uttermost, it is wholly new for an ulterior service. In God, every end is converted into a new means."

In other words, using something once and throwing it away is pretty much a sin.

So just consider:

-enough cotton handkerchiefs to have a new one or three every day

-enough dish rags to wash one or three every day

-cloth diapers

-cloth wipes, even

-pieces of an old towel for general spills, glass, bathroom counters...

-a microfiber dust cloth instead of all those Swiffers

-napkins. made of cloth. when there is no company coming. just imagine.

What do you think, gentle readers? Wouldn't the world be many times better?

Take that, Glenn Beck

From a commentary on lds.org:

"The need for civility is perhaps most relevant in the realm of partisan politics. As the Church operates in countries around the world, it embraces the richness of pluralism. Thus, the political diversity of Latter-day Saints spans the ideological spectrum. Individual members are free to choose their own political philosophy and affiliation. Moreover, the Church itself is not aligned with any particular political ideology or movement. It defies category. Its moral values may be expressed in a number of parties and ideologies.

Furthermore, the Church views with concern the politics of fear and rhetorical extremism that render civil discussion impossible. As the Church begins to rise in prominence and its members achieve a higher public profile, a diversity of voices and opinions naturally follows. Some may even mistake these voices as being authoritative or representative of the Church. However, individual members think and speak for themselves. Only the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles speak for the whole Church."

Venting

Say it with me: "Chickens lay, people lie." We're not talking about dishonesty, we're talking about grammar.

"I'm going to lay down for a few minutes." Lay what? An egg of your own?

Please please please, you can lay out your clothes, lay out a plan, whatever. But when it is you, the word is *lie*.

Let me know when you're ready for the difference between affect and effect. There, they're and their should have been covered by your third grade teacher, but I'm happy to offer a refresher any time. Just say the word.