Gushes

— Anonymous

Anyone else find it odd that the French government (according to National Geographic magazine) has ordered a phaseout of the word “mademoiselle” in official government forms to identify an unmarried woman? I’m pleased the U.S. embraces “Miss” and “Ms.”

— Anonymous

Thanks to the people we see standing still, impatiently, a little embarrassed, looking the other way, or sometimes simply standing and staring, disowning any relationship or connection — except for the leash (or the lack of a leash)! Ah, that’s the reason. With a small plastic bag, turned inside out on an outstretched hand. And then, the feigned obliviousness on the walk home or to a trash barrel, with that modest collection weighting the bag and giving evidence.

A sincere “Thank you” to the dog-owning bagmen and bagwomen in our parks, along our streets and paths, and on our lovely beaches everywhere. Keep up the good work!

— Roger Hewett, Portland

I love cryptozoology. If you are a history buff as I am, you’ve seen so-called mythical animals become found and proven scientifically. Once, most ocean creatures and near extinct animals were only myth. It’s a thing of beauty to watch legends unfold to become reality.

— Anonymous

Gripes

My gripe is the balloons that people place on street signs and telephone poles to announce the locations of parties, baby showers, etc. While I have no problem with the temporary placement of these markers, I do have a problem with the balloon carcasses that seem to remain for months after the conclusion of the festivities. . . . It is the responsibility of the people who placed them to clean up after themselves!

— Anonymous

My Gripe is the print in the telephone directories. Unless you have 20/20 vision, it’s impossible to read.

— Anonymous

Modern air-conditioning unit vents aren’t as well screened as the old ones and allow insects in. So it’s roast or be eaten alive.

— Anonymous

No one uses cloth napkins anymore! I don’t know why. It’s wasteful to use paper products for little things, and it’s not like they’re not simple to launder.

— Anonymous

Gripes and Gushes offers readers a chance to chide and to cheer. Bring it on! But references to specific people, businesses, agencies, etc. will not be used, in order to keep us all out of legal trouble and to make the column general enough to appeal to all. Send your Gripes and Gushes to [email protected] or snail mail to Gripes and Gushes, b section, Sun Journal, 104 Park St., Lewiston ME 04243.