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In circles
Off the
Wall
Feb 28,
2008
When I was in grade school in the South Park area
of the South Hills of Pittsburgh, most things that occurred in
the primary grades are very vague. But there is one segment of
instruction that still stands out vividly in my mind and that
was learning how to write.
Each student was given a paper tablet with pages
of parallel lines spaced quite a distance from each other. In
them, we were to imitate what the teacher marked on the black
board.
What stands out in my mind clearly are the circles
we were told to make, starting from the bottom of two lines to
the top line just even with it. Our linear rotations were very
similar to bob wire fencing, if that helps you get the picture.
The proper way was to draw in circles, gradually
making our way to the other side of the tablet. Some did very
well. I can't remember how I did, or maybe I don't want to.
Anyway, I was thinking about my writing lessons
when it occurred to me that youth of today may not be getting
the same training as I did because of the introduction of computers.
I will admit, they are most handy, for if I did not have this
electronic device, I could not easily forward my stories to the
newspaper.
But what I believe is happening is that many people
are losing their writing skills. They are also failing to keep
daily diaries, for I don't her anybody keeping them anymore.
Thinking back to the Declaration of Independence,
not only will the words go down in history, but the wonderful
script writing as well. Can you imagine that document typed out
on the computer using Times New Roman in 18 point? Wow, would
that look weird.
But not all people write legibly and exquisitely
as Thomas Jefferson did.
For example, how often do we look at doctors' prescriptions
and see scribbles, lines or marks, which pharmacists have to
decipher, noting what drugs are needed? I know we all have heard
people say, "You write like a doctor." or, "How
is anyone supposed to read that? It looks like doctor's scribble?"
I guess each has gained a reputation for this type of writing.
Some receptionists at doctors' offices will use
rubber stamps to print the doctors' names on checks. It's a measure
to speed up transactions.
Last summer, I watched a woman take notes using
shorthand. She was told that this method of speedwriting is no
longer taught in public schools. That is a shame. And to think
I could have taken a course to learn it while I was in high school.
I opted to take something else. As a reporter, it would have
come in handy more times than I can count (and I can count pretty
high!).
Now, when I attend an event, I do take a stenographer's
pad and a tape recorder. There is one problem. Writing the info
is one thing reading it is something else. I have the greatest
admiration for reporters who can take notes properly, but also
read what they wrote. As for the machine, if I don't get close
to the speaker, his voice is too faint to hear.
Here's an idea. When you get some free time, sit
down and write to a friend, relative or even your boss. The letter
doesn't have to be long. Try to make your writing as legible
as possible. Take pride in what you are doing. Envelope and mail
it. You just may get one in return. It possibly may give you
more joy than sending or receiving an email!
Paul J. Volkmann
1/21/08
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