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Friday, July 11, 2025 at 4:17 AM
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Billy K. Baker — On Words and Up Words

Billy K. Baker — On Words and Up Words

First, an apology: As I assay this essay, I see it being serious, not humorous. Its waggish title, therefore, is misleading … but I enjoyed the pun.

Second, a confession: I’m no expert regarding words; so don’t expect scholarly “eptitude.” Fortunately, my singular lack of notoriety means there’s no chance I’ll corrupt the youth of the land.

I am sure, but have no memory of it, that during babyhood I managed to think without using words. Perceptions, provocations, and emotions must all have evoked commensurate reactions. But, now that seems impossible.

Words are my tools of thought. I don’t see how I got along without them. If I want to imagine something, explain something or understand something, words come naturally, unbidden, to do the job.

Now, fate may fail me someday, causing me to lose my beloved words, but until that day comes I want to celebrate, to enjoy words. They are my companions, indeed my friends, and I want no commerce with folks who disdain my use (okay, my overuse) of puns, rhymes, clichés, repetition, and alliteration: word “flaws” that give me great pleasure. As far as I’m concerned, anyone who complains about them can go to hell in a handbasket.

I regard clichés (for example, “to hell in a handbasket”) as ready-made tools: nuts and bolts available for use when compositional situations practically beg for them. They are phrases created and polished by craftsmen who produced phrases so brilliant, so apt, that they are now ever-present and everlasting (well, as long as the language lives). I doubt their inventors ever received the appreciation, acclaim, and applause merited.

Observe the use of “ever” in the last two sentences above; it appears three times in one guise or another. Obviously, repetition is a writing ploy I favor. But, I’m not the only one.

Take Shakespeare, for instance, notably his phrase, “To be or not to be.” That is … one helluva phrase. It uses repetition masterfully—combining simplicity, grandeur, and portent, all with an architectural beauty surpassing the Golden Gate Bridge.

Although I share the same first name as its author, that’s about it. (We don’t even share the same language.) My own use of repetition probably stems not from excellence but from insecurity. Perhaps I repeat myself for fear you won’t get the point unless hammered with it a few times. Or maybe it’s an effort to simulate rhythm where none exists. You be the judge, but please keep the answer to yourself—to avoid bruising my ego.

Unlike repetition; puns, rhymes, and alliteration are toys in our discourse, put there mainly for fun. Some people say such toys are disruptive or distracting. To them, I preach, “Don’t take reading so seriously. Chuckle from time to time. Smile some. You’ll enjoy life all the more.”

Looking back on this essay, I’m embarrassed at how defensive I’m being. The fact is, nobody (so far) has criticized my use of puns, rhymes, clichés, repetition, and alliteration. Maybe I’m the one being critical, trying to fend off guilt for taking so much pleasure in using or misusing words. Sigh! It’s embarrassing.

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Comment author: Mike HinzComment text: I knew Sam as a member of our church growing up. He always had a warm smile, a kind word, and a great sense of humor! He will be great missed!Comment publication date: 7/2/25, 11:57 AMComment source: Obituary -- Samuel Bruce WickizerComment author: Mike HinzComment text: Great teacher, great coach, but even a better person!!! Rest in peace Mr. BeachComment publication date: 7/2/25, 11:53 AMComment source: Obituary -- Jack Victor Beach, Jr.Comment author: Mike HinzComment text: I had Mrs Hedges for First Grade at Northside Elementary in 1969. I still, to this day, remember her as a wonderful teacher…one of my favorites!!Comment publication date: 7/2/25, 11:29 AMComment source: Obituary - Nancy Marie Hedges C Comment author: Carl C. HagenComment text: What are MFNs and PBMs ?? ............................ From the editor: This is a very good question and we apologize for not catching that wasn't in there. We reached out to the writer/submitter and got this info back...hope it's helpful. PBM: Pharmacy Benefit Managers are pharmacies that are owned by insurance companies. (CVS is one.) They negotiate with drug makers to get reduced pricing for medications, but they historically have not passed along those savings to patients. https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/pharmacy-benefit-managers-staff-report.pdf MFN: Most Favored Nation pricing is a policy that means a country agrees to offer the same trade concessions (like tariffs or price reductions) to all member nations of the World Trade Organization (WTO). When applied to pharmaceuticals, it could disrupt global access, deter innovation, and obscure the deeper systemic issues in American health care. https://petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/2025/05/22/the-global-risks-of-americas-most-favored-nation-drug-pricing-policy/Comment publication date: 6/23/25, 7:47 AMComment source: L E T T E R TO THE EDITOR
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