Publications & Sites 
Halloween decorations arrive too soon
Mundelein, 3/23/01 --Pioneer Press Columnist, Millie Maughton.
Updated: November 21, 2011 8:36AM
Now that fall has begun, we are getting ready for the changes that it brings. Changes in the weather, our clothing, sports we watch, foods we prepare.
But there are some other changes I’d like to see. Things that should change for a variety of reasons.
People who start decorating too early. Yes, now it’s October, but there were some houses decked out for Halloween before some busses were done learning their back-to-school routes. I enjoy the late October festivities as do most people, but how about letting that 30th day of September lapse before putting gravestones in the yard and spider webs in trees?
And that goes for stores who have aisles of Halloween candy out while people are still looking for pencil boxes and five-subject notebooks. I know retail is on a different schedule, but a little breather between wouldn’t hurt anyone. And don’t get me started on those winter holiday decorations just waiting in the wings…
Another thing that should change, and this has been said plenty, stop doing things in the car that can wait or should wait until at least you get to a red light. Aside from the obvious talking on the phone, there is nothing so important that you need to text while driving. You also can wait to apply your mascara, eat your sloppy cheeseburger, embroider, read the paper, change your outfit or any of the other crazy things people seem to think is somewhat safe while controlling a vehicle.
There is one radio commercial that needs to be put to rest. It’s the one touting lingerie, swimwear and bras for all sorts of sized women. It’s not only that I hear it what seems like every time I turn on the radio, but it’s how they end it. They encourage us to “show your girls some love”. Now if a guy were to say that, women would probably cry out how sexist it sounded. But I have to hear it from my own gender? No, thanks.
I’d also like to see other sports get some space and airtime. While whatever big sport of the season usually dominates headlines and news stories, it would be nice to see other athletes bask in some of their hard-earned glory. Okay, I’m a little biased because I’ve got a runner instead of, and most people don’t realize that the sport involves more than just running or just how much running. But the MHS varsity girls cross country team has been having a fantastic season, but most people aren’t aware of that. Just like boys golf has worked hard and are champs in their conference. But those sports don’t get much attention outside their groups of students and families.
Just a few ideas of things that would be a change for the better, in my opinion.
