Point of View | Manchester Ink Link

Dear Hope Nation, I have COVID-19. It sucks.

Wednesday, December 1, 2021Keith Howard1

Do whatever you can to prevent yourself from getting it, unless you like losing your sense of taste and smell, feeling sore all over, coughing, being chilled and needing to sleep 18 hours a day. If you’re not vaccinated, please get vaccinated. If you’re not wearing a mask indoors in areas where community transmission is high, please start. If you don’t wash your hands regularly, please do so. I don’t want you or anyone else to feel the way I do right now. READ MORE

To Johnny: A pilgrimage to a poet becomes a saving grace

Wednesday, December 1, 2021Dan Szczesny0

Ever since a visit to Frost’s house in Derry, N.H. a few weeks ago, our evening reading sessions have involved a variety of the poet’s poems. Little Bean likes his nature or animal poems the best, though as accessible as Frost can be, there’s still quite a bit of explaining that needs to follow for a 6-year-old to wrap her head around the poet’s use of symbolism and analogy. But it’s fine. Our studies have given me a chance to brush up on my own connections to the poet. READ MORE

A favorite new Thanksgiving tradition – with a twist

Tuesday, November 23, 2021Thomas Carter0

Here’s a unique recipe for your next gathering – pass around a share of mental wellbeing. It’s not exactly the turkey/centerpiece topic of the table (vaccinations perhaps?) There is still room for the expected topics – the newest achievement of the family all-star, or the great unifier of sports. But encourage everyone to try a small serving of something new. READ MORE

An Open Letter to the OED Editors advocating for ‘shitification’

Sunday, November 21, 2021Nathan Graziano0

I fully acknowledge your venerable positions as the gatekeepers of the English language—and completely appreciate the stressors associated with being the experts who study the fickle nature of etymology. Yet I need to make a pressing and ardent plea for the addition of a single word in 2022: “shitification.” READ MORE

Now is the worst of times as NH hits its all-time high for active COVID cases

Sunday, November 21, 2021Garry Rayno7

And more worrisome the holiday season is here and people will gather indoors with families and friends and many will travel. And like last year, health officials expect a spike in new cases. READ MORE

Protect American Voters and end gerrymandering

Friday, November 19, 2021Sean Parr0

Politicians shouldn’t be able to pick their own voters; voters should pick their politicians. Every American should be able to get to the polls without worrying about missing work. Dark money groups should be outlawed. And casting a ballot should be safe and secure. READ MORE

University of New Hampshire students seek meeting to air concerns over student safety

Friday, November 19, 2021UNH Sexual Violence Action Committee0

The group has been working with Senior Vice Provost for Student Life Kenneth Holmes, Chief Diversity Officer Nadine Petty, and multiple other administrators to change a culture on campus which promotes sexual violence and institute preventative measures against sexual assault. READ MORE

Hell may be hot, but cold is Hell: ‘Hope for the Winter at the Twelve’ warming station opens Dec. 1

Friday, November 19, 2021Keith Howard1

Who will step up to run a warming station, open from December 1 until March 31 from 11 p.m. to 7 p.m.? FIT has its hands full with its shelter and, much as they might like to, they can’t do more. Hope for New Hampshire Recovery and the 1269 Café (aka The Twelve) are two small nonprofits, one serving people struggling to recover from addictions and the other a Christian organization helping people who are homeless. Still, both places value dignity, oppose suffering and want to prevent needless death. neither of these small organizations have the budget to operate a warming station this winter, but it is obvious that Manchester needs a warming station staffed by human beings demonstrating love and respect. READ MORE

Road trip: Motoring to the deep South, hungry for the blues

Thursday, November 18, 2021Rob Azevedo2

This story starts in Atlanta, amid the sprawling stench of urine-soaked streets near the Peachtree/Alabama block of the city, where myself and two other travelers were staying at a hotel that even the valet attendant warned us, “This is a bad neighborhood, man. The $40 is worth it. Trust me.” READ MORE

The Ritual of Ritual: Learning to be present this holiday season

Monday, November 15, 2021Dan Szczesny0

The point is that on that evening when we darken the house lights and switch on the holiday lights there will be a glorious, fleeting moment when nothing else matters; when the connection between our parents’ lives and our lives and the lives of the kids of our children to come are all on display. READ MORE