Today's pet peeve

A weekly newspaper in these parts wrapped its front section with a four-page advertising section commemorating its first anniversary. The section's front page were letters from four elected officials praising the paper on its first anniversary, while its second page had two more letters from elected officials, two from charities and one from a business.

My experience tells me that these letters are solicited by non-editorial employees. Still, I think for matters of credibility it is best not to publish letters from elected officials praising your publication on an anniversary.

 

Just heard someone say full-court pressure will "play a factor" in a game.

Call that "Tonight's pet peeve." I would say "play a role" or "be a factor," but not "play a factor."

I hear this a lot these days. I do not approve.

 

"We just had to keep working as a team." I've heard this way too many times this year.