Random is as random does

Since it's at least two weeks too soon to go into my annual midwinter rant, I'll instead occupy myself by writing random column ledes with multiple variations of to, too and two. (Twice.)

As much fun as that was, albeit all too briefly, here are a few more or less seriously random thoughts on this dark and dreary winter evening.

• After three decades of putting more ink on paper than Bartleby, the Scrivener (thank you, Mr. Melville), one of the greatest things I've come to appreciate about the online version of your only locally owned newspaper is this: When I delete those asinine comments from the occasional anonymous online commenter, Mr. or Ms. Anonymous never calls or emails to complain. Gutsy folks, those anonymous talkers.

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• After so many years of working in what many refer to as a cynic's business with a cautionary tale that begins with the journalistic bromide “If your mother says she loves you, check it out” (thank you, Poynter Institute), I can confess to being a natural-born skeptic.

In fact, I recall being told by Rick Grigsby way back in those wonderful Whiteoak High School days that I was just a bit too cynical. Me? C'mon, Grigs!

Well, today, all of my years of well pent-up cynicisms and doubts about one's fellow man took a well-needed holiday. (Well, well, well.)

Why?

Glad you asked.

Yesterday, a very pleasant and respectful young man from Hillsboro High School spent some time at The Highland County Press in search of digital files of photos and videos from the 2012 HHS Indians football season.

HCP sports editor Stephen Forsha worked with the young man for close to an hour. Stephen found some files from the past season and needed a device for downloading the information.

I offered a rather inexpensive flash drive. Stephen copied the data from his computer to the flash drive and I (somewhat jokingly) suggested that the high school student could simply replace the flash drive later on.

When the respectful young man left our office, I really did not care about the flash drive and the cynic in me really did not think he would replace it. He did.

Hillsboro Indians center Ethan Emery stopped by The Highland County Press today. In addition to replacing the borrowed flash drive, Mr. Emery added the nice gift of a storage case for additional flash drives.

I must remember to let Coach Spicer and Mr. Emery's parents know what a fine young man Ethan is. Ahh, who am I kidding? They already know. Thank you, Ethan. My son and I enjoyed watching the Indians' football teams in each of the past three seasons. And your honesty has renewed my faith. Thanks. (If you ever need a letter of reference, just let me know.)

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• Two other relative youngsters also renewed my faith in the future generation this week. They would be none other than James and John Scott. These local brothers are two of the more talented musicians in southern Ohio (and beyond).

Their recent "Langesta the Gangsta" ditty for one Bill Lange notwithstanding, James and John are professional musicians in every sense.

In between their CDs productions and live concerts, they also pick up some proverbial loose change in Corporate America by producing original business jingles.

If you think your business needs a little musical juice this year to boost sales, contact James Scott by email at: jmusosu83@gmail.com or give me a call.

I don't make all that many professional recommendations; but when I do, there's a reason. These guys are good.

It's also a bit reassuring to see such talent – and respect – in today's young people.

Rory Ryan is publisher of The Highland County Press.