Unconfirmed: Reports of Hell freezing, pigs flying

This headline came true in 2014: "Top-notch' leader, Salem-Keizer choose each other; Public pleased with school district's new superintendent"

This one did not: "Nation praises Cover Oregon, cites 'stunning' turnaround"

And this one, well, you decide: "Salem squirrels rid Capitol of legislative nuts"

Those are among the headlines that readers and the Statesman Journal Editorial Board wrote for our annual feature on the Jan. 1 Opinion page: Headlines we'd like to see come true in 2014.

These are headlines of hope and expectation, not partisanship. Of humor, not rancor.

"Poll: Oregonians want self-serve gas, sales tax; Reports of Hell freezing, pigs flying remain unconfirmed"

Now we're seeking your suggested headlines for the Jan. 1, 2015, page. Please send them to us by Monday, Dec. 22.

Headline-writing tips

•Think short. Newspaper headlines generally are four to eight words. If you need a few more words, add a separate, secondary headline below the main headline.

•Think strong. The verb is the essence of any headline, as with a sentence. Use strong, active verbs instead of the weak "to be" verbs.

•Think tight and punchy. Headlines are not full sentences. Eliminate unnecessary words, such as "a" or "the" or "and."

•Think fair. This is not an exercise in partisanship or political philosophy. We're not interested in "Obama resigns, ends socialist momentum" or "Cheney confesses to war crimes, faces trial."

•Think local whenever possible, such as a perennial favorite, "Cherriots launches weekend bus service; Ridership soars"

•Think fun. Offbeat, humorous headlines for 2015 are welcome along with serious, topical headlines.

•Think deadline. Email your suggestions by Dec. 22 to Salemed@StatesmanJournal.com or mail them to Headlines, Editorial Board, Statesman Journal, P.O. Box 13009, Salem, OR 97309.