Out and About – Week of June 20th

Using the Internet and being able to text one another on our cell phone is a convenience we have all gotten used to everyday. These conveniences can get us into trouble if we’re not careful in using them. There are some cautions we should all take for our own good. These include:

Don’t report a death by texting. A text is no substitute for delivering devastating news face-to-face or over the phone. There are some exceptions. Use common sense and consider how you would feel getting such news via text.
Don’t end a relationship via text. Doing so is harsh, cowardly and inconsiderate.
Don’t express unrequited feelings of love. This would be especially true if the relationship is not on solid ground.
Be careful when using CAPS. It gives the appearance that you are shouting, which is rude. It might be a good idea to wait until you calm down before shouting via text.
Avoid sarcasm. Beyond words, we usually can tell when someone is being sarcastic in person by reading the expression on their face, or other body language.
Be wary of abbreviations. LOL is commonly known as “Laughing Out Loud”, but many other abbreviations might have numerous meanings.
Watch those typos. Typing the wrong letter at the right time can easily cause a problem. The keys will project what they say. Proof reading your message can save embarrassment later.
Don’t spread gossip. Whomever you’re gossiping about may see your text also.
Leave out personal data. Insecure texts should not include birthdays, financial account numbers, or passwords. You never know who might be snooping.
On Facebook, keep your political and religious views to yourself.
Summer officially began yesterday. This means that beginning today, sunlight hours are getting shorter by the minute.

For what it is worth, today is my Mother’s birthday. She is 119 years old. Talk about not having any peer pressure. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mom!

I missed it again. A Belated Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads out there. If your father is still living, it’s not too late to let him know that he is truly loved and appreciated.

In celebration of this being “Golf Season”, I’ll end this week’s column with several golf quotes:

“I don’t say my golf game is bad; but if I grew tomatoes, they’d come up sliced.”
~ Miller Barber, professional golfer

“For most amateurs, the best wood in the bag is the pencil.” ~ Chi Chi Rodriguez
“If you want to beat somebody on the golf course, just get him mad.” ~ Dave Williams
“Water holes are sacrificial waters where you make a steady gift of your pride and high-priced balls.” ~ Tommy Bolt

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman