I’m Back

August Flowers 08 (Photo credit: Gareth James (Finland))

The end of August is near.  My annual vacation from this blog has been good.  I have spent very little time on the computer and social media.  I debated whether or not I wanted to continue to write or not.  I have contemplated writing a book, but I’m still not sure I have the ability to pull that off. I am also exploring other opportunities that are available.  For the time being, I will continue to fill the blogosphere with my thoughts and ideas for anyone who cares to read.  For some unknown reason, I can’t seem to give it up.  Hope everyone had a nice summer.   🙂

Reading the News in Print

     I started reading the local newspaper around the age of 12.   During my middle and high school years, I enjoyed reading articles that pertained to my school, organizations and events that revolved around youth, and of course, the comics.  As I grew into adulthood, the news took on a different significance.  Local and world politics, education and health issues, environmental and economic concerns, all started to attract my attention.  The media provides a plethora of opportunities to tune in, search, scan, and highlight breaking news. Top stories are readily available.  In the newspaper are stories presented  many of us might never see.  This is the value of the printed page.

    Local newspapers provide the community with information regarding schools, town government, religious, and social happenings.  They allow for in-depth reporting.  I acquire most information on local issues in this manner.  Social media and local internet sites provide some content, but it has yet to match the detail in the newspaper.  It is also presented in a timely manner so there are no last minute surprises regarding issues or items that need addressing.

   National and international stories are also included in the daily postings.  Television and the internet usually focus on the major issues of the day.  The newspaper is able to devote more time and space to stories that aren’t on the front burner.  I find it interesting and educational when I discover a new issue, place, or happening.  I can’t get all of that in one place on the computer.  On a day when I don’t get an opportunity to read the paper, I get an uneasy feeling that I might have missed something.

   The issue of accuracy of reporting also comes into play.  There have been many instances of false information being disseminated in an effort to be first.  “Exclusive” and “Breaking” are terms television news shows use often.  They say this as a method of punctuating the fact that they know something others don’t.  There have been many instances when the rush to be first led to the reporting of misinformation.  The newspaper doesn’t have the luxury of being first.  As a result, by the time the story is in print, most of the details have been examined and reported as fact.  There are times when a retraction or correction is required, but the overall track record is acceptable in terms of giving us the right information.

   More and more, newspapers are downsizing both physically and literally.  Some have gone completely over to a digital format.  Downward sales are blamed for the change.  Young people gravitate to interactive media and many never open a newspaper.   I don’t want to see a total demise in my lifetime.  I want to be able to read it while waiting in an office, at a coffeehouse, or on the train.   I want to enjoy the 20 minutes of quiet time as I eat lunch and catch up on the day.  I hope I will always be able to walk down the drive in the morning, and pick up that daily paper.  I wouldn’t want to start my day without it.

Hiding Behind a User Name

      I was taught if you can’t say something nice about a person, don’t say anything at all.  That rule of courtesy doesn’t always seem to apply for some when making comments online.  I have noticed many people, who speak in the harshest of tone, don’t use their real name. I understand privacy is an online right, but what is alarming is how vicious and close-minded some of the statements are.  If an individual feels they have the right to speak their minds, then they should be willing to identify themselves.   Hiding behind a user name is an excuse to spew out vile, mean, and ridiculous comments that only serve to offend, ridicule, and make fun of people or situations.

    What is interesting is the choice of some of these names.   Some name themselves after places or feelings.  Others use the names of fictional characters.  Others pick descriptive phrases that pertain to an issue or situation.  I am alarmed at what some of these hiders say when they are anonymous.  It is an insight into what people really think in society.  I don’t care that they have an opinion.  It doesn’t bother me if they say something I don’t agree with.  What I don’t like is the degree to which they will go to comment.   Individuals will rip apart the appearance, ethnic, racial, religion, or sexual orientation of people involved in the topic.  They will make hurtful or sarcastic remarks that have nothing to do with the issue being discussed.   Some users will actually engage in online road rage and go back and forth with insults.

     I have the choice not to read comments or participate in an online discussion.  What I wonder is how many of these people are adults with children.  Do they speak this way within earshot of their kids?  Are they having discussions with other adults thinking that their children aren’t listening?  Do they shout at the television or in the car when they see or hear something they don’t like?  Do they insult others on a regular basis?  Believe me, kids hear and see everything.  You make think they aren’t listening, but those little ears are taking it all in.

     I often tell my daughters that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and thoughts.  What some people like, others will not.  Everyone has the right to do what they choose as long as they don’t hurt anyone.  We often think about children and teenagers when discussing the topic of bullying.  In reality, it is around us all every day.  Society has to learn to listen, talk, share, and discuss issues without shouting, name-calling, and tearing into people with whom we disagree.  So much more could be accomplished, and more people would exist in a happier environment.  Try using your real name when making comments and it might make you think twice about what you really want to say.

Write What You Know

     The say write what you know. After letting my blog sit for a month, the most read topics have risen to the top. The top five are….parenting, children, media, women, and education. It really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as this what I am consumed with in my present life. So, I have decided to focus on these issues in future posts.

     Another topics will include retail, the environment, and food.  What will be left behind is commentary on the news unless it relates to the topics listed. Quite honestly, there are days I take a break from the news. It can be oh so depressing. People seem to respond the most to subtle ideas or insights and how we connect to them. I am lining up some posts in my head and will start writing on a regular basis starting next week.

     In addition to this blog, I am in the process of creating another dealing with conversations. I have been playing with the idea for a while, and think it might produce even more interest. Thanks to the steady readers, the new ones who responded to the last post, and those who have offer helpful comments.  It has encouraged me to keep writing.

Taking a Break

     I know I haven’t written a post since August.  It feels like I’m taking a vacation.  What happens when you go on vacation?  You relax, you clear your mind, and you usually come back refreshed.  I need time to think up new ideas and what direction I want to take this blog.  I’m thinking of narrowing its focus and I’m evaluating which topics draw the most response.  All decisions take time.

    In the end I might decide to stop writing.  Restless soul that I am, I’m starting to feel that I want to get more involved in the community.  I’d also like to work on my house. and take up some projects that I have been putting off.  If only we had more than 24 hours in a day.  Would we accomplish more?  Probably not, but it feels good to think so.  Sometimes I over think, but in the end to all works out.  We will see what the future brings.

Letters from Mr. Reilly

When I was 18, my aunt took me on a three-day bus trip to Washington, D.C.   It was impressive as we visited the Washington Monument, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, and toured the White House.  We visited Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian, and the National Archives.  One night, we met my aunt’s former boss from RCA in New York City, Mr. Reilly.  He was retired, a widow, and had moved to D.C.  What started as a dinner, turned into years of correspondence.  Recently, I was given the chance to revisit the man, and his words.

My parents were cleaning out their house when they asked me to look over some of my “stuff”.  Among the items were diplomas (not what I would call “stuff’), old text books, pictures, and letters from my high school and college days.  A significant amount of the mailings were from Mr. Reilly.  He had been the Managing Editor at RCA.  He loved to write and loved words.  His letters often contained poems, commentaries on world affairs, and suggestions into careers he thought I should pursue.  He sent me periodicals on the environment, theatre, history, and writing.  His letters were often typed, but he would always add something handwritten.  There would be little drawings or doodles on the page, as if to give a picture to match his narrative,.  You had to read these letters more than once to truly appreciate his gift of words, and the message he was conveying.  Every college student loves receiving mail, and I was assured that Mr. Reilly would be a person who would write on a regular basis.

The Post Office raised the price of a stamp to 45 cents this year.  There is talk of closing offices and losing a day of delivery.  This is due to the decrease in the amount of first class mail.  As I go through these letters from the past, I wonder what people will have to hold, read, and remember as the years go by.  Does anyone print and keep emails?  Does anyone recognize the handwriting of an individual anymore?  Handwriting adds character to letters, and makes you somehow feel connected to a person who is no longer with us.   Will not writing letters make us lose our history?  Time will only tell.

In one letter, Mr. Reilly was dismayed by the number of newspapers that were no longer in print.  He predicted that computers would someday take over.  I wonder what he would think now if he saw more newspapers fold, more books offered on e-readers, and the art of letter writing gone by the wayside.  Reading his letters brought me back to specific period in my life.  It helped me remember what I was experiencing and thinking during those years.  Ironically, he often suggested that I find a way to write.  He believed in the power of words, and that much could be shared and lived through them.  I am glad that those letters have been found, that I still have them, and that I have the opportunity to remember Mr. Reilly.