Created & Published by Observer Publishing of Port Perry
188 Mary Street - Unit 201, Port Perry, Ontario - L9L 1A2
Phone 905-985-8585 email: focus@focusonscugog.com

Thumbs

 

FEBRUARY 2012
Thumbs Down - Following the first snowfall of the season, the day after Christmas, some creative individuals took it upon themselves to build two large snowmen (persons) along the lakefront. But, as so often happens, vandals destroyed the creation before it was a day old. So one Focus on Scugog reader marched up our stairs with the photo below in hand and suggested a 'thumbs down' to the mindless individuals who destroyed the happy snow couple. Consider it done!

Thumbs Up - to local contractor Steve Snider who has been elected the latest president of the Durham Region Home Builder's Association. Steve has been a contractor in the Port Perry/Scugog area for the past 30 years and is known for his exceptional workmanship. In being named president, Steve becomes the 58th person to serve the association since it was formed. Congratulations Steve!

Thumbs Up - a really, really big "thumbs-up" to the 60 or so brave souls who shed their winter gear to jump into Lake Scugog on the coldest day of the winter. With temperatures registering -18 C these hardy participants took the plunge to help raise funds for the local hospital auxiliary. Also a thumbs up to the many volunteers who marshalled the area, cut open the ice, served coffee or helped in any way. Warm hearts on a cold day!

Thumbs Down - despite an attempt to show transparency at the township's tax information meeting last month, officials seemed to have missed the mark. The slick visual presentation and hand-out material failed to impress, resulting in many walking away shaking their heads and grumbling. The general feeling was that there would be a verbal presentation, followed by question and answers. Instead they got a room full of charts and councillors attempting to explain the sizeable tax increase. Many were frustrated when they arrived and even more frustrated when they left. For this a 'thumbs down'.

JANUARY 2012
Thumbs Down - Here's one from a disgruntled resident, who while walking her dog two days after Port Perry's Santa Claus parade, was disappointed to see piles of cups and cans and other trash scattered all along Simcoe Street. She rightly questions why anyone who brings treats and drinks with them to the parade, can not pack up their garbage and take it back home for disposal. Leaving trash on streets or along roads for someone else to remove shows a lack of respect for all.

Thumbs Down - to book publishers who, when re-printing a popular novel, change the cover art to confuse the public. Can you count how many times you've picked up what appeared to be a new book by your favourite author, only to get it home and realize you've already read it? It might be a great marketing idea for the publishers, and a great way to increase sales... but it's truly frustrating. There, I've said it and I feel better already.

Thumbs Up - this one comes from a Focus on Scugog reader who says, "We just wanted to comment that we were so pleased to see the many "Merry Christmas" messages in your December "Focus" publication! We have found it disheartening to open so many advertising fliers lately to see "Holiday trees" and "Seasonal sales". A true "Thumbs Up" to you for restoring the real tradition!" We at Focus thank you for the comment, and hope all of our readers had a very "Merry Christmas".

Thumbs Down - to those who use our attractive downtown light standards as their own personal billboards. While this is not an uncommon practice, last month, posters advertising a wrestling event were secured by winding packaging tape around the painted metal post. Despite a Scugog bylaw which says they must be removed within three days of the event, they were still there weeks later. Hopefully when they are finally removed, they won't strip paint from the poles.

Thumbs Down - another of our readers is miffed at the township's lack of enforcement on overnight parking in the town's subdivisions. Many of Port Perry's newer developments offer little parking room in the driveways, forcing homeowners to park extra cars on the street. Unfortunately vehicles parked curbside along the narrow streets makes snowploughing a near impossibility in the winter and also creates a safety hazard.

 

DECEMBER 2011

Thumbs Up to the Township of Scugog for winning the Marketing Canada Award for their promotional video called “Experience It”, which is used to promote Scugog as a great place to live, visit or set up a business. The award was presented at the annual Economic Developer’s Association of Canada conference recently. It can be viewed on the township’s website atwww.scugog.ca - under the heading Tourism / Township Video Page. Congrats to all those involved in producing this video which promotes Scugog so well.

Thumbs Up to Guy Latrielle for having the courage to go public with what most of us think - but are content to grumble, but not act. Guy attended a council meeting last month and urged our elected representatives to hold the line on taxes next year - especially after an unprecedented 5.3 per cent increase last year. Of course that won’t happen - council has ruled out a ‘zero percent’ increase for 2012. But hopefully Mr. Latrielle’s presentation will make them think before dropping another bomb on their complacent neighbours.

Thumbs Up to our new neighbours west of town. Recently the SmartCentres group, who are developing the shopping area along 7A Hwy, erected a large... make that a ‘gigantic’ Canadian flag near the edge of their property. Reports from some of our readers are that the flag can be seen as far away as Epsom. So a tip of the hat to the SmartCentre exec who proudly saw fit to deck out their development with the “red and white”.

Thumbs Up to the school kids from R.H. Cornish Public School who attended the November 11 Remembrance Day service in Port Perry. The youngsters, along with their teacher held a huge crowd in awe as they recited “In Flander’s Field” at the ceremony. I’m sure I can speak for everyone present that it was the most impressive recital of this famous Canadian poem we have ever heard. Congratulations to the children and their teacher for making this year’s Remembrance Day service just a little more to remember.

Thumbs Up - Well it took a little longer than expected, but “Ma Bell” finally got her boys out to fix a situation that never should have happened. We’re referring to the brown Bell junction box cemented in the middle of the sidewalk in front of the library. Yup, they finally moved it aside so now pedestrians don’t have to worry about running into it while walking down the sidewalk. It should also make snow clearing along the street a little easier this winter. Better late than never, so we’re giving a ‘thumbs up’ to Bell this month for rectifying this situation.

NOVEMBER 2011

Thumbs Down - to Glenn and Kelly Evans, who are nearing completion of their new building at the corner of Perry and Mary St. It was about a year ago they removed an old run-down garage and since then have replaced it with an attractive two-storey commercial/residential complex. This significant project has rejuvenated and enhanced a major corner in downtown Port Perry that had become an eyesore. Despite some issues yet to be resolved – congratulations are in order for the attractive building, which helps breathe new life into this busy central Port Perry corner.

Thumbs Down - when it was opened to great fanfare three years ago, Reflection Park on Queen St., was a beautiful oasis in the middle of town in which to wander and yes, reflect! Today, the pathway has grown-in, garbage is strewn about, the stairs are infested with weeds and many of the inspirational mosaics are partially hidden by overgrown plants. We expect most of the 350 who attended the opening would be disappointed in its condition today. Thumbs down to those who have let this very visible downtown park deteriorate to this extent.

Thumbs Up - We couldn’t be happier to give a ‘thumbs up’ this month to the feds for finally coughing up enough cash to replace the aging roof on Port Perry’s historic post office. A longtime eyesore for the downtown, this past month we’ve watched workers climbing up, over and along its peaks, replacing the rusted and worn-out roofing with spanking new metal. Job well done!

OCTOBER 2011

Thumbs Down - to one of our media colleagues - Metroland Media - publishers of The Port Perry Star. As avid followers of their website, we are disappointed to see, in redesigning their site, they have chosen to exclude Port Perry, Uxbridge and Brock listings - now grouping them under the heading Durham North. We are not Durham North, we are three independent communities. Based on this ‘inclusive’ decision - all communities south of the ridges should be listed as Durham South.

Thumbs Up - to one of Scugog’s tireless volunteers, Elizabeth McArthur, who for the past 18 years has spearheaded the Terry Fox Run in Port Perry. More than $810,000 has been raised by this generous community and it is in no small part due to the enthusiastic dedication of Elizabeth and the hundreds of volunteers who have provided support and assistance over those years. This community is better because of you - thumbs up Elizabeth.

Thumbs Up - to the agriculture societies of both Blackstock and Port Perry for the two excellent fall fairs they organized in the township this year. It is no easy task to assemble all the volunteers, competitors, events and displays necessary to operate these major community events and we give a thumbs up to the men and women who toil for endless hours, days and weeks to make sure everything runs smoothly when they arrive. Job well done - take a bow! Great fairs!!!

Thumbs Down - Speaking of fairs, we received word that sometime over this past winter there was a major theft at the Port Perry Fair property. Tainting the otherwise successful fair this year was the fact that a theif, or theives, made off with 40 milking valves, which are required to milk the cows during the time they are at the fairgrounds. Another seven water taps were also take from the dairy barn. Bah, humbug to the perpetrators.

Thumbs Down - A frequent user of the Scugog Memorial Library who is disappointed with the way some people treat the books. She says that over the summer she’s noticed pages being torn out of books and magazines there for public use. She questions this poor behaviour and rightly asks - “why do people do this?”

Thumbs Down - We’re on side with one of our readers who asks us to give a “Thumbs Down” to truck drivers who use their arrester brakes in built up areas of the community early in the morning, long before most people are out of bed. In the hope that he can get his concern out to the offending driver - she has written a letter which you will find on page two of this issue. In the meantime - driver’s take heed!!

 

SEPTEMBER 2011
Thumbs Down to those responsible for the lack of maintenance around the Port Perry High School throughout the summer. Although the grass is cut occasionally, the gardens and general appearance around the school is a disgrace. Weeds and grass have overtaken the interlocking bricks outside the library, and flower beds are overgrown. We realize the school is closed for the summer but maintenance is needed year-round – weeds and grass don’t stop growing during holidays!

Thumbs Up to local officials who appear to have listened to the public regarding the lack of picnic tables in Palmer Park. Less than two weeks after a Focus reader suggested a ‘thumbs down’ to whoever ordered the removal of picnic tables in Palmer Park, the lakefront park and Birdseye Centre are now dotted with new tables. So in the spirit of fairness - we give a big ‘thumbs up’ to the decision makers at the township.

Thumbs Down to the mindless vandals that pulled a memorial statue off its base, dragged it off private property and destroyed it. The statue was a memorial to a Caesarea woman’s husband and it’s destruction has broken her heart. She can’t believe anyone would violate her property and the memorial to the man she loved. Neither can we and we join her in voicing our condemnation for this senseless act of destruction. You should be ashamed of yourselves. (See letter on page 2)

Thumbs Down for the lack of space (actually no designated space) provided for local dog owners to let their canine friends run to get exercise. One of our readers suggest that the small piece of land alongside the walkway to Apple Valley from Scugog St. would be a great place to fence off and be used for a dog park. We’re not certain that’s the best spot, but agree there should be some fenced area that dogs can run loose. Of course dog owners need to be responsible for cleaning up the ‘dung’ left behind by their furry friends.

Thumbs Up to the stamina of our local and visiting ‘Brits’. For the third year in a row, the local ‘Brits On The Lake’ car show has been deluged with heavy rain. But in spite of the unpleasant weather - which I suspect they are used to, coming from the old country - most of the hearty souls just pull on their weather gear, wind up the windows on their vintage cars and ‘weather the storm’ with smiles on their faces. Way to go chaps!

Have you got a suggestion for “Thumbs”? We love to hear from our readers. Something bugging you or something that needs praise - send your ideas along. Just remember, all submissions will be considered, but not necessarily used.

 

AUGUST 2011
Thumbs Down - Once again our readers are providing input to ‘thumbs’ – one suggesting a giant thumbs down to those responsible for removing all of the picnic tables from Palmer Park. Although there are benches in the park, there is no place to sit down for lunch or to have a picnic. This is one we must agree with. A park without picnic benches is like a marina without a boat launch. Just can’t imagine that happening!

Thumbs Up - Another reader of ‘Focus’ asked for a thumbs up to Scugog Township and all those involved in organizing last month’s Port Perry Canada Day Celebrations. “The crowds weren’t huge but everyone was in a great mood and having a great time. The vendors were neat and tidy and the entertainment was top notch,” he says. So a tip of the Canada Day hat to the township and its volunteers. Once again a great show and one of Scugog’s most popular events.

Thumbs Down - And yet another suggestion comes to us regarding helium-filled balloons being handed out by a local church at the lakefront on Canada Day. “It was frustrating and heartbreaking to see dozens of balloons floating away, surely to land in our wetlands and green spaces creating an eye sore, leaching contaminants into our soil, and potentially harming our local wildlife and the environment,” the writer commented.

Thumbs UP - Speaking of the environment, another writer asked if we would give a ‘thumbs up’ to a local restaurant for doing their part to be environmentally friendly. Harp & Wylie’s, we are told, provide compostable take-out containers for its customers. She says it would be nice to see other local restaurants (if none are already doing this), make similar efforts to save and protect the environment.

Thumbs Down - Another reader suggests this ‘thumbs down’. “Nothing drives me crazier than the people who stick their homemade yard sale signs up all over town - light poles, sign posts, etc., but don’t take them down after the yard sale is over. I can’t believe in July I am still seeing signs posted and taped all over town for yard sales dated back in May and June”. We agree that this is a lazy attitude that makes sections of our beautiful town unattractive.

JULY 2011
Thumbs Down - Let’s start off this month with a big, big, big “thumbs down” to Toronto media personalities who constantly refer to Port Perry, and other small communities outside the sprawling metropolis, as “sleepy little towns”. The most recent being Austin Delaney of CTV news who, when reporting on the effects of the post strike on small community newspapers last month said, “Port Perry – a sleepy little town northeast of Toronto where nothing really ever happens”. Personally, I’m sick and tired of being classified in the national media as if we were some little hick town in the boonies where dogs sleep in the middle of the sidewalk and tumbleweed rolls along the main drag. These ‘big city’ cliches about small towns are annoying and more than a little boring!

Thumbs Down - we’ll start this month off with a suggestion by a Caesarea reader, who asks for a ‘Thumbs Down” to the thoughtless people who litter Putsey Park with newspaper flyers. Instead of taking them home, many are discarded at the box, only to litter the park. It takes no more energy to dispose of the unwanted flyers at home, than in the park - so she asks everyone to be a good neighbour and take them home.

Thumbs Up - to the organizers of last winter’s Lake Scugog Pond Hockey Charity Tournament for their generous donation to Durham Dragons Special Hockey organization. The day long event at Port Perry’s lakefront raised a whopping $17,000, which will be used to assist hockey players who are developmentally challenged. A big slap on the back to all those involved.

Thumbs Up - to Scugog resident Margo Gadsden for longtime commitment to the township’s Road Watch program. Road Watch was set up to give area residents input about road safety issues. Margo recently retired after 14 years monitoring the program, saying it was too much work for one person. We applaud Margo for her concerns, commitment and efforts on behalf of Scugog residents. What a shame to see this pass!

Thumbs Up - She’s at it again! Cathy Dudley has started work on the 2012 Super Pet Calendar, a calendar that has become a staple in Scugog Township for the past seven years. Kathy, who loves animals, started the project as her way of supporting the local Animal Pet Shelter and has raised more than $58,000 for the shelter. A hearty “thumbs up” Kathy.

Thumbs Up - Finally the backhoe and shovels came out in Palmer Park to rectify a drainage problem that plagued the park for the past year and a half. So we’re giving a thumbs up to those responsible... better late than never! Now we’ll just wait and see what happens after the next big rainfall. Hopefully nothing!

JUNE 2011
Thumbs Up - a great big thumbs up to Ron and Nancy Compton for their generous $100,000 donation to the Scugog Memorial Public Library. The Compton’s, who recently sold their cable communications company, notified the township last month they would like to make the donation to the library as part of their ongoing commitment to the community. In addition they have set up a $2 million foundation to continue providing assistance to local groups and projects. All we can say is “wow” - that’s just amazing!

Thumbs Up - Of course we can’t mention the Compton’s contribution without pointing out that both the Rotary Club of Port Perry and the Baagwating Community Association have also pledged $100,000 donations to the library expansion. Scugog is blessed to have so many big-hearted and generous individuals and groups within the community. We applaud you all no matter what the size of your gift.

Thumbs Down - to the terrible condition of the stretch of Queen Street boulevard from Perry Street west to the former Shopper’s building. Mud, dirt, weeds and tufts of grass do nothing to enhance this section of town. In keeping with the aesthetics at the east end of the street, it should be upgraded to interlocking brick. It would look better, cost less to maintain and solve a problem that won’t go away.

Thumbs Down - There’s nothing wrong with encouraging pet owners to cough-up for a dog license, but why hire an outside company to canvass pet owners. Why not hire some summer students to undertake the door to door canvas? It would probably be cheaper than the 40 per cent being paid to a ‘for profit’ company, and would also provide a couple more jobs for our local youth. Could be a win-win situation for all.

Thumbs Down - With the use of pesticides now banned, noxious weeds and dandelions are gaining the upper hand in our once beautiful parks and institutional properties. Bright yellow blossoms dot the landscape each spring, and it appears, despite the availability of alternative and organic treatments, nothing is being done. It’s a difficult dilemma to be sure - but doing nothing is not the right solution... it will only get worse.

Thumbs Up - We couldn’t end this month’s column without a hearty ‘thumbs up’ to one of Scugog Township’s oldest and most loved couples. We’d like to add our happy anniversary greeting to Vern and Vera Asselstine who celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary on April 29. Such an amazing milestone which is truly unbelievable and to be admired.

MAY 2011
Thumbs Up - to the Port Perry Mojacks players and staff on capping an amazing season by winning the ‘Central Ontario Junior C Championship’ in a seventh game showdown against arch-rivals Uxbridge Bruins. The boys unfortuately ran out of gas in the quarter finals and were defeated by a strong Picton team. Congrats to the team and management on a great season.

Thumbs Up - to the teachers and staff at Prince Albert Public School for attaining the regions’ highest rating from the Fraser Institute’s annual report card. The small Scugog school, of 210 students, achieved a 9.1 rating (out of 10) - boosting its past five year rating from 8.6 and making it tops in all of Durham Region. R.H. Cornish school dropped .1 to 6.8 and S.A. Cawker School came up .1 to a rating of 6.6. Cartwright Central was up .4 pts to a rating of 4.6. There are no results for Greenbank, Utica or Port Perry’s Catholic shools.

Thumbs Down - this one comes from a reader who suggests a ‘thumbs down’ to the parents who allow their kids to to ignore the “no trespassing signs” on privately owned lands abutting Pine Grove Cemetery in Prince Albert. All this to create their own motor cross circuit and rob the entire neighbourhood of any peace and quiet and risk injury.

Thumbs Down - to the annyoing three-year-old low spot in the pavement along Water St., across from the ball diamonds. This area has long been a sore and wet spot for the merchants along this stretch and an inconvenience for motorists who are forced to swerve around the large puddle of water into oncoming traffic, to avoid splashing pedestrians. Surely there is a solution to this annoying problem... aside from nagging!

Thumbs Down - another of our readers asked we give the ‘thumbs down’ to dog walkers who don’t ‘stoop and scoop’ for their pets. They also say, almost as bad are the owners who take the time to bag their dogs ‘excretion’, but instead of taking it home, leave the bag and contents at the base of a tree or near a street corner for someone else to dispose of. Hard to believe!

APRIL 2011
Thumbs Down - here’s an ‘thumbs down’ from a reader who, reacting on last week’s mention of people leaving store carts in parking lots, informed she was angry to find someone who purchased a new baby’s car seat at the local CTC recently – had left the empty box with the old car seat in the middle of the parking lot. Guess they thought the good staff at CTC could take care of their garbage. How lazy is that?

Thumbs Up - to the good people at Medical Associates who continue to provide free parking not only for their patients, but for many people visiting the Port Perry Hospital. Health care is a business, but the only business we know that charges it’s customers for parking while doing business in their premises. We just can’t image that downtown retailers or the new plaza development east of town, would ever considering to charge customers for parking. So thanks Medical Associates.

Thumbs Down - We hate to keep harping on this one, but more than a year after the amazing transformation of Palmer Park into a lakefront showpiece, that large disgusting puddle of stagnant water remains as an eyesore. Last year officials said the problem would be fixed by fall... but here we are heading into another summer and the ugly blemish remains, in an otherwise pristine park. We can’t understand how, with all the money spent on engineering and planning, this ever happened – but it’s time to get it fixed... One, two, three, GO!

Thumbs Down - to those who use local business dumpsters to get rid of their person household items instead of taking them to the local landfill site. The dumpsters are paid for by the store owners and are there to help keep their properties clean and attractive for the community and visitors. Anyone needing to dispose of household items should take them to the transfer station, not to the nearest business bin. How lazy and cheap can you get?

 

MARCH 2011
Thumbs Down - to the decision makers, whether it be CTV or the CRTC, who make Canadians watch middle-of-the-road commercials during the Super Bowl, while everyone south of the 49th parallel gets to watch the creative Super Bowl commercials. This archaic practice of keeping our commercials local is a frustration to all Canadians. Thankfully we can access the internet and see the absolutely spectacular and exciting commercials that air during this spectacle.

Thumbs Down - on the urging of a reader, we’re giving the thumbs down this month to inconsiderate drivers along 7A who, when stopped at the traffic light at Water St., do not leave access for vehicles entering or exiting Carnegie St. This awkward intersection has long been a bone of contention, especially for residents of Carnegie St., who are frustrated with the congestion, long waits and near accidents, at this access point to their homes.

Thumbs Down to noise-polluting car alarms! In the majority of instances when a car alarm goes off in a parking lot, most people just go about their business and pay no attention to the annoying honking. Auto alarms have become a curse and a joke - especially when we hear it coming from a vehicle that is a decade or more old and probably not worth the price of the alarm.

Thumbs Down - Another disgruntled reader suggests people who are using staple guns to attach signs to the beautiful wood posts of the new waterfront trellis structure deserve a ‘thumbs down’. The structure is less than one year old and it is peppered with permanent staples that will rust and look unsightly forever. Couldn’t have said it better - no one should post signs in the park!

Thumbs Down - Speaking of the park, we would be remiss not to act on another suggestion regarding thoughtless snowmobilers who drive their heavy machines through the parks, often over planted areas containing shrubs and plants. We know it’s just a thoughtless few who do this, but unfortunately they blacken the reputation of all the good snowmobilers.

Thumbs Up - Okay, after such a negative column we are going to end on a positive note. A big thumbs up to Anne Wright of Scugog who was recently appointed as the new chair for Trent University. Anne formerly served as chair of Lakeridge Health and is still a member of the Auxiliary of the Port Perry hospital. She now begins her three year term with the Peterborough-based university. Kudos Anne!

FEBRUARY 2011
Thumbs Up - a big ‘thumbs up’ to Scugog Mayor Chuck Mercier on being named “Honourary Colonel in Chief” of the Ontario Regiment. Mayor Mercier, or Chuck as he likes to be called,” was informed of the honour last month by Peter MacKay, Canada’s Minister of National Defense. Not a bad start for 2011.

Thumbs Down - to the Province of Ontario’s decision to stop the expansion of Hwy. 407 at Simcoe St. in north Oshawa. This decision could have a major impact on traffic through Port Perry, as the estimated 2,100 vehicles per hour coming off the highway will have to disperse onto regional and roads. Concerns of major conjestion, especially on Hwy. 7A within Port Perry, by local politicians is certainly warranted.

Thumbs Down - It always amazes us how many people appear to be too lazy to return grocery carts to the store in which they’ve been shopping. Of course this situation is always magnified when you can’t find a parking spot because empty carts are haphazardly parked in them... or when an empty cart is found resting against your car. Come on people... it’s only a few steps back and it’s the right thing to do!

Thumbs Up - to this good idea from a reader who said he’d like to see Scugog Township install TV cameras in the council chamber so citizens could watch the proceedings of council, committees or other public meetings in the comfort of their homes. What a great way to get residents involved and interested in municipal affairs. This idea is long overdue and something the township should implement.

Thumbs Down - to our snowbirds friends who keep expounding on what a great time they are having in Florida or other warm places south. We’re all glad you’re having a good time... really we are! But please give us a break. We just don’t want to hear about your walks on the beach or happy hour by the pool... when we have to shovel snow in sub-zero weather.

JANUARY 2011
Thumbs Up - to tireless community and Rotary promoter Dennis Bayley who has pledged to walk 1,000 miles over the next year to raise funds for “The Dictionary Project”. The project is designed to put a dictionary in the hands of every Grade 4 student in Scugog Township and the local Rotary Club will provide a dictionary for every two dollar donation Dennis raises... walk on Dennis. Thumbs up to you!

Thumbs Up - a big thumbs up to the Baagwating Community Association for its ongoing generosity to organizations and institutions throughout Scugog and Durham Region. The group handed out more than $80,000 in a moving ceremony last month. Some of the recipients included the Port Perry Hospital Foundation, Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Humane Society. What a wonderful Christmas tradition!

Thumbs Down - in this techno savvy world, with so many ways to communicate, email, facebook, msn, texting and even the ‘old fashioned’ telephone, it’s amazing that you can’t get people to respond. Maybe it’s because we’re bombarded by so much information the ‘delete’ button has become our best friend. But courtesy should prevail, and whether it’s a message on the phone, an email or a text message - it’s rude not to respond. Is this what the world’s coming to?

Thumbs Down - while we’re on a ‘technology rant’ let’s send 2010 off with this suggestion. How about we return to the act of “talking” to each other? Are we really “too busy” to pick up a phone and talk rather than relying on thumbing out text messages on cell phones or sending emails? Technology is exciting and convenient, but we need to get back to basic spoken words before we become so detached we don’t want to see, speak or deal with those we are communicating with. Just a passing thought as we head into 2011... Happy New Year!