I was born Jan. 23, 1937. That makes me an octogenarian plus one. I attended school district #53 the first eight years of my schooling. After four years of high school at New Richland, I knew I wanted a college degree. The answer was the U.S. Navy and then the G.I. bill to help finance getting a college degree. This I did.
Time went by very fast, and the next thing I knew it was time to retire. This I did at age 61. The older I got, the more I was behind the social media happenings. At first, I thought this was not good, but now I realize my way of life might be the best way. For example:
I receive the daily Albert Lea Tribune and the weekly NRHEG Star Eagle. I read every inch of both and do the crossword puzzles—with a pencil. (For those of you under 30, a pencil is a small, colored stick that leaves a mark when you press the tip against paper.) I know you can do crosswords on a computer, but I think it is rather stupid to bring a computer into the bathroom.
I use a cell phone for talking only—no texting. (For those of you over 50, texting is when you use both thumbs on a keypad to send a message in a tough-to-read English language.) I use the White and Yellow Pages to contact people and businesses. (For those of you under 40, the White and Yellow Page are thick directories of people and businesses that are left at your door once a year.)
For those of you under 20, you can purchase a paper-bound book that you can take with you. A paper-bound book is a compact device in which words are printed on several pieces of paper glued to a spine.
I think a lot of social media is a waste of time. I think it is causing friends to be only those who think like you and those who don’t think like you are enemies. The ability of sharing “fake news” is very dangerous. It has been admitted by Facebook executives that it was developed to be addictive. I think it is hurting civility, as you can hide behind your keyboard and send untruths to the world about others.
Being a Korean War veteran and losing a younger brother to the Vietnam War (due to Agent Orange) and the first born son of his having all kinds of medical problems (living until age 21) due to Agent Orange being hereditary, I resent the media coverage given to those not honoring the flag or the National Anthem. I really am annoyed when the entire sports team is kept off the field during the singing of the U.S. National Anthem.
When I want to communicate, I do so by voice, usually in person. An example was when I asked various NRHEG places to put up a flyer for a Valentine’s Day party at my church, Central Freeborn, in person. My request was honored at every asking. On the street in Ellendale, I encountered three people, and we all called each other by our first name (Andy, Jerry, Ginger). Do you suppose this could have been accomplished by e-mail?
In summary, my way might not be the best way, but it is my way.
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Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.