Like a whole bunch of other folks I grew up in the long ago BI days.

“BI” means Before Internet. It was, although much different to today, a good time to be a kid. We played ball, hide n’ seek and board games. We ran around in the woods and fished in a convenient pond or over at the river. Sometimes we actually caught something.

Like most kids we were unconcerned with the world as a whole — most of the time. The most important times in our lives–or at least my life–were birthdays and Christmas. On Christmas and on my birthday I knew I would probably receive a new gift. A gift that wasn’t handed down by a better-off relative or friend. Something that would be mine–first!

Thinking back we were not the “poorest” people around. I recall thinking of other kids as “poor.” Granted, poor is a relative term. We happened to live in an area and attend schools that reflected the extremes of “have” and “have-notness.”

And “have-notness” is what this little post is about.

On the news a few minutes ago it was reported that both The Salvation Army Angel Tree and The USMC Toys for Tots programs are facing a 25% decline in donated toys for distribution this Christmas.

If you have the wherewithal to help make Christmas a little better for a child or two please contact your local Salvation Army Angel Tree Sponsor or USMC Toys for Tots program and donate a toy.

Ten, fifteen or even fifty years from now that once kid will remember benefiting from your generosity.

Thanks for taking your time to read this. This is a “Twitter only” promoted post. Please retweet.

What’s in a Name?

Throughout my youth my parents stressed the importance of making a good first impression. Basic things like shined shoes, clean clothes and neatly combed hair were a given.

Of equal importance was bearing. Look a person in the eyes when talking, stand proud and erect, don’t mumble. Be proud of who you are. Tell people your name.

Neither of my late parents ever used a computer. For them socialization was a Sunday visit to family and friends, or a phone call. Keeping in touch with distant friends and relatives was done by writing letters. Twitter was something birds did; a forum was something from ancient Roman history. “On-line” was standing behind someone at the grocery store while waiting your turn to be checked out. They would have difficulty with parts of today.

Particularly the part with names. Mom would never have introduced herself as “tickedoffteenie” or dad as “muddledmurray”. They were proud of their names.

In many respects communication has changed from my parents day. Online you can’t see if my hair is combed (it is); if my shoes are shined (I’m wearing slippers) or if I’m typing in my boxers. For the record I’m wearing clean jeans and a pressed shirt. My fedora hangs on the rack until I go outside.

Its been said, “first impressions are lasting”. Online our first impression is frequently made with our “user name”. What immediately comes to mind when you see user names like, “PMSPam”, “angryAnDy”, PO’dPat” or “annoyedAnnie”? Warm and loving, friendly folks, right? Just the kind of people you want to hang out with?

Suppose these folks or people with similarly interesting names are trying to sell you something–and, isn’t everyone? Does “Jerry_the_Jerk” really inspire confidence?

Granted, online anyone can “be” anyone, but initially the impression you make is dependent on the perception of your reader.

Your chosen “user name” is important!