Letters To The Editor

A Young Fogey’s Rant On TEXTING And BAD MANNERS (Among Other Issues)

Dear Editor:

            OK, First of all I would say I’m a young fogey.  I’m a youthful 60 year old, who makes art and teaches Yoga part time. Sounds pretty hip to me.

            But guess what? When it comes to cell phones, smart phones and texting I can get pretty brittle.

            Why? Well, let’s talk about manners and common courtesy.

            Two weeks ago I was at the airport in Detroit waiting to hop on the second plane heading up to Rhode Island for a good friend’s wedding (her FIRST at 60!) and a much needed vacation. While I was sitting in the waiting  area I watched a young woman talk continuously on her Smart Phone. I found out many intimate and unpleasant things since I was there for an hour.

            Not once did this woman stop chattering, even as we boarded the plane she was still blabbing away, never acknowledging the airline staff or anyone else for that matter. It made me feel a bit foul. 

            Recently I read the story of actress Patti Lupone, grabbing a theatre goer’s Smart Phone during a performance. The woman apparently had been TEXTING the entire time completely IGNORING the play and texting right in the front row like an imbecile!

            Ms. Lupone became so angry and frustrated  that she scooped the phone right out of the audience member’s hand. (It was returned during the second act)

            I applaud Ms. Lupone!!!!!      Why pay for expensive theatre tickets if your going to TEXT during the entire play. It makes NO sense. It makes the performers wonder why they’re working so hard.  An audience is usually what feeds their souls.

  Be in the moment for God’s sake!!!

            I’ve told young relatives that I won’t text. I enjoy hearing their voices. It makes me feel more connected – like we have a REAL RELATIONSHIP – even if it’s for 2 minutes.

            Is that too much to ask?

            I think texting has it’s merits ..in business or in an emergency.

            But it truly is an addiction to many.

            A report was made about a year ago regarding adolescent behavior and texting. Apparently some parents have had to remove the phones from their children because they found out they were texting throughout the evening instead of getting a good night’s rest…

            And how about texting while driving.?  

            Two years ago a doctor in San Diego drove to his death while texting on a mountainous road. That must have been horrifying.

            Listen up!!! A Smartphone ain’t nothing but a tool. Use it for important matters. BUT once again…and I repeat this with PASSION. “BE IN THE MOMENT!”

Pati D’Amico
Water Valley

 

Former Garden Club President Thanks City For Repairs On Gazebo

Editor:

The Garden Club of Water Valley takes this opportunity to express to the Mayor, Board of Aldermen, and employees of the City of Water Valley, who worked on the gazebo repair, just how much we, as a club, appreciate the help. We are a small club, with little funds, but we will work hard to help with the cost. The metal is going to look so good and it will not be so easy to break again. Thank you, again.

            Betty Baker Thomas
            Past President, 2007-14