Childhood Safety

Years ago, there was an advertising campaign that announced the time, and said  "Do you know where your children are?"   Most recently, a local TV station, KCBD   has been airing the advertisement "It's 10 O'clock, Do You Know What Your Children Are Doing?"  I think that is great, and it gets to the heart of the matter that so many children are home, hopefully safe in their own homes, in their own bedrooms, even, but accessing so many dangerous sites on the Internet. And of course, children at home, who are offered absolute privacy by their parents, can be engaged in other risky behavior in their own rooms.  When I was growing up, my bedroom was my bedroom, but I had no expectation of absolute privacy.  While I was growing up, I sometimes resented that, but as an adult, I think that is a safety net for children if used discreetly.  

Cellphones on a Plane?

I have a cell phone, and I use it in public.  I used to have a hands free device, but it stopped working and I never replaced it. Sometimes, I use the speaker phone when I am on the phone. Mostly, I talk into the phone.

I do not like listening to other people's conversations in public, and try hard not to subject the people around me to a serious conversation.  I might call someone and ask about a purchase, for example, or call someone to give them an update on my status, such as "running late for our meeting."  But I really try to keep my phone conversations private.

I do not fly much, but recently took a trip by plane.  Getting on or off the plane, people were bonded to their cell phones. I heard lots of person information that I really did not want to hear.  I understand calling about status updates:  the plane is getting off late, the plane just landed late, etc.  I get that, it makes sense.

But I do not want to hear your business problems and orders. I do not want to hear your personal problems. I do not want to hear your romantic trysts, your lover's arguments, or your parent-child interchange.  

I for one, hope that airlines do not allow cell phone usage while we are flying.  Or, better yet, do not allow cell phone conversations.  If you want to text or send email, and I do not have to hear it or read it, go for it.  But no conversations.

Blogging on Vacation

I actually returned home yesterday after a 6 day vacation.   While I was away, I wrote some blogs, and they will eventually by posted, but I chose not to post while I was away, if it had anything to do with being away.

I think we put too much private information on line and people know too much about our lives.  I did not want anyone who chose to look on line to know I was away, for the safety of my home.

But, now I am back!