Ok, so the new smartphones are really great. They keep us connected, up-to-date, in touch with family and friends, and they help us navigate, buy, take photos....on and on. But you know things are going too far when:
1) Business people are remarking how job candidates keep using their phone (barely ever looking up) during a JOB INTERVIEW!
2) People are getting into car accidents because they are texting while driving. It is really common -- travel on any road in Toms River and you'll see cars barely stopping in time at traffic lights or drifting out of their lanes because the driver is looking down at their phone.
3) I've been bumped into numerous times on sidewalks and in stores because people are walking forward without watching where they are going...their eyes are on the latest Facebook update...
4) In experiments conducted across the country, most people could not successfully stay off their phone for a 24-hour period without getting nervous, freaking out, or demanding their phone back almost right away.
5) People are showing signs that they are un-interested, and are UNABLE, to carry on a person-to-person conversation. Ironically, kids growing up in a world where social sharing means EVERYTHING can only share when electronically connected. Actually talking to someone is "so last century."
All of this is something to think about (I'm assuming we all know still know how to think..LOL).
Maybe we should all put the phone down once in a while (especially when driving, please!). The latest text or update will still be there for us a half-hour from now. There used to be an old phrase that said "take time to smell the roses." It meant don't get so caught up in something (in this case, the phone) that you miss the world around you. The sun, trees, sky, and other people around you can be pretty interesting sometimes, too.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Thursday, May 2, 2013
"Buy Local" is More Than Just a Slogan
“Buy Local” Movement Benefits You, and the Community
Buying goods and services locally has always been a good idea, but it is especially important now after Sandy devastated our area. Many businesses have been hit hard, and purchasing from our local businesses will help them recover.
Buying locally has a number of advantages:
1) First and foremost, it keeps our friends and neighbors working.
2) Dollars spent locally circulate in the community and stimulate growth and opportunities for more businesses to open.
3) Buying local helps build the community’s tax base and boosts charitable giving. Business owners are making an investment in the town, and many “give back” in order to help the whole area prosper. Business owners typically order goods from other local businesses, creating a “trickle-down” effect of dollars flowing.
4) Local stores are more likely to carry locally produced foods and products. This gives a boost to local agriculture and trades.
5) Products produced locally are often “greener,” because they don’t require as many fossil fuels to reach you.
Many times you will see the “Buy Local” sentiment expressed as “support Mom and Pop stores.” Business owners are also your friends and neighbors, and by buying from them, you support their whole family as well.
The Chambers of Commerce in our area support the “Buy Local” movement, encouraging residents to patronize area businesses. After Sandy, Toms River Online, the local community web site, launched “Support the Shore” – an effort to simply remind everyone that supporting local businesses needs to be part of the shore restoration effort. The idea is that we must re-build houses and buildings, but also help businesses get back on their feet. See www.supporttheshore.com for more information.
Buying locally has a number of advantages:
1) First and foremost, it keeps our friends and neighbors working.
2) Dollars spent locally circulate in the community and stimulate growth and opportunities for more businesses to open.
3) Buying local helps build the community’s tax base and boosts charitable giving. Business owners are making an investment in the town, and many “give back” in order to help the whole area prosper. Business owners typically order goods from other local businesses, creating a “trickle-down” effect of dollars flowing.
4) Local stores are more likely to carry locally produced foods and products. This gives a boost to local agriculture and trades.
5) Products produced locally are often “greener,” because they don’t require as many fossil fuels to reach you.
Many times you will see the “Buy Local” sentiment expressed as “support Mom and Pop stores.” Business owners are also your friends and neighbors, and by buying from them, you support their whole family as well.
The Chambers of Commerce in our area support the “Buy Local” movement, encouraging residents to patronize area businesses. After Sandy, Toms River Online, the local community web site, launched “Support the Shore” – an effort to simply remind everyone that supporting local businesses needs to be part of the shore restoration effort. The idea is that we must re-build houses and buildings, but also help businesses get back on their feet. See www.supporttheshore.com for more information.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Spring is Coming Soon -- Will you be Ready?
The Weather WILL be improving soon, believe it or not. It sure has been a long winter, and it seems to me that people around here are in the doldrums. The thing is, before you know if, warmer days will be here, and you're going to want to get outside...but then the dreaded "Spring Chores" or "Spring Cleaning" will hit.
The best thing to do is to get started on these things sooner, rather than later. That way, when the first string of really nice days comes along, you'll be heading to the park, while your neighbor is cleaning out the garage.
There may be other hurdles in our way before we can get to the fun stuff. First, the trees and flowers blooming bring out our allergies, which can really cause a lot of misery. Our homes and yards need maintenance and cleaning before we can enjoy the deck or patio. The deck probably needs waterproofing, or a fence needs painting, or the landscaping needs an upgrade.
Our bodies will also need some maintenance. A long winter of sitting around, and over-eating over the holidays has added more than a few pounds to most of us. So, a fitness plan and a diet may be in order.
So... How and when do we get to the fun part? What's the best way to get a jump on all of these Spring chores?
The answer lies in getting the best resources and help when you need it. Toms River Online has put together a "Springtime Resources" page to point you in the right direction. The page has a list of many the directories of local businesses that can help get your house and property into shape, so that you can get on with the serious business of spring fun. You'll also be supporting the shore by patronizing local businesses as they recover from Sandy.
As for the fitness program... I recommend checking out our directory of "Gyms and Fitness Clubs"...remember that after spring comes summer days at the beach. Are you going to be ready to put that swimsuit on?
The best thing to do is to get started on these things sooner, rather than later. That way, when the first string of really nice days comes along, you'll be heading to the park, while your neighbor is cleaning out the garage.
There may be other hurdles in our way before we can get to the fun stuff. First, the trees and flowers blooming bring out our allergies, which can really cause a lot of misery. Our homes and yards need maintenance and cleaning before we can enjoy the deck or patio. The deck probably needs waterproofing, or a fence needs painting, or the landscaping needs an upgrade.
Our bodies will also need some maintenance. A long winter of sitting around, and over-eating over the holidays has added more than a few pounds to most of us. So, a fitness plan and a diet may be in order.
So... How and when do we get to the fun part? What's the best way to get a jump on all of these Spring chores?
The answer lies in getting the best resources and help when you need it. Toms River Online has put together a "Springtime Resources" page to point you in the right direction. The page has a list of many the directories of local businesses that can help get your house and property into shape, so that you can get on with the serious business of spring fun. You'll also be supporting the shore by patronizing local businesses as they recover from Sandy.
As for the fitness program... I recommend checking out our directory of "Gyms and Fitness Clubs"...remember that after spring comes summer days at the beach. Are you going to be ready to put that swimsuit on?
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Gas Prices Rising - Here We Go Again
Anyone who drives a car is keenly aware that gasoline prices have been rising quickly over the last week or so -- up about 20 cents a gallon. Prices in Toms River are not quite as bad as in most of the rest of the state, but that's not much consolation when you're handing over more cash for your gas.
All of the experts seem to agree -- there will be ups and downs, but overall, prices are going to keep rising. There's more demand overseas, and also a ton on tension in the Mideast. On top of that, we'll also see the usual price manipulation that clobbers us every spring and summer.
So...what can we do?
First of all, know your prices. Sometimes there's a big difference between different gas stations. Be sure you get the best price! Toms River Online has a link to a handy list of prices at area stations, so you can compare at a glance. Go to our Home page, and click on the blue gas nozzle on the right-hand side of the page: Toms River Online Home page.
Another thing you can do to cut your consumption of gas is to go to events closer to home this spring and summer. Downtown Toms River has some great events... just to mention a few: Chili and Salsa Fest, Ice Cream Fest, Crusin' Downtown (vintage cars)..etc! Find out more about Downtown events.
As for the bigger picture... consider getting a smaller, fuel-efficient car (the Chevy Sonic is a good new choice). Also let your elected representatives know your views...there are options that they can enact (reduce gas taxes, more drilling, release oil from national reserves, provide incentives for purchasing smaller vehicles...ETC!).
All of the experts seem to agree -- there will be ups and downs, but overall, prices are going to keep rising. There's more demand overseas, and also a ton on tension in the Mideast. On top of that, we'll also see the usual price manipulation that clobbers us every spring and summer.
So...what can we do?
First of all, know your prices. Sometimes there's a big difference between different gas stations. Be sure you get the best price! Toms River Online has a link to a handy list of prices at area stations, so you can compare at a glance. Go to our Home page, and click on the blue gas nozzle on the right-hand side of the page: Toms River Online Home page.
Another thing you can do to cut your consumption of gas is to go to events closer to home this spring and summer. Downtown Toms River has some great events... just to mention a few: Chili and Salsa Fest, Ice Cream Fest, Crusin' Downtown (vintage cars)..etc! Find out more about Downtown events.
As for the bigger picture... consider getting a smaller, fuel-efficient car (the Chevy Sonic is a good new choice). Also let your elected representatives know your views...there are options that they can enact (reduce gas taxes, more drilling, release oil from national reserves, provide incentives for purchasing smaller vehicles...ETC!).
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Super Bowl Blues
Riverguy is having a tough time getting excited about this year's Super Bowl. And yes, I AM a football fan. Maybe it's because there are no local teams involved -- the Giants, Jets, and Eagles all had forgettable seasons (to say the least).
I guess I'm looking for an "angle" to get me interested. You know....a "slant" or some part of the hype that will get me into it. This year the obvious thing is "Brother vs. Brother" coaches -- but I find that a little strange, rather than something to get me psyched about the game. What are the odds that 2 brothers get to this level? It gets me thinking about how funny life can be, but it doesn't help get me into the game.
There are at least 2 former Rutgers players in the game -- Anthony Davis (49ers), and Ray Rice (Ravens). Once again, it is something to note, but doesn't add too much to the hype.
And then there are the commericals...I guess I have to watch those, because everyone will be talking about their favorites the next day. It seems like I always manage to somehow miss the best ones, either on a bathroom break, or getting a beer, etc. We'll see how it goes this year.
Betting on the game? I didn't get around to it this year. Yeah, I missed a chance there to add a little more excitement to the game.
If you ask me, (I know you didn't but I gotta say), the half-time shows are usually a disappointment. They give you a big spectacle, but somehow I always feel I would have been better off getting my food, drink, and bathroom break in during that time.
Adding to my funky mood about the game is whether to go out to watch it, find a party (probably too late to get an invite now), or just stay home. I really haven't heard about too many of the local bars and restaurants doing much this year for the Super Bowl. At least not the same degree as other years.
I'm actually leaning toward staying home. I came to this conclusion because, when all is said and done, there is a championship football game going on, between two really good teams, and I don't want to miss even a single play. I guess for me, it's really about the football, not the hype, not betting, talking heads, commercials, or anything else. It is a big day -- I hope you enjoy it, wherever you watch it, and for whatever reason.
I guess I'm looking for an "angle" to get me interested. You know....a "slant" or some part of the hype that will get me into it. This year the obvious thing is "Brother vs. Brother" coaches -- but I find that a little strange, rather than something to get me psyched about the game. What are the odds that 2 brothers get to this level? It gets me thinking about how funny life can be, but it doesn't help get me into the game.
There are at least 2 former Rutgers players in the game -- Anthony Davis (49ers), and Ray Rice (Ravens). Once again, it is something to note, but doesn't add too much to the hype.
And then there are the commericals...I guess I have to watch those, because everyone will be talking about their favorites the next day. It seems like I always manage to somehow miss the best ones, either on a bathroom break, or getting a beer, etc. We'll see how it goes this year.
Betting on the game? I didn't get around to it this year. Yeah, I missed a chance there to add a little more excitement to the game.
If you ask me, (I know you didn't but I gotta say), the half-time shows are usually a disappointment. They give you a big spectacle, but somehow I always feel I would have been better off getting my food, drink, and bathroom break in during that time.
Adding to my funky mood about the game is whether to go out to watch it, find a party (probably too late to get an invite now), or just stay home. I really haven't heard about too many of the local bars and restaurants doing much this year for the Super Bowl. At least not the same degree as other years.
I'm actually leaning toward staying home. I came to this conclusion because, when all is said and done, there is a championship football game going on, between two really good teams, and I don't want to miss even a single play. I guess for me, it's really about the football, not the hype, not betting, talking heads, commercials, or anything else. It is a big day -- I hope you enjoy it, wherever you watch it, and for whatever reason.
Friday, December 28, 2012
The New Normal
Everywhere Riverguy goes, I hear people talking about "the new normal." The sad thing is, it is never in reference to anything good. Flooding? That's the new normal. High winds? The new normal. The government going broke, and taking us down with it? Yup, the new normal.
But Riverguy has noticed something else. There is an explosion of compassion going on. Things are bad for many people, and their neighbors are waking up, and taking action.
People are sending things to our area from all parts of the country to help us recover from Hurricane Sandy. Truckloads, in fact. Organizations of all types, and sometimes even individuals, at their own expense. Even people with little to give are giving what they can. Sometimes the most humble are the most generous of all.
There was a news story the other day about a little girl whose dog was stolen (on Christmas Eve, no less). A lady saw a man in the park selling a dog, had a bad feeling about it, and bought the dog for $220 to get it away from the man. She took it to a vet, where they found that the dog was "chipped." Long story short, the dog was reunited with the little girl. The lady that spent $220 to intervene sure had a strong desire to help, to make things right. She put her time and money on the line.
Today, I went over to look at the destruction in Seaside Heights. I guess I looked a little forlorn as I looked at all the sand where the boardwalk used to be. A young girl approached me and asked if I lived around here. She was from a church group that was coming to town to help remove debris and help in other ways, for free.
It occurs to me that something has changed all right...more trouble seems to be coming our way, and at the same time, people are stepping up to help each other, maybe much more so than in the past.
The new normal now includes people working togther to help, whatever else the new normal brings.
But Riverguy has noticed something else. There is an explosion of compassion going on. Things are bad for many people, and their neighbors are waking up, and taking action.
People are sending things to our area from all parts of the country to help us recover from Hurricane Sandy. Truckloads, in fact. Organizations of all types, and sometimes even individuals, at their own expense. Even people with little to give are giving what they can. Sometimes the most humble are the most generous of all.
There was a news story the other day about a little girl whose dog was stolen (on Christmas Eve, no less). A lady saw a man in the park selling a dog, had a bad feeling about it, and bought the dog for $220 to get it away from the man. She took it to a vet, where they found that the dog was "chipped." Long story short, the dog was reunited with the little girl. The lady that spent $220 to intervene sure had a strong desire to help, to make things right. She put her time and money on the line.
Today, I went over to look at the destruction in Seaside Heights. I guess I looked a little forlorn as I looked at all the sand where the boardwalk used to be. A young girl approached me and asked if I lived around here. She was from a church group that was coming to town to help remove debris and help in other ways, for free.
It occurs to me that something has changed all right...more trouble seems to be coming our way, and at the same time, people are stepping up to help each other, maybe much more so than in the past.
The new normal now includes people working togther to help, whatever else the new normal brings.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Old School Info Sources Shine During Sandy
Riverguy is a web guy...but I have to admit that during the ordeal of Hurricane Sandy, something unexpected happened.
I thought I'd be in good shape to find out what was happening as the storm approached. After all, I have a new smartphone with the 4g network, wifi, texting, emailing, and talk. I'd also be in the know through my laptop with cable internet access. Or cable TV news would keep me on top of things.
Well...you guessed it. When the storm hit, texting failed. Emailing failed, and calls wouldn't go through. And no news updates -- the web was silent. Basically, the expensive smartphone became a brick. Not to worry, I thought, as I went to turn on my laptop. Just about then -- a slight boom somewhere outside, and the laptop and TV went dark.
Riverguy was cut off from the world.
And then...it dawned on me. Didn't I have one of those old battery powered radios somewhere? I grabbed my flashlight and scoured the house and I found it. I turned it on, and found that the local radio stations were up and running, and keeping people informed through the long night of the storm. In truth, at that point no one knew too much, because we were all riding it out together. Only afterward would be know the true extent of the storm, and who had fared ok, and who didn't. But hearing the radio announcers and music (yes, music during the storm) gave me a comforting feeling of normalcy.
The next day dawned, and I had little hope of getting any real overview of what I had just been a part of. I knew the smartphone was probably going to be down for a few days, and the cable internet and TV for even longer. The first day after the storm was spent taking stock, helping neighbors and then falling into an early, uneasy night's sleep.
I woke the next morning to the sound of a familiar "floomp" sound outside....could it be? Yes, the NEWSPAPER had been delivered (yes, Riverguy still gets a paper!). I couldn't believe it. A day after the storm, and here it was -- complete with all of the shocking photos that told the tale of the storm.
I put the paper down and did some more clean-up outside. The next thing I knew, I heard another familiar sound...the engine of a small truck..you've got to be kidding?! Yup -- the MAIL was being delivered! I don't know how the driver even got around all of the downed wires, trees, and other debris -- but they did.
So, there you have it. I don't know how else to say it....when the chips were down, all of the expensive electronics failed miserably, while the radio, newspaper, and mail continued to work. All "old school" sources of information that have around forever. The whole thing has left me scatching my head a bit, and wondering...should we take a few steps back from our fascination with the latest gadgets?
I thought I'd be in good shape to find out what was happening as the storm approached. After all, I have a new smartphone with the 4g network, wifi, texting, emailing, and talk. I'd also be in the know through my laptop with cable internet access. Or cable TV news would keep me on top of things.
Well...you guessed it. When the storm hit, texting failed. Emailing failed, and calls wouldn't go through. And no news updates -- the web was silent. Basically, the expensive smartphone became a brick. Not to worry, I thought, as I went to turn on my laptop. Just about then -- a slight boom somewhere outside, and the laptop and TV went dark.
Riverguy was cut off from the world.
And then...it dawned on me. Didn't I have one of those old battery powered radios somewhere? I grabbed my flashlight and scoured the house and I found it. I turned it on, and found that the local radio stations were up and running, and keeping people informed through the long night of the storm. In truth, at that point no one knew too much, because we were all riding it out together. Only afterward would be know the true extent of the storm, and who had fared ok, and who didn't. But hearing the radio announcers and music (yes, music during the storm) gave me a comforting feeling of normalcy.
The next day dawned, and I had little hope of getting any real overview of what I had just been a part of. I knew the smartphone was probably going to be down for a few days, and the cable internet and TV for even longer. The first day after the storm was spent taking stock, helping neighbors and then falling into an early, uneasy night's sleep.
I woke the next morning to the sound of a familiar "floomp" sound outside....could it be? Yes, the NEWSPAPER had been delivered (yes, Riverguy still gets a paper!). I couldn't believe it. A day after the storm, and here it was -- complete with all of the shocking photos that told the tale of the storm.
I put the paper down and did some more clean-up outside. The next thing I knew, I heard another familiar sound...the engine of a small truck..you've got to be kidding?! Yup -- the MAIL was being delivered! I don't know how the driver even got around all of the downed wires, trees, and other debris -- but they did.
So, there you have it. I don't know how else to say it....when the chips were down, all of the expensive electronics failed miserably, while the radio, newspaper, and mail continued to work. All "old school" sources of information that have around forever. The whole thing has left me scatching my head a bit, and wondering...should we take a few steps back from our fascination with the latest gadgets?
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