The blood is flowing, coffee is brewing and people are talking. No, not a coffee shop. I am talking about the local blood center. It sounds like a strange place to catch up on the latest gossip and discuss the latest economic downturn, but consider this: Most donors are there an hour or more to donate and go through vitals and questions. Throw in some coffee and juice, as well as cookies, and its an environment ripe for discussion.
The people that come in are very diverse, even while sharing a common goal. There are students, young and old. Professors, teachers, retirees, businesspeople, and more. And many of these people come in once every 56 days, time after time, so the rapport builds. In addition, most of the people come from a similar area or within a few local cities nearby.
If you want to get opinions about the so-called "Octo-Mom", look no further. While clutching battered copies of People Magazine, donors are none too afraid to open up on their views. A man that came in yesterday works in the same building as our office, in a realty company. If you want to know about the housing business as well as the various stimulus plans and rebates for new homeowners, "Dan" is the man to listen to. He was very eager to offer me advice, saying "Now is the time".
Most of the people that come in seem to be optimistic about the future (and the weather too, surprisingly!). Although there are a large number of donors who are now coming during the day as they have been laid off, "It could be worse" can be heard echoing through the room.
To me it seems, these "friends" that I know these people as, are concerned about the state of the economy and family these days. They are worried about jobs and their kids and making sure crime goes down and incomes go up. This community cares about others though and even in hard times of their own, most seem very caring and compassionate about the trials of others, as they sit around the table sharing a newspaper and a cup of coffee.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Blah, Blah, Blah Blog
A blog is a blog is a blog...
A blog is named so because it is a personal weB LOG. This is a wonderful tool to share information with others as it can be accessed online at any time of day or night. A "blogger" can add new posts at any time as well. Blogs should be more personal than a news article. While it can include both fact and fiction, there should be an element of emotion and personality coming from the blogger themselves. A blog should be updated on a regular basis. Once a day, or more, is preferred. Most blogs should include a place for comments, although not all do. Posts are displayed in reverse chronological order, so that readers can jump to the top and know they are reading the newest post. Finally, blogs can include pictures, videos, and/or links to other sites.
My favorite part about blogging is that you can write a blog, or read a blog, anytime that you have online access. You don't have to wait until something comes out in print. In addition, it is also exciting to me that people nearby, as well as across the globe, could be reading what I write at any given moment. Those "followers" can also immediately give feedback and comments, or add info to what you are talking about.
A challenge to me about blogging is making sure to update frequently. Although I seem to get online fairly often, making sure to post something, or even to find something relevant to post, could be a challenge. In addition, I am curious to see if I will be too stiff, or overly personal on the blog. Either one could pose problems.
A blog is named so because it is a personal weB LOG. This is a wonderful tool to share information with others as it can be accessed online at any time of day or night. A "blogger" can add new posts at any time as well. Blogs should be more personal than a news article. While it can include both fact and fiction, there should be an element of emotion and personality coming from the blogger themselves. A blog should be updated on a regular basis. Once a day, or more, is preferred. Most blogs should include a place for comments, although not all do. Posts are displayed in reverse chronological order, so that readers can jump to the top and know they are reading the newest post. Finally, blogs can include pictures, videos, and/or links to other sites.
My favorite part about blogging is that you can write a blog, or read a blog, anytime that you have online access. You don't have to wait until something comes out in print. In addition, it is also exciting to me that people nearby, as well as across the globe, could be reading what I write at any given moment. Those "followers" can also immediately give feedback and comments, or add info to what you are talking about.
A challenge to me about blogging is making sure to update frequently. Although I seem to get online fairly often, making sure to post something, or even to find something relevant to post, could be a challenge. In addition, I am curious to see if I will be too stiff, or overly personal on the blog. Either one could pose problems.
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