Craig Ruvere

20Dec 2016 by CJ

Social media I think it’s time we break up once and for all

Life & Living

“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.” – Steve Jobs The world of social media. I lived through its advent, yet know very little of its history. After some research, I learned that one of the first social media sites was called Six Degrees created back in 1997. It allowed users to upload a profile and ultimately make new friends right from the comfort of their personal computer. Soon others came to market offering similar connection opportunities – MySpace and LinkedIn in the early 2000s; Facebook and Twitter in 2006. I believe social media has evolved into nothing more than a platform for perpetual propaganda and opinions aimed at instigating a negative response. Social media gone wrong Case in point. Famed entertainer Bette Midler…

13Dec 2016 by CJ

Sounds of the Christmas season are my favorites by far

Youth

Throughout December, reminders of the holidays captivate our senses. We marvel at the sights of dazzling twinkling lights, relish in the smell of freshly baked cookies and hum along to tunes we remember from our childhood. For me, the sounds of the Christmas season have always been my favorite. As a young child, I remember listening to songs about a magical snowman, and a one horse open sleigh. But as an adult, I find myself drawn to musical themes which many times parallel the realities during this time of year. One example came to me while driving on a roadway lightly covered with the season’s first snowfall. It was called Home On Christmas Day. One of the truest sounds of the Christmas season. The song was penned by talented songwriters Jay Landers…

04Dec 2016 by CJ

Is there really a Santa Claus?

Youth

The internet is like a treasure trove of information. Forget that recipe for gingerbread cookies? What about the best way to clean red wine off your beige carpet? How about the population of the United States back in the early 1850's? Or even, is there really a Santa Claus? In a matter of minutes, you'll have answers to all your questions and still have plenty of time to check your local weather. But we all know there's a dark side to the internet, even though some recently polled college students proclaimed it was "as important as eating and breathing." Some examples would include cyber bullying, child pornography and Santa Claus. If that last one has thrown you, let me clarify. Many young children today are more computer savvy than some…

27Nov 2016 by CJ

Lately, the internet seems to feed negativity

Life & Living

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been re-examining my reliance on the internet and the importance I place on it in my everyday life. In many instances, there’s no denying it’s benefits from online purchases and banking, to streaming services and DIY information. But there’s something else readily available at our finger tips – something that’s not always easily detected as we bounce around from one site to another. It was during my re-examination that it became evidently clear how many websites, which I visit with some regularity, had become nothing more than a sea of negative information and sensational headlines. Even sites with no political agenda had begun spewing and supporting hateful propaganda in order to sway an impressionable society one way or the other. The internet feeds negativity…

14Nov 2016 by CJ

Thanksgiving to-do-lists – who’s important on yours?

Generosity & Kindness

“What if, today, we were grateful for everything?” – Charlie Brown Whether they’re stored on your phone, cataloged on an online calendar, or living on a piece of scrap paper hanging on your refrigerator door, Thanksgiving lists are a necessary part of our busy lives. While flipping through the pages of the magazine Real Simple, I came across a message from the editor - who spoke at great length about to-do-lists and how our lives are often dictated by these pesky reminders. She told the story of how she recently came across an envelope containing cards and well wishes from cherished individuals she had previously worked with. She began reading some of the heartfelt messages from people she still remembered fondly. But as life so often gets in the way,…