Sep
25
When I went to renew my driver’s license, I was given a sheet of paper. Instead of receiving my driver’s license that day, I had to wait about 10 days or so to receive it in the mail. So for 10 days, I carried around a folded sheet of paper that had my driver’s license printed on it.
Even though I still had my old, expired driver’s license, it made me wonder. What would happen if I got pulled over? If I needed to show a store clerk my driver’s license, would they accept the copy printed on paper? Even though I’m sure they would have to, I feel that most people would think it’s a fraud. I mean, when asked for driver’s license, most people expect to see an actual driver’s license not a piece of paper.
On the other hand, this new policy is supporting the paper industry. Not only does each person have to sign paperwork while renewing their driver’s license, they now receive a printed copy of their driver’s license to take with them. The driver’s license arrives via mail, and supports the United States Postal Service, which needs all the support it can get in this economy.
This practice may vary from state-to-state. Even though it is a little inconvenient, I think the pros outweigh the cons.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Did you receive a copy of your driver’s license printed on paper last time you renewed it?
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Sep
21
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Who would have thought writing by hand could help improve your memory? I recently watched an episode of the Dr. Oz Show where he discussed some simple things to help us live longer, healthier lives. In the segment titled “This or That? Longevity Boosters,” Dr. Oz asked what is better, “typing or writing by hand?”In the segment, he said, “Writing by hand gives your brain a workout and reduces incidents of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s.” He went on to say that “…there was a big study in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience that said writing is associated with improvements in memory compared to typing.”
I used to write everything by hand before computers became the big thing. Nowadays everything has to be typed. I used to write things down and then type it. However, it takes too much time to do that nowadays. It is like doing twice the work. However, when I’m trying to write creatively, I almost always write my stories or poems down on paper.
It seems kind of ironic that I’m telling you the benefits of writing by hand as I type this post. However, this study just goes to show that technology may not improve our lives as much as we think it does. It looks like the good old-fashion pen-and-paper are the way to go when it comes to improving memory.
What are your thoughts? Do you still write by hand or does most of your writing take place on a computer?
Here is the link to the short segment mentioned above from the Dr. Oz showed titled “This or That? Longevity Boosters” and here is link to his Longevity Boosters Quiz.
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Sep
17
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I was recently watching the movie “The Shawshank Redemption” and this topic came to mind. In the movie, Andy wrote letters every week to the State Senate to receive funding for a new prison library. It took a long time; however, he eventually got a response. He probably received the funds because of his determination. However, his handwritten letter was memorable and stood out. This makes me wonder if in today’s technological world, handwritten letters would be a good tactic.
I definitely believe the majority of business letters should be typed. However, I do think there are certain situations when a handwritten letter may be more effective. It may not look as “professional” as a typed letter. Then again, it conveys the message that someone took the time to craft a personal, handwritten letter instead of sending a generic template. I think people would be more apt to read the handwritten letter before other typed letters. What do you think?
Even though computers are widely available, many people still don’t have access to either a computer or printer. Therefore, I don’t believe handwritten letters can be deemed unprofessional and simply thrown out. Penmanship is just as important a skill in my opinion as being able to type.
I believe handwritten letters can be both personal and professional; however, I believe typed letters are more professional. I think a handwritten envelope with a typed letter is more personal than a typed envelope and letter.
Check out this post below titled “The Handwritten Prospecting Letter” to see how some marketing letters are actually being typed to look like handwritten letters.
What are your thoughts? Do you think a handwritten letter would render itself to a response more so than a typed letter?
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Sep
14
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Everything nowadays has to be typed otherwise it isn’t considered professional. I was recently told that handwriting an envelope isn’t as professional as typing it. However, I tend to disagree with this statement.
Of course printed labels make everything look better; however, in a computer-based world, organizations receive tons of typed letters and envelopes. In my opinion, I think hand-addressed envelopes are not eye sores. Instead, if written in a different color ink, such as blue, I believe the envelope will stand out from the monotony of black type. Depending on whom the letter is for and your relationship with the person, I believe most people should stick to the basic blue or black ink. Pink, red, purple, or other bright colored inks may take away from the “professionalism” of the letter.
If I was going through my mail, and I received a hand-addressed envelope and a bunch of typed envelopes, I would open the handwritten envelope first. The handwritten envelope shows me someone actually took the time to write out my address. It makes it seem a little more personal. On the other hand, there are certain situations where printed envelopes need to be used. For example, if you were sending a letter on behalf of your company, using a pre-printed label would definitely look more professional.
What are your thoughts? Would you be more apt to open a handwritten envelope versus a printed envelope? Do you think handwritten envelopes are not professional?
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Sep
11
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Today we celebrate the anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Moments of silence were observed at the exact time the planes hit and the name of each victim was read to show America hasn’t forgot and will never forget that fateful day. It was a terrible day in America’s history; however, 10 years later, we see that America is resilient as we were able to rebuild and recover.
One of the most touching parts of today’s ceremonies was the opening of the memorial at Ground Zero. It is a beautiful memorial. For the first time, family members were able to touch the names of their loved ones who passed away September 11, 2001. I watched a little girl on television take a blank sheet of paper and shade over the name of someone special to her. It could have been her dad, brother, mom, sister or someone else special to her. I imagine many others will take part in the tracing of names.
These pieces of paper will become a sort of artwork. Some people may frame the name of their loved one while others may simply add it to their scrapbook. Nevertheless, that piece of paper with the name shaded on it will hopefully help many families find the closure they need.
Shading over people’s names is a tradition I have seen done at other memorials. It is a unique way to take something home with you other than a memory. Unlike a memory, people can actually touch and feel the piece of paper with their loved one’s name.
Have you or anyone you known ever traced the name of a loved one onto a piece of paper at a memorial? If so, how was the experience? Was it fulfilling or did it help bring closure?
For more information on the 9/11 Memorial, visit www.911memorial.org
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