If you had the power would you turn back the clock and erase the world wide web and email from our existence? For those plagued by spam and pop-ups and “this page can not be found” messages the answer may well be “yes.” For those horrified by the graphic image of two adults engaged in intercourse when all you really wanted to do was check your bank balance or order a book or surf the net then “hell, yes” is likely your answer. For those not wanting penis enlarger products or chat rooms, well they’re probably fed up with these intrusive pop-up ads. If you’re disgusted by the notion of kiddie porn, fraud, and privacy breaches, you want safeguards and controls put into place.

Hopefully our legislators will address these downside aspects of this technology very soon. The shrinking of the world through email and the research potential of the web are the plusses. Just as with my fax machine or microwave I have no idea how this stuff works (and no desire to learn thank you very much). That, however, doesn’t stop me from using it.

My tolerance for touchy-feely, awe-inspiring, tear-jerker stories and lists is directly proportional to the degree of chaos in my life. When time is precious I just hit delete. I almost never ‘forward.’ I’ve even changed my email address to outrun those who keep sending me this stuff. I especially hate the chain letter type — you know, send this to 10 people within 10 minutes or risk disaster.

So forgive me for sharing the following. If all “From Where I Sit” readers see this, I very deftly avert disaster and that’s a good thing, from where I sit.

“Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. Don’t believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want. When you say, “I love you,” mean it. When you say, “I’m sorry,” look the person in the eye. Be engaged at least six months before you get married. Believe in love at first sight. Never laugh at anyone’s dreams. People who don’t have dreams don’t have much. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it’s the only way to live life completely. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling. Don’t judge people by their relatives. Talk slowly but think quickly. When someone asks you a question you don’t want to answer, smile and ask, “Why do you want to know?” Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk. Say, “bless you” when you hear someone sneeze. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson. Remember the three R’s: Respect for self; Respect for others, and Responsibility for all your actions. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship. When you realize you’ve made a mistake; take immediate steps to correct it. Smile when picking up the phone. Spend some time alone.”

*Reprinted with permission