'What's Hot' Today's TMJ4 3 p.m. newscast

Hello-
Interestingly, all three of our topics on 'What's Hot' for Today's TMJ4 3 p.m. newscast on Thursday, March 5th involved technology.

Courtny Garrish, George Mallett, Jeff Wagner and I discussed:
1) New ad campaign tragets "sexting" teens
2) 20-year-old Eau Claire woman posts her ex-boyfriend's picture on Craig's List asking guys to call him and talk dirty
3) Catholic Church asks faithful to refrain from gadgets for Lent

1) New ad campaign tragets "sexting" teens
Coming soon to area bus stops...
ads asking teens to 'wrap it up' as in wrap up your cellphone and don't send sex messages or photos to anyone!
Seems that provocative messages are a precursor to sexual activity. United Way is hoping to address the problem via the new ad campaign.
Kudos! Any effort to make teens think twice about pre-marital sex and possibly make a dent in Milwaukee's teenage pregnancy rate is a great idea.

2) 20-year-old Eau Claire woman posts her ex-boyfriend's picture on Craig's List asking guys to call him and talk dirty
This goes in the 'old enough to know better' category. The ultimate revenge...high tech style! This not so bright woman in Eau Claire is now facing felony charges of identity theft for posing as her boyfriend and inviting men to call him at work to talk dirty! That's a low blow when revenge is served up with the possibility of losing one's job. Word to the wise--keep your personal revenge out of the public eye. Or better yet, just move on.

3) Catholic Church asks faithful to refrain from gadgets for Lent
At first glance, the church is mandating how the faithful should observe Lent. Advising people to go on a high-tech fast, including switching off modern appliances, incl. cars and iPods, abstaining from surfing the Internet and no text messaging seems a bit harsh. But then a light bulb went off in my head! I get it!
Most of us have to admit that technology designed to bring us closer, has in fact, pushed us farther apart in many instances. So how about if during Lent we simply reach out and schedule face to face gatherings with those we love? After all, I think that's really the intent of the church advice. Reach out and touch someone-literally, not via your cellphone.

See me next Thursday during the second half of the 3 o'clock newscast on Today's TMJ4.