If you haven’t joined Facebook yet maybe it’s time to consider it. Not only can you keep up with friends and family that live far away you can become fans of some of your most favorite things and locations. For example, Mancino’s Pizza and Grinders - Columbus posts great Facebook only coupons while Lemleys’ Catering/240 Sweet Marshmallows, another business here in town, has contests on a seemingly weekly basis.

The Columbus Visitors Center, the Columbus Arts Council and Parks and Rec all have Facebook pages that can help keep you up to date on Columbus activities and events. Many local bars and restaurants also have joined the popular social networking site to announce specials, bands, events and to post photos of local fans. 4th Street Bar and Grill has a loyal following of 844 fans - many of whom post comments and interact with the owners via Facebook messages.

Keep up with the adventures of running a gourmet dog bone business by becoming a fan of Dog Bone Gourmet Bakery. Into poetry, become a fan of Columbus Poetry SLAM & Open Mic! to get all the details on how and when to participate. How about music, become a fan of local bands like Samesoul, Quicksaidthebird, Union Blues or Another Fine Mess to see where they are playing next.

Granted, Facebook isn’t all about following your favorites it’s also about keeping in touch. Many of my friends on Facebook live in other areas of the country and keeping in contact is made a lot easier, so much easier that I don’t even have to remember anyone’s birthday anymore. Facebook does all that for me - while being able to view and post photos, send private messages and public ones, and keep track of everyone’s busy schedule with only a fraction of the work it used to take.

A friend of mine recently went to Costa Rica, one of the first things she did when she returned stateside was to post photos of her trip. Another friend spent a month in Singapore - not only was she able to keep us all updated of her travels and safety - she was able to share photos of places many of use will never see in person.

While I was hesitant to join Facebook I’m glad I did. I can easily stay in contact with friends and family and play different kinds of online games - giving me yet another outlet for wasting large chunks of time online.

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RANDOM STATUS UPDATES

Survived driving back through a snow storm. Totally exhausted, totally happy - cut off all his hair. I feel naked.. - My doctor is retiring. He is 70. I guess he can’t go on forever. I love that man. Now what? - Yep….. next year shopping is going to be done at least two weeks early! people are very mean and nasty this time of year. Funny supposed to be “The happiest season of all”! HA! - I am only so stupid for leaving my Facebook open at work so a certain someone could put “I am so stupid” on there for me. I KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!! - can’t wait to watch Allen Smith on The Today Show in the morning. - …if you can’t take a joke, that’s your problem… - Lola and the hedgehog.. Another one bites the dust!! - Wishes for delivery of Greek food, Chinese food or almost anything other than pizza. - do you have table manners? - Darling, I am putting your birthday spankings in my Spank Account.