THUMBS UP: To everyone who has either donated already or who plans to donate blood or platelets at the American Red Cross Blood Donor Center on Bemiss Road this summer. One donation can help to save the lives of up to three people. People with O- type blood are universal donors, meaning their blood can be given to people of all blood types. It is the blood type most often used in an emergency and with newborns; however, only 7 percent of the population has O- blood. According to American Red Cross officials in the Southern Region, “Blood has been called the river of life because it carries oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. (It) ... is essential to life, a precious gift that you can share as a volunteer donor.” Every two seconds a person needs blood in the United States.

THUMBS UP: To those parents who will make it a priority to share with their children the meaning of Independence Day today. Independence Day is a time to honor the birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is more than just a day to eat hot dogs, spit a few watermelon seeds, enjoy a parade, or burn your fingers while holding onto a sparkler.

THUMBS UP: To everyone who played a little golf in the annual Valdosta Open this past weekend. It was hot, but more than 40 golfers showed up and raised some much-needed funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta. With a location on Lake Laurie Drive and Toombs Street in Valdosta and a total of three locations in Brooks County, the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta strives “to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as moral, responsible, caring and productive citizens.”

THUMBS DOWN: To people who care only about themselves, often at the expense of those around them. This is especially true in the workplace. As the economy struggles and companies attempt to stay afloat by doing more with less, it is important that everyone be a team player, watch each other’s back and do what needs to be done. In terms of a professional environment, a true team player is an employee who can be counted on to do his or her part of the work and be relied upon to complete tasks and work cooperatively with others. Basically each team member must do his or her part, move beyond any personal issues or office politics, treat each other with respect and get the job done.