With the growing demand to write in 140 characters or less, the use of good grammar and language is becoming extinct. It appears the good guys (or gals) are losing the battle, but as public relations professionals we need to continue to fight.

According to an article that ran last week in the The Wall Street Journal, managers are fighting an epidemic of grammar gaffes in the workplace. Many of them attribute slipping skills to the informality of email, texting and Twitter where slang and shortcuts are common. Such looseness with language can create bad impressions with clients, ruin marketing materials and cause communications errors, many managers say.

The article went on to say that in a survey conducted earlier this year, about 45 percent of 430 employers said they were increasing employee-training programs to improve employees’ grammar and other skills, according to the Society for Human Resource Management and AARP.

What employers know and younger generations have yet to realize is that in today’s competitive business landscape, being able to communicate effectively may actually give you the edge over less articulate competitors. Good grammar can ensure messages are delivered and received promptly, and helps to lessen confusion when sending an instant message to a client, co-worker or potential employer.

What are your thoughts on good grammar in the workplace? Do you think it will become extinct or are your willing to continue the fight alongside me?

We’ve had fun celebrating National Physical Fitness & Sports Month throughout May. Although, our NSTers really don’t need a month designated to healthy activity and sports: we live it.

If you haven’t seen our many posts about Major League Baseball, check out Opening Day … It’s Like Christmas at Nuffer, Smith, Tucker to see how baseball is celebrated by CEO Kerry Tucker.

Baseball is also Michelle’s favorite sport. “I played softball from age 9 to age 26 and the tradition continues with my daughter Trista playing Little League now. She is great at first base and has about an .800 batting average!”

Even though workouts at Crossfit Invictus can get competitive, that doesn't stop Price from mastering kettle bell swings.

Some NSTers, like Price, follow a more regimented workout routine. Price has been doing crossfit since January 2010 and it has completely changed her outlook on fitness. “It’s not just about looking good, but also feeling good and helping your body do what it is designed to do,” says Price. “Crossfit Invictus has allowed me to push myself mentally and physically further than I ever thought and increase my confidence and mental toughness.”

For other NSTers, being active outside is a preference.

She's conquered Half Dome in Yosemite, where will Teresa's hiking take her next?

“My favorite exercise by far is hiking, and I’m still surprised by how many hidden hiking trails there are in San Diego County – if you know where to look,” says Teresa. “I love exploring new places and would love to visit as many national parks as possible. I go to Yosemite almost annually, and this year I will be exploring two new national parks: Zion and Bryce.”

Katie (left) and her friend enjoying an afternoon of kayaking on Mission Bay.

For Katie, it’s the location of her apartment that makes it easy for her to stay active. “I live about one block away from Mission Bay, meaning I’m just steps from a bike path, sand and cool bay breezes – the perfect elements for training for my first half marathon.” Good luck, Katie!

We’ve said it before, and Mary will say it again: being fit isn’t just a benefit for our bodies, but also for our minds. “I feel off balance when I don’t exercise, so that’s why I do it at least five times a week. Even when it means waking up at 5 a.m. to get a workout in before my daughters wake up.”

Becky agrees, but adds that a nighttime workout is a great way for her to unwind after work. “Besides actually making me feel better, working out on a regular basis helps me de-stress and relax.” Becky’s workout of choice includes TRX, Pilates and yoga with some spinning mixed in for fun.

And that seems to be the key for us all of us at NST – fun! We balance working hard and playing hard, which for most of us means being active in our personal lives.

As for me, here’s the spectator information to catch me (if you can) at the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll ½ Marathon on June 5!

What’s your favorite way to keep active?

From the best collection of social media minds to a hilarious take on Verizon’s iPhone news, in case you missed it, here’s a sampling of information shared this week by the gang at NST:

There’s a study that says Twitter is ripe with accents.  Wonder what Texans are fixin’ to do in their Tweets? (Rebecca Howe)

Five reasons you really can’t miss the San Diego Social Media Symposium. (Teresa Siles)

Chick-Fil-A’s next ad campaign will be more about saving a reputation than a cow. (Yours Truly)

Jon Stewart’s take on the Verizon iPhone is hysterical. (Natalie Haack)

SDSU names Rocky Long new football coach to replace departing Brady Hoke. (Bill Trumpfheller)

Another reason to love Southwest Airlines is because its pilot holds up take off for the grandfather of murdered child. (Mary Correia-Moreno)

From optical illusion to Badger brand equity, in case you missed it, here’s a sampling of information shared this week by the gang at NST:

The next frontier in social media?  The booming Hispanic market. (Michelle Livermore)

An onslaught of digital technologies has laid waste to traditional media. The new year will bring a clearer picture of what will emerge from the rubble. (Greg Kershaw)

What’s worse?  Missing a curveball because of athletic ability or lack thereof or whiffing because your own brain fooled you? (Aaron Blomberg)

More people talk about the University of Wisconsin online than any other college or university.  We at NST think that’s mostly due to Natalie Haack, an avid Badger fan who watched her team fall to the Horned Frogs of TCU in the Rose Bowl.  We expect Natalie to personally boost SDSU’s online buzz.  She has dual allegiances, and if the two teams meet in any sport, plan for a bandwidth meltdown.

So a 20-something added a new twist to “the dog ate my homework.” She’s blaming Steve Jobs’ iPhone for not waking her up in time for work.  Maybe the Apple chief should send her a pocket-size mirror for her next blame game. (Yours truly)

Here’s a look at the best Facebook page strategies: http://bit.ly/fhYdZg. (Natalie Haack)

If you haven’t heard of Ted Williams, the man with the golden voice, you live in a cave. He’s been hired by Kraft and was reunited with his mom.  It’s only January.  Wonder what will top this buzz in 2011? (Mary Correia-Moreno)

Friday Fodder

‘Twas almost the day before Christmas, and rather than weekly posts and tweets, the NST elves are sharing favorite holiday treats:

Price Arnett: LOVE Bill Murray in “Scrooged,” an impeccable mid-80s remake of the Dicken’s classic. Another favorite from this week, courtesy of Dustin Smith at Davis Elen Advertising: SNL’s Lost Ending of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Dana Carvey is epic as George Bailey.

Tanya Johnson: We love going to Viejas to see the Legend of the Ice Princess.  The nightly show is based loosely on American Indian mythology. It’s the story of Crystal, a young fairy princess whose magical powers bring winter to the holiday season. It’s a short holiday show that makes you feel good when you leave.  We also love to go ice skating out there.

Beatles fan Micki Stockalper surely has this Lennon classic on her list.

Mary Correia-Moreno and Michelle Livermore share a passion for “It’s a Wonderful Life.”  Says Mary: “Ultimate Christmas movie for me.  I just love the concept behind the film – how life would have been so different for others if you weren’t there.  Makes you really appreciate how each person in your life is there for a reason.”  Says Michelle: “I cannot even watch the movie and just see this part and start bawling. I am crying now. What a great thing it would be to see what the world would be without me in it. Or maybe it wouldn’t – who knows.  I love this whole last part. Everyone feeling sad should just watch this a bunch of times. I love that Clarence gets his wings, too.”

For Jessica Northrup, we’re thinking it’s a toss up between favorite singer Willie Nelson or a touch of family on the Big Island.

Janet Elk: When I was growing up in the Chicago area, every Christmas season the best short cartoons played on Garfield Goose and Friends were Hardrock, Coco and Joe,  Suzy Snowflake and Frosty the Snowman. It’s amazing you can still find these classics on YouTube.  I still love them! Takes me right back to being a kid.

Krystin Williamson: I grew up studying ballet and dance, so I’m a true Nutcracker fan at heart. I love the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” with Tchaikovsky’s classic score, the beautiful snowflakes dancing in formation and the exciting Arabian, Spanish and Chinese adaptations. This link happens to be from MGM’s motion picture “The Nutcracker,” but nothing beats seeing it come to life by a local ballet company. 

Katie Rowland: Since I grew up watching just as many black-and-white movies as color films with my mother, it’s no surprise that the nostalgia of the holidays has me longing to cuddle up with a blanket, hot cocoa and watch “Little Women.” Although there are many film adaptations of Louisa May Alcott’s novel, the 1949 version is my favorite. Nothing conveys the holiday spirit more than the generosity of the March girls, who spend their prized pennies buying gifts for their mother and share their Christmas feast with their less fortunate neighbors.

As director of social media, don’t you think this fits neatly for Teresa Siles?

Aaron Blomberg: The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas is/was my favorite Christmas movie as a kid.  I was so obsessed I watched it multiple times a day, every day, year-round for many years.  It follows the misadventures of Ted E. Bear as he searches for the meaning of Christmas.  Not entirely sure of why I was so obsessed with this movie, but I’m guessing a teddy bear named Ted E. Bear had a big part in it.

Natalie Haack is dreaming of a White Christmas.

Greg Kershaw: It’s not often you get to rock out at church, but this song always puts me in the Christmas spirit (and makes my stepmom nauseous).  Transiberian Orchestra’s Carol of the Bells, performed by Lincoln Brewster (at my church).

Rebecca Howe: My favorite Christmas song is My Grown Up Christmas List by Kelly Clarkson.  This song has an inspiring message and reminds you that Christmas isn’t always about the gifts wrapped under the tree.  Plus, Kelly Clarkson is among my top two favorite American Idols (the other is Carrie Underwood).

Bryan Spevak is the office music aficianodo, and we’re thinking Another Rock ‘n’ Roll Christmas is apropos.

Kerry Tucker didn’t share, so we’re giving him a leg up.

We’re hoping the vacationing Bill Trumpfheller remembers not to put WD-40 on his sled.

Dave Nuffer loves mariachi.

If three is a trend, then we’re betting trends expert Sharon McNerney says more than 6 million views is some good holiday cheer.

Yours Truly: In some ways, we still believe.