I agree, Karla! I think it comes from the non-stop texting that kids are doing? I'm just finishing a memory quilt for someone; one of the blocks has a scripture on it and it says ".... plans 4 u..." !!! RU kidding me??!! Oh well, guess I am showing my age.
When I proctor SAT's, the hardest part for many kids is one line that they MUST write in cursive. They have to copy a sentance - one sentance - that says they are the person whose name is on the test. It takes up to 15 minutes for them to write one line! They just aren't in the habit of doing it. For some kids, it is a matter of them printing, then connecting the letters, as they literally cannot write in cursive. However, their texting speed is amazing.
As for BOM - I'm much more interested in a block of the month than a beer of the month. Bleck! And the DH, yeah, well... Darn would be nice...