Testing the Waters of Social Networking

They say it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks and many times this holds true. However, I decided to test the social networking waters. At first it was very confusing and I decided that you have to start somewhere. For months I experimented and tried to fathom all the different rules and applications. As you probaly noticed, I am still treading water and the learning experience continues to evolve. But, I have made progress.


 I have some old cantankerous friends that think I am crazy to pursue this. Yet they all own cell phones, with texting and other apps. I have to smile when I mention the hypocrisy in there beliefs and the excuses they present. "Oh I need this for my job" or "I have this in case of emergencies" also "I only have this in case my children try to get in touch". 


How does one explain the old driver in front of you, sitting at a stop sign while traffic backs up, only to realize that they are indexing? Oh, they are probably checking to make sure there are no family emergencies. On the other hand, the younger generation abuses this also. I remember a young employee that constantly stopped working and focused on the cell phone. It became a problem and I finally asked what the problem was. They replied that it was family trying to get in touch. 


Why are you texting and not using the phone I asked? Well they like to text was the reply. I curiously grabbed the phone and read the important message. "I am sitting at home and bored so  what  are you doing?" I did not realize it was a dire call for help. :-). I told the worker to reply that they were supposed to be working and to turn the cell phone off. The young worker looked at me wild eyed and replied "What if someone wants to get a hold of me? "Well I am sure they can wait until you get home and log unto Facebook or chat."


 On the flip side, it does have advantages. It brings lost or distant friends together, promotes a cooperating comaderie between people of similar pursuits and beliefs. It seems that social networking is here to stay and although there are many positives, we must also endure the negatives. Therefore, my quest continues, to learn and become proficient, in the well known secrets of social networking.


    

A Tribute to the Bee Gees and the Disco Era

On May 20, 2012,  headlines announced the death of Robin Gibb, 62  and his long struggle with cancer. The death of Maurice in 2003 and Andy in 1998 makes Barry Gibb, the last of the ‘Brothers Gibb’ known as the Bee Gees. Andy Gibb was the youngest brother, although not one of the Bee Gees, he performed with them in many concerts. 

Additionally, with the recent death of the 'disco queen' Donna Summer, it seems the disco era  is slowly slipping onto the dusty shelves of memory.    

Mention disco and the first three things that come to mind are the Bee Gees, “Saturday Night Fever”, and John Travolta. However, the Bee Gees wrote and produced for many well-known artists. Robin Gibb became a solo artist twice, briefly in the late 60’s and years later, after Maurice’s death. Maurice was the ‘techno’ person of the group. Robin was a driving force in the early years with his vibrato tone. Later, when the group evolved into an R&B style, Barry’s falsetto voice became their signature. Nevertheless, the three-part harmony was always present. The brothers blended their unique talents to become icons in the music world. 
             

The Bee Gees hold the honor of ushering in the disco era. They had some early success in the 60's and were considered a 'Beatle' type band. The song "I Started A Joke" was a success and anything but a joke, utilizing Robin's amazing vibrato. The Bee Gees later released "How Can You Mend A broken Heart." (a memorable love ballad). I must admit that I did not know the group at this time, heavy metal and guitar rock, was the thing.

The 70's was a chaotic time, and people needed an outlet. Dancing was the answer. The Bee Gees, along with the movie "Saturday Night Fever," jump started an era were disco music reigned supreme and spread across continents. John Travolta danced his way to fame. But, could he do the 'mechanical man' (robot)? 

This was the epitome of their success. Songs such as "How Deep Is Your Love," "Stayin' Alive," "Jive Talkin," and "Night Fever" become overnight successes.  Many, including myself, wanted to be a John Travolta. Their music made the movie a reality. It had a rhythm that made one feel good, and motivated my decision to join the dance craze.

We can look at the younger generation and think they act crazy. However, take a moment and remember the times of strobe lights, spinning disco balls and people bouncing, cavorting madly to a hard-driving beat, such as "Disco Inferno",  twirling insanely to "The Hustle" or a romantic dance to "How Deep is Your Love". Ah Yes, those were the days. An era when memories were made.