Thoughts on the ‘Social Networking’ Phenomenon

I just created a profile on Facebook.com. To be perfectly honest, everything involved with the process is a little bit daunting.  This got me thinking about the concept of social networking in the 21st century, in general.

My first foray into social networking was Friendster, way back in late 2003/2004. It was all very new and exciting…until it wasn’t anymore. There entered an anxiety about trying to add as many friends as possible, of building up my comments section. That anxiety grew old, so I deleted my Friendster account a few months ago. By then, I had created a MySpace account. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the thought of deFriendster-ing people who were no longer in my life. Seemed a little passive/aggressive and petty. It was a much better thought to delete the profile entirely. I mean, I’m in my 30s. Why must I worry so much about these things?

Fast forward to today, and I’m on both MySpace and Facebook. Maybe I should complete the cycle and re-up for Friendster?

Or maybe not.

Ewok song…in barbershop style!

Hockey thoughts in July

After a disastrous 2006-07 campaign in which my beloved Philadelphia Flyers finished DEAD LAST in the league, things are looking up in Flyerland.

Quick aside, I do feel slightly strange getting excited about hockey in July. But with my Phillies aggravating – as per usual – I have to look ahead.

Back to the Flyers, I love the moves to revamp the roster that General Manager Paul Holmgren has made to this point. “Homer” should be the template all Philadelphia GMs use in putting their teams together. He identifies holes on his team…and goes out and fills them – aggressively! He traded superstar Peter Forsber, he traded for goaltender Martin Biron in March. As free agency approached on July 1st, he sent the first round draft pick Nashville traded for Peter Forsberg back to Nashville for the rights to sign defenseman Kimmo Timonen and Scott Hartnell – over a week before they were both to become free agents. Genius. He then signed Daniel Briere to a long-term contract (8 years, $52 million), and traded talented-but-enigmatic defenseman Joni Pitkanen to Edmonton for a Joffrey Lupul and Jason Smith. In a matter of hours, he turned the worst team in the NHL back into a playoff contender.

Are you watching, Pat Gillick? Take notes! Even the most casual baseball fan knew going into this baseball season that the bullpen was in dire need of help. Your answer – Matt Smith? Brutal. The Phillies have used 25 pitchers this season – and it’s not even the All Star Break!

Go Flyers!

For all the hockey news you can handle, check out hockeybuzz.com. It is easily one of my favorite destinations on the net for all the hockey news you could ever want.