Social Networks – Why we love them.

From Facebook, Twitter and Myspace, to LinkedIn, Foursquare and Google Plus, social networking has exploded into the 21^st Century taking a large group of fans along with it. By how, and why, has this phenomenon become such a large part of our lives?

There are so many varying views as to why social networking is as appealing as it is. While some say that we explore the realms of social networks purely for social reasons, as in keeping in touch with old friend and family. Others say that social media is so attractive as it makes it easier to get information regarding products and services, in blogs and online magazines. Some sources even say that, because social networks are easy to use and access, people are so attracted to them for this reason.

World rankings

There is a huge number of social networks in the world; so many in fact, that we in South Africa haven’t even scratched the surface. Sure we have all of the popular sites which feature at the top of the list of favourites when it comes to statistics. However, according to a study done earlier this year there are over 2000 social networks listed. Facebook seems to be the clear favourite in our humble land of 14 million residents, but it only ranks number two in the USA. (With Twitter following at number seven, and Myspace featuring at number 68. – in China, Myspace is the 1881^st favourite)

South African favourite

Facebook and Twitter featured quite predominantly when asking a handful of South African networkers what social networks they were on. All of them said that they are on Facebook, while a few of them mentioned that they have Twitter accounts as well.  Staying in touch with family and friends the main reason for this as it is an easy way of keeping track of what is happening in their lives. While Facebook has the ‘social’ part of ‘social networking’ covered, Twitter brings us closer to the networking aspect. Twitter lets us follow all sorts of people, from celebrities and friends, to magazines and television broadcasters; twitter allows you to network with people similar to you, even you if you don’t know them.  And it’s free, which makes these networks even more attractive.

Three reasons you should join

According to blogger, Lisa Barone, there are 18 reasons to use social media; three of which are:

• Visibility: it’s easy to see what is happening in the lives of those you love, as well as stay up to date with current affairs.
• Who’s on show: Keeping up with the latest happening in showbiz and what shows are in the pipeline.
• Connect: You may have lost contact with a relative or friend and would like to catch up – chances are you’ll find them if you look hard enough.

Growth

Mark Zuckerburg, the creator of Facebook, initially created Facebook with network with friends at Harvard University. Little did he know that he would become the youngest billionaire at the tender age of 23? This was in 2008, three years later and Facebook has become a worldwide hit with everyone from the ten year old next door, to your grandmother – Social media knows no age. In 2008, it’s said that the amount of Twitter users grew by 959%.

There are far more positive attributes surrounding social media than there are negative, however, caution should always be taken when exploring them. Just remember to balance the amount of time you spend on social networks with the time you spend in actual social interactions. 

Dansko Launches in South Africa

In May this year Dansko footwear was launched in South Africa. They are a very successful and world renowned comfort shoe company; who, for 21 years, have been at the forefront of shoe design in creating a standard of excellence in comfort shoes.

Who are they?
Now you might be scratching your heads wondering, “What are Dansko shoes?” Well, they were created by American horse trainer Mandy Cabot and her Danish born husband, Peter Kellerjup and were modeled after the typical Danish clog. However, over the years they have created new designs and different styles of shoe in order to attract more clients; directly translated, ‘Dansko’ means “Danish shoe” which would explain their wide use of the clog design in many of their shoes.

An article written in the American magazine, Family News, explores five reasons why both women and men should try Dansko: Quality, comfort, style, durability and variety.

Quality

Freelance journalist, Rachel Jackson, recently wrote an overview of the shoes in which she states that Dansko shoes, clogs and sandals are built to last. Dansko makes their shoes from materials which, are not only environmentally friendly, but are also sturdy and can withstand long hours on your feet.

“People who love this shoe are loyal customers, says journalist Trevor Price, “and often wear nothing but Dansko.”

Comfort

Jackson states that Dansko shoes are specifically created to support all the parts of your feet. Dansko’s support is what creates all of the comfort. “When part of your foot is not supported by your shoes,” states Jackson, “you will find that you are not completely comfortable.”

Dansko has won numerous awards, including the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) which is only awarded to those who have a real medical solution for the treatment of painful feet.

Style

The brand’s heritage is based on ‘Euro Comfort’, and has become a worldwide phenomenon. Many celebrities have been spotted running errands and relaxing in Danskos. From Julia Roberts and Heidi Klum, to Sarah Jessica Parker and Tina Fey, Dansko is a celeb favourite. The brand has also been featured in movies such as “The Devil wears Prada” and “American Beauty”, as well as in the hit US television show, “Nurse Jacky”.

However, Price explains that while some like the Dansko style of the ‘clog’, many fashion critics have voiced their opinions that the shoes are a style ‘abomination’. As great as they are for the job and day spent running errands, they are definitely not the shoe to wear for a corporate meeting or a first date.

Durability

There are reports that the wearers of Dansko shoes wear them repeatedly for a number of years. Jackson says that they are made from the highest quality materials, which allow for comfort in running, walking or simply standing, and are supportive as well.

Price admits that while the shoes are well made and durable, Danskos can’t be re-soled. Since the sole is the ‘essence’ of the shoe design, this makes them difficult to replicate and the shoe will have to be discarded. 

Variety

“Dansko has worked hard over the years to come out with a variety of styles, colours and designs,” says Price. The shoes however, are clunky and heavy looking, which seems to weigh the whole shoe down, and they become the focal point. Jackson, on the other hand, says they while they may be heavy looking, they aren’t heavy shoes, and the comfort makes the shoe.

It’s your choice

If you’re worried that these may be something your granny wears, well consider this. Your granny may not know she’s trendy, but she will be well aware of how comfortable her feet feel. 

The Pros and Cons to Online Shopping.

Shopping online is becoming more and more popular, as most people don’t have the time (or the patience) to stand around in the long queues filling up the shopping malls. With one click you can enter a world where everything is sold in the same place. Clothes, electronics, DVDs, CDs and even stationary can be purchased with one simple “click” of the left mouse button. Sound too good to be true doesn’t it, well obviously there are cons to this fantastic invention as I discover while exploring this fascinating phenomenon call “The Internet Mall”

The benefits:

The benefits of online shopping are as follows: a huge variety of products for shoppers to choose from, which creates more choice for the purchaser. The suppliers are able offer more discounts and the products are still sold at competitive prices. Products can be outsourced from all over the globe which makes it much easier to find products not readily available in your country. The best part about shopping online is most certainly the fact that you can do it from the comfort of your own home.  

The bad bits:

Of course to every high there must be a low, and online shopping is no different. Although it’s possible to get almost everything on the internet, it’s hard to establish the condition in which you’ll be receiving the product, which means a lot of trust is involved when buying from the internet. See that amazing coat you love? Well, unfortunately, there is no cyber fitting room – buying clothes is a risky operation as there is no way of knowing whether or not it is going to fit, and returning these items isn’t as easy as taking the receipt back to the store for a refund.  

How secure is this?

According to Ruud Boer, the internet shopping world is relatively secure. Of course the shopper needs to be on their guard as mishaps can occur. Much like internet banking, personal details aren’t readily available on the site. A log-in user name and password needs to be authorized before any shopping can commence. Absolutely NO banking details are taken from the sites, as they give you liberty to pay from whichever account you choose. Boer continues to say that identity theft is the biggest concern with shoppers, as this is could give them a bad name within the credit bureau. Obviously if you have a well thought out password, this isn’t likely to happen.

Life made easier.

Online shopping allows us to keep a paper trail of all of our purchases and is quick and easy to use. Even though you may not receive your purchase immediately, you have done the purchasing in a less stressful environment. Best part is when the parcel arrives, who doesn’t enjoy getting a parcel? Buying gifts for family and friends is made easy due to the large variety online, making sure that your gift will be unique. 

So get yourselves out of bustling malls and never ending queues, and get shopping online… where the world is really a click away.

All the small things

...when you are afflicted with a lazy partner! I explore the lack of balance in housework and parenting that plagues many homes...

Do you wish you and your significant other could swap places, if only for a day? You’re not alone. A relationship with a man can be exhausting, as men assume that they know what we, as women, want out of our relationships. But do they really?

Different people show they care in different ways; in general, most red-blooded males assume that physical intimacy is a good enough way to show their love. Sure, intimacy is a big part of any relationship; but it’s not what makes it work.

Not all women are after sex 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most women seek security and simple acts that show that their man really cares.

What do the men say?

When asking a group of married men to describe their relationship with their wives; most of them said that they have great relationships. One husband, let’s call him Dan, explained that he and his wife discuss their days every evening and have a very honest relationship.

The men also explained that they do help around the house: cleaning up the garden, watching the children and on the odd occasion some would cook. However, very few of them mentioned picking up after the children (or themselves!), or volunteering to take the reins in the kitchen for a week.

The women's verdict

When the women were asked what they would like their husbands to do more in their relationships, sexual needs weren’t at the top of their list. They wanted help; the kind of help that could make their lives easier around the house.

Helping to organise the children’s lunches for the next day, cleaning up after them, and assisting in the kitchen are a few examples which came up quite often. 

"According to the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan, women spent an average of 27 hours a week on housework in 2002, while men spent 16 hours," says American journalist, Leslie Bennetts. "Even today, married men perform little more than a third of household labour, whether or not their wives or partners are in the paid labour force. And women spend more than twice as much time as men do on child care."

Three types of lazy

Dr Joshua Coleman, author of The Lazy Husband, recognises three types of lazy husbands (we’ll put boyfriends in the same category). The first is the ‘boy-husband’ He will act helpless and incompetent when it comes to doing anything around the house.

Next, we get the ‘perfectionist husband’ who wants everything to be done right, but won’t help in achieving this.

And lastly there is the ‘angry husband’ who intimidates his wife with his irritation so that she would rather not ask for his help. Do any of these sound familiar?

This is not to say that all men are lazy: there are men out there that are very happy helping out around the house and supporting their wives in every way they can.

What can we do?

Encouraging your significant other rather than asking (which men think is nagging) goes a lot further in our quest for getting the help we so need. So the next time you’re swapping between the stove top and bathing the children, while your man is loafing on the couch, negotiate with him.

Give him a cause for taking out the rubbish or watching the children. Nagging only creates tension, whereas encouragement reaps rewards, even if it’s helping with the small things.