Diver: Guy w/ Durango Bad Apples cell phone repair and more
Interesting fact: The first cloned pet was a cat named “copy cat.”
 

Dear Diver,

Why is it that everyone has a cell phone, but no one actually picks them up or wants to talk on them? This is especially noticeable among the younger generation. It seems the only way to get in touch with them is via text or instagram.  Have we become so lazy that the mere act of speaking is seen as too much of an effort? Should I be worried the human race is evolving into complete mutes?

–   Waiting for Someone to Pick Up

Dear Declined Call,

Ahh, the old generational study of difference. That which can hinder understanding of one another and even poison points of view. You can be worried but all generations show developmental change over time. This is caused by the changing environs we develop in, ensuring we are the product of our times. I asked my favorite millennial “why would you prefer alternative channels over a simple phone call, is it because you can take a moment longer and respond with added time of thought? Maybe it affords more convenience to respond with more flexible timeliness? People can have running conversations rather than talking when available, maybe this is product of simplicity?” He emailed me, “yeah, those things.”

– Don’t let differences consume, too much.

Dear Diver,

I know this guy who is always talking about how “cool” he is, and even refers to himself as a hipster. Of course, he is completely oblivious that he is none of this. I mean, if you really, indeed, are “cool,” shouldn’t your coolness speak for itself?  If you have to tell people you’re cool, doesn’t that automatically mean you’re not cool? Or is that his point?

–  Cool-fused

Dear Cool Police,

I’m RIGHT HERE! Hipsters exploit difference as unique and construe as cool.” The Fonz was cool just by being.  So I know what you mean, but you should also be cautious that you are not just “hating” and if so, why? Jealousy? Or maybe “this guy” is in a state of uncertainty and needs some affirmation? Is this person trying to win your approval? Worse, did you put this person in the “friend zone?” The real question here is: Do you need to look within or without? Chiggity-checking yo self should help with questions internal before probability of wrecking yo self. Addressing the needs or reasons for this guy’s (oblivious) cries of help might bring you to fight/flight with who you are to him...

– This geeky diver could also be wrong :-/ #so cool 

Dear Diver,

I got into an interesting conversation with a college kid the other day, where he tried to claim that Kurt Cobain and Nirvana were “punk.” As a child of the ’80s and ’90s, who actually grew up with real punk (Suicidal Tendencies, Black Flag, Descendants, Dead Kennedys, Sex Pistols, etc.) I wanted to throw up. I tried to explain that Nirvana was actually considered “grunge” and that whole flannel thing they actually ripped off from ’80s punk, but he couldn’t even comprehend. Please, Diver, tell me that young music listeners are not really that ignorant.

– Vinyl Vern

Hey Vern,

DON’T throw up, because if you DO I may spew, or blow chunks... I found an old interview where Kurt Cobain explained his internal fight for defining what his band would be, who they “are” ... he mentioned wanting to have a more “loud and punk feel” in some works/albums/songs. Often misunderstood, Cobain may have confused the student. This younger generational Wiki’d and just didn’t see that Nirvana was a section away from the “Punk Rock” as we define it. We can look to Black Flag and hero Hank Rollins (“Henry” is too formal) for a definition of punk: “It isn’t about mohawks or studded leather, it’s about resistance to tyranny in any form.” So maybe Kurt was “punk” as he raged against hair cutting, showers, shaving, having chilly arms (get it, the flannel). I’ve got another confession to make, had Kurt fought more vs. Suicidal Tendencies, we might not have had Foo Fighters.

– It’s still rock ‘n’ roll to me. Know what I mean, Vern?