Some kind of fans you turned out to be...

I've been thinking and have come up with a theory: there are TWO subcultures of Manilow fans:

Subculture #1-The fanatics
These are the women that live, eat, breath, sleep, talk, chat, post all things Manilow and meddle into every other fan's business. These women (and yes, it's the women) send hateful emails to people, report them to the BMIFC, harass fans if they even have an opinion contrary to theirs, and can't fathom that other people actually have lives apart from Barryland. They are irrational, out of control and obnoxious. They seem to be the majority...until you come in contact with....

Subculture #2-The balanced fans
These are fans (men and women) that have lives. They enjoy the music of Manilow. They are inspired by his life principles. They support his charities. And they attend his concerts when possible. They don't obcess about leather, about this fan or that fan, about who posted what negative comment on the message board or who knows TPTB. As a matter of fact, they rarely even post. These fans live in blogland and outside the realm of the barrynet. These are the fans that make up the vast majority of the Manilow community.

...and they are NORMAL.

Happy to be a part of subculture #2,
Texas Fanilow

Putting Power in Perspective...Always be for something

Another fan and a friend of mine, shared this the other day and I thought it was worth highlighting, viewing the current tone on the message boards that mirrors the tone in our country. See if you agree...

As human beings, we cannot help but be subject to our preferences. However, we do have control over the manner in which these manifest themselves in our lives. Every value we hold dear is an expression of either support or opposition, and it is our perspective that determines whether we are FOR something or AGAINST it. As an example of a situation we are all familiar at this time, we can direct our energy and intentions into activities that promote peace rather than using our resources to speak out in opposition of war. On the surface, these appear to be two interchangeable methods of expressing one virtue, yet being FOR something is a vastly more potent means of inspiring change because it carries with it the power of constructive intent.

When you support a cause, whether your support is active or passive, you contribute to the optimism that fuels all affirmative change. Optimistic thoughts energize people, giving them hope and inspiring them to work diligently on behalf of what they believe in. Being FOR something creates a positive shift in the universe, which means that neither you nor those who share your vision will have any trouble believing that transformation on a grand scale is indeed possible. To be AGAINST something is typically easy, as you need only speak out in opposition to it. Standing up FOR something is often more challenging, because you may be introducing an idea to people that may scare them on a soul level.

Throughout your life, you have likely been told that the actions of one person will seldom have a measurable impact on the world. Yet your willingness to stand up for what you believe in instead of decrying what you oppose can turn the tides of fate. The thoughts you project when you choose to adopt a positive perspective will provide you with a means to actively promote your values and, eventually, foster lasting change.

It's easy to criticize, but so much harder to be FOR something. Barry is a perfect example for this and he shows us how the actions of one person--"one voice"--can indeed make a difference.

Adding my voice to his and being FOR PEACE,

Texas Fanilow

(thanks Carole for sharing this principle)

What are we? Back in high school?

This post is personally related. So bear with me...

I feel like I'm back in high school. I'm the live and let live kind of person usually. But lately, someone has stirred up that "competition" feeling inside of me. So it's here that I'm venting hoping that once I say it, it will leave me forever!

Every time I post on the Bnet about the fan club website that I am the website designer of, someone else has to one up me. And to top it off...they copied my format almost verbatim on their fan club website. I know...imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but seriously, this person is annoying the CRAP out of me. I'm trying to contain myself and be polite, but it's all I can do to stop from blasting her.

I think it's time for some Manilow music therapy. Maybe if I listen to Dancin' in the Aisles again..."everybody will see that we're a family, and we'll be dancin' in the aisles".

Listening to Barry and trying to "be nice".
Texas Fanilow

Barry's Motivation

I was watching a video of one of Barry's concerts at Royal Albert Hall. He was talking to a reporter backstage before the show, sitting in front of a mirror and there was a newspaper clipping of some sort taped to the top of the mirror. The headline read: YOUR JOB IS TO POUR OUT YOUR HEART...

I got to thinking and wondering if that was Barry's motivational tool. If he looked at that before his concerts and it reminded him what his job was when he got out on stage. And then I realized that is exactly what he does. He pours out his heart every time he sings one of those "slash your wrist" ballads, or he leads the audience in a chorus of "Can't Smile Without You". His music is his passion and he communicates that to anyone who will listen: radio, cd, tv, live performance.

Recently, the fans were asking each other what was it that motivated us to be a fan of this performer. What set him apart from the rest? I think that question was answered by that clipping taped to the mirror. He pours out his heart and we connect.

Our job is to spread the word.
Signing off for now,
Texas Fanilow

Shades of "early" Manilow

Last night I had the privilege of going to a piano bar at a historic hotel while on vacation. The piano player reminded me of Barry's description of himself in the Live on Broadway video. A nice suit, slim tie, very short hair...but loads of talent. As we listened I couldn't help but imagine Barry sitting at the piano himself years ago playing for and arranging music for Bette.

This young man was talented, as was the female singer that he accompanied. I had the privilege of speaking to both of them regarding Barry's music. The singer was familiar with him, however, the piano player praised his musical talent. When the show was over, we tipped the piano player and told him that Barry had told us to ALWAYS tip the piano player. His response, "Well Barry would know. He's one of the great piano players of all time." He thanked us for the applause and support and said goodnight.

I just couldn't help but feel that Barry would have smiled. And who knows...we may have met two future superstars!

Happy to support the "up and coming" superstars,
Texas Fanilow

P.S. Check out her link to the right under "Up and Coming Jazz Singer-Jodie Borle!