Facebook Manipulation: Good or Bad?

So, my wife is a proud supporter of Facebook Manipulation.  Here's the basic idea -  If a guy you're dating starts acting weird and wishy-washy and doesn't really seem to know what he wants, start posting photos of yourself being touchy-feely with other guys and have other men post flirty messages on your wall.

My wife used this tactic on me during a week we were dating where I was saying I didn't know what I wanted.  So, Monica (my wife) said "Well, until you know what you want, I don't want to see you or talk to you.  So, figure it out."

Next thing I knew, she was posting photos like this:

Photo taken 4th of July, 2008.  The man in this photo is married to my wife's best friend (and he's the cousin of one of my best friends)

Within days, I knew that I wanted Monica.  Whether or not this was due to Facebook manipulation is still a topic of debate (Monica says yes, I say not really).  Since that time, I have been recruited a couple of times to help my wife's friends who get into similar situations with the men in their lives.  

This girl was dating a guy long distance that was giving her the run around.  After this photo (among others) was posted, he started to come around. 

Photo Taken 4th of July 2009 (after Monica and I were already married)

Monica also had me post a flirty message on one of her friend's walls when the guy she was dating would not call for a few days, then randomly call her to "hang out" (booty call).  Here's what Monica (we were just dating at this point) had me post:  
 

Rhett Maurice Billen KYLIE! Hey, I haven't seen you in sooo long. I hear there's a Green House Party on New Year's. I should be back in town by then. Me + You + Hot Chocolate + Green House = A Happy New Year. What do you think? 
December 15, 2008 at 10:51am · Comment · Like · See Wall-to-Wall

In closing, I'm interested to know how many people condemn Facebook Manipulation on the grounds that it is sneaky, deceiving, and immature, versus those who support this tactic with the attitude that it's all in good fun and no one's getting hurt and it's just something to laugh about in the end.  What do you think?

Tiger's Apology

I know some people in our class aren't a fan of Mr. O'Reilly, but I think he makes very valid points.  Here's an example of some good points he makes about the whole Tiger Woods debacle. 

Weinerschnitzel's New "Sea Dog"

So, I got an ad in the mail today for Weinerschnitzel.  I remember liking it as an adolescent, but it's been years since I've had any of their chili cheese fries or chili dogs.  

I must admit, I was speechless when I saw their latest and greatest addition to their menu.

Scanning the photo . . . fish 'n chips, a little weird for a hot dog vendor, but not unimaginable. . . a fish wrap?  Kinda strange, and definitely not really something I'm interested in trying . . . a SEA DOG?!  As in, an elongated deep fried piece of fish put into a hot dog bun with some lettuce and tartar sauce???
 

Whoever reads this post, I beg you to PLEASE go try a Sea Dog just so you can tell me how it is.  I'm so curious, but not curious enough to try it for myself.  

Oh, and in case you're wondering what it looks like when it's not all pretty for the advertisement, I found this gem using google images: 

 

I apologize to anyone that might have thrown up in their mouth a little bit from reading this post.  

Only in Utah . . .

Driving home from work the other day I pulled behind a car whose license plate read "FORGIVE". 

My wife took the opportunity to make light of the situation by asking "I wonder if they want us to forgive them for being a bad driver?"

Hopefully this is not the license plate of anyone from our class.   If so, I forgive you. 

My Two Favorites

I think my favorite type of story has to involve action, adventure, and some type of journey.  I remember reading "The Hobbit" in fifth grade for the first time, and I have read it many times since.  I love rooting for Bilbo.  Seeing such an unlikely hero be so courageous and devoted has always been inspiring to me. 

I read "The Alchemist" for the first time a little over three years ago and immediately loved it.  It is inspiring through and through.  One of my favorite stories from this book is about the secret of happiness, and it is one that I never get tired of reading. 

I'm slightly anxious that a film version of each of these books are forthcoming.  It's always sad to see a great piece of literature become the subject of ridicule at the box office. 

The Entitled Male

While watching "Lost" on Hulu last night, my wife and I saw this commercial:




It's interesting how my first reaction after watching this was to feel like I deserved something because I try to do all those things that are mentioned in the commercial.  While I have very little desire to drive a Chevy Camaro, this ad still elicited an "entitled male" response from me.  But after thinking about it, I've realized how sad this commercial really is.  It exudes a "Male Vs. Female" vibe that is icky and superficial.  

I just feel bad for all the men and women out there that got into an unnecessary argument after seeing this ad.

Insecure Blogger

Do you ever get anxiety about whether or not people will comment on your Blog?  I mean, you want people to read your blog, or else you wouldn't keep updating it, would you?  And how do you know whether or not people are actually reading your Blog unless they leave a comment?

My wife and I have a blog that we both update from time to time.  I'm not a huge fan of updating our blog, but I think it might be because I feel like I don't get as many comments as she does when she blogs.  Maybe her friends (80% of our readers) just don't feel comfortable commenting on my blog posts?  Maybe I'm a crappy blogger?   

Either way, as a side note to an earlier question from this post, you can actually sign up on http://www.google.com/analytics/ and see how many people are reading your blog, what cities and states and countries they are in when the read it, and how long they read your blog for.  Pretty cool stuff. 

How the Media is Similar to Food

I'm not really sure how I thought of this analogy, but I was thinking about how we take in media is similar to how we consume food.  Here are some examples:

• There are certain types that we crave and can't seem to get enough of, even though we know it's not really very healthy for us.
• The kinds that are good for us we enjoy, but probably don't get enough of. 
• We're willing to spend extra amounts of money to go out and enjoy it rather than enjoying it from home. 
• Certain types can be addicting.
• It's unavoidable.