There is a lot of buzz around this topic, so I won't add unnecessary detail. But I will offer a funny anecdote.
For those into Facebook, especially those who are bored and enjoy being offered silly activities to pass the time, change your Facebook settings. Instructions are in an article here by Lee Mathews.
You see, every time you take a quiz, offer a virtual lemon meringue pie, or ask others to join a cause like Save the meerkats from religious persecution, you use a third-party application - one that's written outside of Facebook. And when you click Yes after they ask for access to your account, they get access to everything, including your friend list and photos.
The original blog post that brought this issue to light was written by Cheryl Smith, whose picture was used in a Hot Singles ad, that popped up on her husband's Facebook page. She wasn't stepping out and he wasn't looking. You can read her blog here.
I learned of this (third-party) Facebook issue after my sister got a Hot Singles ad with my picture in it. Besides the obvious gross out factor, she did what most people would do: she posted a comment on her Facebook status, which brought everyone into the joke - kind of like getting pantsed again in front of my dorm (true story). Anyway, it was quite funny, and equally creepy.
Note to self: post this kind of stuff for the world next time and maybe you'll finally get that blog traffic you've always wanted.
Caveat Lector! (May the reader beware!)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Facebook Apps: Caveat Lector!
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Independent Thoughts on Independence Day
I freelance articles that are meant to be humorous (at least in my opinion) and from the male perspective (mine, certainly not all men) for Why Hasn't He, a dating/relationship advice web site run by two lovely people, Tamsen Fadal and Matt Titus. "Why Hasn't He" is in reference to two of their books: Why Hasn't He Called and Why Hasn't He Proposed.
I recently received a comment on my post about Valentine's Day from Alexis, who said "Just curious as to what men think of fourth of july."
That's an interesting question. In all my musings, I hadn't really thought about that. Until now. I can't speak for all men, but I'll share my thoughts since you kindly asked.
They love fireworks, especially setting them off. There's usually a stash they acquired on a fishing trip down south and have kept in the garage all year just for such an occasion. Safety isn't a factor since the Constitution protects them from harming themselves, right? Some think amnesty is automatically provided when local laws and covenants are broken after they set off fireworks for three consecutive nights, usually after consuming a lot of beer. I'm not one of them. (The fireworks part - I loves my beer.)
Many think, Yay! A three-day weekend. Let's get together with family or friends. Take a three-day trip somewhere. Maybe have a cookout. Get something done around the house. I am one of them. That doesn't mean something really gets done around the house or I hold an actual cookout. I always have great plans before the weekend starts.
Some think, I only need to use four days of vacation and with two wrapping weekends I'll get nine days off! If I'm staying local, sometimes I'm one of them. If I'm traveling, definitely not - too crowded by everyone else with the same genius idea.
Many are very patriotic and enjoy displaying their patriotism wearing flag-inspired clothing or a festive combo of red, white and blue. I'm usually not one of them, not because I'm unpatriotic but I'm really an autumn and prefer deeper browns and blacks. Flags are displayed everywhere, whether small and handheld, a window sticker on the car or apartment window, next to the front door, tattooed across one's back or, for the true diehards, on the flagpole in the center of the front lawn with landscaping and a concrete bench for times of reflection. There's something very spiritual and connecting for men and flying a flag. It's hard to explain but it feels very...strong yet respectfully silent.
Maybe John Oliver will do a great piece on The Daily Show about celebrating our independence from Great Britain - his interviews are hilarious, especially of Americans - this time I would hope traveling in the UK. Which reminds me: Remember if you're traveling overseas, the rest of the world is working and not celebrating the holiday. I know that sounds obvious but since I walk to my mailbox on every holiday and forget the banks are closed, it isn't a stretch to be wondering why I can't see the fireworks from my hotel window in Stuttgart.
I do wonder if it's a big breakup day, when people reflect and might say, "This ain't working for me. Time to claim my independence!" Martina McBride's song "Independence Day" will be played quite a bit for its title, but the lyrics can offer real inspiration to those who need freedom from a bad relationship.
Some of us enjoy watching the Will Smith classic Independence Day (it's only 13 years old but I consider it a classic), which will be broadcast continually across the cablesphere (did I just make up a new word?) all weekend long. It's the Fourth's equivalent to It's a Wonderful Life.
But I'm fairly certain most men are just happy in the fact there are no greeting cards or gifts required, and won't hear "I can't believe you forgot me on the 4th!"
Um, here's a sparkler?
Postscript: Governor Sarah Palin announced her intention to resign as governor of Alaska yesterday, without offering any real details yet. It sent the country in a frenzy of speculation and sniping from both sides of our inadequate two-party system, and is a sad distraction to the holiday weekend. Regardless of her reasons, the timing reminds me of that f'd up attention grabber we all seem to have stories about who has to one-up any event (birthday, retirement, wedding, even funeral) refocusing attention on themselves by what they wear, what they do or, most often, just what they say. I say ignore her and the arguments for at least today, and let's enjoy ourselves. And, yes, I appreciate the freedom I enjoy to say whatever I want, even if we agree to disagree!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Wait Your Turn
"Wait your turn" is something we are all taught as children. It's a simple way of saying, think about others before yourself; be cool, you'll get your chance.
I believe if everyone remembered to follow this simple practice, our days could be less stressful and even happier.
This can apply to many different situations:
- Getting in Line - like at an airport, where the entry gate is obvious (that big ass door with the gate number above it, and the airline employees standing adjacent), and so is the line behind it. Why form your own merge lane?
- Driving - just like in the Pauli exclusion principle in quantum theory, two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time, so don't force your way in, especially when there's plenty of room in back of the line.
- Parking - the exercise will do you good, so let the close spots go. Also, don't pretend you didn't see the pedestrians coming. What's a few more seconds?
- Entering a Building - hold the door for others, just because you should.
- Career - if you're just graduating high school or college, you're not meant to immediately be making six-figures with your own home, new car, and every amenity know to Engadget. Take your knocks like the rest of us and enjoy the journey - it would be quite boring if it really was all handed to you. And if you've been in one for a while without advancement (meaning you've missed your turn, or several of them), reassess your strategy and your company. Maybe it's your turn for a change to something better.
- Politics - if your party isn't in power (White House or Congress), start working on finding new solutions that work and a viable opposing candidate for the next election, rather than whining, spewing venom, or spinning information to make everyone look bad, including yourselves.
- Love - it usually happens when you stop looking for it, so don't rush to the finish line, especially with someone who isn't running the same race.
If you can think of it as you are always exactly where you are supposed to be, why would you try to get somewhere else before you're meant to? Leave that to cats, who never remember why they rushed into that room anyway.
A few weeks ago, I was late and hurrying into work. I came to a stop sign and crosswalk. I noticed a young woman was jogging towards the intersection, so I waited and waved her across. As I drove off, I looked in my rearview mirror and noticed a car heading the other way, rather slowly. Perhaps they were lost. But I also wondered if they had noticed the same jogger. She was running through a large park & ride lot (which was full of cars but not people because it was after 10 AM) and towards a park that is very active on evenings and weekends but virtually empty during the workday. I watch way too much TV and couldn't get the nefarious what-ifs out of my head. Then I thought about the concept of angels among us.
I'm certainly no angel, or even a religious person, but the further I drove, the further I felt compelled to turn around. I was already running late and still wanted my morning coffee, but I couldn't shake the idea of leaving someone, even a stranger, vulnerable.
In addition to serving as corporate tethers, that's what cell phones and blackberries are for anyway. So I turned around. She was long gone and so was the car. And there were a few moms with kids at the playground. As I headed back to work, I saw her jogging up towards the shopping center, back into the population.
Nothing happened. No heroics required. I wasn't needed at all. Or, perhaps, because I turned around, my simple actions had a ripple effect that changed events that could have unfolded differently. Who knows? But I felt I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
What's Your Rapper Name?
I've always wondered what my handle would be if I were a rapper. I tried the online rap name generators and quickly dismissed them: Trick P, Dog Mikey M Sledge and Money Rhyme??? So lame.
I think it's better to pick a simple theme and just have some fun.
I could go with my pasty complexion and general lack of coolness: Vanylla HotTay or Soylicious
My multi-ethnic heritage...
Greek: Hiphopodopolous
Italian: Vinny Vedivici
Irish: Little Big Da
English: PubKrawler
Scottish: GaelForce Tiger
Welsh: Stone Kold Castle Chiller
French: Roi de Fromage
German: RocktoberFest
My mad skills of exaggeration and inaccuracy: 9 Inch Nail
And when feeling especially sacrilegious (remembering that God laughs in any faith):
Wiccedy Wiccedy Wiccan
Ur Nex Messiah
Elijah's Chair Sitter
Karma Zootra
Big Belly Wizdom
All 4 72 Ladyz
AgnosticFronter or ItzAllGood
I'll keep adding more until I get bored...
What's yours? Comment here or share on Twitter. Be creative!!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
How Did You Do In Your First 100 days?
Imagine you put everything on the line for the hardest job in the world. The kind of job that one can only dream of, but no one truly wants. A job that brings unimaginable stress - the kind that can kill you and will definitely age you five years for every one. A position where nearly every decision is monumental - decisions that can have ripple effects that aren't apparent for years, but are analyzed and reanalyzed, criticized, and held to standards no single human could ever truly attain.
Every word you say is recorded, repeated, paraphrased, interpreted, spun, taken out of context or simply fabricated. Every slip, simple or significant, is instantly echoed audibly, visually, in print and immortalized, often in late-night monologues.
You've gone through the longest, most grueling interview process ever. You've asked your spouse and your kids, who only want you to be happy and successful, to follow a path with you that will change their lives forever. They must give up everything for you for the next 1,461 days. In a world where they have to deal with constant worry for your safety as well as their own, and learn to handle unrelenting criticism, ignorance and pure hatred with grace. And where everything they wear, do and say is recorded, repeated, paraphrased, interpreted, spun and taken out of context.
A job where you're expected to clean up whatever mess was left by the last guy, within an arbitrary timeframe.
A job where half the "company" is hoping you fail, declaring every misstep a catastrophe they had predicted all along, tearing away at your self-confidence while pretending to be cordial yet talking behind your back to anyone who will listen, often with disdain, a closed mind and even anger. And the other half is just hoping you don't fuck up, and from a safe distance.
I was lucky to remember anyone's name and find the john without needing a map in my first 100 days. In fact, very little was expected of me other than knowing who to fear, learning the company acronyms and continuing to show up.
Give him a break. At least he's trying.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Getting TwitFaced on Social Networking
Warning: This stuff is addictive, and I'm actually starting to love it. Twitter and Facebook - they're not for everyone (some people think this is the stupidest stuff in the world), but they're welcoming to all. I'll be honest - originally I was pretty cynical, mostly because I didn't understand the potential of these various tools, and I'm always too cool for school (especially when I use dated expressions).
My friend Jessie has been into social networking for years, preaching the benefits, especially for businesses and marketing - now the rest of the world is catching up, including me. I didn’t really connect with the term at first - I knew there were online communities beyond chat rooms, a lot of narcissistic profiles on MySpace (got my own), dating sites, etc. But I didn't really see the potential and had a pretty negative impression and reluctance to join. Plus I'm a latecomer, not an early adopter - my first iPod was 4th-generation even though I was into WAVs before MP3s, and I bought my first mac last week. So let's just say I'm not a version 1.0 kind of guy.
But my attitude about social networking really changed when I learned you could control the access and I started connecting with family, friends, people with the same surname, colleagues, and even made some new friends. And I started participating - how much or how little is really your choice.
I'm not an authority so you can get real information from a better source, but I believe MySpace was originally for music before it became the personal profile site (I still use it for music). I thought Facebook was the same thing but learned it's quite different, and a lot of fun. Twitter is for micro-blogging or broadcast text messaging.
There are several features I don't like but I ignore them. Some folks have plenty of time but I doubt very seriously if I don’t take a quiz to see what kind of 80s Porn Star I am, or return the virtual biscuit, holiday greeting or drink, that anyone will be offended. And quite frankly, I don’t have time to worry about it.
Now, I'm especially enjoying Twitter. A post, or tweet, is brief. Say it in 140 characters or less. Here's one today from one of my personal heros, Al Yankovic, who tweeted: "I have to wonder what kind of names the band REJECTED before they settled on "Hoobastank." Gold.
This week Twitter made headlines when folks realized Ashton Kutcher was on his way to reaching 1 million followers before CNN Breaking News. As the numbers got higher they made a bet: donate mosquito nets for World Malaria Day (10,000 by the winner and 1,000 by the loser). And he won.
It isn't all about celebrities, but they're fun to follow and you soon learn they are (and always have been) regular folk. Actually, everyone in the community is on a level playing field. You can follow anyone and they can follow you.
As a writer, I am also always looking for a way to bring readers to my blog. The problem is there are millions of them out here and they don't cost a dime to start. I realized that one simple tweet of “This $hit is funny!" with my blog's URL by someone like Ashton Kutcher could bring me traffic I could only dream about.
But it's not all about self-promotion. You can read along or jump right into conversations with journalists, musicians, celebrities, smart folks, goofy folks, your friends or total strangers. You don’t have to book an interview. You don’t have to move to LA. You don’t have to have credentials...just an opinion and some decorum. Personally, I enjoy those who post a few tweets a day so I can also keep up with others. Minute-by-minute diaries I tend to avoid.
You can follow the hot stories, search on new topics, and read a history of one’s tweets if they spark your fancy. One of the powerful things about Twitter is the quickness at which information is shared, and the quickness a community responds - often in a charitable sense. You can tweet a simple text message from your cell phone and it's automatically sent to your followers. Which is why information can be shared so quickly - there are literally millions of on-location correspondents.
Here is a sample of the twitter accounts I follow:
Tina Fey - the one I aspire to be (see Tina Fey Comedy Litmus Test)
Nathan Fillion - loved him on Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place, Firefly and now Castle. I enjoy hearing what he's up to and stuff he's doing for the show
Decemberists Singer Colin Meloy - artists always have a fresh perspective
George Stephanopoulos – I enjoy the Greek thrown into the messages he receives, and his polling of the community for good questions for his guests
Rainn Wilson - who doesn't love a fellow geek who also happens to be on The Office?
Ellen DeGeneres - she's always funny and loves animals, and I love her
Jason Goldman and Evan Williams - a direct line to folks that make Twitter happen
Dr. Isis the Scientist - Science!
NY Times best-selling author James Rollins - maybe some day I'll have a similar bio
Big Peter - my marathon-running Canadian cousin who's also a CBC writer - Big only refers to age (I have two cousins with the same first name) - Sorry cuz!
Steve - very active media and tech guru, colleague and friend
Kevin Rose - founder of Digg.com and was a regular on one of my favorite shows The Screen Savers - he's like my smarter younger brother
Ryan Seacrest - great behind the scenes American Idol schtuff and is very active with the community
Liana Maeby - she posted a great blog article to Create your own NPR name. Mine is Michabel Klido. I found Liana through Colin Meloy. Connections. Cool.
If you're anti-social networking, you can skip the interactions and just get one tweet a day from places like Woot for their deal of the day or Amazon MP3 for discounted music.
I know the phrase "power of the Internet" seems cliche, and I've been on it for nearly 20 years, but it still surprises me. I have a blog that reaches hundreds of people and it's hosted for free, even if I start to reach hundreds of thousands; I'm reconnecting with friends, family, classmates and colleagues; and I'm informed on the issues that concern me with pre-linked email contacts to my local government representatives, governors, U.S. senators, and federal department heads, with my own contact information pre-filled.
And with the integration of wireless and portable devices, it's really starting to shine. Where this is going one can only imagine. Yeah, there's an app for that.
Wanna follow me? I’m GothamCityGeek - official Twitter account for someone you don't know but might like to. Humor blogger nerd guitarist rocking the midlife. Does speling count?
Of course one of my problems is having something interesting to say (much like in my radio days when the mic was on and I wasn't). Here's your chance, funny man. The world is listening. Tweet like a pro. "Why isn't it twit?" Yeah, that was lame. I'll work on it. Bet you can do better!
