An interesting prespective on Customers and Consumers

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

I find this to be a clever message.


Original site: failbook.failblog.org/2011/09/26/fun
ny-facebook-fails-oinkonomics/

It also applies to SparkPeople. I am not saying anything bad about SparkPeople, I'm just saying that we should remember to use this site with our eyes open. Have you ever noticed the little line under the ads?

SparkPeople advertisers help keep the site free! www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivat
ion_articles.asp?id=1454

I have noticed some ads that are targetted to me: my locale, my age group, my gender, my running, etc. I know that I provided that information when I signed up and that's how the advertisers know

Some of the comments on the original site:
RS -- This comic is cleverly worded, but it’s hardly a Facebook-specific observation. The same is true for any website, tv channel, &c. that doesn’t charge money, and even a lot that do.

Steve -- Not quite correct. If you USE IT and don’t pay for it, you’re the product. If you DON’T use it and DON”t pay for it, you’re just an amused bystander.

If you have information you want protected, protect it! My wife does not wish to have heer name "out there." So I always refer to her as She(Who Must Be Obeyed). I abbreviate it as She(WMBO).

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

REVSERENA 9/28/2011 11:39PM

My dad taught advertising design for years, but passed away before the internet revolution revolutionized ads. He always said that the first rule of advertising is "create the need." Since my profession is as a spiritual leader, I often think that he and I were trying to do exactly the opposite things in our professional life! I don't worry so much about the marketing of stuff in this targeted way, but I am deeply worried about the marketing of ideas this way. Political ads and media outlets are targeted in just as pinpointed a manner, and I worry that politicians and "the news" have a whole new way to tell us just what we want to hear without bothering to give us all the facts. No wonder our society is becoming so polarized! Report Inappropriate Comment

CONNIECOOLCHICK 9/28/2011 2:03PM

I like your blog, and, along with ARLENEEAH and KATHYOV, I agree with everything you said. My son used to work for an advertising agency and told us lots of stories. The one that sticks with me the most is how long it actually takes to film a 30 second TV commercial Welcome to "This is Birdland! Baltimore Orioles Fan" connie Report Inappropriate Comment

KATHYOV 9/28/2011 5:57AM

I find advertising fascinating. I think that the methods they use are ingenuous. And, no, I don't work in advertising. I do enjoy studying it and enjoyed teaching it to my children who are now adults and savvy shoppers. Even things that I searched the internet for outside of SparkPeople are advertised while I'm visiting SparkPeople. For example, I lost a ring recently and was searching for a picture of it to post in case someone found it. My search was interpreted as shopping and the sites that I visited are now posting ads on SparkPeople. It's those darn cookies in the browsers. But, targeted ads are better than non targeted ads. When I window shop websites, the next time I visit, they make suggestions of what I might like to see. Ingenuous! I don't let it bug me. It's technology. And, yes, there is nothing free. You do know that all of your blogs are public, yes? Take this blog that you posted and pick a phrase, word for word. Copy and paste it to the Google search enclosing the phrase in quotes. It will make a direct hit on your SparkPeople blog. Try this phrase from your blog (or any phrase): " targetted to me: my locale, my age group, my gender, my running, etc" Report Inappropriate Comment

ARLENE_MOVES 9/27/2011 8:09PM

True -- ever since I mentioned water jogging (and maybe clicked on an ad), I've been getting ads for aqua stuff. Nothings private. My dh hates being called and treated like a consumer -- but customer has gone away. Bye Bye... Good blog! Report Inappropriate Comment

My 40 year high school reunion is coming up.

Monday, September 26, 2011

My 40 year High School reunion is coming up this weekend. I haven't seen any of these people in, oh, at least 35 years.

I take that back.

We went to my 10 year. I dropped by the picnic for my 25 years alone for about an hour and was amazed how everyone had become our parents.

The ten year was funny. The girl I had dated for two years in high school was there.

Between our junior and senior years, Teresa went to live with her sister in Roanoke, VA. When she came back she was acting strangely toward me. In October she told me that "Dean" had proposed to her and she had accepted. I met Dean in June and he was about 30. So at the 10 year, Teresa, who was there dressed to the 9s, introduced me to her husband ... not Dean. Later I asked the guy about Dean. "Oh he was number 1. I'm number 3 and we aren't long for this marriage. I think she has #4 picked out already." Later She(WMBO) relayed to me how Teresa was adding a room to the trailer because there was no room for the 5 kids.

She laughed all the way home from Bel Air, MD. We lived in New Jersey at the time. "Adding a room the the trailer!" she would howl in a fake southern accent, doing her best to sound like Teresa.

Whew! I am a lucky, lucky man. I love my wife! I LOVE MY WIFE!

This is her Junior picture. I can't find her senior yearbook.

I also wonder how many, if any, have been married to the same spouse as long as She(WMBO) and I have. Some married right out of high school. Did they stay married? We waited two years. We have been married to each other for 38 years this past June.

I am looking at it more as an opportunity to go out on a dinner and dancing date with my beautiful wife than a chance to catch up.

I wonder if Teresa will be there? So she can see what she tossed over and who scooped me up.

This could be fun.

Or, it could be an early evening if it's a room full of our parents.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

REVSERENA 9/28/2011 11:31PM

I just had my 30th this summer and we danced the night away. It was a blast! Report Inappropriate Comment

PATTYCAKE17 9/27/2011 12:16PM

I THINK YOU'LL BE SURPRISED NOT ONLY W/THE METAMORPHASIS INTO YOUR PARENTS, BUT HOW MANY OF THOSE "PARENTS" HAVE HAD KNEE AND HIP REPLACEMENTS, AND HOW MANY WALKERS AND CANES ARE IN THE ROOM. TRY TO BE GENTLE AND SYMPATHETIC!LOL NOT EVERYONE CAN RUN A MARATHON AT YOUR AGE. POOR TERESA; AS MY MOTHER ALWAYS SAID, "MORE TO BE PITIED THAN SCORNED." I HAVEN'T BEEN BACK TO MY REUNIONS SINCE THE 10th ONE, AND I DON'T KNOW IF I'LL EVER GO BACK, NOW THAT I USE A WHEELCHAIR. MY AGED BRAIN JUST REMINDED ME THAT MY 50th WILL BE COMING UP NEXT YEAR. OMG! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUGIRL06 9/27/2011 9:44AM

"Or, it could be an early evening if it's a room full of our parents." - You crack me up! Isn't it weird to see people after so many years? At least you are confident that you life turned out pretty darn good! ~Ang Report Inappropriate Comment

JANETRIS 9/27/2011 8:56AM

I had fun going to my 30th 2 years ago. One classmate said I was the only one who actually looked better. I was the kid that got picked last in all the gym class teams. Well....they want me now! Enjoy the reunion and the special night with your wife.Me and DH have been married for 22 years....a good adventure! Let us know all the scoop!...Jane Report Inappropriate Comment

REDSHOES2011 9/26/2011 11:44PM

Give us a full report.. It is funny how life turns out, I don't want to meet the people from my classes ever again.. I never socialized with them, as had to go home and help my grandma look efter my sibblings while our parents were at work.. Report Inappropriate Comment

Less than 6 weeks to my Marathon Race and not looking forward to it.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Legend has it that the first guy who did a Marathon ran 26 miles, (the 0.2 was added so the Queen of England could have the race run past her palace) shouted out the name of his shoe "NIKE!" and croaked. I'm just sayin' is all. I can see it now, I cross the finish line yell "BROOKS ADRENELINE! Gak!" Soil my shorts and get Last Rites.

BUt, I may have found my ceiling, my limit.

When I went to my first Weight Watchers meeting, I was decidedly NOT happy to be there. She(WMBO) had ordered me there at the end of her foot. I sat in the front row, center, arms crossed, scowling.

"Anything to celebrate today?" chirped the irritatingly effervescent Jody. My God, woman it's 7 o friggin' clock on a Saturday morning. Tone it down a little.

From the right side of the room came an equally irritatingly excited voice: "I'm within ten pounds of my goal and I'm going to run my first 5k next week!" Whooo Hoooo way to go great job Sue! That was everybody else. Jody gave her a Bravo sticker.

I was mentally saying "Pffft, yeah, like that'll ever happen."

Flash forward three and a half years and I am now the one who is telling others about my running exploits. From 5ks (my first was two years ago this weekend at 27:00), 6ks, 5 milers, 10ks, half marathon, sprint duathlon, sprint triathlon.

I signed up for a marathon.

I think I have found my limit. Yesterday I ran, in training, 23 miles. Three weeks ago I ran 20 miles and it was hard. Yesterday I could barely finish the 23. I always map out a route that is a little longer than required. Yesterday I had an extra 3/4 mile.

As soon as my GPS reported 23 miles (and it always reports short) I stopped running. I did not finish the last 1/2 mile to my house. Could not do it. I was toast. Cooked. Stick a fork in me.

How will I finish 26.2 in three weeks? That's my "go the distance week" and I am not anticipating a good time of it.

But you know? It doesn't matter. I will do Baltimore then Savannah and will have done it. I will be in an elite group of runners who have run the Marathon.

Anyway ... I still love running and I want to continue to love running. Marathon training is becoming a real drag. Almost five hours on Saturday starting well before dawn. As MOBYCARP said, "There's exercise for fitness, and there's exercise for having too much testosterone pride." It's becoming a pecker contest between me and ... well ... me! Or between me and the road and the road is winning.

I can still run Half Marathons. And Tris. And Dus. In fact there are other things to try like mudruns, warrior dash, bike centuries, Olympic length Triathlons.

Or I could just do 5ks.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

REVSERENA 9/28/2011 11:47PM

It always surprised me when I saw the gains that I never thought I would accomplish. I'm pretty sure that you will push your way through. And for some life experiences, once is enough! Report Inappropriate Comment

GREENDRAGYN 9/27/2011 7:27PM

Great post! I think you may have just found your limit for the day - maybe you didn't get enough sleep :-) I'm sure you'll persevere and feel better for it! WAY TO GO!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MTULLY 9/26/2011 11:24AM

My money is on you. I have no doubt that you will soon be adding running a marathon to your list of accomplishments. You are amazing! Report Inappropriate Comment

REDSHOES2011 9/25/2011 10:39PM

You analysis things so well, I love how you worded it lol.. Report Inappropriate Comment

I am getting too old for this.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Just short blog tonight.

Nearly 5 hours of my life this morning I spent running around Catonsville in my skivvies so I can be in pain the rest of the day and maybe tomorrow too.

This marathon takes a lot of work. It's hard! when I am done I will have accomplished something that maybe 1% of the people in the world will ever accomplish.

Great.

But after Savannah (5 November exactly 6 weeks away) that will be the last full marathon I will do.

I'll do halfs. I'll do tris and dus.

But no more full marathons.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JACKIE4019 9/25/2011 11:19PM

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JAYKAYSTRONG 9/25/2011 1:55PM

I keep thinking I'll see you running around one of these days but not so far! Hope today is a good rest day for you! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOBYCARP 9/25/2011 8:27AM

There's exercise for fitness, and there's exercise for having too much testosterone pride. Congratulations on finding your balance between these! Report Inappropriate Comment

PUDLECRAZY 9/25/2011 7:31AM

When I read the title to you blog, I thought, 'Nonsense, we are never too old.' But with marathons, I am afraid I have to agree. It gets harder and harder on our joints. Good for you for continuing with the half marathons. You are ! Report Inappropriate Comment

EVWINGS 9/25/2011 7:22AM

Good on you!! I'm lucky to get 30 minutes of just walking!! Report Inappropriate Comment

BD3269PM 9/25/2011 6:24AM

You are doing great. I could never run even a half let alone a full, so Kudos to you. Keep on Sparking Report Inappropriate Comment

JAZZEJR 9/25/2011 3:50AM

on your effort. Keep up your training; your body and mind are both benefiting. Report Inappropriate Comment

ARLENE_MOVES 9/25/2011 1:16AM

Good for you doing even half marathons, much less whole ones. I am envious -- I couldn't run that far! Report Inappropriate Comment

KASSIANDORA 9/24/2011 11:42PM

Congratulations! Report Inappropriate Comment

REDSHOES2011 9/24/2011 11:42PM

Understand what your saying.. Don't need to run full marathons to be healthy.. The goal is to allow our joints to last us this life time without assistance.. We can get by with less, if we use it correctly daily.. xx Red Comment edited on: 9/24/2011 11:42:45 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

MSROZZIE 9/24/2011 11:39PM

Good for you. And I complain and way out of breath just after walking 30 minutes each day. Don't stop your marathons, you the man Cheers and Spark On. Comment edited on: 9/24/2011 11:40:36 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

23 Adult Truths

Friday, September 23, 2011

You have probably seen this floating around on Facebook too, but I liked it so I am reposting it!


You know most of these are true!

1. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5.  How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday
night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

22. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

23. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

Quit Laughing

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BADASSBLONDIE 9/26/2011 5:07PM

Love this!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LMB100 9/25/2011 10:02AM

Why quit laughing? It's funny! And true....... Report Inappropriate Comment

PUDLECRAZY 9/25/2011 7:32AM

LOL! Sad but true. Report Inappropriate Comment

REDSHOES2011 9/24/2011 11:45PM

rolling on the floor laughing I love this entry lol.. Report Inappropriate Comment

TXGRANDMOM 9/23/2011 11:51PM

Thanks - I needed this humor this evening! My 20 yr old daughter is driving me nuts about now -- watching Sahara on the movie channel. At least I know where she is! Report Inappropriate Comment

WILSON425 9/23/2011 4:11PM

Thank you. I love this and yes they are true!!!!!!!!!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment