Another fascinating (and this time somewhat funny) chapter is now unfolding in the Egyptian story this weekend. Get ready for it. An Egyptian man has reportedly named his newborn daughter “Facebook” in honour of the role that social media played in orchestrating the mammoth protests forcing Hosni Mubarak out of office. You heard right. According to the Egyptian newspaper “Al-Ahram” her full name is “Facebook Jamal Ibrahim”. (More…) Continue reading “Egyptian Names Daughter “Facebook””
Facebook and the Queen!
It’s official, everyone. Unbelievable, yes, but still official. Earlier this month, Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth II is now on Facebook. As soon as I heard the news, I knew that Social Media had truly given the planet a push in a stunning new direction. Why? Let’s put the kettle on, open a bag of crisps and have a word, shall we?
Half a BILLION Facebook Users!
You’ve probably heard by now that Facebook has hit the magic “half a billion” mark. Hard to believe? Absolutely. Is it true? Astoundingly so. The little idea that could — HAS. It started out as a way for students at Harvard to connect with each other, and has now exploded into a bonafide phenomenon. Yes, 500 million people on this planet use the social network every month. In honour of the milestone, website “PC World” has come out with some great “fun facts” about FB. Got a pen? Write ’em down…
1. If Facebook were a country, it would be the third largest in the world after China and India. (More…) Continue reading “Half a BILLION Facebook Users!”
Facebook “Panic Button” Now Available in Britian!
It’s been in the cards for awhile now, but today it’s official. Facebook users in Britain can now add a “panic button” to their profile to report and prevent malicious behaviour on the social networking site. What kind of malicious behaviour? Bullying and sexual harrassment. The special app was created by The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre – a British law enforcement agency. Why the need? The call for a panic button began after the murder of a 17 year old girl by a 33 year old convicted sex offender posing as a teenage boy on Facebook. (More…) Continue reading “Facebook “Panic Button” Now Available in Britian!”
Facebook – The Movie
You knew it had to happen. Eventually, all good stories hit the silver screen. Hollywood steps in, works a little movie magic, and voila – a blockbuster. And the story behind the creation of Facebook is no exception. This Fall, “The Social Network” will be hitting a theatre near you. Written by Hollywood heavyweight Aaron Sorkin (“The West Wing”, “A Few Good Men”), it promises to dish the drama and the dirt behind the most successful social networking site of all time. Why should you care? Let’s talk… (More…) Continue reading “Facebook – The Movie”
Social Media and Word of Mouth
Noticed something interesting on Facebook last night. One of my friends posted a question to all of HER friends… asking their pick for the best pharmacy in the city — the one with the cheapest dispensing fee. Within the space of a day, she got a handful of replies and a consensus: Costco. I’ve never filled a prescription at Costco, but I will now… all because of that recommendation. In the old days, you would have been talking about this over a cup of coffee at your friend’s kitchen table. With the advent of Facebook, HUNDREDS of friends are in on the conversation… and that’s the wonder of Social Media. (More…) Continue reading “Social Media and Word of Mouth”
“Please Don’t Jump!”
Let’s face it. The controversy over Facebook is never going to end. With half a billion users now, the issues surrounding privacy, security and safety are even more of a concern than ever. But once in awhile, a story comes along that encourages you to consider the mammoth networking website in a new light. Case in point… A Canadian woman has started a Facebook page called “Please Don’t Jump!”, which apparently has become an internet sensation. The story not only involves some raw emotions, but politics, too. Let me tell you more… (More…) Continue reading ““Please Don’t Jump!””
Kidnappers on Facebook – You can run, but you can’t hide
Lots of Baby Boomers don’t see the point of social media. “Why should I care?” is the question they love to ask. However, it seems that law enforcement is now caring in a big way. Last week came word that more and more divorce attorneys are using Facebook to find the evidence they need to go after cheating spouses. This week, a story from California about a mother who used Facebook to find her long-ago kidnapped children. Imagine this woman’s surprise when she did a search on one of her children’s names on FB, and actually got a reply! (More…) Continue reading “Kidnappers on Facebook – You can run, but you can’t hide”
Opting Out? I’d rather Opt In!!!
Another news conference by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg this week. And more indications that instead of making FB security settings simple and user friendly, the company continues to defend the “opt out” route. What does that mean for you as a consumer? Well pull up a chair and let me tell you, pardner. (More…) Continue reading “Opting Out? I’d rather Opt In!!!”
Facebook and Divorce Court
You probably saw this one coming. CNN is reporting that more and more divorce lawyers are turning to Facebook in their search for evidence against cheating spouses. A growing number of attorneys say that social media sites have opened the floodgates to infidelity, making it easier for people to rekindle a romance with an old flame or flirt with a stranger. Hard to believe, but compromising photographs are apparently not that hard to find, along with wall posts, status updates and tweets incriminating the cheater.
Are you KIDDING ME??? (More…) Continue reading “Facebook and Divorce Court”