It does have that feeling, doesn't it? I mostly enjoy funny dance videos and cute animal videos on TikTok, but sometimes the algo sends me something really odd like this toilet-based spaghetti solution, and well, I just have to share it. That said, maybe Situation Normal is how it makes its way onto Facebook and then somehow ruins something important like democracy. Which would be sad. But on the upside, Situation Normal might get a mention on Garbage Day, and wouldn't that be cool?
I love the economics discussion. I read The Economist weekly, and by "read" I mean listen to some Brits reading it out loud. It's incredibly boring, but now and then they say aluminium (aah-loo-MIN-eee-uhm) and it's hilarious.
I enjoyed your response to Chris, esp. your bold statement re: vinegar vs creamy coleslaw. You may have jeopardized your candidacy with this, yes, but if it’s not a good fit isn’t it best to cut this off at the pass? You gotta be you, man!
For faking diving, just ask, "Where is your favorite place to dive?" Most divers will ramble for at least the length of a checkout and you can follow it with, "I've never been there but it sounds great,"
Ah, the dumb stuff people do for social media recognition. Sinks are usually closer to the stove (other than in apartments some friends live in during college days) And most colanders are a lot cheaper and more convenient than a toilet seat. And usually more sanitary.
I don't know about you guys, but a marital debate over monetary policy and a deep dive regarding the relative merits of fresh water vs. salt water macroeconomic thinking is exactly why I signed up for this newsletter.
Damn it, I told Christina people would want to read the minutes of that debate. Too bad she burned them.
About the TikTok, you're saying someone out there is really straining their pasta over the toilet and they just had to share this hack with everyone on tiktok? Or, they don't really behave that way at all, but they thought, pasta + toilet x tiktok = viral fame?
I sincerely believe somebody (though almost certainly not the person who made the TikTok) created this method to strain their noodles and uses it often. People are disgusting. And I'd read a thread somewhere else where people discussed disposing food waste via the toilet. That's a terrible, gross idea, but the amount of people who chimed in was alarming.
FYI: working on an epic post for Friday. Look for a shoutout.
I fear you're probably right about this TikToker and people in general. Going to pass on the pasta the next time some friend invites us over for dinner.
And I'll be on the lookout for that epic post, can't wait!
Good news (or cynical news, depending on your perspective)! I think this article settles it: that spaghetti strainer TikTok was very likely engineered to attract maximum eyeballs.
I'm going to try and see this as good news insofar as it gives me a sense of closure about what the hell happened with that tiktok, and whatever it was that happened probably isn't a thing people actually do. that's a double win in my book! thanks for shading light on this spaghetti strainer toilet story!
Thanks for sharing my story, Michael! I still can’t believe that guy was dead serious when he said it to me lol.
I’ll refrain from answering if I still own the desk. I already had a nice desk chair at the time, though.
BTW, that TikTok is all kinds of nope.
Thank you for submitting it, Lyle! And you're right, that TikTok has me saying no to question I never even considered.
This is the type of food toilet tips content I would expect to be on Facebook. (Based on what I read in the Garbage Day newsletter.)
It does have that feeling, doesn't it? I mostly enjoy funny dance videos and cute animal videos on TikTok, but sometimes the algo sends me something really odd like this toilet-based spaghetti solution, and well, I just have to share it. That said, maybe Situation Normal is how it makes its way onto Facebook and then somehow ruins something important like democracy. Which would be sad. But on the upside, Situation Normal might get a mention on Garbage Day, and wouldn't that be cool?
There are many important things Situation Normal could ruin. Freedom of speech, common decency, french fries. Lots of possibilities!
Gonna start with French Fries. Better ruin them before they ruin me!
I love the economics discussion. I read The Economist weekly, and by "read" I mean listen to some Brits reading it out loud. It's incredibly boring, but now and then they say aluminium (aah-loo-MIN-eee-uhm) and it's hilarious.
I'll listen to anything read in a British accent! As a matter of fact, I'm on the lookout for a Brit whose willing to read the U.S. tax code to me.
Antimatter Michael is crushing the job hunt.
As long as someone is crushing their job hunt.
I enjoyed your response to Chris, esp. your bold statement re: vinegar vs creamy coleslaw. You may have jeopardized your candidacy with this, yes, but if it’s not a good fit isn’t it best to cut this off at the pass? You gotta be you, man!
I was worried the coleslaw thing might hurt my chances. But you're right, I gotta be me!
For faking diving, just ask, "Where is your favorite place to dive?" Most divers will ramble for at least the length of a checkout and you can follow it with, "I've never been there but it sounds great,"
Ah, the dumb stuff people do for social media recognition. Sinks are usually closer to the stove (other than in apartments some friends live in during college days) And most colanders are a lot cheaper and more convenient than a toilet seat. And usually more sanitary.
This comment makes two great points! You are wise, Tab!
Not a golfer myself, but love girls that are into golf cause I know they will appreciate my subpar performance.
Haha! I see what you did there.
Nice start to the day. Waiting on a doctor appointment. You sure get a lot of job opportunities!
Thanks Mark! I can't explain these job opportunities beyond bad data management practices, but the other Michael's loss is my gain, I guess.
I don't know about you guys, but a marital debate over monetary policy and a deep dive regarding the relative merits of fresh water vs. salt water macroeconomic thinking is exactly why I signed up for this newsletter.
Sadly, that TikTok is all too believable. The 2019 Jia Tolentino article in the New Yorker - pre-cancelation! - lives rent free in my head. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/09/30/how-tiktok-holds-our-attention
Damn it, I told Christina people would want to read the minutes of that debate. Too bad she burned them.
About the TikTok, you're saying someone out there is really straining their pasta over the toilet and they just had to share this hack with everyone on tiktok? Or, they don't really behave that way at all, but they thought, pasta + toilet x tiktok = viral fame?
I sincerely believe somebody (though almost certainly not the person who made the TikTok) created this method to strain their noodles and uses it often. People are disgusting. And I'd read a thread somewhere else where people discussed disposing food waste via the toilet. That's a terrible, gross idea, but the amount of people who chimed in was alarming.
FYI: working on an epic post for Friday. Look for a shoutout.
I fear you're probably right about this TikToker and people in general. Going to pass on the pasta the next time some friend invites us over for dinner.
And I'll be on the lookout for that epic post, can't wait!
Good news (or cynical news, depending on your perspective)! I think this article settles it: that spaghetti strainer TikTok was very likely engineered to attract maximum eyeballs.
https://www.economist.com/1843/2022/07/28/hocus-focus-how-magicians-made-a-fortune-on-facebook
I'm going to try and see this as good news insofar as it gives me a sense of closure about what the hell happened with that tiktok, and whatever it was that happened probably isn't a thing people actually do. that's a double win in my book! thanks for shading light on this spaghetti strainer toilet story!
Net-net, agreed. That article is bonkers by the way. Definitely worth a full read.