Cancel or Allow

Sometimes you see a funny ad that mimics life. I work with very large computer systems and I’m no fan of Microsoft, I think they are a lumbering giant that is slow to innovate, copy other's ideas and have low quality software. But the newest Mac attack ad on Microsoft Windows really makes me laugh.

All successful jokes have a grain of truth and sometimes a dark side.

It starts with a nerdy guy in a suit portraying a Windows PC and a cool guy with an untucked shirt as a Mac. In this ad there is a secret service guy standing behind him that represents the new security on the new Windows Vista release.

The conversation goes like this:

“Hello I’m a Mac” “Mac has issued a salutation, Cancel or Allow” “Allow”
“Hello I’m a PC” “You are returning Mac’s salutation, Cancel or Allow” “Allow”
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“PC’s have a lot of security problems, so he asks me to authorize pretty much everything I do.”
"You are pointing out Vista’s flaws, Cancel or Allow” “Allow”
“I could turn him off, but then he wouldn’t give me any warnings at all and that would defeat the purpose, so... ”
"You are coming to a sad realization, Cancel or Allow" “Allow”

Think of the security guy as your negative emotions. When we are under stress, our mind goes on auto pilot just like the PC, Allow, Allow, Allow those negative emotions. A well trained mind in cognitive therapy would reply “Evaluate” “Cancel” “Replace with more realistic outlook” “Redirect to positive action plan”.

With enough stress even a well trained mind will “Allow”.

So watch the ad, get a good laugh, and next time you feel over stressed, think “Cancel” ….