Hard to believe, but this time last year Facebook and MySpace were even-steven. My how quickly things have changed.

2009 has turned out to be a monumental year for Facebook, a social networking powerhouse that garnered over 200 million new users and raised $200 million. This year, Facebook was the most visited site in the U.S. on Christmas and Christmas Eve. And let’s not forget that “unfriend” was recently given the distinction of word of the year by the New Oxford American Dictionary.

Facebook has quickly infiltrated virtually ever corner of the modern zeitgeist. We’re anxious to see what’s in store for 2010 and beyond, but in the meantime, we tip our hats to you, Facebook. It’s been quite a year.

We at the asylum had a wonderful and merry holiday season and we wish you all a healthy and happy New Year!

There’s this new movie coming out, maybe you’ve heard of it. It’s called AVATAR?

James Cameron’s sci-fi juggernaut has been gradually building buzz in anticipation of its December 18th release date. As one of the most anticipated and costly films ever made, AVATAR is bringing the hype—especially with the promotional campaign.

A partnership with McDonald’s was recently revealed that includes sneak peeks of a planned interactive Web site and a Twitter promotion. McDonald’s is pulling out all the stops by incorporating augmented reality into the mix, with “thrill cards” that put customers on Avatar’s home planet. Cool.

The official Avatar interactive trailer is pretty darn cool too. While you watch the trailer, interactive “hotspots” come up where you can learn about the characters. Not to mention the integration of Avatar’s Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube accounts.

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, you’ve surely seen or heard of the ubiquitous Gap holiday ads by now. The denim-and-chinos retail stalwart recently launched its first television campaign in over two years.

In the new series of ads, scarf-and-sweater-adorned Gap models jump around, exhibit extreme acrobatic dance moves, and even build human snowflakes.

But it hasn’t been without controversy. The American Family Association has planned to boycott Gap and its associated businesses through the holiday season. Labeling the ads “offensive,” an AFA representative claims the “Happy Whateveryouwannakah” campaign patronizes people and makes a joke out of a religious holiday.

Offensive can be a relative term.

Consider Pepsi’s recent ’sexist’ iPhone app debacle a cautionary tale.

Seems like the prevalence of viral marketing and social networking has not come without its share of caveats. Less regulation and more freedom can be a good thing…or in some cases can fall flatter than soda left out in the sun.

The newest member of the ’sexist’ club is none other than Method. You know those devilish little scrubbing bubbles, crudely leering at the helpless naked woman in the shower? Uh yeah, apparently some view it as sexist and even condoning rape.
Method has since pulled the video. But looks like those scuzzy little suds could take a lesson from Spiderman—”With great power comes great responsibility.” Even on the Internet.

The wildly successful ElfYourself campaign from Office Max has become a holiday mainstay over the last few years. Something you can count on… like egg nog and shopping mall brawls.

Office Max and JibJab have just launched the 2009 edition, complete with a Facebook Connect component AND a flash mob.

So be sure to get elfed this year. Now, with more social media!