Reflections From a Murky Pond

I could wax rhapsodic about why America is great and why it is the greatest nation and culture on Earth, one that holds – admittedly, sometimes tenuously – a special place in the God(s)’ favor. Most of what I would say would, however, be more how America is great and not why it is so great.

It really mostly boils down to childlike naivete, courage, and heroism.

We Believe In Heroes

Americans possess a terrible naivete that allows us to believe in heroes and to unashamedly wish to emulate them. And yes, this naivete is terrible in the old sense of the word. That Americans believe than there are those that can rise above the norm and do the impossible strikes terror in the bowels of our enemies.

We Become Heroes

That belief is what allows normal Americans to be exactly that. Time and time again, irrespective of any and all logic and wisdom, we do rise above the norm and become heroes.

That is why America is great. We never put the childish belief in heroism aside as we grow up.

Happy Independence Day, everyone!

Tags: America | Americana | Children | Courage | Culture | Heroism | Holidays | Independence Day | July 4th | Men | US Military

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012 at 12:27 pm and is filed under Society. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

The Southwest Patty Melt at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s is a spicy twist on a classic burger, the new Southwest Patty Melt features a charbroiled beef patty, with sliced jalapeños, grilled onions, pepper-Jack cheese and spicy Santa Fe sauce, all on grilled sourdough bread.

Better, hotter, and definitely spicier than the patty melt in question, the commercial for this dish features Kate Upton really enjoying a Southwest Patty Melt at a drive-in cinema.  😛

I’d like One To Go, Please…And One Of The Burgers Too

Now, aren’t you gentlemen suddenly hungry and doesn’t Carl’s Jr. or Hardees sound like a good choice? 😆

Warning: Before ordering a Southwest Patty Melt please consult with your physician to make sure your heart is healthy enough for gastronomic relationships.

Oh humor – and drooling over Kate Upton – aside, this is one of the finest examples of television commercials I’ve ever seen. The drive-in setting, Upton’s pink sweater, hair bow, polka-dotted sun dress, and stockings and garters all evoke Americana and have a retro sensibility that pushes so many of the right buttons.

The modern cars and modernly dressed people around Upton just add to this. It makes Kate Upon and her patty melt a vision and gateway to an idealized time.

Add in the sex, and passionate enjoyment of food has always been a metaphor for sex and an indicator of sexual prowess and willingness, and you’ve got a perfect marketing storm.

Sort of sadly, the mousy brunette in the next car looks more the type to order the Low Carb It.® – Original Grilled Chicken Salad with Low-Fat Balsamic Dressing on the side – so it’s pretty obvious that Carl’s Jr. and Hardees are still not interested in the female demographic.

Tags: Americana | Babes | Drive-Ins | Fast Food | Food & Drink | Humor | Kate Upton | Marketing | Sex | Television

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 22nd, 2012 at 5:32 pm and is filed under Food & Drink, Humor, Society. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.