E. A. Blair: December 2007 Archives
Packages, boxes, and bags
The most remarkable gift a family member of mine received this holiday season was one that my 2.5 year-old niece was fortunate enough to open up. It was small. It was plastic. It was pink. It was a laptop, equipped with a realistic flip open monitor and a mouse. Of course this toy wasn’t an actual computer, more like a learning center, but what it signified was obvious.
(Antichrist Television Blues)
Our friends at Untitled Records started a debate this week over Ford’s use of the Band of Horses song “Funeral” in a new commercial for their “crossover” model, the Edge. (See video below.) This doesn’t even take into account the band’s agreement and subsequent refusal to allow Wal-Mart the use of their music as well. To give some perspective, Band of Horses is an indie band whose sound is, to my ears, a mix of My Morning Jacket and The Shins. Two of my favorite online music magazines, Paste and Pitchfork, chimed in and questioned the move as well.
The Question
In a voting system dominated by two parties, voting for a third party can be a vexing decision for a couple of reasons. Primarily, the fear of casting the wasted vote weighs heavy. In addition to that, in the past, accurate and reliable information on a third party’s political views was difficult to come by. The Internet has enabled us to all but cast aside the latter, but the former still looms as a major hindrance. A third party’s ability to develop as a viable political option hinges on federal support which is a reflection of votes. Only with comparable funding will their views find their way into our collective conscious. The current state of our presidential election is built to cater to a strict two party system and voting laws are designed, on a federal level, to keep it that way. The status quo may be what’s good for the established politicos, but is it really good for you and me?
Ouside looking in
Well, it was bound to happen. It was only a matter of time, really. No one can be successful all the time, unless you start redefining success, but in this pursuit redefining success is not an option. What I'm referring to is my failure to make my fantasy football league playoffs. Don't close your browser! Assuming this is just going to be some guy's sorrowful missive about bad luck and even worse judgment in the sports world's version of Risk, allow me to assuage your fears. You will not be reading any woe-is-me tale about injuries and bye week misfortunes. What I'm more interested in is how this has solidified my stance on what it means to be a sports fan, more specifically an NFL fan, in the digital age.
