primroseburrows | Yes, it's time for More Random Things You Probably Don't Care About!

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Yes, it's time for More Random Things You Probably Don't Care About!

I've been meaning to link this brilliant thing for days, but I keep forgetting to do it (moi? Forget something? How shocking!). See, this is why I could never live in Québec: I couldn't possibly live up to their motto. I'd be thrown out on my derriere.

Anyway, here's the video. Hilarious and pathetically true:

The guy who does the music is Eric Schwartz. I don't know anything about him, but the first thing read when I Googled him was "Eric Schwartz has morphed ADHD into Art", and that's all I really need to know. :D
This guy, I know. I grew up knowing him. Give up seven-ish minutes of your day to watch a real, old-school Democrat in action:

Call it noblesse oblige if you must, but I don't see obligation, here, I see anger. Watching this makes my oft-flickering hope for America burn a bit brighter. Every time I turn around I'm more proud of my home state. Way to go, Senator.
[Poll #917984]
and finally, a cool little meme:

Reply to this and I will:
1) Tell you why I friended you.
2) Associate you with a song/movie.
3) Tell a random fact about you.
4) Tell my first memory of you.
5) Associate you with an animal/fruit.
6) Ask something I've always wanted to know about you.

Reposting in your own LJ is encouraged, but not insisted upon. :)
Okay, must go. Off to songdog's house!

I think that almost all the factors you list have the potential to make a song patriotic (well, not so much "stirring music" or "religious references" -- the first can apply to almost any genre of music, and the second better applies to hymnody, though granted, there's some overlap). But I also think that almost all of them can be taken to extremes and/or misappropriated. For instance, "lyrics that inspire national pride" may be perfectly fine, because there's basically nothing wrong with being proud of your country. But the line between "national pride" and jingoism is very, VERY blurry.

As for my song choice, I picked "America the Beautiful." I like that song because I do like celebrations of the land itself and its beauty, and because I like imagery for the ideals on which the country was founded: "Oh beautiful for patriot dream / that sees beyond the years / thine alabaster cities gleam, / undimm'd by human tears." Other parts of it are unsettling, though: "Oh beautiful for pilgrim feet / whose stern, impassioned stress / a thoroughfare for freedom beat / across the wilderness" (and in the meantime displaced thousands of indigenous peoples and destroyed elements of the very natural beauty we just sang about in the last verse...). I can't think of a flawless patriotic song, truth be told -- American or otherwise. I think the very genre of "patriotic music" necessitates that a piece of music be comprised largely of propaganda.

I agree with you -- Ted was pissed, not just towing the party line. Also, I'm in love with you, because you said "noblesse oblige." ♥

Oh, well said! Hear, hear!

Thanks! :D I appreciate that!

I can say other foreign phrases:

"Carpe diem". "Liberté, égalité, fraternité". "Peace, order and good government". :)

*swoons... possibly from laughing so hard at the third one*

Hey, I didn't make it up. Talk to the Fathers of Confederation. Oh, wait, they're all dead.

Haha, I always wanted to know what fruit I reminded you of. <3

I had trouble with the poll, because any number of things can "make" a song patriotic. It would have been easier to say what I like in a song, or what in a song can evoke patriotism for me.

But I'm feeling intellectually sluggish today, so I'm dodging the question.

I think my favorite US patriotic song would have to be "This Land Is Your Land", because of the lyrics, because of Woody Guthrie and all the things he stood for and fought for, because of my memories of singing it along with Pete Seeger and Peter, Paul, and Mary, and a lot more. It's not the prettiest, but it carries tremendous meaning for me on a lot of levels.

"Rant and Roar" might be my favorite patriotic song for another country, though it's entirely specific to Newfoundland rather than the entire nation of Canada. I love it because of what it means to the GBS boys, and what you can see on their faces and hear in their voices when they sing it.

Meme me?

Though I'll refrain from posting it in my own LJ, because the thought of potentially doing this for over 250 people freaks me right the hell out.

I think my favorite US patriotic song would have to be "This Land Is Your Land", because of the lyrics, because of Woody Guthrie and all the things he stood for and fought for, because of my memories of singing it along with Pete Seeger and Peter, Paul, and Mary, and a lot more. It's not the prettiest, but it carries tremendous meaning for me on a lot of levels.

Yep. But only with all the verses. :)

I haven't seen the first vid yet, but Ted's rant left me almost in tears. About. Fricken. Time. I was so proud to be an American! Oh, wait. Strike that part. Anyway, it was lovely.

Will watch other dude later, after I find out a random fact about myself. ;D

I was so proud to be an American! Oh, wait. Strike that part

*applies cool washcloth to your fevered brow*

1) Tell you why I friended you

It must have been HP-related. I don't remember the exact reason. This is common for me, do not fear.

2) Associate you with a song/movie.

An Inconvenient Truth

3) Tell a random fact about you.

You're almost a year and a half younger than me. A veritable infant, y0.

4) Tell my first memory of you.

I don't have one, because I have a bad memory. You've just always been here, darlin'.

5) Associate you with an animal/fruit.

Cats. Tabby, specifically, like your new kitty. Fruit? I have no idea.

6) Ask something I've always wanted to know about you.

What's your favourite song, ever?

5) Cats. Tabby, specifically, like your new kitty.

*purrs*

6) Favourite song: just might be "Clinton Got a Blow Job". OK, that's my favourite song of the day or possibly week. "Watershed" by Indigo Girls is a favourite, as is "Cowgirl in the Sand" by Neil Young. Also "Freedom" by George Michael, just for dancing in the kitchen.

A year and a half, eh? Which means your birthday is.. soon. Well, a couple more months. Must. remember. to. check. *promptly forgets*

June 5, actually. *g*

I love "Watershed". Also the other two. I used to listen to "Cowgirl in the Sand" on my 8-track player. See? I told you I was older than you. :)

YAY meme-age!

As for the patriotic song questions, I think I like our Canadian anthem because it's very simple in both lyric and music. Plus it is bilingual :)

And really, no one wants to live in Quebec :P

I like the Canadian anthem, because it's more about love of country than a glorification of power. And? For some reason, "The True North Strong and Free" makes me shiver, even down here in RI. Silly, silly American. :) I like the bilingualness, also. We'd have our anthem bilingual, except the idea of it seems to cause our President immigration angst.

Awww. I love Teddy. And you know how I feel about Bubba. Also, this is a fun little meme. GO.

C'mon, you friended me because I'm wicked smart and oh so cute, right? ::giggles:: I'm so silly this morning ... maybe I'm getting sick like

stormymouse ::frowns::

a) I am no fan of George W. I think he's arrogant, stubborn, and closed minded (in my book, the worst personality trait possible). I liked Clinton more than I do George W (this from a right-leaning centrist). But. Clinton's biggest crime (that we know of) was lying under oath, not adultery. I could give a s**t who blows him or what he does with his whoo-ha.

b) Mark this day on your calendars because you'll likely not see a day like it again: I agree with Ted Kennedy. But I still don't like the yelling, no matter if it's passion or not (though I think it's more theatrics for the camera).

c) Ever since I was a wee girl, no song has stirred my national pride more than "Battle Hymn of the Republic." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Hymn_of_the_Republic) None. It touches on everything I believe in and includes one the most most persoanlly profound and moving lines ever written: "As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free". I'd make it our national anthemn if I could. (I'll bet that ruffles a few feathers.) Glory, glory, Hallelujuh!

d) Now in turn for Kel answering the meme about me, I'll do the same for her:

1. Cuz I love you
2. Always "How Could Anyone"
3. No one I have ever met obssesses faster and so completely as you do.
4. A 3way conversation between you, me, and the gal that brought us together (I can't remember her name. Sara?)
5. A golden retriever. Beautiful, friendly, fun, loving, and loyal.
6. Taking a cue from James Lipton, what's your favorite curse word?

You know, upon re-reading my reply, it occured to me that adultery isn't a crime in the general population, but it is in the military. Clinton was the Commander-In-Chief, so technically, could he have been prosecuted in military courts for this? Not that I think he should have been. I think it's stupid that adultery is considered a crime and not just because my hubby could've gotten thrown in the clink for fiddling with me while he awaited his divorce to come through.

Also, let me clarify: upon reflection, I've decided that Battle Hymn of the Republic just stirrs me in general, not necessarily patriotically (though there's an element of that too). Patriotically, "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless the USA" both do it equally for me.

I think it's stupid that adultery is considered a crime and not just because my hubby could've gotten thrown in the clink for fiddling with me while he awaited his divorce to come through.

I could write lists about what constitutes stupid laws to me. Like the one in RI that makes oral sex illegal. A bill to change it goes to session every so often, but it always gets defeated; my guess is that nobody wants to admit that they do it or something, so they vote against it.

Also, let me clarify: upon reflection, I've decided that Battle Hymn of the Republic just stirrs me in general, not necessarily patriotically (though there's an element of that too).

I've always loved the song. I just don't want it to be the national anthem.

Patriotically, "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless the USA" both do it equally for me.

In all seriousness, I think "America the Beautiful" should be our national anthem (without the religious reference, of course, which would mean altering the original, so, hmm).

I can't listen to "God Bless the USA" because it's been thrown at me one too many times by ultraconservatives. It's not the song's fault. It's like Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird". I can't listen to it anymore because it's been overplayed so much.

My favourite US patriotic song right now is Leonard Cohen's Democracy. The perfect music and the poetry of lyrics and the message of hope for America give me shivers. Especially lyrics like this:

It's coming to America first,
the cradle of the best and of the worst;
It's there they've got the range
and the machinery for change, and it's there
they've got the spiritual thirst

and also

But I'm stubborn as those garbage bags
that time cannot decay
I'm junk but I'm still holding up
this little wild bouquet:
Democracy is coming to the U.S.A.

But. Clinton's biggest crime (that we know of) was lying under oath, not adultery.

Technically, you're right (IMO the whole thing was a clusterfuck, anyway; the Republicans were just waiting for him to screw up so they could snap at it). And even so, if Clinton got impeached for lying under oath, why hasn't Dubya been impeached for illegally starting a war? It wasn't approved by Congress,all. There's probably some loophole to get him out of it, because hey, this is politics! I don't think they should do it now, anyway, because, as

songdog says, the Dems were elected to get things done, and starting impeachment proceedings now would be counterproductive, and anyway, Dubya'd be out of office by the time any court proceedings even started..

b) Mark this day on your calendars because you'll likely not see a day like it again: I agree with Ted Kennedy. But I still don't like the yelling, no matter if it's passion or not (though I think it's more theatrics for the camera).

I agree with the good Senator more often than not. Also, the US is downright somber compared to other countries. Take a look at this:

As far as I know, it's against the rules in Congressional session for anyone else to speak except the person who's standing up. I kind of like the noise. It seems human to me. It's probably a little counterproductive, though. I don't think Stéphane Dion ever got his debate, either, ~~because Stephen Harper is a jerk~~ poor w00bie. *bakes him cookies because he's OMG so adorable* Erm. what were we talking about again? Oh, yeah. :)

Ever since I was a wee girl, no song has stirred my national pride more than "Battle Hymn of the Republic." None. It touches on everything I believe in and includes one the most most persoanlly profound and moving lines ever written: "As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free". I'd make it our national anthemn if I could.

I love it, too. It's one of my favourite hymns (I'm a fan of sacred music in general). I usually sing "let us live to make men free", which probably has Julia Ward Howe turning over in her grave every time I do.

I don't think it should be our national anthem, though, because the religious reference not only goes against the separation of church and states, but is exclusionary to a whole segment of the population who doesn't believe in God. I feel the same way about the Pledge of Allegiance. The words "under God" were added in the fifties, and while it reflected the attitude of the time, it wasn't the right thing to do, IMO.

And anyway, I think our national anthem should be Do Wah Diddy by Manfred Mann. I've said as much for years. :) Can you imagine an entire hockey stadium singing along to that? It would so rock, man.

3.No one I have ever met obssesses faster and so completely as you do.

I'm sure you have me confused with someone else.

can't remember her name. Sara?

Sandie. :)

5. A golden retriever. Beautiful, friendly, fun, loving, and loyal.

Awww! :D

6. Taking a cue from James Lipton, what's your favorite curse word?

I had to look up James Lipton, 'cause I had no clue who he was. So that's that guy's name. :)

Hmm...Probably 'fuck' and its various tenses, but only if it's used sparingly and for effect. If you use it all the time it loses its oomph. It also depends on who says it. If it's Ewan McGregor doing the cursing, it's "shite". Nobody can say that like he can. If it's Paul Gross, it's definitely "fuck". See above sentence. If it's Alan Rickman, who the hell cares what he says? Every word that comes out of that man's mouth is fecking beautiful (Hmm. I also like "fecking", which isn't really a curse word).

1. I totally believe that people didn't so much vote for the Dems as against the Republicans. I hope they get things done, though, and I hope they're the right things.

2. I don't like the noise. It comes off as disrespectful and, considering we're talking about a body that holds a good deal of power over the country, childish. All amount of courtesy and decorum should be shown at that level (and at any level as far as that goes).

3. Don't get me started about the whole "Pledge" thing. I mean, come on. We don't have anything better to do? In all honesty, I don't think kids under the age of, say, ten, should me made to say it at all because how many kids actually know the meaning of what they're saying? I sure didn't. It's like Lewis Black said, the Pledge is like coffee for kindergartners: it wakes them up in the morning at school, and they don't really know what they're saying anyway.

4. Do Wah Diddy. I'm with you, bro-ham. Ready the pettition!

1. I totally believe that people didn't so much vote for the Dems as against the Republicans. I hope they get things done, though, and I hope they're the right things.

I agree with you. The Dems were elected because they weren't the Republicans, for the most part. Especially in RI. But I also think it's because the nation wants to see progress with various issues, and the red Congress wasn't offering any.

2. I don't like the noise. It comes off as disrespectful and, considering we're talking about a body that holds a good deal of power over the country, childish. All amount of courtesy and decorum should be shown at that level (and at any level as far as that goes).

I think we humans are at our core pretty childish. And since politicians tend to be childish as a matter of course, I'm not surprised at the noise. I think impassioned fervor is to be welcomed, though. It's hard to be cerebral when the adrenaline is flowing. That's different than childish noisemaking.

I don't think kids under the age of, say, ten, should me made to say it at all because how many kids actually know the meaning of what they're saying? I sure didn't. It's like Lewis Black said, the Pledge is like coffee for kindergarteners: it wakes them up in the morning at school, and they don't really know what they're saying anyway.

Yep, yep. I remember saying the Pledge at age six, followed by "My Country 'Tis of Thee" (did I mention I hate the tune to that?). I remember thinking, hmm. "land where my fathers died", and thought I might be contradicting myself because my father was alive and well at the time.

I do have a question for you, and I don't mean it to be leading at all: why do you think "under God" was added? Not why you think it should or shouldn't have been (although I'd like to know that, too) but why you think TPTB did it. I think it had something to do with McCarthyism, but other than that I really have no clue.

Do Wah Diddy FTW!. We can even get Bruce Willis to sing it at the World Series.

It was added due to the perceived godless heathen "Red Menace" during the Communist panic of the 50's.

Yay, I was right! Good old Joe McCarthy. *rolls eyes*

IMO, they can take it out, now. We're not so afraid of the Godless Communist Heathens anymore. ;)

And oh, yeah. The meme:

1) Tell you why I friended you

Because you're cool and smart and I adore you.

2) Associate you with a song/movie.

Michael Collins.

3) Tell a random fact about you.

You have a Lake Boat fetish. :)

4) Tell my first memory of you.

The same one you have of me.

5) Associate you with an animal/fruit.

Hmmm...Strawberries? For no other reason than I like strawberries.

6) Ask something I've always wanted to know about you.

I'll repeat myself: What's your favourite song, ever?

Oh, and OMG, I keep forgetting. Email me your address again? I suck, because I keep it on my computer and I never can find it. wtf?

primroseb@gmail.com

Michael Collins

He's still one of my five people in all history to sit around a dinner table with. *loves*

Lake Boats

Not sure the boats themselves are a fetish, though I love them so. Perhaps my desire to have sex on one is.

Favorite Song
Wow. A hard one because I love so many songs of so many genres and when I chose one and then hear another one I adore, I'm going to smack myself in the head for not chosing it. But one that is always in my Top Five is "Where The Streets Have No Name" by U2. I can't think of a song that stirs me more. Every time I see it performed live, it's orgasmic.

Addy sent to email.

I'm up for the meme ! :)

1) I probably friended you because of HP. I kept you on my list because you always have something interesting to say, and I like the way you think. :)
2) Definitely The Headstones - Nickels For Your Nightmares, because I sent it to you and you really liked it. Yay, pimpage!
3) You have a kid named Neo. You have no idea how much I fangirl you for this.
4) I suck at first memories of LJ people. Therefore I suck at this question.
5) Bunnies, because you mentioned them recently. I am SO boring.
6) If you could have the perfect life an a perfect world, what would it be like?
6a.) John Howard: delusional lunatic, right-wing crony, or just a new form of algae? Discuss.

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Yes, it's time for More Random Things You Probably Don't Care About!

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