Book 187: Branded Nation

This book is an intense examination of the nature of branding in the United States, looking specifically at the branding of religions, higher education, and art, three areas which people do not normally associate with branding. In fact, as Twitchell argues, branding is vary much entwined with these three fields, and it’s actually a driving force behind them in modern America. Fail to toe the line, and find yourself quietly shuttered.

I would highly recommend this book to pretty much anyone, because it’s a very interesting overall survey of what’s going on with cultural branding in the United States. Twitchell also doesn’t pull any punches in his detailed investigation of branding and marketing, and he has some interesting ideas about how branding is impacting our lives.

The branding of cultural institutions, whether museums, universities, or religious sects, has intriguing and far-reaching implications which are well worth considering. This book is meticulously researched and very well presented, with an exhaustive introduction and three sections dedicated to each of the three topics the book focuses on. If you do decide to pick it up, prepare to be astounded, horrified, and deeply intrigued.

Demographics:

Branded Nation, by James B. Twitchell. Published 2004, 313 pages. Sociology/economics.

7 July, 2008 – 4:06 pm | By s.e. smith | Posted in book project, Everything |

Hopeless

The last week or so must have been disappointing for the Obamaphiles, as they have watched their candidate of hope turn into a total sellout weenie. Despite the fact that I have maintaining that he would do this, I have to say that I’m a bit sad, because I did secretly want to believe in the Obama rhetoric, to think that he would stick to his values.

Where to start? Selling out on FISA, maybe? Promoting faith based initiatives? Weaseling out of public financing? Calling for more tax cuts and another stimulus package?

Or, as I discovered today…suggesting that we outlaw late term abortion, or at least leave it up to the states, while simultaneously insulting the very real mental health problems experienced by pregnant women, and, amazingly, suggesting that we should continue with the oh-so-successful abstinence-only sex education programs in this country? Obama’s pretty much managed to hit all my nerves in one week, which may be a record for one political candidate, especially one I (kinda) supported.

You know, one of the things about the political system in this country is that I feel like it forces people to make bad choices. I’ve always thought Obama was a bad choice, and I stand behind that now more than ever. That said, I was fully intending to vote for in November until last week, and I grew less and less sure about that, until today, when I realized that I really can’t vote for him.

And I’m tired to being told that by voting for someone other than Obama, I would be voting for McCain. That would only be true if I voted for McCain. A vote for a candidate who stands behind his or her values is actually a vote for values, not Mr. McCain, and if no such candidate appears, I guess I’ll be forced to leave the “President” section of my ballot blank, because I can’t vote for someone I don’t respect. I refuse to capitulate to pressure from the Obama camp, which seems to be getting ever more offensive and intense as people start to question The Sacred One, and I suspect that I am not the only person who feels that way.

Obama is getting the netroots pretty riled up in the wake of the nomination fight, and I wonder how this is going to end.

7 July, 2008 – 2:51 pm | By s.e. smith | Posted in Everything, politics |

Mendocino Fourth of July Parade: Businesses and Organizations

parade float

I don’t know what Cottontail Acres is, but I was really confused by the bunny and the crabs.

parade float

An art gallery. Yes, that is astroturf. And an astronaut! Ha ha.

parade float

Bookwinkle’s Children’s Books. They do awesome floats since Christie took over.

book fairy

The book fairy! Who also doubles as a high school science teacher by day.

parade float

Mendo Parents for Peace arguably belongs in the Hippies post, coming tomorrow, but I’m putting it here, just because I can.

fairy

I forget what group this woman was with, but she was intense. And better than the Obamaite asshole who was haranguing us for sitting and watching the parade, rather than “doing something.” Since, obviously, people who watch parades are not politically active. And, you know, way to get me to vote for your sell-out, pussy candidate. I shouted back “NO YOU CAN’T” when they shouted “yes we can,” but I was drowned out by a bevy of girls who did not look old enough to vote, let alone know what FISA is.

parade float

The Eileen Hawthorne Fund, which pays for low-cost spay/neuter services. Please alter your pets!

parade float

The Little River Inn…I’m not sure what the dog ate my homework thing is all about. Although there are dogs in the background. But homework, at an inn? Confusion.

7 July, 2008 – 10:47 am | By s.e. smith | Posted in Everything, Mendocino | Tagged , |

Boiled Pegs

Mendocino’s hardworking fire departments got profiled in the Times! I love the strong focus on the fact that our fire departments are volunteer, not paid, and the subtle comment about how fire resources are being prioritized to “higher rent” areas.

Flip flops: not just for feet anymore!

Testimony of the Spade is a very neat archaeology site written by a real live archaeologist who talks about the digs he works on. It is supercool.

Backdoor dealing is pissing Montanans off, and opening huge amounts of land to development.

Child noise is sparking conflict in New York. Might I suggest child-free communities for those of us who loathe children, so that we can live in peace and without conflict with parents? I feel like child-free apartment buildings would be hugely popular in a place like New York.

Clothing optional swimmers on San Onofre beach are being told to cover up, and they’re fighting back. Which is good, because I like clothing-optional beaches. Again, I am forced to say: if you don’t like it, don’t do it!

7 July, 2008 – 10:12 am | By s.e. smith | Posted in Everything, interesting |