Just A Few Things To Love About America
Just A Few Things To Love About America
By D. S. Mitchell
I have been on a hair pulling rant for the last 48 hours. I recognize that. I am taking off my Calamity Politics Editor’s cap, and putting on a ball cap, and getting the hell out of this office. The blogger’s life is a good life, most of the time. Sometimes, however, U.S. politics and political rhetoric can just sap the energy from a person, no matter how earnest their intent.
So, let’s take time, lighten up, smoke one and check out, ‘Just a Few Things To Love about America.’ These strange bits of illumination were partly supplied by Bowers’ and Gottlieb’s amazing book ‘1,000 Things To Love About America.’ Although I have used some of their text, I have changed the numbering.
1.) Monopoly: Life’s lessons on a board. Stay out of jail, do community service, pay your bills, amass real estate wealth, and collect your rents. Monopoly has sold more than 200 million games in 37 languages. It is without a doubt, the most popular board game in the world. It was created in 1934 at the depths of the depression by Charles B. Darrow of Germantown, PA. He originally marketed his homemade copies of the game at a Philadelphia, PA toy store. In 1935 Parker Brothers bought the game. We all have our favorite properties, and our favorite pieces. Monopoly is part of my childhood memories and consumed many rainy afternoons. The properties are named for locations in Atlantic City. The fundamental lesson to take from Monopoly, is that the guy with the most money wins.
2) The Indy 500: This mega event held every Memorial Day is probably the most famous and certainly the largest racing extravaganza in the world, entertaining an estimated 400,000 fans each year at the track, and millions more on television. The event, held in Indianapolis, Indiana started in 1911. Fans watch 33 cars roar around the Indianapolis Speedway for 500 miles to the cheers of enthralled onlookers.
3.) Duct Tape: Ties that bind. First developed during WWII for heating and air conditioning ducts. It is reported to have quickly gained a following and was used to seal ammunition cases, repair jeeps, weapons and planes. This super strong, cheap vinyl, fabric-reinforced, pressure-sensitive tape is a staple at my house and most other American households. I’ve read people join duct tape clubs and make wallets and clothing. Hmmm. I’m good, until people start to wear it.
4.) Window Screens: First line of defense against insects. This ultra easy non-polluting system, made of mesh wire stretched over a metal or wooden frame, keeps bugs outside. What’s amazing is that the rest of the world has yet to embrace this low-tech breakthrough.
5.) Bigfoot: Also known as Sasquatch, the creature roams the rugged back country of the Pacific Northwest. Reportedly the creatures are big, hairy, humanoid, avoid human contact and smell extremely bad.
