My abomination of the day is the picture in my morning newspaper of actress Marisa Tomei (The lady in "My Cousin Vinny") riding on a Mardi Gras float she graced as one of the celebrity honorees in a parade Saturday. Marisa is a good actress and a nice lady. but her photo in the newspaper showed her talking on her cell phone as she sat atop the float throwing goodies to the crowd. The caption bellow the picture said "Marisa calls Mom". If so, I hope mom told her it was ill mannered to use her cell phone that way.
Some observations about two Mardi Gras parades seen Saturday night. We saw two parades here in suburban New Orleans, The Krewe of Isis and The Corps De Napoleon. They were a tale of two cities, one being excellent and the other poor. To the Isis parade first........... Isis had big beautiful flats, good marching bands, some jazz band truck floats and plenty of organization. The parade is an all women's Krewe (we spell crew that way when it involves a Carnival organization) As we both know, women are smarter and better organized. No wonder the parade was brisk and had no gaps whatsoever. All of the floats, including the double deckers, had plenty of maskers who were properly dressed and who tossed great amounts of goodies to the crowd. We caught most of our "stuff" from Isis that night, little from the second parade, Corps De Napoleon. As to Corps De Napoleon, it was a lesson in no no's for parades. The floats were ordinary, some shabby, there were too few riders who threw much less than the Isis members, some were not wearing the obligatory masks, the marching bands were few and instead rag tag "dance teams" marched out of step with blaring music. There wee some gaps in the parade (we left before the end because of the delays) one of which lasted almost 15 minutes. And what most distressed me about Napoleon (It's a good thing the real Napoleon didn't see this parade. He surely would have declared war and invaded it) was that I saw 3 riders chatting on cell phones during the parade. And one of those was on a "Duke's float.
This is the first parade of the season (we have seen 5 so far) in which I noticed cell phones on floats. I am not hallucinating (this time) because Jane made a remark also about this tech no/rudeness. I do hope the parish officials who monitor our Mardi Gras parades take note of some of the deficiencies of Napoleon. And how was the crowd? It was good, large and as a whole were congenial. There were some partial costumes (costuming is usually only on Mardi Gras Day) and all were polite.
Everyone is usually friendly at Mardi Gras parades. There was one pack of drunken adults, mostly middle aged. But they harmed no one and were probably unaware of their condition. Haha Maybe that drunken group should have been in the Krewe of Napoleon.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Begging On Public Streets
During the time of year when holidays take over the spirit of a community one sees more beggars. Even in the wealthy U.S. I have seen people with the standard cardboard sign asking for money "Feed Me Please".
Of course, more often than not, the sign holder is not destitute, hungry or in need. Rather it is a scam, a regular job that some use to earn their income. They dress in disheveled clothes and put on as dirty an appearance as possible, then station themselves near a busy intersection of traffic where cars will stop and gawk- and where the drivers or passengers will plunk down money for the beggar's pitch.
It is estimated that such professional begging can bring a person thousands of dollars until police chase away the con men or women ending their work for the day. No, I am not insensitive to those who are really poor or hungry. In the U.S. there are many private and government charities that legitimate poor seek when in trouble. I often give to charity- legitimate charity, not to people with a cardboard sign begging for money.
Yet, at holiday time those beggars do well by playing on the sympathies of others who want to "help the poor". I read recently that the phony begging syndrome is so bad in Morocco that professional beggars are prowling the streets of Moroccan cities with "rented" and drugged children to attract charity. But the government there is planning a crack down on that kind of scam. "We must fight against this professional, organized begging with children that are either rented or stolen from their parents, numbed with narcotics or malnourished," said Social Development, Family and Solidarity Minister Abderrahim Harouchi.
Harouchi estimates that about 15 % of children under the age of 7 seen with beggars in Morrocan streets were "rented" for between $6 and $12 per week (excellent wages in Morocco). Many locals there know that the pros (usually women with the pathetic looking kids) are targeting tourists who are unaware of the crime being committed against them and, of course, the kids that are exploited by the phony beggars.
And this deception, whether in the U.S. France, China, Morocco or anywhere for that matter, reflects the plight of the real poor in today's world. That professionals would exploit the poor, grabbing their resources on false pretenses, is a problem for all societies
Of course, more often than not, the sign holder is not destitute, hungry or in need. Rather it is a scam, a regular job that some use to earn their income. They dress in disheveled clothes and put on as dirty an appearance as possible, then station themselves near a busy intersection of traffic where cars will stop and gawk- and where the drivers or passengers will plunk down money for the beggar's pitch.
It is estimated that such professional begging can bring a person thousands of dollars until police chase away the con men or women ending their work for the day. No, I am not insensitive to those who are really poor or hungry. In the U.S. there are many private and government charities that legitimate poor seek when in trouble. I often give to charity- legitimate charity, not to people with a cardboard sign begging for money.
Yet, at holiday time those beggars do well by playing on the sympathies of others who want to "help the poor". I read recently that the phony begging syndrome is so bad in Morocco that professional beggars are prowling the streets of Moroccan cities with "rented" and drugged children to attract charity. But the government there is planning a crack down on that kind of scam. "We must fight against this professional, organized begging with children that are either rented or stolen from their parents, numbed with narcotics or malnourished," said Social Development, Family and Solidarity Minister Abderrahim Harouchi.
Harouchi estimates that about 15 % of children under the age of 7 seen with beggars in Morrocan streets were "rented" for between $6 and $12 per week (excellent wages in Morocco). Many locals there know that the pros (usually women with the pathetic looking kids) are targeting tourists who are unaware of the crime being committed against them and, of course, the kids that are exploited by the phony beggars.
And this deception, whether in the U.S. France, China, Morocco or anywhere for that matter, reflects the plight of the real poor in today's world. That professionals would exploit the poor, grabbing their resources on false pretenses, is a problem for all societies
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Not For Christmas This Year
I read about an amusing (typically American) reaction to the crazy political correctness issue that has galvanized the U.S. recently. It seems that a church group in Polk County, Florida, erected a nativity scene on public property in Bartow Florida. Officials there, attuned to being politically correct by not "offending those who do not celebrate Christmas", warned that it might open the door to other religious displays.
Boy!! Were they right. Since the nativity was erected, displays have gone up (both religious and not so religious) honoring everything from Zoroastrianism (what does a Zoroastrian Santa Claus wear?) to the fake holiday "Festivus", once featured on a TV show. Haha Santa may have an identity crises when he visits Polk County Christmas Day. The World Wide Fund for Nature has posted a list of Christmas gifts it says buyers should have ignored this Christmas. It says too many of us threaten the planet with extinction. I doubt Santa would Ho Ho Ho if you asked for any of those gifts this year.
Here are some of the things the environmentally sensitive Christmas shopper should have done without.
1) Tiger products or tigers for pets- The WWF says that "All international trade of tiger products, whether used in traditional Asian medicine, as souvenirs or for good luck charms (NO! Tiger good luck charms won't make me stay me away from your mail box), is illegal".
2) Ivory tusks- Tisk, Tisk ( or should I say "tusk, tusk"?) Find something else to put on your piano keyboard. Ivory in any form should be avoided because the ivory trade threatens the survival of elephants.
3) Caspian Sea sturgeon- Isn't that stuff already so polluted it makes the eater glow? But the Caspian Sea, the source of the famed Beluga caviar, should not be fished for caviar. Illegal plunder of Beluga caviar is making the fish nearly extinct. If you buy Beluga this holiday season it should only come in jars certified by the United Nations agency, CITES, that is fighting to keep Beluga caviar from disappearing.
4) Shahtoosh scarves- Those are those fashionable scarves woven from the hair of Tibetan antelopes, because to obtain the wool, the Tibetan antelope must first be killed. Hmmmmm A cheap lamb wool scarf is just a s comfortable an nice looking. Say "Bah" Humbug if offered a Shahtoosh this season.
5) cactus- I have seen those little cactus for sale in some stores, but the WWF says that the illegal trade in them is wiping them out, particularly the Mexican cactus populations. Don't get 'stuck" on cactus this year!
6) Energy guzzlers- Yep! The finally category to avoid is what so many consumers increasingly like these days. The WWF says we should avoid buying appliances like TV's and stereos that consume large amounts of electricity while on standby. Apparently, this is a drain on energy and therefore, a threat to the environment.
Sigh... I agree with the entire list,. But where is the cell phone ban. Those things should be banned on the basis that they endanger good manners.
Boy!! Were they right. Since the nativity was erected, displays have gone up (both religious and not so religious) honoring everything from Zoroastrianism (what does a Zoroastrian Santa Claus wear?) to the fake holiday "Festivus", once featured on a TV show. Haha Santa may have an identity crises when he visits Polk County Christmas Day. The World Wide Fund for Nature has posted a list of Christmas gifts it says buyers should have ignored this Christmas. It says too many of us threaten the planet with extinction. I doubt Santa would Ho Ho Ho if you asked for any of those gifts this year.
Here are some of the things the environmentally sensitive Christmas shopper should have done without.
1) Tiger products or tigers for pets- The WWF says that "All international trade of tiger products, whether used in traditional Asian medicine, as souvenirs or for good luck charms (NO! Tiger good luck charms won't make me stay me away from your mail box), is illegal".
2) Ivory tusks- Tisk, Tisk ( or should I say "tusk, tusk"?) Find something else to put on your piano keyboard. Ivory in any form should be avoided because the ivory trade threatens the survival of elephants.
3) Caspian Sea sturgeon- Isn't that stuff already so polluted it makes the eater glow? But the Caspian Sea, the source of the famed Beluga caviar, should not be fished for caviar. Illegal plunder of Beluga caviar is making the fish nearly extinct. If you buy Beluga this holiday season it should only come in jars certified by the United Nations agency, CITES, that is fighting to keep Beluga caviar from disappearing.
4) Shahtoosh scarves- Those are those fashionable scarves woven from the hair of Tibetan antelopes, because to obtain the wool, the Tibetan antelope must first be killed. Hmmmmm A cheap lamb wool scarf is just a s comfortable an nice looking. Say "Bah" Humbug if offered a Shahtoosh this season.
5) cactus- I have seen those little cactus for sale in some stores, but the WWF says that the illegal trade in them is wiping them out, particularly the Mexican cactus populations. Don't get 'stuck" on cactus this year!
6) Energy guzzlers- Yep! The finally category to avoid is what so many consumers increasingly like these days. The WWF says we should avoid buying appliances like TV's and stereos that consume large amounts of electricity while on standby. Apparently, this is a drain on energy and therefore, a threat to the environment.
Sigh... I agree with the entire list,. But where is the cell phone ban. Those things should be banned on the basis that they endanger good manners.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Caroling too much.....Ho Ho No
Christmas decorations are a pleasant site to see. Take the gleaming Christmas lights, for instance. The lights at night radiating in many colors and designs. Why some people even play Christmas carols to accompany the lights.
On the whole I like 99.9 % of the Christmas holiday season. Buy what about the .1 % that I don't like? (thanks for asking). After numerous rumminations about the joys of my Christmas it's time to list the aspects of Christmas I do not like. Here is a quick list of some (just five, I am sparing you from my lengthier rants) of the things that make me want to say "Ho, Ho, NO"
1) Malls- Even during other months of the year, I barely tolerate shopping malls. But at Christmas time they are unbearable. Beginning about two weeks before Christmas Day the malls overflow, making it impossible for civilized people to find a parking spot, navigate the stores without being bumped and brutalized by frenzied shoppers looking for the last Bratz doll for their little one.... I say, boycott the malls at Christmas time. Give them all gift certificates or Aunt Mabel's 3 year old fruitcake that is in the back of your refrigerator...
2) Sales- The game of the merchants is to "sale" us to death, or it least to pretend they are giving us a "Christmas Sale". But wasn't that $30 CD on sale actually $25 a month before the Christmas sales started? And why must merchants determine that the morning after Thanksgiving Day, shoppers should flock to imaginary sales (mostly at those awful malls). The reality is that a week or so after Christmas real sales being, drastic price cuts, fewer crazed shoppers and plenty of parking spaces. Hmmmmmm Maybe we should postpone Christmas a week to take advantage of the real sales out there.
3) Egg nog- Yes, I uttered that word that some feel is the Christmas nectar of the Gods. But I won't touch the stuff. Egg nog reminds me of those veggie casseroles mom used to try to pass off as being as tasty as a chocolate bar. It isn't. I know egg nog is traditional. But sometimes traditional tastes bad. On balance, I would rather have an enema than drink a glass of egg nog!
4) Bad Christmas albums- I love Christmas music. There is so much of it that is good. But what about those Mariah Carey Christmas Albums? You know the type... A "star" figures it's easy to record Christmas songs and sell a few to make a quick profit and to look more humane in the process (Can anyone who records a Christmas album be a bad fellow?). But not every singer can sing those songs as they were intended to be sung. Do we really need Paris Hilton or William Shatner to hit the high notes on Silent Night?
5) Combining Christmas with other holidays- This one irks me. It is not uncommon today in the U.S. to be told that wishing someone a "Merry Christmas" is an insult. That's because the Muslim, Jewish, Atheist or God knows what (Oh.. am I allowed to say that without offending you?) see "Merry Christmas" as too Christian. "Happy Holidays" will be fine, but never "Merry Christmas". It isn't "inclusive enough" for it to be appropriate. I better stop here before I am labeled a Grinch. I would wish you a Merry Christmas, but we know that just isn't proper. Sigh.... at least I am not at the mall, shopping Christmas sales for bad Christmas albums while sipping yule egg nog.
On the whole I like 99.9 % of the Christmas holiday season. Buy what about the .1 % that I don't like? (thanks for asking). After numerous rumminations about the joys of my Christmas it's time to list the aspects of Christmas I do not like. Here is a quick list of some (just five, I am sparing you from my lengthier rants) of the things that make me want to say "Ho, Ho, NO"
1) Malls- Even during other months of the year, I barely tolerate shopping malls. But at Christmas time they are unbearable. Beginning about two weeks before Christmas Day the malls overflow, making it impossible for civilized people to find a parking spot, navigate the stores without being bumped and brutalized by frenzied shoppers looking for the last Bratz doll for their little one.... I say, boycott the malls at Christmas time. Give them all gift certificates or Aunt Mabel's 3 year old fruitcake that is in the back of your refrigerator...
2) Sales- The game of the merchants is to "sale" us to death, or it least to pretend they are giving us a "Christmas Sale". But wasn't that $30 CD on sale actually $25 a month before the Christmas sales started? And why must merchants determine that the morning after Thanksgiving Day, shoppers should flock to imaginary sales (mostly at those awful malls). The reality is that a week or so after Christmas real sales being, drastic price cuts, fewer crazed shoppers and plenty of parking spaces. Hmmmmmm Maybe we should postpone Christmas a week to take advantage of the real sales out there.
3) Egg nog- Yes, I uttered that word that some feel is the Christmas nectar of the Gods. But I won't touch the stuff. Egg nog reminds me of those veggie casseroles mom used to try to pass off as being as tasty as a chocolate bar. It isn't. I know egg nog is traditional. But sometimes traditional tastes bad. On balance, I would rather have an enema than drink a glass of egg nog!
4) Bad Christmas albums- I love Christmas music. There is so much of it that is good. But what about those Mariah Carey Christmas Albums? You know the type... A "star" figures it's easy to record Christmas songs and sell a few to make a quick profit and to look more humane in the process (Can anyone who records a Christmas album be a bad fellow?). But not every singer can sing those songs as they were intended to be sung. Do we really need Paris Hilton or William Shatner to hit the high notes on Silent Night?
5) Combining Christmas with other holidays- This one irks me. It is not uncommon today in the U.S. to be told that wishing someone a "Merry Christmas" is an insult. That's because the Muslim, Jewish, Atheist or God knows what (Oh.. am I allowed to say that without offending you?) see "Merry Christmas" as too Christian. "Happy Holidays" will be fine, but never "Merry Christmas". It isn't "inclusive enough" for it to be appropriate. I better stop here before I am labeled a Grinch. I would wish you a Merry Christmas, but we know that just isn't proper. Sigh.... at least I am not at the mall, shopping Christmas sales for bad Christmas albums while sipping yule egg nog.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Christmas Sweets
It's time for an E mail about sweets.... I was thinking (a dangerous proposition for me sometimes) this morning about traditional Christmas foods. Every holiday has certain food liked with it, perhaps because the food is an invention of the holiday or because a large number of people enjoy that food at the time of the holiday. Last night, after seeing a cooking show about the traditional Yule log, I thought about favorite food of Christmas. Here is my list of what I think are the top 5 sweets eaten in the U.S. at Christmas time.
1) Christmas cookies- I think these came about in Medieval recipes, in particular the German gingerbread cookie. That cookie is probably the favored one at Christmas time. But the sugar cookie (Jane and I make and decorate those every year at Christmas time) that is decorated and shaped in Christmas time is the most popular one.
2) Fruitcake- The standard joke is that no one really likes fruitcakes, but that they are eaten because of tradition, and that there are only about 10 fruitcake sin existence that pass from one person to another since no one likes eating them. But there are good ones (they have little flour and mostly fruit) and many cheap ones that are unfriendly to the palate. The fruitcake started in England (no wonder it is said that the world's worst cooks are English) and is now obligatory at Christmas tables. If you get a good one, thank the fruitcake Gods above. Most are not very good. 3) Buche de Noel- This is the French contribution (who said the French were useless!) to Christmas eating and ne everyone loves. These log shaped sponge cakes filled with cream, jam, or marzipan and covered in rich chocolate butter cream could definitely delay Santa if left under the tree.
4) Candy Canes- originally these were for wealthy people as sugar was so expensive when the candy cane was invented. The most popular theory of the coming of candy canes is that a German choirmaster bent peppermint flavored sticks into the shape of a shepherds staff and gave them to the children in his choir in order to keep them quiet between songs during the long choir sessions. Give me one and even I may shut up. They are a sweet no one can resist.
5) Pannetone and Stollen- These are the most popular christmas cakes, the former from Italy and the latter a German treat. Both are filled with raisons and fruit, but there are differences i the denseness of each and whether they are filed or coated with an icing. The Pannetone is the favorite of those who don't like their desserts too sweet. Stollen is for sweet addicts. But wait! I can't forget my least favorite drink. The noble eggnog, not really a sweet, deserves mention too. But how can anyone drink the stuff? After all it is nothing more than a implausible combination of egg yolks, beaten egg whites, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla and brandy or rum. Hmmmmmmmmm I refuse to drink a toast to eggnog.
1) Christmas cookies- I think these came about in Medieval recipes, in particular the German gingerbread cookie. That cookie is probably the favored one at Christmas time. But the sugar cookie (Jane and I make and decorate those every year at Christmas time) that is decorated and shaped in Christmas time is the most popular one.
2) Fruitcake- The standard joke is that no one really likes fruitcakes, but that they are eaten because of tradition, and that there are only about 10 fruitcake sin existence that pass from one person to another since no one likes eating them. But there are good ones (they have little flour and mostly fruit) and many cheap ones that are unfriendly to the palate. The fruitcake started in England (no wonder it is said that the world's worst cooks are English) and is now obligatory at Christmas tables. If you get a good one, thank the fruitcake Gods above. Most are not very good. 3) Buche de Noel- This is the French contribution (who said the French were useless!) to Christmas eating and ne everyone loves. These log shaped sponge cakes filled with cream, jam, or marzipan and covered in rich chocolate butter cream could definitely delay Santa if left under the tree.
4) Candy Canes- originally these were for wealthy people as sugar was so expensive when the candy cane was invented. The most popular theory of the coming of candy canes is that a German choirmaster bent peppermint flavored sticks into the shape of a shepherds staff and gave them to the children in his choir in order to keep them quiet between songs during the long choir sessions. Give me one and even I may shut up. They are a sweet no one can resist.
5) Pannetone and Stollen- These are the most popular christmas cakes, the former from Italy and the latter a German treat. Both are filled with raisons and fruit, but there are differences i the denseness of each and whether they are filed or coated with an icing. The Pannetone is the favorite of those who don't like their desserts too sweet. Stollen is for sweet addicts. But wait! I can't forget my least favorite drink. The noble eggnog, not really a sweet, deserves mention too. But how can anyone drink the stuff? After all it is nothing more than a implausible combination of egg yolks, beaten egg whites, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla and brandy or rum. Hmmmmmmmmm I refuse to drink a toast to eggnog.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Christmas Cards
While organizing and beginning to wrote my Christmas Cards for this year I paused and asked myself how much I knew about the tradition of sending Christmas Cards. The answer was "little".
Surely I knew they began in the 19th century in Victorian England, but the rest of the details escaped my memory. I have a fondness for the cards and think they are a tiny bit of politeness that remains in a vulgar world of cell phones (Hehe I couldn't resist the jab), instant gratification, over work, too little reflection and much much more. So I look forward to giving them to people I know and care about.
The great irony of them is that they are best given to those whom we do not have the closest dealings, whether it be by separation of distance, or a forgotten, neglected or lost friendship. How else can we keep in touch with those relatives we rarely see? Doesn't a Christmas card tell an E mail friend that they are as important as those friends we see often in out own town? And a Christmas card may be traditional or not, religious themed or lay, humorous or serious, elaborately crafted or simple.
Regardless of what the card looks like or depicts, they are all appreciated by the recipient. I mail them out with picture and sentiments truly felt to show all I care for that I am thankful for having them in my life...providing I have the address of the intended receiver.
Oh! Let me tell you the rest of the Christmas card tradition. I do "think too much" sometimes because I want to know whatever I can. I looked for the rest of the tradition to satisfy my own curiosity and to now pass it on to you. It seems that in 1843, British businessman Sir Harry Cole (No need to call me "Sir Jim") asked an artist named John Calcott Horsley to print cards representing Christmas that Sir Cole could give to his customers and friends.
One thousand cards were printed in black and white and then colored by hand. Those cards depicted a happy family raising a toast to the person receiving the card. But Cole's cards were criticized for promoting drunkenness. It wasn't until 1851 that a variety store owner named Richard Pease commissioned the first printed Christmas card in the United States.
In 1853 London printers Charles Goodall & Sons became the first to mass produce Christmas cards, with a card that gave us the phrase "A Merry Christmas". I wish you a Merry Christmas here and in my Christmas card.
Surely I knew they began in the 19th century in Victorian England, but the rest of the details escaped my memory. I have a fondness for the cards and think they are a tiny bit of politeness that remains in a vulgar world of cell phones (Hehe I couldn't resist the jab), instant gratification, over work, too little reflection and much much more. So I look forward to giving them to people I know and care about.
The great irony of them is that they are best given to those whom we do not have the closest dealings, whether it be by separation of distance, or a forgotten, neglected or lost friendship. How else can we keep in touch with those relatives we rarely see? Doesn't a Christmas card tell an E mail friend that they are as important as those friends we see often in out own town? And a Christmas card may be traditional or not, religious themed or lay, humorous or serious, elaborately crafted or simple.
Regardless of what the card looks like or depicts, they are all appreciated by the recipient. I mail them out with picture and sentiments truly felt to show all I care for that I am thankful for having them in my life...providing I have the address of the intended receiver.
Oh! Let me tell you the rest of the Christmas card tradition. I do "think too much" sometimes because I want to know whatever I can. I looked for the rest of the tradition to satisfy my own curiosity and to now pass it on to you. It seems that in 1843, British businessman Sir Harry Cole (No need to call me "Sir Jim") asked an artist named John Calcott Horsley to print cards representing Christmas that Sir Cole could give to his customers and friends.
One thousand cards were printed in black and white and then colored by hand. Those cards depicted a happy family raising a toast to the person receiving the card. But Cole's cards were criticized for promoting drunkenness. It wasn't until 1851 that a variety store owner named Richard Pease commissioned the first printed Christmas card in the United States.
In 1853 London printers Charles Goodall & Sons became the first to mass produce Christmas cards, with a card that gave us the phrase "A Merry Christmas". I wish you a Merry Christmas here and in my Christmas card.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Bumper Stickers
Do you notice those peeling bumper stickers when stuck in traffic? I remember seeing a cute anti Bush bumper sticker. It said "More Trees- Less Bush". I like that kind of bumper stick and classify it as a "Funny "one, my favorite type.
Essentially, there are 3 basic categories of bumper stickers. the first, "Funny or Amusing" ones like the comment about Bush appear most often when a big issue is being debated or a controversy rages. Many political bumper stickers are of that type.
The next category of bumper sticker is the "Personal" bumper sticker. A good example of that is the ubiquitous "My Child Is an Honor Student At (followed by the name of the kid's school)". Those are annoying. I wonder how low a person's self esteem is if he or she has to brag about his child on a car bumper sticker. The personal bumper sticker is the least attractive to me because I don't think any individual who has to announce personal achievements on his car's bumper could be of any interest to me.
The third type is the "Information" bumper sticker. An Example of that one is the empty but often seen "Guns Don't kill People. People Kill People" that the gun nut crowd displays. Most informational bumper stickers are partisan and simplistic, often erroneous in their proclamation. They are annoying. I would like to shot anyone driving a car with a pro gun bumper sticker. Occasionally we have a combination of 2 or all 3 of the types. How about the "Jesus Loves" bumper sticker. I guess the driver is informing us about Jesus and proclaiming his or her personal love of Jesus. But why? If this "Jesus" the driver is talking about does love everybody what is the point of tell us?
An example of the all in one bumper sticker that covers al three might be the "I 'm Not As Think As You Drunk I Am". Haha I love that bumper combo....but I hope you're driving behind that guy instead of me.
Essentially, there are 3 basic categories of bumper stickers. the first, "Funny or Amusing" ones like the comment about Bush appear most often when a big issue is being debated or a controversy rages. Many political bumper stickers are of that type.
The next category of bumper sticker is the "Personal" bumper sticker. A good example of that is the ubiquitous "My Child Is an Honor Student At (followed by the name of the kid's school)". Those are annoying. I wonder how low a person's self esteem is if he or she has to brag about his child on a car bumper sticker. The personal bumper sticker is the least attractive to me because I don't think any individual who has to announce personal achievements on his car's bumper could be of any interest to me.
The third type is the "Information" bumper sticker. An Example of that one is the empty but often seen "Guns Don't kill People. People Kill People" that the gun nut crowd displays. Most informational bumper stickers are partisan and simplistic, often erroneous in their proclamation. They are annoying. I would like to shot anyone driving a car with a pro gun bumper sticker. Occasionally we have a combination of 2 or all 3 of the types. How about the "Jesus Loves" bumper sticker. I guess the driver is informing us about Jesus and proclaiming his or her personal love of Jesus. But why? If this "Jesus" the driver is talking about does love everybody what is the point of tell us?
An example of the all in one bumper sticker that covers al three might be the "I 'm Not As Think As You Drunk I Am". Haha I love that bumper combo....but I hope you're driving behind that guy instead of me.
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