festivus
"It's Festivus for the rest of us!" howled Frank Costanza in a classic episode of Seinfeld. For those who have become jaded on the season, with any vestige of merriment trickling away like money, Frank's proclamation might strike a chord. Erect a plain metal pole and vent your disappointments. Okay, Frank may not have had the best idea with Festivus, but it provided laughs that have endured.
Frank had his strange ideas, and for the rest of us, 'tis the season to withstand the mass-marketing of consumer product. In the living room, I just heard the commercial featuring Let My Love Open the Door by Pete Townsend (from his 1980 LP Empty Glass, in case ya' didn't know). It's the time of the year when the retailers put their prime jingles and premium pitches forward in the battle for the all-important dollar and the almighty fecund bottom-line. Electronic goods, compact discs, DVDs, sure, these types of gifts are understandable - who wouldn't like a digital camera or their favorite music or a good movie? But cars... so many car commercials (I just use the term "car" as a generalization - most of these ads are for some crazy mutation of the SUV, anyway). How many people actually purchase a vehicle for their loved one(s)? That is, besides the super-wealthy? Okay, there's a chance that a new auto is desperately needed by someone in a lower-income tax bracket, and the gift-giving of the holiday season is perfect timing for tying a big ribbon around the vehicle chassis. But, that's one pricey gift...
Anyway, brushing that perimetric thought aside, I learned a few years ago that online shopping is the way to go. Okay, I'm sure there are some people out there who have their concerns about online commerce, such as the security of their credit card and the reliability of the company. I will refrain from calling them Luddites, but I've had almost no problems buying through the Internet. On the infrequent occasion I did, I found the issue easily resolved. Hell, it was (and is) preferable to returning the gift to the store where I might have otherwise bought it - much less aggravating and time-consuming. I am not going to plug the online retail outlets I have patronized, as this is not intended as an advertisement (just flip on the television or computer for that - ads, ads everywhere without a moment to think).
My shopping is finished. Well, I do need to buy some cards, but the gifts are bought and delivered. There was a DVD player for the folks, as well as some DVD's for family and friends. Also, these Fisher-Price "Geo Trax" for my wee nephew (I can't wait to play with 'em, too), a couple of New York City Harley Davidson t-shirts, and a few other items. Oh yeah, does the fifth of Jim Beam for my friend's Christmas party the other night in Brooklyn count? That party - egg nog heavy on the boubon, mulled wine, beer, and a couple of Jim and colas. Yeah, the festivities were well-lubricated as we rolled into the small hours. Surprisingly, I was halfway cognizant the next day.
I digress. It appears this post has little purpose except to provide a personal stream-of-conciousness overview on my feelings regarding the season. Sure, Christmas and "the holidays" have been compromised and commercialized to the breaking point, but the most meaningful facet is one that endures - spending time with the people you care about. Despite rampant consumerism and the "Mercantile War of All Retailers Big or Small, Online or at the Mall," people still gather to give and get, and not just presents. In a world that is more and more difficult to understand day-by-day, this is eminent.
Hmm, those who know me might remark that I seem to be getting soft. Where is the spite? Where's the misanthropy? The animosity? Well, it's still there, it lingers, bobs and weaves, surfaces and briefly vanishes. But when it rises like the the Kraken, it is pointed directly at those who are unworthy and those who would want to damage the lives of others. It's aimed like the cannons of their wars. The focus of that bile of the mind are the backbiting politicians, the self-righteous Evangelicals, the programmed Puritans. The acrimony targets those who would maim and murder in the name of corporate profiteering, those who would curtail freedom of speech and expression, those who would want to oppress me with their feckless jargon and skewed beliefs. It's also pointed at those who don't see that there is hope in the world as long as someone still gives a damn.
So, anyone who needs my address for the delivery of the brand spankin' new 2005 Toyota 4Runner, just jot off an e-mail and I'll provide the details. I know I could make a decent profit after I sell it on eBay Motors...
Enjoy the season, let the nog flow freely, and many wishes for an acrimonious Festivus for the rest of ya'.
Frank had his strange ideas, and for the rest of us, 'tis the season to withstand the mass-marketing of consumer product. In the living room, I just heard the commercial featuring Let My Love Open the Door by Pete Townsend (from his 1980 LP Empty Glass, in case ya' didn't know). It's the time of the year when the retailers put their prime jingles and premium pitches forward in the battle for the all-important dollar and the almighty fecund bottom-line. Electronic goods, compact discs, DVDs, sure, these types of gifts are understandable - who wouldn't like a digital camera or their favorite music or a good movie? But cars... so many car commercials (I just use the term "car" as a generalization - most of these ads are for some crazy mutation of the SUV, anyway). How many people actually purchase a vehicle for their loved one(s)? That is, besides the super-wealthy? Okay, there's a chance that a new auto is desperately needed by someone in a lower-income tax bracket, and the gift-giving of the holiday season is perfect timing for tying a big ribbon around the vehicle chassis. But, that's one pricey gift...
Anyway, brushing that perimetric thought aside, I learned a few years ago that online shopping is the way to go. Okay, I'm sure there are some people out there who have their concerns about online commerce, such as the security of their credit card and the reliability of the company. I will refrain from calling them Luddites, but I've had almost no problems buying through the Internet. On the infrequent occasion I did, I found the issue easily resolved. Hell, it was (and is) preferable to returning the gift to the store where I might have otherwise bought it - much less aggravating and time-consuming. I am not going to plug the online retail outlets I have patronized, as this is not intended as an advertisement (just flip on the television or computer for that - ads, ads everywhere without a moment to think).
My shopping is finished. Well, I do need to buy some cards, but the gifts are bought and delivered. There was a DVD player for the folks, as well as some DVD's for family and friends. Also, these Fisher-Price "Geo Trax" for my wee nephew (I can't wait to play with 'em, too), a couple of New York City Harley Davidson t-shirts, and a few other items. Oh yeah, does the fifth of Jim Beam for my friend's Christmas party the other night in Brooklyn count? That party - egg nog heavy on the boubon, mulled wine, beer, and a couple of Jim and colas. Yeah, the festivities were well-lubricated as we rolled into the small hours. Surprisingly, I was halfway cognizant the next day.
I digress. It appears this post has little purpose except to provide a personal stream-of-conciousness overview on my feelings regarding the season. Sure, Christmas and "the holidays" have been compromised and commercialized to the breaking point, but the most meaningful facet is one that endures - spending time with the people you care about. Despite rampant consumerism and the "Mercantile War of All Retailers Big or Small, Online or at the Mall," people still gather to give and get, and not just presents. In a world that is more and more difficult to understand day-by-day, this is eminent.
Hmm, those who know me might remark that I seem to be getting soft. Where is the spite? Where's the misanthropy? The animosity? Well, it's still there, it lingers, bobs and weaves, surfaces and briefly vanishes. But when it rises like the the Kraken, it is pointed directly at those who are unworthy and those who would want to damage the lives of others. It's aimed like the cannons of their wars. The focus of that bile of the mind are the backbiting politicians, the self-righteous Evangelicals, the programmed Puritans. The acrimony targets those who would maim and murder in the name of corporate profiteering, those who would curtail freedom of speech and expression, those who would want to oppress me with their feckless jargon and skewed beliefs. It's also pointed at those who don't see that there is hope in the world as long as someone still gives a damn.
So, anyone who needs my address for the delivery of the brand spankin' new 2005 Toyota 4Runner, just jot off an e-mail and I'll provide the details. I know I could make a decent profit after I sell it on eBay Motors...
Enjoy the season, let the nog flow freely, and many wishes for an acrimonious Festivus for the rest of ya'.
posted by Walls Falling at 8:23 PM
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