To Obey or Not to Obey?

During my time in Boston or in other large cities, I would notice this sticker or image all around town.

For years I figured it was just some symbol for a nationwide gang that loved Andre the Giant and secretly adored the Princess Bride. But during a trip to the ICA in Boston I discovered the truth that I was just a part of a grand experiment. I almost wanted to unplug myself like NEO and puke, but I held it all back. Here is an article about the artist and the meaning of OBEY (with a few of my comments inserted).

MANIFESTO:A Social And Psychological Explanation

The OBEY sticker campaign can be explained as an experiment in Phenomenology. Heidegger describes Phenomenology as “the process of letting things manifest themselves.” Phenomenology attempts to enable people to see clearly something that is right before their eyes but obscured; things that are so taken for granted that they are muted by abstract observation (I think I just got 10x smarter for posting this on my blog).

The FIRST AIM OF PHENOMENOLOGY is to reawaken a sense of wonder about one’s environment. The OBEY sticker attempts to stimulate curiosity and bring people to question both the sticker and their relationship with their surroundings. Because people are not used to seeing advertisements or propaganda for which the product or motive is not obvious, frequent and novel encounters with the sticker provoke thought and possible frustration, nevertheless revitalizing the viewer’s perception and attention to detail. The sticker has no meaning but exists only to cause people to react, to contemplate and search for meaning in the sticker (Don't flatter yourself. Most of us were not up all night thinking about it). Because OBEY has no actual meaning, the various reactions and interpretations of those who view it reflect their personality and the nature of their sensibilities.

Many people who are familiar with the sticker find the image itself amusing, recognizing it as nonsensical, and are able to derive straightforward visual pleasure without burdening themselves with an explanation (YES! That was me. I'm one of the smart people). The PARANOID OR CONSERVATIVE VIEWER however may be confused by the sticker’s persistent presence and condemn it as an underground cult with subversive intentions (Aw shoot, that was me after all). Many stickers have been peeled down by people who were annoyed by them, considering them an eye sore and an act of petty vandalism, which is ironic considering the number of commercial graphic images everyone in American society is assaulted with daily.

Another phenomenon the sticker has brought to light is the trendy and CONSPICUOUSLY CONSUMPTIVE nature of many members of society. For those who have been surrounded by the sticker, its familiarity and cultural resonance is comforting and owning a sticker provides a souvenir or keepsake, a memento. People have often demanded the sticker merely because they have seen it everywhere and possessing a sticker provides a sense of belonging (and now my horcrux is that much cooler). The Giant sticker seems mostly to be embraced by those who are (or at least want to seem to be) rebellious. Even though these people may not know the meaning of the sticker, they enjoy its slightly disruptive underground quality and wish to contribute to the furthering of its humorous and absurd presence, which seems to somehow be antiestablishment/societal convention (KILL WHITIEEEEE!!!). Giant stickers are both embraced and rejected, the reason behind which, upon examination reflects the psyche of the viewer. Whether the reaction is positive or negative, the stickers existence is worthy as long as it causes people to consider the details and meanings of their surroundings. In the name of fun and observation.

—Shepard Fairey, 1990 

Little do you know that this smug artist treating you like a lab rat is secretly working for the Illuminati and Barry Obama - Their sacred mouthpiece. Would it shock you to know that Mr. Fairey also painted the famous Obama "Hope" poster?

Yes, that was great and inspirational, but this is what the NWO or Illuminati wanted you to think. But this is what they really intend:

Yes, we've been conditioned to see the giant and think of obedience, but we are all being conditioned to obey the real mouthpiece and all words that proceed from his mouth. People like to joke that one day Obama's photo will be on a food stamp. But the sad truth is this will be the currency after he and his overlords have their way with us:

If I am dead next week, just remember I gave you the straight dope. If you can break into Obama's compound beneath DIA, take him out but don't forget to kill the clone of Steve Jobs down there too. HOPEfully you will survive the impending Illuminati induced apocalypse and thwart the currency of obedience.

Children's Death Orgy --- AKA The Hunger Games

Most of you know I'm a fan of Utopian and Distopian novels. I read the Hunger Games in about three days and loved it. However, I was disturbed by the level of violence in a "young adult" book and pronounced "They'll never be able to make that into a movie."

On my Honor... Too bad in this world she would have to sell  cookies for validation.

First off, I'd like to say that I did not have my Nostra-Fletch-a-Damus hat on when I made that prediction. 

Secondly, never underestimate Hollywood when there is a buck to be made. Consider for a moment if this movie could have pulled a PG-13 rating in the 80s in the wake of Arnold's The Running Man. Sure that movie had a ton of profanity, but take that away and its effectively the same plot/violence. 

I'm not hating though. It was nice to revisit the story without Bella constantly whining in my head. The special effects were well done and the girl playing Katniss was spot on with how I imagined her. I was expecting a more burly Peeta but whatever. And the boy named Gale was fortunately minimized so the Twilight factor was almost nil. Ultimately, my hat goes off to Lenny Kravits who was great as Cinnna and really made the emotion of the book come alive. Knowing his ultimate fate makes you appreciate what he does in the first two books a little more and to see it on the big screen was great.  

Like the Harry Potter films, I think the one thing movies struggle to convey is just how sad, bleak and alone the protagonist feels. Perhaps I'm too much of a happy-go-lucky viewer, but you just don't get the sense of how horrible life is for these people in the movie compared to the book.         

Finally, I'm sad I didn't think of a smack down between the Hunger Games and The Running Man sooner, but now I don't have to write it because you can check it out here. http://www.moviesmackdown.com/2012/03/hunger-games-vs-running-man.html

 

Of course as a child of the 80s and just on sheer principle, I disagree with the reviewer and say The Running man was the superior film. The HGs has too much of a Twilight connection to topple Arnold as the greatest distopian death match of all times. 

Mile High Rejoicing

I think the following sums up how I'm feeling after picking up Manning.

 ***DISCLAIMER*** I know I said in some circles that I would wear a chicken suit to church if this happened. However, I will not wear a chicken suit to church. Why? That promise was clearly more of the usual hypothetical garbage that comes out of my mouth that I can't be held accountable for, much like a politician or wall-street executive because I am above the law... Now that we have the Football Cyborg. Besides, my family is distracting enough with our consistent clearing of the dug-out in middle of Sacrament Meeting. - Yep, that's right. yesterday CoCo bonked her face on the pew, I hand her to the Boss for removal to the foyer and the entire clan follows her out. Not one question or even a glace my way for approval. SHOOM. We went from 6 warm bodies to 1 in less than 30 seconds. Only I remained as the cool, confident and overweight manager too lazy to fight.

Bring on the hardware! #7 has saved us once again. This still doesn't make up for him marrying a Raider cheerleader though.

Manning and his Mile High Destiny

Yesterday on sports talk radio there was a collective frenzy over Peyton Manning making a surprising visit to Denver. My inner-child who is afraid of having his Broncos heart crushed refused to buy into the hype... Until Jake gave me a call.

Now I'm completely lathered up over the prospect of a becoming a PM new Dawn fan. [I'm going to assume most of you completely miss that reference, but whatever].

For starters, Denver was not supposed to be high up on the list of suitors for the football cyborg's services. Most  project him going to a warm weather or dome market such as Miami or Arizona. While Colorado has a change of seasons, our weather is generally favorable. Winter here is like winter done right for most east coast and central cities with more humidity and less sunshine. For example, yesterday when PM came to visit on March 9 (winter) it was 65 and sunny. A Chamber of Commerce Utopia of Milgh High Magic. This video would sum up PM's feelings upon landing:

Now that the right feeling abounds, let's talk some positives for the Broncos:

• We have a ton of cap space to bring in PM and let him do the LeBron and bring some of his buddies. 
• Elway understands being a legend and knows how to cater to this guy. And no one will question PM as an Elway successor. Elway shadow problem finally solved. 
• Peyton won with a Defensive minded coach that let him be the O-coordinator and run things his way.
• That means total control of the offense. Heck, we completely re-did everything last year for Tebow, why not PM?
• Two great pass rushers to torment teams while you play from ahead?  - Doom and Gloom baby!
• Demerius Thomas is a beast that would become a star with PM. Erick Decker would be the new Austin Collie and I think its safe to say a good free agent would be willing to come play here. 
• Todd Helton and PM are tight. Never underestimate the power of friendship. 
• PM wants to stay in the AFC. Why not play in the worst conference with the best chance of winning?
• Outside of a few cold games the weather here is not that bad. Plus, PM can dispel the slight on him that he is only good in a dome. 
• An elite defense helps, but its all about power offenses to win Championships these days. We can give Peyton total control to do what he wants to win ASAP. Glory for him and glory for Orange Sunsets.
• The next great tight-end? We don't need Dallas Clark, we already have Tim Tebow! - thank you Jake.
• Or if Tebow declines, we trade him and end Tebow Time. 
• The end of Tebow Mania
• The end of fans making excuses for Tebow
• The end of endless talk radio about Tebow
• Me typing less of the word Tebow
• No one caring if I type the word Tebow

Governor Tarkin would say: "The last remnants of the Old Mc Daniels era have been swept away. Love for Peyton Manning will keep the fans in line." 

I want to hear about PM and all of the receivers and the O-line living at Dove Valley and getting so dialed in that they start finishing other's sentences and burning incense in football shaped meditation circles that last 24 hours. It will be glorious when we add more Lombardi Trophies to the collection. 

OK. I'm going to go take a cold shower now.