Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Ain't That America

It was unusually breezy yesterday morning as I drove to work. Cruising down Burbank's Hollywood Way, I tracked the tremors of palm trees, shaking and flapping in the wind. Though the weather was distinct for this time of year, the scenery was the same as every other day. Airport lots. Industrial spread. Morning commuters.

But I noticed something I'd never seen before as my eye followed the sights to my right. Billowing in the spring gusts, high above the airport's nearby strip mall, were 3 flags: an American flag, a California state flag, and a McDonald's flag.

The holy trifecta.

It pains me to think of that place as a great American institution. And it bothers me even more to see the golden arches when I'm traveling abroad. Instead of a comforting symbol, I find it a sad infiltration of bad American culture. Come, eat like an American and enjoy a case of type two Diabetes tomorrow. Oh but how the great MickeyDee's continues to triumph...

On another note, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Kurt sing a sad rendition of John Cougar Mellencamp's song last night on Glee. People have long been telling me I need to watch that show, but I just saw my first full episode last week. And now, I am totally hooked. It's like candy. I watched 2 episodes on Hulu yesterday and one on TV. It's just too good. I'm ashamed it took me so long to come to my senses.

11 comments:

Danielle said...

I need to get with the times and watch that show too. I hear it is great. I don't even know what channel it is on.

Anita said...

I keep telling people who just started watching this season to get season 1. You really get to know the characters and grow to love all their quirks. I'm glad you're on the Glee bandwagon...welcome!

LesleyG said...

Ugh. Why does McDonald's even have a flag? That is disturbing.

And, yes, it took me a few episodes for Glee as well, but I have to admit, I like it. I like real talent on television, what can I say? Plenty of one-liners to get you through the hour, too. :)

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

Ahhh, McDonald's. It kind of reminds me of that American dude in Spain who was getting mad at the money exchange woman for not speaking English clearly. I wanted to choke him for setting such a bad example of what to expect from Americans. Sigh.

megabrooke said...

i haven't gotten into glee. i dunno... something about it just kind of turns me off?

Natalie said...

it makes me happy when i hear or read that people watch a little glee and get hooked. i'm totally with you (though i still have to watch tuesday's episode)

Anonymous said...

Damn you, woman, now I have a craving for Chicken McNuggets... ;)

The Coconut Diaries said...

If you want to be assaulted by flags, come to Texas! It's like someone said "How can we make sure people remember they are in Texas? Should we put stars and longhorns all over the place? Sure. But we need MORE!"

Ugh!

And Glee. I missed the first 3 or 4 episodes and swore not to get hooked, yet, here I am trying to buy tickets to the show in NYC...because I LOVE being the oldest person in any room.

Dingo said...

I love Gleeeee! Every week I make my class have a Glee recap. They may or may not get extra credit points for it. Hulu is your friend.

Melissa Maris said...

Danielle - You'll be hooked if you watch it. It's slightly reminiscent of Grease.

Anita - I have Season 1 in my Netflix queue, but it has the "Long Wait" caption next to it. :(

LesleyG - I don't know why they have a flag, but I think they should have to put it at half mast every time an obese person dies of a heart attack.

Nilsa - I hate those moments when you're embarrassed to be an American.

Brookem - It's not for everybody. I love musicals, so it's right up my alley.

Natalie - Thanks for stopping by. :) Everyone has been telling me to watch it - I'm so glad I finally came around. And now it makes ME happy to hear about people watching it.

Geekhiker - Liberate yourself from the McNuggets!

Coconut - That's true - that Longhorns flag is everywhere over there, isn't it? I may join you and be the other oldest person in the room...

Dingo - I think you should start making your class break out in song throughout the school week.

blakspring said...

i gotta go with GH on this one. as much as i avoid mcdonalds, there is something about those mcnuggets. damn.