Captain Digital

Random musings on politics, society, and pop culture from the Internet's marketing curmudgeon.

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Politics

On Hypocricy.

The Breck GirlHere’s the deal. Ever since the MoveOn.org crowd decided that the morals of a politician were nobody’s business but their own, we’ve lived in a world of double standards. Both those on the Left (Sen. Edwards, Jesse Jackson, Rep. Jefferson, etc.) and those on the right (Larry Craig, Ted Stevens, etc.) try their best to convince us that their private behavior has no bearing on their public fortunes.

That’s a load of B.S.

This is an issue of trust, and if someone is a hypocrite, you simply can’t – or at least shouldn’t – trust them. [Read more…] about On Hypocricy.

My friend ran for President, and all I got was this lousy TShirt.

It's about time. I’m not easily impressed by most marketing. It’s not that I’m jaded…I’ve just seen a LOT of pitches, promotions, and “new” (read: “recycled, old”) ideas. No big. But every now and then, something comes across my desk that makes me sit up and take notice. Such is the case with http://www.news3online.com. This thing is brilliant.

Few people that are hip to the capabilities of Photoshop and AfterEffects are undully impressed with seeing their photo munged into another. Fair enough. But what if you created what appears to be a legit news story about a grassroots Presidential campaign, and built a dynamic database to capture emails, with the viral “news” story as the lure? Now THAT’S marketing. [Read more…] about My friend ran for President, and all I got was this lousy TShirt.

The lesser of two weasels.

The candidatesAbout this election thing. Color me depressed/worried/fatalistic/tired/ready to go hide somewhere. In case you don’t already know this about me, I’m a proud Conservative. Note, I did not say “Republican” nor did I imply that I’m a “compassionate” conservative or any such nonsense as that. I’m bummed because no matter WHO wins in November, we’re in for a rough ride, from my point of view. [Read more…] about The lesser of two weasels.

Iran to USA: “Bring IT!”

Remember what I said a while back about “Playground Logic“? Today, Iran told Uncle Sam to “bring it on, baby!” They’re upset that we had the unmitigated gall and audacity to question their sincerity regarding their nuclear program. You see, Iran has more natural gas and crude oil than the world needs. They have no need of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. However, they could certainly make use of a spare nuclear weapon or two, as their leaders believe that Israel doesn’t deserve to exist, and they should be the ones to bring about its destruction. [Read more…] about Iran to USA: “Bring IT!”

Discrimination.

Discrimination. To hear tell, it’s an ugly word. The kind of word that spurs secular humanists, liberals, and special-interest groups to cry foul, and to loudly proclaim in 200 point gothic headlines, "We’re Morally Superior Than You Are."

The truth is far removed from what they would have you believe.

You see, the word "discriminate" is perfectly innocent, and, I might add, essential. To discriminate, at it’s most fundamental level, is to examine a subject and determine the differences and similarities between it and something else, and subsequently express a preference between the two. You discriminate every time you tell the disinterested counter person at your fast food emporium if you want a burger or a salad. You discriminate when you choose between paper and plastic bags at your supermarket. And you discriminate when you deny someone an opportunity based on a personal bias.

Which one of these is morally wrong?

Fundamentally…it depends.

[Read more…] about Discrimination.

The Politics of Mediocrity.

“He has delusions of mediocrity.”

It was just an offhand, sarcastic remark my son made the other day. In context, he was talking about someone he knew, who was busy screwing up his life – someone that was under the impression that he is a lot smarter/better/more successful than he, in fact, really is. It was said in a tone dripping with irony. And it got me to thinking about the entire concept of mediocrity, and how it applies to life (in general) and our society.

At one time, the world admired, appreciated, and strove for greatness. In particular, America idealized winners; those that strove to be the best; those that did achieved more, created more, and built more than anyone.

Sadly, I don’t think that’s true any more, especially in America.

Mediocrity rules. And I know why. [Read more…] about The Politics of Mediocrity.