Football, Beer, Beaches, Peace, and Mr. Lee

I'm going to post something completley unprecedented in IGIF history - an entire week's worth of history mixery. There is no better way to get back in the groove of things than cracking my dorkishly delightful whip, eh? Time for some mixery with an emphasis on history - and what a week it's been.

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While baseball may be considered "America's national pastime," it's hard to argue any American sport is more popular than the [once] American-exclusive sport of football. With the pinnacle of football popularity hinging on the most watched yearly television event--the Super Bowl--Monday marked the 40th anniversary of the very first Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers. An interesting thing to note: this was the only Super Bowl to ever be televised by two major networks (CBS & NBC) at the same time. Super Bowl XLI - Pats vs. Saints? Brady and Belichick are going to take home another trophy.

[MP3] Monday Night Football - Theme Song
[MP3] Jack Johnson - Mudfootball

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Brace yourselves - 88 years ago may have been one of the worst days ever experienced throughout the existence of America. This atrocious and malignant act left its imprint on America and will never be forgotten by the citizens of this land: the Prohibition. While it was probably better for all American's livers, the Eighteenth Amendment was ratified after a year in existence to forcefully change the habits of millions upon millions of people. While the Temperance Movement might have meant well, to the deranged folk who believed in it America needed their liquor. Speakeasies sprouted and after a little more than a decade later the [failed] Amendment was repealed. I can't imagine living during Prohibition times; I believe I speak for every collegiate student when I say "we need alcohol." In a non-addictive and responsible manner, of course.

[MP3] Mason Jennings - Drinking As Religion
[MP3] The Fiery Furnaces - Evergreen

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With the quest for new land never satiatied amongst large countries, the United States began itching for an exotic vacation location without having to leave the warmth of Uncle Sam's grip. For a cool $25 million, the U.S. purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917, partially aided by the pressures that came with the submarine warfare of World War I. Whether you view it as a terrific beach or a military vantage point, the Virgin Islands are an asset I'm glad we have.

[MP3] Devendra Banhart - An Island
[MP3] Hot Chip - The Beach Party

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A year after introducing its famed "Fourteen Points" before the conclusion of World War I, the Paris Peace Conference opened on January 18, 1919. After a devastating world war had left many parts of Europe in ruin, the PPC was a gathering of world powers that was warmly received amongst the war-torn countries of Europe. Aside from signing five treaties, Poland became an independent country, and the League of Nations was officially formed.

[MP3] Stars - Celebration Guns
[MP3] The Submarines - Peace & Hate

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Robert E. Lee, one of the more brilliant military minds to grace American history, was born. I know you're saying, "If he's so brilliant then why was he commanding the losing side of the Civil War?" His chosen side was due more to the fact that his home state, Virgina, opted to secede thus forcing him to turn down his (offered) Union position and join the Confederacy. Lee was opposed to slavery and turned Washington College (now Washington & Lee) into one of the top liberal arts colleges - being the first to offer courses in Spanish, business, and journalism while instilling just one rule amongst students: "We have but one rule, and it is that every student is a gentleman."

[MP3] Bright Eyes - Southern State (Live)
[MP3] Ambulance LTD - Country Gentleman

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That was one hell of a workout, eh? It's off to see Flea pluck the bass like a lunatic - Red Hot Chili Peppers tonight! Tube socks or not - a review just may be in store.