Tuesday, July 24, 2012

"No More Cheers!: The VIA Agency Launches Search for American Toast."

Hey, what's the matter with Cheers? It was a pretty good show in its day.

At least they're not "reaching out," or something, but just the same, this seems to me to be a contrived exercise along the lines of replacing "french fries" with "freedom fries."

Look at it this way: If indeed America is the melting pot, welcoming the world's huddled masses with beers and bourbon, then why not permit the individual to use whichever toast his or her national heritage or preference ordains? 

Why, then, do I publish this? As an exercise in: "Really?"

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Hi there,

Have you ever noticed that there is no America-specific toast option - a la Prost, Cheers (British), Slainte, Le Chaim, etc.? The VIA Agency (theviaagency.com) decided to do something about this problem just in time for the summer Olympics, where there will undoubtedly be a lot of times for cheering (U-S-A, U-S-A) and cheers-ing.

VIA has come up with 10 options for the new 'Toast of the Nation' (which you can see below) and created a Facebook app to allow people to vote for their favorite, or make a suggestion for another one. You can see the Facebook app here https://www.facebook.com/ToastOfAmerica, which went live today. Anyone can vote for their favorite toast (or write in their own choice) up until the Olympics closing ceremonies. The winner will be announced August 12th.

Additionally, you can check out a video from VIA announcing the contest here: http://thetoastofamerica.com

'Toast of America' voting options:

To Glory
This toast is in reference to Old Glory and her stars and stripes. May she ever remain.

To Freedom
 If there¹s one thing Americans are famous for, it's their defense of freedom.

To Liberty
This toast speaks for itself, but in 1830, at a dinner party with President Andrew Jackson, Vice President John C. Calhoun gave a not-so-famous toast: 'To Union and Liberty.' We¹ve abbreviated this distinctly American toast.

Onward Americans move forward, never backward, with resolve and perseverance.

Oorah
During WWI, this was a U.S. Marine battle cry now commonly used to express extreme enthusiasm, bravery and unity. It is still used by U.S. Marines today.

Rock On
Yeah, that's right. America invented Rock Œn Roll.

Sea to Sea
From purple mountains majesty to amber waves of grain. If you don¹t get this one, forget it.

Yippee Ki-Yay
This is an old cowboy expression of exhuberance. Although, with a slight twist, it was brought into modern lexicon by Bruce Willis in the great American film series Die Hard.

Let¹s Roll
On September 11th, 2001, on United Airlines Flight 93, Todd Beamer¹s last words were 'Let¹s Roll' as he and a few other American heroes foiled the terrorist¹s desired plot. Unfortunately, their lives were sacrificed in saving other Americans. The phrase now inspires action, heroism and self-sacrifice.

To Us and All
This is a tribute to America being the melting pot of the world, and is a celebration of the union of all, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or political beliefs.

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