i pointed out in a previous post that aric's bike is the new hotness.  through some internal union communciation channels, i mentioned early this morning that kevin had picked up one of josh's old bikes and it's also the new hotness, but for totally different reasons.  then chris designed some new graphics for an upcoming membership drive we are about to initiate.  and his graphics are also part of the new hotness, but for totally different reasons. 

some discussion ensued.  certain unnamed indivudals claimed that i was some sort of arbitrary arbiter of the new hotness.  in some cases he is correct and in some cases he is incorrect.  certain unnamed indivudal followed up by claiming that his riding at hains point today would become the new hotness.  then there was confusion followed by some allegations that emphasising the "hotness" of material goods was a decidely poor fit with the union ethos.

let me tie all this together.  we often say that something is union approved.  what does this mean?  it generally refers to actions or objects which appear to be incarnations of the union ethos.  if you were to take the principles outlined in the manifesto and reduce them to a quick experience or something you could hold in your hands, that would be it.  something that is union approved satisfies you in a very deep way: it is an object which is excellent on it's own while simultaneously being the very embodiment of your philosophical principles.

still not sure what's going on or need an example?  use the search feature and select the key words "union approved" to get the general idea.

so what is all this talk of the new hotness?  the new hotness is the zeal we express towards these union approved objects.  certain unnamed indivudal's riding today was the new hotness, not because he went out there and rode hard, but because he went out there and rode to make the union proud.  he rode as a teammate (until we separated) and volunteered first and foremost to support any union wheel.  that is union approved.  and it's the new hotness.  same goes for chris' graphics, and the new bikes that aric and kevin have acquired.  all are embodiments of the principles that drive the glorious revolution, but for different reasons.  they are therefore union approved, and hence, the new hotness.  q.e.d.

- - - posted by scott