Gone Insane: Lear Reflection

When writing a story or a play, or really anything that involves characters that come to life on the page, one, as the author, must become one with the character, know every motive, every small detail, and love them for you alone know their true self. This process of developing characters is lengthy, however, as it is not easy to just get to know someone in a day or in a manner of pages. This what astonishes me about Shakespeare, for his characters are so well developed, yet he has so many works of literature, that there is no actual way that he could have connected with each and every character he names. So how do his characters seem so real, all through a manner of small dialogue and emotion-filled monologues?

I have two theories:

Historically, we know that Shakespeare's plays were performed not just in front of royalty or commoner, it was both. This is why there are low blow jokes that are said in common wording, and beautiful and powerful messages said in by sonnets and lengthy poems. He was writing to please all audiences and achieved this through the development of his characters.

Who would be likely to like a character like Lear? It is the mixture of royalty and good intentions and then everything eventually going to shit.  And what about the characters that have to climb their way up to get power, someone like Edmund?

I'm just saying, that his characters are well developed because they are supposed to be relatable to his audience, which is basically everyone so yeah...

My next theory, although a bit harder to show a lot of evidence for is the fact that Shakespeare is a total badass and is laughing up in heaven at how much though and meaning we put onto his drunk night poems and plays.

Well played Shakespeare, well played.

A Quick Look at the Setting for 1984

The year is 1984 and the city that we know as London has changed dramatically. Through the eyes of 39 year old Winston, we see that this is not normal, that the actions of people are not normal, that the government is in no way acting normal.

Big Brother and the Party are in this novel the ruling powers that many are afraid of, while others who have learned to live in this lifestyle, worship. Posters around the city show the face of Big Brother as his eyes follow you; the poster reads "Big Brother is Watching You". 

As all the buildings give off a feeling of depression, three big structures stand out as shiny and cared for. These four buildings being the ministries, in charge of everything and anyone. The fist is the Ministry of Truth, all about news and education and fine arts and such. The Ministry of Peace is next, concerning itself with war. And the most terrifying of all is the Ministry of Love, which, as opposed to its name, was all about law and order. Lastly there is the Ministry of Plenty, all about the economy. 

These four structures and everything that happened within them was a scary mystery to those who didn't think for themselves. Fortunately, our main character, notices the evil of this totalitarian government structure, which in this new world is the main character flaw.

Why would this be a flaw? Why would being the only one with a personal thought be concerning? Because EVERYTHING is monitored. EVERYTHING. To such an extent that there is a Thought Police. If there is a small thought against the lifestyle that you live or how Big Brother rules, you might as well turn yourself in, for someone is bound to know. Hell, even the children are spies for the gov. They are known as Junior Spies, and these little ruthless motherfuckers don't just like to watch the world burn; they come with a match and enough gasoline to burn the world in 3 seconds. These Junior Spies are known for turning in their own parents to be sent to labor camps. 

Of course its not only the children turning you in. Remember how Big Bro is "Always Watching You". Yeah, that's not a joke. As the Thought Police has cameras and microphones everywhere. A big Telescreen provides citizens with enough brainwashing information to not have a thought to yourself. These telescreen also provide the police with your reactions. Each and every one of them. Show them one facial expression that could be seen as going against the government and they have caught you, not red handed, but they will probably catch you picking your nose while watching the current televised program on criminals. 

That is what you need to know so far about the setting of this story and what the protagonist Winston is dealing with. Chapter Summaries are soon to come. 

WAR IS PEACE

FREEDOM IS SLAVERY

IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH

Dear Customer

Dear annoying customer,

We had a good run. Full of ups and downs, mostly caused from me bending down to pick up the shit you keep dropping. How can I not be rude to someone as inconsiderate as you? I don't work for YOU. I am not your personal slave. I don't work to answer your dumb questions about sales and coupons which you already know the answer to. Stop asking me to double check the price, because the register doesn't lie, YOU DO. And I lie as well when I tell you you don't look look fat in that dress. Cause you do, you fat piece of lard!

Where is nothing more annoying than your face and your kids. Does your vagina have a welcome sign on it? STOP HAVING CHILDREN. They pee on the floor and I have to clean up after their shit. Fuck you and your kids.

Stop being so damn cheap. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, go to the fucking thrift hop, cause you making a big deal about a five dollar t-shirt that should be 4.50. Just stop. No one likes you.

Stop trying to make small talk so I can give you a discount. Your conversations don't interest me.

Stop buying yellow shirts. You are pale as fuck, you don't need to enforce it any more.

"How much is this?" Why don't you check the FUCKING TAG?

You dear friend,
The Sales Associate.

Dear SmarterChild

From a bodybuilding forum
Posted by SmarterChild, on 2/24/2008, 2:10 P.M.

"I'd stick it in her tail pipe."

Dear SmarterChild,

                 Thank you so much for your interest. Whether you meant it in a sexual way or merely as an act of aggression, I am grateful. As a "woman of a certain age" in this business, I feel incredibly lucky to still be "catching your eye" "with my anus." You keep me relevant!

                Sincerely, 

                Ms. T. Fey

As funny and sassy as I thought I was, I do not even come near the things Tina Fey can write.

Recently I put my reading glasses to good use after three years so I could read the novel titled "Bossypants" by Tina Fey. 

This story has it all:

• Guys slashing Tina in the face
• Tina dating gay men
• Tina only having best friends be gays
• Jealousy towards blonds
• Summer camp
• Theater programs
• Improv and sketch comedy
• Tina's thoughts on SNL
• Tina's thoughts on Sarah Palin
• Tina's thoughts on other people's thoughts
• Lots of helpful lists for the everyday people

But the most important thing this book demonstrates is her voice. She doesn't try to use a more educated language, but she also doesn't dumb it down either. She shows no boundaries, because she really couldn't give a crap. Her comedic diction is never lost throughout the novel.

She laughs at all that has happened to her in her life, but mostly she makes fun of herself, where she came from, and the strange child she was and probably still considers herself to be. "The German half of me is thinking, 'Shove the old people out of the way. Shove the old and the infirm! If they are strong enough to resit you, they deserve to live.'; The Greek half of me wants to scream at our Greek captain. I do neither and proceed obediently" (Fey 95).

Every emotional of important point she tries to make she later masks with a witty joke. For example, her big accomplishment to bring more women into comedy is put like this: "I'm happy to say the producers did jump into the twentieth century and switch to a cast of 'three and three,' and I got to be that third woman in the first gender-equal cast" (Fey 87). This thought is quickly followed by, "However, I must say, as a point of pride, that I didn't get the job because I was a woman. I got the job because Amy Poehler had moved to New York with the Upright Citizens Brigade and I was the next best thing." (Fey 87).

"Studying improvisation literally changed my life. It set me on a career path toward Saturday Night Live. It changed the way I look at the world, and it's where I met my husband. What has your cult done for you lately?" (Fey 82). you get to know everything about Tina, as her writing feels personal. It is how you expect her to sound, and it feels real,m which appeals to many of those who read the book.

 A strong point that Tina makes is the fact that she is not pretty or what men would consider to be so.
On page 23 she makes this apparent by saying :

Now every girl is expected to have:

• Caucasian blue eyes
• full Spanish lips
• a classic button nose
• hairless Asian skin with a California tan
• a Jamaican dance hall ass
• long Swedish legs
• small Japanese feet
• the abs of a lesbian gym owner
• the hips of a nine-year-old boy
• the arms of Michelle Obama
• and doll tits

In fact, she makes a large assortment of lists to make a point such as in page 117:

"For a brief time at the end of that last century I was over-weight. This is what I remember about that period.

• My boobs were bigger.
• I once left a restaurant in the middle of dessert to get to Krispy Kreme before it closed.
• Even though I only liked McDonald's fries, I believed it was more nutritious to make a meal of it and have two cheeseburgers as well.
• If I was really ambitious  I would get a Whopper Jr. at Burger King and them walk to McDonald's to get the fries. The shake could be from anywhere. 
• I could not run a mile.
• I wore oversize men's overalls which I loved.
• Guys who were friends with me did not want to date me... and I hated them for it.
• On at least three occasions, I vomited on Christmas Eve form mixing chocolate, peel-and-eat shrimp, summer sausage, and cheese. No alcohol was involved.
• As a size twelve, I took pride in the idea that I was 'real woman'- seized. 'Size twelve is the national average,' I would boast, 'no matter what magazines try to tell you.'
• Once, while ironing in my underwear, I grazed my protruding belly with the hot iron.

We should leave people alone about their weight. Being chubby for a while (provided you don't give yourself diabetes) is a natural phase of life and nothing to be ashamed of. Like puberty or slowly turning into a Republican."

In the end, the most important thing to take away from this story is the fact that she always felt awful...about the writing for 30 Rock and feels that there is one major reason for it being picked by NBC.

"NBC executives must have seen something of value in my quirky and unique pilot (Alec Baldwin) because they decided for some reason (Alec Baldwin) to 'pick it up'" (Fey 172).

In the chapter "What Turning Forty Means to Me"  she says, "I need to make take my pants off as soon as I get home. I didn't used to have to do that. But now I do" (Fey 265).

She says nothing else in that chapter.

In all seriousness, Tina can take any serious situation and turn it into a captivating comment that makes you laugh and grabs your attention that way. This is why the book has become so popular, along with the message that women are starting to get more recognition in the industry.

I leave you on that note. Now take a look at this picture also featured in the book.

Getting the Job (And Losing It)

Okay guys, so I am starting to run out of questions guys, so feel free to comment with some of your own questions that you would like to know how to (not) answer. Other than that, have fun reading these which do not occur as often, but at least you will be prepared when these times come.

Is This Magenta Or Sapphire?

Magenta- It has some tones of pink into this, so I would definitely day it closer to magenta.

Red- you dumb ass.

How Long Do I Have To Return This?

90 Days:  And you can return to any of our stores. Make sure to keep your receipt to make the returns easier and faster.

90 Seconds: 89, 88, 87, 86, 85, 84, 83...make up your mind....80, 79, 78....

Do you take these Canadian nickels?

I'm sorry- I don't believe we take those, at least I know my managers wouldn't know what to think of it.

Yeah- Because we love taking foreign money that could potentially be worth less than an actual nickel. We just love to get pushed around by stupid people like you, who think that they are cleaver, but really you just are too stupid to realize that you have 5 pennies in your bag that you won't ever use for anything else.

Could I get that jacket over there? It's too high for me to get.

Of course- Let me just go get a ladder so I can get that for you.

No- Why don't you work on your vertical jump you midget. Here, let me give you a quick boost. No guarantees that I'm catching you though.

Could you check the price on this? It doesn't have a tag.

Of course- Let's walk over to my register to see what the price will be.

No- You dumb ass! You couldn't think of checking the shirt that looks exactly the same that is hung behind it? No? That didn't cross your mind? What about looking at the sign next to it that says the price in bold letters? No? Not feeling like looking at that either? Well then let's keep it a surprise and when you check out you close your eyes until I scan it, and then shove it down your throat. But seriously, use your damn brain every one in a while.

MOONWALK

If one was ever to ask me who my idol is, who I look up to in life, who gives me inspiration, I would immediately say that that person is Michael Jackson. So when given the assignment to read non-fiction books, I knew that Moonwalk was going to be one of the books that I would sit down and read.

The novel Moonwalk was written by Michael himself, and it is the only piece of literature that you will find that he wrote about himself and his experiences.

The book begins at the very roots of who Michael is, where he came from, how his love for music began, and where he really found the person he is today religiously and in his values and beliefs.

Michael will take you through a chronological experience all the way to the year 1988, so you can't really expect all of the juicy details that some people may be looking for.

Michael wrote this really to get his stories out, he has never been happy with some of the things that the media says, and usually what the media tells us is all we know about him. "The media write weird stuff about me all the time. The distortion of the truth bothers me. I usually don't read a lot of what is printed, although I often hear about it" (Jackson 103).

Taking in consideration that this is his biography up to 1988, many people won't get all of the gossip they would usually be looking for. Therefor I would really recommend this to the fans of Michael, or those who want to build their opinions on not just the opinions of others, but the real behind the scenes told by the man himself. If you really want to make up your mind on this incredible man, then I also suggest you read this book. Those who have already decided that they will view Michael with a negative connotation will not take this book in a positive way and an open mind.

Throughout the novel, he continues to mention his struggle to be a child, as he was introduced to business at a very young age. "I couldn't imagine such freedom, such a crefree life- and wish more than anything that I had that kind of freedom, that I could walk away and be like them" (Jackson 9). He watched other kids his age and all he wanted to join in the fun, feel like the child that he was, and he feels sorry that he never had that experience.

He also speaks of his relationship with his parents. His mother taught him about God and appreciating everything that God has provided. " She taught me that my talent for singing and dancing was as much God's work as a beautiful sunset or a storm that left snow for children to play in" (Jackson 13). Michael gives us a strong confession  about the relationship he has with his father as well. "He's still a mystery man to me and he may always be one" (Jackson 18).

The novel demonstrates why The Jackson 5 left Mowtown and why he later became a solo artist. As well as the people who judge his appearance and takes everyone behind the scenes at how hos most iconic dance moves, clothing choices, and songs came to be.

I strongly suggest reading this book if you are wiling to do it with an open mind and are ready to be inspired by this legend of a man.


"An Artist's imagination is his greatest tool"  - Michael Jackson

Art is Dead

Bo Burnham's Art is Dead is a comical song written to show how the hollywood business work behind the scenes in some ways.

The reason I love this song is because not only is it funny, but in a way it is also dark and realistic. Just look at the lyrics and see if you get the same impression that I do.

Art is dead
Art is dead
Art is dead
Art is dead

Entertainers like to seem complicated
But we're not complicated
I can explain it pretty easily
Have you ever been to a birthday party for children 
And one of the children won't stop screaming
Cuz he's just a little attention attractor
When he grows up to be a comic or actor
He'll be rewarded for never maturing
For never understanding or learning
That every day can't be about him
There's other people, you selfish asshole! 

I must be psychotic
I must be demented
To think that I'm worthy of all this attention
Of all of this money you worked really hard for
I slept in late while you worked at the drug store

My drug's attention
I am addict
But I get paid to indulge in my habit
It's all an illusion
I'm wearing make up
I'm wearing make up
Make up
Make up

Art is dead
Some people think you're funny
How do we get those people's money?
I said art is dead
We're rolling in dough while Carlin rolls in his grave
His grave
His grave

This show has got a budget 
This show has got a budget
And all the poor people way more deserving 
Of the money won't budge it
Cause I wanted my name in lights
When I could have fed a family of four
For forty fucking fortnights
Forty fucking fortnights! 

I am an artist
Please God, forgive me
I am an artist
Please don't revere me
I am an artist
Please don't respect me
I am an artist
You're free to correct me 

A self-centered artist
Self-obsessed artist
I am an artist
I am an artist
But I'm just a kid
I'm just a kid
I'm just a kid, kid
And maybe I'll grow out of it. 

See what I mean? Although there is humor in this song, the final message is complaining about the business he is in, and how people are being exploited.

Let me translate my favorite lyrics to you:

"Some people think you're funny, how do we get those people's money?"
          Translation: "You're funny, let's fuck everyone who laughs at your jokes"

"That everyday can't be about him, there's other people you selfish asshole"
           Translation: "Stop asking for attention, you're not important you selfish asshole"

"To think that I'm worthy of all this attention, of all of this money you worked really hard for, I slept in late while you worked at the drug store"
            Translation: "I think I'm more deserving of all the money I make, even though I don't work."