A few weeks ago, Demi Moore (or @mrskutcher as she’s also known) posted a link on her twitter feed. It was a list of 50 Banned Books That Everyone Should Read. After having a look at the list, I realized that there are quite a few decent classics on that list that would probably be a good to have under my belt, banned or no. It’s an interesting list to have a look at, sheerly for the fact that people need to be a lot less sensitive about things. A lot of the books listed shaped and/or reflected on the society in which they were written. I, myself, have read several of these books, mostly in school, somewhere in the twenties I believe, but I cannot remember more than mere glimpses about any one of them. I guess that’s why good literature shouldn’t be wasted on teenagers. Anyway, I digress. I have decided to take on the challenge of reading them all. 1 Of course, at the time I made this pact with myself and went out and bought ten plus books, that it would take me around two years to complete this task. Yes, even though a few of these books are children’s books, many are not, and let’s face it I’m not the reader I once was. Even reading one book a week would put me at the year mark. Nevertheless, I’m going to stick with it best I can.
Animal Farm
by George Orwell
Yes, I read it back in the seventh grade, but it was short and about communism, so I thought it was a good a book as any to start with. My first thoughts after finishing: who would think making twelve year olds read this would be a good idea, do they even know what communism and/or allegories are?
In short, Orwell’s classic work is about animals who uprise against their oppressive human masters with the promise of utopia only to be forced back into the tyrannical slavery that they once endured, but only this time, it was by pigs.
The piece was a bit more transparent than I remember, though I suppose I can see how something like this would be quite controversial back in it’s day. It starts out by siding with the animal’s revolution — where all the animals were equal to one another and if they all put in hard work they would all reap the benefits together. They work for no master, only themselves, but of course, as human nature works (or our animalistic nature works, if you will) someone will always exploit the hardworking people to benefit themselves. Napolean, the dictator of the piece, exploits the dumber, but loyal hardworking animals such as the horses, for his own gain while simultaneously assuring them that it was for their benefit. It makes no difference that he was changing the rules of the game the entire time because no one could remember the original ones, much less prove anything, not to mention, one negative word lead to execution.
There are obvious parallels to communism including Napolean as Stalin down to the flag that was described eerily similar as that of the hammer and sickle. And Orwell makes it pretty obvious where he sits on the matter. There are also some slightly less specific references and allusions to outside forces such as the Nazi Party and the United States. This book actually makes me wish that I was a little bit more up on my modern world history, so that I could take in it’s full meaning instead of merely being able to spot that it’s being referenced.
Overall, I enjoyed rereading this book and even if one isn’t completely up to speed on their USSR history, it is a pretty fair glimpse into human nature and their ability to exploit and be exploited. It’s an easy read, coming in at less than a hundred pages, and involves fluffy animals, so really there’s no excuse not to pick it up and give it a go.
So, onto book number two? Suggestions? I think I’ve narrowed it down to “the abuse of the mental health institution, 2 ” “the inherent racism of the south, 3” or “the oppressive society of the 1950’s. 4”
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Except for the Harry Potter series, because I cannot sit through them again, but perhaps I can plow through the first on for the sake of the game. ↩
Three things of note have happened in my life since my last update. (I assure you there are a lot of things NOT of note that have happened as well)
1. I got a grownup job.
Whoever thought that would happen. I am now the script assistant for the Australian medical drama entitled All Saints. It has been an absolute blast. I am learning so much about the biz and at alarming rates. It doesn’t hurt that I also love the people I am working with. Let’s hope it gets picked up for another season so that I can keep this dream job.
2. I have written a TV spec script.
I will be submitting a 30 Rock spec script as part of my application for the ABC Disney Talent Writer’s Fellowship. I send it in next week. It is nowhere as good as I would want it to be, but what’s the worst that I can happen? I already humbled myself by showing it to friends. EEP, never again. Reading over it I was embarrassed at the draft I had given them. However, it did inspire me to rewrite it.
3. I signed up to Twitter.
Yep. I gave in to peer pressure. It’s oddly addicting, this Twitter thing. Who would have thought I cared what people could say in 140 letters or less. It’s strangely complex and there’s a whole new language one must learn. But I must keep up with the youths. You may follow me @carrieisgett. I will eventually link it to my site.
Yes, folks, you remember that depressing play about the angsty Scandanavian and his ill-fated family? There is now a sequel, thanks to the outer dregs high school drama teacher, Dana Marschz.
Okay, so not really. It’s a movie, but not the actual sequel to the famous Shakespeare tragedy. Marschz, as portrayed by Steve Coogan, is a failed actor turned high school drama teacher, who lives to aspire to inspire hoodlums into loving drama — and fails horribly. In order to save the schools drama program, Marschz decides to write and produce an original play, the musical sequel to Hamlet that will right the sad wrongs of the original work.
To be honest, I liked the movie more in theory than in practice. The trailer looks absolutely hilarious and after all the controversy of “will it or won’t it be released” I was expecting much more. Granted, it did have it’s moments, and there were times that I did make out-loud chuckling sounds in the general direction of the TV screen. I think it’s main problem was that it was pulling into too many directions at once, leaving random stand-alone gags, opposed to fulfilling, paid off humor. Much like the main character, it was trying just a little to hard.
However, and this is a BIG however, I still recommend you to go see it. After an hour and a half-funny, half-not, film, we finally get to see the stage production of Hamlet 2, complete with musical numbers. The payoff of the last ten minutes is so utterly hilarious and enjoyable that it is worth watching the entire movie for. I can’t say more than that, because I think you shouldn’t have any expectations of what you’re about to see. However, I will leave you with this; Elizabeth Shue in nurse’s outfit and Sexy Sexy Jesus.
Last night Aneeta and I had a very strange marathon; the last three eps of Battlestar Galactica and then Baz’s Australia. It was an interesting juxtaposition to say the least. Oh, the options I have available, this may turn out to be a blog marathon weekend itself, unless of course, I can draw comparison between the two and make it one super post. Unlikely.
In order to pump the most relevant spoilers into my post, I choose Battlestar.
DEFAULT SPOILER DISCLAIMER FOR BATTLE STAR GALACTICA
I am not going to full-on recap and take you through the workings of the entire episode(s) because, presumably you have seen the finale and that is why you are continuing to read on. That, or you’re stupid and therefore you deserve to be a bit lost. Due to the fact that I am a bit behind on my viewing, it has given others plenty of time to ruminate on the series ending and give their typo-riddled opinions about it. Mostly fans seems to take umbrage with how the series wrapped up, calling it cliche, overused and a tad cheesey, therefore, I have decided to focus our attention on the ending.
To get you caught up to where I’ll be: Being the sentimental and over attached man that he is, Admiral Bill Adama decides to take his Babystar Galactica on one last suicide mission to retrieve Hera, which was stolen by the schitzo-Boomer, and because or beloved core of characters will follow him wherever he may lead, our nearest and dearest line up behind him, including the very wobbly Laura Roslin. Then a very loud and confusing space battle happens, 1 some strange glowy people and a inspirational speech by Gaius Baltar occur, ultimately leading Kara Thrace to make a strange connection to the musical notes she has arbitrarily assigned numbers to, sending the Battlestar to random coordinates in space. As it turns out, this is near a planet that has continents that look astoundingly similar to the ones we have come accustomed to outside of TV Land. The 30,000 odd suvivors decide to take up residence there, leaving their ultra-advanced ways of the past in their, well, past, and take up with the aborigines and cavemen. You with me? Excellent.
I suppose the question that needs to be posed is this; how else would you expect this series to the end? From the very beginning, I’m talking episode 1 here, the fleet has been searching for a planet that they can call home, free from the murderous cylons and gluttonous sins of their bretheren. Four years later, that happened. Well done, Bill. Halfway through the final season, the fleet finds the thirteenth colony’s “Earth.” It was a wasteland, a wasteland destroyed by the very people Adama and his people sought after. They found Earth, but it wasn’t their Earth, it was someone elses. The first three seasons set up the idea that the fleet had to find the Earth, then the fourth season determined that they couldn’t just find any old Earth, they needed their own Earth. Luckily, they ultimately got it.
It gets tricky here, because we have to ask the show to be self aware enough to consider how us as an audience fit in. We’re willing to accept intergalactic space jumping, sentient robots and life on other planets, but the second they collide with a world that actually exists, we have trouble. It has to be done in a way that’s walks a delicate balance; satisfy the characters, satisfy the audience. It’s intense. The fact that they landed on our (the viewers) planet and helped to eventually form the human race at we know is actually quite clever. The fact that they decided to stay primative opposed to advance as they were was explained quite nicely by Bill Adama when he said, “Never underestimate people’s need for a blank slate.” It actually fits. Of course, they could have made it more clever if they went onto heavily imply that they were to form the Greek mythology, thus simultaneously satisfying the religious aspect of the series, but the powers that be didn’t ask me.
It comes back to the question, how else would you expect the series to end? If you ask me, and since you’re here, I’ll assume you did, there are a limited amount of possibilities. Considering in the first episode (and in the opening credit sequences to follow) it was said that the fleet was looking for a home called Earth, certain ending scenarios jump out.
They don’t find it. After all the bloody skirmishes, dwindling supplies, and rotting battlestars, the remainder of human civilization whither out until nothing is left.
They find “Earth” and it’s smack dab in the middle of our current day, posing the “aliens are coming!” scenario we see in apocolypse movies for the current resident Earthlings.
They find “Earth” and it’s a wasteland, destroyed by it’s past inhabitants, leaving the planet empty for the fleet to live on (or, alternatively, not live on because of the said wasteland.)
They find “Earth,” and it’s the dawn of time, therefore the fleet gets to create a civilization that will become the civilization we know, just with a slightly alternative history.
The first option is probably the least expected, but probably the least fulfilling ultimately. Think Quantum Leap x 38,000. The second option poses a lot of logistic questions and highlights a lot of fundamental problems with the show. How come the society formed lightyears away speaks English? Dresses like us? Have any ammenity we can imagine? Smoke cigarettes? How are they just like Humans from Earth? The only way I think this possibly could work is if they made the Earthlings seem to be the aliens – but that’s a bit complicated, and hard to make 100% clear and that’s why this one probably wouldn’t work. And it would be a bit cheesy. Not to mention, all the wars that tend to break out when suspicious UFO’s land on the planet. Stupid humans.
The third scenario the series explored only to prove that it too was unsatisfying. Being second after mankind only leaves for sloppy seconds. The fleet would have to accept all the baggage the Earthings left behind. Ultimately a bit meh.
So, that leaves the forth and final scenario. The fleet stumbles onto a new beginning and is able to intertwine with our familiar history, making a fairly satisfying and complete story ending. To some degree it can almost answer any question of the show – the ones scenario two could not — including similarities in language, customs, religions, etc. Ultimately, it excuses all these “weaknesses of the premise” are not actually weaknesses because the show creator says that they are nothing but our orgin story. It should be looked at as well planned, not a cheap and easy out. It also makes it more relatable to the views because it becomes a history that’s commonly shared opposed to being thrown into new one and being asked to accept it. Think about it a while, this ending works.
My biggest problem with the finale, other than the death of Laura Roslin (sob) was the whole Kara Thrace deal. WTF was that? For four seasons, Battlestar Galactica was based on a certain realism rooted in plausibility. Yes, it had it’s faith aspects and so-called supernatural elements, but in the sense that it could always be chalked up to human nature or science or something tangible. It can be argued that even though Roslin thought she was destined to lead her people to the promise land, it could easily have been a self-fulfilled prophecy based on certain parallels that existed between her and a particular mythology. Nowhere in the show’s premise did it say that there could be ghost or a spirit or figment wondering around leading people to certain jump coordinates. It just doesn’t fly, it’s way to jarring. Way to go, stupid Kara.
Another problem I found was in the “vision” Gaius and Six. Why in the “flash foward” did their acting suddenly degrade into community theatre melodrama? After 150,000 years, did they just forget how to have a conversation without emphasizing every word?
In conclusion, I’d call it a winner. The show was at it’s ultimate in the first two seasons, but after New Caprica happened, the show lost a lot of it’s urgency and therefore fissled a bit. That said, it was still pretty good television, and the finale held a lot of water. There were a lot of threads seeded from the very beginning that paid off in the end (opposed to being seeded a few episodes before and being paid off nanoseconds later) and overall had a lot of sophisticated storytelling elements. I think it will be a while before a show this strong comes along again — though I hope it does.
Stay tuned for my thrilling review of Australia. It’ll knock your socks off….surely.
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Confusing to me, I can never follow battles very well. ↩
I am no professional photographer, but I love taking pictures. For the longest time I have wanted a “real” camera to snap some shots with. No point in shoot, but a cool on with one of those twisty things out the front –
It may be possible to guess that I know nothing about buying a camera, which is the main reason I haven’t gotten one. However, when I went to India this past October, I decided that as soon as I had the money I just had to get me one. I tried going to various brand sites and looking at the specs for their models, but I think it might have actually been more helpful if they were written in French. I was overwhelmed by the complicated jargon about lenses and ISO and viewfinders. 1 I have given up the search about six times since October, and within ten minutes of each attempt.
I have found my godsend. Digital SLR Guide dot Com. It assumes you’re an idiot and explains everything in plain simple English and walks you through every step of figuring out what camera is right for you, starting with “what kind of photographer are you” because, as it turns out, that matters. See, it’s already helping me.
Then after you figure it out if you want to take pictures of every detail of your kids drool or cars going by, it allows you to compare cameras by a number of different ways: cost, size, speed, features, you name it. Then it walks you through all that. The first place I went, of course, was by cost, and personally, I appreciate the website for not judging me for it.
What I like best about the site, is the guy has a clear love for cameras and spends a lot of time making sure his sites is the most helpful it can be. There’s something about enthusiasm on top of knowledge that is really appealing. Not to mention, the site allows you to read as much or as little as you need to make a pretty informed decision (even on accessories and lenses) and when you think you’re ready, the website walks you right up to the buying process, including it’s own store.
I haven’t had a chance to read the entire site, but from what I have read, I have already learned a lot from, so if you have any interest in graduating from “point-and-shoot” to a “real” camera, check it out.
I spent 3 years in film school, you would think it would have been easier. No wonder I’m a writer. ↩
It’s pretty much just that. The entire series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer series compressed into 3 minutes to that song. You know, that song. Well, you’ll know it when the video loads.
Okay, so it’s not one of those quasi-clever mash up vids that we’re all such big fans of these days., but it’s well edited. That’s why I like it. It’s simple. The editing and timing take you on an actual journey instead of merely having you observe clips taken from a show. People with a lot of time on their hands really baffle me and I’m constantly surprised with what they come up with.
Sometimes it’s good to have a look back at things you enjoyed once upon a time and remember why you liked them in the first place.
Living in Sydney with an American accent gets the question “where are you from?” asked of me quite often. Oh, if only I had a nickel for every blank stare I got with “South Carolina” as my response and another dime for every time someone asks “is that near New York?” Anyway, nevermind. Since about 1860 or so, SC has managed to stay out of the news and under the radar. Other than Strom Thurmond with that whole “Dixiecrat” thing and the occassional West Wing reference, 1 South Carolina is quite solidly one of the most obscure states in the continental U.S.
Though recently, my native folk seem to be cropping up a bit more often. I mean, if we’re getting the news down here, it has to be pretty big deal. You may remember that guy who asked for directions after knocking over a bank, but most certainly you remember Miss Teen South Carolina. ”Uh, some Americans don’t have maps?”
Congrats SC, you’ve done it again. This time with First Family connections. In a “shocking” article it reveals that Michelle Obama can trace her ancestery back to slavery. Though, really, is it that much of a shock. Can’t most of African-American’s do that? It was sorta popular, back in the day. Yet, of course, because South Carolina just can’t catch a break, of course the Pre-bama, came from a plantation owned from some hillbilly from the first state out to say “I’m outta here” when it came time to give up said slave. That’s right. My old stomping grounds, and when I mention this to people, it’s like I held Michelle Obama, wife of the man who will save the world, personally in the chains of slavery.
I think it’s cool that Mrs. President has roots in my home state. At least someone besides me does, however it seems a bit arbitrary at this point to bring up the slave thing. Before I get carried off in the heat of racism or something, I want to make clear that I’m not flippant about slavery and the past, it’s a part of our history and is definitely something that still effects the lives of so many Americans. So. Is it because it’s Black History month? Is it an awareness thing? Does the fact that Michelle Obama visited her family’s former plantation matter? Does it have any bearing on anything relevent? Is it just a stunt? Or is it a conspiracy to keep the great state of South Carolina in it’s place?
I don’t know. I just don’t. You tell me.
But until then:
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Go back and watch all 155 episodes, you’ll notice that it’s their go-to random state. ↩
Hi there, this little segment is created to answer questions that you never thought to ask, or better yet, questions that you were to scared to ask due to their obscurity level. Alternatively this segment is just lame in your eyes, which in that case, you may leave.
What is the difference between the words “assume” and “presume?”
These days the two word are used almost interchangeably, however, there is a subtle difference. To assume means to take for granted without proof whereas presume requires some proof or fact, but not absolute certainty.
I presume you are the killer because I saw you standing over the body with a knife making stabbing motions. I assume you bought the knife at WalMart.
How does the refrigerator know when to turn on the light?
Where many people might lead you to believe that the light is manned by a little person, an speedy imp, if you will, this is just not the case. Whirlpool and others have come up with this ingenious invention so is so genius, so subtle, that most don’t even realize it’s there. Hence, the wondering.
Behold: There is a special switch on the side the door that is released when the door is opened, creating light. When pressure is applied to the switch the light turns off. See diagram.
I think Ellen Degeneres is hilarious, does this make me gay?
Have you perhaps considered that you think Ellen Degeneres is funny because you enjoy when anecdotes are compiled with a bit of buildup and fanfare leading into a fulfilling punchline? Bet you never thought of that – bet you assumed that it’s just her gayness crossing the little tv signals into your living room encouraging you to run — no skipping — out of the closet “I’m gay, I’m gay, I’m glorious gay!” It can’t possibly be because the woman is just funny.
Or, perhaps, yes, it means you’re gay.
And that concludes this edition of “Carrie answers a few questions of the universe.” If you have any questions, or perhaps a better title, feel free to ring in.
No tongue twister intended. There is indeed a mouse in the house. I have named him Shredder and he possibly killed my brother.
This is not something I would normally admit to many people, much less the internet public at large, because frankly it makes me feel like I live in a pig-sty. But here goes. Try not to judge.
I started to suspect foul play a few weeks ago but talked myself out of spotting the mouse poo with my own eyes using a nice heaping dose of denial. However, last week, I caught a glimmer of this undeniable troublemaker out of the corner of my eye when I was writing. 2 A second and less shocking glimpse came the next day. Confirmation stage complete. Mouse in house.
I start to call around, seeing what my options are for my little problem. There are apparently two. Trap or poison. (Note, there are many sub-options within these two seemingly simple headings.) And the lovely hairy sounding man on the other end of the phone said that he was happy to come set one or more of these options out for a small fee of $160. Yeah that’s not going to happen. Also, I find funamental problems with these two methods of riddance.
Trap. Traps kill. I will then have to dispose of the little crushed mangled body of this little being who really just wanted a piece of cheese.
Poison. Poison also kill. Things that include my rabbit and/or my dog, whom both of which eat anything they can get their noses near. And even if that didn’t happen and the poison did find it’s correct mark, the mark would then retreat to some unseen, unknown part of the house to die and cause stinkage.
Today I saw him again. He is much bolder now, which obviously comes when you are comfortable in your new home, so this time much he was closer and looking right at me. He is so small and very un-repulsive. Now, not only have I had a run in with Denial, now his friend Guilt has come collapsing on top of me.
So, I have a mouse. I have named him Shredder.
I did try to make my own humane trap…. (Though mine looked a bit more like this)
Good news, it works.
Bad news, it caught my rabbit.
So here I am, with yet another furry house mate.
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Please note that I did say mouse, and not mice. Do give me some dignity. ↩
Let’s not go into what I was actually writing here, people. ↩
This week on Entertainment Weekly’s website, the run a story (? is that what we call it?) listing the top 17 DVR “No Delete” episodes of all time. 1 EW is famous for the list that no one cares about (No? Okay well known to myself at least) because let’s face it, people need a bit of time between each time you rearrange the top 50 Movies of All Time list. Expecting a filler list here and there is, well, expected. But this ones a doosey.
First off, the list is off to a roaring start with the fact that there is seventeen items on it. What? You couldn’t find a few more to make it an even twenty? The remaining three are the ones you’ll “probably delete the next you run out of space.”
The List is as follows — and I don’t even think it’s a count down to be perfectly honest.
“I Will Remember You” – Angel (not off to a bad start)
Rosie/Elisabeth View Blowout (what does that even mean?)
Two episodes of The Golden Girls, only referenced as “the mystery one” and “the one with a nurse” (so now the fake list is cheating. And with very little research.)
“Naked Man” – How I Met Your Mother
“The one where Jim Plays a Banjo at the end” — The Office (are we even trying still?)
The Scrubs Musical Episode (which I found to be grating and a bit derivative)
30 Rock’s ”MILF Island” episode (Saved by the Baldwin)
The series finale of The West Wing (Of all the awesome episodes written, a hundred written by the Sorkin himself, we choose the most tired predictable episode of the season. Fine, at least they swung for the bleachers.)
”Once More With Feeling.” – Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Buffy and Angel on one list. That only has 17 in it, no less. Go, geeks, go.)
The series finale of The O.C. (Once again, I could probably list 20 that are better than this. All from Season 1)
”Patriot Games” – Family Guy (Haven’t personally seen this ep specifically, but a point for the obscurity.)
“A couple episodes”from Felicity (okay, see, now you’re cheating again)
90210 where Dylan marries Toni (I actually have nothing to add one way or the other, sorry to build your expectations)
The Rick James episode ofChappelle’s Show ( What?! Really? Gag.)
‘The Constant.” – Lost (I stopped watching lost after season 2 because it turned to wank, but okay, if you say so)
”Post-it Always Sticks Twice” – Sex and the City (This just seems like an obligatory mention by this point)
Saturday Night Live ”J*zz in My Pants” (ARGLLLL!!)
Besides the fact that most of these are not even real episodes, this is the most obscure list I have ever come in contact with. And I make a many of lists. It goes from Geek to 80’s sitcoms to just random bits of episodes and then back again taking a loop around the lowest common denominator. Who is this list trying to appeal to, exactly? Are we being ecclectic to prove that there is unforgettable television everywhere? Well, if it were so damn unforgettable why are only a few of the episodes actually named by titled instead of “the one where something happens to some person and it was funny, sorta.” Ugh. I, as a list maker and television view alike, am personally offended by the nonsense of this list. This list maker should be fired and they should hire someone who can make better lists with multiples of fives and proper labelling. And a descending order, dammit!
Hippies. Sigh.
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Let’s ignore the fact that DVR has been around for about 5 minutes. ↩
Behold: There is a special switch on the side the door that is released when the door is opened, creating light. When pressure is applied to the switch the light turns off. See diagram.
(Though mine looked a bit more like this)
“I Will Remember You” – Angel (not off to a bad start)
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