Tuesday, January 8, 2008

THE FINAL WEEK

VOCAB!
VENTURE (195)- an undertaking involving uncertainty as to the outcome, esp. a risky or dangerous one!!!
HEED (195)- to give careful attention to!!!
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE!!!
"LIKE EVE, NEWTON OFFENDED GOD WITH AN APPLE(191)."
THIS IS A SIMILE, SAYING THAT SCIENCE IS SACRELIGIOUS, AND THAT NEWTON IS NO BETTER THAN EVE HERSELF!!!!!!!
"GEORGE WASHING CARVER HAD SOME PRETTY GOOD IDEAS, LIKE CORRECTIVE LENSES FOR PEANUTS (REFERING TO THE PLANTERS PEANUT)
THIS IS IMAGERY, MAKING YOU SOMEHOW IMAGE THAT GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER AND THE PLANTERS MAN ARE CONNECTED... OR I DONT KNOW!!!!
"I HAVE A MOTORIZED BED. I LIKE TO DRIVE IT DOWN TO THE ROUGH SIDE OF TOWN AND GIVE PEOPLE ON THE STREETS INSPIRATION TO WORK HARD(167)."
THIS IS A METAHPOR, POKING FUN AT ALL OF THE REDICULOUS, GAS GUZZLING MACHINES THAT ARE PERSONALLY KILLING POLAR BEARS!!!!
QUOTE!!!!
"STAY STRONG. BE BRAVE. SHARE (NEWLY BOUGHT COPIES OF) THIS BOOK WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID. AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, SO WILL I. BECAUSE AFTER ALL:
I AM AMERICA(AND SO CAN YOU!)(215)."
HOW IS THIS SIGNIFICANT... WOW... I MEAN JUST READ IT... AND AFTER YOU DO... YOUR LYING IF YOU SAY I DO NOT WILHOLD THE UPMOST RESPECT FOR STEHPEN T COLBERT... AND ALSO IM DONE BLOGGING SOON!!!!!!!!!!!
THEME
THE OVERALL THEME OF I AM AMERICA (AND SO CAN YOU!) IS TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS. STEPHEN STARTED AS A YOUNG MAN GROWING UP IN A SMALL SOUTH CAROLINA TOWN, AND HAS MADE HIMSELF INTO ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENCIAL PERSONS IN. THE. WORLD!
DEAR STEPHEN,
I AM OVERWHELMED WITH EXCITMENT AND PLEASURE THAT I CAN HARDLY TYPE THIS VERY LETTER TO YOU! YOU SEE, I AM DONE BLOGGING AFTER I FINISH THIS, AND IM ALSO DONE WITH YOUR BOOK. come to think of it thats really sad/depressing, comsidering the fact that your not on tv BUT ITS ALL GOOD! YOUR BOOK HELPED ME THROUGH THE DEEP DEAPTS OF MY HORRIBLE LIFE. AFTER A LONG DAY OF SCHOOL AND PRACTICE, NOTHING WAS BETTER THAN TO COME HOME, SIT IN FRONT OF THE FIRE, AND LISTEN TO YOUR SHEAR GENIOUS! IVE LEARNED SO MUCH THAT I AM HAPPY TO SAY... I WANT TO BE A FAMOUS RICH CELEBRITY ONE DAY!
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING, AND THANK GOD I AM DONE BLOGGING AT 1 OCLOCK IN THE MORING
WITH ALL THE LOVE I CAN GIVE TO YOU(AND AMERICA)!
CHARLES LAVIN

Week 5

Vocab
mainstream (152)- the principal or dominant course, tendency, or trend: the mainstream of American culture
ironclad (133)-
covered or cased with iron plates, as a ship for naval warfare; armor-plated. very rigid or exacting; inflexible; unbreakable
Figurative Language
"No, this is a runaway train to Cold, Hard Realityville (132)."
This is a metaphor, saying that Stephen doesnt beat around the bush, hes a strait shooter
"Lets face is, finding Mr./Miss Right is no picnic (97)."
This is a simile, saying that finding love is a hard task, except obviously theres an exception for Stephen T. Colbert
"14 billion is a pretty big number, and God didnt create us so we could waste time trying to picture 14 billion cupcakes (DO NOTR TRY THIS!)(193)."
This is imagery, just suggesting to use your imagination and depict 14 BILLION CUPCAKES
Quote
"I dont understand movies today. They romanticize liberal lifestyles, cram gays into our living rooms, and make children believe its safe to spend time with Robin Williams (131)."
This quote is very significant, explaining to us that the Media is now a wild tiger on the loose. People need to stop living in a land of wizard-schools. People must snap back into reality, AND WATCH THE COLBERT REPORT WEEKNIGHTS AT 1030 PM, ONLY ON COMEDY CENTRAL
Theme
A theme Stephen is portraying is that our world as we know it is evolving. Rules are being broken, regulations are being cutdown, and more horrific things keep airing in our media. We need to regain our sences, return to the glory days, and elect Stephen Colbert for President in 2012!
Dear Stephen,
I am constantly upping your fan populous, and boosting you strait into the whitehouse. When you talk, you uphold a sence of honor, value, and intelligence. Never once have I read a page about Higher education, until now. You help sift out the boring stuff and get strait to the juicyness. The more i read the more I care about whats going on in our sick and twisted world. Youve opened my eyes, and changed my life- so i must thank you for that
With love
Charles Lavin

Week 4

Vocab
counterweights (197)- A force or influence equally counteracting another
questionnaire (97)- a list of questions, usually printed, submitted for replies that can be analyzed for usable information
Figurative Language
"First of, way to rip off the US, science. Look familiar (203)?"
(refering to the a map, and the periodic table of elements)
This is a metaphor, saying that the periodic table was influenced by America itself.
"Plus vitamin C? If I want to avoid scurvy, Ill eat sauerkraut with the rest of the crew (204)."
This is imagery, with Stevo pretending to be a pirate of some sorts, and avoid diseases with old fasion- tactics.
"Sometimes I envy the folks in the Lower class, like the kid I was pretending to be in that story (167)." This is a simile, because early Stephen was tapping into the emotions of a poor person through the image of somelike, a small, weak little boy.
Theme
A theme that represents Stephen is the relations to an average democratic American. He acts the way he acts to mearly poke fun at snooty Replublicans, even whens hes acting like one.
Quote
"Don't ruin the text, let your tears fall here (161)." This quote is significant because it shows that through Stephens writings, he can tap into our entire spectrum of emotions. This can create tears of laugher, or tears of sadness, in one single chapter!
Dear Stephen,
I continue to read, and I continue to be proud of America. In your book, you focus on sensative subjects that can bring a nation together, or tear them apart. From gay marriage, to class wars, you always have the right answer. You also withhold such confidence that inspires me at the same time.
"Wake up call: If i die, I know that im either going to heaven or hell. Theres no gray area there..(heaven, just to be clear)
Its words like that that help me get through the day. I will contine to support the Colbert nation, and know that I can achieve anything... as long as you come back to television...

Week 3

Vocab
farce (127)- a light, humorous play in which the plot depends upon a skillfully exploited situation rather than upon the development of character
bridge (147)- to overcome differences, similar to reaching an agreement
Figurative Language
"America is NOT a land of immigrants (183)."
This is ironic, because Stephen is pretty much insulting immigrants in American\, saying they do not belong, when we maintain the name "land of opportunity.
"The future is ruled by damn, dirty apes (203)." Essentially, this is an Onomatopoeia, making fun of the film Planet of the Apes where humans are ruled by talking apes. I really couldnt think of any other example.
"Granted the temperture is steadily increasing, but I've been taking some measurments of my own, and the degree to which I care about the Harp seal is still holding steady at 'way less than I care about my Audi A8' (199)."
This is a metaphor, saying that Stephen really does not care about current issues with our environment.
Quote
"...because in America, people of all colors live in perfect harmony (171)."
I like this quote because it truely shows that Stephen Colbert is an honest and humble person. This also vouches for his saying when he says "He doesn't see color, and is blind to race."
Theme
A reccuring theme that I seem to notice is that STEPHEN COLBERT MUST BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, regardless if hes already been denied for the primary. From topic to topic, the more I realize how great the man is, and how big of a mistake South Carolina is making.
Dear Stephen,
As I continue to read your novel, the more I miss you. Although this book has filled your absence on the television machine.
I have to say, easily my favorite tib bit in your books is about the Guy sitting next to You at the stadium. This interpretation gives voice to average-joes, like myself. He makes a valid point about illigal immigration and how its ruining jobs, suchas drywall. Not only does the Guy sitting next to You at the stadium wet my wistle, the puzzles and interactive games really draw me into your mindset. I now feel more confident, and more American when Im with my peers. Not only am I now well informed my mind is superior than everyone elses... thanks to you
Yours Truely,
Charlie Lavin

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Week 6

Vocab
misogynist (82)- hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women
brigade (90)- a group of individuals organized for a particular purpose
Figurative Language
"Our proud tradition of structured human courtship is under attack- the lions are circling.... (90)" This is a metaphor, saying that our courtship will cease to exist, as if a lion 'ate it.'
" I am a gay american. And I couldnt be more gayer now that the gays are on the run. Of course I'm using 'gay' the way are founding fathers intended, to mean 'happy,' before it was stolen from them gays, just as they stole their tights, wigs, and codpieces (107)." First of can I just say L.O.L. (laugh out loud) and second, this is ironic, plain and simple.
"Eat a bug a bug: Prove you love your country as much as the contestants on Fear Factor (121)." This is a similie, talking about proving your loyalty to Fear Factor.
Quote
"The more you know the sadder you get."
This is significant because it really shows Stephens sence of humor, and how he can beautifully craft something into a sad/humorous subject.
A theme Stephen seems to clearly present is that he shows a very macho, right winged bias when in reality hes taking all of this thoughts over the edge just to make fun of them.
Dear Stevo,
Well I finished your book and I cannot tell you all the times I almost pooped my pants. It was just fantastic. I laughed, I cried, I lost 15 pounds! Just kidding but seriously terrific work. Some of my favorite subjects you touched apon was Gays. I know its a super serial sensative subject, but your "outlook" just cracks me up. I also loved your discussion on sports. Easily the best line of the book... "Athelets preform for our emjoyment. So "performance enhancing drugs" are really "enjoyment enhancing drugs." No one but you could put it like that. Once again thank Stephen T. Colbert for granting this earth with one of the only books I enjoyed reading. I cannot wait until your back on the air.
Much Love,
Charlie

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

CIV ACTSH

A CIVIL ACTION. AN IN YOUR FACE, NAIL BITTING, EDGE OF YOUR SEAT DRAMA THAT WILL KEEP YOU GUESSING. If I was a movie critic, that’s what I would probably say. Even though I am not, I still think that A Civil Action was a movie that was extremely engaging and interesting. The film was a story about a big shot personal injury lawyer named Jan Schlichtmann (played by John Travolta). He is approached by a gang of angered parents with a problem. They feel that a local tannery is dumping chemicals into their water, which in turn made numerous children sick, and eventually killed them. He is unappeased by this case until he witnesses the dumpage first hand. After millions of dollars of spending and strenuous courtroom battles, Jan become emotional attached to the case. It was a very effective movie, and showed that people can have changes of heart and start actually caring.
I feel that the creators as a whole made terrific choices on actors. The three I will discuss are John Travolta, William H. Macy, and John Lithgow. Mr. Travolta was a SLAM DUNK in this film. He was chosen because of his wit and intelligence. His characters displayed a range of emotions from cocky, to concerned. William H. Macy’s character was the team’s manager of funds. He was at times uptight and frustrated. From other films, I know that Macy can always play such a role. Finally, John Lithgow was the case’s judge. He was large, and in charge. He is an actor who can take a scene with his superiority and personality. I believe that he was an excellent choice.
The cinematic aspects were above par in my opinion. One thing I liked was that throughout debates and arguments, there was a medium or eye level shot. This made it possible to imagine yourself right next to Jan himself. The film also contained lots of short and choppy shots. If there was a dispute, the camera would alternate from speakers. This gave me a sense that I could see the opinions of both sides. The editing was stupendous. I feel that if music was appropriate, it set a mood and added to the story. My last observation was the wardrobe and props. With things like suits, briefcases, and snazzy law offices, the movie sucked me into thinking that I was watching a documentary.
This film was similar to the play write All My Sons. Both had questions that had not been answered, and a problem that was haunting everyone around it. In both stories, a negative outcome was unsolved and grieved upon by society. In A.C.A. children were dead and all fingers were pointed towards the tannery. In A.M.S. twenty-some pilots were dead, and people were seeking the root of the problem. Both are similar that in the end, no true justice was served. The tannery was eventually shut down but the parents never really got what they wanted. Joe Keller finally confessed, but took the cowards way out instead of facing the law.
I did enjoy this film. I would probably not go out and rent it, let alone right a paper about it, but it was a great way to spend a couple class periods. The story was well constructed, and the actors gave the movie that extra boost. I would recommend this movie to fans of the courtroom scene. The people who go home and watch re-runs of Law and Order on TNT. Myself, not so much, but I did have fun watching and dissecting A Civil Action.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Week 2 Post

ironclad (133)- very rigid or exacting; inflexible

innuendo (138)- an indirect intimation about a person or thing, esp. of a disparaging or a derogatory nature

insidious (141)- intended to entrap or beguile

Figurative Language

"... I never got the opportunity to 'name names.' And I would have named enough names to fill the Moscow phone book (138)." This is a metaphor, because Stevo is saying that is he got to squeeling people names, he could've named thousands (hence the filling the notebook thing).

"Hey celebrities! Just because 20 million people went to see yout movie, doesn't mean 20 million people care about your opinions! (142)"
This is ironic, because he makes a good point. Nowwadays actors are simple there to increase our entertainment and nothing more. I've seen too many public service announcements from Seth Green. Just stop already.

":..instead of rotting my mind with the mindless violence of a video game like 'Grand Theft Auto'... (145)" Hes comparing GTA to something worse, like maybe drugs, of John Kerry. This is a simile.

Quote
"I tell this story to illistrate the issues we all face as American adults. I call them four Ss and one M of Maturity: Socioeconomics, Segregation, Science, Sombreros, and the Media (149)." This quote is signiv because it shows that Stephen can be a resonable and intelligent man, while make you want to pee your wants at the same time.
Dear Stephen,
I continue to read your book, and continue to laugh. Although recently I often get upset and depressed when I read your book........ They say that your show might be off until.... 2008! I can't live without it! I'll be forced to read this single book over and over again! You'd agree with me when I say that but I cannot stand to read. Every page I pass is one I want back. I know that somewhere... On the other side of the U.S..... that you can fix this, and you will return to your glory! Until then I'll keep reading, its really funny.
Well see ya later,
Charlie Lavin