Sunday, May 2, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Edwin Rolfe
Edwin Rolfe was the son of Russian immigrants, was born in Philadelphia in 1909. His father, a shoemaker, was an active trade unionist and a member of the Socialist Party of America. His mother was an advocate of women's rights.
As a teenager Rolfe joined the American Communist Party and was soon contributing cartoons, poems and book reviews to the party newspaper. He also published his first book of poems, To My Contemporaries.
In 1937 Rolfe joined the Abraham Lincoln Battalion, a unit that volunteered to fight for the Spanish government during the Spanish Civil War. Despite his protests, Rolfe was removed from combat assignments and became editor of the brigade newspaper Volunteer for Liberty. Rolfe arrived back in the United States in January 1939. Later that year he published a history of the Abraham Lincoln Battalion: The Lincoln Battalion in 1939.
After World War II, the Cold War began with the Soviet Union and the red scare began. A blacklist was drawn up of writers, directors and performers who had been members of the American Communist Party, including Edwin Rolfe.
Rolfe became active in the struggle against McCarthyism and wrote a series of anti-McCarthy poems. Edwin Rolfe died of a heart attack on May 25, 1954. He was 45.
As a teenager Rolfe joined the American Communist Party and was soon contributing cartoons, poems and book reviews to the party newspaper. He also published his first book of poems, To My Contemporaries.
In 1937 Rolfe joined the Abraham Lincoln Battalion, a unit that volunteered to fight for the Spanish government during the Spanish Civil War. Despite his protests, Rolfe was removed from combat assignments and became editor of the brigade newspaper Volunteer for Liberty. Rolfe arrived back in the United States in January 1939. Later that year he published a history of the Abraham Lincoln Battalion: The Lincoln Battalion in 1939.
After World War II, the Cold War began with the Soviet Union and the red scare began. A blacklist was drawn up of writers, directors and performers who had been members of the American Communist Party, including Edwin Rolfe.
Rolfe became active in the struggle against McCarthyism and wrote a series of anti-McCarthy poems. Edwin Rolfe died of a heart attack on May 25, 1954. He was 45.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Chracter Anaylsis-Edmund from A Secret History
Edmund "Bunny" Corcoran is the student who is murdered by the group. Corcoran pretends to be one who has a high school standing and a great deal of personal wealth, although he survives by mooching off friends, particularly Richard. It is Richard's opinion that Bunny's family has made a lifelong commitment on mooching off of others. Corcoran's parents have taught him that it is far better to mooch than work, and unfortunately for Richard who often picks up the tab.
Edmund is loud and arrogant, yet people tend to like him for his color presence. Throughout the story, Corcoran seals his fate when he begins to mock the group after the first murder, constantly talking about it, and eventually blackmailing the rest of the group. The group gets paranoid that Bunny will be overheard tell someone about the murder, and consequently decide that their friend must die.
Edmund is loud and arrogant, yet people tend to like him for his color presence. Throughout the story, Corcoran seals his fate when he begins to mock the group after the first murder, constantly talking about it, and eventually blackmailing the rest of the group. The group gets paranoid that Bunny will be overheard tell someone about the murder, and consequently decide that their friend must die.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Secret History-Greek Theme
One of the main themes in The Secret History is the study of Ancient Greek. This includes the language, heriage, literature, and practices of the ancients. The class takes the subjects very seriously and is encouraged to explore every aspect of the culture by Proffesor Jullian Morrow. Professor Morrow is said to be the foremost authority of Ancient Greek studies on the east coast, and possibly further. His secretive methods almost turn the class into a type of cult. No one outside the class is permitted into Morrow's office or classroom.
There are a great number of Greek refreences, literature, chracters, and language throughout the book. One of the most important refrences to the practices of the ancients is the Bacchanal rite held at the country house. The ancients knew a great deal about various drugs, poisons and altered states and claimed to be able to use these things in order to achieve a highly-conscious state in which they could see and commune with Dionysus, Greek god of wine and inspirer of ritual madness.
There are a great number of Greek refreences, literature, chracters, and language throughout the book. One of the most important refrences to the practices of the ancients is the Bacchanal rite held at the country house. The ancients knew a great deal about various drugs, poisons and altered states and claimed to be able to use these things in order to achieve a highly-conscious state in which they could see and commune with Dionysus, Greek god of wine and inspirer of ritual madness.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
A Secret History by Donna Tartt
Richard Papen, a vaguely unhappy young man from California, decides on a whim to apply for Hampden College in Vermont. When he arrives, he notices a group of five eccentric students, Classic majors, who seem completely separate from the rest of the college. Because he has studied Greek for two years already, Richard is tempted to join them. Although he is told by Jullian, the professor who is the head of the Classics department, selects his students by methods nobody can quite figure out. But Richard does end up joining the circle.
We are told in the prologue of The Secret History there has been a murder-a student named Edmund also known as Bunny is dead. We are told who is responsible for his death, so the who did it is never the mystery. But the mystery is why they did it; which is why The Secret History is unique in that the mystery is about the exact circumstances that led to the murder. Which is why I believe that The Secret History won't disappoint.
We are told in the prologue of The Secret History there has been a murder-a student named Edmund also known as Bunny is dead. We are told who is responsible for his death, so the who did it is never the mystery. But the mystery is why they did it; which is why The Secret History is unique in that the mystery is about the exact circumstances that led to the murder. Which is why I believe that The Secret History won't disappoint.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Now That My Father Lies Down Beside Me
Now That My Father Lies Down Beside Me collects 30 years of Stanley Plumlyy's poetuc art work drawn from a variety of backgrounds of inspiration. This collection of poems has been selected from each of the his six books. Plumly's work is a deeply moving series of poems. This latest collection, which includes many poems published in earlier collections, including the book's final poem, as well as some new ones, brings the father's presence into the book's title for the first time. Plumly, who has taught at the University of Houston and the University of Maryland, College Park, writes in an accessible style , rooted in reality.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Meadows Museum of Art
Instituted in 1967, this museum features more than 1,300 works of art from a variety of world cultures and traditions. The Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College of Louisiana was founded in 1975 on the occasion of the College's 150th anniversary. The Meadows Museum was made possible by a gift from Algur H Meadows, a Centenary alumnus, who had purchased a collection of works by French Academic artist, Jean Despujols, for his Alma mater in 1969. Since that time, the permanent collection has grown in a variety of media from cultures around world-wide.
Exhibits have included a photo documentary with actual survivors of Hurricane Katrina. In addition to rotating exhibits to rotating exhibits, there is a permanent collection upstairs that is not to be missed.
The Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College of Louisiana is an educational unit of the College charged with the collection, conservation, prevention and interpretation of the visual art works of museum quality from the permanent College Collection inclusive of the Indochina Collection.
Exhibits have included a photo documentary with actual survivors of Hurricane Katrina. In addition to rotating exhibits to rotating exhibits, there is a permanent collection upstairs that is not to be missed.
The Meadows Museum of Art at Centenary College of Louisiana is an educational unit of the College charged with the collection, conservation, prevention and interpretation of the visual art works of museum quality from the permanent College Collection inclusive of the Indochina Collection.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Gothic Art
The Gothic period, ranging from the 12th century to the century is characterized by idealism and naturalism, for example in France the Gothic period shows a dynamic variety of pose, detail, and articulation. The term Gothic was originally used in the Renaissance as a disapproving word for medieval style. Typical of the Gothic period are the figures that are at the entrance of the cathedrals which were architectural phenomena at the time. The figures are usually graceful and natural, and the emphasis on dynamic lines demonstrates religious mysticism that dominated during this time. Gothic art was typically religious in nature, and is well known for its churches with arched designs, alongside the stained and illumination. Famous Gothic artists include Nicola Pisano, Giottino, and Herman Limbourg.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Bright Star
Bright Star, written and directed by Academy Award winner Jane Campion, is a riveting drama based on a three-year romance in the nineteenth century between poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne. Their romance was cut short by Keats' untimely death at age 25.
Bright Star takes place in Hampsted Village, London in 1848. Brawne is infactuated by Keats and reads his poetry. She also makes makes biscuits for Tom Keats who falls ill and later dies. Endimian is published shortly after Keats' death. Fanny believes that John's new book is perfect and beautiful, and attends many dinner parties that Keats is at. John Keats works with Mr. Charles Brown. John also spends Christmas with the Brawne's and teaches Fanny poetry although John confesses that he is confused by women, even by his mother. Brown and Keats spend the summer with the Brawne's in their summer house outside of London. Brown also asserts that poets wait for muses for inspiration. Fanny can't understand why Keats can't marry her. He can't because he is in debt and has no constant source of income. Keats and Fanny constantly write love letters back and forth; Keats gives Fanny his mother's ring. Shortly afterward Keats and Brawne get engaged . Due to illness, Keats' friends pay for him to spend the winter in Italy. Although, Keats dies of tuberculosis in Rome. Keats died at the age of 25 thinking himself a failure, although history remembers him as one of the best Romantic poets in history.
Campion uses relentless camera movements and off-center close ups and a variety of other camera shots. The film history in the present tense, and is full of color.
Bright Star takes place in Hampsted Village, London in 1848. Brawne is infactuated by Keats and reads his poetry. She also makes makes biscuits for Tom Keats who falls ill and later dies. Endimian is published shortly after Keats' death. Fanny believes that John's new book is perfect and beautiful, and attends many dinner parties that Keats is at. John Keats works with Mr. Charles Brown. John also spends Christmas with the Brawne's and teaches Fanny poetry although John confesses that he is confused by women, even by his mother. Brown and Keats spend the summer with the Brawne's in their summer house outside of London. Brown also asserts that poets wait for muses for inspiration. Fanny can't understand why Keats can't marry her. He can't because he is in debt and has no constant source of income. Keats and Fanny constantly write love letters back and forth; Keats gives Fanny his mother's ring. Shortly afterward Keats and Brawne get engaged . Due to illness, Keats' friends pay for him to spend the winter in Italy. Although, Keats dies of tuberculosis in Rome. Keats died at the age of 25 thinking himself a failure, although history remembers him as one of the best Romantic poets in history.
Campion uses relentless camera movements and off-center close ups and a variety of other camera shots. The film history in the present tense, and is full of color.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
How Money Has Changed Art
Art has made a lot of shifts within the last forty years, but of all the things that have affected art, money seems to be the one that jarringly stood out. The arrival of money has had serious consequences to the art world.
Money has helped art in some ways, as artists need money to have more time to do art. This way they don't have to take up second jobs in order to pay the bills. Also museums need money to do adventurous shows they otherwise might not be able to do.
But money has had a lot of serious consequences to hurt art. Artists, especially young ones, can be tempted to do art they judge will sell, rather than what they would create if money were not in the equation. Many galleries seem to lack a vision other than what will produce a sell-out show. Museums need money and many have a blockbuster agenda-there is a merging of art and entertainment. Artists also watch the galleries and museums for what is popular- and saleable. Finally, students decide to become artists because of quick money and social mobility.
Money has helped art in some ways, as artists need money to have more time to do art. This way they don't have to take up second jobs in order to pay the bills. Also museums need money to do adventurous shows they otherwise might not be able to do.
But money has had a lot of serious consequences to hurt art. Artists, especially young ones, can be tempted to do art they judge will sell, rather than what they would create if money were not in the equation. Many galleries seem to lack a vision other than what will produce a sell-out show. Museums need money and many have a blockbuster agenda-there is a merging of art and entertainment. Artists also watch the galleries and museums for what is popular- and saleable. Finally, students decide to become artists because of quick money and social mobility.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Dada: The Non-art Movement
Dada was, officially, not a movement, its artists not artists and its art not art. That sounds easy enough, doesn't it?
Dada was both a literary and artistic movement that started in Europe during a time when the world was overcome with the horrors of World War I. Due to the war, a number of artists, writers and intellectuals-notably of French and German nationality- left to neutral Switzerland. Far from merely relieved at their respective escapes, this bunch was angry that modern European society would allow the war to even happen. Their anger undertook the artistic tradition of protesting.
About the only thing these non-artists had in common were their ideals. They used an early form of Shock Art meaning that the Dadaists thrust mild obscenities, scatological humor, visual puns and everyday objects renamed as art into the public eye. Marcel Duchamp performed the most notable outrages by painting a mustache on a copy of the Mona Lisa and proudly displaying his sculpture entitled Fountain, which was actually a urinal.
Dada was both a literary and artistic movement that started in Europe during a time when the world was overcome with the horrors of World War I. Due to the war, a number of artists, writers and intellectuals-notably of French and German nationality- left to neutral Switzerland. Far from merely relieved at their respective escapes, this bunch was angry that modern European society would allow the war to even happen. Their anger undertook the artistic tradition of protesting.
About the only thing these non-artists had in common were their ideals. They used an early form of Shock Art meaning that the Dadaists thrust mild obscenities, scatological humor, visual puns and everyday objects renamed as art into the public eye. Marcel Duchamp performed the most notable outrages by painting a mustache on a copy of the Mona Lisa and proudly displaying his sculpture entitled Fountain, which was actually a urinal.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Art
Art Theory: A Very Short Introduction, by Cynthia Freeland explores the world's view on art. Britannica dictionary defines art as "the use of skill and imagination in the creation of objects, environments, or experiments that can be shared with others." Art can describe several things: a study of creative skill, a process of using the creative skill, a product of the creative skill. Artworks can be purposeful, like a 14th English bottle. Artistic works may serve practical functions, in addition to their decorative value. Art tends to facilitate intuitive rather than rational understanding, and usually consciously created with this intention. I think that art is something that stimulates an individuals thoughts, emotions, beliefs, or ideas through the senses.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Romanticism
Shifting the focus from the Renaissance of Shakespeare to Romanticism, my English class compared the the themes that brought about the large shift of the themes of the eras. The Renaissance focused on technology, the exploration of the New World like in Shakespeare's Tempest, the rise of capitalism and the rise of the middle class, and the changing notion about God, religion and the church. Romanticism on the other hand, focused on themes of the imagination, nature, life, death, and mutability or the process of change. The Romantic era was characterized by a heightened sense of nature and the individual. Emphasis on the individuals expression of emotion and imagination strongly contrasted the ideals of the Renaissance. Therefore there was a departure of of many forms of classicalism; there was a rebellion against social rules and conventions. The focus of this unit will be on John Keats and a series of his lyric poems. Keats writes about the everyday values and how special they can be to the eye of the beholder.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Romeo & Juliet- Mercutio
Mercutio is a favorite in the play because of his witty nature. He always seems to have something to say in response to Romeo. He is a foil to Romeo, meaning that Mercutio is a person who contrasts another character, usually the protagonist, in order to highlight a particular feature of the character's personality. In Mertutio's case, he brings Romeo's view of love into focus as Mercutio mocks and Romeo's view on love. As a unromantic character, he views love as mearly physical, just as Juliet's Nurse does for her. Romeo and Juliet have an idealized view of love as a romantic union.
Mercutio is most known for his Queen Mab speech that he gives to Romeo while walking to Lord Capulet's party. His speech highlights Mercutio's vivid imagination and cynical view of dreams. This speech helps build tension for Romeo and Juliet's first meeting. This speech also shows that although Mercutio and Romeo are friends, they will never be able to share secrets because of the deep contrast in views. So it's not surprising that Mercutio never learns of Romeo's love for Juliet or their marriage.
Mercutio is most known for his Queen Mab speech that he gives to Romeo while walking to Lord Capulet's party. His speech highlights Mercutio's vivid imagination and cynical view of dreams. This speech helps build tension for Romeo and Juliet's first meeting. This speech also shows that although Mercutio and Romeo are friends, they will never be able to share secrets because of the deep contrast in views. So it's not surprising that Mercutio never learns of Romeo's love for Juliet or their marriage.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Mardi Gras and the King Cake
I am from Texas, and when I came over to Louisiana I had the pleasure of trying this cake that is famous in Louisiana. I was told that it was called a King Cake. So I wanted to learn more about it...
The History Behind Mardi Gras King Cakes:
The King Cake was believed to have originated in France in the 12th century. The Europeans celebrated the Christian festival of Epiphany which was the celebration of the coming of the three wise men bearing gifts for Jesus. The festival started twelve days after Christmas, so the festival became known as Epiphany, Twelfth Night, or King's Day.
The main part of the celebration was the baking of a King Cake to honor the three Kings. The cakes were made circular because the three wise men took a circular route in order to visit Jesus. A circular route was taken to confuse King Herod who was trying to follow the wise men so that he could kill Jesus. In the early days, a tradition of placing a bean, pea, or coin inside the the cake. Whoever got the hidden piece was declared King for the day, or was said to have good luck in the coming year.
Today in Louisiana, Twelfth Night signifies the beginning of the carnival season, which ends on Mardi Gras Day. The beans, peas, and coins have been replaced with a small plastic baby to signify Jesus Christ. The person who gets the baby is expected to carry on the carnival festivities by hosting the next King Cake Party.
The History Behind Mardi Gras King Cakes:
The King Cake was believed to have originated in France in the 12th century. The Europeans celebrated the Christian festival of Epiphany which was the celebration of the coming of the three wise men bearing gifts for Jesus. The festival started twelve days after Christmas, so the festival became known as Epiphany, Twelfth Night, or King's Day.
The main part of the celebration was the baking of a King Cake to honor the three Kings. The cakes were made circular because the three wise men took a circular route in order to visit Jesus. A circular route was taken to confuse King Herod who was trying to follow the wise men so that he could kill Jesus. In the early days, a tradition of placing a bean, pea, or coin inside the the cake. Whoever got the hidden piece was declared King for the day, or was said to have good luck in the coming year.
Today in Louisiana, Twelfth Night signifies the beginning of the carnival season, which ends on Mardi Gras Day. The beans, peas, and coins have been replaced with a small plastic baby to signify Jesus Christ. The person who gets the baby is expected to carry on the carnival festivities by hosting the next King Cake Party.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Prom Night In Mississippi
In 1984, the Supreme Court ordered the integration of all schools. In 1970, Charleston, Mississippi finally integrates its schools, but still have separate proms because of the parents and school board. In 1997, Morgan Freeman offers to pay for an integrated prom, and they decline. In 2008, Morgan offers again...
Prom Night in Mississippi has a documentary feel about it as Morgan tries to induce the school board, children, and children to allow them to have a social interaction that he believes will bring everyone closer. But the kids are judged everyday, especially by color and by who you talk to. The white kids, who are a minority, always win; its a slap in the face to the African American students because white students can say whatever and they have to keep their mouths shut. Parents and alot of the old people are the racists; just talk. Many of the kids believe that having only one prom is good. The current students like a person because of who they are, not the color of their skin. They have learned the life lesson that it doesn't matter if a person is white or black, it matters who they are on the inside; something their parents have yet to understand. Morgan's purpose is to get the kids together. The kids have a chance to make a change, so why not? But in the end, it's about how you feel about who you are as a person and who you choose to hang out with. The people that may try to stop that will be sorry in the long run. As the kids in Charleston, Mississippi found out, people may judge you everyday because of your friends; it doesn't mean that you should judge someone by theirs.
Prom Night in Mississippi has a documentary feel about it as Morgan tries to induce the school board, children, and children to allow them to have a social interaction that he believes will bring everyone closer. But the kids are judged everyday, especially by color and by who you talk to. The white kids, who are a minority, always win; its a slap in the face to the African American students because white students can say whatever and they have to keep their mouths shut. Parents and alot of the old people are the racists; just talk. Many of the kids believe that having only one prom is good. The current students like a person because of who they are, not the color of their skin. They have learned the life lesson that it doesn't matter if a person is white or black, it matters who they are on the inside; something their parents have yet to understand. Morgan's purpose is to get the kids together. The kids have a chance to make a change, so why not? But in the end, it's about how you feel about who you are as a person and who you choose to hang out with. The people that may try to stop that will be sorry in the long run. As the kids in Charleston, Mississippi found out, people may judge you everyday because of your friends; it doesn't mean that you should judge someone by theirs.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Martin Luther King Convication
I really like Dr. Dobynes speak about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. It was filled with emotion that was really special to listen to. Dr. Dodynes preached about how Dr. King would want Martin Luther King Day to be a day on, instead of a day off. I learned how Dr. King was a beloved part of the community and was truly a great American patriot. Dr. King believe in an optimistic view of the world that believed that through men and women of goodwill that humanity can better itself, but the world can't make the world a better place by sitting and waiting for it to happen. Hence Dr. King always striving to go beyond barriers that divide us and get out of our comfort zone and purposefully reach out. We want to reach out because at some point, we will want someone to reach out to us. I also learned that Dr. King was not satisfied with mediocrity, and was not satisfied to just get by. I firmly believe that Dr. King stood for justice and equality; he left the legacy of a committed life. The dreamer may be dead, but the dream is still alive.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A New Semester
I just survived my first semester at college, and this semester is going to be tough. I was a little disappointed about my schedule at first because I wasn't able to fit in a history class since I'm really close to finishing my history minor. Oh well, there's always next semester. General chemistry shouldn't be too hard because I took it last year as a senior in high school, and I scored a three on the AP test. Centenary only accepts fours and fives, so I didn't get credit and I am stuck taking a class that I have already passed. Looking back it was probably a good thing because then the only science class I could have taken was organic chemistry. I only have to survive one more semester of calculus for my major that I am looking at, thank the Lord! I also get to take a semester of physics for my major, but I don't think it should be that bad since I enjoyed it in high school, although it has been two long years since I have taken a physics class. Overall, I can't complain about my schedule, I picked the majority of the classes so I just got to tough it out. Swimming will be more exciting with conference coming up in February. I can't wait for a thirteen hour bus ride! Plus swimming will be over halfway through the semester, so I will actually have a chance to experience as a normal student, the best part is not waking up every day for six o'clock practices.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)