I'm Sexy.....

     LMFAO's hit song, "I'm Sexy and I Know It," speaks to the narcissism and self-absorption of the characters in The Great Gatsby. Daisy leaves James Gatz (known infamously as Jay Gatsby) while he is fighting a war overseas for Tom Buchanan and all his money. Further, she does not take the blame for killing Myrtle and allows Gatsby to shoulder the shame of the crime. "He (Gatsby) spoke as if Daisy's reaction (to killing Myrtle) was the only thing that mattered." Gatsby is no saint either. Known for his extravagant parties, Gatsby is trying to gain the attention and affection of Daisy while using Nick's familial connection to his advantage.
     Every character (save Nick) blatantly took advantage of the people around them in order to gratify themselves. The careless lifestyle of the Buchanan's is the epitome of this type of restless debauchery. Jordan Baker sums up their hypocritical and egotistical standards by saying, "They'll keep out of my way. It takes two to make an accident...I hate careless people." Multitudes took advantage of Gatsby's parties and hospitality. However, in the end it was Gatsby alone who paid the price for their outrageous style of living; and it cost him his life. All his so called "friends" deserted Gatsby after his death and refused to come the funeral. Even his shadowy business partner, Mr. Wolfsheim, couldn't "get mixed up in it." In the end, Fitzgerald reveals that the flashy life style of the affluent in society is just an empty facade--like Gatsby and his mansion.

Transcendentalism

I would definitely qualify to be named a transcendentalist if I were alive during the 19th century. I adhere to the principle that a person should rely on himself or herself  for survival. I follow more closely to Emerson's than Fuller's ideas on what a transcendentalist should be. Before reading Emerson, I never thought of institutions (especially the past) as destroying one's inner self.  I do, however, believe that Thomas Paine's thoughts of government (being a "necessary evil") resonate with my personal views.  Emerson's belief that "no man can violate his nature" is misguided. Man is sinful and will (if allowed the opportunity) abuse what he is given. A government is necessary to protect its citizens from other nations and from each other. The historian, Lord Acton, confirms this belief by stating,  "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." The past, societies, charities, and governments can positively impact the present generation, and Emerson is relatively harsh on his critiquing of these institutions. "I am ashamed to think how easily we capitulate to badges and names, to large societies and dead instituitions."(Emerson--Self-Reliance) Having said this, I am not in favor of entitlement programs or a universal health care system as these would conflict with the pure concept of self-reliance. Also, the past is useful to an extent when faced with similar problems or opportunities. As the saying goes, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." (George Santayana)

I Knew This Day Would Come.....

My fellow Americans,
I stand here today behind bullet proof glass, trying to prove I am just an average guy. This is why I have not released my financial records. I cannot tell you my address, because I have so many houses, and a yacht so large that I have to pay seperate property taxes on it. After this speech, I am willing to sign some of my books for a hefty fee. Thank you for electing me to this great honor of representing America as my ketchup company is flailing under my predecessor's economic plan. I am fully prepared to lead this nation into battle with my MBA and law degree from Harvard. I feel like no work experience is the best expierence. As your commander-in-chief, I am able to talk the enemy to death at the peace table. I have traveled the world but done nothing in Congress to affect it. My seven children love me and so should you. My countless ex-mistresses may disagree. Listen to me very carefully: the buck stops in my wallet. I have been told that America is becoming a consumer nation. We can not let the world down. We must emulate the world's perception. We are America.

And in closing: America. Your Welcome.

A Call to Arms

In basement, February 9, 2012

The unanimous declaration of personal freedom from terribly made video games.

When in the course of gamer events, it has become necessary for one person to sever all ties one has with the virtual world. Xbox and PS3 no longer can trample my rights as a human being nor allow my credit card information be stolen off their unprotected servers.

·         For games where you can’t look down the barrel for long-range sniping

·         For levels where even on normal you cannot possibly defeat the boss waiting for you in the end

·         For video game companies and designers who justify charging sixty dollars plus a surcharge when you pre-order a game that will last you a measly six hours of campaign paying time.

·         For games that only last six hours in general

·         For AI that are so predictable you could sneak around the entire map without firing a shot

·         For gamers who play for days at a time on online multiplayer and then make fun of your poor kd ratio because you have a life

·         For teammates who wait for you to die instead of reviving you because they want to steal your health pack and gun upgrades.

·         For having to constantly purchase Microsoft points and Xbox live at a criminal cost

·         For PlayStation’s hour long game and system updates

·         For games co-op is limited to online

·         For multiplayer that is limited by the number of consoles

·         For fast-paced shooters games that don’t let you use a knife or a quick-draw pistol.

The injustices are many; the benefits nil. I have suffered under the yoke of video gaming long enough. Gone are the days of passionate playing where the excitement is raw, the terror encompassing. No longer do I daydream in class about the wonderful world streaming through my fingertips. So from this day forth, let all the loading screens know that gamer tag Tme2D1E has perished. A new age of the gamer has risen like the winged phoenix to the epitome of gaming systems….Nintendo 64.

Map Analysis

Map of Savannah:  http://www.libs.uga.edu/darchive/hargrett/maps/1734g6.jpg

1.     The map of Savannah was meant for the trustees who had invested money in the settlement of Georgia. The map is not only painstakingly detailed but also includes a legend to describe some of the various buildings and docks. The picture is obviously biased to keep funding coming from England. Also the map shows plans for expansion and all the colonists doing their part to strengthen Savannah’s fortifications while completely surrounded by untamed wilderness.

2.     This map depicts that there is not a single Indian or Spanish person at or near the settlement; although it is highly unlikely that that was the norm. Also the map shows the colony as thriving although it was originally chartered as a colony primarily for those supposed to be in debtor’s prison (so not everyone was thrilled to be there).  The values this map promotes is hard work and strength. English ships patrol the harbor while men build the camp and explore in order to prepare for expansion and adventure.

3.     This map portrays Savannah as a strong English settlement not much different from England itself. As Babb mentions in “Crafting Whiteness in Early America,” Within is a country that may have the prerogative over the most pleasant places of Europe, Asia, Africa, or America, for large and pleasant navigable rivers, heaven and earth never agreed better to frame a place for mans habitation being of our constitutions, were it fully manured and inhabited by industrious people.” Savannah appears surrounded by untapped woods and wildlife for the taking by the English.