sleepyshadows In reply to ??? [2010-05-21 04:58:00 +0000 UTC]

You hadn't before I don't think but I will take a look at it. We haven't really gotten to anything about Malcolm :/ I seriously doubt we will get there.

I'm sorry your professors aren't really being professors, it's sad that we can let people slip into positions they don't fill.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

akarra In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-21 05:02:09 +0000 UTC]

If you have questions, let me know. I'm just happy to have a reader

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to akarra [2010-05-21 05:10:50 +0000 UTC]

I'll be sure to ask. I was just reading through part one right now. Your analysis of the bit about Macbeth defeating MacDonwald is a lot more in depth than our class discussion of it...it seems like we didn't go over it at all

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

akarra In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-21 05:20:58 +0000 UTC]

I just looked over the essay, part 1 is dense. I think parts 3 and 4 while longer, are much easier.

The whole "Fortune" thing is relevant because for ancient political theory - Plato, Aristotle, to some degree Plutarch and Cicero - you can get an "ideal" republic if you're lucky enough. When Machiavelli is writing and trying to break away from the classics (Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch, Cicero all want laws that bring about virtuous people to some degree), and also trying to break away from the scholastics (law comes from God ultimately, it's about the summum bonum), he has to tackle the problem of Fortune. Virtue means your life isn't defined by Fortune; even if things go bad, you know you acted well, and you can make the most of good Fortune. A law that ultimately comes from God means that prayer can be invoked to guard against Fortune's slings.

But if you want men simply ruling over other men, you need to account for Fortune. Machiavelli's idea was that Fortune could be conquered. I think you can see how Macbeth in some way is the incarnation of that idea, but an imperfect incarnation.

Also, I mention the "spirited" element of the soul. That's from Plato's Republic, Book 4: the soul divides into a rational part, an appetitive part, and between them sits a "spirited" middle. So it's like: reason/will/appetite.

Does that clarify things a little bit?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to akarra [2010-05-21 05:31:06 +0000 UTC]

I think I see what you mean. In a way I think we briefly covered this in class in a much simpler, vague version. What we saw and discussed was more about whether it was actually Macbeth's fate, or he would be grasping for himself by listening to the witches. It was pretty confusing and most the class became disinterested at that point.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

akarra In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-21 05:34:34 +0000 UTC]

Yeah, I tend to say this: leave the witches as the last puzzle to solve, the very last puzzle.

If you get a chance to read parts 3 and 4, I recommend those highly. They expand on how Shakespeare is seeing something - I'm not sure what - beyond feudalism. Remember that Shakespeare is the king's playwright: putting on anything that is vaguely pro-democracy (and Malcolm seems to be articulating an order that is like constitutional monarchy) is pretty much treason.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to akarra [2010-05-22 07:47:18 +0000 UTC]

My English teacher is absolutely fascinated by the witches. About 1/4 of the discussion has been about them and we've wondered if they're good/bad/neither. To be honest, I've not paid that much attention in English for about a month now...

It's interesting that you've looked into a historical aspect of it that in high school we likely wouldn't get to in either a history or English class. I've never really thought about it for context.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

akarra In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-22 14:59:33 +0000 UTC]

Do you guys have summer reading? Just curious what the assignment there is...

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to akarra [2010-05-25 00:30:11 +0000 UTC]

We probably will have summer reading. Last time the assignment was Les Miserables and we had to analyze the characters in a journal and write a paragraph about a quote. I don't know if the English department has chosen a summer reading assignment for the upcoming AP English class.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

akarra In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-25 00:34:48 +0000 UTC]

Is there anything you want to know more about this summer? Or anything you think you would like to read?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to akarra [2010-05-25 05:15:51 +0000 UTC]

I'm not sure, I already have a stack of books to read and I visit the bookstore weekly. I trust the 11th grade English teacher, I think she will choose a good book to read and analyse.

Did you have a suggestion?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

akarra In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-25 06:29:47 +0000 UTC]

Not particularly. Was actually more curious what you were interested in. Whatcha reading on your own now?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to akarra [2010-05-27 05:46:03 +0000 UTC]

I was planning to read The Count of Monte Cristo during the school year, looks like I won't get to it until the summer. Soon I'll start reading Ninety-Three by Victor Hugo. I also picked up A Clockwork Orange recently. Most of these I'll probably get to during the summer. The school year is still a little crammed. I may have to reread Les Miserables for a final English presentation, though. I'm sure I'll get to more than 2-3 books over the summer, I just haven't decided yet.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

akarra In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-27 06:10:47 +0000 UTC]

Sounds good. I filled one summer reading War and Peace - I enjoyed it, but I kinda wish I had read a few hundred other little things along the way, too. If I had to do my high school career over again, I would have read a lot, lot, lot more poetry, and a lot of essays, esp. those regarding works I had already read.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to akarra [2010-05-27 06:14:43 +0000 UTC]

I almost never read essays and poetry, however my dad has a shelf full of essays and poetry. I might look into those.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

akarra In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-27 06:21:35 +0000 UTC]

You see why I'm saying this - ask adults who read novel upon novel when they were young how much they remember of them.

You need variety at your level, but it needs to be memorable and fun too. It's actually easier for most people to plow through 500 pages and forget all of it as opposed to make 20 words count.

There's lots of good stuff online besides my blog. If you can keep a journal - a short write-up of everything you read - that might go a long way.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to akarra [2010-05-27 06:31:36 +0000 UTC]

I see what you mean. I do like to reread books, though. So I don't think it would bother me too much if I forgot some. (I also love to keep books, I never go to the library, I buy all my own copies).

And a journal sounds like a really great idea, too bad I'd probably never keep up with it. Maybe I'll try here on dA over the summer.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

akarra In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-27 06:45:01 +0000 UTC]

Again, sounds good. What poetry and essays does your Dad have on the shelf?

One thing I recommend reading for school purposes is "A Student's Guide to Political Philosophy," by Harvey Mansfield. It's short, but contains really good summaries of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Locke, the Federalist - in other words, it's a brief "history of thought" read.

Below is a link to the document on scribd.com:

[link]

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to akarra [2010-05-27 06:59:10 +0000 UTC]

I'm sure he's got some Emily Dickenson and a few others. I know for a fact he has 2 volumes of Best American Essays and Short stories. I think from the years 2006 and 2008. He reads them pretty often, he normally reads for grammar, though. He's very interested in that, more so than content.

Thanks, I'll look into that link. I have read some work by Machiavelli and Locke for history class because it was relevant. In last years history class, I read up on Plato on Aristotle briefly also.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

akarra In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-27 07:02:15 +0000 UTC]

Cool. As soon as I feel I have a good grip on the reading/writing I'm doing currently, I'm playing Final Fantasy 12 again. I left off there because a giant turtle - I kid you not - kept killing my party.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to akarra [2010-05-28 07:40:11 +0000 UTC]

Oh dear...I've never played Final Fantasy anything so I can't say I know how you feel. Although, in Children of Mana I keep getting killed the one-eyed boss...

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

akarra In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-28 07:48:29 +0000 UTC]

Chrono Trigger is old-school, but might be the best of the Final Fantasy type games, and is definitely worth trying if you get a chance. The plot is rich, the puzzles aren't too hard, and the fighting is strategic.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to akarra [2010-05-28 07:58:09 +0000 UTC]

Platform comp?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

akarra In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-28 08:06:13 +0000 UTC]

I think the original platform was SNES, so it should be available for the Wii if you have one of those.

If you're running a PC, emulators do work well - I was running one on an older PC a while ago. But emulator sites can be kind of sketchy, and your PC's health is worth way more than a video game.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to akarra [2010-05-28 08:26:31 +0000 UTC]

I don't have a Wii. Yeah I've never used an emulator but I know some people do. I'm usually pretty good with my comp and I could wipe it if I need to, it's just a hassle...

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

akarra In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-28 08:48:25 +0000 UTC]

Besides Children of Mana, what games do you play? I haven't gamed in forever except for FF XII, and Civilization IV.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to akarra [2010-05-29 06:53:00 +0000 UTC]

I was kind of just getting back into gameboy games because I got a DS. Before that I just played a lot of Kingdom Hearts and Pokemon. Never had much time for games.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Gassy-mac-gas-gas In reply to ??? [2010-04-20 06:25:33 +0000 UTC]

Hello! I'm neglecting those I know on DeviantArt. Thought I would get the communicative ball rolling again with a llama.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to Gassy-mac-gas-gas [2010-04-21 04:20:29 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for the llama, nice to hear from you again

I think I've been neglecting friends here on dA too. How have you been?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Gassy-mac-gas-gas In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-04-21 23:46:48 +0000 UTC]

I've been fine. I'm at the very end of my first semester in college, and I've enjoyed that immensely! I've also started reading a lot again, so yay!

What about you?

Also, thanks for the llama!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to Gassy-mac-gas-gas [2010-04-22 06:11:45 +0000 UTC]

You must have been pretty busy with all your classes. I'm glad you've been enjoying your college experience. I wish I had some more time to read, I only read four books these past few months, I usually read twice as many.

I've been really good though, I feel a bit like I've been on a streak of good luck. In retrospect, I can't find any difference in quantity of good things happening, or those good things being much better than before, I just feel better. You know how that is? haha it's weird.

Also I'm going to see On The Town. It's a musical I hadn't heard of before, I was wondering if you had seen/heard it.

You're welcome for the llama, I suspect we will all be gathering quite a collection...

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Gassy-mac-gas-gas In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-04-22 18:57:28 +0000 UTC]

I am busy, but it's a good busy. And I'm glad things are going well for you.

I have heard of On the Town. You'll love it, I'm sure. The score is by Leonard Bernstein, who did West Side Story, and the lyrics are by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, whose entire output is incredible. I have two recordings plus a promotional recording with Caroline O'Connor if you would like me to upload them for you.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to Gassy-mac-gas-gas [2010-04-25 04:35:44 +0000 UTC]

Good busy, I remember that feeling fondly

I just saw On the Town today, it was amazing. Visually it was quite something, set pieces were on cables sliding about on stage. I would love to have one soundtrack, in your own time of course. I suppose you could just pick the one you think is best

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Gassy-mac-gas-gas In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-04-29 17:37:30 +0000 UTC]

Very good.

I'll upload the albums soon. Right now my internet is off even though I paid the bill. After a little mitching (man bitching) to someone over the phone and straightening this matter out, I'll send them. Right now, though, I am on the school's computer, and they would have a mega fit if they caught me on a file sharing site.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to Gassy-mac-gas-gas [2010-05-01 05:20:44 +0000 UTC]

ahh yes my dad has had to bitch at the internet people before. And I think file sharing sites are censored at my school haha (I've never actually tried... hmmmm)

But anyway, take your time, no rush

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Gassy-mac-gas-gas In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-17 22:41:47 +0000 UTC]

All right! Here they are. Sorry for the wait. I've got no excuse except procrastination . . .

Here are the On the Town OBC and English National Opera promo:

On the Town (English National Opera Promo)
[link]

On the Town OBC
[link]

I'm sorry, but I cannot find the studio recording of the same show. If it turns up, I'll send you a copy. In the meantime, here is the Wonderful Town OBC. The bonus tracks on it are the initial studio recording made of On the Town. The recordings are different from the OBC, so that adds interest. Also, the music to Wonderful Town was written by the same team: Leonard Bernstein for music and Betty Comden and Adolf Green for the lyrics. Here it is; enjoy!

Wonderful Town OBC
[link]

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to Gassy-mac-gas-gas [2010-05-18 04:08:43 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much! I don't mind the wait, we're all busy people anyway

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Gassy-mac-gas-gas In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-18 22:11:21 +0000 UTC]

You are welcome! By the way, how was that production of On the Town?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to Gassy-mac-gas-gas [2010-05-19 04:45:00 +0000 UTC]

Amazinggg it was such a hilarious musical, I must have been laughing the whole time.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Gassy-mac-gas-gas In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-19 05:22:10 +0000 UTC]

It is very funny. Comden and Green were masters at hilarious lyrics (not that the book writer is not to be commended, too, of course)!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to Gassy-mac-gas-gas [2010-05-20 04:22:23 +0000 UTC]

So, how've you been?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Gassy-mac-gas-gas In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-05-20 21:14:17 +0000 UTC]

I've been fine. I'm done with my first semester in school, and that was great. I'm eager as hell for my next semester to roll around so I can feed my appetite both as a bookish nerd and a drama freak (acting classes! Yay!).

And what have you been up to?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to Gassy-mac-gas-gas [2010-05-21 04:50:15 +0000 UTC]

That sounds like a lot of fun I always thought about joining improv club if I had time...

I haven't been up to much, just kind of lazing around waiting for the school year to end. I can't wait to sleep in a lot haha

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

CorvidAngel In reply to ??? [2010-04-14 08:38:26 +0000 UTC]

many thanks for the llama badge....but...uh..what do i do with it??

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to CorvidAngel [2010-04-15 06:14:46 +0000 UTC]

I really have no idea...wear it with pride?

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Katie-the-pure-one In reply to ??? [2010-04-04 05:37:38 +0000 UTC]

Thank you for the !

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

sleepyshadows In reply to Katie-the-pure-one [2010-04-06 04:56:54 +0000 UTC]

no prob

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

sleepyshadows In reply to Zaitchev [2010-03-05 02:58:21 +0000 UTC]

You're welcome

Your art is awesome, keep up the good work

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Zaitchev In reply to sleepyshadows [2010-03-05 17:47:29 +0000 UTC]

i will....

👍: 0 ⏩: 0