Dystopia, Orwell, and Nineteen Eighty- Four

I'm putting the final touches on my senior sem final project right now, so naturally I've become an expert this semester, in a very specific subject, my paper topic. I chose to write my senior paper on the influence that the real world events of World War II had on the genre of dystopic literature around the same time as the war. I also addressed the mechanics of adherence to government, compliance with authority, and what makes one willing to surrender their individuality. George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty Four is one of the books I address in my paper, so I thought it would be fun to post a clip of its onscreen adaptation for this class. It's not a cinematic masterpiece by any means, but the books was revolutionary.

President Bush Shoe Attack!

Everyone watch this, its the funniest thing I have seen in a long time. Its about time somebody spoke up against this guy. After all the damage he has caused (granted he had assistance doing so, but he asked to be the President,) he deserves a little bit more than a failed "sho-ing" in another country...like, maybe, a flogging in ours.

Cartman's Christmas Song

This video cracks me up; there is something about Cartman that I have always found to be endearing. An obvious parody of "Oh Holy Night," Cartman butchers the lyrics, singing things like, "Jesus was born so now he get presents, thank you Jesus for being born." Its funny because its one more critique on American culture on behalf of its two hilarious writers. In this version, presents, cake, and pie are the things about Christmas that matter most.

Christmas Lights

Haha, ok so maybe I'm a little easily entertained at this point in the semester, but I really think this video is a fun one. I saw it a few years back and figured, in the spirit of the season, it might be fun to post it. It's ok if it makes you smile...I won't tell :-)

30 Second Bunnies: Pulp Fiction

Here's another...because you know the first one was fun!

30 Second Bunnies: Office Space

These 30 second bunny comedy sketches certainly aren't mind bending by any means, which is part of why I like them. They offer you a VERY condensed version (30 seconds, to be exact,) of some of your favorite well-known movies. They're funny, and they'll get your mind off finals...who could ask for more, right?

Demystifying the Congo

Poverty and gender-based violence are causes of death that we can remedy through the contribution of resources and through education.And yet, there were 40,000 rape cases in the Congo last year, and 90% of the deaths are caused by disease, many of which are preventable through proper vaccination.People are starving and dying under a militant government,in one of the most resource rich areas in the entire world. Its hard not to think we might pay a little more attention to this type of injustice if there were gunmen perched outside our doorsteps, parading through the streets that we walk daily. Perhaps it would be more alarming to us,were it occurring in our own backyard. Personally, I don't feel that should have to be the case. Instead, we should be prompted to educate ourselves and others as to the existence of such tyranny, and work to bring about change if for no other reason, than to assist our fellow man.