Firebird Anthology (Parts II and III)

     It has been a while since I have posted something about books. Part of this is because I have not had the time to read due to the combination of school and work (which I seem to be surviving so far). Recently, however, I was able to go to the library, my favorite place to get new books.

    I have a method that I often employ in searching for new titles. Starting at the section of authors whose last names start with 'A' I scan the titles and book bindings for something that catches my eye. If it looks interesting I will pull it out and read the summary to gather more information. You would be surprised how much you can tell about a book by it's cover! Usually I only cover one shelf of books per visit, so each time I come back I gradually progress through the library (usually the teen fiction section). The only hard part is remembering where I left off!

     On my most recent trip to the library I picked up a fantasy and sci-fi anthology of short stories called Firebird. I was very pleased with my discovery because fantasy/sci-fi is my favorite genre and the stories are the perfect length to read one or two (or three or four) before bed. Apparently there are three volumes in the anthology, though I was only able to check out the second and third.

     I very much enjoyed reading these anthologies. They were a refreshing break from my usual form of book matter, novels. Most of the stories were enjoyable and fun to read. There were a few, however, that were a bit strange. Still, I would recommend this series of anthologies to anyone who is looking for a good sci-fi/fantasy read!

Comedy and Confusion

     I had the honor and joy of seeing Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors performed by a fortnight ago (I waited two weeks just so I could use that phrase). For those of you not familiar with the Comedy of Errors, here is a short synopsis to provide some clarity:

The city of Ephesus is at war with Syracuse. Anyone from Syracuse who illegally comes to Ephesus must either pay a fine or forfeit his life. Egeon, a merchant from Syracuse, faces this predicament. He tells Duke Solinus that he is in Ephesus searching for his son. When his twin sons and their twin servants were but babies Egeon and his wife were separated in a ship wreck, each with a set of twins. Supposing his wife and other son to be dead Egeon names his surviving son and the servant after the ones he lost. He is now looking for his remaining son, whom he has not seen for several years.

Unbeknownst to him both of his sons are alive and well and in the town of Ephesus. To make matters worse, neither knows that the other exists. Confusion ensues when the brothers and servants are repeatedly mistaken for the other. 

     My main emotional response for this play was puzzlement. According to the director’s notes in the playbook they, “sought to be true to Shakespearean sensibilities, not by way of historical accuracy in costuming and such but rather with respect to the desire to be funny and relevant to our particular audience and the embracing of theatricality.” This meant that while they did change the costumes and add a few modern references, much of the language was still kept the same. This, combined with the content of the play itself (where two twin brothers and their twin servants repeatedly get mistaken for the other) left me in a state of mild confusion.

     Even though the meaning of the words were hard to make out, the actors did a good job of portraying what they meant through voice inflection and body language, so I was not completely lost. The play is a Shakespearean comedy, in that no one dies, but it was also a comedy in the modern sense. While tense at times the situations the twin brothers unknowingly put the other in were comical and much hilarity ensued through out the course of the play. I also felt relief, at the end of the play, when the two sets of twins were reunited and all the confusion was made clear.

Why I Am Going to Vote (And You Should Too)

     Election day is fast approaching and the decision of who to vote for (or to even vote at all) is a huge predicament for our country. People who do no side directly with a specific candidate wonder, "Who do I vote for?" and "Do I even vote?" I am a staunch believer in voting. Now that I am above the age limit I consider it a privilege, right, and honor-bound duty to help decide who stands as head over the United States of America.

     As of now,  I am having difficulty choosing a candidate to vote for. Some are so torn over this conflict that they have decided not to vote at all. However, I cannot do that. Not voting means that I don't have a say in who is in charge of our nation. It implies that I don't want to vote and that I don't care what happens. But, I do care what happens! Being of the younger generation especially, I will have to deal with whatever decisions the President makes that will affect our country for years to come. So I must vote!

     However, the issue escalates; who do I vote for? I mentioned that I am having a hard time choosing which candidate (among the main two) to vote for. This problem would be solved if I sided directly with either of them or with a third part candidate, but I don't. And I can't in good conscience vote for a third part candidate, because that vote would only hinder one of the main candidates and the third party candidate would have no chance to win the office (sorry Mr. Johnson, it ain't gonna happen this year). So, I believe that I should put my vote where it will do the most damage, as it were.

     I must vote for one of the two candidates, or the other, and vote I shall! As soon as I figure out who to vote for.....

     But the presidential election is no the only election being hashed out on the ballots. Voting for the state and city government representatives and leaders is just as important. So, when November 8 finally rolls around I will be voting not just for the president, but for every position I can.

     I would also encourage you to vote. I do not care what party you are from or which candidate you are going to vote for (or the other government officials). This is our right and duty as Americans and we should honor it!

#voterpride