NEW DIRECTION

ATTENTION ALL OF MY FOLLOWERS! FROM NOW ON, I WILL BE WRITING REVIEWS ABOUT MOVIES/PLAYS AND TV SHOWS THAT I WATCH!!!!

TV SHOWS WILL INCLUDE:
24 LOST THE OFFICE AMERICAN IDOL HEROES CHUCK DEXTER FLASHFORWARD GLEE

Looking at Matt's Thoughts on Native Americans

While I browsed Matt's blog/presentation about Native Americans, I found myself agreeing with so many of the ideas that he proposed. It wa fvery factual and seemed like it could be in a museum. I never knew that the Native Americans sided wityh the British during the Revolutionary War. This is actually pretty reasonable, since the British seemed to be the stronger side, and American colonists only took away from them since they landed on Plymouth Rock. The fact that they did this has seemed to haunt them to this day. Many Native American tribes are very poor and do not receive a lot of help. Native Americans never really got the proper benefits of American citizenship, but who is to say that they wanted it? Like Matt said, we forced our ways onto them when we came here to THEIR land. It's funny to look at the immigration problem now in contrast and see how we contradict ourselves because we were those immigrants in 1492, and instead of learning the way of Native Americans, we forced our ways onto them while immigrants today are forced to learn our language if they are to be so successful in this country. It is very true that being American means that we feel that our way is the best. Like Obama said in his State of the Union address, "There is no 2nd place for the United States of America!" We really do feel that we are superior, and although that makes us seem cocky, it also gives us a confidence that we need to help others in the world. But that should include helping our own citizens, both regualr and Native American. They should definitely not be on the lower end of the spectrum, because their ancestors were the ones who first claimed this land, and in a way, we should almost be grateful to them. We do not give enough credit to Native Americans. We should help them by learning more about their culture and becoming more familiar with it. There are many ways to do this. For example, I go to a camp that is very in touch with Indian culture, and that has changed some of my values in life and has made me more aware of who they are as a tribe and a people. Hopefully, others will learn to "paint with all the colors of the wind."

Learning about the Views and Rights of Homosexuality

This topic is one that I was very interested in at the beginning of the research project. I have very mixed feelings about this issue. While I would love for everyone to be accepted by their different sexualities, I can see how others find homosexuality as an uncomfortable thing to know about someone. Personally, I don't care as much, but it is surprising how many people make such a big deal of it. This SAME EXACT THING has happened for blacks Jews, women etc.. It seems like our country is always very slow when it comes to accepting people who are different. It is interesting that this argument has been around for so long, and that it is still being debated to this day. I was surprised to hear about the Stonewall Riots on Jan. 27th 1969. The gay community did exactly what MLK and Malcolm X did for the blacks during that same time period, when they resisted arrest and publicly spoke out against their discrimination. I feel that this is the best way to bring change...Fight for it! Those who did it during the Stonewall Riots were brave enough in 1969, and I like hearing those who speak out against the government today. I have the most mixed feelings about the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy. I am already familiar with this policy, and while i believe that anyone should be able to join the military, it is obviously uncomfortable for soldiers who are living in the same close quarters as a soldier who is a homosexual. While the army wants to be fair to everyone, they should also think about the soldiers who might reconsider the army based on this right for gays. But, honestly, when you put it in perspective, these people are trained to kill; they dodge bullets and work day in and day out fighting against opposing forces. I feel like they should be able to handle feeling comfortable around someone who does not share the same sex appeals as they do.
There are so many different subtopics when it comes to this issue, and I feel that each one should be addressed individually according to different situations. It is not an easy thing to agree upon, but, hopefully, they will soon conclude this fued.

Learning from the Thoughts of Kolis

After watching Chris's final presentation, I was very intrigued to see the relationship between rap and violence. I never knew that hip-hop was started in the 1970s, or that one of the purposes of it was to reduce violence and give kids on the street an alternative to it by beatboxing or breakdancing. There are many activities today that appeal to other adolescents if they want to stay busy and stay out of trouble. Like many activities that start out harmless, society usually finds a way to make it so that it is more risque, and that is normal for us now. I agree that artists should tone down their language about "shooting hoes" and "smokin' dope". It is kind of pathetic that rappers don't want to change their music to something more appropriate just because they will lose their image that way. In this sense, rapping seems to be like a drug. While it may not have a healthy benefit to society, those that make it are enjoying success too much to worry about what is right and what is wrong. That also appears to be happening more often in American society, and it is sad that awe can't really change it without taking money out of others' pockets.

Final Piece: Works Cited

Adams, Brooks. 1971 [1896]. The Law of Civilization and Decay. New York: Books for Libraries Press.


American Arts Alliance. "Federal Funding of the Arts Should Not End." Current Controversies: Free Speech. Ed. Scott Barbour. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2000. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Deerfield High School. 6 Feb. 2010 .


Brice Davis. "Easy on the Ratings." Opposing Viewpoints: The Film Industry. Ed. Roman Espejo. Detroit: Lake Times Press, 2009. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Deerfield High School. 6 Feb. 2010 .


David Goldenberg. "The Film Industry Should Not Be Blamed for At-Risk Behavior." Opposing Viewpoints: The Film Industry. Ed. Roman Espejo. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Deerfield High School. 6 Feb. 2010 .


Fitzgerald, F. Scott. “Crazy Sunday.” The Short Stories. Ed. Matthew J. Bruccoli. New York: Scribner, 1989. 713-728. Print.


Harmon, Justin, et. al. "Cole Porter." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 30 Jan. 2010..


"Shirley Temple Black." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 30 Jan. 2010..


Valente, Jose. "Ginger Rogers." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 30 Jan.2010..


Zoglin, Richard. "Full-Monty Fever: Female nudity? Ho-hum. Now it's the guys who are baring it all in an effort to shock stage audiences.(The Arts/THEATER)(Brief Article)." Time. 160. 14 (Sept 30, 2002): 90. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Deerfield High School. 6 Feb. 2010 .

The Current State of the Arts

In these modern times, many people enjoy being entertained by seeing a movie, watching a favorite TV show, or going to see a play. So many people use this as a chance to get away from everyday life and get lost in the magic of entertainment. However, it has become more common for people to critique a show and point out its flaws, rather than appreciating the art of it all. As more criticism comes from the productions that are put on, the idea of federal funding of the Arts seems useless to some.
There are people who think that the Arts should not continue to be funded by the government. They feel that it is not important enough in society for the government to spend the tax dollars they pay, and use it to support these kinds of programs. However, there are many who think otherwise. The NEA (National Endowment for the Arts) uses the money that it receives from the government to allow performing arts group to travel among the United States. People do not realize that these productions help to make other people aware of the different cultures in this world. When people see plays like “The Color Purple” and “Les Mis”, they are able to get a better understanding of what those different people went through at that time, and are able to have more appreciation for what they went through. When the NEA was created in 1965, Congress stated, “An advanced civilization must not limit its efforts to science and technology alone, but must give full value and support to the other great branches of scholarly and cultural activity in order to achieve a better understanding of the past, a better analysis of the present, and a better view of the future." This shows how, when it comes to the progression of society, the arts are of equal importance to business and new inventions. The arts explore different aspects of life that are not covered elsewhere. For many people, theatre gives the ability to solve real life problems, and to learn to be comfortable with oneself and speak with confidence, which is especially important in interviews for jobs. Through the arts, people learn to view these aspects of life with a new perception.
A lot of the entertainment industry is based off of perception. The way a director sees something may be different than what the audience believes. This can cause conflict, because many people do not like going to a show where their views and opinions are refuted. Others believe that that is the magic of entertainment. It is supposed to cause the audience to leave with a different set of opinions than what they came with. Those who are offended do not need to see the show. On the same subject, those who are not meant to see a show should not view it. A 10 year-old boy should not see an R-Rated film about anti-Semitism or drug dealing because he is not mature enough to comprehend that material in a healthy manner. The content in shows should remain the same; it should not change based on the various views of the people. At the end of his article about censorship, the author writes, “Displaying questionable content is not a crime; the crime belongs to the people who try to censor that content.” This describes how the entertainment industry should be able to get away with displaying these ideas, because it is their freedom and duty to do so.
The entertainment industry takes advantage of this freedom, because it has become more common to see content in shows that would have usually been outrageous for the view of the public. One of these more common aspects is nudity, not only onscreen, but onstage as well. Male nudity, in particular, has become increasingly popular, especially with shows like Monty Python or Equus. There are some who believe that nudity is not necessary, and that it is only used to make a show more unique, but others, like director Richard Greenberg, believe that it is just another artistic choice. He says, “Nudity is the right metaphor for what the play is about." This shows how the use of nudity acts as a tool to help tell the story of a play. It is not just for show, it has a purpose.
Besides nudity, there are other aspects in entertainment (movies, in particular) that some viewers are not comfortable with. A major worry among these people is the portrayal of sex in movies, and how it does not display the healthy ways of sexual behavior, as well as the consequences of those that do not. They feel that, too often, movies like He’s Just Not That Into You show the unhealthy ways in which people make love, without taking the time to show what really happens in real life when this occurs. Then there are others who believe that the entertainment industry does not need to do this. They note that there are films that do display safer ways to have sex, and that there are also films that show what happens as a result when a couple does not. In rebuttal to those that believe that safe-sex situations are not displayed in movies, David Goldenberg, the writer of this viewpoint essay says, “There are plenty of serious movies with major actors who suffer consequences as a result of unprotected sex, and it's not Hollywood's fault that more people want to see There's Something About Mary than Philadelphia. This shows how the movie-making industry does take notice of these real life situations and how they are applied in film. Earlier, he also says, “Maybe people would simply rather see escapist movies that didn't stop to explain that a pus-filled infection could result from careless sex.” This is a key argument against the other side, because one of the main reasons people go to any type of show is to get away from reality, and to forget about consequence. The audience cares more about what is going on in the story rather than the reality of the situation.
As more shows are featured, there will always be those who disagree with the ideas of them and their content. But entertainment is not meant to go along with the ideas of the public. It is meant to question those ideas and come up with different ones in alternative situations. Some will disagree with these views, and others will be able to identify with them. As long as there is entertainment, the productions will continue to challenge the audience, and the audience will accept that challenge by enjoying the show.

Crazy Sunday Analysis

In the short story, “Crazy Sunday”, the author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, shows the darker side of show business by telling about the hardships that a person in Holyywood goes through. In this story, the main character faces problems while striving for success in this industry. On the other hand, another character, who has already found great success, still has personal issues of his own. Fitzgerald shows that even the life of a celebrity can be as troubling as that of a normal citizen.
This story follows the life of Joel Coles, who is a young screenwriter in Hollywood, eager to please in order to achieve his goal of success. While describing Cole, the author writes, “He was twenty-eight and not yet broken by Hollywood” (Fitzgerald, 713-714). This illustrates how the town of Hollywood is a tough one, and though many may find success in this “City of Stars”, there are thousands more who find their dreams cut short. It may seem to be that everyone finds success here, but like every other job, some people are not as qualified as others. Luckily, Joel Coles got his foot in the door from some other projects he had been working on. Early in the story, he is invited to a cocktail party hosted by the famous director, Miles Calman. There, he meets his old firend, Stella, who he knew as a struggling actress in New York. She is now married to Miles, and is enjoying the life of luxury; but she is not happy with her marriage with him. He has cheated on her with her best friend, yet she stayed with him. This fact illustrates how Stella basically depends on Miles for happiness. Although she loves Miles, the fame and fortune that he has definitely factors into her infatuation for him. She is willing to settle for less in her marriage as long as she gets what she wanted when she was struggling in New York.
Joel is invited back by Stella, with whom he starts spending more and more time. He is able to see how bad their marriage really is, and how it affects them as individuals. Joel can clearly see the difference between Miles’ life at work in contrast to his private life. “The fine instinct that moved swiftly and confidently on the set, muddled so weakly and helplessly through his personal life” (Fitzgerald, 722). This shows how the life of a celebrity is not a perfect one. While they may achieve fame and fortune, it is not always enough for them to be happy. Their personal lives are separate from their success in entertainment.
At the end of the story, Joel and Stella have made love, and following that, they get a call with the news that Miles was killed in a plane crash. Although Stella wants Joel to stay with her, she has already told him that Miles is who she really loves. She only wants him so that he can remind her of Miles. Realizing this, Joel leaves her in during her sorrow.
The main message in this story shows that the life of an entertainer is not a perfect one. In fact, it tends to have many flaws. It seems that it would be a dream come true to be an actor or a producer, but these people go through the same issues as everyone else., what is worse thing about their problems is that so many people can find out about them. It takes hard work for someone to make a name for themselves in the entertainment industry, and even if they do, there are going to be more that lie ahead.

Awesome Background Analytical Response

Throughout history, theatre and entertainment in general has had a major impact on the lives of Americans, whether they are the audience members chewing on their popcorn fresh out of the kettle, or the beautiful celebrities walking down the red carpet. There are many famous actors and actresses today, but those older and more historic figures are what seem to have the greatest impact on how movies and musicals are now viewed. But the entertainment industry is a business industry, and hopefully, a positive theater experience will lift the spirits of the audience and will bring more success to that production.
Shirley Temple, who now goes by Shirley Temple Black, was a famous young actress during the years of the Great Depression. She was like today’s Hannah Montana, only a lot younger. She was a very talented actress, singer, and dancer. The triple threat! Although that is seen so often nowadays, she had a different appeal to her audience. Part of what made her so successful was the time period that she was living in. During the Depression, many people were not able to find joy in their lives. While talking about the goals of the screenwriters for the Shirley Temple films, the article says, “to entertain Depression-era audiences with the cuteness and precociousness of a child who helps adults solve problems” (Shirley Temple). This illustrates the fact that Temple was to raise the spirits of the population during that time of turmoil. When an adorable 9 year-old girl was performing on the big screen, audiences were able to get away from the feeling of hopelessness that they were living with. In a way, Shirley Temple was a savior to some because her entertainment acted as an escape from the real world, as it still does today.
Almost everyone knows of the famous Ginger Rodgers. Along with Shirley Temple, she was another woman who entertained during the Depression with new dance moves and classic lines, such as “Cigarette me, big boy,” from Top Speed in 1930. Her success first came in the dancing industry, and from there, she moved on to dance in films with her famous partner, Fred Astaire. Together, they were able to open up a path to a different style of dancing that was more focused on how it looked on film. Many of her years in show business were considered to be the Golden Age of Hollywood. Again, this was not only due to the numerous talents that emerged during the ‘30s and ‘40s, but also because of what that entertainment meant at that time. From the Great Depression to WWII, America did not have it easy, and this was this break from reality that helped this country to manage these tough times.
Where would the dancers be without the music?! Not only were there significant figures in the movie industry, but also in the theatre department as well. Richard Rogers, Oscar Hammerstein, and Lorenz Hart; these men were composers and lyricists who wrote the songs to numerous musical productions. Some of these include: Babes in Arms, Oklahoma!, and South Pacific. It first started with Rodgers and Hart, but after Hart’s death in 1943, Rodgers and Hammerstein teamed up to continue their career in songwriting. According to the article about the life of Richard Rogers, they (including Hart) also created more songs that had “Musical numbers more closely tied to plot, and transitional passages that bridged stage actions” (Richard Rodgers). This way, it was not just a bunch of people randomly singing and dancing a song that sounded good. These new songs actually had to do with the plot of the show. After Hammerstein’s death, Rodgers continued composing, but he never had as much success as he did with his partners. This is a very common occurrence in all areas of life, where some people are more successful when they work together.
Not only is the entertainment industry meant to please its audiences, it is also meant to make money. Broadway, one of the most famous names in entertainment, works the same way as any company in America does. They find what the public is willing to pay for and uses that as their way to make a profit. In the article, Broadway: A Theatre Historian's Perspective, it says, “The professional Broadway theatre is a business, and theatre is seen by professionals as a business like any other.” This explains how, for this particular industry, shows are performed to entertain and to make the most money out of each performance. That is why only the shows that seem to have the most potential are selected to be on Broadway. Now, it mainly consists of musicals. Whether it is a new musical or a revival, it has to be a crowd pleaser because it’s a business. There are other shows that are featured on Off-Broadway, or even Off-Off-Broadway. Although there are shows that gain more publicity than others, there are still good shows that are hidden in the rough. Just like a product can be advertised, a show can be advertised as well, but that does not mean that it will be the best for everyone. Again, theatre is a business, and the shows that are deemed most profitable are the ones that are advertised the most, resulting in a greater popularity and a longer shelf life.
The entertainment industry serves many purposes. First and foremost, it entertains. It is meant to draw the audience in with its story and message, and to leave them wanting more. It gives individuals like Shirley Temple and Ginger Rogers a chance to share their talents to please the crowds. On the opposite end of the spectrum, it is a business and it is meant to earn money for its employees and its investors. Hopefully, the entertainment of the audience will always be of prime importance, and the financial success will be the natural by-product.

Censoring

This article I read had to do with the concerns of ratings of movies and how it should be manipulated in order to keep those who do not want to view it from viewing it. The author is in support of being able to make certain material available and unavailable to certain audiences, to an extent; but at the same time, he feels that if people have a problem with what is being displayed, they should not view it, if they have the choice. Obviously, a ten year-old should not go into an R-rated film, because some of the material may be bad for him to know about. It can be available for certain audiences, but those who will be offended by it should avoid conflict and not see the flick. I totally agree with his ideas because so many people complain about some content in movies as not being appropriate, yet they are the ones who chose to see the movie. Honestly, it's a film, and part of being a film means that there are ideas that will be loved by some, and questioned by others. Like the author, I find this to be one of the fun parts of seeing movies. It fills your mind with a new set of ideas that you can accept or deny, and it is up the audience to decide which side they will choose. Not everyone is going to have the same opinion, and it is very possible that the majority of viewers who see a movie will not have the same viewpoints as the person who wrote it or directed it. The ideas in a movie are almost meant to challenge those of the audience. Obviously, this same idea applies to theatre and television. If some individuals don't want their ideas to be challenged, there's a solution: Don't watch a show that might do exactly that! And if you do, don't complain about it afterwards!

Brice Davis. "Easy on the Ratings." Opposing Viewpoints: The Film Industry. Ed. Roman Espejo. Detroit: Lake Times Press, 2009. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Deerfield High School. 6 Feb. 2010 .

Don't blame Hollywood...

The final article I read today discussed the views on how sex and sex-related topics were depicted in film. The article I read was arguing that films should not be guilty of portraying unsafe sexual behavior and not showing the consequences. They talked about how the "opposing viewpoint" used several fims that were only to their advantage by displaying scenes that could be hazardous in one's sexual life, whether it is wearing a condom, or staying disease free. The side I read about believed that, not only should the media not be blamed for showing unsafe sex scenes, but there are so many movies they could've used to go against that statement. "Knocked Up", for example, is the perfect movie that is all about the consequences (and benefits, I guess) of not having safe sex. There are others that they mentioned, such as "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gum", where Jenny dies from AIDS. I have to see that movie again because I never caught that part! Anyways, the other side only chose to view the majority of films which fit their side of the argument. You know what, who cares if there is not a sexual safety lesson being displayed in a film, because honestly, people don't go to the movies to see that crap, they go there to get away from those real life consequences and immerse themselves in a movie where four guys wake up in Vegas and have no idea what the heck happened the night before. That movie (The Hangover, in case you are one of 10 people who didn't see it) is not the least bit educational and it is one of the best comedies I've ever seen. People don't like to go to the movies for a reality check, so why should Hollywood be blamed for not displaying real-life situations. That's what MTV is for, but not really. I'm gonna wind this down because I need to go to be...If people engage in sexual activity at the age of 19 and end up having to support twins, that is their problem that they need to take responsibility for. Those lessons should not be learned from movies, anyways. Use real life situations to learn about the real-life consequences not film, people! Take responsibility for your own actions! Don't rely on people like Seth Rogen and everyone who gets killed in horror movies to give you a lesson in safety. And, scene....


David Goldenberg. "The Film Industry Should Not Be Blamed for At-Risk Behavior." Opposing Viewpoints: The Film Industry. Ed. Roman Espejo. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Deerfield High School. 6 Feb. 2010 .

Nude Entertainment

This other interesting article talked about nudity onstage and how the audience reacts to it. It also questions whether or not nudity is really necessary in a show, or if it’s something to make it unique. The truth is, nudity onstage has become more and more frequent, and it does not affect the audiences as much as it used to when it was seen in “Hair”. We live in a different era where certain things are more acceptable than they used to be. Swearing, for example, is much more common than before, and the same goes with m any other types of censorship. Nowadays, nudity onstage (male nudity, to be specific) is even more common in plays such as “Equus” and “The Full Monty”. This is proof that the times, they are are a-changin’ and the idea of censorship is becoming less and less significant in entertainment. In many ways, that’s pretty sweet, but for those conservatives, it’s probably a nightmare! But they can just close their eyes and ears!!!! And scene...

Zoglin, Richard. "Full-Monty Fever: Female nudity? Ho-hum. Now it's the guys who are baring it all in an effort to shock stage audiences.(The Arts/THEATER)(Brief Article)." Time. 160. 14 (Sept 30, 2002): 90. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Deerfield High School. 6 Feb. 2010 .

Funding the Arts

One of the articles I read discussed the funding of federal arts and how it should continue in America. Obviously, I am in support of this article and I agreed with and related to many of the reasons they gave for it. It starts out by showing how the arts help in the understanding of different cultures, histories and people around the world. This is very true, because when people see plays like “The Color Purple” and “Les Mis”, they are able to get a better understanding of what those different people went through at that time.
Another point they brought up dealt with how the arts are good for the economy. One of the main things it does is it gives jobs to millions of people around the country, which is very important during this economic pickle we find ourselves in. It also attracts money from tourists, stimulates business developments, and more importantly, it helps younger kids to improve their ways of life by teaching them essential life skills. Some of these lessons involve kids learning how to express themselves in a healthy way and to not be afraid of doing so. It also gives them the abilities to reason and solve problems that occur in real life. I can easily relate to this idea because I have experienced the effect of it firsthand. Through theatre, I have been able to show more confidence in situations like public speaking and interviews, which comes as a struggle for many people. The popular fear of public speaking is up there with the fear of death.
It’s also important that these arts are funded because some of them are non-profit organizations, and they need those funds to remain in business and benefit those that they employ and entertain.
Personally, I believe that the arts are one of the MOST important recipients of government funds because they make a clear impact on so many lives. And, scene...


American Arts Alliance. "Federal Funding of the Arts Should Not End." Current Controversies: Free Speech. Ed. Scott Barbour. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2000. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Deerfield High School. 6 Feb. 2010 .

Craaazy Sunday

So, I read this short story called "Crazy Sunday" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. When I was reading it, I was wondering if this was a good story to analyze because it seemed to focus more on the relationships of the characters rather than show business itself. When I finally finished and thought back upon this story with my thororough analyzation skills, I realized that the reason that this had to do with show business is because of how it affected the character's lives. The main character is named Joel Coles, and he is a new screenwriter in Hollywood. Like many newbies in this business, he is struggling to impress the right people. On one Sunday,Miles Calman, a director he admires, invites him over. There, he is reunited with Miles' wife, Stella, whom he knew as a struggling actress in New York. Cole later learns that Miles has been cheating on her, and despite his attraction to Stella, he does not want to get on the bad side of someone who could him find more success. She is attracted to him as well, but also does not want to do the same thing to her husband that he did to her. Joel and Stella hang out together more often, until they finally get drunk and have sex. Coincidentally, Joel later gets a phone call that says Miles was killed in a plane crash. Although Stella wants Joel to comfort her, he leaves because he knows that she will never really love him, so there is no point.
See what I mean? This story has so much to do with the relationships of characters, but when I finally thought of the setting, I realized how much of an influence that had on those relationships. Obviously, when someone's in Hollywood, or New York, they are usually willing to do (or not do) a lot in order to find fame. This seemed to be the case for Joel, who resisted his lust for Stella not only to free his conscience, but also to make sure he did not ruin his chances with Miles, who could help him find success and happiness. He is trading love in for these two goals of his, and when Miles dies, he may have also left because he did not see a point in being this close to her if it would not benefit his career.
Similar to Joel, Stella also seemed to depend on Miles for happiness. Although she may have loved him, she also loved the life that he gave her, meaning she could have loved him for his success, rather than who he was. Her history as a struggling actress definitely has an influence in how she may perceive happiness in her future. If she married a famous director, theen she will obviously be happy with what she always wanted, right? WRONG! This story shows that even those who are the most successful and the wealthiest can have problems like anybody else. Fame and money does not bring happiness, and this story (as well as many true stories today) perfectly shows that. The life of a movie star or Broadway actress can be tough, especially with relationships! You may think Brad Pitt and and Angelina Jolie would be happy with huge mansions in France and children from every continent, but evidence has illustrated their unhappiness. It does not matter how many movies one makes or stars in; they cannot rely on their fame and money in order to gain happiness. A celebrity has to find happiness like everybody else. And that starts withing themselves...But admit it, it does seem like being rich and famous would help someone to feel at least a little bit better about themselves! And, scene...

The Short Stories, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
p.713-728

My Progress

So far, this has been very interesting. I have learned a lot about actors, actresses, composers, etc. Since this is one of my passions, it does not seem to be as much of a research project as it is looking up things that I am ointerested in. The only difficult aspect is that there are so many directions that I can take this, and I am not sure which one I want to do. I was thinking about digging more into major evolvements in theatre and different ways that theatre has changed through the years. I was also thinking about looking into significan milestones in the theatre industry, as well as cinema. I enjoy researching this topic and it really does make it easier since I am so attatched to it

The Business of Broadway

This article talks about how theatre (Broadway, in particular) has changed over time. At first, it used to be for pure entertainment, but now it is often seen as a way to make a profit. Not saying that it wasn't before, but it seems that those in charge are more focused on that than providing quality entertainment. The article also talks about how the audience for theatre has declined, which probably came as a result of not having the best shows to perform.
There is also Off-Broadway, which, as the article suggests, has become an alternative to regular Broadway. It usually is cheaper and is considered the second-rate Broadway. These are shows that could not quite make it to that highest level. Then, there is Off-Off-Broadway, which was created in the 1950s for shows that could not make it to Broadway or Off-Broadway. They are usually shows that "are unsuitable for commercial theatre." But people should not take this info to heart, because there could be some very nice productions in te Off- Broadways that did not please one audience. Who's to say it will not please another. It's not a popularity contest, it's entertainment, and the two get very mixed up nowadays.
Another reason theatre is not as popular as it used to be is because of technology and how we are able to rent movies or watch them on Demand, and DVR TV shows such as 24, Chuck, Heroes, The Office or Lost (season premiere is tomorrow! So excited!). All of these options are significantly cheaper than paying around $100 for orchestra seating to Jersey Boys, and that seems to be the problem. In this economy, many people worry more about their money than the type of entertainment they are watching. For my family and I, we choose to enjoy ourselves and not worry as much about the cost, which benefits both us and the theatre production.
In the end, I agree that theatre is still a business. Sometimes it booms when a new hit musical comes out; other times, like now, some people are cautious about their money and may not be willing to spend it at a theatre. Either way,the business of theatre has not changed significantly, and it probably will not for a long time, if ever. And why should it? And, scene...

Adams, Brooks. 1971 [1896]. The Law of Civilization and Decay. New York: Books for Libraries Press.

Cole Porter

So our school play this year is Anything Goes. I am the Chinese gambler named Ling, and as long as I am researching the subject of arts, it would be a perfect opportunity to look into one of the most famous names in the play: Cole Porter. Porter was born in 1891. His mother, who was a pianist, had Cole take violin lessons at age six and piano at eight. His first song "The Bobolink Waltz" was published in 1902 when he was just 11! His grandfather wanted him to be lawyer, but he followed his own music and was able to get two of his songs into Broadway shows: "Esmerelda" in Hands Up and "Two Big Eyes" in Miss Information. Unfortunately those shows did not quite catch on like some of his others. After meeting producer Raymond Hitchcock on a ship, he was asked to write music and lyrics for Hitchy-Koo in 1919, a revue. Cole's song, "An Old-Fashioned Garden," was one of the show's hits. After that, he did not have much luck until a 1929 London production, Wake Up and Dream became a hit. It included his song, "What Is This Thing Called Love?"
Many of Porter's best-known songs originated in Broadway productions of the 1930s: "Love for Sale" (The New Yorkers, 1930), "Night and Day" (Gay Divorce, 1932), "You're the Top" (Anything Goes, 1934), and "Begin the Beguine" and "Just One of Those Things" (Jubilee, 1935).
Unfortunately, he was badly injured after being thrown off his horse and crushed by it. He needed 31 operations during the next 20 years to save his legs (the right one was later amputated) and was in pain for the rest of his life. But that did not stop him from creating other hit songs such as those from "Kiss Me Kate". He also worked in film for three decades. He continued to write songs until his health started faltering. He eventually died after kidney surgery in 1964 in Santa Monica, CA. I am very excited to have the opportunity to perform one of his shows and it really helps to understand where the music actually was developed. And, scene...

Harmon, Justin, et. al. "Cole Porter." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 30 Jan. 2010. .

Shirley Temple

OK. We all know how talented Dakota Fanning and Abigail Breslin are, but they do not measure up to the success of Shirley Black. Who is Shirley Black. Black is her married name, but her original name is what she is most recognizable with. Shirley Temple, who was born in 1928, made her film debut in 1932 in a few short-comedy films. Her talent was then recognized by an agent from the Fox film company...And so it began....She was in her first full length film when she did Stand Up and Cheer in 1934. She was later cast in 9 other films that very same year, and was awarded a mini Oscar. She has been known to be one of the most popular actresses of the Great Depression. This era is another reason why this girl was so aloved. Her movies helped people going through financial struggles to be able to enjoy themselves and escape from reality for a while. That is one reason why people still go to movies, plays etc. Her most memorable movies include The Little Colonel (1935), Captain January (1936), Wee Willie Winkie (1937), Heidi (1937), and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1938). Unfortnately, her career dropped when she reached her teen years. I guess she lost that innocence of childhood as so many young actors do these days...Lindsey Lohan is a similar example. She returned to TV and acted in a few shows, but it seems her passion for acting was not as strong. She was married twice, and when her second husband (Charles Black)was called to the Pentagon, she moved to D.C.
One thing that surprised me was that she made a new adult life for herself in politics. She was given several high ranking positions (including U.S. representative to the UN Conference on the Human Environment in 1972 and U.S. commissioner for the UN's Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization). She also assisted Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter. She is still alive today and is writing an autobiography on her political life. Don't worry, she wrote one on her acting as well! And, scene...


"Shirley Temple Black." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 30 Jan. 2010. .

Rodgers, Hammerstein and Hart

As one of the most well known music writers of their time (and ours), Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein and Lorenz Hart changed the way that music was written for both theatre and film. Hammerstein first met Hart, and they both needed each other. Hart was a lyricist, Hamerstein was a composer. They tried their luck in Hollywood, but their place was in New York (for now).They collaborated in a way that allowed for songs to be more "in tune" with the plot of the show, and created better transition for stage actions. The pair produced about 30 musicals before Hart's death in 1943.
Not many people, including myself, give credit to Lorenz Hart, who was the first collaborator with Rodgers and wrote the music to many musicals. But not as many of them were as well known as the ones Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote.
Rodgers later met Hammerstein and the two of them were able to provide even more progress for musical theatre. Some of their most famous plays include: Oklahoma (1943), The King and I (1951), and Sound of Music (1959). Instead of fitting the words to music, as Rodgers and Hart did, the new duo did just the opposite which allowed for more creativity.
Unfortunately, Hammerstein died in 1960, and although Rodgers continued to compose, he was never as successful as he was with his partners.
It's amazing to think that only a few individuals are needed to be able to change the way of theatre as we know it. Those kinds of changes are not as common to day, because it is harder and harder to find originality. But when people do, that is what makes them great! And, scene...

Harmon, Justin, et. al. "Richard Rodgers." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 30 Jan. 2010. .

America's Favorite Dancer

Among all the great actresses in America's pasttime, one of the most celebrated and all-around talented is Ginger Rogers. Like so many other kids, she had a father, who was an electrical engineer, and a mother, who was a screenwriter and later Rogers' business manager and confidante. This seems to be a very helpful way for a child to be introduced to the world of entertainment. It's definitely easier when your parents already have their foot in the door with you, but for Rogers', she proved to be more than any other actress to walk into entertainment. She is well-known for her dancing with her partner and friend, Fred Astaire; but, like most other entertainment stars, she started out in theatre. She began acting in shows such as
Girl Crazy, 42nd Street and Gold Diggers of 1933. Her Broadway achievements got her a contract with Hollywood, where she met Astaire. Their first movie together was in 1933, and it was called Flying Down to Rio. She actually won an Academy Award for best actress in 1940 for her role in Kitty Foyle. Some famous icons she has worked with include Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Bob Hope and Former President Ronald Reagan! Bet you didn't know that one of our Presidents was a theatre kid! Unfortunately, marriage was always hard with Giner Rogers (as it is with many celebrities!) She was married and divorced 5 times, and claims that her only true love was a director of her movies Swing Time and Vivacious Lady, George Stevens. Unfortunately, he was already married. She did not have any children, and she passed away on April 25, 1995 at age 83 at her home in Rancho Mirage, California. That would be a fulfilling life that i would like to live one day! And, scene...

Valente, Jose. "Ginger Rogers." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 30 Jan. 2010. .

Exploring the Arts

I am so thankful to have the opportunity to research the arts-my favorite thing in the world! As you all know, i am involved in this aspect of life! Movies, theatre, Vaudeville, improv! All of these things are what make up our entertainment industry to day. Some, like basic theatre, have lasted longer than others; others, like movies, are still relatively new, and they keep getting more advanced, like every other aspect in our lives. It definitely makes a research project easier when it is something you are truly interested in. The only other intense research project i remember was on the assassination of JFK, which i was very interested in. The only problem with the arts is that there is such a wide variety of them. Hopefully, i will be able to find the truly interesting facts that will interest all of my 0 followers!

Funny SNL skit

This should get some laughs. Personally, i found it hilarious!

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/episodes/#vid=1158506

State of the Union Review

AMERICA IS #1! That was the only part of Obama's speech that seemed a little too far-fetched. Our country is definitely not #1, and the hour and a half long speech proves that. There are many problems in this nation, and they need to be solved. There were many good ideas being brought up concerning our economy and the lives of everyday citizens. My favorites included: using energy in a more healthy way for the environment, cutting down on college expenses, and the discouragement of lobbyist influence in political matters. I have to say that, while i would like everyone to have health insurance/health care, i have mixed feelings about this decision. This is because i am the son of an orthopedic surgeon, and this plan is harmful to almost all doctors. When Obama said he was open to other options, my dad told me that they need to protect doctors from being sued for millions of dollars, becauase that causes malpractice insurance to increase, therefore resulting in an increase for the cost of health insurance. It scares me to think that people studying medicine right now may be discouraged from this profession due to this law. I think Obama is an intelligent guy with many intelligent coworkers, and that is why i believe him when he says that he has never had more hope for this country. It was interesting to see what ideas were popular to the Democrats and Republican and how at certain times they both stood up, which was a sign that these ideas may become "the walk" as opposed to "the talk." Hopefully, Obama will be able to walk the walk, and back up the talk at the State of the Union. Peace out USA!!!

Intro

Hello, my name is Adam Michael Sherman. I created this blog for my American Studies class, and i will be posting thoughts about topics that i am interested in. My interests include THEATRE, Camp Kawaga, animals and movies, when i grow up, i would like to be an actor on stage or in film.