I still like Ike

    I really enjoyed the twist of Arthur in modern day New York City running for Mayor. There were a few odd twists, such as the time traveling and demons, but those were pretty funny to read about. Having a small demon pop out and throw a building up in flames was hilarious. The sassy young Merlin was also a fun change, especially since he was essentially running the campaign as a child while no one knew why he was there who wasn’t in the time traveling loop.

    My biggest issue with this passage was actually that Gwen betrayed Arthur to Morgan. That’s just cold! In all of the other stories of Arthur that we read, Gwen and Morgan never conspired together. It was always just Gwen and Lancelot with Morgan off grooming Mordred to overthrow Arthur. This was definitely a twist to me, and one that I thought was a little uncalled for. I would storm off too if I was Arthur when he figured out what had happened.

    As for Arthur’s views, I saw a lot of 500 A.D. Arthur in his answers. The most notable example was his response to gun control, of using broad swords instead because they’re too heavy for kids but a great workout. A lovely thought, but I have yet to meet the gun that loses in a sword fight (except for Avalon High… I’m not getting into that in here). Abortion was a really interesting concept actually. Women suffer through the pregnancy and procedure, so in turn the man pays the cost so as to share in the suffering. I feel like all of his views show his chivalry coming out, but it just isn’t modern enough to be effective anymore. Granted, Arthur has barely had any time in the present. He learned a tremendous amount in such a short time that I feel given longer to prepare and adapt, he could truly be a great leader to New York or even the United States. But unfortunately for this story he is just not ready yet.

    Like I said in the title - If I had to vote for Mayor of New York City today, I would not vote for Arthur. I still like Ike.

Farewell, King Arthur! But not forever

Guys, we are in the home stretch! We are almost finished our course on King Arthur (save the final). We have learned about Arthur as a tall, huge, amazing, studly man, as well as Arthur as the small, scrawny, yet inquisitive boy, Wart. And of course, let's not forget the Arthur in Knight Life, a character I imagine being played by Paul Hogan, Crocodile Dundee style.

Replace the knife with Excalibur and you're good to go. I dunno, it just seems like the whole "outsider dropped into the city" type thing is similar to Crocodile Dundee, a movie that came out just before Knight Life was published.

 Who was my favorite Arthur? Definitely the endearing Wart, willing to learn and reminiscent of anyone's childhood, when everything was fresh and new.Who was yours? Was Arthur even your favorite character?

 Call it strange, but while I found Arthur from Once and Future King perfectly endearing, Morgaine from The Mists of Avalon was a close second when it came to favorite characters! I found myself constantly relating to her. She is strong, and perfectly capable of being powerful on her own, but she has flaws as well. The Mists of Avalon was enjoyable to read in the fact that the women were powerful in their own feminine positions, instead of being is masculine positions.

Image from http://dravite.wordpress.com/tag/morgaine/

I also loved The Lady of Shalott. She is such an enigma, and is symbolic for many emotions that women (and men) have felt in history: temptation, the desire to be noticed, loved, appreciated in one's community.

By John Atkinson...how very funny that the skyline looks Victorian! *hint hint*

Why is Arthur still enjoyable to read about today? What do you think? Is it because everyone needs a hero to look up to: that strong Arthur that looked down at the tallest man anyone would know,the Arthur who killed many men with a whack of his sword, the military leader, the fair diplomat, the friend? Is it because people need to know that seemingly untouchable figures have their own crutches: the nervous Arthur who always consults Merlin, Arthur, a man whose in denial that his best friend is sleeping with his wife? Arthur, the uncle and father (need I say more), who brings his own downfall by having a bastard son. Arthur is a character with many sides...he's been painted as a god in old writings, but his crutches, physical and mental, have been brought out in later texts. Perhaps we can pity him, love him, learn from his wisdom and his mistakes. Perhaps we can ponder on the question he asks upon his death, "Are people truly good?" Arthur is special because he makes people yearn for an age that never existed, an age of knights in shining armor, spells, strength, and insurmountable glory.   

"A Knight Life at Avalon High" By King Gary

Last week was very stressful and trying to get to the blog was the least of my worries (my bad).  I wanted to first share my thoughts on “Knight Life” before I head into thoughts on Avalon High. With “Knight Life”, I did enjoy the take on Arthur coming to terms with the modern times and seeing the familiar characters from previous readings.  I wasn’t into the political aspect of the story even though it did give the story a new twist on the Arthurian legend.  I did like the topics the reporters gave Arthur, including abortions and gun control.  I felt, like we discussed in class, that Arthur was honest with regards to his answers to those topics, even though the reporters thought his opinion as controversial.  I liked this outspoken Arthur, because he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, even if it wasn’t appropriate.  I really enjoyed the fight scene between Arthur and the waiter.  It brought back that sense of the heroic Arthur who fought the waiter/demon.  After reading these excerpts and discussing the author, Peter David, I did some further research and found out that he was actually in charge of running Marvel’s Incredible Hulk.  More relatively, David did a sequel to “Knight Life” and made “One Knight Only” which depicts Arthur Penn as President.  I would think this would be another interesting read to future classes…perhaps.

http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/7450000/7451572.jpg 

On a side note, I was watching a movie this weekend that had a scene relevant to King Arthur.  If anyone has heard of the movie, The World’s End, there was once scene where the main character, Gary (also refers himself as King Gary…actual name is Gary King) gets mad because one of his friends won’t drink beer.  He makes fun of him by asking if King Arthur asked for water after he fought in countless battles. I wish I could find a clip of this scene.  It is harder to explain because it’s funnier when the whole scene is played through.   Check it out if you want, it’s a great film either way.

http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/the-worlds-end-bathroom-fight-slice.jpg
 

                As for Avalon High…I feel like this was the most interesting read from this class.  Don’t get me wrong, I did like the epic Grail Quest and the tale of Arthur’s youth, but this interpretation was actually a guilty pleasure.  I enjoyed all the drama and seeing the characters as high school students (and Merlin as a teacher) I would definitely keep this as a future read for other classes.  Even though some parts were a bit cheesy or over dramatic, it’s a teen drama, which means the audience is going to be people of that demographic who thrive off that stuff.  The story overall was very different than what I expected.  It was like King Arthurian times met any typical high school movie. However, I would have very much read this book than watching the movie on Disney.  After hearing all the reviews, I’m glad I missed out on such a terrible film adaptation. Enjoy the photo.

https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/5639407616/h39A6630F/

 

-JH

 

If You Vote For Me All Of Your Wildest Dreams Will Come True

SO in the spirit of Knight Life, I thought it was only appropriate for a Napoleon Dynamite reference and supporting picture because it was a very....interesting movie that I used to quote in middle school. Also I feel that the idea of Pedro is very similar to King Arthur because his campaign is a little strange, as is his speech. He begins with "Hello, I don't have much to say. But I think it would be a good idea to bring some holy Sancho's to the high school..." which is definitely bizarre and attention grabbing. But whoa! This takes place in a high school which is the same as Avalon High! Look at me making connections, no it's okay, I know it's not funny. But yeah, Pedro, King Arthur, and I never thought I would be connecting the two, but I mean I think its okay since Knight Life was supposed to be funny or the author probably wouldn't have had weird demons, an invisible sword, a really dumb Percival, a whimpering Gwen, and a 9-year-old Merlin with as people have been mentioning...a lot of sass.

Also this book reminded me of a movie that I watched a long time ago and only remember the basic premise but it was called "A Kid in King Arthur's Court." Mostly because of the weird time gap in Knight Life and this movie; however, the big difference is that the modern kid is thrust into the world of Camelot instead of King Arthur being thrust into the modern world. It is a bit of a swap. Anyway I just get excited when I remember things and can relate them to the times when I was growing up. I haven't watched this movie in a LONG time and then after Knight Life I was like "Oh man this movie." However, it might be because I am also reading "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" but it still came through! I was just wondering how it would be if the roles were swapped, and if it was just a regular person from today that was tripping into a time portal to Camelot. I mean I would probably accidentally look at someone weird in the first two minutes and get chopped up ( they probably made this a kids movie to avoid the fact of imminent death) but hey there is always that small percentage of survival in this imaginary scenario that will never happen. But just imagine a kid from the modern world trying to become a knight! It is just as hilarious and ridiculous!

Few VS many

    I have finally gotten my thoughts together on the "Knight Life".  So instead of ranting about Meg Cabot's book today, I shall rant about the Knight Life.  I understand that there have been many books written about the tale of King Arthur, but this one takes the cake as the most ridiculous. 
     Though it is ridiculous, I did enjoy reading it.  Thinking that a long dead king tries to run for the mayor of New York City is rather enjoyable.  Thinking about it intuitively he can't be much worse than the mayor we have already. 
     Even though he does bring a whole new perspective into the political realm, I do not and would not vote for him as a possible mayor.  As the few of us in class stood against the many, I believe we were looking at it in a logistical stand point.  Regardless of his views on controversial topics, he was not mentally ready to face the political realm.  Even if he won mayor and had a voice to represent the masses, he would be eaten alive with the back stabbing and corruption that goes on in today politics.  I understand Arthur has had to deal with tricky people in his past, but I personally believe that a typical person in politics today does not live up to the standards that were held in politics back then.
     On a more personal note, I do not agree with his views on certain things.  On the basis it takes two to make a baby, the price should be split evenly.  Except in the case of rape, and therefore there would be other repercussion.  Except rape, no one forced the female into the sexual acts, she made that choice on her own.  Therefore she needs to be held responsible in equal share with the male.  The fact that the women alone go through the pain should make her more hesitant to the chances of being pregnant and therefore take steps to prevent such a thing.  Making the male pay for the operation to abort the baby is not equality. 
     Also his stance on gun control is un-American.  Using a sward against a possible intruder will not stop you from being killed.  In fact if I was robbing someone and had intent to kill and someone pulled a sward on me, I would laugh.  No matter if there was a law to prevent guns, someone would have the resources and the intellect to create it, and when that happens, who will be there to protect the people.  The militia?  I can assure you that if someone had intent to kill, it would be done and the person would be long gone before the militia would arrive.  Regardless of the laws, the government would still give guns to developing countries, who then would turn on our great nation... Afghanistan... Mexico.
     Over all, I think the book was rather good.  Not in the sense it represented Arthur well, but in the sense that it made people think of Arthur in a new light.  Even today, as I was writing I was getting riled up reading about his political views and the thought that people would vote blindly on someone based upon his physical features.  Well... people do that in real life.  He mirrored the political life perfectly in his book.

Did you put incest on your résumé?

I will never be able to look at deer the same way again after reading Mists of Avalon. You know what would’ve sucked? Having to watch that scene instead of reading it. Oh wait… I basically did that for the Arthur goes to Hollywod project, minus the deer part. Fun stuff.

            Anyway, I would rather talk about Knight Life because I think I’ve read enough incest for my lifetime.

            I’ve never been big into politics. I would find out what I needed to know, and even waste my time watching presidential debates (because we all know all you learn from those is how the other guy would be a terrible president) so that I could make an educated vote. I will give it to politicians. It is difficult trying to make decisions for the general public when there are so many different situations. It’s hard to choose something that will have a beneficial impact on everyone, or at least the majority. That being said, it doesn’t make it okay for them to avoid justifying anything and leaving questions unanswered. I would rather have an honest candidate giving answers, even if I didn’t agree, than some guy up there keeping his plans after being elected a secret.

            That’s why I would vote for Arthur to be mayor. It was just a coincidence that I did agree with most of his stances on the controversial issues. I would’ve voted for him because he wasn’t hiding anything, and he answered questions as best he could. I wouldn’t give him my vote because he’s hot or speaks in a cool accent. That lady was an idiot.

            I could definitely see this as a cheesy 80’s comedy movie with people wearing alligator costumes running around in waiting staff clothes. Gwen would have obnoxiously big hair, and someone on Arthur’s campaign would have one of those awful mullets. Just imagine.

3 of 5

Knight Life

I actually found myself weirdly liking this book. I know we didn't read all of it (we so don't have the time for that)  but I think we managed to get a general feel for the book.
It's a totally ridiculous setting for a King Arthur story but it also seemed to work. While I think it's bizarre (even with today's explanation) that Arthur would not run for an office in his own damn country, I guess New York is as good a place as any for a man with no believable history to start over. And then immediately run for office. Plot holes. So many plot holes.

I think the biggest problem I have with this story is probably Gwen. I can accept Arthur's nonsensical run for office and the fact that he knows nothing about politics or society. I can accept a reverse aging Merlin and scaly demon people. I'm just so fed up with lame, bitchy, treasonous renditions of Gwen.
.                                                           
This is my Gwen. I'll admit it. I think she's one of the best renditions of Gwen ever to be presented. As such I have trouble accepting other versions at times. I understand that the Gwen/Lance love story will always be a thing, although the lack of it in Merlin and therefore the lack of it in Angel Coulby's portrayal may play a part of why I love her so much. This Gwen is brave, smart, beautiful, and loyal. She makes mistakes but she's humble and is always willing to figure her shit out. The Gwen in this book (who unfortunately has been given Angel Coulby's face by my mind) is mediocre at best. And then, seemingly out of no where (who knows what happens in the missing pages) she betrays Arthur for Morgaine of all people? Where did that come from? (I suppose it probably has something to do with Lance but we know nothing about him).

Book Gwen, "Gwen Queen" as if that isn't the most obvious name ever seems like she was dropped into the campaign and is basically a coffee fetcher. Which is so totally uninspiring. She gets one good speech about politics and it's ruined by her tendency to talk "like one of the guys". She's a woman who is clearly being written by a man and it's boring and not very believable.

Sassy nine year old Merlin (who's presence no one seems to question?) is more believable in this campaign than Gwen is. Which, while hilarious, is frankly unfair.

Why is no one questioning the presence of this on the campaign? 
Furthermore, why is no one questioning it when he suddenly disappears!
The book makes me laugh, especially the whole bagel thing (and one other section that I'm totally forgetting) but it also is ridiculous and filled with plot holes and totally uninspiring female characters. So that's my thoughts. Sorry for the two posts in one day thing. That's obnoxious of me.

Impressions of Knight Life

Wow what a reading! One second I was smiling at the secret meanings behind all of Arthur’s words and the next I was feeling slightly uncomfortable with Morgan and Lance. By the end I was surprised with myself, I wanted to read more. Despite the fact that I found Morgan’s lines quite cheesy and Gwen to be annoying all over again, I was draw to Arthur’s portrayal and interested in seeing how the story plays out. And of course Merlin was the best part. I really enjoyed the mental image I had when I pictured him speaking, a snarky little kid with the soul of an old man. He is already my favorite character. I pictured him looking kind of like this:

Of course I found a lot of story  impractical, i.e. Arthur running into a burning building and coming out reasonably unscathed, or the fact that Merlin was kidnapped and no one seemed to notice (at least as far as I know due to the section cuts). I found myself really curious about the castle that supposedly in Central park and also the fact that Excalibur was invisible. And there was definitely an added charm to the way Arthur planned to run his campaign. It made me think, what would it actually be like if a candidate ran a campaign like that? Most people in America want the average joe who is above politics to be president, but we found that actually doesn’t work out very well (i.e. Jimmy Carter). So I wonder if Arthur would even make a good mayor. He probably would reform the whole system so he doesn’t have to deal with the politics, but would the laws allow him to do so? And if he gets elected, does he realize he as to run again later? Can’t be mayor forever like you are king. Interesting food for thought, which I guess can only be answered by reading the book!

Anyway, The evil demons gave it an added plus, I’m always up for a bit of magic. I will say that I found their speech patterns, especial Gwen and Morgan, to be extremely cheesy and annoying, but maybe the author just can’t capture the female voice well. Either way I was still pleasantly surprised by Knight Life, and may even read it over the summer. Compared to all prior readings Knight Life seems to be filled with humor and is pretty light hearted (whether that was intentional or not, I am unsure). I think I could see myself reading it just to have a nice, comical escape from the real world. I enjoyed Mists of Avalon but this was different (in sooo many ways). It was just lighter and easy to read.  I enjoyed catching little tidbits of Camelot references.

In the end I definitely will be purchasing a cheap copy of this book, for the laughs at least. 

3 of 5

Knight Life

Knight Life

So this book, It took me awhile to figure out what exactly was going on, maybe something was said in class on Wednesday or maybe not. Anyway, I really liked this reading after I got over my initial dilemma.

My dilemma was trying to just get a grip on how all these people were in New York anyway, centuries after Arthur. Admittedly, I did skip over the cover which helped a bit with it but my thought process still developed after that.  At first I thought, "well, there is magic so who knows, maybe Merlin was just doing an experiment and took them all to that time period?" When I re-read the cover and canned that idea, next thought was that Arthur returned from Avalon and this is where he ended up, then I realized how would Gwen and Percival be there. So I ended up just giving up on trying to make a tie back to the other stories we read and move on, which I should have done in the first place.

I personally loved this reading! The portrayal of Merlin is what took me the most. Maybe I just needed a good laugh this weekend or something but his mix of useful help to his crazy philosophical talk (anyone else laugh when he talked about the bagel?).

I think maybe this was just a change of pace or something, but this reading was really refreshing. Really looking forward to talking about it in class and hearing everyone else's opinions!

Post 2 of 5

Knight LIfe: Yet Another Gwen

I’m curious what other people think of Knight Life’s Gwen.  Of all of our readings this semester, Peter David’s Gwen is my least favorite version of her.  David’s Gwen is a sneaky, not too bright, liar. "Adultery Gwen" is not nearly as annoying as duplicitous, in league with the enemy, Gwen.   Gwen’s dialog  makes her sound a little dim with “you guys” and “y’knows.”  Morgana dupes Gwen into being a distraction and knowing participant in yet another act of betrayal.

“Aging backwards” Merlin is okay but scaly monsters magically disguised as waiters?  This book reminds me of a Kinky Friedman novel.  Or better yet, Art Penn running for mayor is sort of like the real life Kinky Friedman running for governor of Texas in 2006. Now, Friedman is running for the Agriculture Commissioner of Texas. If you add together Will Rogers, Raymond Chandler, pot smoking, cigars, an acoustic guitar, and a shot of tequila  you'd get something that sounds and looks like Kinky Friedman.  Friedman is a novelist, a musician (Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys), and a politician.  Kinky Friedman has a  line of merchandise and is a master of self-promotion.  Many of Friedman's You Tube clips contain offensive language.