Readings-"Its a good life if you don't weaken"

I picked this up after I saw it in a list that apparently had the 50 of the greatest graphic novels ever. At the time, I was in sort of becoming disillusioned with the whole Marvel-DC-Gotham stuff and wanted more than just comics. So, I ventured in search of some good graphic novels. My previous experiences with graphic novels had left me extremely gratified. I loved Watchmen and V for Vendetta. But I also loved the offbeat stuff like Logicomix, Blankets by Craig Thompson and Ghost world by Daniel Crowes.
When I read the reviews for Palookhaville and Its a good life if you don't weaken , I thought it would be something similar to Ghost World. But this read was nothing like what I thought it would be.
Quite frankly, I felt disappointed in this work. Seth is a genius when it comes to illustrations and you will understand it just by the cover page. The buildings and the weather he creates has a life of its own. And throughout this book, you can see several panels portraying just that. But where this graphic novel disappoints is, the story line. There is a very feeble, albeit true story of Seth's search for a cartoonist and glimpses of his life. There is nothing else. You get peeks into a few happenings such as his visit to his mother's home, his brother, his pessimistic conversations with his friend etc. For those who argue that there is beauty in it, i do not agree with you at all. If the story had developed into something more significant, it would have been good, great even. But left to its own, there is very little to be liked. A book should give you joy, sorrow, anger, hope or anything. But, most importantly, it should give you ideas. And for me, this book has been a huge disappointment in that aspect. I would love to see Seth illustrating a Good story line. I think it would just be marvelous. But till I find such a work, I would have to say his work doesn't quite cut it for me.

The Monkey Story!!

click to enlarge the image.

"SIX LESSONS OF LIFE"

Lesson 1: Naked Wife

A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next door neighbor. Before she says a word, Bob says, “I’ll give you $800 to drop that towel.” After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob.

After a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 dollars and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks,…

“Who was that?” “It was Bob the next door neighbor,” she replies. “Great!” the husband says, “Did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?”

Moral of the story: If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

"Lesson 2"

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, “I’ll give each of you just one wish” “Me first! Me first!” says the administration clerk. “I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.” Poof! She’s gone. “Me next! Me next!” says the sales rep. “I want to be in Hawaii,relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.” Poof! He’s gone. “OK, you’re up,” the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, “I want those two back in the office after lunch.”

Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say

"Lesson 3" A priest offered a lift to a Nun. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said,”Father, remember Psalm 129?” The priest removed his hand. But,changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, “Father, remember Psalm 129?” The priest apologized “Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.” Arriving at the convent, the nun went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, “Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.”

Moral of the story: If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity

"Lesson 4"

A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day. A rabbit asked him,”Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?” The crow answered: “Sure, why not.” So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow, and rested.

...A fox jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very high up

"Lesson 5: Power of Charisma" A turkey was chatting with a bull “I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree,” sighed the turkey, but I haven’t got the energy.” “Well, why don’t you nibble on my droppings?” replied the bull. “They’re packed with nutrients.” The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found that it gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, there he was proudly perched at the top of the tree. Soon he was spotted by a farmer, who shot the turkey out of the tree.

Moral of the story: Bullshit might get you to the top, but it wont keep you there

Lesson 6

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

Moral of the story: 1. Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy 2. Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend 3. And when you’re in deep shit, it’s best to keep your mouth shut !

Review: It's kind of a funny story

When I saw the movie title, I looked up the cast and Zach Galifianakis was in it, I thought that it was going to be another all out comedy flick. Was I in for a surprise! The movie was a total deviation from what I expected. It has Zach in a serious role.
The movie is about a 16 year old depressed teen Criag( Keir Gilchrist), who gets himself admitted at a psych clinic because he fears he might do something to himself. The attendant refuses to admit him, but does so after Craig's incessant plea for help. And so craig gets admitted for 5 days for evaluation. He meets Bobby (Zach), who he mistakes for a doctor initially, who is himself admitted there. The other main character in the movie is Noelle, who has been admitted for a history of several attempts of suicide.
The movie cruises through Criag's 5 days in the hospital. He opens up to his psychiatrist,about why he is so nervous. The movie follows the incidents and conversations that changes Craig's views and attitudes He becomes friends with Bobby. To see Zach play a semi-serious character is amazing. And of course, Craig and Noelle's budding romance also plays its part in the flow of the tale.
I liked the movie because I could relate to atleast some of it. And also, the movie is slow and breezy. And of course, its a feel good movie.
If you are in the mood for a casual, feel-good movie, then go for this.