Willy Martinez's Blog, page 47

Requiem For Those Who Totter On The Brink of Doom: A Rare Poem

In observance on World Animal Day, we share with you a rare poem about ecological diversity. “Requiem For Those Who Totter On The Brink of Doom” is a Poem about the ecological diversity in Southern Illinois.

He stalks among the untrodden waysOf minnesota's primeval wood:A beast whom there are few to praise,And almost non call "good."The timber wolf, that creature dread,Is on our Threatened Species List;As a species, now almost dead--And most say he will not be missed.But it is not right, this wish of Man,The wolf into extinction to send.It was not Evolution's immediate planThat this animal's existence should end!The same is true of te Indiana bat,Which Homo seems destined to extirpate,Unless its "evil" image we canSomehow--someway--negateWho can make an osprey againWhen the last one is gone from its native shore?How will we re-create the prairie chicken when The last prairie is no more?What of the bird with the ivory bill,Near elimination from this earth?And when the jack pine woods are still,What was that last kirtland's warbler worth?Requiem For Those Who Totter On The Brink of Doom: Poem Continues Below.Pond at La Rue Pine Hills, Snake Road, Southern Illinois. Photo taken by Willy MartinezWill Man be able to synthesizeA replacement for the trumpeter swan?When the wild lake's last shrill laughter dies,Aren't we assured that the loon is gone?An unnamed fish, recently discovered,Has had its future compromised;Man may already have wiped out the speciesBefore it was taxonomically recognized!Others, too, in the same veinFace extinction's all-final tomb;The pupfish, key deer, sandhill craneTotter on the brink of doom.What gives us unquestioned right to Eliminate any one of these?Are we so important in His sightThat He will condone such atrocities?Why must Man demand dominionOver his cohabitants of this sphere?Why must he force on them his opinionThat they are no longer needed here?Must he return them to the dustFrom which he himself arose?Wasn't our role a caretaker's trust,Not the dominion we now impose?The diversity law has been ignored.It says this Earth-ark would better beThe more kinds of life we have aboard,And the less likely catastrophe.Must Man continue to snap each species' straw?Is he too blind to seeThat it is not his, but Nature's law:The greatest good is in diversity!Pond at La Rue Pine Hills, Snake Road, Southern Illinois. Photo taken by Willy Martinez

This poem was published in the preface by Ezra Ownse, in “Those on the brink of doom : a study of rare fishes in the Shawnee National Forest.” A full version of this text has been uplaoded into the Internet Archive, here.

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“The Quiet American” Synopsis by Graham Greene

The Quiet American is an antiwar novel writen by British author, Graham Greene in 1955. This novel was adapted into films in 1958, and in 2002. The 1958 film was written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and the 2002 film was directed by Phillip Noyce.

Being that Cinema is the main representation of Vietnam that was transferred from literature it is important to note the similiarities and differences that are well adapted or just left out in both film versions.

Both film versions and the novel include various themes which can be compared and contrasted; themes of betrayal; living with the guilt of betrayal; religion and politics; the use of a setting as an abstract force and characters that are “trapped emotionally, spiritually, and physically in an alien environment.” (Lewis, Kevin; “The Third Force: Film and Television Literature Index”

Synopsis of Graham Greene’s “The Quiet American

This quick synopsis will help identify important characters which can then be further examines to discern the differences/simiilarities. The story is told from the perspective of Thomas Fowler but Alden Pyle is the driving character of The Quiet American, and we are told in the first chapter that he has been murdered. Thomas Fowler, a British journalist living and workig in Vietnam, tells us the story of his strange relationship with Pyle.

Pyle was in Vietnam on business but exactly what kind of business is not completely understood until the end. When Pyle and Fowler meet, Pyle falls in love with Phuong, the young Vietnamese woman that Fowler is living with.

Synopsis of The Quiet American by Graham Greene

The story of their love triangle creates motivation for characters, and Phuong is seen as a representation of how the colonial power, Fowler and the American power, Pyle fight over the innocent and want to contrl them. This novel takes place in the 50’s, years before the Americans enter the Vietnam War.

The French are fighting the Communists, and the Vietnamese peasants are caught in the cross-fire. Pyle is an idealist and truly believes that what he is doing in Vietnam is right, and his ideals are contrasted with Fowlers cynicism and realism. Pyle’s self-righteous determination to stick to his mission forces Fowler to choose sides, even though Fowler had determined to remain disengaged as an impartial journalist. The main driving force for Fowler is his love for Phuong; he is willing to do anything for this woman.

If you are enjoying this synopsis of “The Quiet American” by Graham Greene, check out our other literay content at The Ritual.

There is also another character, detective Vigot whom is trying to find out who murdered Pyle. Vigot and Fowler are both cynical and realists but their differeince lies in faith; Vigot is a Roman Catholic and Fowler is an atheist. Thomas Fowler represents the older, cynical person with no religion and no political interest unless it benefits him as a single person. He does not care about the greater good.

On the other hand, Alden Pyle is all about choosing sides and sacrificing a few men for the greater good which is validated in his statement, “They were only war casualties… anyway, they died in the righ cause” (Greene 171).

Fowler could contrast this statement by arguing that “American operations had little relevance to the lives of Vietnamese villagers in the South. Pyle is being portrayed as the beginning of American “Vietnamization… the policy had been built on American desires, not on Vietnamese reality.

These are the main characters which drive the novel: their intentions, ideals, and political alignment will entalbe to develop the story of The Quiet American.

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7 Experimental Books Reshaping Historical Narratives

Sometimes the only way to approach history, particularly a history that has excluded you or one which you felt trapped inside, is to deface it. Defacing—like a form of graffiti—can take the form of literally writing or collaging on top of the record so that your words are visible, but so is the history you…

7 Experimental Books Reshaping Historical Narratives

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Their First Time – Flash Fiction Horror Response to Art

“Their First Time,” is a flash fiction horror piece was written in response to Cult Class’s art, and in hopes of getting into the Halloween/Fall vibes.

It was their first time. They knew the fields would be empty on this Easter Sunday. The thought of popping their cherries was on both of their minds.

Teenagers were known to park here to get frisky. It was only a matter of time before the boy in the car put the moves on the girl.

From the tree line, the others wait. Noticing the girl remove her shirt and lean back on the seat, the group bled out from the tree line. With weapons in hand, disguised by the sheets, they march towards the young love birds.

The group was out to make an example of these two. This group would forever be known as the October people by the ‘calling card’ they leave behind; pumpkin guts mixed with the blood of the slain.

This was their first.

Their First Time – Flash Fiction Horror Response to Art

We hope you enjoyed this flash fiction by Willy Martinez. Here is some more flash fiction, as well as our literature blog, The Ritual.

Image Posted by Cult Class on Instagram.

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The Tropical Cyclone in Thrilling Fiction and Non-Fiction

As Florida and Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and other Tropical Cyclone affected populations deal with the impacts of hurricanes and other tropical storms, some have written hurricane-based literature. These works may tell the stories of real or imagined experiences of living through a hurricane to provide insight for others not affected, or provide warnings in a playful way to younger children. These stories took on a higher level of prominence following the impacts of Hurricane Katrina and the nation remembering the Crescent City’s experience. 

In this article, we share 8 books about the Katrina Hurricane, and other tropical cyclones.

THE GREAT HURRICANE: 1938 BY CHERIE BURNSTropical Cyclone Lit

This nonfiction book uses firsthand accounts like diary entries to depict the 1938 hurricane’s impact on Long Island and New England. In a time before reliable meteorological predictions, many people’s plans continued with no warning about the coming storm. Winds reached 180 miles per hour, devastating the coastline. This is a fascinating piece of local history.

SALVAGE THE BONES BY JESMYN WARDTropical Cyclone Lit

Jesmyn Ward won the National Book Award twice: first for this novel in 2011 and then for Sing, Unburied, Sing in 2017. This novel follows a working class black family in rural Mississippi in the days leading up to the tropical cyclone known as, Hurricane Katrina. Esch, the 14-year-old narrator, is resilient and relatable. Readers get to know about everything from her love of ancient mythology to her sexual feelings.

THE PERFECT STORM BY SEBASTIAN JUNGERTropical Cyclone Lit

This creative nonfiction bestseller from 1997 tells the story of the so-called “perfect storm”: a rare combination of storm systems. The fishing vessel the Andrea Gail, from Gloucester, Massachusetts, was lost and all six crew members presumed . In 2000, the book was adapted into a movie starring George Clooney.

If you are enjoying this article, check out our Literary blog at The Ritual.

ZEITOUN BY DAVE EGGERS (for Tropical Cyclone)

In this nonfiction book from 2009, Eggers tells the story of Abdulrahman Zeitoun, a Syrian immigrant, and his wife, Kathy. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Zeitoun navigates the streets of New Orleans in a canoe, assisting neighbors and local animals. He’s later suspected of terrorism and arrested. The takes a huge toll on his family. If you’ve followed this story in the news recently, you know that their lives have become even more tumultuous since the book was published.

Gothic America Phantom World: A Hard Core Haunt Collection eBook Mad Men Dark Fiction Anthology The Tropical Cyclone in Thrilling Fiction and Non-FictionTHEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD BY ZORA NEALE HURSTON

This novel is Hurston’s best-known work, a classic of African American literature and American literature in general. It’s a brilliant exploration of race, a young woman’s romantic and sexual awakening, and nature. The 1928 hurricane in southern Florida is important to the plot, as well as symbolically. A passage about the hurricane’s raw power also provides the novel with its title.

MOON TIDE BY DAWN CLIFTON TRIPP (for Tropical Cyclone)

This historical novel begins in 1913 and culminates in the infamous Great Hurricane of 1938. Set in the small, coastal town of Westport, Massachusetts, most of the novel describes small-town life, social class, and relationships. The slow pace picks up near the , when the hurricane arrives.

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Hiking Photos From Snake Road at Shawnee National Forest

Let's kick this one off with a short Haiku, inspired by the photos taken at Snake Road at LaRue-Pine Hills in the Shawnee National Forest. "One of those moments Where you snap a Kodak pic,Freezing time in place."

My daughter is more adventure and mischief than she is into dolls and dresses. Actually, she has never been into dolls… or dresses.

She prefers Lizards, snakes, mystery and adventure! This trip to snake road was actually upon her request. I had recently purchased a small booklet on the snakes of Southern Illinois and it talked about snake road. Once I mentioned it to her, she was fixated on it and that we had to go. Personally, I love the outdoors and hiking, so I’m thinking, ‘yeah, my plan worked!”

We waited for a perfect sunny day, packed up some snacks and water, along with the appropriate kids out door adventure vest.

Our trip to La Rue Pine Hills in Union County was a hike to remember. We were able to see four small snakes on our hike; dozens of birds, including cardinals, and hawks; multiple frogs; various ponds; and hundreds of beautiful trees, plants and shrubs.

Here are some photos of the area that I took with a Canon 5D camera.

Thank you for taking some time out of your day to read this post. I also writer literary content for The Ritual Blog, here.

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Haiku and Photography From LaRue-Pine Hills, Shawnee National Forest

Let's kick this one off with a short Haiku, inspired by the photos taken at Snake Road at LaRue-Pine Hills in the Shawnee National Forest. "One of those moments Where you snap a Kodak pic,Freezing time in place."

My daughter is more adventure and mischief than she is into dolls and dresses. Actually, she has never been into dolls… or dresses.

She prefers Lizards, snakes, mystery and adventure! This trip to snake road was actually upon her request. I had recently purchased a small booklet on the snakes of Southern Illinois and it talked about snake road. Once I mentioned it to her, she was fixated on it and that we had to go. Personally, I love the outdoors and hiking, so I’m thinking, ‘yeah, my plan worked!”

We waited for a perfect sunny day, packed up some snacks and water, along with the appropriate kids out door adventure vest.

Our trip to La Rue Pine Hills in Union County was a hike to remember. We were able to see four small snakes on our hike; dozens of birds, including cardinals, and hawks; multiple frogs; various ponds; and hundreds of beautiful trees, plants and shrubs.

Here are some photos of the area that I took with a Canon 5D camera.

Thank you for taking some time out of your day to read this post. I also writer literary content for The Ritual Blog, here.

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Elevate my Thoughts

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Male-female character ratio in books 4:1, says study

Representation of male characters in books is four times more than female ones, claims a new AI-aided study that examined more than 3,000 English-language works published from 1800 to 1950.Researchers at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering used artificial intelligence to scan the books ranging from science fiction and adventure, to mystery and romance – […]

Male-female character ratio in books 4:1, says study

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The Funniest Joke From Afghanistan You’ve Never Heard

I heard this joke from a returning Veteran that had been to Afghanistan, and thought it was too funny and original not to share. It’s not graphic or corny. Infact, it’s actually quite clever – that punchline, though! While I don’t usually share jokes on here, I thought I would add some variety with this week.

The coach had put together the perfect team for the Chicago Bears. The only thing that was missing was a good quarterback. He had scouted all the colleges and even the Canadian and European Leagues, but he couldn’t find a ringer who could ensure a Super Bowl win.

The Funniest Joke From Afghanistan

Then one night while watching CNN he saw a war-zone scene in Afghanistan . In one corner of the background, he spotted a young Afghan Muslim soldier with a truly incredible arm. He threw a hand-grenade straight into a 15th story window 100 yards away.

KABOOM!

He threw another hand-grenade 75 yards away, right into a chimney.

KA-BLOOEY!

Then he threw another at a passing car going 90 mph.

BULLS-EYE!

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“I’ve got to get this guy!” Coach said to himself. “He has the perfect arm!”

So, he brings him to the States and teaches him the great game of football. And the Bears go on to win the Super Bowl.

The young Afghan is hailed as the great hero of football, and when the coach asks him what he wants, all the young man wants is to call his mother.

“Mom,” he says into the phone, “I just won the Super Bowl!”

“I don’t want to talk to you, the old Muslim woman says.”You are not my son!”

“I don’t think you understand, Mother,” the young man pleads.

“I’ve won the greatest sporting event in the world. I’m here among thousands of my adoring fans.”

“No! Let me tell you!” his mother retorts. “At this very moment, there are gunshots all around us. The neighborhood is a pile of rubble. Your two brothers were beaten within an inch of their lives last week, and I have to keep your sister in the house so she doesn’t get raped!” The old lady pauses, and then tearfully says,

“I will never forgive you for making us move to Chicago !!!!

If you don’t find that funny, then I don’t know what can. I hope you enjoyed this joke. Written by Willy Martinez.

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Phantom World Celebrating One Year of Hardcore Haunts

Join me in celebrating this books’ First Anniversary. Phantom World is the first book I have worked on that was published both in print, and digital!

Written by horror author A.R. Braun. Thank you A.R. Brain for believing in me, and for writing these killer stories for literary consumption.

A.R. Braun writes this book from his own personal experiences in dabbling with the occult and esoteric. As horror author of over 14 publications, this collection of ghost stories spans over 9 years of writing experience. And simply put, the ghosts in this anthology are jerks.

Phantom World is a trip into the sick mind of a hard core horror acclaimed author! Here, we will be introduced to unforgiving poltergeists, cute little ghost familiars, newly born ghost-entities learning about the afterlife, a romantic couple stuck in the netherworld, and a few more paranormal experiences you won’t want to miss.

Phantom World by A.R. Braun

While some of these ectoplasmic beings may come across as innocent at times, their stories unfold in a manner to inform the reader as to why they were not allowed into the heaven, or allowed to have a “peaceful” afterlife.

With such harsh karma affecting their transitions, its no wonder why these phantoms have chosen to haunt rather than ascend. They simply can’t. The tales concocted here are tales of tormented souls out for revenge or they are finding ways to fight off the boredom that comes with eternal damnation.

So keep the lights on, and don’t read these tales alone. Who knows if you’ll be haunted next, or reach the end of the line?

Purchase as paperback on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

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