Complaint Department discussion
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Anil wrote: "I am ashamed of myself for taking whatever I hear/read out of context. I am reading Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller at the moment. Willy, the protagonist says:"A man who can't handle tools is not a man."
In its literal meaning, I am not a man. You can guess what I think of. I think I am getting better at handling "tools" with each experience."
I am ashamed to admit that while Death of a Salesman IS a wonderful play, it was written during an extremely narrow-minded cultural period for the United States. Anil, don't take anything in there as reality. Think of it all metaphorically and symbolically but were Arthur Miller writing today it would be a very different play. In the same context, I would not be considered a man, in fact in the 1950s in the United States I would have been considered a moral criminal. I'm very thankful that I do not and did not live during that dark era. Conservatives in the US have built an entire mythology out of the "golden era" of the 1950s but in reality it was a very oppressive time period. Minorities of all sorts had no voice in politics or the media and they had no agency to attempt change, that started to change as the Civil Rights movement gained momentum but the conservatives want nothing more than to undo all that hard work and progress and set the clock to what was only a "golden age" for white, christian, heterosexual men. Enjoy Death of a Salesman for what it is, an example of what life WAS like, but don't believe it is something that defines what life IS like.
I have to complain for my lack of self control. Since hubby is not home I've been (in the words of fabulous Danni) faffing all day, and Mistress Macky has my creative juices flowing like the damned Niagara Falls.Now we know why Buttcheeks Pornandez is flying with Lust 747, he is going to promote his autobiography. Check the covers.
(we have a wiener, I mean, winner)
A snippet of the first chapter:
You know you're a total slut when for your 25th birthday instead of a surprise party your friends throw you a surprise gangbang. Nevertheless, in my insatiable hunt for new experiences I asked if there was a guy for each year.
Sadly, that wasn't the case, they've just hired 10 guys. Lucky for me, two were well-know porn stars and in that faithful (or should I say sinful?) night my life (and my body) changed forever.
Rick, I certainly don't think it reflects the reality in 50s at all. I cannot claim that I am well-informed of the period, but I have read several books and articles on treatment of homosexuals in that period. I should read much more to have a better understanding and insight of the period. I focus on masculinity in the play. I think the extract I've quoted is a good example of how masculinity is perceived in the period the play is written. I should find some articles analysing the play.
Anil wrote: "I am ashamed of myself for taking whatever I hear/read out of context. I am reading Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller at the moment. Willy, the protagonist says:"A man who can't handle tools i..."
I'm ashamed of myself that I couldn't help a little snigger just because the protagonist is called Willy.
Gabbo wrote: "I have to complain for my lack of self control. Since hubby is not home I've been (in the words of fabulous Danny)faffing all day, and Mistress Macky has my creative juices flowing like the damned ..."I like cover 2 best, you like a proper porn baron :)
You just like my butt. Which I am certainly NOT complaining about. *wink wink*
Gabbo wrote: "For a snippet of the first chapter, check my blog. ..."There is a section in the Complaint Department for Self Promotion for Authors, Artists and Bloggers. You might want to take advantage of the Bloggers Self Promotion area to advertise your blog. Things scroll off this section quickly so in the Self Promotion folder people will be able to see it more easily. Happy blogging!
Ooh ooh... I like cover 2 as well... Look at that tush of porny peachiness and the porn pout, pointing your porny finger... Pornandez perfection! Rawrrr!!!
Macky wrote: "Ooh ooh... I like cover 2 as well... Look at that tush of porny peachiness and the porn pout, pointing your porny finger... Pornandez perfection! Rawrrr!!!"Hooray for porny fingers, even more arousing than being on the receiving end of Alan Sugar's firing finger in your boardroom.
Anil, I'm regret if there was any confusion. I was not clear on what I meant. The play does reflect the period it was written in, but I would not apply the sentiments to today's culture. It must be read in the context in which it was written. That's all I meant. Once again, I apologize for poorly conveying my meaning.
I am actually sorry for not explaining my opinion clearly. I completely agree with you on that it should be treated, as in any literary work, according to the period it was written. I was just trying to point out that the piece I quoted could very well have been considered as an unintentional pun. However, I am coming from a culture in which a man is supposed to understand and do the mending/fixing things at home. He should be good at using tools. No pun intended. Therefore, that piece has a contemporary literal meaning for me.
Of course, I cannot claim the same for the States. I don't know what masculinity&being good at mending/fixing (I should improve my vocabulary--is there a word covering what I want to say? Meaning housework related to fixing things at home?) in late 20th century and early 21st century mean, how they are treated by the citizens of the States and if it has been a subject of academic study lately. I should read on this matter, too. Then, I can see if it is possible to relate the play to 21st century or not, how different it is taking into account that the play was written shortly after WW2 than post-9/11 because both events were traumatic events and affected humanity, thus masculinity. I need to do a lot of reading.
I am ashamed of myself, but does anyone hold a PDF file of the short story which was published in Playboy years ago, in which homosexuality becomes the norm and heterosexuals were persecuted, etc? I would be euphoric if you had it and kindly sent it to me.
I'm complaining again because we're all forgetting Rule 1 ( me included, slap hands) ... But I think Anil can be let off because he's actually having a very in depth and deep conversation with meaning. Wow the universities in this country have lost out on a very clever and extremely erudite young man!! What can I say...at this moment, their loss! I wish I could help you out with the PDF you want Anil my sweet, but I can't. Hope someone can....
Anil, I regret that the error was mine. I misunderstood your pun and ended up opening a can of worms (as the saying goes). Your analysis of the US is quite correct. While things have changed since the 1950s the attitudes about masculinity are still much the same. Men are supposed to be good a fixing & mending things around the house (your terminology is fine), but I don't think the idea that a person is not a man if they are not good with tools is all that prevalent these days. Except, perhaps, in the "Red" states (a pun referring to those states that primarily vote for conservatives in the national elections). The misunderstanding was mine. I thought you were making an observation based on what you had read in the play that was being taken out of the context of the play.
I wish to complain about the high level of intellectualityism going on in this group. Us duh-brains are finding it hard to keep up!
Danni wrote: "I wish to complain about the high level of intellectualityism going on in this group. Us duh-brains are finding it hard to keep up!"Jesus Danni, thank you for that comment....I mean grrrr, how annoying that I second Danni!!
I'm annoyed because my internet was out all day and now since it is in my in-laws are here so little time to run in and out with my comment. I will catch up soon.
Boyd wrote: There is a section in the Complaint Department for Self Promotion for Authors, Artists and Bloggers. You might want to take ad..."
Oh Boyd, oh Boyd (sounds familiar?)
It's irking me to no end that I'm not ready to blog out --here (yes, I'm shy? ^_^)so I changed the message and added the snippet.
*ducks for cover after changing so many messages today*
Tj wrote: "I'm annoyed because my internet was out all day and now since it is in my in-laws are here so little time to run in and out with my comment. I will catch up soon."
Tj, Thank you for posting in the form of a complaint.
As Macky said in message 2318 everyone seems to be ignoring the rules particular;y Rule 1.
Members should refresh there memory of the rules and follow them or else I know I'm going hear LOTS of messages in the form of complaints. Because if I go back to having the rules show up every time somebody posts a message everyone will complain about it.
<-innocent smile->
Tj, Thank you for posting in the form of a complaint.
As Macky said in message 2318 everyone seems to be ignoring the rules particular;y Rule 1.
Members should refresh there memory of the rules and follow them or else I know I'm going hear LOTS of messages in the form of complaints. Because if I go back to having the rules show up every time somebody posts a message everyone will complain about it.
<-innocent smile->
THE RULES
1. In the Post Complaints Here topic all posts must be posed in the form of complaints.
Hint: For variety consider starting your complaint with I am miffed, annoyed, irritated, displeased, aggrieved, nettled, hurt, offended, put out, resentful, upset, vexed, irked, disgruntled, chagrined, piqued, in a huff, peeved, cheesed off, narked, irritated, P.O.’d, enraged, etc.
If you wish to say something positive when posting a comment use something like "I am really annoyed that I can not tell you how wonderful Lucas Lyons is considering he's a dumb jock.
2. This is an open group so there are not any age restrictions therefore there can be no use of profanity (especially those 4 letter words—you know which ones) and don't use those words and just insert and asterisk. Also no photos that show naked men below the waist are allowed to be posted.
3. Don't complain about or criticize other members or their comments. Nevertheless you may criticize the moderator.
4. Straight, gay and people of all sexual orientations are welcome and intolerance will not be tolerated.
5. Feel free to complain about the rules.
Note, right now our youngest member is 14 but we could have kids as young as 12 years old join the group at any time.
Please, if you have used a four letter word for human excrement (which some of you have done) please edit or delete the message. If you have tried to "disguise" a profanity by using and asterisk (i.e. Ex*mple) Or if you wanted to say folk music but inadvertently typed f**k music, please edit or delete those too.
Under the Complaint Department Logo and listing of sections there is a search box to search for a word or words in any conversations in any of the discussions and games here. You might find that helpful to find where you might have slipped up and need to edit or delete.
Adam, Tyler, Savannah, Danni, Goesta, and Aves might want to use that search box for the "s" word meaning excrement. Feel free to use a word like “crap” instead.
Adam, Goesta, and Jen4606 might want to use the search box to check for messages were you used the “f” word. It's perfectly fine to use frig or frag or #%x or be creative and make up a new word
Unfortunately you will then have to search for your message using the thread and the date as the only clues as to which page it's on.
Thanks. Your help in keeping Goodreads from closing this Group is appreciated.
PLEASE REMEMBER THE RULES ALLOW YOU TO FREELY AND AT LENGTH COMPLAIN ABOUT ME AND COMPLAIN ABOUT THE RULES.
PS: I apologize for any typos in advance. I make lots of typos but everyone know that. What would you expect from a dumb jock?
I'm irritated that my hubby, who never gets sick, is once again sick! This is an ill omen:( I get a cold and it causes me to flare then I am in bed and hurting like crazy.
In addition to being sorely aggrieved that Tj's hubby is sick (I hope she doesn't cast the bug too) I am also greatly P.O.'d that Cmbwey had to work today outside in the bitter wind, cold and rain and isn't happy about it at all. Sorry about all that :-(
Now I'm disgruntled that nobody is complaining about me or the rules. You guys are really nasty to not care enough to be outraged at me. I think I might ::sniff:: go sit in a corner and pout.
Well, I'm truly offended that you didn't mention truly yours in your complain about people forgetting the rules. How is it possible that you left me out!?!I just came here, my newness should have me crapping all over the place! I'm outraged!
I am unhappy to say that I have nothing more to complain about right now except that I forgot about NatGeo's series about the '80s. So I missed the first episode, darn it. As for Lucas, I am saddened that you feel the need to pout at the lack of outrage about being reminded of the rules. That inhales to the extreme.
Lucas wrote: "Now I'm disgruntled that nobody is complaining about me or the rules. You guys are really nasty to not care enough to be outraged at me. I think I might ::sniff:: go sit in a corner and pout."I already complained about you indirectly today. I'm thinking some people should stop doing nasty things to their man long enough to respond to emails. :)
I am displeased with myself for failing to sound complaining while posting in this thread. *waits for his punishment*
Argh! Now I've got too many complaints!
@Gabbo your just too sexy to scold
@Lori "That inhales to the extreme." Oh I like that :-) well said.
@ Shannon the last message I got you were looking in my ear and I promised you close-ups from the wedding photos. No mail since then :-(
@Anil you are just too cute and clever to punish besides your 12 and 21 year old brothers are punishment enough <-smiling->
Hugs + dumb-jock high fives to all—Lucas
I am unhappy with our "jock" soon-to-be-married leader's being not contempt with the amount of complaints he hears about himself although I am glad to hear his nice words about me. I hate to admit that he is right about my brothers.
I think it sucks that Lucas's email is apparently broked!! Just resent them.
Well I am one of the persons that want to see your wedding pictures and a lot of Them, PLEASE :-D
Thank you all for your sweet and kind words that means a lot to me, thank you for your support xxx <3
Yes, Macky and Lucas you are right about that I am not the only one that have forgot about birthdays and Anniversary, that the best gift for my parents is for me to be pain-free and happy.
Finally is the spring is here in Denmark, just the weather have not help for my pain and now I have to fight with pollen allergy :-( so now I have to think about the food I am allergy too and not eat that, before winther again.
My complain today is nightmares, and a lot of pain *grrr* not anymore good sleep to me. I am tired all the time :-(
Thank you all for your sweet and kind words that means a lot to me, thank you for your support xxx <3
Yes, Macky and Lucas you are right about that I am not the only one that have forgot about birthdays and Anniversary, that the best gift for my parents is for me to be pain-free and happy.
Finally is the spring is here in Denmark, just the weather have not help for my pain and now I have to fight with pollen allergy :-( so now I have to think about the food I am allergy too and not eat that, before winther again.
My complain today is nightmares, and a lot of pain *grrr* not anymore good sleep to me. I am tired all the time :-(
I'm annoyed I can't keep up with this thread. People, you're too chatty. Slow down to the speed of my brain.
I'm rattlingly annoyed that Andra has cute animations to show her annoyance and all I can do is use boring old text smileys to show mine! :(I'm miffed to the point of utter miffidness because Helle always makes me want to hug her....its not on at all because she's too much of a sweetie and far to huggable!! Humph!!
And a really grumpy good morning to all the rest of the miscreants in this group..
It implodes that I'm not nosy but still went to Onion Club and found this
I'm so peeved that I did what Andra said and found the onion club which is just too cute to be true but my stupid ipad won't pick up the HTML link... And Gabbo did it too so I'm doubly peeved! * pouts because I want a monkey and onion head too*
Oh dear now I have to annoyingly own up to the fact that Ive found a way to do it! Grumpy thanks to Andra.
@Lucas: Extremely resentful complaint: I know I'm too much but how many too's do you need to throw at me in the same sentence? *Lights a candle to St. Lucas of the WashboardAbs.*
I want to complain about how dangerously cute those emoticons are, but, well, I can't. Sigh.
I am OUTRAGED! Yes, OUTRAGED! There have now been TWO Jonny & Hadji voters who have jumped shipped! Clearly there is not enough discipline occuring here. If YOU changed your vote (and YOU know who YOU are) consider your previously awarded COOL POINT rescinded! You bad complainers you! I am insensable with rage!
Take Action Now: Join TEAM QUEST and save Rick from becoming overwrought with grief and misery PLEASE vote for Hadji & Jonny Quest in Poll #3:
http://www.goodreads.com/poll/list/95...
What? You don't know who Hadji and Jonny Quest are? Start you investigation here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonny_Quest
Then watch some epidsodes on youtube like these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZCBxO...
Enjoy the fan made claymation version of the opening credit sequence:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYoXWZ...
And watch the wonderful fan made documentary:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kBDpI...
Remember: Join TEAM QUEST and VOTE for Hadji & Jonny Quest!
http://www.goodreads.com/poll/list/95...
I must complain that I want to play the "This or That" Game this morning. But I REFUSE to vote for anything having to do with whatshisname (Billy Madison or Happy Gilmore indeed! Fowl I cry!)And don't even get me started on the whole Empire State Building or Chrysler Building thing. Yes, the Chrysler Building is so adorably pretty with it's art deco motifs and such, but the Empire State Building is the world famous headquarters of none other than the original super-man: DOC SAVAGE: THE MAN OF BRONZE !
WHAT! You people don't know who DOC SAVAGE is!?! First Hadji & Jonny Quest and now Doc? What is this world coming to?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doc_savage
http://heropulp.com/the86floor/index....
Sure they made a terrible movie in the 70s but Doc was the inspiration, indirectly, for Indiana Jones (Please tell me you know who Indy is? Please? Throw me a bone here.)
***And if these complainers think I'm fanatical about Hadji & Jonny, just wait hope they don't get me started on Doc or Indy.***
Rick wrote: "I must complain that I want to play the "This or That" Game this morning. But I REFUSE to vote for anything having to do with whatshisname (Billy Madison or Happy Gilmore indeed! Fowl I cry!)And ..."
I,
[1]Both published by Street & Smith, now owned by Conde Nast.
First, I'm peeved I have been way too busy with other commitments to come and complain about that fact properly. :(Second, I'm even more peeved am unable to use cute smileys and emoticons and feel I will forever remain in the land of the old school. :(
Third, I'm doubly peeved Rick has to continue with his Quest for team members - darn ship jumbers. :(
I'm sure I can find more to be utterly peeved about, but this last one will have to do for now. :(
And I'm really super peeved I now must get back to work without even having time to jump in on the games. :(
Excuse me, but the original caped crusader, surely, must be considered to be a toss-up between Zorro (1919) and the Scarlet Pimpernel (1903), though whether either of them were, specifically, caped as part of their costume rather than as a function of weather, I suppose, is debatable. The Shadow, on the other hand, did not his the airwaves until the 30's.
Lori, I regretfully must agree with you that Lester Dent (writing as Kenneth Robeson) was, arguably, the better writer of the pair and that Gibson (writing as Maxwell Grant) certainly wrote more novellas, but while The Shadow preceeded Doc Savage by a mere two years. Doc's books have remained in print, in one form or another almost continuously since 1933. The Shadow, certainly better known because of that wonderul radio show, has not been able remain in print. Although both are currently enjoying a revitalization thanks to Will Murry, Anthony Tollin and Sanctum Books. None the less, Doc Savage, the Man of Bronze, preceeded Superman, the Man of Steel, by nearly six years. Doc had his Fortress of Solitude above arctic circle years before Superman had one and even Doc's more than capable cousin, Patricia, joined in on adventures years before Superman's cousin Supergirl arrived on the scene. How DC Comics got away with such blatant intellectual theft from Smith & Street is beyond me. As for the arguement that Batman was inspired by The Shadow, well I suppose, but it's far more likely that Batman was inspired by The Spider, from over at Popular Publications.
Viva la Pulp Era Adventurers!
Goesta wrote: "Excuse me, but the original caped crusader, surely, must be considered to be a toss-up between Zorro (1919) and the Scarlet Pimpernel (1903), though whether either of them were, specifically, caped..."Regretfully I find that I must agree with you, Goesta, about caped and masked crusaders (only because I'm forced by the rules to type this a complaint). But Doc Savage was neither caped or masked. Public identity and no costume (unless you want to count a shredded shirt that he was often known to sport on the covers).
Rick wrote: "Goesta wrote: "Excuse me, but the original caped crusader, surely, must be considered to be a toss-up between Zorro (1919) and the Scarlet Pimpernel (1903), though whether either of them were, specifically, caped..."Regretfully I find that I must agree with you, Goesta, about caped and masked crusaders (only because I'm forced by the rules to type this a complaint). But Doc Savage was neither caped or masked. Public identity and no costume (unless you want to count a shredded shirt that he was often known to sport on the covers)."
Sadly, I must bow to the correctness of both Goesta and Rick in their explanations of origins of various characters and their respective influences on later characters. I will add, however, that The Shadow is a direct influence on another DC Comics character: Batman, who is, I think, still in the running against Jonny and Hadji ... Hmmm.
I must kvetch about the whole connection between The Shadow and Batman. To claim that there is NO connection would be silly. But based on Batman's MO he has far more in common with The Spider and, to a lesser degree, The Phantom Detective than The Shadow. The Shadow seemed be much more well versed in mysticism and misdirection while Batman follows in the long line of crusaders that include the aforementioned The Scarlet Pimpernel, Zorro, The Spider and The Phantom Detective who relied, more or less, on less and fewer supernatural tricks of the trade. In any case, they are all great characters. But, at least in my opinion, Doc Savage IS The Supreme Adventurer!
I'm complaining bitterly because I've missed loads of complaints. All because Ive been slaving away at chapter 9 of my Lust 747. Take Me In The Skies. Now complete with new characters and another gripping cliffhanger!!!!!
Rick wrote: "I must kvetch about the whole connection between and Batman. To claim that there is NO connection would be silly. But based on Batman's MO he has far more in common with The Spider and, to a lesse..."I, in turn, want to be irked, but cannot be, even though I want to point out that The Shadow led the way with the pulp one character magazines and that I found this for your perusing pleasure: Batman: The Complete History.
Complaint Department
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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"A man who can't handle tools is not a man."
In its literal meaning, I am not a man. You can guess what I think of. I think I am getting better at handling "tools" with each experience.