Snicker Furfoot's New Writeups

Declaration on Iraq by Russia, Germany and France (idea)

2003-02-11T18:36:56Z

There are two important things to note here. First of all, this is the first time France and Russia (traditionally enemies on the political battlefield) have come down in agreement on something against the United States. This points towards the growing rift in the UN, between those that support the US and those that do not. This rift is causing major ripples in the European Union, and making everyone consider the very real possibility of another World War.

The other thing to note is the fact that France is saying this, while all the while preparing for their own war in the Ivory Coast. Is it possible that France is not ready to defend itself if it needs to?

What is not being said is that which is lurking behind everyone's words and thoughts: What will happen if the United States proceeds with this action, and others step up in support of Iraq? Is the United States prepared to deal with an attack on multiple fronts against fresh, prepared units,…

Angus Oblong (person)

2003-02-08T01:46:05Z

Artist, author, freak

If anyone could be summed up in those three words, it's Angus Oblong. Nearly 30 now, and living somewhere in California, Angus (not his real name), is as weird as you can find outside of David Lynch film festival. Although compared to Edward Gorey, Tim Burton and the creators of South Park, Angus has his own unique flavour - somewhere between the sickly sweet of a moldy piece of bread left under the fridge for several weeks, and the rancid smell of mayonaise 4 months out of date. His art is not to be looked at and judged - but to be experienced.

"There's actually nothing risque about the characters. Limbless or conjoined people are a fact of life and shouldn't be hidden and denied as humans but rather they should be put on little stages dressed funny and pointed at."
--Angus Oblong

Chief among his recognizable works is the short-lived animated series, The Oblongs, which follows the…

Once you have tasted flight: In defense of manned space travel (idea)

2003-02-07T15:21:35Z

In another node, robwicks is correct in the numerical estimation (NASA does routinely go way over budget), however NASA is also exploring a largely unknown environment, and it's difficult to anticipate the costs of the unknown. Before demanding the dissolution of our one and only agency dedicated to space exploration, it's important to note that the private sector has already become involved, and, unfortunately, is still unable to succeed. (Witness the most recent of failures, the Delta Clipper - a single-stage VTOL that tipped over, exploded and burned.) Until such time as the private sector can reproduce the inventive genius of the Wright Brothers, the government must remain involved.

We are all saddened by the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia and her crew, and some of us still remember Challenger. Fewer still remember the names…

You Okay Honey? (thing)

2003-01-24T01:56:42Z

Fifth song in the first act of Jonathan Larson's 1995 musical RENT. After the powerful explosion of music of RENT, the simplicity of the piano music and beatnik-style jazz in this piece is a classic example of the juxtaposition of sounds and styles prevalent throughout the production. Here we are introduced formally to ANGEL SCHUNARD, a beautiful transvestite whom TOM COLLINS instantly finds himself attracted to. The focus begins on a homeless man, singing, apparently, to the audience, who represent "the world". A very simple, Christmas-like tune plays on the piano.

Due to copyright restrictions, the lyrics have been removed.

After the homeless man's poignant declaration that Christmas is happening somewhere else, Angel finds Tom lying in the gutter, beaten and bleeding. As she comforts him, they discover an instant attraction to one another, and Angel announces that Tom will be accompanying her to a life support meeting. Rather bluntly she states that she…

Al Hirschfeld (person)

2003-01-23T18:51:27Z

"He Drew Broadway"

"All I know is that when it works, I'm aware of it. But how it's accomplished, I don't know."
- Al Hirschfeld, of his own work.

B. June 21, 1903. D. January 21, 2003. - A masterful American caricaturist, known for his simple, yet elegant sketches of Hollywood and Broadway stars. It was often said that you still hadn't made it if Hirshfeld hadn't drawn you yet. He worked for longer than most people live, and while his death marks the end of an amazing career, his art will continue to amaze and amuse for generations to come.

Al was born on the first day of summer in St. Louis, Missouri, and it wasn't long before his talents were recognized. Before his twelfth birthday, his art teacher happily informed his parents, "there is nothing more we can teach him here." They soon found themselves in New York City, where Al attended the…

Tune Up #2 (thing)

2003-01-16T19:46:25Z

Third song in the first act of Jonathan Larson's 1995 musical RENT. As the focus returns to MARK and ROGER, Roger continues tuning his guitar, the repetitious notes punctuating events as we meet the new characters, TOM COLLINS, former roommate and true friend, and BENJAMIN COFFIN III, former roommate, and now "evil" landlord - the "villain of RENT. He's not evil, per se, he just has goals that the others are getting in the way of. In this respect, Benny appears to fill the role of the Villain in the classic 30 second melodrama, Rent. As with the previous pieces, this is done in singsong voices, while Mark films and Roger tunes. Due to copyright restrictions, the lyrics have been removed.

As Mark begins to film, he asks Roger what he's doing, and Roger replies that he's writing one great song, when the phone rings. He doesn't seem to annoyed, in fact, Roger is still not very confident, and really doesn't want to be on camera. He's thankful…