Shakespeare, Basketball, and The Three Little Pigs

Okay, I admit it. I am not a fan of Shakespeare. I HATE the story of Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer's Night Dream! Granted those are the only two stories I've read, but might I just say I'm sooo not impressed. The premise of Taming of the Shrew shows promise, but as of yet I have not read it. I will admit the man had a way with words, but the stories themselves (at least the ones I have read) stunk! A majority of people will say that Romeo and Juliet, although tragic, was incredibly romantic. Oh please! It's a story of two boneheaded teenagers hyped up on hormones that come up with the stupidest plan imaginable to bring their families together. They die because of miscommunication – nothing heroic, nothing romantic about that! Yeah, I know, it's supposed to be a tragedy, but they both died because of stupidity! I could go on and on, but that's not what this post is about. As far as A Midsummer Night's Dream, I'm pretty sure ol' Bill was hopped up on opium or something when he wrote it. Have I mentioned I HATED those two stories? ;-)

Anyway, with all of my loathing of Shakespeare, you'd think I wouldn't care for Old English much. You'd be wrong! It's quite fun to start incorporating it into your daily speech at random (thou shouldest attempt yon endeavor for perchance thou might liketh it)! ;-) I've recently discovered that the use of Old English (not the cleaning solution) can make certain narratives a lot more enjoyable. Take basketball for instance; I don't like that particular sport and, as previously mentioned, I don't like Shakespeare. However, have the basketball announcers start talking like Shakespeare might have, and, by jove, both become a LOT more interesting! If you don't believe me, check out the clip below by comedians Ted and Lee. I think I'd be tempted to attend a basketball game now and then if it was carried out like their sketch. ;-)



I also found a clip by another of my favorite comedians John Branyan. Here he continues the Shakespearean theme by showing us how the story of the Three Little Pigs might have sounded had Shakespeare written it. I have to say, I think I prefer it! ;-) Now if they had taught us Shakespeare like this in school, I might have enjoyed the lessons a lot more. All of these rapscallions have induced me to cackle with delight. Perchance thou wilt do the same and gain a merry heart! ;-)

Football, Hand Raising, & Worship

Whew! It's been one crazy summer! I've been extremely busy at work lately and have seriously neglected my blog! Shame on me! It's time for my own "joybreak!" With all of the stress I've been under I decided to take my medicine (remember "a merry heart doeth good like a medicine…"). The prescription: good clean humor! I got lost in several clips from one of my favorite comedians tonight, Tim Hawkins. However, I couldn't decide which clip to show, soooo I'm going with the ones that popped out at me tonight. A couple of the clips have to do with church life. Yes, church can be funny, or more correctly some of the things we do at church can be funny. Christians seem to have a reputation for being too stuffy or serious, but that's not necessarily the case. Yes, sometimes people just need to lighten up, but that is the case with human beings in general. We all need to be able to laugh at ourselves. It helps us cope with situations and with others, and it sure makes life a lot more fun! There is one clip that is featured here where Tim talks about football. Being that it's football season (and I have to put up with several friends rooting their teams on) I thought it was appropriate. Plus, I like his suggestion towards the end of the clip on marriage and incorporating one aspect of football into it (you'll just have to watch it to see what I'm talking about ;-D). The clips are a little rough because they were taken by audience members, but they're still funny. Enjoy your joybreak!