Notes of a Bourgeois Dork

Book Review: Sunshine in the Valley

2012-01-19T22:00:00.001-05:00

Sunshine in the Valley, Kyle Muntz (Coping Mechanisms)

Sunshine in the Valley tells the story of protagonists Jacob, Laura and Gidian, the inhabitants of a village located on the outskirts of time and space. Spurred by innate curiosity, Jacob ventures beyond the bounds of its beauty—an act forbidden by his father, the town priest ("...of the Sun God.")—and unwittingly upsets the natural order. The fallout directly affects his abandoned mates, both of whom are forced to reckon with the rift it creates—one that thrusts them into the ether of their respective selves.

The novel, author Kyle Muntz's sophomore effort (his first being Voices), juxtaposes unorthodox storytelling, lush prose, suspense, and science fiction. Combined, they flow, gurgle, and meld to make Sunshine the ambitious work that it is.

Each member of the trio represent a different archetype: Jacob, the inherent contradictions of the self-made man (“As a son, from whatever lowly vantage, he witnessed the ultimate unhappiness that bore him—creased lines on [an] unsmiling face, a commitment to ritual—and had no wish to become it.”); Laura, the link between man and nature (“She lifted the flower, making it her companion. A stem by this point, excepting only the lingering threads of petals, she could return these to it, as well as life.”); Gidian, the relationship between artist and muse (“In her, he experienced earthquakes of creation. She wasn’t another person, she was himself and more of himself, bound my music, given ghostly frame, who thought and spoke separately—a girl.”). All combine to render the complex relationship of the characters to the traditions binding them to their homeland and fellow neighbors.

In addition to exploring man's often-adversarial relationship with the world/s he inhabits, Muntz also examines an array of themes—the limitations of small-town life and the consequences of unquestioned spirituality chief among them. No small feat, to be sure. Yet he manages to pull it off—even as the boundaries between self and other become so dense they create a literary asphyxiation. He achieves this with a faceted layering that calls time, location, and identity into question.

As the novel nears it end, the numerous questions it poses are answered, sending the reader careening through the breadcrumbs of well-placed clues left throughout the story. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reading it twice; there is a lot to take in. Thankfully, Muntz makes the payoff worth the cogitative effort.

Movember Winner: Shannon Keller

2011-12-04T15:49:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Shannon Keller, for your winning bid/donation as well as your support of prostate cancer and men’s health awareness.

Movember Winner: Eric Morris

2011-11-21T19:27:00.001-05:00

Thank you, Eric Morris, for your winning bid/donation as well as your support of prostate cancer and men’s health awareness.

Diamond Certified Carpet and Floor Care
36 Smith Avenue
Savannah, GA 31408
(912) 480-4327

Facebook Debate on Occupy Wall Street

2011-11-21T17:11:00.009-05:00

JM These idiots should stop complaining, occupy a desk, or start their own business. There will not be a redistribution of wealth....these people are not even 1% of the 99% they claim to represent.

Saturday [11-19-11] at 4:35pm

JPY Awesome!

Saturday at 4:36pm

JPY and well put...but don't even get me started on this...I don't know who told these people the american dream was a right and not a privelege.

Saturday at 4:38pm

JL the "American Dream" is for those who WORK for it

Saturday at 4:39pm

JPY It was not handed to our ancestors...

Saturday at 4:39pm

Lawrence Everett Forbes I dig what you're saying; I'm totally for free enterprise and sole proprietorship. I'm also for protesting the imbalance being created by growing corporate influence--to the point that it squeezes workers and small businesses out of the picture.

And while I can't say I'm fully behind the methods/madness, I definitely support their freedom of speech--even if/when I find it annoying.

Saturday at 4:51pm

JP Ok, JL, you have a point... But how do you speak to the GREED (crazy bonuses, salaries, luxury corporate conferences, etc.) , even after the bailouts with OUR money, with ABSOLUTELY no accountability to the taxpayers. There isn't any accountability because corporate special interest is "in bed" with the fed. So, I agree, individuals need to be accountable with their own ingenuity, but where is the accountability for the corporation?????

Saturday at 5:21pm

JG Wow, this is the angriest non-Jets post I have ever seen you make!

Saturday at 5:45pm

SM There are better ways to say one disagrees with bailouts, then taking a dump in the street........lol

Saturday at 5:52pm

JP Regardless of how one demonstrates their dissatisfaction, it is a valid concern.... JL?????

Saturday at 5:54pm

KGA If you have a problem with the bailouts look at where they came from. If you have a problem with wall street turn to the policy makers. Wall street didn't hand themselves the bailouts and they didn't create the policies that allowed everything to get so out of control.

Saturday at 6:07pm

JP Agreed KGA, nevertheless... If I take out a loan, I have to and I do pay it back.

Saturday at 6:12pm

JP ‎... Even if it is in installments over 5 years.

Saturday at 6:13pm

JP My issue has more to do with government loopholes and tax breaks more so than with the corporations themselves. JL, what do you just post and run???? It's Saturday, give free enterprise a break....lol

Saturday at 6:18pm

JP Tax breaks should only be allowed if entrepreneurs planned on hiring American workers.

Saturday at 6:22pm

KGA Absolutely, there is always going to be greed and ppl doing the wrong and selfish thing, but it doesn't give reason for a free for all. I chose to work hard in school and in my career in order earn what I have. I am grateful that I can responsibly take out a loan and pay it back. If I have a problem with something I say it without being disrespectful or disruptive and if I want change I go to the voting booth. My feeling is that I am more like the real 99%.

Saturday at 6:23pm

JP This, in turn, will keep people off of your Wall Street.

Saturday at 6:24pm

KJW I agree with you that one should work hard and not expect an automatic handout, particularly regarding luxuries. What I do think should be noted is that several of the rational protestors are decrying tax loopholes, absolute tax evasion, offshoring, cronyism, layoffs, undeserved bonuses, lying to the people and other abuses. Those are worth protesting. Expecting something for nothing is wrong, and I hope that those who think that way are in the minority among the protestors.

Saturday at 6:24pm

SM There are plenty of things to protest about, some of them are right, some of them are wrong, some make sense, some of them are temper tantrums (not speaking specifically of the OWS, just in general), but, there is a difference between protesting, and rioting, and a difference between making your voice heard, and taking a crap in the middle of the sidewalk. If any group, tea party, OWS, KKK, NAACP, whomever, wants to make their case first and foremost, they need to act like adults, or their "message" will get the same amount of respect that they show.

Saturday at 6:33pm

JP KJW, I would also argue that it doesn't matter who you vote for because the bi-partisan political system lends itself to corruption and gridlock. The system is awesome if you have a majority of Congress and President from the same political party, but you see that the situation being what it is now, it wouldn't matter which Democrat was President. Politicians are just out to screw eachother over rather than solve the real problems that generate this unrest.

Saturday at 6:34pm

CA Work for what you get. Plain and simple. That being said, I want the multi million dollar bonuses given to execs of the bailed out companies to be taxed 99%.

Saturday at 6:45pm

JP ‎.... And that is the way we get our money back!

Saturday at 6:47pm

Lawrence Everett Forbes This is a great thread. I believe in working hard; I was raised in the era where achievement/character was prized over (today's seeming emphasis on) acquisition/wealth. This is why it's unfortunate that the extremists have derailed the message/impact of the protest's original aims.

It's equally unfortunate that this two-party vacillation of voting for mommy to spite daddy (and vice-versa) does so little for political progress. I'm not ready to sing "Kumbaya" or anything, but something has definitely got to give.

Saturday at 8:09pm

PS Well said JP. I agree. Protesters are disorganized and their message has no merit. However, what is true is that our country has been hijacked by special interest groups, corporate lobbist, and foreign nations.

Yesterday at 7:40am

PS I forgot to mention uncompetitive union monopoly.

Yesterday at 7:42am

CAU Brothers and fb friends its good to see this type of honest/open dialogue, politicians should take note.

Yesterday at 11:24am

SM Today, lets take this moment, to root for some of the 1% folks to beat the other 1% folks..............Go Giants !!!......lol

Yesterday at 11:39am

JP I would be very interested to see how many of the people who commented or liked this status were from upper middle class or upper class backgrounds. I would argue that many people, including myself, were provided many advantages that are out of reach for many (college paid for without the pressure of working simultaneously to meet tuition or housing expenses). I would say that people like this have a different perspective and are a bit out of touch with the struggles of middle class blue collar America. It is the working families making between $50,000 and $100,000 that are suffering the most in this country. It is this socio-economic class that is hit hardest with unemployment and similar economic hardships. Have any of you ever had your electricity turned off? I know I haven't, but I teach students in PA public schools that have. Empathy is lacking. We tend to isolate in our own little worlds without being able to relate to other perspectives, mostly due to social conditioning by our upbringings. I am generalizing, of course, but it is definitely worth mentioning in this sort of forum.

Yesterday at 11:40am

JPY As long as we are generalizing...hard to empathize when these same said people think that cable, internet, plasma tvs and cell phones with internet and unlimited texting are a need. Generalizing, of course.

Yesterday at 11:47am

SM If we're just generalizing, it should be pointed out.......those people smell........lol

Yesterday at 11:49am

JP Our ENTIRE society is obsessed with materialism. Rich, Middle, and Poor... It's disgusting... During the games today count how many retail commercials centered around Christmas are aired... Your point is valid, sis... Tough to argue... Most will put Christmas on credit just to keep up with the Jones'.

Yesterday at 12:00pm

JP ‎... And these are "tough" times? Ask the Greatest Generation about tough times and sacrifice.... We have no sense.

Yesterday at 12:04pm

JPY RIGHT! The American dream was not handed to past generations...somehow entitlement has gotten completely out of hand.

Yesterday at 1:40pm

CAU‎ @JP my parents come to NY in the late 60's, legally..both of them worked hard, barely spoke English, never own a car..(still dont) saved & bought a home in queens, put my sis and I thru college..they wanted and achieved the American dream..they taught me to work hard, save & respect people..that being said, i agree with u on most points. I caught some breaks here and there myself..some i earned and some b/c i knew people..I just feel "America should help Americans first" the ones who really need it..temporally until they get on their feet. no-long term handouts.

Yesterday at 1:53pm

SM ‎@CAU, What you wrote, could very easily be the story of Sonnys family (except he had no sister......and he may have become a narcissist....lol). They came here, they didn't have much, they didn't ask for anything, and they achieved the American dream (they even got the perfect son, lol). Nothing was handed to them, they had to work for every single thing, and they passed on the attitude that nothing is entitled, its a lesson that sadly, seems to be forgotten today.

Yesterday at 2:12pm

JL wow...I had a busy weekend and did not know what i started here...to summarize: 1 - I will 100% agree that many problems stem from us having a 2 party system. These idiots fight with each other and constantly try to get elected by proving the other wrong or making the other look bad, rather than manning up and doing what is right - nuff said there.....2 - I do have an issue with the corporations controilling government with their lobbying, etc - making it easier for them and tougher for the individual. (Golden rule applies: "Those with the gold, make the rules") 3 - The one point I usually try to drive home (JP) is that the individual has control over their own destiny. Look at Carlos and Sonny's parents - both came to this country with nothing, and were successful because THEY CHOSE TO BE. Bottom line is that SUCCESS IS A CHOICE! Therefore, I have little sympathy for complainers. So to summarize: Two party system=Bad....Corporate political influence=Bad....and INDIVIDUALS, regardless of all the above, control their own fate...if they choose to.

7 hours ago

JP think about the NURTURE factor here. JL , what do you say to the lower class being socially conditioned from birth to accept welfare and entitlement as a way of life. (ex: 11 HALF brothers and sisters, Mom is a prostitute, Dad is in jail, kid is being sexually abused by one of Mom's regular Johns on a regular basis... ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT THIS KID CAN RISE ABOVE THIS MESS?) I say their fate is determined to jails, institutions, death, or the NBA or NFL.

7 hours ago

JL They should be taken from their parents. The

2 hours ago

JP Almost NEVER happens because abuse is impossible to prove without physical evidence. I have personal experience in these instances where Children and Youth investigates allegations. I deal with impoverished welfare recipients on a daily basis. It is by far the most frustrating aspect of my job. These kids live among roaches and animal waste. It is THIS PERSPECTIVE that has shaped much of my politics.

about an hour ago

JP So, to some up, it is my PERSONAL experience that not everyone has access to the American dream, hence, they have absolutely no control of their own fate. It is for this reason that I become INFURIATED when I see people who have been handed the tools, like you, me, and many of your friends, and they waste away in laziness and apathy... In short, I definitely see your point, but by generalizing the way you do, I don't think you have seen what I have seen.

about an hour ago

JP sum up

about an hour ago

Lawrence Everett Forbes I think you all make good points. Humans don't come into the world on equal footing, and that point of entry definitely affects the way they/we interact with the world. Some enter with privilege and squander it; some have nothing and find ways to overcome it; others make the best of what they've been given; and the rest muddle through.

Sad as it is, not everyone is going to thrive. It's the way of the world and the story of man. In an ideal world, kids would be removed from toxic homes, psychologically healed, and sent out into the world to become productive members of society. As adults, we know the world is far from ideal.

I've lived a few sides of this discussion through my dad--who came here from the West Indies and moved from working to middle class. He also worked for the Child Protective Services arm of NYC's Department of Social Services.

The Christian root on which this nation was built was designed to make room/allowances for those needing help. (Hence the government-sponsored social programs.) At some point, though, one does have to be held accountable for one's actions. It seems to me that the core of this discussion is about where to draw that line, our respective stances informed by the world/s we observe.

I didn't intend for this to become a blog post, so I'll shut the hell up...now.about a minute ago

JP Very eloquent, well said.

30 minutes ago

Oh, America

2011-11-20T20:39:00.000-05:00

Movember Winner: Trina Chow

2011-11-10T07:40:00.000-05:00

Trina Chow, this “Thanks!” goes out to you for Monday’s winning bid/donation! Go, Movember!

Your support in the fight against prostate cancer and for awareness of men's health issues is both heartening and greatly appreciated.

Movember Winner: Ford Visuals

2011-11-04T23:24:00.000-04:00

Thank you, Ford Visuals, for yesterday's winning bid:

Thanks for supporting the fight against prostate cancer and for awareness of men's health issues.

Related:
+ Facebook
+ Twitter

Autumnal Song: Rufus Wainwright's "Poses"

2011-09-24T21:11:00.000-04:00

"In the green autumnal parks conducting
All the city streets a wondrous chorus
Singing, 'All these poses, now no longer boyish
Made me a man, ah, but who cares what that is' "

Related:
+ Rufus Wainwright: Website
+ Rufus Wainwright: Twitter
+ Rufus Wainwright: Facebook

Joshua Foer: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone and Study Yourself Failing

2011-08-13T13:00:00.000-04:00

Related:
+ Original post via 99%.com
+ Joshua Foer's website
+ Joshua Foer on Twitter

This American Life: "Million Dollar Idea"

2011-08-07T21:41:00.000-04:00

Notes from Insomnia: August 7, 2011--2:54 AM (EST)

2011-08-07T02:54:00.004-04:00

You: are playing with my pores
Shaking up my chakras
With pyromanical lips
And hands like the Balsam of Mecca
Thank you

For the Love of Typography

2011-08-05T15:26:00.000-04:00

"'Round Midnight," Carmen McRae

2011-08-02T23:50:00.000-04:00

Related:
+ Artist page on Verve Records.com
+ Carmen McRae, the Definitive Website
+ The Complete Carmen McRae Discography

This American Life: "Thugs"

2011-07-31T22:34:00.002-04:00

The Debt Ceiling Gets Honey Badgered

2011-07-29T14:32:00.004-04:00

Update: The embed doesn't seem to be working, but you can click through to the video here.

Dan Savage's New Threat to Rick Santorum

2011-07-28T21:28:00.001-04:00

Related:
+ Blog
+ Facebook
+ Funny or Die
+ It Gets Better
+ Savage Love Column
+ Twitter
+ YouTube

Bjork: "Crystalline" (from Biophilia)

2011-07-26T20:48:00.001-04:00

Related:
+ Facebook
+ Twitter
+ Vimeo
+ Website
+ YouTube Channel

This American Life: "When Patents Attack"

2011-07-25T00:41:00.000-04:00

Musical Epilogue: Amy Winehouse

2011-07-23T12:56:00.000-04:00

Close your eyes and I'll kiss you

Tomorrow I'll miss you

Remember I'll always be true

And then while I'm away

I'll write home every day

And I'll send all my loving to you

I'll pretend that I'm kissing

The lips that I am missing

And hope that my dreams will come true

And then while I'm away

I'll write home every day

And I'll send all my loving to you

All my loving, I will send to you

All my loving, darling I'll be true

Close your eyes and I'll kiss you

Tomorrow I'll miss you

Remember I'll always be true

And then while I'm away

I'll write home every day

And I'll send all my loving to you

All my loving, I will send to you

All my loving, darling I'll be true

All my loving, all my loving

Ooh, all my loving, I will send to you

Amy Winehouse
14 September 1983 – 23 July 2011
Rest in Peace

My Lips, My Paintbrush: Natalie Irish

2011-07-20T23:33:00.000-04:00

Related:
+ Artist's website
+ Natalie Irish on Twitter

Kyle McDonald's "People Staring at Computers"

2011-07-14T01:19:00.000-04:00

Related:
Kyle McDonald's website
KM on Twitter

This American Life: "Game Changer"

2011-07-10T22:13:00.002-04:00

Jim Henson on Making the Muppets

2011-07-09T10:13:00.000-04:00

First Animated Tattoo

2011-07-08T14:05:00.000-04:00

Related:
+ Tattoo artist Karl Marc's website

Motionpoems

2011-07-07T15:03:00.001-04:00