Abstract
This paper explains that, in a world of complexity and near incomprehensibility, nothing compares to straightforward, insightful analysis of current events and news media, plainly expressed with words, particularly nouns, adjectives and even verbs, space permitting. The author gives examples of over-simplification, glossing over and distorting the truth for purposes of humor such as "The Onion" headlining article, which satirically reports of the success of the National Gay and Lesbian Recruitment Task Force in socializing children to become homosexuals. The paper concludes that an ideal society demands that its citizens first look to the news media for knowledge because, if instead people seek information from clowns and jesters, then they may soon become the same buffoons whom they adore.

From the Paper
"Chapter five of "America" seeks to ridicule the judicial branch of the American federal government. The salient technique of the chapter, as well as the rest of the book involves oversimplifying the processes of government, glossing over important concepts of our government, and in the worst cases, severely distorting the truth, in effect, putting laughs over substance. For example, in its explanation of the judicial theory of "strict constructionism," "America" comments that a believer in such an idea "interprets the Constitution according to the language and original intent of the text at the time of its writing, in much the same way as a fundamentalist views the Bible." Is that so? Not in most professional opinions, I would venture."

Tags:comedy, buffoons, over-simplification, distorting, news

Abstract
The paper explains Calvino's theme in his work "Marcovaldo: or the Seasons in the City" that the normal everyday lives of people are filled with magic and wonder, if we take the time to look. The paper analyzes how Calvino conveys this message and focuses on how the main character, Marcovaldo, finds magic in the small things in life. The paper notes Calvino's underlying idea that life is what we make of it and we are responsible for the lives we pursue.

From the Paper
"Italo Calvino's Marcovaldo, or Seasons in the City is a series of stories in the style of magical realism, with a meaning delivered by the author that seeks to look below the surface of otherwise mundane events to find a hidden meaning and hidden stories upon closer examination of normally unnoticed or mundane details in every day life. The magical stories that the author extracts from seeing normal events from an unusual standpoint in an industrial town in Northern Italy is the stuff that dreams are made of, and that the meaning and message of this book is made of. In a word, the author seems to be challenging us all to re-orient our eyes, and see life anew, and appreciate the magic, mystery and wonder in this world."

Tags:wonder, mystery, supernatural, buffoon, Italy