da-Dum, da-Dum . . .

From http://iambicpentameter.net/

"What is Iambic Pentameter?

Let’s define some terms to help explain this one. Meter refers to the pattern of syllables in a line of poetry. The most basic unit of measure in a poem is the syllable and the pattern of syllables in a line, from stressed to unstressed or vice versa. This is the meter. Syllables are paired two and three at a time, depending on the stresses in the sentence.

Two syllables together, or three if it’s a three-syllable construction, is known as a foot. So in a line of poetry the cow would be considered one foot. Because when you say the words, the is unstressed and cow is stressed, it can be represented as da DUM. An unstressed/stressed foot is known as an iamb. That’s where the term iambic comes from.

Pentameter is simply penta, which means 5, meters. So a line of poetry written in pentameter has 5 feet, or 5 sets of stressed and unstressed syllables. In basic iambic pentameter, a line would have 5 feet of iambs, which is an unstressed and then a stressed syllable. For example:

If you would put the key inside the lock

This line has 5 feet, so it’s written in pentameter. And the stressing pattern is all iambs:

if YOU | would PUT | the KEY | inSIDE | the LOCK

da DUM | da DUM | da DUM | da DUM | da DUM

That’s the simplest way to define iambic pentameter."

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Nice. Thanks for the explanation there iambic dude above: it makes the song below ever the more interesting.

Grittjokes: The First One

- What did the bilingual parrot say at the annual translators dinner?

- Polyglot wants a cracker.

Rate this joke.

1. Awesome. You rule.
2. Not so good; but I still want you.
3. Crap. You should be shot.
4. I just vomited, thanks alot!

Ron Interviews Rebecca

Don't fight it, don't fight it . . .

Grittreviews: "Limite"

Limite (1931)
April 21, 1979
Screen: Old Brazilian Release in New-Film Series
By JANET MASLIN
Published: April 21, 1979

"Limite" doesn't exactly belong in the Museum of Modern Art's New Directors/New Films series, because it was first released almost 50 years ago and was directed by a Brazilian, Mario Peixoto, who is now almost 70 years old. However, its inclusion in the series can be explained by its relative obscurity, the praise it received from Sergei Eisenstein and its extraordinarily youthful energies. "Limite" is feverishly beautiful and desperately ambitious, even when it isn't clear."
Read the entire review here.

Ok, so this isn't really a Grittreview since I ended up posting part of Mrs. Maslin's take on the movie, written in 1979. So I'll give you the conclusion of my evalutation of the film: just watch it.
The first 8 minutes below for your convenience.