Post by Hermedy on Feb 26, 2008 16:42:16 GMT -5
1. What gift would you send Daniel Handler on his birthday?
Misery: Choosing a suitable birthday present is never an easy task. The recepient's preferences and tastes could be unclear to you, or you might select something that they already own. In this case, it would be best to offer the one thing Mr. Handler will never refuse.
A breath mint.
2. If you were Daniel Handler, what would you wish for while blowing out the candles on your birthday cake?
BSam: Fewer candles.
3. What is Daniel Handler's greatest shortcoming as Lemony Snicket's legal representative?
Dante: His modest rhetoric on his own efforts to bring the story of the Baudelaires into the public eye, and his silence on whatever murky history concluded with his attachment to such a notorious fugitive as the author of those chronicles. I suggest he take more pride in his work, perhaps before humbly attending confession or turning himself in to the proper authorities.
4. There are countless ridiculous plot elements featured in A Series of Unfortunate Events. Which are you least disdainful of?
Songbird: The idea of things being “in” or “out,” found in Books 6-12. This actually helped me get through high school because it emphasized that following trends just because somebody thinks it's fashionable or cool isn't always the smartest course of action. Esmé is the perfect example of what not to do. Being trendy doesn't make you more likely to get friends, or any closer to being successful in life. It only makes you slightly less of an individual if all you do is follow the crowd.
However, I really do admire the pinstripe suit (although I only own a snazzy pair of pinstripe pants and a very attractive pinstripe fedora), especially because out of all the strange fashion trends that Esmé decides to follow, this one can be accomplished by anyone (and without the constant threat of someone wanting to make a salad out of your fashion statement).
5. How many times do you plan to read through ASOUE in your lifetime and how have you come to this conclusion?
Gigi: Like a clumsy waiter balancing an assortment of dishes and walking out through the “In” door of the kitchen, our best made plans are bound to come crashing down when we least expect it. With that in mind, I have decided to let fate decide how many times I will read through ASOUE. In fact, it probably isn't even wise to keep track. If I am ever captured and interrogated by agents from the other side of the schism, I can safely and honestly say that I am completely unaware of the number of times I've read ASOUE.
6. What, in your opinion, is the strongest political statement ever made by Lemony Snicket?
Antenora: While I like the myriad political interpretations of The End, I'd choose what I feel is the message of the entire series, summed up as "Well-read people are less likely to be evil". Being well-read may educate one to the evils of this world, but if you wish to remain noble, you must know the enemy. As an anti-anti-intellectual myself, I quite appreciate Snicket's message, as it runs counter to the ideology set forth in so much of our current media-- the idea that stupidity is good. I daresay that the message Snicket seeks to counter is part of what led to the election of a President who is, and I quote, "an evil man with no concern for other people".
7. If you were within striking distance, what object would you throw at Daniel Handler and why?
Dellagatta: I would throw myself at Mr Handler! I greatly admire him and I am sympathetic to his plight, after all he has gone through to help Mr. Snicket bring the tragic story of the Baudelaire orphans to the attention of the public. The man could do with a good long hug.
8. How might Dr. Seuss describe A Series of Unfortunate Events?
Libitina:
You won't ever find any Felines in Hats;
No Grinches or Sneetches or cold Butter Spats.
(Just a girl of that name who's kind of a jerk
and ominous waiters who linger and lurk.)
Disguised, incognito, secrets well-hidden--
Children saved only by fruit that’s forbidden.
No fires are doused by the Lorax’s hose;
Flimsy false mustaches lie under the nose.
Of the Places You'll Go, this lacks the most bliss;
It’s just three distressed children, lives gone amiss.
9. What historical event would be most appropriate to coincide with Mr. Handler's birthday, but unfortunately, does not?
Shruti: The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. His books seem equally flammable and, with suspicious involvement of cows in both series of events, were incited by bovine inspiration.
10. What life-lessons have you learned from reading A Series of Unfortunate Events?
Sixteen: Before reading the Series I had many questions - most notably, "If there's nothing out there, what was that noise?" Not only have I found the answers to such questions, I've also acquired some practical skills.
For example, I am now quite competent in the art of Finnish knot-tying, and I know that the Mamba du Mal is a snake that could very well kill me. I am more cautious when a realtor tries to sell me a stilt-supported house on a cliff face, and I am fully aware of both meanings of the word "partner". I am keen to try out a bag of flour as my substitute during classes, and I now ask all doormen to roll up their sleeves before we shake hands. I insist on having no more than fifteen pieces of nuts in my hot fudge sundae. I always ensure that I am taking a plum rather than a persimmon from the fruit bowl, although I usually favour my left hand in this task unlike some ambidextrous freaks. I have written various codes using items around my kitchen, and I have an (ir)rational fear of mushrooms. I have labelled my forehead "126", and I envy Joey Shoji.
Ultimately, I have come to understand that the world is quiet here.
11. If the first half of A Series of Unfortunate Events were a musical extravaganza, how would it go?
J. and Shruti: First of all, Stephen Sondheim should write the songs with some apprentices like Alice (our brilliant friend on 667) and under the instruction of Daniel Handler. Michael Cerveris should play Count Olaf. Krist(i/e)n Chenoweth/Bell could be in the musical version of The Austere Academy as a supporting student. Neil Patrick Harris could be Jacques Snicket and Raul Esparza can be Hector.
ACT ONE
The overture is cheerful and should imply joyous activity - i.e., romping through flowers - even though the Baudelaire children are relatively sedentary on the beach (skipping stones, biting and examining objects).
The cheery music comes to a halt when Mr. Poe (bass-baritone) comes to announce their parents' death. They are ushered to Count Olaf's house, but are greeted by Justice Strauss through song. All seems well - until Count Olaf shows up and interrupts Strauss's lovely song with a quick, harsh list of chores.
Middle-school bassoonists have been hired to play his theme song, which is only yet hinted to by their raucous crowing; lyrics, don’t worry, will appear later. As they tour the filthy mansion, Olaf can be heard singing in the background:
“I’ll marry Violet on Sunday, that’s what I’ll do; I’ll make her sign.
I know that hopefully one day, all of her fortune will be mine!”
Sadly, the Baudelaires don’t hear this; it is only at the end of the scene that they discover his dastardly plot, and this only happens after the distressingly hopeful number they perform in praise of libraries.
The orphans sing about their misery. Count Olaf announces that he's going to put on a play. It's going to be about a marriage. Klaus suspects something, so he goes to Justice Strauss and they have a duet about laws. Strauss hits on the "two people can get married if they sign a document" thing, and Klaus rushes home to tell his siblings.
The next morning, Klaus brings this up to Count Olaf, who tells Klaus to wake up his sisters. Upon attempting to do so, Klaus finds Sunny to be gone. Olaf reveals his plan. The marriage commences and there's a song called "Right Hand." When Olaf's plot is foiled, the orphans triumphantly sing a song called "Your Plot Is Foiled." Olaf swears revenge, and the Baudelaires are taken away to another home.
ACT TWO
Act Two begins with Mr. Poe and the orphans driving to Prufrock Prep. Mr. Poe sings, the orphans sing, and soon the students at the academy join in so that it's a trio. The music comes to a stop when bad violin playing begins. Mr. Poe knocks at the door several times; Nero keeps playing. At last, Poe yells "FIRE!" to get Nero's attention, and then awkwardly lies that he yelled no such thing,
Nero shows the orphans around in a song called "Welcome to Prufrock Prep," including a mention of the computer system, but then (spoken) tells the Baudelaires what THEIR living conditions will be. The Baudelaires meet some new triplet friends (the Quagmires) in the process (“Who Knew Such Misery Could Exist Outside Our Own Sorry Existences”). Duncan sings in young, ambitious reporter fashion while Isadora sings in couplets. Their song is interrupted by the chorus of students singing "new teacher." The Baudelaires look around to see Olaf in disguise. Oh noez! D: Carmelita Spats tells the orphans to attend an intensive extra gym session with Coach Genghis.
The work piles up. The Violet sings about their living conditions, Klaus sings about their schooling, Olaf sings about his nefarious plot and Nero accompanies it in the background with awful violin playing.
The Baudelaires hear there's a test the next day. The orphans scheme, and all goes well until they're found out. Klaus begins to sing, "It's Count Olaf" but is cut off by Olaf dragging the Quagmires to the car and driving off. (“Which Set of Siblings Scores More Misery Points / From This Dastardly Olafian Deed”).The Quagmires shout about VFD, and the Baudelaires are left alone, singing "No Happy End in Sight."
The Baudelaires track the Quagmires through assorted locations – a village, a hospital, a carnival. Pervading all of this, there are crows in the trees, saying crow things, doing as they please. The orchestra tries admirably to imitate this.
The Baudelaires arrive at the Village of Fowl Devotees. They are in the town hall and the elders are arguing about the rules ("That's The Law"). Then they discuss the newly arrived children ("It Takes a Village") and call upon Hector to take care of them. ("You'll be caring for them, feeding them, housing them, clothing them, teaching them good morals and good manners - we'll be raising them.")
Hector walks them back to his house and sings about his dreams and his illegal activities. ("Superlative"). "I'll escape these stupid, superfluous laws / and get away from these crow's claws."
Hector presents to them the Nevermore Tree. The orphans spot the letter among the black feathers. ("Light Amidst the Dark.")
The next song is the poem "For sapphires, etc." But it's the full-length poem, not just bit by bit. It's interrupted by the shouts of "Count Olaf has been captured." They try to fight mob mentality, but later discover Jacques has died in jail and that they are being accused of murder.
In jail, Klaus discovers the poem's secret and they form an escape plan ("Epiphanies/Happy Birthday"). They reunite with the Quagmires and Hector ("Time to Fly") but the later/ladder (they're the same word, if you think about it drunk) is shot down.
12. What is the most useful survival skill A Series of Unfortunate Events has taught you?
Linda: Opting to read the woeful tales of the Baudelaire orphans was not the healthiest of choices (and has cost a fortune in tissues). Nevertheless, I learned one skill that comes in handy when escaping from angry mobs. The books have taught me to identify the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Baudelaire, John Godfrey Saxe, George Orwell and Giuseppe Verdi, so that I can construct my very own Vaporetto of Favorite Detritus.
13. On July 11, 2006, Daniel Handler graciously answered twenty-one questions sent to him by the members of 667 Dark Avenue. For his birthday on February 28, 2007, the members of 667 Dark Avenue reciprocated by presenting Mr. Handler with a question and answer survey in his honor. This survey consisting of an underwhelming thirteen entries. Please justify this discrepancy.
Tragedy: Mr. Handler knows better than anyone that the world is full of injustice. Furthermore, the discrepancy can be explained in full by the law of diminishing marginal returns. Mr. Handler, being the well-read, sensible man that he is, never expected equal retribution. In fact, I am sure he feels that he lucked out with this 13:21 ratio. Indeed, this birthday gift may well coincide with the end of what little luck he enjoys on his birthday. He should expect serious misfortune in the near future to balance out the favorable turnout from 667 Dark Avenue.
Please keep writing Q/As. Some of these are not definite selections. Suggestions are welcome in this thread.
Misery: Choosing a suitable birthday present is never an easy task. The recepient's preferences and tastes could be unclear to you, or you might select something that they already own. In this case, it would be best to offer the one thing Mr. Handler will never refuse.
A breath mint.
2. If you were Daniel Handler, what would you wish for while blowing out the candles on your birthday cake?
BSam: Fewer candles.
3. What is Daniel Handler's greatest shortcoming as Lemony Snicket's legal representative?
Dante: His modest rhetoric on his own efforts to bring the story of the Baudelaires into the public eye, and his silence on whatever murky history concluded with his attachment to such a notorious fugitive as the author of those chronicles. I suggest he take more pride in his work, perhaps before humbly attending confession or turning himself in to the proper authorities.
4. There are countless ridiculous plot elements featured in A Series of Unfortunate Events. Which are you least disdainful of?
Songbird: The idea of things being “in” or “out,” found in Books 6-12. This actually helped me get through high school because it emphasized that following trends just because somebody thinks it's fashionable or cool isn't always the smartest course of action. Esmé is the perfect example of what not to do. Being trendy doesn't make you more likely to get friends, or any closer to being successful in life. It only makes you slightly less of an individual if all you do is follow the crowd.
However, I really do admire the pinstripe suit (although I only own a snazzy pair of pinstripe pants and a very attractive pinstripe fedora), especially because out of all the strange fashion trends that Esmé decides to follow, this one can be accomplished by anyone (and without the constant threat of someone wanting to make a salad out of your fashion statement).
5. How many times do you plan to read through ASOUE in your lifetime and how have you come to this conclusion?
Gigi: Like a clumsy waiter balancing an assortment of dishes and walking out through the “In” door of the kitchen, our best made plans are bound to come crashing down when we least expect it. With that in mind, I have decided to let fate decide how many times I will read through ASOUE. In fact, it probably isn't even wise to keep track. If I am ever captured and interrogated by agents from the other side of the schism, I can safely and honestly say that I am completely unaware of the number of times I've read ASOUE.
6. What, in your opinion, is the strongest political statement ever made by Lemony Snicket?
Antenora: While I like the myriad political interpretations of The End, I'd choose what I feel is the message of the entire series, summed up as "Well-read people are less likely to be evil". Being well-read may educate one to the evils of this world, but if you wish to remain noble, you must know the enemy. As an anti-anti-intellectual myself, I quite appreciate Snicket's message, as it runs counter to the ideology set forth in so much of our current media-- the idea that stupidity is good. I daresay that the message Snicket seeks to counter is part of what led to the election of a President who is, and I quote, "an evil man with no concern for other people".
7. If you were within striking distance, what object would you throw at Daniel Handler and why?
Dellagatta: I would throw myself at Mr Handler! I greatly admire him and I am sympathetic to his plight, after all he has gone through to help Mr. Snicket bring the tragic story of the Baudelaire orphans to the attention of the public. The man could do with a good long hug.
8. How might Dr. Seuss describe A Series of Unfortunate Events?
Libitina:
You won't ever find any Felines in Hats;
No Grinches or Sneetches or cold Butter Spats.
(Just a girl of that name who's kind of a jerk
and ominous waiters who linger and lurk.)
Disguised, incognito, secrets well-hidden--
Children saved only by fruit that’s forbidden.
No fires are doused by the Lorax’s hose;
Flimsy false mustaches lie under the nose.
Of the Places You'll Go, this lacks the most bliss;
It’s just three distressed children, lives gone amiss.
9. What historical event would be most appropriate to coincide with Mr. Handler's birthday, but unfortunately, does not?
Shruti: The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. His books seem equally flammable and, with suspicious involvement of cows in both series of events, were incited by bovine inspiration.
10. What life-lessons have you learned from reading A Series of Unfortunate Events?
Sixteen: Before reading the Series I had many questions - most notably, "If there's nothing out there, what was that noise?" Not only have I found the answers to such questions, I've also acquired some practical skills.
For example, I am now quite competent in the art of Finnish knot-tying, and I know that the Mamba du Mal is a snake that could very well kill me. I am more cautious when a realtor tries to sell me a stilt-supported house on a cliff face, and I am fully aware of both meanings of the word "partner". I am keen to try out a bag of flour as my substitute during classes, and I now ask all doormen to roll up their sleeves before we shake hands. I insist on having no more than fifteen pieces of nuts in my hot fudge sundae. I always ensure that I am taking a plum rather than a persimmon from the fruit bowl, although I usually favour my left hand in this task unlike some ambidextrous freaks. I have written various codes using items around my kitchen, and I have an (ir)rational fear of mushrooms. I have labelled my forehead "126", and I envy Joey Shoji.
Ultimately, I have come to understand that the world is quiet here.
11. If the first half of A Series of Unfortunate Events were a musical extravaganza, how would it go?
J. and Shruti: First of all, Stephen Sondheim should write the songs with some apprentices like Alice (our brilliant friend on 667) and under the instruction of Daniel Handler. Michael Cerveris should play Count Olaf. Krist(i/e)n Chenoweth/Bell could be in the musical version of The Austere Academy as a supporting student. Neil Patrick Harris could be Jacques Snicket and Raul Esparza can be Hector.
ACT ONE
The overture is cheerful and should imply joyous activity - i.e., romping through flowers - even though the Baudelaire children are relatively sedentary on the beach (skipping stones, biting and examining objects).
The cheery music comes to a halt when Mr. Poe (bass-baritone) comes to announce their parents' death. They are ushered to Count Olaf's house, but are greeted by Justice Strauss through song. All seems well - until Count Olaf shows up and interrupts Strauss's lovely song with a quick, harsh list of chores.
Middle-school bassoonists have been hired to play his theme song, which is only yet hinted to by their raucous crowing; lyrics, don’t worry, will appear later. As they tour the filthy mansion, Olaf can be heard singing in the background:
“I’ll marry Violet on Sunday, that’s what I’ll do; I’ll make her sign.
I know that hopefully one day, all of her fortune will be mine!”
Sadly, the Baudelaires don’t hear this; it is only at the end of the scene that they discover his dastardly plot, and this only happens after the distressingly hopeful number they perform in praise of libraries.
The orphans sing about their misery. Count Olaf announces that he's going to put on a play. It's going to be about a marriage. Klaus suspects something, so he goes to Justice Strauss and they have a duet about laws. Strauss hits on the "two people can get married if they sign a document" thing, and Klaus rushes home to tell his siblings.
The next morning, Klaus brings this up to Count Olaf, who tells Klaus to wake up his sisters. Upon attempting to do so, Klaus finds Sunny to be gone. Olaf reveals his plan. The marriage commences and there's a song called "Right Hand." When Olaf's plot is foiled, the orphans triumphantly sing a song called "Your Plot Is Foiled." Olaf swears revenge, and the Baudelaires are taken away to another home.
ACT TWO
Act Two begins with Mr. Poe and the orphans driving to Prufrock Prep. Mr. Poe sings, the orphans sing, and soon the students at the academy join in so that it's a trio. The music comes to a stop when bad violin playing begins. Mr. Poe knocks at the door several times; Nero keeps playing. At last, Poe yells "FIRE!" to get Nero's attention, and then awkwardly lies that he yelled no such thing,
Nero shows the orphans around in a song called "Welcome to Prufrock Prep," including a mention of the computer system, but then (spoken) tells the Baudelaires what THEIR living conditions will be. The Baudelaires meet some new triplet friends (the Quagmires) in the process (“Who Knew Such Misery Could Exist Outside Our Own Sorry Existences”). Duncan sings in young, ambitious reporter fashion while Isadora sings in couplets. Their song is interrupted by the chorus of students singing "new teacher." The Baudelaires look around to see Olaf in disguise. Oh noez! D: Carmelita Spats tells the orphans to attend an intensive extra gym session with Coach Genghis.
The work piles up. The Violet sings about their living conditions, Klaus sings about their schooling, Olaf sings about his nefarious plot and Nero accompanies it in the background with awful violin playing.
The Baudelaires hear there's a test the next day. The orphans scheme, and all goes well until they're found out. Klaus begins to sing, "It's Count Olaf" but is cut off by Olaf dragging the Quagmires to the car and driving off. (“Which Set of Siblings Scores More Misery Points / From This Dastardly Olafian Deed”).The Quagmires shout about VFD, and the Baudelaires are left alone, singing "No Happy End in Sight."
The Baudelaires track the Quagmires through assorted locations – a village, a hospital, a carnival. Pervading all of this, there are crows in the trees, saying crow things, doing as they please. The orchestra tries admirably to imitate this.
The Baudelaires arrive at the Village of Fowl Devotees. They are in the town hall and the elders are arguing about the rules ("That's The Law"). Then they discuss the newly arrived children ("It Takes a Village") and call upon Hector to take care of them. ("You'll be caring for them, feeding them, housing them, clothing them, teaching them good morals and good manners - we'll be raising them.")
Hector walks them back to his house and sings about his dreams and his illegal activities. ("Superlative"). "I'll escape these stupid, superfluous laws / and get away from these crow's claws."
Hector presents to them the Nevermore Tree. The orphans spot the letter among the black feathers. ("Light Amidst the Dark.")
The next song is the poem "For sapphires, etc." But it's the full-length poem, not just bit by bit. It's interrupted by the shouts of "Count Olaf has been captured." They try to fight mob mentality, but later discover Jacques has died in jail and that they are being accused of murder.
In jail, Klaus discovers the poem's secret and they form an escape plan ("Epiphanies/Happy Birthday"). They reunite with the Quagmires and Hector ("Time to Fly") but the later/ladder (they're the same word, if you think about it drunk) is shot down.
12. What is the most useful survival skill A Series of Unfortunate Events has taught you?
Linda: Opting to read the woeful tales of the Baudelaire orphans was not the healthiest of choices (and has cost a fortune in tissues). Nevertheless, I learned one skill that comes in handy when escaping from angry mobs. The books have taught me to identify the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Baudelaire, John Godfrey Saxe, George Orwell and Giuseppe Verdi, so that I can construct my very own Vaporetto of Favorite Detritus.
13. On July 11, 2006, Daniel Handler graciously answered twenty-one questions sent to him by the members of 667 Dark Avenue. For his birthday on February 28, 2007, the members of 667 Dark Avenue reciprocated by presenting Mr. Handler with a question and answer survey in his honor. This survey consisting of an underwhelming thirteen entries. Please justify this discrepancy.
Tragedy: Mr. Handler knows better than anyone that the world is full of injustice. Furthermore, the discrepancy can be explained in full by the law of diminishing marginal returns. Mr. Handler, being the well-read, sensible man that he is, never expected equal retribution. In fact, I am sure he feels that he lucked out with this 13:21 ratio. Indeed, this birthday gift may well coincide with the end of what little luck he enjoys on his birthday. He should expect serious misfortune in the near future to balance out the favorable turnout from 667 Dark Avenue.
Please keep writing Q/As. Some of these are not definite selections. Suggestions are welcome in this thread.