My Top Ten, Those Whom I Idolize?

I've been meaning to create a list of this nature for quite some time. There are many people, most of whom are considered "eccentric" or "quirky," who have inspired me to become my own being. This being said, let the list commence!

1. Stephen Colbert

Where to begin? Satire is what I enjoy most in life, and satire just happens to take form in the very being of Mr. Colbert.

2. Quentin Tarantino

Being one of the more controversial figures in the creative world, I immediately found myself respecting Mr. Tarantino.  He is a stylistic genius, referencing numerous cultures and works of art in all of his creations.  He is, in my opinion, one of the most talented people in all of the world.  

3. Tim Burton

Creepy. Amazing. Pure genius.

4. Gwen Stefani

I used to pretend to dress like Gwen.  She is her own person and I love that about her (also, she loves the Harajuku culture as do I).

5. Seth MacFarlane 

He's so absolutely offensive, but does so to prove a point. A true prodigy as far as I'm concerned.

6. James Thurber

My personal favorite American author, artist, and doer of awesome.  I was first inspired by Thurber when I was in the third grade, and he has yet to let me down.

7. Groucho Marx

The king of comedy, and that which I one day hope to evolve into.

8. Kristin Wiig

I have a strong feeling that Kristin and I could be best friends. 

9. Marty Feldman

Some people have difficulty understanding his humor.  I believe that those people need to reevaluate their lives.  Marty is a boss.

10. Robin Williams

Robin Williams can play anything.  He is completely mental--partially because of drug use--but hey, that's why we love him.

Honorable mentions: Ellen DeGeneres, Woody Allen, Steve Martin, Bill Murray, John Hughes, John Belushi, Chris Rock, Gene Wilder, Bette Davis, Billy Bob Thorton, and of course, Joaquin Phoenix

Sure, the majority of the people listed are "just" some comedians, but they are comedians who have nonetheless affected the way that I look at humanity. 

America Again?

Stephen Colbert is my one true love, and the force that fuels all of my political ravings.  This being said, I must break from my challenge and compose a response to his newest work--America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't.  As perfect as America is in every way, our country is broken, thus launching Colbert's thesis into full effect.  He uses his sharp wit to pick out America's follies, and shares his solutions with those who are willing to buy his book.  Unfortunately, mere ownership of this book bound me into a non-disclosure agreement to not share the contents of the book with anyone.  This being said, I have decided to discuss the ingenuity of the work anyway.

One of my personal favorite quotes appeared in reference to our initial growing into an agricultural power: "We've defeated the Native Americans, the Nazis, and even the metric system" - I particularly appreciate the latter.  In his 'Easy Solutions,' he suggests retracing our steps to where we last saw our thriving economy, spicing up one of our clunker states (eg. new windows and rat traps) before selling it to a Saudi Prince, limiting maternity leaves to 15 minutes, and singing the National Anthem twice before football games.  Ah Mr. Colbert, you are too funny.  I absolutely loved I Am America (And So Can You), but America Again may be even better, given how it's focused itself on the current economic situation and offers advice on what America is doing well (just about everything) and the problems with it (mainly regular people). America Again is one of those books that I almost hated to read in public, because with all the time I spent giggling and cracking up, I'm sure I looked like a moron to people around me. But it's all but impossible not to laugh on just about every page of this, from the odd footnotes to the numerous "regular" voices in the book to the gloriously insane methods to help people with things like insurance forms and resume work.

It is important to remember however, that Mr. Colbert is not being serious.  He is simply being his character, a conservative Republican who hates gays and liberals.  America Again is by far, the most entertaining work that I have read in a very long time.  There is no word to describe my excitement about Mr. Colbert and his talent as a political satirist.  I love him, is that not good enough?