[22] Stauffer Library, Queen's University

I think that most people assume that once they complete their last 'Mad Lib' in middle school (for some it's earlier, some it's later) and they finally understand the difference between an adverb and an adjective, or why plural nouns take plural verbs (unless the plural stands for a singular, or vice-versa), 'Mad Libs' stop being fun and they disappear.

The Magic of 'Mad Libs', however, is never ending. I enjoyed them in Middle School (though the 'adverbs' and 'body parts' screw me up every time -- whatever I select is always totally inappropriate? How should I know that a jar full of toes makes more sense than a jar full of biceps?). The best thing often is to pick a theme for the "Mad Lib" so that it seems consistent (at least in the type of vocabulary used). Once my friend Tanya and I filled in a "Mad Lib" based on Alfred Noyes' The Highwayman based on the wonders of modern technology. It was hilarious. Here's the link [click here]! Here is another link if you want to do your own "Mad Libs" or "Crazy Libs" as they are called on the Rinkworks site [click here].

So as you can tell, I am bored and procrastinating (as if I haven't been this way for the whole of my "Reading Break" -- marking undergrad. essays and, well, marking undergrad. essays). Now I am at Stauffer Library, knocking off my Greek translations for the week (which, of course, I have left to the last minute). I also still have a DVD review for CM Magazine due tomorrow as well. I will watch that directly, once the Library closes (11 pm) and I get kicked out for the night.

I guess where I am going with this tangent is my post of "Best of Mad Libs", as created by me while bored at Stauffer Library (I am translating Messenger #2's speech describing Jocasta's suicide hanging from Oedipus Tyrannus by Sophocles. It is only SO interesting...). Oh yes, and ostensibly, the theme for these "Mad Libs" is 'the depressing vocabulary and events from Sophocles' Oedipus Tyrannus' -- so at least I have an excuse for procrastinating ... sort of.

Mad Lib #1:

Excerpt from The Box.

“Hurry. Open the box!” screamed Rob . To their amazement, Good King Wencelas leaped out of the box and started singing “As Tears Go By.” There was nothing else to do but sing along.

My comments: Good King Wencelas knows "As Tears Go By"?!?!? That rocks (no pun intended).

Mad Lib #2

Excerpt from Eleanor Rigby.

Ah, look at all the miserable curses! Ah, look at all the miserable
curses!
Jocasta Atrides picks up the rope in her
bridal chamber
where a suicide has been.
swung in a dream.
screams at the vision,
wearing the hair
that she keeps in a memory by the gate. Who is it for?
All the miserable
curses, where do they all come from?All the miserable
curses, where do they all
to burst out from?

My comments: who keeps hair in a memory by the gate? I mean, honestly.

Okay, I guess they are a bit absurd. You tire quickly of their entertaining value. I guess 'Mad Libs' are more fun when you have a sugar high from nibs in the school cafeteria and you are giggling outloud with your friends. Most libraries frown on that type of behaviour. Although I think the new cafe that will open in Stauffer library suggests otherwise. They actually allow you to wander around the library with food and drinks ("All Nighter" lattes and mochas from Common Ground were apparently designed for this express purpose).