August 31, 2010
The SMUT model and the General Theory of Verbal Humo(u)r
Critical theory (I guess) applied to Father Ted:
In terms of the theory offered here, the notion of setting follows in part the traditional argument in linguistic pragmatics about how utterance interpretation is shaped by and is heavily dependent on features of interactive context.
This is the scene being analyzed, by the way:
August 30, 2010
"Let's Hope the Print Oxford English Dictionary Really Dies"
I realize I was an unusual kid, but browsing through the OED while hiding out from bullies in the public library is among my fondest childhood memories, for which the "convenience of the electronic version" would have been no substitute. And when all else fails, you can hit them with it. Twenty times. Try doing that with an iPad.
Legacy!
Furthering the Show Business is My Life post, Jeffen posts my lengthy audio appearance on KALX for the 2006 King Dork release.
August 29, 2010
August 28, 2010
On with the Show, Good Health to You
Kind words about Show Business is My Life from Jeffen at musicruinedmylife.blogspot.com. (It's one of the coolest music blogs around - check it out. If you're like me, you'll probably learn some things.)
Also, if you've never heard the Fastbacks' cover of "Book of Revelation" you can find it here. I remember Dave Parasite once asking me: "be honest, you had some help with that solo, didn't you?" I was a little loaded, probably, and I think I just stared at him uncomprehendingly, in that uncomprehending way I have. I don't know if he meant "composing" it, or physically playing it (or, if the latter, how that might have worked.) Kurt Bloch once told me it was too hard to play live. Which was funny. Kim Warnick sang the backups at Dancing Dog in Emeryville in between soundchecks at the Berkeley Square, which was a proud moment for me.
August 23, 2010
August 19, 2010
August 18, 2010
August 16, 2010
August 06, 2010
August 05, 2010
If a federal officer feels like shooting your dog at a public park, he can
Yet another chapter in law enforcement's war on pets and reckless disregard for public safety.
I’m certain that if I (or anyone else who isn’t a cop) pulled out a gun and shot a dog at a dog park in a residential area, I’d be facing criminal charges. And rightly so. Even if the dogs were fighting, there’s no justification for shooting one of them, particularly around other dogs and people. It’s reckless, trigger-happy, and dangerous. It’s also safe to say that if this had been anyone other than a cop, the local police department would have no qualms about releasing his name to the press.
Radio interviews with the dog's (former) owner here and here.