Hello everybody. Ms. Waxy Dragon here!
Now, in July 26th's Sunday Funnies, I started discussing whether or not jokes should be updated, using Bud Abbot and Lou Costello's classic routine "Who's on first?" as an example.
If needed, I'll wait a moment while everyone checks out that previous post in the archives.
(Hums to herself a minute...)
Okay, everyone up to date?
Now then, let's look at another example this weekend: Whether or not animals can talk?
I'm not discussing anything related to any version of Doctor Doolittle, for in that situation, the good Doctor is talking with the animals in their own tongues and everything is just translated into English for the benefit of the audience.
Nor am I talking about the avian species that actually can speak to some extent, or even the situation where a person knows an animal can speak, but must keep that knowledge a secret like Francis the Talking Mule or Mister Ed, the horse. If you don't know what I'm talking about, just Google them to find out.
Instead, I'm discussing the humor based upon trying to convince someone who has not heard an animal speak that the animal DID speak, like the poor guy who kept trying to convince people that the (later named Michigan J.) Frog did actually sing during the classic Merrie Melodies cartoon "One Froggy Evening" (circa 1955).
There is an animated gag where a guy takes a dog before a talent agent because the canine can allegedly talk. After a couple of questions where the answer is a standard dog sound like:
"What's on top of a house?
"Woof!" replies the dog, for roof.
The routine ends with the guy asking the dog:
"Who's the greatest baseball player of all time?"
To which the dog allegedly responds "Woth!", for Babe Ruth.
At which point the talent agent kicks both of them out of his office, usually literally, and then the dog looks up at the man with these big, sad soulful eyes and goes:
"Do you think I should have said DiMaggio?"
I have never seen anyone try to update that routine until the June 23, 2009 installment of Zits by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman.
Pierce tries to convince his friend Jeremy that he has a talking chicken by asking the bird:
"What's the President's name?"
To which the chicken clucks "Barack!"
Jeremy walks off in disbelief, leaving the reader to wonder whether or not the chicken actually made a comment about Michelle Obama afterwards.
Now in this case, it's funny and original, from the perspective that no one (to my knowledge) has ever tried updating that routine before.
And if you still do not believe that animals can talk, just remember that you've spent the last couple of minutes reading a post written by five year old baby dragon, unless you believe all that baloney about me being just one of many avatars of an avid Internet user.
-wd.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
THE WEEK IN REVIEW: AUGUST 2-8, 2009
*Today marks the 40th anniversary of the initial release of The Beatles' classic album Abbey Road.
*Sonia Sotomayor has been sworn in as the newest Supreme Court Justice.
*Bill Clinton lead the negotiations leading to the successful release of two American journalists held by North Korea on espionage charges.
*The Health Care reform issue continues to be debated on and off Capitol Hill.
*Due to its popularity, the Cash for Clunkers program has received additional funding.
*And movie director John Hughes (The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off) passed away due to a heart attack August 6th.
NOW BEFORE WE CONCLUDE THIS POST...
There has been a lot in the news once more about both the Steroids Scandal in Major League Baseball and a Republican sponsored movement afoot to oust President Barack Obama on the grounds that his birth certificate was allegedly faked because he is not a native American.
The Free Choice e-zine plans to cover these stories in more depth as the facts come to light.
For more news at any time, just scroll down to our IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of the screen.
*Sonia Sotomayor has been sworn in as the newest Supreme Court Justice.
*Bill Clinton lead the negotiations leading to the successful release of two American journalists held by North Korea on espionage charges.
*The Health Care reform issue continues to be debated on and off Capitol Hill.
*Due to its popularity, the Cash for Clunkers program has received additional funding.
*And movie director John Hughes (The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off) passed away due to a heart attack August 6th.
NOW BEFORE WE CONCLUDE THIS POST...
There has been a lot in the news once more about both the Steroids Scandal in Major League Baseball and a Republican sponsored movement afoot to oust President Barack Obama on the grounds that his birth certificate was allegedly faked because he is not a native American.
The Free Choice e-zine plans to cover these stories in more depth as the facts come to light.
For more news at any time, just scroll down to our IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of the screen.
THE PUZZLE CORNER: AUGUST 8, 2009
Okay puzzle fans.
Let's see if you can solve this week's mysteries.
TRIVIA TIME
Those who have taken typing lessons know that the keyboard is generally divided in half, with each hand responsible for a side.
Your question is: what is the longest word each hand can type without crossing into the other hand's territory?
COMMON BONDS
The following group seems to be pretty diverse, yet they all had ONE thing in common during their lifetimes! Do you know what it is?
Our group:
{Walt Disney; Bob Hope; Doctor Martin Luther King, Junior; Dwight David Eisenhower; Harry S. Truman; Jackie Robinson; Bing Crosby}
The answers will appear next weekend. But for now, the results from August 1, 2009's Puzzle Corner:
TRIVIA TIME
Music fans know Ernest Evans professionally as Chubby Checker.
REBUS
Since the same line appeared twice, the correct answer is "To forgive and forget" not "Forgive and forget".
Let's see if you can solve this week's mysteries.
TRIVIA TIME
Those who have taken typing lessons know that the keyboard is generally divided in half, with each hand responsible for a side.
Your question is: what is the longest word each hand can type without crossing into the other hand's territory?
COMMON BONDS
The following group seems to be pretty diverse, yet they all had ONE thing in common during their lifetimes! Do you know what it is?
Our group:
{Walt Disney; Bob Hope; Doctor Martin Luther King, Junior; Dwight David Eisenhower; Harry S. Truman; Jackie Robinson; Bing Crosby}
The answers will appear next weekend. But for now, the results from August 1, 2009's Puzzle Corner:
TRIVIA TIME
Music fans know Ernest Evans professionally as Chubby Checker.
REBUS
Since the same line appeared twice, the correct answer is "To forgive and forget" not "Forgive and forget".
Sunday, August 2, 2009
"DON'T WORRY!"
Welcome to the first (Inter)National "Don't Worry!" Day!
The Free Choice e-zine decided to initiate this annual event to try and promote self awareness as to the hazards of stress upon the human body.
Unfortunately, I can speak from personal experience in regards to that, for I do suffer from high blood pressure, which led to other health problems I am dealing with.
The first Sunday of August was chosen for a couple of reasons:
1. There is not already an established holiday in this month.
2. There will be enough stress upon the horizon amongst families trying to prepare for the coming school year, especially those with students heading off to college.
3. It's the middle of summer. Memorial Day unofficially kicks off the Summer season. Labor Day unofficially ends it, with Father's Day in June and of course the Fourth of July.
4. If Mad magazine can establish National Gorilla Suit Day...
Stress, and the problems there of, have been a part of life since the dawn of time. But since the written word has come into existence, humanity has tried to deal with the situation.
Bobby McFerrin sings "Don't worry, be happy."
Douglas Adams has right on the cover of The Hitchhikers' Guide To The Galaxy "Don't Panic!" within the books.
And imagine how much a professional psychologist would be charging you by the hour for this advice!
And while the first Sunday of August will be always be (Inter)National "Day as far as The Free Choice e-zine is concerned, you should do your best to try to avoid stress, or at least minimize its effects upon you EVERY DAY!
So kick back, relax a bit, and regroup before facing life again.
For taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot...
lhjr.
The Free Choice e-zine decided to initiate this annual event to try and promote self awareness as to the hazards of stress upon the human body.
Unfortunately, I can speak from personal experience in regards to that, for I do suffer from high blood pressure, which led to other health problems I am dealing with.
The first Sunday of August was chosen for a couple of reasons:
1. There is not already an established holiday in this month.
2. There will be enough stress upon the horizon amongst families trying to prepare for the coming school year, especially those with students heading off to college.
3. It's the middle of summer. Memorial Day unofficially kicks off the Summer season. Labor Day unofficially ends it, with Father's Day in June and of course the Fourth of July.
4. If Mad magazine can establish National Gorilla Suit Day...
Stress, and the problems there of, have been a part of life since the dawn of time. But since the written word has come into existence, humanity has tried to deal with the situation.
Bobby McFerrin sings "Don't worry, be happy."
Douglas Adams has right on the cover of The Hitchhikers' Guide To The Galaxy "Don't Panic!" within the books.
And imagine how much a professional psychologist would be charging you by the hour for this advice!
And while the first Sunday of August will be always be (Inter)National "Day as far as The Free Choice e-zine is concerned, you should do your best to try to avoid stress, or at least minimize its effects upon you EVERY DAY!
So kick back, relax a bit, and regroup before facing life again.
For taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot...
lhjr.
SUNDAY FUNNIES: AUGUST 2, 2009
Good day folks! Ms. Waxy Dragon here on the first (Inter)National "Don't Worry" Day with some jokes for everyone to kick back and relax with.
One day at school, little Max was talking to his best friend. “David, have you heard the joke about the garbage truck?”
“No I haven’t,” replied David.
"Don't worry,” said Max, “it's only a load of rubbish."
Why don't mummies take vacations? They're too afraid to relax and unwind.
Doctor, Doctor, I've just swallowed a clock!
Don't worry: there's no cause for alarm.
Doctor, something is seriously wrong with me. Some days I feel like a tee-pee and other days I feel like a wig-wam.
Relax! You're just two tents.
Do you think we should swim here? I heard there were crocodiles.
Don't worry, the sharks scared them away.
While all the above were told in jest, stress is not healthy for you, whether you're human or dragon. It can lead to high blood pressure, a possible stroke, or worse.
Hence, starting an annual "Don't Worry!" Day.
After all, if Mad magazine can initiate National Gorilla Suit Day...
Take it easy everybody, and I'll see you next Sunday for more SUNDAY FUNNIES.
-wd.
One day at school, little Max was talking to his best friend. “David, have you heard the joke about the garbage truck?”
“No I haven’t,” replied David.
"Don't worry,” said Max, “it's only a load of rubbish."
Why don't mummies take vacations? They're too afraid to relax and unwind.
Doctor, Doctor, I've just swallowed a clock!
Don't worry: there's no cause for alarm.
Doctor, something is seriously wrong with me. Some days I feel like a tee-pee and other days I feel like a wig-wam.
Relax! You're just two tents.
Do you think we should swim here? I heard there were crocodiles.
Don't worry, the sharks scared them away.
While all the above were told in jest, stress is not healthy for you, whether you're human or dragon. It can lead to high blood pressure, a possible stroke, or worse.
Hence, starting an annual "Don't Worry!" Day.
After all, if Mad magazine can initiate National Gorilla Suit Day...
Take it easy everybody, and I'll see you next Sunday for more SUNDAY FUNNIES.
-wd.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
THE WEEK IN REVIEW: JULY 26-AUGUST 1, 2009
*Unusually high waves, caused by the tides having less storms deter them, are giving surfing enthusiasts both concerns and challenges along California shores, for the abnormally higher tides are more difficult to surf, causing safety issues and keeping life guards busy.
*A final vote on any Health Care reform might not come until September, but President Barack Obama's popularity approval rating seems to be slipping based upon the belief of some that he is spreading himself thin trying to do too much to soon. But while the President does have one of the more difficult jobs in the free world, you do have to admit that he and his administration are at least trying to address the issues facing this country and the world.
*Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomeyer passed the Judicial Committee screening and awaits the official swearing in ceremony.
*And in sports: Alberto Contador won the 2009 Tour De France.
For more news at any time, just scroll down to the IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of the screen.
AND DON'T FORGET:
Tomorrow is the first annual (Inter)National "Don't Worry" Day!
*A final vote on any Health Care reform might not come until September, but President Barack Obama's popularity approval rating seems to be slipping based upon the belief of some that he is spreading himself thin trying to do too much to soon. But while the President does have one of the more difficult jobs in the free world, you do have to admit that he and his administration are at least trying to address the issues facing this country and the world.
*Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomeyer passed the Judicial Committee screening and awaits the official swearing in ceremony.
*And in sports: Alberto Contador won the 2009 Tour De France.
For more news at any time, just scroll down to the IN OTHER NEWS feature at the bottom of the screen.
AND DON'T FORGET:
Tomorrow is the first annual (Inter)National "Don't Worry" Day!
THE PUZZLE CORNER: AUGUST 1, 2009
Since tomorrow is the first annual (Inter)National "Don't Worry" Day, I thought it would be best to take things a little easier this weekend.
TRIVIA TIME
In music, what is Ernest Evan's professional name?
REBUS
Can you name the familiar phrase portrayed by the following?
give get give get give get give get
give get give get give get give get
The answers will appear next weekend. But for now, the results from July 25th's Puzzle Corner:
COMMON BONDS
Group 1: Crystal Gayle and Loretta Lynn are sisters.
Group 2: Gayle, Lynn, and Patty Loveless are cousins.
THE LETTER SHUFFLE
Jules VERNE is considered by some to be the father of what we know today as science fiction.
It took a lot of NERVE to trail blaze into a new genre.
VERNE = NERVE
TRIVIA TIME
In music, what is Ernest Evan's professional name?
REBUS
Can you name the familiar phrase portrayed by the following?
give get give get give get give get
give get give get give get give get
The answers will appear next weekend. But for now, the results from July 25th's Puzzle Corner:
COMMON BONDS
Group 1: Crystal Gayle and Loretta Lynn are sisters.
Group 2: Gayle, Lynn, and Patty Loveless are cousins.
THE LETTER SHUFFLE
Jules VERNE is considered by some to be the father of what we know today as science fiction.
It took a lot of NERVE to trail blaze into a new genre.
VERNE = NERVE
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