And I’ll Take The Lowbrow
I realise there was a contradiction in yesterday’s post when I said I didn’t like highbrow things then mentioned a Radio 4 podcast. I actually do, I just don’t like the tone of those shows.
Radio 4’s good but what does annoy me that some people think you can’t be informative and goof around. Some people think you have to be negative to express an opinion. Some people think that if you swear, then you somehow devalue your argument.
I say fuck those people.
I may not be the sharpest tool in the box, but at least I’m thinking outside it.
If this site aims to do anything, it’s to have a laugh, mess around, throw up some ideas about everyday stuff, and yes, if necessary, find out who the hell played sitar on Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.”
I wouldn’t presume I come close to that here, but if we can keep on doing what we’re doing, then we’re doing OK.
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Update: More than OK - this from twobluefish, written by the eloquent Quick in Sydney.
May 30th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
We’re doing fine.
May 30th, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Well, I like it here.
I mean, I aspire to write a Mills & Boon and I’m addicted to America’s Next Top Model. But I like it here.
May 30th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Good stuff, Cliff. Fucking good reads.
May 30th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
I find the miraculous in the common. Still doesn’t mean I want to sit next to them on the bus.
May 31st, 2007 at 2:37 am
I’m common. Damn common. And, thank you, Cliff, I say. I’m the guy who sits next to Sam on the bus.
You know what might impress me? I’d really like to see a quote of Emerson’s where he cusses. You got one of those?
May 31st, 2007 at 2:40 am
Hey! I’m pissed! How come my comment is awaiting moderation! What are you going to do? clean it up!? It’s fine just as it is.
You know that wonderful song. Ah-hem, I’ll sing a few bars — or IN a few bars. Ha-ha. “I love yoooou JUST the waaay you aaaare!”
May 31st, 2007 at 7:12 am
Hey Tom - I use a spam filter which has a mind of its own. If you mention certain words it filters out things, but also if you’re using a different machine from the one you are normally approved on, it holds it for me to approve. Or if you include a bunch of links in a post it does it too, as that’s the hallmark of a spammer.
In my defence, it has caught 22,274 spam comments this year alone and for some reason the one above published just fine.
New readers - your first comment wil be held in moderation first time you post, but after that you can post as you please.
June 1st, 2007 at 12:25 am
That explains it. I thought you didn’t like me any more. Or, disliked me a little more than usual. I got a new machine. It’s shiny and has that new-computer smell.
Or, it could be because I said the word “damn.” If THIS comment gets waylaid in approval hell, then it’s my “damn” problem that’s nibbled me on the ass, again. Damn.
June 1st, 2007 at 7:30 am
Tom, that one just now was also held for moderation. I bet it’s the spam filter. As you know, I like swearing as much as the next fucker, but spam comments often contain a lot of it, so it’s probably being picked up. As for the new PC, it could be that I have to approve a few times. That’s what sometimes happens. If there’s any button on the comments field that says “Remember me on this computer” when you leave a comment, it’s probably best to check that box.
June 1st, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Dear Spam Filter: If the border guard between the US and Canada can let in some bloke who is as contagious as Typhoid Mary, then surely you can let past you this modest comment that says nothing more outrageous than a mild and meek “damn.” Be kind, Spam Filter. My feelings are delicate.
June 1st, 2007 at 3:50 pm
Dear Spam Filter: Well. FUCK YOU, too!
June 1st, 2007 at 3:51 pm
OK, Mr. Filter. You are behaving oddly. You let in my FUCK YOU, but not my damn. You have some pathologies to deal with. Either that, or it is Cliffy that is messing with my mind. Hmmm.
June 1st, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Tom, your fucks got through but the damns were blocked again! Ain’t that something. Live and learn, I guess.