See What He Did There?
April 13, 2008
Best thing I have read all week from the Jonesosphere (sorry):
Rivierawriter, my dad, wrote:
I once had dinner with Gilbert Northcote Parkinson, author (this for those under forty) of Parkinson’s Law. In awe of the best-selling humorist, I spent days preparing for an evening of merry banter. The food was excellent, but it was a long and tedious meal: I assumed my repartee had failed to bring out his latent humour, but later consoled myself with the thought that funny writers are not funny in person because they’re too busy worrying about what funny stuff they’re going to write next or in which tax haven they’re going to live. Over the years I have derived much comfort from assuming that the converse is equally true: that the reason I can’t write funny is because I’m such hilarious company.
12 comments
That made me smile. I disagree with the can’t-write-humour bit.
I only said I might change my will.
Don’t take me out of your will!
I take issue with the suggestion that Ted cannot write funny.
I’m superwhelmed – all these funny writers saying incredible nicies. Thinks: does that mean I’m not hilarious company? (Just found out how to do italics. It’ll wear off.)
Exhibit A: “Mrs S was a different item – I guess her name would translate into Charlie Brown.”
I rest my case
See what CLIFF pulled off there? A disappearing act!
Come back Cliff – I was kidding. Cliff?
Ted, you made my morning. Just thought you might like to know.
And, Cliff, I guess you made my morning by proxy which is just as good.
…was it something Ted said?
I’ve not heard of Gilbert Northcote Parkinson, but I love a good spot of namedroppery, it’s the sign of a well-utilised life.
Ted and Cliff,s wit expands more than Parkinson could have theorised .
Leave a comment. Play nice. I will turn this blog around.