I am proud to say I am a reader of the "Post to the Host," wherein our Host is man enough to take one on his cheek for his insouciant remarks about the widespread need for SS and Medicaid, irrespective of party, even the Republican's. We all reach out to help those that need and those that help make it happen. It takes a man or woman to stand and take the reminder.
Is there anyone who is remotely familiar with anything that GK has ever written or said who could truly believe that he does not fully understand and appreciate the need for programs such as SS or Medicaid? Or that he’s would (ever) seriously call for the destruction of either?
A while back I read an interview with one of my --very-- favorite poets Kay Ryan (who I’m sure you know, and who was featured several times both on Writer’s Almanac, as well as in the “Good Poems” books).
In addition to being known for its brilliant wordplay, Ryan’s work is also recognized for its mastery of a subtle, wry, quirky, penetrating humor.
However, in the interview Ryan admitted that, as an aid to responding to the letters of some readers, she eventually felt the need to have a custom rubber stamp made that read “IT’S A ******* JOKE!” (with, of course, the appropriate substitutions for the asterisks).
Now, I realize that --the occasional fart joke aside-- you are too much a well brought-up midwestern gentleman to ever employ such a direct manner of response.
We recently returned from the vacation of a lifetime (New Zealand!) that encompassed Valentines Day. I found a scrap of paper to write a short poem to my dear wife, as is my annual habit, and read for her on the day. It still needed work, so I finished it this morning. You being a romantic humorist, I thought you might enjoy.
I love to bring you cheer, my dear
A chuckle, a chortle, a fart.
A bent-over guffaw with screams from your maw
Warms the cockles of my heart.
And I love to let slip a hilarious quip
That ignites you to stomp and to dance
Yes, I’ll be a satisfied bloke if a spontaneous joke
Should cause you to dampen your pants.
But please sprint to the can as fast as you can
If I raise you to gut wrenching howls
For though I’ve practiced this bit with timing and wit
Rich Klingman said: "I either saw GK or his twin walk by in the Catskill Mountains' Concord Resort."
There are folks who have multiple personalities, although they may not be aware of it. While I was working as a librarian in the business world, I fell in love with one of our academic researchers. We were both in a nature club. It was on some outings I began to know his "Split" persona.
Soon I could tell "Who was Who" by his eyes. His "business personality" looked at me "factually", while his generally hidden side had eyes so warm and friendly, you could cook French toast with them! Sometimes, when he needed to "come out", he'd come to the library, pull out a large atlas, beckon to me to come over - apparently to clarify some issue. We'd stand there conversing, right arm next to left arm, feeling each other's body heat, and simply being "Warmed" by the recognition that He-2, the generally hidden side, was "Real" to at least to someone in his environment!
Since then, I've been more aware of the possibility of the existence of "alter-egos." I don't see them as anything "psychologically inferior", simply because they're relatively rare. I read a book by a professor from USC who described her own journey (her name escapes me now) that was quite illuminating.
The thing is, those who find escaping to another persona frequently turns out to be the best adjustment that a child - or teen, can make to deal with extensive social pressure. I valued this coworker of mine immensely - he was easily the most well read, and had the broadest interests, of any of my professional colleagues! And- to top it off, he was "muy simpatico" - especially able to put himself in other folks' shoes.
Getting to know him was sort of a psychological page-turner for me. "Just because someone is "Different" doesn't mean there's anything "Wrong" with them! As a matter of fact, to me, it signifies that this growing body found itself faced with what seemed like an insurmountable problem, and "Solved It!" by sometimes handing the controls over to someone who didn't feel so involved in the "Issues!"
I think Robert Lewis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" might be one of the first pieces of literature to explore this situation. To me, it seems a shame that "Mr. Hyde" was a "Bad Guy!" In the few people I've been aware of who might be "multiple personalities," it seems as if they are actually more sensitive, more feeling, more compassionate than "The Run of the Mill Joe!"
In the last century, perhaps beginning with Freud, it seems as if "WE" as a culture are becoming more aware of differentiation. We can understand the concept that being "Abnormal" might not be a "difficulty" in itself. For example, in the last 20 years or so, society in general seems to be loosening up about the concept of folks don't clearly fit into the binary opposite gender roles. That's a relief to me!
So, Rich, if you're at another convention and you see GK or his twin walk by , maybe you could say something jovial such as "Hey! You look just like Garrison Keillor!" If that person is a Prairie Home Companion fan, I'm sure they'll feel it's quite a compliment! If not, perhaps your enthusiasm for Garrison Keillor and Friends might tempt them to look this web page up and discover its treasures!
One of my former psychiatrists once told me that there is no abnormal, just different variants of normal. Different brains are made up of different wiring, and who's to say which wiring is correct? When I was first diagnosed with ADHD, I looked up the names of famous people who have been diagnosed with it - or suspected of having it, in the case of the long ago departed - and it was amazing! Check it out if you're curious (https://adhdonline.com/29-famous-people-show-how-adhd-does-not-have-to-limit-success/). The world is made up of many kinds of people, and it's a good thing, too - not only would it be boring if we were all the same, I don't think we were survive as a species. Vive la difference!
Once again, I’m afraid, North Dakotans may be risking life and limb, driving around their fair state, looking for your show at the Admiral in Omaha. If you show up in Nebraska’s and the theater is empty, this could explain why. I’m also concerned that, if expired, it will be difficult for me to log in within 24 hours. Ah, the challenges of modern-day communications.
Not from personal experience necessarily, but it would seem nothing appeals to the senior ladies like an upright organ, although a big strapping theater organ can win prizes!
Roger Krenkler - L.A. ( Home of some of the big ones!)
I am hoping you will show up in Bay Area or LA. Both my sister in Southern CA and myself (Reno) grew up in St. Paul where our large extended family lives. We all feel like we grew up in Lake Wonegon. My sister and I read your books and enjoy your column each Monday.
Good luck in Fargo this time of year! I have a close friend and former colleague from there who went to ND State and then got a PhD in chemistry from the University of Minnesota. He hasn't been back since his parents died and doesn't have any intention to go there again.
By the way, I don't think that Michael Bloomberg could be your long lost cousin. He was born in Boston on February 14, 1942 and is almost a foot shorter than you are. If he were your twin brother, it would have been the result of a very difficult pregnancy.
'Life is meant to be experienced, not just observed.' This reminds me of the old adage which states that there are three kinds of people -- those who do, those who watch, and those who wonder what happened. I hope this is not merely a tool for the first group to denigrate the other two groups. I doubt it. It may have been formulated by a very kind and non-judgmental person offering food for thought. In that vein, I may watch a bit much and do a bit little. An opportunity for some changes!
I am proud to say I am a reader of the "Post to the Host," wherein our Host is man enough to take one on his cheek for his insouciant remarks about the widespread need for SS and Medicaid, irrespective of party, even the Republican's. We all reach out to help those that need and those that help make it happen. It takes a man or woman to stand and take the reminder.
Along these lines I do have to ask:
Is there anyone who is remotely familiar with anything that GK has ever written or said who could truly believe that he does not fully understand and appreciate the need for programs such as SS or Medicaid? Or that he’s would (ever) seriously call for the destruction of either?
Of course not! As he said above.
I think, though, that it’s a bit unfortunate that he might ever feel it necessary to explicitly say so.
In this era, we’re often expected to explicitly do so.
Dear Garrison
A while back I read an interview with one of my --very-- favorite poets Kay Ryan (who I’m sure you know, and who was featured several times both on Writer’s Almanac, as well as in the “Good Poems” books).
In addition to being known for its brilliant wordplay, Ryan’s work is also recognized for its mastery of a subtle, wry, quirky, penetrating humor.
However, in the interview Ryan admitted that, as an aid to responding to the letters of some readers, she eventually felt the need to have a custom rubber stamp made that read “IT’S A ******* JOKE!” (with, of course, the appropriate substitutions for the asterisks).
Now, I realize that --the occasional fart joke aside-- you are too much a well brought-up midwestern gentleman to ever employ such a direct manner of response.
But, just sayin’...
I admire Kay Ryan but I think I'll just have to take my chances. No stamp, thanks. NON-IRONIC
GK,
Please, please, please consider doing a show out West!!!!
We sorely need your wit and the deep soul food of singing a cappella.
Thank you for all you have done!
BTW: Many of us souls live alone - just the way the cookies crumbled. Sometimes I feel we are ignored.
Many best wishes, Katy
I'm heading for Colorado in April –– is that West enough?
Cheerfulness is infectious - if your new book cheers up your readers, we'll spread it around. 😊
We recently returned from the vacation of a lifetime (New Zealand!) that encompassed Valentines Day. I found a scrap of paper to write a short poem to my dear wife, as is my annual habit, and read for her on the day. It still needed work, so I finished it this morning. You being a romantic humorist, I thought you might enjoy.
I love to bring you cheer, my dear
A chuckle, a chortle, a fart.
A bent-over guffaw with screams from your maw
Warms the cockles of my heart.
And I love to let slip a hilarious quip
That ignites you to stomp and to dance
Yes, I’ll be a satisfied bloke if a spontaneous joke
Should cause you to dampen your pants.
But please sprint to the can as fast as you can
If I raise you to gut wrenching howls
For though I’ve practiced this bit with timing and wit
I’d rather it not move your bowels.
You two must have been married for quite a while! 😂 May you have many more years of laughter together.
The trip was a gift to ourselves to celebrate 40 years.
Rich Klingman said: "I either saw GK or his twin walk by in the Catskill Mountains' Concord Resort."
There are folks who have multiple personalities, although they may not be aware of it. While I was working as a librarian in the business world, I fell in love with one of our academic researchers. We were both in a nature club. It was on some outings I began to know his "Split" persona.
Soon I could tell "Who was Who" by his eyes. His "business personality" looked at me "factually", while his generally hidden side had eyes so warm and friendly, you could cook French toast with them! Sometimes, when he needed to "come out", he'd come to the library, pull out a large atlas, beckon to me to come over - apparently to clarify some issue. We'd stand there conversing, right arm next to left arm, feeling each other's body heat, and simply being "Warmed" by the recognition that He-2, the generally hidden side, was "Real" to at least to someone in his environment!
Since then, I've been more aware of the possibility of the existence of "alter-egos." I don't see them as anything "psychologically inferior", simply because they're relatively rare. I read a book by a professor from USC who described her own journey (her name escapes me now) that was quite illuminating.
The thing is, those who find escaping to another persona frequently turns out to be the best adjustment that a child - or teen, can make to deal with extensive social pressure. I valued this coworker of mine immensely - he was easily the most well read, and had the broadest interests, of any of my professional colleagues! And- to top it off, he was "muy simpatico" - especially able to put himself in other folks' shoes.
Getting to know him was sort of a psychological page-turner for me. "Just because someone is "Different" doesn't mean there's anything "Wrong" with them! As a matter of fact, to me, it signifies that this growing body found itself faced with what seemed like an insurmountable problem, and "Solved It!" by sometimes handing the controls over to someone who didn't feel so involved in the "Issues!"
I think Robert Lewis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" might be one of the first pieces of literature to explore this situation. To me, it seems a shame that "Mr. Hyde" was a "Bad Guy!" In the few people I've been aware of who might be "multiple personalities," it seems as if they are actually more sensitive, more feeling, more compassionate than "The Run of the Mill Joe!"
In the last century, perhaps beginning with Freud, it seems as if "WE" as a culture are becoming more aware of differentiation. We can understand the concept that being "Abnormal" might not be a "difficulty" in itself. For example, in the last 20 years or so, society in general seems to be loosening up about the concept of folks don't clearly fit into the binary opposite gender roles. That's a relief to me!
So, Rich, if you're at another convention and you see GK or his twin walk by , maybe you could say something jovial such as "Hey! You look just like Garrison Keillor!" If that person is a Prairie Home Companion fan, I'm sure they'll feel it's quite a compliment! If not, perhaps your enthusiasm for Garrison Keillor and Friends might tempt them to look this web page up and discover its treasures!
One of my former psychiatrists once told me that there is no abnormal, just different variants of normal. Different brains are made up of different wiring, and who's to say which wiring is correct? When I was first diagnosed with ADHD, I looked up the names of famous people who have been diagnosed with it - or suspected of having it, in the case of the long ago departed - and it was amazing! Check it out if you're curious (https://adhdonline.com/29-famous-people-show-how-adhd-does-not-have-to-limit-success/). The world is made up of many kinds of people, and it's a good thing, too - not only would it be boring if we were all the same, I don't think we were survive as a species. Vive la difference!
Once again, I’m afraid, North Dakotans may be risking life and limb, driving around their fair state, looking for your show at the Admiral in Omaha. If you show up in Nebraska’s and the theater is empty, this could explain why. I’m also concerned that, if expired, it will be difficult for me to log in within 24 hours. Ah, the challenges of modern-day communications.
I just made a similar comment about ND below.
JJS, Thanks for the Wilbur poems. No one person ever finds all the best by themself, so I sure appreciate the big help.
Not from personal experience necessarily, but it would seem nothing appeals to the senior ladies like an upright organ, although a big strapping theater organ can win prizes!
Roger Krenkler - L.A. ( Home of some of the big ones!)
Well, Colorado is better but still a stretch.
I am hoping you will show up in Bay Area or LA. Both my sister in Southern CA and myself (Reno) grew up in St. Paul where our large extended family lives. We all feel like we grew up in Lake Wonegon. My sister and I read your books and enjoy your column each Monday.
Thanks! Katy
Good luck in Fargo this time of year! I have a close friend and former colleague from there who went to ND State and then got a PhD in chemistry from the University of Minnesota. He hasn't been back since his parents died and doesn't have any intention to go there again.
By the way, I don't think that Michael Bloomberg could be your long lost cousin. He was born in Boston on February 14, 1942 and is almost a foot shorter than you are. If he were your twin brother, it would have been the result of a very difficult pregnancy.
'Life is meant to be experienced, not just observed.' This reminds me of the old adage which states that there are three kinds of people -- those who do, those who watch, and those who wonder what happened. I hope this is not merely a tool for the first group to denigrate the other two groups. I doubt it. It may have been formulated by a very kind and non-judgmental person offering food for thought. In that vein, I may watch a bit much and do a bit little. An opportunity for some changes!
Oops -- that's Omaha, NE (not North Dakota, as you add for Saturday's show said.)
WHAT A WORLD!