Philosophy
The 4th of July has always been a big celebration for us because it is my grandmother's birthday...sort of. Actually, it was her whole family's birthday, at least, legally. when they came over from Eastern Europe and were waiting to speak with the immigration people, they were coached on the right answers to the questions they would be asked. They were told that they needed to be amply patriotic to be allowed in. So when they were asked for their date of birth, they all replied July 4. After all, what could make you more American?
As a member of that magic third generation who has no ties whatsoever to any other nation or culture it has always allowed me to remember that while we welcome immigrants in the United States, we're not always as welcoming as we could be to other people's grandparents-to-be. The lesson seems particularly apt this year.
So to my grandmother and my country, I wish you both a happy birthday. I love you both very much and may next year find you both healthy. (My grandmother, actually, is a little trickier to shop for. The country, I just send a gift certificate every April 15 and let it get whatever it wants. I just wish it would stop spending it all in one place overseas...)
- Passing The Plate: Birthday Edition
My Fellow Comedists, Today is my birthday, so let's pass the plate. Other religions asks for monetary donations, but Comedists tithe jokes. This time around, let's do birthday jokes. My offering: It was Sol Rosenberg's 94th birthday and his...
- Bullshit Or Not: Cervantes Edition
There's an old sketch film called Amazon Women on the Moon and one of the bits is a parody of the old Leonard Nimoy show, "In Search Of..." called, "Bullshit or Not?" with the tagline "Bullshit or not? You decide." It's a line I like so much that...
- Happy Birthday Lance Armstrong
Yesterday was Lance Armstrong's 37th birthday. Truly one of the great stories of recent years is his beating cancer and returning to become possibly the greatest racer ever. Accusations of doping remain as they will for everyone of the last decade...
- Feast Of Saint Carol
Brothers, Sisters, and Transgendered Comedists Everywhere, This week we celebrate the feast of Saint Carol. Carol Burnett turns 75 this weekend. She was born in Texas, but raised by her grandmother in Hollywood. Working her way up through small parts,...
- Edna Parker, "supercentenarian", Has Died
Edna Parker April 20th, 1893 to November 26th, 2008 Edna is at far left, second row, with her hands crossed. Copyright © 2007-2008 Kirk Curnutt [Edna Parker is Kirk Curnutt's great-grandmother] The Today Show on Monday, April 28th, 2008: A big greeting...
Philosophy
Happy Birthday America...and Mom Mom
The 4th of July has always been a big celebration for us because it is my grandmother's birthday...sort of. Actually, it was her whole family's birthday, at least, legally. when they came over from Eastern Europe and were waiting to speak with the immigration people, they were coached on the right answers to the questions they would be asked. They were told that they needed to be amply patriotic to be allowed in. So when they were asked for their date of birth, they all replied July 4. After all, what could make you more American?
As a member of that magic third generation who has no ties whatsoever to any other nation or culture it has always allowed me to remember that while we welcome immigrants in the United States, we're not always as welcoming as we could be to other people's grandparents-to-be. The lesson seems particularly apt this year.
So to my grandmother and my country, I wish you both a happy birthday. I love you both very much and may next year find you both healthy. (My grandmother, actually, is a little trickier to shop for. The country, I just send a gift certificate every April 15 and let it get whatever it wants. I just wish it would stop spending it all in one place overseas...)
- Passing The Plate: Birthday Edition
My Fellow Comedists, Today is my birthday, so let's pass the plate. Other religions asks for monetary donations, but Comedists tithe jokes. This time around, let's do birthday jokes. My offering: It was Sol Rosenberg's 94th birthday and his...
- Bullshit Or Not: Cervantes Edition
There's an old sketch film called Amazon Women on the Moon and one of the bits is a parody of the old Leonard Nimoy show, "In Search Of..." called, "Bullshit or Not?" with the tagline "Bullshit or not? You decide." It's a line I like so much that...
- Happy Birthday Lance Armstrong
Yesterday was Lance Armstrong's 37th birthday. Truly one of the great stories of recent years is his beating cancer and returning to become possibly the greatest racer ever. Accusations of doping remain as they will for everyone of the last decade...
- Feast Of Saint Carol
Brothers, Sisters, and Transgendered Comedists Everywhere, This week we celebrate the feast of Saint Carol. Carol Burnett turns 75 this weekend. She was born in Texas, but raised by her grandmother in Hollywood. Working her way up through small parts,...
- Edna Parker, "supercentenarian", Has Died
Edna Parker April 20th, 1893 to November 26th, 2008 Edna is at far left, second row, with her hands crossed. Copyright © 2007-2008 Kirk Curnutt [Edna Parker is Kirk Curnutt's great-grandmother] The Today Show on Monday, April 28th, 2008: A big greeting...