Redefining misanthropy for a fresh generation. Standard posts begin with a definition from Ambrose Bierce's The Devil's Dictionary followed by a modern adjustment. Miscellany on Wednesday and storytelling on Saturday.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
A Giant's Headache
Episode 20 of The Meditations of Diogenes The Cynic.
To hear the story, drop a coin in the cup.
This week, in The Prattler, "Hitchens Is Not God."
Read the story, but try not to irritate Polyphemus, he's grumpy.
Today I shall simply bask in the glow of a brilliant reader united with a brilliant author. Well done reading, writing and defining. It may only be perfection as perceived by provincial, but it works for me!
why Dry Dog, how lovely to hear your well versed voice...! a voice that sounds much younger than your early onset curmudgeon writings might indicate...
i not only enjoyed this morning's story, but i actually understood most of it...thank you for not using big words...(i love it when you say Diogenes...)
even the adjective of the day's edgy humour (humor) was not lost on this late set brain-fogged curmudgeon...
Redeemed: getting that second chance - deserved or not. Cyclops used to scare me as a child.... the thought of one eye was too bizarre. I always enjoy your reading a story to me.
I LOVED the "presumed deafness" line. Brilliant! It reminds me in a very roundabout way of the time my hubby and I were in Puerto Vallarta. My hubby kept talking VERY LOUDLY to the cab driver with the hopes the guy would understand him better. Lordy, it was funny!!
G, that is my feeling, too. check the fridge, I go and see what's in the cupboard. oh and someone please tell Tom Waits to stop teasing the neighbour's dog!
Doug, I no longer feel personally insulted. You have finally reedeemed yourself after ignoring me. Sadly, you did so by ignoring Terry. ::shakes head::
hey, if i schmooze a bit more, can i be FIRST to comment on Monday's post -- which, by the way, should be up, right about now?? or do i need to gather up my own sorry forces in order to redeem myself for not, er, kissing up enough over the weekend?
To hear the story, drop a coin in the cup.
I know this reader has read previously. That voice is very distinct, but I seem to have forgotten his name ....
ReplyDeleteGreat story, as usual -- even better definition. It needs no redeeming, it is already perfection.
It was the cup and the cane, not him, that people were generous to.
ReplyDeleteAyup. Too true. Too damned true. And I guess you would know.
Your definition is untoppable. But I'm going to try anyway. The burden of being (I think) first.
REDEEMED, adj. Reelected. Especially, to onerous duty to emphasize one's lowly or demoted status, viz. the company's United Way campaign.
i can't decide if i should be sad for Polyphemus' newfound awarenss, or happy he's a newfound "special purpose". (poor Mary)
ReplyDeletein the end, i suppose it doesn't matter... i DO know i loved this story! : )
Redeemed: miniscule discount awarded for a fistful of worthless coupons.
Today I shall simply bask in the glow of a brilliant reader united with a brilliant author.
ReplyDeleteWell done reading, writing and defining.
It may only be perfection as perceived by provincial, but it works for me!
“That’s none of our concern, sweetie. Just leave the coin in the cup and come along.”
ReplyDeleteToo true Doug, and you talked about something I have been thinking about all morning and more
Breaking free of envy and blame
I hope the gient gets his eye back. I'll help him find it if he warnts.
ReplyDeleteHey, I know that reader! Another great story. (I want wine, or maybe beer...)
ReplyDeletewhy Dry Dog,
ReplyDeletehow lovely to hear your
well versed voice...!
a voice that sounds much younger
than your early onset curmudgeon
writings might indicate...
i not only enjoyed this morning's story, but i actually understood most of it...thank you for not using big words...(i love it when you say Diogenes...)
even the adjective of the day's edgy humour (humor) was not lost on this late set brain-fogged curmudgeon...
late ONset brainfoggedcurmudgeon?
ReplyDeletewhatever...i'm too foggy to know better, and too uncaffienated to use the few words i do know, properly...
By golly, let's just see if we can kick this definition into next Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteredeemed, adj. To be tied down by the rules of a religious community, after renouncing the freedom of worshiping as one pleases.
I like Polyphemus. He's proof that curmudgeonism can be overcome. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Quill. It kinda sounds like my dad.
ReplyDeleteAmoeba, I hope you're saying your the UW officer for your Department. Have the paychecks started coming?
Thanks, Neva. I'm a poor shepherd to coupons.
Logo, the provincial are my key demographic. Thanks.
Pia, the beach is a great place to do that.
Thanks, SACADA. The light's best in Cincinatti.
Thanks, AP3. First round's on me.
JJ, down deep I'm older than the hills. The pipes are 39. Thank you. Your brain seems fine to me.
Thanks, Actonbell. You can borrow the cup any time you like.
Theresa, I think you did it. See you Tuesday.
Mireille, he was the last to do it.
redeemed: offering the other cheek
ReplyDeleteyour definition was true curmudgeon style this week! Bitter Bierce indeed! You want lemon with that?
Redeemed: getting that second chance - deserved or not. Cyclops used to scare me as a child.... the thought of one eye was too bizarre. I always enjoy your reading a story to me.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED the "presumed deafness" line.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant!
It reminds me in a very roundabout way of the time my hubby and I were in Puerto Vallarta. My hubby kept talking VERY LOUDLY to the cab driver with the hopes the guy would understand him better. Lordy, it was funny!!
Tell that reader he did a fine job.
Side note: The Magi and my dad are very happy together.
ReplyDelete"with his imagination refreshed from plotting" - why some of my clearest moments spring from such plots.
ReplyDeleteredeemed: I'll gladly pay you on Tuesday for a definition today.
Much as I enjoy the other readers (oh I do), your stints always seem like returning home. What's in the fridge?
I wish I could redeem my puppiness.
ReplyDeleteGreat story and reading.
No thanks, Minka. I'd just turn it sour.
ReplyDeleteJamie Dawn, that is funny. English is at least more familiar loud, I think. To your other point, I have no doubt.
G, there might be something kosher towards the back. I can't remember.
Icy, I had a feeling that was what the cape was about.
G, that is my feeling, too. check the fridge, I go and see what's in the cupboard. oh and someone please tell Tom Waits to stop teasing the neighbour's dog!
ReplyDeleteDoug, I no longer feel personally insulted. You have finally reedeemed yourself after ignoring me. Sadly, you did so by ignoring Terry. ::shakes head::
ReplyDeleteAriel, Tom's always going over there asking the collie if he has whiskey.
ReplyDeleteOh, good grief, Quill. Apologies to Terry and thanks, Quill, for not discretely emailing me. I might have overlooked that too.
Terry, if I ever get social time in northern california I'll bring a copy of The Raven to read you and you can read me Annabel Lee.
Deal!
ReplyDeleteI love this whole series of yours.
ReplyDeleteAs cynical as you are one must love you.
And a good one, Terry.
ReplyDeleteCooper, I'm glad to hear that. Thank you, kindly.
Doug -- for validation, redemption, like baptism, needs to be a public thing.
ReplyDeletehey, if i schmooze a bit more, can i be FIRST to comment on Monday's post -- which, by the way, should be up, right about now?? or do i need to gather up my own sorry forces in order to redeem myself for not, er, kissing up enough over the weekend?
ReplyDeletesorry... like Polyphemus, i'm grumpy, too.
ReplyDeleteThat was a great story - also reminds me I have to go to the eye doctor. I probably need new reading glasses - been using these same ones since 1991.
ReplyDelete