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Fatwa Arbuckle: Misanthropologist

Dayum…if I’d seen this thread pic at 5:30 a.m., I could have skipped several cups of coffee.

Happy Friday, GN!

I, too, was saddened -- but not surprised -- to read about Harlan Ellison’s death. I don’t know if I can claim I was a “fan”, but I’ve read and own a carp-tonne of his work. He was one hell of a writer. It might be fair to say I enjoyed the way he wrote much more than what he wrote.

Found this video embedded in one of his obits; NSFW for language:

Just Sven
Editor
6 years ago

“I sell my soul, but only at the highest rate.” Classic.

Fatwa Arbuckle: Misanthropologist

Hai, Sven!

Ellison was arrogant, but also so prodigiously talented it almost equaled his audacity. (Which is more than can be said about the vast majority of cocky people; especially in “The Arts”.)

FWIW, when I lived in L.A., I heard repeatedly that if he liked you, he was a very kind and generous friend. He seems to have been one of those “either you really love him or you really hate him” people.

He wrote both some of the most scathingly funny and some of the most terrifying stuff I’ve ever read.

For a few years in the ’60s, he wrote a column about TV for the Los Angeles Free Press; they were collected in “The Glass Teat” and “The Other Glass Teat”. While they’re very dated now, they’re still entertaining. I recall one column where he reviewed several new shows.

The entirety of his review of The Partridge Family was, “Mother of God.”

Fatwa Arbuckle: Misanthropologist

If you’re unfamiliar with Ellison’s work, here’s a bit which was actually authorized -- no pun intended -- to be posted online. (He was extremely protective of his rights as an author.) Be forewarned: you may find it disturbing…but it’s damned good writing.

http://harlanellison.com/iwrite/mostimp.htm

Paddy O'Furnijur
Editor
6 years ago

Happy Friday, Gerbil Nation!
Good morning, Fatwa, and Sven!

I got an email from the president of my former union (I guess they don’t bother to update their lists) filled with much angst about the Janus v. AFSCME decision.

the U.S. Supreme Court yesterday turned its back on the educators, nurses, firefighters, police officers and public servants who make our communities strong and safe.

and

Allowing some to opt-out of paying will make it harder for all public employees to provide the services that everyone depends on. In short, it will be harder for workers to join strong unions.

The lack of awareness is truly astounding.

Fatwa Arbuckle: Misanthropologist

Heya, Paddy!

Yes, strong unions make everyone safer…except underage kids in dark parking lots and the instruments they saved their own money to purchase.

(If it weren’t for the Cleveland Orchestra, Local 4 of the American Federation of Musicians would have folded decades ago.)

The lack of awareness is truly astounding.

Yup.

Paddy O'Furnijur
Editor
6 years ago

The only way we can make our communities safe and properly educate your children is by compelling everyone to pay yoonyun dues.

Fatwa Arbuckle: Misanthropologist

That’s right; goonyuns help keep the children safe, Brother Paddy.

Not to mention helping to fund our intellectual and moral betters the Democrats.

BRB…need to get some more Kool-Aid.

Paddy O'Furnijur
Editor
6 years ago

…in solidarity

Fatwa Arbuckle: Misanthropologist

Right on!

Power to the people!

Proletariat of the world unite!