Hello & welcome to another edition of Situation Normal! I’ve been a lifelong bagel-eater, but the comments on Sunday’s story about ordering a bagel from a bilingual maniac were a real learning experience for me. Ken Hobbs shared his process for making sure that the capers don’t roll off your bagel. His trick? Embed the capers in the cream cheese. Brilliant! Also,
Also a YA book about a neurotic teenager called Justin Case, by Meg Rosov. And of course the sailboat out of Santa Cruz called Sofa King Fast. It was fun hearing the race committee deal with that name
These are great names! Not great names to actually name someone, but great silly names to use for prank phone calls, comedic novels, and other act of humor.
I'll answer #1 and #4. I have gotten quite involved in NC politics over the past 5 years and I can say that there are some kickass state reps and state senators out there doing good work. And, I think Christina is right about Vaginak, but what I really think he was indicating is that he is the Vagina King!
What? He said that about the lawn sign and it was true?? Incredible, Michael. Great picket story. Love your writing. See you again on the line! And here!
And PS, as I was a witness to this lawn picket sign request scenario, I was equally stunned. Until yesterday, when, as I mentioned, I walked my dog on a block we don’t normally go, and behold! There was a porch boasting three WGA strike signs.
Maybe we're missing something with the lawn sign thing. But hopefully the house you saw with three signs made their own, or asked the strike leaders if they could take some signs. I didn't feel like it was my place to just hand over a sign, and I didn't really get the feeling that the guy in the car wanted to help. I dunno. Maybe I read him wrong. But even if he was right and I was wrong, who just keeps asking the same question when they've been told no? Anyway, see you on the picket lines, Jude!
Nice post! I've met an ex-state legislator, Delaine Eastin, who gave me her phone number in case I wanted to talk about her run for governor. I've met my state senator and I already knew my assemblymembers because our daughters were in the same Brownie troop.
I think Mustang Dude was high or drunk because what's the point of arguing about a sign?
When the strike is over, the Disney picketers will collaborate on Weekend at Bernie's 3, which of course will include a cameo of Bernie Sanders and his mittens in "Away for the Winter Weekend in Vermont with Bernie: Turn down the thermostat and put on a sweater."
Christina was right about the Dasher. Christina is always right.
Your pitch for Weekend at Bernies 3 already has a built-in viral element. The marketing department will love it. Green light just as soon as the writers and actors are able to make a deal.
I can barely type for laughing. And I'm taking Christina's side...!
I once took a snap of a journal entry of mine to illustrate a post, in which one line read: 'New pen's great'. Thanks to an errant curl I'd added to the 'n', the second word did NOT look at all like 'pen's'. Glad I noticed BEFORE hitting 'Publish' - I narrowly escaped being recategorised by my entire readership as #purefilth 🤣
The driver name thing reminded me of an old SNL skit that’s so dumb but has stuck with me all these years. I think it was Jason Priestly who played a character named Hildo, but everyone keeps calling him Dildo. He eventually snaps because of it and murders someone who calls him Dildo again. When he walks into his jail cell, he meets his cell mate, played by Kevin Nealon and they have this exchange:
Nealon: You must be Hildo
Priestly: Oh my gosh, you actually said my name right
Nealon: Well, that is your name, isn’t it?
Priestly: Yes, yes it is. What’s your name?
Nealon: I’m Harry, [he reaches out to shake Hildo’s hand] Harry Bagina
Then there's President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Camacho. Sure, he's a fictional character from Idiocracy, but every year that movie looks more and more like a documentary. What I'm saying is, I can't wait to see President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Camacho wearing a President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Camacho at a CNN Townhall.
I haven’t knowingly met a state senator. Hubert Humphrey shook my hand while he was Vice President. I didn’t wash it for days, but I was 10, so I never washed my hands very often.
I agree with Christina on the principle that I would like that name. I knew a girl whose last name was Seamen. As college students we didn’t tease her, but I’m sure she endured a lot.
1. Massachusetts State Rep, then State Senator Katherine Clark used to live in my town. We were at a party one night and she and I and a few others who were nearing 50 discussed taking a cruise together. She’s now the US House Minority Whip, so I guess she won’t have time for middle-aged women party cruises.
Yes! I have met a bunch of my state legislators. Some are awesome, some underwhelming. It’s a mixed bag. I’ve made it a point to find out who’s representing me. It’s been interesting, to say the least.
And yes, the 1978 Body Snatchers is the best. So sue me. 😎
The state senator in the story isn't my state senator. I met our previous state senator, but he was termed-out, so he tried to run for county commissioner, but lost. I haven't had a chance to meet my new state senator or assemblywoman. I did meet my member of Congress. That guy has the charisma of an empty paint bucket, but he keeps winning, mostly because the only people who run against him are nuts or inept (or both).
Was the 1978 version better than the original? I haven't seen either since I was a kid so I can't compare them with my adult sensibilities.
I can say that the '78 version scared me more. I'd already seen the original on television. I thought it was creepy but it didn't have the same effect as the remake. The remake was one of the first horror films I'd seen where ... let's say a happy ending wasn't part of its agenda.
I think I saw the original when I was in high school. I didn't scare me at all, and I'm a total chicken. But the 1978 version, which I watched for the first time this past week, really got its hooks into me.
There is a local TV news reporter here in SW Florida by the name of Justin Case. For real.
Wow! That's such a great name. I feel like local news people always have the silliest names.
Also a YA book about a neurotic teenager called Justin Case, by Meg Rosov. And of course the sailboat out of Santa Cruz called Sofa King Fast. It was fun hearing the race committee deal with that name
I have come across a few odd names in my life: Iona Beerwagon, Harry Dorcas, Peter Peterson, Dick Head.
Parents are either cruel, obtuse, or think they are funny.
These are great names! Not great names to actually name someone, but great silly names to use for prank phone calls, comedic novels, and other act of humor.
I'm a mail carrier. I've seen a lot of goofy names. Ichabod Caine is one of my favorites.
Wow... those parents ought to perhaps not have the honour of naming their child?
That's a great (and awful) name.
One of my high school friend's had a dad named Richard Head, who went by Dick. I still can't believe it.
Yup... that's a choice one would have to have an excellent sense of humour and broad shoulders to make in life.
I'll answer #1 and #4. I have gotten quite involved in NC politics over the past 5 years and I can say that there are some kickass state reps and state senators out there doing good work. And, I think Christina is right about Vaginak, but what I really think he was indicating is that he is the Vagina King!
Haha, this is the perfect answer, Anna! Thank you for the laugh!
What? He said that about the lawn sign and it was true?? Incredible, Michael. Great picket story. Love your writing. See you again on the line! And here!
And PS, as I was a witness to this lawn picket sign request scenario, I was equally stunned. Until yesterday, when, as I mentioned, I walked my dog on a block we don’t normally go, and behold! There was a porch boasting three WGA strike signs.
Maybe we're missing something with the lawn sign thing. But hopefully the house you saw with three signs made their own, or asked the strike leaders if they could take some signs. I didn't feel like it was my place to just hand over a sign, and I didn't really get the feeling that the guy in the car wanted to help. I dunno. Maybe I read him wrong. But even if he was right and I was wrong, who just keeps asking the same question when they've been told no? Anyway, see you on the picket lines, Jude!
Nice post! I've met an ex-state legislator, Delaine Eastin, who gave me her phone number in case I wanted to talk about her run for governor. I've met my state senator and I already knew my assemblymembers because our daughters were in the same Brownie troop.
I think Mustang Dude was high or drunk because what's the point of arguing about a sign?
When the strike is over, the Disney picketers will collaborate on Weekend at Bernie's 3, which of course will include a cameo of Bernie Sanders and his mittens in "Away for the Winter Weekend in Vermont with Bernie: Turn down the thermostat and put on a sweater."
Christina was right about the Dasher. Christina is always right.
Your pitch for Weekend at Bernies 3 already has a built-in viral element. The marketing department will love it. Green light just as soon as the writers and actors are able to make a deal.
How can I get me a Senator Portantino t-shirt?
Also, TREVOR.
I suppose you could write to the Senator??
I can barely type for laughing. And I'm taking Christina's side...!
I once took a snap of a journal entry of mine to illustrate a post, in which one line read: 'New pen's great'. Thanks to an errant curl I'd added to the 'n', the second word did NOT look at all like 'pen's'. Glad I noticed BEFORE hitting 'Publish' - I narrowly escaped being recategorised by my entire readership as #purefilth 🤣
Haha, that’s hilarious!
The driver name thing reminded me of an old SNL skit that’s so dumb but has stuck with me all these years. I think it was Jason Priestly who played a character named Hildo, but everyone keeps calling him Dildo. He eventually snaps because of it and murders someone who calls him Dildo again. When he walks into his jail cell, he meets his cell mate, played by Kevin Nealon and they have this exchange:
Nealon: You must be Hildo
Priestly: Oh my gosh, you actually said my name right
Nealon: Well, that is your name, isn’t it?
Priestly: Yes, yes it is. What’s your name?
Nealon: I’m Harry, [he reaches out to shake Hildo’s hand] Harry Bagina
Haha! I vaguely remember that sketch. I think it was the only time Jason Priestly and his amazing sideburns hosted SNL.
There’s only one occupation where it’s acceptable to wear a t-shirt of yourself and it’s not state senator. (It’s pro wrestler.)
I don't know how to tell you this, but some state legislatures are like pro wrestling.
Oh, I know. Politics is mostly kayfabe.
Then there's President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Camacho. Sure, he's a fictional character from Idiocracy, but every year that movie looks more and more like a documentary. What I'm saying is, I can't wait to see President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Camacho wearing a President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Camacho at a CNN Townhall.
I haven’t knowingly met a state senator. Hubert Humphrey shook my hand while he was Vice President. I didn’t wash it for days, but I was 10, so I never washed my hands very often.
I agree with Christina on the principle that I would like that name. I knew a girl whose last name was Seamen. As college students we didn’t tease her, but I’m sure she endured a lot.
I think a VP beats a state senator. That said, as soon as I got home, I washed my fist after the state senator fist bump.
Wise move as an almost middle-aged writer.
Did you get a glimpse of VaginaK? Description please.
Yes, I caught a brief glimpse. He looked like a 30-something Armenian dude.
He just might need a substack of his own. VaginaK. Okay, done typing that word-- or name. Great essay!
1. Massachusetts State Rep, then State Senator Katherine Clark used to live in my town. We were at a party one night and she and I and a few others who were nearing 50 discussed taking a cruise together. She’s now the US House Minority Whip, so I guess she won’t have time for middle-aged women party cruises.
4. Christina is soooo right.
I wouldn't give up the cruise. Congress has plenty of vacation days. I say you call her and see if she wants to hit the high seas.
1. Yes, and extremely.
2. Always assume the worst.
3. I think the Apologia crew should expand into show business.
4. I'm team Christina on this one.
5. Never seen either!
Also, for anyone patrolling the comments, Sunday's collabo is gonna be lit!
The good news is that if we expand into show biz we should make the same amount we're currently making in the newsletter game.
Bruh...
Yes! I have met a bunch of my state legislators. Some are awesome, some underwhelming. It’s a mixed bag. I’ve made it a point to find out who’s representing me. It’s been interesting, to say the least.
And yes, the 1978 Body Snatchers is the best. So sue me. 😎
The state senator in the story isn't my state senator. I met our previous state senator, but he was termed-out, so he tried to run for county commissioner, but lost. I haven't had a chance to meet my new state senator or assemblywoman. I did meet my member of Congress. That guy has the charisma of an empty paint bucket, but he keeps winning, mostly because the only people who run against him are nuts or inept (or both).
And Vaginak driver for the win!
Name Vaginak
Name Vaginak`s page # 17870. Gender male
Name Vaginak backwards (ananym): Kanigav
Meaning of the name Vaginak
Armenian (Վահինակ) [Vahinak] name which actually means - "son of Vahe".
This makes sense. There's a big Armenian community in Los Angeles.
Was the 1978 version better than the original? I haven't seen either since I was a kid so I can't compare them with my adult sensibilities.
I can say that the '78 version scared me more. I'd already seen the original on television. I thought it was creepy but it didn't have the same effect as the remake. The remake was one of the first horror films I'd seen where ... let's say a happy ending wasn't part of its agenda.
I think I saw the original when I was in high school. I didn't scare me at all, and I'm a total chicken. But the 1978 version, which I watched for the first time this past week, really got its hooks into me.