Dunkin Dickday
Every morning I get up and follow a ritual of making a latte and then sitting down to browse my list of twenty some news and commentary sites. It takes a while depending on the content of the sites. I leave TPM Café to the last because I know I will linger here. It is the real pleasure of my internet day. I save the best wine for last. Not today.
Today I made my latte and came directly here. I want to comment on his new post. I'm tired of seeing a post by Dickday after it has been up for a few hours. His posts themselves make me think and dream and laugh and mumble obscenities, all the while furiously petting the cat and explaining to her each pun and joke and allusion. That takes a while. Then I set to reading the comments and thus begins another journey, an odyssey really. Like Odysseus I just want to get home but the journey around this Mediterranean Sea of Dickday comments takes me to all kinds of exotic places. Sometimes I forget home altogether.
Eventually I come to the end. I would like to comment but by this time any good thought I might have has been taken by someone else. There isn't much left for me to say. It reminds me of when I would arrive late to the pastry shop down by my office. After the morning rush there are no donuts left. The baker offers to sell me the little sheet of waxed paper that has the drippings of glazed sugar and little drops of fruit filling and a few sprinkles of chocolate, but no donut. I want a donut. I need a donut. All the donuts are gone. So I have determined to be the first in line at the pastry shop. I will have my donut, er, I mean my comment.
All of this made me think of the Peter Faulk character in an odd little movie called "Castle Keep." It is an allegory about war made by Hollywood, a place that really doesn't have the subtly for allegory but the movie kind of works. It is set in WW II. An American military unit is assigned to defend an old castle that sits at an important crossroads. The soldiers in the unit are tired of war and the movie is mostly dialogue expressing their discontents. Peter Faulk, a sergeant, goes into the town, takes up with a woman and helps her run her bakery. Eventually the Germans appear and a battle is in the offing. It is at this point that the sergeant launches into a tirade about the absurdity of the whole enterprise that is the war. He wants his work, his life, to have some meaning and he finds it in the bakery. He just wants to make bread.
Of the many things that Dickday is these days, he is also like this sergeant. He makes my bread. So I sit at the door to his bakery and wait for it to open. I will have my bread and thank god for the baker. It may not seem like much but there are those who say that the French Revolution began as a riot over bread.
Well Larry, Flower wrote a limerick about me in a comment section.
But AN ENTIRE BLOG? I am embarrassed. But, just the same, its pretty cool.
Now if I ever write a book, I know who to go to for an introduction.
I am humbled. And mostly speechless.
March 26, 2009 11:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
Larry,
I believe you wrote (in the best prose possible) how so many of us feel about dd.
He's a blessing to most here (and I'm sure beyond).
And it's seldom that there is one who is willing or is able to express their 'heart and mind' in such a manner as you in this post. (Ironically, it is usually dd who puts it out there.)
Beautifully written and appreciated.
March 26, 2009 12:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
If I eshewed this blog, I would look like a jerk.
If I responded I would look like a jerk.
But I am an old man in my jammies and what doth I care of infamy?
Auntie you are so kind to me.
The lowliest of the low. I am humbled.
March 26, 2009 3:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Larry, you are truly awesome. You rawk!!
xoxo,
Lis
P.S.: Oh, yeah, and that Dickon, he's pretty kewl too ;)
March 26, 2009 12:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
LisB, without your love and Bwak's and TheraP's I would not be here. I am aloft; floating and feeling so good. So many years in exile. And I float.
See LisB, you bring out the poet in all of us.
March 26, 2009 3:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Larry, you are right on! Arthur (as I call dd affectionately) has been an amazing addition to TPM. I have a hard time remembering what we did w/o him!
I'm glad you were able to find a fix for your problem, but keep in mind, around here redundancy is not a problem! Repeat away!
March 26, 2009 12:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Stilli, you are so sweet. Such a nice person. I read you and I feel like you are my sister. My comrade at arms.
I do not deserve this but my head doth swell. I cannot help it. I weep and I laugh.
March 26, 2009 3:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
to DD - our blogger laureate -- here, here...
March 26, 2009 12:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Steve, I am humbled. I keep saying that. I like your blogs. Short ones, longer ones.
I am still struck by your comment on my monstrous math. Thank you.
March 26, 2009 3:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Larry, that's really beautiful, and I thank you for writing this. You just described my mornings (except for the bit about 'furiously petting the cat'...). If Dick doesn't have his blog up by noon I start to get edgy. I always love it when he comes over and reads my stuff. But yesterday I blew a gasket when he kept commenting on my stuff instead of writing Arthur, and it was like 12:30!! So I started screaming at him to go away and write my lunch reading. Which was a bit rude I guess. But it's the feeling that counts, no? Even if the feeling in question is a kind of blog withdrawal symptom...
Anyway what is the time...?
March 26, 2009 1:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obey, I am so happy I met you. No kidding. What, you were blogging about consciousness or something and I had the opportunity to discuss the issues presented in one of my favorite books.
And I thought that would be the end of it. No one, I mean no one, that I discussed this book with gave a damn. The eyes would glaze over.
And you came back for more. And you did not just discuss the issue. No, you had to do your own research.
That is what this site is supposed to be about. Do not take anyone's word for anything. LOOK IT UP. Check with others. QUESTION. QUESTION THAT THAT IS POSED FOR DISCUSSION.
My goodness.
March 26, 2009 3:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
I can't remember ever sitting back from my screen and thinking: "Man... that dickday is fulla crap!" And I've even thought that about my OWN stuff. I hope you both keep up the good work.
March 26, 2009 2:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks. I meant my comment below to have been inserted here.
March 26, 2009 2:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Curt you are one of my favorites because you NEVER HOLD BACK. hahahahaha. Just like your avatar.
WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE ANYWAY.
You take the words right out of my mouth or my keyboard, and then you let it fly.
But you do it without obscenities. You do it with rage but with cites.
Keep on keepin on.
March 26, 2009 3:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
ditto, thoughtful to take a moment and recognize the efforts of others, as they inspire our own.
March 26, 2009 2:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Gary, you have grown and grown like I have here at TPMCafe. Your comments increase as do your recommendations. I like that word. Recommendation.
Better than rec's.
People like your stuff. It is fun, is it not?
Then you spoke about being down. And boy have I been there.
But you arose again to fight again. And it is always the GOOD FIGHT.
March 26, 2009 3:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Isn’t it weird when that happens? I’ll be writing something and then it hits me “This is just bullshit.” I reread it a few times, lingering over the good little rhetorical bits, hoping I’m wrong about being so wrong. But no, it is bullshit. I usually get up and walk around the room yelling “You’re an idiot. Someone should take your keyboard away. It is mouse only for you from here on out.”
After a while I forgive myself. The makeup sex is great.
March 26, 2009 2:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL!!!
March 26, 2009 2:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Gregor, the first post you ever did, while I was here, blew me away. There is hope, I thought.
I love your politics, your sentiments, your avatar.
It has been great meeting you. No kidding.
March 26, 2009 3:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
You are very kind. Thanks, DD.
Some days I wonder and some days I know that some days I shed a new perspective on things.
Read my latest about Compton. Oh, hell, you're always reading my stuff and I appreciate all your feedback and anyone's feedback. I even appreciate the trolls cause I got a mean streak sometimes needs a outlet and I think I'm good with a poison pen. None out there of late. Sigh.
March 27, 2009 2:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
I donno Dick. I just skimmed the piece, but it seems to me, this so-called "Larry" character may have it in for you. Now, I've shortened his piece somewhat, taking out a few extraneous words and letters, and deciphered some of his codewords, but I believe this reading better brings out his true intentions.
"I'm sitting here waiting for Dickday. I'm tired of Dickday. His posts make me mumble obscenities. I read, and eventually come to the end. The little sheet. Drip. Fruit.
I want a donut. (Although as yet unconfirmed, we believe "Donut" is LJH's code for "weapon.") I need a donut. All the donuts are gone. I will have my donut. Fulk it, this is war. Fulk!
Dickday is bread.(Note: LJH slips here & reveals that in his code, "Bread" = "Dickday.") So I sit at the door and wait. And I thank god. The French Revolution began as a riot over bread."
Once you've broken the code, it's clear this man is a danger. My only advice, Dick, is to be on the lookout for LJH, especially if he comes bearing "Donuts." Should he arrive at your door, best to send him to my house instead. We're well-trained in separating people from their Donuts.
March 26, 2009 2:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
You guys crack me up! I would give my left (um, no don't have one of those...)uh, uh, big toe to be HALF as clever as the bunch of you! LOL!
March 26, 2009 2:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Beware of Geeks bearing gifts. Q, you star in my blog today. All advertising is good.
And, god, (blesses himself) I do love beer. No kidding. But second to beer are those donuts. Actually those bismarks with the cream inside. I can no longer see my feet when I stand, but I do love my bismarks.
Oh and jelly is good too.
March 26, 2009 3:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
BISMARKS!!! Now that's good donut!
March 27, 2009 1:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Dear Dickday,
The person who wrote this comment is using you to get at me. He recently compared me to a hemorrhoid after all. Forgive the pun but I can’t sit still for that. If anyone should feel paranoid it is me, but that is another story that I won’t get into here.
He suggests that my reference to a “donut” is not about a pastry. Here he is continuing the hemorrhoid meme I suppose, suggesting I meant the little device hemorrhoid sufferers sometimes use, though for the life of me I cannot imagine how an inflatable rubber ring could be used as a weapon. I guess you have to live in Master Quinn’s mind to understand that. I just want to assure you that by “donut” I meant the pastry for which I have much affection and many fond memories.
I have read many of Master Quinn’s writings. He is clearly a savant but like some with superior intelligence, it may have become an affliction. His focus may have become so narrow it inhibits his ability to enjoy the poesy of metaphorical constructions and the sincere intent of kind compliments exchanged between gentlemen such as ourselves. It is best probably leave him to himself, an intellectual Chuck Norris with his “High-ya’s” and his dreams of ninja like attacks on an unsuspecting devotee of deep fried dough rings like me.
March 26, 2009 3:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
And Suspect "L" walks straight into the trap.
Guns? What care we for Canadians for guns? We track the words "doughnut" & "donut" the way Bwak tracks "eggs" & "McChicken." Perhaps the CIA World Factbook, 2009 makes clear our interest: "There are more doughnut shops per capita in Canada than anywhere else on the planet. Canadians eat more doughnuts than any other country's citizens."
Suspect "L" has already appeared 138 times in our files referencing "donuts." We merely needed to confirm that he was, in fact, referencing the actual "Food of the Gods" - and not mere AK47's or nuclear triggers.
As for his protestations, that he is simply an "unsuspecting" devotee of deep fried dough rings... well, these sorts of claims are too ridiculous to respond to. We expect to see him delivered shortly to "Club Too Cold For Huskies." Thank you all for your forbearance, as we work to isolate this threat to our bi-national security.
And May God Bless Tim Horton.
March 26, 2009 4:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Same sex, opposite sex, bi-national – it matters not to me. A Canadian interrogation is most probably some kind of take home exam. I am not afraid.
March 26, 2009 4:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just for guidance on your exam, I remember seeing a column which said that the appropriate Canadian response to any social question or interaction was "Sorry."
Sorry. Do carry on.
March 26, 2009 5:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
hmmm. Furious petting? Oy. That can have, like, multiple meanings, no? However, I'll remain on the unambiguous and well trod path and ask if this means your cat likes Dickday Reading Hour? ;)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/2894647921_ec794a1f1c.jpg
March 26, 2009 3:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hi Evaine
March 26, 2009 8:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is this what your cat looks like every morning, tapping her paws and claws, waiting, impatiently, for you to get to TPM and Dickday's oceanic emission of words? heh. ;)
March 26, 2009 3:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
That’s about it. Mine is a tuxedo cat so she looks even more perplexed. As long as she cannot see the bottom of her food bowl she is content. I think her appreciation of the internet is about the same as Senator McCain’s.
March 26, 2009 3:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
What everyone else said.... plus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WauFkb4jmCI
March 26, 2009 4:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
me too :)
March 26, 2009 7:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow. You guys are awesome. I am humbled to be in your presence. I feel as if I've stumbled into a private gathering of blitherati of the highest order and foreigners besides, and if I just keep my mouth shut and go on serving the canapes and drinks, I'll blend into the background, unnoticed, while I somehow pick up a smidgen of the language and eventually learn something.
I have a nodding aquaintance with Dickday, the guest of honor, so if I behave myself, can I stay?
March 26, 2009 7:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'd think you shouldn't behave. No one else does.
=D
March 26, 2009 7:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ramona, my secret love. How nice of you to join us.
Thank you for dropping by.
March 26, 2009 7:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ramona, honey, as long as you're handing out the drinks, I am your new best friend!!
Just kidding, luv.
All folks are welcome, there is no "club" and no secret handshake, just keep posting great posts and the praise comes naturally.
xoxo,
Lis
March 26, 2009 7:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Behave? I don’t believe I’ve ever tasted that spirit. Is it one of those single malt scotches? No mind, we have never behaved here so you can keep your bottle and just drink with us. The only rule is, uh, I forget. Oh yea, there are no rules. Just play our game any way you want.
March 26, 2009 7:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
RAMONA BROUGHT CANAPES!?!? Awesome. None of these cheapskates ever brought canapes. I see there is a whole new and finer class of people coming to TPMC now. There are no rules for anyone except LARRY, AND HE KNOWS IT. (but he never listens to me...)
Nice to meet you Ramona, have any Belvedere in that bar? And a piece of advice, I see Dick has taken a liking to you, so just fyi, don't get stuck alone with him on a dying thread in some corner of TPM. I've SEEN the things he gets up to!!!
:0P
March 26, 2009 8:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ramona, come to our chat room:
http://www.lingr.com/room/TPM-aholics
March 26, 2009 8:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Uh uh, You're not getting ME into that corner! Good thing Obey warned me before things got out of hand.
Really, Dicky, you little minx, I hardly know you!
March 26, 2009 10:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
um
There is nothing left to say
--Maybe.
It may relieve everyone to know I haz taken up the spoon river anthology again.
=D
March 26, 2009 7:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Darn you, chicken. Of course this means I have to give Sandburg another go. Confession: When I was young,I did not much care for his work, but your slipping it in here and there has caused me to think I might enjoy him now that I am approaching my dotage.
Darn you, chicken. Of course you give me a new mission.
Spooooon Riverrrrrr
Wider than a Smile
I'm crossing the denial
That wayyyyyyyyy
Who is this Edgar Lee Masters guy?
I like Project Gutenberg lots and lots.
Darn you, chicken.
March 26, 2009 8:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
http://www.bartleby.com/84/index.html
A series of epitaphs. Fascinating. Rec'd. Jives with this chicken's mood. Beware, it's an addictive read.
=D
Smoke and Steel is my favorite Sandburg.
March 26, 2009 8:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Right. . .setting down the tray. . .(nothing left, anyway)
I'll just sit over here. . .
March 26, 2009 8:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'll sit with you. Chickens are patient sitters. Mostly.
(clink)
=D
March 26, 2009 8:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
We're glad he's here.
March 27, 2009 12:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
DickDay, I love your writing. You inspire me up and I don’t just say that for donuts. But I do love bismarks. For tribute to you, here’s some bee-you-tee- full Michael Hurley. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL6_pMdMhlQ&feature=related
link for more tunes - the Unholy Modal Rounders.
http://www.rhapsody.com/michael-hurley/long-journey/portland-water/lyrics.html
March 27, 2009 1:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
Read my response to your comment in Arthur.
Thank you for the kind words. The links are great. But your link at the other blog blew my mind!!!!
March 27, 2009 4:57 AM | Reply | Permalink