Not so long ago in this space, we considered the jokes swapped between residents of the rural parts of the world and those who lived in the city. This town vs. country debate is ancient and widespread, and COULD be considered part of the basic human belief that the people who live the wayContinue reading “Hey, I’m New At This”
Tag Archives: jokes
Calling Up the Past
One of the saddest bits of joke archaeology is running across fossils: jokes which were once alive and kicking, quivering with excitement at the laugh that would be forthcoming when the audience heard it for the eighty-third time. Sometimes they do not realize they have been told for the last time, and wait inContinue reading “Calling Up the Past”
MIDWEEK FICTION: All Write and No Play
“Now, Mr. Edison, about this latest contraption of yours….” “Yes. I call it the ‘autopen’. You sign your name on this template and load it into the machine, and the stylus follows that signature to sign it as many times as needed. It should be a godsend to the busy executive who mustContinue reading “MIDWEEK FICTION: All Write and No Play”
Coulda Oughta
It seems like just the other day that I was going through my inventory of postcards showing old cars so that I could illustrate a column filled with fine old jokes. Come to think of it, that WAS just the other day. You can go back and read the last blog any old timeContinue reading “Coulda Oughta”
Auto Incorrect
Antique postcards with cars tell us how different driving was, once upon a time. They take us back to when steering wheels were just replacing the tiller and all cars were reverse convertibles (you had to stop somewhere to put the roof ON.) Dusty ghosts of bygone rules rise from the past and weContinue reading “Auto Incorrect”
Advenures in Archaeology (Joke Division)
The problem with archaeology is that the world wants answers, not just simple answers, but answers which are simple and absolutely fascinating. For every person who is interested in controversies about pharaonic Egyptian paint composition, there are a thousand who want to know how many ancient Egyptian temple maidens were blonde. This is aContinue reading “Advenures in Archaeology (Joke Division)”
Old Joke Archaeology
The problem of dealing with archaic humor is that you often run into jokes which are amusing primarily if you know the context, and know something about the times. That joke about why Santa Claus won’t bring you a television because he has so much trouble with antennas on the roof isn’t quite theContinue reading “Old Joke Archaeology”
Monday Holiday
Of course, Presidents’ Day is now a holiday for honoring Calvin Coolidge and Benjamin Harrison and other great men, but it was originally a means of saving us from the horrors of having two holidays within two weeks of each other. Those of us who lived in ancient days celebrated the birthday of AbrahamContinue reading “Monday Holiday”
Looking for Clues
There is never the usual outpouring of response when my column deals with bygone jokes I just can’t figure out. But I have to produce these now and again. A blogger always runs the risk of being considered omniscient and infallible, and I MUST do my best to correct this notion before someone demandsContinue reading “Looking for Clues”
Joke Quiz: Round Fore
It struck me that I have been selfish, having turned my collection of fine old jokes over to YouTube. After all, it was in this space that I published major excerpts from my quiz book on ancient humor, with the setup in one section and the punchlines in the answer section, to see howContinue reading “Joke Quiz: Round Fore”
Blogsy Babbles 