I’m listening
Dear bloggers,
I've always enjoyed your witty self-help banter, but I never thought I'd be writing with a problem of my own. Lately, I've found myself troubled by something that appears to be a revelation, but I have no idea what exactly has been revealed. Specifically, I have become a devoted fan of the show "Frasier."
This concerns me because heretofore, my favorite shows have been predictable. The Simpsons. The Family Guy. Cheers, MASH and Wings. Beautifully sophomoric comedies, all of them. Frasier, on the other hand, is an intelligent show involving the dynamics of an examined life as a succesful but profoundly human man enters middle age and inventories what he has and what he has done without. It is a highly literate program about the vague line between ambition and true happiness.
My question for your consideration is this: does my new appreciation for Frasier mean that I am growing up? Or could it be simply that I am gay?
Many thanks: Learning in Lewiston
The Screaming Room 
Linda said,
June 22, 2006 at 12:18 am
Dear Learning:
Thanks for holding. If I understand you correctly, you are worried that you might be growing up, or that you are gay. That’s two questions, so we’ll take them one at a time.
You, growing up? No, not bloody likely.
Gay? Who knows? Call another show.
I love Frasier too. Right back to his barstool days with the very scary Diane and the intimidating Lilith.
My favourite episode is the one in which he invites a colleague home to as a date for Daphne, and the man turns out to be gay and thinks he’s there as Frasier’s date.
LaFlamme said,
June 22, 2006 at 12:45 am
Ha! That one was on the other night. And speaking of Daphne, does Niles ever end up with her? I mean, they brilliantly constructed that tension, and I know the show ended two years ago. But, I mean, does he get her? No, wait. Don’t tell me.
LaFlamme said,
June 22, 2006 at 12:45 am
PS… it’s probably an indication of my heterosexuality that I have a sort of thing for Roz. Although, that Bulldog is kind of cute, too.
Omnius said,
June 22, 2006 at 3:34 am
In all fairness, Bulldog could turn any man both gay and Jewish. I mean, just look at that tuchus.
LaFlamme said,
June 22, 2006 at 4:09 am
I’d do that, Ominus. But what exactly IS a tuchus?
Bobbie said,
June 22, 2006 at 5:26 am
Butt, Mark.
Linda said,
June 22, 2006 at 6:30 am
Mark, re your question about Roz and Niles, you’ll have to wait and see for yourself, but meanwhile I have one word for you to take on board: Moonlighting. Know what I mean?
jarheaddoc said,
June 22, 2006 at 6:38 am
Mark, the term the entertainment industry has adopted is ‘jumping the shark’, from when Fonzie jumped the shark as a stunt to raise the raitngs for the dying show. You see where I’m going with this as far as Niles and Daphne goes?
Linda said,
June 22, 2006 at 7:15 am
Ain’t it great that we can always find TV references to illustrate or explain anything — even other TV?
K2 said,
June 22, 2006 at 7:16 am
Frasier is funny, no doubt, but to me, it’s overly formulaic. Just like Dora the Explorer, but completely different.
Bulldog said,
June 22, 2006 at 7:18 am
Mark,
Although, in some aspects you do have feminine qualities (remember the pinky flipping?), I do not think that because you watch Frasier, you are gay. Corey may argue that also. I watch Frasier too and I love it (Linda- that was one of my favorite episodes also!!)
As for your question about growing up- IF THAT EVER happens, we are all doomed. period.
P.S. Ominous, I will take your Bulldog comment as a compliment, thank you very much. And Flamer, I didn’t think you though of me as cute, but thank you also.
P.S.S. Eddie the dog is NOT a bulldog. I believe he’s some sort of terrier (damn rookie)
Mainetarr said,
June 22, 2006 at 8:15 am
I like Frasier, but I am still addicted to The Nanny. I love that freaking show. I even taught everyone in my office the words to the theme song. Frasier has a lot of good wit in it, though, and yeah, Mark, it is a bit more grown up than say, The Simpsons. I think one if the all time best shows on tv, ever, was a show called Chicago Hope. It has been off the air for years, but I loved that show. And as for classic old shows, Bewitched was always my favorite. I still catch it on Nick at Night. My father used to love All In The Family. Nothing made him laugh like Archie Bunker. What a bastard that Archie Bunker was. He hated everybody. Classic and fuggin hysterical. Remember on Saturdays they used to have westerns like Gunsmoke, Big Valley and Bonanza on all afternoon? Good stuff…
Linda said,
June 22, 2006 at 9:09 am
Oh MT, I remember Chicago Hope and I loved it too. Very quirky. Nice to see that Mandy Patinkin is back on TV though if I try to watch that show, I glaze over.
I think the closest thing to Chicago Hope in a long time is House. When I found out that Hugh Laurie was going to be on TV, EVERY WEEK, I could barely contain myself, I’ve always been his biggest fan. š
K2 said,
June 22, 2006 at 9:11 am
MT, remember the one where Archie gets a blood transfusion from a black woman, and she’s like, ‘You’re gonna have a craving for fried chicken and watermelon, boy.’ The look on Archie’s face was classic. A great show that really took on racism and bigotry in a good way.
K2 said,
June 22, 2006 at 9:22 am
And what if I said that I loved ‘Silver Spoons’ back in the day. Open the abuse flood gates. . . .
Linda said,
June 22, 2006 at 9:49 am
OMG.. i’m speechless, and how unusual is that?
Others may not be so kind
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 9:56 am
Ahhh…Silver Spoons! K2, did you also like Different Strokes? No, wait! I’ll bet you were a Blossom fan! I’m going to be laughing over this one all day!
LaFlamme said,
June 22, 2006 at 9:57 am
Silver Spoons! Oh, man! NOBODY liked that show!
LaFlamme said,
June 22, 2006 at 9:58 am
Jumping the Shark is a great term, too. Sam and Diane, the new Chrissy on Three’s Company… If it wasn’t TEN IN THE DAMN MORNING, I’d have other fine examples. I’m up early. Ask me why.
K2 said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:02 am
Pray tell, why are YOU up at this godly hour?
Hey, Ricky Shroeder was cute, I mean cool. Yeah, cool, that’s it.
LaFlamme said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:21 am
Yeah? I can top you. As I write, Neil Young is belting out “Heart of Gold” on VH1. Damn, but that old bastard can get you tapping a foot at nine in the morning.
LaFlamme said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:24 am
Friggin city crew out at 9 this morning, cutting trees roughly three feet from my window. This of course roused me from my slumber. I endured this, somewhat. Then, when it was over, Flamette flung open the lid of my coffin and bellowed something like: “THEY CUT DOWN ALL THE MAPLE TREES OUT THERE!”
I figure I’ll either go beat up Jim Bennett or read “The Lorax.” Probably the latter. Bennett’s looking kind of buff lately.
LaFlamme said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:25 am
As for Little Ricky Schroeder, you can’t beat that kid’s performance in “The Champ.” I mean, that’s a weeper. He wasn’t bad in NYPD Blue, either. But damn, what a contrived New Yawk accent.
jarheaddoc said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:25 am
I read that in some entertainment article, actually, so I am just passing the term along. Friends did it by getting Chandler and what’s her face involved with each other.
What was that show with Meredith Baxter burney and Michael J. Fox in it? they did the same thing when they added the next kid.
My kids are Saved by the Bell addicts. And mama’s family. Now I can deal with that show. god, how I miss the Carol Burnett Show! I never understood it as a kid, but I know it would be a scream in my approaching golden years!
LaFlamme said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:31 am
Family Ties? Yeah, that poor kid. He had two good years and where is he now? Robbing liquor stores, that’s where.
LaFlamme said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:32 am
As for Friends, I could never figure out who was hooked up with whom and which characters were brother and sister. I just assumed it was one big incest fest.
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:40 am
Tell Flamette that I feel for her. They started cutting trees down on my street last month. I acutually stopped and bitched at the tree cutting crew one morning. I think they cut down 3 all together. Bastards.
LaFlamme said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:42 am
Yeah, Corey went out out and asked them about it. Of course, the cutting crew has orders written down saying: “CUT DOWN TREES IN LAFLAMME’S YARD.” Not their fault. You wonder where these orders come from, though. If I were any kind of reporter, I’d look into it.
jarheaddoc said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:47 am
It’s part of a vast consipracy to expand the city for more immigrants, Mark. Watch out for the tents and goats that will follow this illegal and immoral cutting of trees. Tell the city councilors that all the oxygen those trees would have produced in their life times is going to come off the allowed amount of oxygen those air thiefs can have for the rest of their days. I’m sure they’ll just steal someone else’s air!
LaFlamme said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:50 am
I was just thinking of firing on the city crew with a BB gun. But that tents and goats argument is pretty good, too. Bastards. I’m somewhat jovial now, but seem me around noon. Gawd, I hate getting up prematurely.
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:52 am
Most men do.
Linda said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:52 am
What is it with the goats, jd? do other blogs talk about goats this often, do you think?
LaFlamme said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:53 am
What? Is that comment fraught with innuendo? I’m way too tired to catch it.
Linda said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:53 am
Jeez, AO, what the hell?
And do you have any wine for me BTW? Did I send you and email about that or maybe I didn’t? one of the other surely
LaFlamme said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:54 am
Christ, do I whine when I’m forced out of bed? You’d think I was yanked from my bed by armed Nazis. What a baby. I hate you all.
Janelle said,
May 30, 2017 at 1:43 pm
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Linda said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:55 am
We hate you too, honey. Are they done, can you sleep some more, or will you be delirious all day?
K2 said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:56 am
That’s why I live on five plus acres in the country, four of which are woods. Until rapture, of course.
Man, that would fucking piss me off royally. Did they even gove Flamette a reason?!?
All right, off to Beaver Park with los ninos. Bye.
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:59 am
Yes, Linda. I have plenty of wine for you. I emailed you back last night.
Linda said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:03 am
Didn’t get it. Nothing from you since Tuesday.
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:06 am
Well, how strange is that? Let me go and check again.
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:08 am
I just re-sent it.
Linda said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:18 am
Damned strange.. Not here yet.
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:22 am
Well, just stop in. Make sure to ask Roch about the Spanish wines we have. The merlot is very smooth. And, we do have some of the Smashed Grapes.
Linda said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:32 am
Thanks AO. I will. Not sure what’s up with my email — wonder what else I’m not getting besides mail from you? I’m sure it’s this damned computer — I need to buy one just for me.
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:42 am
It could just be your email server. I’ve had problems with them in the past.
Mainetarr said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:43 am
It’s not your computer, Linda. It’s AO’s, I e-mailed her but it came back as undeliverable. This happened once before, too, when she was having problems with her computer. Either that or she has me blocked from sending her e-mail.
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:44 am
MT! I would NEVER block you!! Hmm…maybe it IS my email. I’m not having any problems recieving mail. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the heads up!
Linda said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:45 am
Oh! guess I should apologize to my computer. Won’t matter — it hates me. I intimidate it.
Mainetarr said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:46 am
Jarhead, how are the craters the dentist left in your mouth? You feeling better?
Nice to see you up so early Mark, but sorry to hear about the trees, that sucks. Bastards. I have a paint gun and a BB gun. Which would you like?
Anonymous said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:48 am
MT how was the movie, did you go yet?
Linda said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:48 am
See what I mean? it hates me. Wants to eliminate me.
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:53 am
My email seems to be working fine. I sent things to another address I have and they went through.
Mainetarr said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:54 am
The movie was awful, even Tyler thought it was stupid. Jack Black sucks. We should have waited to see Ckick. That looks so good. I love Adam Sandler.
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:55 am
Somebody email me something.
Mainetarr said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:55 am
Click, that is….
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:56 am
Maybe you should have taken him to see the Lake House. š
Mainetarr said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:58 am
yeah, right. Like he would have went to see that. I am actually anxious to see Superman. That really looks good. I can’t believe it cost them 250 million to make that movie. It does look good!!
Linda said,
June 22, 2006 at 11:59 am
I don’t think so. (Lake House)
Linda said,
June 22, 2006 at 12:00 pm
I’m in for Superman also. From the preview, I’d wonder if the religious brigade will let it go by unchallenged
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 12:01 pm
MT, did my email get back to you?
Mainetarr said,
June 22, 2006 at 12:08 pm
Nope, but I sended you the undeliverable response I got when I sent you e-mail earlier. DId you get it?
Winter said,
May 30, 2017 at 1:16 pm
Yeah that’s what I’m talking about bacy–nibe work!
LaFlamme said,
June 22, 2006 at 1:14 pm
Man, is it me? Or is this VH1 Classics channel rocking?
jarheaddoc said,
June 22, 2006 at 1:25 pm
The comment about the goats was simply referring to immigrants who seem to bring several things with them: their religion, which directly contravenes ours, their animals, which are usually goats, and an empty wallet. We tolerate the first two and fill up the third for them.
Mainetarr said,
June 22, 2006 at 1:59 pm
Besides, he has a sheep fetish, not goats.
K2 said,
June 22, 2006 at 2:20 pm
Mark, was that Neil’s ‘Unplugged’ from the early ’90s?
jarheaddoc said,
June 22, 2006 at 2:30 pm
Aging and falling apart frog-wops such as yourself should not be casting poop in a house with no deoodrizer, MT.
Mainetarr said,
June 22, 2006 at 2:49 pm
hee hee, good one, jh. Go ahead and pick on me, but at least I will have another week off this summer, even if it means I am on crutches. Are you going to come visit me while I am gimped?
jarheaddoc said,
June 22, 2006 at 2:56 pm
Maybe yes, maybe no. I am trying like hell to get my shit together as far as several projects and summer vacation activities go. I will advise.
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 3:15 pm
MT, I will come and visit you. I’ll also run errands for you while you’re on crutches. š Just ask. Hey, I might even bring you a cold pizza!
Bobbie said,
June 22, 2006 at 4:47 pm
I sent you an e-mail earlier today, AO. Did you receive that one?
Mainetarr said,
June 22, 2006 at 5:48 pm
Well, JD, if you get your shit together and come down, I might even go fishing with you. LOL We can whittle one of the ends of my crutches to a point and I will stab into the water until I get a fish. Ha!
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 6:07 pm
No, Bobbie, I didn’t recieve it.
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 6:07 pm
Flucking email!
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 6:08 pm
Flucking email! I’m having serious issues with it. Maybe I should consult Frasier on it.
Mainetarr said,
June 22, 2006 at 6:50 pm
Did you get the e-mail that I sent you showing that the e-mail I sent you came back as undeliverable?
Bobbie said,
June 22, 2006 at 7:44 pm
When I sent it, I didn’t get amessage saying that it was undeliverable.
AO said,
June 22, 2006 at 7:54 pm
Bobbie, I DID get your email! Thanks! MT, got your’s too.
Bobbie said,
June 22, 2006 at 8:18 pm
What time did you get it because I had resent it recently.
Linda said,
June 22, 2006 at 10:44 pm
Hi, just saying hello. AO, Roch helped me with the wine, yummy Smashed Grapes,all gone now. See you, gotta run!
Martha said,
June 23, 2006 at 2:51 am
MT, I’m guessing you didn’t see my request for the picture of AO and Linda. Would you send it to me please? BTW.. why are you going to be on crutches?
Bobbie said,
June 23, 2006 at 7:27 am
Martha,
I think I still have it, so I’ll send it to you.
Bobbie said,
June 23, 2006 at 7:30 am
Just sent it, Martha. It came out pretty good. Just ignore the fact that it says Milo on it, ok?
Linda said,
June 23, 2006 at 7:36 am
Good grief, it’s nothing special, just a couple of blog buddies muttering put that freakin camera away, you can see it in our faces.
Martha said,
June 23, 2006 at 7:38 am
LOL Linda, I just like to be able to put a face with the name.
Bobbie said,
June 23, 2006 at 8:01 am
I thought that it came out good, Linda. You just may want to ask Mainetarr about putting it under Milo’s name when she sent it to everyone. LOL
Mainetarr said,
June 27, 2006 at 6:34 am
Eddie will not be coming down to breakfast today. He died yesterday at the ripe old age of 16 1/2.