Thursday, September 11, 2008

The Importance of Frivolity

I debated whether to post at all today. September 11 doesn’t feel like the right sort of time for goofiness, relentlessly mocking my own flaws, or micro-analyzing the world around me. It feels as if I should have something bigger and more important to say.

But I believe frivolity is of enormous importance. We need all of the little details that make up our days. I believe in the lame jokes, the small kindnesses, and a spirit of resilient levity in an imperfect and often evil world.

On September 11, 2001, I hunkered down in my sister’s apartment with a small group of hometown friends. We foraged for pizza, we watched the news, we waited to hear if our friend’s dad had made it safely out of the Pentagon. When he knew his dad was safe, my friend poured himself a big glass of wine, grinned, and said, “I have a few brain cells marked for deletion.” That small bit of humor pulled the day into focus. That was when I knew that everything would be OK.

So thank you to everyone who has posted something beautiful and profound about today. But also, thank you to everyone who posted something ordinary, frivolous, nitpicky or ridiculous. We need you, too. We have to mix the sublime with the absurd. It lets us know that a broken heart can keep beating. In your honor, I offer a link to a hilarious and odd video:

Rick Astley, Beaker-Style

13 comments:

Dave B. said...

Who knew Beaker had such mad skills?!

Probably the only time in my life I will ever willingly listen to Rick Astley.

Not to toot my own horn, and someone else's, - though I will - Mike chose today's Python clips for the weekly dose of comedy.

Feel free to stop in for a giggle.

Anonymous said...

Shannon - you are awesome! Thanks for posting humor and a big thank you for the daily dose of humor your provide.

Lemmonex said...

I laughed way too hard at Beaker. You know who would have done this better, though? The Muppet Babies...

Carrie M said...

I don't know you other than your blog of course, but I wondered this morning what the blogosphere amongst the blogs I read would be like today. And then I thought, I bet if anyone is going to blend the seriousness of today and then say something humorous about frivolity, I knew it would be you. Excellent job.

FoggyDew said...

Curse you govt firewalls. Can't. Watch. Funny. Video.

Anonymous said...

My son worked in Two World Trade. He was on the 70th floor that day. He escaped.

You can read his story here:

http://www.mrbellersneighborhood.com/story.php?storyid=154

Shannon said...

All - Thank you. I'm not going to be posting too many comments today, but I hope all of you fight despair the best way possible: laughter.

In that spirit, tell me a joke. The goofier the better.

Capitol Hill 20210 said...

My joke for you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUQduqz6XLk

Marissa said...

What does Snoop Dogg use on his laundry?

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Blee-ach!

(That's pretty much my favorite joke of all time.)

FoggyDew said...

Why do gorillas have such big noses?


They have big fingers.

Shannon said...

I'll even toss one in.

What is "Endless Love"?

Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder playing tennis.

I know, I'm going to hell.

FoggyDew said...

Ohhh, you're bad. Yer goin' to hell.

Of course, you've not crossed the line into offensive jokes.

How did Hellen Keller's parents punish her?

They put her in a room with stucco walls.

rachaelgking said...

What do you call a vegetarian with diarrhea?

A salad shooter.