Monthly Archives: December 2008

Lexicon Zeitgeist

bricolage – construction or creation from a diverse range of things

In the layman’s terminology…

Using all available means of persuasion for attaining one’s goals. Professor Gemin explains it in the following scenario.

I’m staying at a hotel and I have locked myself outside of the room. My wallet is inside the room and I have no means of convincing the staff of who I am. The staff refuse to let me in the room and are threatening to call the police. Explaining that my wallet is in the room clearly has not worked. Instead of pushing the point I state that my medication is in the room. If I do not get my medication I will become very sick. This statement is intentionally vague. The staff contemplates the possibilities of a guest becoming very sick and seeking monetary retribution against the hotel. The staff then agrees to let me into the hotel room. That, my friends, is bricolage.

Spreading the Joy III: Joy Harder

Joy Harder

The reviews from last year’s card, pictured above, made it clear that it was a mega-hit!

I didn’t think Ken was that silly. – Grandma

What is this crap? – L.K.

You never sent me a card. – J.C.

41 cents postage due. Why bother? – P.H.

The Ultra Limited Edition Ken and Kaela Kristmas Kard (of Epic Win) is coming soon. This year’s card promises to be even cheaper than last. Get your addresses in so we can fill your mailbox with more junk!

Leave addresses in the comments or send an email to kenfager/at/gmail.com In the subject field of your email type “HOLIDAY CARD” so I don’t miss anybody.

Random Confessional

Forgive me Flying Spaghetti Monster for I have sinned. Below is a list of things I may or may not have done.

  • Sending paper plates as postcards through the mail.
  • Recommending with a straight face “Plan B” to a friend in full knowledge that it isn’t meant to be taken by men.
  • Calling the Stewart Hall call box demanding nachos.
  • Filling out magazine subscription cards with the names of friends and loved ones.
  • Sending credit card offers back filled with stale crackers and Skittles.
  • Demanding a new bag of M&M’s because the last one was “full of 3’s and W’s instead of M’s.”
  • Claiming that not taking insulin and having high blood sugars is a safe way to lose weight.
  • Screaming in Taco Bell that the employee with the “G-Money” tattoo on his neck is “rollin’ in Hamiltons.”
  • Asserting that German is “the true language of love.”
  • Asserting shortly thereafter that the French language comes exclusively from “Canada – America’s Hat.”

I encourage you to share your confessions, real or fabricated, in fellowship with me. You may post under a pseudonym if you so desire.