Would You Laugh At This Man?

Even though Tim and I do almost everything together, early on in our relationship he came to the realization that I would not go all the way with him. All the way in this case means listening to Prairie Home Companion. For years he has had to huddle quietly with the radio in the den or the car hole to get his fix of Lutheran Humour. [Oxymoron Alert!] Whenever I am unable to escape the droning clutches of Garrison Keillor's voice I feel like I've dropped through a hole in the floor, entering a parallel universe where the word funny doesn't mean what I think it means.

Keillor: "And then Ethel proceeded to bring three apple pies to the potluck."

Studio Audience: HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!

Me: "What? Why is that funny? All he said was that she brought 3 pies. It wasn't even like they were funny pies with birds or worms or lugnuts. Just apple."

Tim: "It's not the story. It's the way he tells it."

Me: "But he's just talking. And it's radio so you can't even see his face. Even with Groucho glasses it isn't funny."

Tim: "Oh just go watch TVLand."

After 15 years we've just agreed to disagree on all matters Woebegon. But today, yes this very 14 September, 2005, I am vindicated. Garrison Keillor has no sense of humour.


According to an article pointed out by Claire Suddath of the Nashville Scene, Mr. Funny is pursuing a Cease & Desist against a blogger who is selling T-Shirts reading "A Prairie Ho Companion".

Now; that shirt. THAT is funny. It has all the best elements of comedy-->brand satire, foul language, sex and a sense of irony. Of course, it doesn't have anything to do with ice fishing, rapid-rise flour or women named Lois so Keillor fails to see the humour. I hate that this guy in Minnesota has lawyers on his tail, but I love that after 15 years I'm finally one step closer to winning this argument, as Garrison Keillor proves once and for all that he cannot bring the funny.