11 Comments

That last full paragraph is one of the finest you’ve ever written. Bonus points for working in “Apollonian satire”, but a genuinely heartfelt and important point to make, perhaps now more than ever. It is not unhip to believe in their country, in its people, in the power of humor and reason, in that essential faith that William James spoke of, that Ralph Waldo Emerson embraced, that James Baldwin illuminated... ours is a complicated history, and the present moment can seem overwhelmingly depressing, but mebbe smart humor may help light the path outta this fucking mess.

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Another fascinating piece of comedy history I never would’ve known about otherwise. Thank you, Michael!

I would also consider, in neon purple cursive, Bystander NIGHTS.

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Ooh better!

What about Bystander After Dark? With a real vapor wave look

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I love it! Throw some flying toasters in there to seal the deal.

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Excellent! Well done and informative. Thanks Michael. And the comments from your fellow humorists ring out loud that you too are a respected editor and of course writer. I love what James G. said about the the joint and acid too. Wow. The whole article was great!

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I, too, am afraid to drop acid because I might forget to vote.

Thank you for your kind words, as ever

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What a great appreciation! I interviewed Navasky, too, when he spoke to the Assn. of American Editorial Cartoonists in Salt Lake City. I asked about the parodies of the NY Post and Daily News the Monocle crew put out during the 1962-63 newspaper strike. He said he no longer had copies of either and didn't know of anyone who did. Only trace of either online is/was an Ebay auction a few months ago that showed 6 of 8 pages of the "Pest."

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Cullum, that's high praise coming from you, thank you! Is your interview online anywhere?

Call me and tell me exactly what you want; I will reach out to someone who might have it.

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Informing, edifying, and lightly witty--as typical. A fitting homage. The last paragraphs remind me of some of the better and more nostalgic writing of Hunter Thompson.

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That is a MARVELOUSLY kind thing to say, Jason B. Thank you.

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A moving and insightful appreciation. I laughed out loud at "Monocle might smoke a joint, but was scared to drop acid—they might freak out and forget to vote."

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