We put a visiting comic on the hot seat. This week’s victim . . .
By MARC HIRSH | August 27, 2008
 |
I’m a writer and I don’t drink coffee. What’s wrong with me?
I think it probably stems from some childhood abuse where you had some coffee spilled on you. It’s Pavlovian, really. Every time you think of coffee, you think of terrible burns. And it also happened while an adult was writing, so you can’t mix coffee and writing or you’ll produce the same effect.
Phil Gramm recently said that this country is just in a mental recession. What other historical events have been entirely in our heads?
From what some people in certain parts of this country have told me, the Holocaust never happened. Those people are also in a mental recession, so it’s really full circle. Actually, I’d say those people are in a mental depression, not just a recession. I think their market has bottomed out completely. Also, by the way, fantastic to know about that quote. I am thrilled, because I’m going to mentally get $2-per-gallon gas now. I’m happy to hear that I can just imagine that.
Mary-Kate Olsen wanted immunity from prosecution before she’d speak to investigators about Heath Ledger’s death. Do you think we as a nation will ever be prepared to grant Dave Coulier immunity for his involvement with Alanis?
The weird part is, who’s the victim in that relationship? Was it Alanis or was it Dave Coulier? Now on the one hand, you want to say Alanis, because, I mean, I’m sure Dave is a very nice guy, but really? Dave Coulier? But on the other hand, if she really wrote Jagged Little Pill about Dave Coulier, then the fact that Alanis has been unleashed into this world is his fault. So I don’t think we can ever grant him immunity for that. He inspired generations of people to misuse the word “ironic.”
What do the Statue Of Liberty and a giant burlap sack have in common?
They’re both used to torture Iraqi prisoners.
I say you’re a girl. What are you going to do to prove you’re not? And keep in mind, you’re on the phone, so I can’t see you right now.
I’m going to hang up within 15 minutes of our starting this phone call and not waste your daytime minutes. Also, I will not text you afterward.
STEVE HOFSTETTER | UMass-Amherst, Bowker Auditorium, Amherst | September 9 | 732.616.5913 | Worcester State College, North/South Auditorium, Worcester | September 10 | 508.929.8073
Related:
Review: New In Town, Hey guv: stop slashing!, The wrong man for hard times, More
- Review: New In Town
In the teeth of the recession, this fluffy Renée Zellweger vehicle uncorks a fairy-tale panacea for the latest CNN economic update.
- Hey guv: stop slashing!
It seems as if there’s no light at the end of the state’s gloomy fiscal tunnel.
- The wrong man for hard times
Most Democrats see Barack Obama’s inauguration as a clear-cut, welcome turn to the left.
- Can’t anybody here play this game?
The need to reinvent Rhode Island’s economic infrastructure — which remains anemic compared with most of its neighbors in New England — is more urgent than ever.
- What's wrong with Augusta?
Charlie Colgan couldn't predict a recession if its arrival was signaled by warning lights and sirens.
- Everyone’s a neocon now
In the eight years I’ve covered the State House for the Portland Phoenix, I’ve been struck by the depressingly constant themes.
- Public colleges get the shaft
When it came time to pick a college, Thomas Ahrens just couldn't pass up the relative affordability of a University of Rhode Island education.
- The folk and the fine
Here in Massachusetts, our old ways tend to reside in ethnic islands and pockets. They may be famous on their street or in their neighborhood or town, but they’re often unheard of outside it.
- Soft power
It's neither a set piece of choreography nor an improvised free-for-all.
- Photos: Liz Phair, Exile in Boston (2008)
August 29, 2008 at the Paradise Rock Club, Boston MA
- Mix nuts
Pop music has a history of great production teams.
- Less

Topics:
Comedy
, Public Finance, Recessions and Depressions, University of Massachusetts Amherst, More
, Public Finance, Recessions and Depressions, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Ashley Olsen, Mary-Kate Olsen, Olsen Twins, Heath Ledger, Phil Gramm, Marc Hirsh, Less