I'm An Honorary Mayor Of Simpleton

I can't have been there when brains were handed round

Or get past the cover of your books profound

And some of your friends think it's really unsound

That you're even seen talking to me ...

- Mayor Of Simpleton

It seems I'm racking up quite a few notifications and acknowledgments for various projects, publications and the like.

Here's another wee contribution. Coincidentally, this publication (an anthology of "Limelight," the XTC fanzine brought to life and published for about 10 years beginning in the early 1980s) was received in the mail on the anniversary of XTC's "Drums And Wires" release in 1979. It was the first of the band's albums I picked up (on vinyl no less) and the one which ushered me into my continuing love affair with their voluminous output. 

.......... Ruprecht ( STOP ) 

Assault Of The Two-Headed Space Mules Does Urgh! A Music War

When it comes to seminal concert films, there are few spectacles that match Urgh! A Music War.

Host Douglas Arthur of Assault Of The Two-Headed Space Mules along with guests Jim Fitzsimons and myself blather about the film, our favorite performances and more.


Enjoy ...

.......... Ruprecht ( STOP )

Something I Don't Like

Dear People of Earth:

Hokay. Enough, already. Just stop. Stop it. 

Right now.

No more. Discontinue with the word "liking" and keep continuing that discontinuation.

Don't utter it again. Not unless you're writing a story or doing a film or television show (you know ... The Following? The Killing?) or a poem with the title "The Liking." That's one of the few acceptable uses I'm willing to get on board with.

When someone says "I'm liking this thing!" I visibly cringe. I'm certain I involuntarily screw up my face as well. And when I read something such as "I'm liking this new attitude of mine!" ... ??? I groan. Really.

"Liking" isn't a verb. It's not a form of the word which should be used to convey you are fond of something or someone or some situation. You "like" something, you don't "liking" it or him or her or that. I'm dead serious: You don't. I'm being completely honest with you on this point.

The word "liking" is a noun, not a verb. You are not "liking" ... you "like."

"I like that. I really like that color on you." 

If you say "I'm really liking that color on you," you sound as if you don't know how to speak English. It's akin to "axing" someone for a sip of their drink as opposed to properly "asking" someone:

"Can I axe you something?"

"Yes ... is it possible for you to axe me a seven foot tall wood carving of the Statue of Liberty so I may place it proudly and with flourish in my backyard? And ... will you tell me when might I expect that?" 

"Liking" is a state of being or a feeling. It's a taste for something - as in an agreeable proclivity - or a showing of pleasure. It's an inclination, a usage of stating you are inclined to favor or prefer something or someone. You have an affection or a fondness or you lean on the side of a particular partiality.

You don't "liking" something. You "like" it.

You don't "liking" the dog. You "like" the dog.

And ... you should liking like the fact you speak English as if you actually know how to speak it.

Got it? Get it? Good ... I'd like that ...

.......... Ruprecht ( STOP "inging" stuff, people ) 391