To be so funny you cause someone pain is really quite something. I would imagine only the very best comedians are able to make such a claim. And I would imagine that only the truly elite are able to make such a claim using the written word.
So, to be so funny that you cause pain by proxy is really quite an achievement indeed. Last week, my post Don’t Bite Your Friends was apparently just such an achievement.
A very dear friend of mine who shall remain nameless (but the author of this blog) was reading the aforementioned post and was so overcome by the sheer comedic force thereof that he apparently blurted out to his spouse:
Peter Lopez is the funniest person I know.
The problem: such a statement necessarily displaces all others, said spouse included, from laying claim to that title.
Now, I’m sure you all are aware that in the law, the truth is an absolute defense to any form of defamation claim. So, while my friend may be factually correct in his assertion, and thereby free from any civil and/or criminal penalties, he is so busted at home. *Feel free to check out his blog and offer him words of comfort and consolation.*
For the sake of marriages everywhere, just know that I am perfectly satisfied with being the second funniest person any of you know.
#1 by mondaymorningreview on August 31, 2009 - 4:24 pm
There is still strife in my house over that little faux paus. I’ll accept counsel from any of your readers as to how they enjoy your humor and still maintain peace in their marriage.
#2 by Peter on August 31, 2009 - 4:25 pm
Again, I ask for both of your forgiveness.
#3 by Jessica on August 31, 2009 - 4:39 pm
Playing s econd fiddle is sometimes…ok. With certain things…but not many…I’m too damn competitive…nevermind…
#4 by Peter on August 31, 2009 - 8:56 pm
I suppose that makes my gesture of voluntarily relinquishing the top spot all the more special.
#5 by Mindy on August 31, 2009 - 10:50 pm
Peter, now you are the funniest person I know.
#6 by mondaymorningreview on August 31, 2009 - 11:01 pm
Hey — what about me? That kinda hurts.
#7 by Peter on September 1, 2009 - 11:44 am
Well, if I’m the funniest person each of you knows, then what’s all the fuss about?
#8 by Jim Dempsey on September 1, 2009 - 8:52 am
Humor? Or, Satire? Both can be equally funny; but satire seems like a more “cut to the bone” version. I thought it was hysterical – having a 2 year old and a 4 year old. Been there; done that; got a tee shirt… They are little sponges that take everything you say literally, ecept; “Don’t open the oven!”, “Don’t use crayons on the walls!”, “Daddy’s power drill in NOT a toy!”, “You are NOT a barber!”.
Jim
#9 by Peter on September 1, 2009 - 11:45 am
Yup!
#10 by Larry Who on September 2, 2009 - 10:52 am
“Peter Lopez is the funniest person I know”
A lawyer from Texas who doesn’t wear cowboy boots and studies Hebrews. Yeah! You are the funniest person I iknow.
#11 by Peter on September 2, 2009 - 12:31 pm
Thanks, now that’s 3.