Archive for August, 2011

Alien Abductions Alienate

Posted in Humor Column with tags , , , , , , on August 22, 2011 by Joe Zimmerman

I recently had an interesting conversation with a fellow whose father is one of the leading experts on alien abductions. My first instinct was curiosity mixed with judgement, but when he told me there wasn’t a day his dad doesn’t regret it, I was confused. He explained there is zero upside to being an alien abduction expert, because everyone just dismisses you as the kooky guy. Also, it’s not like there’s a lot funding in that particular field.

The same can be said for reporting abductions. Let’s say you really are abducted, and then you report it…well, now everyone thinks you’re a kuckoo brain. You feel better now? Perhaps that’s the reason we associate abductions with crazies; the folks who report the abductions are the people with nothing to lose, and just a tiny percentage of actual abduction numbers. If you’re smart, or you have a good job, you’re much better off not saying a word.

I know if I was beamed up into a flying saucer, experimented on, and forced to mate with a wolf, I wouldn’t speak a word. I’m sure I’d do some heavy journaling, but the alien-wolf thing would definitely remain a secret. I know this, if you report an alien abduction, you’re not going to get a promotion at your job that year. You could go on to win a nobel peace prize, and you’d still be alien-wolf guy.

That being said, I did think of one scenario where there is an upside. That is, if you previously purchased alien abduction insurance. Apparently that’s is a real thing, that real people are buying. Sure, if you’ve been paying for the insurance go ahead and collect on what your owed. That being said, if you’re thinking about alien abduction insurance, I would strongly advise against it for a few reasons:
1) If you get an alien induced injury (physical or psychological) good health insurance already covers that right? So just use your extra money for better health insurance, which will help protect against real things.
2) On the off chance you’re abducted (we’ll call it 1 in every 3 people), you won’t be able to prove anything, as aliens have never left any physical evidence. What makes you think you’ll be the first person who can prove it? And if are the first one with proof, I’m pretty sure there will be book money, to help pay off those alien scar bills.
3) If you buy the coverage, then aliens will probably know you’re covered, which increases the likelihood they’ll abduct you.

Now, I’m not saying I believe in alien abductions, but I am saying that if they are happening, we wouldn’t know it. On a side note, I think Bigfoot is an alien. Also, Donald Trump. Additionally, Michelle Bachman, Oprah Winfrey, Glen Beck, Tom Cruise, Barbara Walters, Yao Ming, Dakota Fanning, Paris Hilton, Bill Gates, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Russians. Finally, cats.

Video Short: “The Note”

Posted in On Tour, Video Clip with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 15, 2011 by Joe Zimmerman

Shot a new video short with Tommy Johnagin this week while in Omaha. Special thanks to the Omaha Funny Bone condo:

Superior Poetry – Volume VI: “Email Professional”

Posted in Humor Column, Poetry with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 8, 2011 by Joe Zimmerman

My emails are impressive -
so concise and courteous.
Such rapid response time,
with thoughtful answers
to your questions.
You receive a well written reply
within just minutes…seconds.
Often with a well-placed exclamation point
indicating my enthusiasm
for helping you!
Rarely a smiley face
but if the situation demands one
I do not hesitate :)
(Bang, smiley face in your face)
You are charmed.
“It’s like he knows “Strunk & White”
by heart,” you must think
refreshed by my grammar.

“I wish we could get him to work at our company…
but we probably can’t afford him.”
You must fantasize about having me
as a “team member.”
Having my email professionalism on your side -
at your disposal.

It would be impossible for you to know
I’m lying in bed as I write you (or is it “laying”?)
wearing just a robe (no belt)
scrolling through various websites
seeking employment
whilst wondering where this missing robe belt went
drinking sugar-free red bulls
responding rapidly and courteously
professionally.

It would be impossible for the couple
whose house I’m in to know
I’m in their bed, in the nude.
“Who could possibly find the secret
hiding place for our key, under the mat?”
They might wonder.
Well, a savvy entrepreneur could.
I might respond.
Maybe a straight-shooter who thinks outside the box
could find the hidden key under your mat.

So here I lie (lay?)
being impressive…
productive…
valuable.

The couple would be blown away
by the proficiency of my emailing (does e-mailing have a hyphen?)
and probably offer me
a full-time house-sitting position.
Watering the plants…feeding the dog
as opposed to sedating the dog.
(his breathing has quickened – he will wake soon)

It would be impossible for you to know
I’d do a full day’s work for a bottle of Ritalin
or a Chipotle burrito
or a forty of Olde English.
I would never admit to that
in an email.

“Feel free to call me if you have any other questions, and thanks again for your time.”
(I write insincerely)

Sincerely,

Joe Zimmerman
(phone number)
(email)
(website)
(“Quote from a famous author in italics that says something about who I am, even though I didn’t write it.” -Mark Twain probably)

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