Hi Anne! Minnie is adorable! I beg to differ about no one reading your newsletter in 2022 since I definitely did, and loved this interview with Captain Bayonne! He truly is a hero in my book. So many great words of advice about not suppressing who you are just to be accepted (which I sometimes do, as a people pleaser), and to "stop seeking out things that make you angry and upset." But please don't sign me up for pizza made with feet (I actually have a problem with feet for some reason, especially in sandals, including my own!). Oops, were there too many commas in that last remark? If so, I apologize if I made you angry or upset. 😊 Serial commas and serial killers in one newsletter!!
"Serial commas and serial killers in one newsletter!!"
So funny, Jill!
I also loved the Captain's advice to stop seeking out what makes one angry and upset. So many people really are on the hunt for this all day long. And it works! They stay angry and upset!
THANK YOU for being one of the OG readers. It means a lot, truly.
Finally, I LOVE commas in general its only the s-type that make me crazy.
Captain Bayonne, to be nobody-but-yourself — in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else — means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; the challenge arises from the fact that, upon inspection, there is no single and static-self but a multitude of dynamic selves constellating at any given moment into a transient totality, only to reconfigure again in the next situation, the next set of expectations, the next undulation of biochemistry. I mean that’s both exciting and uplifting.
It was driving me crazy trying to recall a great rock anthem that has the “Bayonne” in the lyrics and I finally remembered: ”Johnny with the Sun in his Eyes,” by A B & The Sea. https://youtu.be/1vGKU218IZc?si=WyusjRkB4vj2YxlS
Now this is a live performance so the word “Bayonne” isn’t very clear, but on the original recording, which is no longer available, at the 3:25 mark you can hear, “The only blue-eyed boy, from Mexico City to Bayonne…” maybe Anne can investigate why this is no longer available on streaming services? It a great rocker…maybe God will give me a band, and ability, to play this rocker for eternity??
I like your description. What it's like is exciting for me; not so much for the rest of the world. The best part is that I acknowledge the obscure idea or the flashing moment, that someone else created, and that creation resides with me to dig up and present to others; my purpose is to share. It's the "Captain Bayonne" in me.
Back in September, 1971, I was enrolled at Youngstown State University, Fall Quarter, taking an English class. We were given a book of short stories, all science fiction. One of the stories, by Ray Bradbury, was called "To the Chicago Abyss." I am convinced that I am the old man in the story...see if you agree:
I'm glad I re-read this one - Captain Bayonne is deep. Also, I think “They’re easy to jam in my pie hole,” could be an alternate candidate for quote of the week. And your dog needs more air time.
I moved to Bayonne from Queens a few years ago and read your newsletter for what is usually NYC reporting, so imagine my surprise today! Captain Bayonne is a gem. My favorite vista in Bayonne is when you walk to the parks on the west side at twilight and watch container ships in Newark Bay unload against the glow of the setting sun. Also, there is a ton of affordable housing over here, for anyone who is looking…
Laura! I replied to another former Bayonne-resident commenter earlier this week that I have fantasies of moving to Bayonne. But I did not know of the west side container ships at twilight thing. Another excuse for another Bayonne field trip!
The Cafe is entertaining even when it is a rerun. I had forgotten about that quote -- over the top! Captain Bayonne is as quirky as they get I suppose. Your segue into comma philosophy coupled with your well-known free use of the exclamation point makes me believe it is time to watch for colons and semicolons.
I far prefer the m-dash to the colon, Mr. Dolan. It is zippy while the colon feels like a big announcement of an announcement. Semi-colons—they are funny little things and whenever they show up in my writing it's a surprise even to me!
First of all, if the colon is aka the large intestine, why don't we call the small intestine the semicolon? As to your love of the exclamation point (your flourish at the finish), I wonder if this means Anne Kadet is actually a closet lover of onomatopoeia (wham!)
I almost did not read this issue, but I did, and I’m so glad I did. I think he should make adult size costumes to sell in Party City and other stores that sell costumes.
First of all, Minnie is looking well. Please give her my best. Second of all, wow. The AP Stylebook realllllly did a number on you. Anti-serial comma?! What's next? Do you also say jif instead of gif?
To paraphrase Shakespeare: there are more superheroes in heaven and earth, Anne, than are dreamt of in anyone's philosophy.
Love this David, thank you!
Hi Anne! Minnie is adorable! I beg to differ about no one reading your newsletter in 2022 since I definitely did, and loved this interview with Captain Bayonne! He truly is a hero in my book. So many great words of advice about not suppressing who you are just to be accepted (which I sometimes do, as a people pleaser), and to "stop seeking out things that make you angry and upset." But please don't sign me up for pizza made with feet (I actually have a problem with feet for some reason, especially in sandals, including my own!). Oops, were there too many commas in that last remark? If so, I apologize if I made you angry or upset. 😊 Serial commas and serial killers in one newsletter!!
"Serial commas and serial killers in one newsletter!!"
So funny, Jill!
I also loved the Captain's advice to stop seeking out what makes one angry and upset. So many people really are on the hunt for this all day long. And it works! They stay angry and upset!
THANK YOU for being one of the OG readers. It means a lot, truly.
Finally, I LOVE commas in general its only the s-type that make me crazy.
Hello from Minnie!
Yes! I read this back then too and enjoyed reading it again today.
Amazing. The Wuornos quote 😭
Right? I first heard it from my spiritual director, of all people.
😂😂😂
Captain Bayonne, to be nobody-but-yourself — in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else — means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; the challenge arises from the fact that, upon inspection, there is no single and static-self but a multitude of dynamic selves constellating at any given moment into a transient totality, only to reconfigure again in the next situation, the next set of expectations, the next undulation of biochemistry. I mean that’s both exciting and uplifting.
It was driving me crazy trying to recall a great rock anthem that has the “Bayonne” in the lyrics and I finally remembered: ”Johnny with the Sun in his Eyes,” by A B & The Sea. https://youtu.be/1vGKU218IZc?si=WyusjRkB4vj2YxlS
Now this is a live performance so the word “Bayonne” isn’t very clear, but on the original recording, which is no longer available, at the 3:25 mark you can hear, “The only blue-eyed boy, from Mexico City to Bayonne…” maybe Anne can investigate why this is no longer available on streaming services? It a great rocker…maybe God will give me a band, and ability, to play this rocker for eternity??
JRB! Sometimes it seems as though everything that has ever happened, or will happen, is somehow lodged in your memory. I wonder what that's like.
As for being nobody-but-yourself, I forget where I heard it but I like to think of it this way: "The whole universe is my true personality."
I like your description. What it's like is exciting for me; not so much for the rest of the world. The best part is that I acknowledge the obscure idea or the flashing moment, that someone else created, and that creation resides with me to dig up and present to others; my purpose is to share. It's the "Captain Bayonne" in me.
Back in September, 1971, I was enrolled at Youngstown State University, Fall Quarter, taking an English class. We were given a book of short stories, all science fiction. One of the stories, by Ray Bradbury, was called "To the Chicago Abyss." I am convinced that I am the old man in the story...see if you agree:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WL5kjC-47A-xaLZ8K8klbgyc8_VxT7Z9/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110562465978846348339&rtpof=true&sd=true
And you are correct in recognizing that the whole universe is your true personality; most people don't realize that in themselves.
These are just the sort of consciousness riffs that I really miss in the CA comments. Add to it free music hot takes. What could be better?
As long as Captain Bayonne inspired me to comment, here's a couple rockers from France that are difficult to beat: https://youtu.be/C9dttkVA2zU?si=QjpScxOn1PnRhXBv
https://youtu.be/KjNC0ZFr18s?si=OdvpnRHlyVapacUu
So would Captain Bayonne’s footmade pizza shop be a feetzerria? You could for sure get more than a buck a slice for that, at least from some people.
Haha good one Ms. Haulover!!
Add this to the mayor’s list of pizza subsidy demands! 👣
LOL
I believe that quote is attributed to Catherine Aird. I have it on my website. https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780191866692.001.0001/q-oro-ed6-00021040#:~:text=Catherine%20Aird%201930%E2%80%93&text=If%20you%20can't%20be,to%20be%20a%20horrible%20warning.
Uh-oh! I'll have to look into this further! Thanks for the heads up, Angela!
Replace the NFL field goal with a "Bottle Rocket."
Fantastic idea, David! And it could be worth 10 points instead of just one. And also maybe it could be flaming.
Anne, this is so wonderful. You really manage to enchant the world (or find all the hidden enchantment in it).
Gosh, thank you Mr. Kahn. Very glad you enjoyed!
I'm glad I re-read this one - Captain Bayonne is deep. Also, I think “They’re easy to jam in my pie hole,” could be an alternate candidate for quote of the week. And your dog needs more air time.
Great idea Mr. Stephenson. Maybe we will see some grammar and writing advice from CE Minnie.
how about we trade copy editors? mine likes to pee on his own tennis balls good news is he works for "treats"
Mine is also highly treat motivated, AK. Weird coincidence?
probably not as i tend to spill chicken broth on my "manuscripts" 😉
I moved to Bayonne from Queens a few years ago and read your newsletter for what is usually NYC reporting, so imagine my surprise today! Captain Bayonne is a gem. My favorite vista in Bayonne is when you walk to the parks on the west side at twilight and watch container ships in Newark Bay unload against the glow of the setting sun. Also, there is a ton of affordable housing over here, for anyone who is looking…
Laura! I replied to another former Bayonne-resident commenter earlier this week that I have fantasies of moving to Bayonne. But I did not know of the west side container ships at twilight thing. Another excuse for another Bayonne field trip!
The Cafe is entertaining even when it is a rerun. I had forgotten about that quote -- over the top! Captain Bayonne is as quirky as they get I suppose. Your segue into comma philosophy coupled with your well-known free use of the exclamation point makes me believe it is time to watch for colons and semicolons.
I far prefer the m-dash to the colon, Mr. Dolan. It is zippy while the colon feels like a big announcement of an announcement. Semi-colons—they are funny little things and whenever they show up in my writing it's a surprise even to me!
First of all, if the colon is aka the large intestine, why don't we call the small intestine the semicolon? As to your love of the exclamation point (your flourish at the finish), I wonder if this means Anne Kadet is actually a closet lover of onomatopoeia (wham!)
Onomatopoeia neutral! (And admitting I had to look that word up!)
There is always great joy in a new word. Even better when I've been using it wrong for a long time :) -- two more exclamations!!
How very cool!! Thank you!
Yay! Glad you enjoyed FTF!
I almost did not read this issue, but I did, and I’m so glad I did. I think he should make adult size costumes to sell in Party City and other stores that sell costumes.
Haha what a fantastic idea, Lynn!
I love the fact that the Captain exists 😊 He kind of reminds me of an old character from Hill Street Blues - Captain Freedom
First of all, Minnie is looking well. Please give her my best. Second of all, wow. The AP Stylebook realllllly did a number on you. Anti-serial comma?! What's next? Do you also say jif instead of gif?
Ms. Bear, I say "gif" like a phony French person, of course. "Zshiff."
Regards to Badger!