All the Spews That Fit
A free press must be brazen and hijack a free press.
I was editor and reporter of "The Weekly Durrett," a daring entry in the genre of news satire.
The paper dedicated its one-handwritten-page issues to fake topics of interest for every student in the sixth grade, our vast circulation pool. I don't recall any specifics in the reportage, except I am confident that each and every article probably contained the word "vomit."
I learned quickly that there is no funnier word in the English language to 11 and 12-year-olds than "vomit." That baby is comedy gold, the Holy Grail. Use as directed.
Here's the recipe:
"Vomit." Swallow. Repeat.
"Vomit!" "Vomit!" "Vomit!"
I loved it. I basked in it.
Nevertheless, I was surprised to find my name incorporated into the title of "The Weekly Durrett," since my cartooning pals ("100 Things About Me #127") were partners in this venture, too. They awarded me the great honor -- plus, I think the lads feared somebody would get into trouble, so it might as well be me.
I do remember my friend Lewe referred to me in the paper as "Daddy Durrett," followed by the motto, "Our Hero."
I tell ya, when you possess the powerful secret and are willing to play the "vomit" card, you can rule the universe.
In the four year history of this Web site, a quick search reveals, I've only dispatched the magical utterance twice ("Pet Food Snafus," "Top 10 Reasons My Life Is Rated 'R'"). Such infrequent deployments should not be construed to mean I've abandoned an old nugget. That word is my secret weapon, always loaded and ready to hurl.
I practice restraint, which is not easy. Every day, when I sit at this keyboard, be assured, "vomit" is flowing through my brain.
