Titles I wish I had used

I was reminded of this by a recent post over at Crooked Timber. Cosma Shalazi's review of Stephen Wolfram's A New Kind of Science [amz] is titled "A Rare Blend of Monster Raving Egomania and Utter Batshit Insanity" - I'd love to be able to stick that on a review!

More like this

I can certainly identify with this. In my line of work I help the general public get issues resolved. Though some of the issues may be squirrelly and some of the people raising them are bullying at times, diplomacy and tact must be maintained. Consequently, when I'm drafting responses to people about their issues, sometimes there is a big difference between what I want to write and what I can write.

Diplomacy is nice, but sometimes as effective as using a wet hankie to take down a sequoia. I remember how my "you bald-assed baboons" letter got instant results, whereas my tactful letters on the same issue were ignored. (I also recall seeing an older review of Wolfram's book making the same point.)

What a line! I'd loved to have even thought of it much less use it. Thanks for finding this gem.

By edward hessler (not verified) on 26 Jul 2006 #permalink