The first in a series of geniuses who were also lunatics.
Let's take a look at genius/madman Nikolai Gogol.
Anybody who's read Dead Souls (Gogol's most famous work), will appreciate the man's outstanding skills as a novelist and part time comedian. The guy's hilarious. Read The Nose of you're in any doubt. The protagonist of Dead Souls, Chichikov, is a roguish anti-hero who wanders Russia buying up 'dead souls' or deceased serfs for commercial profit. The novel describes numerous devious, unscrupulous and ridiculous characters in an hilarious and profound manner. 'Dead souls' also refers to the characters Chichikov encounters. It is a superb study of morality.
Anyway, Dead Souls was supposed to be part 1 in Gogol's longer work. Chichikov was supposed to find redemption in part 2. Part 2 was largely completed when, in a fit of stupidity, drunkeness or 'influence of the devil', Gogol hurled the manuscript into the fire, went to bed, forgot to eat and died a week later in extreme pain.
During this time he described the burning as a practical joke. Nice one Nikolai.
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37 comments:
Those Russians eh?
Always kidding around.
Gogol: Hello? Insurance? I'd like to insure my next manuscript against fire for 100,000,000 rubles.
Insurance man: What did you say your name is?
Gogol: (in Scottish accent) Gogol - gee-oh, gee-oh-el.
Insurance man: Oh wait, you're that crazy Russian fucker that threw his last manuscript in the fire, aren't you? Aren't you on your death bed?
Gogol: No! You 'avin' a larf? I'm fit as a fiddle. Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back penning manuscripts in the morning.
Insurance man: I'll insure you for 10 kopeks and a bottle of 80% backyard vodka.
Gogol: Done.
And the vodka will be with me...when?
Insurance Guy: Soon, soon, Nikolai. Just a word of warning, don't stand too close to the fire when you open the bottle.
So far we've got
Monday Sports Wrap,
Midweek Mad Geniuses and
Poetry Slam Friday
Good work chaps.
It's like old-school variety television, Ramon, with segments you can rely on.
Far out, this is so WEIRD. I was actually thinking about Gogol about ten minutes ago. I was thinking about snuff and that Nose story
Some people think he was buried alive. I want a bell in my coffin that's for sure
Donations to the "Vodka For Tim Winton Fund" can be left at any NAB Branch or your local Post Office.
Squib - I know, me too.
Actually, I was thinking about Google, but meh - close enough.
Also, if I were Gogol and I had a car, I'd be sure to name it the Gogol-mobile.
It's like old-school variety television
Is there any way we can incorporate a barrel segment, where TSFKA readers can win...
Umm...
*Checks pockets for possible prizes. Discovers $5.10 in small change and a cigarette lighter.*
...can win $5.10 in small change and a cigarette lighter?
Is there any way we can incorporate a barrel segment...
Now really, that's clearly Perseus' thing.
Some people think he was buried alive.
Just another hilarious Gogol practical joke.
...the Gogol-mobile.
I think that's the car that drives around taking photos of everything for streetview.
Why Perseus, Bob?
I know Denise Drysdale is looking for work right now.
Ah, Ding-Dong. Ernie Sigley's sole contribution to Arts & Letters is his duet of 'Hey Hey Paula' with Ding-Dong.
Has anyone ever listened to his radio show? The whole show is old women ringing up Ernie and telling him how much they loved him in the 60's. There is no other content.
Yeah Bob, why am I barrel boy? And why doesn't barrel have two 'L's?
Why?
Because I can't feckin spell, that's why.
I reckon we should have a Health and Govt. Services Lottery. Oh wait...
why am I barrel boy.
Cos I don't want to be. I'll host 'What Cheeses Me Orf'.
Anyway I want to test this telepathy thing I have with Lewd
Lewd you think about something and I will guess what it is
Tell me when you're ready to transmit your thoughts, Lewd
*Squib slaps Lewd Bob's face*
okay this a natural flow chart of my thoughts. Let's see if they match Lewd's
Gogol > nose > syphilis > nose drops off > snuff > wish I still smoked > coffee > cosmonauts > etsy.com > fabric with planets on it > tennis
Squib, there's a position vacant for a TSFKA barrel* girl.
You interested?
*Or indeed, a barrell girl, if so inclined.
Squib, I'm afraid Ramon's guess was much closer.
OK
I have some experience in this area
You've been a barrel girl?
No, I've been pulled out of a barrel
My name that is. On 'Hey Hey It's Saturday'
He'd only fuck it up somehow, Witchie.
True, Ramon, which is why I'm going through an "I'm not dating" phase. I've rejected two dates in the past week. Too hard, 'cos of the two hours from Melbourne thing.
I've dcecided I like being single, and if someone magically appears down here in my town, well, good, and if someone doesn't, well, good, as well.
I kinda like the hermit life. I like walking on the beach at night by myself. I hope one day to be known`as 'that guy that walks along the beach'.
Well Witch, you could send in more than one entry. When they brought out the barrel it was only about a third full and nearly all those entries were mine
I'm not sure how we can apply this to Persey's love life/hermitage
So, PQ, is this "no dating" phase like that enforced celibacy that some people try to pretend is really voluntary celibacy, or are you just eschewing meaningful relationships for a life of casual sex, with a little drugs and rock 'n roll for variety?
its not forced - darnit! - i get offers
*stomnps away*
eschewing meaningful relationships for a life of casual sex, with a little drugs and rock 'n roll for variety
Yes, that's the one.
Unless someone magically rocks up to my small town.
Perhaps PQ you could wear one of these.
I was thinking about getting one, but the idea of wearing a badge saying "I'm single" is slightly less appealing than wearing a big L on my forehead.
I'm looking for one that says "Yes, I am a drunk. Buy me a beer."
I want one saying, "I Don't Even Know What I Want"
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