Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHONThank you to OzLady, whose amusing post Are You A Simpson?, and to Diesel, whose Simpsons Caption Contest both reminded me of a Simpsons link in my own life.
About eight or nine years ago, before I got into The Simpsons, the conversation at home turned to nicknames. I puffed up my chest. ``My nickname at work is great. They reckon I remind them of a really well-known character on television,'' I said with pride.
My wife and kids were pretty impesssed. Then we sort of got down to the nitty-gritty. They wanted to know what the character's name was.
``Ned,'' I replied.
``Ned?'' There was a querulous note in their chorus.
``Yep, Ned,'' I replied, ``like Ned Kelly the bushranger. This bloke's really famous too.''
``Which TV show is he on?'' They were starting to sound like Inspector Columbo in unison.``The Simpsons,'' I replied. And then they all guffawed. That's when they took me off to watch the show, and I've been hooked on it ever since. But you know what the really funny thing is? Every time I've told this story to other people, the universal response has been, ``Yeah, you actually do have a lot in common with Ned.''
So tell me, gentle readers. Do I take this as a compliment? I'd like to know what you think ....
SO funny David. Ned is my absolute favourite okilidokili? Do you too have a 'nose neighbour'? !!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOkay-diddlie, let's get one thing straight here, Ned is a sweet enough guy and all that, and he certainly beats being mistaken for Cartoon-Comic-Book-Guy (though not by much), but you, my friend, are NO Ned Flanders, alright?
ReplyDeleteMillhouse, now.. (stop pouting, I'm only teasing!)
well, I don't know you well enough yet to make that kind of judgement call, but there are worse things than Ned.
ReplyDeleteI, myself, got rathe rlate into the whole Simpson phenomenon. But people kept making references and I didn't get it...so I checked it out and yes, time well spent.
I agree with Minka, I think there are worse things then being called 'Ned'.
ReplyDeleteNow, I don't know you in person, but your personality that comes through in your writing is way more quicked-witted and fun. So there you go.
I don't really be knowin' Ned, but he looks like a friendly enough fella!
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I diddley-daddley-don't want to answer that question. Then again, I can't say I know you well enough to know, either.
ReplyDeleteDo you own a store that sells left-handed items?
ReplyDelete(and if so....I'll order some stuff from you!)
I come to congratulate you with your work, very good, and to desire good vacations to you
ReplyDeleteSImpsons are such a phenonmenon, made all the more wild by their humble beginings as a side skit on the Tracy Ullman show.
ReplyDeleteStill haven't seen the movie yet, I can't wait to see what's in store, I've ignored the mixed reviews as best I can to have an open mind of the show.
I'll blogroll you soon, just putting a post together now.
Peace
I see you as more the Principal Skinner type.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Dr. Hibbert???(Eh-hee-hee-hee!)
ReplyDeleteYa' can't have Willys' character---that's more fittin' for ME!!!
NO!!! Wait a minute! SIDESHOW BOB!!! Class, infinitely wise, scheming---that fits YOU pretty well!!!
ReplyDeleteAlthough NED does have a hell of a physical build, there...!
Hidley Ho there blog neighbour!
ReplyDeleteLOL
You are the man-next-door... LOL.
Better than being Grandpa Simpson... although he's hilarious as well!
At weezt day don kaw u Nerd! hehehe
ReplyDeleteHmmm... why don't they call you 'Flanders?' Could there be another Ned? ;) I think I might have to agree with Shrink Wrapped
ReplyDeleteWell unless it was 'moe' or 'Burnsy' theyt were calling you, I think your pretty safe in assuming its a compliment, a dedicated family man with the patience of a saint...
ReplyDeleteI'd list a favorite character but... well I dont think theres space, lets just say my list doesnt include marge or lisa (sorry Bob)... everyone else is pretty much on there.
Hi Papoosue,
ReplyDeleteWill give you a full report on fellow denizens in the next 60 seconds!
Keep smiling
David
Hi Carol,
ReplyDeleteMilhouse? Yeah, I can live with that!
Me? Pout? Naaaah, it's just image distortion!
Keep smiling
David
Hi Minka,
ReplyDeleteI;m very thankful that my kids got me into it. I enjoyed visiting your blog a few hours ago, too.
Do keep in touch.
Keep smiling
David
Hi Colleen,
ReplyDeleteMany thanks. Yes, I'm definitely a glass-half-full kinda guy.
Hope you're having a great holiday and spending lots of time in your parents' pool.
Keep smiling
David
Hi Teri,
ReplyDeleteHe sure is - and that's definitely one trait he and I have in common.
Thanks for visiting. Hope you drop by again.
Keep smiling
David
Hi Les,
ReplyDeleteOkay, we'll register that as an abstaining voter!
Keep smiling
David
G'day Brian, mate,
ReplyDeleteLeft-handed items? You name it, I;ve got it. Special price for you!
Keep smiling
David
G'day David,
ReplyDeleteHmmmmmm - I'm always on vacation.
Cheers
David
G'day Eric,
ReplyDeleteYes, I wonder how many people college-age and under know that great piece of trivia.
Keep smiling
David
G'day Diesel,
ReplyDeleteYes, I'll accept that. But more like Principled Skinner!
Keep smiling
David
G'day Bruno,
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'll leave the Willy avatar for you, you wild red-haired (adoptive) Scot.
Keep smiling
David
Afterthought, Bruno,
ReplyDeleteDo you have a kilt, like Willy? And yes, I'm working on Sideshow Bob's voice, now.
Keep smiling
David
Hi OzLady,
ReplyDeleteI'll just pat Rod and Todd on their heads before I reply to that!
Keep smiling
David
Hi Meanie,
ReplyDeleteYes, that's a fair point, and I;m grateful for your wisdom.
Keep smiling
David
Ah, SLB,
ReplyDeleteYou're the first person to crack the Big Secret of The Sipmsons - there really are two Neds.
Thank you, thank you ...
Keep smiling
David
G'day Pope Terry,
ReplyDeleteWell, interestingly enough, you;ve cracked the combination. They said that was exactly why they called me Ned - God-fearing bloke, dedicated family man and yes, I do have endless patience.
Take care, Your Eminence.
Keep smiling
David