Comedy Queens Face-off

Squeezing in some Sony Reader reading isn't an easy thing when combining family life, a mega- job search, and the graduate business school stuff I schlep through.  But I did get through two books recently by two very funny and rather raunchy ladies.

First, was Official Book Club Selection by Kathy Griffin.  Next, was The Bedwetter:  Stories of Courage, Redemption, and Pee by Sarah Silverman.  These two books were both real page-turners, although it took me a little while to get into Griffin's tome.  Both women are very good at stand-up, but neither wants to be known for it.  They multi-task whenever given the opportunity and seemingly never turn down work (especially you, Griffin).  The comediennes have different backgrounds, but it's easy to compare and contrast their views and accomplishments.  So here goes:

Both tried out for Saturday Night Live and a for role on Suddenly Susan.
(Silverman got SNL; Griffin got Susan.)

Both appeared on Seinfeld.  Griffin praises him; Silverman ignores him

Both had their cable TV shows salvaged by the gay community.

Both write about poor body image (Griffin seriously; Silverman humorously)

Silverman:  Had a brother die in childhood
Griffin:  Had a brother die after a troubled life

Both credit their dad for ingraining a viscious comedic streak.
Silverman:  Dad would pass gas to offend
Griffin:  Dad would say something outrageous, but with great timing

Griffin:  "Dated" Jack Black
Silverman:  Appeared in School of Rock with him

Small roles in big films:
Griffin:  Seen in Pulp Fiction
Silverman:  Seen in School of Rock
(I find School of Rock to be the better film.)

Controversial remarks:
Silverman:  Offended Asian-Americans in 2001
Griffin:  Offended Christians in 2007

The better read:  It's very close, but I'm gonna go with The Bedwetter.  Sarah never strays from her silliness, although it is disconcerting how she glosses over what obviously is major drama in her life, and the book is a very quick read.  Kathy pads her book toward the end with thoughts on Paris Hilton and an odd correspondence between her and potential beau, Steve Wozniak.

Still, both are worth a look, and I give Kathy credit for going to bat and opening up about personal experiences.  Now if she only didn't fawn over every celebrity she with whom she shares a room.  But that's her schtick and she's schtickin' to it.

Transforming Traditional Organizations Controversy

Okay, I admit, I'm rehashing what the movers 'n' shakers in library blogging have pointed out days (weeks, now?) ago regarding Jeffrey Trzeciak's speech on how he reshaped McMaster University's libraries over the last five years.  Jeffrey certainly is a visionary, but MLS professionals bristle at the thought of in-with-the-Ph.D.s and out-with-you,-MLS-holders.

I like what the always erudite K.G. Schneider has to say, and also Jenica Rogers' thoughts on the matter.  Both critiques are worth a look.

Now if only someone wrote about the optimal library value of the Ohio Dominican MSM degree, I'd feel much better about my chosen profession.  (And yes, that means I'm still looking for work.)

Library Q & A can prove depressing

Back after much schoolwork and housework and job searching.  Speaking of that last topic, the Career Q&A with the Library Career People helps point out how frustrating the library job search has become.

Things will improve, but the lesson from the March 29th posts is always to leave your current job on a good note.  Unless Oh, See Hell, See, downsizes your talented butt!