After careful consideration, and having duly consulted with my co-blogger, I’ve come to the conclusion that the mysterious proprietor of Outer Life is the Charles Lamb of our time, or the Charles Lamb of our medium–I’m not sure which, but he’s the Charles Lamb of something. His recent posting “Birthday at Buddy’s”–as observant, dry, and economical as his usual fare but somehow even more hilarious–is what pushed me over the fence from simply enjoying his essays to reaching for superlatives. If you aren’t already reading him, what are you doing with your life?
“Brithday at Buddy’s” begins:
The invitation arrived on Tuesday for a birthday party on Sunday. At 10:00 am. Bowling at Buddy’s Bowl-O-Rama. For a four year old. Bouncy and lunch to follow at the house.
Late invitation — strike one. Bowling for four year olds — strike two. 10:00 am on a Sunday morning — strike three. So I threw the invitation out.
You’ll want to read the rest.
Outer Life appears to have been around for about ten months. I’ve been reading it regularly for about two, which means there’s a nice plump archive for me to plunder greedily over the next little while. Some posts I’ve especially liked so far (both culled from a greatest hits list in OL‘s right-hand column called “Some Old Posts”–what, did he pick them by throwing darts?): “Mr. Tiki and the Boogie Boys” and “A Farewell to Golf,” which will no doubt strike some as an inconceivable sentiment (hi Dad!).
Good deed for the day: check.
UPDATE: Outer Life promises he’ll “keep a sharp eye on my sister.”