Episode 64: Tim talks about his favorite novel, Straight Man by Richard Russo, and discusses one of his favorite aspects of the book: how the main character, William Henry Devereaux Jr. often says the phrase "I'm not a BLANK, but I can play that role." In the process, Tim chides the listener for watching Reality Television.
Later, in the story, Tony is a man who repeatedly goes to the hospital for mercury poisoning because pelicans eat lots of tuna. And while Tony may not be a pelican, he can play that role.
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Later, at the hospital with an IV in his arm to flush the mercury out of his system, Tony tried to find a fishing channel on the television near his bed, or at least find a show that took place near some water. A shot of a desert came on the screen and Tony felt parched, but he mistook thirst for hunger and called to the nurse to please bring him some tuna.
“I’m glad you didn’t say that to the doctor,” the nurse said. “He would be aghast if he heard you asking for more fish. Do you realize the havoc you’re wreaking on your system with this new diet of yours? If you don’t let up you’re going to kill yourself.”
“Pelicans eat fish,” Tony said.
The nurse continued, “I mean, even cultures that consume lots of fish don’t do so in the quantities you are. You’re packing your stomach to its absolute capacity.”
“I’m filling my gullet,” Tony said. “Not my stomach. Gullet. I’m a pelican. Well, not a pelican, but I can play that role.”
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If you enjoy westerns like True Grit or The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, check out Tim’s western novel, Dust, available on Amazon in eBook form in addition to being read on the podcast.
For more, visit timdrugan.com.