About This Blog


Of all the literary devices in an author's toolbox, none can be as confusing to the uninformed as the "metaphor", which is a direct comparison, or "simile", a comparison using the words 'like', or 'as'. Often, when the reference is uncommon or vague, the reader is left thinking "huh?"

Daniel Ruth, a well-known Tampa Tribune columnist, has a habit of over-using these devices to such extent that many readers only begin to understand the full comedic content of his columns.

We here at DRMW believe that there hasn't been as much head-scratching since Dennis Miller co-hosted 'Monday Night Football.'

To correct this deficiency, we resolve to clarify any obscure references and allow Ruth's humor to shine forth in all its glory. We do the research, so you don't have to!

We hope there will be something here for everyone, from Emo-kids to aging acid-heads, from Ivy-league matriculated to government-school edjamicated, from casual readers to bathroom-stall scholars. For those of you who need to find errors in everything, we put a few mistakes in as well. Just have fun. Let the dissection begin!

Unfortunately, Mr. Ruth is no longer with the Tampa Tribune, therefore updates will no longer be written. This blog is preserved for demonstration purposes only.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Original column by Daniel Ruth, The Tampa Tribune

What He Wrote: "...Idi Amin was a paragon of democratic fair play..."
Obscure Reference: Idi Amin Dada was President of the African country Uganda from 1977 to 1981, when he was exiled to Libya and Saudi Arabia after his ouster. It was generally accepted he was one of the most brutal, murderous dictators of the 20th century.

What He Wrote: "...the Bowery Boys meet-Freedonia's Rufus T. Firefly ..."
Obscure References: The Bowery Boys were a nativist, anti-Catholic, and anti-Irish gang based North of the Five Points district of New York City in the late 19th century. They were also a group of actors (comedy troupe) who made a series of films released by Monogram Pictures from 1946 through 1958. We're not sure which group Ruth is refering to. Rufus T. Firefly was the character played by comedian and actor Groucho Marx in the 1933 film 'Duck Soup.' Fredonia was the fictitional small, bankrupt country where the film takes place.

What He Wrote: "... the high priests of the DNC feverishly try to untie the delegate Gordian Knot they wrapped themselves into."
Obscure Reference: The Gordian Knot is a legend associated with Alexander the Great. It is often used as a metaphor for an intractable problem, solved by a bold stroke. According to prophesy, Alexander cut the knot and eventually became King of Asia Minor.

What He Wrote: "...because the DNC and its banana republic Jabba the Vote, Howard Dean, got his spats wadded over Florida's ..."
Obscure References: 'Banana Republic' is a pejorative term for a small, often Latin American, Caribbean, or African country that is politically unstable, dependent on limited agriculture, and ruled by a small, self-elected, wealthy and corrupt clique. 'Jabba the Hutt' is a fictional character in the Star Wars saga. He first appeared on film in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) as an obese, slug-like alien. Howard Dean is the chairman of the DNC. Spats are ornamental overshoes, usually worn as part of the uniform of marching bands and ceremonial honor guards.
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