Subject: Zappa Encounters "Bob"

From: "Rev. Ivan Stang" <stang@subgenius.com>
Newsgroups: alt.binaries.slack,alt.slack
Date: Thu, May 1, 2003 3:19 PM

The Real Frank Zappa Book, Poseidon Press, 1989, Chapter 13, "All About
Schmucks," page 233:

"I suggest we learn how to take anything bad that happens to us and
*polarize* it. Instead of being overwhelmed by a negative event, dodge
to the side like those t'ai chi guys and let it whizz by your pants.
Maybe it makes a little breeze -- big deal. *(Please, don't mistake
this for optimism.)*

"There is an organization in Texas called *The Church of the
SubGenius,* devoted to the teachings of some guy with a pipe in his
mouth named *"Bob".* I'm not a member, but part of their 'theology'
parallels mine.

"As the planet gets more crowded, me must realize that *'slack'* is
precious, schmucks are plentiful, impingements are impractical and
werewolf etiquette for self-defense is a personal necessity.

"Techniques must be developed to enable each of us to escap the other
guy's bullshit (just as he wishes to escape ours). Heaven would be a
place where bullshit existed only on television. *(Hallelujah! We're
halfway there!)*

"People should be encouraged to look after their own self-interest, but
avoid *inflicting* themselves on other people -- especially don't
infliuct yourself on a schmuck. The guy has already made his choice.
*Cut the schmuck some slack.*"

Zappa elsewhere has mentioned first hearing of The Church of the
SubGenius on CNN. That report was done in 1983, just after the first
edition of The Book of the SubGenius came out.

MPEG of said CNN report on the Church is posted on a.b.s. in RAR with
PAR.

What I say in this report about lifelong Bobbies is a lie, said for
mass media benefit. No sense in letting the Others know what kooks we
REALLY are.

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Original file name: Zappa Encounters "Bob" - converted on Monday, 21 July 2003, 13:44