Toren Atkinson’s Absolute Blog

Marlo & I were talking about the “MC” in the rap world last night.

Now, in my experience, MC, or emcee, means “master of ceremonies” which is, by definition, “a person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)”, but obviously it is not the same in the pop culture/rap world. I didn’t really know what it meant. Marlo said that, opposed to the DJ, who spins the records, the MC raps. And never the twain shall meet.

Marlo says that the term “MC” as part of a rapper’s name has been in the vernacular for 20 years so I should accept it. But I think it’s overused and that any old slob with a boombox on a street corner can call himself MC Skillless and nobody will kick up a fuss. Well I’m here to fuss. I mean I know you don’t need 7 years of rhyming school and a diploma to be an MC, but it bothers me in the same way that Captain Caveman bugs me. Friend, you’re a lot of things - but you’re not a captain. Of course this comes from a guy who for the most part despises rap (& hiphop moreso). I guess it’s just the fact that it has always bothered me that, unlike playing the tuba or the drums or even singing, anyone can rap as well as the next palooka (no offense to the mute), and so by extension, anyone can be called MC.

Marlo read to me some thing about cats with separation anxiety and behaviour problems just need a cat buddy. And to think when Stewie asked about bringing a kitten into our home I didn’t think it was a good idea.

I had dinner with Marmar last night at Cipriano’s, which is a really good pasta restaurant on main. It was expensive, but you basically get two meals worth. It reminded me of an article on watching your weight that informed that your body takes a while to tell you that you’re full, and that if you stop eating before you’re actually finished your big meal, you’ll find that you’re already finished your big meal. It suggested that when you go to a restaurant, ask the waiter to put half of the order in a takeaway before you even get the meal. I don’t think I would ever do that, but it’s a good idea.