Author Archives: Richie

Hot Enough For You?

Climate Change Critics Faint From Heat
Outdoor Press Conference Canceled

Richieville News Service – NEW YORK CITY
An outdoor press conference in Lower Manhattan called to dispute claims of global warming had to be canceled today when several of the scheduled speakers were felled by heat exhaustion. New York City, like much of the Northeast, has been suffering through a record-breaking heat wave, with temperatures hitting over 100 degrees. But organizers of the event said the unusual temperatures would have no effect on their views of climate change.
“A few days of record-breaking temperatures don’t prove anything,” said Stanley Merdle, a meteorologist for WKRP in Cincinnati, and one of the climate change critics who had been scheduled to speak. “Neither does the hottest year on record, the hottest decade on record, the melting glaciers, the thawing permafrost, the persistent drought in parts of Africa, the drowning polar bears, the giant hurricanes, the early arrival of spring, the changes in ocean currents or the fact that I almost passed out after walking one block down Broadway.”
Mr. Merdle spoke from the air-conditioned safety of the lobby of an office building where he and the other climate change deniers had taken refuge after experiencing fainting spells, heart palpitations and severe heat rash after standing outside for five minutes. In between gulps of water, the weatherman waved a thick stack of papers which he said was a study that proved climate change does not exist. The study, conducted by a research organization called Concerned Scientists For Climate, was funded by the American Petroleum Institute. 
“Now, snowstorms are entirely different,” Mr. Merdle continued. “Remember Snowmaggedon, back in February? And the way Senator Inhofe built an igloo on his front lawn and called it Al Gore’s home? This heat wave doesn’t mean a thing, but a blizzard? In February? I mean, what other proof do you need? Now, excuse me while I go jump in the East River.”

For more Richieville humor, read the comic sci-fi novel, Rate Me Red.

You’re The One That I Want

Iran Lists Official Haircuts, 

Plans National Production Of Grease

A casting agent with approved haircuts.


Richieville News Service – TEHERAN

Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance today released photographs of haircuts it considered appropriate for young men. The hairstyles, many reminiscent of ones that were popular in the 1950’s, are part of a two-pronged effort to reduce un-Islamic influences and at the same time prepare the country for next summer’s tour of the musical Grease.

“We’re want to encourage proper grooming in our young people,” said Jaled Khodayar, one of the Ministry officials behind the new hair codes. “And we’re looking for our perfect Iranian Danny and Sandy.” She was referring, of course, to the characters played by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in the hit movie based on the Broadway musical. “We think these haircuts will really help our casting process.”

Ms. Khodayar said the Ministry expected young men to adopt the haircuts in the hope of being plucked from obscurity and finding fame in the spotlight, singing hit tunes such as “You’re The One That I Want,” “Born To Hand Jive,” and the title number, “Grease.”
“And if they don’t get cast, at least they won’t wind up in prison,” Ms. Khodayar added. She said that the feared Iranian morality police would be roving the streets, ensuring compliance and looking for likely candidates for the roles of Doody, Sonny and Putzie.  
“It turns out that Ahmadinejad  is something of a musical theater nut,” Ms. Khodayar said, explaining the seeming contradiction of an Islamic Republic production of  a rock and roll musical. “Who knew? Just be glad we didn’t go with his first choice – Cats.”
For more Richieville humor, read the comic sci-fi novel, Rate Me Red.