Chomsky Grows Up? We had so much fun last week with our little stint of media hacking. We hoped that even though we were losing our world record for largest garden gnome, one that has helped us gain attention for local farming, we could get a little extra free media coverage out of the (non)event.
Many of you sent wonderful statements, quips and ideas and we put them into two consecutive press releases that got us on the front page of the Times Herald Record, on the web site of the Kingston Freeman, a story on YNN's evening news (and replayed later). Amazing! (You can read our original press releases in our new Newsletter Archive section, link at left.)
Comments we received included these:
Graham Parker, musician: "I thought I
saw a tear in Chomsky's eye when I passed by the other day. Cheer
up fella, those others are just pretenders."
Mark Brown, balladeer and an Official
Witness for our Guinness World Record: "It is true I suppose, that
records, like hearts, are made to be broken. However, as I rode past
Chomsky today he seemed unmoved by the whole affair. He still gazes
west with that confidence and joy that he has always exuded. I would
wager that Chomsky would kick the ass of any of these other gnomes. Bring 'em on!!!!!" Carl Chipman, Town of Rochester Supervisor: "We held the record for a good four years. Our gnome is still very precious to us."
Deborah Artman, librettist and writer: "I am outraged
that a gnome made of a synthetic material such as fiberglass would be
accepted by the folks at Guinness. If any organization should be a
stickler for authenticity, Guinness is it! It's time for a
petition! I'm ready to sign!"
April
Silver: "I'm beside myself! Sounds like the
Polish "fiberglass" version is a deal breaker, not a record
breaker."
Here are some of the fabulous ideas you had to gain back our title:
The idea of 8-year-old Bella Ramirez that started it all--add a flower for height.
A number of people suggested a bigger hat, but how could Chomsky keep an eye on Route 209?
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Since material doesn't matter to Guinness, convert Chomsky into an inflatable gnome, proposed Tom Herling. | A gigantic farm tool adds height and that "American Gothic" vibe, and was suggested by both Mona Lombardi and Deborah Artman, Deborah pointing out that the object on the end could be up-sized as necessary. | Another gnome riding on Chomsky's shoulders was Wayne Kelder's idea. | Platform shoes would give Chomsky the lift he needs, and were suggested by Joe Holdner, Sue Cosgrove and Chris Butler. | High-heels give Chomsky a chance to express his inner drag queen. A tip o' the chapeau to Terry Anya Hayes. | "I think Chomsky's stature could be elevated by his obtaining a higher degree. There are many online programs, so he could matriculate while staying on the farm. A PhD from MIT, where another Chomsky once walked the halls, would be fitting," writes Pam Kray. | Ted Lawrence had the most radical idea: "Cut off his head and add a spring--he'll be the largest gnome and largest bobble-head!" | |
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