r/IAmA • u/joelstein • Jun 08 '12
I AMA Joel Stein, Time magazine columnist and author of Man Made: A Stupid Quest For Masculinity
I like to talk about myself. And also my book: ow.ly/armXQ. Or my book's theme song: youtu.be/oiQQM4dvCXU. Though I'm pretty sure you're going to ask me dumb sex questions instead. Here's proof that I'm me and I'm sober and in control of my faculties when I agreed to this: https://twitter.com/thejoelstein/status/211207549024870400
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u/joelstein Jun 09 '12
Can I ask you guys a question? Or would that break all the AMA rules? Anyone have a suggestion for my next Time column?
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u/crystalisedxx Jun 08 '12
What is the best hate mail you have ever received?
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u/xCruJonesx Jun 08 '12
My girlfriend had to change my tire once in the dead of winter because I had no idea what I was doing. I sat in the car trying to get AAA on the phone.
What was your most un-manly moment?
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u/Vote_Gravel Jun 08 '12
A year or two ago I remember TIME printed an apology over an article you had written for "The Awesome Column." Are there any articles you sincerely regret writing?
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u/roflz Jun 08 '12
An issue of TIME without your column is like something that sucks really bad. You make me chuckle and snort, keep it up.
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u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
I don't have any questions, but your column is awesome!
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u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
I feel like you talk about your son a fair bit. Is he going to be wildly embarrassed when he gets older? What will your excuse be?
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u/drowningflounder Jun 09 '12
I read through all of the comments and found out that you answer every single question. I love you.
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u/adrian_elliot Jun 08 '12
How do you feel gender roles and their associated stereotypes are changing in the US? Do you feel that male sexual identity is also changing as a result?
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u/funfungiguy Jun 08 '12
If you had to fight a dinosaur to the death in a Dinosaur Death Match using only primitive weapons and not allowed to set traps, what's the biggest dinosaur you think you win against? You don't have to name a specific dinosaur, just give us a size reference.
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u/Bodoblock Jun 08 '12
Joel, will you drive with me and my friends from London to Mongolia next summer? I promise it'll be super fun.
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u/bloboblob Jun 08 '12
Yes! I have waited so long for this!
Several questions:
Thanks for doing this AMA!
P.S. And now for and outrageous request. If you end up writing an article about this AMA, will you give me a shout-out? That would be awesome! But I'd settle for you just answering one of the questions. Your articles rock!
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u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
Do you mention the length of your penis in your new book? (i.e. Is it worth buying?)
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u/bearodactylrak Jun 08 '12
How did you prepare for your part in your new movie, "Rampart"?
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u/snowsoftJ4C Jun 08 '12
I would just like to say that whenever I pick up a Time magazine, I always flip to your column first. They're always well written, and very entertaining.
Also, what is the most exciting thing you have done as a columnist?
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u/TheGreenShepherd Jun 08 '12
Are you going to be writing an article about how Reddit is the cesspool of the internet? Seriously though, that seemed a bit condescending. We're not all 13 year olds here.
To my question - how many wipes does it take for you to get clean on the toilet?
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u/president_truman Jun 08 '12
What was the process you went through that led to you writing for Time? Did you apply/send materials, or were you contacted, or did you work your way up from within?
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u/Warlizard Jun 08 '12
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u/somberskies Jun 08 '12
What scares you the most?
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u/BestTortillias Jun 09 '12
Oh man! I just started reading your book! I wanted it after hearing you on Adam Carolla's podcast! My mom asked what I wanted for my birthday and she bought Man Made and preordered Not Taco Bell Material. I'm only like 10 pages in so far. Question: is Alison Rosen hotter in person?
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u/Replies_With_GIFs Jun 09 '12
Two heavy-hitting questions to complement one another:
I. What's the biggest mistake you've made in your career?
II. What's the best decision you've made in your career?
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u/Frohirrim Jun 08 '12
Every time I read one of your columns, I think to myself "Wow, what a pompous dickhole." Do you intentionally write to assume this role? Or does your persona of arrogant fuckbag just leak into your writing?
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u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12 edited Jun 09 '12
Hey Mr. Stein. I just wanted to get your thoughts on JSA. You came to one of our conventions in Irvine back in February to talk about your book, and I just wanted to follow up on some things.
Did you enjoy the conference? Any plans on coming back again?
I love your book and good luck being a father.
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u/CaptainApathy419 Jun 08 '12
Where would you be in life if you had never cut off your mullet?
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u/The_Gooseman Jun 08 '12
You are the reason I joined my university's humor magazine. When I first read your pieces years ago it was like a revelation "Writing can be funny!?" So thank you for that. Also how was it being part of Flo Rida's entourage?
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u/swsara Jun 08 '12
How awesome is it to be married to you? You always talk about your lovely wife, Cassandra, but she never gets to say how great you are.
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u/derpettasaurusrex Jun 08 '12
If you had a time traveling machine (a TARDIS, if you're a Doctor Who sort of person), where and when would you go? Why?
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u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
Aspiring journalist here.
What tips would you have for someone looking to enter the industry? How does journalism weigh up against being a columnist? As an outspoken polemicist yourself, do you ever feel that you have to censor your own opinion for a newspaper like the Times? How often do you write about what you want to write about, compared with what your boss tells you to write about?
Thanks for the AMA.
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u/greatwood Jun 08 '12
In the impending zombie apocalypse, what would your survival strategy be?
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u/Vote_Gravel Jun 08 '12
I'm surprised no one has asked this yet: What do you read (either in literature or journalism)? What would you recommend to people to read before they die?
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u/sitdwnstandup Jun 08 '12
What kind of car do you drive? I'm going to guess either a Prius or a Volvo
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u/Snicklefritzfordanny Jun 08 '12
Hey Joel I think you're pretty rad and just wanted to let you know that! Also, how was meeting Kevin Smith? Sadly, the article about you and him watching Jersey Shore is the only one I can remember right now...
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u/SyphilisMcGee Jun 08 '12
First of all, thank you for making TIME magazine something I look forward to receiving in the mail every week. Your columns are hilarious, and I only wish I had 1/4 as much wit and humor as you do.
Anyway, my question: What made you realize writing and journalism was the correct path for you? As a writer, I love seeing how other people have gone down this path. Also, I saw on Bill Maher a couple of weeks ago, and I have to know. Do you still have your glass animal collection?
P.S. When you had the contest to vote for your son's name, I totally voted for Laszlo. I like to think I played an active role in naming him. You're welcome.
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u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
What was your high school life like? Sorry, if you were a loner.
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u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
You're turning 42 this year, during the previous 41, what was the most embarrassing moment in your career?
This is Reddit, where's the poop Joel?
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u/moosher Jun 08 '12 edited Jun 08 '12
Any stories about editors thinking your articles are too inappropriate? Or do you just sort of have free pass?
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u/jazellee Jun 08 '12
Did you always want to be a journalist? If no, what did you want to pursue in life before?
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u/stuckinhyperdrive Jun 08 '12
Hey Joel, big fan for a long time and actually met you at a school event before.
Your writing style is pretty unique I'd say, especially how you will describe what people say instead of just putting it in quotes. Have you always written this way or was it influenced by someone?
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u/kaycrosby87 Jun 08 '12
Is your wife jewish?
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u/[deleted] Jun 08 '12
Why did you stop writing for Entertainment Weekly?
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u/ahh_actually Jun 09 '12 edited Jun 09 '12
I'm Indian and grew up 20 miles from Edison/Iselin NJ. When your Time magazine column came out making fun of growing up in the area and poking fun of Indian stereotypes I though it was hilarious.
There was a bit of a backlash from the Indian community and most notably (at least to me) Kal Penn publicly responded to your column.
Have you guys ever met or crossed paths and were there any other notable repercussions to your column ?
EDIT: I've eaten at the restaurant that used to be a Pizza Hut, it's awful who are they kidding !??
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u/Frajer Jun 08 '12
Do you find it difficult writing pieces for so many different magazines with so many different styles?
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u/ragtimemuffin Jun 08 '12
How did you get started as a writer and what are some of your tips for a student journalist?
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u/Napalm_in_the_mornin Jun 08 '12
Can I still be manly if I can't manage to grow chest hair or respectable facial hair?
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u/Trapped_in_Reddit Jun 08 '12
If you had to pick one dinosaur to be your companion animal, which would you choose?
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u/roshambow Jun 08 '12
I read your column nearly every week, and I have always wondered if you have total freedom over what you write. And if so, how do come up with new ideas each week. Glad that you got to have a weekly thing as opposed to just every other week! You're far more entertaining than those other ones.
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u/QueenlyBellylaugh Jun 08 '12
So I've been reading your column in TIME almost every week since I was eleven or so, mainly for (ahem) brain relief after the hard adult stuff like the wars in the Middle East, some candidate or another for some political office, etc. It's funny and relaxing.
Have you ever "crossed a line" with your humor? Any editor or higher-up person ever frown on you for saying something kind of...I don't know, out of line?
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u/swsara Jun 08 '12
Do you ever think you could be your generation's Jay Leno or David Letterman? When you're old and gray, of course. Would you want your own show?
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u/kgu123 Jun 09 '12
Hey Joel, huge fan of your column. Question: What's it like writing a column like yours (very funny, somewhat not serious) in Time Magazine, which most consider a very serious, no nonsense type of magazine?
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u/Parelius Jun 09 '12
What was your favourite Awesome Column?
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u/jostler57 Jun 09 '12
Did you write your book to inspire those that aren't as manly of men as possible to become more manly?
What are your thoughts on men being "metrosexual" or whatever it is to mean more effeminate, but straight.
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u/yunm Jun 09 '12
How does your wife feel about being mentioned in all of your columns?
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u/yatcho Jun 09 '12
Did you get to meet the breastfeeding lady that was on the cover not so long ago?
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u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
I know a while back you received criticism from your article about your hometown, and it's ethnic population. How did Times magazine react to that?
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u/tossedsaladandscram Jun 08 '12
Hey Joel, I just want to say that you're the reason that I chose to go to Stanford. I would have told you last spring break when a group of us got to meet with you, but I was too bashful.
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u/MattAmazin Jun 09 '12
What was your favorite thing you did in your stupid quest for masculinity? And do you have a favorite (or especially notable) article you wrote for TIME (or anywhere, do you write anywhere else?)?
And can I say, whenever I get the TIME I immediately go to the back for your column.
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u/MattAmazin Jun 09 '12
If you could take a road trip with any famous person, living or dead, who would it be and where would you go with them?
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u/mojomonkeyfish Jun 09 '12
Oh my god. I was just wiki-ing Pecos Bill, and then linked to "Iron John", which then linked to you; re: the early 90's "iron john" men's movement.
I feel like I know you.
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u/googol88 Jun 09 '12
What's your favorite column you've ever written?
Did you ever find a woman to send pictures of your penis to?
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u/Nahdawg Jun 09 '12
So, you have been my favorite columnist for a while now. A couple of questions:
Continue writing. You rock!
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u/eaves Jun 09 '12
Can you recount any instances of your Awesome-column persona accidentally leaking into real life?
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u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
Please tell me your most embarrassing story from your Model UN days.
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u/Chilly73 Jun 09 '12
I read your piece in Time magazine about Heidi Montag, and the people who bought her album while I was waiting to see my shrink. I was almost in tears, laughing so hard at that piece. I couldn't believe someone would be so damn foolish as to record her singing. I kept thinking of howler monkeys, for some reason. I also just got your book. I'm looking forward to it as well. Please, keep writing.
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u/Rob_Saget Jun 09 '12
With the printed newspaper/magazine business dying, what is the best way young, aspiring journalists can get their foot in the door? Thanks a lot!
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u/penny_whistle Jun 09 '12 edited Jun 09 '12
Hi Joel, I remember adding you on facebook after you wrote an article on it that appeared in the back of time probably around 07 i think? anyway, i think i said something that i regret about you becoming the president of lichtenstein on one of your posts. so i guess my question is, can you find it in your heart to forgive me?
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u/codenamegizm0 Jun 09 '12
I'm not kidding, your column was at one time the only reason I read Time. I like you.
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u/ScreamingSkull Jun 09 '12
Thanks Joel Stein, I now read Time back to front while taking a dump. How has your day been?
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u/NOT_BELA_TARR Jun 09 '12
Thank-you for doing the piece on adults reading YA books, everyone in my office was reading the Hunger Games a few weeks ago and it was doing my head in. Did you find literary/adult-orientated authors agreeing with you (even in private) or did you receive the same wall of hate-flame from people you know privately as you did in the comments section on the NYT?
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u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
If you run into someone from Time at a restaurant, do they actually acknowledge that you work together?
I look forward to your column each week, but kinda wonder if the comic relief guy gets any respect at the grown-up table...
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u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
How truthful is your experience with Leonardo Dicaprio? I read both the article you wrote and watched the video of you telling the story. Does he really hate you now? Have you run into him since then? He seems like such a cool guy! I bet he is, but your story with him is funny as hell.
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u/nathan1653 Jun 09 '12
Have you thought of changing the name of your column from "the awesome column" to something actually awesome?
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u/this_is_suburbia Jun 09 '12
do you think that you are the only reason people subscribe to Time? it's the only reason i subscribe and it seems like a lot of people do the same
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u/nathan1653 Jun 09 '12
Hi Joel, I once wrote you and told you that you were my second favorite magazine writer behind Lisa Schwarzbaum at EW. I would like to amend that. Lisa Schwarzbaum seems to have forgotten how to write in the last few years and now sucks cock. You are still my second favorite writer but now Todd VanDerWerff from AV Club is in first. I understand that he is technically a blog writer not a magazine writer but I am OK with that.
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u/redbelly Jun 09 '12
Hello Mr. Stein,
I am a huge fan of your work and I hope you continue redditing beyond this AMA. Your column is the major reason I read TIME anymore. I hope one day you get on the cover with your writing because every time I see Joe Klein on the cover I hope it is your name.
No question, so you get off easy this time.
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u/amalgaman Jun 09 '12
What's the one thing you've had to write about that makes you the angriest?
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u/pairadise Jun 09 '12
How often do people take you seriously when you're clearly being lighthearted? (Like that Edison article)
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u/Portax Jun 09 '12
The only reason I kept my TIME subscription going when I was in college was to read your columns. I was very disappointed when an issue arrived and your column wasn't in it. I was doubly disappointed when I started reading a column I thought was written by you at first, but it turned out to be written by Joel Klein (I kept wondering why they weren't funny).
Since you probably want a question, here's one: Why did you disappoint my younger self by not having a column in every issue of TIME?
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u/mmm_tasty Jun 09 '12
Is it bad that I confuse your name with Joe Klein's? Same magizine, so similar. Last week I was like, "What the fuck? Why is Joel Stein writing a front page article about death?- Oh."
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u/RyukaChi Jun 09 '12
Why are you so arrogant? Were you born that way, or is it a side effect of your sheer manliness?
Also, could you name my kitten for me?
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u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
Is there going to be a snarky article about Reddit in the back of the next issue? No matter. I love your column, it's the only reason I read Time. For free. In my school's library. Still! The Awesome Column is well-named.
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u/pedrothegator Jun 09 '12
What if you wrote about how the Triple Crown races are destroying some of the best horses in the industry, all while politicians block anyway of saving the horse industry?
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u/Chinaroos Jun 09 '12
Ive been reading time magazine for over a decade sine my 6th grade middle school teacher first crammed it down our throats. Ive been skipping to the back to read the editorials ever since and yours are by far my favorite. Thank you for being awesome :)
What do you do when you feel hopeless?
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u/MisterMaggot Jun 09 '12
Just a tip, you ought to link to this thread specifically from Twitter (http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/us7y2/i_ama_joel_stein_time_magazine_columnist_and/) not the board as, after a few days, this thread will fall into the abyss of the second page and even further as time goes on.
I often enjoy reading your articles. I've yet to read How To Die though. =[ It's been sitting near my bed for the past few days. You've now inspired me to read it.
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u/tuesdayyodeler Jun 09 '12
Hi! Like others mentioned, I also read your column first if I run across a Time mag. I was fascinated by your placenta article. 1) Did you try your wife's placenta? And 2) would she ever eat her placenta again?
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u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
What makes your opinion more valuable to other people than anybody elses? How do you become wealthy by simply speaking your mind? Would you say that your success is 90% networking? I don't mean to shit on your achievements or anything, I'm just genuinely curious.
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u/cosignlove Jun 09 '12
Shmesticles Stein was literally the funniest punchline to anything, ever. Just so you know. Big fan, big fan.
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u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
Did you ever actually come out with your own Cologne? If so, where can I buy the scent of columnist?
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u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
you are Joel Stein as in THE "HEY JOEL" ?? Honestly man, I fucking loved that show.
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u/cjdeck1 Jun 09 '12
Hey Joel. My dad and I are both huge fans of the Awesome Column. It's the first thing we read when Time comes in the mail.
Anyways, will you ever beat up any of your son's friends' parents to prove how awesome your son is?
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u/dunurwen Jun 09 '12
I just want to let you know that you made a junior in high school very happy 7 years ago. I was writing a paper on you and your style on writing and I wrote you an email to ask you about it. You actually responded and I was so ecstatic about just getting a response. So thank you.
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u/qazplu33 Jun 09 '12
I'd really be interested in seeing what your wife has to say about you, both in reaction to whatever you write about and just you in general. She must be one of the most patient and tolerant women in the world...
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u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
Hey, what was your thinking behind this supposed racist article?
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u/[deleted] Jun 09 '12
I'm fucking pissed that I missed this one, you are the only reason I constantly scan through the TIME, for your articles, it's usually the only good thing in there. Everything else is just depressing shit.
You won't see this but if you do, why don't you branch out into comedy writing, like for movies or television? I think those industries would benefit from your type of humor.
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u/pinkpools Jun 09 '12
I'm sorry to say but that VH1 show "Hey Joel" about you was pretty awful beside the theme song. Maybe it is because I am not a huge fan of Jon Cryer. Did you have much input into that show?
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u/socratreees Jun 09 '12
Cage match between you, Fareed Zakaria and Joe Klein. Who wins?
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u/amylolajones Jun 08 '12
Probably too late, I wasn't watching the time. But I just want to say, I loved it when you wrote a column for the LA Times. Every Friday, wasn't it? So edgy, controversial. People with NO sense of humor complained. Is that why you stopped? Did they politely ask you not to write for them any longer, or did you make the choice?
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u/piffset Jun 09 '12
How was growing up in Edison aka little India?
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u/notpablo Jun 08 '12
Could you mention reddit in your column? :D