Comments on: Andy Loves His Books

Andy Rooney On Why He Is A Book's Best Friend

[booyaw_77]

Despite what anybody ever said, don't ever let anybody tell yaz dat dis generation ain't a result of de last. It is. Deyz got der hardons. Deyz got der theories. Deyz got der *********** stories. And DEYZ KNOW ENGLISH! Oh yes deyz do.. enough to take prosperity and peace.. and make it into somefin? Well.. dat ain't never gonna be fergiven. By anyone..

[booyaw_77]

Comic books aren't simple ya know. Even a scholar such as yerself must recognize dat pictures are worth a thousand words. And computer generated animated pictures, 10,000. And the one bad thing about de english language I've always hadda hard time wit is apostropheez. Where do yaz put de dog gone apostropheez? I stopped worrying about it 10 years ago.

Perhaps, phylosophycally speaking; we're reaching a new era of communications. A more sophisticated era. A super duper generation x to de exponent 10 era.. of pictures and graphics and "what looks good on my computer screen wmd" type deal. I mean, who'da thunkit dat america would come to grips wit its superb system being forcefully transferred and distilled on de rest of de werld? De founding fathers? De horses and buggies? Uh-uh.

De comic books.

[stevenbookman]

It is a very pleasant surprise to see Jacques Barzun receiving such wide attention. Those who are interested in the upcoming centenary celebration
can follow at http://barzuncentennial.murphywong.net/

For a representative sample of this great scholar and humanists work:

From Dawn to Decadence: 500 Years of Western Cultural Life 1500 to the Present

see multiple discussions at:

http://tinyurl.com/2afhbl

[darkhorse108]

I have admired Mr. Rooney's work for many years. I own several books of his work and read his commentary in the newspaper for years. I marvel at his ability to craft interesting and humorous essays that capture the human condition as I experience it. I appreciate his sharing some of his tools. I bought two of his treasured books today in the event that am inspired to put a few lines down myself some time. Good Idea again, Andy!

[commentaires]

Mr. Rooney,

For years now I%u2019ve been listening to your comments on 60 Minutes and found them refreshing but last evening you insulted me and millions of other. English is NOT the best, there are no best languages. This arrogant and free affirmation reveals a hidden discuss from your part for anything not American. I though last week%u2019s defense of GM%u2019s Chevrolet logo was just a subtle joke but with this week%u2019s comment, wow!. That the producers of this renowned and respected show, broadcasted all over the world, let this type of propaganda be aired is beyond my understanding but it might explain a few things. English is certainly the most practical language nowadays and maybe one of the easiest along with Spanish for getting your way around, but the best? This attitude, coming from someone I respected a lot is so disappointing. As for me, there%u2019s certainly other channels I can watch. As for you, I surely hope that Monsieur Jacques Barzun will take the time to explain to you that Middle English from which your American English is derived, uses a lot of French words that are pronounced differently. Strange isn%u2019t it? All this time you were speaking French and you didn%u2019t know. I%u2019ll bet that%u2019ll make you happy. Better get to Spanish soon Mr. Rooney, it%u2019s easier than English.

Bon Voyage

Chris Jacques

[ubikvalis2]

"Debussy understood that a work of art or an effort to create beauty was always regarded by some people as a personal attack." -- Art of Noise - The Seduction of Claude Debussy

No better proof of this than the comments on this page.

Saying English is the best language in the world isn't insulting or racist. Saying that vanilla ice cream is the best ice cream in the world isn't racist or insulting either.

What a bunch of nonsense.

[djconklin]

If one journeys around the world and pays attention to the various languages and their ability to express a wide variety of concepts then it is no surprise when one finds other cultures using English to communicate. English is by far one of the most expressive languages around. But, as Rooney pointed out it is not an easy language to learn.

B Mundy is wrong-headed when he says that the "US is the only country where students are allowed and encouaged to speak and read in only one language." Any tour of a decent HS (junior and senior) will find that kids are being taught foriegn languages. The difference between the US and other countries is that because we are so big we don't need to learn more tnan one languages to communicate when we cross "state lines" (our states being the size of some countries).

[stevenbookman]

It is deeply satisfying to see such a culturally significant figure as Jacques Barzun mentioned favorably to the global audience Andy Rooney commands.

Those who are interested in keeping track of the upcoming Barzun centennial arrangements can do so at

http://barzuncentennial.murphywong.net/

For a window into Barzun's world, including lively reviews and discussions of a major work:

http://tinyurl.com/2afhbl

[leowongny]

Well, Andy -- are you coming to Columbia University on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007 -- true, before Jacques' birthday on Nov. 30, but so much more convenient.

Leo Wong
http://barzuncentennial.murphywong.net/

[cds567]

It is so sad that Andy Rooney has given 1,000 commentaries, yet, he still did not know the common fact that no language is better than another. He needs to stay to learn so that he will not make any stupid and racist commentary like the one he gave today.
"We're lucky to have English as our language because it%u2019s the best language in the world but it%u2019s not easy."?????

[heatrave]

I have never written a comment to a broadcast before either. I also was moved to action by the shallow, racist, self centered comments by B.Mundy. For starters, you are abviously a classic America hater. Whether you are ready to accept it or not, the truth is this, America is the greatest nation on G_d's green earth. The predominant language spoken during the majority of business transactions is English, period. The sooner you realize this, the better off you will be. You say you are proud of your country. It sure does not sound like it. You also are a liar. I recorded the broadcast and nowhere does he mention anything about Greek or "romantic" languages, are you on drugs or something? You say you have served in the armed forces, for that I commend and thank you. How you ever survived basic training being as thin skinned as you are is remarkable.

[gmboyles]

I too feel english is the best language. It is possibly one of the hardest languages to master, if spoken correctly. Seldom do any of us do that. Mr Rooney said it well and I don't think it's 'racist' at all.

In Montreal the spoken language is French. Are they also 'racist' in the same way? No, I think everyone of us has our own opinion of what's right or wrong, even if it is from a seasoned veteran of broadcast news like Mr Rooney.

After all we are all free to learn any language we like, that's called freedom.

g. Michael Boyles

[bamundy]

I have never written a comment to a broadcast before. yet I was moved to action during Andy Rooney insensitive, arrogant, and frankly racist comment about english being the best language.

I am an US citizen. I served in the armed forces. I'm proud of my country. but I was extremely offended when Mr Rooney stated english is the best language.

First, Mr Rooney proves his ignorance with his statement. US English cannot compare to a language like Greek or a romantic language. the depth and breathe of expression is greatly limited in english.

Secondly, it seems to me to be plain ignorant and insensitive to make a statement like that on national television in this county where so many are from somewhere else.

Lastly, the US is the only country where students are allowed and encouaged to speak and read in only one language.

Mr Rooney has taken US arrogance to a new height. I was insulted and offended again by what CBS has allowed and tolerated from it's broadcast staff. the spirit of imus has made its presence known once again.

B. Mundy