This week's categories really fired people's imaginations! I was expecting lots of puns based on different species of birds but Punners really delivered a diverse and interesting range of entries. It felt like there was a more evident competitive edge this week, due in part to the advanced geekery on display from Punners wishing to clearly differentiate between various types of military aircraft. And why not? If we can't accurately identify the primary purpose of massive killing machines then I'd say we'll be reducing ourselves to the level of dumb beasts. Speaking of dumb beasts, someone stood on my hand during rugby yesterday which means this week's Pun-Off results are brought to you in association with PAIN. My right hand keeps curling up in a distorted spasm that hurts-a-plenty but gives the impression that I've got some sort of deadly claw. Every cloud.
So, the results. It goes without saying that it was tough to judge, and as I've said, Punners were very creative this week. Here we go:
In 3rd Place...with all the geeks and pedants in play this week it is a pleasure to award a winning place to a Pun so simple:
Bat Butcher - Laura Roberts
You should know me by now and therefore won't be too surprised to see a Pun like this on the winner's board. It changes one single letter and works wonderfully as both a Pun and a juvenile slight on the bitter, miserable sod Pat Butcher was. How she ever managed to waddle her way into the nation's hearts is a mystery to me. To be fair though her character might have changed a bit over the years as I haven't watched Eastenders with any level of intent since I brought what I thought was cannabis resin off a homeless South-African in 2004. That was a long night. Well done to Laura for this excellent effort; she's been a keen and competent Punner from the start and it was only a matter of time before she got the recognition she deserves.
In 2nd Place...any Pun based on one of history's greatest fictional characters was going to win a place. Those of you that have ever been at a party with me will know how much I love Rocky IV:
A Swallow Creed - James Watts
It's true that Apollo Creed was in all the Rocky films, except Rocky V and Rocky Balboa (they don't count though, obviously). But it was Rocky IV where we really get to know and love him. Then Ivan Drago literally beat him to death and made way for some of the greatest song-writing and training montages in recorded history. I will finish with a quote of what I believe to be the most profound philosophical musing on the human condition:
In the Warriors Code there's no surrender
Though his body says "stop", his spirit cries "Never"
Deep in your heart a quiet ember
Knows it's you against you
It's the paradox that drives us all
By Frankie Sullivan, from the song Burning Heart (performed by Survivor)
If that doesn't sum up the Essence of The Pun-Off I don't know what does. You're not just punning against your peers, you're punning against yourself. Anyway, well done to James Watts for giving me an excuse to write about one of my other passions. For further writings on the cultural, political and social impact of Rocky IV please contact me.
 |
| Caption unnecessary |
And in 1st Place!!!! She has had an outstanding few weeks of Punning and has really put herself in the picture as one of the Punners to watch out for:
Sputnikolas Nickleby - Jennifer Farmer
Using such a historically important machine of flight cannot be overlooked; nor can such a well known Dickens character. However, what sets this Pun apart is it's rhythm and flow which is an invaluable addition to any entry. I hope that Farmer dug deep to unleash this Pun but I suspect that it came quite naturally and therefore gives further insight into the Punning power of someone who promises to be one of the great competitors.
And so to PEOPLE'S CHAMPION! This week's champion is a familiar to us all as one of the greats. It indicates both an astute Punning mind and a spectacular run of form.
Obi Swan Kenobi - Martin Hall
We've seen him on the winner's board a great deal of late and I never tire of his quality efforts. Generally speaking you'll see a People's Champion achieving around 15 Likes, this is usually enough to claim the prize. Hall did so comfortably this week with a solid and respectable 16 Likes. I can't find fault with this Pun and it comes as no surprise to me that it was favoured by so many. It's got all the key components of a winning Pun and uses a well liked character to really tweak people's tastes. Respect is due to Martin for his consistent form of late. Can it last?
Honourable mentions
Delorean Grey - Thomas Adams
A truly brilliant Pun from Adams but I felt ill at ease awarding this a prize based on the fact the the both the character and flying machine was fictional.
Chitty Chitty Xuanzang - Rich Dinham
The same rule applies here and I'm sorry if I didn't make it clearer from the start. Rich has had an agonising few weeks and is desperate for success. It will come in time though as I'm sensing Rich is beginning to find his own style. This week, Rich's commitment to Punning made him question whether to go through with his approaching marriage seeing as how his betrothed isn't of a Punular disposition. Let's see how that pans out.
Enola Gaylord Focker - Alan Micthell
A very clever but somewhat depressing Pun. The Enola Gay was the name of the plane that dropped the A-bomb on Japan. There's not much more I can say about that.
Debuts
Sarah and Liam Keightly - This husband and wife Punning team is showing great promise. Sarah appears to be the more eager Punner at the moment. One to watch.
Steve Rayner - Looks to be a competent and well rounded Punner, let's see how he develops over the following weeks.
Chris Scott - Looks robust but prone to ending his Puns with exclamation marks. It's a rookie error but one that indicates a enthusiasm. However, you can't argue with quality and I was a big fan of this effort of his: Concord-en the Gopher (!).
Joe Powney - An unknown quantity at the moment. We're likely to get a better handle on his ability as we have different catergories. Could be dangerous.
Sorry if I've forgotten anyone! Just let me know and I'll sort it.
Yet another great week of Punning, thank you to you all for being such a great community of word-players. Watch out this week for some guest blogs and some very exciting statistics from our "Man with the match" Rich Dinham. Until next time!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.