Exactly HOW low is the Lowest Common Denominator?
And how does one calculate said denominator? And who is doing these denominational calculations?
Is there a highest common denominator? If they're both common, wouldn't the two of these denominators be the same denominator? And, if that's the case, why specify which denominator we're talking about?
Assuming though that the L.C.D is indeed it's own singular denominator, many questions remain to be answered. For starters, does topography play a part in designating something as THE Lowest Common Denominator? Say "Blue Collar Comedy Tour" was being watched in a home in Denver, CO, while at the same time a family in Tallahassee, FL was tuning in to the same broadcast. Would the jokes about trucks and dogs be considered an even lower common denominator in the Floridian home based on its proximity to sea level? And if this is the case, would a broadcast of the upcoming "Jeff Foxworthy Roast" shown on the floor of the Marianas Trench be the absolute Lowest Common Denominator physically possible? Would a screening of "Masterpiece Theater" automatically drop a few pegs in prestige if it was being shown in Death Valley, or the Dead Sea?
And what about this denominator is so common? Are some denominators more common than others? Is there a certain percentage of people that must be in agreement on a given denominator to make it common? When and where do these meetings convene?
"All right people, let's get down to business. All in favor of 7..."
(silence)
"OK, too high. 6?..noo...ok, 3."
(massive applause)
"Good work people. See you all next month."
And please, let us not forget about the poor bastard that gets passed over in all this denominational discussion, the sad, forgotten numerator. What did the numerator do to piss off so many people and find himself relegated to the back of the fractional bus? When was the last time you heard anyone even mention the numerator in casual conversation?
"Goodness, did you see that program on PBS last night? Yo-Yo-Ma and a bunch of blind Zapatista guerrillas all sat down at The Reichstag to discuss Economic Globablization and Pan-Asian Fusion Cuisine. Talk about hoity-toity! It's just like PBS to cater to the Highest-Uncommon-Numerator."
"I'm so sick of this H.U.N pandering!"
"I know...They'll do anything for ratings."
Is there a highest common denominator? If they're both common, wouldn't the two of these denominators be the same denominator? And, if that's the case, why specify which denominator we're talking about?
Assuming though that the L.C.D is indeed it's own singular denominator, many questions remain to be answered. For starters, does topography play a part in designating something as THE Lowest Common Denominator? Say "Blue Collar Comedy Tour" was being watched in a home in Denver, CO, while at the same time a family in Tallahassee, FL was tuning in to the same broadcast. Would the jokes about trucks and dogs be considered an even lower common denominator in the Floridian home based on its proximity to sea level? And if this is the case, would a broadcast of the upcoming "Jeff Foxworthy Roast" shown on the floor of the Marianas Trench be the absolute Lowest Common Denominator physically possible? Would a screening of "Masterpiece Theater" automatically drop a few pegs in prestige if it was being shown in Death Valley, or the Dead Sea?
And what about this denominator is so common? Are some denominators more common than others? Is there a certain percentage of people that must be in agreement on a given denominator to make it common? When and where do these meetings convene?
"All right people, let's get down to business. All in favor of 7..."
(silence)
"OK, too high. 6?..noo...ok, 3."
(massive applause)
"Good work people. See you all next month."
And please, let us not forget about the poor bastard that gets passed over in all this denominational discussion, the sad, forgotten numerator. What did the numerator do to piss off so many people and find himself relegated to the back of the fractional bus? When was the last time you heard anyone even mention the numerator in casual conversation?
"Goodness, did you see that program on PBS last night? Yo-Yo-Ma and a bunch of blind Zapatista guerrillas all sat down at The Reichstag to discuss Economic Globablization and Pan-Asian Fusion Cuisine. Talk about hoity-toity! It's just like PBS to cater to the Highest-Uncommon-Numerator."
"I'm so sick of this H.U.N pandering!"
"I know...They'll do anything for ratings."
posted by Eppo at 2:48 PM
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