The funniest entry of August so far comes from Qui Nguyen's Beyond Absurdity. It should be no surprise to anyone that the man behind the Vampire Cowboys is a hoot, and yesterday he shared with the willing public some of the trials and tribulations he's endured in trying to explain himself (and all of us) to his Vietnamese parents.

"Son, how is work in New York?"

"It’s good, Dad. We’re in our last week of rehearsals for my newest play and it’s looking pretty good."

"No. I no ask about how you play. I ask about work."

"I know, dad. I write plays. I’m not actually playing."

"I ask about work."

"This is work."

"You said you play."

"No, Dad, I said I write plays."

"See, you play!"

"I. Write. Plays."

"Right! You play!"

"Are you even listening to me?"

"I ask about work."

"Who’s on first?"

"Don’t make fun of your father!"

"Work is good, Dad. I’m making money."

"That’s all I want to know. Thank you."