I've got to say, we have had
some GREAT press over the years! Once "Dear Abby" acknowledged us,
Phyllis Diller graciously consented to be our first and only Honorary Comedian
in Residence. Dear, dear lady. We owe both women (I guess Dear Abby is two people,
but you get my intent) our internal gratitude.
Here's an excerpt from a recent
article by Helaine R. Williams in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette:
The Geezer Brigade now boasts 300 members. In its nine years, it’s had
more than a million visitors, with the site usually garnering about 1, 000 “hits”
a day. “We have a loyal but small membership who are the core of the group
and renew year after year after year,” (Geezer in Chief for now) John
Kernell says.
The average age of Brigade members is 70. Kernell gets the sense that older
members do consider the Internet to be a social pipeline and virtual travel
tool. “But we may attract a certain kind of senior with an offbeat sense
of humor and who is a kind of feisty, free-spirit type,” he says.
There’s been “some lonely-hearts activity, too.” He knows
of one widowed older member who remarried after “putting out feelers on
the Internet.”
Kernell gets up at dawn every day to put together the site. “It lifts
my spirits to do so,” he says. “I relish the thought of other geezers
waiting for their daily fix....”
Here's what some other media have
said about The Geezer Brigade over the years:
"And for a lighter take on things The Geezer Brigade advises older adults
to "not go gentle into that good night," then solicits responses to
its contest for a new disparaging name for "retirement community."
-- Access Internet Magazine.
"Don't miss this site!" -- Mr. Modem's "Senior's Guide to the
Internet."
"Dear Geezer Brigade. If some people are curious about what Seniors are
doing with their computers these days, your letter should put their curiosity
to rest." -- Dear Abby.
"Seniors 55+ can have a lift each morning in the form of humor by E-mail
from an organization known -- only slightly tongue-in-cheek -- as The Geezer
Brigade, an organization that seeks "empowerment through humor" for
"Seniors with an attitude." -- San Diego Union-Tribune.
"The Brigade offers a monthly newsletter and a World Wide Web site, both
of which combine a bit of practical information with a lot of tongue-in-cheek
reporting." -- Charlotte Observer.
"The Geezer Brigade isn't for everybody. To become a member of the group,
there are a few requirements you have to meet. First off, you have to be at
least 55 (on your honor). Second, to take full advantage of all the membership
benefits, you'll need a computer that's hooked up to the Internet. Third, you
absolutely must have a sense of humor -- it's mandatory!" -- Charleston
Post and Courier "Prime Times."
"Or -- if you can stand it -- The Geezer Brigade, a site launched by a
South Carolina retiree "for and by Seniors with an attitude." Its
mottoes are 'empowerment through humor' and 'Do not go gentle into that good
night.'"-- AARP Bulletin.
"The Geezer Brigade.com offers tidbits such as the 'Senile Olympics' including
an 'Acid Reflux Relay Race' and 'Outright Lying About Your Past.' 'I was born
to be retired says [The Geezer in Chief]." -- Barron's "Retired, But
Not Retiring."
"... the organization is all in fun -- and suggests Seniors who 'have given
up the ghost and no longer find anything funny' may want to join 'The Clueless
Club' at 'another Web site.' "-- Detroit News.
We were also highly recommended by Bottom Line Retirement in December, 2005.
