Big Onion

The Following is from an Onion Article that was forwarded to me by a friend, in the email he asked, "Why should this article be funny?"...I wasn't sure what he was asking so I wrote what is after the article here in an attempt to make some sense of its inspiration. It ended up being a spec scene for Family Guy.

Crocodile Bites Off Bush's Arm
November 19, 2008 Issue 44•47
HOMESTEAD, FL—A 14-foot crocodile bit off President Bush's left arm at the shoulder Monday, a White House memo reported. Bush, who was reportedly standing waist-deep in a swamp at Everglades National Park when the crocodile struck, also sustained severe puncture wounds and torn flesh in his hip and upper thigh. According to witnesses, Bush attempted to fend off the large reptile with his left arm, but the crocodile latched onto it above the elbow, dragged the president underwater, and ripped his arm from its socket. Bush's severed arm was unable to be recovered. Doctors confirmed that he will be fitted with a prosthetic limb in a procedure Friday, and that he is currently being treated for sepsis. Bush is resting comfortably in Annapolis Naval Hospital

Int. Writers Meeting, Boardroom.

Top Writer: And this is why, I think that the story, "Crocodile 30 Rock", is both funny, topical and not only incorporates one of the hip television dramas but also incorporates political satire on the President's visit to Florida, thus upholding the long standing tradition of subtle social and political commentary that we here at the Onion do so well.

(Applause from other people in the room)

Our hero, meekly raises his hand

Top Writer: (to Hero) Yes?

Hero: I...I don't get it.

TW: Get what?

Hero: The story.

TW: Well if you will look at our "Groening Satire Manuel" it explains everything.

Hero: Oh

(people gather their stuff to exit meeting)

Hero meekly raises his hand

TW: Yes?

Hero: I still don't get it.

TW: What?

Robert Loggia seated at head writers chair

Loggia: What don't you get Josh?

Hero: Well this is a story about an aligator, tv show and the president

TW: Yes

Hero: Well couldn't it be just about the aligator?

TW: Its a crocodile, the title, "Crocodile 30 Rock" is also a play on an Elton John song

Hero: Well, ok then the crocodile and the president...I mean this is a story with all these pieces and well, I mean, whats fun about just recycling pop cultural references?

Robert Loggia looks interested, as do other members, including Elizabeth Perkins and Kevin Meany (in his only significant film role)

TW: It tested very well with our "Daily Show" test audience

Hero: I mean, couldn't the Crocodile just rip the President's arm off? Wouldn't that be funny?
And simple?

People start to get interested in the room

Hero: Yeah, and maybe talk about how the croc tried to get both arms but just had to settle on the one--

Some Guy: A comedy story about a crocodile that rips the president's arm off? That is funny.

Hero: Yeah and maybe the President is standing waist deep in water...

Kevin Meany: So the building turns into a bug?

Hero: Yeah, and we could have like fake medical reports and....

Top Writer (To Elizabeth Perkins type, with black-rim glasses): This just doesn't happen, you just doesn't come in and say, "Crocodile"....

Robert Loggia: Well done Josh, well done.