George Ouzounian,[1] better known by his pen name Maddox, is an American satirist of Armenian descent, who currently resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.[2] He is the author of the website The Best Page in the Universe. He attended the University of Utah, but does not hold a degree.[3] His pen name "Maddox" is derived from a 1980s anime called Madox 01.[4]
George "Maddox" Ouzounian | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1978 |
| Pen name | Maddox |
| Occupation | satirist, webmaster, comic book creator, Pirate |
| Nationality | American |
| Period | 1997—present |
| Genre | satire |
| Website | |
| http://maddox.xmission.net/ | |
Career and projects
In 1997, Maddox created a satirical website The Best Page in the Universe. The website became popular due to Maddox's blunt and sarcastic writing style as well as his humorous commentary. He later developed The Best Store in the Universe and began selling T-shirts and other merchandise featuring his most famous quotes, such as "Littering kicks ass" and "For every animal you don't eat, I'm going to eat three." The frequency with which articles were posted to the website reached somewhat of a peak in 2004-05, and have been rare since.[5] Until 2004, Maddox was a programmer for a telemarketing company. Due to the success of his websites, Maddox now sells enough shirts online to "stay above water." [citation needed] Maddox also appeared in episode 21 of Infected by Martin Sargent.
Comic book
On June 6, 2006, Maddox announced that he had completed "The Best Comic in the Universe", and it would be released at the San Diego Comic Con from July 20-23, afterwards, available for purchase through his online store.[6]
The Alphabet of Manliness
In 2005, Maddox announced that he was writing a book and opening up a newsletter to post updates. In July, he held an illustrator competition in which he invited artists to submit their work. He then chose several illustrators and contracted them to do the artwork. Maddox unveiled the title of the book, The Alphabet of Manliness, which was published in June 2006 by Kensington Books. It shot to the number one spot on Amazon.com soon after it was announced, and far before the actual release date.[citation needed] The book is illustrated and its format is a chapter-length entry for each letter in the English alphabet regarding a "manly" topic (for example, A is for Ass-kicking.)
Maddox appeared at book signings wearing a crown and king's robe, while promoting he would sign women's breasts. On the book's website, Maddox also jokingly listed a set of rules for fans - such as barring eye contact or talking directly to him (referring to an urban legend about popular figures such as Hillary Clinton and Shania Twain), formal dress attire and remaining at least 3 feet (91 cm) away at all times. Some attending fans abided by these rules.[7]
Talk radio
On May 9, 2006, Maddox, Tucker Max, and Max's friend and fellow RudiusMedia blogger, DrunkasaurusRex, premiered a two-hour test show live on Maxim Radio on Sirius Satellite Radio. The show consisted of the three telling stories and discussing topics commonly found in their work (such as women, sex, alcohol, and pop culture) as well as taking questions from listeners.[8] It is unclear whether there will be future episodes. However, Maddox has openly admitted to pursuing a career in radio before this appearance.[9]
Trivia
- Maddox states that he is politically neutral, and has criticized both politicians from the left (Clinton) and right (Bush). He told Salon.com that in 1996, the first year he was eligible to vote, he cast his vote for Ross Perot, whom he described affectionately as "the man" and "the boss".[1]
- Maddox is well-known for his disgust for 9/11 conspiracy theories. Two of his recent articles have mocked the various purported conspiracies and their propogators, especially the controversial Loose Change video. In an April 2007 update Maddox satirized Loose Change by mockingly suggesting a documentary ("Unfastened Coins") about a conspiracy involving the sinking of the Titanic.
- The Best Page in the Universe was ranked #3 in FHM Australia's top 100 bloke websites.
References
- ^ a b Traister, Rebecca. "It's a man's world" (Interview). Salon.com. Retrieved 2007-02-12.
- ^ "Picture of a package Maddox sent to Bill O'Reilly ©2004 by Maddox".
- ^ "The best interview in the universe".
- ^ Goodmacher, Chris (2003-08-31). "Whoever Sucks the Least is King, An Interview with Maddox" (Online Journal). PoinDexter Online. Retrieved 2006-05-26.
- ^ www.maddox.xmission.com
- ^ Ouzounian, George "Maddox" (2004). "The Best Comic in the Universe".
- ^ "Maddox NYC Book Signing video on YouTube"
- ^ TuckerMax.com – Tucker, Maddox, and DrunkasaurusRex to be on Sirius Radio Tuesday, May 9
- ^ "I have a twin brother who works for a radio station in Atlanta!". The Best Page in the Universe. May 28, 2005.
External links
- The Best Page in the Universe
- Maddox Addicts
- Maddox Mania Forums
- The Best Fan Page in the Universe
- Interview with Maddox on b3ta
- Interview on Salon.com
- Maddox Redmond, WA Book Signing Pictures - Photos
- Maddox Tacoma, WA Book Signing Pictures - Photos
- Maddox Profile on PeekYou