Franzenfest T-2: The Other Franzen

If the hype machine is so busy propping up Jonathan Franzen, why aren't there any FREEDOM midnight release parties in New York where I can go dressed as my favorite character from THE CORRECTIONS? I know, I didn't believe it either -- this is the city that just last year hosted a combination Vladimir Nabokov-Sarah Palin midnight release party. What's your excuse, World?

Anyway, I didn't find that, but it turns out there is another famous Franzen out in the atmosphere. Meet DJ Franzen, who according to his MySpace page (!) is "YOUR GIRLFRIEND'S FAVORITE DJ!" Here's his artistic statement:

SOME OF THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE!!!! a shot of PERFECTION(aged cognac) by A. HARDY... $750!!! dinner at JASMINE @ the BELLAGIO... $16,000!!! blackjack at the BELLAGIO... $100,000!!! Gulfstream 500.. $45,000,000!!! throwin up the ROC and eating CRUSTACEAN'S 40,000 feet in elevation with HOVA... P R I C E L E S S ! ! ! !

You have no idea how hard it was for me not to edit that last contraction. No idea.

The coincidences pile up. DJ Franzen is a Las Vegas- and San Francisco-based entertainer; Jonathan Franzen spends part of his year in California! DJ Franzen also seems to have a radio show, and J-Franz has been on the radio before! Jonathan Franzen is discussed on Twitter; DJ Franzen has a Twitter account:



And they both have glasses! If this guy ever writes a book or New York Franzen is ever spotted with Jay-Z, we could have a real branding problem on our hands. Don't forget, you read about it here first.