My mother's single line drawings finally made it onto television and who better for aesthetic appreciation than the Japanese?
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Friday, September 28, 2007
Comedians = Essayists??
Back in school, teachers make kids write hundreds of essays every year and the smarter kids say, "It’s not that we don't want to write an essay, but that we're trying to save the Rain Forests and writing essays wastes too much paper." It's the common response of a teenager, the excuse. Most kids and adults for that matter would rather be out destroying their brain in some fashion then using it to write some vapid essay.
When we observe life, however, no matter how much you hate the organization and form of the common essay, it is just as omnipresent as god. When you're in a business, you use it to write reports; when you're the entrepreneur; you use it to write business plans; when you are the scientist, reports; the janitor, perhaps a resume. The point is: we all use the essay, no matter who we are. The specific example of this article is one that no one expects to see a good essayist partake in: comedy.
Any good comedian boasts their laziness and after watching Comedy Central stand up for the entirety of a day, you will not find any comedian who says, "I wake up every day and say, gee golly what an organized person I am!" It doesn't happen because that's not funny. In most cases that's probably the thing people are trying to escape from by watching Comedy Central but comedians do use the essay form and to be a great comedian one must see that there is structure and form to making people laugh.
Out of the 600 channels you get at home, you can watch their style and it is very obvious with some, such as new comers on "Comedy Central Presents..." and incredibly hidden with others, such as the talented veteran, Robyn Williams. Even satellite radio has realized the need for comedy in this country and put them in their arsenal as well.
The point of mentioning all these different places is that they all tend to vary in their comedic style but they all have one commonality amongst them: they all run their act in an essay form.
The essay of the comedian revolves around the punch line and that punch line becomes our thesis. Before the punch line however, you must have an introduction so a introduction with a punch line thesis might look like this:
(A very tired looking man walks out on stage and sits down in a chair)
Comedian:
You ever been to your grandparents house (pauses, looks down and holds fist in front of his mouth as he coughs out) After they've gotten really old? Well I live in a very Italian family so I got an angry granny who doesn't know my name and when my cat died, I told her first and she says, "fugghet about it."
This is the introduction and punch line but to make it an "act" we have to use that punch line again, so you have a second bit that goes on for a while about something completely different and then ends with a joke about "fugghet about it." If it went on a tangent about sports, it could end with this line:
So, you seen the Mets’ pitching this year? (Pauses and smiles at the audience with pride) it's awful! What are you clapping about? You think they'll make it to the Pennant? Maybe? Huh, huh, huh? If only the Mets could win the Pennant, I could get my daddy back! And there'll be Angels in the outfield and we can all have Danny Glover be our best friend! (Quick pause for laughter then with vicious sarcasm through a smile: "Fugghet about it."
They can have as many topics as they want mixed in there, some with, and some without the punch line incorporated but most of the time, a comedian will leave with his punch line, taking his audience for one final ride. There's never any explanation afterwards, just a sharp ending that keeps them in shock, a little like this:
So the other day I go walking down the streets of New York and I see this big burly guy walking toward me looking like Tony Soprano; he's probably got a gun somewhere in his pants because I know my kind and that guy may be lucky but he's no Peter North. He comes up to me and I say, "Are you selling flowers sir?" (Leans into the mic and cups it and says in a deep, mafia voice) "Fugghet about it."
When we observe life, however, no matter how much you hate the organization and form of the common essay, it is just as omnipresent as god. When you're in a business, you use it to write reports; when you're the entrepreneur; you use it to write business plans; when you are the scientist, reports; the janitor, perhaps a resume. The point is: we all use the essay, no matter who we are. The specific example of this article is one that no one expects to see a good essayist partake in: comedy.
Any good comedian boasts their laziness and after watching Comedy Central stand up for the entirety of a day, you will not find any comedian who says, "I wake up every day and say, gee golly what an organized person I am!" It doesn't happen because that's not funny. In most cases that's probably the thing people are trying to escape from by watching Comedy Central but comedians do use the essay form and to be a great comedian one must see that there is structure and form to making people laugh.
Out of the 600 channels you get at home, you can watch their style and it is very obvious with some, such as new comers on "Comedy Central Presents..." and incredibly hidden with others, such as the talented veteran, Robyn Williams. Even satellite radio has realized the need for comedy in this country and put them in their arsenal as well.
The point of mentioning all these different places is that they all tend to vary in their comedic style but they all have one commonality amongst them: they all run their act in an essay form.
The essay of the comedian revolves around the punch line and that punch line becomes our thesis. Before the punch line however, you must have an introduction so a introduction with a punch line thesis might look like this:
(A very tired looking man walks out on stage and sits down in a chair)
Comedian:
You ever been to your grandparents house (pauses, looks down and holds fist in front of his mouth as he coughs out) After they've gotten really old? Well I live in a very Italian family so I got an angry granny who doesn't know my name and when my cat died, I told her first and she says, "fugghet about it."
This is the introduction and punch line but to make it an "act" we have to use that punch line again, so you have a second bit that goes on for a while about something completely different and then ends with a joke about "fugghet about it." If it went on a tangent about sports, it could end with this line:
So, you seen the Mets’ pitching this year? (Pauses and smiles at the audience with pride) it's awful! What are you clapping about? You think they'll make it to the Pennant? Maybe? Huh, huh, huh? If only the Mets could win the Pennant, I could get my daddy back! And there'll be Angels in the outfield and we can all have Danny Glover be our best friend! (Quick pause for laughter then with vicious sarcasm through a smile: "Fugghet about it."
They can have as many topics as they want mixed in there, some with, and some without the punch line incorporated but most of the time, a comedian will leave with his punch line, taking his audience for one final ride. There's never any explanation afterwards, just a sharp ending that keeps them in shock, a little like this:
So the other day I go walking down the streets of New York and I see this big burly guy walking toward me looking like Tony Soprano; he's probably got a gun somewhere in his pants because I know my kind and that guy may be lucky but he's no Peter North. He comes up to me and I say, "Are you selling flowers sir?" (Leans into the mic and cups it and says in a deep, mafia voice) "Fugghet about it."
Thursday, September 6, 2007
The unintentional superhero and me, world renown shapeshifters By: Dylan Paul
He smokes a cigarette outside on his stoop and looks off into the night.
"You know what I think?" He says, "I think everybody in this entire world, should live life like an RPG (Role Playing Game)."
In the fixed mind of my superhero, he sees himself as the rogue and I can see it too. In his dreams I imagine him running up to some horrible monster and spilling its guts out with an eviserate attack, his shimmering daggers stained with the purple monster goo of freedom.
I call him the unintentional hero because sometimes, I think he can also see himself is such a quest. His stealthy gear making him look like the buccaneer from hell.
Lately, I grow more concerned because time seems to weigh heavy on our lives with the continually moving battle of age and as I look at my superhero, he seems to be never discouraged or crestfallen or worried about such things as time or money or adventure because all the adventure he needs is right within his own skull and crossbones.
Our adventures have been diverse from fighting on the fields of battle where two towns made of sticks and twine destroyed each other, to the ocean depths in a pool out back to a time when sea foxes ruled the sea and played happilly with each other as otters. Once we were racoons, another time, elves; we even managed to fly to Hollywood, in one night, and visit both Tim Burton and Stephen Spielberg and see their magnificent theme park houses and be back before first dawn. More recently though, the battles have grown bigger and more real but the war is being won.
As he sits there on his stoop and takes the last puff of his cigarette, I am reminded of how we indeed have lived our lives as an RPG. However, in my mind, we are far more than rogues or magicians (in the making of our lives there are things that seemed magical) but rather a new class, something that changes day by day, we are the shapeshifters, unintentional heroes fighting in a world that most people may never get to see. Our exploits are diverse and publish more stories than one reporter can tell in a day, or a short collumn for that matter, but as he puts out his cigarrette and says, "peace dude, I'll see you tomorrow," I can see the rogues cloak as he shuts the door; the sea fox tail wiggle as he walks away; the unintentional superhero who could exist in any person but one rose to meet the chalange. I see my best friend and someone who I can call brother walking away to fight the good fight. In reality, I hope he wins as much as the superhero that I know him to be.
"You know what I think?" He says, "I think everybody in this entire world, should live life like an RPG (Role Playing Game)."
In the fixed mind of my superhero, he sees himself as the rogue and I can see it too. In his dreams I imagine him running up to some horrible monster and spilling its guts out with an eviserate attack, his shimmering daggers stained with the purple monster goo of freedom.
I call him the unintentional hero because sometimes, I think he can also see himself is such a quest. His stealthy gear making him look like the buccaneer from hell.
Lately, I grow more concerned because time seems to weigh heavy on our lives with the continually moving battle of age and as I look at my superhero, he seems to be never discouraged or crestfallen or worried about such things as time or money or adventure because all the adventure he needs is right within his own skull and crossbones.
Our adventures have been diverse from fighting on the fields of battle where two towns made of sticks and twine destroyed each other, to the ocean depths in a pool out back to a time when sea foxes ruled the sea and played happilly with each other as otters. Once we were racoons, another time, elves; we even managed to fly to Hollywood, in one night, and visit both Tim Burton and Stephen Spielberg and see their magnificent theme park houses and be back before first dawn. More recently though, the battles have grown bigger and more real but the war is being won.
As he sits there on his stoop and takes the last puff of his cigarette, I am reminded of how we indeed have lived our lives as an RPG. However, in my mind, we are far more than rogues or magicians (in the making of our lives there are things that seemed magical) but rather a new class, something that changes day by day, we are the shapeshifters, unintentional heroes fighting in a world that most people may never get to see. Our exploits are diverse and publish more stories than one reporter can tell in a day, or a short collumn for that matter, but as he puts out his cigarrette and says, "peace dude, I'll see you tomorrow," I can see the rogues cloak as he shuts the door; the sea fox tail wiggle as he walks away; the unintentional superhero who could exist in any person but one rose to meet the chalange. I see my best friend and someone who I can call brother walking away to fight the good fight. In reality, I hope he wins as much as the superhero that I know him to be.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Owen Wilson..
On Sunday, Owen Wilson [[Kate Hudson's ex]] was rushed to Los Angeles’ St. John’s Hospital by ambulance, for attempted suicide. Wilson was found [[with both wrists slit, and an empty pill bottle beside him]] by a family member, who obviously, immediately called an ambulance. After Wilson was stabilized, Owen was taken to another Los Angeles' Hospital, with his two brothers Andrew and Luke.
In other not so good news, Nick Hogan got into a serious car accident, also on Sunday. Hogan's car was totally destroyed on impact. He had been driving way over the speed limit, and had crashed into a palm tree. A Clearwater police Sgt. had been doing his routine shift, when he noticed Hogan's yellow SUV, and called for help. Both of the passenger's where okay, Nick Hogan and his other male passenger, luckily.
Doesn't seem like Sunday was a good day for Hollyweird. :[
In other not so good news, Nick Hogan got into a serious car accident, also on Sunday. Hogan's car was totally destroyed on impact. He had been driving way over the speed limit, and had crashed into a palm tree. A Clearwater police Sgt. had been doing his routine shift, when he noticed Hogan's yellow SUV, and called for help. Both of the passenger's where okay, Nick Hogan and his other male passenger, luckily.
Doesn't seem like Sunday was a good day for Hollyweird. :[
Remember Andy Dick?
Well, anyone who was at Axis nightclub last night sure does. After a failed comedic performance, Dick proceeded to get f*cked up. Later on into the night, after having a few to many, Andy followed a young clubber into the bathroom and persistently asked if he could piss on him. After about 30 seconds of begging Andy went on to find another victim. Shockingly, not every one rejected Mr. Dick, [[even though Andy's "dick" isn't said to be to impressive.]]. According to witnesses, Andy shared a romantic evening with a young fellow in the men's room, only to move on to other men through out the club. To top his night of partying, he allegedly asked anyone and everyone where he could find cocaine. By the end of the night, Mr. Dick had to be carried out of the club.
Anyone interested in contacting Mr. Andy Dick should go there nearest gay club, with at least 3 grams of cocaine, a barf bag, and a appointment ready with your local clinic.
Oh, and a quick tip in the latest Hollyweird fashion! An Alcohol Monitoring System! The latest celebrity to pick up on this hot new trend, is Eve. She rocked her A.M.S. at the L.A. Convention Center during her performance for Boost Mobile. And have no fear, do you think these A.M.S.'s actually work!? Don't be silly! If you don't recall Ms. Lindsay Lohan was wearing one right before she got pulled over for her D.U.I.. With this new Hollyweird trend, you can make everyone think your really changing your life around, so you can party with out all the bullshit of people trying to get you clean!
Anyone interested in contacting Mr. Andy Dick should go there nearest gay club, with at least 3 grams of cocaine, a barf bag, and a appointment ready with your local clinic.
Oh, and a quick tip in the latest Hollyweird fashion! An Alcohol Monitoring System! The latest celebrity to pick up on this hot new trend, is Eve. She rocked her A.M.S. at the L.A. Convention Center during her performance for Boost Mobile. And have no fear, do you think these A.M.S.'s actually work!? Don't be silly! If you don't recall Ms. Lindsay Lohan was wearing one right before she got pulled over for her D.U.I.. With this new Hollyweird trend, you can make everyone think your really changing your life around, so you can party with out all the bullshit of people trying to get you clean!
Dear Future Rabbi
Angry Abby of Pennsylvania writes,
Dear Future Rabbi,
I have a boyfriend who lives in New Jersey and we don't get to see each other very often but he says he's stopped believing in god. He says that every time he prays to god, his only answer is tears and hardship. What can I tell him to bring him back?
To contact The Future Rabbi, please e-mail drizzt486@aol.com.
Dear Future Rabbi,
I have a boyfriend who lives in New Jersey and we don't get to see each other very often but he says he's stopped believing in god. He says that every time he prays to god, his only answer is tears and hardship. What can I tell him to bring him back?
To contact The Future Rabbi, please e-mail drizzt486@aol.com.
Angry in Pennsylvania writes:
I have a boy I'm in love with but he and I live far away. He says he does not believe in a god anymore because every time he prays to god, his only answer is more hardship. I want to tell him how to pray but I don't understand how to. I also want to tell him that god does not always grant your wishes upon request but will be there when you need him, do you know of any examples in the Jewish history, that I could use to make him feel a bit closer to god?
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