Tag: Johnny Carson

Jul 16 2011

Popular Culture (Personalities) 20110715: Don Rickles

Donald Jay “Don” Rickles (I like it that he uses his own name, and I would here but would have to give up my low UID to do so) is unique.  I am actually not that fond of him, but he is an American icon.  Born 19260508, he is now 85 years old, and going strong!  That is quite an accomplishment just by itself!

His trademark is really being a jerk.  I am a jerk unintentionally from time to time, and when I am a jerk, the results are usually not very good.  He does it intentionally, and that seems to work for him.

I was going to write this piece about a completely different subject, but had what I call the Jay Leno TeeVee Show on for background noise, and Rickles was one of the guests.  I thought that he was dead, but I guess that I had him confused with Rodney Dangerfield.

Mar 13 2010

Who is Your Fav Stand-Up Comedian?

Crossposted at Daily Kos

Over the years, I’ve heard many a comedian admit that performing stand-up comedy in a night/comedy club is one of the more frighteningly-difficult things to do.  Not only do comedians get instant feedback (good or bad) from a demanding audience but appealing to and holding the attention of a room full of (often) drunk people makes their job all the more challenging.

What exactly is stand-up comedy?



Rob Tornoe, Caglecartoons.com

:: ::

Stand-up comedy is a style of comedy where the performer speaks directly to the audience, with the absence of the theatrical fourth wall… It is usually performed by a single comedian, and usually with the aid of a microphone.  The comedian usually recites a fast paced succession of humorous stories, short jokes (called bits), and one-liners, typically called a monologue, routine or act.

Follow me for a few laughs.

Jan 26 2010

The Week in Editorial Cartoons – In Corporations We Trust

Crossposted at Daily Kos

THE WEEK IN EDITORIAL CARTOONS

This weekly diary takes a look at the past week’s important news stories from the perspective of our leading editorial cartoonists (including a few foreign ones) with analysis and commentary added in by me.

When evaluating a cartoon, ask yourself these questions:

1. Does a cartoon add to my existing knowledge base and help crystallize my thinking about the issue depicted?

2. Does the cartoonist have any obvious biases that distort reality?

3. Is the cartoonist reflecting prevailing public opinion or trying to shape it?

The answers will help determine the effectiveness of the cartoonist’s message.

:: ::



John Darkow, Columbia Daily Tribune, Buy this cartoon