MetaBatty

You're my boy, Blue!

OK, this will make two posts, in a row, where I talk about reality TV. I know this, but, really, tonight's update is a good one.

Denver-based stand-up comedian Josh Blue appeared tonight on NBC's Last Comic Standing.  Not only did Josh get called back to the semi-finals after killing his audience in New York, he was selected as one of only five comedians (out of 20) to move on to the next level of the competition. AND he was voted the audience's favorite comedian overall for the night.

I have seen Josh several times at the Comedy Works here in Denver.  He has been a staple at the city's premier comedy club, opening for major acts (like my all-time favorite Brian Regan), and playing one-half of a two-man show on off nights. I have often thought Josh was better than some of the acts he opened for, and, apparently, so did many others.  He is now a headliner.

Like many good comedians, Josh has great timing, quick wit, wry sarcasm and a keen, self-deprecating sense of humor. He also has cerebral palsy. His disability is a central part of his act, and his ability to make light of his condition - coupled with his incredible comedic skills - are what wins over audiences here in Denver, and what made him the studio audience favorite tonight on national television.

As they say at the Comedy Works, "he puts the 'cerebral' in cerebral palsy." Josh has a keen ability to take the audience's initial surprise at seeing him, and probably their sympathy, and quickly turn all of it on its head. By the time he is done with his act everyone is laughing so hard and on his wavelength, they don't see a man with cerebral palsy, they see one hell of a comedian.

Some abstracts/excerpts from his act:
-It's great to be here tonight - this is my Make A Wish. And, frankly, I feel kind of ripped off.
-I was stopped by the police for being drunk in public. When I told them I had cerebral palsy, they said, "well, those are some big words for a drunk!"  They locked me up in the drunk tank - I was there for seven days!  They were asking me, "man, what the hell did you drink?!"
-This is the point in the evening where I remind you that you are all going to hell for laughing at me.

He has some serious competition, but if tonight's performance is any indication, he could go all the way. Good luck, Josh!

Diversions

I know it's been a while since I last posted, and, for anyone who may read this, or is here for the first time, let me apologize both for that, and for my post today.  Nothing in the news to comment on, just wanted to share with you a few things that currently entertain me, in case you were interested.

1.) The Kite Runner
Recently finished reading this, an excellent first novel from Khaled Hosseini that nestles a classic story of love, honor, betrayal and redemption amongst the ruins of present-day Afghanistan.  By no means a literary tour de force, this is just a powerful story, with strong characters and an in-depth look at life in Afghanistan before the Russian's came, and after the Taliban.  Didn't really think I would like it.  Turns out I loved it.

2.) Brian Regan - I Walked on the Moon
FINALLY!  After nine years of going to his live shows, and seven years of listening to his CD at least once a month, the greatest comedian in the world, Brian Regan, finally released a DVD of some of his best material.  Worth every penny.  Once you have seen his act, you are hooked.  And this is a great way to see him the 362 days a year he is not in Denver.

3.) Buck Rogers in the 25th Century - The Complete Series
How did I not know this was in stores?!  Buck Rogers in the 25th Century - the TV show that I watched religously in first and second grade, is now out on DVD.  Not a season 1 DVD - the WHOLE SERIES!  All 32 episodes, INCLUDING the original pilot, which was a full-length feature film that appeared in theaters.  Oh yeah, I saw it in theaters.  While the show is now somewhat outdated, Buck is still as cool, funny and cocky as I remember him ('if you call that interference, there something wrong with your Funk & Wagnalls').  Images and memories I thought were long forgotten are coming back with a vengeance, as I watch episodes I haven't seen in more than two decades.  And, man, he got ALL the ladies!

4.) Garden State - Motion Picture Soundtrack
After seeing this great, great movie, I had to go out and buy the soundtrack.  Unlike some soundtracks, this one stands alone, and doesn't need the scene from the film to complete the song that accompanies it - or vice versa.  Every track on this album is magnificent, and the sum is even greater than its parts.  See the movie, too.

5.) Nick Hornby, Author
This guy KNOWS the mind of the single male coming to terms with growing up, and his novels make me fear he can read my mind.  High Fidelity and About a Boy, both have which been made into fine films in their own right, are high on my Top 5 List of Favorite Fiction Novels (if you have read High Fidelity you know why that's salient here...).  Dry humor, scorching wit and the backdrop of London are added bonuses.

That's it for now.  I hope you can find something you like here.  If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them.  Now, back to finishing season 1 of Buck Rogers - Wilma is establishing her dominance again.  Reowr.

I can now die happy and fulfilled

It's finally here.  Brian Regan's live DVD, featuring some of his best stand up comedy routines, filmed in 2003.  If you know who Brian Regan is, you know why you have to buy this DVD.  If you do not know Brian Regan, buy this DVD and find out what you have been missing.

Click here to go to Brian's site and learn more about the DVD.  Then buy it.

"It's a cup of dirt."
"Explain it."
"Well...it's a cup, with dirt in it.  I call it 'cup of dirt.' Just give me an F and let me go home."