RIP John Updike

Pulitzer-prize winning writer John Updike, 76, died of lung cancer. Known best for his "Rabbit" series (Rabbit, Run as well as Rabbit Redux) as well as his New Yorker short stories, the man has written some hilarious works. Pick up Fierce Pajamas for some classic parodies, essays and comic verse.

In June of '06, I wrote a blog post linking to his philippic against the dense, scattered verbiage of the Internet. Most intersting line:

The electronic marvels that abound around us serve, surprisingly, to inflame what is most informally and noncritically human about us — our computer screens stare back at us with a kind of giant, instant "Aw, shucks," disarming in its modesty, disquieting in its diffidence.

But is it the Internet's fault or does most writing seem bland compared to Updike's muscular, poignant prose?

Great Comedy Show Catches Me In "What's Up With That" Pose

Living Room is one of the best produced comedy shows in NYC. Produced by Abbi Crutchfield and Luke Thayer, the show runs every other Friday at Postmark Cafe in Park Slope. I hosted this past Friday and had a blast.

Wait for it.

What's up with that?

Confessions of a Teen Idol Invents New Professions

On the VH-1 Celebreality show, Cooper Lawrence is a fame therapist who helps the washed-up hopefuls get back on track to fame.

I never knew fame therapists existed. Does that mean when a fame therapist says "your time is up," she's talking about your career?

Thank you, I'll be at Ochi's Lounge this Wednesday at 7:30 in the basement of Comix.

Third Anniversary Of This Blog (One Day Off)

Three years ago (January 12, 2006) I started this blog. Now, in addition to my Apiary and Dead Frog writings, I have since appeared on MTV.Com, had an open mike at Rififi, done WAY MORE SHOWS than I have before (please check upcoming shows), got a write-up in The Comic's Comic, become the announcer for a hot show at Soundfix Records in Williamsburg called Comedy Free Williamsburg and produced a monthly show at Ochi's called Intermission.

In short, I've done everything but blog.

Here are some highlights from the past three annual cycles:

2006

First Blog Post Ever

Kidz Bop Trend

New Hip Hop Subcultures

2007

The Rudest Pan-Asian Cuisine Menu


Worst Funk Awards


1990: Worst Year In Pop Music History?

2008

Not Only Is It Super Tuesday

Mo Diggs As Guy Ernest

Hug Orgy

Notice how everything's in threes (third anniversary)? Happy birthday to blog!

Remembrance of Videos Past #63: Diamond Shell Featuring Biz Markie, "Oh What A Night"

Nothing like Biz Markie singin' some off-key Franki Valli.

Top Ten Emerging Comics (Besides Myself Of Course)

Yes, I am like Lenny Bruce meets Trout Mask Replica-era Captain Beefheart but enough about me; AskMen.com has a list of the Top Ten Emerging Comics. Side note: one of them is Sean Patton, a funny guy who was kind enough to put me up on his show, Comedy As A Second Language, at Kabin back in August. Congrats to Sean and everyone else. Let's hope these guys succeed, not Christian racist puppeteers.

I McNugget Love This Video

I don't know what this says about me,but no R&B song speaks my language than this torrid, epic torch song about secret, selfish McNugget love. Try not to have liquid shoot out your nose during that "Girl you got a ten piece now don't be stingy" line.