hopelessly devoted to deconstructing popular culture and conventional wisdom, one blog at a time

Bryan Callen enters Cook-CK debate, but why?

Published Thursday, June 07, 2007 by seanlmccarthy.

Last week's episode of Live At Gotham featured some very funny comedians. I know because I was at the taping back in March. And yet. And yet, I saw that Comedy Central chose to air a bit by Bryan Callen about how he'd change his name to a couple of sounds -- sounds more than a bit familiar. Especially to fans of Dane Cook and Louis CK. I wrote about the issue last summer. Dead Frog also weighed in, and includes audio from Steve Martin showing the bit predated both Cook and CK.

So why would Callen, a TV and movie vet, even go near this bit? It's not on the Comedy Central site, but Callen has uploaded a previous version of his take on it...

Watch This Channel | Channels by Bryan Callen
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Labels: comedy, videos

Comedians against Carlos Mencia

Published Friday, February 16, 2007 by seanlmccarthy.

The backlash against Carlos Mencia has shifted into higher gear over the past seven days, as these two videos will attest. I'll have plenty more to say about this later, but for now, just watch these videos, one in which Joe Rogan publicly accuses Mencia of joke stealing in front of a Comedy Store audience, the other being a parody of Mencia.

Warning: These videos include profanities

Labels: comedy, videos

Peekvid returns with a caveat

Published Monday, February 12, 2007 by seanlmccarthy.

I see Peekvid is back online in a new Beta version, with a Very Special Message on the home page...

"Peekvid does not contain any content on its site, but is merely an index of available links on the Internet. Peekvid is committed to an industry solution that will provide a mechanism to compensate artists that create the work you enjoy watching. Peekvid would like to be part of the long term solution."

Sounds like they're hoping not only to avoid lawsuits from the show business industries, but also to make money off of any "long term solution." We'll stay tuned to see if they can make a buck off of the illegal copyright infringements by others. More than a few of my recent blog visitors have come looking for Peekvid info, especially since the site went down temporarily. Well, it's back up. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Labels: movies, online, TV, videos

Friday Fun Videos

Published Friday, February 02, 2007 by seanlmccarthy.

No Groundhogs! Here are some timely videos for your Friday afternoon...

Zebro, an Emerson College comedy troupe, weighs in on Boston's false-alarm terror alert. Note: Includes profanity.

One of two videos showing the sign installation. This one has faster music, regular speed, in other cities, but with a Pac-Man remix.

The other video, this one showing the Boston sign artists/culprits, in action:

Hey, look! A video that's not about the Boston alert of Jan. 31! Meet Chris Coxen. Or rather, meet Chris Coxen's League of Characters, who'll be on display this Saturday at the BCA. Here is his trailer for the show:

Now, even more comedy! The Walsh Brothers, two of the funniest guys in Boston, are about to leave their Charlestown roots for Los Angeles. But not before a grand farewell, with a show Saturday night in New York City at the UCB, then two weekends at Jimmy Tingle's in Somerville. Here is their sales pitch, skinny dipping in Boston Harbor, with requisite profanity (duly noted for your attention).

Labels: online, videos

Tom Hanks as James Bond

Published Tuesday, January 16, 2007 by seanlmccarthy.

The Emerson College kids from Chocolate Cake City have sent me another video-mail missive. This time, they've culled the clips and found a way to let Tom Hanks live out his dream to play 007 -- Bond, James Bond. Watch it here.

Labels: comedy, online, videos

(Blank) in a box!

Published Thursday, January 11, 2007 by seanlmccarthy.

You have to hand it to Saturday Night Live. Every once in a while, they get it. Not just delivering laughs, but also understanding the need to let everyone in on the joke. Over the holidays, NBC's longtime late-night institution proved that once again with the music video, "Dick in a Box," starring Justin Timberlake and SNL'er Andy Samberg. Like "Lazy Sunday" before it, the video has only gotten more popular online, inspiring millions more viewers and countless parodies. This time, however, NBC wised up and put the video on YouTube -- along with many more SNL sketches -- online for anyone to see, anytime, anyplace.

One of the "Box" parodies/tributes getting buzz is "My Box in a Box." For good reason. This video has all of the essential qualities you need in a buzzworthy YouTube vid: Solid production values, a catchy soundtrack and an attractive woman who's not afraid to give plenty of come hither poses.