The Definitive Guide to Comedy
The most recent episode of the PBS Off Book webseries, “What’s the deal with Internet Comedy?” invited three comedians to discuss three facets of comedy that reaches you over the series of tubes we call Internet. You are using them now. Good job. Jon Friedman talks Twitter, and how the …
If you had romantic plans on Valentine's Day, then, well, God bless you and your loved ones. But if you were like me, and had no one to share in the love and the forced romanticism of Feb. 14, then you were at the UCB Theatre in New York City …
Many new books are hitting store shelves and becoming available for online shipping today, but only one book dares to publish the essays, stories and scripts that no one else wanted. That book, naturally, is called "Rejected: Tales of the Failed, Dumped & Canceled," and it's edited by comedian Jon …
Last night’s special "on-air" edition of Jon Friedman’s Rejection Show featured some very fresh and updated tales of failure and humiliation from comedians. Carolyn Castiglia, castigated by not only anonymous online commenters but also on TV by Jimmy Kimmel (ABC) and Joel McHale (E!) for her performance last year on …
As a journalist, reaching the final page of the notebook always prompts mixed emotions. First, excitement at the prospect of starting anew with a clean, fresh pad of paper. Then, a touch of sadness, because you’ve held this pad literally close to the vest for months, and inside it are …
Over the years, I’ve witnessed some of the uglier facets of comedy contests as both a participant and as a judge. Last night, however, I saw the sunnier side at the ECNY Awards (please don’t call them the Emerging Comics of New York anymore) ceremony at Comix in New York …
Today is the final day for open voting for the ECNY Awards, which used to stand for Emerging Comics of New York, but now just is ECNY to honor other kinds of comedians, sort of how KFC decided it was much more than merely Kentucky Fried. The awards ceremony is …
Christmas is coming, and who cares if the goose is getting fat, because where are the comedy audiences? Probably off to their families, much like the comedians themselves. But the holidays also tend to bring comedians together, too, with holiday-themed parties, shows and sketches. Tonight in New York City, you …
