Fuck The Networks

Holy shit, a 5th entry in one day. I'm feeling rather inspired today after a lovely weekend spent in NYC.

I just read on SheckyMagazine.com that Joe Matarese's "What's So Funny?" pilot didn't go over well when he pitched it to a few networks at the Just For Laughs Festival up in Montreal. Here's what Shecky wrote:

"The only show that had actual standup in it was the one envisioned by Joe Matarese and his third cousin, psychologist and comedian Matt Bellace. Their trailer for "What's So Funny" (described by the two as "Premium Blend meets Dr. Phil") featured comics Jim Norton and Artie Lange. The premise is that the comics do standup and then get psychoanalyzed on the spot by Bellace. Their underlying premise being that all comics are fucked in the head and that America would like to look over Bellace's shoulder while he peers inside their skulls. Matarese serves as the liason between the world of psychoanalysis and standup. Of course, we here at SHECKYmagazine are constantly trying to stamp out the notion that standup comics are, as a rule, narcissistic and self-indulgent. Bellace told us (on a later shuttle ride) that he was aware of our crusade. We good-naturedly busted his chops for holding that opinion, even though it was the lynchpin of their entire project.) In spite of our opposition to the nasty stereotypes it might help to perpetuate, we still thought that most of the criticism of it were unfounded. (We think TV execs are narcissistic and self-indulgent! So there!) And that video was well-produced. One more thing: To the exec who doubted that people would find the show entertaining? Uhh... in their quest to create the pitch video, Matarese and Bellace actually did the show at least twice, in front of live audiences and what they showed Thursday afternoon was videotaped evidence that their show was indeed entertaining. All those people howling with laughter and applauding on the tape was our first clue!"

Once again, true standup gets fucked in it's asshole. I guess these execs were following Comedy Central's lead, and would rather give an ethnic hack like Carlos Mencia 30 minutes a week to spew out his tired premises and mug for laughter after each predictable punchline. Yuck.

Here is the trailer that was show at the "Just Pitching It" event at the Festival:

What's So Funny? (Quicktime, 8mb)

May someone out there have the foresight and take care of this wonderful idea. Joe Matarese is a great guy and deserves to have this project get the green light

Cringe Humor Radio Update

The handsome Pedro (aka Pete cause he doesn't want to sound too Spanish) Rosales has just updated the Cringe Humor Radio rotation with oodles of new & exclusive shit. Here's the 411 from the man himself:

"We've had the same rotation for a while since it's summer and I’ve been busy. I put in a new giant rotation!!! LOTS of exclusive Cringe Humor Radio stuff including our own Cringe Humor shows featuring the best in NYC stand-up (Russ Meneve, Judah Friedlander, Dean Edwards, Rick Shapiro, Ben Bailey). You will NOT find any of this stuff on any other comedy radio station."

There's also a shit load of audio from the Jim Norton & Patrice O'Neal Roasts. Good stuff indeed.


Visit this link to learn how you can listen live:

http://www.cringehumor.net/radio/


Many thanks to pete for all of his hard work, and for keeping his goattee so neatly trimmed

CH Joins The 2K5 NYC Underground Comedy Festival

It is an honor to announce that the Cringe Humor Show will be a part of the 3rd annual New York City Underground Comedy Festival for the 2nd year in a row.

The New York City Underground Comedy Festival TM is the biggest showcase of emerging and established talent in the country, catering to industry and consumers.

From October 2nd -10th, 2005, top venues in all five boroughs will host over 200 events exposing new talent in a national spotlight.

Back again with us this year are clubs like The Comic Strip Live and The Gotham Comedy Club, known for giving new comedians a chance to be discovered.

The New York City Public Library is also a partner. Free shows are offered at branches, reflecting our joint commitment to bring comedy to all audiences.

Last year's Cringe Humor Show boasted an insane lineup with performers like Laurie Kilmartin, Jim Florentine, Rich Vos, Patrice O'Neal, Jim Norton, Colin Quinn, Bob Kelly, Russ Meneve, Judah Friedlander, Ben Bailey, & Mike Britt all performing on one show.

Will CH be able to top itself for 2005? Only one way to find out...

Visit http://www.nycundergroundcomedy.com/2005site.htm for the latest NYC UCF news

THE TENTATIVE DATE FOR THE CH SHOW IS SET FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6th

Mark Your Calendars

August 11th please join us at the Laugh Lounge NYC for our 4th show of the year.

This gentleman has been booked so far:


Wanna see Jim Norton and other top acts for just $5 (+2 drink min) ? Email me your name and how many people total for a special 2for1 discount: patrick@cringehumor.net

I'm working on getting a few more top names for what may be the last show before the 2005 Underground Comedy Festival (more on that soon)

Visit CringeHumorShow.com for all the show information you could possibly desire

Lineup subject to change, I just pray it won't

2DM Officially Folds

Call it late news, but I have been busy in my personal life and am finally getting around to updating this stupid blog. I received this email in my inbox on July 6th:

Dear comedians and fans,

I regret to inform you that Two Drink Minimum, the Magazine Dedicated to Stand-Up Comedy, has indefinitely suspended publication. Time-management complications associated with founding editor Julie Seabaugh's new comedy-editing job opportunity have made continuation impossible at this time. Julie, the staff and myself wish to thank all of you for your for support of 2DM.

Though 2DM is no longer, I would be thrilled to be working on another publication dedicated to stand up comedy. There's too much talent amongst the former writers, too many big things happening in the world of comedy today (2005 UCF) and too many consumers of comedy who love to read about people who make them laugh their asses off.

Thank you again for your support and don't let today's sadness overshadow tomorrow's possibilities. There will be new magazine soon.

Sincerely,

Ryan McCormick
Former Publicity Director
Two Drink Minimum Magazine
Ryanmccormick131@hotmail.com


In the StandUpAsylum Group on MSN, former HNIC of 2DM, Julie Seabaugh, has been getting pounded over her decision to fold the publication. Read all about it by clicking here, she even defends her odd actions.

In a previous CH Blog entry, I mentioned how the CH Show at last year's NYC Underground Comedy Festival was snubbed in the 7 page article covering it in 2DM. I speculated that it was due to personal issues with one of the writers, Tasha Harris.

Ms. Harris apparently read about it and cleared up any speculation with this email:

Hi Patrick,

I read your post about 2DM's coverage of last year's NYUCF. For the record, I covered the Cringe Humor Show and gave it high marks as a one of the festival's best. Cringe Humor and Dokka Productions were named just like the other shows in the original copy that I submitted to the editor. Much to my surprise, it was omitted in the final piece. I don't have an explanation as to why but I am sorry that the Cringe show was not given the due it rightfully deserved.

I am covering the NYUCF this year and look forward to seeing the Cringe Humor Show.

Best,

Tasha Harris

Former News Editor

Two Drink Minimum


Hmm so why was the good name of Cringe Humor pulled by the higher powers?