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Eeyoreslament
Member
07-20-2003
| Saturday, June 03, 2006 - 7:37 am
Ketchup, you were asking if there were any amateurs.... I watched this last night (for the first time ever) and I thought that the blonde girl (about half way through) was an amateur. She was the one who told a joke, and the two guys commented on how they thought she was funny, but didn't have an act. So then she asked to tell one more joke, about how she was b!tch-slapped in her last relationship with a black guy, and how it was her fault because she didn't understand all of their handshakes. She made it through to the evening (but then I hit record and fell asleep for the last half hour). I liked her. Call me callous, but I don't always want to hear about comedian's exceptionalities. I really did not think Josh Blue was as funny as some other people who did not make it. I think the show is rigged for the human interest element too. I also find it mildly hypocritical that people with disabilities complain if others make disability jokes that are OBVIOUSLY IN JEST, yet they go and make those same jokes themselves. Either the disability is off limits, or it's available. Pick one. JMHO.
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Brenda1966
Member
07-03-2002
| Saturday, June 03, 2006 - 9:35 am
Thanks Mamie. I watched for the third time and caught it. What I didn't catch the first time was the shortening of his name. Probably why I didn't hear it. I'm wondering about the timing of this and he being on Road rules challenge. I'm guessing he doesn't make it into the house.
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Konamouse
Member
07-16-2001
| Saturday, June 03, 2006 - 11:19 am
So, it's okay for a person of size to do fat jokes, and for a black person to do black jokes, and an Asian to do asian jokes...but we're not suppose to laugh when a person with CP makes jokes about his/her disability? I was laughing WITH Josh Blue, not AT him. But I agree that he doesn't have an act that can carry a 30 min or 60 min show (which is what they really are looking for). I was disappointed that cute 19 year old girl with the gay father didn't make it to Hollywood. Maybe they were worried about the age/alcohol factor (and when she is 21, she should get a personal invite directly to the house - if they haven't ruined the premise/show completely). 'squeek'
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Eeyoreslament
Member
07-20-2003
| Saturday, June 03, 2006 - 1:28 pm
No, not at all Kona, I just think there is a weird standard for what people consider funny, and I question why it depends on who is telling it. A major example was the whole Chris Rock/Orpah dialogue, where he uses the N-word in his act, and Oprah takes offense to it. Does being of a certain quality make it OK for you to joke about that quality? And why are some jokes about specific qualities you don't have FUNNY, and some are NOT FUNNY. I'm not gay, but me and my gay friends make gay jokes ALL THE TIME together. Now some gay people laugh, and others say things like "if you ever had to live as a gay....you wouldn't joke". I just think everything should be available to joke about, provided there is no malice involved. And can one without CP really laugh WITH Josh Blue, if they don't have it? I just think it brings about the whole empathy/sympathy thing. How can you really feel what the other person is feeling, if you haven't been through it yourself. I don't ask these questions specifically of you, Kona. I just raise them because comedy is a touchy subject and everyone has a different set of rules for what is funny and what isn't. I'm a big time joker in RL, and so I wonder about these things.
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Fruitbat
Member
08-07-2000
| Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 1:24 am
At www.fansofrealitytv.com there are two threads, under Last Comic section, that have some interesting information about how this show works. A comic posted in the shows spoiler thread and there is a thread that gives some eliminations from the house. It is clear that these comedians were hand picked and the open auditions were just a set up to create the illusion of that format. I had heard this from seasons past so I watch knowing that and hope for some laughs at best.
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Fruitbat
Member
08-07-2000
| Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 1:53 am
Below is a post from that board Nothing we don'}t already know or suspect. Some of you remember me from discussions of previous LCS seasons (and a couple of you might have noticed my long ass posts in TAR or PR threads...) Heck, I even got into an online argument with Sean Kent from Season 1 (and met up with Sean at a comedy club here in Seattle last year to apologize...) I've worked with Mordal, Heffron, Kahaney, and Pescatelli... This is going to be a difficult season for me to watch. I have good friends who waited in line and were seen by Bob & Ross...a couple in LA, a couple in Tempe, a couple in Austin and a couple in Chicago... I saw a couple of friends on tonight's show...and a couple of people I know received red envelopes on tonight's show (one of whom is not a fan of mine...and let's just leave it at that...) But, being in the industry has let me in on a few of the show's secrets...I've already heard more than a few spoilers...and I've found that I find most of the time the show is on yelling at the tv rather than enjoying myself. For that reason, I'm probably not going to get TOO involved in the discussions regarding this year's season. I'd be happy to answer questions though... ...as in "where have you seen Bil Dwyer before?"--Could be from his Comedy Central Presents special...but you probably remember him best either as being the host of "Battlebots!" or "Extreme Dodgeball." ..."was that John Roy from "Star Search?"--Sure was... ..."what's the deal with Buck Star?"--Good sources indicate that he's a production assistant for NBC...I can't believe they rehashed the schtick again this season. ..."isn't this show supposed to be about newcomers to comedy?"--No. Performers you saw tonight who have already had Comedy Central Presents specials of their own include: Tig, Ty Barnett, Jimmy Pardo, Gabriel Iglesias, Bil Dwyer, Doug Benson, Scott Kennedy, Kyle Cease Performers you saw tonight who have already been on Premium Blend: Gabriel Iglesias, Jimmy Pardo, Doug Benson, Tig, Brody Stephens, Scott Kennedy, Roz, J. Chris Newberg, Ty Barnett, Jon Fisch, John Roy, David Huntsberger Plus...Larry Reeb, Chip Chinery and Mark Price were all on the old A&E's An Evening at the Improv...Angel Salazar was headlining a night that Jerry Seinfeld dropped in on in the movie "Comedian." "...what was up with the audition process?"--the main focus was to weed out the open call people--as they already had selected specific pros to be pushed to the front of the line and guided through the process as a formality, because it was known that these performers would be able to work the call back audience. So, Jimmy Pardo didn't really need to "wow" Bob & Ross in the daytime audition... For the rest of the people waiting in line (or in the case of Chicago, the people who showed up the night before, got a number...as the people who showed up the day of the open call were out of luck)--they would get a minute or so to gather enough footage for the "idiots & oddities" you saw tonight...maybe someone would actually catch the eye of Bob & Ross, but most would be told "you've got good jokes, you're just not ready for the show." You heard that phrase a couple of times tonight...evidently, it was an oft-spoken refrain... ..."I've heard complaints about previous years being 'rigged'--how about this year?"--Well, EVERY reality show creates storylines...every reality show exploits drama...and anyone who thinks that LCS is about pitting the comedy skills of one performer against another is going to be disappointed, no matter the format. A lot of the previous complaints about the show were lodged about performers being connected with Jay Mohr somehow...or with the show's executive producer (and famous comedian manager) Barry Katz. It SEEMS like there's less conflict of interest in this season--but there's also a certain level of disingenuousness still inherent in the show (--like Bob & Ross not knowing what show Mark Price was originally on? My bull [mod edit] meter went off on THAT one.) Also know that this season is being overseen by the Top Chef/Project Runway team (a change from years past.) You can see that a cast is being assembled for their storylines, their ability to create conflict with other cast members...and that certain scenes and scenarios are being edited a la Top Chef and Project Runway to create traditional reality show false drama... (Which, I know, we must all love since we're here at the FORT, right? ) All I'm saying is...don't be surprised when they have the alcohol fueled reunion show...and don't be surprised if someone who you shouldn't think should stay on the show because you "hate" them ends up lasting far longer than you'd think they would... Par for the Project Runway/Top Chef course is pretty much what we can expect from LCS IV. And, remember...unless you see a performers act from beginning to end...and unless you can tell if the audio has been sweetened...you really DON'T have a good take on how funny someone actually was... What you have is the editor's choice for how someone is going to be portrayed...and since comedy depends on timing and reactions (good AND bad) can be faked so easily...just assume that you're always being manipulated by editing and try not to "believe" in what you see or hear (at least...don't be too "absolute" about it.) I'm watching this year because I like seeing some of my friends...and because we comics are going to about this for the next couple of years and I'd better know my stuff... Good luck to the rest of you watching this for what you think is the drama of the show--I hope you're not as hoodwinked as I'm worried you might be... pg--seattle
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Yesitsme
Member
08-24-2004
| Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 5:30 am
I wouldn't be nearly as interested in reality tv if it wasn't for those very things, Fruitbat. I love seeing what media people think the public wants to see. I love the manipulations behind the scenes, the people acting out on camera so that they are noticed and their illusions of grandeur as they gain any level of fame. I am fascinated that the editing can make the story whatever they want it to be. Maybe it is my cynical sense of humor, but it makes me laugh. The fact that our culture is so taken in by so much manipulation and that we pay some of these people so darn much money for their lack of talent, is something that both entertains me on one level and yet saddens me on another. I think on some level it helps me figure out how silly we are as a people...though I haven't totally catalogued how important I think that is yet. But I do know it makes me think. There's another side of me that celebrates that anyone can be famous and make money off of almost nothing. A good way to inspire people to try new things. I'm a bit flippant when I say that, but serious, too. There's something to be said for having a good dose of moxie...it can take you a long way. And I figure if enough people notice that some of these people can go far with nothing to back it up, maybe it will encourage some people of substance to have faith in themselves and step out. I have come to see that by its very nature, reality is both a mixture of truth and perception. I don't always like this, but I find it useful to know. I enjoyed this show a lot when it ran before. I have seen little stand up comedy live and this makes me want to. I grew to care about the people on the show in the past and would feel a bit like I was watching an old friend if I ever did see them in person. Does the best one win? Probably not. Just like the best person in a company is not necessarily the CEO, the best educator at a school is not always the principal, and the worthiest people are not the ones that earn the most money.
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Fruitbat
Member
08-07-2000
| Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 6:35 am
Yes, I agree with you. I do not have a problem with the manipulation we understand is there. Each show has different degrees and this one is probably at the top of the list. I watch TV to be entertained. I cannot imagine how horrible this show would be if they chose green comics from auditions. It takes years to develop this skill. I am merely passing on this information for those who may think this show resembles AI in the way it gathers it's cast.
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Marysafan
Member
08-07-2000
| Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 7:07 am
The thing that I liked about this year is that at each venue, the fans voted in one contestant. I agree with Fruitbat in that doing stand up comedy is not like singing. Even if you have a gift, it takes years to develop a routine and polish the delivery. This show would be unwatchable if it were all newbies.
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Eeyoreslament
Member
07-20-2003
| Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 7:14 am
That was a great article Fruitbat. Very interesting. I totally think lots of these shows THINK they are using creative editing to make us think things are going on that really aren't (Like the midget/dwarf segment in So You Think You Can Dance). You know the two judges? One seems nice, the other one seems a bit condescending and mean? I wonder how high up he is in the comedy industry. I wonder if some of these comics are like "Get over yourself" when he makes disparaging comments about them. I don't like him at all. The other gay guy seems like a good guy though.
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Fruitbat
Member
08-07-2000
| Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 8:23 am
Eeyore, that was a post I copied from another board. Below is the bio from the NBC site for Ross and Bob. Ross Mark and Bob Read have been the Talent Executives for NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno for the past four and half years. They are responsible for booking the comedians that appear on the show every night. Bob and Ross were founders and creators of the HBO Workspace in Hollywood. Bob and Ross were most recently consultants for the first two seasons on Bravo's hit series Celebrity Poker. Bob and Ross were the on-air talent executives for NBC's hit reality show Last Comic Standing during its first two seasons. This summer they will be returning to the show for its fourth season. In addition to their work as talent executives, Bob and Ross have produced numerous comedy specials and documentaries, including the Cable Ace Award winner "Drop Dead Gorgeous: The Power of HIV-Positive Thinking." Bob and Ross are also involved in the charity The Children's Circle, which provides the highest possible quality of life for HIV/AIDS infected, affected and at-risk children, youth and families. The charity also provides residential services to all medically fragile foster children, as well as case management and psychosocial support services for families in the community impacted by chronic and life-threatening diseases.
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Eeyoreslament
Member
07-20-2003
| Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 8:46 pm
Do they come as a pair? LOL
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Buggles
Member
09-07-2002
| Sunday, June 04, 2006 - 11:40 pm
My hubby and I were disappointed that the 'mother comedienne' did not go through. The one who said 'good boy!' to her DH during sex after spending the day with the kids. We found her refreshing and different. Finally, a woman who didn't mention her breasts. Guess that was her downfall 
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Sunshyne4u
Member
06-17-2003
| Monday, June 05, 2006 - 12:01 am
ROTFL Fruitbat I cannot imagine how horrible this show would be if they chose green comics from auditions. It takes years to develop this skill NO KIDDING!! I've been to enough standup nights that I cringe when someone starts stuttering or loses their focus and rambles. Or the horrifying use of a muscial instrument! I have no problem with a show of obvious professionals who are looking for a Big Break (provided I get a good laugh out of it!).
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Ketchuplover
Member
08-30-2000
| Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 12:58 pm
So I should just assume the show is a steaming pile of asterisks? No problemo 
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Mizinvanccouver
Member
02-22-2003
| Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 1:35 pm
There's a new episode tonight right?
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Marysafan
Member
08-07-2000
| Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 1:47 pm
There are actually two episodes tonight. The first is a repeat of last week followed by a new episode.
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Mizinvanccouver
Member
02-22-2003
| Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 2:07 pm
Oh, good to know.I will be watching the second one only as I already caught the first one last week. Thanks Marysafan!
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Ketchuplover
Member
08-30-2000
| Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 4:24 pm
Josh was good tonight imo. 
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Beachcomber
Member
08-26-2003
| Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 4:40 pm
So was Roz.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 4:45 pm
That redhead did not belong in the bunch, IMO.
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Marysafan
Member
08-07-2000
| Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 4:48 pm
I agree Herck. The gal from Wisconsin was far funnier. I am hearing the redhead is Gary Gulman's girlfriend.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 4:51 pm
Oh. Geez. Well, I guess that explains it. I was expecting booing from the audience when she was chosen. I was actually startled. ETA: Just read Fruitbat's posts. Shoulda known. The main reason why I stopped being a fan of AI. This is different, though. I won't feel vested in any one person. I just like to laugh. So that's how I'll take the show.
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Zummat
Member
01-31-2006
| Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 4:53 pm
I know that these guys have all been on the comic scene for a while. I don't care about what goes on behind the scenes. There's not some big conspiracy going on. First and foremost, it's a TV show. Does it keep my interest and entertain me, yes, and that's all that matters to me. And this is a good show. They picked my 5 favorites! Looking forward to the next show to find out who the final 5 are.
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Mamie316
Member
07-08-2003
| Tuesday, June 06, 2006 - 8:28 pm
I also liked the gal from Wisconsin.
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