Despite the claim of many a Borscht Belt comic that he is a practitioner of "the world's second-oldest professsion," stand-up comedy is a young and distinctly American literary form. It was not until the last decades of the nineteenth century when, enabled by unprecedented prosperity and the right to free expression, that monologists began appearing in American vaudeville halls. Yet even though it has since become an entertainment industry mainstay, stand-up comedy has received precious little scholarly attention. The Legacy of the Wisecrack: Stand-up Comedy as the Great American Literary Form looks at the theory of stand-up comedy, its literary dimensions, and its distinctly American qualities as it provides a detailed history of the forces that shaped it. The study concludes with a look at the works of specific comedians such as Steven Wright, whose three decades of performances comprise a single picaresque tale, and Richard Pryor, whose 1982 masterpiece Richard Pryor Live on the Sunset Strip serves as modern America's answer to Dante Aligheri's epic poem, Inferno. The result is one of the first serious treatments of stand-up comedy as a literary form.
THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER “Izzard is one of the funniest people alive, a talented actor, a sharp cross-dresser, an experienced marathon runner, and a great writer. You will have to read this if only to find out what a jazz chicken is.”—The Philadelphia Inquirer With his brand of keenly intelligent humor that ranges from world history to historical politics, sexual politics, mad ancient kings, and chickens with guns, Eddie Izzard has built an extraordinary fan base that transcends age, gender, and race. Writing with the same candor and insight evident in his comedy, he reflects on a childhood marked by the loss of his mother, boarding school, and alternative sexuality, as well as a life in comedy, film, politics, running and philanthropy. Honest and generous, Believe Me is an inspired account of a very singular life thus far.
Eddie Mair is, by his own account, one of Britain's most beloved broadcasters. Born in Dundee, Scotland, he has worked in radio all his adult life. From the foothills of commercial radio in his hometown, through the sunlit uplands of the BBC in Scotland, he has reached the peaks of his profession, with BBC network radio in London. And he's never afraid to work a metaphor beyond endurance. In addition he's appeared on most of the BBC's TV channels, including ones that are no longer on TV. He witnessed the handover of Hong Kong and once asked Arnold Schwarzenegger a question - though he takes no responsibility for either. For nearly twenty years he has been at the helm of Radio 4's PM: a nightly news round up that means Eddie works for just one hour a day, giving him plenty time to knock together these diaries. Whether he's interviewing politicians, getting people to share their personal experiences, or just imparting his favourite zesty chicken recipes, Eddie is never happier than when he is at the microphone. Except when he is at the microphone with a large martini. In truth, his neediness is an irritation to everyone who knows him and if you buy this book he might get out of their hair. Eddie's other work, as a humanitarian and tireless, secret worker for charity is not mentioned in these pages.
Ron Evans was probably the most notorious Soviet spy of British nationality working out of Scandinavia in the post-War era. Here, for the first time, the full story of the Ron Evans spy case is told in all its drama and excitement as it occurred in the mid-1960s.Whilst on the one hand Ron Evans was a leading radio engineer with a brilliant intellect, working on sensitive defence contracts; on the other, he was a determined and deft conspirator, manipulating a wide circle of oddly assorted people to achieve his illicit ends. KGB and MI6 agents play a prominent part in this story of seething conflict, an assassination attempt, and death; and only now, in deference to the spirit of the 30-Year rule, is it possible to reveal the true facts behind this Cold War drama.Many nationalities and colourful individual, including diplomats and an eccentric Finnish aristocrat, were involved in the complex intrigue surrounding Ron Evans' underhand activities. The author, who unwittingly found himself in conflict with the Soviet agent, was by a curious set of circumstances led into the role of spy-hunter, which eventually led to the arrest and conviction of Ron Evans.But that was not the end of the story. Worse was to follow. Due to an unfortunate set of events, an MI6 agent who was implicated in a counter-plot, found that his cover was blown, and following his capture and arrest by the authorities of a neutral power, Britain's entire Scandinavian intelligence network came crashing down.
Black death at Bletchley! Pustules and pest houses. Burnt at the stake! Lollards tortured and hanged. French kings and guillotines! Exiled King Louis XVIII at Hartwell House. Farmhouse of thieves! The amazing true story of the Great Train Robbery. Buckinghamshire has one of the darkest histories on record. Its residents included the Dinton Hermit – better known as Charles I's executioner – and Sir Everard Digby, the Gayhurst nobleman who tried to blow up James I, as well as a truly apocalyptic priest at Water Stratford. With Romans running amok in the Chilterns and the Anglo-Saxons terrorising Aylesbury, this chilling catalogue of battles, deaths, diseases and disasters will make you see the county in a whole new light.
When Linda asked Al to tell her something funny she had no idea the joke wasn' a joke at all. But a tragic tale of events that happened to a young retarded boy who was pure and innocent. She had to know who did it and why? And so will you.
Since the middle of the twentieth century, Atlanta has risen from a city of the Old South to a great international city with major league sports teams and one of the world's busiest airports. However, in the process, Atlanta has lost its quaint old Southern charm. The South had an opportunity to win its independence in the War between the States as late as 1864, but its Confederate leaders blew it. Abraham Lincoln was a great man and a great statesman but a poor commander in chief, as evidenced by the excessive length of time required to win the Civil War and the huge number of casualties. The lynching of Leo Frank was one of the terrible tragedies in Atlanta history, but he was not another innocent Alfred Dreyfus. The United States reached its peak of power and influence during World War II and the Cold War. Future historians will chart the beginning of the decline and fall of our country with the advent of the decadent baby boomer generation.
This in-depth compilation of the lives, works, and contributions of 12 icons of African-American comedy explores their impact on American entertainment and the way America thinks about race. Despite the popularity of comedic superstars like Bill Cosby and Whoopi Goldberg, few books have looked at the work of African-American comedians, especially those who, like Godfrey Cambridge and Moms Mabley, dramatically impacted American humor. Icons of African American Comedy remedies that oversight. Beginning with an introduction that explores the history and impact of black comedians, the book offers in-depth discussions of 12 of the most important African-American comedians of the past 100-plus years: Bert Williams, Moms Mabley, Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory, Flip Wilson, Godfrey Cambridge, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Damon Wayans, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle. Each essay discusses the comedian's early life and offers an analysis of his or her contributions to American entertainment. Providing a variety of viewpoints on African-American comedy, the book shows how these comedians changed American comedy and American society.
This quiet character study... succeeds on several levels, but its most potent component is the clearly recognizable and utterly naked humanity." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Campbell's watercolouring effects take his art into vivid new horizons ... [his] images skilfully complement and sometimes counterpoint White's witty third-person, documentary-style narrative ... This saucy satirical portrait is pure delight."-- Paul Gravett, author of Graphic Novels: Stories to Change Your Life "Wholly original, painfully astute and -- wonder of wonders -- surprisingly redemptive."-- Steve Duin, The Oregonian "The most satisfying piece of fiction I've experienced this year of any format. I really can't recommend it highly enough."-- Avoid the Future "There's a great emotional impact as the book progresses, underscored by Campbell's art. The Playwright is a touching and masterful work that is definitely one of the must own' graphic novels of 2010."--Chad Nevett, Comic Book Resources Praise for Eddie Campbell (Alec, From Hell): "No one else in the medium combines emotional truth, literary intelligence, and formal daring with such adroitness and elegance."-_ Booklist "Campbell is one of the premier cartoonists of his generation."-- Publishers Weekly Artist Eddie Campbell and writer Daren White have teamed up to present a most peculiar love story. The Playwright rather enjoys a quiet moment in the local park. It is a good place to mentally sort his ideas, and is often frequented by pretty young ladies. He once saw a pigeon defecate onto a businessman's shoulder. It struck him as absurd that such an event is often considered lucky. Surely the luck lies with passers-by who, statistically, are far less likely to be similarly soiled at that precise moment. Similarly, the Playwright has always derived an almost perverse sense of relief upon receiving news that an old friend has developed prostate cancer. Because statistically, he reasons, such news significantly reduces the chances of himself being similarly afflicted. And to be honest, at his age, his prostate needs all the statistical support he can muster... The Playwright: a dark comedy about the sex life of a celibate middle-aged man.
In Here's to the Ladies, theater journalist Eddie Shapiro opens a jewelry box full of glittering surprises, through in-depth conversations with twenty leading women of Broadway. The women he interviewed spent endless hours with him, discussing their careers, offering insights into the iconic shows, changes on Broadway over the last century, and the art (and thrill) of taking the stage night after night. Each of these conversations is guided by Shapiro's expert knowledge of these women's careers, Broadway lore, and the details of famous (and infamous) musicals"--
Life Rocks and Rolls will keep you on the edge of your seats. Back in the 1960's young boys scrambled to music stores to buy electric guitars and amps with dreams of becoming the next Elvis or Beatles. Rock and roll and doo-op took teens by storm. The music did not discriminate. All races loved the;music. Unfortunately, it was tough for Hispanics to make it in Rock-n-Roll. This story is about a dream and passion verses a father's wishes for his son not to get caught up an almost impossible dream. Travel through the anger, frustration, and determination to succeed in trying to keep a promise made. Life Rocks and Rolls is a must read book!
This book was inspired by the book of John, the first chapter. In the beginning the word already existed. The word was with God and the word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. My eyes have been opened to these verses by the light of Christ penetrating into my soul leading me to see and understand the true meaning of life. Everything there is has a word attached to it. When we can take time to slow down with understanding and, yes, even break words down a little more with acronyms, the power of those words can speak life to ourselves and to others. When driving down a road, we have become accustomed to pushing on gas or the brake pedal as needed by our sight. In life, we can do the same thing with our thinking whether good or bad to steer us away from disaster or to find peace. If we only take the time and affiliate our words with knowledge just like slamming on our brakes when a kid runs out in front of us. My book will teach you how to find peace that turns into lasting joy which is surrounded by love. Little things like words put together with roots (acronyms) make our lives stronger. Here are a couple of acronyms just to get you started that have made a life-changing transformation in me: Chaos: Creating hell allowing overwhelming sin. When we act before thinking it through. Grace: GodaEUR(tm)s riches abundantly coming everyday. Now thataEUR(tm)s treasure.
Once, when the world was new, God looked down on His creation and was disappointed. The skies rained down on His world for forty days and forty nights. He made Noah the inheritor of His creation. What would He think if He looked down upon us now? What would we do if it started to rain and it did not stop? Where would we run when the water is everywhere? And who would be our Noah? Nine people have been chosen to build a new ark, to survive the Second Flood, to make good God's vision of humanity. Who are these Nine? And what about everyone else? It is time. . . Sink? Or swim?
Every other Thursday on Santa Monica Boulevard’s Comedy Central Stage, a motley assortment of prolific Hollywood writers, actors, and comics convene to reveal the most personal—and colorful—parts of their lives. Their soul-baring monologues reveal the sources of their creative genius, from wacky families, to psycho exes, random ramblings, and unbelievable Hollywood insights. This hilarious collection, featuring a foreword by Arrested Development's Mitch Hurwitz and Jim Vallely, includes some of their best confessions. It provides an inside scoop on Hollywood, including stories on mishaps at the Emmys, writing for popular shows, being put in a sleeper hold by Hulk Hogan, growing up in famous families, and what it’s like to play Jan Brady. Funny, embarrassing, or dirty (or a combination thereof), but always brutally honest, Dirty Laundry shines a voyeuristic light on the underbellies of the people who have sold their souls to the entertainment biz. Authors include Maggie Rowe, Andersen Gabrych, Doug Benson, Kevin Nealon, Richard Belzer, Amy Stiller, Laura Silverman, Mary Birdsong, Taylor Negron, Randy Sklar, Kelly Carlin-McCall, Jennifer Elise Cox, Tom Saunders, Eileen Conn, Carlos Kotkin, Eddie Pepitone, Mark Evan Jackson, C. Brian Smith, Davis McHenry, Matt Price, David Landsberg, David Chrisman, Keith Blaney, Andrea Abbate, Jonathan Schmock, Jen Sincero, Claudia Lonow, Jackie Kashian, Shaz Bennet, B. Mark Seabrooks, Stirling Gardner, and Drew Droege.
Accounting: an introduction by Atrill provides a clear and approachable introduction to accounting and finance for those seeking to understand the main concepts and their practical application to good decision-making.
The 68 year existence of Indianapolis Washington High School is described in a decade-by-decade history with an emphasis on people and athletics as well as focusing on individuals from the World War II and Vietnam eras. The varied lists of both a factual and subjective nature will be of interest to many in central Indiana.
Whether your collection features a hefty helping of grandmas worn, but cherished cookbooks from years past, or a few recipe-rich treasures of your own, this fact and photo-filled guide will feed any cookbook fascination. This reference, written by the owners of OldCookbooks.com serves up 1,500 American cookbooks and recipe booklets from the 20th century, complete with interesting details and historical notes about each, plus estimated values.
Providing a format that engages students to discuss real world issues, this book features seventy-five video clips from recent movies you can use to illustrate topics, including summaries of the movie and the clip, start-stop times, and Scripture references.
Throughout the book are more than 350 unforgettable film stills and posters, wonderful images in color and black and white, drawn from the files of the renowned Kobal Collection. Included are photographs of such luminaries as Tyrone Power as Jesse James; Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story (and Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly in the musical remake, High Society); Ingrid Bergman and Gary Cooper in for Whom the Bell Tolls; John Wayne in Red River; James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor in Giant; Dustin Hoffman as The Graduate; Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry; Sylvester Stallone as Rocky; Goldie Hawn as Private Benjamin; and Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future. This then is truly a book for fans of all ages, offering insights into movie history, the art of film-making, and the changing state of popular culture."--
Provides many of the answers to questions asked by journalists, industry executives, researchers and television enthusiasts about the current UK film industry. The range of information in the Handbook is unrivalled, including a summary of all new films made and released in the UK box office.
Karen Kondazian has compiled inside information from talking to the premier casting directors in film, television, and commercials from New York to Los Angeles.
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