(Some) Comedy Isn't Funny

I have beef with certain types of people that call themselves comedians. Now most people know comedy when they see it, if it makes you laugh it is comedy. But I think that some people confuse certain entertainers as being comedians. If what you are laughing at is not what is coming out of the "comedian's" mouth, then it just isn't comedy!

Here are some examples of what I mean:

1. Ventriloquists are not comedians. I have seen several ventriloquists both live and on television and I don't feel that is comedy. I have yet to see a ventriloquist dummy do a routine. Every ventriloquist I have seen gets their laughs due to their freakish talent, not the "jokes" that are being told. So Jeff Dunham can not move his mouth and still speak in different dialects. Until he tells a joke, I'm not laughing!

2. Impressionists are not comedians. Frank Caliendo may be the biggest go to guy right now (especially if you are a TBS junkie) but just because he sounds like other people doesn't make him a comedian. I am pretty safe in assuming that every show of his goes something like this:
Caliendo: (insert any of his dozens of annoying impressions)
Audience: Wow, that's funny he sounds just like that guy.
If Caliendo is so great at impressions, then why must he dress like his subjects to pass the hint along?

3. Memory-tappers are not comedians. I am talking about those guys that stand onstage, size up their target demographic in the audience, and remind them of obscure things from their childhood. Jimmy Fallon is one of these guys (as well as also being an example of #2). His stand up consists of him reminding those who grew up in the 80's about things they were exposed to in the 80's. "Remember ThunderCats? Wasn't that funny?"

So there you have it. If you find yourself confused as to what comedy is and isn't, I hope I cleared the air a bit. I think that pure comedy comes from funny stories and anecdotes that force the audience to think. Laughing at a bunch of dummies (real or wooden) is nothing more than mindless entertainment.

Gotta Start Somewhere

As a first time blogger (but not a first time thinker), it is tough deciding on what the subject of my first post should be. Should I ramble about the unseen side effects of losing my left arm (not an amputee, but a recent surgery victim), or should I join the rest of the universe and discuss our presidential incumbency (I assume they follow US politics in Endor). No, I think instead I am going to vent about something that all people of had to deal with at one time or another, and that is parent-teacher conferences!

I am at a new school this year, but this is my 6th year overall, so I am no rookie to PTCs. But it never fails to amaze me that today's youth are knowledgeable in all subject areas, they all are A students, and if for any reason their grades do not live up to their parent's standards, then the teacher is to blame.

Dealing with parents on PTC night is adventurous. There is always an excuse, reason, or genetic impact on why the kid isn't doing so well. But the bottom line is parents (and kids if you're reading this) that the reason your child isn't doing so hot probably isn't their new teacher's fault!

Education (especially math) is built upon previous knowledge. If a person doesn't know what they are supposed to know and can't recall how to retain the information, then *NEWS FLASH* they aren't going to be successful in a tougher class.

All I am asking is for everyone to think realistically before attending PTCs. Chances are the problem isn't with anyone in the conference, it was with the teacher that handed your kid an undeserving A in the past.