The Apiary: October 2005 Archives


	The Apiary Network

October 31, 2005

Inside With: Tanner Colby, Author of Belushi

A few weeks ago, The Apiary received an advance copy of Belushi, a sharp looking and intimate, new biography on John Belushi compiled by Tanner Colby and John's widow, Judith Belushi-Pisano. It's filled with never before seen photos and hundreds of personal accounts by those who knew the icon best.

How did you come to work on Belushi? What drew you in?
I was writing the National Lampoon Radio Hour with Richard Belzer. Through that I met Judy Belushi Pisano. I introduced her to the publisher, Rugged Land, and the idea of a scrapbook/coffee table book on John evolved from there.

Judy was sort of the den mother to Aykroyd, Murray and those guys back in the early days. The photos and keepsakes in her attic are amazing. But as I started going through them I realized they didn't do justice to the whole John Belushi. Like most people, my preconceptions of John were based on Hollywood mythology. It only took me a few weeks to throw all those notions out the window and realize there was a much deeper story that had never been told. A coffee table book would have just been the same mythology, with pictures.

Somewhere along the way I convinced Judy to let me do what she hadn't trusted anyone to do in the past twenty years. I think she liked that I'm a comedy writer and not a journalist. I was more interested in understanding John than landing some big scoop. And so, quite by accident, I woke up one morning and found I was a biographer. I started calling around for interviews and asked the publisher to tack an extra year onto my deadline. Thankfully, they agreed.

Have to say that this is a really pretty book. The text has the familiar layout as that of the SNL bible, Live From New York. Was this a conscious allusion?
We decided to make the book an oral history, like the Shales book, because it's a very warm, intimate format. The design was inspired by Belushi-era Rolling Stone. John was an RS icon, appearing on the cover four times in as many years.

Near the beginning of the bio, Judith makes the comment, "I once mistakenly gave the key to John's story to the wrong person," which, is clearly a slam directed at Pulitzer Prize winning Watergate journalist, Bob Woodward, and his biography on Belushi called Wired. How do you feel yours sets things right?
This book sets things right because it's actually about John Belushi, and not just his drug habit. It's this icon cast in flesh and blood—and it's funny. John's life was a lot of fun until it wasn't anymore. Several of John's friends have emailed me saying things like, "this is John" or, "it was like reliving those years all over again." And I think even people who didn't know John will have that same impression. When you put the book down, you just feel like you've hung out with the guy for a few days.

Woodward went the other way. Wired isn't a biography; it's an autopsy. For example: Wired gives us minute-by-minute coverage of a single 24-hour drug binge in the fall of 1981—a drug binge that was no more or less significant than any other of John's life; Woodward just happened to unearth the limo driver who did the driving that night. The account goes on for over five pages. By contrast, the entire filming of Animal House is covered in less than four.

People accused Woodward of doing a hatchet job on Belushi. I disagree. I think Woodward thought he wrote an honest, compelling portrait of the man—and failed to see that he'd missed the point entirely. Woodward is a phenomenal investigator, and that's great for the morning newspaper, but as far as books are concerned he's a terrible writer and a miserable storyteller. There's a couple of good Woodward stories on our website.

How did you go about gathering all the testimonials and accounts? How did you even know where to begin?
Compiling a hundred celebrity interviews starts with cold-calling an endless list of agents and managers culled from IMDB Pro, some of whom are incredibly accommodating and some of whom are total pricks. Most of the celebrities themselves are incredibly nice, however.

Working with Judy's endorsement, of course, made all the difference in getting people to speak on the record—and many were anxious to set the record straight after being hung out to dry by Wired. Fans of Monty Python will be happy to know that Michael Palin is a wonderfully nice man. Robin Williams and Harold Ramis also rank high in the good guy category. Start to finish, all the interviews took about eight months.

Okay, just two more quick ones. You don't have to answer them. One: What is Richard Belzer like in real life?
The Belz is The Belz. What you see on SVU is more or less what you get. He's caustic and cynical, but he tips well and he always picks up the check.

And Two: Set the record straight—is Jim Belushi just misunderstood?
I don't know. If you examine the roster of celebrity acting brothers—Jim Hanks, Don Swayze—you might argue that Jim Belushi's done just fine for himself. All I can say from my end is that in answering questions for this book he was incredibly helpful and very open about life in the Belushi family, which, as you will see when you read it, was not always a comfortable subject.

Belushi hits stores tomorrow. For a closer glimpse, check out www.belushibook.com.

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No Posers @ Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre - 10.28.05

NOTES
--No Posers is all-improvised indie rock with Brian Huskey on guitar, John Gemberling on vocals, and Rob Corddry on the skins.
--Brian Huskey had a wife planted in the crowd, catcalling and hooting after every song. She later came on stage and rubbed herself all over the band members, and did some Rockettes' high kicks in Rob Corddry's wheelchair. She had sort of a Brian McCann vibe to her.
--The band turned the houselights up and jokingly asked whether a fictitious record label representative was in the crowd. Someone swept up by the suggestive nature of improv, who was also probably not a plant, declared quite adamantly that they all sucked. It was a bit of a downer. They didn't suck!

Posted by The Apiary in Show Recap at 11:54 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

October 28, 2005

MotherLoad

Since it is given that the very lifeblood of the internet is the funny JPG and its evolved cousin, the funny MPEG, it was only a matter of time before powerful media forces would discover this fact--a fact which the boys behind College Humor, Ebaum's World, and Something Awful discovered so long ago.

Comedy Central has announced it will launch a funny MPEG site on November 1st called MotherLoad. It will serve as both an archive for CC's extensive backlog of programming and a launchpad for rising talent.

A taping for internet-specific videos was done in NYC yesterday at a place called Ars Nova on the West Side.

A source writes in:

I went to this taping for Comedy Central's new "web channel" yesterday; it was a pretty impressive line up. Highlights were of course Aziz and Andres Du Bouchet, also I was really impressed with Kristen Schaal and Brian Huskey. A solid show. I overheard a guy say that all the bits (which sat around the five minute mark) were going to be cut down to two minute bits and put on the Mother Load.

Read the whole Comedy Central press-release after the hump.

Continue reading "MotherLoad"

Posted by The Apiary in TV/Film at 5:43 PM | Comments (1)

Jay Leno Has Left the Building

Don't quit your day job for this event--it's too late. Just stay at your desks.

Jay Leno on Being Funny

--via Gentrified Rice

Posted by The Apiary in General Interest at 3:29 PM | Comments (1)

The 2005 Halloween Costume Contest Winner

By a unanimous decision, this random, nameless, unknown woman pictured in the background of Round 1 of the contest, wins top honors for dressing like Elisabeth "Biz" Ellis, from the all-girl sketch group MEAT. Give yourself a round of applause if you voted.

The REAL Biz

Before this bit finally ends, here's one more picture of Stefan from Elephant Larry that needs to be published.

He's the Go-Gurt.

Posted by The Apiary in General Interest at 12:50 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

October 27, 2005

Halloween Costume Contest - Round 3

He's the producer of the Rejection Show, he's been on all your favorite NPR PROGRAMMING, he wins awards, and what else? He organized the first annual DELICIOUS SANDWICH SOCIAL! It's Jon Friedman as...

An Ugly Man

Although you can not tell by the terrifying custom made latex applications on his face, you know him as one of the key writers and cast members of Saturday Night Rewritten and a contributor to Jest.com--it's Dan McCoy as...

The Grim Reaper in a Hoodie

He might look vaguely like Paula Poundstone, but he's actually the editor of this online publication and he's pictured telling the following joke: Why do Yugos have defrosters on their rear windows? Anybody? To keep your hands warm when you're pushing them!--it's Nate as...

A Failed Standup Comic From the 80's

Only one will move forward. The time for decisions is NOW!

The winner of the costume contest will be announced tomorrow.

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Look Who Stopped By: It's Chelsea Peretti and the rest of The Variety SHAC!

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*
Whoooooooo is it??

What a surprise! Didn't know you hang around this part of town--Chelsea Peretti... and uh, Andrea, Heather, and Shonali! Come in, come in! We were just preparing some lunchtime morsels. Er... it seems like you're hauling around lifesize papier mache replicas of the rest of the Variety SHAC--and golly! That's kinda weird!

Hey this is Chelsea Peretti, Andrea Rosen, Shonali Bhowmik and Heather Lawless--the complete 4-member crew of the Variety Shac--just stopping by to say 'hi' to the hardcore group of stand-up comics and UCB improvisers who read The Apiary.

What's up, gang? Guess what? I lied. It's just Chelsea. I forgot to rally the Shac together.

If you haven't already watched our short films, go ahead and check them out here. See what you think. Shhh! Don't tell us.

There's also some fantastic merch avail on our site...

Oh boy! Hey Chelsea Peretti, don't mean to interject while you're talking about your merch, but there's a question we've been wanting to ask forever: Seeing as how SHAC is based off the first letter of each of your names, Why do you call yourselves Variety SHAC and not Variety CASH?

Variety CASH makes no cents. We felt that Shac would be more of a conversation piece and start cool conversations like this one. Also: We're not a rap group anymore.

Ah! Continue!

But here I go again, always saving the best for the end:

UPCOMING...this Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 8:30pm...is our special 1 year anniversary show. We're excited to announce that THE STRAWBERRY FLOATBOATS WILL BE IN THE HOUSE. They're singing a theme song they wrote for the occasion.

Our guests will be the talented:
MICHAEL SHOWALTER
& AD MILES

Our short film this month is about the corporate world. It is the Enron movie, verbatim, but with several 20 min "extension segments" inserted throughout to make it a bit longer.

We also have giftbags for the anniversary audience (first 50 to arrive), courtesy of MiaMarketing and Variety Shac t-shirts on sale with original art by R. Land.

This is going to be a very fun show, and as an audience member, the potential chance of a lifetime.

Backroom of Galapagos, 70 N. 6th St, L to Bedford, 8:30 sharp, free.

Wowie zowie! Sounds like a H-E-double L of a fucking time! What? You have to leave now? Where are you going? Oh well. It was good to see ya, Chelsea Peretti! Stop by again soon!

Posted by The Apiary in Look Who Stopped By! at 11:39 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

October 26, 2005

Tiny JPG of God's Pottery and Scott Stapp RELEASED

Following up on yesterday's mention that God's Pottery was seriously doing a segment on NYC's K-Rock, 92.3 with Scott Stapp of Creed. Here is a TINY JPG released by GP of Gideon and Jeremiah making a SCOTT STAPP SANDWICH. MP3s of the encounter to appear on GP's soon-to-be relaunched website.

God's Pottery has a show this Thursday, October 27th, 9:00 p.m. at The Slipper Room. Demetri Martin is said to be stopping by too! - $5

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Missed Connection Comedian Mystery

From the NYC Missed Connections section on Craigslist:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/mis/106636174.html

You Used to Work with Me, Now You're Doing Comedy.... - m4w - 31

We used to work together in a boring office environment (albeit with a few cool people around) in Midtown. This was 4-5 years ago (?). We would always end up chatting it up on our own away from the group whenever we all went out for drinks. A few rumors existed about us, which unfortunately proved to be unfounded.

I've since learned that you had a little crush on me.... Little did you know that I felt the same! (Maybe you knew -- I thought the sexual tension was pretty palpable). :) I would have acted on it had I not been in a relationship at the time, albeit one I was keeping on the DL. You even told me how you didn't have the same feelings for your live-in boyfriend that he had for you... Damn!! The missed opportunities! You ultimately left when your showbiz career called, and now you're doing what you should be doing, oh statuesque one.

Have you a clue who I am...?

Who is it?!

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Halloween Costume Contest - Round 2

Star of VH1's Awesomely Wacky Celebrity Baby Names, 40 Most Shocking Hair Moments, and a bountiful cornucopia of other television programming--she's a writer, a producer, an on-air talent, a comic about the town, and she's often told by fans, "YOU ROCK!"--it's Bex Schwartz as...

Jessica Rabbit

You may know her from her websites, You Can't Make It Up or her highly publicized 2004 election votes-for-sex initiative called Votergasm--which we believe has little chance of being brought back to life for the TOTALLY UNSEXY campaign of Fernando Ferrer--it's Michelle Collins as...

A Stewardess from The Future

Only one shall win. You must choose!

To be in the Best Costume contest, submit your Halloween photo to theapiary@gmail.com

Posted by The Apiary in EXCLUSIVELY at The Apiary at 11:00 AM | Comments (16) | TrackBack (0)

October 25, 2005

Michael Musto to Appear at The Upright Citizens Brigade

It was announced today that one of the funniest columnists of all time and the originator of snark, Michael Musto, will make a guest appearance this Saturday night at a screening of Jesse Spanno's critically acclaimed breakout film, Showgirls, at the UCBT.

ALSO RELATED
Showgirls @ YTMND(sorta NSFW)

Posted by The Apiary in General Interest at 4:50 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Eugene Mirman and Ace Frehley Exchange Insults and Aghast Looks in Alleged Drunken Barroom Standoff

The Button Down went to both of Eugene Mirman's CD tapings this week and writes in:

The shows were essentially the same but with a few different jokes. One notable difference was that Eugene opened the show the second night with an anecdote about something that happened the night before. He said, "Have you ever done this before: you get really, really drunk and say something terrible... to Ace Frehley?"

Apparently, Ace Frehley's daughter was having a birthday party upstairs at Piano's, and at the end of the night, Ace was leaving the bar with his arm around his daughter. Eugene, drunk, yelled "Don't fuck your daughter!" at him, and there was a terrible moment of recognition on Ace's face that Eugene had just yelled something horrible at him, but he just kept walking.

Posted by The Apiary in The Beehive at 2:10 PM | Comments (0)

Halloween Costume Contest - Round 1

From the inspirational Christian folk troubadours known as God's Pottery--who we've just found out, are appearing LIVE in the studio THIS AFTERNOON on NYC's K-ROCK 92.3 in a segment with Creed's Scott Stapp (seriously) sometime around 3PM--is Gideon as...

A Unicorn in a Streetfight

From the sketch group Elephant Larry--who have had SOLD OUT performances at The PIT for SEVEN MONTHS in a row and counting, including a VERY SPECIAL Halloween edition this Saturday--is Stefan Lawrence as...

Avril Lavigne (the Avril on the left)

Who will move on to the finals? Internet: decide!

To be in the Best Costume contest, submit your Halloween photo to theapiary@gmail.com

Posted by The Apiary in EXCLUSIVELY at The Apiary at 11:02 AM | Comments (4)

October 24, 2005

The Apiary's Halloween Costume Contest

Have you ever been accused of having the best Halloween costume ever!? How would YOUR Halloween outfit hold up to say, the SUPERSTARS OF NEW YORK CITY COMEDY? The Apiary encourages you to submit a photo of you in your best Halloween costume and your jpg will go head to head against another jpg and the internet shall judge you accordingly. The winner will receive some kind of prize at the end.

Engage!

Posted by The Apiary in General Interest at 5:16 PM | Comments (0)

The Sting: Dan Gregor Arrives, Bloggers Hit the City's Comedy Shows, Madonna Sighting Nearly Spurns Murderous Hipster Stampede, and more!

Madonna Teaches Hipsters How to Dance

Hammerkatz' Dan Gregor Splashes Across Pages of Gothamist

Tale of Two Cities Joey Hangs Up His Keyboard

Lindsayism Finds the Full House Outtakes Readers Crave

Gothamist Comedy Reporter Liz Black SPOTTED at Mortified on Friday

FishbowlNY Editor, Rachel Sklar, to Yuk It Up Live on Stage

First Public Photos of Carolyn Castiglia Post Baby Delivery

Brandi Ediss Captures Entire 10.22.05 Mortified Ensemble in Stunning Picture Set

The Sound of Young America Cuts Blockbuster Show Featuring Chris Elliott, Matt Walsh, and Art Spiegelman

Nick Kroll Talks Bar Mitzvahs & Disco to the NY Times --via Keith

No Posers Returns to UCB with John Gemberling on Vocals; House Expected to Be Brought Down

Posted by The Apiary in The Beehive at 10:37 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

October 21, 2005

New York Post Prints Most Poignant, Witty Headline Ever

Saturday Night Dead

Leave it to NY Post simpleton, Chris Erikson, to pen a cliched to the Nth degree article kvetching about the state of Saturday Night Live. He calls for the head of Lorne Michaels and writes, "It's time to cancel Saturday Night Live."

Midway through Erikson's gossamer bloviating, he takes a sudden turn by enlisting Erik Marcisak of Saturday Night Rewritten and a crockpot full of ANONYMOUS UP-AND-COMING SOURCES to talk shit about the program.

Posted by The Apiary in General Interest at 2:21 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

826NYC Superhero Fashion Show @ Symphony Space - 10.20.5

Last night, 826NYC unveiled its new spring Superhero fashion collection. The evening featured an all star lineup of Ed Helms, Sam Bee, Rob Corddry, Amy Sedaris, and many more.

NOTES
--It was announced that 826NYC is opening a satellite branch in Williamsburg.
--Someone was outside with a sign waiting for Faith Popcorn.
--Samantha Bee is pregnant.
--During the event, they passed buckets around and collectively panhandled an additional $2,340.

HIGHLIGHTS
--Leo Allen as Captain Guess Your Weight and Eugene Mirman as Robin with a Y. They were planted in the audience and went onstage for a bit about which is a better superpower, Invisibility or Flight. They provided some much needed comic relief.
--John Hodgman telling a masturbating joke in an audience with a bunch of kids.

DIDN'T CARE FOR
--The UNHELPFUL SLAG working for 826 who refused to let The Apiary peruse a program guide, claiming they're in limited supply and only for the people buying the 75 dollar seats. Then 5 minutes later, she hands one to someone in the 25 dollar seats. She was also dismissive in putting The Apiary in touch with 826's press contact by pointing and saying, "He's backstage, probably." Thanks for the professionalism.
--The enormous screen set stage right that blocked the audience's view.
--Sarah Vowell ripped off John Hodgman's Mexican wrestling mask and declared, "We're not clowns. We're writers." Is she remotely aware that pulling off someone's Mexican wrestling mask is symbolically, the single most dishonorable thing one could do in all of professional wrestling? That, coupled with her disarming statement--to put it in wrestling terms--was THE MOST SHOCKING HEEL TURN IN RECENT MEMORY.

Rob Corddry wearing Kenneth Cole

Continue reading "826NYC Superhero Fashion Show @ Symphony Space - 10.20.5"

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October 20, 2005

Sara Schaefer and Chris Genoa Get Married

Rumors are swirling that starlet, Sara Schaefer, of Sara Schaefer is Obsessed With You fame and author, Chris Genoa, have TIED THE KNOT this week in a not-so SECRET WEDDING in the faraway country of Italy.

The Apiary tried to snap exclusive PAPARAZZI PHOTOS from the ceremony but was thwarted by the high cost of plane tickets to Italy and by the lack of all relevant information on the exact whereabouts of the wedding.

Posted by The Apiary in General Interest at 3:59 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

Naked Trampoline Hamlet @ Under St. Marks - 10.19.5

Andres Du Bouchet is sooooo...--how should one put this without sounding hyperbolic?--let's start over. ONCE IN A GENERATION COMES A HUMAN OF SUCH EBULLIENT INTENSITY, THAT WHEN THE TIME IS RIPE, THE DEAFENING HOWL EMITTED FROM HIS VOICE SHALL QUASH THE FOUNDATION UPON WHICH ALL FUTURE JUDGMENTS ARE MADE. UNSUSPECTING ELDERS WILL BE KNOCKED FROM THEIR GLASS TOWERS AND THE INCENSED, EMBOLDENED YOUTH OF THE NATION SHALL RALLY AROUND THE THOUGHTS AND BREATHS OF THIS ONE TOTALLY TALENTED DUDE.

For real tho--did anybody else see Andres' monologue show last night? He's doing some really stunning, quirky, unique, and imaginative work. The PIT just picked him up for a residency in November and mark these words, his boundless capability will soon enough cause him to appear in a column The Apiary calls, So Long, Irrelevant Day Job!

Posted by The Apiary in Show Recap at 11:10 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack (2)

October 19, 2005

The Hottest Upcoming Shows

TJ & Dave - TJ & Dave(aka Stew the Meat Man, from Strangers With Candy) are performing in NYC October 27th through November 3rd

Eugene Mirman - He's cutting a comedy CD, Sunday October 23rd and Monday the 24 at Pianos. The last time he did a recording at Piano's, tickets sold out well before the show. - $10

Halloween at the UCBT - The annual UCBT Halloween party is said to be a "DON'T MISS"

The 826NYC Superhero Benefit Show - The NYC Comedy elite and their surprise guests will hit the runways in designer duds all to benefit the 826 tutoring center. Vanity Fair is going to be there covering the event--if that means anything to you. - $25

Seeds of Peace Comedy Benefit - It's a shame this astoundingly star-studded show is at a venue that extorts hefty 2-drink minimums out of its audience--even at benefits. Costs for the evening could exceed 60 dollars a head. Is it worth it? You decide.

In the Flesh - Rachel Kramer Bussell hosts the debut of her new erotic reading series TONIGHT at a place called The Happy Ending Lounge. FREE

Fearsome - Fearsome premieres their all new show. November 4 @ The PIT!

Posted by The Apiary in General Interest at 1:59 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Photos from The Strange Box of Dr. Oddbody @ The PIT - 10.15.5

Here are some pics from The Strange Box of Dr. Oddbody at The PIT last Saturday. It's improv mixed with horror and is running through the end of the Halloween season. The "Strange Box" in the title refers to a box containing audience suggestions of horror stories that have never been told. The terrifying Dr. Oddbody randomly chooses one during dramatic Tales From the Crypt-like interstitials and then his Rainbow Power Circle acolytes improvise the story. THIS SHOW WILL RESONATE WITH SUBSCRIBERS OF THE MAGAZINE, FANGORIA.

Their next gig is this Saturday night at The PIT.

Posted by The Apiary in Show Recap at 11:54 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

October 18, 2005

Dominant West Coast Blogger/Comic Prepares For Transition to NYC Blogosphere

Whether you like it or not, dominant San Francisco blogger, comic, culture critic, and BORDERLINE REPUBLICAN, Alex Blagg, is preparing for a cross-country move to NYC. Will All Things Christie, My Blog is Poop, and his legion of fans be waiting at the airport to greet him?!

It will be interesting to see how he assimilates into the comedy scene and amongst the bloggerati. Lately, the city has been used to losing comedy folks with presence to the West Coast--it'll be a nice change of pace to gain one.

For Alex Blagg's Eyes Only
If you want to make a splashy introduction--show up at the next Movable Hype.

Posted by The Apiary in General Interest at 3:37 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

Inside With: Thomas Weber, The Guy Who is Suing David Cross

Thomas Weber, the former operations manager of the Exit/In, a concert venue in Nashville, Tennessee, is suing David Cross for profiting from Weber's image, likeness and voice on Cross' "Shut Up You Fucking Baby" and "Let America Laugh" without Weber signing off. Sub Pop released an exclusive statement to Pitchfork saying: "The club manager was fully aware that filming was taking place and he consented to it but years after the fact he's trying to distort the situation to his financial benefit." Hate mail has since poured in to Weber's site alleging he is an "opportunistic douchebag," "a fucking redneck," and "a whiny little bitch." As the wave of public disapproval beats down on Weber, The Apiary sought out the Plaintiff himself for a view from the other side.

What is the purpose of your site, wearenotlaughing.com? As a PR bulletin, its tone is not very successful in courting a sympathetic audience. Can you sum up in a few sentences what the suit is all about?
The basis of the suit is a privacy issue. Does someone have the right to tape another person and use it for financial gain, with out the persons consent or prior knowledge? The purpose of wearenotlaughing.com is to make the public aware of this issue. If David can innocently poke fun, we should be able to respond in like. However, the lawsuit is very serious.

Most people love David Cross. Are you saying that you don't?
As far as my personal feelings towards David go... I guess you could say I'm a little biased. I would like to say that I'm shocked at the response from his fans. It surprises me that someone who portrays themselves as a socially conscious comedian, would have fans filled with so much hatred. I know hatred seems like a strong word, but read the letters for yourselves.

Thanks for the opportunity.

You can see Thomas Weber and his legal team at their next appearance in Seattle, Washington's, U.S. District Court--Western District. (If anyone has a screen cap of Weber from the videos, send it over. Thanks.)

Posted by The Apiary in EXCLUSIVELY at The Apiary at 11:35 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

October 17, 2005

Chronicle from The Colbert Report Dress Rehearsal Discovered

Fake Century went to a dress rehearsal for The Colbert Report last week and writes up a complete account. Tonight is the premiere.

The Colbert Report tapes later than The Daily Show--which is good for people with jobs--because it is probably the only taping in NYC in which you can leave work at your usual time and still be a part of THE MAGIC OF TELEVISION.

Posted by The Apiary in TV/Film at 2:18 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tokion's Creativity Now Conference featuring David Cross, Michael Showalter, David Wain, and Neal Brennan @ Cooper Union - 10.15.5

Over the weekend, Tokion hosted the 3rd Annual Creativity Now Conference at the nation's most elite school for the arts, Cooper Union. David Cross moderated a panel on comedy with Michael Showalter and David Wain of Stella/The State, and Dave Chappelle's writing partner, Neal Brennan. As representatives of the most celebrated sketch comedy in recent years, they were asked by the organizers to discuss the state of comedy writing at this moment in time.

NOTES
--The Stella guys said they are more open to working with a writer this season. Time to polish your resume!
--Cross mentioned that Chapelle's Show changed the model for sketch comedy, in that it was popular while it was on TV. In comparison, Mr. Show didn't find its following til it was off the air and according to Showalter, despite everyone's warmth towards Stella, the ratings are not particularly strong.
--What current shows do they love? All agreed on Wondershowzen and David Wain name-checked Andy Milonakis.
--Worst sketch comedy ever? Near unanimity once again with The Newz and She-TV.
--"Uh... Which role would you want to play most? A doctor or a cop?" asked a random geek from the audience. Peering deeper into the darkened lecture hall, it was no random geek on the mic. It was Eugene Mirman! The audience--most of which were oblivious to his true identity--giggled and groaned along as he fumbled with his banal question.
--David Cross took a final query from Mirman to end the discussion: "What percentage of your brain is safe to use when writing sketch comedy?"

Continue reading "Tokion's Creativity Now Conference featuring David Cross, Michael Showalter, David Wain, and Neal Brennan @ Cooper Union - 10.15.5"

Posted by The Apiary in Show Recap at 12:04 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (1)

"Mission Accomplished, " Decrees Improv Everywhere

Elated is the feeling over at the IE camp. A rain delay caused their most recent mission, the MP3 Experiment 2.0, to be pushed back to Sunday. A beautiful afternoon lured out l50 or more experimenters ready for commands to simultaneously do fun and silly things by an omnipotent voice prerecorded to an MP3 and loaded onto their iPods. The official Improv Everywhere report is expected later this week.

Of note: in the IE comments section of the mission, the first comment posted alleges that Bono from U2 was SPOTTED coming out of a nearby Central Park entrance around the exact time at which all of the Improv Everywhere folks were finishing up and leaving the park. Was Bono there to check out the same gang who once stopped traffic by taking to a manhattan rooftop and pretending to be U2?

Posted by The Apiary in General Interest at 10:23 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

October 14, 2005

The Sting: The Colbert Report is looking for audience members, Chelsea Peretti remembers her teenage years, David Cross fingered in lawsuit, and more!

Be An Audience Member for the Colbert Report

Sketch Comedy Troupe Fearsome Prepares for Brand New Show

MP3 Experiment 2.0 THIS Saturday Unless There is a Rain Delay

Whitest Kids Now On Your Cellular Telephone

Michelle Collins' Mother Rubs Elbows with Man Who Throws it In Star Jones

Oops! Which NYC Comedienne Got Caught in Her Own Mousetrap?

Bobby Tisdale Pens the Best Dramatic Meditation on Age and Relationships Since Driving Miss Daisy

David Cross and Sub-Pop Sued By Alleged Douchebag

Alleged Douchebag Unfamiliar With Proper Channels of Litigation Creates Bizarre Website Taunting David Cross; According to Bizarre Website, You Can Contact Alleged Douchebag at (615) 354-5205 --via Ricky

Joe Wengert Pleads With Friends, "DO NOT spoil tonight's episode of According to Jim"

Posted by The Apiary in The Beehive at 12:43 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (2)

Carolyn Castiglia Gives Birth to Baby Girl

Mintyfresh and Chicks & Giggles comedienne, Carolyn Castiglia, released the IMPENDING BABY from her womb Thursday, according to a full report on Nichelle Stephens site. Congratulations!

If you're unsure what kind of gift to get Carolyn, we hear Buy Buy Baby has a ton of these still in stock.

Funny jpg courtesy of Amanda Melson

Posted by The Apiary in True Accounts at 11:38 AM | Comments (1)

October 13, 2005

Tokion's Creativity Now Conference

This weekend, Tokion is hosting its 3rd annual Creativity Now Conference at Cooper Union. One thing on their schedule that stands out is the closing event on Saturday:

6:15 – 7:15
Writing Comedy
moderated by David Cross (Mr. Show)
Neal Brennan (Chappelle's Show)
David Wain (The State, Stella).

It's kind of way $$$$$ if you're only interested in this one talk though. But, if you're A FRIEND OF THE ARTS--which should not be confused with being A FRIEND OF DOROTHY--then you might be stoked about what is happening there.

Other enthusiasm regarding this matter on the net at the following sites:
Gallery Hopper
RD Burst
Mr. Vegan
A Special Thing

Posted by The Apiary in General Interest at 3:34 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Comedian Catfights Rage Across Internet

Currently:
Erik Neilsen Uses Oxford English Dictionary in Brazen Attack on Andy Kindler

Previously:
Joe Rogan Calls Carlos Mencia a Good For Nothing Butthole

Are any others raging right now?

Posted by The Apiary in The Beehive at 1:09 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (1)

Nick Kroll Hires Assistant To Click the Send Button On His Own Email

We received the Welcome to Our Week email yesterday and noticed that the sender was not Nick Kroll aka the owner/operator of the show--rather, it was sent by new co-host and RISING COMIC, John Mulaney.

We asked RISING COMIC John Mulaney, "What happened to Nick?!"

He replied:

He is still co-hosting with me but is too busy with major ad campaigns to send the email.

A recent-history lesson recalls that Nick's former co-host, Jessi Klein, has been on an unspecified leave of absence since August while she is out in LA writing for Comedy Central's, The Showbiz Show with David Spade.

Anyways, tonight is a VERY SPECIAL Yom Kippur edition of the show. Patrick Borelli, Brian Donovan, Jackie Novack, and Chris Himes are the featured guests. 8PM @ Rififi - FREE

Posted by The Apiary in Stand Up at 12:31 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

October 12, 2005

Update on New York Press Controversy

This is venturing a little out of our beat, but for those interested, Fishbowl NY researched the comments made by Neil Swaab in Tuesday's interview and located the blog of Judy McGuire, the sex advice columnist who also was unceremoniously released from The New York Press this week. As one would imagine, she was not happy.

Read all about it here.

Posted by The Apiary in General Interest at 11:45 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Formerly Heavy Comic Tells All In Heavy Comic Book

Came across a graphic novel called True Porn Vol. 2 the other day--a 244 page anthology of true-life sex stories as told by a myriad of talented folks. Guess which Apiary favorite wrote a piece for it?

Liam McEneaney!

Won't give away the ending to his story, but here's the set-up: A morbidly obese Liam McEneaney walks into a XXX porn shop looking for a job as a jizz mopper...

Is it REALLY true though? We asked the NOW-SLENDER comic and he said it's 100 percent accurate and that it's one of the oldest jokes in his act.

Posted by The Apiary in General Interest at 1:47 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

October 11, 2005

Amy Sedaris on Board for Superhero Fashion Show

Just heard that Amy Sedaris has joined the ALL STAR line up of power-comics, haute couture fashion designers, and literary elite for 826NYC's wildly intriguing SUPERHERO FASHION SHOW.

826NYC runs a non-profit kids tutoring & writing center in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The space also doubles as a superhero supplies dealer. If you look around their site, you'll see all sorts of interesting names on the Board of Directors and Donors lists like Yo La Tengo, Leo Allen, Late Night producer Daniel Ferguson, Built By Wendy, and David Cross. You too can get involved there if you're into helping people.

Others on board for the fashion show are Daily Show correspondents, Rob Corddry, Samantha Bee, and Ed Helms.

Phenomenal seats are still available because their PR department hasn't really drummed up and down the streets yet - (snagged tickets 5 rows from the stage). Tickets available here

Here is a picture of Amy Sedaris modelling for PETA.

Posted by The Apiary in at 2:05 PM | Comments (3)

Inside With: Neil Swaab, Creator of Rehabilitating Mr. Wiggles

After 5 years of weekly comic strips, Neil Swaab's Rehabilitating Mr. Wiggles has been unceremoniously axed by the New York Press' new editors. With a masthead that changes with the breeze, one wonders why the New York Press would drop one of the few consistent things readers look forward to in their paper. We asked Neil what the heck is going on over there and what we can do to find Mr. Wiggles a home in NYC.

What exactly is going on with the NY Press?
Isn't that always the question? It seems like from the first day I started, that question was getting asked. The Press has gone through a series of editors upon Russ Smith's sale a few years back. John Strausbaugh was fired, replaced by Lisa Kearns who stepped down after only a few weeks, replaced by Jeff Koyen who in turn quit after a couple years over the Death of the Pope scandal, and then helmed by Alex Zaitchik until he was fired several weeks ago and replaced with Harry Siegel. Each editor has had their own vision of the paper some more successful than others. I thought Alex's was very successful and it's a shame they cut him off so early. He had a smart, intelligent, and irreverent take on the paper and also had a good sense of humor and treated the contributors with respect. Long story short, the new editors have decided that after five years in the paper, my popular comic strip, Rehabilitating Mr. Wiggles, didn't fit into their vision of the paper. So they fired me. Over e-mail. Wouldn't even bother to do it over the phone or in person which is kind of crappy to do to someone who's helped define the paper for the past five years. Anyway, that about sums it up.

Clearly The Press is scrambling to find an editorial voice that engages anyone other than themselves. It's well known that Gawker has put a deathwatch on the paper. Do you feel that dropping Mr. Wiggles is part of an enlightened bureaucratic overhaul with the paper's voice? Or do you think this is just another step on its road to ruin?
I can only speculate on the real reasons the new editors of The NY Press decided to drop my comic. I knew from reading what the editor of one of my other papers referred to recently as "that pretentious, wanker manifesto" they published the first week they started, that my comic probably wasn't going to appeal to them. Anyone who publishes a manifesto with no hint of irony probably isn't going to get the humor of my comic. Apply that logic to the rest of what makes the paper great and you get what the paper is currently turning into.

The listings have become clones of the other papers, they've fired the excellent relationship expert Judy McGuire, they've done an interview with George Clooney (George Clooney for God's sake!), and they actually intend on publishing poetry (again, with no irony)! I can't imagine this paper appealing to anyone other than the guys who make it. Which is good for the editors because they're firing everyone who's made it great and replacing them with their friends. So they'll all be happy at least. But ultimately it's the readers and advertisers who will determine its success or failure. Do I think the paper is headed towards it's demise? Not really. They've been saying that from the first day I started. I don't think the paper is going out of business anytime soon.

As long as people continue to pick it up and advertisers continue to buy space in it, it'll last. If it does go belly up, it'll probably be more from the competition of the internet, news blogs, and craigslist than from the people at the top.

It doesn't make much sense. Was this all just out of the blue?
It's always a possibility when the masthead changes over because editors like to shake things up and you never know what appeals to them. And, as I mentioned above, I didn't think my comic would be their thing, but there were no hints before the actual firing. An ironic story is that I was at a bar two nights before and ran into fellow cartoonist Dean Haspiel and he alerted me to the fact my strip wasn't in the paper that week. Figuring it just got cut because of space which sometimes happens I joked that maybe they were firing me. I guess the joke was on me.

Has the Village Voice expressed interest? Will Mr. Wiggles find a new home in the city?
I just dropped off a package to some folks at the Voice. Hopefully they'll be interested. I think it would be very smart for them to pick up the comic for a variety of reasons and I'd love to be in their paper, but honestly, I think the likelihood is very slim. I'll just have to cross my fingers and hope.

Is there anything we can do about it?
Absolutely. If you enjoy the comic, then please let the editors know how you feel about this decision to fire me and ask them to reconsider. The only way it will be able to come back to the paper is if people like you let it be known that you won't stand for it. You can e-mail the editors at editorial@nypress.com or Harry Siegel at hsiegel@nypress.com. You might also want to try Tim Marchman as well at tmarchman@nypress.com. If you'd care to send snail mail, the address is:

New York Press
333 7th Ave., 14th Floor
New York, NY 10001

Another thing is to write to the Village Voice and inquire about them picking up my comic and tell them how much you'd like to be able to keep reading it. I don't have an e-mail address from them (maybe one of your smart readers will be able to provide one), but their mailing address is:

The Village Voice
36 Cooper Square
New York, NY 10003

If you can spare a few minutes, send an email or two to the editors letting them know what you think. Collections of Neil's strips have been published in two volumes: Rehabilitating Mr. Wiggles Vol.1 and Attitude Featuring: Neil Swaab, Rehabilitating Mr. Wiggles (AKA Rehabilitating Mr. Wiggles Vol. 2). Until Wiggles finds a new home in NYC, you can continue to read his comics here.

ADDENDUM by Neil Swaab
This interview was conducted a day or two after I was fired and I was in a pretty bad mood to say the least. What I wanted to clarify was the reason that I was fired. Or at least the reason I was told. In their e-mail, they said it was time to open up the space to give to new cartoonists. You can infer from that whatever you want. I made my own inferences based on that e-mail and the new agenda at the paper and what else was going down and that's what I felt at the time of this interview. I won't publicly comment on my feelings now (assume they're bad), other than to offer up their explanation for you to make your own inferences.

Posted by The Apiary in EXCLUSIVELY at The Apiary at 8:06 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack (5)

October 10, 2005

A Night at The UCBT - 10.8.05

The Saturday shows at the UCBT were listed as part of the Underground Comedy Festival, so to escape the torrential downpour outside, we decided to make use of our festival passes and spend the evening in at the theatre. B&W photography by Brandi Ediss.

A.A.I.F.A.A.
For his solo show, Aziz is now doing a 30 minute straight set of roughly half new material/half old. Retired: Tommy Tallarico, M.I.A., and all wall punching stories (and corresponding foam props).

The Wicked Wicked Hammerkatz

Mother: The Soundtrack
"One of UCB's signature shows, Mother uses your CD's and Ipods as inspiration, spinning your music collection into a wicked web of stupid-smart insanity." -- from the UCB site

Reuben Williams
The rain outside proved too much for the old leaky pipes at the theatre. Water from above flooded onto the stage and inspired some terrific puddle humor.

More photos of Aziz here.
More photos of Hammerkatz here.
More photos of Reuben Williams here.

Posted by The Apiary in Show Recap at 1:10 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

They're Just Like Us: Head Writer of Late Night is a STRAPHANGER

Conan O'Brien's right hand man and head writer, Mike Sweeney, was SPOTTED reading the New York Post on a Rockefeller Center bound B-Train this morning. Someone should tell him Conan doesn't tape on Monday!! LOLOL.

Today's subway sighting proves that vastly successful head writers of insanely popular TV shows are JUST LIKE US!

Posted by The Apiary in They're Just Like Us at 11:29 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

October 7, 2005

The Sting: Improv Everywhere wants YOU for fun upcoming mission, Mr. Wiggles left homeless in NYC, the women of SHAC release a new video, and more!

Improv Everywhere Hosts The MP3 Experiment 2.0 Next Week, Participation is Recommended!

Demetri Martin Takes Stage Under Astute Eye of Legendary Westbeth Theatre Group

Elephant Larry Member Visits Set of Late Night, Reveals Insider Information

Oh No He Din't

Speaking of Andres Du Bouchet, Special Performance of His Monologues to Run Through October

New York Press Drops Rehabilitating Mr. Wiggles; Rise to Action Requested

Carolyn Castiglia to Live Blog Birth of Baby?

Sources Say Lisa Leingang Leaves NBC; Future of PSNBC Uncertain

New Talent Discovered!: Rob Corddry's Brother, Nate

Cracked.com Launches; Servers Can Barely Handle Influx of Visitors

SketchFest NYC Seeks Talent for 2006 Festival

Variety SHAC Ladies Premiere New Video

Posted by The Apiary in The Beehive at 10:08 AM | Comments (2)

October 6, 2005

Inside With: Raisin, Singer-Songwriter

A string of sold out performances at The PIT and a show extension through October are par for the course for the inspirational folk balladeer known only as Raisin. To date, the mainstream press has all but ignored him and internet people have called this powerful new voice in the musical community, "creepy." Determined to uncover the truth about this uncelebrated figure and his lifestyle, The Apiary tracked Raisin down and shook him for answers to the questions that matter.

Hey Raisin, it's so good to finally talk to you one on one. Where are you from and what brings you to New York City?
Holy moly, you get straight to the meaty part of an interview! None of this, "what's your favorite color?" or "who cuts your hair?" – Right down to brass tacks – OK, here we go – In reality I live in an old farmhouse on an unincorporated plot of land – but in my mind I'm from the heather fields at the base of Peekaboo Mountain, just north of Friendship Village. As for why I'm now spending time in the world's greatest city, I guess it's mostly to meet Diddy.

Tell us, what's a day in the life of Raisin really like?
Gosh, can you say "inspiring"? – Because that's what it is. I live to live, you know. I do what anyone else who enjoys the spirit forces of life would do. I skip and laugh, curl up in balls and cry, meditate and drink tea, take long baths and stare at candles – there's not much time for outside friendships.

Rum Tiddy Pum Pum is a really pretty and melodic song of yours. What's it all about?
Rum Tiddy Pum Pum is a way of life; a philosophy. It's that unwritten song that plays in your heart. It's your mating call. It's a greeting to your neighbors and a silent whisper of encouragement to yourself if you're having second thoughts (i.e., "gosh, can I really take the subway by myself?" "Rum tiddy pum pum! Yes you can!" "Gee, thanks silent whisper of encouragement!").

A recent Gothamist write-up referred to you as "creepy." How do you respond to this bold allegation?
I have no problem with it. C.R.E.E.P.Y = Cool, rocking, exciting entertainer! – Peace! Yo!

What does the future hold for you and your message? Would you care to make any shout outs?
As with any undeniable talent that bursts on the scene – the future is bright. My message will undoubtedly work its way into the global conscience very quickly, like Bob Dylan and Yanni. As for "shout outs" I don't give them. I do give out what I call "howdy dos!" – so, if I may, I'd like to give a "howdy do" to my mom, and to my grandmother that lives in our basement.

You can see Raisin LIVE at "Raisin's Campfire Fun Time" tonight at The PIT and every Thursday throughout the end of the month. Also, Raisin might be known to some as Late Night with Conan O'Brien senior writer, Brian McCann.

Posted by The Apiary in EXCLUSIVELY at The Apiary at 12:35 PM | Comments (2)

October 5, 2005

Surprise Megastar Lets Us Go Inside Tomorrow

The Apiary is preparing a SUPER-COLOSSAL Inside With for Thursday.

Two Hints:
1) S/He MIGHT be a writer for A LEADING NIGHTTIME TELEVISION PROGRAM
2) S/He MIGHT have a SOLD OUT SHOW EVERY WEEK at one of the city's top theatres.

Come back tomorrow!

Posted by The Apiary in General Interest at 5:16 PM | Comments (1)

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