Evan Sayet's 'Right 2 Laugh' - A night of conservative comedy

VIDEO: Right To Laugh Trailer

A Preview of the new show Right To Laugh on RightNetwork. Find more at http://rightnetwork.com Join some of the most popular stand up comedians around for an evening of big laughs, political satire, pop culture skewering and a message we can all get behind... more laughter in our lives.

Evan Sayet is the founder of touring Comedy night 'Right 2 Laugh'. As Kelsey Grammer announces it is "a comedy show that proves that funny people and funny things come from both sides of the aisle".

Evan Sayet as his website declares is a purveyor of "Conservative Commentary and Conservative Comedy". He has been a player in Politics and Comedy having worked previously with Bill Maher and former President George W Bush.

Evan Sayet - Biography
Evan has written and/or produced in virtually every medium there is. Starting out as a standup comic he was quickly spotted by David Letterman... he was an integral part of the team that made “The Arsenio Hall Show” the first late night program in thirty years to give “The Tonight Show” a run for its money and then the very first Creative Consultant on the highly respected “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher” (back when Maher was funny).

The latest twist in Evan’s career came during the recent Presidential elections when he turned his attention and skills towards convincing others of the greatness of America and the need to reelect the President and stay the course in the Middle East. In short time Evan was made Communications Director for Los Angeles for President Bush...

- Find tour dates here - Evan Sayet and his Right to Laugh Comedy Tour in S.California
- Follow Evan Sayet on Twitter

Sam Seder unveils 'That's Bullsh*t': We're not Greece

APF pundit Sam Seder has unveiled new video project, 'THAT'S BULLSH*T'.

I've begun working on a new weekly feature entitled THAT'S BULLSH*T. It's about four minutes of video of me tackling some of the BULLSH*T floating around in the media ether.

The table is being set to make cuts in our Social Security, this week I shatter the latest coporatist scare tactic like a Greek plate at an ouzo party!...

You'll notice I haven't spelled out the second word in the title of this new feature. I've done so because my four year old (nearly 5) daughter proofreads all of my email blasts to work off all the food we feed her. I don't want her getting potty mouth, but let this be a warning for those of you who work in pre-schools- I say this word multiple times in this show!

VIDEO: That's Bullshit: We're not Greece

Sam's prior project was Break Room Live for the now defunct Air America partnering with longtime friend Marc Maron. You will notice the 'That's Bullsh*t - Seder VS Bull' graphic is an appropriation of the old BRL logo. While Marc quickly moved onto his personal 'WTF podcast', Sam has been relatively quiet outside of his regularly updated blog - SamSederShow.com
Here's hoping Sam finds a regular platform for his voice.

- Read and listen to my interview with Sam Seder
- Go to Sam Seder's YouTube channel

Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon wins GOP nod in Connecticut

via Politico

McMahon wins GOP nod in Conn.
Hartford, Conn. – Former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Linda McMahon won her party’s endorsement Friday night in the first round of ballots, defeating early frontrunner and longtime Connecticut GOP insider, former Rep. Rob Simmons...

As her vote tally began to surge, members of McMahon's family entered the convention center, including husband Vince McMahon, her mom, son, daughter and son-in-law, Paul Levesque, better known as the professional wrestler "Triple H." As the final votes were counted, the family stood stationary, ignoring the lights of the cameras literally surrounding them and refusing to respond when asked something.

When she took the stage to accept her victory, McMahon described it as "overwhelming." She reminded delegates that across town Democrats had endorsed Attorney General Richard Blumenthal by acclamation.

"I'd venture to say we’re going to lay the smackdown on him in November," she quipped, as her son Shane held up her hand in a victory gesture.

Read previous Linda McMahon posts here
- WWE's Linda McMahon on 'The View', leads GOP hopefuls for Connecticut Senate seat
- WWE's Linda McMahon prepares Connecticut Senate run

"Sultan of Snark" Joel Stein insults Fox News' Bill O'Reilly

Time columnist Joel Stein in an attempt to get his brand as "The Sultan of Snark™" mileage has started a feud with Bill O'Reilly by saying he is

a balding, jowly gerbil whose job has been reduced to wiping Glenn Beck's whiteboards
- Love Me, Love My Brand, Says the Sultan of Snark™

If you read the full context of Joel's smear you will see its largely facetious, though he would gain mightily if O'Reilly were foolish enough to take the bait. This wouldn't be the first time O'Reilly's been called out into a challenge

Joel's Stein's goading of a higher profile personality, fishing for some exposure is not unlike the promos found in pro-wrestling where a lesser tier wrestler will spend segments challenging the main eventers. For the most part its an exercise in comic relief with the main eventers rarely participating as it would lessen their value to associate with the lowly challenger.

But one never knows. Every once in a while a main eventer will accept the challenge, a demolition usually follows. Here's hoping Bill O'Reilly takes Stein's challenge.

VIDEO: Stone Cold gives Santino Marella a beer bath

Find a previous APF post featuring Joel Stein here - Political life imitates art: Stephen Colbert for President and Al Franken for Senate

Controversial author Christopher Hitchens appearing at Sydney Writers Festival

Controversial author Christopher Hitchens will be in Sydney, Australia for the 'Sydney Writers Festival' (May 15-23, 2010). He will be making appearances discussing his pet themes of politics and Religion as well as introducing his new autobiography 'Hitch 22'.

Christopher Hitchens (International)
Christopher Hitchens, "one of the most prolific, and well as brilliant, journalists of our time" ('Observer'), is a widely published polemicist and frequent radio and TV commentator. He is a contributing editor to 'Vanity Fair' and a visiting professor of liberal studies at the New School in New York. His numerous books include the international bestseller 'God is Not Great'. His latest book is 'Hitch 22: A Memoir'.

appearing at...
88: No He Can’t?
184: Programmatic Specificity We Can Believe In
195: Christopher Hitchens

Here are Christopher Hitchens' dates in detail:

Event 88: No He Can’t?
When: Friday, May 21
Time: 11:30 - 12:30
... A little over a year after Obama's historic election, Christopher Hitchens, Anne Davies and Don Watson put the Obama presidency under the microscope. Can we still believe in hope? Chair: Geoffrey Garrett.

Event 184: Programmatic Specificity We Can Believe In
When: Saturday, May 22
Time: 16:00 - 17:00
Is soaring rhetoric just as much the enemy of democracy as the numbing bureaucratese beloved by so many politicians? Former New South Wales premier Nathan Rees, the ABC's Annabel Crabb, and US-based British journalist Christopher Hitchens dissect the importance of language to democracy and good quality government. Chair: Neil James.

Event 195: Christopher Hitchens
When: Saturday, May 22
Time: 20:00 - 21:30
Last time he was here he talked about God. Now, he talks about Hitch. On the publication of his autobiography, 'Hitch 22', Sydney Writers' Festival presents journalist, philosopher and raconteur, Christopher Hitchens. He speaks with Julian Morrow.

Read previous APF posts featuring Christopher Hitchens:
- Watch Christopher Hitchens volunteer to get waterboarded for Vanity Fair Magazine
- The art of "Selling" - Christopher Hitchens with Ralph Reed on 'Hannity and Colmes'

WWE's Linda McMahon on 'The View', leads GOP hopefuls for Connecticut Senate seat

I mentioned previously former WWE CEO Linda McMahon's bid for a Connecticut Senate seat. The GOP primary race maybe resolved as early as a fortnight with Linda McMahon seen as most favorable Republican representative to challenge Democrat Richard Blumenthal who enjoys a comfortable lead.

In Case You Missed It: McMahon Campaign Catches Fire
Democratic Senate hopeful Richard Blumenthal continues to pull in over 50% of the vote and hold a double digit lead no matter who he’s matched against.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in Connecticut finds Blumenthal leading Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, by a margin of 52% to 39%...

The GOP contest may be sorted out as early as May 21 at the party’s state convention or linger until an August 10 primary. McMahon, drawing on her sizable personal fortune, is already heavily outspending Simmons and because of that money edge is viewed by many Republicans as more competitive against Blumenthal.

Apart from the endorsement of GOP Connecticut voters comes a glowing recommendation from wrestling living legend Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan for Linda McMahon
For a man who is bent on making a dent in Vince McMahon's WWE empire that helped make him a star, Hulk Hogan is unequivocal in his support of Linda McMahon in her bid for the U.S. Senate from Connecticut.

"I think she's going to win, Hogan said in answer to a question at the TV critics press tour in Pasadena, Calif., on Friday. "She's brilliant. She's a very gracious, very smart lady, and her intent and her agenda has always been to help the community and be plugged in and be involved. Inside or outside that wrestling world that the McMahons have created, Linda McMahon is a great person."

Another soft endorsement comes from Barbara Walters who makes an observation on how discriminant American voters are and have been.

VIDEO: Linda McMahon on 'The View' (January 21, 2010)

Connecticut Senate seat hopeful, Linda McMahon on ABC's 'The View'
BARBARA WALTERS: We've got some footage many people have enjoyed. You have been in the wrestling ring yourself. You have not just been the CEO. You've been slapped by your daughter. You've kicked a guy where it hurts... You've got good aim
SHERRI SHEPHERD: I think you could handle Washington
(audience laughs)
WALTERS: What do you think of people who say "You know, this is not a serious woman. We can't have you in the Senate?" Although I think this could get you elected.

Despite the perceived stigma of wrestling it hasn't stopped the likes of wrestling/fight personalities Jerry Lawler and Chael Sonnen from running and Jesse Ventura from winning.

¡SATIRISTAS! - A new book featuring comedians Janeane Garofalo, Bill Maher and Stephen Colbert

¡SATIRISTAS!: Comedians, Contrarians, Raconteurs & Vulgarians

From Paul Provenza, the man who brought you the ensemble comedy documentary 'The Aristocrats', comes another impressive lineup of comedians this time in book form. Featuring many of the APF's comedians from Bill Maher to Stephen Colbert comes '¡SATIRISTAS!: Comedians, Contrarians, Raconteurs & Vulgarians'

SATIRISTAS! Book Signing
Bill Maher, Stephen Colbert, Lewis Black, Billy Connolly, Patton Oswalt, Robin Williams, George F-ing Carlin. They are all Satiristas! – a cadre of independent comic provocateurs targeting political hypocrisy, media distortion, complacency and the institutionalized ignorance infecting American culture.

Through candid interviews and intimate art portraits, stand-up comedy veteran and filmmaker Paul Provenza and comedy’s go-to photographer Dan Dion shine a spotlight on some of the most interesting comic artists who influence and critique American culture.

Go to the official SATIRISTAS! website

Watch a clip starring many of the featured comedians on the Satiristas book

VIDEO: The Andy Borowitz Report: Obama's First Year at the 92nd Street Y

Broadcast News has a new whipping boy: Glenn Beck and Jon Stewart roast CNN's Rick Sanchez

It seems as though broadcast news has a new whipping boy, CNN's Rick Sanchez. Sanchez is lampooned as he embodies the caricature of the 'empty headed Anchorman'. Former #1 target Glenn Beck is one of Sanchez's enthusiastic critics. Beck like Sanchez was mocked for his over the top antics and bufoonery, for Beck however most of the slings came because detractors felt threatened by his raging popularity and influence. Unfortunately Sanchez cannot make the same claim, some are arguing he may just be a real life Ron Burgundy.

Jon Stewart and Glenn Beck pile on CNN anchor Rick Sanchez

Jon Stewart: Like a guy at a party who’s doing a lot of coke, who traps you in a corner, who explains really intensely how an ant is the strongest animal on earth

Glenn Beck: Rick Sanchez is the biggest dope on television

VIDEO: Glenn Beck roasts Rick Sanchez

VIDEO: Jon Stewart goes after CNN's Rick Sanchez
The Uninformant!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Tea Party

Iron Man and Captain America get political? Are they Conservative and Liberal darling?

Frequent consumers of political blogs will be familiar with editorials where authors argue that a popular but otherwise apolitical group or cultural product belongs to the left or right. In this instance the case being made - "Superhero movies are conservative".

Men of iron and steel
The release of “Iron Man 2” this weekend kicks off the summer blockbuster season. It’s an interesting cultural moment for conservatives. The movie version of Iron Man is one of the most unambiguously libertarian figures in popular culture, a billionaire industrialist playboy who spends much of the new movie telling the government to get bent when it tries to claim his amazing suit of high-tech armor. He’s patriotic, loves the military, and views the bad actors of the world from a Reaganite position of moral confidence. In the original movie, he did what Hollywood has been painfully reluctant to do, ever since September 11: he flew over to the Middle East and took out the trash...

The recent wave of super-hero movies has been largely agreeable to conservatives...

It is an interesting piece by Doctor Zero, clearly an avid comic book reader.

The piece goes on to mention the disparity between the "pro-conservative views" found in the blockbuster movies and the "liberal slant" found in the source material of the comics

The characters [in the movies] haven’t been overexposed and eroded through complex re-inventions [like they have in the books], leading lazy writers to inject leftist cant into their stories, in a desperate attempt to seem relevant and high-minded. Average folks who enjoy “Iron Man 2” this weekend would be utterly baffled by the portrayal of a nearly fascist Tony Stark in the recent “Civil War” storyline running through Marvel Comics. An industry that flirts with the idea of Captain America charging into battle against the Tea Party has lost touch with its roots, and taken leave of its senses. Fortunately, the superhero movies are giving us cleaner, more coherent interpretations of these great characters.

The idea that certain movies or heroes represent the values of certain political parties and politicians is not new. I previously mentioned how cultural writers have written that 'The Dark Knight' echoed George W Bush' brand of justice and that President Obama was some kind of Superman.

Marvel Comics: Captain America #602

But the most intriguing turn in the comic book universe is the reframing of Captain America as liberal patriot. With the latest controversy of Captain America seemingly portrayed as Anti-Tea Party threatening to alienate a portion of the fan base. Marvel Comics has responded to the controversy with Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada defending the Captain America #602 storyline but conceding there was an error in the editorial process.

Marvel admits to 'mistake' in controversial Captain America comic
It looks like Marvel Comics' Captain America is throwing his mighty shield at the Tea Party Movement. Warner Todd Huston wrote on his Publius forum blog that the super-powered soldier who fought the Nazis in WWII observes with disdain Americans who are seemingly compared to Tea Party Movement protesters of today...

Update: (May 10, 2010)
Perhaps this might bring up Iron Man's conservative credentials, here is Bill O'Reilly on his cameo in 'Iron Man 2'. I will post the actual film excerpt when that becomes available online. In the meantime find a full transcript with screen grabs of O'Reilly's scene from Flicksided.com - Bill O’Reilly Trashes Potts, Stark In Iron Man 2 (Screenshots)

VIDEO: Bill O'Reilly In 'Ironman 2'

Arizona's controversial immigration law and the Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns donning their "Los Suns" uniform variant

Arizona's recent immigration law change has been the source of national debate. The bill signed into law last month by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer makes it a misdemeanor for immigrants to be in Arizona without proper documentation and allows police officers to request proof of status if there is a "reasonable suspicion" that persons are in the country illegally.

NBA team The Phoenix Suns, who are currently locked in a heated Playoff series with the San Antonio Spurs have made a statement by donning their 'Los Suns' variant uniforms as a gesture of support to their diverse community. This show of support by the Suns organization has drawn enough attention that Rush Limbaugh has weighed in on it and President Obama used the Phoenix Suns for an applause line.

Professional Sports Should Man Up
RUSH LIMBAUGH: This is no different than the Republicans supporting amnesty back in 2007 because they don't want to offend anybody, and they hope to get these votes. So you have the ownership of the Phoenix Suns, the "Los Suns," and whoever, "We don't want to offend a portion of our fan base. We don't want to appear to be politically correct. We want to appear to be all inclusive and so forth." Well, fine and dandy but what happens when that contributes to the overall deterioration of the culture of the society? I just think it's cowardice. I'm sorry. I think it's cowardice, pure and simple.

Robin Williams chats with Marc Maron - WTF Podcast Episode 67

WTF with Marc Maron | Ep 67: Robin Williams

Marc Maron takes his brand of incisive conversation to arguably the most recognisable comedian of this generation - Robin Williams. Its an enlightening sit-down, with Robin Williams using his indoor voice for the whole hour talking candidly about celebrity, bitterness, vices and joke stealing

Episode 67 - Robin Williams
Yeah, Marc's sitting down with Robin Williams for an hour. No big deal. So what do you talk about with an international comedy superstar? How about alcoholism, cocaine, divorce, joke stealing, heart surgery, fame, Richard Pryor, jealousy, and Twitter? Yeah. That should do it.

Maron tells Punchline Magazine about his trepidation before the interview considering Williams' public persona as a Tangent-Tasmanian devil.

Marc Maron delves into the real Robin Williams
Maron continues: “No matter what your opinions may be of him he was, and might still be, one of the biggest comedy stars in the world. I was nervous because I didn’t want to get caught up in the Williams riff cyclone and be blown out without getting a real interview– a genuine conversation with him. We sat down for about an hour and he stayed still and focused and open. This is a rare chat with a huge star.