the comic's comic

David Letterman apologizes for banning Bill Hicks

Will have more to say on this later, but here is a link to edited footage of David Letterman acting very gracious with Mary Hicks, mother of the late comedian Bill Hicks, before airing the Oct. 1, 1993 set Hicks performed that got cut from the initial broadcast. Click here, or watch here:

Dave Hill and Wyatt Cenac chat in an elevator

New York magazine lets comedian Dave Hill interview other performers and put it to video, and what makes it special is how he conducts his chats openly in a public elevator. "Going Up!" Here, Hill corners Daily Show correspondent Wyatt Cenac, who has a feature film debuting tonight, Medicine for Melancholy, at the IFC Center. The conversation takes a turn and targets John Oliver. I enjoy the fact that Hill and company don't mind at all that other people get on and off the elevator. They cannot be deterred from their mission of providing us with chuckles. Watch:

Related: After the jump, watch the trailer for Medicine for Melancholy.

Friday Face-Off: Sarah Silverman vs. 30 Rock

My friends at Videogum shared this short digital allegation earlier today, in which YouTube user juanjuan5768 claims that a 30 Rock plot is way too similar to an earlier episode of The Sarah Silverman Program that aired on Comedy Central. Watch:

My first thought: Meh. This literal take on a racial-facial face-off isn't anything new, from the groundbreaking work of "Black Like Me" to the what-were-they-thinking efforts of C. Thomas Howell in Soul Man and Shawn and Marlon Wayans in White Chicks. Who did it best? NBC's 30 Rock certainly goes for it more than Silverman's simpleton black clown look, although the latter's choice makes the outrage in her episode absurdist. But the correct answer is and always will be: Eddie Murphy in his "White Like Me" short film for Saturday Night Live.

Nightline explores "The Economy of Comedy"

Just as ABC is refuting a report in today's New York Times that it may move Jimmy Kimmel a half-hour earlier into Nightline's spot, the late-night ABC news program just happened to devote a segment to stand-up comedy. What a delightful coincidence!

Nightline stopped by the Comedy Cellar, talked to Colin Quinn and broadcast economic jokes from Quinn, Jim Norton, James Smith and D.C. Benny, and also ventured over to Carolines to interview Mario Cantone. Suffice it to say, the premise is that when times are tough, people want to laugh. If ABC News would embed videos, you could see it here. Until then, click here to watch the Nightline "Economy of Comedy" report.

Steve Harvey's new book, comedy tour

One of The Original Kings of Comedy is back on the road in two separate tours, one telling jokes and the other promoting his new relationship advice book. Steve Harvey's "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man" is based on an advice segment from his nationally syndicated morning radio program. Harvey took to the airwaves Tuesday when the book came out, appearing on The Early Show and Conan, among other places. Last night, fans came out in droves to downtown Brooklyn's Barnes & Noble to see him (right), so many that several uniformed police officers kept the peace both inside and outside the bookstore.

Harvey's book tour continues tonight in Pennsylvania and then ventures south. His "Tear Your Mouth Out" comedy tour has seven stops this winter and spring.

Related: Unfortunately, HarperCollins didn't get the book title in its own Web address, because an "e-book" author already has it. Don't confuse one for the other.

The Untitled Sal Lupo Project

Many of you have never heard of Sal Lupo. A few of you may have seen Lupo try his hand at stand-up comedy in New York City at the Greg Johnson and Larry Murphy show and in Boston touring with Eugene Mirman, but it turns out this taxicab driver from Canarsie has a much deeper backstory that involves the CIA, and he's putting it all on film in The Untitled Sal Lupo Project. This trailer is rated NSFW for profanity, mild violence and nudity. (Via Purns)

More CollegeHumor Show promos

The kids over at CollegeHumor have shot a new promotional advertisement for their upcoming weekly MTV half-hour television program, which debuts Feb. 8. Short, but sweet.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Related: CollegeHumor appears live tonight with Streeter and Jeff hosting stand-up guests Kumail Nanjiani, Roger Hailes, Amy Schumer and Justin Kredible at the UCB Theatre in NYC.

After the jump, a new funny sketch from Elephant Larry that shows how much a little money, technological know-how and production values can really enhance your sketch, plus the CH "Mad Libs" take on Mad Men.

President Obama impersonators: The first 7 days

In the first week of life under President Barack Obama, we already have two strong impersonations to consider.

Alphacat, aka Iman Crosson, has earned more than a million views for his Obama parody of Beyonce's "Single Ladies" on YouTube, and he just uploaded this to Funny Or Die yesterday. New York magazine caught up with him last month.

Beyonce- Single Ladies SPOOF - watch more funny videos

Jordan Peele, meanwhile, continues to push his Obama forward even though he's still no longer on MADtv. Then again, pretty soon, no one will be on MADtv. Something about how the light reflects off his head makes the hair seem a little too gray for current Obama, though. But I quibble. Enjoy.

Obama Reads Bush's Letter - watch more funny videos

The rise of 12 Angry Mascots

Comedians in New York City have a way of turning their offstage obsessions into onstage talk shows. Just check out the Comic Book Club on Tuesday nights at The PIT for a weekly meeting of the minds among comedians Justin Tyler, Pete LePage, and Alex Zalben learning more from professional comic book artists, or Game Bros. Live at the UCB Theatre in which Thomas Middleditch and Kumail Nanjiani get fellow performers to discuss their love and strategies on video games.

Now comes 12 Angry Mascots, a sports-based comedy-variety talk show by Scott Rogowsky (writer, The Onion News Network) and Neil Janowitz (writer, ESPN The Magazine). They first attempted 12 Angry Mascots as a "Spank" show at the UCB in September, and return tonight for what they hope is a regular run at The Cell Theatre at Ninth Avenue and West 23rd Street. Tonight's special guest is Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Fernando Perez, who made his rookie debut as a September call-up during the Rays magical run last fall. There also will be stand-up comedy from Greg Johnson, sketches from Matt Mayer and Laura Lane, videos and more. Here's a video from the "Super Bowl Writers Room" featuring Connie Renda, Tom McCaffrey, Adam Newman, Zach Norton, Trevor Williams, Rogowsky and Janowitz.

After the jump, Rogowsky answers a couple of questions.

Mark your calendars: Carolines fund-raisers

Carolines comedy club in Times Square has started 2009 with quite an all-star, fund-raising bang. Please mark your calendars thusly:

Louis CK performs a full 70-minute set tonight, with Ted Alexandro opening, in a special performance to raise money for P.S. 3, the elementary school his daughters attend. Info here.

And on Feb. 3, an all-star lineup including David Cross, Zach Galifianakis, Janeane Garofalo, Demetri Martin, John Oliver and Paul F. Tompkins and other surprise guests will gather for "Stand-Ups give BAC," a fund-raiser for the Brooklyn Autism Center. Advance tickets ($100-$150) can be purchased at www.brooklynautismcenter.org or at the door with cash or check. The cost includes two beverages and is tax-deductible, with all proceeds going to the BAC.

Bonnie Hunt's "Idol" audition as Kim Zolciak

This clip arrived in my inbox earlier this week, and I can safely say that this shows a different side of Bonnie Hunt than I think we've seen from her in quite some time. Buttoned-up she is not today. On her daytime talker today, you'll get to see Hunt "audition" for American Idol pretending to be Kim Zolciak, one of the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Is that something you'd like to see? If I told you that Hunt shows off some impressive cleavage, would that change your mind? Then click here.

VH1's Best Week Ever reveals (almost) all in Best Evening Ever

In case you missed it, John Hodgman moderated a highly amusing panel and performance last night at the 92YTribeca by the folks at VH1's newly revamped Best Week Ever with Paul F. Tompkins, including not only PFT but also Doug Benson, Chuck Nice, executive producer Sean Johnson and writer/producer Caissie St. Onge.

Hodgman and Tompkins have begun an equally compelling comedy sideshow in 2009 on Twitter, where the two comedians carry on a continuous conversation as @Hodgman and @Twitterkins -- in between moments of online oneupsmanship, they managed to pose for a photo, which they naturally posted last night on TwitPic. PFT told me after the show that Hodgman turned him onto the 140-characters-or-less mode of communication with friends and fans, and that he realizes that their "private" dialogue is, in essence, another type of performance. But you clicked on this post looking for details, details, details about Best Week Ever, didn't you? Alrighty then. Let's do this thing.

Before that, actually, this side note of news for PFT fans. Mr. Tompkins said he'll be recording his next comedy disc on March 14 at the Lakeshore Theatre in Chicago, so if you'd like to bear witness to that, you shall plan your Ides of March Eve accordingly. Tompkins and Janeane Garofalo also will host a monthly comedy showcase at the 92YTribeca in NYC. OK. Now to matters concerning the network formerly known as Video Hits One.

Hodgman and Tompkins had a running joke last night in which they continued to introduce each other onstage. Cute. Acknowledging his look (as seen in the above photo), Tompkins said at one point, " I thought it'd be appropriate tonight to dress up as Indiana Jones's dad." Before the panel began in earnest silliness, Tompkins, Nice and Benson each did about 10-15 minutes of stand-up, and then they showed a highlight reel of moments that had gotten cut from VH1, as Tompkins said, "because it was too hot to handle...or it was too long!" Among the unaired clips, a bizarre Outside the Actors Studio sketch filmed on the street between PFT and Andy Richter, a recap of the CSI: Miami episode that revolved around a "Doug Benson" (though that did air, as I recall), and PFT's "Yes We Can" music video set to Lindsay Lohan's ill-fitting leggings.

Nikki Glaser makes her Tonight Show debut

Nikki Glaser was a last-minute substitution for Paula Abdul on tonight's edition of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, which was an even bigger bonus for Glaser, because not only would this give Glaser her first late-night TV debut (supposing her network debut came during Last Comic Standing in 2007), but also because the live audience tonight was hot and loved her set.

Will update with the Hulu.com video later Wednesday when it becomes available (updated: click here and go straight to the start of the fifth segment at minute 32). Until then, enjoy this clip and others highlighting some earlier, older versions of bits Glaser performed tonight.

Related: More Nikki Glaser videos on Rooftop Comedy; Nikki Glaser videos on Effin Funny.

Important Things about Important Things with Demetri Martin

Comedy Central has begun releasing more details today about the upcoming new stand-up/sketch/musical comedy hybrid, Important Things with Demetri Martin, along with a newish video preview that first appeared last week. I attended the final taping of the six-episode run in December, which included elements of all six episodes, so watch this video, then prepare to learn many important things about Important Things with Demetri Martin:

Important Things with Demetri MartinWednesdays 10:30pm / 9:30c

Series Preview

More Funny Videos
Comedians on Tour

Get Funny Ringtones
Stand-Up Comedy

After the jump, 19 Important Things about Important Things with Demetri Martin...

Who wants to get "Rejected" tonight?

Many new books are hitting store shelves and becoming available for online shipping today, but only one book dares to publish the essays, stories and scripts that no one else wanted. That book, naturally, is called "Rejected: Tales of the Failed, Dumped & Canceled," and it's edited by comedian Jon Friedman, who has hosted a monthly Rejection Show of written and broadcasted performances in New York City for some time now (read: I'm not sure how long, but long enough to turn it into a book). Friedman has even more reasons to celebrate this week, as he just started a new job as a writer/blogger for NBC's upcoming Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. So tonight's free book release party at The Bell House in Brooklyn's Gowanus neighborhood should be quite the hoot, with live performances from book contributors David Wain, David Rees, Mike Albo, Dave Hill, Todd Levin, Odd Todd, Sara Schaefer, Tom McCaffrey, Katina Corrao, plus live music from Rejection Show house band The Defibulators and Adira Amram.

UPDATED! This just in from Friedman via email: "My dad is doing a duet with Adira Amram.  Also, free cupcakes."

Videos and book info after the jump.

Kumail Nanjiani as Stephen Colbert's secret prisoner

Last night's edition of The Colbert Report opened with stand-up comedian Kumail Nanjiani hiding under Stephen Colbert's desk as Colbert's secret Gitmo-style prisoner, Omar. Or is it Homer? That must have been weird, since he'd have to have been in there even before the audience arrived -- unless they snuck him in during a distraction. Or maybe it was magic! If you missed it, or if you just want to see it again, here is the clip:

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Stephen's Secret Prison

Colbert at Christmas
Colbert Christmas DVD

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

For those of you who don't already know and love Kumail, he was born in Pakistan, came to the United States to go to college...in Iowa. He then got involved in the Chicago comedy scene, and now lives in Brooklyn. He is quite funny. Much of his life story showed up in his one-man show, Unpronounceable.

After the jump, a clip of Kumail's stand-up.

Sound Fix is the new Rififi

Sadly, this has become true in more ways than one, as it's almost 100 percent likely that live comedy (and music) shows will come to an end in the back lounge of Sound Fix Records at the end of February. There is a sign taped to the door of the Williamsburg Brooklyn venue that asks patrons: "Please be quiet...Our neighbors are sleeping." Too little, too late. The neighbors have complained loudly and long enough -- Brownstoner reported back in April 2008 (as did Gothamist) about the various citations that led to a temporary shutdown and suspension of the liquor license -- that it appears the license to serve booze will go bye-bye a little over a month from now. From what I have been told, the owner simply didn't want to fight the neighbors on this any longer.

If it seems like only a year ago that live comedy shows were beginning to find a new happy home behind the Sound Fix record store, that's because it was only a year ago, as Max Silvestri started hosting shows then and I was pitching the venue as a potential full-on replacement for the East Village's Rififi, which closed last summer, in part, because that club's owner gave up a similar battle with the neighbors. Gabe & Jenny joined up with Max for weekly Big Terrific shows that have lived up to the name, and other shows soon followed suit, making for lively lineups and large audiences just about every weeknight. You can catch Entertaining the Bartender on Mondays, Comedy Free Williamsburg and Totally J/K on Wednesdays, Big Terrific on Thursdays, and various shows pop up on other nights. Perhaps it got too popular for its own good? Or can we blame the bands, because they'd be louder than stand-up comedy? More likely, it's merely a matter of location, location, location. At North 11th Street and Bedford Avenue, Sound Fix is only a few blocks north of Williamsburg's "hipster" epicenter, but those few blocks are just enough to put it squarely in a quieter residential neighborhood. Despite a "certificate of no objection" and a great high-ceilinged room, the free shows may not go on much longer without the liquor sales.

What if it were turned into an old-fashioned soda fountain and ice cream shop, though? Could you still enjoy a comedy show there without alcohol as an option? I know it's a crazy question to ask, but it's better than trying to figure out what venue is going to be the next Sound Fix.

Unaired 1993 Bill Hicks set airs Friday on Letterman

Mary Hicks, mother of the late Bill Hicks, is taping an appearance this afternoon on Late Show with David Letterman that will air Friday and include the twelfth and final performance by Hicks that the show had censored back in 1993. Why the change of heart now? We'll find out soon enough. Next month is the 15th anniversary of his early death, with events planned in England (the Brits always loved Hicks) and in Portland, Ore. (where childhood friend/comedian Dwight Slade lives). And later this year, the British-produced documentary American: The Bill Hicks Story should make it to the big screen.

In this segment from an earlier documentary about "Outlaw Comic" Hicks that I recall seeing at the HBO Aspen festival in 2002, Janeane Garofalo says in a voiceover how Mary Hicks received the only existing tape of the set from CBS and the show, but they couldn't use it at the time. Instead, they show part of the final performance ever from Hicks in 1994. Were he alive today, you can imagine how he'd feel about Miley Cyrus...

And in this public access TV appearance, Bill Hicks himself talks at length about his disputed appearance on Letterman:

Related: This is the 1993 New Yorker profile of Bill Hicks that he mentions in the above video.

UPDATED: For the set itself plus some of the chat between Letterman and Mary Hicks, click here.

2009 Comedy Central Stand-Up Showdown results

Today is the day for Comedy Central to broadcast a marathon of Comedy Central Presents half-hours (and in one comedian's case, an hourlong special) for the top 20 finishers in its annual Stand-Up Showdown vote. If you'd like to be surprised, stop reading now and come back later...because they have posted the full schedule online.

After the jump, today's Comedy Central schedule, as published online on the network's site:

Sundance 2009: Mo'Nique rewarded for drama in Push

You're used to seeing Mo'nique be large and in charge, whether it's delivering jokes on a comedy stage or by serving as a role model to women in her three seasons of F.A.T. Chance pageants on Oxygen. You're not that accustomed to seeing Mo'Nique take a dark dramatic turn, and the audiences and critics at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival loved her for it. She took home a special jury prize tonight for acting for her role as a monster of a mother in Push: Based on the Novel by Sapphire (the film also took home both the grand jury prize in dramatic competition as well as the audience award among U.S. dramas). Here she joins the director and cast mates to talk about it: