Saturday, January 31, 2009

Troubleshooting Guide for Timecorps’s VH3928 Model Time Machine

Baude, Jonathan and Boyd, Alex. Troubleshooting Guide for Timecorps’s VH3928 Model Time Machine. McSweeny’s 14 Septempber 2007. 31 January 2009. http://www.mcsweeneys.net/2007/9/14baudeboyd.html


This article, a mock instruction manual of a time machine, is an entry into the McSweeny’s magazine. It discusses many of the problems with today’s technology and the rush to release new, innovative products. Without careful thought put into these products, the risks of quickly developing technology are conveyed through humorous article. The time machine example demonstrates a technology that can be particularly dangerous if not used correctly. The manual attempts to help guide the reader through many of the problems that could arise while using the technology. However, only at the end of every entry to end with the same result, no real help is available. In conclusion, the article carefully questions the risks behind technology development without checks and balances.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler is a comedian and an actress.  She is best known for her years on Saturday Night Live (2001-2008).  She was also in the movies Baby Mama and Mean Girls.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Jeff Dunham - Achmed the Dead Terrorist



Jeff Dunham. Spark of Insanity. Dir. Michael Simon. Image Entertaintment, 2007. DVD. "Jeff Dunham - Achmed the Dead Terrorist." YouTube. 9.27.07. 2.9.09. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uwOL4rB-go>.

Jeff Dunham is one of the rare people who can actually do "Ventriloquism", which means he can manipulate his voice so that it appears that the voice is coming from elsewhere. His shows are mostly designed with his puppets that he animates. Achmed the dead terrorist is one of his best characters, which he basically has a conversation with a dead terrorist who has different culture and of course difference thinking ways than usual Americans. Jeff Dunham uses those points to take attention of his audience and make them laugh. It is a well-known video on youtube, having almost 81 million views. There are some other videos about the same character; however, this is the first and the best one from my perspective.

Watch the video or "I kill you!" :)

George Carlin - Class Clown: Seven Words



This is a video clip from George Carlin: Again!, a stand-up television special, filmed at The Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, Arizona in 1978. The specific bit, Seven Words, is taken from his audio CD Class Clown, recorded at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica, California. Prior to Class Clown, Carlin released Take-Offs and Put-Ons in 1967 and FM & AM in 1972, receiving a Grammy nomination, and a Grammy Award respectively. Themes introduced throughout the album are anti-Vietnam War sentiment, religious suppression, and profanity. In this video Carlin introduces us to a list of words that are banned from over the air television and AM/FM radio stations and proceeds to casually associate us with the words. The use of his list of "Seven Words" introduce us to the debate of profanity and prompts us to determine for ourselves what is socially acceptable given its context. The purpose of this piece is to have us question in our own minds what language can be used in mass media, pointing out that some of the words are already referred to in mainstream media through indirect reference. This bit was the catalyst in the Supreme Court Ruling which gave power to the Federal Communications Commission in determining what was "indecent" material. His audience is meant for young adults who are more lenient towards the controversial issues he brings up.

George Carlin. George Carlin: Again! Dir. Marty Callner. The Celebrity Theater. HBO. 1978. TV Special. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_Nrp7cj_tM

Aziz Ansari Live at Bonaroo

This is a pirated video, though of high quality, of Aziz Ansari's performance at Bonaroo 2007. Based in of L.A., Aziz has been featured on Comedy Central Presents, and is a main cast member on the MTV show entitled 'Human Giant'. His comedy is focused on young people, becuase he performs on MTV, tours colleges and stays current with regard to pop culture. This bit focuses on subjects such as popular culture and MTV, as well as the reputation of the Bonaroo Music Festival. Aziz's work also has recurring themes such as rape, drugs and his past life in New York City, all of which are touched on in this video.

Gabriel Iglesias: Drunk Driving & Presidential Elections

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Dave Chappelle: For What It's Worth


Dave Chappelle. For What It's Worth. Dir. Stan Lathan. The Fillmore Auditorium. Sony Pictures, 2004. DVD.


This DVD is a recording of Chappelle’s stand-up performance at the Fillmore auditorium in San Francisco. Themes of the one hour act include race, gentrification, law enforcement, celebrity crime, stereotyping and fame. In particular, his discussion of the specific character of the city of San Francisco raises issues of racial difference and community discord, noting the racial differences between San Francisco and nearby Oakland. Chappelle’s stand-up comedy frequently deals with issues of racial difference and racism. An actor in film as well, Chappelle had his own sketch comedy show on the Comedy Central network which dealt with many of the same issues. The comedian has also written and spoken publicly about the pressures of fame and the influence of money and power on the creative arts. He performs to a multiracial, multi-ethnic audience.