This week's list
GREAT:
Dave Attell is one of the rare standups who's almost universally respected by other comedians. He's able to tell filthy stories without losing the audience, but he's also overflowing with short, perfect one-liners. Two of my favorite Attell jokes are "Eggnog, who thought that one up? 'I want to get a little bit drunk, but I also want pancakes.'" and "They say the healthiest foods are chicken and fish. So I say combine them: Eat a penguin." Growing up, my idea of what a comedian's life was like came from watching Insomniac. He'd finish performing at a club and then spend the whole night exploring whatever city he happened to be in. Turns out, that is not in any way what my life as a comedian looks like (I love sleeping way too much to pull an all-nighter), but it's still a great show. This Jason Zinoman profile captures Attell's magic. Dave Attell is Our Greatest Club Comic (Says the Writer He Made Fun Of)
FUNNY:
Aparna Nancherla is another comic that everyone loves. She's so funny, creative, and kind. Plus, she works tirelessly to create new, unique material whether it's standup jokes, her roles on BoJack Horseman and Corporate, or her web series with Jo Firestone. I loved her set on Colbert this week. And I also loved reading this interview where Aparna talks all about her favorite Japanese TV show, Kantaro, The Sweet-Toothed Salaryman, which I'd never heard of and now am obsessed with. If you're not already an official Fan-cherla, it's time to get onboard.
INTERESTING:
Rick Steves has been making his television travel show for more than twenty years. In that time, he's "established himself as one of the legendary PBS superdorks — right there in the pantheon with Mr. Rogers, Bob Ross, and Big Bird. Like them, Steves is a gentle soul who wants to help you feel at home in the world. Like them, he seems miraculously untouched by the need to look cool, which of course makes him sneakily cool. To the aspiring traveler, Steves is as inspirational as Julia Child once was to the aspiring home chef." After all that time, Steves has gotten political. He's on a mission to save America. And he's also developed a fascinating new way to sign autographs (and apparently has never even seen a picture of the Brooklyn Bridge?). Rick Steves Wants to Set You Free
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Have a great day,
Chris
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