Immortal Legend: George Carlin

If you ask one thousand Americans who is their favorite stand-up comedian. Most of their answers would probably be George Carlin.



Well, I'm not kidding you. This old guy is not a homeless, he is George Carlin.
George Carlin is an American,and his performance often related to politics, region and nature. You might underestimate him by his appearance. However, he actually had made 14 episodes of stand-up comedy for HBO, and he had participated in many TV programs and films too.



Perhaps George Carlin's most popular and well-known performance is "Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television" in 1970s. It includes too much inappropriate content, so if you are interested in this show,you should search for more details by yourself. There is a short story: after the program was published,George Carlin was arrest for lots of dirty words and jokes in the program. Nonetheless, he was released soon!

George Carlin had made so many funny performances that he got "life time achievement award" from American Comedy Award. However, he had serious health problems. He had stopped working because of a heart attack,and he passed away in 2008. Some websites has made survey for the most popular stand-up comedian, George Carlin is still the top.1.(reference:wikipedia)

today's video is related to our first class:English sayings(33:04~42:08)
(214words)

Chappelle's Show: a genius's stage

Most of stand-up comedians might just have chances performing their show in a dingy bar. However, some of them have their own stage. In today's article, I'll introduce you a man whose show is widespread. His name is Dave Chappelle.

→Dave Chappelle

Though Dave Chapelle's dream was to be a comedian, he couldn't fulfill his dream at first. In fact, he had participated in many films as an actor at that time! Fortunately, in 2003, his first sketch comedy,which means "a series of comedy scenes"(reference: Wikipedia), had a great success. This American guy soon became famous with this three-year-long program. However, Dave Chappelle suddenly announced his resignation during season 3.  The reason of his resignation was that he had enough of  the program! Even though, he is still one of the most popular stand-up comedians. Some people even call him a genius. (reference:Wikipedia)

In today's video, Dave Chappelle talks about a famous book: THE SECRET. I guest some of you have read this book.You might be inspired with the idea called "positive thing". I'm sorry to tell you
: it is totally useless.
(182 words)

Try to enjoy in it !

Before today's introduction, let me tell you a short history of stand-up comedy.
Well, in  the United States, there were teams of comedians. During their show, they talked to each other rather than the audience. Gradually, some comedians became famous of their solo style such as Borscht Belt in the 1930s and 1940s. However, a British named Bob Hope made stand-up comedy truly popular.   (resource:Encyclopedia Britannica)

←Bob Hope

So, how to enjoy in a stand-up comedy? Sometimes , performers use their own experience such as their family or their pets. Secondly, they talk about discrimination. It doesn't mean that we acknowledge. The reason why they like to use it is: the audience like it! Because most of the audience are adults, there are sexual jokes and dirty words at times. Definitely, I won't  choose these videos for you!

Now, let's watch a piece of Louis C.K.'s show. He talks about his experience about taking of his children,and how BORING it is! Hope you enjoy in it~

From 25:53 to 28:33.

Introduction

It was a boring day few years ago. I went home and turned on the television, enjoying in channel surfing. Suddenly, a TV series named "LOUIE" on FX channel attracted my attention. Then, I  knew Louis C.K., and I went into the world of stand-up comedy.
















What is stand-up comedy?
It's a kind of show like "相聲" in Taiwan, but there is only one person on stage. You might watch it at nightclubs, bars, or even in theaters if the performer is famous, and you should pay for the show. Some people think of it as talk show. But they're wrong. Talk show means a host chatting with someone in the fixed time on TV. In other words, they are very different.

You may ask, What's the content of a stand-up comedy show?
Well, the performer, who is called "stand-up comedian", uses jokes, props and funny stories to entertain the audience. Because most of the audience are adults, sometimes the topic is not appropriate for the class. However, it's still a good way to learn English and American life. I'll do my best to choose and introduce you more funny performances in this semester.And welcome to visit my blog!

Let's end up with the trailer of LOUIE season 1!