You Don't Need a Doctor... You Need a Time Machine

It's a rare thing to accomplish comedy and tragedy in one moment but the new television show Louie manages to do so with alarming skill, whit, and candor.

If you haven't seen the show yet, here's a clip with guest star Ricky Gervais who I also think is unbelievably talented. (Has there ever before been someone who could simultaneously generate such revultion and humor in one character? If yes, he's one of the best at it.) Anyway, Louis C.K. created the series, and truly, it's worth checking out. It might offend, it might alarm, it might disgust, but ultimately, it will make you think and laugh. The heavy moments are balanced out by the ridiculousness of life so easily posed by Louis.

Please, check out this show so it doesn't go the way of other television comedies that ended up going way of the dinosaur...comedic brilliance should get airtime! If there have been 17 Bachelors, the least we can do is keep shows like Louie on the air. Heck, we've already lost Arrested Development, My Name is Earl, Pushing Daisies (which was more of a dramedy, but I adored it), Better Off Ted (not actually sure what's going on with that show but it's another gem!), and others I'm forgetting that all  fossilized via netflix and DVD. Tragic!

Check it and let me know what you think. Here's a 30-second clip of Louie at the doctor with guest star Ricky Gervais.



If the video doesn't open/view on this blog, here's the link to check it out on hulu. http://www.hulu.com/louie
Hulu has full episodes of Louie with a couple of commercials...better than regular television and a good substitute if you don't have DVR/Tivo.
Enjoy and let me know what you think.


"You don't need a doctor, you need a time machine."

Laughter every day keeps the doctor away

 

Yesterday I spontaneous said, "laughter for happiness is like flour for bread."

Get it? You can't have happiness without laughter, you can't have bread without flour.

Whether it's gluten-free, spelt, whole wheat, unbleached, white or rye, you can't really make bread without flour. It's not the only ingredient, but it is the most essential.

As many of you already know, laughter and health are as intrinsically linked as laughter and happiness, but now we have medical proof.

Several studies done by The University of Maryland Medical Center found that people who'd suffered from heart attacks tended to laugh less at life than people who did not suffer from heart attacks.

The study, which is the first to indicate that laughter may help prevent heart disease, found that people with heart disease were 40 percent less likely to laugh in a variety of situations compared to people of the same age without heart disease. University of Maryland - Laughter is "Best Medicine" for Your Heart

 Also, laughter contributes to increased blood flow and healthier blood vessels:

Laughter appears to cause the tissue that forms the inner lining of blood vessels, the endothelium, to dilate or expand in order to increase blood flow. University of Maryland - Laughter helps blood vessels function better

Here's a video that sites the University of Maryland studies:

Obviously having a healthy heart, blood and blood vessels are essential for overall health, but have you ever talked to someone on heart medication or blood thinners? It does not sound like fun. So along with your healthy diet, make a point to laugh at least once per day. Laughter lowers stress. According to another study used funny movies as the trigger to see how it affected their subjects. Check it out:

Arterial compliance was improved for a full 24 hours after subjects watched a funny movie," said lead researcher Jun Sugawara. "Laughing is likely not the complete solution to a healthy heart, but it appears to contribute to positive effects. Medical News Today: Laugh A Little To Help Protect Heart, Lower Blood Pressure

So if nothing in your life is striking you as particularly funny, you can help the process along through television and movies.

My personal favorites, most of which are available on DVD, netflix or reruns if you have DVR.

Television:

• Chappelle's Show and Dave Chappelle in general. The great thing about The Chappelle Show is that I can watch different episodes and skits over and over and still laugh even when I know most of the lines. Genius!
• 30 Rock. I hate to overuse the word genius, but really...this show deserves it. Genius!
• Arrested Development. If the family's dysfunction doesn't bother you too much, this show is brilliantly written, acted, directed and edited.
• Better Off Ted. This is a relatively young show, being that it's only on the second season, but I laugh during every episode without fail. My favorite part is the "Veridian Dynamics" fake commercials. Hilarious!
• The Simpsons. Good today, yesterday and tomorrow. Thanks, Simpsons, for being so reliably funny and smart.
• Family Guy. Another solid animated show that always delivers. It is sometimes a little more déclassé than Simpsons, but I kinda like that.
• South Park. This show goes where The Simpsons and Family Guy would only tread in the darkest of their dreams or deepest levels of their basements. As far as I'm concerned, Trey Parker and Matt Stone have serious cajónes.
• My Name is Earl. I was a bit surprised that I like this show so much. But it's clever and I like the karma aspect. I just started watching it on netflix and appreciate that the episodes are commercial free (on netflix), about 21 minutes - so I can get a quick laugh fix in when I really need it.
• I Love Lucy. Another one that's good today, yesterday and tomorrow. The on-camera chemistry between characters Lucy and Ricky is unparalleled in television. Also, Lucille Ball is one of the best physical comedians of all time. All time!
• Seinfeld. There's a reason this show is still rerunning all over the place. "Festivus for the rest of us!"
• Curb Your Enthusiasm. Warning! This show makes awkward and super-dry humor funny. Not for everyone, but those who it is for, love it.
• The Office. Another awkward show. Ricky Gervais' performance is incredible. The man never breaks character. His stand-up is pretty great too.

For those of you into the old school comedies, try:

• I Love Lucy. (see above)
• Married With Children
• The Golden Girls
• Night Court
• Taxi
• Family Ties (How can liberal parents have a rebellious child? Easy. Give them a super-conservative son in the form of Alex P. Keaton. Nice move.)
• The Carol Burnett Show Another brilliant cast. Love the way they interact and crack each other up. Also, Carol's Q&A with the audience is priceless!
• The Honeymooners. While this isn't one of my absolute favorites, it is a nice, simple, classic comedy show with very cute and earnest players.
• Cheers! From coach, to Sam, Woody and Norm. Great characters, great dialogue, great show.

That's enough for now. Write in the comments your favorite comedy-outlets, entertainment or otherwise and maybe I'll do a second Laughter blog.

One last note. Marcus and I crack each other up at least once a day - it's my personal conviction that your significant other should be a source and sounding board for your laughter; at the very least you two should be able to laugh together at comedies or comedians - or for those rare couples who have very divergent humors, maybe you just support each other seeking comedy relief via your personal flavor of humor.


A video for your viewing pleasure: The Landlord from Funny or Die. "I need to get my drink on."

The Landlord from Will Ferrell

 

More Interesting Katie Strand World Posts

• Worry vs Choice
• A New Homeostasis, the third installment
• Memorial Day Dreams 
• A New Homeostasis
• Boobies & Kittens...especially for overcast days
• The One-Minute Happiness Quiz
• Qi Pao! My hips in China
• Raw Milk has been pulled from Whole Foods shelves
• How Betty White deals with the Census
• Anxious or calm?
• Sunscreen may increase the risk of skin cancer!
• What happened to Kathleen Turner?
• Hairiosity!
• And All the Cows Said Moo, TWO!
• A Luke-warm Mess
• Let Go! Your Children Know More Than You Think
• Are you hungry for change? So is Food, Inc.
• Liberating yourself from your own fears
• The smallest non-child, non-midget person I've ever seen
• Stupid trumps hot
• The 15 Things that Pasteurization Kills
• A hugging, laughing, happy mess
• The HPV vaccination could be more dangerous than what it "prevents"
• Is Jake Pavelka a douche bag?
• It's all about interpretation
• Have you forgotten how glorious you are?
• The best reason for DONUTS
• Dr. Mercola recommends raw milk!
• We'd all be pillars of salt
• James Cameron was robbed!
• What do you want?
• The Real British Invasion or...Hey there Brit, how's your American accent?
• Andre Agassi is now Open
• Farts
• Love & Hate. Drugs & Rebellion.
• Occam's Razor - It's a Life & Faith Principle
• If Richard Pryor had a period...
• If you're prone to nudeness...
• Hello, my name is Temple Grandin.
• Blog tease, yelling to no one & the secret to long...
• My Addendum to "Choose a Job You Love..."
• The Primal Diet & Running
• Chop Wood, Carry Water, Do Taxes
• The male member revealed
• Play with the Girls
• How to tame the psycho hose beast
• Oh boy, that's a good question! or How to Deal with the Census
• These boots were made for walking
• If I were a Ninja, I'd wear these shoes
• How my friend Sally became the new First Lady
• My Boyfriend has Autism...Maybe
• Raw Primal Papaya Custard - The Nectar of the Gods
  
• And All the Cows Said Moo!
• If you were John Mayer, you would too
• Tiredness - Varieties of and unforeseen side-effects
• Foreplay is overrated
• Food should be As God Intended or Why isn't everything we eat organic?
• Yelling - One of the Highest Forms of Compassion
  
• The Cove - Louie Psihoyos' Oscar speech & a guide on how to create change...
• My Favorite Things...Arrabiata Recipe - Fresh, Organic, Vegan or Primal
• My Favorite Shows on Television...or how David Duchovney & Jesus are likely Good in Bed
• The Hawaiian Islands and Washington D.C.'s sand-paper circle-jerk about Health Care
• My Buddha has Termites...A Lesson in Infinite Joy
• The One-Date-Wonders!
• I had to learn SIGN LANGUAGE when I moved to Los Angeles
• Guys can make a game out of anything
• Hello? The power of CONNECTING and how technology has changed things
• Popping the question is better than porn!
• Bravo, Stephen Colbert & Co! and your Olympic Vancouverage
• Songwriting is like SEX
• Born To Run by Christopher McDougall - Inspiring a inspiring all of us to be more in the FLOW
• A moment of silence for all the plastic surgery casualties
• Ricky Gervais should be the new Simon on American Idol
• Muscle SURPRISE! The key to physical, mental & emotional fitness
• I think my boyfriend's a snake...
• Release... Sweat & Power
• MY FAVORITE THINGS! - Vibram's Five Fingers
• Dick Morris... How do you sleep at night?
• Rusty DePass, Gorillas, and Obama, oh my!
• Michael Jackson - Troubled Genius

New Music

&
Posts 

at
Katie Strand Music

• To Make You Feel My Love
• Please Don't Leave Me
• Going To California
• Come Back
• Home

How Betty White deals with the Census

Betty White and Tina Fey.

Two of the funniest women in comedy. Actually, they're two of the funniest people in comedy, who just happen to have vaginas.

The census. One of the most annoying government imposed impositions out there. Though it makes for an easy target for Saturday Night Live and comedians through the U.S.

Well here's a good one. Betty White and Tina Fey. Enjoy!

More Interesting Katie Strand World Posts

• Anxious or calm?
• Sunscreen may increase the risk of skin cancer!
• What happened to Kathleen Turner?
• Hairiosity!
• And All the Cows Said Moo, TWO!
• A Luke-warm Mess
• Let Go! Your Children Know More Than You Think
• Are you hungry for change? So is Food, Inc.
• Liberating yourself from your own fears
• The smallest non-child, non-midget person I've ever seen
• Stupid trumps hot
• The 15 Things that Pasteurization Kills
• A hugging, laughing, happy mess
• The HPV vaccination could be more dangerous than what it "prevents"
• Is Jake Pavelka a douche bag?
• It's all about interpretation
• Have you forgotten how glorious you are?
• The best reason for DONUTS
• Dr. Mercola recommends raw milk!
• We'd all be pillars of salt
• James Cameron was robbed!
• What do you want?
• The Real British Invasion or...Hey there Brit, how's your American accent?
• Andre Agassi is now Open
• Farts
• Love & Hate. Drugs & Rebellion.
• Occam's Razor - It's a Life & Faith Principle
• If Richard Pryor had a period...
• If you're prone to nudeness...
• Hello, my name is Temple Grandin.
• Blog tease, yelling to no one & the secret to long...
• My Addendum to "Choose a Job You Love..."
• The Primal Diet & Running
• Chop Wood, Carry Water, Do Taxes
• The male member revealed
• Play with the Girls
• How to tame the psycho hose beast
• Oh boy, that's a good question! or How to Deal with the Census
• These boots were made for walking
• If I were a Ninja, I'd wear these shoes
• How my friend Sally became the new First Lady
• My Boyfriend has Autism...Maybe
• Raw Primal Papaya Custard - The Nectar of the Gods
  
• And All the Cows Said Moo!
• If you were John Mayer, you would too
• Tiredness - Varieties of and unforeseen side-effects
• Foreplay is overrated
• Food should be As God Intended or Why isn't everything we eat organic?
• Yelling - One of the Highest Forms of Compassion
  
• The Cove - Louie Psihoyos' Oscar speech & a guide on how to create change...
• My Favorite Things...Arrabiata Recipe - Fresh, Organic, Vegan or Primal
• My Favorite Shows on Television...or how David Duchovney & Jesus are likely Good in Bed
• The Hawaiian Islands and Washington D.C.’s sand-paper circle-jerk about Health Care
• My Buddha has Termites...A Lesson in Infinite Joy
• The One-Date-Wonders!
• I had to learn SIGN LANGUAGE when I moved to Los Angeles
• Guys can make a game out of anything
• Hello? The power of CONNECTING and how technology has changed things
• Popping the question is better than porn!
• Bravo, Stephen Colbert & Co! and your Olympic Vancouverage
• Songwriting is like SEX
• Born To Run by Christopher McDougall - Inspiring a inspiring all of us to be more in the FLOW
• A moment of silence for all the plastic surgery casualties
• Ricky Gervais should be the new Simon on American Idol
• Muscle SURPRISE! The key to physical, mental & emotional fitness
• I think my boyfriend's a snake...
• Release... Sweat & Power
• MY FAVORITE THINGS! - Vibram's Five Fingers
• Dick Morris... How do you sleep at night?
• Rusty DePass, Gorillas, and Obama, oh my!
• Michael Jackson - Troubled Genius

New Music

&
Posts 

at
Katie Strand Music

• To Make You Feel My Love
• Please Don't Leave Me
• Going To California
• Come Back
• Home

Rusty DePass, Gorillas, and Obama, oh my!

Rusty DePass, Gorillas, and Obama, oh my!

I was completely shocked when I heard about Rusty DePass and his racist comments. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, here's the background of the story, originally from Rusty's facebook page, then WIS news, and of course, The Daily Show and CNN. (Daily Show segment on this was on August 3, 2009.)

After an aide to state Attorney General Henry McMaster detailed the escape of the gorilla from Columbia's Riverbanks Zoo, DePass responded with a comment: "I'm sure it's just one of Michelle's ancestors - probably harmless."

DePass later admitted to WIS News that he was referring to Michelle Obama and said, "I am as sorry as I can be if I offended anyone. The comment was clearly in jest."

DePass, who was a county co-chair for Rudy Giuliani's 2008 campaign, supported the push to impeach President Bill Clinton in the late 90s, writing in an op-ed for The State, "Do Republicans have higher moral standards than Democrats?"

Alright. I'll be the first to admit that my sense of humor can be a little on-the-fringe. I enjoy comedians who aren't afraid of addressing subjects that are controversial. In fact, I think it's important to do so. I appreciate and laugh with Richard Pryor, Lewis Black, Sarah Silverman, Louis C.K., Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, and Jo Koy, who all, in their own style, talk about things we're not supposed to talk about in society. I enjoy their off-the-beaten-path humor and even the wrongness of it, because they're often pointing out the idiosyncrasies of our culture, and illustrating what it's like to live in a diverse and often absurd world. But they're comedians, and ultimately they'll make fun of themselves just as quickly as politics, racial stereotypes, and minorities. The a*s DePass said something that would never be found funny, in even the smallest of stand-up venues. For him to say it was "in jest" was a political move, and nothing more. His racist blood runs as thick as the mud of the south, and I, for one, am not laughing.

Apparently he's a GOP activist and former chair of some state elections commission or some such thing. Jeez. I love this country for many reasons, the most salient of all is the First Amendment/Freedom of Speech. So I understand why this man must be allowed to go on existing, and speaking his mind...But don't apologize for it you schmuck, and don't pretend like you didn't mean it. Your racism is palatable and potent. I guess you just didn't realize you weren't living in the 1950s. You know we abolished slavery, right? As well as Jim Crow laws and the whole "separate but equal" doctrine. All those things have been ruled unconstitutional. Surprised you didn't know that, being a former public-official and all.

Anyway. Generally, I'm open and flexible about humor, and even politics. We could all do better to take ourselves less seriously, but this, my fellow Americans, is blasphemy of the highest order. Impeach this guy. Oh wait, I guess we have no reason to, since he probably hasn't received a BJ since Jim Crow laws were in effect.

One last note. Do you know what GOP stands for? It's a republican party nickname, but it seems the majority of Americans (in a pole I did among four guys I know), don't know what it actually stands for. GOP stands for "Grand Old Party."