One of the best things about comedy is that it can be cathartic. Our favorite comedians find humorous ways to express things that we’ve observed or been annoyed by but can’t seem to articulate. So we’re thrilled to see the hilarious Eugene Mirman embrace a new medium for venting his frustrations and, in turn, our own: the newspaper ad. Mirman purchased a full page in two New York City papers, New York Press and the Greenpoint Gazette, to air his grievances with Time Warner Cable. In the open letter, he likens the cable company to Stalin and Jeffrey Dahmer — and that’s only the beginning. See Mirman’s message and watch a video of him reading it after the jump.
Comedian Michael Showalter has done it all. He’s been a member of one of the most-loved comedy troupes of all time (The State); written, directed, and starred in movies like Wet Hot American Summer and The Baxter; released a hilarious album — and now he’s written a book too.
In our exclusive Interactive Interview — where you ask the questions — he talks about his literary inspirations, the possibility of sequels and reunions for some of his projects, and the bizarre rumor that he has a rivalry with fellow comedy sensation Eugene Mirman. Plus, he tells us his real name.
Welcome to the inaugural installment of the Flavorpill Interactive Interview Series powered by VYou.com! We’re doing something completely new here by putting you in the interviewer’s chair. Each week, we’ll be bringing you a video interview with a different media personality, giving you the opportunity to select which questions you see the answers to, and in what order.
We’re kicking off the series with Flavorpill favorite Eugene Mirman, the comedian and performer known for his hilarious standup, regular New York comedy events, three sidesplitting albums, a fake advice book, and roles on Flight of the Conchords and Delocated. Mirman’s latest project is voicing the character of Gene on Fox’s new animated series Bob’s Burgers, which he reveals more about after the jump.
For those of us who love TV, this time of year is a dead zone. Your favorite series are either running reruns or not returning for months to come. But here’s some exciting news: 2011 is bringing in more exciting changes than we usually see — and we’re not just talking about the fact that American Idol is moving to a new night for the first time in a decade. From a handful of promising looking British imports to a new HBO series that’s being referred to as “The Sopranos with swords,” after the jump we’ve rounded up 10 of the most interesting new shows that we could find. Add anything that we’ve missed in the comments.
Reportedly the work of a conjoined-twin sister duo, Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley’s Evelyn Evelyn project has numerous talking points — not the least of which is the phenomenal music.
With a track (“My Space”) featuring gang vocals from a bizarre crew including Frances Bean Cobain, Neil Gaiman, Weird Al, Tegan & Sara, Eugene Mirman, and Andrew WK, a series of spoken-word storytelling interludes, and a backstory spotlighting the fact that the twins are “fluent in chicken,” the album provides a wealth of fun material to explore.
Last week, we watched in rapt horror as Haiti succumbed to a devastating 7.0 earthquake. And, if you’re like us, the first question on your mind was, “How can I help?” We trust you’ve already made an initial donation of money or time. But, now that there’s controversy over where exactly the money you donate to Wyclef Jean’s Yele is going, we thought you might be interested know about a variety of other opportunities to combine your concern for Haiti with your arts and pop culture obsessions. After the jump, check out how fans of Lady Gaga, George Clooney and even Team Coco can support relief efforts.
Exciting news: Your latest Flavorpill Mixtape has arrived. Your ears are salivating. Your fingers are ready to click ctrl + left click and “save as.” Ten essential downloads from this past week in music after the jump — all free for the taking! Take a listen, and then leave us a comment with what you think. Read More »
If you’re kind of a big deal/have many leather bound books, you will most certainly be attending the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival. Four days, eleven shows, two Brooklyn venues. If you are not currently attending, Flavorpill can make you kind of a big deal. We are giving away a pair of tickets to the opening night of the festival. To win, write something in the comments area that will make us laugh. It can be anything, like the word “Jumanji” or a spoonerism, like “fomedy cestivals are cuper sool.” Just go wild. Details about the event after the jump. Read More »
Kumail Nanjiani has been having a busy year. Based in New York, the Pakistani-born comic has performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live, periodically popped up from under Steven Colbert’s desk as an unsuspecting terrorist, and been awarded the 2009 ECNY trophy for his timely one-man show, Unpronounceable. Fresh off a writing stint on Comedy Central’s Michael & Michael Have Issues, Nanjiani takes a break from his busy schedule to chat with Flavorpill about being a shy kid, a top-ten comic, and the etiquette involved in appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman. Read More »
