Monday, February 27, 2006

Blogging for Fun and Profit

Not really, but here are some good blogs to kill time at:

http://trent.blogspot.com
http://www.gawker.com
http://blaggblogg.blogspot.com
http://www.bestweekever.vh1.com
http://www.queerty.com

Enjoy slacking on your bosses time!

Dave Chappelle's Block Party

I was fortunate enough to see a sneak preview of Dave Chappelle's Block Party with my good buddy Kristy. The movie is not flashy, it's basically a straight up concert video with human interest things thrown in. But, it's the mix of music, comedy, and good nature that makes the film a winner.
I will throw out this caveat. If you are not a fan of backpack rap or neo-soul. Pass on this. The acts include The Roots, Mos Def, Jill Scott, Common, Erykah Badu, etc. You get the picture. If you are not a fan of this kind of music, pass on this. The film is almost 50% concert footage. However, if you are a fan, you will be impressed. As usual, The Roots are the coolest and most talented guys in the room. The Fugees reunite, but they sound terrible and Lauryn is still in crazy mode. But, it was good to see the three of them back on stage.
Now, the human interest/comedy segments are the strongest sections of the film. Two young men that get tickets in Dayton to the concert will steal your heart. They are funny, cute, smart, and just adorable. Hopefully, they're single because they will be getting a lot of lady fans. Many of the people Dave meets during the day to day of his life are genuine and seem to be nice people. Dave also meets some adorable children in a Daycare Center and gets to give Central State University's band to the show. CSU has had a lot of financial and political trouble as a historically black college. Their exposure in this film should change it.
Dave and Mos Def do some hilarious Vegas style comedy. Dave hangs out with a wide variety of characters. And, director Michel Gondry, knows when to just let people talk and never makes himself the star.
So, check it out. It will make you love Dave all over again.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Parental Control


Just a short post. But, I am highly recommending the new MTV show "Parental Control". In the show, parents pick new prospects for their child.
Good times.
The boyfriends and girlfriends are atrocious, the parents are overbearing, and the kids are spoiled brats. It's all good when you watch it. You will laugh your butt off and cringe at the same time.
Also, check out the special doc on MTV called "Fat Camp". I can only say one thing. Wow.

From MTV's website:
Thanks to MTV's new Parental Control, Mom and Dad finally have a chance to do something about that poor excuse for a loser their son or daughter calls their 'better half.' Fed-up parents will send their pride and joy on two blind dates of their choosing, in the hopes that one of them will catch his or her eye so they'll finally dump What's-Their-Name. All the while Mom and Dad will be watching every minute of every date, sitting side-by-side with their son's or daughter's current partner on the couch like one big, uncomfortable family. When the dates are over, the son or daughter has to make a choice between Mom's pick, Dad's pick and their current partner. Will the son or daughter follow parental guidance, or reject the parents' picks and stick with The-Wrong-One.

Thursday, February 09, 2006

When Amy met Mooney

So, this is another personal blog, and it will totally be the last. I already posted a version of this on the Comedy Soapbox. If any Plow fans want to get to know me, check out my blog at www.comedysoapbox.com. But, here I'm usually a culture vulture. But, I did want to talk about the amazing class I took at the Learning Annex. It was a comedy writing seminar with Paul Mooney.
A lot of people probably know Mr. Mooney from his recent appearances on Chappelle's Show with "Ask a Black Dude", "Negrodamous", and "Mooney at the Movies". In the past he has an amazing list of credits. I'll list a few; head writer for "Sanford and Son", writer for "Good Times", comedy writer for Whoopi Goldberg, Lily Tomlin, Richard Pryor, and Eddie Murphy. He has also written for SNL and "In Living Color", and he was in the movie "Bamboozled". Holy Crap!!!! I'll take one of those credits.
So, at the program you had to go up and do a five minute set in front of him. I was literally a foot away. He is a comedy legend and known for being uncompromising. There have been times in the last year that I have grown frustrated with comedy because I feel like the hustle is too much. I'm always told by show runners and club owners that my comedy is too "smart" and "don't you have any personal material?" Both of these comments are code for, "you don't fit the stereotype of a lady comic. Do more self-esteem and dating jokes." But, I can't. And, during the seminar I am now more committed to doing my thing and people can come around to me.
Why, you may ask? Because Paul Mooney loved me. He told me to get on stage more. He also said I was hip, smart, deceptive, and kept him listening. This happened two days ago and I'm still high.
I have been up and down with comedy. But, lately I am back in the saddle. Three shows a week is my minimum. I suddenly feel much better about comedy and I have to thank Paul Mooney for that.

Monday, February 06, 2006

Cultural Differences

I am a fan of cultural differences. So many times in our country we do this whole, "we're all the same" nonsense. Personally, for me that's a bunch of bunk. I think differences are what make us so great. If everyone was the same the world would be really boring.
Case in point...
I was at a baby shower on Saturday. It was a predominantly Jamaican group of people. There were a smattering of African-Americans. My self and a Jamaican born white dude were the only people lighter than caramel. And, it was a totally different world.
A short list of the things at this shower that I have never seen before:
  • A DJ who played reggae and when a good gift was opened by the mother to be gun shot effects or voice effects were played.
  • A full meal and appetizers.
  • The party started at 7pm, but things didn't really start until almost midnight.
  • Dancing, a gift announcer, and about 200 people.

It was amazing. I had never been to anything like it. I loved every minute. I stayed until midnight and the party was still going strong. I got home from a baby shower at 1am. Wrap your mind around that! Everyone should have to do things like this. Something like this baby shower is why America is great.

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

And the Nominees Are...

completely predictable.
So, they literally just announced the Oscar nods. I was on the treadmill at the gym watching them. I was glad with some and the rest were exactly what I expected. Just a few notes however.
  • Play a real person
  • Scarlett Johansson did not get nominated because they nominated too many good looking actresses. How did Woody's supporting actress magic not work this time?
  • The screenplay noms are solid and very good.
  • I wish Jeff Daniels had gotten nominated.
  • Because society has finally discovered it's 2006, gay roles, minorities, and "edgy" subject matter is being rewarded.
  • And lastly, if subtle acting and tricky roles were the only consideration Michelle Williams, Felicity Huffman, and Terrence Howard would win.

Friday, January 27, 2006

Why Rap Music Matters

So, rap music is not as good now as it was even a decade ago. Currently, the market is loaded with bloated product and sub par talent and production. But, it still matters. For almost 25 years raps has mattered more than rock music. Critics are always looking for reasons why. People look at the production, the changing face of the United States, and the rise of music videos. All of these are valid arguments, but I have one big reason that no one mentions. Rap uses popular culture to link there songs to current life.
Rock music is usually in a vacuum. There are about three topics rock talks about. Rock talks about ladies/romance, rocking, and partying. They never talk about what happens in day to day life. They obviously never watch TV, read books, see movies, or exist with the rest of the world. Rappers bring up everything. They use metaphors and descriptions that usually employ pop culture. It brings the song to real life. It becomes relateable to the rest of the public.
Right now, rap is getting out of control. A lot of it is junk. In the way that rock had to be destroyed by arena rock and new wave to slowly come back with roots rock like The White Stripes, Wilco, Kings of Leon, and My Morning Jacket. Rock is coming back very slowly. But, it's still a long way off. Until things balance out, rap will continue to dominate.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Two More Recommendations...

I forgot to mention two other movies that I saw this year that I really enjoyed, but others seem to have missed.

Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
In Her Shoes

both are very different, but are worth your time.

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Lifetime Movies are Back!!!!!


So, last night "A Little Thing Called Murder" premiered last night. The film was a fictionalized account of the Sante and Kenny Kimes saga. For, those of you who don't know, Sante and her son Kenny killed Irene Silverman in NYC in a plan to steal her home. They were caught and convicted, but not of this crime. Ms. Silverman's body was never found. But, they were convicted of a string of crimes that they found evidence on. They are both currently serving life sentences without the possibility of parole.
The new movie "A Little Thing Called Murder" plays in a similar manner to "The Positively True Adventures of the Texas Cheerleader Murdering Mom". Both films stay true to the facts, but the acting, writing, and directing of the film enhance the camp factor.
Judy Davis eats more scenery in this than she did as Judy Garland. She plays Sante as deranged and believes that she is smarter than everyone. Every other actor on the screen just has to hang on and enjoy the ride.
The movie should be replaying throughout the month. Check it out and be prepared to be awed by the real things that happened. Remember that this woman was one of only 2 people in the 20th Century to be convicted of slavery!!!!

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

The 6th Annual Amy Awards


So, here it is. I know all of you have been clamoring for it, the 6th Annual Amy Awards. As my many fans know, I make a list of the films, actors, and other film matters that I loved the most during the year. As usual, I have not seen every movie. There are plenty of films I'm sure I would have loved, but did not see. So, until someone is willing to pay me to see movies, which I will gladly do. Also, remember that the movies are in no particular order, just as my brain remembered them.:

Favorite Movies:
Batman Begins
The 40 Year Old Virgin
Wedding Crashers
Broken Flowers
The Squid and the Whale
The Family Stone
Brokeback Mountain
Match Point
Hustle and Flow
Junebug
Grizzly Man
The Aristrocrats
Kung Fu Hustle
Movie that Nobody Saw and I loved: Lord of War
Movie that Nobody Saw and I hated: Derailed
Best Actors: Terrence Howard, Anthony Anderson, Ludacris (Hustle and Flow), Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal (Brokeback Mountain) Matt Dillon, Ludacris, Terrence Howard, Ryan Phillippe, and Michael Pena (Crash), Joaquin Phoenix (Walk the Line), Jeff Daniels and Owen Kline (The Squid and the Whale), Bill Murray and Geoffrey Wright (Broken Flowers), Christian Bale (Batman Begins), Steve Carrell, Paul Rudd, Seth Rogan, Romany Malco (40 year Old Virgin), and Werner Herzog for his narration of Grizzly Man.
Best Actresses: Taryn Manning, Taraji P. Henson (Hustle and Flow), Thandie Newton (Crash), Reese Witherspoon (Walk the Line), Amy Adams (Junebug), Michelle Williams and Linda Cardellini (Brokeback Mountain), Scarlett Johansson, Penelope Wilton, and Emily Mortimer (Match Point), Felicity Huffman (Transamerica)

The year in review: I found that this year the movies ran in cycles. The summer was very strong as was the winter. There were movies I didn't love, but admired like "Crash" and "Good Night and Good Luck". I think the strength of conviction has grown for many films. Comedies had a strong year. I could talk about numerous things this year. But, to me, the opening of movies dealing with race, sexuality, and gender are all moving forward. We still have along way to go. An example of this is in "Hustle and Flow" which is about a pimp, but is mainly about the black strive to get to the middle class.
This was a tough year for female actresses with even a smaller amount of good roles. Actors feasted. Maybe one day, I'm not holding my breath, it will get a little more equitable.

So, I hope all of you enjoyed. I will be adding comments when ideas come to me. But, you guys should feel free to post on up. Get ready for the Oscars!!!!!

Friday, January 13, 2006

Why I'm Jealous of Niecy Nash



Ok, I am going to say it. I'm jealous of Niecy Nash's career. Anyone that knows me, knows that my goals are modest. And, at every turn, Niecy gets to do something I would love to do. Here's a small list.

  • have a key role in a Rboert Altman movie (Cookie's Fortune)
  • host a decorating/home improvement show (Clean House)
  • have a great role on a hilarious and edgy tv show (Reno 911)

Needless to say, I would love to have any one of these jobs, and she gets all three. Damn you Nash!!!!!

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Neighrborhood Watch is Running my Life


So, things have been really nutty lately. I just got started with a comedy troupe known as "Neighborhood Watch". We're trying to get a blog up, set gigs, make money, etc. So, things here at Mr. Plow have been really falling behind. Next Monday you will have your 7th Annual Amy Awards. I know you are all a twitter.
If you want to be kept abreast of all Neighborhood Watch events, please feel free to e-mail neighborhoodwatch@yahoo.com. We will add you to our mailing list and you'll be kept abreast of all our happenings.
Also, check us out at http://neighborhoodwatchcomedy.blogspot.com. This site is subject to change and we'll be sure to let you know. Happy New Year to all Mr. Plow readers. I love you, even when I ignore you.

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

The Year End Lists Begin...

So, let's start with the best singles of the year. As usual, rock music continues its downward spiral into complete oblivion, rap becomes the bloated mid-70's arena rock of this generation. However, there were a few bright spots and I want to give those a small shout out.
  • Hung Up by Madonna- A great dance song using an amazing ABBA sample. Madonna really wanted to get her gays back. She got them and then some with this simple song. And, thank God she decided not to rap anymore.
  • Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani- Gwen Stefani has been cashing in her ghetto pass and I couldn't be happier. The Neptunes gave her the beat that all high school guys play on their desks. She gave people a chance to spell bananas a lot. A good time was had by all.
  • The Whistle Song by Juelz Santana- The hook took this song to the next level. As a member of Dip Set, Juelz raps in their typical nonsensical style. But, the use of a dog whistle and the spare drum beat makes this a great get on the floor song.
  • The Whisper Song by Ying Yang Twins- Another great song with a nice sloping beat. And, the real kicker is how filthy this song is. Using a whisper to say atrocious things is genius and an indictment on what happens in relationships. Also, the dirtiest song I've loved since "Can't Fight the Feeling" by Too Short and Latrimm.
  • My Doorbell by The White Stripes- The White Stripes learned to play new instruments. Jack White pounds on an old piano and talks about his upcoming booty call. The Little Rascals influenced video took it to the next level.

And finally, Gold Digger by Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx- This song was misread by a lot of people. The song is an indictment of how society treats black women. Any black woman who looks for status is immediately named a gold digger. But, if she stands by a man and helps him she will get screwed when he leaves her for his trophy white woman. This struggle is common for many black woman and Kanye spelled it out. Too bad that too many people spelled it their own way.

And, there were some other great songs. Here's an honorable mention list:

  • Hate it or Love it by 50 Cent and The Game
  • Mr. Brightside by The Killers
  • Heard 'Em Say by Kanye West and Adam Levine
  • Beverly Hills by Weezer
  • Feel Good Inc. by The Gorillaz
  • Don't Cha by The Pussycat Dolls
  • Shake it Off by Mariah Carey
  • Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson
  • Lose Control by Missy Elliot with Ciara and Fatman Scoop
  • Confessions of a Broken Heart by Lindsay Lohan

So, if you have iTunes or Music Match check out these songs. They are great to walk to or listen to. And, it's amazing how crappy albums can create amazing singles.

Thursday, December 29, 2005

Amy's Comedy-Palooza January

Check me out this January at my home clubs. In Brooklyn, it's the 5Spot Supper Club and in the big, bad city it's Joe Franklin's.

5Spot Supper Club (Myrtle Ave. and Washington Brooklyn)
$2.99 Cover Charge/No Minimum
January 3rd @ 10pm
January 10th @ 10pm
January 17th @ 10pm
January 24th @ 10pm
January 31st @ 10pm

And, January 9th at 11pm at the NY Comedy Club (24th Street and 3rd Avenue) $10 bucks and two drinks!

Hope to see you guys there. You can check out each venue at http://newyork.citysearch.com.

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Recommended Reading...

I have spent the past month catching up on some reading. I wanted to create a small list of recommended books for all my readers. Check them out, you might accidentally learn something.
  • In Cold Blood, Truman Capote
  • Lunar Park, Bret Easton Ellis
  • Neil Gaiman, Anansi Boys
  • Shame of the Nation, Johnathan Kozol
  • The Best American Non-Required Reading, edited by David Eggars
  • The Plot Against America, Phillip Roth

All fo these books are worth your time and you should check them out. They all have their own style and cover a lot of ground. Try to check them out. They are all available at your local library.

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Happy 2K6


Mr. Plow and this demented Baby New Year wish you a great 2006! We'll be back soon with the Amy Awards and lots 'o culture fun!

Another Year Older and What Have You Done

For me this has been a big year of change. I left the library after 5 years and began a job with more freedom so that I could pursue comedy and writing. It's a long slog but I love all my friends who have supported me and made me feel like this was an okay idea. Especially a big heart of love to my husband who is an amazing man and is supportive of all my insanity.
Well, enough about me. I want to wish everyone a happy new year. Remember all of the people who face huge tragedy and our soldiers and our dumb ass government. If you pray, pray for them. If you don't just try to make your life and the lives of others as good as possible. Let's all work to make this country the amazing place it can be.
Sorry about all that. I think I just had a small brain aneurysm. So, good luck and God bless in 2006.

Thursday, December 22, 2005

Mr. Plow wishes you a Happy Holiday!!!

Dispatches From Brooklyn...

I just wanted to write and wish everyone a Happy Holiday season. I probably won't put up any new crap until after the new year. So, to all my friends, family, and readers...

MERRY CHRISTMAS
HAPPY HANUKKAH
JOYOUS KWANZAA
HAPPY NEW YEAR

And, blessings and love for any other celebrations you enjoy. Mr. Plow loves you!

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

The Amy Awards

So, I know that my multitude of fans are waiting for the 6th Annual Amy Awards. But, until the transit strike lets up I will not be able to see all the movies I want to. So, I will probably not be able to put them out until late January.
If the transit strike lasts longer, then a lawsuit will be filed by Mr. Plow because they are ruining my blog.