All is well, and everyone with Sketchy Premise turned out to be very lucky. Although Geoff Jimmeney didn’t have power for the longest. But we think that is hilarious, and just his luck. But no real damage, no injury or anything, so we came out on top. And drunker!

Our offices still do not have power however, so I’m posting this from the cozy apartment. Meh. I’d post some pictures I took, but I’m not sure where the cable to plug in the camera is, or the camera. So that’ll have to wait for an upcoming rant.

BUT Now that we are officially back, look out. We have tons of content to unload on yall that we we’re gathering throughout our downtime. We also have a new featured artist and original comedy section to announce. We will most likely be doing that tomorrow, so check back for more.

And as also, tons more funny to come.

We’ll be tapping the show as well, so we’ll have a bunch of videos for you people that cannot make it.

You can download the flyer here. Pass it on. Maybe we’ll see ya there. We’ll be the drunk malcontents laughing at horrible things.

The New York Television Festival was founded in 2005 as a platform for artists to present their TV-format work, unedited for industry heads. The NYTVF is recognized as the first independent television festival. Each year, they hold feature panel discussions, host special events, premiere screenings, as well as hosting their yearly “Independent Pilot Competition.”

This year, out of the 36 pilots chosen to be finalist, Mike DeStefano’s creation “The Road” has been chosen! The pilot is billed, on the “2008 Official Selections” list, as a ‘Reality Drama’ created by Frank Mosca and Mike DeStefano. Congrats Mikee! We wish you the best of luck.

If you are in New York, you can go to one of the screenings, for free! There are two screenings:

Sunday September 14th @ 6:30 pm
Wednesday September 17th @ 2:15 pm

It’s located at:

New World Stages
340 W. 50th Street NYC 10019
Between 8th and 9th Avenue

As we stated, all screenings are FREE, but you have to reserve your seat. Go here for more info.

Editor’s Note:

This is good news. We need more quality programming, and smart writing on Television. And also more offensive jokes. So let’s hope they pick it up! For now, we’ll leave you with a clip from Mike DeStefano’s appearance on “Live at Gotham.”

We have also added the upcoming shows to our MySpace page. If your not our friend yet, what are you waiting for? We’re super cool. We promise. Check us out if you haven’t.

This is the first of many stand-up comedy events we have planned, and we will be taking it all over the country at some point, so stay tuned. And if your interested in booking any of our Original Comedy acts, or Featured Artists for your upcoming event, stop by our also newly created "Booking" page for more info.

So yeah, still working to bring you the comedy. We’re updating more than ever, and have some great new Original Comedy Series & Featured Artists in the works. We’ll be unveiling them as the weeks go by, so be sure to check back often.

“The cast also includes Josh Pais ("Law & Order," "The Station Agent"). According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pais will play the producer of a show-within-the-show, and his character will share a name — Jim Biederman — with one of "Michael and Michael’s" real executive producers.”

The two Michael’s have been writing comedy, together and separately, for over 16 years. They met just over a decade ago at New York University in 1988, where the pair, along with David Wain (The third member of Stella) created the sketch comedy troupe, “The State” which went on to a successful run on MTV. The pair also wrote “Wet Hot American Summer”, a cult classic. Their group Stella also had a short-lived show on Comedy Central.

Currently, Michael Ian Black is hosting “Reality Bites Back” on the cable comedy network. (Read our review of it.)

Set to begin production next year the exact start date will be set depending on scheduling between Fay’s “30 Rock” and Carrell’s “The Office.”

"I wanted to do a relatable, grounded character comedy about marriage and the lengths we go to preserve the spark. Tina and Steve are smart and relatable, and the tone of their comedy perfectly fits this film." Levy told Daily Variety.

On a personal note being a fan of both shows and their comedic styles I believe this movie could be a great hit. Fans of both shows will certainly have cause to rejoice in 2009.

"I have another project based on the life of comedian Bill Hicks, which is going from treatment to draft stage with Kiwi writer Mark Staufer."

Born in Texas Hicks stand up career started in the late 80’s and focused on topics concerning religion, politics and social life. Dealing with problems within his own life, Hicks battled alcohol and drug abuse until his death at age 32 from pancreatic cancer.

 Ass Party

A Sketchy Comedy Group that is really, really hilarious. There motto is "Tasteless & Aggressive The New T&A" So that lets ya know where there coming from.

 John Gard

John Gard is a stand-up comedian from Houston Texas. He’s a really funny, honest, original up and comer thats gunna be huge some day. Check him out.

    In the movie, Stiller plays an actor who’s previous role was a character named Simple Jack that suffered from mental disabilities.  What exactly is said about the character or how he is represented is unclear, but apparently is enough to anger many people involved with the mentally handicapped.

    “I think it’s open to interpretation and that’s the great thing,” said Robert Downey Jr, who also plays in the film. “You know, if I want to protest something because it offends me that’s my right as an American, and it’s also any artist’s right to say and do whatever they wanna do.”

    In response to a private screening held between DreamWorks and the American Association of People with Disabilities, DreamWorks decided to remove some promotional material that included the word “retard.”  A spokesman for DreamWorks said that no changes would be made to the actual however.

    The Special Olympics chairman is still pushing for a boycott of the film.  “This population (special people) struggles too much with the basics to have to have to struggle against Hollywood.   We’re sending a message that this hate speech is no longer
acceptable.” 

READ THE EDITORIAL OPINION BY ALUWISHES MCFINKELSTEIN

JEFFREY ROSS ROCKS THE GOLD MIC IN HIS ALL-NEW STAND-UP SPECIAL
"NO OFFENSE LIVE FROM NEW JERSEY"
WORLD PREMIERING FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 AT 11:30 P.M.* ON COMEDY CENTRAL®

NEW YORK, NY, July 30, 2008 — Comedian Jeffrey Ross takes the stage and tells it like it is in his all-new one-hour stand-up special. “Jeffrey Ross: No Offense Live From New Jersey,” world premieres Friday, August 22 at 11:30 p.m. on COMEDY CENTRAL!

When Jeffrey Ross swaggers onto the stand-up stage, no one is safe. Both respected and feared as a result of his show-stopping performances at the “COMEDY CENTRAL Roasts,” Ross has decided to take his hilarious and heartfelt brand of insult humor on the road.  However, the comedian that was once introduced as a “one-man verbal assault unit,” has never felt ready to headline in his home state…. until now.  From the Borgata Casino in Atlantic City, prolific writer, actor, stand-up comic and “Roastmaster General” Ross takes his humor off the hot seat and turns it on the American public. Ross uses his humor to push even more buttons in this new hour-long stand-up special that will surely leave viewers in stitches. This is one hour of comedy that is not to be missed!

“Jeffrey Ross: No Offense Live From New Jersey” will be released on DVD October 14, 2008.

Ross has appeared on dozens of TV shows including “The Late Show with Letterman,” “The Tonight Show,” HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” MSNBC’s "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live.” Ross also continues to perform stand-up regularly at charity benefits and for U.S. soldiers stationed all over the world.  Ross has also done a number of dramatic turns on critically acclaimed shows such as "Weeds,” "Six Feet Under" and "C.S.I." In film, he appeared in the Farrelley Brothers’ "Stuck on You" and the critical sensation, "The Aristocrats".

Press Release From Comedy Central & New Wave Entertainment

Back in 2002 Howard Stern Productions acquired the remake rights to both “High School” and “Porky’s”. Now with Winter attached to write the screenplay it looks as if the remake is finally moving forward.

In the original “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School” a group of rock-music-loving students, with the help of the Ramones, takes over their school to combat its newly installed oppressive administration. The cult classic was released in 1979 directed by Allan Arkush and produced by Roger Corman.

Stern Productions other remake project “Porky’s” is set to begin production this fall.

“Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay” Starring John Cho (Harold) and Kal Penn (Kumar) follows the cross-country adventures of the pot-smoking duo as they try to outrun authorities who suspect them of being terrorists when they try to sneak a bong on board their flight to Amsterdam.

On Home Media Magazine’s video rental chart for the week ending Aug. 3, "Harold & Kumar" debuted at No. 2, generating 91% as much rental activity as "21" did in its sophomore week. "Doomsday" debuted at No. 4, while "Never Back Down" bowed at No. 6 and "Lost Boys" finished just out of the top 10.

On the nascent Blu-ray Disc format, "Stargate: Continuum" emerged as the week’s top seller, with "Harold & Kumar" at No. 2.

"Actor/comedian Bernie Mac passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital,"

The comedian suffered from sarcoidosis, an inflammatory lung disease that produces tiny lumps of cells in the body’s organs, but had said the condition went into remission in 2005. When he was hospitalized and treated for pneumonia, his publicist stated that it was not related to the disease.

The Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor was most known for his comedic styles in various standup routines and “The Bernie Mac Show”. He was nominated for a Grammy for “The Original Kings of Comedy” and had starring roles in "Bad Santa," "Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle" and "Transformers."

Bernie Mac was 50 years-old.

The series is loosely based on Wahlberg’s own experiences as an up-and-coming movie star and draws on the experiences of industry insiders to illustrate both the heady excesses of today’s celebrity lifestyle, as well as the difficulty of finding love and success in the fast track of show biz.

"I did one other cameo in the pilot, but I didn’t get to do a scene with Jeremy Piven," Wahlberg said. "This time it’s me and Piven going at it, so it was fun."

While the specific episode Wahlberg will be appearing in has not been specified, a scene between Wahlberg and Piver should be ‘gold’ (pun intended).  Entourage returns for its fifth season on September 7th on HBO.

With this announces comes the canceling of an upcoming stand-up comedy tour, and many appearances, including the Comedy Central Roast of Bob Saget. According to a friend, Lange "felt awful for not being there for Bob, but needed to make his health a priority."

This comes right on the heels of Lange’s on-air argument with his assistant, which turned physical, last April on the Howard Stern Show. This resulted in him giving his resignation to the Sirius Satellite show, in which he apologized to Howard. He later returned to the show, apologetic.

Artie Lange is probably best know for his work on MADtv, as well as his co-starring role in the 1998 Norm MacDonald film, "Dirty Work." He also stared in 2006’s "Beer League." He is expected to return to Howard Stern’s Radio Show once he has finished his much-needed rehab stint.

Editor’s Note:

This is much needed for Artie Lange. He is such a funny comedian, and such a great talent, it sucks to see him drinking and injecting his way to an early death. Let’s just hope that this goes well, and he gets the help he needs. This is not something that is a new topic, especially with Artie’s friends and fellow comedians. This is something his friends have been urging him to do for some time, so it’s good to see him finally do something about it. We don’t need to lose more funny people.

Check out this link. It’s Colin Quinn roasting Artie Lange on the Howard Stern show. When he gets to Artie, it’s more of an intervention and a plea for him to help himself, than anything.

Big Game Hunters:

A Sketch comedy troup based in Los Angeles. Since October 2004, the group has performed online and in person for thousands. They have won awards and been featured on top funny sites. Check them out.

Brevity TV:

"BrevityTV.com is the pinnacle of both eastern and western civilization, nothing less than the culmination of human endeavor and the sum of artistic accomplishment, all expressed as a web page." Sketch Comedy.

1 1/2 Mexicans:

What does 1 1/2 MEXICANS do? I’m glad you just read that last question. We take classic 80s and 90s movies, mix in some hilarity and re-present it for your viewing pleasure all the while we add in our comedy commentary live.

Mac just a few weeks ago found himself in the news after making an off-color joke at an Obama event. During a brief stand up routie at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Chicago, Mac joked about menopause, sexual infidelity and promiscuity, and used occasional crude language.
"My little nephew came to me and he said, ‘Uncle, what’s the difference between a hypothetical question and a realistic question?’" Mac said. "I said, I don’t know, but I said, ‘Go upstairs and ask your mother if she’d make love to the mailman for $50,000.’"

The punchline drew some heckling and even evoked an angry response from one person in attendance. Later Obama responded asking Bernie to “Clean up his act.” Currently Mac is resting comfortably at the hospital with his wife Rhonda McCullough at his side. "He’s doing great and hopes to get out soon," Smith said. "He’s Bernie - he’s one of the best guys you’ll meet."

If tickets for his UK shows sell out, Louis CK should pay Ricky Gervais commission. The skilful American stand-up is hardly known over here, but a resounding endorsement from the all-conquering clown on his posters should reap handsome dividends. “The funniest stand-up working America,” Gervais declares. If that doesn’t get people turning up, nothing will.

This has all came about, because Louis CK recently got a role co-staring in Gervais’s Hollywood directorial debut This Side of the Truth. The role CK was set to play was a minor role, but once Gervais discovered the chemistry between the two, he was bumped up.

Louis CK said "It was a huge thrill. The English version of The Office was one of my most favourite things in the world. A lot of US sitcoms are predictable; this was unique, a great piece of human storytelling. Most people in the world live in Slough. I love comedy that makes you laugh, but also makes you go, ‘Oh my God, how could you even say that?’ That’s awe-inspiring.”

The Gervais connection could turbo-charge a film career, but he is wary of swapping theatres for multiplexes: “I’d rather write a new show every year and tour.” He has seen seminal comedians from Eddie Murphy to Steve Martin pursue the Hollywood holy grail with mixed results. “Those people have only made three good movies between them in the past 25 years. All I can think of is how much time those guys wasted on the set.”

Read the Full Story

If you are unfamiliar with Louis CK, he’s comedy resume is long and hilarious. He is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer and director. He has had several TV specials, written, produced, and directed several short films and movies, along with winning an Emmy award for his writing on the Chris Rock Show. Here are a FEW highlights from his biography.

STAND UP COMEDY; TV APPEARANCES:

"Louis CK: Chewed Up" Hour Standup Special 2008
"Louis CK: Shameless" Hour standup special 2007
"Comic Relief" HBO 2006
HBO Half hour Standup special 2005
Late Show with David Letterman (5 times)

MOVIES

"I think I love my Wife" (Fox Searchlight)…………………………………Writer
"Pootie Tang" (Paramount Pictures)…………………………………….Director, Writer, Producer
"Tomorrow Night" (Independant)……………………………………….Director, Writer, Producer

TELEVISON

Lucky Louie…………………………………………………………….Creator, Executive Producer, Star
"The Chris Rock Show" (HBO Series, 4 seasons)…………………Producer, writer
"The Dana Carvey Show" (Primetime series on ABC)……………..Producer, Head Writer
"Late Show with David Letterman"(Late Night show)…………….Writer
"Late Night with Conan Obrien (Late Night show)………………….Writer

Editors Note:

This endorsement from Ricky Gervais will allow Louis CK to get the type of internationally exposure that he needs, and deserves. Again, if you’ve never seen any of his stand-up, TV shows, or movies, I suggest you check it out. We will leave you will a clip for his HBO special, Shameless: