That's So Funny (I Forgot to Laugh)!

by Chiron O'Keefe

By now, most of my online friends know that in addition to being a writer, I play a mean rhythm guitar and love to sing—blues, torch songs, R&B, soul, classic Motown, Beatles, Stones, the list is endless. I've logged countless hours performing music, including some of my own tunes and even opened for *Gasp* Timothy Leary at a local Body, Mind & Spirit expo. Crazy, man!

Another dimension to my wacky life is my love of comedy. In South Lake Tahoe, I wrote skits and co-produced a comedy show that showcased at the late, great Del Webb's High Sierra.  My favorite comedy rises above flatulence humor to push new boundaries. Lately, my favorite source for humor is online.

For me, it all started with Sarah Silverman  and the following video, that she introduced on her then-boyfriend, Jimmy Kimmel's show. Warning, profanity and rude conduct!

Sarah Silverman in "I'm F#@$ing Matt Damon!"

"I'm F*$cking Matt Damon!" by Sarah Silverman from Sarah Silverman

I'm just glad I'd set down my glass of wine, since I'm not sure my monitor would have survived the spit-take! Not to be outdone, Jimmy Kimmel quickly followed suit with his own response. Warning, profanity and rude conduct!

Jimmy Kimmel in "I'm F#@$ing Ben Affleck!"

"I'm F*$king Ben Affleck" by Jimmy Kimmel - watch more funny videos

Watching these led to the discovery of the website Funnyordie.com  This comedy video website was founded by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay's production company and features both user generated content (definitely hit or miss, so watch at your own risk) and some very professionally put together videos starring such luminaries as  James Franco,  Andy Richter,  Fred Willard, with guest stars ranging from Lindsay Lohan  to Tim Roth.  There's a Presidential Reunion starring many of the SNL regulars over the years in their various presidential roles.
 
There's a series called "Drunken History" which is very hit or miss (one episode that I quickly shut down featured vomiting—ewwww!!!!), but is a hilarious concept, I must admit. The concept: have a very drunken person describe an important historical event while actors play out the scene, lip-synching along with the drunken narration. When it works, it's brilliant. Particularly when the actors are  Will Ferrell and Don Cheadle:

Drunk History: Douglass & Lincoln (Starring Will Ferrell & Don Cheadle) from FODPresents

There's cute and silly, like this one revealing a glimpse inside http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0748620/ Paul Rudd's computer:

Inside Paul Rudd's Computer - watch more funny videos

What's great is these aren't just shaky videos featuring kitties dancing or sea gulls stealing cat food (okay, that one was pretty funny).

These are quality productions, reminding me of the amazing videos SNL has produced over the years. Warning, adult content! Check out Tim Roth in "Brostitute":

Tim Roth Videos from Funny or Die

Now, Ralph Macchio in his latest role:

Ralph Macchio Videos from Funny or Die

As can be expected, Funny or Die is extremely popular and this year was picked up by HBO. Another website getting attention is www.istudio.com , featuring Lisa Kudrow  in a series called "Web Therapy". Word is that this series has been picked up by Showtime. Check out this "session" with guest star, Julia Louis-Dreyfus.



Seems there's a treasure-trove of funny out there on the web. Since laughter really is the best medicine, I say, "Bring it On!"

Now it's your turn to share. Any funny videos that rated a spit-take? Do share!

--Chiron O'Keefe

Chiron loves to laugh, sing and dance. Give her a glass of wine, a guitar and a smile and she'll be entertained all night long!