Joe Rogan vs. Carlos Mencia

[Ksyrup]

I have to admit, I'm not really up on the comic wars (although I recall something a while back involving David Cross and Larry the Cable Guy), but apparently Joe Rogan has been pretty outspoken about comics stealing jokes from other comics and has been riding Carlos Mencia about this for a long time.

Well, last weekend Rogan showed up at a Mencia show in LA and confronted him onstage. Hilarity ensues...

Probably NSFW due to language, etc.

hxxp://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1943001565

[JonInMiddleGA]

One immediate problem that I see here, nevermind the video, is that Mencia can be funny, Rogan simply isn't. Kind of makes it hard for me to give a gigantic shit what Rogan thinks.

[DaddyTorgo]

One immediate problem that I see here, nevermind the video, is that Mencia can be funny, Rogan simply isn't. Kind of makes it hard for me to give a gigantic shit what Rogan thinks.

but the point is that mencia isn't originally funny. he's funny only cuz he steals other comic's jokes. intellectual property protection jon...aren't you supposed to be all about it?

[wade moore]

One immediate problem that I see here, nevermind the video, is that Mencia can be funny, Rogan simply isn't. Kind of makes it hard for me to give a gigantic shit what Rogan thinks.

That was my immediate reaction before watching the video. If Rogan is right that Mencia steals jokes, that's crap, but I'd take it more seriously from someone that had any hope of being funny with someone else's jokes, let alone his own.

[Desnudo]

I didn't realize Joe Rogan was a comedian

[JonInMiddleGA]

but the point is that mencia isn't originally funny. he's funny only cuz he steals other comic's jokes. intellectual property protection jon...aren't you supposed to be all about it?

AFAIK, there's no copyright protection for stand-up material.

And wademoore really nailed my point
... I'd take it more seriously from someone that had any hope of being funny with someone else's jokes, let alone his own.

Rogan couldn't be funny if he had Milton Berle's brain surgically attached to his own.

[John Galt]

Obviously, there aren't a lot of NewsRadio fans posting in this thread. Rogan may not have been the funniest guy in the show, but it was a comedy. He did do something before Fear Factor.

[Ksyrup]

He's no Dave Foley, but he was good on that show.

I didn't know this before seeing some stuff about this incident, but apparently, in addition to the FF stuff, he hosts UFC competitions? And of course, he was part of the failed team that took over The Man Show, which is another reason a lot of people have concluded he isn't funny.

[wade moore]

Obviously, there aren't a lot of NewsRadio fans posting in this thread. Rogan may not have been the funniest guy in the show, but it was a comedy. He did do something before Fear Factor.

He's no Dave Foley, but he was good on that show.

I didn't know this before seeing some stuff about this incident, but apparently, in addition to the FF stuff, he hosts UFC competitions? And of course, he was part of the failed team that took over The Man Show, which is another reason a lot of people have concluded he isn't funny.

I've also heard his "stand-up"...

John - I'd say maybe he's a decent comedic actor. But comedic actor and comedian (in the stand-up sense like Mencia) are very different skills - just ask Michael Richards.

[TroyF]

He was ok on News Radio, hasn't been funny on anything else.

If he's right about Mencia stealing jokes, then I have to say Mencia is an idiot. He could be Janet Reno and if he's right about that, he's right. Mencia shouldn't be stealing jokes.

Now, thing is, I don't know if Mencia really did steal jokes. (haven't watched the video and I've seen no proof) That's another part of the debate.

[John Galt]

I'm confused after watching the video - was this originally Rogan's show or Mencia's? Based upon what was said, I think it was Rogan's (but I wasn't sure).

FWIW, I think Rogan does a damn good job gathering evidence in the video and it looks pretty bad for Carlos.

[Pyser]

theres a big article about joke stealing in radar magazine this month, and mencia and dane cook are specifically singled out.

it doesnt matter who calls mencia out. i realize joke stealing has been going on as long joke telling, but shit, someone's gotta say something, right?

[Travis]

No matter my opinion of Rogan as a comedian, this is absolutely great.

Rogan should stick to this and UFC though. It's nice that he doesn't rip off other comedian's material, but like it's been said above, certainly isn't going to be anybody ripping him off anytime soon.

[DaddyTorgo]

it was originally a mencia show that rogan crashed.

i guess i stand in the "it doesn't matter if rogan is funny or not, he still has the right to call mencia out for this" camp.

[John Galt]

I've also heard his "stand-up"...

John - I'd say maybe he's a decent comedic actor. But comedic actor and comedian (in the stand-up sense like Mencia) are very different skills - just ask Michael Richards.

That's true, but like a lot of comedic actors, I'd bet he got his start in stand-up (just a wild-ass guess on my part). He may not have been that good, but that's really beside the point, IMO. He isn't calling Carlos out for stealing his jokes, he is calling out Carlos for stealing other comedian's jokes - and has pretty good evidence to support it. Carlos's attempts to deny it are just weird (like saying the Jewish guy couldn't have come up with the joke about building the "Super Fence") and at the end, he doesn't even seem to deny it.

[Ksyrup]

I'm confused after watching the video - was this originally Rogan's show or Mencia's? Based upon what was said, I think it was Rogan's (but I wasn't sure).

FWIW, I think Rogan does a damn good job gathering evidence in the video and it looks pretty bad for Carlos.

From what I understand, it was a Mencia show, but now that I'm googling about it, it might have been Mencia who confronted Rogan about it. But that doesn't make sense, either, because Rogan just happened to have someone there to support his argument.

Hell if I know...

Another thing I found out from all of this is that Rogan has been a blackbelt since he was a teenager (which would explain the UFC connection, I guess). It would have been funnier if this had come to blows...

[Ksyrup]

theres a big article about joke stealing in radar magazine this month, and mencia and dane cook are specifically singled out.

it doesnt matter who calls mencia out. i realize joke stealing has been going on as long joke telling, but shit, someone's gotta say something, right?

Yeah, I've read a lot of people who hate Dane Cook. I never got too much into it, but his success the past year has really fueled the hatred for him since he supposedly steals a lot of his material.

And going back, Denis Leary has long been accused of stealing Bill Hicks' material. Since Hicks is dead, Leary's kinda had a free pass.

[Dr. Sak]

"Joe Rogan, there's something you don't know about me. I smoke rock."

[DaddyTorgo]

re: Mencia

The fact is that this idiot's real name is Ned Holness. He's not Mexican, he's half-Honduran. He started his career under that name, realized he wasnt talented enough to make it, so he decided to change his name to Carlos Mencia and pass himself off as a "Mexican who crosses the line."

[John Galt]

From what I understand, it was a Mencia show, but now that I'm googling about it, it might have been Mencia who confronted Rogan about it. But that doesn't make sense, either, because Rogan just happened to have someone there to support his argument.

I couldn't tell because the audience seems to turn on Carlos pretty quick. And I thought one of them made a comment about the audience not knowing Carlos's act (but I could be wrong). The description on the myspace page also implies it is Rogan's show (although doesn't explicitly say it). Then again, Carlos starts with the mic. So, I'm confused.

[Ksyrup]

it was originally a mencia show that rogan crashed.

i guess i stand in the "it doesn't matter if rogan is funny or not, he still has the right to call mencia out for this" camp.

Which, if true as I thought, makes the whole thing even funnier, because by the end, the crowd starts to turn on Mencia.

[Toddzilla]

AFAIK, there's no copyright protection for stand-up material.Actually it is copyright infringement that Mencia claimed in order to get YouTube to pull the video.

[Toddzilla]

I'm confused after watching the video - was this originally Rogan's show or Mencia's? Based upon what was said, I think it was Rogan's (but I wasn't sure).

FWIW, I think Rogan does a damn good job gathering evidence in the video and it looks pretty bad for Carlos.Joe Rogan had just finished his set, so he was introducing the next comic - who happens to open for Mencia. Rogan introduced him as the guy "who opens for Menstealia". Well, Carlos happened to be in the audience, so he jumped up on-stage, grabbed the mic, and dares Rogan to call him that to his face. Well, if you know anything about Joe Rogan, that was an incredibly stupid thing to do.

[John Galt]

Joe Rogan had just finished his set, so he was introducing the next comic - who happens to open for Mencia. Rogan introduced him as the guy "who opens for Menstealia". Well, Carlos happened to be in the audience, so he jumped up on-stage, grabbed the mic, and dares Rogan to call him that to his face. Well, if you know anything about Joe Rogan, that was an incredibly stupid thing to do.

That makes more sense. It certainly explains the hostile audience. It also makes Carlos look like more of an ass, IMO. At first I thought Rogan crashed Carlos's show which is a bit of a dick move. Now that Carlos is the one doing the crashing and is probably in the "wrong," it just looks all bad for Mencia to me.

[Toddzilla]

Finally, for full disclosure...I was never a big fan of Joe Rogan. He was okay on News Radio and completely unbearable on Fear Factor. I've seen some of is stand-up and was never really impressed. I'm not a real big fan of Carlos Mencia, either, having seen him 3-4 years ago in Atlanta and basically couldn't wait for his set to be over.

That being said, I've got an incredible amount of respect for Joe Rogan for standing up and calling out comedians *by name* whom he sees stealing material. He doesn't just accuse someone and cry about it, he knows - he researches comedian's material and can prove his claims. He's called out Mencia, Dane Cook, and Denis Leary to name a few, and he's been able to prove it via audio and video.

More power to Joe Rogan.

[Maple Leafs]

It doesn't matter how funny Joe Rogan is or isn't. If comics are stealing jokes, they deserve every bit of misery he can throw at them.

Joke-stealing is really is just about the lowest thing a comic can do that doesn't involve shouting about spoons up asses.

[sabotai]

I see comics steal jokes all the time. I'm sure some do it more than others. Hell, Ellan Degeneres has or had a Comedy Central special that I saw ads for that featured a joke I've heard before (can't remember what the joke was off the top of my head).

That said, Mencia looks really bad in that video. But I also find it very hard to believe that anyone would rip off George Lopez...

[sachmo71]

A joke does not have to be original to be funny.

[Pyser]

And going back, Denis Leary has long been accused of stealing Bill Hicks' material. Since Hicks is dead, Leary's kinda had a free pass.

that was in the radar article too. in fact, i think they talked to hicks family, but i cant recall for sure.

[Ksyrup]

That makes more sense. It certainly explains the hostile audience. It also makes Carlos look like more of an ass, IMO. At first I thought Rogan crashed Carlos's show which is a bit of a dick move. Now that Carlos is the one doing the crashing and is probably in the "wrong," it just looks all bad for Mencia to me.


Here is Rogan's explanation, which confirms that Mencia did the crashing:

hxxp://www.joerogan.net/main.php?archives=1&article=53945

I've also read, but not confirmed, that Rogan was banned by the Comedy Store for this incident (but not Mencia).

[Ksyrup]

A joke does not have to be original to be funny.

'Tis true, but a song doesn't have to be original to be catchy, either. The difference is that cover bands give credit to the originals. Mencia clearly isn't billing himself as Big-Ass Head, the George Lopez Cover Comedian.

[Jonathan Ezarik]

A joke does not have to be original to be funny.

True, but if you are going to be using someone else's jokes, you had better pay them for it.

[Maple Leafs]

I see comics steal jokes all the time.
Some comics will write jokes for others, or will "give" a joke to someone else who they think could do it better. And of course it's also possible that two guys will come up with the same basic concept and wind up with jokes that sound similar (Bill Maher and Chris Rock had a couple of very similar bits on their recent albums).

But to take a joke from some a lesser-known comic and use it in your own act... that's brutal.

[Maple Leafs]

Here is Rogan's explanation, which confirms that Mencia did the crashing:

hxxp://www.joerogan.net/main.php?archives=1&article=53945

Good quote from that article:

For someone who is not a comic, and doesn't understand what the big deal is about comics stealing jokes, please let me try to explain it to you.

It's hard to come up with material. It takes a lot of work, a lot of rewriting, sometimes an approach bombs and you have to rethink it, and often it's a long process until you get to a finished product. Now, occasionally a joke will come to you in full form, but for the most part it's just an idea that can become a great bit with some work.

Now, when you work hard on a bit and polish and craft it, and then someone just disrespects the whole process, steps in, steals it and performs it as his own, that's a pretty intense creative violation. I've been in the back of a club while a guy was onstage doing one of my bits and believe me that's a shitty fucking feeling. It's like watching your girlfriend getting fucked onstage by a liar while the whole audience cheers.

What's even worse, is if you're a struggling comic, and the guy stealing your shit has his own show on comedy central.

[Ksyrup]

I see comics steal jokes all the time.

There are some comics who write jokes for others, or offer jokes to other comics who might be better suited for the joke. And there's the situation where two comics come up with basically the same take on a subject (which has happened recently).

But stealing a joke from some local act for your own act? How pathetic. Almost as bad as stealing posts. :D

[sabotai]

And of course it's also possible that two guys will come up with the same basic concept and wind up with jokes that sound similar (Bill Maher and Chris Rock had a couple of very similar bits on their recent albums).

I think this happens far more oftan than people want to believe. "Who's going to build it?" Yeah, only one guy would ever think that on the subject of building a wall between the US and Mexico.

That's why I'll usually give it a pass if I here the same one-liner, since it's very believeable that multiple people could come up with similar one-liners. Not only that, but years could pass before a comedian "steals" a one-line joke that. It's also believeable that he thought he came up with it, that it just came to him, but it was really his subconscious repeating a joke he heard years before.

But I do see long jokes that are extremely similar a lot. Not excusing it, just saying a lot of them do it.

[Maple Leafs]

I think this happens far more oftan than people want to believe. "Who's going to build it?" Yeah, only one guy would ever think that on the subject of building a wall between the US and Mexico.
Except that, as shown in the video, the first guy did the joke when he was opening for Mencia. Pretty big coincidence that Mencia never heard it, then thought of it (almost word for word) on his own a year later.

[John Galt]

I think this happens far more oftan than people want to believe. "Who's going to build it?" Yeah, only one guy would ever think that on the subject of building a wall between the US and Mexico.

That's why I'll usually give it a pass if I here the same one-liner, since it's very believeable that multiple people could come up with similar one-liners. Not only that, but years could pass before a comedian "steals" a one-line joke that. It's also believeable that he thought he came up with it, that it just came to him, but it was really his subconscious repeating a joke he heard years before.

But I do see long jokes that are extremely similar a lot. Not excusing it, just saying a lot of them do it.

The problem for Carlos with that joke is that he seems to tell several lies to deny stealing it. First, he denies that Ari (the Jewish guy he allegedly stole the joke from) opened for him which is odd. Then, with Ari on stage, he tries to convince the audience that a Jewish guy couldn't have created that joke. Lastly, he says he was doing the joke first (but Rogan has the old video clip of Ari doing it).

So, in the end, it looks to me like Carlos stole the joke from a struggling, lesser-known comic who was an opening act for him and then lies about it. If Carlos had just said what you just said, I would have probably agreed. But his apparent lies pretty much eliminate any such defense in my mind.

[Butter]

I was going to show up with the "Ooooo... who cares" comment, but this is actually pretty interesting!

[Ksyrup]

I was going to show up with the "Ooooo... who cares" comment, but this is actually pretty interesting!

Well, in one sense, it is true. But Mencia's all over Comedy Central, so this is somewhat of a big deal. Although you have to wonder, stealing jokes from George Lopez...what's that the equivalent of? Stealing riffs from Trixter?

[DeToxRox]

Carlos Mencia is not funny. He needs to rethink who he steals jokes from because his stand up is awful to sit through.

[Ksyrup]

Carlos Mencia is not funny. He needs to rethink who he steals jokes from because his stand up is awful to sit through.

You're a real commodian as well. ;)

[DeToxRox]

You're a real commodian as well. ;)

Haha dare I say thats from the ill-fated Andy Dick show?

[sabotai]

Except that, as shown in the video, the first guy did the joke when he was opening for Mencia. Pretty big coincidence that Mencia never heard it, then thought of it (almost word for word) on his own a year later.

Well yeah, that's why I said this "It's also believeable that he thought he came up with it, that it just came to him, but it was really his subconscious repeating a joke he heard years before."

The problem for Carlos with that joke is that he seems to tell several lies to deny stealing it. First, he denies that Ari (the Jewish guy he allegedly stole the joke from) opened for him which is odd. Then, with Ari on stage, he tries to convince the audience that a Jewish guy couldn't have created that joke. Lastly, he says he was doing the joke first (but Rogan has the old video clip of Ari doing it).

I was just using that as a general example. Just saying that I could see if several people could come up with that line. But yeah, specifically with Carlos, he either stole it intentionally or subconsciously.

[John Galt]

I was just using that as a general example. Just saying that I could see if several people could come up with that line. But yeah, specifically with Carlos, he either stole it intentionally or subconsciously.

Yeah, I agree with you generally. Based upon what Rogan has put together, it seems like a pattern with Carlos. And that's no good. Stealing from the up-and-comers seems especially harsh to me. That means when someone watches their show, they might think the up-and-comer actually stole the joke from Mencia.

[Hammer755]

If there was any way that Rogan & Mencia could eliminate each other from my television (and take Dane Cook with them), I would choose that option.

[sabotai]

Yeah, I agree with you generally. Based upon what Rogan has put together, it seems like a pattern with Carlos. And that's no good.

It's even worse after you read what he wrote on his website. They have hand signals to alert to the comedian on stage that Carlos walked in? Holy crap, that is bad (if true).

[Jonathan Ezarik]

Well yeah, that's why I said this "It's also believeable that he thought he came up with it, that it just came to him, but it was really his subconscious repeating a joke he heard years before."

I think for the most part comedians understand this and will let it slide if it happens a couple of times. Mencia, though, seems to have a history of having his subconscious write jokes for him, and that's what's got other comics pissed at him.

[sabotai]

I tried googling Dane Cook and the accusations of him stealing jokes. I think this short blog pretty much explains another aspect of the whole "joke stealing" topic.

hxxp://www.dead-frog.com/archives/2007/01/steal_this_joke_louis_ck_dane_cook_steve_martin.php

[Maple Leafs]

I tried googling Dane Cook and the accusations of him stealing jokes. I think this short blog pretty much explains another aspect of the whole "joke stealing" topic.

hxxp://www.dead-frog.com/archives/2007/01/steal_this_joke_louis_ck_dane_cook_steve_martin.php
There's an MP3 out there of Cook doing three jokes that are similar to Louis CK's. However, at least in that case it's the same concept done differently, not a word-for-word ripoff. There's some room for interpretation on the Dane Cook front.

[sabotai]

There's an MP3 out there of Cook doing three jokes that are similar to Louis CK's. However, at least in that case it's the same concept done differently, not a word-for-word ripoff. There's some room for interpretation on the Dane Cook front.

Found it: hxxp://www.redban.com/audio/danesteals.mp3

EDIT: After listening, all three are similar, but none of them are unique to Louis C.K. I don't think. About to see an accident, funny/stupid names for kids, funny/gross medical condition involving an orifice below the waist....hardly subjects not talked about before. Just like he found Steve Martin doing the Louis C.K. bit on names for kids bit 20 years earlier, I'm sure you could find comedians before these two guys doing a very similar bit to the other two and convince many people that it was stolen.

[Eaglesfan27]

None of these guys can even approach Todd Barry's greatness.

[Oilers9911]

Dane Cook is another non-funny comedian.

Two words Lewis Black.

[sabotai]

None of these guys can even approach Todd Barry's greatness.

I saw Todd Barry perform at a small club in New York a few months ago. I agree with this statement.

[wade moore]

FWIW, I said the stuff about Rogan not being funny before watching the clip.

Now that I see it, I'm a bit on board with it not mattering who says it - the evidence is relatively damning.

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, I hear a lot of Todd Barry on XM Comedy Channel. I love that station. Drew Hastings is one of several comics I had never heard before that I now love thanks to that station. His bit where he answers the question why he never wants to have children with the story of how, as a struggling delivery truck driver, he rented out the back of his truck to a homeless gay prostitute who ended up stealing his truck, is one of the funniest bits I've heard in years. Never would have heard of him without XM.

[jeff061]

There's not enough Mencia hate in this thread. There has never been a TV show that sent me careening towards my remote or power button quite like his atrocity.

"Haha, I make stupid jokes that can only be perceived as funny cause they have racist tones, but I direct them at all races so I'm gold, dude!!!!! DeDeDe!!!!!".

Never mind the fact I never heard a joke he told that was not told better by someone else and I came to that conclusion before I was aware of this situation. There is not being funny (Rogan) and then there is being flat out painful.

[EagleFan]

Dam, I was hoping this meant Rogan went UFC on him...

[Crapshoot]

There's not enough Mencia hate in this thread. There has never been a TV show that sent me careening towards my remote or power button quite like his atrocity.

"Haha, I make stupid jokes that can only be perceived as funny cause they have racist tones, but I direct them at all races so I'm gold, dude!!!!! DeDeDe!!!!!".

Never mind the fact I never heard a joke he told that was not told better by someone else and I came to that conclusion before I was aware of this situation. There is not being funny (Rogan) and then there is being flat out painful.

I'll echo this. Mencia is just painful to watch - I want to beat him over the head with a 2x4.

[Pyser]

Found it: hxxp://www.redban.com/audio/danesteals.mp3

EDIT: After listening, all three are similar, but none of them are unique to Louis C.K. I don't think. About to see an accident, funny/stupid names for kids, funny/gross medical condition involving an orifice below the waist....hardly subjects not talked about before. Just like he found Steve Martin doing the Louis C.K. bit on names for kids bit 20 years earlier, I'm sure you could find comedians before these two guys doing a very similar bit to the other two and convince many people that it was stolen.

whats more daming, and i say this as a dane cook fan, is that all 3 bits appear on 1 louis ck cd, and all 3 then appear on 1 dane cook cd.

its not like its a coincidence and the 3 jokes are spread out over ck's entire career.

that said, i hope its not true.

[Easy Mac]

It hurts to view Mencia - Someone should hit him upside his cabeza with a large piece of wood.

[cartman]

And what do you call your act?

The Aristocrats.

[Rizon]

Real comedy died with Richard Pryor.

As for joke stealing, two of the examples given: the Mexican fence and the getting on top of shoulders to get on rides at Disneyland I heard back in the 80s.

[Maple Leafs]

Tangent: Joke-stealing accusations aside, I actually think Dane Cook is really good. I can't understand why so many people dislike him, other than the predictable backlash against anyone who's successful. I can understand saying he's not your type of comic or that he'd be better without so much bouncing around, but to say he's not funny at all just strikes me as odd.

[oykib]

Dane Cook hasn't even caused me to mildly chuckle any of the few times I've heard him. The first time I heard the joke-stealing accusations were in this thread. So it has nothing to do with that.

[Maple Leafs]

Dane Cook hasn't even caused me to mildly chuckle any of the few times I've heard him. The first time I heard the joke-stealing accusations were in this thread. So it has nothing to do with that.
OK, buddy.

[Fidatelo]

Lots of stuff to touch on here:

- Joe Rogan is cool, I liked him on News Radio and he just seems like a cool dude. Not sure if he's a funny comedian as I've never seen his act.

- Carlos Mencia seems like a total chump from everything I've seen or read, and this video just makes it worse. "You're just a whiny bitch" is not a good comeback after the 1st time, never mind the 5th.

- I hear a lot about Dane Cook, and most of it was how good he was. So then I watched him on SNL and wow, was he brutal. I turned it off after about 25 minutes.

- Comedy in general is the best art form there is.

[dubb93]

But I also find it very hard to believe that anyone would rip off George Lopez...

Without being able to watch the video(myspace video does not work on my PC for some reason), I recall George Lopez getting a Mencia HBO special pulled a while back for claiming that Mencia took like 15 minutes of his material.

[sabotai]

Without being able to watch the video(myspace video does not work on my PC for some reason), I recall George Lopez getting a Mencia HBO special pulled a while back for claiming that Mencia took like 15 minutes of his material.

I was just making a joke about George Lopez not being funny. :D

And they did mention that on the video (and I think they said it was only temporarily pulled)

[Rizon]

I finally made it through the entire clip. Wow, getting p0wned by Joe Rogan of all people, and hardcore. Course, I find it hilarious that Rogan, who is excruciatingly not funny, and George Lopez, who is so not funny he doesn't deserve to live, are clowning on anyone. I also find it hard to believe that Carlos, or Ned, stole 15 minutes of material from Lopez. There is no way Lopez has even 15 minutes of funny material during his entire life.

[stevew]

Wow, interesting thread here. It was on another board I visit this morning, and barely a peep. Mencia is pretty annoying, so it was nice to see rogan call him out. I don't know if Rogan is actually funny on his own, but it really doesn't matter.

I think Lopez is tolerable in small doses, but I couldn't watch a whole special of his anyways.

[lordscarlet]

There's not enough Mencia hate in this thread. There has never been a TV show that sent me careening towards my remote or power button quite like his atrocity.

"Haha, I make stupid jokes that can only be perceived as funny cause they have racist tones, but I direct them at all races so I'm gold, dude!!!!! DeDeDe!!!!!".

Never mind the fact I never heard a joke he told that was not told better by someone else and I came to that conclusion before I was aware of this situation. There is not being funny (Rogan) and then there is being flat out painful.

I thought I was the only one, so I was keeping it to myself. I have a few friends that love Mencia (and the "Dedede") and I have no idea what their problem is.

[Maple Leafs]

Real comedy died with Richard Pryor.
See, I'd actually argue that comedy just finished up another golden period. You had Chris Rock at his best, Carlin still on top of his game, Dave Chappelle and Mitch Hedberg at their best... it was a good time.

Now that Hedberg's gone, Chappelle's crazy and Carlin is fading (maybe?), who knows where we go next.

[VPI97]

who knows where we go next.
Back to Carrot Top?

[EagleFan]

I thought Carlin faded a long, long, long time ago.

[Raiders Army]

I knew Mencia wasn't Mexican, but wow.

[Maple Leafs]

I thought Carlin faded a long, long, long time ago.
His last few HBO specials were excellent. I thought his last one was so-so... better than most guys could ever do, but not up to his normal standards. Although he seemed like he was stuck with a bad audience which is a tough hurdle to get over.

[Eaglesfan27]

See, I'd actually argue that comedy just finished up another golden period. You had Chris Rock at his best, Carlin still on top of his game, Dave Chappelle and Mitch Hedberg at their best... it was a good time.

Now that Hedberg's gone, Chappelle's crazy and Carlin is fading (maybe?), who knows where we go next.


Agreed with all of that except you forgot Todd Barry. Anyone who hasn't checked him out should do so.

[DougWyatt]

This is my opinion - where I stand on this.

There are some comics who write jokes for others, or offer jokes to other comics who might be better suited for the joke. And there's the situation where two comics come up with basically the same take on a subject (which has happened recently).

But stealing a joke from some local act for your own act? How pathetic. Almost as bad as stealing posts. http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/smilies/biggrin.gif<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

[Jonathan Ezarik]

See, I'd actually argue that comedy just finished up another golden period. You had Chris Rock at his best, Carlin still on top of his game, Dave Chappelle and Mitch Hedberg at their best... it was a good time.

Now that Hedberg's gone, Chappelle's crazy and Carlin is fading (maybe?), who knows where we go next.

Eddie Izzard?

[Maple Leafs]

Agreed with all of that except you forgot Todd Barry. Anyone who hasn't checked him out should do so.
I'm not really familiar with him. Will have to find some of his stuff and give it a try.

[Ksyrup]

This is my opinion - where I stand on this.

There are some comics who write jokes for others, or offer jokes to other comics who might be better suited for the joke. And there's the situation where two comics come up with basically the same take on a subject (which has happened recently).

But stealing a joke from some local act for your own act? How pathetic. Almost as bad as stealing posts. http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/smilies/biggrin.gif<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Exactly. :cool:

[Maple Leafs]

Eddie Izzard?
I like his work although I'm not sure it's accessible enough to be grouped with the other guys I mentioned. He always struck me as a guy who was very smart and very funny, and you'd listen to his album and really enjoy it but realize afterwards that you didn't really laugh all that often. David Cross is another guy who fits in that category for me.

Is Izzard still going strong? I haven't heard anything new from him recently.

[bulletsponge]

This is my opinion - where I stand on this.

There are some comics who write jokes for others, or offer jokes to other comics who might be better suited for the joke. And there's the situation where two comics come up with basically the same take on a subject (which has happened recently).

But stealing a joke from some local act for your own act? How pathetic. Almost as bad as stealing posts.

[Eaglesfan27]

I like his work although I'm not sure it's accessible enough to be grouped with the other guys I mentioned. He always struck me as a guy who was very smart and very funny, and you'd listen to his album and really enjoy it but realize afterwards that you didn't really laugh all that often. David Cross is another guy who fits in that category for me.

Is Izzard still going strong? I haven't heard anything new from him recently.


Izzard's been in a few movies lately in which I've had trouble recognizing him because he wasn't in drag. I think he is in another movie that is coming out soon. I'm fairly certain he is working on another CD as well. I've enjoyed his stand up quite a bit, but wasn't as impressed with his recent movie appearances.

[Jonathan Ezarik]

I like his work although I'm not sure it's accessible enough to be grouped with the other guys I mentioned. He always struck me as a guy who was very smart and very funny, and you'd listen to his album and really enjoy it but realize afterwards that you didn't really laugh all that often. David Cross is another guy who fits in that category for me.

I see your point (except for the part about not laughing much. Dress to Kill had me rolling). His comedy is much more intellectual than most popular comics, and I'm sure a lot of his jokes go over some heads. I'm not knocking fans of popular comics, just saying there's a difference.

[Crapshoot]

I see your point (except for the part about not laughing much. Dress to Kill had me rolling). His comedy is much more intellectual than most popular comics, and I'm sure a lot of his jokes go over some heads. I'm not knocking fans of popular comics, just saying there's a difference.

Aye. Izzard is possibly my favorite comic, barely above the likes of Chris Rock, Mitch Hedberg, Carlin and co.

[Toddzilla]

Jimmy Norton
Louis CK
Bill Burr
Patrice O'Neal

All funny funny dudes in my book....

/can you tell what I listen to in the mornings?

[Eaglesfan27]

I see your point (except for the part about not laughing much. Dress to Kill had me rolling). His comedy is much more intellectual than most popular comics, and I'm sure a lot of his jokes go over some heads. I'm not knocking fans of popular comics, just saying there's a difference.


Dress to Kill is one of my favorite shows of this generation of comedians. Right up there with the best of Chris Rock's shows. I just wish everything else he did was as high quality.

[Raiders Army]

This is my opinion - where I stand on this.

There are some comics who write jokes for others, or offer jokes to other comics who might be better suited for the joke. And there's the situation where two comics come up with basically the same take on a subject (which has happened recently).

But stealing a joke from some local act for your own act? How pathetic. Almost as bad as stealing posts. http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/smilies/biggrin.gif<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

This is my opinion - where I stand on this.

There are some comics who write jokes for others, or offer jokes to other comics who might be better suited for the joke. And there's the situation where two comics come up with basically the same take on a subject (which has happened recently).

But stealing a joke from some local act for your own act? How pathetic. Almost as bad as stealing posts.

Nice.

[DougWyatt]

Nice.

you missed one for the triple play ;)


There are some comics who write jokes for others, or offer jokes to other comics who might be better suited for the joke. And there's the situation where two comics come up with basically the same take on a subject (which has happened recently).

But stealing a joke from some local act for your own act? How pathetic. Almost as bad as stealing posts. :D

This is my opinion - where I stand on this.

There are some comics who write jokes for others, or offer jokes to other comics who might be better suited for the joke. And there's the situation where two comics come up with basically the same take on a subject (which has happened recently).

But stealing a joke from some local act for your own act? How pathetic. Almost as bad as stealing posts. http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

This is my opinion - where I stand on this.

There are some comics who write jokes for others, or offer jokes to other comics who might be better suited for the joke. And there's the situation where two comics come up with basically the same take on a subject (which has happened recently).

But stealing a joke from some local act for your own act? How pathetic. Almost as bad as stealing posts.

[ageofquarrel]

My agent dropped me because of the Carlosâ„¢
Posted by Joe Rogan on Thu, Feb 15th, 2007 06:14pm [archives]

This is starting to get hysterical.
As the fearful little animals scamper to a safe, dry spot on the sinking ship of lies, characters are exposed and karma is radiantly beautiful.

My agent from the Gersh agency, who is the same guy that represents Carlos, spoke to me on the phone today. He told me that he was being "put in the middle of this thing, and forced to make a choice." He said that Carlos wanted to get on the phone with me and end this once and for all, and get this... wanted an apology.
If I didn't do this, he wanted the Gersh agency to either drop me, or he would leave them.

I told them that was fucking hilarious, and said that it's been fun working with them. The fact that they would even consider asking me to do something like that meant I was going to leave them anyway, but the sheer stereotypical "hollywood" nature of conversation actually fucking shocked me.
It was like a scene in a movie. Not even a current movie. More like that Kevin Bacon movie "The Big Picture" that was about the evils of Hollywood from the early 90's.

I hung up the phone and laughed out loud. A real, hard, pleasure filled laugh.

Now can you IMAGINE if I was a young, struggling comic and all this shit went down? THAT is the really ugly part of it.
Now you know why people don't speak up about this shit.

Hollywood eats it's young.
At least the Gersh agency does.

What a fascinating, and intriguing life this is turning out to be.

ridiculous.

[Joe]

yeah it is lame, but you have guys like Robin Williams who built their careers off of stealing jokes. when confronted, he would just open up his wallet.

[JeffNights]

Another thing I found out from all of this is that Rogan has been a blackbelt since he was a teenager (which would explain the UFC connection, I guess). It would have been funnier if this had come to blows...


Joe Rogan is a Three-Time American Karate Association Black Belt national Champion is his late teens and early 20's. since then becoming a the lead commentator on all the UFC events, he trains extensively in MMA.

It would not have been funny, it would have been a serious beating if Mencia would have been DUMB enough to take a swipe at Rogan.

[Rizon]

See, I'd actually argue that comedy just finished up another golden period. You had Chris Rock at his best, Carlin still on top of his game, Dave Chappelle and Mitch Hedberg at their best... it was a good time.

Now that Hedberg's gone, Chappelle's crazy and Carlin is fading (maybe?), who knows where we go next.

I guess I can't really disagree with your point. Hedberg and Carlin are two of my most favorite of all time. I love Chappelle, but he just wasn't around long enough. I never liked Rock, though.

[MJ4H]

It would not have been funny, it would have been a serious beating if Mencia would have been DUMB enough to take a swipe at Rogan.

And funny.

[DeToxRox]

Comedy is still great, thanks in part to the Tough Crowd group.

Louis CK, Jim Norton, Patrice O'Neal, Nick Dipaolo, Greg Giraldo, Dave Attell, etc.

[JeffNights]

And funny.


Point Taken, I will make the addenumen(SP)

It would have been DUMB and FUNNY.

:)

[duckman]

Would be funnier if Carlos popped him in the nose, and Joe cried like someone took his birthday away.

[TroyF]

Would be funnier if Carlos popped him in the nose, and Joe cried like someone took his birthday away.


Much as I really wasn't a fan of Rogan before this started, I actually have some major respect for him now. To stick up for other comics and to slam the joke stealers is terrific.

If Rogan is really that well trained in martial arts, the fat bastard would have been lucky to get within six inches of his face before having his arm broken. I'd have laughed my ass off at that.

Never watched Mencia before, now I'll make sure I never support a thing he's involved with. On the flip side, I may actually pay attention to things Joe does in the future.

[Toddzilla]

Would be funnier if Carlos popped him in the nose, and Joe cried like someone took his birthday away.In addition to commentating for the UFC, Rogan actually participates in ultimate fighting, so there's no question that had Mencia been so stupid as to take a swing at Rogan, Rogan could have easily killed him inside 5 seconds. Mencia knows Rogan is a legit tough guy - which is why he never stood up, never got in Rogan's face, and never did anything except babble and lie.

[Calis]

Yeah in addition to the karate accolades, Rogan has been training with Eddie Bravo on his BJJ for quite some time, so it would've ended poorly for Carlos.

I still hate Joe Rogan though, but he sure did make Carlos look like a punk there.

[duckman]

In addition to commentating for the UFC, Rogan actually participates in ultimate fighting, so there's no question that had Mencia been so stupid as to take a swing at Rogan, Rogan could have easily killed him inside 5 seconds. Mencia knows Rogan is a legit tough guy - which is why he never stood up, never got in Rogan's face, and never did anything except babble and lie.

Which is why I think it would be funny if Mencia hit Rogan and Rogan cried. :D

Plus, after watching the video, it was pretty obvious that Rogan was trying to entice Mencia into taking a swing. Mencia sat there for the most part and Rogan kept invading Mencia's personal space. That's not different than a bully backing a weakling in corner hoping he will come out swinging. This is the reason why we don't hear a lot of comedians backing Rogan. Rogan is a talentless comic who is a bully.

[Maple Leafs]

I never liked Rock, though.
Rock may be the only guy working today that I can't comprehend anyone not enjoying. What's not to like?

[Rizon]

Rock may be the only guy working today that I can't comprehend anyone not enjoying. What's not to like?

His schtick got old after the 120th time I heard it. Plus where I live, I hear all the things Rock says, but these people aren't joking. That kinda ruins it for me.

[Julio Riddols]

I've got to throw Zack Galifianakis, Patton Oswalt, Nick Swardson, Arj Barker, Steve Byrne and Brian Posehn out there as more reasons to believe comedy is still very good-

[Glengoyne]

Hearing all of those "golden age" comedian's names, it makes me wonder what ever happened to my, one time, favorite comedian. Jake Johannsen. Like ten or fifteen years ago, he seemed to fall off the planet. But damn he had some funny bits.

Edit: I googled him, just to see if he was still alive. He is apparently still touring around. Here is a Youtube clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FztVU6swtkM Just cut and paste, I didn't want to do the weird hidden linky bit.

In any case, if you can get past the fact that he is pimping himself on Youtube, there is some good stuff in there.

[cuervo72]

Oh, I used to like Jake Johannsen too. Nice mention.

[BishopMVP]

Tangent: Joke-stealing accusations aside, I actually think Dane Cook is really good. I can't understand why so many people dislike him, other than the predictable backlash against anyone who's successful. I can understand saying he's not your type of comic or that he'd be better without so much bouncing around, but to say he's not funny at all just strikes me as odd.I'll avoid the joke stealing accusations and that his movie was a waste of 2 hours of my life and I'm convinced he only did it to try and get in Jessica Simpson's pants.... is he terrible? No, I laugh a decent amount during his stand up, but there's something about him that just annoys me; arrogance or pretentiousness is probably the wrong words, but it's something along those lines with him I don't get off of other comics. Oh, and as unfunny as MadTV was, hxxp://youtube.com/watch?v=tf94cwmC66g is a decent takedown of Mr. Cook.

[BishopMVP]

dola - thumbs up to the Zach Galafinakis mention. Funniest stand-up I've seen in a while, since the Chris Rock/Chappelle HBO specials.

[bulletsponge]

who the hell is Dane cook?

[Maple Leafs]

No, I laugh a decent amount during his stand up, but there's something about him that just annoys me; arrogance or pretentiousness is probably the wrong words, but it's something along those lines with him I don't get off of other comics.
Yeah, I've heard that too. Apparently he's a bit of a dick. I never really saw Tourgasm but I heard he doesn't come across well in that. Still, funny is funny, even if he's a jerk off stage.

Oh, and as unfunny as MadTV was, hxxp://youtube.com/watch?v=tf94cwmC66g is a decent takedown of Mr. Cook.
It's pretty good, although Mad has done it about a half dozen times now. It's starting to seem like they have it out for the guy, maybe because he's done SNL twice.

[Maple Leafs]

who the hell is Dane cook?
This guy:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ia6oD4A5GYg

[lordscarlet]

Unexpectedly I'm going to see George Carlin tomorrow night in Charlottesville. I'll let you guys know if he's still got it.

[BishopMVP]

Yeah, I've heard that too. Apparently he's a bit of a dick. I never really saw Tourgasm but I heard he doesn't come across well in that. Still, funny is funny, even if he's a jerk off stage.Oh, huge douche in real life. He's from Arlington, like 2 towns over, and while I've never had the (dis)pleasure of meeting Mr. Cook, I've met a fair amount of people who have, and that's pretty much a universally agreed upon thing.

Either way, in terms of comedy, I really don't care about off stage demeanor.... Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Zach Galafinakis, Todd Barry, whoever, they could be terrible people, I don't know and don't really care - I watch their stand-ups and laugh my ass off. Dane Cook, ehhhh, hit or miss IMO. I do agree the excessive hate goes overboard at times and is probably in part due to his success and the 'tear down whoever's on top' mentality, but there's no way that guy should be one of the most visible comics in the US/World. (That being said, he's still much better than Carlos Mencia or Joe Rogan, so maybe my disgust is better directed at network TV.)

[Tekneek]

Rogan may be right, but I have a hard time caring for his position when he goes around acting like an asshole. Yay, go Joe. Big stud. You made a big splash. Stand up for all those poor comics that didn't make it big and had their material ripped off by someone who did.

Yawn.

[Julio Riddols]

Also check out Jay Glaser, or look up the Fuggedabuddies on Youtube. I've never seen someone get so many laughs out of so little material but its genius.

[wade moore]

Also check out Jay Glaser, or look up the Fuggedabuddies on Youtube. I've never seen someone get so many laughs out of so little material but its genius.

Jay Glaser?

Ugh.

[Maple Leafs]

If we're turning this into the comedian recommendation thread, definitely have a look at Dave Attell. Actually, now that I'm giving Todd Barry a try, the two have a somewhat similar style.

[Subby]

Nick Swardson is really funny.

[Ksyrup]

Hearing all of those "golden age" comedian's names, it makes me wonder what ever happened to my, one time, favorite comedian. Jake Johannsen. Like ten or fifteen years ago, he seemed to fall off the planet. But damn he had some funny bits.

Edit: I googled him, just to see if he was still alive. He is apparently still touring around. Here is a Youtube clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FztVU6swtkM Just cut and paste, I didn't want to do the weird hidden linky bit.

In any case, if you can get past the fact that he is pimping himself on Youtube, there is some good stuff in there.

I hear him all the time on XM's Comedy Channel. He's still very much alive and touring.

I still fondly recall HBO's One-Night Stand series. Some great comics came out of that (Bill Hicks, Johanssen, Dennis Wolfberg, Robin Harris, Charles Fleischer, etc.). Probably the best original programming on HBO that I really enjoyed. And that would explain why I am no longer a subscriber.

[gottimd]

Demetri Martin is pretty funny too. He has that Steven Wright sense of humor, except he is younger.

Louis C.K. does a great standup.

Any Jim Norton fans here? I'm going to see him next weekend in DC.

[DeToxRox]

Demetri Martin is pretty funny too. He has that Steven Wright sense of humor, except he is younger.

Louis C.K. does a great standup.

Any Jim Norton fans here? I'm going to see him next weekend in DC.

Norton is awesome. Not sure what else I can say but I expect he'll be on as always.

[Butter]

So, how's this thread still going?

[Logan]

Demetri Martin is pretty funny too. He has that Steven Wright sense of humor, except he is younger.

Louis C.K. does a great standup.

Any Jim Norton fans here? I'm going to see him next weekend in DC.

The Demetri Martin special on Comedy Central was the first I'd seen of him, and I laughed my ass of. I'd love to hear some more content, or see him live, but unfortunately his website sucks.

Similar style to Mitch Hedberg, for anyone unaware.

[Blade6119]

Aries Spears, who most of you know from madtv, did a hilarious comedy central special. It was brilliant, and i reccomend you guys check it out.

[Fidatelo]

I just listened to Demetri Martin's "These are Jokes" CD a couple nights ago and laughed like crazy. That guy is my new favorite comedian.

[sabotai]

Demetri Martin also does a segment on The Daily Show from time to time called Trendspotting. I'm pretty sure you can find them on Youtube (maybe, they've been cracking down on TV show clips so you might not be able to anymore). They are all very funny.

EDIT: Just tried looking and could only find the OSU one. Seems like they were taken down. :(

[miked]

I just listened to Demetri Martin's "These are Jokes" CD a couple nights ago and laughed like crazy. That guy is my new favorite comedian.

I've been watching him for a while (his shows are funnier visually) and he was on comedy central a few weeks ago with a funny hour-long show. He is better than Mencia and Rogan to a high power.

[lordscarlet]

Unexpectedly I'm going to see George Carlin tomorrow night in Charlottesville. I'll let you guys know if he's still got it.

So.. my quick review.

First, the opening act was some folk singer that had a really good stage presence and was telling jokes. I liked him a lot. I'll try to look up his name later.

As for Carlin, he was good. He was clearly older and had his usual shtick. Lots of cursing, some political ranting, etc. The odd part was that he apparently scrapped his entire set a month or so ago. He said that he normally slowly works into a new set, but was done with the old routine so he just scrapped it all and had a brand new set, so he was performing from a pile of notes some of the time.

[stevew]

something funny I saw on another site.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://embed.break.com/MjUzNjkw"></param><embed src="http://embed.break.com/MjUzNjkw" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br><font size="1"><a href="http://www.break.com/">Click Here for more great videos and pictures!</a></font>

[Chubby]

Mencia is such a tool.

[MJ4H]

Did you notice how much LESS funny Mencia was doing the same joke?

[cuervo72]

Did you notice how much LESS funny Mencia was doing the same joke?

Yup.

[Karlifornia]

hxxp://www.theonion.com/content/news/dane_cook_parlays_new_burger_king

[Maple Leafs]

Demetri Martin is pretty funny too. He has that Steven Wright sense of humor, except he is younger.
I finally got around to trying out some of his stuff. Good god! I don't throw around Mitch Hedberg comparisons lightly, but this guy is the best I've seen since Hedberg.

"Pants.... Uh oh."

[VPI97]

Cosby rocks....Mencia is nothing but a fucking piece of shit.

[MJ4H]

Cosby rocks....Mencia is nothing but a fucking piece of shit.

Boil off all the crap and you are left with the truth and nothing but the truth. And you nailed it.

[sterlingice]

I guess if you're going to steal, get it from one of the funniest men to ever live...

SI

[Desmond]

For pure comedy, check out the Shaquile O'Neal Roast Of Emmit Smith. The roast itself is horrid as most of the folks simply pay homage to Emmit, but Jamie Fox is the MC and absolutely destroys everyone with unabashed vile (exactly as a roast should be).

The other highlight is seeing what amounts to Moose Johnston try and do standup on BET. Also, Jimmy Johnson trying to dance around wether it's ok to make fun of black people is fun in the train wreckiest of train wreckiest ways.

[molson]

And he "covers" Sam Kinison as well:

http://www.dailymotion.com/jokerthief/video/2537154

[Julio Riddols]

I just realized I said Jay Glaser.. hahaha...

I meant Jon Glaser. The Fuggedabuddies skits on youtube are hilarious to me.