The Balance Between Fact and Fiction. A Farce of a Fight. Do You Have Answers? New Zealand’s Parliament. Badminton: Not for the Faint of Heart.
- Quote of the Week: “The best jokes are dangerous, and dangerous because they are in some way truthful.” – Kurt Vonnegut
I have always felt that the best comedy opened and revealed the truth about society, human behavior, and the way we share experiences. Yes, great comedy effectively stretches the truth and exaggerates for effect. Great comedians create and describe fictional characters and scenarios that usually speak a level of overall truth.
Obviously, comedians must navigate the balance between fact and fiction and how to tie in a level of authenticity that connects with their audience. What all of us usually enjoy about comedy is its ability to highlight truth through humor. Some theorists call this type of comedy “observational” and examples of these types of comedians include Rodney Dangerfield, George Carlin, Richard Pryor, and Sebastian Maniscalco. These types of comedians are not always 100% spot on with their observations but have the talent to reveal the truth regarding human behavior, society, and shared experiences.
There is a fine line between embellishment and truth with comedy -but the ability to be relevant with the audience is key. We enjoy comedy that is genuine even when the subject matter describes an absurd scenario. Sebastian Maniscalco is a master storyteller, with the ability to engage his audience with relevant and impactful humor that describes real-life scenarios in a most funny manner.
- The Mike Tyson – Jake Paul fight on Friday night was somehow sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. As I mentioned, it was no more than pre-fight entertainment, with the fight itself lame and a bit of a farse. Jake Paul reportedly received $40 million for the eight, 2-minute rounds. Tyson took in $20 million and will hopefully fade away into obscurity.
The best fight of the evening was the Katie Taylor – Amanda Serrano light-welterweight championship fight. Great effort, non-stop action, and no messing around. As for Netflix’s coverage and technical difficulties: I have no words.
- Questions for Mid-November
Why are people leaving X and joining Bluesky?
What does Warren Buffett know that we do not? Berkshire Hathaway recently dropped a good bit of Apple shares and picked up Domino’s Pizza.
Did President Biden suggest that the political climate will change? Thanks for that update, Joe.
Should you have any interest in visiting central Florida, go now. The weather from now until April 1 is bar none.
How can we already be in mid-November 2024 with Thanksgiving only eleven days away?
- Just when you think U.S. congressional hearings are a bit over the top, take a look at New Zealand and their Parliament last week. A divisive bill, which would reinterpret New Zealand’s 184-year-old founding document which would undermine the rights of the country’s Indigenous people. While thousands participated in protests and a nine-day march to protest the bill, this young lady, the youngest member of New Zealand’s Parliament, ripped up a copy of the bill and led the haka in Parliament as other Maori members and some visitors in the public gallery joined her.
The haka is a Maori dance that is a challenge to opponents – especially before New Zealand plays a rugby match. I cannot imagine how U.S. lawmakers would react to this protest. 🙂
- Pure Talent. I get it. Most people think of badminton as the backyard game we played with our friends and family, with the rally only lasting two or three hits. Badminton always looked easy to play but as we have all experienced the ability to properly hit the ‘birdie’ (shuttle) is easier said than done. After some quick research, badminton is the fastest racquet sport, with the shuttle able to come off the racquet at speeds close to 180 mph.
The aerodynamic design of the shuttle’s shape, regardless of its original orientation when struck allows the shuttle to fly ‘headfirst’ from one opponent to another. Now that I have bored you with the aerodynamics of the shuttle, take a few moments and watch this video. Badminton as we know it…not so much. These women are Pure Talent.