The Steve Reynolds Program - Issue #10
"What's your second favorite Paul F. Tompkins bit?" I almost texted that to a comic friend today. Because we (and people we respect and love) agree what the obvious best one is. (Here is what currently sits at second for me.)
Do you have any examples like that? Where'd you ask for #2 because #1 is so obvious? 21st century presidents, sure, but nothing else is coming to mind. The best basketball player even can be debated now after 20 years of just one answer.
If I were a dork, I'd turn this into a motivational speech about how the best is subjective and to keep doing the best you can because no one else can diminish your work. But I'm not that kind of dork. Well, kind of. You can do as well as others. I believe in you.
Four Things I'm Liking
1. Trump Inc. - ProPublica, the nonprofit investigative journalism organization, has put together a compelling podcast to showcase the myriad of ways Trump has exploited the presidency for his and his family's profits. It seems the art of his deals is being totally amoral and coddling to wherever the easy money lays. Shocker, I know, but this is so well-reported it is a must-listen.
2. Kid Gorgeous - John Mulaney's Netflix comedy special should have been a disappointment. It's his fourth special and usually the well of material runs dry by then. It's in a large venue and that's not the ideal place for one person to talk to make people laugh. (e.g. Amy Schumer's last special where the crowd seems to be responding to its own size rather than her material). And he does Trump material which I have not seen work anywhere. But holy hello, this special is a triumph and the Trump material is genius and hilarious.
3. Weird Al - Bob - I took my kid to see "Weird Al" last week on The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent Ill-Advised Vanity Tour. It was a pared-down tour in smaller theaters where he played mostly original songs. It was weird getting oddly emotional and nostalgic about the song Mr. Frump In The Iron Lung, but Weird Al's first tape was my birthday gift from a late friend. I'm not that well-versed in his catalog so hearing this song was a highlight for me. Each line is a palindrome and that delighted my inner word nerd.
4. Spiced Colada - I made a batch of my favorite summer party drink for neighbors this weekend. It's less sweet and syrupy than your average pina colada but it DELICIOUS. This is the recipe, but the batch makes far more drinks than they say. So have friends on hand to help drink them or you'll be acting ri-goddamn-diculous before you know it.
This Week
I'll be at Headliner's in ABQ Friday night. Make your ABQ friends go!