memories... aftermath of my father's death

2 years ago today, my father died...I have talked about how comedy was the only real thing I had as a connection to him.. so, in a touch of irony, I was scheduled to be on my first paid show that night.. I was supposed to host a show at Geeksboro. I wasn't sure I could do it... Alexander Stone messages me and tells me that hosting might be too much...and tells me he moved me to doing a set on the show.. I was so afraid I would get there and have nothing, or worse yet, to lose it in front of people I liked and respected (the other comics). Wendy helped me be strong and commit to the show.. and when I got there, Alex and Anthony Crawford and the other comics on the show made me feel like I could do it..and was worth being there.. My set sucked, but as I sat through the other sets, something amazing happened... I could breath.I was pulled out of myself.. I laughed and I saw the looks when the others noticed I was laughing.. It meant the world to me... two years later, it still means the world to me. my friends..no, my comedy family helped me so much....

and 13 days later, they did more than help me again.. they and wendy saved me.. dramatic sounding, no doubt..but true nonetheless... a lot of people knew bits of what I was feeling, but I don't think that anyone knows how hard I had been hit and how dark a place I was in.....

Listening to too much sports radio... Night of the living Sports Babble: just a few thoughts

Listening to too much sports radio again.. some thoughts.

1) Roman Harper was correct and not taunting at all. If you look at it, with the exception of the second falcons game, the panthers have been doing the plug and play thing all season and have been successful with it. While not having extensive playoff experience, not only has Cam evolved and grown, so has the team as a whole. this leads to ...

2) Yes, the Panthers were the best team of the season, the complete season. And again, look at how they did it. Tell me another team that has won 15 games while having to plug and play all season. I'll wait. And, I say this not as just the best in the NFC, but in the NFL. Arizona is very close behind at the number 2 spot. Behind them, when you look at the whole season, no other team really comes close. Though KC has been the best team in the AFC for most of it, no AFC can claim best overall for the season.... which leads to...

3) At this time, the top three spots for best teams left are pretty clear. Panthers, Cards and Seahawks. People are getting on the kick of think that Harper qualified his comment to an extent that he didn't. He is not a trash talker and he has one hell of a football mentality. Are the Panthers the best team, yes. Are they significantly better than the Cards or Seahawks? No. 4th best team right now? KC. The rest of the AFC teams are dangerous (especially NE playing at home), but the Chiefs are the most focused and tightest unit of the bunch.

4) With respect to KC and NE, unless you break it down into chunks, there was not a clear cut best team overall in the AFC. The team that comes the closest, though? The Chiefs.

5) Will losses and wins from this point forward change any of this? Not at all. Being the best on the day doesn't take away the whole body of the work. The better team doesn't always win the day (and I can roll off so many examples to back that up). If you think otherwise, well, if you think otherwise you are either delusional or ignorant (as in either not knowing or just out and out ignoring) of the history of team sports in general, pretty much.

6) Congrats to Bama! Great win and I take nothing away from you. But, here my comment above about wins and losses comes into play: sometimes the best team doesn't take the day. I take nothing away from Bama, I am a long time fan (actually, Bama and Clemson were my first two college football teams to follow). I am just as happy for Bama as I would have been for Clemson (though to be honest, I am just as proud of Clemson even though they lost).

7) That was a hell of a game no matter how you look at it. Saban had to step completely out of his comfort zone to pull out the win.

8) With all due respect to Henry and the Heisman voters, The best college player of the year, and on the field, was Clemson QB DeShaun Watson. His play was the reason that Saban had to step outside his box.

9) I would agree that Saban is the best division 1 coach of the modern scholarship limit era. Overall, Rockne and Bryant were arguably the best of the older era. Both impacted the game and the sports culture in ways that are still being felt even with the changes.

10) I hope Saban coaches at Bama for a long time, because, unless things get hinky, Dabo is probably the successor at Bama. Dabo's coaching was also why Saban had to get uncomfortable to get the win. The way the O & D lines held up to the 'bullies' of Bama was a testament to how to have a team or unit take people by surprise, even when by all rights, they should have been talked about on the same level as Bama's. Even as the number one team in the country, most people didn't have faith in them. Amazing right?

11. With all due respect to the sports dynasty like no other talk because of 4 titles in 7 years, and while I was not a math major, I do believe that 5 titles in 5 years is more impressive. That IS a dynasty. To dominate on your level of play for 4 years in a row in any sport is incredible. Too bad there are so many people who have no idea who I am referring to.

12) Unless things get hinky or some player comes out of nowhere to take the sports world by storm, Watson will be the prohibitive favorite for most awards he is eligible for next season. As an extension of that, teams should be very afraid of Clemson next season. (and even after Watson moves on, Dabo's recruiting skill and coaching ability should make Clemson in the near future of the ACC, what FSU was when they first joined the ACC).

13) This has been a wild, weird and wonderful football season on the college and pro level. Here's hoping the whirlwind isn't done yet!

ADDENDUM 1: How could I have forgotten? Yes, Cam is indeed the MVP of the league. Carson is close. Brady, however, is not. Yes, the Pats had to do the plug and play thing also. However, look at the record and look at the wins. Also look at the fingerprints of each qb on their teams' games. Look at which qb elevated their players the most. And no, the loss to the Falcons doesn't make it closer.

ADDENDUM 2: Offensive player of the year... yep, he's got this one too.

Memorial to my mother on the anniversary of her death

My mom... Our mom, biologically speaking..... but a woman called ma, mom, mawmaw by so many people.. a woman who literally never met a stranger.. the person who gave me my idea of christmas - every year so many people crowded into our small house; no one ever turned away, all welcomed; no child that showed up ever left without a present; a time of family, food and fellowship in most senses of the word.
She is more responsible for the person I am now than anyone. She helped instill a love of education and reading in me. She charged us to think for ourselves, to ask questions, to find our own answers instead of blindly accepting others'. She taught me to stand up for others; to not be afraid to speak up; to help those less fortunate whenever I can. She taught me the value of family - those of blood and those of choice. From her I learned to love fiercely. My love of recreation stems a great deal from values she taught me.
She was a strong woman who never really saw it in herself. She battled through so much. she sometimes thought of herself as weak, but she was a lioness when it came to those she loved or her sense of family. She raised a family and worked hard for most of her life. She was married to, and loved, a difficult man who at times made it very difficult to do either. It always amazed me how she could do all that.
She was orphaned young and didn't really know a real family connection until she married my dad. A sense of family was one of the things she held strongest to her entire life. She always wanted everyone who came in contact with our family to feel welcomed and a bit of that family connected. And she succeeded.
She was a generous and giving woman..sometimes even to her detriment. If you asked anything of her and she could make it happen, it did. Even at times when she did without to make it happen. She always felt like she didn't do enough for others and was slow to ask for things she needed. She always talked about being able to repay the things that were done for her, never realizing it was us who would be forever in her debt for all she did for us.. Taking all of the things I have done for her and add it all up..and it would still be only a fraction of everything she did for, and gave to, me. It is pretty much the same with everyone else...
She was a religious woman. She wanted us kids to be exposed to it as we grew up and she was very vocal about what she believed. At the same times, she always told us to find our own beliefs and not just repeat what she said or believed. If we came to the same view on the same path, that was wonderful to her. If we came to a different view or a different path, she loved that as well. I actually loved talking religious stuff with her: she could express herself well, but she listened even better; and she was always trying to reconcile her views with mine trying to keep old, or establish new, connections. I think it tickled her when I could get her to see things from my perspective or got her to look at her own in a new way. Come to think of it, she was the same way with politics (of all the people I know, I valued and enjoyed conversations about politics and religion with her more than just about anyone else I know).
Emma O'Ferrell Coley.. a true angel while she was here on Earth... and now she has gone on... I hope she is with her mom and dad now.. I hope pop is there and making up for the things he needs to make up for (maybe her getting to ride his ass for a few thousand years would even things up a bit..lol).. If wicky is there, I hope he is atoning for what he needs to atone for.. I would love to hear the conversations between her and David, I know she missed him horribly... If everyone who has passed on but whose lives were touched by her are waiting to welcome her, then I truly believe heaven is going to be kind of logjammed for a bit...

I love you Ma! I doubt I ever said it enough, but I tried to say it as often as I could. and I may have never said thank you enough...but thank you. Thank you for your love, your support (especially during my many leaps of faith), and for all the good in me that came from you. I miss you but I know you will be with me always...

This time of year....

this time of year, I have to at least chuckle when I see posts condemning all believers, Christian or otherwise.. and thinking that I am lucky that my Mom wanted to expose me to religion so I could be openminded about it no matter whether I accepted some, all or none of it... and that I had more openminded, straightforward conversations about religion, atheism and others along the belief spectrum than I have seen or heard from most o these 'enlightened' ones...

it also makes me smile to know that my mom would have been more accepting of their views than they would be of hers (no supposition, just what comes across in their posts)..

She raised me to condemn the hateful, to look beyond the surface, to ask questions and accept answers..and to at least try to understand someone's views before I make decisions on them and/or their beliefs..... to base my opinions of others on who they were and what what they were..

She accepted atheists (and those of any other belief system that was different from hers)... hated fake 'christians (or any others of any group who used their beliefs as weapons or podiums to espouse fake superiority). She was openminded and curious, both traits fairly rare for someone from where and when she grew up...

So, yes... I am a believer.. I defend atheists, when they deserve it... I call out "christians' when they deserve it... as a matter of fact, I have no qualms laying into someone and defending the same person as needed...I can like you and say you are wrong if you are... I can dislike you and tell you that you are right if you are....

If you are, in my opinion or to me, a good person, it is because of who you are. If you are bad to me or in my opinion are a bad person, again, it is due to who you are.

I have had someone (actually I can think of 2 specifically) that I admire and think highly of and supported/defended them, whenever they gave me reason to, turn around and tell me that I was prejudiced against what they espoused and that I was just like all the others like me (in this case, those who shared a general similarity of belief). (and to be fair, I can think of lots more of those same 'similar people' who have accused me of being against their beliefs, being ignorant of those beliefs, etc).

I only shake my head and realize how lucky I was to have someone like my mother have such an influence in my life..

And I think about the comment that Reid made on a thread on my behalf and know that was as much a testament to my mother as anything I have said directly about her.. and I can't help but smile even in the midst of times like now....

I never claimed to be a good person, just good in comparison to some... and even then, I know it is as much a reflection of my mother in me as anything.....

I never claimed to be the most brilliant person, again...only in comparison to some... and because of her, I value that difference and cherish the intelligence I have.....

not really posting to call anyone out or to start an argument... just expressing thoughts/feelings that have been brought out for a variety of reasons...

if I struck any nerves, please deal with that on your own or just elsewhere.... not my issue or concern and in my current state of mind, I doubt I would add anything that you would consider soothing and/or apologetic..... *shrugs*

Just some thoughts on comic book property movies

To me, and this is only view on it, on whether a comic book property is successful or not goes beyond the quality of the film. To me it is successful if it takes me back to when I first started readings comics. Does it give me the same rush? Does it get my sense of wonder going? Even if it is dark, do I end up smiling at the end of it? Do I feel the rush that I get when I am reading an excellent comic and I rise and fall along with the story?

Can it be a good movie to me without any of this? Yes. Can it be something that I go out of my way to watch time and again? Not really. I usually big/intense movies 3 viewings. There are some that are great the first time, but usually don't hold up after that. There are some that are okay, then get better with each view. There are those that I dislike upon first view and the opinion gets reinforced or deepened. Most of the time, I really have no idea what my final opinion will be and that is part of the fun for me as well.

A short list of those movies that are at the top of my list (so far); movies I can (and quite often do) watch whenever I get the chance: GOtG; Captain America: First Avenger; Iron Man 1; Man of Steel. After my third viewing, I am pretty sure Antman will join this list.

An example of a movie that got me the first time and then fell flat after that: The Avengers.

An example of one that I was neutral towards, but didn't make it after the third view: Capt. America: Winter Soldier.

Examples of those I didn't care for upon first view and the opinion didn't change: Iron Man 3; Thor: The Dark World.

Will be interesting to see where the upcoming slates from both companies make it on my list...

And here we have it! The Ultimate Comic Challenge Semifinalists!!!!!! (repost)

Mark Brady

Mark Brady is a regular at Goodnights and has hosted for Donnell Rawlings. He performs all over the triangle even when he is sad.

No stranger to high profile shows, Mark made it to the finals of the Funniest Person in NC competition earlier this year, as well as performing in the 2015 Best of Raleigh Roundup show

Mark brings a great deal of performing experience to the competition and his consistent delivery style and writing chops make him dangerous in any comedy competition.

Dusty Cagle

"If video games and cartoons had a lovechild........it might be me" When Dusty’s not dressing up like anime characters, he is doing comedy.

Dusty can be found at the Idiot Box most night it is open, whether for shows or open mics. In a relatively short time, he has gone from Idiot Box stand up class participant to making it straight to the 2nd round of the UCC. He is indeed a fan of cartoons, video games and anime and has been known to unashamedly bust out obscure references to them throughout his routine.

Dusty has a strong stage presence that puts him on par with the much more experienced comics in the competition. As his style continues to evolve, Dusty could be a club and competition regular for quite a while.

Aaron Cobb

Aaron Cobb is a stand up comedian based out of Carrboro, NC. His offbeat humor, high energy, and commanding stage presence have entertained audiences across the far reaches of the galaxy.

Aaron’s comedy can hit you head on or sneak up on you without warning. His style makes him a comic with a wide appeal base.

Ryan Davis

Ryan Davis was born in Concord, NC. In two years of doing comedy, Ryan has won numerous comedy competitions, became a regular at The Comedy Zone in Charlotte, NC, and gained the respect of veteran comedians. Just like the comedians that influence him, Ryan's comedy style appeals to a wide range of audiences. His versatility has allowed him to open for top mainstream acts like Jay Pharoah, urban acts like Michael Blackson, & eccentric acts like Tom Green.

Ryan’s signature high energy and frenetic delivery makes for a memorable experience when you see him on stage. He hopes to repeat, and surpass, his efforts of last year when he made it to the UCC finals.

Ryan has stepped it up this year! His delivery even sharper than last year. And the experience of how he sets up and delivers his material is very akin to riding a rollercoaster; you think that you know where you are going and then suddenly he has you heading in an unexpected direction.

Melissa Douty

Melissa Douty is a comedian based out of Salem, VA. She currently has 4 jobs. When asked how her comedy career is going she said, “Um…I have 4 jobs.” but my mom thinks I’m hysterical.

Very personable with an almost ‘Aw, shucks’ delivery, Melissa ‘s comedy is sort of like that really smooth liquor that is so easy to drink and then hits you like a sledgehammer out of nowhere. A newcomer to the UCC and the Greensboro comedy scene, she is definitely making a name for herself quickly (and making her fellow competitors nervous)

Micah Hanner

Micah is very excited to show off what he's been working on throughout his first year in stand-up comedy. He hopes to bring the same energy and excitement he has on his podcast, The Open Mic’ers, to his 2nd round show. If you are at all interested in starting to do comedy, The Open Micers podcast is the podcast for you!

A two time nightly prize winner for most votes this competition, Micah is definitely putting the pressure on the other comics. If the way he stepped it up between 1st and 2nd rounds is any indication, the semifinals could be epic for him.

Troy Dougie Harris

A long time comic and familiar face around the Idiot Box, Troy once again brings his unique perspective, quick wit, sharp delivery and strength as a storyteller to the UCC. He debuted as a stand up comic on February 4th, 2009 and has continued looking for, and finding, new material based on real life experiences . Troy enjoys sharing his passion for comedy with all audiences, no matter the size. When he is not out shaping up his comedy routines, he is busy shaping up people in his work as a personal trainer.

Back on the comedy scene and back to his winning ways, Troy is another two time nightly prize winner this competition.

Mike Kierst

Originally from New Jersey, Mike moved here to go to UNCG. Unfortunately, he was unable to leave behind the disabling personal issue of being a Jets fan. Using his personal life as the source of some of his comedy, he is trying to balance out the nights he performs on stage with those he ends up sleeping in the couch. Very personable with a easy delivery style, Mike connects with the audience in a style all his own.

With an kind of understated delivery style, and a look that kinda reminds you of that one guy..who was always in the dorm lounge... Mike’s comedy will sneak up on you and make you laugh in spite of yourself.

Zo Myers

Zo Myers is a regular host at The Idiot Box's Open Mic & No Nonsense Comedy shows in Greensboro, NC as well as The Laughing Gas in Winston-Salem. Beyond that, Zo is committed to letting his material speak for itself.

hmm..ummm... what more could I add? :)

Joe Perrow

Joe Perrow is a stand up comedian from Raleigh. To everyone's surprise, Joe won North Carolina's Funniest Person at Goodnights Comedy Club earlier this year. The title has alienated Joe from other area comics because no one thinks he deserved it

A week ago, Joe made a joke about unifying all of the comedy titles in the state. Seheing him perform and seeing his success so far this year, that is one joke that may not have the other competitors laughing much. Of course, on the heels of his making the joke, the other competitors voted him as comic most likely to mysteriously vanish before his next set in the UCC.

Jay Stadler

Jay Stadler talks fast, so try to keep up and when u can't, just laugh when he drinks.

Jay is a UCC veteran, and has made an appearance in the finals. He also performs at various venues around the state. His rapid fire delivery makes his material even more effective. He has been doing comedy for a while now and performs at various venues around the state.

Another mainstay in the Greensboro comedy scene, Jay always makes an impact in the UCC. A blast to watch in general, but it is almost mesmerizing when he gets fully into his ‘sell’ mode. It is almost impossible not to buy into his routines and root for him.

Here are your comics for the 2nd Round of the Ultimate Comic Challenge, the 10:00pm show (repost)

10pm

Adam Allred

A self-professed ‘small town comic with a big town mouth’, Adam has been doing comedy since 2003. He has performed all over North Carolina, as well as venues out of state. His routines cover the comedy gamut, from family friendly to NSFW. He has opened for Jon Reep, David Koechner, Jimmy Shubert, and Bobcat Goldthwait.

Ampston Hews

Ampston is another newcomer to the UCC. He has performed at numerous venues around the state. His inspiration to get into comedy was the late, great, Bernie Mac. He made his stand up debut on March 1, 2014.

Dusty Cagle

"If video games and cartoons had a lovechild........it might be me" When Dusty’s not dressing up like anime characters, he is doing comedy.

Dusty can be found at the Idiot Box most night it is open, whether for shows or open mics. In a relatively short time, he has gone from Idiot Box stand up class participant to making it straight to the 2nd round of the UCC. He is indeed a fan of cartoons, video games and anime and has been known to unashamedly bust out obscure references to them throughout his routine.

Ryan Davis

Ryan Davis was born in Concord, NC. In two years of doing comedy, Ryan has won numerous comedy competitions, became a regular at The Comedy Zone in Charlotte, NC, and gained the respect of veteran comedians. Just like the comedians that influence him, Ryan's comedy style appeals to a wide range of audiences. His versatility has allowed him to open for top mainstream acts like Jay Pharoah, urban acts like Michael Blackson, & eccentric acts like Tom Green.

Ryan’s signature high energy and frenetic delivery makes for a memorable experience when you see him on stage. He hopes to repeat, and surpass, his efforts of last year when he made it to the UCC finals.

JD Etheridge

JD is a relative newcomer to stand up comedy, But don’t let that fool you, JD is one of the fastest rising stars of the local comedy scene. He has opened for Tom Segura. He is also an Idiot Box and UCC familiar face, having performed in many shows here as well as making it to the finals of the competition last year. He is also making his presence known off of the stage as well, co-hosting the podcast, Open Micers, with fellow UCC competitor, Micah Hanner. On a strange personal note, JD loves Renaissance Festivals.

Joe Perrow

Joe Perrow is a stand up comedian from Raleigh. To everyone's surprise, Joe won North Carolina's Funniest Person at Goodnights Comedy Club earlier this year. The title has alienated Joe from other area comics because no one thinks he deserved it

Micah Hanner

Micah is very excited to show off what he's been working on throughout his first year in stand-up comedy. He hopes to bring the same energy and excitement he has on his podcast, The Open Mic’ers, to his 2nd round show. If you are at all interested in starting to do comedy, The Open Micers podcast is the podcast for you!

Mike Kierst

Originally from New Jersey, Mike moved here to go to UNCG. Unfortunately, he was unable to leave behind the disabling personal issue of being a Jets fan. Using his personal life as the source of some of his comedy, he is trying to balance out the nights he performs on stage with those he ends up sleeping in the couch. Very personable with a easy delivery style, Mike connects with the audience in a style all his own.

Reid Pegram

Reid came from humble farm boy beginnings, trading tobacco fields for comedy clubs he still sweats just as much. A comedian proudly from Greensboro, he can be found performing throughout the state. He regularly performs while eating sandwiches and don't even get him started on Batman. He opened for Brian Posehn one time and got stoned on a fire escape with him afterwards. He should have just stopped there. He aspires to win the UCC so he can get the exposure to open for Galactus before he devours our doomed planet.

Zo Myers

Zo Myers is a regular host at The Idiot Box's Open Mic & No Nonsense Comedy shows in Greensboro, NC as well as The Laughing Gas in Winston-Salem. Beyond that, Zo is committed to letting his material speak for itself.

Here are your comics for the 2nd Round of the Ultimate Comic Challenge, the 8:00pm show (repost)

Aaron Cobb

Aaron Cobb is a stand up comedian based out of Carrboro, NC. His offbeat humor, high energy, and commanding stage presence have entertained audiences across the far reaches of the galaxy.

Joe Beard

"A merciless slayer of aliens, demons and all things evil on Destiny (PS4). Straight roofless. I would like to encourage you to holla at me, and at the other comics too, because that is what's supposed to happen at a comedy show. I'm white and nerdy, and I love video games and hip hop and people who are zen."

John Eisenhardt

They say laughter is the best medicine. Well, John Eisenhardt once did a set at a children's hospital and what happened that day was nothing short of amazing..........absolutely nothing. Now, that's what I call professionalism. You can't expect him to do "A" material at a charity event. You can't even fathom, the level of comedy he brings to "paying" customers.

Leo Hodson

Leo is no stranger to the UCC. Since 2011 Leo has been gracious enough to make it to the semifinals every year and to the finals twice. He is the winner of the 2015 Make Me Laugh Denver comedy competition but Leo has never tasted victory in his backyard. There are many skeptics. He hopes this could be the year. It would be special given that the finals are on his birthday. He is grateful to God, family, friends and the support from the NC comedy community. He knows he wouldn't be where he is without them. He also wants to send a shout out to his girlfriend. ....hey darlin, see you soon

Mark Brady

Mark Brady is a regular at Goodnights and has hosted for Donnell Rawlings. He performs all over the triangle even when he is sad.

No stranger to high profile shows, Mark made it to the finals of the Funniest Person in NC competition earlier this year, as well as performing in the 2015 Best of Raleigh Roundup show.

Melissa Douty

Melissa Douty is a comedian based out of Salem, VA. She currently has 4 jobs. When asked how her comedy career is going she said, “Um…I have 4 jobs.” but my mom thinks I’m hysterical.

Mike Rinaldi

Mike Rinaldi. What a concept! He is a person, just like you! Do you want to be his friend? If so, please share this post 12 times. Don't share, you have to copy and paste, or else Edward Snowden will own your estate for ever times infinity. #peace

Jay Stadler

Jay Stadler talks fast, so try to keep up and when u can't, just laugh when he drinks.

Jay is a UCC veteran, and has made an appearance in the finals. He also performs at various venues around the state. His rapid fire delivery makes his material even more effective. He has been doing comedy for a while now and performs at various venues around the state.

Tom Stover

Based out of Charlotte, Tom brings his high powered, down home comedy back to the UCC. Bringing stories based on his life, from his upbringing in the NASCAR hotbed that is the Charlotte area up to currently raising a child of his own, Tom will take you on a comical tour of his life. If you like to laugh, you’ll love the ride.

Troy Dougie Harris

A long time comic and familiar face around the Idiot Box, Troy once again brings his unique perspective, quick wit, sharp delivery and strength as a storyteller to the UCC. He debuted as a stand up comic on February 4th, 2009 and has continued looking for, and finding, new material based on real life experiences . Troy enjoys sharing his passion for comedy with all audiences, no matter the size. When he is not out shaping up his comedy routines, he is busy shaping up people in his work as a personal trainer.

Here are your comics for the UCC Wild Card Round!!!! (repost)

Hello friends and comics! The UCC’s Wild Card Round is tomorrow night, Friday, November 6th at 8:00 pm. I thought it would be a good idea to let the comics say a little something about themselves instead of just giving a list (I may add some notes, or may not). This will give people a chance to know the names and maybe a little bit of their sense of humor.

This is a loaded field and there is a wide variety of experience being showcased. I encourage you to come out and check out the show and maybe find a favorite comic. In no particular order, here are the comics:

MICAH HANNER

Micah is very excited to show off what he's been working on throughout his first year in stand-up comedy. He hopes to bring the same energy and excitement he has on his podcast, The Open Micers, to fridays show. If you are at all interested in starting to do comedy, The Open Micers podcast is the podcast for you!

DARAH WILLEY

Darah Willey has opened a canister of coffee. It went everywhere. Also, she doesn't understand Manga. Her dog, Willoughby, is her best friend. She wishes he weren't color blind so he could see his name in print.

Darah is a relative newcomer to stand up comedy but you would never guess it when you see her perform. Sassy and direct, her energy and charisma are incredible and infectious.

JAY STADLER

Jay Stadler talks fast try to keep up and when u can't just laugh when he drinks.

Jay is a UCC veteran, and has made an appearance in the finals. He also performs at various venues around the state. His rapid fire delivery makes his material even more effective. He has been doing comedy for a while now and performs at various venues around the state.

NGOZI GOZE IKEAKANAM

Ngozi Goze Ikeakanam is a newcomer to the UCC but he has been performing for a while now. He usually can be found doing shows in the Triangle. The first time I saw him perform on stage was a real eye opener. His stage presence and his smooth, but charming delivery makes it is easy to get caught up in his set.. and impossible not to laugh.

Ngozi has opened for Tig Notaro and Lewis Black.

JES BOLDUC

Jes Bolduc is just a figment of your imagination. It's all in your head, so if she's not funny, then really that's on you.

Smart, witty and sarcastic. Everything I like in a comic! She has incredible stage presence. Her delivery style comes across as very personal and magnetic, like she is somehow holding a personal conversation with the whole audience at once.

PAT MCLEOD

Pat McLeod is AIDS. He kilt ur dog. Turn ons include silk sheets and Hulk Hands. Turn offs include frumpy faces and and rosary beads."

Charged with sarcasm and an ability to draw humor out of simple things, Pat easily draws the audience in. He is a very relatable comic, able to get the audience to willingly follow his lead even when the going gets very weird. Pat is also a UCC veteran and and former finalist.

ERIC MEGERT

Eric Megert has opened for Ron Funches, Rich Vos and have a podcast called Drunk Sportfan.

Eric is a great example of an ‘every man’ type of comic. His material is fairly straightforward and extremely relatable.

SAM MAZANY

Sam is a Raleigh comic who runs the Under the Bridge Open Mic at London Bridge in Downtown Raleigh. I was a Goodnights's Funniest Person 2015 finalist and recently hosted for Dave Attell. I can be found all over the Triangle area.

JORDAN SCOTT HUGGINS

Jordan Scott Huggins is an exciting comic out of Charlotte, North Carolina. With a heavily improvisation-influenced style of comedy, each of his performances is fresh, intriguing and eccentrically funky. From the Chernobyl to Crocs, this oddball touches on topics far and double-wide. He has opened for TJ Miller, Brent Morin, and even Kier, western North Carolina's leading WhiteSnake tribute musical-comedian. Jordan is also the new owner of a used two year degree.

NICK HENDERSON

Nick is a Duke graduate student and life long stand up fan. I recently turned my favorite thing to watch into my favorite thing to do. You can find me most Thursdays at the Idiot Box open mic, and hopefully at more shows in the area soon.

JONATHON CAPERS

Jonathon Capers is an Idiot Box regular, but performs at clubs around the state. He is also a veteran of the UCC competition. His smooth delivery style and embrace of so many different topics in his routines makes him a very watchable comic. He has a very charming stage presence that makes it easy to root for him.

MATT ADAM-HOUSER

Matt Adam-Houser is an elaborate marionette doll wired to explOde if his laughs-per-minute fall below 50 lpm! HAve you seen speed? Matt Adam-Houser loves that movie. Also opened for Brain Posehn and Junior Stopka (it didn't go well).

When you see Matt perform, be ready for a wild ride. His unique delivery style, quirky sense of humor and slightly off-kilter view of the world makes his set an adventure for everyone.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF THE COMICS !!!!!

maybe I am just in a pissy mood lately (and no, this is not directed at any one person) REPOST

Being where I am, it is amazing (and annoying as hell) that I deal with so many people who live in blanket statements: all TCN's are lazy; all men are jerks; Western workers are too lazy and expect everything just because where they are from; all (insert Country of your choice) women are sluts; hos; gold diggers; etc... etc....etc...etc.... 

No one country, race, people, religion holds the monopoly on virtue or vice; work ethic; intelligence; hatred; forgiveness; or whatever you want to throw in there... You meet a lot of all that regardless of who you deal with..no matter where you go.... and no matter how much you spew it, it doesn't make it true.... and saying it louder or more ferociously doesn't make you any smarter...or even appear smarter...

I am a hick... I grew up on a farm...i am a nerd...i was placed into the athletes PE classes in high school.....I was raised baptist... i am currently non-denominational... I believe in evolution and science.... I believe in God and I have lived my life with big leaps of faith.... I am registered Independent because neither major party lives up to my ideals completely and I want to support the ones I think are better regardless of the animal they tie themselves to... I once had a place I called home that always drew me back.... and i am seeing things wondrous and scary in places I never would have thought I would see... never could have dreamed of seeing as I was growing up... I am horribly cynical.....and perhaps, tragically hopeful... I am without a doubt, very naive in some ways.... but what I know... I know very damn well... and i don't suffer fools; idiots or assholes lightly..and my tolerance is getting lower... and my level of concern over other's opinions of me isn't that high either...

You want to bring it..bring it with substance.... I love to be challenged..i love to be made to see the opposite view... i may not like your viewpoint; but i will always respect you for being able to step beyond empty platitudes and mental shadows....

The closest I guess that I will come to a blanket statement is this: all of that blanket mindset gets old fast and should not be encouraged... actually actively discouraged... but if you feel you must... do what ya need to do... as shall I....