National Underground Railroad Freedom Center — a photo essay

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So last Friday while I was still in Cincy, I visited the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I felt like I needed to experience something moving and inspirational in order to balance out some of the other things I saw while I was there… The museum is relatively new (5 yrs.) and really one of the best I’ve ever been to. If you’re ever visiting Cincinnati, I highly recommend you visit.

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There was an audio tour that you could listen to to enhance the exhibits. Really, really good.

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I probably shouldn’t admit this, but whenever I see a photo of Frederick Douglass I can’t help but think of this guy from Tales from the Hood:

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or Sam Jackson in Unbreakable:

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I can’t help it. And I’m not gonna lie… I was a little disappointed that Sam Jackson wasn’t doing Frederick Douglass’ voice. Angela Bassett and Oprah lent their voices… I’m just sayin’. It’d have been perfect.

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Balancing the Qi in Cincinnati — sung to the tune of the WKRP theme song

My trip to Cincy has been absolutely delicious so far. And its only been a day. Last nite some  students brought their dog to one of my college shows. The dog was called Lil Nigga. I have so much more to say about that. Stay tuned for the video blog… Then today I witnessed a fight between two rival homeless factions in Fountain Square… It started like this:

“50-cent ho. That’s why you got pregnant by yo own cousin.”

“Yo mama’s a 50-cent ho. I would kill you but I don’t need another charge.”

Of COURSE I have videotape — who do you think you’re dealing with here? I can’t wait to get home and cut together this blog.

Tomorrow I think I’m gonna go to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. I feel like I need to go see something historical and meaningful and inspiring to counter the ignorance I’ve seen so far. I think of it as balancing the qi.

Be back soon, E

Me In Your City: Appleton, WI

Hey y’all! Back home for a beat and put together this quick little recap of my trip to Appleton, WI this past weekend. I was working at the Skyline Comedy Cafe and although the shows were a blast, I didn’t rent a car so I got cabin fever towards the end of the week. Check out the video for ensuing hijinx. Who knows, this may be my next foray into shameless ploys to get people who come out to the shows to visit my website — maybe I can shoot a silly video blog in every town.

Yeah, you’re right… I’m way too lazy for that ;) Y’all know me so well.

Anywayz, I hope you enjoy ;)

From the Blog to the Stage – “Zoolander” Walkoff

So, I’ve been trying to come up with a few new bits on our president and first lady to perform for my TBS TV taping in a few weeks. I figure I’m from DC and the show tapes in Chicago… I feel like it’s a no brainer. I posted the status below a few days ago on Facebook and there seemed to be a consensus that the idea had potential — even my buddy, the hilarious Keith Albertstadt commented on it!  I tried out a very similar bit onstage the last two nites and it hit big, so I’m gonna keep tweaking it. No “Blog to the Stage” video to post yet, but if all goes well, it’ll be included in the final edit of the show. I don’t know why I never thought to use Facebook to write jokes before… I mean, duh… what are “friends” for? ;) Tee hee ;) Wish me luck!

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You GO Wanda!

I heart Wanda Sykes.

Below is her performance at this year’s White House Correspondents Dinner. And here are a few of my fave quotes:

ON BO-BAMA — “The man has to rescue a country that’s been abused by its previous owner. Let him have a fresh start with the dog.”

ON RUSH — “Rush Limbaugh said he hopes this administration fails… I hope his kidneys fail. How ’bout that?”

ON HANGING OUT WITH THE VP — “You and Joe Biden can’t hang out together… Whose idea was that– Nancy Pelosi’s?”

Thanks Leon for the heads up ;)

Inauguration, Pt. 2: Video Diary

Since I had the pleasure of participating in Tuesday’s historic events, I decided to put together a little video of my day as a keepsake for me and my friends. And I figured I’d share it with y’all too. We went down to the parade route super early and got a great spot at the corner of 15th and Pennsylvania. We made some new friends, a couple enemies — and thanks to a beverage ban instituted by my friend Keisha, we (for the most part) avoided using the porto-potties. The video is no masterpiece, but I hope you enjoy!

Barack Obama: The Motion Picture

OK, so I’ve been thinking a lot lately about who could play Barack Obama in the [inevitable] movie about his meteoric rise and historic accomplishment. His physical appearance immediately rules out some of Black Hollywood’s current default players (Don Cheadle, Chiwitel Ejiofor — not even Denzel could pull this one off ;). But I actually think that’s a good thing. No need to take jobs away from qualified light-skinned actors. ;) Beige brothas need love too!

Here are a few of my early choices to play Pres-Elect Obama:

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Giancarlo Esposito – Been in-heart with him since School Daze. He could be “President Big Brother Almigh-TY”

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Harry J. Lennix – IMO, one of the closest to Barack in appearance. Picture him thinner with his hair cut real close… ;) Continue reading →