Archives of Past
Final Taxi Programs
Reviews- Blogs- Podcasts - Radio shows
Radio Show:
| In
April 2007, Ron was doing a radio program called
Electronic Warfare. This played on the internet radio station Fried Green Radio. That month Ron did a 3 hour tribute to the pioneer of modern electronic music & Ron's favorite musician, Frank Tovey- aka- Fad Gadget. That show can be downloaded and listen to here: |
 |
DVD Review:
Comedy DVD For Christians
November 17, 2006 - Jeff Burson
BIRMINGHAM - Nov 17 2006 (Catholic Music Network) Is Hollywood finally taking notice and making
entertainment for Christians? Within the last
few months three Christian-themed movies have
been released. “Facing The Giants” is about a
team of football players and their belief in God. “One Night with the King” is the
story of Esther. For Christmas the true story of
Jesus’ birth is told in the film “The Nativity.”
This movie will premier at the Vatican in Rome.
All these movies are coming out due to the
popularity of “The Chronicles of Narnia,” “The
Lord of the Rings” and “The Passion of the
Christ.”
Now the producers of the Blue Collar Comedy
Tour have taken notice. They found out that
Christians do laugh. Hunt Lowry ("A Walk To
Remember," "First Knight") and Jonathan Bock
(CEO of Grace Hill Media), gathered together
some of the funniest Christian comedians, filmed
them live and featured them on a new DVD release
called, “Thou Shalt Laugh.”
“Thou Shalt Laugh” host Patricia Heaton is an
Emmy® Award-winning actress and is best known
for her role on "Everybody Loves Raymond," which
aired for 10 seasons. Heaton recently talked
with EWTN’s Raymond Arroyo about her Catholic
faith. She also stood with Jim Caviezel (Passion
of the Christ) recently in an ad against cloning
and embryonic stem cell
research and is a strong pro-life advocate.
On this DVD she lets her hair down and
introduces each comedian. Joking on the DVD she
states, "If you don’t laugh your going to Hell…
or if you’re a Catholic, like me, Purgatory.”
“Thou Shalt Laugh” starts with Thor Ramsey’s
smart, jaded and no nonsense brand of comedy
which has made him a staple on the comedy
circuit. Thor pokes fun at the stereotypes
people have about Christians and has fun with
our pop culture. He has toured nationally on the
Outrageous Comedy Tour and has been in concert
with the likes of Drew Carey.
Powerful, clever and refreshing, Michael Jr.’s
unique comedic approach has landed him on such
national shows as The Tonight Show With Jay Leno
and Jimmy Kimmel Live. He has performed with
other top comedians including Gary Shandling,
Cedric the Entertainer, Tim Allen, Ray Romano
and Brad Garrett.
I identified with the comedian Jeff Allen. As a
father with teenagers it is nice to know that
the “Napoleon Dynamite” in all teens is seen by
other parents. Allen has over 20 years in
performing live for audiences around the
country.
The edgy, likable Teresa Roberts Logan is the
one woman on the lineup. “I never think of
myself as a ‘Christian comedian,’ any more than
an accountant would call herself a 'Christian
accountant'," she said. "A Christian is what I
am. I’m a comedian who’s a Christian. And I’m
thankful for the opportunity, wherever He takes
me, to bring messages, and to make people laugh.
Sometimes, even when I mean to.”
Joby Saad, The Village Idiot, is known for his
unusual brand of theatrical stand-up comedy
utilizing his extraordinary facial expressions
and comedic physicality. Many have compared his
style with the slapstick of Jim Carrey and the
absurdist wit of Steve Martin. And because of
his clean style, Joby appeals to audiences of
all ages.
Gilbert Esquivel’s urban and edgy comedy
has him constantly on the road performing in Las
Vegas and around the country. He also has a keen
sensibility for comedy found in cultural
differences, all the while recognizing that
“yes, there are differences, but in God’s eyes
we are equally loved."
Taylor Mason closes the 90-minute show. His use
of puppets and ventriloquism reaches audiences
of all ages. His awards range from winning the
$100,000 Star Search grand prize in 1991, to an
Emmy for his TV pilot "Bananas." He has
headlined every major comedy club in the
country, is regularly featured on The Disney
Cruise Line, and has created the children’s
television show, Taylor’s Attic.
I was turned off by stand-up comedy for a long
time due to the crude toilet humor and the
obscene language. As a father I did not want
that in my house and didn’t want to have to
explain the jokes to my children. I loved
this DVD. “Thou Shalt Laugh” is an excellent DVD
for the entire family. It doesn’t talk down to
you, but stay’s on an adult Christian level. The
comedians are gifted with whimsical observations
and a knack for making us laugh while also
making us think.
This DVD is available now from your favorite DVD
store.
TV Review:
RANDOM 1: Reality TV Turns To The Golden Rule
October 29, 2005 -
BIRMINGHAM (Catholic Music Network) - In the flood of reality shows that have hit television over the years very few have gone into helping out their fellow man. Most are mainly about looking out for number one and they are rewarded for it. One new show that breaks those rules is RANDOM 1, new series starting in November and airing on A&E, Tuesdays 10pm ET or 9pm CT.
The idea behind the show is much like the movie “Pay It Forward” where you do a random act of kindness to complete strangers and do not expect anything in return. In your Sunday school class your teacher called this the Golden Rule. That is “Do unto others what you would want them to do unto you.”
Random 1 follows the shows host, Andre Miller and John Chester, as they travel around in a beat up pick-up truck looking to help out others. The rules are simple: Try to help the needy with donations only and no money can be given out. Much of the time a simple attitude change is all that is needed. This can happen by just knowing someone is reaching out to you.
One of the series first shows is called “The Stripper and the Maestro.”
Don’t let the ‘stripper’ part scare you off. This is someone who has gone out of the life and wants a true career. Amber’s abusive father pushed her into the strip clubs and now leaving them she wants to have a job that matters to her. Like a shining knight, Random 1 arrives to help this damsel in distress.
The Maestro is Jan, a recovering alcoholic, who wants to get his keyboard fixed so he can play at his church and for the neighborhood kids. The team that John and Andre work with find someone who is willing to donate repairs to the broken Casio and on the road to the shop we find out more about why Jan turned to alcohol.
The RV1 team that follows the hosts is the downfall in the show. One of the team’s language is so foul that they have to ‘bleep’ out her words. She must be a fan of “The Osborne’s.” There is no call for this on a family program—ever! Not to mention it’s just plain annoying. This was the first turn off of the series.
The next was the constant bickering between the two host, Andre and John. The infighting may be a game to them, but the attitude rubs off on the people they are suppose to be helping.
The good nature of the program is distracted by
these two disturbances. One hopes that future
shows will be better suited for families. Random
1 has so much to offer and could be a strong
program for A&E. The concept is a wonderful idea
especially after all the recent hurricanes,
floods and earthquakes.
“Random 1” is on
the A&E network.
