Matthew: The Best Ellen Videos

Everyone loves Ellen. She's funny, generous, kind, and she has games. Who doesn't love games right? Below are some of my favorite Ellen Show videos. Enjoy.

1. This season Ellen is celebrating her 10th season, and below is one of the best videos that has come out of it so far. Ellen sent one of her writers Amy to Costco to talk to some strangers. The catch, is that Amy can only speak in song lyrics. Enjoy.

2. My favorite video in Ellen's auto correct series: apPARENTly confused. 

3. Remember Gladys? In case you don't, here is the first time we met the 88 year old firecracker. 

4. Richard Simmons + Falling. Need I say more? The audio is off so just fast forward to the 1:10 mark. 

5. This video of Kristen Bell and her love of sloths went viral last year. Watch it again. 

6. This one might be my favorite. I think this was one of Amy's first appearances on the Ellen show. I just love her. Here she goes through a haunted house.  

7. My favorite game on Ellen is Know or Go. This round had some pretty "special" contestants.

 

8. Ellen is a giver. Pretty much every episode she is giving somebody something. This video is my favorite because of Lisa Jarmon. Her reactions are priceless. 

9. The best of "Ellen in my Ear". Featuring Anne Curry, David Beckham, J.Lo, denis Quaid,  Sofia Vergara and of course, Amy.

10. Ellen Bloopers.

Marg: Screw You, Carolla.

The best part is that I found this sweet pic on a Men's Hair Style website.

Dear Adam Carolla, 

Hello! I see you've popped out of total obscurity to insult an entire gender in the New York Post. Awesome! 

I'm not sure that you were aware, but there is actually a staggering number of women who are overwhelmingly funnier than you are. Staggering!

For example, just off the top of my head, these women are funnier than you are Adam Carolla: 

Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Julie Louis-Dreyfus, Gillian Jacobs, Sofia Vergara, Chelsie Peretti, Retta, Jane Krakowski, Mindy Kaling, Maya Rudolph, Ellen DeGeneres, Allison Bree, Aubrey Plaza, Zooey Deschanel, Miranda Hart, Paula Pell, Portia DeRossi, Kristin Wiig, Sarah Millican, Jessica Hynes, Lennon Parham, Shappi Khorsandi, Casey Wilson, Ana Gasteyer, Eliza Coupe, Margaret Cho, Carrie Brownstein, Samantha Bee, Kate Beaton, Liz Meriwether, the duo of Garfunkel & Oates, Emily Blunt, Megan Amram, Jenny Slate, Sharon Horgan, Isy Suttie, Anna Goldfarb, Kristen Schaal, Sarah Haskins, Lena Durham, Rose Byrne, Elizabeth Banks, Annie Mumolo, Rashida Jones, Busy Phillips, Cheryl Hines, Melissa McCarthy, Amy Sedaris, and so, so, so many more that I am not going to spend any more time naming because I will be here all damn night. 

In fact, I'm actually finding it harder to think of anyone who isn't funnier than you are, Adam.

I'm sorry you're sad, almost 50, and spending your time on Celebrity Apprentice. I hope your short lived resurgence as a figure we all want to say "fuck off" to is worth it. 


Sincerely, 


Marg Craig


(I'm also funnier than you are, not that it is hard.)

@acuteinsomnia

Matthew: Moonrise Kingdom

A few months ago I posted a list of summer movies that I wanted to see, and this past weekend I was able to check one of those babies off my list. Usually when I make lists of things to complete I have a tendency to vear off a little bit. And this was the case for this list as I neglected to see "Friends with Kids"; however, I'm now proud to say that I'm back on track thanks to a great little film- "Moonrise Kingdom".

This flick (I'm a bit embarrassed to say) was my first venture into the cinematic world of Wes Anderson.From what I have heard, you either love his work, or you hate it- there's very little in between. Now I can't really speak to that theory, having only seen one of his films, but if I had to choose one side to be on it would be love. - Now doesn't that sound nice? "I choose the side of love!"

"Moonrise Kingdom" is a quirky movie set in the 60's. The esthetics were really amusing to watch, the whole movie had kind of an arts and crafts feel to it- which in my opinion, complimented the 60's setting beautifully. Everyone in this star studded cast (Bruce Willis, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, Bill Murray, Edward Norton) gave wonderfully simple performances that really allowed the two leads Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward to shine.

Tang!

Summer is an exciting time for movies. While it's easy to get swept away in the big action adventure films that come out- I really hope people don't ignore the little guys. The Summer movie season has brought us many hidden gems like "Little Miss Sunshine", "500 Days of Summer" and last years "Midnight in Paris", this years induction to that list could very well be "Moonrise Kingdom". I know that MIB3 looks super awesome, and The Huntsman looks really dark and cool (I can't wait to see it) but do yourself a favor and see "Moonrise Kingdom" in theatres before it's too late!

Moonrise Kingdom: 4 Tangs/ 5 Nudes

-Matthew
@thematthewjames

P.S- I saw a trailer for a movie called "Beats of the Southern Wild" before the movie started- check it out below and tell me your thoughts!

Matthew: VEEP

A few weeks (ish) ago I blogged about the amazingness that is Summer t.v. I talked about some of my favorite shows (Nurse Jackie, The Big C) but I also mentioned a new comer that (as of then) hadn't aired yet. Veep. It's a new HBO comedy starring Julia Louie Dreyfus, the girl from My Girl and Buster from Arrested Development. Well, 5 episodes have aired since I wrote that post telling people to look out for it, and now that it's had a bit of a run, I can officially give my "Yay" or "Nay".

YAY! YAY! YAY!!!

This show is hilarious, and the casting is spot on perfect. The show is about life in the office of the Vice President of the U.S.A, and the thesis (for lack of a better word) is premise a better word? I dunno, ANYWAY- the idea is that the Vice President (or veep) is the most powerful powerless job in the world. And they really go to town on this. Every episode Selina (the V.P) asks her secretary if the President has called, and every time the answer is no. There's a character who comes into the office from the White House and basically tells the V.P and her staff what to do, and how to respond to certain things based on what the President believes.She really has little to no control. It's also a funny and seemingly realistic take on the power that lobbyists have over the government. One of the most memorable scenes is when someone tells her that the president is having chest pains over seas and she is needed at the White House to make some presidential type decisions. When Selina gets the news, she can hardly contain her excitement! Smiling with glee while saying things like "that's just terrible". It's awesome!

I really don't think I can do this show justice in an article. Just check it out- I think you'll really enjoy!

-Matthew
@thematthewjames   

Watch the video below to "Meet the Veep"

Chit Chat: New Girl "Backslide"

Matt: did you watch new girl?

Marg:  I did!

Matt:  I haven't!

Marg:  no!

Matt:  Im going to try and watch in about 30mins while i eat my lunch

Marg:  GOLDEN

ack caps

Marg:  you must have been very confused by my text last night

Matt:  i saw it when I woke up this morning and thought "wtf?" then clued in that it was probably a N.G reference

Marg:  hahahaha-it is, I hope I didn't give anything away

 Matt:  im in the dark

 Marg:  good

*Fast Forward about 30 mins. This is now a half live blog, half recap.  
  
Matt:  Right off that bat im loving Joni Mitchel

Marg:  Gooooood choice

Matt:  I hate Caroline! Her perky smile doesn't fool me!

WHAT! she slept with Justin Long again!!

Marg:  I know! Ugly crier! I loved that part

Matt:  that's messy

OMG Winston's earing is siiiick

Marg:  hahahaha. There are A LOT of good earring lines

Oh, and I also hate Caroline. Hate her. Horrible!

Matt:  Caroline and Nick cannot move in together

Marg:  It is exactly what you predicted though - that one of the roommates would be forced to chose if they would move out or not!

Matt:  I know! What can I say- I'm genius. "Now I know what Bill Clinton feels like" "Now I know what Monica Lewinski feels like!"

OMG! Paul's GF is the Asian Jess!

haha- amazing

Marg:  I love the call back to Jess learning about sex from listening about the Monica Lewinski situation on the radio as a little girl

Matt:  I havn't gotten there yet!

Marg:  No, it's not like a scene - I just think it was a nod to that

Matt:  I love Winston's hoop

Marg:  I laughed so so hard at Schmidt's dig about that

Matt:  Schmit's broken penis is an amazing storyline

Marg:  Has the first scene at the old folks home happened yet for you?

Matt:  yep

Marg:  I am not even old, but I am going to use CeCe's grandmother's threat on someone

Matt:  It was pretty kick ass

Marg:  "I will let myself die, and the I will haunt you!"

Matt:  haha that crazy old lady

Nicks poem is my fav "Shall I compare thee to a summers day? No, summers day isn't a bitch"

Marg:  hahahaha. so good

Matt:  hahaha

"I thought you were Asian me, but now I realize I'm just Caucasian you"

hahaha

Marg:  not strickly true, though is it?

I mean, he dated Jess first, he was in love with her, she dumped him, and now just a few months later he wants to marry someone else?

Matt:  I like she met it in a metaphoric way

Marg:  Just sayin'

My fav. line from the episode was in that scene, so now you understand my text

"For someone with a soulmate, you sure did have sex with me."

Matt:  I like the kid with the recorder struggling to play the wedding march

Marg:  amaxing touch

Matt:  I like the word amaxing

Marg:  amazing, even

ahaha, let's make it happen

 Matt:  He's moving in with her!

uuuuuuuuuuuugggggggghhhhh

Marg:  I knowwww

she's 33! 

Matt:  that lying bitch

Marg:  Seriously, they've been on again off again for years, it never came up?

Matt:  in season 2 Nick needs to pull himself together

Marg:  I think he will, now that he has realized that he actually hasn't come very far from the Nick in that video

Matt:  I hope so- someone can only be pathetic for so long before it get annoying

Marg:  are you all done watching now?

Matt:  oh yes

Marg:  Thoughts?

Matt:  that was the season finale yes?

Marg:  I think there is one more episode

Matt:  hmmm interetsing

Marg:  Yeah, I checked, one more

Matt:  Well- I wonder!

this one ended with kid of a cliff hanger vibe

Marg:  little bit, 'eh?

I thought it was a great episode, very consistent with laughs

Matt:  oh yes- i find its always consistent with laughs

Marg:  high fives!

Matt:  high fives-

Matthew: Television Never Needs to End!

Spring can be a difficult time for many television lovers. All of your favorite shows are coming to an end for the season, some may even be ending for good. While most people spend their new found extra time outside enjoying the hot weather and being active, I say don't become one of those miserable people! You paid good money for that t.v (or computer depending on your watching situation), don't let it go to waste! You may be saying to yourself "but Matthew you crazy handsome goof! What is there to watch in the off season besides re-runs and annoying reality competition shows?" And it is for you, that I have made this list.


Nurse Jackie 

This Showtime series follows nurse Jackie Peyton (Eddie Falco) as she battles with her addiction to pain killers. It would seem that leading a double life on top of a drug addiction is an easy balancing act for nurse Jackie. But even the best drop a few things now and again.

Genre: Comedy
Current Season: 3 episodes into season 4

The Big C

Another Showtime series, The Big C follows Cathy Jamison (Laura Linney) as she navigates her way through cancer. Being diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma (not good) Cathy begins to find the humor in her life, and discover the things that are really important.

Genre: Comedy
Current Season: 3 episodes into season 3

Veep

Veep is a brand new comedy on HBO starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer, the Vice President of the Unites States. What sets this show apart from other political shows is that its a half hour comedy, which is a fresh and unique way of looking at the white house.

Genre: Comedy
Current Season: 1 episode into season 1    

Game of Thrones

Okay, so I haven't watched Game of Thrones, so I can't really recommend it. BUT, I know several people who are watching it/reading the series and loving it. So I think I'm going to give it a go! The description on IMDB says " Seven noble families fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros". OOoOOoOoO sounds fun!

Genre: Drama
Current Season: the 5 episode of the 2nd season airs this Sunday


Got any recommendations for me? Leave a comment!

-Matthew
@thematthewjames

Awesome Lady Stand-Ups

A little while back, I saw that a facebook friend had changed her status to something complaining about women stand-up comedians, lamenting that none of them were funny and all they ever joked about were their periods.

It took every fiber of my being not to tell tell her to f-off.


The only way that someone could make a comment like that and genuinely believe it is if their only experience with stand-up comedy is from watching Just For Laughs reruns from the 1990s and from seeing this (annoying, out of touch) Kotex commercial:

Seriously, if all you know about stand-up comedy is from a tampon commercial, then you need to STFU about women comedians.


The ignorant status inspired Matthew & I however, and so here is The Skinny Chai's In-No-Particular-Order List of Awesome Lady Stand-Ups!


Marg's Picks are in orange, Matt's Picks are in green.

Jo Brand

Brand is a BAFTA winning actress/writer/stand-up who used to be psychiatric nurse, and she's very, very funny. With a very dry approach, Brand discusses politics, relationships, and pop culture. Check out her amazing series Getting On. Enjoy some of her patented self-deprecation and wit below:

Joan Rivers

I don't think you can have a list of funny females without including Joan freaking Rivers. She has been making people laugh since the 50's, and has never missed a beat. Sure, she might be famous for her red carpet jabs and ever changing face, but bottom line is that she's f-ing funny. Her main topics include: celebrity, ageing, sex & plastic surgery. P.S- if you haven't checked out her doc A Piece of Work- do it! It's hilarious, insightful and heartbreaking. A great look into the business of stand-ups.



Sarah Millican:

Millican had never stepped foot inside a comedy club before her debut show in 2004 which came after the end of her marriage - she found her voice and has since become a frequent panelist on shows like QI, Would I Lie To You, and the like. She's delightfully unassuming and odd, and has a very sweet stage presence, a wonderful juxtaposition from some of her subject matter.

Phyllis Diller 

One of the first majorly successful female stand-ups, there isn't a lady on this list who hasn't been influenced by Diller. Starting out in 1952 she connected with audiences by bringing out the humour in the day to day life of suburban families. This past Fall Diller was honoured on The Rosie Show. An appearance that showed audiences that at the age of 94 her razor sharp tongue is still in tact and her trademark cackle isn't fading away anytime soon.

 

Shappi Khorsandi

A British-Iranian comedienne, Khorsandi jokes about politics and divorce and terrorism (in a good way!) - she's clever and her delivery wouldn't be out of place coming from the funniest, most sophisticated guest at a dinner party.

Margaret Cho

I remember being about 15 when Cho's special I'm The One That I Want came on tv, and I had never laughed so hard in my life. She was unlike anyone that I had ever seen, and she spoke about topics that nobody else was speaking about. While she's famous for her impressions of her mother (hilarious btw), her main message is about loving yourself for who you are and what you look like, and not to  let others bring you down.

Kristen Schaal

Baby voiced and lispy, Schaal has made a name for herself on Flight of the Concords, The Daily Show, and 30 Rock - her stand up is as weird as you would expect - totally adorable but more than a little creepy.

Nikki Payne
A Canadian shout out! And she's from the east coast! Nikki Payne took what life threw at her and made it into an act. Payne has an obvious lisp, and instead of "fixing" it or hiding in a corner, she's using it to her advantage because now it's her trademark. She is brassy and ballsy, and doesn't hold back.
    

Chelsea Peretti

Peretti is a writer on Parks and Rec, and she makes me laugh on twitter! Starting at the 3:50 mark of the video below (but, watch the whole thing) she makes a hilarious and brilliant comment of the way that audiences expect their comedy delivered to them - specifically, not coming from a woman.  

Wanda Sykes
An accomplished actress, Sykes' main gig is stand-up. She has a unique whit that is all her own, and landed in Entertainment Weekly's list of the 25 funniest people in America. An Emmy winner for her writing, she's unafraid to speak her mind and tell her opinions, all without being offensive to others. A fine line not to cross.
   

On a final note, this list is so far from being complete that it is a sin. We had to limit ourselves to 5 choices each just so that this entire blog didn't become one giant list of funny women. The amazing thing about stand-up is how there is always a new voice out there to be heard. Matthew and I both brought women with different styles, levels of fame, subject matter, and backgrounds to this list, (he picked a lot of legends, I picked a lot of Brits!)  but we haven't heard of everybody! Have a favourite we left out? Comment and tell us about her!

-Marg, @acuteinsomnia and Matthew, @thematthewjames