South by Southwest Expanding Its Comedy Offerings Good news, comedy fans. It looks like like super music, arts and hipster festival SXSW will be expanding its comedy reach in 2012. Although the word "comedy" isn't on the official list of arts the Austin, TX event covers – music, film, interactive is what they go with – every comedy nerd knows that SXSW boasts some of the best and unique voices in stand-up each year. Earlier this year, the festival hosted six nights of comedy. But next year's fest will feature no fewer than eight consecutive nights of comedy shows, according to the November issue of SXSWorld magazine (yes, an actual print publication not available online). "Every year, we've built on the year before, and every year it's gone gangbusters," says Charlie Sotelo, the fest's comedy programmer. "But I think that 2012 will be a quantum leap for comedy at SXSW." We here at Laughspin sure hope so. We were there last year and we had a blast. But we're into having an even blastier blast if that's what they're planning. "The music/comedy connection is an old story. People in bands tend to be comedy fans, and a lot of comedians wish they were in bands. So it's a natural fit," comedian and past SXSW performer tells the magazine, adding, "I'm a sucker for walking up Congress Street and stopping at every craft table and cupcake truck. And for seeing any off-the-beaten-path band that's playing in a yard or a parking lot." Another SXSW veteran, comedian Eugene Mirman also had a lot of great things to say about his experiences in Austin. "The crowds have been really great, really attentive and really fun," he says. "There are always thousands of things happening at the same time, so it's a real commitment for people to choose to sit down for several hours at a comedy show, rather than going to a bunch of rock clubs." Well, we're looking forward to making that commitment. The fest goes down from March 9 – 18.
Jim Gaffigan Sells New Sitcom to NBC
NBC has picked up a new show from comedian Jim Gaffigan, which he will write, star and executive produce. The show will be a single-camera comedy that will feature Gaffigan as a lazy husband who lives in an apartment with his wife and four children in New York City. The comedian, who also has a tour starting in 2012, had a previous show in 2000 on CBS called Welcome to New York, as well as a supporting role on the TBS sitcom My Boys.
Comics Give Away Free Tickets at Occupy Oakland/San Francisco
Finally, there's something to get an Occupy Oakland rally besides a face full of tear gas: Free tickets to a comedy show. Really. Comic John Fugelsang will be going to Occupy Oakland and Occupy San Francisco to hand out 100 free ducats to the Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour that he co-stars in at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights at The Orpheum Theater. Stephanie Miller is the star of the show, which also features Hal Sparks. But it will be John showing up at Occupy SF on Thursday from 4:30-6:30 pm and at Occupy Oakland from 10 a.m. to noon Friday…. uh…location to be announced on that last one. See SFGate.com for the latest. And their publicist Monique Moss says this ticket-drop is not just a cheap laugh — and, ahem, plug — at the expense of a very serious issue. "Noooo! Nooooo!!!" publicist Monique told us. The SexyLiberals Comedy Tour ….(pause to allow conservatives to say "Now THAT name is the real joke!")….has been sold out everywhere — AND they've has been giving away free tickets to all sorts of groups during their national tour. Why not Occupy? The comics are liberals and agree with the cause.
Zach Galifiankis Interview for "Puss in Boots"
Margaret Cho's music video for "Asian Adjacent"
source 1 source 2 source 3 source 4 source 5 Hey all! I hope you're enjoying these! Sorry it's a bit later this week. Any suggestions and comments are always welcome! Also, do you guys think I should include more about podcasts? Just a thought. 
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