Category: alleged humor

An Open Buchwald

Art Buchwald phones in a column that's half-blank. We know that's not exactly news, but here's the point: The Post "humorist" is "spoofing" the gimmicky reader-participation stunts newspapers use to boost reader interest in a sagging market. Of course the gimmick-mimicking becomes a tedious gimmick itself in no time flat. Still, we have to salute the Style section of the Post: For the first time in decades, they've printed a Buchwald column that stands at least a theoretical chance of being funny. --HOLLY MARTINS

This Just In! Now [BLANK] Can Be A Roving Reporter [Washington Post]

READ MORE: alleged humor , style section , washington post

Matt Cooper, Near-Felon or Near-Card?

The New York Observer makes the case for Matt Cooper, legendary DC funnyman. In the process, iron-stomached correspondent Leon Neyfakh plunges readers into the grim demimondes of both live comedy performances and Washington "humor." Here's a snapshot of the Coop, monitoring the work of his protegee, Roll Call columnist Mary Ann Akers, as she floated a few gay marriage jokes at the National Press Club:

According to Tim Howe, who has produced several gigs featuring Mr. Cooper, the embattled Time reporter stayed in the back of the room, pacing back and forth and listening intently as Ms. Akers performed. “Cooper knew the whole routine!” he said. “I could see him mouthing the words. And then when a joke hit, he just pumped his arm in the air.”

Don't you see, people? The poor man is already in prison--the joke-mouthing, fist-pumping gaol of Washington "revelry."

Believe us, we feel his pain.--HOLLY MARTINS

Off the Record [NYO, second item]

READ MORE: alleged humor , matthew cooper , press corps , time magazine

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