Okay, while most of the blog postings have been “generic” in voice, this one is all me.  As a comic and writer, I’ve loved swimming in the deep end of the pool with the big boys and girls of comedy the past few days and today’s panel was definitely that.  So, this entry is all about me, you can indulge or just click off.

Funny People Talking About Sh*t was moderated by Artistic Director Gary Anthony Williams and America’s Next Top African-American.  Next up was comic icon Laraine Newman from SNL.  Forget Kevin Bacon!  Starting in the business at age 15, Laraine’s worked with other icons Marcel Marceau to Woody Allen to Richard Pryor.  I couldn’t freakin’ believe I was in the same room as Laraine and one degree from Richard Pryor!  Goosebumps baby! 

Next up, Jersey’s Mindy Sterling a.k.a. Austin Power’s Frau Farbissina and Laraine Newman’s Groundlings long time improv buddy gave insights to the business of being not-so-Paris-Hilton famous, which is what I’m hoping for in my inevitable success. 

Comedian-actress Aisha Tyler has most recently worked in dramatic roles, but it was obvious that comedy is where her heart is.

The beautiful-stay-away-from-my-husband Regina King was nothing less than hilarious, especially when dispensing parental advice. 

And Sean Astin, who got his start acting in the womb being the son of Patty Duke and John Astin, surprised when candidly discussing how much he’s learned and continues to learn, despite both experience and lineage. 

This panel gave it all to the audience in honesty, hilarity and performance and I’m grateful to them for pulling back the curtain on the industry and really letting the audience know the realities of what to expect.  

Following were another three blocks of substantial funny Shorts.  While I wasn’t able to see all three blocks, I did manage to slip into the theater and catch some fu#&@ing funny Shorts with two of my favorites being the incredibly clever “Love On The Line,” by G. Melissa Graziano and “A Bit Of Counseling,” by Deb Hiett and Richard Kuhlman.  I LMAO!

During the day, a very philosophical discussion involving mashed potatoes vs. macaroni and cheese took place.  So, it was no wonder how over the moon I was when we showed up at the rooftop after party, sponsored by the Kyoto Hotel, to find a MARTINI MASHED POTATO BAR!!!  That’s right people!  Three giant vats of whipped potatoes, martini glasses and all the fixin’s lay before us. 

 It was all I could do not to indulge and jump off the roof knowing that this would probably be as good as its ever going to get.