I grew up watching and listening to great stand-up. My brother loves Bill Cosby, old George Carlin, old Robin Williams, Richard Pryor and others, so we always had plenty of comic material around the house. Also Comic Strip Live was going strong in the early 90's, and the brand-new Comedy Central had no content other than 4 hour blocks of stand-up, which I eagerly absorbed.

But like a wine snob who can't appreciate common wines, I think I lost my taste for a lot of normal comedy. I hate jokes that I can see coming a mile away, and worse, ones I've heard repeatedly. Which is why I found some joy in the fringe of comedy. Stuff that's so far out there it's not even funny any more. Andy Kaufman. Bill Hicks. Dennis Miller before he wet his pants on 9/11 and started voting Republican.

So I've always wanted to be a comic, but I know I wouldn't be "funny". I don't mind talking in front of crowds, and I sure have a lot to say, but I'm pretty sure I'd disappoint people just there to see someone, uh, be funny. So if anyone knows of a comedy club that would pay to see a guy rant about things, let me know.