Comedian Todd Barry Brings Low-Key Delivery and Laughs to Crescent Ballroom

Twenty five years of experience pays off when an hour of comedy leaves audience members incapable of maintaining a consistent level of raucous laughter because they’re simply out of breath. Todd Barry’s stout, self-satisfied grin makes it seem effortless. The crowd was laid back, almost morose during an impressive opening…

Three Must-See Cons in Phoenix This Summer

Letting one’s freak flag fly is supported by the majority of society — in most respects. Silly hair is cool, low-riding pants are acceptable, and participation trophies are distributed with reckless abandon. LARP (live action roleplay), however, is met with slight hesitation. That’s why we have conventions. School is out, and…

Five Reasons We’re Not Excited About Black Ops 2

The Call of Duty franchise boasts millions of players, the most successful online console community, and (perhaps most important) commemorative bottles of Mountain Dew. With the recent announcement of a direct sequel to the franchise’s 2010 title Black Ops, an overwhelming sense of stagnation permeates throughout the gaming community. Terrorists…

Comedian Aaron Karo to Perform at Martini Ranch this Week

  Blogger-turned-comedian Aaron Karo gave up a life of suits and class warfare on Wall Street to pursue funny stuff. On April 12, the comedian will stop by Martini Ranch to entertain a live audience, but we caught up with him over the weekend to talk about the release of his…

Five Reasons Why We Hate Dane Cook

Claiming Dane Cook sucks has been in vogue since around 2004. He does, granted, but as many comics will admit, the guy is funny. Unfortunately, the reasons why he’s funny are also the reasons why we hate him. Here’s why:5. The Douche Bag FactorIf you’ve listened to Cook’s comedy album, you’ll…

Top 5 Video Games as Art

Roger Ebert is a very angry man. The award-winning film critic and all-around grouch has been railing against video games as a style that “can never be art,” and has caused a community of gamers and artists debating the artistic value produced for small and large screens. The Smithsonian in…

Five Things You Should Know Before Dating a Gamer

Millions of people spend their 70-ish years of mortal coil playing video games. And as a member of such group, I pity the ones who love us.  Finishing quests and beating high scores are among a number of reasons why we end up on the couch after a long night of,…