After my stint at the Big Top the other night, I was able to watch some of the other acts, including standup comedian Mike Mercury. Sometimes folks tell me I should be a standup comedian (my wife, hardly ever) and I always thank them but then explain that I cheat, because if people turn up to hear a writer talk and it turns out he’s funny, they’re pleasantly surprised. A standup comedian, on the other hand, has been previously announced as professionally funny, and must prove it. Much tougher hurdle.
Anyway, I enjoyed watching Mike Mercury – especially how he adjusted his material on the fly as the audience reaction dictated. Also, as a guy whose background has rendered me terminally polite to the point of spineless, I got a kick out of Mr. Mercury’s FAQ page.