Trace's FYW Blog

            Key and Peele are both iconic.   They went from making goofy videos on the internet and working for Comedy Central to having roles in major movies and shows.   Whenever I see one of them in a movie or show I am almost overcome by the urge to say “hey, that’s the guy from Key and Peele” out loud.   “Substitute Teacher” is one of the best videos that the internet has to offer.   Even people who do not know Key and Peele know “Substitute Teacher.”   All of the videos that Ryan wrote about were great.   “Loco Gangsters” in particular made me laugh out loud so much that my roommate asked me what I was doing (you can imagine his surprise when I responded with “homework”).   Some of my other favorites by Key and Peele include “Fronthand Backhand” and all of the “East/West College Bowl” videos.   Ryan is right about superiority theory explaining most of the humor that is ...

            The Office is without a doubt, one of the best shows of all time.   It presents humor along with the everyday lives of average people in such a way that almost everyone can relate to the show in some capacity.   There are very few shows that can bring people together so well.   There are even fewer shows that have so many iconic quotes that we can all remember.   Sonali references some of the best quotes that the show has to offer, such as Kevin’s infamous “why waste time say lot word when few word do trick?” or Dwight’s theory about a new plague.   Michael Scott is far and away the most quotable character in the show.   From “I. DECLARE. BANRUPTCY!!!” to “oh how the turntables…”, Steve Carrell’s classic character is the main glue that held the show together.   I definitely agree with Sonali that the incongruity theory plays a large role in why the show is so funny. ...

       Vines are, in a way, the simplest form of comedy.   Short, six second clips that do not even allow time to set up a proper joke; they are often almost indescribably funny.   The vine of the little girl falling off the swing and then rolling down the Wii bowling lane is one of my all-time favorites.   The surprise that accompanies the girl’s trip down the lane is probably the best way to describe why most vines are funny.   The unexpectedness, or incongruity, makes them true, goofy works of art.   Richard’s misadventures while attempting to play frisbee golf is another perfect example.   In the first second or two, we see him wind up to make the throw and openly wonder where in the world the video, and indeed frisbee, are going.   We obviously do not have to wait very long for the legendary line.   With both of these vines we also see superiority come into play as we watch a small child tumble helplessly...