Suebob's Red Stapler: Entertain me

01 December 2006

Entertain me

We saw Charles Phoenix last night. He is a bit of a Los Angeles institution, a real local treasure.

His shtick is this: he collects other people's old slides and puts on a narrated show that is part mid-century history, part catty comedy routine. He picks the weirdest and most wonderful slides - many of people living it up with lots of cigarettes, booze and aluminum Christmas trees - and points out all the little funky details you might have missed.

For instance, was every U.S. home required to have a ruffled lampshade in the 50s and 60s? And all that wood paneling! Future generations need to know about these things and to learn from our mistakes!

If you are in the L.A. area, check out his shows. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

Anyway, here's Charles himself, preparing a little holiday treat that you might like to make for your guests:

12 comments:

Anonymous said...: Now that was hilarious..; 6:37 AM
Major Bedhead said...: Funny stuff!; 9:11 AM
Anonymous said...: So awesome.

Thank-you for making my day!; 10:25 AM
Anonymous said...: OK, I now have yet another inappropriate web crush. On the both of you. I mean, you love Tim Cahill, you introduced me to this guy - c'mon, I'm not made of stone!; 10:34 AM
Lynnea said...: I think I scared my husband with the loud cackling laughter coming from me at the computer as I stared at the glorious conclusion of this video - that's the greatest thing I've ever seen and when my MIL asks me to bring an appetizer at the next family party, you know what I'm bringing!

I loved his ironing board demo table.; 11:29 AM
Mignon said...: Reminds me so much of these cards, which I keep in my purse to laugh at when things aren't funny in my life.

This one's my favorite:
http://www.mikwright.com/orders/items_detail.asp?ID=317&Type=T&group=21; 11:33 AM
meno said...: After seeing the list of ingredients, it was impossible for me not to watch in horrified fascination.

I'm making one.; 5:43 PM
Anonymous said...: BWA HA HA HA.

Think I can construct one of these out of organic raisins and vegan energy bars?; 6:55 PM
Suzanne said...: The slide show idea reminds me of the Trachtenberg Family Slideshow Players, who buy other people's (and old corporate) slide shows and make up songs about them. They are really cute.; 11:17 PM
Anonymous said...: C'mon Ms. Stapler, where are the props to your peeps [me] for introducing you to Mr. Phoenix?

And I remember reading about the Trachtenbergs in the NYer and that may have led me to finding CP and his magical shows.

But I could be mistaken. But do see Charles if you can, he is just getting better and better.; 12:02 AM
Maya said...: Good times - I love making fun of weird old stuff like pictures, slides, etc...who knew I should have taken my act on the road? Found you via the Randomizer - I'm just up the way from you and Venturamom (SB). Cheers and am adding you to my fresh finds list, if it's ok with you.; 11:43 AM
Anonymous said...: Oh my god that is so damn funny!!!!!; 2:51 PM