Comics Say World's Best Joke Stinks
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Still, if Wiseman wants to get into the giggle business, he should learn the first rule: Comedy is not pretty, especially if you think you're funny and you're not.
So here's what some real comedians think of Wiseman's research:
Comics Roast Egghead
"I'd have to politely suggest to Dr. Wiseman that he stick to his day job We politely refer to some guys as a N.G.N.A Nice Guy, No Act." Eddie Brill, booker for comedians, Late Show With David Letterman "If the British are spending money on this, God knows what else they're spending it on The joke isn't funny. It isn't even in the ballpark of funny. 'Two Jews walk into a bar without a punch line' is funnier." Lewis Black, commentator, The Daily Show on Comedy Central "We now know why there are no rocket scientists or any scientists, for that matter on Hollywood Squares." Dom DeLuise, who says the hardest part of working on Hollywood Squares is "squeezing your butt into those little spaces."
"This is a joke about a man who kills his friend. The really funny thing is that this joke wouldn't work if the two hunters were women. Now, I wish science could explain that."
Suzie Essman, who's appearing this week in HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm and Comedy Central's Crank Yankers
"That joke is such a bomb, the government is threatening to use it against Iraq." Jeff Gurian, comedy writer for Friars Club Roasts, Joan Rivers, and Rodney Dangerfield
"I could make that joke funny, but only if I used obscenities every three words." Gilbert Gottfried, stand-up comic and voice of the AFLAC duck in TV commercials
"Sure, Dr. Wiseman can find the funniest joke, but can he screw in a light bulb? I hear the second funniest joke is his resume."
Malcolm Kushner, speechwriter, author of Public Speaking for Dummies
"What's funny is that hunters don't carry cell phones. That's a stupid joke! And it's long!"
Mario Cantone, stand-up comic who appears regularly on HBO's Sex and the City as Anthony, Charlotte's frenetic gay friend