Laz Vic

Actor/Writer/Comedian

Copyright THIS!

May 23, 2012  /  Laz Vic

This Article is in the Public Domain.Copyright This Ladies and gents, we have goose stepped our way into a brave new world; a world where everything under the sun is up for “ownership”.  All you need is a copyright or patent. The song "Happy Birthday"; is currently owned by Time Warner until 2030.  They purchased it for 2 million dollars back in 2008. Really? You can own Happy Birthday?  Should we be afraid of singing this at our next birthday bash?  Will herds of pre-teens be thrown in prison with ice-cream cake stains still on their overalls?

If the Beastie Boys were to put out the same albums that we loved so much today, they would be sued under our current copyright laws. How many other songs, works of art, or films are we missing out on because of these new infringements upon our freedom to express ourselves?  The sad result of these restrictions is all around us. Entertainment has become watered down. It's obvious when you watch a movie trailer like Battleship.  I don't recall any aliens invading my Battleship when I was a kid.

Transformers...I mean Battleship? Trailer: http://youtu.be/N_mmHf-z22k

Who could forget the finale of Smallville.  We waited 10 years for Superman to put on the damn suit.  We FINALLY see him fly…without the suit?! WHAT!?!  Superman finally flies…in plain clothes…while clutching in one hand the iconic red and blue suit. Really?! Did he need to dry clean it before putting it on? If I were Tom Welling I’d be pissed! That last shot where he opens his shirt and reveals just the “S” logo was bullshit! The producers claim it was a creative decision but this blogger thinks it was over “ownership” issues.

Superman - Fail: http://youtu.be/N_mmHf-z22k

YouTube is the biggest hypocrite of them all. They built a successful business by knowingly allowing copyrighted material to flourish on their site.  They made hundreds of millions selling the company to Google who immediately backpedaled by introducing new copyright requirements and punishing us, the users. Do you really think videos of cats playing the piano made the company rich alone?

Today Judge David Shaw recommended that the Xbox 360 be banned in the United States over a patent dispute with Motorola. He actually said that intellectual property supersedes maintaining diversity in the market.  In other words, screw the consumer, its MINE MINE MINE! What are we two year olds who can't share?  This guy isn't fit to judge a spelling bee. There's nothing intellectual about that.

We as a society must evolve into the notion that once an idea is out in the universe; it belongs to all of us.

     “If nature has made any one thing less susceptible than all others of exclusive property, it is the action of the thinking power called an idea, which an individual may exclusively possess as long as he keeps it to himself; but the moment it is divulged, it forces itself into the possession of every one, and the receiver cannot dispossess himself of it. Its peculiar character, too, is that no one possesses the less, because every other possesses the whole of it. He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.”

                        Thomas Jefferson 1813

I’m surprised they haven't tried to copyright the planet Earth. Copyright Earth

John Lennon wrote "Imagine", for all of us. Sure, he was compensated for his work and I agree with that.  I also agree no one should reproduce his work and make a profit from it.  With that said, I also believe that once that work is finished anyone should be able to enjoy it in anyway they see fit. If I want to listen to the Beatles underwater while wearing a turban I should be able too.  If I want to mash up the entire Beatles album and call it, "The Polka Dot Album", that is my right. If I post it online I'm doing so for fun, not profit. Of course it’s not all that black and white, artists should be protected. That is when a little thing called “Common Sense” can be employed.

You can even patent living things! Yes, you too can now own your very own biological organism! Come on down to Billy’s Bio-Wonder Wall and Emporium! Off route 66! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_patent

If you don't think this issue affects you just wait until the new ISP Internet rules go into effect this summer.  Basically giving the entertainment industry carte blanche into your computer for downloading any material they deem violates their terms. If you do not comply they'll just shut down your Internet connection. Nice right? http://www.theverge.com/2012/3/15/2873515/isp-riaa-piracy-warning-july-12

One solution may be for all of us to band together and bombard the Internet with mash-ups of copyrighted material.  Remix the birthday song, post your favorite "Friends" episode with a porn soundtrack, or create a Budweiser commercial with inter-spliced scenes from Jurassic Park. Perhaps we should just stop buying their stuff and create our own.

Creativity is about using your imagination and building upon ideas. I refuse to recognize groups like the RIAA or MPAA because they never applied for a patent to my thoughts.  When it comes right down to it, there is no such thing as copyrights my friends. It is all in our heads…literally.

Source video for this article was found on, YouTube…Ironic isn’t it?

categories / Article, Videos

Where does a Video Game end and DLC begin?

May 10, 2012  /  Laz Vic

The plight of the Gamer. Gamers in today's world enjoy a much more robust gaming experience compared to generations past. However enjoying killer graphics, mass multiplayer, and stunning open worlds now comes at a higher price, literally. We must now first endure a never ending cycle of updates, DLC, DRM, and other such nonsense just to PLAY the game you own. Gone are the days of simply unwrapping your new game, popping it into your console and pressing power.

Last week I purchased Mass Effect 3 for only $30us from an Amazon 1 day sale. Pretty sweet deal right? (Don't tell me the ending.) I popped it into my Xbox and it took me 45 minutes just to start playing the damn thing. In that time, I could have ranked up at least twice in C.O.D.

I open up the box and there I find an "Activation Code", which is long convoluted set of numbers and letters that give you access to the game...you just bought. This code is a bitch to enter in too, especially if you don't have a keyboard. After messing up several times I wondered if THIS WAS the game! After finally hurdling that obstacle the system decides it must log into Electronic Arts (EA) servers to verify the code is valid. Ya know, it case a terrorist got his hands on a false code and decided to troll Americans.

Then it doesn't ask me, but demands I create an account for EA membership. I don't want to sign up but they got me by the electronic balls. Another round of filling out digital paperwork with a gaming controller. Then I wait some more. Yes, it's done, now to start my adventure...No...wait... it has to download the updates. Updates? Shouldn't everything I need come in the box? I don't think the CIA has this much trouble getting into their own systems. Why am I'm jumping through so many spy hoops?

What if I had a game console but no internet connection? What then? After all an internet connection costs money and not everyone can afford one. Do I assume then, that even if I'm not interested in any multiplayer features that I still cannot play the single campaign without a connection? Mass Effect does indeed have a single player mode so technically why do I need to log in at all?

The game by some miracle finally starts up. By this point I'm already exhausted but press on anyway, pun intended. I notice on the menu that their is an option for "Downloadable Content." I thought I just downloaded all the downloadable content. I thought wrong. I click on the option and it shifts me into the Xbox Market place where I may purchase more senseless things. Mass Effect Virtual hats, T-Shirts, upgrades etc. Wait a minute, so none of this stuff is included? Didn't we give Microsoft good money to be Xbox Live members? Are you seriously going to nickel and dime us for a fake digital Mass Effect 3 Beach Ball that doesn't physically exists in the real world!

This trend is not only confined to consoles. Mobile gaming publishers have picked up a few bad habits as well. Recently I purchased a gamed called, "Pinbal HD", awesome game. Yet when I opened the app for the first time, I discovered that it has 3 playable boards and 2 UN-playable boards. You need to purchase them to play them.  Didn't I just pay for this freakin Pinball game! If I was your surgeon would you want me to transplant "most" of your kidney, wait till I opened you up and then asked whether or not you want to in-body purchase the rest?

As if that weren't enough, they now have split games into several categories. You can purchase a game for $60 sure, but if you want the 'Collector's Edition", well that's going to cost you $90. Wait, if you want the Extended Master Collectors' Special Edition with Super Dooper Boost then that will set you back at least $120.

Every year it seems that the industry is asking more and more from it's loyal players. You have to wonder with all this "Downloadable Content", are companies holding back chunks of the game and making you pay for the rest of it later? If I decide to buy Max Payne 3, am I only getting half the actual game if I don't purchase any "extras"? I no longer feel like I own my games, I feel like I'm renting them.

Seems like it's us gamers who are getting played.

categories / Article

Jan 21st - Elks Lodge Comedy Show!

January 19, 2012  /  Laz Vic

Saturday, Jan 21st 2012 7pm. Join me for this years Elks Lodge comedy show in Clifton, NJ. I had the pleasure of performing at the show last year and can't wait to catch up with the Exalted Ruler! This year is going to be even bigger and better!

Clifton Elks Lodge #1569 775 Clifton Ave. Clifton, NJ 07013

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS: 201-774-6666

or Email: OakNuts26@aol.com

Face Book Event Page

categories / Shows

Friday the 13th - The Blog!

January 13, 2012  /  Laz Vic

4-Alarm Fire in North Bergen.http://youtu.be/44FJLk7gD2E Che..Che...Che...Blog!

What's up party people.  Its Friday the 13th and I'm just glad its Friday!  Lots of adventure this week.  On Wednesday I came home from work to a huge 4-alarm fire a couple of blocks away from my apartment.  It looked like a war zone with fire, police, helicopters, and what seemed like every news van on earth. They closed down my entire block and you could see the black smoke from a mile away.  Every time their is a fire in my town a large group of people gather like lemmings to witness it.  It's like a morbid block party.  The irony of it all is that my girlfriend just dropped off her expensive suit jacket to the cleaners in that building just a day before. Since they are Chinese she still holds out hope they'll clean it anyway.

I recognized one of the reporters from Pix 11 news and I was tempted to jump into one of the live broadcasts and yell "BABABOOEE!". I noticed after broadcasting these reporters would just stand around in the cold and wait until the next one. Some would pile into the tight news van with their crew and suddenly the reporter's job didn't seem so glamorous.

A lil common sense goes a looong way.

 It seems as though the past few years have seen a slew of comedians who passed away too soon. Patrice O'Neil, Greg Geraldo, and Mike DeStefano to name a few. While living in LA it seemed like every other week I'd hear about another young comic's demise and it was unsettling.  A heart attack, a drug overdose, or a car crash were just some of the many causes of death.  My Facebook page quickly began to look like the daily obituaries.  I wondered if the proliferation of the social networks made it seem like their were more deaths or was the business of comedy just reaching a dangerous new level.

According to Steve Martin's book "Born Standing Up", their were about 100 or so comedians traveling the country in the 70's. Today it seems like every Tom, Dick, and Harry call themselves comedians. The competition is fierce and for the most part not based on talent at all. Rather its based on what I call the "What can you do for me" syndrome.

  Comedian: I'm interested in performing at your club.   Booker: How many people can you bring?

The fact is that comedians are getting the shit end of the stick.  Club owners and bookers are getting rich by promising exposure instead of real life dollars. Comics are nervous about pushing for compensation because another comic will just do it for free. The bottom line is we are working and  providing a specialized service that we should be compensated for.  I don't hire a painter and then tell him he should paint my house for the exposure.

I agree that new comics should be hungry for it and pay their dues but that's what open mics are for. While this isn't the only contributing factor to what's happening to these young comics it certainly is the big fat pink polka dotted elephant in the room. Until we demand our fair share we will never elevate ourselves in the field.  Maybe if these guys were making a better living they would have longer lives.

Congratulations are in order!

My good friend Mark Viera just landed a new sitcom on Fox. George Lopez is executive producer.  I wish him all the luck in the world.  It's nice to see truly funny artists making it!

Humor Mill Magazine Article

categories / Blog, Shots, Videos

Beautiful Strange

February 15, 2008  /  Laz Vic

Signs of LifeHa Ha Stage, LA 2007 was the toughest year of my life. I conquered many personal goals and lost someone very close to me. I over came adversity and tumbled into wonderland. I made new friends and lost old ones. I moved across the country and realized home is in the heart. I don’t know where these new travels will take me; what I do know is that this can all be just a dream.

Mad Visions

I recently wrapped a TV pilot called Extreme Reactions, a reality comedy series. It’s got a great cast including Zak Williams (Robin Williams’s son). Produced for Lion’s Gate Entertainment its like Candid Camera meets Kids in the Hall and we are hoping it gets off the ground soon. Anthony Maddox (Producer/Director) was great to work with; he knows what he wants but lets you find the way there. Check out their website: www.madvisionentertainment.com/

Jet Blue and only Jet Blue Jet Blue

Confession: I am a Jet Blue fanatic. If I have to fly for me there is no other way to go. The other airlines treat us like red headed step children compared to Jet Blue’s service. You not only get 36 channels of direct TV (umm hello) but they also serve (pause) Dunkin Donuts Coffee! The only thing better would be a Hooters Flight. www.JetBlue.com/

Anyway, the point is that I made the big move. I now and for the time being live in Los Angeles. I was pondering the thought of changing this blog to “A LA Comic”; however since I do come from the east coast I shall strike the last thought from the record.

When I first moved here I felt like a fish out of water, which was strange since I am not a fish nor reside in water. After a month or so it is starting to feel like home. I love the weather, and yes it does rain from time to time. I can’t watch the discovery channel anymore because they always have earth quake specials on but I can go outside in a t-shirt. Exploring around my neighborhood, I found a cool little coffee shop, a book store, and a movie theatre. Not to mention and most importantly, a 24hr 7-11.

LA Comedy Nights My first gig was in downtown Los Angeles, at this old hotel called The Alexandria. Opening in 1909 it was the meeting place for the early Hollywood elite. In its lobby it had a million dollar rug and tall marble columns, but no more. It was host to many swanky parties in its ball rooms with its huge stained glass ceilings, some of which are still there. Charlie Chaplin was a frequent guest and made the deals for the creation of United Artists there. It’s also one of the most haunted hotels in America, a fitting place for me to start. I was lucky enough to be introduced by Garrett Morris, one of the original cast members of SNL. It’s a great show check them out. www.downtowncomedyclub.com/

SiTV Laugh Festival SiTV Festival Stage 1I’ve been making the rounds to most of the local comedy clubs. I had a great experience at the Ice House. It was a rainy Wednesday night. On the way there I was certain the audience would be small if not minuet due to the weather. I don’t mind small audiences but that night they were taping the show for a website called Comedy Time. When I arrived the place was packed from wall to wall, not a seat in the house. The host was fantastic and I had so much fun with the audience. I’m looking forward to performing there again. Check out the video on my links. www.comedytime.tv/

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To My Father Its hard saying goodbye to someone you’ve known your entire life. You can’t help but search your memories and hold on to them as tight as you can. Wishing I could tell time to stand still or walk back with me for a while. Only now can I write about this. Still the sadness is overwhelming and the pain at the surface. Death changed the way I live.

Thank you for being my father. For all the advice and wisdom you bestowed upon me. For teaching me strength and kindness. For always being there when I needed you. For treating me like a son. For sacrificing yourself for your family. For showing me that life is worth living, to be brave, bold and always face forward. To never apologize for being who I am. You will always be a part of me.

“Life is just a game of chess” PM 1944 - 2007 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two Thousand & Eight It couldn’t be worse than 2007 because the Giants already won the Super bowl. Go BLUE!!! That was the most inspiring game I’ve ever seen. I nearly overdosed on pizza and hot wings. After the game we ran outside and people were yelling and screaming. Doing flips and hugging each other. I think I saw a dog dancing with a cat. Still today over two weeks later you can walk down the street and just say, “Go BLUE!” and you will get a “Go BLUE!” back.

I predict 2008 will be beautiful and strange.

categories / Blog, Shots

Today my heart Swings

October 18, 2007  /  Laz Vic

Inspirational Comedy SetComedy Set Gotham 2011 Sometimes through the most unlikely of circumstances you find inspiration. You’re having a bad day, week, month, year and just when you think it can’t get any worse, God throws you a life line. Yes I believe in God :)

I got this gig in a bar in Bergen County, NJ. This bar is unlike any bar I’ve ever been to. It sits by itself like an anomaly in the middle of a secluded residential area. Just houses all around, children playing and white picket fences. It doesn’t even have a sign, just Bar. So the show starts, I don’t even think these people are aware that a comedy show is taking place. Slowly some people mosey their was into the room and sit down. I’m sitting at a back table, sipping on my ice water, thinking about my broken frig and how I have to get rid of it and buy a new one. How much are refrigerators anyway? Why does it have to have such a long name? Long name means it’s expensive. Shit.

The host announces the next comedian and I notice that this comedian had a half shaven head. Like one side of his hair was missing. So he introduces himself and says: “I’ve recently had brain surgery, no this isn’t a fancy haircut, I had a fuckin tumor! You think I would wear my hair like this!?”

People bust out laughing, and he was funny. I realized everyone has got their problems, its how you deal with them that counts.

I've been encountering lots of interesting people lately. Once in a blue moon you meet someone who changes the way you think and you suddenly remember who you once where. You see what the world used to be like for you.

Engagement ala Sketch Last night I was a part of something I shall never forget. One of my dearest friends who is also a comedian calls me up and asked me to be part of a very special comedy sketch. I was to play a waiter named, “Jew”, yea I know. The other characters were named Mary and Will. In the sketch we all lined up revealing our t-shirts that said, Will Jew Mary……and my friend says ME. He proposed to his long time girlfriend on stage in front of a packed house. The crowd went wild and it was very emotional. I wish them both all the best in the world. They make a beautiful couple.

Needless to say I was the next comic on the show. How the hell am I going to follow a marriage proposal? I mean how do you top that? The crowd was amazing though, they really enjoyed my performance and it felt awesome.

Show Updates Don’t forget to check out my schedule on myspace for shows, events, and more. www.myspace.com/twice77

This Sunday I’m hosting America’s Got Stand-Up at the Laugh Factory in Times Sqaure.

categories / Blog, Shots