A Luke Video: #FamilyFeud

Lori

#PaulaDeen, Here's Your Boulder

She's slimmed down quite a bit, but I can't keep ignoring the elephant in the room. 

Paula Deen went on The Today Show Wednesday and sobbed before Matt Lauer and millions of viewers. The look on Matt's face said, "If I wanted to listen to the sobs of a blathering woman, I'd break up with my girlfriend."

During the interview, Paula recalled having used the N-word in a conversation with her husband about a black man who once put a gun to her head. When asked by Matt Lauer if she had ever used it since then, Deen said bluntly, "No."

However, the courtroom deposition tells a different story. While under oath, Paula Deen was asked by the opposing attorney if she had ever used the N-word since that violent event. She responded, "I'm sure I have, but it's been a very long time."

Hmmm.

She then spoke through tears as she pleaded, "If there's anyone out there that has never said something they wish they could take back, if you're out there, please pick up that stone and throw it so hard at my head that it kills me. Please, I want to meet you."  I'm not sure what she said next because I was scouring my backyard for stones, but I'm sure it wouldn't have been some lame excuse about black people using the N-word, too. She wouldn't be that stupid.

A couple of things:

First of all, it's never a good idea to go on national TV and challenge someone to kill you, but I guess saying that wasn't the worst decision she'd already made that day. It was well after eight-o-clock. Secondly, I'm fairly certain that instead of asking someone to pick up a stone and throw it at her, she really meant to say, "...please pick up my stoneware from Walmart while you can." 

And then came, "I is what I is." That was the nail in the coffin. Not sure what she was reaching for there, but she missed. 

The only thing she actually succeeded in was making southerners look stupid, admitting that she lied under oath, and not once uttering the words, "I'm sorry."

So what happens next? Loyal fans will most likely rally around her and she will save her empire by agreeing to work with people she probably never considered in the past. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying she'll be cooking soul food on BET, but don't think you've seen the last of Paula Deen. 

Hopefully when she does reemerge, it will be with a little more class and a lot better judgement. 

Comedy Corner: Natasha Leggero

Comedian, Natasha Leggero, is no stranger to success. Appearing as a regular round table guest on “Chelsea Lately,” as well as “the Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” and “Reno 911,” she is a guaranteed laugh. You may have also seen Ms. Leggero flex her thespian prowess on the big screen in the movie, “He’s Just Not That Into You.”

She came to Nashville recently and I was first in line to see her perform. She’s no bigger than a minute, and with an infectious smile, it was quite a surprise to hear many of her musings. Religion, rap music, homelessness. Nothing was left out. I can also attest to the fact that she knows how to handle a heckling audience member (and, no it wasn’t me) while maintaining poise, grace, and a little raunchy humor.

I met her after the show and was fortunate enough to be granted an interview. So, without further ado, allow me to introduce a moment with funny girl, Natasha Leggero.

Loripalooza: Most little girls don’t grow up with aspirations of becoming a comedian. How did you get to this place in your life?

Natasha: All it takes is a bad childhood! (This is good news for the Lohan sisters.)

Loripalooza: Where do you draw your inspiration for writing comedy?

Natasha: Women giving birth in toilets. (If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that one!)

Loripalooza: Who are your favorite comedians? Mentors?

Natasha: Todd Barry, Tig Notaro, Zach Galifinakis, Bill Hicks

Loripalooza: Between stand-up and acting, which do you prefer?

Natasha: Nothing beats live performance!

Loripalooza: Is anything “off limits” when writing comedy?

Natasha: No comic should do more than 3 rape jokes per set.

Loripalooza: What are your current projects?

Natasha: I am currently touring. For tour dates: http://www.natashaleggero.com/

Loripalooza: If American Idol came out with their own alcoholic beverage, which would you prefer?
a. Ruben Studdard (Ale) - dark and full bodied
b. Clay Aiken (Wine cooler) - sweet and fruity
c. Jordin Sparks (Spumanti) - light and fresh

Natasha: I'll have a ClayAiken- with a side of whatever Paula Abdul is on!

Chirp, Chirp!

If you're dying to know a little more about me (and you know you are), check out my recent interview on RobinsChicks.com. Thanks, Robin!