Sep 4th, 2008 · On his new album, Young Jeezy uses his motivational rasp to raise the spirits of people facing rising gas prices and unemployment rates. Though he's not a great rapper by traditional standards, the young Atlanta MC pads his raps with what he does best: big, clunky punchlines and inspirational refrains.
Nov 8th, 2007 · It's not uncommon for comedians to borrow punchlines from other stand-up routines -- but some say this practice of "joke-jacking" is becoming more common among big-name entertainers. Comedy writer Larry Getlen and stand-up comic Ralphie May discuss how comedians generate material that is both funny and original.
May 23rd, 2007 · All those people who think it's impossible to praise one's kids too much may need a little dose of reality. But essayist and father Peter Sagal says it won't start with him -- or his daughter's tee-ball team. Sagal is the host of NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me! He lives in Chicago.
Jan 9th, 2007 · Jay Leno and NBC Studios are among those suing the author of a series of joke books. "We think there's a very important principle at stake: protecting intellectual property of the comedians," says the plaintiff's attorney, "These jokes are products of a very careful choice of words."
Jul 31st, 2006 · The Republican Party's primary elections for the Kansas state school board will be held Tuesday. The outcome could shape the direction of the board, which has garnered national attention for questioning the inclusion of evolution in its science curriculum. Of the six conservative seats on the board, four are up for grabs. Moderates are hoping to regain control -- and reverse policies they say have made Kansas a punchline on late night TV.
Feb 27th, 2006 · Otis Chandler, former publisher of the Los Angeles Times, has died at 78 in Ojai, Calif. The patriarch of the Southern California Chandler clan inherited the publisher's job at the Los Angeles Times and transformed the paper from a punchline to a journalistic powerhouse.
Apr 12th, 2005 · In a nation where hardship, death and violence are still commonplace, gunfire and explosions are sometimes the punchline. NPR's Anthony Kuhn reports on the dark humor of Iraqi comedians.