[Ed. Note:  A hundred years ago when I first started blogging -- straight politics, believe it or not -- on a small site no one's heard of, somehow Lorie Byrd found me and became an early champion of mine. As I was already a fan of hers, that meant more than you can imagine. Lorie is a friend, a fellow North Carolinian, a wonderfully warm and insightful writer,  a consumer of pop culture, and I'm thrilled that she's now a part of our BH family. Please welcome her aboard. -- JN]

In the current political and economic climate where bashing corporate executives has been politically popular, the new CBS reality show, Undercover Boss, shows a different face of corporate America.   The show’s social or political message (if there is one) may or may not be getting through to those watching, but the entertainment value is and millions of viewers like what they see. 

The reality show, which premiered following the Super Bowl and continues to air on Sunday nights, follows the leaders  (presidents, CEOs, etc.) of large companies such as Hooters and 7-Eleven as they go undercover in their own organizations doing entry level jobs in various divisions.  There are many reasons to love the show. Undercover Boss highlights those at every level.  Every week workers demonstrating a strong work ethic are showcased.  Through the examples, we are shown value in every job no matter how lowly or seemingly insignificant.  And we see a side of corporate “bosses” that is seldom shown on television.

As the camera follows the undercover bosses around (under the guise of capturing the experiences of an average entry level worker for a documentary) the viewer meets some incredible characters. (more…)

Just in case you’ve never read my bio, I am a stand-up comedian and have been slinging jokes for over thirty years. I have had my ups and downs, worked the road for years, gigged in dumps and Vegas palaces, done TV and had a few shots at the big time. I have hurt my career by my personal behavior and I blame no one but myself for that.

I reinvented myself as a performer almost as many time as Dylan and I’m still standing. To quote my good friend, radio host Marc Germain, “I’m better than most and not as good as some.” (more…)