Bretton, one of our favorite comedians, taped his HBO special last weekend. It was the big time too. He had some kind of stage background that attempted to ascribe a theme to him (in this case, a science lab), he had bottles of water on a stool, and he found a way to tie his jokes together at the end into some serious social commentary to lift him from the level of mere comedian to humorist.

Here’s some excerpts from his performance:

I love how those things you use to put staples through a document to hold it together are called “paper take-aparters.” And it’s like, why are they called that? They actually do the opposite of that! I just notice these little things in life like that. I’m weird that way.

But, seriously, y’all, society’s fucked up. (Take swig of water and proceed to next joke.)

My girl watches all those reality shows. It’s crazy, y’all. (applause, hoots from the guys) What is it, uh, “American Idol,” “Project Runway,” “Amazing Race,” I don’t know what all, “Project fuckin’ American Amazing Dance Dance” all that. You notice they’re all “amazing” something or “American” something or “project” something? I can’t even keep the shit straight, y’all. Sometimes, I’ll be like, “Honey, you watching ‘American Runway’ tonight?” or “Hey, do you want me to TiVo ‘Project Race’ tonight?” And sometimes, if I’m not careful, it can get me in a big heap o’ trouble! One time, we were at the Chinese restaurant, Chinese families all around us, you know, and I yelled out to the waiter, “Hey, waiter, can I glet my chleck prease? Ploject Idor?” For real.

I don’t understand why, in this time of terror and violence, President Bush also wants to do away with love and caring. (applause) For example, no gay marriage. He wants to make gay marriage unconstitutional. Well, sorry, Mr. Bush, but here’s your amendment right here (Puts up middle finger). (Huge rafter-trembling applause.)