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8 of the Best Stand-Up Comedians to Watch as a Family

8 of the Best Stand-Up Comedians to Watch as a Family

Illustration for article titled 8 of the Best Stand-Up Comedians to Watch as a Family

Illustration: Chelsea Beck

We could all use a few extra laughs right now, but our kids, in particular, have had a rough go of it this year. With a long (boring?) summer still stretching out ahead of us, now is a good time to lighten the mood in the home—with some good old-fashioned stand-up comedy.

Stand-up comedians as a group are not exactly known for being family-friendly. However, there are a few out there who steer clear of profanity and topics that are too mature or inappropriate for kids. One member of our Offspring Facebook Group recently asked for suggestions and the answers came pouring in. Alyssa says:

I’m looking for some recommendations for appropriate stand-up comedians [for an 8- or 9-year-old]. We watched a Jim Gaffigan special with our son and he loved it and has been asking to watch more stand-up, but everything I can think of is totally inappropriate! I figured this group would be the best place to ask!

Here are some of our top picks. Keep in mind that just because a comic’s language is mostly clean doesn’t mean they’re not mature or never offensive. So, as with any new media you introduce your kids to, it’s best to preview it first to make sure it falls in line with your comfort level—and then watch it together as a family so you can explain and discuss anything that might need some extra context.

Brian Regan

Brian Regan was probably the most suggested comic in our Facebook group. Regan is well-known as a sort of sarcastic everyman whose humor appeals to people of all ages. Blake Harper writes this about Regan for Fatherly:

Kids will love especially love Regan because a lot of his best material focuses on him looking back on his childhood. Regan is expert at recontextualizing all the weird stuff kids experience growing up. After all, who can forget Regan musing on trying to survive little league when you’re more focused on snow cones than playing the actual game?

Regan has two specials on Netflix: Nunchucks and Flamethrowers and Stand Up and Away.

Kellen Erskine

Kellen Erskine is a great option for kids just getting into stand-up comedy with topics like high school mascots, shopping carts and penguins. You can find some of his work on the Dry Bar Comedy channel on YouTube, and you can watch Erskine’s 40-minute special on Amazon, recommended for kids ages 7 and older.

Preacher Lawson

Preacher Lawson is best known for his time on America’s Got Talent (he was a finalist in season 12 and came in fifth in America’s Got Talent; The Champions); he’s also had a comedy special, called Get to Know Me, released on BET+ and has a YouTube channel.

Nate Bargatze

Nate Bargatze has a special on Netflix called The Tennessee Kid that was recommended by a couple of members in our Facebook group. The Tennessee Kid is rated PG and hits on topics that include air travel, cheap weddings, college football and chocolate milk.

Anjelah Johnson

Anjelah Johnson is another brilliant, creative comedian to check out. Harper writes this about her for Fatherly:

She may not be a household name like most of the others on the list but early YouTube fans or anyone who watched MadTV will most likely recognize Johnson as the infamous Bon Qui Qui. These days, Johnson mostly does stand-up, which, unsurprisingly features a lot of spot-on character work and goofy voices. Kids probably won’t get all of her jokes but are sure to be cracking up anytime she busts out one of her phenomenal impressions.

Her one-hour special on Netflix, Not Fancy, is rated TV-14.

Ryan Hamilton

Ryan Hamilton is known for his observational, self-deprecating humor—plus the fact that he sounds a LOT like Jerry Seinfeld. Hamilton’s Happy Face special on Netflix, in particular, got a couple of thumbs-up from the Facebook group. The one-hour special is rated TV-14 for “substances,” though, so give it a watch on your own before you let the kids tune in.

Michael Jr.

Comedian Michael Jr. calls his work “comedy that inspires,” with a focus on making sure it’s good for the whole family. He has a podcast, an upcoming movie, his comedy special called Laughing on Purpose, and a YouTube channel stocked with his stand-up work.

Jim Gaffigan

As Alyssa in our group pointed out, Jim Gaffigan is also a good place to start. He’s known as the “King of Clean Comedy,” so you won’t get much more tame in terms of language and topics (largely fatherhood, laziness and food) in a true stand-up comedian. You can find lots of Gaffigan clips on his YouTube Channel, and his Mr. Universe special is available on Netflix.

The Dry Bar channel on YouTube

I mentioned Dry Bar on YouTube earlier as a good place to find Kellen Erskine’s work, and it’s a great spot to find other short stand-up routines or clips from a variety of comedians. If you find a particular comedian there that you and your kids like, Dry Bar has playlists or full specials you can watch, too.

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U.S. economy improving; rising COVID-19 cases a threat

U.S. economy improving; rising COVID-19 cases a threat

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Sales of new U.S. single-family homes increased more than expected in May and business activity contracted moderately this month, suggesting the economy was on the cusp of recovering from the recession caused by the COVID-19 crisis.

FILE PHOTO: Real estate signs advertise new homes for sale in multiple new developments in York County, South Carolina, U.S., February 29, 2020. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

But a resurgence in confirmed coronavirus cases across the country threatens the nascent signs of improvement evident in Tuesday’s economic data. Many states have reported record daily increases in COVID-19 infections, which health experts have blamed on local governments reopening their economies too soon. The economy has stabilized as businesses reopened after closing in mid-March to control the spread of the respiratory illness.

“The renewed upsurge in COVID-19 cases across the South and the West poses a clear downside risk over the coming months but, with a second wave of state-wide lockdowns appearing unlikely for now, we are assuming this will act as a modest drag on the economic recovery, rather than resulting in a renewed downturn,” said Andrew Hunter, senior U.S. economist at Capital Economics.

New home sales jumped 16.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 676,000 units last month, the Commerce Department said. New home sales are counted at the signing of a contract, making them a leading housing market indicator. Last month’s increase left sales just shy of their pre-COVID-19 level.

Sales dropped 5.2% in April to a pace of 580,000 units. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast new home sales, which account for about 14.7% of housing market sales, rising 2.9% to a pace of 640,000 in May.

New home sales are drawn from building permits. Sales surged 12.7% from a year ago in May. The report followed on the heels of data last week showing home purchase applications at an 11-year high in mid-June and permits rebounding strongly in May.

The broader economy slipped into recession in February, leaving nearly 20 million people unemployed as of May.

In a separate report on Tuesday, data firm IHS Markit said its flash U.S. Composite Output Index, which tracks the manufacturing and services sectors, rose to a reading of 46.8 in June from 37 in May. A reading below 50 indicates contraction in private sector output.

The improvement was led by an ebb in the manufacturing sector downturn, with the flash Purchasing Managers Index climbing to 49.6 from 39.8 in May. The survey’s services sector flash PMI rose to 46.7 from 37.5 in May.

Activity is also picking up around the globe. The IHS Markit’s euro zone Flash Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index recovered to 47.5 from May’s 31.9.

Stocks on Wall Street extended gains on the data and hopes of more fiscal stimulus. The dollar fell against a basket of currencies. U.S. Treasury prices were lower.

UNEMPLOYMENT HURDLE

The market for new homes is being supported by historic low interest rates and a preference among buyers for single-family homes away from city centers as companies allow employees more flexibility to work from home amid the coronavirus crisis.

But with record unemployment and companies freezing hiring to deal with weak demand and keep costs under control, a sharp rebound in the housing market is unlikely.

“If the overall economy seems to be slowing, the public may not be quite as confident about putting a down payment on an expensive new home,” said Chris Rupkey, chief economist at MUFG in New York. “Many businesses are insolvent and there will be less spending from unemployed Americans as well that could keep this economic recovery in the slow lane for some time.”

Last month’s increase in new home sales did little to offset a plunge in sales of existing homes in April and May, leaving intact economists’ expectations for a record tumble in residential investment in the second quarter. Homebuilding also rebounded moderately in May after slumping in April.

Last month, new home sales shot up 45.5% in the Northeast and advanced 29% in the West. They rose 15.2% in the South, which accounts for the bulk of transactions, but fell 6.4% in the Midwest.

The median new house price rose 1.7% to $317,900 in May from a year ago. New home sales last month were concentrated in the $200,000 to $400,000 price range.

New homes priced below $200,000, the most sought after, accounted for about 15% of sales.

There were 318,000 new homes on the market in May, down from 325,000 in April. At May’s sales pace it would take 5.6 months to clear the supply of houses on the market, down from 6.7 months in April. Nearly two-thirds of the homes sold last month were either under construction or yet to be built.

Reporting by Lucia Mutikani; Editing by Andrea Ricci

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Trump says he met with families of victims of recent police violence

Trump says he met with families of victims of recent police violence

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks prior to signing an executive order on police reform at a ceremony in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, U.S., June 16, 2020. REUTERS/Leah Millis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he met with the relatives of victims of recent police and other violence, including the family of Ahmaud Arbery, the unarmed black Georgia man who was killed while jogging in February.

Trump, speaking at a White House event on policing, offered his condolences to the families and vowed to pursue justice before preparing to sign an executive order, reiterating his emphasis on “law and order” amid protests against racism and police brutality.

Reporting by Jeff Mason; writing by Susan Heavey

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Nova Scotia researchers to study potential treatments for COVID-19

Nova Scotia researchers to study potential treatments for COVID-19

Led by Dr. Lisa Barrett, the CO-VIC study tests potential therapies and monitors impact on COVID-19 symptoms

NEWS RELEASE


NOVA SCOTIA HEALTH AUTHORITY





CO-VIC, the COVID-19 treatment and immunity study, will evaluate effectiveness of treatments for hospitalized patients suffering moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms, while helping researchers discover more about immunity to the virus. 

CO-VIC is a Nova Scotia-designed study combining both treatment and laboratory science. It is led by Dr. Lisa Barrett, Clinician Scientist, Infectious Diseases, Nova Scotia Health Authority and Dalhousie University. The study is partially funded by the Nova Scotia COVID-19 Health Research Coalition.

The CO-VIC study tests potential therapies, and monitors impact on COVID-19 symptoms. When additional cutting-edge therapies become available, they will also be assessed. Personalized measurements of immune response will help develop future therapies and predict when and how severe COVID-19 happens. While the global race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine is well underway, the discovery science component of the study will advance our understanding of how the immune system responds to the disease and inform development of future treatments and second-wave vaccines. 

“As COVID-19 related deaths increase in the older population, in the young who didn’t ever expect to be ill, and in health care workers, our research community feels the overwhelming urgency to protect Nova Scotians with research that tests treatments, predicts disease, and promotes understanding of immunity,” said Dr. Barrett. “We need the best knowledge of treatments and immunity, to save lives now and in the future as we continue to fight COVID-19.”

The treatment study is an integral part of Nova Scotia’s pandemic response. Compared with other provinces, Nova Scotia’s population includes a high proportion of vulnerable individuals who are older, have underlying respiratory conditions, or are immune suppressed. These are all people at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease and this work may aid in protecting our population. 

Approximately 600 patients located at NSHA sites across the province will participate. Most Nova Scotians will be eligible to take part at hospitals outside traditional research facilities to ensure fair access to research and potential therapies. While data will be gathered from Nova Scotians, for Nova Scotians, the study is designed to mirror larger international trials to promote the comparison of global data. This will allow the research team to leverage international information so it can be applied here in Nova Scotia.

For more information on the study, please visit https://co-vic.ca

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Nova Scotia court ruling orders province to better protect endangered species

Nova Scotia court ruling orders province to better protect endangered species

Justice Christa Brothers says in a ruling issued Friday there has been a ‘chronic and systemic failure’ to take action required under the Endangered Species Act

HALIFAX — The Nova Scotia Supreme Court says the province failed to meet its duty to protect species at risk, and it is ordering the minister of lands and forestry to fulfil his obligations.

Justice Christa Brothers says in a ruling issued Friday there has been a “chronic and systemic failure” to take action required under the Endangered Species Act.

Brothers cites a 2016 report by the provincial auditor general, a followup report by the department on the auditor’s recommendations in 2018 and the 2018 Lahey Report on forestry practices to back her conclusion.

The ruling is the result of a judicial review application by the Federation of Nova Scotia Naturalists, the Blomidon Naturalists Society, the Halifax Field Naturalists and wildlife biologist Bob Bancroft that was heard last fall.

The groups argued that Lands and Forestry Minister Iain Rankin has failed to meet requirements under the act, including requirements to devise and implement recovery plans for species at risk, create recovery teams and identify core habitats.

They cited six animal and plant species as examples — the mainland moose, Canada warbler, eastern wood pewee, wood turtle, ram’s head lady’s slipper and black ash.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2020.

The Canadian Press

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