• Our own Graham Clark, co-host of Stop Podcasting Yourself, has launched my favorite web series of 2012 to-date: “Graham Clark Wilderness Man”. This is must-see internet.
• Eugene Mirman has announced that his first hour-long standup special, Eugene Mirman: An Evening of Comedy in a Fake Underground Laboratory will premiere on Comedy Central at midnight on Dec. 14th. Rumors are suggesting that it will include a theremin. If you’re in NYC, he’ll also be hosting a free simultaneous watching event / celebration at Bell House in Brooklyn.
• The State Department recently invited party-rocker Andrew WK to perform at the US Embassy in Manama. He quickly announced on his own website that he would be a “cultural ambassador” who would unite the human race “with love and partying.” But, sadly, it was not to be. The State Department, shortly after reviewing his “entire body of work” rescinded the invitation. Andrew tweeted later that he believed the trip had been cancelled solely "because I'm too party."
• Louis CK will release his fourth HBO special in early 2013. It will be filmed at one of the stops on his current tour. Good news for you folks without cable: he will eventually make it available as a $5 download from his website.

  

• Your long wait is over: here is Brandon Bird’s T-mas Card for 2012. Fa la la la la, Fool!
• Saddest comedy news of this holiday season: Wyatt Cenac is leaving the Daily Show. His last appearance will be on December 13th - the show’s last edition for this year.
• Happiest news: Both Key and Peele and Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell have been renewed for another season.
• Bonus news: Hodgman on both 30 Rock AND the Daily Show this evening. Stay in. Make popcorn.

I'm happy to announce that, in exchange for a rather modest portion of your worldly fortune, you may now obtain protective covers that will permit you to carry the delightful artwork of Brandon Bird on your iphone, in your pocket, near your heart.

Lucky, lucky you.

Brandon Bird's paintings place minor celebrities into bizarre situations, which often combine ridiculousness with banality. For this TSOYA Classic, we take a look back at Jesse's conversation with Bird, as they discuss his realistic pop art style. Bird talks about the role of humor in art and the things he believes are missing from modern art. Bird has worked on paintings of Christopher Walken, Edward Norton, and the Law and Order television show, among others.

And we have our winners! Thanks to Zachary, Joe, Vivienne, Patrick, Rhiannon and everyone else who entered.

Brandon Bird offered to give away 5 of his Paint-by-Number kits to MaxFun fans! This kit allows you to recreate three incredible masterpieces. You can take a look at these awesome kits at Brandon's website. Get started early on your holiday shopping!

Here are the rules for the giveaway:
• Send your name and mailing address to leo@maximumfun.org
• The first five (5) entries will receive one of Brandon Bird's Paint-by-Number kits

And listen to a past episode of The Sound of Young America with Brandon Bird.