The Collegian

Brian Regan

Jim Gaffigan

Jimmy Carr

Patton Oswalt

Daniel Tosh

Halloween is over, but the holiday season has just begun. With Thanksgiving less than a month away and Christmas not far behind, the stress is beginning to pile on. If the holidays aren't enough, students are scrambling to send applications to four-year colleges, Stockton's unemployment rating is higher than a pothead, and finals are creeping up fast. Why add more daily stress when you can ease a bit of it with some laughter. Here are five great stand-up comedians to brighten up your day and help you forget your troubles.

Brian Regan

Brian Regan is one of the last truly funny "clean" comics. Primarily observational, Regan writes his comedy sets based on personal experience. From childhood memories to stories of raising his own children, there is no event Regan can't find the humor in. If you ever get the chance, watch his comedy specials in person or on TV. His jokes may be funny, but his facial expressions take it to the next level. Brian Regan is currently on tour and will be visiting California in January.

Jim Gaffigan

Jim Gaffigan, at first sight, doesn't look too interesting. He's pale, slightly overweight, and not very attractive. Perhaps this is why his comedy is so good. Gaffigan makes jokes about what the "everyman" loves, such as holiday candy, bacon, and cake. Yes, his comedy does seem to center around food, and he is yet another "clean comic," but it works. Hopefully, Gaffigan doesn't decide to diet before his next comedy album. Gaffigan will be performing in Anaheim later this month.

Jimmy Carr

Jimmy Carr is not your average comedian. For one, he's British. Two, he primarily writes short, quick-to-the-punch jokes. Three, he works extremely dark. In fact, some of his funniest jokes involve sexism and morbidity. I guarantee that you'll be laughing within 30 seconds of any of his comic routines. Unfortunately, being a British act, Carr has no U.S. tours planned in the next 8 months, but if you ever get the chance to visit Europe, see him immediately.

Patton Oswalt

Patton Oswalt is an overweight nerd. As harsh as that sounds, Oswalt doesn't deny it. He know's he's heavy. He knows he's nerdy. He uses both to his advantage. He's not afraid to make fun of himself is the most self-degrading ways. At times, Oswalt can be a little loud, but the quality of his humor overpowers his voice. Currently, Oswalt does not have any tours planned, but he can be seen in the new independent film "Big Fan."

Daniel Tosh

Daniel Tosh is the king of sarcastic insult. If there's something to make fun of, Tosh will find a humorous way to do it. Though he now hosts a show on Comedy Cen¬tral called "Tosh.0," he hasn't become less relevant. In fact, his humor and wit stay intact, and make for an enjoyable show. Just because Tosh look like a nice guy, it doesn't mean his jokes are the most appropriate, either. If you'd like to see him live, he'll be in Irvine later this month.

To contact the reporter, E-mail at: mattbacon5@gmail.com

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