This was posted on September 5, 2008 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
Comics Joe Rogan and Carlos Mencia are both visiting Atlanta this weekend, but don't expect the pair to go grab a cup of coffee together if they run into each other.
Rogan ("NewsRadio, " "Fear Factor") has publicly accused Mencia ("Mind of Mencia") of blatantly stealing other comics' jokes. His nickname for the Comedy Central star: "Menstealia." (George Lopez made a similar accusation a few years back.)
The pair had an impromptu verbal smackdown last year at a Los Angeles comedy club. Rogan taped the encounter and posted it on YouTube, with backing evidence of similar jokes told by Mencia and other comedians.
Nonetheless, Mencia's reputation hasn't scared off his dedicated fans who have filled theaters on his current tour. He comes to the Fox Theatre on Saturday.
Here's a comparison of the two comedians:
Joe Rogan
Hometown: Bridgewater, N.J., raised in Boston area
Age: 42
Resume highlights: radio station fix-it guy on "NewsRadio" from 1995 to 1999, host of "Fear Factor" from 2001 to 2006, color commentator for "Ultimate Fighting Championship" since 2002, stand-up comic since 1988
Comedy style: raw, rough, often philosophical
On "Fear Factor": "It was only fun when the checks came in. It was mind-numbing. It might be fun to watch, but it wasn't stimulating to host."
What's he in town for: "Ultimate Fighting Championship" on Saturday at Philips Arena, with a one-shot Friday night comedy show at the Punchline.
Rogan's take on Mencia:
"He's a thief. He's not a smart guy. He's a faker." But since Rogan's accusations landed on YouTube, he thinks Mencia is "not stealing as much. He has to watch it."
Carlos Mencia
Hometown: San Pedro Sula, Honduras, raised in east Los Angeles
Age: 41
Resume highlights: Stand-up comic since the late 1980s, four seasons of Comedy Central's "Mind of Mencia." Next season still up in the air.
Comedy style: observational, a bit raucous, often politically incorrect
On "Mind of Mencia": "It's supposed to attract men 18 to 34, but if you look into my audience, it's a crazy eclectic mix of people. Grandfathers, fathers, mothers, daughters. I have families tell me they watch 'Mind of Mencia' together. Shouldn't they be watching 'Leave it to Beaver'?"
What's he in town for: Fox Theatre appearance Saturday.
Mencia's take on Rogan:
"I don't have a problem with Joe or anybody else. But [the plagiarism rap] hurts because of who I am. I'm not like that. Say I'm not funny. Say I suck. But not that, dude. Not that."
ONSTAGE
Carlos Mencia
8 p.m. Saturday Tickets $46.75. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com
Joe Rogan
Midnight Friday Tickets $28. The Punchline, 280 Hilderbrand Drive N.E., Atlanta www.punchline.com.
Also appearing at the Ultimate Fighting Championship, 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets $79-$604. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com.
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