Comedy Central Presents: Kyle Grooms

Kyle Grooms outlines the strict limitations astigmatism places on a life of crime. You cannot be a gangster in glasses, he explains, because a physical altercation means losing your eyewear, and the resulting sympathy from onlookers ruins the intimidation factor. The alternative is robbing bookstores for the newest Harry Potter release, a pivot that sums up his relaxed, conversational stage persona.

Aired in 2007 for season 11 of Comedy Central Presents, the half-hour caught the comic fresh off a run of television appearances, including his recurring role as the “Information Guy” on Chappelle’s Show. His stand-up leans into consumer habits and everyday economic disparities. He points out the absurdity of paying for bottled tap water, notes the American luxury of water-based theme parks, and details the realities of drinking the cheaper, knock-off versions of Tang. He closes out the set with advice for President Bush on who the rest of the world actually dislikes.