10

SATURDAY

The dumbing down of our culture continues apace, which is both good and bad news for Bob Somerby. As a comedian who traffics in ideas, the Baltimore-based Harvard grad looks all the smarter in comparison with the hyuk-yukkers and smirking smartasses of the Sandler and Spade generation. The bad news is that fewer folks may get his jokes. In addition to obtaining an Ivy League degree, Somerby has spent time outside the entertainment industry, working as teacher. It’s a shame that he abandoned a field that so needed him, but he makes amends by writing fiercely reasoned, impassioned critiques of the education system—and the media—on his site, the Daily Howler. For instance, a recent column found Somerby taking apart the latest academic-reform fad, the “drill-down” exam plan. Even if you didn’t study, Somerby will drop enough clever current references to keep you giggling. He performs at 8 and 10:30 p.m. (see City List for other dates) at the Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. $17. (202) 296-7008.