It's become hip in many circles to say how unfunny Ellen Degeneres is, that she only gets attention because she's a lesbian, that if she was male and straight, no one would pay to see her stand-up act. I think that's flatly untrue. Ellen isn't a laugh a minute -- sometimes she drags out bits much too long -- but overall she is quite funny. She picks apart minutiae with sharp but never mean-spirited wit, and doesn't use curse words (well, that's not entirely true; I recall her using the s-word once in a previous televised stand up routine), and makes us all laugh at our own silliness.

My favorite bits are "pickle juice in your eye," "We are so comfortable with that uncomfortable feeling," and "She tripped -- no, she's running. No, she tripped. YOU TRIPPED!"

Ellen is the "Dalai Lama" of our era's sociological crisis, understanding the fundamental issue that has critically impacted human nature as a whole, and on an individual level. "Here and Now" is a masterful presentation that brings to our attention the heart of American life today. It's amazing how eloquently she nail's the vague, deeply unsettling core adversity that represents the hallmark of American citizens lives today, while making us laugh hysterically at our weakness.

I've always admired Ellen, seeing in her a wise, compassionate, deep soul that loves and understands people. She has courageously sacrificed herself to offer humanity a kind service with the gift of her humor, even as she vulnerably exposed her true self publicly, knowing she would face the heavy burden of society's judgment. In "Here and Now", Ellen has never been more beautiful, witty, humble and radiant, a woman who has attained her full potential with grace, and this all makes the subject matter of her show more touching on a personal level.

This is a must-see for all, especially for baby-boomers and early Gen-Xer's, who will so easily relate and laugh at ourselves and our lives, poignantly bringing us back in touch with life before the chaos, when things were so much simpler, and joy could be experienced in the little things that mattered.

Bravo, Ellen! What a beautiful way to share your vision and help us all more aware that we can make life what we want it to be more like - if we choose. I could not help but enjoy the show even more so, for "seeing" that lovable little blue fish called Dori in my mind - they both share so much in common.

This 1 hour special was simply hilarious. Ellen is great! She is definitely one of the best comedians I have seen in a long time. I am looking to buy this on DVD or tape now. The great thing is that you don't have to be a stand-up comedian fan to love this, you just love it! Thanks Ellen for making my gut hurt from laughing =]