"Kick Me." AKA "Do You Think This is Funny?"

"Kick Me." AKA "Do You Think This is Funny?" This public service announcement is a reminder that impractical jokes often have harmful consequences. Written and narrated by Ken Simpson. Produced by Gerald Lostutter.

Gerald used his video camera and VHS VCR to produce this comic video in 1982. The scenes were taped in Orlando, Florida. The public was more than willing to kick Gerald, the victim. The mob scene was too realistic for a bystander, who called 9-1-1 for police.

With all due respect: Ken had a great idea, but he was not motivated to finish this project. Ken did not want to go to the cemetery. Anyway, Gerald persuaded Jeff Simpson to play the undertaker.

The VHS equipment was not "user-friendly" for editing. The ambient sound was recorded on one track. The voice-over was recorded on the other track. The headstone, "still-framed," caused noise in the audio.

During the mid-1990s, this VHS video was transferred to DVD; but for an unexplained reason, all audio was transferred only to the right track.

In 2009, the system apparently prevented correction of the issue of left and right tracks.

As of this published date, both tracks have the same audio. To remove the above-referenced noise, the grave yard scene has been re-edited including a new voice-over of the tag line. This video now has legal disclaimers, although ironic since it is a public service announcement.

A DVD of these videos was provided by Gerald to Ken in 2009. Ken may have replied via email in 2009. On YouTube, Ken published this video and provided credit to Gerald for acting, but not production. For perspective: This video would not have been produced but-for Gerald’s determination. Gerald’s equipment - color video camera, VHS videocassette recorder with battery, tripod, cases for equipment, cart with wheels, videocassettes, RCA cords, light kit, etc. - collectively cost about $2,500.00.

For the record, where are our comedians today? Ken Simpson became a veterinarian. Jeff Simpson became a musician and instructor. Gerald Lostutter became an attorney, college professor, and journalist.

Hey, Ken, how about saying hello?