A sharpie on a chain is a strong visual gag. I like it. It's a lot fresher than the gag we started talking about and is more likely to elicit a laugh - one from the gut rather than the smile associated with a corny joke. Now all I need to do is get a chain and drill some holes in my Sharpie...

I agree with NoahJLevine's comment - i.e. performers don't think enough. I get sick hearing the same jokes and gags that were on TV in the seventies. It's like alternative comedy never happened.