I Love Auditions!

I don't care who you are, or how long you've been an actor in the entertainment industry-

You will never get used to the crazy world of auditioning.

Don't get me wrong, I love auditions!

An audition is an opportunity to work as an actor.

It means that you're doing something right...

You have "something" that "someone" in this business might want to use-

I'm thankful for every audition I get called in for!

Nevertheless, there are always those brilliant moments when an audition feels more like torture, than a fun, creative, potential job...

Today, I had the pleasure of auditioning for a small, but juicy role in an independent movie with a great script and some amazing talent attached.

The scene that I was auditioning for was extremely intense. The character I was playing gets shot in the leg, while on a wild chase through the woods. At the height of the drama, the character realizes that his allies might just end up switching alliances and turn the gun on him instead of saving him.

Of course the professional that I am- I spent a lot of time working on the scene. Because this was a big chase scene, with bullets flying through the air and a lot of over the top dialogue leading up to my character getting shot in the leg, I wanted to make sure that my audition would be honest and dramatic, without being cheesy...

I arrived in Santa Monica, only to realize, that the audition was being held in a makeshift "office" / living room in a 1960's apartment complex.

Now, this is not some random, shady casting director, that's going to ask me to take off my clothes on camera- This is a major casting director in the film industry-

So I was shocked, when I signed in, and was asked to, "keep the yelling down, because this room echos..."

Wasn't I auditioning for the crazy, gun happy maniac, who (according to the script) was yelling like a mad man?

If that wasn't strange enough, I start my audition, and because I've been asked not to yell, I'm making the "choice" to keep the dialogue extremely intense and intimate- Only to hear the casting directors iPhone ring during my line, "I think I'm gonna die if you leave me here..."

Oh, the good times!

As if it weren't difficult enough to pretend that I'm in the middle of the woods, with a gunshot wound, being chased down a hill, while sitting in a living room in sunny Santa Monica with a casting director sitting behind a folding table reading every other line in the script-

Now I have to compete with an iPhone?

God, auditions are a blast!

Risk Everything!

Enough is enough.

I'm extremely happy with my life.

However, there are things that I want-

That I expect.

This year has been about me leaping far beyond my normal comfort zone.

In turn- truly wonderful things have happened...

This is the moment of truth for me.

The only thing I have to lose in life- is opportunity!

It's time to re-invent the rules of how things are achieved.

I'm going for "it" full force now-

Me- to the max!

Carb Lover

Delicious and crunchy,

Each savory bite melts in my mouth-

The salty, creamy juices ooze from every pore.

God I love toast and butter!

Sunset Strip Music Festival SSMF 2010

Slash with Fergie.

Smashing Pumpkins.

Madness, music and AquaNet on Sunset Boulevard.

Fantastic!

Overeater!

Oh my God!

Very full right now,

Eating shouldn't hurt.

Really need to learn how to stop when I'm full!

Even if I took a break between bites to chew,

Always room for a second helping!

Truly sorry I ate that fourth cookie...

Excessive intakes of cheese are not that good for the gut;

Remember this next time!

Spaghetti Dinner!

Both of my grandmas are Italian, so you can imagine how wonderful Sunday Dinners are with my family. As a kid, I remember stuffing my face with endless amounts of spaghetti, meatballs, Italian sausage, braciole, various meets and cheeses... and more bread than you'd believe!

The dinner was more than just food though. It was a wonderful day of family, friends and fighting. (The fighting was not the best part, nevertheless, it was a major part of my childhood.)

As and adult, I love going home to visit my grams' and spend quality time with both of them in the kitchen. Over the years, I've slowly started to incorporate both of their techniques into my own unique hybrid of their delicious and savory recipes. (My food is never going to taste as brilliant as either of my grams' cooking, however, I'm not going to give up trying...)

Now, I look forward to having my own Sunday Dinners in Los Angeles. It doesn't happen as often as I'd like, but when all of my friends come together, our evening is a harmonious blend of laughter, food and yes even a little fighting!

Tonight, I'm hosting a spaghetti dinner. I've made over twenty meatballs, two pounds of Italian sausage, two pounds of stew meat, three pounds of spaghetti, all the appetizers you can dream of, and of course five bottles of wine!

The most important thing in my life is my family- and my friends are very much an extend part of my family.

I'm so grateful to both of my grandmas for sharing their love of food and family in perfect balance. It's the perfect Italian marriage!

I Want It...

More than ever!

Ouch!

I went to EZ Lube to get the oil changed in my car today-

...expecting to pay $25.99 with the special summer oil change coupon I printed on the internet.

I ended having to use synthetic oil, because my car is "fancy" and I also had to replace the battery because of a dead "cell..."

I walked out paying $188.00!!!

OUCH!

Sunset Music Festival 2010

Look out Sunset Boulevard! This weekend is going to rock your socks off!

Today I had the privilege of working the VIP table at the world famous The Roxy nightclub on the infamous Sunset Strip...

Of course I got all done up in my Rock Star gear...

Although, nothing makes me feel less like a rock star than to work in a killer scene like The Roxy.

That place has seen and heard it all- from Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie to Van Morrison, Avril Lavigne and the Red Hot Chili Peppers!

The fact is, the list goes on and on...

Even Paul Reubens introduced his Pee-wee Herman character in The Roxy Theatre!

...and I got to sit on my ass and hand out VIP passes for the Sunset Music Festival 2010!

So I played The Roxy too!

If you're in Los Angeles this August 26th through the 28th make sure to swing by Sunset Boulevard ( between San Vicente and Doheny ) and get ready to party with Slash, The Smashing Pumpkins and many more!

I Love Sunday!

Lazily, I snuggle up in my bed with my adorable dog Ginger;

No pressure to wake up and do anything-

Maybe we'll go to a movie today,

Or perhaps I'll take a hike through the canyon;

Who knows- I might just stay in bed and watch cartoons,

and cheesy 80's movies on Lifetime!

That's why I love Sundays.

Absolutely no rules.

I should go to brunch though.

That's not a requirement, just an excellent use of time.

Two Words about A Weekend in LA:

Thank God!

Really? This Is My Life Tonight?

What can I say? Sometimes you're livin' it up on a yacht partying like a Rock Star-

...and sometimes you're a cater waiter for a friend of a friends dinner party!
Tonight, you try and guess which one I was: Oh, the glamorous life in LA!

Do More!

Wanting it is not enough;
Dreaming about it is just the beginning-
Visualizing it starts the process,
Talking about it encourages growth,
Taking action excelerates the process,
Working your ass off keeps it moving forward;
Patience and faith keep you sane-
It will happen when it's supposed too!

Time To Kick It Into High Gear!

Today, I decided to take inventory of the progress I've made toward my 2010 goals and resolutions.
So far, it looks as though this has been an excellent year!
It seems that seeking the positive approach to every situation has proved to be the most effective way to achieve success.
I'm pleased and even a bit surprised to see just how victorious I've been in reaching the ambitious plans I set forth in January of this year.
Once again reminding me that positive action and faith will always triumph over fear and doubt.
Every time I've focused my energy and faith on a project or opportunity that I wanted to conquer- I soared!
Confirming that no matter what the task or goal at hand is, I can always approach it from a positive intention.
Regardless of whether the goal is met in the way I planned, I've opened myself up to a new opportunity to grow and create-
So, with four months left in the year, I've decided it's time to kick myself into high gear!
I plan on spectacular finish!
The foundation has been poured, the structure is sturdy and it's time to move in and take over the building.

Fat ass!

Full
Ate
Too much
Amazing
Shit
Sleep now!

Home Sweet Home

After a very long road trip along the beautiful Pacific Ocean...
I'm so happy to be home!
I've missed Los Angeles-
Of course I had a wonderful summer- traveling to exciting destinations;
On a yacht, and airplanes and yes, even cars...
I'm grateful for the next few weeks I have with my dog Ginger and all of my loved ones.
Adventure awaits around every corner for me,
and though my career dictates that I live a somewhat gypsy lifestyle-
Each crazy destination is part of saying yes to work as a performer;
I believe that no matter where you are, home really is with you in your heart...
Still, it feels amazing to be in my own bed for a change!

Road Trip- Day 4

Too much food.
Too much liquor.
Too much dancing.
Not enough sleep.
It was a long wild night-
Hour six,on our way back to Los Angeles;
I really thought three thousand songs would be enough-
Sadly, I think we've gone through each playlist twice!
One more day in the car tomorrow;
I think one road trip a year builds character-
...and constipation!

Road Trip- Day 3

Arrived in Salem,
Met friends at a bar...
Joined the drinking already in progress;
Intoxicated easily after a six hour car trip;
Partied all night-
Crawled back to the hotel room;
Six people packed in a room for two-
Early start at the gym today,
In order to pay for our sins last night!
It's time!
Bring on the wedding festivities.

Road Trip- Day 2

Little dumpy roadside motel;
I promise I'm not going to miss your nasty, stained carpet,
Musty moldy smell,
Unidentified splatter stains on the wall,
Scum lined shower- worse than any YMCA locker room I can even imagine,
Bath towels permanently discolored with a rich coffee hue,
Or continental breakfast with rotten fruit...
You get what you pay for- The bed bugs are free!
Now- back on the road,
Blasting rock music to drowned out the day terrors of last night.
Adventures are fun!

Road Trip! Day 1

Up at the butt crack of dawn;
Loaded up the car.
First, a pit-stop;
Quick fill up on gas and release of all bodily fluids.
iPhone playlist ready to rock.
Munchies within arms reach...
The 5 North all the way!
Nothing but hot, smelly cow pooh-
Awe, Central California- you're beautiful regardless of your stench!
Look out Tree People, here we come!

Ah-Mazing!

I had a truly wonderful time last night!

After spending the past three months impersonating her- I finally met Jill Zarin.

Let me just say that Jill could not be more wonderful, gorgeous or funny!

The night began with me getting dressed up (in full drag) as Jill Zarin from Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York City. Let me just be clear, I don't enjoy cross dressing or spending much time in women's clothing, make-up and wigs... However, as an actor, I will do anything for a great punch line! Due to the fact that our Real Housewives of NYC parodies are such a hit on YouTube, I thought I'd take advantage of the moment and play the scenario out...

I arrived at the famous Book Soup in Los Angeles (where the real Jill Zarin had a book signing) and as expected the media went crazy!

Once the real Jill Zarin showed up, it was a surreal but outstanding evening! Jill and I have talked via phone and email for the past several months, but meeting face to face was a dream!

Jill is such a great sport- in addition to sharing our parodies with all of her fans, she decided to make a cameo in our next parody! Which we shot last night after her book signing.

All I can say is- Just wait for that

next parody... It's gonna be OFF THE CHARTS HILARIOUS!

Until then I will share a few of the photos from last night... and send a million thanks to Jill Zarin for being an awesome person on the inside and out, and an amazing sport for playing along with a bunch of dorky actors and our skits!

Face to face...

Tonight is the night! I go face to face with the REAL Jill Zarin!
She'll be in Los Angeles at Book Soup to promote her new book, Secrets of a Jewish Mother: Real Advice, Real Stories, Real Love!
I'm dying to finally meet her in person. I just hope she recognizes me...
If all goes well- I'll end up in some of the trashy, delicious tabloids with her!
I think she's amazing for playing along with our parody.
Moreover- for allowing me to be on camera with her!
She gets it! Which is so cool.
Wish me luck!

Dear Monday

Monday, I'm sorry if you feel hated.
I don't mean to take you for granted,
It's just hard to get over the cool days-
Friday, Saturday and Sunday offer so much adventure;
What do you have to give?
Don't get me wrong-
I enjoy the possibility of a fresh new start.
It's just too bad you come on so strong-
Demanding me back to work,
Forcing me to deal with a new week,
Expecting me to be creative...
It's just too much right now-
Can't you just give me some space? Like Wednesday.
No offense Monday, but I'm over you already!

New York to Los Angeles-

Started today in New York;
Ending the day in Los Angeles-
Everything in between;
crazy,
wild,
fun,
with a splash of jet lagged...
But I'm happy to be home!

I Need A Vacation!

I've spent my entire summer traveling for work;
Okay, I admit- I may have had a few fun adventures along the way...
Nevertheless, I am ready for some much needed rest and relaxation!
I leave New York tomorrow morning. I cannot wait to be home.
Back to my life, love, Ginger and friends.
As usual, the past three months flew by-
At least I enjoyed the ride.
Now it's time to kick back and relax

New York, NY- It's A Wonderful Town!

I've reached the end of my week here in New York-
Though I will be sad to leave my friends, I have to admit, I'm ready to get back to my home in good ol' Los Angeles!
New York, New York- It's a wonderful town!
Until all of the hustle and bustle of tourist, traffic, and stress begin to pile up on top the steaming pile of stinky trash the lines the summer streets everyday... and I'm reminded of just how tough it is to live in New York!
Don't get me wrong, I had seven wonderful years here. And I love coming back to visit with friends and pick up the occasional job...
But as usually, the magic begins to wear off and all I'm left with is a rage beyond any emotion I've ever felt before.
I love NYC. I love the theatre and culture. The food and social gatherings. The parks and gorgeous architecture-
I've enjoyed this week, and now it's time to leave- before I decided to go ape shit on the next person who cuts me off getting on the elevator, or stops to answer their phone in the middle of a pedestrian sidewalk, or my favorite... people who move so slow getting on or off the subway that you get shut out, and have to wait for the next train!
Yes, I got my NYC fill... Now I'm ready to go home and enjoy the calm, California sun on the beach in Malibu!
New York- I'll see you next year.

I Do.

I'm proud of California. Yesterday "The Golden State" lived up to its nickname and officially joined the twenty-first century- by reversing the ban on gay marriage. Equality for all is now one step closer for everyone in the United Stares of America.

I'm especially moved by reading a portion of Chief United States District Judge Vaughn Walker's ruling; “the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite sex couples are superior to same sex couples.”
Walker also concluded that “gender no longer forms an essential part of marriage; marriage under law is a union of equals.”

I applaud Judge Vaughn Walker for understanding that every person regardless of gender or sexual preference should have the same rights.
Now all gay couples are entitled to share in the same sex-less, unhappy relationships of their straight counter parts!
I joke, of course- I'm truly grateful for the progress that we as a country continue to achieve. Moreover, I'm encouraged by the clarity and enlightenment that continues to grow in the human heart!
I'm anxious for the day I get to say: I Do!

NYC Subways- Too Hot For Me...

Sweaty,
Unbelievable heat with
Body odor;
Wrestling to find a spot near the air vent;
Assholes everywhere-
Yuck!

A Day in NYC.

Breakfast with friends;
Rehearsal;
Drinks.
Cab.
Dinner with LA friends in NYC;
More drinks,
Metro to bed!
I love this city!

New York City Food Is The Best!

Why does food always taste better in New York?
I swear I'm not a food snob, and I love LA...
But let's be honest- New York City has the best food in the United States hands down.
I say that with some authority after traveling to forty-nine of the fifty states!
From diner food to Three Star Michelin cuisine, NYC is where it's at!
I just ate the most unbelievable hamburger in Lower Manhattan...
Get a pen and write this down:
Zaitzeff
72 Nassau Street
New York, NY 10038
The next time your in New York City, do not miss this burger!
Trust me, your mouth will thank you!

Bright Lights. Big City.

I can feel the energy the minute I land;
The speed of the train rushing toward the city;
Until I'm here, I always forget how monstrous the buildings are-
The familiar surroundings trick my head into thinking time stood still.
Friends, lavish dinners, crazy nightlife-
I always forget how much I love this city!
In moderation of course-
It's amazing, until the summer heat, annoying tourist, and overpriced EVERYTHING gets to you...
Then you know it's time to go home.
I'll just savor this week!