Loyalty

I've noticed that the people who promise you the world;
Are usually the ones wearing a suit they've borrowed from a friend.
#PutYourMoneyWhereYourMouthIs

Irony

The industry I’m in requires me to maintain a “healthy” (bone thin) frame;
And every meeting, function, and event that I’m required to attend serves a ton of food!

Priceless

Seeing your name on a callsheet next to an A-List actress fresh off an awards show high...
Priceless!
I love my job.

The Golden Globes

It's the official kickoff of the Gay season!
Hollywood's hottest A-list stars walk the red carpet;
Diamonds, sequins and stilettos––and that's just for Ryan Seacrest.
The rest of the divas are all in their hotel rooms surrounded by stylists.
Who will win?
Who will lose?
Who will get too drunk and act like a total ass?
I can't wait to find out.
Let the fashion, speeches and closeted men pretending to be straight begin!

Fighting With Fire

I'm not afraid to ask for what I want.

I know that everyone who gets anywhere, does so by being bold, fearless and demanding.

I always attempt to be thoughtful, warm and humorous--especially when asking for a big favor.

However, time and again I get further by demanding what I want. (Especially from the people who I've helped out in the past, which is sad and strange.)

Still I realize, you have to fight fire with fire.  And I will not be the one getting burned!

You may not like me as much afterwards, but you'll respect me.  Moreover, you'll work with me again, because I get shit done!

Random Note:

Household budget crisis over;

Bring on the HBO!

I've got a season of True Blood to catch up with.

Insecure People Suck

Negativity; 

An industry full of it!

Don't give into doubt. 

OSCAR Inspiration

Golden statue shines,
It's not about the award.
My soul wants to create.

The Way We See It!

I'm thrilled to share that as we continue to expand our company A Group Production, and (hopefully) sell a TV show... We've just uploaded our latest segment!
Imagine how great it would be if "The Daily Show" and "Politically Incorrect" got married and had an adopted gay baby? "The Way We See It" is the news delivered with a witty, flashy and fabulous spin!  Jeff Payton reports on REAL new headlines and current events with his dry, intelligent and pun-filled humor, while I provide an off-the-cuff commentary and entertaining insight!

The Artists' Way...

The driving passion,

The burning desire no matter how many time you've been rejected.

The thrill once you finally get a chance to shine-

The disappointment when that goes away and you're back in the same darkness.

The hope of a new opportunity in the distance.

The faith that you're meant to do "this" and nothing else.

The frustration of a disastrous day.

The exhilaration of a day that feels like heaven on earth.

The insane highs and low.

The realization that no matter how accomplished, you will always have to fight.

The discovery of learning how to survive as an artist and still eat or pay rent.

The acceptance that the artist is in me, and will never go away.

Old Friends

Old friends sitting at a bar in Pittsburgh.
Chatting about the good times we've shared.
Gossiping too much about people we don't really care for...
Why?
Because sometimes at the end of a long day,
it's nice to just blow off steam and B. S.
I'm so lucky to have a career that was born of my passion-
I'm even more fortunate to have amazing friendships that have blossomed...
Life long friends,
Our paths continue to cross.
It's a small world!
It's an even smaller business!
I love it!
...sometimes.

Am I The Biggest Loser?

Tonight I sat in my bedroom and watched "The Biggest Loser" while eating Dove chocolates with a caramel center, strategically placed atop a milk chocolate covered graham cracker...  I cried like a little bitch. The funny thing is, I'm not sure if I was crying because of how inspiring the stories were, or that I was almost out of chocolate...
The thing is I could never imagine weighing 342 pounds... I hate that I weigh 160! I know I could do better. But that would mean giving up the small joys in life. Like going to Carney's on Sunset and ordering a chili cheese burger w/ grilled onions and an order of chili cheese fries. ...Maybe I could skip the ranch dressing that I bathe the cheese fries in? But then really, what's the point?

I guess the point is to live a longer, healthier, more beautiful life. In the same breath, what's the fun in living longer if you're always hungry and deprived of the tantalizing, sweet aroma of a large "Meatlovers" pizza with extra cheese, dipped in ranch dressing?

Okay, I admit that I follow a workout plan and I do try to eat junk food in moderation... I believe I could make more of an effort! Especially now that I'm almost 21... (I may be exaggerating a bit on my true age...) Nevertheless, I am a self confessed "foodie."   I'd love to say that I eat to live, but that would be a greater embellishment than my previously stated age.

So, my hats off to all of the contestants on their journey to getting fit. Not only do I admire your hard work, but I appreciate your sacrifice. I'd offer you some of my chocolates as a "special treat" ...but I just looked down, and the bag is empty!

Lame!

I can't help but think, what's up with the music industry? Though I have a feeling it started slowly several years ago... I first took notice a few months back while watching the MTV Music Awards...
But tonight, after watching the Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center on NBC, it was abundantly clear that the Jonas Brothers suck!  How on earth do people enjoy hearing or watching them perform.  A.) They can't sing. B.) They're huge nerds... and not the cool kind!  C.) They are so lame- ass boring to watch... 

You have these amazing musical artist like; Tony Bennett, Beyonce, Harry Connick Jr. and (by far the best performance of the night...) David Cook performing his rendition of Happy Christmas by the great, late John Lennon.  Obviously the Jonas Brothers have a ton of fans. I just don't understand how and why?  

To add insult to injury, I changed the channel and found yet another music industry theme show... The Grammy Nomination Concert.  Okay first, GROSS! Do we REALLY need a televised musical show announcing the Grammy nominations before we see the EXACT SAME PERFORMANCES two months from now!?!?

What's worse? Having to hear Taylor Swift sing I'm Sorry... Believe me, I was!  Of course her voice is fine, and that's the problem.  She's just this safe, generic pretty blonde- Nothing special.  And therein lies the predicament.   Too many TV shows with the exact same formula...  they're tired, uninspired and predictable.  Just like all the new uber cheesy pop/rock star / wannabe actor's performing on them.

So You Want to be a "Somebody?"

“Everybody that have money, ya know, just can’t open up a business and call it a day… You have to plant seeds and let it grow…”
Wiser words have never been uttered, at least not on reality television! Thanks to the ultra eccentric and super FabUless, style guru Dwight Eubanks from the “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” In regard to several of the reality divas “childhood dreams” come true (only because they have excessive amounts of their husband and or “Big Papa’s" money) and now a cable network show encouraging them to play dress up and pretend they had any other fantasy beside being rich and famous however they could- most of the women on the show, by marring an NBA or NFL players and spending all of their hard earned cash.
Originally the idea of this show was a fun slice into the elite women of Orange County… Now however, and in the grand tradition of Reality TV (already made celebrities included) these shows serve as a launch pad- off into a world of celebrity that we watch and laugh, not because the subject is so talented an artist or gifted in an area of expertise… Mainly, they are so desperate to have their name be known, that they would do and say anything that garners attention (with the exception of actually being exceptional at ANYTHING else.)
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate shows like “Top Chef”, “Project Runway”, and “Top Design” for the simple fact that almost always, everyone competing has talent and has worked at making their dream happen.
The women on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” are playing the part of a Hollywood star, and have nothing to back it up. They parade around in designer gowns, raunchy fake hair (Kim), excessive amounts of: make-up and jewelry and describe themselves as “Classy” while dropping the F-bomb in every conversation. Using words like “hater” to describe someone who doesn’t share similar taste, style and support of their un-talent.
I have two very dear friends, both of whom are from Atlanta. I would describe both as smart, strong, talented, graceful and yes… classy. I don’t think they have ever acted or behaved like these “elite” women on the show. Moreover, they both left Atlanta to pursue their goals and dreams… Both now have successful careers as artists. They made it without a husband, without any money and not because they wore designer gowns and went to “star-studded” celebrity fundraisers to “network…”
Two of the women on the show in particular have sparked my interest: Kim and Sheree. Kim, a separated mother of two has always wanted to be a country singer. Just don’t ask her to sing… because she can’t. Not that you can’t make it as a singer just for that small detail, many famous singers (some with Grammys) can’t sing too… The difference is they ALL tried. Kim sees no need to listen to a voice coach about technique… “That won’t matter when I’m in the booth…” It’s sad really, because she has fallen victim to the idea that you don’t have to have passion, talent or determination… just money. True, money will aid in looking the part and put you on a map but it sure as hell won’t keep you there.

Then there is Sheree, a would be fashion designer, who doesn’t sketch her own work, can’t sew and holds a viewing party for her new collection- minus the collection… None of the clothes were tailored to her satisfaction, which begs the question… Why? Maybe because the only contribution you made to “your” collection, was deciding whom to invite to this momentous event where even you decided to wear another designer’s gown- which speaks volumes for your work! At best, you are the most put together gal on the show, and could maybe be a stylist… Maybe!
So you want to be a “somebody?” I get it… I do. You have a dream or goal and believe it is your destiny to fulfill it? You have a special gift or talent that keeps you up at night hoping and praying that you’ll have a chance to achieve it. Or at least die trying…
But I ask:
What about hard work? What about taking classes to develop your craft and passion? What about eating Top Roman everyday for a year because that was all you could afford? What about crying in the stock room at your day job, because you’re so tired and still have to work four more hours before running to an audition? What about having only two days to come up with the $200.oo you’re shy on next months rent?
I know not every aspiring artist has had to work as hard, endure the same struggles or face the same obstacles. I also believe that there is no “right” way to accomplish any goal or dream.
However, I maintain that every single actor, dancer, musician, writer, director, painter, and designer… has shared in the dedication, hard work, rejection, and baby steps toward taking their passion from a childhood dream to a reality… Instead of sitting around praying for a reality TV show to come along and suddenly make them something they’re not! No amount of money in the world can give you talent… Money only offers the façade…

Please take note of the picture to the left for an example of the facade... Sheree to the left and Kim (fake hair and all...) to the right. Kim you can try to dress up like Dolly Parton... but you'll never have her class, talent or hair! This picture is courtesy of a fan photog and the world wide web.

J.A.P.S

Brooke Allison and Rachael Lawrence are J.A.P.S! Check out their music on itunes and don't miss their next concert:
Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 8:30pm
Location:
KING KING
Street:
6555 Hollywood Blvd.
City/Town:
Los Angeles, CA

I have the honor of choreographing for these two hot and talented musicians... They're funny and their music is fantastic!!!
Click on the link above for more information, or to watch a video or download J.A.P.S album!