Adventures in Life and Comedy

Come Visit My New Blog!

2008-08-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

I am now blogging here at LouisePalanker.com.

Join me, won't you?!

Out East

2008-05-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

It was time for the boyfriend to see the home town. That's part of what happened. More of what happened was the town saw the boyfriend. My Mom baked for days in preparation for the "March on Ron" and then they came. Thousands of them. Buffalo Jews with a box of chocolates and a purpose. Parading, viewing, chatting, assessing. Someone may have checked his teeth. We're not altogether certain.

He would not be thrown. Wave after wave stormed our Williamsville doorstep and still he stood, mingling, conversing and visiting with valour.

After surviving Boyfriend Interrogation Bootcamp, Ron was deployed to Niagra Falls. The thundering mountain of water forshadowed the team of relatives yet to come. He shipped out to Toronto where he was met with a ferocious flurry of Canadian family. Ron was steadfast and emerged unscathed.

Now back to Buffalo and onward to Washington D.C. where his family served to reinforce as Ron was hit with further scatterings of my relations.

We attended his nephew Zack's graduation from first The Elliot School and then George Washington University.

We saw great and moving sites and events, the monuments at night, XM Radio, The Capital Steps and Cousin Rick's new, yellow house! (please remove shoes before entering)

Then onward (in a rental car) To Newport, Rhode Island. This took 11 hours and proved more challenging than learning the names of a hundred cousins (easier with the awarness that a solid third are named Mike)

We arrived in Newport at 2am and awoke later that morning to search and explore in the rain. The streets of Newport are wonderful and richly seasoned with historically preserved buildings. We wandered about, traversed the cliff walk which takes you past the "Summer Homes" of the Astors, The Rockefellers and The Vanderbilts.

Then we headed inland and found The Touro Synagogue. The oldest standing temple in America.

We dined at Yesterdays where Ronnie ate what he called "the greatest burger of my life," we visited with Biggie Korn, former manager to The Cowsills and we realized that Ronnie had lost his cell phone. After spending a few hours in the pouring rain, retracing our steps, running a red light, getting pulled over and missing the season finale of American Idol, Ronnie used a flashlight to find the cell phone under his seat. (and regarding American Idol, I swear to this: my tivo cuts off directly after Ryan says the words, "And the winner of American Idol is..") Don't tell me who won.

Our next stop was New York City. Wait, our next stop was the middle of the highway/thruway/whatever they call a freeway that isn't free. (back east there are toll booths. Where are the toll booths? Wherever the traffic is finally good, there you will find the toll booth)

We were stopped cold mid commute. It was such a stark, sudden stop that drivers and passengers were getting out and strolling about in the search and the sharing of information.

We came to learn that traffic was stopped in deference to Dick Cheney who was making a commencement address at the Coast Guard Academy. Most likely we were stopped to keep us safe from Cheney. None of us were wearing an orange vest.

In NYC we met my brother (and another cousin. They're everywhere) and we saw Jersey Boys which was a treat and a highlight. Then my podcast partner Diane Dimond took us to her home with husband Michael where we stayed with Ron's colleague Steve and his wife Nancy. Much fun was enjoyed.

We saw Wicked, walked and walked and made an emotional journey through Ground Zero. The city has its own voice and much to say.

This visit offered a Jackson trial reunion of sorts and Diane invited her friend Stacy to join us for lunch. We were witnesses, a reporter, an investigator, a prosecutor. One event. Many viewpoints.

Along the cliff walk in Newport, we passed a spot where soft waves brush gently over pebbles and the sound is sweetly beautiful, as was this trip.

Waves On Pebbles from Louise Palanker on Vimeo.

More Photos

Assorted Thoughts

2008-05-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

I've been listening to Oprah and Friends on the XM Radio and soaking it in. Good stuff. I'm living my best life. Being my best Being. Typing my best font. (Ariel, with the occasional Webding)

p u e d f ' , n b

As I select my webdings, I am hearing the sound of Michael Buble wafting up from the Santa Barbara Bowl through my open window. (He is very far from where you are and he wants to go home.)

Our Tuesday night Stateside Stand Up Comedy show is going very well here in Santa Barbara. We've been posting photos of the comics with the folks on our Myspace page. Here is an example.

Andrew Norelli with local Tipsies.

Many by this point in the evening do not remember where they are. This serves as a reminder.

Suli McCullough meets and greets.

Kyle and Joel Dibiase, two of our L.A. Teen Comedy Club members star in our latest short film. We call it, "The Tae Bo Kid."

Three of our Santa Barbara Teen Comedy Club members performed at a recent Jewish Federation/JCC event.

I helped film an event for the Rock and Roll Academy of Santa Barbara. It's an after-school program for kids who would like to rock. The kids, in various bands, performed at SoHo. The place was packed, the crowd was happy. And the kids did, in fact, rock.

And thus, it has been a wonderful week. Praise Oprah.

A Time Before Blogging

2008-04-14T17:19:00.001-07:00

In the early days of Premiere Radio Networks, we achieved journalistic excellence by publishing the Premiere News & World Report from 1988 through 1992. This fine periodical began as the top sheet of the Plain Wrap Countdown and emerged into a strong, independent newsletter which was both received and ignored by radio stations, record labels, celebrities, TV shows and movie studios.

The PNAWR was a circular, hailed by "Jimmy Kimmel Live Producer," Steve O'Donnell, as, "better than it needs to be." Steve, then head writer for Letterman, put action behind his words by giving our little newsletter a place of honor on the cover of a Late Nigh With David Letterman script.

We, naturally, exploited the hell out that situation. And to the best of my recollection and my ability to scan recently unearthed documents, here is the way events unfolded.

1) This edition of the weekly newsletter reached the desk of Steve O'Donnell.

2) Steve O'Donnell (or a staffer acting upon his instruction) cut out the classy photo of Bob and Jeff (seen above) and affixed it to the Letterman script (seen below) which was then, without explanation, slipped into an envelope and shipped to me. (Thank you, Steve, or intern acting upon his instruction)

3) Honored and delighted, we rushed to press with the Letterman script cover as our front page photo and a daring caption challenging O'Donnell to use this newsletter as his next script cover.

4) O'Donnell didn't blink.

5) Now, the challenge was ours. We were up to it.

6) Volley not returned. O'Donnell was bested and he knew it.

Or... he's still considering his response.

Our weekly publication was lovingly cut and pasted together using glue, scissors and a typewriter (look it up on wiki) I laid the whole thing out with ruler, pencil and glue stick in the back of a local Hollywood print shop. They ran off 500 copies, we hauled them back to Premiere, folded them into threes, stapled them, stuck labels on them, fed them through the stamp machine and off they went to clutter the floor of every passing business acquaintance unfortunate enough to populate our Rolodex.

Those newsletters, like this or any blog, serve to document not just ourselves and our loved ones but the times in which we live. The fashion, the politics, the hair-do's, the pop culture, and the very technologies which give them life. The PNAWR was born in a time before clip art, where we pressed stamp to ink to page in pursuit of decorative accents.

And now, through this new techno-form, I am able to bring it to you. And once again, we demonstrate how the Internet has affected miraculous change. Tear, crumple, toss has become control-alt-delete.

Jury Duty?

I'm on call all week for jury duty which has me beginning every sentence with the qualifiers: "if I do get called," and "if I don't get called." So, this week, I've got the plan, and the backup plan. Today, I did not get called for jury duty and the backup plan included blogging. Lucky you.

The jury duty summons is strongly worded. It says, "Failure to respond may subject you to a fine, incarceration or both, as well as performance of jury service."

This implies that there are citizens of Los Angeles who remain unfazed by the threat of fine or incarceration but would bristle upon the receipt of these penalties, topped off by jury service. "Your Honor, I'll take the caning, the pillorying, the scarlet J, the water boarding and the naked human pyramid, but for the love of God, not the jury duty."

Stateside Stand Up

Tuesday is stand up comedy night at Stateside Restaurant & Lounge and we are proudly instituting a new tradition whereby we take photos of comedians and audience members together in post comedic bliss. I then post these photos on myspace and facebook so that all can proclaim, "Haze of alcohol be damned. I was there!"

Happy, satisfied Stateside StandUp customers with Bret Ernst and Iliza Schlesinger

Bagg of Noize

These guys are less blurry in the flesh but this is a cool photo

My cousin, Patricia Bock manages a band called Bagg of NoiZe. For no apparent reason, I take great delight in calling them Bucket of Clatter and my sister Joann seems to heartily enjoy calling them Bagg of Boys. You may choose to call them Satchel of Sound. Do not, however, mislabel their quality. They are awesome. At a recent Battle of the Bands at the Good Hurt Club, they brought it and rocked it.

Olivia's Bat Mitzvah

Was loud.

What loud looks like

There was a charming gentleman at my table whose only word the entire evening was, "Huh?" At least I think that's what he said. It was loud. Olivia and her parents were beautiful. There was a photo booth. The food was wonderful. Little brother, Max was adorable. Another precious milestone was marked as we danced to the music high above the city lights.

The doorman let us in because we looked this good.
Jam I must. Go read the rest of your internet.

Jury Duty?

2008-04-14T17:19:00.000-07:00

Premiere: The Early Years

2008-04-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

We started Premiere Radio Networks in 1985. My partners included Steve Lehman, Tim Kelly, Ed Mann and Kraig Kitchin. We had three shows. They were The Plain Rap Countdown (later changed to Plain "Wrap" after it was deemed we were far too white to rock the other spelling), National Lampoon's True Facts (a mini feature) and The Cla'ence All My Children Update, (starring Brad Sanders)

Virgie Chica, circa 1986, holds an archaic data storage device known as "the floppy."

We had no employees and two interns. Bob Borquez and Tony Hudson. They both went on to become our first employees and they were followed, to the best of my recollection by Cathy Cogan, Dave Price, Paul Paradiso, Melinda Ruben, Virginia Tavera and others I am forgetting.

Bob Borquez and Pyp, circa 1985, demonstrate the ancient art of "juggling land lines."

That little company went on to become a monolith, now a gigantic arm of Clear Channel with nothing on its website to reflect that we were there. I don't know a lot about who works there now. It must be sort of like going to High School and giving no thought to the kids who went there before you.

But at High School, there would at least be a display case with a photo or a trophy. People began their careers at Premiere. That means a lot. My last original partner, Kraig Kitchin, recently stepped down. It's a good time to remember.

If you clicked on the link to Premiere above, please note that our little web site was created and launched by Eric Canale in 1998.

Eric created Premiere's original web site in 1996 using a 28.8 modem and some of his will to live.

And now, here we all are, out on the internet with blogs and My Spaces and facebooks and podcasts and You Tubes, creating and writing and recording and viewing and listening and sharing and noticing that life has a way of spinning us around so that sometimes we land facing backwards and longing to pull some of our past into our future. That's what this blog is about.

Pyp circa 1989, looking very much like he had just narrowly escaped from Wham.

That's what happened when Melinda Ruben visited her local Verizon store last week and found Paul Paradiso (who we call Pyp, short for Pretty Young Paul). Melinda and I had been searching Google to find Pyp. We found him the old fashioned way. By accident. He has been living, for the past nine years, two blocks away from Melinda! (of course, we must give some credit for this find to technology, since she did find him at the Verizon store.)

Shocking? Yes it is and there is more. they both have the exact same kind of dog! Only Pyp dresses his dog, Joan up in stylish outfits which he claims she loves.

Melinda at the Premiere Christmas Party, circa 1990, torn between two dates.

Does she chose the dazzlingly gorgeous actor... or the tall dude? (young Gabriel Damon, from "Newsies," is the son of longtime Premiere Radio man, Dave Price.)

And so it was that we planned the reunion which inspired this blog. Melinda, who we call Mel wanted to bring Virginia who we call Virgie Chica (even though it's longer than just saying Virginia.)

They all came over with three dogs. Mel has two and Pyp has one. We talked and laughed over the din of the dogs. They were snarling, yapping and wrastling all night long. And then they suddenly all darted down the hall towards my office and bedroom. We were later to discover that either one dog took two dumps or two dogs took a dump apiece, but suffice it to say, I found a dump in the office and a dump in the bedroom which nearly scared the dump out of me which would have brought the total to three.

Mel, Pyp and Virgie, circa 2008.

After cleaning up after the dogs, the reunion then inspired me to begin looking through old photographs of which I had taken loads because back in the early days of Premiere, we published a weekly newsletter called The Premiere News and World Report and we would fold and staple and label and send this pithy little rag to radio stations and record companies and celebrities we had interviewed who would then either dump it in the trash and/or, in the case of Rob Schneider, actually call and tell us to stop sending it to him.

Doggie gone wild.

That having been said, it was a very funny and inventive publication (rivalling this blog) and one of my proudest moments came when we received a fax from Herb Sargent (Great Veteran Saturday Night Live Writer) asking to be placed on our mailing list because he dared not open Dana Carvey's mail while Dana Carvey was on vacation) I pinned that fax to my bulletin board.

Why am I blowing a whale, circa 1999? The fax from Herb Sargent is on that bulletin board... somewhere.

More about our newsletter next week when I have a chance to scan a copy for you. Right now, let's celebrate the wonderful team that created Premiere Radio Networks. The first 15 years were rare and special and I treasure that time and what we achieved together.

Premiere founding partners, Ed Mann and Tim Kelly (with Kelly Aquino and Michelle Cabral lurking)

Premiere Founding Partner, Steve Lehman, circa 1998, eating one of a drawer full of Power Bars.

Premiere Founding Partner, Kraig Kitchin struggled for the will to share his gift basket with Susan Gold Kovinsky, circa 1989.

In the photo above, circa 1988, I see Steve Lehman, Ed Mann, Tim Kelly, Joe Cipriano, Me, Brad Sanders and Cathy Cogan. Please Click Here for more Vintage Premiere Photos.

In this photo, circa 1992, I see Dave Price, Cathy Cogan, Chris Schell, Will Kohlschreiber, Susan Gold, Me sitting on Bob Borquez, Kelly Aquino, Ed Mann, Alan Wenkus and Danny Lang (I could be wrong about some of the faces.) And why were we wearing shorts? Maybe it was extremely casual Friday.

Help me identify us and remember what we did together. It was a blast.

Obama Selects Running Mate

2008-03-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

That is my God Nephew, Dylan Winters (on the right) and he will bring in the all important "Skater Vote."

Here are more photos I like...

Me and Boyfriend, Ronnie. Photo taken by Hannah Galagher at her birthday party. She's 22!

Dwayne Perkins (he's "that guy" on the Verizon commercials) on stage at Stateside Stand Up in Santa Barbara (every Tuesday at 9pm. Come join us!)

After the show, comics Al Del Bene and Jeff Emmett Short visit with cute comedy fans

My neighbor, Sage Kemmerley celebrated her birthday at Stateside Stand Up.

Stateside Standup Co-Producer, Andrey Belikov on stage from the catwalk.

Andrey with Hannah Galagher. (she's 22!)

Hannah, on the board of Hillel at UCSB, with a little help from me, co-produced a comedy show with the Muslim Students' Association called, "A Jew, A Muslim and a Hindu Walk Into A Bar." The Jew, the Muslim and the Hindu were portrayed by Comedians, Iliza Schlessinger, Max Amini and Tarun Shetty.

Sound check, starring Sheperd and Faheem at the UCSB comedy show

Ronnie at the Golden Gate Bridge

Very beautiful walkway north of Bodega Bay

Have a lovely week!

Road Tripping

2008-02-25T19:18:00.000-08:00

We drove from Santa Barbara to Mendocino which is far and beautiful. I took a lot of pictures. First with my Canon Power Shot TX 1.

This is a spot called Point Lobos State Reserve south of Carmel. Stunning. Huge, soaring, thundering waves. (see above)

(and below)

The ocean is powerful. Most people can tell by looking at it.

But apparently not everyone because there were a lot of signs...

And if the waves don't get you, look out for the mountain lions.

And the poison oak.

If you survive, enjoy the view.

We did survive and drove on to San Francisco,

By "we" I mean "Ron." He drove and I photographed me photographing me.

It's awe inspiring to know that millions of tourists before me have passed across this very spot, gazed in wonder, pointed a camera out a window and taken pretty much this exact photograph.

At the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco, there is a powerful Martin Luther King Memorial, inscribed with his words, "We will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream."

This is Meredith and Stefan through the water.

We drove onward to Bodega Bay, where they shot, "The Birds,"

starring the great, great grandparents of these guys, and Tippi Hedron.

From there, it was due north to Point Arena where Ron's cousins, Mia and Kevin own a lovely bed a breakfast called The Coast Guard House.

Here it is from the bottom of the hill.

From Point Arena, it's about a 40 minute drive up to Mendocino,

where we found this masterfully restored lighthouse.

and then wandered through the streets of this charming little personality laden burg.

As the sun was setting in a thick, cloudy sky over the Mendocino Headlands, I lost battery power in my camera. A lesser woman would have panicked (or enjoyed the view) but, I managed to bravely reach for my Verizon En-V cell phone and continue taking pictures.

And I kept taking pictures until well after dark... even if the phone rang.

A wonderful trip up the road.

We Played Marbles

2008-01-29T23:32:00.000-08:00

World Premiere

Our documentary, We Played Marbles: Remembering a Stolen Childhood, a Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara Film, Directed and Produced by me and Jennie Reinish, debuted at The Santa Barbara Film Festival on Saturday, January 26th.
It was a very emotional day, checkered with challenge and lit by loved ones.

Stella, Stan, Erika, Helga, Margaret, Fred, Maria, Jennie

The screening of the movie was followed by a Q & A where the Holocaust Survivors highlighted in the film answered questions from the audience. These people are so gracefully eloquent. I was in awe and I am honored to know them.

Amy, Joey, Ruthie, Sidney, Trish, Lee Jay

Jennie and her Dad, Dick Reinish

It was a Rainbow Day which means, everything is going to be OK. Meredith, Ian, Myra and Rainbow.

Jennie and Me on the stage

Craig Smith and Ron at the press breakfast

On a very nervous day, photographic proof that I was bold enough to take a picture of Billy Baldwin at the press breakfast

Me and Ron on a break by the break water

For stress relief, I made this movie. It makes you feel like you can fly, because with the right equipment, you can.

Be well and safe!

Film in Festival

2008-01-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

We Played Marbles

Our film, "We Played Marbles: Remembering a Stolen Childhood" will enjoy its World Premiere at the Santa Barbara Film Festival on Saturday, January 26th, 7pm at the Marjorie Luke Theatre.

It is a Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara Film, Produced and Directed by me and Jennie Reinish and this experience has been rich and full.

Stateside Standup

Our new weekly, Santa Barbara standup comedy show is called Stateside Standup and it's at the very posh and plush, Stateside Restaurant and Lounge, 1114 State Street at 9pm every Tuesday. The crowds have been huge and if you think I'm exaggerating, allow my camera phone evidence to convince you otherwise.

Adam Hunter on stage at Stateside

Ben Gleib on stage at Stateside

Life Adventures

SLO is not just a misspelled speed, it's what locals call San Luis Obispo and we went there to visit new and old friends. Please enjoy photos I took with an actual camera.

Ron and Me

Anita. Too young for a Cell phone?

Diana and Sheila

Lea and Ron

Sunsets

There's one pretty much every night. This was one of them.

Be Safe and Well

Remember

2007-12-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

It's good to be busy and thus, I am good.

We Played Marbles

In association with the Greater Santa Barbara Jewish Federation and along with Jennie Reinish, I am directing and producing a documentary for the Santa Barbara Film Festival called "We Played Marbles: Remembering a Stolen Childhood." The film chronicals the lives of 11 Santa Barbara area Holocaust Survivors. The poster is by my sister, Joann Palanker.

Official Blurb:

"We Played Marbles: Remembering a Stolen Childhood" A Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara film by Louise Palanker and Jennie Reinish.

Santa Barbara area Holocaust Survivors illuminate the rich European Jewish culture that was systematically destroyed by Nazi tyranny. Through the stories of the few who escaped we come to know how much was lost. 11 local Survivors recount their earliest childhood memories of their lives in Hungary, Austria, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Germany. They share their memories of how their lives were abruptly and forever changed, of the dramatic and deeply sad events that transpired, of the loved ones who perished and of the courageous ones who pulled them to safety. These stories are infused with the wisdom and the strength that is born out of building life after loss.

Ten Minute Trailer

Get Well, Gela. You are Loved!

Stateside Standup

Kyle Cease on Opening Night

he big news in Santa Barbara Comedy is that Andrey Belikov and I have a new Tuesday Night 9pm show at Stateside Restaurant and Lounge. Stateside is an amazing place to see a show. I would use words like gorgeous, posh, classy and elegant, but I just used them and I don't really want to type them again.

Opening night was a blast for everyone with the possible exception of headliner, Kyle Cease who was punched in the stomach by a drunk girl. I was wondering, "How how hard can a drunk girl punch?" but apparantly, pretty hard because Kyle would never hit a woman but he did scold her, mock her and then have her murdered. (please note, Drunk Girl's Mom, that this is a joke, but for the love of God, check her in for 3-6 months because she is a danger to both herself and comedy shows.)

The Zoo

Zoos are full of animals and tiny kids, both of which are cute and incontinent so go if you can. It's fun. We went and saw giraffes.

View From The Zoo

However, it's good to note that if you've got enough bread in your hand, you don't need the zoo to see animals.

Grand Ol' Opry

Throwing bread to attract the performers at The Grand Ol' Opry is frowned upon but if you, as I do, love country music, you need to go at least once. It was amazing!

Have and Cherish beautiful, healthy, peaceful Holidays!

The Conundrum

2007-10-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

A blogger’s lament: When your life is full, you have the most about which to blog and the least time within which to do it. Perhaps one reason why Anne Frank wrote such an amazing diary is that she had the time.

I currently have 35 minutes to do this. Am I up to the challenge?

Fini and Ari

Let’s start with Fini and Ari’s wedding. It was held at Ari’s family estate. So big it has a name, guards let you in, the pool boy is considered “Upper Management” and its polar icecaps are said to be melting.

I was a member of the wedding, a time consuming honor I had here-to-fore managed to avoid. However, for Fini, I was thrilled to take part. I came nowhere near the Deb Cox level of bridal assistance. Deb, Fini's maid of honor was heroically key in pulling this event together.

Deb and Isaac

I would, however, rate my own wedding performance as stellar on a scale of me. I mastered the “left, together, right, together” step, I did not faint and I did not trip. Home run.

But, it was Fini and Ari’s day, (although I did take pictures of other people too)

Fini and Ari, first dance

Ron

The Aisle to the Aisle

Let's back up a couple of steps. There was the shower, held at my house, but Deb did all the work. It was a pink shower. Pink balloons, pink candy, pink cups and plates and Deb even made bottles of Aqua Fini water.

Then there was the bachelorette party. Wild and scandalous.

None of us were wearing panties.

Back to the Wedding

The Bride looked perfect

Ari wore a top hat. and carried a cane. What more need I say? Fini was glorious. She had her Audrey Hepburn/Princess Grace carriage cranked up and she walked down the aisle to the Theme from Star Wars.

If you’re reading this and wondering which parts I’m making up, everything so far is true except the thing about the polar icecaps.

It was a gorgeous wedding.

Comedy Nights

I haven’t blogged about this in a little bit, so by way of update, Thursday Comedy Night at Bricks Cafe in Santa Barbara is hot! It’s packed, it’s a blast and if you’re thinking about coming, come early. Thank you comics, Bricks and Santa Barbara for making this show so great. We love doing it.

Kids Comedy Club
Four kids performed and earned ties at Hallenbeck's last month.

Brandon Pepper, Adrian Wolf, Devon Suraco, Paul Herera

One of the evening's highlights was opening for a Swedish rock band called Cirkus.

Cirkus

Video Blogging

I did not have much time to video blog this month but I managed to take some 4th of July footage and put together this little piece. I call it "Brownies" and it stars my cousins Aaron and Emma Bock.

Have a safe, healthy, fulfilling month!

P.S. I missed my 35 minute deadline by a lot of minutes and didn't finish this until tomorrow which is now today.

Do You Have a Blogger Card?

2007-09-26T23:45:00.000-07:00

Just a Little Venting
I have grown weary of hearing this:

"Do you have a Ralphs Club card?"

"Do you have a Boarders Club card?"

"Do you have a Rite Aid card?"

"Do you have a Gap Card?"

It will also save you money at all Banana Republic and Old Navy Stores.""You don't have a Gap Card?" "Well, would you like to apply for a Gap card?"

My response of "No, thank you," is met with a stunned look which silently asks, "What the hell is wrong with you?!"

I am then told how much money I would have saved had I been in possession of this valuable club card. I am never told how much time I would have saved had I not been engaged in this conversation.

I wish I were more thrifty, more prudent, more frugal, more organized. But more than this much more than this, I wish I could check out of a store without being asked to sign up for their club card. And I wish I had a barrel large enough to hold every club card I've been offered and a purse strong enough to carry this barrel and a pack mule sturdy enough to carry this purse and a sherpa bold enough to guide our heavily laden shopping expedition.

"Do you have a Vons Club card?"

"Do you have an Arby's Club card?"

"Do you have a strip club card?"

Do you have a Meth Lab Club card?"

"Do you have a Prison Club card?"

No! I do not want to sign up for the Prison Club card! And, yes, I do know how much money I could have saved on shanks and tats!

Talk it Over

We took a week off for the Jewish Holidays and so I have no podcasting update however, I do have a photo of a Rabbi saving a Torah from Hurricane Katrina.

This is a beautiful photograph. It speaks of how precious our cultures and our histories are to us and how they must be cherished, cared for, and protected from storms and from inhumanity.

What lights me up is that we do protect our histories and we always have and we always will. All people. Whatever nation, whatever disaster or atrocity, you will always find a picture like this amidst the wreckage that lifts you and lets you hope that people care far more powerfully than a storm can rage.

And maybe this is why as the sun set on Yom Kippur, we saw a rainbow.

Kids Comedy Club

Three kids received ties of honor at our last performance. They are, Paul Herera, Devon Suraco (turning 17 this week) and Adrian Wolf. Our next performance is at Hallenbecks in North Hollywood, on Saturday, September 29th at 8pm.

Above

My nephew (top photo) does not think he's king of the world. He is, however, dating a hawk.

Have a safe, healthy, beautiful week!

Remembering

2007-09-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

What a morning. O.J. Simpson broke in, well he didn't break in, he sort of "came in" and waved guns, I mean they weren't waved, they were more "wielded" or not so much wielded but "involved" because O.J. wasn't holding the guns. He just pointed to my Sports Memorobilia, and said, "That's mine, that's mine, that's mine" or maybe he didn't "point," as much as he "gestured" to it and it wasn't so much sports memorabilia, as it was sports "equipment." And really, all he did was take his own stuff which was rightfully his. And by this I mean, O.J. took my bike and my roller blades. Well, he didn't really take them so much as he "left with" them. I'm pretty sure that's what either "happened" or what was "made up" by me for the sake of "humor."

Weird O.J. Fact

However, this next part is all true. O.J. ate Shabbat dinner at my house when I was a child growing up in Buffalo, NY. My Mother lit the candles, as she does every Friday and then she walked around the table to kiss each of us, as she did every Friday and this Friday, she kissed O.J. We kids were mortified. O.J. stabbed her with a butter knife. We should have seen the signs.

In his pre-killer days, O.J. was actually a delightful dinner companion and he was especially kind to us kids. I was admonished by my father not to bother him with pictures but ever the journalistic warrior, I ducked into my room for my weapon of choice, the Polaroid Land camera and I snagged this shot of the running back sitting back on our very 70s living room couch.

He left without killing anyone and for that we are grateful.

Fini's Shower

Deb Cox and I threw Fini Goodman a Weddomg Shower. On October 14th, Fini will marry the lovely Ari David of Brentwood. The Shower, was pink and green and my favorite little touch was that Deb Cox made "Aqua Fini" Water bottles as party favors and Fini cried a lot which is what she tends to do when overwhelmed.

Fini is crying just because she loves my new glasses so much.

Jewish Federation

We have been documenting the wise and inspirational Holocaust Survivors of the Santa Barbara community for the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara. It has been one of the most powerfully moving experiences of my life. I am very proud to be doing this and I believe that we should remember always how blessed we are to be living in a time and in a place where our freedoms are not oppressed. I know this is a right, but it feels like a privilege and for it, I am grateful.

Holocaust Survivor and American Hero, Eric Boehm, Jennie Reinish, Andy McNeil, Me.

This little film is called "Remembering"

Documentary team: Jennie Reinish and Andy McNeil.

Talk it Over

Our podcast, Talk it Over is worth some time to listen it over. The show features Professional Mediator Lee Jay Berman, World Renowned Journalist Diane Dimond and Me. If you can get past that third piece of the equation, you will learn and be enlightened. You will be enlearntend.

Even worse than typing things like that. I often say them, which is why our engineer, Matt Sigman, pictured above with Lee Jay may soon learn to mute my mic.

Have a beautiful and healthy New Year. Happy 5768!

Video Blogging

2007-09-02T02:01:00.000-07:00

You Tube is offerring a new Video player. I thought I would try it.

I tried it and it doesn't work. So, above, I have placed the old player.

It matters not. I have been taping and interviewing Holocaust Survivors in Santa Barbara.

(see first video above)

I'm overwhelmed and quiet. I have little to say. They have much. Listen and watch.

More to come.

Now, here's a nice picture.

Have a beautiful week.

New Day, New Blog

2007-08-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

Don't let the title fool you into thinking that I blog every day. I am far tp busy doing things to blog about to spend time blogging. Oh, but I do have some stuff to dish/vent today.

Comedy Nights

Rocks in Santa Barbara cancelled our comedy show!! It's hard to imagine since I had such a healthy, committed involved relationship with the owner. (that is sarcasm)

Since the Rocks show began in November, I have had three conversations with him. He never came to a show. He just barked orders from a distance and as much as I would like to have broken up with Rocks before it broke up with me, the important thing is that we are not seeing each other anymore which is a very good thing. If you have any use for 4,000 Comedy at Rocks fliers, give me a call.

Comedy at Bricks is great. We're having a blast. Thank you, Bricks and Wally for being wonderful and supportive. Life and comedy in Santa Barbara moves on.

Boys & Girls Club Movie!

What else is stirring? The Burbank Boys and Girls Club and I made this short film. It's quite good and we are proud of it. This is a pardoy of the MTV Show, "Scarred." It's called, "Scarred Straight."

Fiesta!

I experience my first Fiesta in Santa Barbara while learning Final Cut Pro and I'm experimenting with what it will do so although there's some distortion here when it's loaded onto You Tube and I'm not quite sure what's causing it or how to fix it,
my hope is that you will still enjoy it.

Talk it Over

Talk it Over is our new podcast. It stars Lee Jay Berman (see above) and Diane Dimond, (see way above) and me (not pictured). Our latest episode is quite gripping. Check it out, if you'd like.

A Ball Story

My nephew, Jakey went to a Dodgers' Game praying for a foul ball to sail his way. Nothing was flying even close. Then suddenly, from off the bat of a Dodger, it came hurdling towards them. A cluster of arms and hands from surrounding rows around reached skyward towards the baseball, as my sister Amy ducked her head, mutterring, "I do not want to get hit with a ball."

The soring orb plummetted into the assortment of outstretched fingers, bouncing, bobbling, bounding, yet, refusing to be grasped by the arms of the eager, and instead jumping free of their grip and landy soundly and firmly in Amy's unwilling lap.

She is now being scouted by The Dodgers (Thank you, Ronnie, for that joke) and Jakey is going home with a ball.

Have a triumphant week!

Is it Blogworthy?

2007-08-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

It's hard to always know. A blog is an online diary which is a tricky concept because "diary," tends to inherently mean, "nobody cares about this but me," and "online," tends to inherently mean, "everybody can read this. " Delicate waters to navigate for sure.

Here's an example: Do you care that I got a new bike? How could you? Why would you? But, it's my diary and my bike and I care. Are you still reading?

Do you care that three childhood friends are in town. Celine, Michelle and Anne, some with respective children. Anne's daughter, Stephanie is now a radio personality in St. John, Nova Scotia. James is going to college in the fall. Sarah is a cheerleader. This is all huge to me! Are you still reading?

James cheer's Jakey's ability to fly.

If you're about to doze off, I hate Bush and think that Hillary's too bossy and Barak is blowing it... Now, are you still reading?
If you are, this should put an end to that. I am excited because I'm learning to edit video with Final Cut Pro. Of course, I am still a beginner but here's a little movie I just finished. It's highlights from a Comedy Benefit at the Santa Barbara Jewish Center, starring Kyle Cease.

Nothing? You're leaving now? Hey Rumsfeld! Everything is your fault. Not just the Pat Tilman friendly fire cover up! How's that for insightful, meaninglful blogging? Are you back?

Our new podcast is called Talk it Over. And it's all about conflict resolution. Co-Hosts, Lee Jay Berman, Diane Dimond and I (see photo above) are tackling pretty much everything short of the Middle East conflict. But at least I got to type "Middle East conflict" which is what self respecting bloggers should be doing if they want people to keep reading.

But you're probably already gone. You're not? Do you care then that my friend, Larry Morgan's son, Alex is in a band called Tinted Chain and that they performed Sunday night at the Whiskey? Excellent show. I have known this child all his life and he is quite spectacular, as are his bandmates. Go here, to check out their music. (you can't do that in a diary)

Tinted Chain. That's Alex in the middle on guitar.

If you're still reading, "Hey, come on, Al Gore, get in the race. This is excrutiating. How long are we supposed to wait? We all want you and we don't care how pudgy you are this month.

And now, because I know you're still reading, check this out... it's good, even if you don't care about my new bike or that it's blue and I love it. My friend, Eric Carmen's live album is released today. It's actually a Raspberries reunion concert, captured at the House of Blues and the reviews have been insanely good. The album is called, The Raspberries Live on Sunset Strip. Here are video highlights...
Live on Sunset Strip - Promo

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Here's Eric's Myspace Page. The liner notes on the new album are written by Bruce Springsteen! It was sold out at Amazon on day one. (more on the way) A N D... John Lennon loved this band!

How cool is that?
Are you still reading? If this were just a diary, here's where I would have come out of the shower and caught you reading it and pretended to be outraged when really I had left it out on purpose to let you know that I like you or make you watch my Monopoly movie...

What? No, cuz you can't do that in a diary. Only in a blog so, here's the major difference between a diary and a blog. With a diary, I have to pretend to be annoyed if you read it and with a blog, you have to pretend to be interested if you read it... And, you have to pretend you liked this Monopoly Movie (more of me learning Final Cut but pretty cute) Or, better still, you have to not see this but, if I ask you, pretend that you did.

Have a safe, healthy, beautiful week!

Talk it Over

2007-07-11T00:19:00.000-07:00

Please join us in welcoming our newest podcast arrival, "Talk it Over," starring Reporter/Journalist, Diane Dimond, Professional Mediator, Lee Jay Berman and whatever the heck I am, Louise Palanker.

This is an amazing show about people, relationships, conflict, disputes, the law, resolution, problem solving, and everything that makes us love, makes us hate, makes us angry, makes us understand and makes us human.

If I weren't in this show, I would listen to it and I say that because so far, I'm in it and already listening (to most of it. Sometimes I daydream) and it's really, really good.

In our second episode, which we're calling: "Show Number Two," we welcome Renowned Veteran Santa Barbara Prosecutor, Ron Zonen and we talk about very interesting things for about 90 minutes.

This picture does not include Diane Dimond because she is in New York and and we are in California and the lens is not that wide.

So here's what Diane looks like when she's in New York and longing to be with us in California...

Journals

As I write this post, my book, Journals is ranked number 342,684 on Amazon.com's best seller list with an average rating of five stars based on the three reviews written by Fritz Coleman, my cousin Trish and my Mom. This thing is on fire. Set your Tivo for Oprah.

Journals contains photographs my father took with a Baby Brownie Camera throughout the Normandy Invasion, the march across Europe and the Battle of the Bulge. The photos are fascinating on many levels. One being their representation of the resolute human spirit peeking through the horror of war.

A bombed out city could look like this...

And still, a family on a doorstep will contain a little boy who wants to hold a gun and a lady who wants to say, "Look! Here's my doggy!"

The story in Journals is about a young girl, (pretty much based on me) who secretly reads her father's World War II Journal (exactly my Dad's actual journal) so in support of this, I hoisted up onto You Tube an interview my father, Marvin Palanker did for the Buffalo, NY Holocaust Resource Center. This was taped in 1990, three years before my father passed away.

I also loaded a story I produced and directed for PM Magazine in 1986 about Simon Wiesenthal.

And while I was looking through stories I produced for PM Magazine I came across some of my most important journalist works, such as this scathingly shocking investigative report on the sordid lives of child stars, Missy, Tracey and Brandy Gold... (note the sarcasm. These kids were idyllic)

And this probing look into the illicit and tawdry body building addiction of Adrian Zmed... (note the lack of sarcasm)

Fireworks!

With my celebrity muckraking career behind me, I am now free to investigate the curious behavior as my family as we watched a recent July 4th fireworks display. This introspective piece is entitled, "Was That The Finale?"

Be safe and healthy!

What is Private?

2007-06-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

Most of what's going on in my life is too private to blog about. You know what would be amazing, is if you could blog to yourself and nobody else gets to read it. Just you. I heard that something like that is coming out soon, after the release of the iPhone, and it's going to be called, "The Diary." It's crazy what they'll think of, isn't it?

I kept a diary as a girl and its contents are very explosive. They serve as inspiration that even a 12-year-old child who writes with the functional illiteracy and penmanship of a seven year old child, may one day grow up to write with the poise and expression of a 13-year-old child... as exhibited by me today in this blog.

I never did solve the mystery as to whether or not my Mother had "Iron Poor Blood," but she is fine and healthy today and may have simply been suffering from "Four Screaming Brats Syndrome" which generally runs its course.

Santa Barbara Comedy Nights

With the new and sweet stage configuration, Comedy Nights is the talk of State Street on Thursday nights in Santa Barbara. Folks are pouring in for great food and comedy at Bricks Cafe, 509 State St. Summer is a great time to check it out because (no offense intended to our raucously, inebriated collegieate friends) with the loud, drunk kids gone for the Summer, you can actually hear the comedians, rather than the trashed blonde at the bar screaming about how much she loves Apple Martinis and Golden Retrievers.

Here's our latest Video Highlights Reel starring Matthew Tate, Alfonso Ochoa, Brian Swinehart, Andy Kozel, Me, Laura Hayden and Adam Richmond...

Weezy & The Swish - with Brett

Brett Gilbert has become the Semi-Regular-Permanant-Guest-Co-Host of Weezy & The Swish. This week we celebrated, Nerds, Dorks and Geeks, our theory being that all truly cool people are confidently proud of their inner or outer Nerd, Dork, Geek, or all of the above... what we are calling "The Nerk." As we scan history, we must note that those who have given the most to the world were/are Nerks. Men and women such as Bill Gates, Stephen Spielberg, Albert Einstein, and of course, Urkle.

So celebrate the Nerk in you with this video blog featuring: Jackie Kashian, Joe Wilson, Lauri Roggenkamp, Kevin Campbell and Brett Gilbert...

Journals

I have a confession. I vainly Vanity Pressed my own book, Journals. There are a few reasons why I did this. 1) It was a birthday gift from my Mother 2) It contains the writings of my Father with excerpts from a journal he kept while fighting in World War II and 3) It's a good book and I want to share it. My goal is that even more people read the book than read this blog. So I'll need at least seven.

A week ago, I received this information from the fine people at Book Surge, my Vanity Publisher...

Congratulations! Your title is now print-ready in the BookSurge system. Yourbook will be available for purchase on amazon.com/, http://www.abebooks.com/,http://www.alibris.com/, and http://www.borders.com/ in approximately 1 - 2 weeks. Your book's listing will appear on http://www.booksinprint.com/ and http://www.globalbooksinprint.com/ in approximately 2 - 3 weeks.

Waves

I love waves. So, recently, I filmed some as they swirled around my feet...

Be safe and well!

Long Distance Podcasting Relationships

2007-06-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

My podcasting partner, Laura Swisher has moved to San Francisco. Laura makes up "The Swish" portion of our podcast title, "Weezy & The Swish." She has taken a job at C-Net, where you can watch her streaming videos daily at TV.com.

Laura and I make an lovely podcasting team and we care very much for one another, but long distance podcasting is not the same. We call her and we spend some time on the phone catching up and sharing a laugh. However, Laura is often distracted and busy and I very much want her to be able to get on with her new life.

Meanwhile, in the studio, I've tried to fill the void by seeing other podcasting partners. It's pleasant and it briefly dulls the ache, but then they leave and I'm left alone once again, living with the loss of Laura.

The Swish and Weezy, in happier times.

They say that at a time of grief, we are not supposed to make large life-altering decisions. So, although I am "spending time" with other podcasters, we will not change the name of our show, "Weezy & The Swish." We instead, will just change the punctuation... to "Weezy, and The Swish?" This leaves a precious space for hope and although life continues to hurdle forward, blazing new paths of joy and discovery, the familiar shall remain a fond and sweet longing.

Podcasting Guest-Hosts

Our Guest-Swish for the past two weeks has been the brilliant, Brett Gilber. Brett is a Renaissance Man of sorts. He's a Comic/Actor/Artist/Surgeon. I'm not sure if he's liscenced for the surgery but he has pierced and he will likely pierce again.

Guest Engineer, Kevin, Me, Brett and Tom Clark

This week's guest was Comedian, Tom Clark. Last week, Brett and I welcomed two great young comics to the podcast... Taylor Williamson and Clinton Pickens. (see top photo) Both were lively programs.

Brett drew this sketch of Laura and I and then took a photo of it so that you can see it below...

What's happening here? Is there a stake in my heart?

Two of my favorite photos appear below. First you'll see Brett, posing at Rocks Cafe in Santa Barbara with a Dirty Dancing fan so devoted, she tattooed the image of Patrick Swayze onto her back.

Note that Brett's face exhibits the same degree of glee as that of another recent Podcast Guest Host, Shawn Pelofsky when posing in Afghanistan with an oblivious, buffet grubbing President Clinton.

Comedy Nights

At Bricks, 509 State Street, Santa Barbara, we have busted many butts, including our own, to move the stage out of the window and into a more comedy friendly, central location, complete with back drape and spotlights. The results are stunning as is comedian Isaac Giron, pictured below.

Come to Bricks on Thursday Nights and see for yourself.

Kids Comedy Club

Check out our latest video installment of Kid Comedian Highlights

Comedy vs. Karaoke
Which is funnier. You decide. It's a smackdown as Comedy takes on Karaoke in Orange County at Martini Blues.

My Shortest Video Ever

It's called "Two Things That Are Large." It however, is small, coming in at 17 seconds.

Happy Tenth Birthday, Jakey!

Have a beautiful week and life, Love, Weezy

Fun With Technology: Girls With Gadgets

2007-05-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

I like gadgets, not purely for their gadgetry but for the life and love and memories we pour into them which then spring out of them. There's some of all that right here on this page.

Key to my love of gadgets is Ian Broyles who, I can fairly say, has been at my side for most of my groundbreaking gadget purchases throughout the past eight years.

Most recently, these include an LG enV phone and a Canon PowerShot TX 1. Both of these items fit in my purse!

I love the LG phone because I can check my email on the road and actually answer it without having to know what BRB or G2G means, (be right back and got to go) because the phone flips open to reveal a querty keyboard. You get to type entire words just like in life. It is also a full speaker phone once you pop it open. The phone takes 15 second videos, a feature which I find completely useless. Not nearly enough time to catch a celebrity destroying his career.

But it takes pretty good photos for a phone as I will demonstrate, below...

The Santa Barbara sky was doing something rather weird as I walked to Bricks with my cousin's cousin (cc if you're chatting on a regular phone) so we pulled out the phone and documented it in case NASA calls.

I got a collect call from Inmate Number 6341. I did not accept the call because I am so sick of talking to my Mom. Ha ha, that's a funny joke. She hasn't done time in years. And in case you weren't going to believe that I got a phone call from prison, I took a picture of my phone with my phone.

Fini has a new bit where she talks to a hand puppet. For about five months she was doing the piece while talking to her hand which she was calling "Porkchop." Then she went home to visit her parents and apparantly had a lot of time to sew this puppet which I thought was very close to the funniest thing I had ever seen, so I pulled out my phone and took a picture.

The night "Porkchop" made her debut was also the night that Fini's brother, Devon Goodman made his first and triumphant standup comedy appearance. He was great. Yea, Devon! Good luck ever being emotionally sound now.

Fritz and Corey Coleman were their own stage hands at Fritz's new play, "Tonight at 11" while I stood around and took pictures with my phone.

On to the next gadget. It's called a Canon PowerShot TX1 and it's extremely mini. It's both a video and still camera and it fits in your pocket. (as long as your pants are too big or you're wearing a jacket) But it's really small, about 3 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches and a little over an inch wide.

I've been taking a lot of photos and videos with it, which those around me have come to find rather annoying. Here are some pictures...

Weezy & The Swish celebrated its 100th podcast by inviting all 99 previous guests. Most knew better than to show up. But many did and left early such as Lisa Arch, Tom Clark, Graham Elwood and Fini Goodman. A few got caught in this photo such as my Mom, Ruthie Palanker, Me, a guy Kyle is coaching, Matt Sigman, Kevin's girlfriend, Courtney, Kevin Cease and Kyle Cease. Smart enough to show up too late was Wayne Federman.

Ian took many cool photos during the 100th podcast, including this one of Me, Siggy and Graham.

And this one of Kyle.

And he shot some video, from which I edited this little 100th episode video blog.

After the podcast we went to the pub where Bob Cowsill and the band were playing. It was a Pink Ribbon Benefit night and I was in charge of auctioning off baskets of great stuff.

I took this picture of Bob through the baskets. Very decorative.

Ian deserved and enjoyed a beer.

If you've read this far, you've earned and should enjoy this last soothing video, shot in Santa Barbara...

For more videos, go to my videos on Vimeo and my videos on You Tube.

If you'd like to hear the Centenial Podcast go to Weezy & The Swish!

Have a safe and healthy week!

Onward

2007-05-02T15:35:00.000-07:00

Weezy & The Swish

The Swish half of Weezy & The Swish has moved to San Francisco to work for C-Net which is a wonderful company and we are thrilled for her. How will this impact the podcast? This is yet to be determined so last week the challenge was to find a guest co-host as smart and pretty as Laura. I chose Larry Morgan.

Larry, while taller and hairier than Laura, proved to be a wonderful co-host and excitement was abundant in the studio as we welcomed Famous and Legendary Songwriter, Diane Warren who arrived with Noteworthy Actress, Katherine Narducci who plays Charmaine Bucco on The Sopranos.

Katherine Narducci, Me, Diane Warren and Larry Mortan

Diane, coming straight off an appearance on Oprah was a little disappointed with the hair and makeup dept. at Weezy & The Swish (a bathroom and a mirror) but she rebounded quickly and free from Oprahlistic expectations which include: refinement, elegance, culture and sophistication, Diane showed us the saucier side of her personality which includes: impudence, cheekiness, crudity and dare I say it, the occasional curse word. It’s these qualities in an artist who composes gorgeously poetic and epic love songs that make her a dichotomously complex and fascinating individual who reveals herself more fully on Weezy & The Swish than she ever could on Oprah.

Me, Diane

Oh, what am I saying? It’s sacrilegious. There comes a time when we all must face that we are powerless against against alcohol (and/or podcasting) and give ourselves over to the glory of Oprah.

That being acknowledged, please enjoy this episode of Weezy & The Swish.

Santa Barbara Comedy Nights

The Rocks Nightclub Comedy Nights Experience has moved to Fridays making it far easier for Santa Barbarians to come out and enjoy comedy and much harder for me to drive up there on a Friday night (because of the traffic) Many Los Angelinians, of a weekend, escape the din and frenzy of the big city and head for the idyllic seaside serenity of Santa Barbara. That = Traffic which is why Oprah takes her own plane. Are we back on Oprah? I’m hoping to mention Oprah in this blog as often as Oprah appears on the cover of O Magazine.

Ruby Wendell, Laura Swisher, Tig, Napkin and Me at Bricks

If you do come to Santa Barbara to enjoy sand, sea, splendor and standup, you may experience a little something like this…

Or this…

Have a beautiful week. Be well and safe!

Change

2007-04-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

Change is an interesting word. It’s short and yet it’s laden with an array meanings. It can be a verb, a nown, a request, a plea, a need, an aspiration, a handy necessity for parking or laundry. Change can be slow, it can be sudden, it can be radical, it can and should be correct if you hope to ride the bus.

Very little stays the same for very long so change is compelling, it's essential, it's inevitable. When documented, it's fascinating and when it comes to children, it’s adorable.

Please enjoy these videos of three comedy kids as they change before your eyes…

Geoff Wurm - Currently 17

Geoff Wurm: Fast Forward

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Devon Suraco - Currently 16

Devon Suraco: Fast Forward

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Jeremy Backlar - Currently 17
Jeremy Backlar: Fast Forward!

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Comedy Nights

Change is good if it means moving your Comedy Night from a Wednesday to a Friday at Rocks Nightclub, 801 State Street in Santa Barbara. The new Friday Night show is getting a sneak peek on April 27th, taking May 4th off for a private party previously scheduled at Rocks and returning long and strong on Friday, May 11th and from that Friday forward. (until something changes) However, we are certain of enough stability to have created a flier.

Weezy & The Swish

Big change has been visited upon us. My beloved podcasting partner, Laura Swisher has taken a job at C-Net and is moving to San Francisco. We’re hoping that once she settles herself there, we will be able to continue recording the show utilizing the genius of our production team, synchronized day planners, and high speed internet connections.

While Laura looked for apartments, Kyle Cease filled in and brought his friend, John Roy. It was loud and fun.

This week Laura was back to pack, and now she’s off to the Bay and while she scurries to her new life, my good friends Larry Morgan and Ian Broyles will hang out on the podcast, possibly with Famous Songwriter, Diane Warren, although that woman is crafty. She won’t commit. (however she had no problem committing to Oprah)

Lois’ Birthday

My adorable cousin Lois celebrated a big birthday with a house warming party in San Francisco. My two sisters, my brother and I went up for the festivities and I photo docked the grand affair it so that Aunt Gerry and Uncle Art can see what a beautiful party Lois threw.

And then Lois took this picture of us siblings so that Mom can see all four of her kids in one easy glance.

Be happy, safe and well and make good changes. (suggestions, not orders)

Will Blogging Or April Cheer Me Up?

2007-04-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

Well it has now been April for eight days and that has yet to work, so I will at last compel myself to blog. The other cure for gloom is, of course, activity and that I have been pursuing with vigor.

Weezy and The Swish

Also helpful in blues busting is having Gary Owens guest on your podcast and/or looking at Phil Spector’s hair. I have indulged in both.

Arleta Owens, Gary Owens, Siggy, Me, Fritz, Laura

Wall of Hair

The legendary Gary Owens is such an excellent guest, Fritz Coleman was drawn to the event and together, Laura, Gary, Fritz and I enjoyed one of our finest podcasts to date. This was quite cheering as, I trust, it will be for you, should you choose to listen.

Other recent Weezy and The Swish guests have included Jessica Golden, Roy Cruz, Shawn Pelofsky and Cecily Knobler.

Ian Broyles took these wonderful photos and you can see more of Ian’s work by clicking over to his FlickR Site.

Masquerade Ball

I attended my first masquerade ball at The Andalucia Hotel in Santa Barbara, hosted by our friend Justin Michael. If you’ve never attended such an event, I can report that a rooftop full of formally attired party goers in masks is both captivating and creepy. Masks are also an excellent conversation starter.

Me: (Muffled from behind mask) I like your mask.

Fellow Ball Guest: (Muffled from behind mask) What?

Me: Did you say “What?”

Fellow Ball Guest: Did you say, “Did you say what?” I like your mask?

Me: What?

But I did remove my mask long enough to take some pictures. Thank you, J Mike for hosting such an elegant event. It was a blast.

Alfonso's lovely wife and me are somewhere behind these masks.

Comedy Nights

Bricks has been fantastic on Thursday nights with great comics gracing the stage such as Adam Richmond, Dave Hanson, Ruben Paul, Tig, Laura Swisher, Jill Kushner and Stephanie Escajeda.

Tig was so dynamically potent on stage, she was asked to sign a woman's breast.

Photographic evidence that Tig did, in fact, sign a woman's breast.

At Rocks, we’re moving to Friday nights starting on April 20th with a dinner comedy show starring Adam Richmond. You can make reservations by calling 805-657-8202 and look for updates right here online.

Paul Ogato was the rage on the stage at UCSB

Additionally, our Comedy Nights production team of: Alfonso Ochoa, Andrey Belikov and Jeff Urea has begun producing a comedy event every Saturday night at Embarcadero Hall in Isla Vista at UCSB. The first show was Saturday night starring Paul Ogata and Chris D’elio. It was a smash.

Roof Building

No one here is questioning the importance of a good roof over your head, however, when that roof is being built on the house next door to one’s bedroom and the roof building commences at a time of day known as “The Crack of Dawn,” it can be rather disruptive. So, here’s to good roofs and a good night’s sleep to all.

So, yes, blogging will cheer me up. Thank you.

Comedy Celebrated

2007-03-12T22:54:00.000-07:00

Richard Jeni

I didn’t know Richard Jeni and I have only one Ricahrd Jeni story, so I’ll tell it. On Friday, September 15th, 2001, a bunch of comics gathered on Sunset Blvd. outside The Laugh Factory for the nationwide candlelight vigil. We, like you, were badly shaken and all we knew how to do was light a candle, sing songs about America and put a flag on our car. We were comedians, standing outside The Laugh Factory and we didn’t know if anything would ever be funny again.

Later, we wandered inside and the show started. Nobody was sure what to do, where to look, how to act, what to say, what not to say or when not to say it because how could anything ever be normal again? Then Richard Jeni took the stage. He came armed with 30 minutes of brand new, raw, perfect, cathartic comedy about terrorism, Osama, America, hate, fear, hope, life, everything, and the crowd’s laughter was thunderous and eruptive. As I looked around, I realized that none of us had laughed for over three days.

We hadn’t wanted to and we hadn’t dared to but it’s not natural not to laugh and that night, Richard Jeni showed us that not only is it OK to laugh, it's essential, and he reassured us that there will always be a way to laugh.

That is quite a gift. It took a talented man to find the way to laugh that night and that's how very good he was.

If you would like to know more about Richard Jeni, watch a little of his genius here…

And read what his friend, Elaine Boosler wrote about him in her blog, here…

Comedy Nights: Santa Barbara

Trained Comedy Killers, Christy Murphy, Brett Gilbert and Marty Laquidara apply their training

Brett Gilbert and The Trained Killers Comedy Tour came to Rocks Nightclub last week and they kicked up some hilarity while attracting a unique and specific crowd, including a Dirty Dancing fan hardcore enough to have Patrick Swayze tattooed above her ass crack.

I wish I had been kidding

Bricks Audience, mid enjoyment

Meanwhile, at Bricks, it’s getting very difficult to find a seat, so get there early on Thursday nights. This week we had Jason Gillearn, Rob DaRocha and Matt Iseman and it was a barn burner. (no barns were actually burned in the typing of this cliché) We would love to see you at Comedy Nights.

Weezy and The Swish

Adam Barnhardt, Me, Tim Kelly, Laura Swisher

Recent podcast guests have included Adam Barnhardt and Brian Reichle from redban.com. We’ve been streaming live on www.talkshoe.com as well as posting the show at www.weezyandtheswish.com, creating a groundswell of excitement amongst at least a lot of people. My former Premiere Radio partner, Tim Kelly also popped by to step in, whip us into shape and enjoy snacks.

Comedy Kids

Months in the making, the great comedy short, “Friendly Tourette’s: The Kindly Killer” has finally been released to the public on Youtube. The film is based on a joke by Kid Comedy Master Class Member, Tyler Connaghan and it stars the members of the Luther Burbank Middle School Boys & Girls Club. We are all very proud of it. Enjoy…

"I love your eyes."

Parties!

2007-02-26T20:06:00.000-08:00

Comedy Mixer

Saturday night we had the big Comedy Mixer followed by Sunday night’s Oscar Party, followed by Monday’s digging of Cheeto dust out of the carpet.

Anonymous Comedian corrupts Geoff Wurm

Laura Swisher corrupts herself (on The Reelz Channel)

The mixer was a blast with standup workshop performances by Fini Goodman, Ari David, Laura Swisher, Geoff Wurm and… I think that’s pretty much it.

Fini Goodman learns that everyone is 3% funnier in front of a fireplace.

Teen Comedy

Here’s the pressing question: Is standup comedy good for kids? If you thought it was, watch this video and it may change your mind…

Or very possibly, this photo essay may change your mind...

Kid Comedy Graphic Novella: Starring Tyler and Danora

Tyler is angry at Danora.

Good thing his after school program posted this helpful reminder.

Now Tyler knows that thinking and breathing is good and stabbing is bad.

Weezy & The Swish

Weezy, The Swish and Maria Bamford

While it’s very true that Laura and I are quite funny, last week's Weezy & The Swish guest, Maria Bamford may be the funniest woman alive and if you think that’s not true, watch this video and it may change your mind…

I can honestly state that Podcast 88 is the dishiest Weezy & The Swish EVER

What Else is Going On?

Well, Fritz Coleman’s new one-man-play will be performed every Sunday, starting in Mid-April at the No-Ho Arts Center in North Hollywood, so in anticipation of this, we have launched him into My Space. Go ahead and give him a shout. He’s not quite sure how to delete inappropriate comments yet so have at it until he figures it out.

SB Comedy

In Santa Barbara, things at Bricks are Rocking, which is a little ironic because things at Rocks are… bricking? Yes, that should be a verb shouldn’t it, but I'm not going to tell you what it means because I don't want to get too dishy, so in order to find out, you'll have to come to Comedy Nights at Rocks. The point is, didn’t Ellen do a great job hosting The Oscars? I think she was wonderful.

Earl Skakel at Bricks in Santa Barbara

Bobby Miyamoto at Bricks

Dan Smith at Bricks

Moral: Come to Bricks on Thursdays and Rocks on Wednesdays! Mention this blog and you get a free hug.

Have a fulfilling, enriching, peaceful week!

Boys & Girls' Club of American Idol

2007-02-12T01:28:00.000-08:00

Boys & Girls’ Club of American idol

I am very proud of the kids from the Burbank, California Boys & Girls Club. Together, they created a wickedly scathing parody of this season’s American Idol audition episodes. Few holds were barred and few notes were hit as the kids went after, Simon, Randy, Paula, Ryan and the guy who tried to sing ABBA, among other interesting "singers."

Check this out, not because I stayed up all night editing it, but because it’s really, really cute...

Weezy and The Swish

The past three installments of Weezy and The Swish are almost as much fun as a love struck, diaper wearing astronaut. Check out episodes 84, 85 and 86 with guests Jill Kushner, Graham Elwood and Richard Kuras.

Episode 84

With Jill Kushner

Episode 85

With Graham Elwood

And Episode 86 is yet to be uploaded as I publish but soon to be found right here at Weezyandtheswish.com

With Richard Kuras

We have also begun broadcasting Weezy & The Swish live via talkshoe.com every Saturday at 5:00 pm Western Time, which allows listeners to hear the show as it’s being recorded and also call in with questions such as: “Why are you doing this show?” And, “Will you please stop?”

When we're done, we still post the show as usual so if you do miss the live broadcast, you will also have the chance to miss the on-demand version at Weezy and The Swish dot com.

Santa Barbara Comedy Nights

We are busily preparing for our big Valentine's Day extravaganza at Rocks this Wednesday, February 14th, featuring the great, Cash Levy and special guests, along with free candy and decorative, heart shaped appointments.

In fact, fun is often had at Rocks every Wedneday and Bricks every Thursday. Please enjoy these photos, presented as evidence.

Tom Clark, on stage at Rocks

Tom Clark being enjoyed by audience members at Rocks

This is how Comedy Nights Team Members Alfonso Ochoa and Andrey Belikov prepare for showtime at Bricks.

This is how comedian, Laura Swisher prepares for showtime at Bricks.

This is how Comedian, Wyatt Cenac prepares for showtime at Brick's.

Wyatt Cenac onstage at Brick's

Wyatt Cenac being enjoyed by audience members (such as my cousin, Morgan Wilson) at Bricks.

Fun With Photos

Comedy Kid, Geoff Wurm left the house never dreaming he would find a comic who could rival his sense of style. I don't remember this guy's name but I do remember that I had to take a picture.

Have a warm, love-filled week!

Rage Against The Puffy Parkas

2007-01-22T16:22:00.000-08:00

It was Girls' Gab Night at my house and Deb and Fini were coming over to sip rum and coke and talk about guys. Just then I got a reminder call from Josh Labovitz that his brother Jake is playing that night with his band, "Scorned Flesh" at The Cobalt, a teenage, punk club in the valley. So we bundled up, headed out and ventured into a world populated by purple Mohawks, multi-studded leather leggings and black face paint.

Josh (in white shirt), friends and Me.

Our plan was to blend. When "Scorned Flesh" took the stage I grabbed my camera and hunkered down to get an artistic shot of Jake through the drums. I stood up to find myself engulfed in a sea of moshers. By this I mean concentric circles of punk rockers slamming into one another. Thankfully, I only had to smack two or three children in the throat to gain my freedom.

Jake Labovitz

Jake is an amazing drummer and although this music will not be quickly making its way to my iPod, I do appreciate the speed and complexity of the drumming. Great job, Jacob!

COMEDY at ROCKS

The comedy scene at Rocks, 801 State Street is picking up speed and rapidly becoming the place to be in Santa Barbara on Wednesday nights. This week's show featured my Weezy & The Swish podcasting partner, Laura Swisher with headliner, Eric Schwartz. It marked the first week I was able to take enough extra breaths to video blog and here is the result. (click and watch)

Weezy & The Swish

Me, Melissa Paull, Laura

Our guest on the podcast was Melissa Paull and we had a blast with her. To hear the show, go to Weezy & The Swish, click and listen. Last week the studio was chock full of women as we welcomed Tig, Ruby Wendell and Martha Kelly. Things sometimes got approximately, and often got specifically this goofy. (click and watch)

Fans on the Weezy & The Swish Message Board are calling that show the funniest Podcast ever. After 82 podcasts, could that be possible? Tig's Mom thinks it could be.

Ruby Wendell, Tig, Laura and Me

Happy Winter. Be well and Happy!

New Post for a New Year

2007-01-03T14:50:00.000-08:00

My blog taunts me. I cave to its derision and begin to type. My fingers fighting to find the keys through a filmy fog of haunting distractions, like a dingy at sea bound for the lighthouse yet tossed playfully at first and then menacingly towards a current of temptation and betrayal.

Can you tell that I read a couple of novels over the holidays? I’m just finishing “The Mermaid Chair,” where a married woman falls in love with a monk. Delicious.

I love to read for many reasons including that it does not require electricity. My power was off for 24 hours. I could have lit a single candle, but instead, I cursed the darkness, fired up three flashlights, loaded my bed with blankets and then dove in with the books. I woke up at 5:00 am, frozen and watched the sun come up. (see above) Then I drove over to my sister’s and sat in front of the heat vents.

Joanna and Charlie

My cousin Joanna and her boyfriend, Charlie were in town for New Year’s Eve. We went to Ojai and worked a puzzle. This is about the time you should ask yourself why you’re continuing to read.

Comedy Nights

Kyle Cease at Rocks, coming tomorrow, Thursday, to Bricks

We had two great holiday weeks at both locations, Bricks and Rocks and although the college kids were gone, there were many revelers who stopped in to enjoy some comedy. Comedians who performed included: Bradley Lewis, Sadiki Fuller, Matt Champagne and Peter Berman. Upcoming guests include: Kyle Cease, Sebastian Maniscalco, Ruben Paul, Pete Gray, Eric Schwartz and my podcasting partner, Laura Swisher. If you’d like to see the complete schedule, click here…

Weezy & The Swish

Matt, Fritz, Me, Frazer, Laura

We took one week off from our podcast, Weezy and The Swish, over New Years’ week but our most recent show features Frazer Smith with a pop-in appearance by Fritz Coleman. It’s podcasttastic. Please enjoy this video blog...

Have a wonderfully fulfilling New Year!

Together In Comedy

2006-12-17T01:26:00.000-08:00

As I write this, I have a cold. Is blogging good for a cold? Is it blog a cold, starve a fever? I think I read that on Wikipedia. I looked up Wikipedia on Wikipedia and here is what I got. Fun.

Comedy Nights

Me and Kyle

My world has been busy. We are launching a new comedy night in Santa Barbara at a beautiful restaurant called Rocks (Wednesday nights.)

It’s a completely different feel from Bricks (Thursday nights) which is fun and loud and teetering on the edge of unruly. However we seem to have begun a fine tradition of hosting comedy nights at restaurants named after building materials.

This past Wednesday was our third week at Rocks. It’s a cozy, charming nightclub upstairs, overlooking an outdoor shopping mall but completely private and nicely appointed with a big stage, full sound and lighting and limitless potential to make it a hot spot for comedy.

I had booked Kyle Cease who is a rapidly rising comedic star and I was determined to pack the place and create a stir of comedic energy on Upper State Street that had been missing since we were rudely and unlawfully booted from the Andalucia Hotel in July. Here is a list of events which impeeed my path towards that goal.

1) Kyle called to ask if he could cancel and go headline at the Tempe Improv. I kindly requested that he not do so. (Kyle is the first comedy kid I’ve mentored and we are as close as family so he can ask and then I can say, “I’m going to have to beg you not to do that.")

2) Ari (my partner) is as sick as a very sick dog. He was moaning incoherently into the phone but apparently he had a sinus infection that had exploded inside his ear canal and sitting upright was causing a severe loss of balance. I was on my own.

3) The MC, Erik Griffin called to cancel. He had an audition. I was hosting.

Now, both Eric and Ari are very good at audience wrangling and I tend to be shy about approaching strangers, but I can and will do it when called upon. I was called upon.

Here comes the good news. It turns out that my cousin’s cousin, Marla lives in Santa Barbara. She is a very outgoing person and she was coming to the show with her son Morgan who loves acting and improv comedy.

Well, Ari was having the fliers made but (see above) he can't sit up, so I emailed the file to the Kinkos on State Street. They said they need a 24 hour turn around. I said, “Please,” and invited them to the show for free. They didn’t come but I got my fliers and Marla led the way. Together, we walked into every store on the mall with our fliers and our charm and we filled Rocks.

Kyle and Morgan

Brittany Dryden, thank you for bringing your friends. Marla and Morgan, thank you for everything. And thank you Larry and Angel for helping us create Comedy Rocks Wednesdays!

Weezy & The Swish

Two weeks ago, our guest on Weezy & The Swish was comedian, Tom Clark.

Laura, Me, Tom Clark, Matt

Last week, we welcomed comedian Michelle Billoon who brought her friend Cesear and they both stuck around for our Kid/Adult Comedian Mixer. This is a new monthly event which we’ve instituted where comedians of all ages can gather together to share jokes, ideas and snacks and where adults can play video games and kids can wait for their turn. If you couldn’t make it, here’s a taste…

Is This The Look You Were Going For?

My friend, Ian and I took a stroll down Sunset Blvd. recently and I caught this saucy, young clubber. I do believe that this is the look she was going for but should she, as if sent by God, stumble upon this web site, she will in fact see what the world sees and she will make some crucial life and wardrobe changes.

Merry Holidays and have a wonderful week.

I Should Blog More Often

2006-12-02T12:46:00.000-08:00

My friend, Deb Cox told me that if I blog every day, people will become addicted to my blog. I don’t know if that’s such a good idea because then they’ll be knocking on my door at all hours of the night looking for a fix. They’ll be exchanging sex for blog installments, there’ll be dust ups and gun play.

Being a blog dealer does not fit into my lifestyle and I prefer readers who enjoy my blog recreationally. Anyway, I don’t have time to blog every day. I’m too busy setting up my meth lab.

Comedy Nights at Rocks

The big news of the week is that we have opened up another great room in Santa Barbara. “Comedy Nights” is expanding into a club called Rocks, every Wednesday night at 8:00 pm. This place is sweet. It sits upstairs in a great restaurant at 801 State Street. The club has a fantastic and private ambiance with a huge stage, lighting, sound, great food and wonderful people. We have an excellent lineup for December, including Kyle Cease on the 13th so please stop by…Especially if you live nowhere near Santa Barbara. There are many reasons to visit Santa Barbara, not the least of which is…. You might see Oprah.

Todd Rex, onstage at Rocks

Thanksgiving in Buffalo

You may think it’s far too late for me to blog about this, and you are correct but sometimes retro can be fun, so I’m going to blog about Thanksgiving. I went home to Buffalo, NY which is where I grew up.

Joanna, Tracy, Carrie, Sarah, Craig, Mike, Jenny

Nathan, Daniel, Mei, Jakey

Being a Jewish family, Thanksgiving marks the big pilgrimage home for all cousins. My Mother hosts about 40 people at our house. This year, my brother built a broccoli casserole, my sister built a chocolate pie and my nephew and I built The Mayflower.

Not seaworthy, but centerpiece worthy

Weezy & The Swish?

For the first time in 76 episodes, we skipped a week of Weezy & The Swish. We also skipped Comedy Nights and Teen Comedy, so this blog is mercifully short with no movies.

I would like, however, to offer a programming note. For my birthday, my family got me a self publishing deal so that I can turn my manuscript, “Journals,” into a book. I’m very excited about it. My sister, Joann, designed this book cover and I think it’s amazing.

“Journals,” is a semi-autobiographical story of a girl’s relationship with her father and of her growing up and facing life’s pain and beauty and complexities.

Have a beautiful week.

If I Did It

2006-11-21T13:51:00.000-08:00

If I wrote this blog, here’s how I would do it…

Editorial

Michael Richards went nuts onstage and a reporter from the New York Post asked me to comment on it. I told him that Michael Richards went nuts onstage.

I, personally, believe that if it’s not in your heart, it’s not on your tongue but to that, I will offer this caveat … maybe not always. If a kid says, “I hate you!” to a parent, he probably feels quite the opposite and is just screaming the most upsetting thing out of complete frustration. If this is what happened to Michael Richards then he needs anger management, he needs to explore the roots of his rage and he needs to keep ever present the realization that as much as he hates those hecklers, Mel Gibson hates him even more.

Photo Essay

Dating at Ten

Andy and Jo

Dating at Fifteen

Maggie and Jake

Dating at 80

Ari and Fini

Weezy & The Swish

On our Podcast, we welcomed G4- TVs Guy Branum to celebrate the launch of next gen gaming consoles, Play Station 3 and Nintendo Wii. This seemed like a good idea until Guy arrived without a Play Station 3 or a Nintendo Wii for us to play.

I watched with interest as people camped out for days at a Best Buy in an effort to obtain these coveted items. I find it compelling that in order to lay your hands on the latest piece of modern technology, one had to revert to the oldest form of subsistence. ie: sleeping in the mud and eating Cheese-Its by the light of your Gameboy.

Comedy Nights

Comedy Nights has added an additional comedy night. We will premiere at Rocks, 801 State Street, Santa Barbara, on Wednesday, November 29th at 8:00 pm. (see above)

Meanwhile, down at Brick’s on Thursday night this week, all heck broke loose. It was a tasty scuffle and I did not capture it on tape because I was in a meeting with the owner, but even if I had, I would not use it here. I would sell it to TMZ. (that’s a joke, because I am a comedian)

What happens at Brick’s, cuz it’s crazy down State Street, is that people tend to arrive drunk. So, by 11:00 pm or so, they are really, really drunk. It’s a loud, tough room to work but the atmosphere is friendly, the food is great and the comedy is funny.

Back to my story… There was a table full of party girls, including Hannah who’s feeling merry because she’s taking a trip to Amsterdam. They were fairly chatty when I was on stage, so I talked to them. They’re happy, they’re drunk, they're friendly, they’re going to Amsterdam, and most notably, they’re drunk. We had fun with it. Exhibit A:

However when our headliner, Graham Elwood took the stage, he was not feeling their mood. I was in the back with Wally. I heard a lot of yelling and a lot of laughter and I thought everything was fine.

It turns out that Hannah would not stop talking and Graham would not stop hollering. The audience was still laughing and we seemed to be teetering within the bounds of chaotic control. Then one of our other comics stood up and yelled, “SHUT THE F@#*K UP!” That was a bit of a buzz kill.

However, now that Michael Richards has shown us how horrible it could have become, I commend you, Graham Elwood for handling things as eloquently as you did. As enraged as you were at Hannah, at no point did you hurl anything racial. Now, given, she’s a blonde girl from Santa Barbara but still, it could have gone ugly and it didn’t.

Also, Graham did not go on Letterman to apologize. He phoned me. The point of my blog is that yes, we do lose our temper, yes we can be pushed to the edge and yes, sometimes it happens publicly. What’s important is that it’s captured on tape and sold for money and I failed to do that.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Celebrating

2006-11-15T16:53:00.000-08:00

Partying with Weezy and The Swish

The tone of the Podcast took a drastic turn towards tawdry this week when my friend, Howard Lapidus took the reigns as we broadcast from my recent birthday party. Under Howard’s command, topics of very little interest to Laura and me, such as porn and strippers permeated the show’s culture so if that is your taste, dive in to the debauchery, but swimmer beware. Guests who popped in to appear on the Podcast included: my cousins, Patricia Bock and Lee Jay Berman, Steve O’Donnell, Premiere Radio President, Kraig Kitchin, Kyle Cease, Bob Bledsoe and My Mom!

Here’s a video blog that captures a very special evening created for me by my Mother, my brother and my sisters.

Party Highlights

My Mom, Me, Cousin Lois, Brother Craig, Sister, Joann

Kyle Cease with Comedy Youngbloods, Devon Suraco and Adrian Mendoza

Premiere Radio founding partners, Kraig Kitchin, Me, Tim Kelly

Aaron’s Bar Mitzvah

Other than to tell you that he was perfect, I don’t have words for this. Aaron was spectacular. A wonderful time was had. Our band, Spitvalve played and here are some photo highlights.

Spitvalve live in concert

Reception guests perform the sacred ritual of placing the Bar Mitzvah boy in a chair and bashing him into the ceiling.

Within a year, he'll be taller than his Mom. Happy Bar Mitzvah, Aaron!

Comedy Nights

Beginning, Wednesday, November 29th, Comedy Nights will open in a second Santa Barbara location… In addition to Brick's at 509 State Street on Thursday nights, we will be at Rocks, 801 State Street every Wednesday night. The show will begin at 8:00 with a $10 cover. We hope to see you there.

This Week's Troubling Question

At Comedy Nights: Bricks, how did Comedian Eric Schwartz,

get this man to do this:

Answer: He asked him to.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Shame on the Media

2006-11-07T23:39:00.000-08:00

Sarcastic Editorial

It’s a sad day in American pop culture when Britney Spears files for divorce and CNN and MSNBC continue to cover the election. What other news did we miss while the nation was gripped by its obsession with the democratic process? What if Madonna had adopted another baby? What if Nicole Richie had eaten a cookie? Then what? I think it’s time we as Americans pull together and continue to focus on our empty headed celebrities even, or should I say, especially when it’s tempting to be pulled away by meaningful events.

Sure, Britney's baby can drive, but can he do standup? The above image was created by my sister, Joann for my birthday. (that's really me but I don't think I was drawing crowds like that until I was three.)

Comedy Nights

It was a very exciting Thursday night in Santa Barbara with both Dov Davidoff and Bryan Callen taking the stage at Brick’s Café. Click below for highlights.

Weezy and The Swish

Us with Kira

Borderline chaotic is the best way to describe our Podcast this week. Kira Saltanovich was our guest and we had documentary filmmaker, Justin “JD” Cohen here along with his camera to interview us on the subject of “funny.” This insighted more than a little pressure to actually be funny. Were we up to the challenge? Check out this week's Weezy and The Swish.

The following video blog was re-cut three times by me due to my recurring inability to correctly spell “Kira Saltanovich.

Spitvalve

Spitvalve is: Preston, Lee Jay, Austin, Stephen, Dev, Me and in front,
Aaron and Emma.

This Saturday, November 11th, my cousin Aaron will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah and in preparation for the festivities, our band, Spitvalve has been rehearsing and preparing six songs which we will perform live at the reception. We have been having a blast and you are welcome to enjoy some highlights…

Happy Birthday to me and have a great week!

Halloween Hater?

2006-10-30T16:00:00.000-08:00

Halloween

It’s Halloween week and I have something very shocking to confess. I don’t like Halloween. Is this like saying, “I don’t like puppies?” I fear that it is. And, for the record, I do love puppies. I just don’t like Halloween. I don’t like scary movies, I don’t like ghoulish décor and I don’t like dressing up in costumes. Halloween’s one redeeming feature for me is candy. I do like candy.

Each year I must resist the persistent efforts of others to get me to dress up. It is assumed, even by those who know me well, that because I’m creative I should adore the costumed festivities and unfettered expressive freedoms that accompany Halloween. I don’t. I like my own clothing. I find costumes binding, bulky, awkward and cumbersome.

One of my two sisters called me this year and said, “Hey, you know what would be fun??? It would be so fun if this year, the three of us dress up as penguins!! Won’t that be cute and fun!?” My answer was, “Yes, it will be very cute and fun if you two dress up as penguins.” Each year, when people ask me what costume I’m wearing, I tell them I’m a Gap mannequin and then I strike a pose.

Weezy and The Swish

Siggy, Laura, Bryan, Me, Ari

Our guest this week was actor/comedian, Bryan Callen. Very smart, very funny guy. For video highlights, click below. And/or listen to the entire show at weezyandtheswish.com.

Comedy Nights

I’m learning that Halloween is historically a madcap event in Santa Barbara. They begin celebrating very early. As early as last Thursday night. This video will serve as evidence…

This Thursday, at Comedy Nights: Santa Barbara, Bryan Callen will be our headliner at Bricks, 509 State Street and the Halloween antics should still be in full effect. And as much as I don’t like wearing costumes, I am a costume voyeur and I do enjoy video blogging those who wear them.

YoungBloods of Comedy

Jake T., Adrian, Me, Joel, Devon, Rory, Tyler

Click above to see YoungBloods of Comedy Highlights

TylerConnaghan is one of the finest young comedians in our YoungBloods of Comedy teen standup program (see top photo). At only 12 years of age, Tyler was recently cast by my podcasting co-host Laura Swisher to star in an online comedy sketch for AOL’s hot Gold Rush campaign. This is hilarious. Laura wrote it. Listen for her voice and enjoy Tyler Connaghan in…
Celebutante PSA.

Too Busy To Write What You're Reading

2006-10-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

Swish, Steve O'Donnell, Weezy

Here's How Busy

Yes, I have been very TBB. (Too Busy To Blog) so I will slap this up lest any far flung family members worry that I’ve lose my thumbs in a typing accident.

I’ve also been too busy to video blog, in fact, I video taped over some wonderful band rehearsal footage and have yet to break it to my co-members. Perhaps this will serve as notice. I’m sorry. We grabbed the camera to capture some Billy Cowsill footage and I had not yet transferred what was on the tape to my computer because, as stated earlier, I have been quite busy. So I apologize, Spitvalve band members. We will do those songs again and even better.

Weezy and The Swish

Our guest last week was Steve O’Donnell, the head writer slash producer of Jimmy Kimmell Live. Steve is perhaps the most humorously articulate person I know, so he was a most excellent radio show guest. I met Steve in the late 80s when he was the head writer for Letterman. I had a nasty habit of sending him packets of writing samples and attempting to gain employment on the Letterman writing staff. That goal proved to be out of reach but in that pursuit I ultimately gained a fine Podcast guest. So, you see how life can work if you open yourself to the possibilities.

Kindly, enjoy backstage video highlights...

This week our guest was comedian, Jackie Kashian and in a recurring theme, I am currently too busy to edit what I video blogged, (look for it later this week). Jackie was a wonderful guest and you should treat yourself to that Podcast.

Siggy, Jackie, Me, Laura, Adrian

Comedy Nights

Too busy to video blog. Our guest was John Ray and he was amazing. Blew the doors off. Not figuratively. He actually huffed and puffed and blew the doors down. It was like a fairy tale.

YoungBloods of Comedy

Jake, Adrian, Me, Joel, Devon, Rory, Tyler

Video Highlights...

This program is getting way too popular. My home is positively infested with children on Saturdays. One of them had the audacity to point out a pile of termite wings in a corner and I said, “That is more annoying than you how, exactly?” I’m wonderful with kids.

However, these youngsters are doing absolutely beautifully at Hallenbeck’s every Saturday night and they are literally, not figuratively blowing the doors off the joint. Many have received citations. New kids to the program include: Rory Stillman, Adrian Mendoza and Kyle Dibiase. Returning to the program after taking time of, perhaps to travel the world and write his memoirs is Paul Herrera. So, I highly recommend that you join us one Saturday evening at 8:00 pm in North Hollywood at Hallenbeck’s to see just how good these kids are. It will blow your socks off. literally, not figuratively so pack a backup pair.

I’m too busy to write anymore. Have a wonderful week!

Comedy, Webcams and Controversy

2006-10-08T23:51:00.000-07:00

Weezy & The Swish

Have you ever heard someone complain about how people say, “I could care less,” when what they really mean is that they couldn’t care less? I would like to shed some light on this growing controversy. “I could care less,” was most likely originally intended as sarcasm.

What I’m trying to say is that I haven’t blogged for awhile and my guess is that you could care less.

Comedy Nights

Thursday at Comedy Nights, our headliner was Sam Tripoli. He rocked it hard and nasty and we were packed but we fought for it. The establishment across the street had installed a go-go dance cage out on the sidewalk with two girls inside, grinding one another. I take it as a compliment because our stage is in the window and our comedians can pull some attention. This was the club across the street returning fire. I would like to see that move and raise them two fat comics dancing in a cage. Please enjoy some highlights from Comedy Nights with Sam Tripoli...

Weezy & The Swish

Ari David and John Roy

Last week, on the podcast, we welcomed Sam Tripoli and this week John Roy. Both were excellent. Additionally, Ian Broyles installed a web cam in the studio and listeners have been saving captures such as this.

We may have to ask them to stop. Please enjoy some behind the scenes highlights from Weezy & The Swish...

Controversy

Fini Goodman and I talk a little too much because we recently conceptualized something we’re calling “Mark Foley IM Theatre.” It’s a dramatic reading of Mark Foley’s illicitly disturbing IM’s with a former Congressional Page. After filming this and posting it, I feel a deep sense of shame. Whether it stays or goes is going to be up to you. Keep in mind as you watch… I work with children. If this is more wrong than funny, I will yank it down so fast it will make large things spin. WARNING: NOT FOR CHILDREN!

Aaron’s Bar Mitzvah

My cousin Aaron will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on November 11th. (My birthday… thanks, Kid I have often dreamed of spending my birthday in temple) Together, our band, Spitvalve will play live at the reception. The band is My cousin, Stephen, his son Aaron, their friend Dev and his son Austin, plus me. Here we are in rehearsal this week.

Youngbloods of Comedy

The YoungBloods enjoyed a pretty decent turnout at Hallenbeck’s on Saturday night. Our friend, Vance Sanders stopped by to host. Devon, Geoff, Tyler, Adrian and Jake T. performed and you can catch some of it right here…

This last video is rather soothing and hypnotic. What I did is probably illegal but the result is quite pretty. Kids, don’t film and drive.

Have a spectacular week!

Weezy & The Swish on TV and Other Adventures

2006-09-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

Ari, Guest Engineer, Ian Broyles, Weezy, Brett Ernst, The Swish

TV Adventures

My grandest adventure, this week was appearing on an NBC TV show called Your L.A with my podcasting partner, Laura Swisher. It airs, locally in Los Angeles on Channel 4 at 12:00 noon. The program is hosted by morning Weather Caster, Rachel Boesing. She has an amazing personality and it was a blast being on the show.

If you don’t live in L.A or you, like my sister, and like me, forgot to watch it, you can see it now through the miracle of You Tube by clicking below...

Comedy Nights

In a recent blog, I mentioned that anyone who comes up and tells me that they’ve read my blog will be mentioned in my blog. This was meant as a warning, Lauren from Santa Barbara. But rather than heed my words of caution, you walked right up to me at Comedy Nights in Brick’s Café and boldly told me that you enjoy my blog. Now everyone reading this knows how very unwisely you make use of your time, Lauren. They all know now how you fritter the hour away attempting to digest my self indulgent babblings. They’re reading this, Lauren and they’re laughing at you… laughing and pointing. Silly, silly Lauren, she reads Weezy’s… wait… irony is fun.

Stand-Up Comedy

Last week I appeared in front of a packed crowd at The Icehouse in Pasadena. They were not there to see me. They were there to see headliner, Craig Ferguson from The Late, Late Show. However, they did indulge me for I was there to be taped for the media. For television, you ask? For the movies? Radio? For in-flight entertainment programming? No. For the telephone. My stand-up was recorded for Comedy Time which provides content to cell phone companies such as Sprint and T-Mobile. My ground-breaking stand-up comedy set should send subscribers scrambling to lock themselves into long-term, financially binding service plans. So whether you download my comedy or just call me, I will rock your cell phone.

I also stuck around to watch Craig Ferguson’s set and he is so funny that after awhile, I got tired of laughing and just stared at him because he’s that cute.

YoungBloods of Comedy

The YoungBloods of Comedy had their best show EVER at Hallenbeck’s.

Keeping our nation safe, strong and funny, left to right,
Jeremy Backlar, Joel Dibiase, Devon Suraco and Tyler Connaghan.

Here's an astonishing look into the the exacting art and science of crafting a career in stand-up comedy...

Weezy & The Swish

Our guest on Weezy and The Swish was Brett Ernst, one of my favorites. He headlined for us, last week at Comedy Nights in Santa Barbara and as a Podcast guest, there is none better. He stirred up some political heat and things got nice and toasty. Check out some backstage highlights...

Happy Holidays!

My sister needs either a bigger house or a smaller family. Until we cleared the table we were unable to open the fridge.

My cousins, Emma and Aaron built towers and became art.

"Yes, thank you ." I had a rough week and desert.

Happy Birthday, "Little Devon!"

LD celebrated his HB in the OC. Devon Suraco turned 16 this week with a big bash at Martini Blues. Thank you, Bill Word for creating a second home for Devon at The Blues. He is thriving.

Have a wonderful week!

NBC and Other Great Adventures

2006-09-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

I am enjoying a very busy week. Almost too busy to type this, but so sorry, not quite busy enough.

Let’s begin with Monday. I hosted at Velvet Jones in Santa Barbara where Butch Bradley and Nigel Lawrence were plied on stage with shots of Yeager brought up by fans. The side effects of taking Yeager shots while performing include, turning pink and attempting to form a rock band.

Justin (JMike) Michael from Santa Barbara's Rock's Nightclub, with Comedian, Butch Bradley

Tuesday was yet nuttier, my podcasting partner, Laura Swisher and I were guests on a new show called yourLAtv at NBC, Channel 4 in Los Angeles. We had our make-up done, met the show’s host, Rachel Boesing, who is adorable, and wandered into the NBC commissary where we found Justin Timberlake’s band relaxing over sandwiches and chili. They were there to perform on the Tonight Show. Laura, armed with her new MP3 recorder was anxious to capture an interview with a band member, yet nervous about asking.

I, having asked far more harrowing questions this week, did not give a damn, so when a Justin band member strayed from the herd to return his tray, I boldly inquired, “May we interview you?” His reply was painless. He said, “Yes” and we had some fun interviewing Justin’s bass player who had no idea where “sexy” had gone and why it was Justin Timberlake’s appointed duty to bring it back.

Me, The Fritz, The Swish

Then our friend, Fritz Coleman, the local NBC Weatherman found us and visited for a few until we were called down to the set. (that sounds impressive, doesn’t it?)

Here’s the coolest part… before they shot our interview, they played selected highlights from my behind the scenes at Weezy & The Swish video blogs! The piece opens on us waiting for Laura. I think Big Devon Goodman, Little Devon Suraco, Devon’s friend, Steve, Ari and Fini are in the shot, then it cuts to the studio where comedian EriK Griffin is performing hand fart music. It’s awesome! Seeing that on actual television was almost as thrilling as being interviewed.

Laura was hilarious. Everyone at NBC was wonderful… even the Tour Guide who yelled at me for taking a picture of Laura pretending to key Jay Leno’s car did it rather kindly.

Don't try this. It's not nice and it's not funny

Tonight, I’m off to The Icehouse, a comedy club in Pasadena, where I am taping stand-up that will be downloadable on cell phones I’ll write more about that tomorrow.

Meanwhile, here are this week’s video blogs.

The YoungBloods of Comedy: September 16th at Hallenbeck's in North Hollywood

Backstage with Weezy & The Swish and guest, Lisa Kushell Arch

Comedy Nights at Brick's in Santa Barbara: September 14th

More Comedy Nights Highlights: Featuring Erik Griffin, Mark Sussman and Bryan Callen

Have a wonderful week!

Comedy Nights: Nomadic or Habitually Exiled?

2006-09-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

Comedy Nights

It’s with a growing sense of pride that I announce to you that Comedy Nights has been invited to leave yet another location in Santa Barbara. Northstar Coffee tolerated us for three long weeks before politely saying, “We love what you’re doing. Now, please go do it somewhere else..”

Our "somewhere else" will be Brick’s, formerly Casablanca at 509 State Street.

Warren, the manager of Northstar Coffee astutely recognized that an individual sipping green tea and discussing socially conscious issues with his like minded yoga instructor/life coach on a given Thursday evening did not necessarily wish to hear about Ari’s retarded Uncle. Consequently, Warren invited Wally, the owner of Brick’s to come by on our closing night at Northstar and sample our wares.

Wally signed us up on the spot and our first show at Brick’s, this Thursday, will feature Bryan Callen from “Mad TV” and “Old School,” along with Earl Skakel and Erik Griffin. Thank you, Warren for keeping comedy alive and available to all the bold souls who remain brave enough to laugh. And thank you, Wally for taking us on. We will make you proud.

Meanwhile, please enjoy these videos from our heroic final night at Northstar, featuring Graham Elwood, and Mark Sussman.

The beginning of Goodbye

What Does it Take To Get Kicked Out of a Coffee Shop? This...

YoungBloods of Comedy

YoungBloods, Jeremy, Tyler, Jake and Geoff

The YoungBloods of Comedy, our teen comedy troop soared to new heights this week with perhaps their finest performance ever at Hallenbeck’s in North Hollywood. Thanks, in part, to the odd training methods of our co-instructor, Ari David. Before you sign your child up for this program, you need to watch this video…

From The Class to The Stage

Here are further highlights from the show. The kids, along with a fine sampling of family friendly adult comedians perform every Saturday night at Hallenbeck’s. Come join us…

YoungBloods Comedy Highlights

Weezy and The Swish

Debbie, Me, Ari, Laura, Mark

Laura and I have been invited to do an interview and appear on an NBC TV show called Your L.A. TV. I'm not sure what it entails but as opposed to podcasting, I'm going to have to wear clothes.

This week, our guest on Weezy and The Swish was Mark Sussman along with our new regular, Ari David and it was a particularly entertaining show so I can highly recommend clicking...

The "Popular Dance" looping video (seen above) was created, using this video from Comedy Nights, by a Weezy and The Swish listener with the screen name Cheburashka. He or she asks, "How often do you do the Popular Dance?" Hmmm, I think I do it whenever I'm feeling particularly popular and/or when I'm doing that joke. Thanks for the little GIF, Cheburashka. You have made me feel very populrrr. It's hard to dance and type.

Have a wonderful week!

Life is Full... of cool stuff

2006-09-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

Comedy Nights

Headliner, Sam Tripoli

We enjoyed our second exciting evening of Comedy Nights at Northstar in Santa Barbara. This week bore witness to a performance breakthrough. We put the show up on a stage. Everything is funnier with a stage… especially the exhausted, sweaty people who hauled it around.

Antonia. Winner of $2 and the tittle: "Best Laugher"

Our headliners were Eric Schwartz and Sam Tripoli! Check out two videos worth of haha-lights … (How lame is that? Come on, truly?)

Weezy & The Swish

Me, Laura, Ari David with Erik Griffin

Our newest Podcast features comedian Erik Griffin who we recruited from Week One of Comedy Nights based on his very high level of hilarity. There promises to be much cross-pollination between the Podcast and Comedy Nights. i.e.: Comedy Nights this Thursday will feature Graham Elwood who is on episode 54 of Weezy & The Swish.

Kids Comedy Club

Jake Labovitz made his triumphant debut at Hallenbeck's

Calling themselves, The Youngbloods of Comedy, the teen comedians have created a My Space presence and they are charging the stage with the tenacity and ferocity that only children who have recently had “tenacity” and “ferocity” as vocabulary words in school can do. Check out these highlights from Saturday night at Hallenbeck’s.

Have a wonderful week!

The Triumphant Return of Comedy Nights

2006-08-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

Comedy Nights

Comedy Nights returned to Santa Barbara and entertained an appreciative throng of supporters who gathered in and around The Northstar Coffee Company on State Street, causing somewhat of a pedestrian humanity jam.

Erik Griffin, Kyle Erby, Marc Mealie, Mark Sussman, Me, Ari David

The house was packed, as was the outside patio where comedy fans gathered to enjoy a laugh and/or the buttocks of the performing comedian. It was a fantastic show, starring Marc Mealie, Mark Sussman, Kyle Erby, Erik Griffin and me. We will be featuring a great lineup of comics at Northstar every Thursday night. The show is free, the comedians are funny and the coffee is delicious. Check out the video...

More Adventures in Comedy

What's often funnier than stand-up comedy? Chickens wearing hats, our president trying to pronounce words and Karaoke. This is why Martini Blues in Huntington Beach is such a pleasant destination. It offers stand-up comedy and Karaoke side by side in adjoining rooms. (however, seldom chickens in hats or bumbling world leaders)

Performers rarely co-mingle. The comedians walk in and turn left, the singers turn right. The mood is much like party politics with very little effort to reach across the aisle.

But often times, we must look to our youngsters to find both wisdom and a chance for change. Kid comedian, Devon Suraco boldly dared to sign up for karaoke. In his footsteps, I followed. It was a night that few at Martini Blues will soon forget. Enjoy...

Music

My cousin, Stephen, his friend Dev and their kids, Aaron and Austin and I play in a band. Well, thus far we rehearse in a band, but this week, I handed my little digital camera to StephenÂs wAndreandria and I think she did a pretty good job of capturing our progress...

Weezy & The Swish

My good friends, Fini Goodman and her beau, Ari David were our guests this week on Weezy & The Swish. You'll find the podcast right here... It's pretty fun and gossipy. You'll like it.

Ari and Fini. What are they doing? Some sort of borderline illegal mating ritual.

Please have a wonderful week!

Podcast, Teach, Comedy (used as a verb), Blog about it

2006-08-21T16:15:00.000-07:00

Weezy & The Swish

Our guest on the Podcast this week was comedian Jessica Golden. Laura called her, “A force of nature.” I’m searching for words. I think you should watch the video and search for your own words while I tell you that a) She’s intense b) She’s controversial and c) She’s convinced and/or hopeful that all women are bi-sexual. You should probably watch the video…

Kids Comedy Club

Jake Tourigney

Our second week at Hallenbeck’s in North Hollywood was excellent fun. Not deterred by a less than stellar turnout, two of our biggest stars, Jake Tourigney and Devon Suraco brought it and crushed it. Check out some highlights…

Band Practice

I play in a band is called “Spitvalve,” made up of my cousin, Stephen on guitar and lead vocals, his son, Aaron on trumpet, their friend Dev on bass, his son, Austin on keyboards and me on drums and backup vocals. Here we are in rehearsal, as filmed by Stephen’s wife Andria. (be kind, it's just a rehearsal)

It's a pleasure to be able to play in a band without the burden of travel or groupies or talent. (Just me. The guys have groupies. I mean talent.)

Me and Aaron

It’s a treat to be able to play in a band without the burden of travel or groupies or talent. (Me, not the guys… They rock)

Friends from England

Joann and Sharon Godblesser

In High School, my sister, Joann exchanged families with Sharon from London. Joann went to live with them for half a summer and then Sharon came to live with us. We’ve all been friends ever since. We call her “Sharon Godblesser,” (pronounced with a British accent) because that’s how her Dad refers to her in conversation.

Sharon, her husband, Jeremy and their son Darrin came for a visit and we had a blast. If you’re in London, stop to see them. They’re fun.

Have a wonderful week!

Kids Comedy Club's North Hollywood Premiere!

2006-08-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

Kids Comedy Club

The world was rich with promise and possibility this week as The Kids Comedy Club embarked on a new adventure. (Disclosure: The above poster was created by Ari and probably reflects the clutter within his mind) We launched a great show at Hallenbeck’s Coffee Emporium and General Store in North Hollywood. The youngsters will perform every Saturday night at 8:00 pm along with our favorite family-friendly adult comedians. The kids in this master class are teenagers so by “family-friendly” I mean edgier than Thomas the Tank Engine but nothing your children will have to explain to you in the car on the way home.

Three great kid comedians kicked off the new endeavor: Jake Tourigney, Jeremy Backlar and Geoff Wurm. Thank you, kids and parents for helping us give teens a great place to hang on a Saturday evening.

The Kids Perform

The Adults Perform

Laura’s Karaoke Birthday

Laura Swisher celebrated her birthday at a karaoke bar in Korea Town at 10:00 pm on a Friday evening. I know it doesn’t sound very safe so I armed myself with my video camera. Nobody wants to rape a woman with a video camera. Most rapists are looking for a more vulnerable victim like someone with a fingerprint kit or just a really good memory for faces.

Matt Champagne grabs us by the heart with Barry Manilow's haunting lament to father/son discord, "Ships."

Laura’s party was held deep within a private, darkly lit room where many people could have passed out and not been found until dawn. The combined potency of tequila and karaoke amplification can be quite intoxicating. I set my camera to a very wide shutter setting which slows down the action and makes us look like you’re drunk, but it will give you a taste of just what went on and just how badly we sing.

Caution: Turn down the sound

Weezy and The Swish

Our guest co-host was the dashing Guy Brannum who filled in for Laura who was away in her apartment. Why she couldn’t drive 20 minutes to be actually present, I’m not sure but it was her birthday so we’ll give her the luxury of a sedentary afternoon, nursing a night of very loud, off key, drunken singing. (not Laura per se but the entire party, in general)

So, Guy helped me host the show and we enjoyed our in-studio guest, Actor/Comedian Matt Champagne, who does not like sit-coms, but enjoys appearing in them. He’s never even watched his episode of Will and Grace which I have probably seen twice because a) I love Will and Grace and b) Will and Grace is usually on.

A peek behind the scenes

So, have a wonderful week!

Mel Got Married

2006-08-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

Melinda and Tony's Wedding
My friend, Melinda got married to Tony on Saturday in Laguna Beach. The wedding was at a beautiful little cottage on the beach and as Melinda and Tony were cutting the cake and posing for the obligitory cake related wedding photos, Mel looked up and said, "I love my wedding."

I think it's very adorable that a bride was able to stop in the middle of something so overwhelming and really enjoy it.

Las Vegas Comedy Festival

I auditioned for The Las Vegas Comedy Festival at The Laugh Factory in Hollywood which was quite an adventure so I video blogged it. Standing on Sunset Blvd. for a couple of hours with fellow hopefuls is a humbling and enriching experience.

I recommend that rather than do that yourself, you watch these videos from within the safety of your own personal space.

Weezy and The Swish

Cindy, Debbie, Laura, Me, Iceman

Our guest on the podcast, Weezy & The Swish was my friend, Rob "Iceman" Izenberg, Premiere Radio's premier parody song man. Please enjoy this video blog which includes the live singing and playing of instruments for your listening amusement and enjoyment.

Have a wonderful week!

Rhymes with Smell

2006-07-31T14:21:00.000-07:00

Weezy & The Swish

News

Mel Gibson strategically selected a perfect week for his anti-Semitic tirade. Just as the war in the Middle East is escalating, our hero, Mel Gibson journeyed deep into the dangerous bowels of Malibu, bravely detonated his charge and suicide bombed his career. Yes, Mel Gibson successfully blew up his own career and took with him the careers of countless Jewish agents, publicists, and attorneys. In heaven, Mel’s career will be met by the careers of 72 actor/waiters who will spit in his food.

Weezy & The Swish

Riley Newton, Laura Swisher, Chrissy Haberman, Me

Our Podcast, Weezy and The Swish this week features fellow female comedians, Chrissy Haberman and Riley Newton. We had a bunch of fun, so give it a listen and check out this video blog which takes you behind the scenes and into the bathroom to answer the question, “Are we really out of toilet paper?”

Stand-up Comedy

Comedy Open Mic magic has reached a fever pitch in Goleta, California. This week, my friends Fini Goodman and Ari David joined me on stage at this trendy night spot. And by “on stage,” I mean “next to a pool table.”

Kids Comedy

Our Kids Comedy program explored an Improv Game this week in which the kids and teachers were challenged to speak with authority on random topics. I can only attest that we tried.

Have a wonderful week!

Random Pictures

2006-07-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

There's a fire burning near my house and if I could take a picture of an acrid stench burning my nostrils, I would. In leiu of that, here's a photo taken out my kitchen window of the hill between me and the fire...

I was at a beach recently and there were a lot of cool looking kites. So, I took this picture...

Then, I got closer and took this one...

As a palette cleanser, here is me and my siblings as kids. I often still feel as goofy as I look in this photo. (I'm the blonde, upper left)

My nephew, however, is significantly cooler than I was at his or any age... Check out his airodynamics...

This is an under age bird waiting for an older bird to show up and buy him a wine cooler.

Ladies, it looks like Fry's Electronics is the place to shop for men this summer. I was the only woman I saw there when Ian and I went in for some external hard drives.

Weezy and The Swish

Our guest this week was Ari David. This guy can talk, so if you enjoy listening to talking, this podcast would be a good choice.

Geoff Wurm returned to comedy and in honor of the event, his parents bought him a puppy which he has named Betty Page.

Video Blogs

Comedy Nights in Goleta, California. Step into the glamour.

Geoff Wurm's triumphant return to comedy is ussured in by the unconventional and borderline odd teaching methods of Ari David.

Have a wonderful week!

Beach Boy Talk

2006-07-17T23:07:00.000-07:00

I skipped a week of blogging due to busy-ness, so to my avid reader, I apologize. If you are wondering what could possibly be more important than blogging I would have to say, only scrapbooking or blogging about scrapbooking and yet I didn’t blog, but why?

Beach Boys' drummer, Mike Kowalski stands in quiet awe of John Cowsill on drums.

Ian Broyles carefully avoids stepping on youngsters while filming.

Well, The Cowsills documentary is occupying much of my time and thought. Saturday night we traveled to the city of Alhambra to film John Cowsill who plays with The Beach Boys. We also got to meet and interview Mike Love and Bruce Johnston of The Beach Boys.

Dan and Ian plan their next shot and/or grope imaginary women.

We had backstage access to film and watch the show, which was absolutely the best and John Stamos was there too which made it extra sweet because every Beach Boy tune was punctuated by the piercing scream of someone yelling, “Uncle Jesse!!”

Mike Love, John Stamos and Bruce Johnston who seems to be wondering who the hell let me onstage.

The experience was three video blogs worth of fun. But I can only show you one due to overstepping my welcome.

Alhambra made their City Hall available to the band for “backstage” purposes and I explored long enough to find a city council meeting room where Ian used the timer on his camera to take these photos. Please know, that we have the utmost respect for the city of Alhambra and their city council and we left things exactly as we found them. (or we were drunk enough to think we did)

In the podcastosphere, Laura and I enjoyed a quiet show this week with no guests and we still had a ton to talk about because we are women.

Please have a wonderful week!

Girl Talk

2006-07-06T18:01:00.000-07:00

Me and Amy

Independence Day

We had a sweet little 4th of July at Casa del me from where we could see six or seven fireworks displays dotting the horizon.

Yes, I took photos, but they were designed to pale in comparison to Genius Boy, Ian Broyles' photographic essay of the evening… see below.

Me, Amy, Jakey, Joann

He set his camera shutter to remain open for 15 seconds during which time, he hit the flash on my camera and the result is some gloriousness in photo form...

Ian

Weezy and The Swish

Me, Laura, Kyle

Kyle Cease was our guest on the Weezy & The Swish Podcast this week and although he spent a lot of time whispering into the mic with Laura and having fun at the expense of my dignity, it’s still one funny Podcast, especially if you too enjoy at good laugh at my expense.

Kyle Cease On Weezy and The Swish

Girl Talk

Fini

Before Kyle arrived, my co-teacher, Fini Goodman and I waited for kids to show up for comedy class, but alas, this being a fourth of July weekend, they did not arrive so Fini and I jumped at the opportunity to engage in some good old fashioned girl talk. I have not yet determined whether or not girl talk is interesting to a) men or b) women or c) anyone who wasn’t actually involved in the conversation or d) even people who were involved in the conversation. But this state of uncertainty did not deter me from video taping the event, editing it for shame avoidance and posting it here.

Girl Talk I

Girl Talk II

Miranda Cam and Nick Cam II

at long last... I finally got my hands on the footage Nick and Miranda shot at Barry Cowsill's memorial in Newport, R.I. So now, I am proud to present...

Miranda Cam...

And Nick Cam II

Nick Cam I can be seen here.......

Have a wonderful week!

Some Stuff That Happened in June

2006-06-28T00:48:00.000-07:00

Where Was My Website?
Well, my website has been down for a few days due to “server problems” and the number of complaints I received rose today into the single digits. Al Gore (the inventor of the internet) is calling the loss of my website, “A convenient truth.”

However, as of this writing, my site appears, at long last, to be back online. It’s triumphant return was heralded by... me and 3-7 inmates.

Adobe Premiere Elements
Yes, it was a week of wrenching change and adjustment. I attempted to learn a new video editing program called Adope Premiere Elements. It’s more advanced than Windows Movie Maker and by “more advanced” I mean, “over my head.” With much help from Matt Hartley, who created an online tutorial for me, I was able to get this movie up on You Tube. It’s a new episode of Backstage with Weezy & The Swish featuring in-studio guest, Michelle Biloon…

Fritz' New Play

Fritz Coleman debuted in his new play, “Tonight at 11,” this weekend at The Sierra Madre Playhouse. The play, much like Fritz, is completely brilliant and because I think so, I took a picture with my camera phone…

The Family Cowsill

The ten minute Trailer for our documentary, “The Family Cowsill” debuted at the Newport, RI film festival where it appeared as a short film. It was such a hit it was selected to be screened at the Rhode Island Film Festival in August. We are currently sifting through 100 hours of footage in pursuit of our goal of making an entire movie. This we will do. It will be a great movie.

Little D Makes a Movie

2006-06-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

Scott, Devon, "Jimmy," Steve

Devon, Steve and Scott Make a Movie

Ian Broyles and I helped Devon Suraco make a little movie this week.

Ian Broyles

The film, entitled, “Jimmy, NO!” is loosely based on a beloved joke from Devon’s standup comedy act. It delves into the controversial topic of dummy tossing and its impact on American youth. Click below for exclusive, behind the scenes footage…

Weezy and The Swish

Laura, Graham, Me

Laura returned from China for this week’s episode of Weezy and The Swish. Our guest was comedian Graham Ellwood, who, coincidentally would have been our headliner the night before at Comedy Nights in Santa Barbara, had we not been sucker punched by The Hotel Andalucia. Graham proved to be one of our more hilarious guests and I can strongly recommend that you click on the video below for verification.

Estonia

My nephew, Jakey in Estonia

With 1,259 views and 19 comments, “Estonia,” is one of the most popular videos on my You Tube page.

Estonia from inside a church

What I’ve learned is that the people of Estonia are quite lovely and very proud of their country.

My sister, Joann with one of the fine people of Estonia

I took this video with a small digital camera last year and uploaded it before I had learned how to edit my videos but it holds a simple charm and for that I credit the cobblestone.

Congratulations, Brittany!

My friend, Brittany Dryden graduated this week from UCSB and everyone who loves her is very, very proud!

Me, Brittany

Have a wonderful week!

Ouch

2006-06-12T22:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Jakey!

Comedy Kids: In Search of a New Home

This week has kicked the ass of my emotions to the curb. The whooping began on Saturday when Joey Sorice cancelled the kids portion of The Jimmy and Joey Show at The Sportsmen's Lodge. It’s my belief that he did this because of his ongoing dispute with Ari David, the boyfriend of my assistant teacher, Fini Goodman. It has nothing to do with me or the kids although it would be cool if it did. Then I could say, Joey cancelled the show due to his ongoing dispute with 11 year old, Tyler Connaghan who has a more powerful deck of Yu Gi Oh cards and more game with the ladies.

Comedy Nights: The Truth Behind the Travesty

Additionally this week, Santa Barbara Comedy Nights was sucker punched by the Andalucia Hotel and abruptly cancelled. With a gathering sea of momentum, rave reviews, a growing family of fans, and a killer line-up for June, the hotel attempted to extort money from us and cancelled the event 24 hours before a scheduled show. It’s an ugly story, but if you love a good, rollicking tale of woe, click below…

Comedy Nights will return to Santa Barbara. We are in search of the right venue and anxious to get back at it. Stay tuned for details as they unfold…

In far better news, Happy Birthday, Jakey! My nephew turned nine-years-old and hosted a kickin’ party with ten or 12 of his very loud, very mobile friends. First, we built bears at “Build a Bear.”

Angela, Mom and Me (I am the only grown-up who built a bear)

Then we went to see the movie “Cars” and after we had gotten all of the kids into the theatre, brought them their snacks and settled them into their seats my mother said, “Are they all here?” And I said, “I don’t know. It’s dark and their small.” (They seemed to be all there when the parents came)

After the party, my sister, Amy took four naps and five Advil

On the podcasting frontier, Guy Brannum filled in for Laura once again and we hosted comedian, Brent Weinbach who was a wonderful guest. Check out behind the scenes highlights…

Most importantly this week, Matt Sigman, Little Devon and I sang Country Karaoke. Yes, you read me correctly and if you turn the volume way down, it may be safe enough for you to click and listen…

Have a wonderful week!

Comedy Starring Me

2006-06-06T15:20:00.000-07:00

My friend Ian Broyles video taped my set at Comedy Nights this week. I don’t like watching myself, but you can if you fee like it.

Me, Marc Maron, Eddie Pepitone

Marc Maron and Eddie Pepitone performed to a sold out crowd. It was pretty sweet. Check out these highlights.

Sold out Crowd

Marc Maron

Eddie Pepitone

In Weezy and The Swish podcasting news, my co-host, Laura Swisher is in China. She has been trying to dig her way there since childhood, gave up and bought a plane ticket. This week, sitting in for Laura is the equally lovely Guy Brannum from G4. He brought with him carefully selected co-workers, Casey Schreiner and Paul Bonanno. We had good fun together.

Photos by Ian Broyles

Adam Sessler on Weezy and The Swish

2006-05-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

Weezy and The Swish
It was a big week for G-4 fans as their god, Adam Sessler ascended towards my home to grace our podcast, Weezy and The Swish, with his loving presence. Adam is the host of X-Play, a crisp and funny look at the world of video games. This world is populated by throngs of devoted citizens committed to life, liberty and the pursuit of the next level. They look up from this dogged quest long enough to eat, sleep and watch X-Play.

My own personal video gaming is performed on a very fringe level. I have mastered Tetris, experimented with The Sims and dabbled in Karaoke Revolution. Adam and his followers, however, exist on another plane, into which I was able to peer with much interest. Come peek along with us, as Adam's erudite orations on gaming and life spill into two video blogs.

Comedy Nights

As we head into June, please enjoy our newest flyer and make plans to see some kickin' comedy in the SB.

Greg Fitzsimmons and Morgan Murphy train comedy's next generation

This past Friday, Greg Fitzsimmons and Morgan Murphy brought it and crushed it comically. Greg, in fact, brought his entire family which includes two very tiny children who got a little taste of amplification and may struggle with the cravings for some time. The predisposition for this addiction does run in their family.

Ben Franklin is grateful to have invented the bifocals so that he could peruse a flyer for Comedy Nights in Santa Barbara.

Family

Ojai sunset rooftops from a patio

My family struggles with cravings for Ojai, California. It's very hard to tear them away from the eating and the shopping but with time and prayer we're hoping for the best.

My Mom and me

I
My sister, Joann and me

Lady Brunch

Laura Swisher found the noisiest, busiest, most populated restaurant on any given Sunday morning in Los Angeles to hold her lady brunch. I arrived late, but with a camera... enjoy...

And I am hoping that you too had a wonderful week.

The Cowsills and Other Things

2006-05-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

Documenting The Cowsills

Our Cowsills documentary project travelled to Cannes recently to introduce itself to the international filmmaking community. With this poster and a very powerful trailer as calling cards, we trust it is making many good friends... or at least a few My Space friends that will top 8 it and comment back.

Comedy Nights

Todd Glass and Jimmy Dore graced the stage of Comedy Nights at Hotel Andaulcia in Santa Barbara and the night was alive with comedic magic.

Weezy and The Swish

Our guests, this week are Cecily Knobler and Eric Carmen. But before we get to that, we go prowling through the neighborhood in search of Laura and Paula Abdul.

Comedy Nights and Comedy Kids

2006-05-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

Weezy and The Swish with this week's guest, Paul The King of TV

Cry For Help

My blog was hacked. Maliciously or accidentally, I do not know. What I do know is that approximately 80% of this blog, into which I have poured my life and my thoughts for the past year is gone.

I have blogged once a week since last July. If you scroll through, you'll see large gaps where once pages of fascinating and amusing content dwelled.

If anyone reading this has a clue as to what happened, why it happened and how I can retrieve my blog, please post a comment.

With a heavy heart, I blog on, baring no good reason to trust that these words too won't be snatched inexplicably from the internet. My life and my world, though tossed and thrown, have continued to move forward and so too must I and must this blog...

Partially Amusing (Possibly Inappropriate) Anecdote

Last week, I was in Borders and as I passed Biographies and Memoirs, I heard a man moaning loudly, in glorious ecstasy. I thought, "Either someone has found a really good book or I'm about to be met with the unholy image of two unattractive people mating in the Science Fiction and Fantasy aisle.

I was very wrong. It was a retarded guy massaging his friend. Now what can we learn from this? Well, first: Things are not always what they seem. And second: you shouldn't have to be retarded to moan in ecstasy at Borders. Their hot chocolate should be reason enough.

Comedy Nights

Friday night brought Jeff Richards to Comedy Nights at The Hotel Andalucia. He was a smash and if you'd enjoy a peek backstage, click it...

Weezy and The Swish

Our guest... Paul, The King of TV. Our recurring video blogging theme... Laura is late.

Kids Comedy Club

We were a little distracted by a Fair taking place in the canyon below my house. It's not that funny, but it is neat, so check it out.

I now offer this up to the Blogger gods in a solemn prayer that you will keep this blog entry safe within your loving arms. In Google's name, we pray.

Comedy Nights Debuts

2006-05-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

Comedy

It's all about the journey isn't it? On Friday night, our journey led us to the big sneak preview event for Comedy Nights at the Hotel Andalucia in Santa Barbara. Producing and hosting a stand-up comedy show is not the path for everyone, but for fans of stress and anxiety, this is the trip you want to book.

Oh, I'm jesting, it was a blast and despite the glitches and the occasional moments of abject terror everything went very smoothly and we made just the sort of mistakes that you need to make in order to learn and to suffer deep and scarring humiliation which will serve to humble you for life.

In an additional episode of hard lesson learning, I received a speeding ticket on my journey home for three reasons: I was tired. I was hungry. And I was driving really fast.

I would like to acknowledge my partners, Jordy Fox and Bobby Miyamoto and our co-producer, Devon Goodman for pulling this enterprise together. Also, thank you to comics, Jason Gillearn, Patrick Ney and Matt Iseman.

Friday, we're welcoming Zach Galfianakis and Brody Stevens. Tickets are scarce but you may be able to obtain them on the Russian black market or by clicking here.

Check out this self indulgent backstage video of our sneak peek night

Podcasting

On our podcast, "Weezy and The Swish" (number 37 on iTunes Top 100 Comedy Podcasts) we welcomed Comedian, Stephanie Escajeda, who came with her musical accompanist, Buffy on keyboards. A sense of anticipation dappled with irritation filled the air as Laura was late once again and our guest, denied driving privileges for reasons revealed below, was even later...

This week's podcast features guest on head

This saga is too big for just one video. Click below and watch as Stephanie stands on her head to the haunting soundtrack of Buffy on keyboards...

Teaching

And this week's Kids Comedy Club featured Ari David leading the children in an exercise designed to break down barriers, dissolve inhibitions and rouse the neighbors...

Vlog On

2006-04-03T00:06:00.000-07:00

Partners, Bobby Miyamoto, Jordy Fox, Devon Goodman and I are proud to announce, "Comedy Nights," a spectacular, new comedy experience, making its debut in Santa Barbara at the Hotel Andalucia. Headliners include Zach Galifianakis on May 5th and Jeff Richards on May 12th.

The Cowsills Documentary is on the fast track with no shortage of Cowsills heading into town this week for filmmaking purposes. If you have always dreamed of viewing an actual Cowsill in person, check out Pickwick's Pub in Woodland Hills on April 7th and The Fox and Hound in Studio City on April 8th.

My week was tarnished by a small measure of despair when I was unable to advance past the first round of the "California's Funniest Female" comedy contest in Orange County. The stark reality of such a blow causes one, through deductive reasoning to conclude that since I am a Californian and I am female, I must therefore, not be funny.

If you are easily cheered by the failure of others, you'll enjoy this video blog of me whining to innocent kids I'm supposed to be teaching...

Later that day, Fini Goodman drew a touching portrait of her boyfriend, Ari David and Laura Swisher and I podcasted with our guest, Ethan Prochnik... click and enjoy...

Oh, and this is very cool. Our podcast, Weezy and The Swish debuted as a featured comedy program on iTunes. It looks like this... Check out this week's show and Thank you for reading this far.

Weezy and The Swish: The First 40 Episodes

2006-03-14T22:57:00.000-08:00

Laura Swisher and I launched our Weekly Podcast, Weezy and The Swish on June 13th, 2005 and now, here we are 40 podcasts later, sitting upright, taking in fluids and still speaking to each other. It’s been a tough and beautiful journey. Along the way, much has been learned and beyond the next bend, much is yet to be discovered. And for this, we are humbled and grateful.

Our first several shows featured no guests, just Laura and I getting accustomed to the format and amusing primarily ourselves with such topics as “Jesus in a potato chip” and “Gay Lincoln” and reading passages from our childhood diaries. Who will ever forget the sweet and soulful words of a 12-year-old Weezy who wrote: “Dear Diary, in science today, I saw a live amoeba. It was neat because last time I looked at an amoeba, he was dead.” And the 14 year old Laura, who mused, “Grandma Swisher thinks I’m selfish because I didn’t ask if she wants a sandwich.” Clearly, these two were destined to share their unique voices with tens of high speed internet connected family members.

Yes, this was groundbreaking entertainment and it spilled so naturally from deep within the fiber of our instincts, but when you ask us now if we had any idea those several months ago that we were forging a new podcasting frontier, I think we would have to tell you that we did.

In August of 2005, on episode 9, we welcomed our first in-studio guest, Bob Cowsill who provides our theme song, “She Said to Me.” In a stroke of genius and also because we couldn’t get him to leave, Bob stayed with us throughout the entire show. This ushered in our “trademark feature,” of booking only guests who posses the personality and the cool and to hang with us for 90 minutes.

Consequently, we have had to issue some very painful, “Sorry, NOs” to Lindsey Lohan and Katie Holms, among others, but the harsh, naked truth is that tears will dry and the show must come first.

Laura, Me, Ron

In September, guests were becoming more frequent as we welcomed movie critic, Cecily Knobler and Michael Jackson Prosecutor, Ron Zonen.

Laura and Fritz

By October, we were on a tear as guests such as: Guy Branum, Eric Schwartz, Blair Butler, and Fritz Coleman began stopping by.

Ben and Kyle

And we headed into the new year welcoming, Kyle Cease, Ben Glieb, Brett Gilbert, Bobby Slayton, Tig, Dan Smith, Diane Dimond & Michael Schoen, Joe Cipriano, Earl Skakel, Martin Sargent, Jordy Fox, Pete Gray and they just keep coming.

Bobby

Joe

Matt, Me, Marty, Laura

Diane, Michael, Me, Laura, Snacks

(Although, if you are reading this, Robert Redford or Barry Gibb, we still need a guest for Saturday)

Weezy and The Swish: The First 40 Episodes: have ushered in fan acclaim beyond our wildest initial scope and vision. Loyal listeners have created a message board,

a fan site,

artwork, songs and apparal.

It doesn't get too much cooler until you get your own lunchbox.

Thank you to all who were a part of our first 40. Keep coming back, guests and listeners, and you too, Laura, it will only get better.

In Defense of The Kids

2005-12-22T15:03:00.000-08:00

Well as long as things are already controversial, let’s just do it up. It was happenstance which sent me hurdling into The Michael Jackson trial. I kept my mind, my eyes and my heart open and I emerged a lot more enlightened, a little bit stronger and a whole lot more aware of the human capacity to spiral out of reason into a place where logic is twisted in upon itself.

I’m writing this to help myself sort things out. I am trying to determine what I’m supposed to do… something or nothing or something in between?

What’s happening right now is that the family of the young accuser is under attack. The weapon of choice is the internet. What I’m deciding to do here is return fire.

Star and Gavin

The boy, Gavin was living under a new name, Anton in a new town. He had just turned 16 years old. He and his brother, Star, 15, now going as Daniel are both High School Freshmen on the JV Football team. Since the trial, this family has not said a word publicly, nor have they attempted in any fashion to profit from the unfortunate events. They wanted only to return to what little normalcy they could find, following such an enormous episode.

Star

They were beginning to feel safe and accepted. Their step-father, Jay had shipped out for a year in Iraq. Their mother, Janet is expecting a baby in January. A few days before Thanksgiving, either a Michael Jackson fan or employee posted a blog under the assumed identity of Gavin, Using his new name, Anton, and revealing his identity as Michael Jackson’s young accuser.

This imposter posted pictures taken from the school’s web site and from stalker photographers who had followed the boys during the trial. He then went to Anton and Daniel’s My Space pages, and emailed all of their friends with a link to the blog.

Gavin and Star had to walk into school the following morning knowing that everybody knew.

A “fan” is now appearing on the boys’ school campus, posing as a CIA agent and asking kids if they know Anton. This stranger is saying cruel, vicious things about Anton and asking the children to spread these stories around school.

The trial has been over for six months. Michael Jackson was acquitted and he left the country for Bahrain. The family of the young accuser tucked themselves back into their little community. They were flooded by interview requests, book offers, knocks on the door from reporters. They have refused to talk to anyone. They want no money and no attention and yet the battle rages on, but why, and who is waging it?

I think that in most heated debates, there are several ways to look at something and our view on any given issue is informed by basic ideologies we adopt and adapt as we learn and grow. Issues such as abortion and corporal punishment can be honestly and heatedly discussed with no one answer being completely correct. These topics are sensitive and complicated and many believe there is only one answer, but to me, they are "hot button issues," precisely because the two sides are worthy opponents.

On the issue of Michael Jackson, however, there is a finite truth. Either he did it or he didn't. And since we don't know for certain, it does, like the other hotly contested issues come down to a belief. The people who firmly believe that he didn't do it, and could never do it begin and end their day with that tenet as the basis for all reasoning that follows. My trouble with this is that their belief in his innocence has become a religious calling and anything they do in service to that belief is, in their view, righteous... Be it hollering "INNOCENT!" outside a courthouse or slandering a child and his family.

I believed the boy, my friend, before the trial. After seeing the evidence presented in court, I now believe resoundingly beyond any personal doubt that Michael Jackson is guilty. The fans and I, have different beliefs. However, I do not, nor would I ever consider taunting or harassing them or their loved ones. It would be pleasant if they showed the same respect. But they don’t and they won't. They will continue their smear campaign in service to their idol. It's dangerous for any among us to place so much faith in a person we don't even know.

My view and my belief in this boy and the veracity of the State’s case is firmly intact and it will not be swayed by anything I read or hear. For those who believe Michael, their faith is just as strong. However, harming the children doesn't help Michael. The fact that they think it does, is what saddens me.

This family very bravely went forward and testified in a criminal case against one of the most popular and powerful figures in show business. They have read a lot of ugly untruths about themselves here on the internet. They are, in fact, fine, decent, loving people who tried to do the right thing so that no other child would be hurt. They now would like to be left in peace.

If you wish to lend your support and let them know that they are not in this fight alone, please post a comment here.

This is not a forum to debate the case. All such posts will be deleted. Thank you.

Joining The Band Again

2005-12-09T14:05:00.000-08:00

"The Spirit of Christmas," is: Tony, Me, Greg, Anthony

This is a warning. We are rapidly approaching my next Join The Band Live and In Concert Musical Event, which takes place on Sunday, December 11th around 4:00 pm at Cozy's in Sherman Oaks.

If you missed the last concert and you're thinking of trying to catch this one, be advised. I am now the drummer and the lead singer, so bring cotton balls and/or earplugs.

It's Join The Band's Christmas event so all of the groups have been given festive names befitting of the season. Ours is called, "The Spirit of Christmas." For about seven minutes it was switched to "The Spirit of the Holidays," for political reasons and then switched back to "The Spirit of Christmas," for common sense reasons.

We will be performing, "And Your Bird Can Sing," originally popularized by a little combo called The Beatles, "Learn to Fly," from the Foo Fighters and The Romantics' classic, "What I Like About You."

If you think that playing the drums while singing is easy, come watch and you'll find out that not only do I not make it look easy, I make it look extremely difficult.

Bass Man, Greg with Join The Band Leader, John Mizenko

This is not really an invitation. It's more of a dare. Also, I haven't blogged in a while and I really like my new band-mates. They are cool guys and they sound great.

If you can't make it, send flowers to the stage door.

Random Blogging and Random Photos

2005-10-28T03:13:00.000-07:00

Random Photo # 1 ) Me, my little nephew and his little toy. The little toy, Peechew, will evolve into a Peekachew. My nephew will evolve into an adult.

I haven’t blogged in awhile and I’m feeling pressure, which is fully self-inflicted to blog. But blogs are more fun to read with photos, right? So, I think I’ll dig around for some neat photos, because here’s the thing... nothing very interesting is happening to me right now. So, in lieu of an intriguing life about which to blog, I will include wildly random photos.

Random Blog Item # 1) I went to do stand-up Wednesday night at a place called Suzy’s Bar and Grill in Hermosa Beach. It was great because the only performers were a singer/song writer/guitar player and me. So, the singer/song writer/guitar player did a few tunes and then I went up and did an hour of comedy! This was after The White Sox beat the Astros. I was more routing against the Bushes than for the White Sox, which may be hateful behavior but I’m owning it. And an hour of comedy is the longest set I’ve ever done. There were only two tables of people but they were nice people and they were laughing so it was enjoyable.

Random Photo #2) This picture beautifully illustrates the relationship between my Grandfather and Grandmother. He showed off while she sat there, expressionless, looking at him. Her behavior can be linked to shock treatments for depression in the 60s. His behavior can be linked to him being adorable.

Random Blog Item #2) I began a new session of Join The Band. This time I am with an entirely different band. They are all quite nice. I believe they are two Tonys and a Greg. They don’t want to sing so I will be singing and drumming. This should serve as a warning if you’re coming to the show which will be held on Sunday, December 11th at Cozy's.

Random Photo #3) This is Nibbles, a plastic mouse who accompanied us on our Northern European cruise. Click here to enjoy the journey as seen through the tiny, red eyes of Nibbles.

Random Blog Item #3) Here are more random photos.

Random Photo #4) As promised in an earlier blog, Laura Swisher and I celebrate Clider's 15th birthday at Home Brew in San Dimas.

Random Photo #5) My Mother set a beautiful table for Rosh Hashanah dinner.

Random Photo #6) A cool shot of my brother, Craig standing in the doorway of an Estonian Church.

Beating a Drum

2005-10-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

Sunday marked the occasion of my big “Join the Band” debut at Cozy’s in Sherman Oaks. “Join the Band” is an amazing program for kids and adults who want to play in a rock band without the bothersome burden of drugs, groupies or talent.

You join, they put you in a rock band, you practice together for eight weeks and then you perform in front of friends and family.

Now for me, this performance was a momentous event because up until now my family had looked upon my inclination to play the drums as a sort of congenital ailment. Not unlike an unsightly rash to which they had become begrudgingly accustomed and yet still preferred that I cover with clothing or a thick concealer.

As a drummer in my family I was privately shunned and publicly ridiculed. “Louise, stop drumming!” were the three most often hurled words in my childhood home. These words echoed through the house when an icicle fell to earth from a window ledge or when a car crashed into a nearby tree. My drumming was blamed for many things, including Watergate and the cancellation of The Hogan Family. I was forced to drum silently into a pillow, lest any neighbor discover that our home hid the shame of a little drummer girl.

Then I grew up and despite every effort by my family to squelch my natural tendency, I kept playing the drums. I suppose drumming is very much like your sexual orientation. It’s just there. And, I understand that drumming can often be louder than sex but when I’m playing the drums I feel like there’s no time, there’s just motion and music.

Something very special must have happened during the performance on Sunday because I was far from perfect but afterwards, my family was glowing with pride and exuding with compliments and praise. They seem to have come to appreciate the little drummer in me and I believe that now they fully grasp and trust that I no longer live with them so this is far more my neighbors’ problem than theirs.

Many great friends and family members were in supportive attendance: Amy, Joann, Jakey, Sidney and Mom, my cousins, Aaron, Emma, Stephen, Andria, my Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Dave and my comedy friends, Fini and Deb.

When I was a little kid, I would straddle a big green chair backwards, as if it were my drum set and I would bang on the back of that chair (quietly) and play along to The Cowsills and I would imagine that if I were in their family, they would let me play the drums.

My friend, Bob Cowsill was there at the show Sunday with his wife, Mary Jo and I don’t think I can explain what that means to me because I don’t think I know yet.

Do what you love.

The Mother of the Young Accuser -- My Thoughts

2005-08-29T23:18:00.000-07:00

I think this might be the right time for me to blog about the mother of the young accuser in the Michael Jackson case. I’ve known the family since the boy was nine. He does have an actual name but publicly, he’s “The Young Accuser,” so for the purposes of this blog, I will capitalize it and acronym it, which makes him TYA, or for short, YA. And his mother…? Let’s make her MYA, although, for fun, her kids are now calling her Jane Doe.

After enduring 16 years of spousal abuse, her child’s catastrophic illness, the threats, coercion and strong arm tactics of Team Jackson and the public scrutiny of having her character destroyed while her son bravely confronts the humiliation of telling the truth to a jury who didn’t believe him, TYA is now being charged with welfare fraud, a crime for which she faces up to six years of prison time. There is a lot I don’t know about this. There are a few things I do know and then there are my opinions which are endless.

What I don’t know: What constitutes Welfare Fraud? Did MYA fill out the forms to the best of her ability? Was she confused by the forms? Did she, with malice and intent defraud the welfare system?

What I do know: MYA is a good, kind, loving woman. She is an excellent mother. She has raised three of the most spectacular children I have ever known. Her kids adore her, and she them. They form a tight unit that has been through Hell and back together. She has always wanted what’s best for her children. She is working very hard at becoming a better person. And I can’t state this firmly enough… she is not the conniving grifter portrayed by Thomas Mesereau.

What I believe: She made mistakes. She was under a tremendous amount of pressure when she filled out those forms. She had just extricated herself and her children from a horrific situation involving 17 years of terror at the hands of a physically and emotionally abusive husband and father. She was attempting this escape with no child support payments, while her son was battling Cancer and while all four of them were living in constant fear of her husband’s violent visits. I don’t think she was thinking at all. I think when you’ve been that abused for that long, you just react.

Here’s another opinion. I find it very darkly ironic that this woman who was willing, with her son, to come forward and confront (in my view) a serial child molester is now herself facing prison time after watching the pedophile walk free.

Is it more than ironic? Is it more than a coincidence? Probably. Team Jackson’s defense was built around attacking the credibility of the mother and they spent limitless funds digging up every scrap of paper that was ever printed concerning this woman. Now her mistakes face the light of day while Michael Jackson hides within the folds of a small Arab nation doing God knows what to God knows what poor child.

Should MYA apologize to the State and make restitution? She should and she intends to. Meanwhile, she has turned down every cent offered to her in whatever form, be it from Michael or from the media or from the filing of a civil case.

She is a pregnant mother of three teenagers, and a one-year-old baby. Her mother is very ill and her husband just shipped to Iraq for 14 months. It sounds like a sob story but it’s all true. Maybe I’m far too close to this but I desperately want this family to find peace, learn who they are when it’s quiet and they can think instead of worry, and move forward with their lives.

Girls' Night and Raising Comedians

2005-08-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

GIRLS' NIGHT
Sunday night my friends Deb and Fini came over. We ate Terra Chips, pizza and drank rum and coke. We talked about men, politics, traffic tickets, traffic accidents, men, comedy, religion, men and then Deb reached for the magic eight ball. We often reach for the magic eight ball. Please don't blame the rum and coke. We are usually sober when we reach for the magic eight ball. It's very ritualistic. The answer doesn't matter as much as the way in which you phrase the question because that is what reveals what the soul desires. If you're wondering what questions we posed to the magic eight ball, "ask again later."

GEOFF

Tonight I had dinner with Geoff Wurm and his parents, Danny and Shan. Geoff is 15 and he's grown about three inches this summer. We've known each other since Geoff was 10 and he walked into my comedy class at the West Valley Boys and Girls Club. Since then, Geoff's life has been tragic and beautiful and everything in between. At 12, the very painful events in Geoff's world pulled him towards the very wonderful parents who needed him as much as he needed them. He was officially adopted at 13 and together Geoff, Danny and Shan are growing and learning and discovering and everything else amazing.

I hadn't seen Geoff since, I think it was May when we both performed stand-up comedy at an outdoor festival in Santa Barbara. I knew it would be dangerously traumatic. I've done outdoor events. I understand that no one will be paying attention. I didn't want Geoff, at the very vulnerable age of 15, subjecting himself to this level of rampant indifference. But he really wanted to do it. Throughout the long day, we both went up about four or five times each, on two different stages. The hot dogs were a more popular attraction. (in fairness to us, the hot dogs were kosher) Geoff was disillusioned and he promptly quit comedy.

Adult or child, Geoff Wurm is the most natural comedian I've ever known. Will he come back to comedy? Everyone tells me that he will and of course I have a preference and an opinion. But he has to make his own choices. What matters most is that he has a home where he's loved, he's happy and he's safe to make those choices. More importantly, Thursday, I'm taking him to see "The 40 Year Old Virgin" and that, I believe, is the definition of friendship.

Above, please enjoy pictures of Fini, Deb and I, Geoff's opening act at the Santa Barbara Jewish Festival, Jazz Plus and Geoff Wurm.