Soap Opera Respect

Today I worked on Guiding Light as background for a scene. While I can't go into any real details about the scene because it won't air for a while and, not that I have many readers but, CBS would be pretty upset with me I think. Although I bet if I told all about the scene it would only tell one moment in the on-going drama, but I won't.

I secretely wished I had an actualy character with a real storyline befitting of the soap opera stereotype, such as that I just woke up from a coma that my brother's ex-wife caused, yet I'm secretly in love with her secretary who actually is my half-sister moonlighting as a stripper which my ex-fiancé fell in love with which is why we split up leaving her with most of my money in turn causing me to become a pimp when I actually want to be a singer of a rock band but due to a car crash in my brother's BMW that I was borrowing that happened to be sabotaged by my brother's ex-wife which was meant for my brother causing my coma but also loss partial use of my right hand so I couldn't play guitar anymore and now I'm awake ready to take revenge and everybody while going after my love interest I'm related to.

I did not get that, however, as it was just background work. I have great respect for everyone who works on Guiding Light and all of the other soaps as well. It is technically very demanding and you have to act on top of that. For example, the director comes in for a scene and they walked through it (and some pretty lengthy scenes I might add) while she was giving blocking to both actors and for the cameras. Then they would do maybe another rehearsal and then shoot the scene. The actors and crew had tons of fun during the entire shooting today. They were making jokes and generally cool. Then they all pulled it together for the actual shots. And, one of the lead ladies was superbly hot. Seriously!

A great experience overall. Then I went to a "go-see" for a modeling job for a flu medicine thing. Since I was doing the soap this morning I had to go to the women's portion of the casting. That being said, I sat in a hallway surounded almost entirely by hot female models. What a fantastic morning this turned out to be! Check my Events page for when it's on, and try to pick me out.

Apartment Lameness

Can my apartment get any more ghetto? I mean really! My air conditioner, which does not completely fill the windown and and old box and duct tape has been used to fill in the gaps, has now broken. Not completely broken, but the knob turning it on and off and to different settings has now broken off. I have to use my leatherman tool to make it work. How lame is that.

I do have pictures of my apartment in my gallery, but (I always explain the size to people by telling them I can touch both walls (6' wide) and it's about 20' long) did my air conditioner really have to add to the lameness? Let me go one step further then.

I love watching football, especially during the World Cup. SInce I lived in London during the last World Cup and also had the chance to follow the local leagues, my favorite team being Manchester United, I really was hooked. Anyways, my neighbor and I share a spliced cable connection which only has the basic primetime channels and TBS (I know, weird), so today was the first time I was able to watch the World Cup since it was on ABC. That would be the England vs. Ecuador match, which England won (yeah England!).

So, back to the connection to my ghetto apartment. I found that the Spanish station shows the football matches. So, I am now left to watching the World Cup in Spanish. I have a system, though. With my XM Satellite Radio, I can follow the play-by-play in English, however I choose most of the time to just listen to the Spanish since the radio station is a couple of seconds behind since they are describing the action without the visual (I switch the radio on when I want more description of things, etc.).

So, that is how withing this last couple of hours, my apartment has gotten even more awesome than it already is. If anybody missed the Netherlands vs. Portugal match, it was pretty brutal. Portugal won with a single goal, but they got 7 yellow cards and 2 red cards while the Netherlands team received 5 yellow cards and 2 red cards. Awesome (even in Spanish)!

On a last quick note, while biking on the West Side Trail this morning around 7am, the Hudson River was so beautiful and flat I was dying to go waterskiing on it, despite the lack of desire to actually swim in the Hudson. What a tease!

A Little Philosophy

"There is nothing with which every man is so afraid as getting to know how enormously much he is capable of doing and becoming."
-Søren Kierkegaard

"The only thing I know is that I know nothing."
-Socrates

ps - I'm jealous, my sister and my mom are going to the Kenny Chesney concert in Seattle tonight. Should be an awesome show!

Afternoon Enlightenment

Immediately after my workout today, and before I go any further I should like to say that interesting things seem to happen to me lately during or around my workouts as od as that sounds, I went to one of the local deli's to grab a bagel with peanut butter. So, I went up to the chef or food maker guy and asked for it. Well, and at most of the deli's around my area the (let's just call them chefs) chefs are all very nice, this guy in particular decided to strike up a conversation with me. Now between being extremely out of it in part from a tough workout and also because all I had eaten during the day was two yogurts and a Balance bar and it was already 3:30pm and lastly because the chef in question had a gold tooth and tough accent to understand, the converstaion had a rough start.

It was also less of a conversation and more of a question about why I and many other people apparently like to eat peanut butter. He was confused as he had never eaten it before and was under the impression that it would make people fat. He in fact admitted to being a bit overweight, hence the concern. He pointed out that there must be something to this whole peanut butter thing since I was in shape, and as I looked down at my shirt I realized it had a Bally's Sports Club logo on the fron from when I was a trainer there. Okay, with me so far?

So as he prepared my bagel I gave him some insight as to why peanut butter is actually healthy because of the protein and that the fat is considered good fat unlike say ice cream. Clearly if you eat way too much it becomes excess fat and we clearly know where that ends up. Anyways, nice guy and I think I put him at ease. He even said he would try eating peanut butter here pretty soon. I think I finally figured out as I was paying was that his main issue was becoming fatter by eating peanut butter and since it shares the common term "butter" as in regular butter for, like, toast, he never really wanted to try a spoonfull of it.

I feel like I may have enlightened him a bit and it ended up a very pleasant little exchange. That being said, the bagel did not fill me up and only after downing a burrito a few hours later is my headache starting to subside. Not the best plan. I need to remember that eating is good. On that note, so is looking across the way into the offices across the street (I'm not a stalker) and watching a hot girl at some fashion and design place (I think) work late at her computer tonight (again, I'm not a stalker, our windows just happen to be across from each other, though I don't think she notices me). Ah, good times.

One thing more to check off my list!

I know that this is New York, a place where you can see it all. Well, today I believe I have added to the "all." It was a brief moment but not something I've seen before.

Setting: New York Health and Raquet Club at 6th Avenue and 23rd Street.

Scene: I had finished the weight lifting portion of my workout the afternoon around 3:30pm and proceeded to do a much needed cardio session. So I got on one of the elliptical machines for about 40 minutes. That's when it happened. I had a nice view from the second story looking out over 6th Avenue between 22nd and 23rd Street. For those that don't know the area, NYHRC is on the West side and Staples is on the opposite side.

So, I'm half way through my cardio listening to whatever music was on the club's stereo letting my mind wander into thoughts of what it would be like to go on a date with Avril Lavigne (my newest interest...she's so hot!) while simultaneosly wondering if Brazil will win their game when it happened (which they of course did). I glanced across the street, interrupting my dinner with Avril, to see a gentleman seemingly stalking something along the curb. He had a gigantic net like a fisherman would use in his hand. It took me a couple minutes to get my mind off of Avril and to clarify what I was seeing, mostly due to my view being partially blocked by cars here and there.

All of a sudden he ran and swooped the net at a bunch of pigeons. What was going on?! He apparently caught one, as I could see his net thrashing around. He then ran to his friends car at the corner of 6th and 23rd, got in, net and all, and bolted off.

Conclusions: None really. First of all, never have I seen anyone try to catch a wild (yes I'd call the annoying pigeons wild, and kind-of gross...I also hate seagulls and crows as well) animal in New York City. That's saved for the woods, etc. More importantly, why a pigeon?! And furthermore, is it legal? I'm guessing it's not since they bolted out.

So, of course in true New York style it left my mind and I was back with Avril having a very romantic picnic dinner on the beach. Now if only she knew who I was, I think we'd be good together. Anyways, I've never claimed to have "seen it all" but this brought me one step closer to it. Living in the city isn't always my scene, but I can't say I get bored!

A Thought...

"You don't throw your whole life away just 'cause it's banged up a little."

-Seabiscuit

Fast and Furious Tuesday

After a semi-lazy day (I did get some headshots sent out, other than that...nothing of note) I went and saw Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. Not that I thought it would be a great movie, but mainly because I love cars and wanted to see the action on a big screen.

Pretty funny moments (some probably unintentional, but funny none the less) and although there was a story line, clearly it centered on awesome car racing (or "drifting" as it were in this movie). I love a good chase scene, my favorite one being from the movie Bullet. The chase scenes in that were just mind-blowing! But, the ones in this movie through downtown Tokyo was pretty damn sweet! As was the last racing sequence as well.

You know how in movies (especially in the Vin Diesel ones) there are always the crew of guys who have the most amazing pads (properties). I mean, in this one, they live in Tokyo and have a huge garage full of hot cars, with lofted areas with couches and huge flat panel televisions, tons of rooms, roof top areas to lounge, etc. I know that it is the movies, but doesn't it seem like that would be a great way to live! Not only the sweet house or living area or whatever you'd call it, but having tons of friends (your crew/gang) hanging out with you all the time seems like it would be a great life. That, and all the hot girls that seem to be in this crowd. Man, I need to be a model with tons of model friends and model parties or something to get close to that lifestyle (or maybe be a celebrity). As depicted in movies, the "A" list seems to rock (or even the "bad boys" crews as well)!

Anyhow, it was a very guy movie and what I needed to escape from my apartment and everything else I'm trying to figure out.

Oh, and I should mention here that I will be on Guiding Light here pretty soon. Now, it's not much, it's background (or extra work if you're not sure what background means) work and may not be too much. I can't really say too much about it (that, and I don't know much about it as well), but I'll be there to shoot some stuff next Tuesday, and I'll of course let people know on my events page when it will show. Also, since it's background work, don't mistake that with having much screen time. I may or may not, but will help aid people in picking me out. At least on a soap opera, the set is much more intimate than some film background work, so we'll see. Should be fun anyways.

Peace out y'all.

Pictures, Love, and a Cool Pen

Although I am not currently employed for the most part, I think it will do me good to go through my closet and see what needs updating. I have through the last few years living here in New York picked up some new articles of clothing that really make me look handsome (or insert sexy, dashing...etc), but still look through what I own and see some stuff from possibly before college. So, since I do not have a roommate or girlfriend, I have decided that it would be to my advantage to try on most every shirt I own and take a picture with my digital camera. Now, this may sound a bit out of the ordinary. While I do like to look at myself (ha ha), it will help me get a good idea of what shirts and colors, etc. make me look good for use in an audition or photography session. I also can rid myself of clothes that are unflattering. I know, it may be tough for you to think that something might look unflattering on me, but some things do. It's my extreme hotness that makes even ugly clothes look beautiful.

On a separate issue, aside from my normal daydreaming of success, fame, saving the world, etc. (you know how drams go), I seem to find myself these past few months constantly coming back to one specific girl. You know, you get a crush on someone and just can't seem to get past it. Well, partly because it seems to be my nature to not go after these kinds of things, I won't probably ever ask this girl out. I say partly, because there are other issues such as a possible boyfriend, maybe not interested in me, etc. that also make me hesitate. Just a stupid little crush. Well, I think it's less than a crush by now and more of just daydreaming.

Not really sure why I mention this, I have tried to get the courage to ask out other girls lately, however that courage that I need has lately left me thus far. That, and I'm really pretty lazy about girls (and picky), and don't put too much effort into dating.

All this writing about this was fairly accidental. So, to end I say only that I am starting the book Wicked by Gregory Maquire. Pretty excited about that. Maybe this coming weekend I'll bring it to the beach to read, assuming I can go and it's nice weather. After I finish I'm hoping I can find someone to go see the show with me, it's got great reviews. Oh, and I have a pen (writing utensil) that is complete with a muppet head and boxing arms that you can make move. Pretty cool.

Daddy Day!

Make sure you say how much you love your dad's today! If you can, make today a family day (also assuming you get along with your family...I do). Maybe grill up some burgers, go golfing, or drink some scotch (or something to that effect). That's what I would do if I was home.

Oh, and congratulations to my sister on graduation today. Pretty exciting!

In their honor I went to Duane Reade's and bought some new bowls and silverware. To clarify, however, they are plastic and disposable. But I did buy then in their honor, that at least counts for something.

Movie Night

So, don't have much to say tonight except that X-Men: The Last Stand rocked super hard! Man I wish I had cool abilities like some of them. Just way to awesome. I mean, it wouldn't be as cool if I was the only "mutant" in the world. Things would just be awkward and I probably would be treated unpleasantly. but, if it was like the X-Men world with lots of mutants around, things could be pretty cool. That's just my two cents, clearly affected by just seeing the movie. That means probably that my dreams tonight will include me saving the world with some sort of mutant abilities that are clearly far superior to everyone else's. That being said, should be a cool dream...off to bed then.

Spring Cleaning and a Little Known Fact

A little spring cleaning has gone on today...man do I own a lot of stuff! If you've seen pictures or visited my apartment, then you may question how that is possible. Oh, it's possible. Even after throwing out stuff, I still have lots of it (stuff that is). I am now a bit more organized and feeling...well...more organized and ready for...not really sure...but something. The cleaning is mostly out of my system, maybe a trip to the beach this weekend would do me good. Just to get out of my apartment would be benificial I think. Summer is here, time for play.

And, did you know that the Texas Jackalope was first seen in 1829 by a trapper named George McLean? Nobody really believed him, but cowboys say that when singing to the herds at night can sometimes hear them echo their melodies in the nearby hills. Something like that has got to be true!

Good Fish Night

Went to Aquagrill down in SoHo this evening. Although the staff seemed a bit confused and unorganized, the food was good. And, for waiting they gave us a little salmon-dip thingy on a roasted chip-like thing and a sushi-ish piece to gnosh on compliments of the chef. The Oysters were outstanding! If you ever get a chance to try some from the Washington (state that is), do. I had the Dungeness Oysters, and the taste reminded me so much of home it was like I was there. Just like getting them fresh from Pike Place Market. Oh, and the salmon was pretty darn good as well. It was Alaskan Salmon grilled with a falafel crust. Different than I usually would have but quite tasty. I am a very picky seafood eater growing up in Seattle, but this was okay in my book. Especially for the oysters. Next time I might try the salmon again or some other fish but with a little less done to it (meanin the falafel crust, which was good, but I like to taste more of the fish and less of the other additions). It's funny what reminds you of a certain place like the taste of the oysters reminding me of the Seattle waterfront and ocean. Ah well.

A Few Quick Thoughts

All I'll say tonight is that everyone should be a dork with me and watch So You Think You Can Dance. It's a lot of fun and I get way to into it as a dancer myself. I won't go as far as to watch Center Stage afterwords...I have some boundaries.

Also, to those few who remember my senior project, Nijinsky, I've started to look back at the script and have thoughts to completely rework an expand it into something quite different. By different I mean maybe a longer and better one-person show, maybe for more performers, maybe to be a film, I don't really know. For those of you who are just a bit lost, for my senior thesis I researched, wrote, and performed a 45 minute one-person show based on the life of Vaslav Nijinsky, the famous dancer. It's now been enough time away from it where I have thoughts to look at it again. Thoughts...not quite actions thus far.

Although this is not quite as brief as I'd like, as I continue training and working on my dance career, I'm also working on my film acting (and modeling, theatre, etc.) stuff. This has also included learning a bunch about cinematography, cameras, and production process (this is mostly through my own research and reading). Anyways, I really have to put this idea of mine out there. I think an awesome idea would be to take a dance piece and turn it into a film. Meaning, for a tiny bit of explanation, that I would not shoot it like documenting a performance (even with adding in a few close ups to spice up a video from a show) but actually shooting it in more of an action film style (for lack of better words) really telling a story and showing off some great dancing from a very different point of view. This is just an idea, but I at least think it would be cool.

Well, g'nite!

Losing our Boat

It saddens me to say this, but there has been talk in the Claus house about selling our ski boat. Those who know me know that this brings a tear to my eye. I have grown up with so many opportunities to go hiking, camping (mostly with the Boy Scouts), on many family trips, waterskiing, and snowskiing. Each summer for as long as I can remember were filled with memories taking our boat out and fishing (mostly in our old Bayliner, not the MB Ski boat) and waterskiing. Once I got my license I was allowed to take it out by myself with friends and family. I feel so at home on the water (even though we were out pretty darn early to try for the flat water), it's just so peaceful.

I do, however, recognize that with me here in New York without a car or a house to be able to use the boat and the fact that I don't make it home for too long in the summers, it doesn't get used very much. So I do understand the notion to sell it since I was one of the more driving forces behind going out in it. I sits more than it should.

The only real option for keeping it would be if I had a house in either Long Island or Connecticut close to a lake. So far I am unable to do it as much as I would love to move myself to an actualy house (apartment living is not quite my style). But, trying to build a career in the arts has of course not yielded me the option to buy or rent a house and car. Maybe one day.

This summer, when I get back (not planned as of yet, but hopefully by the end of summer for a short bit) I will get to say my farewell and take a few last ski runs before the boat is gone (unless my parents can find a buyer before I get home, which would probably make sense to at least try since it will sit there until I get home otherwise). So many good memories, it's a shame I have to grow up!

Chapter 45

What is most consummate seems defective,
Yet using it does not wear it out.
What is fullest seems empty,
Yet using it does not use it up.

What is truest seems crooked;
What is most skillful seems bungling;
What is most prosperous seems wanting;
What is most eloquent seems halting.

Staying active beats the cold,
Keeping still beats the heat.
Purity and stillness can bring proper order to the world.

-Dao De Jing

Preparing for life

I have to give thanks one more time to those who came and watched me dance, especially those who came in from outside of the city to watch (namely those from Connecticut, because the few others that came to see me live in the city). It really does mean a lot to me, I'm don't lie...well, at least in this case. A special cool thanks to my old high school friend Mary and her husband Joel who just happened to be in town from Seattle on a vacation and got in touch with me through my mother since my old Seattle cell phone number is not in existence anymore and the timing worked out perfectly. It was so wonderful to catch up with her this afternoon and share a bit of New York cheescake.

Now as performances have ended, it is time to figure out the next phase of life, namely what I can get done and what I'll do this summer. We will see. Lots of ideas and thoughts, hopefully some will work out. Not that this has any relation to anything, but I asked my mother to send me my tuxedo (mostly in case I get some work on a soap, film, or television show that could use it in say a party scene or something). Oddly, I am hoping I can find some use for it other than background work, such as for a date, formal occasion, etc. I don't really know when I will use it, but I love to dress up and go out. All the formal high school dances were such a treat. Everybody gets dressed up and acts like we are really important people, and girls look so wonderful when they get dressed up.

On that note, my sister had her prom(s), since she went to another school's as well, and I've seen a few pictures and she looked beautiful (and for the record I will beat down any of my friends who make comments). I'm not sure of the details of where they went to dinner, etc., but I know she had fun. I don't mean to brag, but I do believe I set the bar high on my dates. From creatively asking a girl out (which is a lost art now...I imagine it would be really weird to go through a big creative and intricately planned production asking a girl out to dinner now that I'm out of school), to all the activities throughout the date.

I'm sure some of you who don't know me well are a bit lost here, so I'll give a few highlights (sadly no pictures, since we or course did not own digital cameras then...even though it wasn't too long ago). I generally found a very nice way to ask the girls out, creatively of course (although my sisters dates have done pretty well with such ideas as filling her car with balloons with the words prom or something inside, etc.). Homecoming senior year (which I was on the court, I feel it necessary to mention that for some reason) my friend Ryan and I planned a nice restaurant to dine at (with a small jazz ensemble playing), the dance, and afterwards we surprised our dates by coming out of the coat check area with masks and towels tied around our necks (we were Batman and Robin for those still confused), blindfolded the girls, took them to the batcave (which was his house totally decked out as the batcave) where we then proceeded to carve pumpinks (since it was near Halloween) and have dessert by candlelight. That was also the weekend where I was flying back and forth from Portland for a Boy Scout leader training weekend for the World Jamboree (which I couldn't get out of, and made for a tough weekend since I had to be in Seattle for the Homecoming game Friday night, and the dance Saturday night, but every other moment needed to be in Portland).

One last example quickly (and the one I'm most proud of). Prom we picked up our dates (three couples) and went over to Lake Washington where we took a scenic seaplane ride around seattle, came back for pictures at my house (we have a very nice yard and flowers), went to the Columbia Tower Club for dinner (which is a private club where I got hooked with from my father's friend, and the dinner is a full-on presentation, and the Columbia Tower is the tallest building in Seatlle with the rastauratn on like the 80th floor with a fantastic view of the water and downtown, especailly known for the view out of the girls restroom...and yes we all checked it out), then went to the dance, back to my house for homemade desserts and a dip in the hot tub. We crashed at my place (all three couples), woke up early to pancakes, went down to Edmonds waterfront where we met up with a few other couples to go sailing on a large sailboat for the entire day. Yeah, we rocked it (and it didn't end up costing as much as you would think, but I won't mention that).

I have no idea why I felt like recounting these few stories, mostly because it's prom time this year for many, and I miss going out on fun dates like this. Dating in the city seems to be going out to dinner, or drinks, maybe a show or movie, if it is nice out maybe a walk through the park (if you are close to one), etc. Generally pretty standard and not as much fun as they used to be. I always enjoyed the interesting dates like going to the beach, boating (which I could do while at home since we have one), and just generally being more creative than just dinner or a movie. Whatever though. It's about bedtime I guess. Another day tomorrow to figure out life...awesome.

Rest Day

A big thanks to those few friends of mine who made it to my show last night. I really truly appreciate it, as most of my friends don't actually make it to see me. I hope you thoroughly enjoyed my dancing and that we could provide you with a fun and entertaining evening! And out second and final chance to rock the world is tonight!

On a separate note, yeah for England winning their World Cup football match again Trinidad and Tobego this morning. Those are my boys. I started supporting them when I lived in London during the last World Cup (the regular league, Manchester United is my team, although oddly I do like Arsenol as well...please don't hate me people). Don't get me wrong, I have love for the USA team and wish them well, but equally do I support England. USA's first game is tomorrow, so let's cross our fingers.

This day is slipping by, and I have deemed it a day of rest for my sore muscles so I can dance beautifully tonight. I have also deemed it a shirtless bahama shorts day. A little GameCube has been played, I will probably get some more food and run errands, dink around on the guitar, and then dance this evening. As productive as it actually sounds, I don't think it makes my life look too interesting, but whatever. I promise to have some more entertaining entries here in the next few days. Until then...word to your mother.

Show Night!

It's show night! We (DDC) are ready to rock and roll, so send us some "merde" please so we can nail it. Dig it!

Rain...Make Way for Summer!

Wow it has been rainy this past week and a half! Not so much fun. That, and I can't seem to stop wearing my flip flops which is only a mistake when you step in a gigantic puddle, quickly then say a swear word, and move on because in the end it was I who chose to wear them in the rain.

Oh, the best place to go when it's a bit cold and rainy out is the Chocolate Bar! I went the other night to catch up with an old friend, and have to say their hot chocolate is amazing! They're also close to Magnolia Bakery, which if you don't know...I just feel sorry for you...for everyone should try their super oustanding cupcakes. Anyone who has not tried them (or who just wants another one) I will personally escort you there.

Just make sure it is not a performance weekend like this weekend for me, since cupcakes and hot chocolate are generally in the opposite direction of getting myself looking ripped for the stage. On that note, anyone in New York City or the surrounding areas are invited to my dance show. Check out my events page for the info. Should be pretty wicked. In the least, I will rock your world as only I can. My dancing skill will amaze and astound you (or maybe they won't, but I'm a good performer and you will be moved by me (hopefully not moved as in "I'm ready to leave")...I repeat, movement will happen).

This performance is like the beginning of summer for me. Once it's over I'm actually pretty unemployed for a while (which technically isn't a good thing due to a dwindling lack of funds when you don't have work) so I'm ready for fun and the sun! I have some simple plans for the summer: (in no particular order)

Visit Shoreline (home)
Visit Los Angeles
Learn the Guitar
Lots of Ballet Class
Auditioning and Working on Films and Television
Lots of Beach Time and Surfing
Make Some Money

Those who have seen my ballet skills (or psuedo-ballet skills if you will) will hopefully be able to see a great change over this summer if all goes according to plan. I'll be in class, stretching as much as I can (I want the splits, baby) and I have my point shoes which I've started doing some exercizes with. Man girls have it hard! Those things are tough. When I'm through with this summer using my point shoes, my feet will hopefully be beautiful. My ballet teacher in college used to call my feet boards, as they were pretty ugly (and still aren't great, but I guess not too terrible). That and my shoulders (which I have worked hard to fix through the years), she would call me "no neck." Ahh the wonderful memories (actually there were).

Alright, those that still read to here...congratulations...you've followed my strange trail of thought. So, I put the offer on the table again. Those who need an out-of-this-world cupcake need to be getting in contact with me. Also, I'm ready for some summer fun, so if anyone I know (and like) is living in the city or in nearby travel range, or people I know who are visiting, don't get shy or lazy and get in contact with me and we will have some fun. We'll go see a show, grab a bite, hang and play around Central Park, or (my favorite) we'll go to the beach and either surf, tan, play, swim, etc.

I say the last is my favorite, because growing up in Seattle I was on the water all the time. It was the lake (not ocean), but with our ski boat my summer would be filled with waterskiing and playing around. Sadly though (...tear runs down my cheek) I don't have access to a boat or waterskiing (or snowskiing, hiking, etc. for that matter) and miss it so dearly, which is why getting to the beach is so desirable and important to me.

Summary: Chocolate Bar is good, Magnolia Bakery rocks, I have summer ideas and goals, please don't be scared of me, shy, lazy, etc. and hesitate on calling me (or if you don't have my number, emailing me) so we can hang out this rock'n summer. I'm barrels of fun I promise! Cheers to all, and to all a good day.

A Picture Worth Explaining

Most of the pictures I have in my photo album are from shows, with friends and family, trips, etc., plus a few that may seem a bit more random. I'll try to periodically explain some of the ones the I feel maybe to people who don't know me need a bit is clarification. The first being the one where I'm playing my steel drums in drag.

Now I want to go on the record saying that I have not dressed in drag too many times (by that I mean under ten diffierent times I'm pretty sure) and it is not by any means a regular occurrence. Four or Five of them were in high school, the rest in college.

This picture in particular was my final farewell to high school (aside from the actual commencement). We had our moving up assembly, which was a psuedo rehearsal for graduation, but it meant that each class moved to their new bleacher section in the gym. There were of course a few speakers wishing the seniors luck, the cheerleaders did a thing for their seniors, a few musical performances (hence my playing steel drums), and various other activities. Along with choir, I was involved with our school's steel drum band with one of my best friends, Chris (not in the picture unfortunately). More about the band itself another time.

So, to explain a bit more on the dress. In the moving up assembly, speakers and musicians sit in the fron few rows for logistical purposes (and it makes you feel special as well). It's tradition for each row to dress up or somehow match and have fun (clearly not everyone was into it or did anything, but I was and am a big dork and loved high school (and was voted most spirited because I dressed up for every spirit day and football game, was the choir president (as cool as that is...my sister followed in my footsteps as well), did theatre, planned outrageously intricate and fun dates for all the dances, was on the Homecoming Court, etc.) so I of course wanted to do something with our row). The girls row across from us (who we walk in with as couples) decided on an army fatigue look, so we had to think of somthing.

As we got together to figure it out, throwing out lots of possibilities such as 70's (one of my favorites, since I have awesome bell-bottoms and an afro wig), Hawaiian, 80's, etc., and I joked about dressing as girls (which I had previosly done with our swim team Freshman year, and for a spirit day or two) mostly because I figured nobody would go for it since they weren't all crazy and weird like me (I ran for office a few different years with various costumes with my greatest attempt being my run for Student Body President in a full-on pink Energizer Bunny outfit and drum). But, Chris was into it as was everybody else, so that was what we did.

Normally, though, the walk in would be funny, except since we were performers, we had to get up and play a song, and although we always have a blast performing, this was extra goofy and fun. So that is the story behind this picture. I realize as I write, however, that all I do is bring up more odd and interesting things about myself (i.e. the Energizer Bunny outfit, other dressing in drag occasions, details of some of my great dates for dances (prom being some of my finest work)) that doesn't have anything to do with this particular picture that may also need explanation. And one day I might just do that. Until then, enjoy me in drag playing the steel drums. When I move into a bigger apartment or house some day I'll bring my steel drums to New York and start playing again...not in drag though...sorry.

Lampboy Beginnings

Not many people know or understand why I use the name "Lampboy" as my site's name or an any other contexts, so I will let you all in on the secret. It is more of an inside joke than anything, but certain friends know me only as Lampboy and call me that to this day.

It all started while I was attending the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) in the one-year post-graduate acting course (which I was actually a junior in college, but was able to attend none-the-less). We studied acting technique, Shakespeare text and performance, stage combat (my favorite), etc., and put on five in-studio shows that year (one of which was actually done in their main theatre). The last point is the most important involving the creation of Lampboy.

I was cast in The London Cuckolds, by Edward Ravenscroft, a restoration-era play. The plot is based on three couples who think they've found the best way to keep their wives virtuous. It's a a super-sexual comedy full of innuendoes and puns, and was directed by Aaron Mullen. I played the role of Roger, a servent.

This was the most fun I've had on any production. Our director was hilarious, and referred to me only as "A" and would poke fun at me and, well, most everyone in the cast constantly. He crafted the comedy in this play masterfully and we had a great time with it. He reheares one scene where all I do is walk out, stop, say my signiture line "Sir, there's a lady's maid wishes to speak with you...wahee" and leave, over, and over, and over again. But, I nailed it! He also heavily criticized my cockney accent quite openly, and reffered to it only as a bad rendition of "Dick Van Dyke" (think Marry Poppins, but worse). This was fairly deserved as it was pretty bad, although (and he complemented me on this) even with my bad accent, my character was 100% and I think pretty funny. I digress a bit, though.

My character, Roger, was used throughout the play mostly as odd comic relief as only a dumb servent could be (and I play dumb quite well, thank you), one scene of which I was sitting by a lamp post and was mistaken for a "lampboy" and given money, with the line "Lampboy, put out your light and go your way" so the gentleman could have his way with his lady or something. I took the money and left like any good con-artist would. From then on I was simply called "Lampboy" by the cast and the rest of the "D" class, and it has lived on today with still a few friends who will not call me by my real name (although clearly I enjoy it).

One last note on this production, during the performance I had a severe case of the flu and was extremely ill and during the show would run off stage to vomit and was on heavy meds for my headache. Also, due to the exessive amount of my master hitting me over the head with a cane (slightly padded) I did receive a slight concussion. Awesome, huh! Maybe I perform better sick? Either way, that is the lengthy reason behind why I use the name "Lampboy" for things. Now you know, and knowing is half the battle!

Midsummer Night's Success

Just came back last night from performing Midsummer Night's Dream with the New England Dance Theatre (yes, apparently I made the mistake last time of calling them the New England Academy of Dance, which is the school attatched to the company, and technically I guess I was emplayed and dancing for the Dance Theatre not the school...oops). I have to say the show went really well and was quite the success. Everyone danced well and seemed to be having fun.

I didn't take too many pictures, but I'll show the few I did. Below is Jamie (Oberon), John (Puck), and I (Bottom). I love these boys. They have always been fun to dance with and are both great dancers. Now it has to be said that even though John is short and and jumps around on the stage like a Mexican jumping bean, we I still have love for him. By the sheer amount of insults and sarcastic remarks both these boys have made about me (and likewise me to them) I think it will take quite a while for me to catch up, so hence the short joke. A quick congratulations to John for starting the next phase of his dance career with Taylor 2 and good luck to Jamie for his upcoming performances in Japan and around.

Here are the Wilton boys (or men as they like to be officially called). They are the other "professional" dancers employed to run around and basically be morons onstage with me. I have to say they really rocked my world and made this show so much more fun for me. Somehow they got my humor and I theirs, so the stars were all alligned for us to have a blast and give this show the humor that it so dearly needed (I joke, since the four lovers were quite good and Jenna found lots of humor in her roles as well). I think I got all the cheesiness out of my system for a while...oh who am I kidding, I'm still a dork.

Lastly here is Jenna (Titania) and I backstage. She has through the last few years improved a ton and become a gorgeous dancer, and her performance quality was outstanding. Congratulations to her both for the dance show and for graduating. I'll miss partering because honestly she is one of my most favorite partners I've danced with (...single tear almost runs down my cheek...).

So, on to the next thing. I hope very much all the girls had fun and I could help make their performance that much better. I come up there to work first off because I enjoy working with the girls (most of the time) and want to make their shows a wonderful experience for them. I also of course like to get the chance to perform in ballets since I don't get that chance working in the modern dance world. Each time I get up there (since I mostly do character parts, which are super fun) I get more motivation to get my butt back into ballet classes regularly so I can actually be a technical ballet dancer (and surprise the girls with actual ballet talent which I doubt they think I have...I honestly can't read most of the girls (not that I've ever been able to understand girls ever) and am not even sure if some of them even like me or enjoy my company when working with me, but that is a whole different topic all together that I won't ever go into...). Oh, and it should be mentioned that it is so nice to get out of the city and up to an area that is so pretty and reminds me of home.

Back to ballet, quickly. I actually like ballet more than a lot of modern dance and would have probably stuck with that if I hadn't fallen into a couple of modern dance jobs and the fact that starting late would have made getting to be professional level at ballet would have taken absolute dedication (and my life is very up in the air and confusing trying to figure it all out). Oh well, it's of course never too late. I leave you with a picture of me waiting at the subway for a train home after the weekend.

Midsummer Night's Dream

I'm heading up today to perform this weekend with the New England Academy of Dance in their production of Midsummer Night's Dream. As I've previosly mentioned (or at least eluded to at other times) I will be dancing as a donkey (the role of Bottom for those of you who know the production). I realize there are many jokes to be had about my role in this production. I've heard most all of them, and have come up with many of them as well. This means that if there are any creative new jokes you can come up with, you are welcome to make them, but try to be more intelligent than simply calling me an "ass."

The picture below is actually from the Nutcracker I did with them 2 years ago, with my partner Hannah, and the other Spanish dancers (just to give an example of who I'm dancing with). I think when I get cast in their roles, the directors try their hardest to give me difficult and outrageous costumes. Spanish is not too bad (although I rip the crotch constantly since it is not quite built for someone as tall as me with long legs), but Mother Ginger and the Donkey costumes are pretty rediculous. I will admit that I do love it in some strange way. Bottom has been one of my favorite roles to play around with to date.

I must give outstanding props to the Wilton boys who have provided me with much fun and moronical idiotness. They have made this production much more enjoyable for me now that I am both dancing with them and goofing around with offstage. They somehow get my strange sense of humor and personality I I likewise get theirs. We rock! The girls all look great (and some of them have even recipricated a smile or said a few words (almost conversational) to me this time...), of particular note is Jenna (not than any of you reading this will know her) whose dancing since I've started working up there a couple years ago has improved greatly and she looks beautiful on stage. I guess I better mention the other professional men, who are almost as good as me (I joke a little bit), since they deserve at least a mention here. So now they are mentioned.



To the train I go for a lovely weekend break from the city. Keep it real y'all.

Ballet Roots

For your entertainment and my embarassment, I will show you my ballet roots. They are not too deep, and yes I did start in college (also not too long ago). To explain my dance history, I started with beginning ballet sophomore year, took a 5-week summer workshop, left for a year to study acting in London, then came back and took advanced ballet my senior year. Post-graduation I went to Italy for 5-weeks to dance, took a 2-week workshop and moved to New York where I have performed with a few modern dance companies and trained mostly as a dancer but more recently have also been persuing my acting and working in film and television. Whew! That was probably more than you needed or wanted to know.

Okay, now for the part that probably needs explanation. Yes, there were only three men in the beginning class, I was the only one to take it seriously. We all wanted to wear tutus like the girls. Yes, I was one of the three instigators or this. Yes I also had a large part in getting our teacher to let us. And finally, yes I am straight, contrary to what the picture might have you believe. Also, we found out that in the box of cosume stuff there were shiny bowties and tiaras. I mean, how cool is that! I am sporting one of my pairs of Bahamas shorts and a wife-beater as well. My technique is impeccable if you look closely at the picture (but I'd prefer you don't) and that my friends is the start of my dance career (Don't worry, I'm a little better now...no Baryshnikov or anything...but better).

p.s. if you do glance at the other pictures in the same album, I will elaborate on the circumstances behind some of them...

Quick Messages to Friends

I just want to send some quick love to my friends, family, and anyone who knows me even on a very casual basis. Thanks for your encouragement, just being fun to be around and most important, nice to me. It doesn't take much to make me happy, and a smile and a little conversation (no matter how serious, inane or unintelligent it may end up being, mostly due to my sarcastic and dry sense of humor) goes a long way. I just hope that however briefly or often I speak and see people I can make them laugh, smile, and generally feel good and have fun. I do try my very best, and if people don't care for the way I am or don't understand me (I do have a strange sense of humor, am extremely good looking (althoguh this point is up for debate with some of my friends I believe) maybe am intimidating, or too outgoing or something) or want to take the time to, then I just move on to talk and spend time with people who want to take a chance to know me a little bit. Okay, that's all I have tonight, I'm super tired after going to the gym (always trying to shape my body into Adonis-like shape), a four hour rehearsal (which by the way was tough, and since I sweat so much (nice image I know) I struggle to keep up with the water intake making me more exhausted), then another late rehearsal up in New Canaan. It's time for bed so I can do it again tomorrow and continue being the best ass (donkey to the layperson) I can this weekend. I will wow you with my donkey-like dancing, it is truly something of a site to see. As long as I entertain people, that is all I care about. Good nite!