Have you ever stopped to consider the importance of Friday? I’m not talking about “the day that comes after Thursday and before Saturday” Friday… No, I mean FRIDAY!!
When you think about it, there’s absolutely no day of the week that’s greater than Friday. Not only does it mean the start of the weekend but just think of all the really important events that always happen on Fridays: Getting your paycheck, checking out new movies that premiere, high school football games. It doesn’t even matter if it happens to be raining out – it’s STILL Friday, and that’s cause for celebration!
For me, tonight (coincidentally, also a Friday) begins a nine-day break from the rigors of work that will also coincide with an excursion to Ocean City, Maryland. See? I told you Fridays were awesome!
But, while Fridays as an adult are pretty cool, they don’t even compare to the Fridays I experienced while growing up. So, in celebration of the final day of the work week, here are the three things I loved the most about Fridays growing up:
3. School’s Out: Ah yes, absolutely nothing compared to being a teenager and Friday rolling around. For, in addition to a two-day reprieve from all of the pressures and drama that go along with being a teen, Fridays typically meant no homework and even more importantly, a chance to stay up late and sleep in on Saturday!
2. The Mall: If it was Friday night, you know a non-essential trip to the Palmer Park Mall was in order. The mall was THE place to be seen; especially on Friday.
My neighbor’s mother would always chauffeur the kids around in this big blue station wagon with the sounds of Survivor’s “Vital Signs”; Night Ranger’s “Midnight Madness” or The Hooters “Nervous Night” albums blaring through the Kenwood stereo. Ah, life was good.
You can read more of one of my favorite Friday memories here.
And the number one thing I loved most about Friday growing up:
1. The Incredible Hulk: The television show that starred Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. I would literally be sitting in class ignoring the teacher while daydreaming of that night’s episode. “Will David Banner cure himself of the Hulk tonight?” I’d ask myself; already knowing that the answer was “No”.
In fact, I was so naive that for the longest time I even believed that Bill Bixby and The Hulk were one and the same. I actually believed Bixby really changed into the Hulk; “hiding” his true muscular physique until necessary. I even remember seeing Lou Ferrigno’s name appear in the opening credits and think: “Who the hell is this guy? I’ve never seen him in any episode.”
Although my siblings seemed to be more interested in watching the Dukes of Hazard on Friday nights (and who could blame them, Daisy Duke was pretty hot) when 8pm rolled around at the Wood household, I laid claim to the 19″ television. At least for the next sixty minutes.
There you have it, the three things I loved most about Friday! Here’s hoping your Friday is just as great! And feel free to comment with your own favorite Friday childhood memories!
Singer-songwriter Jack Dolgen has just released his sophomore album, “Wandering Times” on his own Not One Thing Records. The album is the follow-up to his hugely successful Maricopa album; songs from which were featured on such shows as “How I Met Your Mother”, “16 and Pregnant”, “One Tree Hill”, and “Royal Pains”.
Produced by Mike Geier (B.O.B., Cee-Lo Green), Chuck Brody (Ra Ra Riot, Ted Leo) and Jack Dolgen himself,“Wandering Times” is an eleven song opus that’s filled with organic pop, catchy choruses and melodies that are highly addictive.
In addition to releasing the much-anticipated follow-up album, Jack continues to involve himself in a variety of interesting projects, including co-writing and producing comedy songs with Rachel Bloom (Robot Chicken, Allen Gregory); and composing music for film and TV, such as the theme song for season two of NTSF:SD:SUV:: (Adult Swim)
I had the opportunity to speak with Jack and get the insight about the new album. In “Wandering Times”, Jack takes the listener on a journey of thought and self-reflection. And in the end, we discover that sometimes you need to wander in order to find home.
goJimmygo (gJg): What’s the inspiration behind “Wandering Times”?
Jack Dolgen (JD): I decided to quit music a few years ago. Even though I was living in New York and had already made an album (Maricopa), I felt that everything was sort of crumbling around me. So, I put all of my instruments away, moved to LA and closed the door.
I quit and then the TV and film placements began coming in for my first record. Opportunities to record for TV shows kind of drew me back into recording and it was all going so well, I realized that I can’t really get away from music. I started recording songs in chunks, just to test the water and see if I could handle it. Eventually, I was back in completely.
gJg: What’s your songwriting process like?
JD: It’s different every time. Sometimes I’ll just be out walking or driving and a melody will come to me and I’ll record it on my phone. Other times, I just pick up the instrument and see what happens. All of the songs started out on just acoustic guitar or piano and then build from there. I try and take a stay out of the way approach to the early part of the songwriting process, when an idea comes from wherever it comes from. Then after that stage is over, I jump in and work, rework, tweak and refine.
Baby I’m Afraid Tonight: This song is about vulnerability and honesty in a relationship. The idea that it’s not the times when we’re perfect for each other that bring us closer together; it’s the times when we’re vulnerable.
In the song, I’m singing to a lover but in a sense, I’m also signing to myself. It’s a hard thing to be vulnerable.In a lot of my songs, I strive to learn from them.
Jack Dolgen
gJg: What’s next for you?
JD: I’ve already begun writing songs for a third album. I’m always writing and working with different songwriters. I have a theme for NTSF:SD:SUV, the second season of which airs this week.
I’m also finishing up an album with Rachel Bloom. It’s her first full-length release. In addition to being an incredible musical talent, she’s also a tremendous comedic talent as well. We’ve worked on quite a few comedy songs and videos together. She’s phenomenal.
For More information on Jack Dolgen check out the links below:
The actor, known for his bad guy roles is excited to discuss his latest film project, “Get The Gringo”; the action thriller starring Mel Gibson which was recently released on DVD and Blu-Ray.
Gibson plays a convict, “Driver” sent to a Mexican prison for stealing money from a crime boss. While adjusting to life inside of the town-like confines and plotting his escape, he befriends a young boy with a rare blood type and fondness for cigarettes. It’s up to the “Gringo” to save the boy’s life and break out of prison.
Tom plays the role of “American Hitman”, one of many nefarious villains out to acquire the money stolen by the Gringo.
Schanley himself is no stranger to the entertainment medium. His accomplishments include credits on stage (“Getting Out”, “The Wager”, “Julius Caesar”), on television (“Dexter”, “Criminal Minds”) and in film (“A Better Life”, “Courage Under Fire”, “Conspiracy Theory”). In addition to his acting, Tom’s written several screenplays and also donates his time to various causes to help those less fortunate.
It doesn’t get much cooler than that.
Tom continues to exercise his theater chops; and will appear in an upcoming version of “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof” at the Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara, California September 13-23, 2012
I had the opportunity to speak with Tom and get hit thoughts on “Get The Gringo” as well as some of his other acting roles, writing and charitable works.
gJg: How would you describe the story of “Get The Gringo”?
TS: Mel Gibson plays a bad guy who steals money from another bad guy and winds up getting his money taken by corrupt police and thrown into a Mexican prison. The story then follows his quest to try and get the money back. In the interim, he falls in love in the most unlikely of places as he tries to get back what he had lost.
I like to say that it’s Mel Gibson going back to his old “Lethal Weapon” self.
gJg: How did this role come about for you?
TS: I liked the script and wanted to be a part of it. I’ve also known Mel for quite some time; we both shared the same agent for about 20 years.
Initially, I was called in for the lawyer role; Peter Stormare’s character but the producers said that they really liked me for the role of the hit man.
I’ve always loved playing the bad guy so I said: “Hell, yeah!” <laughs>
gJg: What’s it like working with Mel Gibson?
TS: Mel’s always been a great guy to me. I worked with him before in the movie, “Conspiracy Theory”. He has a great sense of humor and is just a great guy to be around. It was a nice shoot down in Mexico.
Even though Mel wasn’t directing, it was a light set and we were all just having fun knowing that we were making a great movie.
gJg: When did the acting bug first hit you?
TS: It was around the time when I was sixteen. I was just a kid in high school performing in the local community theater. I grew up outside of Boston in a little conservative town called Manchester. It was New England and “the norm” there was pretty much finishing high-school, going off to college and then finding a job.
I remember I was driving home from the theater one night with a friend of mine and we were talking about what we were going to do once school was finished. I told her that I wasn’t sure about what I wanted to do and then she asked the question: “Well, how about acting?”
Honestly, I had never really given much thought about it before. To me, acting was so much fun; how could it possibly be my “job”. But, it gave me something to think about and it wasn’t long before I said “Yeah, let’s try this on for size and see what happens!”
gJg: You’re also an accomplished writer!
TS: Yes, my writing partner Jon Lindstrom and I wrote a script a few years ago called “The Hard Easy” that was made into a feature film. It took quite a long time to write but we knew we had a good story. It was exciting.
At the time, my agent’s former assistant, Dan had left the agency to work for Joel Silver. So, I gave the script to him to read and critique. He wound up calling my agent and telling him that they wanted to buy it. Jon and I decided to hold on to it for a while and eventually sold the rights a few years later.
Now, I can add writer to my list of achievements. <laughs>
gJg: What do you find are the differences between filming a movie as opposed to doing series television?
TS: The time factor is really the big thing. A TV shoot is typically run on an eight-day shooting schedule. With feature film, you have the luxury of having more time to develop characters because they’re shot at a much slower pace.
gJg: Tell me a little about your charity work.
I work with the Los Angeles Mission. The homelessness problem is a very big concern for me. It’s hard to believe that in this country there are so many homeless people. I like supporting the mission because I know the money goes to the right places. I’m also involved with various other causes as well.
gJg: What are you currently working on now?
TS: Right now, I’m working on a play that’s a labor of love. I play Brick in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”. It’s one of those rare Tennessee Williams pieces that you don’t get to do a lot. It’s great fun!
Keep up with Tom Schanley by checking out his Facebook page
and following him @TwitasaurusRex on Twitter!
From the moment I first met her, I knew it was only a matter of time before the artist, actress, model and Mom put down the moniker of “Shop Manager” of NY INK, pick up her own tattoo machine and open Ms. Dixie’s Tattoo & Pin Up Parlour in Troy, New York.
With the unique shop layout that reflects the 1950′s and her love of pin-ups, Jessica is about to make her own mark on the business.
Her love of art began at a very young age and was nurtured by family and through education. On the television show, she may have been portrayed as a person with limited experience in the art of tattooing. In reality, quite the opposite is true. Jessica is already gaining notoriety for her work from people all over.
I had the chance to speak with Jessica as she prepares to open the doors to her shop for the very first time. She may have butted heads with Ami James for entertainment purposes, but in “real life” Jessica Gahring is making her dreams come true.
goJimmygo (gJg): Jessica, it’s so great speaking with you. Congratulations!
Jessica Gahring (JG): Thank you! This was definitely a long time coming.
gJg: How are you doing?
JG: I’m doing great. I’m tattooing full-time now, which was a given. I have people who want to travel and come see me!
gJg: Did you always have the dream of opening your own shop?
JG: That was always the plan. Even when I worked with my friend Lydia years ago we almost bought a studio together. It didn’t end up happening at the time, so we decided to wait. I went into banking to get more into the business side of things. I knew I wasn’t going to be there long.
gJg: Why did NY Ink choose not to showcase your talent?
JG: The producers didn’t think it would make much of story. Even though I was already working with Lydia, they didn’t want to reveal that I had any sort of real background in the industry.
The truth is, we play characters in a “reality-type” show. The public wants confrontation and that’s what sells. But the person they showed in the first season is not who I really am as an individual.
gJg: What makes Ms. Dixie’s different from your typical tattoo shop?
JG: I’ve got a pin-up modeling theme; with a 1950′s, vintage feel to it. It looks like it belongs way back when. It’s classy and something completely different from all other tattoo parlors. I’ll be tattooing full-time at one of three stations. I never wanted to have a huge studio. I wanted something that felt like home when people walk in and I think I’ve accomplished that. It’s very true to what I imagined it to be.
gJg: Do you have anyone else helping you in this endeavor?
JG: Yes, my boyfriend Christian is my business partner and he’ll be scheduling and managing appointments for the shop. He’s the one that holds it all together.
gJg: Do you have any other artists lined up to work with you?
JG: I have an amazing artist, Jon Abbott, who will be working with me. He’s a traditional style artist. The third slot I’m going to leave open for guest artists until someone else comes along. I’m not sure what will happen down the road but I am really excited about where I am at right now!
gJg: Where did your love of art begin?
JG: I’ve always loved art even as a child. My Dad painted and drew pictures and even from a young age I was amazed that you could actually look at something and put what you saw down on paper.
I have art awards from elementary school and graduated high-school with a fine arts degree. Even when I went to college; I studied sociology but still took art classes. Art has always been a huge part of my life.
gJg: Where did your interest in tattooing begin?
I grew up in a very conservative family where tattoos were sort of taboo and something that was untouchable. I think because of that, it made me want to understand it more.
During high school and college, I would often design tattoos for other people. To me, tattooing is art on the ultimate canvas: the skin. I think that’s very cool!
gJg: What’s one thing everyone needs to know about getting tattoos?
JG: Be knowledgeable. My first tattoo was a butterfly on my upper back that I got right after high school. Unfortunately, it was done poorly and I ended up covering it up.
Most people between the ages of 18-21 usually either hate their first tattoo or end up covering it, so it’s really important to understand what makes a good tattoo and the health and safety aspects of getting one.
gJg: Which of your tattoos is your favorite?
JG: I really don’t have a personal favorite; all of them mean something to me. I have some that represent my daughter that are very special and the very first tattoo I ever did was on myself, so that has importance as well.
gJg: When is your official grand opening?
JG: We are open for business right now but we’re having our huge grand opening the week of Aug 11th. That’s where we’ll have the ribbon-cutting, balloons and prizes. I will be tattooing two radio DJs live on-air during the Grand Opening week: one from Jamz 96.3 and the other from our local country radio station, 104.9 The Cat.
I also happen to turn thirty on August 12th, so it’s perfect timing.
I figure, if I’m going to do thirty, what better way than by opening a tattoo shop?
For information on Ms Dixies Tattoo Pin-Up Parlour Click Here
Her mother is none other than the amazing Dee Wallace (“The Hills Have Eyes”, “E.T”, “Cujo” among many other great films) and her father is the late Christopher Stone who also appeared in a multitude of films and TV shows as well.
2012 will be a breakout year for Gabrielle. She has no less than four film projects scheduled for release and is currently working alongside her legendary Mom in another.
And then there’s the one in which she plays a role she knows very well.
Gabrielle will be portraying herself in the upcoming movie “CUT!”, a story which indirectly pays homage to the classic horror film “The Hills Have Eyes” and co-stars Suze Lanier-Bramlett, another amazing actress who starred alongside Gabrielle’s Mom in the original film.
“CUT!” also features the talents of David Rountree, William McNamara, David Banks and Dahlia Salem.
Here is a quick synopsis of “CUT!” from the film’s website:
Nothing is as it seems as an ex-con and aspirant filmmaker set out to manufacture a horror film by scaring real people; however, when it goes too far and someone actually dies, the pair decide that killing for real on film is the way to make a truly terrifying movie.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Gabrielle and discussing “CUT!” as well as some of her other upcoming projects! She also tells me what it was like growing up in an acting family.
goJimmygo (gJg): Gabrielle, it’s so great to speak with you!
Gabrielle Stone (GS): It’s great to speak with you too!
gJg: Tell me a little bit about “CUT!”
GS: “CUT!” was so much fun because I actually got to play myself. David Rountree is such a great director. I loved working with him and everyone else in cast as well. They’re all fantastic!
gJg: David (Rountree) wears several hats in this movie. He wrote, directed and stars in it as well.
GS: That’s right! It’s really his “baby”. I haven’t seen any of the final footage myself but from the people I’ve spoken with who have, it’s REALLY good!
gJg: What was it like working with Suze Lanier-Bramlett?
GS: Suze is awesome. She’s so full of life and is absolutely wonderful. We had a great time together. In a way it was kind of like coming full circle because she did the original “The Hills Have Eyes” with my Mom. It was very cool to be on set with her.
gJg: What’s your role in “CUT!”?
GS: Without saying too much to give it away: I play myself and am supposed to be starring in a new movie that Suze is writing and directing. She plays herself as well.
I end up getting into some trouble with David Bank’s character and there are plenty of pretty intense moments!
gJg: Since there are references to “The Hills Have Eyes”, are there references to your Mom in the movie as well?
GS: Yes. Although my Mom doesn’t appear in the movie they do reference her. At one point it’s even mentioned that I’m “E.T.’s Mom’s kid.” <laughs>
gJg: How was the chemistry with the cast?
GS: It was awesome! It was actually hard to be mean to each other in character at times because we were laughing and having so much fun with it!
gJg: Your Mom and Dad were both in the industry. What was it like for you growing up in such a great acting environment?
GS: It was fantastic! If my Mom knew she would be gone for more than a week she’d take me on set with her. So I was able to travel all over. I traveled to New Zealand with her when she filmed “The Frighteners” with Peter Jackson and I also got to go to South Africa when she was filming over there. I was really lucky.
gJg: Is that what motivated you to start acting yourself?
GS: I think in a way it did. I grew up around it and had always said that I would do it. But it wasn’t until I was 18 and did my first film where I walked off the set and said: “Oh my God, I don’t ever want to do anything else!” <laughs>
gJg: What’s your favorite movie that your Mom was in?
GS: “Cujo”! After I saw her in that movie I was never worried about being at home alone because I knew my Mom could kick ass with a shotgun! <laughs>
Seriously though, that was such an intense role for her. She was actually treated for exhaustion for three weeks when it was over. I still to this day think she should have gotten an Academy Award for it.
So, on the day that I get mine I will be dedicating it to her. <laughs>
gJg: You also have another movie in post production right now: “869”. What’s the premise of that movie?
GS: “869” was a film I shot last August. It’s kind of like a combination of “Big Brother Reality TV” meets “Paranormal Activity”. There’s definitely a lot of hot girls and a lot of blood. <laughs>
gJg: What do you like to do when you’re not acting?
GS: My other “day job” that I love is teaching dance. I teach eleven classes a week. I was actually doing this before I started acting.
gJg: What’s your favorite horror movie?
GS: That’s a tough one. Off the top of my head one of the scariest movies I’ve ever seen is “The Strangers” just because it’s so creepy and realistic.
The ones that scare me the most are the ones that I think can actually happen. The ones with ghosts don’t really affect me as much as the ones with psychotic people who want to kill you – those are the ones that really get to me. <laughs>
gJg: Another project you have coming up is “Unhallowed”. Will this be the first time you’ll be acting alongside your Mom?
GS: Actually, no. I did a film with her called “Beyond” that we filmed in Roswell, New Mexico last Summer. That’s also in post production right now.
gJg: What’s “Unhallowed” about?
GS:” Unhallowed” is a psychological thriller but with a religious twist. It’s about a young kid who goes to Peru for a graduation trip, gets into trouble and goes missing.
My character’s husband gets hired to go to the family’s house to do some religious work for them and the intensity ensues from there. It’s a cool, different kind of script and I’m really excited to begin working on it!
Steve Guttenberg’s book, “The Guttenberg Bible” reads more like a novel. A story of one man’s quest to overcome all obstacles and become something more.
Steve had always dreamed about becoming an actor but faced adversity right from the start. In fact, the book begins with one of his very first agents telling him he’d never amount to anything in the business.
He was told everything from not looking “Hollywood” enough to having an odd last name. But rather than give up on his dream Steve decided to take a chance.
After graduating high school he put off starting college and made an exodus to Hollywood with the intention of staying for only a few weeks. His plan was to come back home if things didn’t work out. But instead, he wound up staying and becoming one of the most successful and sought after actors of the 1980’s.
With nothing to lose Steve snuck onto the lot at Paramount Studios lot and set up his own office. From there he would eventually go from driving a Pacer to driving a Ferrari. From sleeping on a sofa to hosting parties in lavish homes. From bit parts in commercials to starring in major motion pictures.
Along the way he kept journals documenting his experiences if for no other reason than for his own personal keepsake. These experiences became the genesis for “The Guttenberg Bible”.
In “The Guttenberg Bible” Steve chronicles the journey through the first ten years of his illustrious career and tells amazing stories along the way. From becoming buds with Colonel Sanders in an early Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial through his own personal encounters with acting kings Gregory Peck and Tom Selleck as well as young up and coming actresses Kim Cattrall and Sharon Stone.
Steve also tells tales from some of his biggest movies: “Miracle on Ice”, “Diner”, “Police Academy”, “Cocoon”, “Short Circuit” and “Three Men and A Baby”.
The Guttenberg Bible is much more than just a memoir. It’s also a story about family, a journey of self discovery and a how-to book for success. To never allow anything to stand in the way of reaching your goals. To me, its gospel.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Steve and getting more details about the creation of The Bible. Along the way, he even tells another story that didn’t make the book.
Judging from my own experience reading “The Guttenberg Bible” and speaking with the man himself I can only hope there will eventually be a “New Testament”.
goJimmygo (gJg): Steve, the thing I like the most about your book is that it doesn’t read like a typical memoir. It reads more like a story.
Steve Guttenberg (SG): Thanks. I loved writing it.
gJg: Why did you decide to write a book at this point of your career?
SG: You know, I’ve actually been telling these stories to a lot of friends for a long time and a friend of mine told me that they would be a great idea for a book. So what I did was write about forty or so pages, shopped it around and before I knew it I wound up having a deal.
gJg: You said before that you kept a whole bunch of meticulous journals from your experiences that you were able to draw from.
SG: Yeah I did. I kept a lot of journals. I really wanted to be good about chronicling that trip because I really didn’t know where it was going to take me or what was going to happen. So I just decided to just write it all down so that one day even if didn’t work out I could say look back and say: “See? look where you were!”
gJg: What was the writing process like for you?
SG: In the beginning I would go to my office every day and pretty much write from nine to five. At one point I actually had around 600 pages. I sent them to my editor and he said “Uh oh! And this is only the first ten years of your career?” After I explained to him that it was he said: “I think we’re done. We can’t do the whole career right now.” <laughs>
So we whittled it down to 300 pages and it worked out great!
gJg: Did you have any moments of self discovery while you were re-living all of these moments again?
SG: Absolutely. When you start really examining your life it takes you to whole other place that you don’t go to during your normal work day. It can be wonderful but then there are times you don’t really want to re-live as well. There’s a certain amount of uncomfortableness involved with it too.
I’ve been lucky. I’ve had a great career so far and a great personal life. I’m one of the luckiest guys in the world and I never forget that.
gJg: I love the way the book ended where you’re back where you started from again. You mention your parents quite a bit in this book. How are they doing?
SG: They’re well! Everyone is good. Thanks for asking.
gJg: How about your Red Ferrari?
SG: Ah, I wound up selling it. You know, it was just SUCH a bother to have. <laughs>
gJg: One of the stories I enjoyed was about the stalker you had.
SG: Yeah, you haven’t really lived until you’ve had a stalker… <laughs>
gJg: You’ve worked with some really great actors over the course of your career. What was it like to work with Gregory Peck and Colonel Sanders? <laughs>
SG: You’d be surprised, Sanders was a lot more dedicated to the material than Peck was. Harlan was a stickler for the written word.<laughs>
gJg: As a guy here’s a question I absolutely have to ask: What was it like to kiss Sharon Stone?
gJg: I’ve heard rumors about there being another “Police Academy” and “Three Men and A Baby”. Any truth to that?
SG: Oh absolutely. “Three Men and A Bride” is being developed as is “Police Academy” and even another “Short Circuit” as well.
gJg: Would they be bringing back all of the original characters from Police Academy?
For Police Academy I think it would be wise to bring back all of the original characters. Kim Cattrall, David Spade, Sharon Stone. Audiences always like to see familiar characters and what’s happened with them.
gJg: Any regrets over the course of your career?
SG: I really don’t have many regrets. I’ve been very lucky. I’m living my life the way I want to live it. I’ve been fortunate to have a big backbone that my parents gave me. It’s all about character. Your character is what’s going to make everything work.
gJg; Were there any films that you turned down that went on to become hits?
SG: Not really. I have a pretty good nose for these things. The ones that were successful I had a feeling would be at the time. I remember I enjoyed the script and then as we started filming I would begin to envision myself being part of the audience and knowing that it’s going to be a great film to watch.
I put myself into a “movie” mindset. Movie makers don’t really think the way “normal” people do. That’s why we’re all oddballs. <laughs>
gJg: Weren’t you afraid at all about the repercussions of sneaking onto the Paramount lot and creating an office?
SG: I wasn’t afraid of anything. I didn’t have anything to lose. I feel the same way today. Everything that I value I will never lose. The people who love me. The people I love. I’ll never lose the ability to sit in a park and watch the wind blow or play ball in Central Park.
We have great liberties in this country. I can go anywhere I want to go in this country and I don’t need a lot of money to do it. You don’t need to have a fancy car. As Cee Lo Green might say: “I may not be able to afford a Ferrari but I can get you there!”
That’s what everybody wants… to just get there.
gJg: Are there any good stories not in the book that you can tell?
SG: I tried to put as much as I could into the book but here’s one for you:
One night my friend Epstein had invited twenty of the Oakland Raider cheerleaders (The Raiderettes) over to my house for this party. Woody Harrelson had helped set it up with him.
So the party was really rockin’ but I am a real stickler about my place. So they were passing around potato chips getting crumbs everywhere and one of them was having sex in the bathroom with one of my friends and somebody else was in my bed….
But the last straw came when one of the Raiderettes said to me: “You don’t have any food? You just have chips?” At that point I just had enough and said:
“All of the Raiderettes… OUT!!!”
My friends just couldn’t believe that I wanted them out. But I said “Look, I don’t know who these people are and they’re making a mess”. I said: “That’s it I want them all out!”
Woody laughs about this now but back then I remember he just got on his knees and started crying. He kept saying: “You CAN’T!! You CAN’T make these girls go!!”
I said “Woody, you’ve got to help me get them out of the house. I’m uncomfortable with them here.”
It was the only time I ever saw a grown man cry. The day I threw out the Raiderettes… <laughs>.
gJg: Since your memoir reads just like a story I’m curious: have you ever considered writing a novel?
SG: I would love to write a novel. The next one will probably be one. I love writing, it’s really fun.
gJg: What’s next for you now?
SG: I’ve just got done completing a run of the Woody Allen play “Relatively Speaking” in New York and we’re planning to take it now to LA. I also have a few other projects that I’m setting up around town.
Other than that, I’m just enjoying life. I’ve got a wonderful family and I’m really taking advantage of the time I have to spend with them. Life is too short, you know?
gJg: What message do you want people to take after reading your book?
SG: That you can be anything you want to be in this great country of ours. This is the only country in the world that everyone wants to come to and live in. The freedom and liberty we have in this country makes it possible for a guy who’s failing in school to become a doctor and a guy who has a funny last name and an odd look to become a leading man.
It’s the greatest country in the world.. and I sure do love it!
1987 is a year I’ll always remember. It was the year I graduated high school and said goodbye to old friends. The year of my coming of age and the start of new beginnings.
A time when the future was wide open and the sky was indeed the limit.
I remember I was stocking shelves at a local supermarket one night dreaming about starting college in time for the spring semester. That’s when I heard that incredible voice for the very first time coming from the radio playing on the overhead speakers:
I feel the night explode when we’re together…
Emotion overload in the heat of pleasure…
As the song played on I remember just standing there among boxes of Lucky Charms cereal thinking to myself:
“WOW!”
That was the only word to describe what I was hearing. Although I was a diehard metal-head music fan from the very beginning there was something about the music I was listening to that appealed to me. Her voice was infectious. It was the beginning of something very special.
For little did I know that 1987 was also the year that a singer from New York named Leslie Wunderman was about to set the floor, and the music world for that matter, on fire for the very first time.
Leslie had just transformed herself into Taylor Dayne and together with producer Ric Wake released “Tell It To My Heart”, a song that would eventually reach #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and usher in a sound that would take the world by storm.
A few weeks later, Taylor’s debut album of the same name would be released on Arista, produce three more top-ten singles and achieve double-platinum success in the United States.
One of those two million albums belonged to me.
Taylor’s first tour was as the opening act for none other than Michael Jackson and it was there where she would meet Frank Dileo, Jackson’s long time manager and the man who would go on to represent her for many years.
Her follow up album, “Can’t Fight Fate” would yield four more hit singles including her first number one: “Love Will Lead You Back”. Her journey had begun.
Over the last twenty-five years Taylor Dayne has sold more than 75 million records worldwide, garnered three Grammy nominations and has branched out into the film, television and stage world including her most recent film project: “Telling of the Shoes”. She is one of the industry’s most dynamic artists.
In addition to her own songs Taylor’s also flexed her muscle on some other artists’ biggest hits and made them her own. From her awesome cover of the Barry White smash “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love” to her version of The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Under the Bridge” from her most recent album “Satisfied”; Taylor makes it all look so easy.
She’s also ventured into reality television as well, having recently appeared as part of Team Rachel on the show “Rachel Vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off” where she competed for the Cambodian Children’s Fund Charity.
Last summer, Taylor released the single “Floor On Fire” which broke into the Billboard Top Ten further proving that this vocal powerhouse has no intention of slowing down.
I had the pleasure of speaking with this amazing woman and getting her thoughts on everything from how she became Taylor Dayne to her songwriting process.
We also discuss her upcoming greatest hits package and her admiration for young up and coming singers competing on reality television.
If the past is any indication, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Taylor Dayne.
goJimmygo (gJg): It’s so great to speak with you Taylor. How are you doing?
Taylor Dayne (TD): I’m doing great! Thanks for asking. I’m keeping busy by making appointments and getting on planes. <laughs>
gJg: When you look back on your career thus far what’s the first thing that comes to your mind?
TD: It’s actually difficult to put into words. When I think about everything I’ve been through all I can say is “Wow!” I really can’t believe it”. <laughs>
gJg: For me, as far as 80’s female vocalists are concerned, you complete the trifecta. First there was Madonna, then Whitney and then there’s you!
TD: Thank you! I was actually a label mate with Whitney’s on Arista. I signed in 1987 when the single came out and then the “Tell It To My Heart” album dropped in 1988.
I think Whitney’s first album was released somewhere around 1985. She was more into pop where as I was more into the dance genre.
gJg: You’ve had so many hits over the course of your career and just last year had yet another one with “Floor on Fire”. How did that single come about?
TD: I remember at the time I wanted to do a Techno/Electronica dance single. So I searched for a producer and found Niclas Kings and Ivar Lisinski who are both absolutely amazing.
One of the other writers on the song is Tania Doko who is a big artist in Australia. They sent me the track and Tania and I went through melody and lyrics. We all just collaborated on it.
gJg: What is your process like for writing songs?
TD: For me, songwriting is a building process. I like to compare it to filling in the spots of a puzzle. Sometimes pieces fit and sometimes they don’t. The trick is you just have to keep building. That’s the art of songwriting.
gJg: What inspires you to write?
TD: It’s moment to moment. Experience to experience. For me it’s actually living in the moment. When I write something and feel inspired by it what you see is a picture window of what’s going on in my life at the time. It’s generally done in that way. You always have to stay true to yourself.
Although, I’m not going to say that “Floor on Fire” was done that way.. <laughs>
Sometimes songs are easy to write and sometimes they’re not. That’s why I like to collaborate.
gJg: I have to tell you that “I’ll Be Your Shelter” is one of my all-time favorite songs.
TD: Thank you! One of the things I like to look for when I’m writing or looking for songs to use is how they’ll feel when I perform them live. “Shelter” is one of my favorite songs to perform.
gJg: I also loved your take on The Chili Peppers’ “Under The Bridge” from the “Satisfied” album. That was incredible!
TD: Thanks. That is such an amazing song!
gJg: What’s the story about your transformation from Leslie Wunderman to Taylor Dayne?
TD: That’s an interesting story: It was when I was recording “Tell it To My Heart” with my production partner, Ric Wake. Coincidentally, Ric also happened to be working with Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) around that same time. Dee and I were both ‘Long Island” kids.
Ric was in session with Dee and they were becoming friendly. So Ric begins to tell Dee about my deal to do a single with “Tell it To My Heart” and how he was now looking for a new name for me. So someone had mentioned the name “Taylor”. That seemed to stick but we needed a last name to go with it.
So later that night a bunch of us all went out together and literally got out the baby book and went through it line by line:
“Taylor Dann?… No….”, Taylor Dunn?…Nah!…”…Hmmmm? Taylor “DAYNE!”
That was it!
gJg: What are some of your best memories from being on the road?
TD: Meeting a lot of my own inspirational artists tops the list. I was able to meet a lot of people who really inspire me. Artists like Prince, Bo Diddley and Robert Plant. I got to meet a lot of the biggest blues artists in the world.
gJg: Prince is such a genius.
TD: He really is. Prince is an incredible musician and artist. He used to play these “after hours” shows in small clubs and a bunch of us would all go. Before long he’d call to me and the next thing you know I’m right up there on stage with him. He liked to do that for all of the breaking artists at the time. It was amazing.
gJg: You also had the opportunity to open for Michael Jackson on the BAD Tour. What do you remember most about that experience?
TD: For me, the best part about the Michael Jackson tour was getting to meet Frank Dileo who ended up becoming my manager. Frank was a long time manager of Michael and really helped facilitate a lot of the success of his record sales.
gJg; What do you like to do when you’re not in the studio, on the road or on TV?
TD: I love being outdoors. I’m a real nature buff. It’s a big touchstone for me and really connects me to the Earth. Prayer time is especially strong for me. I’m passionate about it and it really helps keep me grounded.
gJg: Is there anyone you’d like to work with?
TD: There’s a lot of really great talent out there I’d love to work with. People like Justin Timberlake, Dr. Luke and Stanley Clarke are just a few that immediately come to mind.
gJg: I was watching you showcase your cooking prowess on “Rachel Vs Guy: Celebrity Cook Off”. I wanted you to win it so badly.
TD: As far as I’m concerned we did win. Joey (Fatone) and I were just thrilled to wind up where we did. Anything more than that would have been insane. It was such a great experience. <laughs>
gJg: What are your thoughts about the new wave of singers coming from shows like “American Idol” and “X-Factor”?
TD: Amazing. I think they’re awesome!
gJg: Your voice is so instantly recognizable. Do you think these kids spend too much time trying to sound like someone else?
TD: I think that the kids on those shows are just now starting to find their own voice.
There’s this whole way of singing: the use of syllables, expressing the melodies, feeling the song and making it your own. That’s what they’re doing now. Finding their way through the wilderness.
Most of them have never been in a recording studio or performed on that kind of a level before. Then all of a sudden they’re pushed into this big beast and the next thing you know, they’re developing. They actually develop right before our eyes. It’s pretty cool.
gJg: What projects are you working on right now?
TD: Right now I’m working on several different projects one of them being a new Greatest Hits package. This new album will include re-records of all of my big hits as well as some new material. I’m very excited about it.
It’s not often you come across someone as cool as Marie Bollinger, an actress making her mark on the Hollywood scene in commercials and movies like “Pelt” and the soon to be released suspense/thriller: “HUFF“.
Marie is an adventurous powerhouse and a force to be reckoned with. One look at her video reel shows that she can play a multitude of roles.
From scream queen to dramatic actress to comedy she’s the total package. Did I also mention she’s cool?
My first encounter with Marie was from her role as the voyeuristic Jessica in “Pelt”, a Richard Swindell film that pays homage to the classic camper/serial killer movies of the 1980’s. Marie was fantastic as the promiscuous camper who winds up getting captured, caged and, well you’ll just have to watch the movie to find out.
Marie’s latest role is that of Brixi in the Paul Morrell directed film “HUFF”, a twisted take on the classic story of “The Three Little Pigs” which also stars former “Bachelor” Charlie O’Connell, scream queen Elina Madison, Elly Stefanko and Jenna Stone.
“HUFF” was recently screened to an enthusiastic crowd at the Texas Frightmare Weekend and received rave reviews from hardcore horror fans. With an official release scheduled for September, Marie’s star is certain to rise to new heights.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Marie and discussing her roles in both “HUFF” and “Pelt”. In addition to being a phenomenal actress, I also discovered that Marie has amazing athletic prowess, an interesting musical hobby and an awesome sense of adventure.
Yeah, she’s cool.
goJimmygo (gJg): Marie! It’s so great to speak with you!
Marie Bollinger (MB): Yeah! Same here!
gJg: Was the “HUFF” screening at Texas Frightmare Weekend your first experience at a horror convention?
MB: Yes it was. It was the first time I’ve been to any convention actually. It was something I’ve never experienced before and it was amazing! I couldn’t believe how many horror fans were there. They’re so loyal. Texas Frightmare was really a great place to premiere the film.
I remember at one point meeting a guy who told me that it was his sixth time coming. He said he keeps coming back to them because he likes meeting the film makers and hanging with friends watching films. Everyone there just shares their love of the genre together. It’s pretty cool.
gJg: What was the screening like for “HUFF”?
MB: It was awesome! There was such a great turn out and most of the cast was there too which made it even better. I actually sat next to Elly and Jenna and we watched the completed film together for the very first time.
gJg: When is “HUFF” going to be released for the rest of us?
MB: We’re being told sometime in September. That’s what we’re shooting for.
gJg: How did you the role of Brixi come about for you?
MB: I actually landed the role in part from a movie I had done previously called “Pelt”.
A mutual friend had introduced me to Paul Morrell (the director of “HUFF”). Paul had seen “Pelt” and liked my performance. He found me through Facebook and called me in to audition for the role of Brixi.
gJg: How did it go?:
MB: I remember the first audition went really well. But after the callback I remember walking out thinking I had just blown it. I went home down on myself. And then on 11-11-11, of all dates, Paul called me up and offered me the part. <laughs>
gJg: What’s the premise of “HUFF”?
MB: It’s actually a really twisted take on the story of “The Three Little Pigs”. There’s an abusive step father, Huff (Charlie O’Connell) and a selfish mother, Lorelei (Elina Madison) who is blind to what is going on between her daughters and Huff.
My character, Brixi knows that she has to get out of the situation and ends up taking on the role of martyr in order to protect her sisters Shay (Elly Stefanko) and Styx (Jenna Stone).
Meanwhile, Lorelei takes Huff’s drug money and gives it to us to start new lives. That’s when Huff comes after us and the real horror element of the film begins. Up until that point the movie is more of a thriller.
So we run off and without giving too much away, let’s just say we make some decisions that got the crowd going at Texas Frightmare. <laughs>
gJg: What was it like working with Elina Madison?
MB: Elina is awesome! I’ve known her from seeing her at some of the commercial auditions I’ve been to. It wasn’t until later that I discovered she had this extensive resume of horror which was very cool.
I remember her coming to the table read and just laying all of her cards on the table right away. She just told everyone that she was going to do her own thing and for us to not be offended if she went off by herself. She was that focused on the story. I respect that. She was very professional.
gJg: I have to ask you this important question: Did you know that Charlie O’Connell (Huff) was “The Bachelor”?
MB: I honestly didn’t. I had never watched “The Bachelor” before and had to look it up. I went in blindly so I really didn’t really know anyone. <laughs>
gJg: Any interesting stories you remember while filming the movie?
MB: Well, I actually lived on the set pretty much. We were offered places to stay while we were filming but I didn’t want to drive so I just decided to stay on location. Our casting director, Meg Hairell, didn’t feel comfortable with me staying there by myself so she stayed there too.
I remember having to wake up every morning before anyone, even if I wasn’t due on the set, because the makeup room also doubled as my bedroom.
If I wasn’t shooting I was often napping. Meg has a whole collection of photos showcasing my skills of being able to nap anywhere but mostly curled up in a corner of the room. <laughs>
It was a creepy place because it was next to a burial ground and people had said they saw ghosts walking around on the property. I was really hoping for something scary to happen but nothing did.
gJg: Having now seen the movie, what do you like most about it?
MB: I think the fact that there was a subtle comedic element to it. Some of my favorite horror movies all have a little bit of comedy in it. It’s not always obvious but it’s there. Charlie really brought some awesome comedic elements to it. I was surprised at how well the sprinkle of comedy worked. It’s all so subtle, yet also real.
Pelt
gJg: What was your experience like filming “Pelt”?
MB: “Pelt” was a really fun shoot. I remember we all stayed in this great cabin-like hotel and really bonded together. It was great fun.
Here’s an interesting story:
One of my favorite movies from a few years ago was a film called “The Signal”. I remember that there was this guy in the movie who I thought was absolutely phenomenal but I didn’t know who he was.
Justin Welborn (who plays Jon in “Pelt”) and I became good friends during filming. After we had completed shooting the two of us were hanging out together and he asked me to check out this movie he had made: “The Signal”.
I was like: “No way, that’s YOU??” I had just gotten done working with him and had no idea that he was in one of my favorite movies, which says a lot about his ability to transform as an actor. He’s a chameleon of sorts. <laughs>
gJg: I found “Pelt” to be just like some of the other horror movies I loved watching during the 80’s. The “Friday the 13th” types with the over the top kills, the promiscuous ladies, the funny one-liners at the “wrong” time….
MB: Exactly! It’s supposed to be fun!
I remember being at the table read and Richard Swindell (director and a really cool dude) told us: “I’m not reinventing the wheel here. Let’s just have fun. It will be a great experience.” And he was right, it was.
gJg: I remember reading where Richard said he knew a joke was going to work in “Pelt” if it made you laugh during the table reading.
MB: Yeah, I have a sense of humor of a 12 year-old boy and so does Richard. It was a blast. <laughs>
Acting:
gJg: When did you decide you wanted to become an actor?
MB: I think it was when I was in elementary school. I remember being involved in a poetry contest and at the time just thinking to myself that acting was something I really wanted to do.
I had always been involved in plays and drama during school but I was also an athlete. I won State my senior year in the high-jump and went to college on a scholarship. Being an athlete was a big part of my life.
I graduated college with a BFA in Electronic Media but was never brave enough to take that first step and do what I really wanted to do. Then one day my father, who always knew I had the desire to act, told me to just go for it. So I did. I moved to LA and immediately started booking commercials.
gJg: I was watching your video reels and saw your sky diving adventure. What was that experience like?
MB: It was such a great experience. For one second, and quite possibly the longest second of my life, I literally thought I was going to die. But once I realized that I was actually just free-falling, it was awesome! I love stuff like that: heights, being scared, adventure.
gJg: What do you like to do in your spare time?
MB: One of the things I like to do is collect vinyl record albums. I have a lot of classics like David Bowie, Brian Eno, Phil Collins, Patti Smith, Billy Joel. A lot of punk rock from the 70’s. Some garage rock from the 50’s and 60’s. Just a wide range of music.
I’m actually going through a big Leonard Cohen/Patti Smith phase right now. I think if I could have been born in another time it would have been the 60’s.
gJg: What’s projects do you have coming up?
MB: I have a couple of short films in the works along with a feature film called “Listening”. It’s a story of two broke college grad students who invent mind-reading technology. If it gets into the wrong hands, well then it may just be the end of free will. I play a brainy vixen in this one.
It’s a fantastic screenplay and I’m very excited about it!
So yesterday I’m sitting down in the basement watching a MASH marathon. Something I don’t get to do too often since the show went off the air thirty years ago and is now on television in syndication only rarely.
And before you go and say anything about why I don’t just go and get the complete collection on DVD or streaming it someplace let me spare you the trouble.
Having every episode on some disk sitting around to play whenever I want is NOTHING compared to the euphoria you get when flipping through the channels and finding your favorite show on. Because when it comes my faves, I still get giddy when I turn on the television and there it is. Oh, and I also like the randomness of not knowing which episode it is too. Don’t judge.
Anyway, where was I? Oh yes…. So there I was watching Hawkeye and BJ putting shaving cream on Frank Burn’s face for about the five billionth time when in walks my miffed significant other. I know she can see the happiness in my eyes watching my boys from the four-oh-double-seven. She is fully aware of my love for the show. I’m eating nachos and enjoying the good life of reliving the Korean War through the eyes of guys named Trapper, Radar and Klinger. I am in my happy place. She none the less isn’t so amused.
Apparently, there is a jungle growing out in the yard. A runaway lawn has gotten too out of control and must be addressed. For me, such things do not take precedence over watching Klinger dressing like a woman and trying to eat a Jeep to get out of the army.
She had been wanting me to cut it for the longest time. I said I was going to, but that was before I stumbled upon MASH. She didn’t say a word though. Just stood there. Staring at me.
So after the stare down has gotten to be too much I did something I rarely do. Please forgive me Colonel Potter….
I put the TV on mute.
That’s right, turned off the sound to one of my all time favorite television shows. There was another ten or fifteen second moment of silence. The tension in the air was so strong you could cut it with a knife. Then finally, she spoke.
“You know, you are wasting your life away watching a show that you’ve seen a thousand times already…”
Again, more silence.
I slowly took another bite out of my nacho. The beef and cheesy combination only reminded me that I needed to get back to Korea as soon as possible. So after washing it down with some cold beer, I cleared my throat and responded with the following:
Honey? I did some research. The average person spends approximately 8-10 minutes every day going to the bathroom (both number one and number two). Mind you, the time could increase depending upon many factors such as drunken nights or eating bad Chinese but let’s just use “ten” as a baseline. This includes the act itself and assuming you use proper hygiene methods afterwards. That equates out to more or less an hour a week.
I multiplied that by 52 and got 52 hours for a year. Follow me? Then I multiplied that again by 75 for the years of an average life span. (I didn’t tell her, but I would have subtracted some time for those early years where we all have incontinence issues and Mom and Dad had to take care of hygiene. But I didn’t want to make this issue too complicated).
Finally, I divided this number by 24 for hours in a day.
Do you know what I discovered Sweetheart? The average person spends almost a full half-year of their entire life either taking a leak or dropping a deuce. Yep, each one of us will spend 6 months of our lives locked in the toilet. Amazing isn’t it? What a waste of time (pun intended).
Now I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather spend that time watching MASH then sitting on the pot. Wouldn’t you agree?
Silence.
She shook her head and walked away. I raised my bottle of beer and gave myself a toast. Looks like the grass will have to wait. At least until MASH is over.
Oooh…King Kong Vs. Godzilla is coming on next…sorry Honey!
Some people say that if you just keep saying the same message over and over people will eventually start to believe it. Just ask anyone who complains about people who watch the Fox News Channel or listen to any progressive radio station.
Those media outlets are geared toward people with a particular way of thinking. It’s all feeding the sheep what they want to hear and perhaps even using subliminal messages to help get their point across.
In some ways I suppose its similar to what they did at the movies years ago. There were some theaters who, in their quest for profits would splice in a split second of extra film into the main feature with an image of popcorn. Even though you were unaware of it, your brain had subconsciously picked up on that popcorn image and before too long you were making a bee-line for the concession stand because you suddenly had the urge to have some.
And please don’t get me started about the splicing use in the movie “Fight Club”.
I like to think that for the most part people are pretty smart in making up their minds over who to vote for or whether or not to eat popcorn. My problem with what I like to call “influential media” is that it can not only lean our decision-making in one direction or the other but it can also bankrupt us as well.
Confused?
There comes a time, usually in the middle of the night if you really want to know, when the mind really does become susceptible to the influence of messages made on television. And these messages don’t come from a political news network. They come in the form of advertising. Those late-night infomercials that peddle everything from exercise programs to space-age blenders.
I can’t even begin to tell you how many sleep deprived nights I’ve spent perusing the channels in a desperate search for a Three Stooges or MASH marathon but instead come across the P90x infomercial. Even though I had seen the entire thing dozens of times and could mimic Tony Horton’s every word, I still had to watch.
So there I was, sitting like a lazy log on the sofa with blood-shot eyes very much pissed that I was going to be useless at work the next morning but parroting every line: “This ain’t no aerobics class from the seventies”….”Do your best and forget the rest!”…
Now I consider myself to be in reasonable shape. I eat right and exercise regularly but still, had a laptop with an internet connection and my credit card been within arm’s reach I may have pulled the trigger right then.
The images I saw: the ripped abs…the sculpted shoulders. I could look that way! And in only ninety days!
That program was immediately followed by an hour-long Montel Williams “special” on the benefits of juicing. Of course, using the only machine he’s found to do the job right. And one which coincidentally bears his name.
Hmmmm? Exercise AND juicing… The perfect combination. Now this was getting very tempting. I quickly surmised that for both items it would “only” cost me around $400. But I could always use their “easy” payment plan!
Once Montel gave me my final chance to “call now” the urge became too great. I began to reach for the credit card but that’s when something amazing happened. The crazy guy who peddles pillows came on the screen. Now who would ever have thought to do a half-hour commercial just to sell a pillow?
I began watching people sleeping using his soft, comfortable, cool pillow.
God bless the pillow man. His schtick put me to sleep within fifteen minutes and saved me a bundle.
3. School’s Out: Ah yes, absolutely nothing compared to being a teenager and Friday rolling around. For, in addition to a two-day reprieve from all of the pressures and drama that go along with being a teen, Fridays typically meant no homework and even more importantly, a chance to stay up late and sleep in on Saturday!
1. The Incredible Hulk: The television show that starred Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. I would literally be sitting in class ignoring the teacher while daydreaming of that night’s episode. “Will David Banner cure himself of the Hulk tonight?” I’d ask myself; already knowing that the answer was “No”.
go.Jimmy.go 