Queen stands up for comedy at the Joke Gym in Arcadia

For those of you who were unable to catch my standup routine at the Joke Gym in Arcadia a couple of weeks back, now you can get a little taste. Click on this link and enjoy the show!

 

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1716410870/bctid1761979386

 

And don’t expect to see a repeat performance. I’m turning in my comedy mic to keep myself open for even more adventures. Keep checking the Weekend section to see what I’m up to next as Fun 101 Grrrl!

 

Thoughts from a little dog

5300-zatticus-thumb-300x203.jpg

Hello Dear Readers!

 

It’s been a long time since I wrote.. too long. I haven’t been hidden away writing my autobiography or pondering the meaning of life… even though maybe I should… I’ve just been – sit down and get ready – busy being a dog.

 

Yeah, I don’t need a $10,000 party like Elvis (of “America’s Greatest Dog” fame) to know I’m special. Heck, as far as I’m concerned I am America’s Greatest Dog… at least my mommy makes me feel that way.

 

And I don’t need my photo on the cover of the latest doggie magazine. I have plenty of fans already.

 

What I do need is a nice toy to chew, a soft cuddly place to sleep and a cookie now and again. Hmmm…. perhaps that is the meaning to life. Happiness is where you find it, I’ll be home all day!

 

Paws up,

Atticus

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Reply

Adieu to a friend

14150-gman-thumb-300x256.jpg

When I first became involved with the Doo Dah Parade I had quite a bit of support from my friends, but one of my biggest fans was Robert “The G-Man” Shields. At the time I was his co-host on “G-Man’s Freak Show” on cable access television. I didn’t mind being his sidekick, as he shared the spotlight and even gave me some glory once in a while. It was a fun gig. (One cool fact is that the program was recently named the number one most watched cable access show in California by CNN.com.) Unfortunately G-Man passed away Tuesday, Aug. 5.

 

G-Man and I have been friends for 18 years. I first met him at a funky little club called the Natural Fudge Company in Hollywood. The venue had bands and open mic nights for comedians. I was fronting the hard rock /heavy metal group Morpheus and he was doing standup. Our paths crossed and a friendship was forged.

 

We worked well together and made the rounds emceeing between bands at clubs all over Southern California, as well as making appearances at all kinds of places and even serving as presenters at the Rock City News music awards. Later, the cable show came and our rapport continued on camera, reaching even more fans.

 

G-Man also helped found DaBelly.com, an entertainment ezine, and contributed a monthly column. 

 

But the talent didn’t stop there… G-Man was a poet, an author and an artist too. His paintings are absolutely amazing. They’re all contemporary modern, but it’s not just the emotion and color that makes them intriguing– what makes them shine is the texture and technique. G-Man would use almost anything to apply the paint– an eyedropper, an earring, his hands.

 

 Most of his work remained hidden in his apartment instead of hanging in a gallery where it belongs… I am lucky to have a few pieces that he gave me. And today, at his memorial, I was given another two to add to my collection.

 

I am being flooded by a myriad of emotions with G-Man’s passing. It’s not only thinking about the past or our mortality, but it’s the little, yet big things like: I will never hear his laugh on the telephone again, I will never see him working on a painting again and I will never be able to give him some grief (in fun) again. Of course, I have photos, videos, his CD, some of his art… but….

 

Please take a minute to meet my friend at www.robertthegmanshields.com

and while you’re there, celebrate a life well lived….

 

G-Man, your wit, wisdom and talent will be remembered, but your words, creativity and energy lives on! 

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Reply

Funny Grrrl!

13559-zdoodahqueen306-thumb-300x200.jpg

Dear Loyal Subjects,

 

I would like to invite you to an evening of royal entertainment featuring Her Royal Majesty–  Me.

 

My editor has coerced me into writing a story about what it is like to do standup comedy (actually it wasn’t that hard because I was eating chocolate at the time).  I have attended a couple of classes at Bobbie Oliver’s Stand-Up Academy at the Ice House in Pasadena. And now I am ready to take my show on the road… just down a couple of cities to Arcadia.

 

You can catch me – for free even! – during the Joke Gym, an open mic night, Thursday, Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. Comedians can sign up to perform beginning at 6:30 p.m. Here’s the rest of the information:

 

ZAPATA VIVE MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA

101 S. First Ave., Arcadia

(626) 574-1363.

 Full bar and menu. No cover.

www.jokegym.com

 

Come out and cheer me on and have a good giggle!!

 

Now, carry on, as you were…