Check It Out!

Fresh from Google Video: Shrek Auditions. Artisan News posted a few interviews and tidbits of info... including me. Sweet.

Enjoy.

The Cupcake Defense

I should have known mentioning the Cupcake defense was going to spark something. And I definitely should have seen it coming from the lawyer...

Jeff, friend and co-star from Assassins and Urinetown sent me the following exchange.

The Court: Mr. Jones, you have just been found guilty of slaughtering the entire population of the Little Debbie Baking Facility in Muncie, Indiana. What do you have to say for yourself?

Casey: (clears throat) "We just wanted cupcakes."

The Court: I hereby overturn the verdict!

* * *

Now: I can't really see myself running amuck in a pastry factory-- okay, that's a lie. I can easily envision myself running amuck in a pastry factory-- but in light of the absolute massacre involved, blood and creme filling flying everywhere; could one sentence really vindicate a multiple murderer? Even one so prolific as "But we just wanted cupcakes"? (And how's that for a run-on sentence!)

And who would be my accomplice or partner in crime? 'But we just wanted cupcakes.'

Far too many thoughts on an entirely silly concept. 100% nonsense.

Thanks, Jeff. Outstanding.

Happy Birthday, Pedro

Today was a good day. Chris (aka Pedro) deserved nothing less.

His girlfriend Angela smuggled him up here for the day. He thought they were going to Philadelphia. Heh heh. Eeevil.

We went to Union Square, took in a few sights, slipped over to Soho (Dean & Deluca. More on them later.) and then to Times Square. Any day in which you see an animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex is a good one.

So. On the way back to the apartment, Angela and I slipped away to the Bakery to grab some cupcakes. They were remodeling; and despite the door being unlocked told us they were closed. My jaw gaped just a little bit.

"But... we just wanted cupcakes." They took mercy on us. I pointed out some chocolate cupcakes and said, "Okay, please give us the minimum number of cupcakes for a credit card."

The credit card machine was disconnected. "It's my friend's birthday. How much are cupcakes?" They're $1.75. I had three bucks on me; enough for one. I slapped two bills on the shelf. "One cupcake, please." They asked if we really only wanted one, if it was someone's birthday. I looked to Angela, who shrugged. It wouldn't be much of a party with only one cupcake.

The manager (I'm assuming) told us we could ask for more, and stop by the next day to pay for 'em. I asked for two additional cupcakes, and quickly scribbled on a business card "I owe you for two cupcakes."

So. Now that I've visited an ATM, I can swing by tomorrow to pay for the other two cupcakes. Which, for the record, were delicious.

I do want to say, I've never used the "But we just wanted cupcakes" defense before. It was 100% effective. Perhaps it will have applications in the future...

Merk. Fergl. It's Late.

Some quality sleep would really hit the spot right now. Unfortunately, I'm stuck in that limbo between not quite wide awake and not sleepy enough to keep my eyes shut.

Damn.

There are things on my mind; none of which I can do a thing about at two in the morning. Thoughts on money and expenses. My non-existant lovelife. Friends my age w/ babies. What to do (and leave alone) with Yellow Brick Monologues and the steps to follow. The WATCH awards. ... to hell with it. Also, the other award I may or may not be nominated for. I find that out next week; at which point I'll finally spill my guts one way or the other.

In the world of voice-overs, it was a good weekend. A former client came back for seconds (always a good thing). This job also included writing copy for the recording; a separate-but-equally-billable service. Heh. The best part? I was able to offer a friend her first professional VO gig. After the YBM reading on Friday, that may well have been the highlight of the weekend.

I like helping out my friends. It's a good feeling; and it's probably the closest I'm going to get to a selfless act any time soon. (Scratch that; re: the above concerning making me feel good.)

Wish I could sleep. Can't yet. So I might as well put that midnight oil to good use.

Sweet dreams, folks.

A Rousing Success

We had a preliminary reading of The Yellow Brick Monologues last night. It went splendidly. As a script writer, it's important to hear the work (no matter how silly) read aloud by other people.

I found out what things worked, what things really worked, and what didn't. It was also awesome. Freakin' fantastic. In addition to learning what needs improvement for my own sake, the actors involved had a terrific time. *clears throat* Shazam.

I can't remember the last time I had so much fun. Kyleen made a good point-- I had a dozen people quoting me for an hour and a half-- which probably had something to do with it. Still. Great time. Great. Bwa ha ha ha ha ha.

Time permitting, I can't wait to put some polish on this thing and really make it something.

Outstanding.

*facepalm*

I feel like an idiot.

In the information age, points of contact are everything. Seriously. I received notice a few days ago that my registration on www.caseytones.com (and subsequently my email through that site) was going to expire. I made a mental note to pay the bill.

I completely forgot. I completely forgot. Then a day or two ago I scratched my head in wonder as people mentioned that my email was bouncing back. I emptied the various folders of over-sized attachments and thought no more on it.

Dumbass.

I contacted Andy today asking him to change my contact info on Caseytones, and he asked me about the registration, because the site had vanished as well. That "Iceberg! Right ahead!" feeling smacked me in the face, only the Iceberg made contact two days ago and all that registered was "Huh. Did you feel something? Huh. It was probably nothing."

The situation is rectified. We're back on track. But there's no telling what I missed in the interim. That email is my primary point of contact in all things related to VOs, and I let it lapse. Schmuck.

Oy. We learn, we move on, we hopefully don't repeat such blunders.

*facepalm*

At Least I'm Not Alone

Well. That's a relief. A spot of insomnia and online wanderlust led me here.

LICD, or Least I Could Do, is a very sexist comic. Mysogynist as the day is long. And still occasionally brilliant. Ryan Sohmer's been writing it for years. As divergent as I occasionally find his humor, it's nice to know that everyone gets that goddamned sonofabitch Writer's Block now and then.

So that's nice.

Woohoo, Post #700

Seven hundred entries on this bloody thing. Wow.

Writer's Block. What a pain. It was no better today; so I'm going to take a friend's advice and just stop looking at it for a day or two. Hopefully that'll help.

In the meantime I'm going to look into some actual relaxation-- haven't really been doing too much of that up here. Oh sure there's downtime, but I certainly haven't had an "Ahhh, I'm so tranquil" moment in quite a while.

So. There that is.

Have a good one, folks. Ciao for now.

Razza. Fragga.

I am stymied. Stymied is the single most appropriate word for the state I am currently in. It is also the last word I have. I'm out. Of words.

Writer's Block is a real bitch.

I'm sitting on an idea. A good idea. A very good idea, in my own opinion; with scads of potential, through which I would love to romp. Yes, romp. In slow-motion if the mood struck me.

Sadly the only thing that's striking is a goddamned case of Writer's Block preventing me from getting past page nine.

Will it pass? Probably. The problem is that when it comes to the muse, I am 100% her bitch. I can do nothing to get her back faster. So.

This is me, twiddling my thumbs.

... Dammit.

Advantages, Disadvantages...

Working from home. An altogether weird circumstance.

Pros include setting my own hours and the option of not wearing pants. No-one drinks the last of the coffee without making more; and my boss is a swell sort of guy. And oh yeah. Anything in the office fridge is free game. Mwu ha ha ha.

I think a bit more responsibility wouldn't kill me, though. There were advantages to answering to someone, it meant things got done faster. When I first arrived in NY, I spent time at a nearby coffeeshop to get work done. It's cheaper to stay put but productivity can suffer.

Also, my hours are completely shot to hell. I stay up late, get up late, and repeat. Night-owlery has its limits, and the advantages to said lifestyle can lose their luster. Case in point; this evening right here.

I'm well aware that bitching of this sort amounts to "Oh there are too many diamonds on my engagement ring", so I'll put a stop to it; but there it is.

Anyway. Enough out of me. A good evening to all, and to all a good night. Sweet dreams, folks.

Things We Want

Or, to be frank, things I want. I'm living in New York, looking for what most people are looking for.

A career. A girl. A reputation. (?)

In showbiz, sometimes that's what you have. I've encountered my share of actors that I've heard of long before I met them face to face. And that was just Maryland. What. We like to talk. It would not suck to have people thinking it was good to work with me (or my work) before they walked through the door. Just sayin'.

Anyway. Do I have these things? Nope.

I have work. I have... the things I have. Prospects in a few pies I care not to share yet. Gimme a few weeks.

The writer who offers what he's working on before it's finished may well doom himself to never finishing said project. Especially if he coughs up details. So you're outta luck.

Ciao for now, suckers. Adios.

"Frustrated, Bettie Exists"

Actually, that's 'exits', but it was a fun typo. Work resumes in earnest on the newest project that isn't a transcription. I'll pick that up later this morning, but right now I'm gonna work while the brain is willing.

Soft, pink, delicious brains...

Surprises, Memories & Other Things

Surprises: Monday I was called in by the same company as last week for some quick voice-over work. They may become repeat customers/clients. That would be nothing short of splendid.

Surprises: Eric Burns over at Websnark asked his girl to marry him, and in a most unique fashion. I'm happy to report that she said yes. Do I know him personally? Nope. But I like his writing.

Memories: Thinking on old times. Not unlike a dummy. I had a nice evening out tonight w/ Tamia and her son, Paolo. She's a friend from my Theatre IV days. It was good to get out for a bit.

Other Things: I started work on a new writing project; something both ambitious and silly. Got off to a good start, but it was little more than that. Hopefully there will be more progress in the coming days (when I'm not working on a transcription). This one is going to take a while.

It's twenty after one and I'm not tired. Staying a nightowl is fine, provided I can get done what I need to get done.

Anyway. Sweet dreams, folks. More to follow.

Without Further Ado

The WATCH Award nominations have been announced. Assassins got a bunch of nominations: Outstanding Properties-- Jenna Ballard. Outstanding Lighting Design-- Kevin Boyce. Outstanding Sound Design-- Kevin Boyce. Outstanding Costume Design-- Eric Scerbo. Outstanding Make-Up Design-- Malca Giblin. Outstanding Hair Design-- Malca Giblin again.

For Performances, we got our share there too. Outstanding Cameo in a musical-- Robin Covington. Outstanding featured actor in a musical-- Andy Izquierdo, myself, Michael Nansel (for Lockstock in Urinetown), and Diego Prieto. Outstanding Featured Actress-- Andrea Spitz and Jaclyn Young, twice. Shazam.

Outstanding Choreography-- Thalia Kirimlis, Urinetown. Outstanding Music Direction-- Josh Tuckman, Urinetown. Outstanding Direction of a Musical-- Craig Pettinati, twice. Outstanding Musical-- Assassins & Urinetown.

That's a whole lot of outstanding.

My sincere congratulations to everyone who was nominated. The first weekend in March is going to be a fun one. Count on it.

Because It's Awesome, That's Why

Today's PvP is fantastic. It's one my daily strips to catch already, but the fact that they brought a voice-artist into the strip makes it that much cooler. Sweet.

Other things that are sweet? Pick-up recordings, like the one later this afternoon. Shazam.

Too Good Not To Share

A new friend and I were talking tonight; and the subject of the latest Die Hard movie came up. I came up with the subtitle for this flick.

"Kicking a dead horse... until it bleeds glue."

We laughed, we laughed again, we moved on.

'Cause All The Cool Kids Are Doing It:

-Name: Casey Jones
-Age: 26
-Locale: Astoria, NY
-Your best feature: My way with words. Spoken and written.
-Your greatest vice: My ego.
-Are you working on these things?: Yes… just not like you think.
-Greatest accomplishment this year: It’s early yet. Don’t wanna jinx it.
-Worst fear (this year or anytime): Mediocrity, amounting to nothing, doing it alone.
-Something you wish you could have done this year: No comment.
-Something you cannot live without: My laptop, for a number of reasons.
-Something you did that you cannot believe: Multiple Santa Claus voices singing ABBA.
-One thing you are most thankful for: Friends. Rare, precious supply up here.
-Something you don't do but should: Floss more.
-Giver or taker?: Giver.
-Do you expect something in return: I’m a Libra. On some level I do, but it’s a small level. Course, there is that thing called Karma.
-Who are your closest friends and why?: They know who they are.
-Who are your closet family members?: My nuclear family, all in different houses.
-Where do you see yourself ending up(location): Depends on my career and my love life. The first is slowly rising and the second doesn’t exist right now.
-Where you would be right now if anywhere: Well, I moved here, didn’t I?
-What is something that no one knows about you?: Why on earth would I tell you?
-Favorite outfit: Jeans, nice shirt, the nice shoes.
-How to describe your style: Old fashioned w/ a little class.
-Favorite drink: Maker’s Mark on the Rocks. Or Iced Tea that I haven’t quite mastered yet. Oh—and Coffee.
-Favorite food: Kung Pao Chicken, Pizza w/Ham, Sunflower Seeds… the list goes on.
-Favorite place: These days, it’s the studio.
-Something that you learned today: Bill’s pets don’t bug my allergies.
-Last webpage you visited: My email.
-On your plans for tomorrow: More transcribing.
-On your plan for this year: Too early to say. Don’t wanna jinx it.

You Want The Truth?

The fact is, I'm watching one of my favorite shows because, on some level, I hope it'll make this apartment feel more like home. Someone I've known for three days is sleeping in the next room. I'm out of sunflower seeds.

The fact is, I should go to bed. I'm just not that tired yet. Anyway. More to follow.

The Law of Diminishing Returns

I saw a really, really bad movie tonight. The good news is I didn't pay for it. The bad news is that it was easily the worst thing I've seen in a good long time. The good news is I came home to cleanse the palette.

The West Wing is good.

There's this thing called the law of diminishing returns. In relation to this, it means that each time you see something, odds are your feelings for it will be less than the last time you saw it after seeing it the first time.

I've found a few things to which this doesn't apply. Shaun of the Dead. The books of Jasper Fforde. A few brands of cigar that I no longer smoke to save a few bucks. The first few seasons of The West Wing. Thank goodness for DVD.

So now, I'm watching a few eps of Season Two. My point being, even if the law of diminishing returns applied to the show I'm watching now, and I had seen it many more times than I already have... it would still be better by leagues than the movie I saw tonight.

I'm just sayin'.

... Sigh.

New York slowly starts to feel a bit more like home.

Kate left for her tour bright and early, Saturday. The new temporary roommate has moved in. We've started to mesh a bit and she seems nice.

First voice-over gig of the year is tomorrow afternoon, after being re-scheduled from Thursday. Can't wait. Honestly, I hope this thing has... a 'grounding' effect. Working in the city. VOs are one of my favorite things to do, and after the stress of moving up here; I could use a little fun and profit.

I'm trying to establish a routine, something that's going to take some doing in a completely new environment. I'll be starting on a new audio book script tomorrow. The company sends me a book, I turn it into a script; it's a satisfying gig. That, and groceries from the new market, doing dishes in the new sink, laundry at the laundromat; all that crap. Repeat, repeat, repeat.

Counting down on two things; neither of which I will mention by name for fear of jinxing the crap out of them. More on them later if things develop.

Good night, folks. Sweet dreams.

Hrmm.

Despite the fact that I've been working on transcription for the better part of the afternoon, the wheels keep turning on other things.

Before that, though-- I saw Kate's show earlier today. It's an educational play in great shape and set to go on the road this Saturday. Break a leg, Red.

Anyway. Thoughts: There was a girl I met a few months ago, down in MD. She was fun, smart, attractive. We had some pretty good chemistry. We just never... worked. The timing was bad for a few reasons-- she was getting over a break-up, and I knew the move was coming. (I also blame The Black Dahlia. We went to see it, and it killed that evening flat. Terrible movie.) In any case, we've kept in touch.

That stupid, idle trick of the brain; wondering what could have happened there is running counter to actively trying to settle in up here. Enh.

Trying not to think about it, trying to focus on things like work and whatnot is only so effective. Again, enh.

I've been thinking about getting out of Astoria a bit, at night, going some place where I'd be more likely to meet people my age. Kate's Christmas gift to me, the NFT, should be helpful in that department. Nifty little book: An in-depth guide to New York; and Not For Tourists.

Back to the transcripton...

OH. The voice-over gig has been bumped to Monday. Someone was sick today. More to follow, on that. Ciao for now.

*Does A Little Dance*

I just confirmed my voice-over gig tomorrow afternoon, right in Manhattan. My first since I moved here. Woot.

My teeth (and ex-teeth) feel great, I feel good, we're good to go. Might have to celebrate or something afterwards, who knows!

Outstanding News

Not for me, really. I mean, it's not my news. But I think it's outstanding anyway. Sometime this month, Michael Caine and Jude Law will begin shooting the remake of Sleuth.

I ordinarily hold reservations against remakes, but this is my all-time favorite script. In the original movie, Caine played Milo Tindle. This time around he'll be playing the other role, Andrew Wyke. Against Jude Law. Shazam.

Which means?

Sometime about a year from now, my favorite script is returning to theaters. And surely as night follows day, the original movie will be re-released on DVD. That's what they do. Splendid, splendid, splendid.

Movie geeker joy at its finest.

Dag BLAST It

Patience not being one of my best virtues, I find myself really, really wanting to get my hands on a copy of Sleuth. Used to have one, and I don't any more.

In my opinion, the movie is nothing short of terrific. Michael Caine and Sir Laurence Olivier turned in career performances. Both were nominated for Best Actor Oscars; unfortunately they were up against The Godfather. (And each other.) It isn't the greatest script I've ever seen, but it is my favorite; it pushes all the right buttons.

The problem being, naturally, that the movie's gone and become quite rare. And expensive. For a DVD with only one movie in it, the price where one can find it is downright prohibitive.

Still. If anyone happens to have a copy they're not using anymore; or knows where I can find one for less than fifty bucks, do let me know.

It's The First Of The Month

Bunny, bunny.

Having Watched The Ball Drop

Former plans for tonight were beset by my still recovering from surgery. I was planning to celebrate with Bill and Dany, but not feeling well enough for the trip (or the subsequent allergies) I opted to stay in Queens instead.

Kate's brother Andy arrived, and the five of us had a very nice evening. Right through Midnight.

Precisely the moment, watching the ball drop, that it sunk in that I live in New York. The people in Times Square yacking it up are less than four miles from here.

This is January First. I've moved to a new city, and this is as good a time as any to say that it actually feels like home. Outstanding.

I have no idea what this year is going to bring. I have an inkling or two, but certainly nothing I want to mention this early for fear of jinxing it... Never the less. Here we are.

Be well, folks. Happy New Year.