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If you like comedy, PR or the occasional inside scoop on the entertainment world,
then drop by for a daily dose written by me, Kambri Crews, producer and publicist to comedians and more!
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Random Things
Since no one is around to read, I haven't felt much like writing. But there are a couple of things I wanted to share: a party last night, a Christmas wrap up, pottery sighting follow up, subway fisticuffs and more.
Party Last Night
Christian & I attended a birthday party at Employees Only. David Cross, Robert Smigel, Paul F. Tompkins and others were milling about, but we were a bit too mellow to mingle. We hung back with Todd Barry as he consulted with Seth Morris about what kind of line to use to try and pick up the psychic who had set up shop in the foyer. After a few "I'd give you my number, but you already know it" type lines, Todd bravely forged toward his target. To my surprise, he returned almost instantly. "That was quick!" I said. He replied, "She told me we will be having beautiful sex tomorrow." So I guess he felt no need to hang around after that encouraging forecast. Today actually should be his lucky day.
Christmas Wrap Up
Now that Christmas is over, I feel a lot better about not having heard from my dad and lamenting my lack of family. Holidays are tough, man. But I so do love giving and the warm feeling I get when someone genuinely enjoys receiving from me. A fun example is below. Of course, Christmas wasn't all terrible considering I have Christian, who spoiled me silly. It must be hard to try to please someone on Christmas knowing that no matter how much you give them, they will always be a little bit sad and disappointed inside.
Pottery Sighting Follow Up
Some time ago, I came across this blog entry and decided to write the author, Rachel. I had an idea to surprise the young fan of Christian's for Christmas. The author wrote back, we met for drinks, had a terrific time and I delivered an autographed headshot of Christian and a photo I had taken of him at Our Name is Mud the very day of their sighting. He signed the back of that photo with a personal message to her. She finally received it and was thrilled. This is why I love the internet.
Subway Fisticuffs
Two grown men got into a shoving match on my subway car this morning. A middle-aged handsome businessman with a thick New York accent and a younger guy (mid-20s maybe) that boarded the train in Astoria with a Greek accent. It consisted of a lot of "Just sit there and shut up." "No, you shut up." "You shut up." "Stop looking at me." "You stop looking at me." "No. You." They decided to take it "outside" at the next stop. My stop. A very busy stop. People were practically falling over themselves trying to get out first.
No punches were thrown. Some shoving ensued, chest bumping, a bag was thrown down and the younger Greek guy ended up on the platform while the businessman stayed inside the car. The doors closed. I didn't stick around to see the ending, but Greek on the platform was trying to pry open the doors. I wonder if his bag was still inside? I wouldn't want anyone hurt or their things lost, but God would I have loved riding in the car with the businessman when the subway took off without the Greek.
More
I guess I lied. That's all I've got.
--Kambri
Link - 1:24 PM -
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Happy New Year?
I can't help but feel a sense of doom for Baby New Year. News is replete with reports and images of tragedy and terror and war and disease and I don't see how things will get better.
This did little to cheer me up, so of course I want to share the dread: Several reports of laser beams targeting commercial airlines.
--Kambri
Link - 10:01 AM -
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Since it is Better to Give Than to Receive
Give your holiday bonus to AmeriCares.
--Kambri
Link - 1:30 PM -
Monday, December 27, 2004
Christmas Cheer
First, I must say, Paquita is the most well behaved, awesome traveler ever. Humans included.
I got a bubble gum bath bar from Lush (thanks, Mrs. Batchley) that is making my entire apartment smell like candy. At first I thought, "What an awesome bar of soap!" Then I realized my apartment is just that small.
From my mom, I received a little bucket of her homemade chocolate chip cookies. You'd be jealous if you knew how awesome they were. My dad is in solitary confinement again, so I didn't get a card this year. I'm sorry to not get to share his holiday greetings on this, his 2nd Christmas of 20 -- if he lives that long -- to be spent behind bars. Instead, here is last year's card & my blog entry:
Holiday Greetings
Yesterday I received the first note from my incarcerated father since last May. He's been busy, I guess. It was a Hallmark Christmas card. The front read, "God made all the nights and days and all the world to sing His praise." The inside read, "The very sweetest song on earth once brought the news of Jesus' birth - And as we sing His praise today, may you be blessed in every way."
Then my dad wrote a warm and fuzzy Christmas note in his "deaf speak" handwriting that included this sentence, "I had been [in] solitary confinement four times since April for fighting with n*ggers cause me mad because stealings - all offenders are haters, thief, jealous, etc."
Don't you just want to pinch his cheeks he's just so cute? You know you want him as a prison pen pal for the new year. Don't lie.
Come on, he did care enough to send the very best!
So, yeah, no gifts from my "family" for the umpteenth year in a row and no card from my dad to let me know he is still alive means I had kind of a sucky Christmas.
After a short visit with Christian's dad's family, we all climbed into the car for another long car ride. I noticed a little Christmas gift bag I hadn't seen before. I was confused before prying open the tag to see that it was for me and that it was from Father Jack, Christian's uncle who has been, and is still, very ill. He snuck it into the car for me because he didn't want anyone to know he had broken the "rules" of Secret Santa by buying gifts for anyone other than his chosen recipient. Inside was a wintery coffee mug and marshmallow Santa.
My heart nearly exploded from the kindness.
I know he's a priest and so he gets paid to be kind to people like me, but still, he doesn't even know about my family "situation". So then I felt bad for feeling bad about not getting anything for Christmas and not having a place to call home because I have the best gifts ever -- every single day.
--Kambri
A coffee mug and a marshmallow Santa!
Link - 10:58 PM -
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Merry Christmas, Baby!
--Kambri
Link - 10:55 PM -
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Daily Dose Party Hopper
Caroline's on Broadway was chock full of laughter, and yet no mike was plugged in. Mix one part open bar, one part ham & turkey buffet and 150 comedians and you've got yourself a bunch of pictures requiring major red eye removal.
We arrived earlier than expected at 5 minutes past the official start time of 10:00, yet the place was already hopping with revelers. Most notable at that early hour was Stacey J from The Apprentice who seemed to be the guest of Paul Mooney who was dressed in a giant fur hat, military coat and heavy boots and danced alone in the sightlines of the spotlight & camera and a reserved Gilbert Gottfried.
One drink and a buffet round down, I headed back to the bar to see Lynne Koplitz & her boyfriend, Nick, arriving. We said our hellos and chatted briefly about how well my friend did as a guest on Lynne's show, Life & Style, last week.
I had a nice chat with Lou Viola, head of programming of the HBO U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen. His was a name I've heard many times over the course of two years and finally had the pleasure of meeting. He was knew of my newsletter, which was encouraging.
Donnell Rawlings passed me and stopped in his tracks. A big broad smile swept across his face, "Hey, I know you!" I have heard great things about his Chappelle's Show Live comedy tour with Charlie Murphy & Bill Burr and he confirmed, "That show is whack." To which I replied, "Is that good?" (I'm so square. Have I correctly spelled "whack"?) Apparently, "whack" is very, very good. The shows are packed, the audiences are enthusiastic and the money is rolling in. He has divorced since the last time we met, but is nevertheless enjoying himself as evidenced in the photo below.
During this time, Dave Attel was making his way towards us. I was interested in meeting him, but he was intercepted at least five times. I never did get to say hello. I did, however, have very brief and pleasant encounter with Jim Norton, but not Patrice O'Neil who is just a bit much for my taste.
On our way out, I met (again?) Artie Lange who said I should drop by his studio to deliver the latest Jest Magazine. I would be afraid of Howard Stern et al. accosting me to find out about my sexual past. Perhaps I'll just mail it.
Judah Friedlander (most excellent in American Splendor) & Danny McDermott
Donnell Rawlings and Guest
Russ Meneve, Eric Kirchberger, Christian Finnegan & Todd Barry
Adam Spiegelman (writer for Jimmy Kimmel Live), Jim David, Demetri Martin & Christian Finnegan
--Kambri
Skipping the Stand Up NY party.
Link - 9:52 PM -
Thursday, December 16, 2004
This is How Rumors Get Started
Debra Messing had Patton Oswalt's baby!
 
As a gift, I sent them these pubic stencils. (No, I didn't.)
--Kambri
Way to go, Patton!
Link - 7:49 PM -
Packed to the Rafters
So The Clip Joint at the Knitting Factory sold out. Did you hear me? SOLD OUT! And not just all the seats were taken -- even in the balcony -- it was standing room only five people deep. FIVE PEOPLE DEEP! Seeds of Peace should be thrilled. I am. Can you tell?
Tigger & her husband had just flown in. I gave them a lightening speed tour of Rockefeller Center (excluding St. Patrick's Cathedral -- what was I thinking?!) before we grabbed a quick bite and rode the rails down to TriBeCa. I think they enjoyed the show. If they didn't, they got in for free so they didn't lose too much.
After the show, Christian & I went to the VH1 Best Week Ever holiday wrap party at Ava Lounge in the newly refurbished/renamed Dream Hotel. I had great fun chatting with Doug Benson, Rob Huebel, Fred Graver, Scott (stereogum.com) and, well, everyone. What a great time. Although, coming in late to an open bar party that has been underway for well over two hours means everyone aged 25 and under is pretty much shitfaced. Kim was literally leaning on people as she slurred and plodded through sentences. I wonder how she's feeling today?
My favorite conversation was with Doug when he told me Googled himself and found this entry I had written. He had no recollection of this conversation (he is a marijuanalogger, after all), but he thought himself pretty clever. Agreed. I wonder if he'll now Google himself to find this entry and not remember telling me about Googling himself and how long will this cycle go?
--Kambri
I wonder if Doug will remember telling me he will cast me in his next play?
Link - 10:56 AM -
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Hey, You!
Gawker thought the show tonight was a good idea, and so should you! Come on down to the Knitting Factory at 8:30.
--Kambri
I've got big butterflies in my belly!
Link - 6:14 PM -
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I'll be Busy Tomorrow!
I am having a really phenomenal (pronounced "FEE-nominal" in the literal sense) day today. A kick ass new client fills my roster (more on that later) and I'm fielding loads of press hits for my others. Now, if only my fees weren't as nominal so I could take a long vacation and leave tasks to my employees.
I had all my dates mixed up. Tigger arrives tomorrow, the fundraiser is tomorrow, VH1's Best Week Ever holiday wrap party is tomorrow, tomorrow is a busy, fun day.
--Kambri
Link - 3:48 PM -
Hey, Hey, Hey!
Check out #5 on this list of 50 Ways to End the Year per Manhattan Users Guide and this on MurphGuide.com
Or, you could just sign up for the Ballyhoo Promotions newsletter and be ahead of the game.
--Kambri
Ho, Ho, Ho!
Link - 7:36 AM -
Monday, December 13, 2004
It's the Hap, Happiest Time of the Year!
This weekend was full of treats. Saturday, Ed Helms held his 2nd annual holiday bash in his awesome Brooklyn apartment. Everyone was in fine holiday form, literally and figuratively, and Ed is a gracious host. But earlier in the day I was running around in the cold which made me slightly under the weather, so my attendance at Ed's party was cut short. That trip I took on the tram to and from Roosevelt Island just for fun was hardly worth it. The ride and the views were just so-so.
Sunday, Christian and I cashed in *free* tickets to see the Tony Award winning Broadway hit Avenue Q. We thoroughly enjoyed the performances, score & book, but the Golden Theater stinks. Our usher was a crotchety bald woman who angered more than one patron and continually barked orders to no one in particular. The seats were the tiniest I've ever crammed my pa dunk a dunk trunk into, and poor Christian looked like he was the last man crammed into a phone booth during a world record setting adventure. Tiiigghhht. But live theater isn't about comfort and perhaps, mused Christian, that is why Broadway is dying a slow death. Then the show began and sucked us in and, well, did it matter that there was really no room for anyone to breathe or walk or stand?
--Kambri
Yes.
Link - 10:40 AM -
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Newsy Newsletter
Another Ballyhoo Newsletter goes to print.
--Kambri
Link - 1:02 PM -
Friday, December 10, 2004
The screening of First Time Caller was a huge success. Congratulations to Leo and the Sullivan Brothers and the many other producers, cast and crew in attendance. There was lots of laughter before, during and after by friends and strangers alike. Not to jinx it, but I think there will be a national release date coming soon.
I just found this picture online taken at the Coral Room during their relaunch party. You can totally see my bra and nobody told me!!! We were special guests which meant sitting at this corner table with an unobstructed view of the "mermaids" swimming in the giant tank. Fun night, but the place seems to be a huge "club" scene, so I doubt I'll be back unless there's another special event to give me free table service again.
--Kambri
Link - 1:16 PM -
Thursday, December 09, 2004
As expected, tonight's First Time Caller screening is overbooked. Sorry, 300 seats simply weren't enough to fill demand. So, arrive early to get seating or cancel your RSVP if you can't make it.
--Kambri
Link - 11:18 AM -
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Holy Moley!
Things are going really well to the point I can hardly remember to breathe!
Tigger's coming to town to do a spot about postpartum depression on Life & Style. Kudos to her.
On the 15th, I'm taking her to this fundraiser at the Knitting Factory that will be FABULOUS! All proceeds benefit Seeds of Peace. Here are the details:
The Clip Joint! New School Comedy, Old School Style.
The Daily Show's Lewis Black headlines this new monthly comedy/variety show at the Knitting Factory. Comics Matt O'Brien and Rory Albanese host Lewis, Jessi Klein, Christian Finnegan (VH1's Best Week Ever) and other acts in a show that takes you back to the days when people got dressed up to go see comedy.*
Wednesday, December 15
The Knitting Factory
Main Performance Space
74 Leonard Street
New York City , NY 10013
8:30 PM - $15.00
212-219-3132
--Kambri
*Suits optional.
Link - 4:35 PM -
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Weekend Update
The Incredibles was a pleasure. It started off slowly, but held me captive in the end.
The Cup Diner is a welcome addition to Astoria. Not a chain and not unique, but the service was hyper-friendly, the food was good and the location desirable. What makes it special? It's in Astoria, where crystal, gold leaf and garrish lighting go to die. Free internet access is an added bonus.
The Press page is updated, although I'm sure I've missed a bunch of blurbs. There's too many and too little time! Again, intern wanted! Here's a scan/page of the Time Out NY spot. Do you have any feedback on my format? If so, email me or comment below. I'd appreciate it!
Pottery with friends is good, picking up the finished product together is better, but decorating a Christmas tree afterwards is the best.
--Kambri
Link - 7:43 PM -
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Update and a Review
"[Sob Stories] host Christian Finnegan must pack a lot of protein because he sure did carry a high level of energy. Christian's effervescent personality was contagious, like herpes, but in a more positive way." -- So says Tara Koppel of NewYorkCool.com.
The December 7th edition of Sob Stories will include Lizz Winstead, the creator of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and Rob Huebel , known as the "Inconsiderate Cell Phone Man" in the pre-movie commercial and a million other national commercial spots. He also happens to be an amazing story teller. Rob's last time at Sob Stories, he dazzled the crowd with a true tale about how he, while working for a never debuted hidden camera show on a television network that shall remain nameless, almost snuck a German Michael Jackson impersonator out onto the Yankees pitching mound to throw out the first pitch during the World Series after 9/11. Scarily, security wasn't so tight. They only caught on after they asked "Michael" a question and he wasn't able to answer because he didn't speak English. 
This time around, the theme is holiday cheer. Here's the promotional blurb that subscribers received along with this picture that ran in Time Out NY:
Going home for the holidays? Get a preview of the horrors that await you at this month's Sob Stories, as comics recount tales of undercooked turkeys, humilating family reunions, lame presents and a host of other holiday disappointments.
The Marquee
356 Bowery (btwn Great Jones & E. 4th St)
8:00 PM
$5.00 - NO drink minimum!
--Kambri
Come on down!
Link - 1:12 PM -
Friday, December 03, 2004
New Show Premiere
My Coolest Years premieres this weekend on VH1. Christian Finnegan will appear in the episodes Summer Vacation and First Time, premiering Sunday, December 5th at 12:30 PM and Saturday, December 11th at 10:00 PM, respectively. Click here for additional air dates/times.
OH MY GAWD!!!
I just spoke to Christian about what to photo shop over the Comedy Central logo in the below pic for our Christmas Cards...his suggestion: Baby Jesus.
--Kambri
He's going to hell! And I guess so am I since I'm totally going to do it!
Link - 2:57 PM -
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Happy Holidays from the Wiccans
--Kambri
Link - 7:38 PM -
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Hey, Wait a Minute!
Here's an even better Backstage article by Amelia David published in October when Sweet Paprika had their Premium Blend special. For some reason my news clipping service failed to pick that one up. Hmmm.
In Other News
The photo I took of Christian for Sob Stories ran in today's Time Out NY. Also, Lindsayism.com got a Page Six mention today. She was kind enough to link the movie screening invitation yesterday. She already gets a gabazillion hits, but this timing is superb. Gawker plugged her plug which plugs her site which plugs the screening. The theater is sure to be packed now!
--Kambri
Thanks, Lindsay & Amelia!
Link - 11:13 AM -
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