2003-01-28 | THE A-LIST

I got another contributor for my book today. Comedian Nick DiPaolo:

It wasn't a lot, but I appreciate whatever I get.

I'm just asking them to give me a list of their favorite things. And least favorite, if they feel like it. DiPaolo is the kind of guy who loves to tell you what he hates. That's his schtick.

He was a writer for the Chris Rock show, has an upcoming role on the Sopranos, and has appeared on News Radio, Comics come home, the Hugh Hefner celebrity roast, Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, Conan, Leno, Letterman, and the old (and far superior to the Daily Show) Jon Stewart show.

I'm waiting for a few more responses from people I've already e-mailed.

About 5 comedians and 10 bands.

Then there's the hundreds more I still have to write to.

I sent a nice request to the Dismemberment Plan, and all I got in return was "Thanks...."

I understand if people don't have time...I tell them that in my e-mails...but it looked as if "the Plan" didn't even read my e-mail based on the response.

It's cool though. I've got a pretty good success rate so far. Almost 50 percent, probably.

I'm going for the more underground crowd first...then I'll try to get published based on that, and maybe after that I can start attempting to contact some of the big boys.

These are the people that I can remember right now that have contributed so far:

MUSICIANS--

ALIEN ANT FARM- This was before they even had an album out. The band name just caught my eye, and I decided to write them. They sent this huge list of influences. I was blown away. A couple months later they were "buzzworthy". I heard the lead singer got in a car accident or something. I hope he's okay.

MIKE "BRUCE LEE" PARK of Skankin' Pickle and Chinkees fame, and owner of Asian Man Records.

He just sent me a list of his 5 favorite albums of all time. Number 1 was Goddamnit by Alkaline Trio. That's how I first got into them. I immediately bought the album, and was impressed. Hawaii's own Tantra Monsters also made his top 5, with their great and only album, Stereo

CHOPS a.k.a. the MAGNIFICENT BUTCHER, d.j. and m.c. for the great underground hip-hop group, The Mountain Brothers, of Philadelphia.

He was very nice to me in his e-mail, sending me a list of influences, and seemed very excited to be involved. "It would be great to be in a book, man!"

MUSICIANS (PENDING)--

TROY BRUNO VON BALTHAZAR of the mighty Chokebore.

We're both partly to blame for this one. I overloaded him with questions, so we agreed to meet in person when he came down to Hawaii....but I dropped the ball, and didn't get to meet him. Lately he's seemed a little busy, so I hope he is able to be involved. I also want the rest of the band to be involved, too, but I'm not sure if they're up for it.

UGLY DUCKLING, the great underground hip-hop group from Long Beach.

I was in contact with one of the members about a year ago, and he seemed to be interested, but I lost touch with him. I would really love to have them be involved. I'll keep my fingers crossed for Troy and UD.

COMEDIANS--

GREG BEHRENDT

He has appeared on Dr. Katz, Leno, Late Friday (guest host), HBO Workspace (his own half-hour comedy special), Comedy Central Presents (another 30), and is a consultant on HBO's Sex and the City.

NICK BAKAY

Sidekick/announcer: night after night with allan havey, dennis miller's old network talk show, sports center/espn magazines tale of the tape segments, and has appeared on in living color, murphy brown, ellen, seinfeld, and is now a writer/producer for king of queens.

and last but not least......

JIM GAFFIGAN, who has an amazing resume.

He's appeared in among many other things, Igby Goes Down, Super Troopers, Ed, Law & Order CI, the Ellen Show, Road Trip, Sex and the City, Law & Order SVU, Three Kings, Conrad Bloom, Law & Order, Lateline, Conan, Letterman, Dr. Katz, and even on the View!

I'm thankful for all these people for helping me out, and I'm very confident that I will be adding to this list very soon.

Wish me luck.

Peace.

- premature ejaculation | tantra +