Gizmo Our Dog the Wookie

So skinny, you could feel every bone.

After several bathes, he still looked like a wet rat

I always knew I was an animal lover. I always had a pet dog, and whenever I am around an animal or a child, I seem to be a magnet to them. In the next few blogs, I will introduce you to the last three dogs and 1 pig I own(ed)... no, this isn’t an article about ex-girlfriends... my pets, and some of the stories on them.

Getting Gizmo:

His Paddington bear look

Had a rough Superbowl this year

Gizmo wanted to join a frat. I talked him out of that.

                                                           My brother in law (who rescued his dog Ophelia) was driving home from work and saw a dog... (at least he thought it was a dog) in the middle of the highway in Camden NJ. 
He took him to the ASPCA, and they said no one would claim him, so they are going to put him up for adoption. He knew my wife, and I would want him, so we adopted.

Going over a script with me

 When He called and said a dog was found In Camden, NJ- I thought I was getting a pit-bull or a rottweiler... Nope, It was a Shih-Tzu. Named Gizmo.


He looks like a Mogwai or a baby Wookie.

On The Road with Gizmo- great road dog

Christmas Giz

He is a little tiny Shih Tzu, all fluffy and adorable with big eyes, and I had to take him to get his boys cut off. 
I’m supposed to be his best friend (MANS BEST FRIEND), but I’m taking him to get his best friends cut off.

We had to take him to the Queens ASPCA, and it was at Jamaica queens, which is a lousy part of queens. To get a spot, you have to go early, at 4AM. We are the only white things in the area, I say to Giz, “We are going to die.”. 
I thought it was going to be a nightmare, but the thugs coming home from the bar all came over and played with the little guy.

Gizmo loves hiding understands like his little apartment.

Bundled up in blankets. First thing I see in the AM

Gizmo got a posse. Gus, Radar, Ophelia, and giz in the bow-tie

Giz and Gus: aka Pinky and the Brain

The work as a team and are Buddies when I’m at my in-laws.

Haloween

At the ASPCA, He is my new best friend and has awful abandonment issues, and I have to hand him over to get this done to him. He was staring at me like “come on, there is SOMETHING you can do,” and as a grown man, I had to look him in the eyes and say, “sorry, buddy. If you look in mommy’s purse, you’ll find my balls”.

When they brought him out, he was still doped up and out of it... We looked alike, so they knew he was mine. As I took him (he likes to be held like a baby), the lady actually said to me: don’t let him climb on anything, no stairs, and if you pick him up.. pick him up like you would a sheep. A SHEEP. How do you pick up a sheep... Don’t get me wrong, I’ve picked up a few hogs in my day... 

“Waffles”

First ride home

Now we got him fixed he needed to be groomed and pampered. If you noticed the difference in the pics, I cut his hair (Angie and I agree the next cut will be professionally done). I bathed him which was pretty easy, he stood still and let me shampoo him (in fact he loved it. A massage with warm water then drying him was a cakewalk.... he was a big fan of the blow dryer.. but the hair cutting was insane. He fell asleep, and I had to flip him around to get in there with clippers. This little guy doesn’t seem to be alive; he is like a small stuffed animal that moves around once in a while. Every once in a while, after a long walk, he acts up and runs around in circles and jumps around when he does this Angie, and I say this is his Alter Ego “Waffles”. I love doing the voices of Gizmo and Waffles.

Gizmo has a toy, and out of all his squeaky toys, there is one blue wiener dog that is his lifeblood. He has To have it when he is at home. He sleeps in the spoons position with it and carries it around, whimpering as if he is so in love with it he doesn’t know how to put it in words.

Ice cream Is crack to this dog. If you got some Ice cream, Gizmo would sell you his Wiener-Dog.

Every night Gizmo has a tradition, his little bedtime tradition. He doesn’t care if someone is over or if it is just Angie and I watching movies, but he loves humping the blanket. And I mean humping

Who Farted?

Quotes from Interviews of the past

Usually, when I do Interviews, I tend to do them at bars. This is kind of what the inside of my head would look like. I did an interview recently about my travels. I decided to post some of the answers and quotes on the blog.

I got my start from the beginning, Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, but I moved to NYC: Living here since I was 17 years old. My Parents back in Ohio adjusted to my move just fine. Once I was out, they got a pool and a dishwasher the year I moved out.

This is the biggest dream I could fulfill as a comedian is doing overseas gigs with the troops. I love the Military and police world, I am so fascinated by our protector class (and they are the most exciting movies and TV shows). If doing stand up and acting didn’t work out, I would have joined the services, police, or want to be an Air Traffic Controller like my father and brother.

Getting into the local culture

Dena, Cooter, and me.

I love seeing what makes a city special, culture, food, drink, and people. People can be tricky... Sometimes they aren’t interested in you.

Why is this “THIS” city/country special and stand out from any other place? 

Now with Apple bees, Wallmart, and other chains, the states are all starting to look alike. 
Culture almost always starts with food, getting to know the local flavor, seeing what the place has to offer (activity wise) then Historically what makes this place tick.

Since I got into Stand Up, I’ve wanted to go over and perform for the guys. Allot of my friends went to the military. I respect the hell out of them, they are our Warrior class. Armed Forces Entertainment was the only one I went too to fulfill this dream.

                                                                                           

“There is a lot of things I loved throughout the tours, one being in IRAQ: just because of the situation and attention I got before I even left to go over.”

““Most memorable, was when the wounded warriors came to IRAQ. These are real warriors. I was inspired and moved by their positive attitude and strength... I wanted to get anyone who speaks out “For the military” with a negative view and show them these are REAL Americans. These are guys who give anything for us to keep our freedom and help others better their lives in foreign countries, all the while having a great sense of humor.”



“I also saw my neighbor from Ohio while in Iraq. who I haven’t seen since he was 14ish and to see him as a man was amazing. (I’m just glad I was nice to him then).”

“I am a huge history buff, and touring the South Pacific, I got to see the places these battles I have followed since I was a kid took place.  I just wish I paid attention better in school. I used to confuse WC Fields and Winston Churchill. Man, that would have been a different war. “

“The Dog memorial for WW 2 K-9’s in Guam was amazing. I went and bought books and DVDs about it and opened my eyes to this. With my family big Dog Lovers, I got everyone stuff from the gift shop. My dogs a Shih Tzu - His family worked with the enemy.”                                                                                      

Pete Coreale

Adam Ferrara

Carl LaBove

Who do you consider to be the greatest influence(s) in your field?  
My Direct influences are Carl LaBove, Pete Correale, and Adam Ferrara, they are not well known, but they are the best in the biz.  Their style directly influences how I approach comedy.


As far as influences of all-time- Bill Cosby, Dangerfield, Bob Hope, George Carlin. There are a lot more, but these are people I look at and say that’s exactly what I want to do! 


What did this individual/group do to have such an influence on you? Adam, Pete, and Carl are comedians who I know personally, seen them work out material... that helped me grow in this field. Their acts are storytelling and positive (not like motivational speakers but meaning they don’t diss stuff- they have fun on stage). It’s what I want to do- be a positive, funny, likable guy who you would want around.

            
What/who influenced you to pursue a career in entertainment?  I went to theater school in NYC (American Academy of Dramatic Arts) after seeing John Malcovich and Gary Sinise in True West. I got to NY and still am doing theater, but Stand up came later when I was working in a comedy club, and some comics talked me into doing it on a night one comic didn’t show. After I got off stage, the owner of the club started managing me and putting me up at the end of the night while people were paying their bills. Once some comics saw how hard I was working, they helped me get work, and it just snowballed slowly into a career.

In the last year, I got married and got a dog named Gizmo. I live in Queens, NY, and when I am not on the road, my wife and I love live music and talking to people. Angie and I both love documentary films and cheesy action movies.                  

                                                                                             

   

Marriage, Birthday Boy and friendships

An amazing Photo of My home Astoria I saw on-line. Glad to be home. Queens Drivers Amaze me- every-time I see something they do, I get upset, and I just need to remember... A year ago, they were driving a donkey.

Exhausted and happy to come home.

Baby Giz: Never knew I was a little dog lover

Birthday gift for me- Giz's Papoose

I love being home
When I'm back I get to be in my own bed with my wife and dog, They are the most essential things in my life.
I love our Hood in Queens. When I'm home, I never really feel like I'm home- I usually have to run around the country doing gigs.

Being home allows me to spend time with my family and friends.
My family is Angie and Gizmo.


This year has been busy, and all my friends are getting hitched. I love The people who surround my life. Before I get all gooey here, I have a bunch of jack asses too.
Someone taught me to cut them out.
There are a lot of family's starting in the crowd I hang with.
I'll be doing a blog about my wedding and honeymoon, but with so much new love blossoming this past year or so, I thought I would share the love.


Weddings This Year

A great friend Marc and Ginny Lunds Wedding in Long Island

Best friend, Carl LaBove

Angie celebrating the 4th at The Lund Wedding

Quote by Rumi-Lovers does not finally meet somewhere. They are in each other all along... Also what I would say to try and score on a first date.

Marc and Ginny- I knew Marc and was with him the day I met Angie.

Joy and Angie at Joys Wedding

Smart groom, he took his food with him when greeting the guests.

Everyone seems to be friends with are getting married this year. Almost a year ago was my big day. When I get to share a day like this, it really makes me sentimental... or just mental.

Vinnie and Joy are getting hitched. Vinnie, I hope you are a grower, not a shower.

James and Yukiko newlyweds at truck night- the most romantic place on earth

When I announced once on stage I just got married women in the audience booed me, I thought that was odd, but then she yelled out I was a fool. I snapped and said, "You've been in so many abusive relationships when I said, "Married," your eye swelled up."

Tim and Kristen and now with a bambino

Pete and Jamie
The more you invest in a marriage, the more valuable it becomes... They say Amy Grant said that, but I think a wedding planner said that at Quote time (for wedding cost, not sayings).

Mark and Nikki stroll The Brooklyn Bridge before getting hitched.

Mike and Dana. She only played my girlfriend in the movies.

The Fraley's

Peyton and Heather. We became friends right before they got married. They got Hitched In New Orleans a week Before Angie And I went down to our Honeymoon.

I missed a lot of this wedding because of my Tour schedule. 

I got a gig in Indy: I'm going to see my old pal!

Bowers: The king of beer pong

Remember Chris Jones from El Salvador? Well, he was going home to Indy in April... I'm playing Mortys (in Indy-April 28 till May 1st). Looks Like the boys are getting the band back together. Not so fast, Chris is back in Indy but is shipping out to New Hampshire The Day Before I fly in. I can't believe this!!
I miss Chris by a day, BUT I'll be headlining with a great comic as a feature (Sam Morril- winner of The Laughing Skull Fest), so I know this will be a great week. On Sunday, we are doing Tales from The Greenroom- a little storytelling shows I love doing. I also had a great podcast interview with Greenroom Radio and Vilmos, and I become friends, and I hope we can work together soon.
MY INTERVIEW





I did the weekend and every morning woke up in pain severe pain. My head was throbbing, and the only way to make it go away was to start drinking again, it was a bunch of bloody Mary mornings in Indy. Thinking it was a hangover (Thanks Bowers), I ignored it till Sunday. This pain was so bad I couldn't close my mouth. I called the owner, and he picked me up. Not sure what it was or what was wrong- he took me to an emergency dentist. I had to get an emergency root canal. Its 3 hours before the storytelling show. What do I do?

ROOT CANAL!!!!! In the ER

The owner had to leave to start the show (The storytelling show- everyone does 10 min then we tell "tales of the greenroom" after)
They were filling the hole in my mouth and writing my prescriptions as the show started.  The host explained where I was and mentioned they didn't know what was going to happen.
I got to the club as the second comic took the stage, when I walked on stage with a pina colada on the side of my face, drooling and did the 15min. Of stand up, making fun of this situation, and moving into explaining the storytelling part of the show. Still numb... then in pain I mentioned the meds were wearing off- they sent a few shots up..... and then numb again. We were on stage over 2 hours, telling some great stories.

That was a fantastic weekend, and I'll always love me some Indianapolis.




Birthday week: West Virginia-Columbus-Boston New Hampshire

 

West Virginia located in White Sulphur Springs. As a National Historic Landmark, The Greenbrier has hosted distinguished guests from around the world since 1778. The casino was the most elite places I have ever been, Pianos in every room, marble everything. I wish we could have brought Angie.:

The Giz Hits The Road with Papa Bear. That's our trucker Handles.

The week of My Birthday, I was working with Spanky at a fantastic Casino in West Virginia, then spent some time in Ohio at My parents during the gap of time before Columbus. After spending a great couple days with Ryker, brother Ronnie, Spanky, and Parents. Spanky is pretty much family with my parents. We headed to Columbus for a show.

Time at home was what I really needed unwinding with your family makes you forget you are a grownup and have to do grown-up things.. I went to Columbus the night before my birthday and made it back to my parents at midnight had cake and then drove to Boston to meet up with DJ Hazard.

The lobby in The Casino. Dwight D. Eisenhower hosted the North American Summit Conference at The Greenbrier March 26-28, 1956. He was also at the resort three times in World War II when The Greenbrier was used as an Army hospital. Once he was admitted as a patient and the other times he was here with Mrs. Eisenhower for rest and relaxation

Spanky and Ryker chillin'.. nude

Ryker and Gizmo: Best Buds as long as Rykers serving

 

Congress has a bunker here: In the late 1950s, the U.S. government once again approached The Greenbrier for assistance, this time in the construction of an Emergency Relocation Center-a bunker or bomb shelter-to be is occupied by the U.S. Congress in case of war. The classified underground facility was built in conjunction with an above-ground addition to the hotel, the West Virginia Wing, between 1959 and 1962. For thirty years, the facility codenamed Project Greek Island was maintained at a constant state of operational readiness. At any point during those years, one telephone call from officials in Washington, D. C. fearing an imminent attack on the capital would have turned the lavish resort into an active participant in the national defense system. At the end of the Cold War, and prompted by exposure in the press in 1992, the project was terminated, and the bunker decommissioned.

Birthday on the road


Indy is a great town, but how about New England.. for old friends. I spent my birthday in the car for 16 of the 24 hours on my way to Boston. From Boston, we headed up to Portsmouth New Hampshire to meet up with my good friend Chris Jones. Jonesy and DJ took me to a car show, out for drinks and dinner before a show. I love Jonsey and am happy for him, he was waiting for his wife and two daughters to move up to New England.

 

New Hampshire Car Show

 

 This Has been full of little coincidences and funny little moments, I feel like the world is full of these. These moments are what make life special. We need to remember to enjoy these times, one day I feel like I'm going to look back and remember these days as carefree even though in the moment I am always worried and feel stressed out.