Guns. In the face of the latest gun violence in Isla Vista where seven innocent people were shot down like dogs… I had to do something. But when I heard the father of one of the victims give a passionate speech about the senseless killing of his son… I had to write something. I watched as Mr. Martinez held a press conference and pointed the finger squarely in the face of the NRA… and I cheered. Another senseless killing in Isa Vista, another family tries to understand why their son or daughter has been taken from them for no reason at Read more...

Last night’s show. Every time I am asked to do stand up it’s like the sentence you get in court. “You’ll be cleaning the side of the 405 Freeway in an orange vest for six month” That’s what it feels like to me, like I’ve been sentenced to hard labor. This is so strange for me since for over twenty years it’s all I ever lived for, to get on stage and be funny. But something has changed in me… the need to be funny is gone… the desire is gone… the funny remains. David Zimmerman is a man Read more...

Why I hate comedy clubs. I was asked to “host” a stand up comedy show. I didn’t want to do it. I have never been a good MC. I don’t like MC’ing. It’s just not my thing. Some people are good at it. I’m not. But I said OK because I can’t say no to anyone. If Osama Bin Laden called me and asked for a ride to the airport… I’d take him. It’s just who I am. So let me tell you how tonight went. There is a formula to making an audience laugh. There has to be focus. The room Read more...

PORGY AND BESS II I have seen Porgy and Bess twice now. One production I loved… one I did not. Here’s the first time I saw it. So here’s what it’s like going to the theater in Los Angeles. The curtain goes up at 1:00 p.m.; you have to leave your house at 11 a.m. just in case someone decides to enact the second act of Westside Story on the Slauson off ramp. It takes me a good hour to get to The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Nothing comes easy and that includes parking. The Music Center is massive and was Read more...

It’s Mother’s Day today and I am filled with so many emotions. First, gratitude for all the great mothers in my life… Hope, Mary, Wendy,Dori, Sue, Lynne, Vicki, Linda, Lois, Nona, Marlene, Sandy, Redenta, Carol, Heidi, Sheila… and on and on. They are the standard that the rest are held up to… the good ones… the ones who gave love in a way that it nurtured and produced incredible gifts with purchase… as I call the children they gave us. I’m also filled with great sadness that Kate’s kids are missing their mother this Mother’s Day, only a few Read more...