Milwaukee

This past weekend I was in Milwaukee giving a talk about life as a reality contestant at the national scholastic chess tournament. After my talk, I played a bunch of kids at blitz. I beat them all. I didn't say like anything while I played because I normally trash talk and thought that would be inappropriate. But I played some of the chess teachers that were there afterwards; I had a plus score and definitely got some good trash talking in.

While I was there in Milwaukee, I played drums on my bandmate Matt's solo project stuff (www.myspace.com/forewordmusic). It was me, Casey (one of my roommat'es frat bro's) and Matt. The first night we played in Appleton. It was a long trek. The venue was newer, so it didn't have a regular crowd or sufficient sound system exactly, but we made due. The band we played with had some amazing musicians. The drummer was playing Tool songs, the guitarist listens to and could play Dave Weckyl band and the bassist was amazing as well. But when it came time for them to play their own music....... bad. We didn't stick around because we had a show the next morning in Milwaukee at the Mirimar. Luckily, that show got moved back to 115 pm, so there were a good group of kids there. They were very supportive and enjoyed the music. The label that put on the show liked us and said they'd have us work out some future dates. So that's awesome. Connections in Milwaukee are good. It's not really that far from Chicago, I always envisioned it being further.

I unfortunately don't have any pictures from the weekend to make this blog entry more interesting. The highlight had to be when the three of us all got our own pies from baker square and proceeded to eat them for snacks throughout the day. I opted for the triple berry, Matt had french silk and Casey had lemon marangue (sp?). mmmmm. I had been wanting a triple berry pie for quite a while and in fact we drove out of our way to get it cause Casey saw a baker's square on his way into town way up north side of the city.

This weekend is going to be a busy one. Friday, I have an art show that my neighbor is participating in. He paints on cardboard. Then I'm going to meet my lunch buddy Chandu out at a bar in wicker park. Then saturday I have the Bears draft party with my father. I can finally wear my Rex Grossman jersey proudly!! Then that night I'm going to root for Danielle in the WLUP 97.9 Rock Girl Contest at Joe's on Weed st. And then probably get dinner and see a play that I wanted to see for a while. Then Sunday, I'll watch the draft and do some housework.

That's about all for now. Maybe I'll see some of you out at Danielle's event? I have no idea who reads this thing besides my mom. Hi mom.

How to get on a reality show!

Hey all-
There has been some interest in how to get on a reality show. But honestly this is only one third of the equation. Not only will you want to get on, but you probably don't want to look stupid should you make it. And finally you're probably hoping to win or at least do well on the show. I'm going to give some pointers--but of course not all--about how to get on a reality show. I'll save the other two topics for if I ever decide to write a book or something! Ok here we go.

How to get on reality tv. Most shows are looking for something different than the next, though there are some consistent things. Unfortunately, some of my suggestions are geared toward beauty and the geek for obvious reasons. I listed a bunch of questions here that will help determine if you're a good candidate (and the questions that the casting people are thinking about when interviewing you):

1) do you freeze under pressure? camera shy?
This is very important. Many quality candidates can't deal with cameras or end up trying too hard and don't come across well. The best approach is to be 'aware' of the cameras, but don't think about it or let it get to you. Also, if they ask you hard questions, don't be afraid to pause briefly or to say I don't know. In some ways they want you to say stupid things, but honesty is the best policy.

2) are you a lost cause? can you be helped?
This question is moreso for potential geeks, but has larger implications as well. For geeks, it means that are you stuck in your ways or so far ingrained in geekiness that you're not going to change or welcome change. More generally, it means are you willing to listen, change or participate in various activities.

3) do you have a story? a niche?
Everyone loves a story. This question basically asks are you one dimensional (do you have hobbies and passions?) or was something in your life out of the norm. A story or niche gives helps in defining your tv persona and so a viewer can connect with you on some level.

4) are you creative? clever?
There's always an opportunity to be creative clever. In fact, maybe I should have included funny. Being spontaneous or witty or innovative never hurts. My casting video had all sorts of cool stuff in it, so I think that really helped get me on the show. I invented a dance called the contra dance. I've been meaning to put it on the web, so maybe I'll do that soon if I have enough space somewhere. The premise was dancing to the video game Contra's music while performing a dance that integrated the most famous password of all time. Need I say more? But being able to think on your toes is of the utmost importance; no one wants someone who freezes under pressure (see finale... haha).

5) are you genuine? and personable?
They don't always want nice or sincere people, but they do want you to be consistent, i.e. be yourself. If you try to act your way onto the show, it almost always shows. Most often because you're trying too hard. If you approach people and interactions from a personable and honest way, it'll get you a lot further, even if your way is dogmatic or critical.

6) do you have the 'geek' look and talk to you?
Ok so this one is specifically aimed at geeks. My apologies. But if you want to be a geek, you have to talk and look like a geek. I wore polos to all of my interviews. In fact, I'm wearing a polo as I write this. I don't suggest wearing a polo and i in fact got questioned about my shirt being a brand name 'polo' but luckily i stole it from a friend and liked how it fit on me. As for the talk, Karl and I were talking on the phone yesterday and used alliteration in a sentence. If that sounds like something you would do, then you have nothing to worry about. Using computer speak will only get you so far.

There's a lot more to getting on a show. Patience is important. Not looking hideous is important. Eye contact is important. Hydration is important. Tone of your voice is important. The list goes on, but these are less important than those listed above. As for being a beauty on batg, the main theme was saying stupid things. It wasn't actually being stupid, but rather being unfamiliar with something or not asking good questions or pretending to know something you didn't. The consistent instinct was to talk before thinking; I'm guilty of this too. The girls provided the one liners and the guys provided fear.

I hope this helps. If you think you have what it takes, comes to the open casting calls for Beauty and the Geek 3. Or come hang out w/ some of the Chicago cast members at the Chicago one. We'll be going out on the town looking for potential people as well. If you want to suggest someone, email bg3casting@yahoo.com.

Beauty and the Geek 3 Open Casting Calls

I will be at the Chicago casting call, as will some of the other Chicago cast members from season 2. Also, we will be going around the city to various clubs, bars and geek spots trying to find more potential beauties and geeks. If you know someone, tell them to come to a casting call. If you or someone you know can't make it or there isn't a casting call near you house, don't worry. There will be more casting calls and you can also submit via snail mail. Info and requirements are available on www.thewb.com. Thanks everyone.

CHICAGO, ILOpen Call Saturday 4/15 10-4pmRock Bottom Brewery 1 West Grand Avenue Chicago, IL 60610(312) 755-9339

MIAMI Open Call Saturday 4/15 2-6pmPurdy Lounge 1811 Sunset Harbor Drive Miami Beach, FL (305) 531-4622

INDIANAPOLIS, INOpen Call Saturday 4/15 5-9pmSlippery Noodle Inn372 South Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN(317) 259-7029

DALLAS, TXOpen Call Saturday 4/22 2-6pmUptown Bar & Grill2523 McKinney Ave(214) 969-9433

BOSTON, MAOpen Call Saturday 4/22 12-6pmThe Rack24 Clinton Street Boston, MA(617) 725-1051

PITTSBURGH, PAOpen Call Saturday 4/22 12-5pmBoomerangs Bar and Grill3909 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213(412) 578-8491 www.boomerangsbar.com

TEMPE, AZ: Open Call Friday 4/28 12-5pmTavern404 Mill Avenue Tempe AZ(480) 967-5887

ATLANTA, GA Open Call Saturday 4/29 12-5pmCJs Landing270 Buckhead Avenue NE Atlanta, GA (404) 237-7657

Is it pictures you want?

So I've been informed by Chris (from batg) that my site is the most boring blog ever. After looking at it, I agreed. I don't know how you guys have the time or patience, but I've decided to repay you with lots of cool pictures. Some of you have seen them on my myspace or facebook, but some you've probably never seen. I hear pictures make blogs better... well, pictures of beautiful women.

This pictures was taken on our way to Vegas; I was teaching the girls Texas Hold 'Em. We won that challenge, which was awesome because I didn't have to be naked for too long.












This picture was taken right before the final elimination. I begged the wardrobe people for a new outfit for the finale. They got me that amazing blazer; originally they said i couldn't keep it, but they let me in the end. I look really tan in that picture. As many of the people got eliminated, Brit and I spent more time tanning outside, which is something I never did before the show. I can't wait til this summer for chess on the beach, volleyball and warm weather.



This was right after our makeovers on the way to speed dating. Not the most flattering pic but it's kind of fun.












This is Karl, Brit and I at her birthday dinner at Chevys. It was quite a fun night. Ended up playing ping pong against Brit's sister. She beat me badly. Ok this caption sucks. Onto the next picture.









Just to remind you how geeky I once looked, here I am during the makover episode shopping w/ Chris and Wes. I look really chunky in this picture. I think when I started the show, I was around 170 lbs. I worked out almost every morning at the mansion and have been doing pretty well since returning home as well. I'm down to like 155. Ok this caption just got really self-agrandizing. Why can't I just say, "look at the fat geek." Would make a much better caption.


Two of my most favorite people in the whole world. I have some cool stories from the vegas episode. I've just been too busy to review all the episodes. Part of it is that I don't feel like rewatching them all. You like how this caption now has nothing to do with the picture? I like lobster.







This picture was taken at my house before one of the episodes. I don't remember which one. You can see barely see the kegerator over amanda's shoulder. That's key for making new friends. What attractive people. They'd make a hell of a baby...










If you thought Sarah was hot, how do you feel about Danielle on top of Sarah? Enjoy guys. This was when Sarah and her bf came to visit over winter break. It was at a club called Level in Chicago. I saw Brad from the Real World there one time. He was a jerk to Danielle I guess.









One more pic from when Sarah was in town. We went to a lounge called Plush first. That's where this was taken. The picture is after a couple bottles of wine and some spirits as well.











So I wasn't really going to post stuff about my personal life, because I'm not a very public person. But I figured it would at least explain why I haven't updated much. Between my band, school, socializing and the girl on the left, I've been keeping quite busy. She's awesome. That's all I have to say. Oh ya, beautiful too.










I'll have some more stories and news soon. The new Gnome Attic site should be done soon. The guy doing it is slacking a little. In the meantime you can visit with us on www.myspace.com/gnomeattic. Hope my blog is no longer the most boring ever.
Joe