Thursday, November 29, 2001

Welcome to the first Viewer's Choice Diary. This is the diary where you, yes you -- get to ask the questions. Let's get started --

Diane asks: Please describe your best work memory, your worst work memory, your most embarrassing work memory.

Thanks, Diane. The best was at rehearsal a few years back. I was going to be on the show that night for the remote, Dave Buys Bob a New Car, and I made a suggestion to Dave about what we'd say to each other and we ended up doing that. That was the best! The worst was just working up the ladder for years and feeling like you're never going to get ahead. Most embarrassing was the time I went out for my birthday and got so drunk. I came into work the next day and fell asleep (passed out) on the kitchen floor -- I was awakened by the laughter of two staffers.

Next up, Joe Headline asks: What is your all-time favorite movie?

Joe, I think I said this before on my diary -- My all time favorite movie is Easy Rider. I love that film! It has it all.

Bubba, asks: Do you ever watch TV shows? What are your favorites? Who was the best famous person you ever met? Do you get to talk to Dave? What is Anton zip really like??

Thanks "Bubba," Yes, I love TV! Junkyard Wars comes to mind and Curb your Enthusiasm. The coolest famous person I've met was my hero, Iggy Pop. That was a good day. Yes, I do get to talk to Dave. I don't have a lot of time to hang out with the band but Anton Fig is a very nice guy. Always has a "hello" for you at the ready. Good questions.

"Oprah" asks: What are your "turn-ons" and "turn-offs" when it comes to the opposite sex?

I'd like to meet a cool woman that is funny. Not improv funny but just has a natural way about her. I don't think I'm going to find her in this neck of the woods. My turn-offs are the exact opposite of my turn-ons.

"UndeadSinatra" asks: What are your pics for top pop culture items of the year?

Stay tuned for my end of the year "best of" list -- It will be up -- at the end of the year.

Rich asks: Is it a barrel of laughs working there, or lots of pressure? Do you have any interaction with the writers? Are they cool or a bunch of neurotic jerks who don't speak to anyone. Can you offer ideas for the show, or is that frowned upon? To what do you aspire at the late show?

Like any workplace, there is stress and pressure but it's not that bad. Someone told me once, hey, at least you're not digging a ditch. Not sure what he meant by that but it sounded good. I work for the writers so I'm with them all day, everyday, 24/7/365, OK, not that much but a lot! They're a cool group and I'd have to say that sitting around the writer's table and listening to the jokes and stories -- that have nothing to do with the show, well, that's the best part of my day. I pitch ideas when something comes to me. It's not my focus in life right now. I haven't figured out my next goal yet. I enjoy things too much here.

Kentuckychic asks: What is your greatest fear? What are the stats on your NJ apartment and how much does it cost (or you could give us a good idea if you don't want to share the exact info). I ask only because I'm contemplating a move to the NYC area. Also, how did you land your job?

My greatest fear, this is hard, I've never thought about this. I'd have to say something simple like worrying about money. I pretty much roll with the punches on everything else. Rent in Hoboken has skyrocketed in the six years I've been there. I pay in the $1000 area and sadly, that's cheap. However, if you want to live close to the city, you have to pay. I got my job at Late Show six years ago. I started off as an intern and did anything, anything they needed. A little over a year later, I got the chance to run the mailroom -- I quit the job I was working at, that day (I was running camera at an NBC station in Steubenville). And was in NJ, two weeks later.

Grindel asks: When are you going to be on the show again? Also, I'm gonna be in NYC in January - any advice?

I haven't been on in over a year but that's not such a long period of time for this show. If I come back someday, great -- if not, I had a pretty good run and the experience of a lifetime! Have fun in NYC in January.

Kellita asks: Do you get free stuff working there? Do you get a discount at the CBS store? have you ever bought anything at the CBS store? Do you have one of those cool worldwide pants jackets?

The occasional bad T-shirt. Once, Dave mentioned Miller beer on air and they sent over a huge amount of beer -- I took a case home. That was sweet living! I bought a sweater for a friend once at the CBS store -- I do get a discount but I didn't find that out until after the fact. I have a WWP jacket and I love it!

Thanks everybody, that was fun!!!!

Program note: This will be the last diary until December 10th. I have to get the snow tires put on my car and I need a lot of time. I had the usual bus ride in today, blah blah blah. See ya in a week!! God Bless America!!!!!