Newspapers

Before I begin anything, I need to ask a question: Who invented the Confession game for Ultimate Improv? Or is it an existing modification to the World’s Worst game? I’m introducing it to Boom, since it’s the best game I’ve ever played, and I want to give credit to the originator.

Now. On with the journal.

So, it has been a long time since I’ve had the opportunity to update. I’ve been quite the busy bee, and so has Boom. We’re beginning the rollout of publicity.

First up was the Netherlands’ 60 Minutes, which featured Boom Chicago and the ramifications of US’ war with Iraq. There was an interview with the directors and owners of the theaters, and included in the 10-15 min segment was a clip of Suzi Barret and I rapping. This marks the first time I’ve performed for an audience of more than 1 million people. Too bad they all spake Dutch.

Then we had the article in the New York times, again adressing the war on iraq and the Netherlands’ response, as well as Boom’s place in it all. This was last friday, I believe. The article was repeated in the London Herald.

Also, Suzi, Jim and I had our interview and photo shoot for some magazine here. They took photos at the auditions and then took more photos when we were cast. Sort of an article on the process of creating new Boom performers.

Again … we talked about the war. It’s on everyone’s mind here. There were protests, perhaps you heard? There was a giant chalk graffito in the Leidseplein that said “Bush = Terrorist”. Right.

So, that’s all the news that’s fit to print. I could write more, but I must away to more shows. Toodle-Pip!

Pepsi and the Choice of the Greater World

So, I’ve figured out something fairly incredible.

See, the Japanese public prefers Pepsi to Coke. I’d never understood why a country which makes such amazing media decisions would ever choose the clearly inferior Pepsi to the formula-perfect Coca Cola.

But:

Everytime I drink Coca-Cola here in Amsterdam, my subconsious complains. There’s just something missing from foreign Coke, it seems. And I didn’t understand it until I tried a Holland Pepsi.

Pepsi is Coke. Coke is Watered Down RC.

That’s right. The rest of the world is drinking an awful Coke-a-Cola substitute. I’ll dub it Non Coke. And a lucky few are drinking Pepsi. I’ll dub it Coke.

Does this make any sense?

The point is, Japan knows what they’re drinking. They haven’t made a mistake. They just prefer the tastier foreign beverage. And now, so do I. Drink Pepsi when abroad.

Parties and Parties.

So the last couple of days have been filled with social event after social event.

On Sunday night, I took a train out to the suburbs of Amsterdam and attended a party in Justine’s house. What a fantastic house! Not everyone lives in a closet, it turns out. Ha ha ha. That’s funny for lots of reasons.

Anyway, also on Sunday, I went out to IKEA Amsterdam and purchased some decorations for my tiny room. What was completely suprising was the layout of the IKEA showroom. See, in America, the Model Environments are spacious and delightful. What a difference Europe makes. The IKEA rooms here are vibrantly accurate — each bathroom had a toilet in its shower … JUST LIKE MINE.

Word to Helland: Plumbing. Your toilet doesn’t have to be under the faucet. Shit somewhere else.

Today was Pep’s birthday, and we surprised him by heading to an Art Deco Sauna. He thought we all had corporate shows, but really the schedule had been filled with fake gigs so that when he walked into the Sauna, we could all be there waiting for him with a big “ikpleitsa” (which is my improper spelling of the greek word for Surprise!) My first Sauna experience. Wow. We took 15 minutes to hit the Wet Sauna and then dove into an icey “Cold Pool” to send our bodies into shock. This is followed by the traditional “going outside” to feel the freezing natural temperature of A’dam — and then a hot foot bath and hot shower.

Late Night of Shows

Although it may sound like I am falling in love with Amsterdam, I must clarify that I am happy not so much with the city, but with the sense of fulfillment that comes from doing so many shows so often. And doing a show that the audience enjoys.

Tonight we had two shows (Rockstars!) and I was in both of them. I’ve played two things for Ultimate Shows, but the sense of play here (and the joy of the 300 person crowd) transforms the game into something new. I’ve learned this: Enjoy what you’re doing on stage, and the audience will too. Just enjoy guessing! Who cares if you get it wrong or right … guess big and *that’s* what they want to see.