Thursday, March 31, 2005

Hmpf. The cable guy was supposed to come today and change our basic, ordinary cable to the revolutionary DIGITAL CABLE. But he cancelled and is coming tomorrow instead. Eh.

In other news...

THE CELEBRITY CITED LIST:
1. Dave "Gruber" Allen (Monday, August 30th, 2004)
2. Gedde Watanabe (Tuesday, September 14th, 2004)
3. Joey Pantoliano (Sunday, September 19th, 2004)
4. Patrick Renna (Monday, September 20th, 2004)
5. Randy Jackson (Tuesday, September 21st, 2004)
6. Richard Riehle (Monday, October 4th, 2004)
7. Dwier Brown (Saturday, October 16th, 2004)
8. Betsy Randle (Saturday, October 16th, 2004)
9. Michael J. Anderson (Saturday, October 16th, 2004)
10. Rider Strong (Monday, October 25th, 2004)
11. Heather Graham (Monday, October 25th, 2004)
12. Andy Berman (Friday, October 29th, 2004)
13. David Spade (Tuesday, November 9th, 2004)
14. Henry Winkler (Friday, December 10th, 2004)
15. Joe Elliott (Sunday, January 2nd, 2005)
16. Glenn Danzig (Saturday, January 22nd, 2005)
17. Jay Leno (Thursday, January 27th, 2005)
18. David Cross (Wednesday, February 16th, 2005)
19. Steve Guttenberg (Thursday, February 17th, 2005)
20. Bob Saget (Thursday, February 17th, 2005)
21. Bob Odenkirk (Thursday, February 24th, 2005)
22. Mike White (Friday, February 25th, 2005)
23. Anne Meara (Monday, February 28th, 2005)
24. Curtis Armstrong (Saturday, March 5th, 2005)
25. Chris Rock (Thursday, March 17th, 2005)
26. Michael McDonald (Thursday, March 17th, 2005)
27. David Krumholtz (Saturday, March 19th, 2005)
28. Robert Forster (Sunday, March 20th, 2005)
29. Michael Colton (Monday, March 28th, 2005)
30. John Aboud (Monday, March 28th, 2005)
31. Jack Black (Monday, March 28th, 2005)

At Monday's Channel 101 show, I saw our generation's Williams and Ree ( known better as Michael Colton and John Aboud) (known better as "The Modern Humorist" guys on VH1's Best Week Ever). They were at the bar. Ordering drinks, I think.

Jack Black was also in attendance. That was pretty cool. I saw him chatting with folks - no doubt about the upcoming King Kong movie. As well as the upcoming untitled Airborne sequel.

"How often does this once-in-a-lifetime wave come along?"
- Mitchell (Shane McDermott), Airborne (1993)

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

You guys familiar with Quick Text? If you own a cellular phone, you probably are. If you don't, right now, you're screaming, "What the shit is Quick Text?!!!!" Calm down, Brian Kessler. I'll tell you.

"Quick Text" is an option on your cellular phone's text-messaging service. It's a list of pre-programmed TEXT messages that you can QUICKly access. Quick Text. Ah-ha.

Let's say, for instance, you wanted to meet a friend, but you're too busy to type out a text message (i.e. stuck in that important meeting at Cyberdyne). No worries, Timon and Pumba. Just use Quick Text message #2: "Let's meet." Problem solved. Crisis resolved. Hot Pocket eaten. Cheese and meatballs again? Awww, mom!

So, a couple days ago, I was looking through all 12 of my Quick Text messages. They're fairly standard and include the following:

1. What's up?
2. Let's meet.
3. Take a hike.
4. Check this out!
5. Whatcha doin?
6. This is for dinner.
7. What do you think?
8. Can you see me now?
9. Come home and get it.
10. _____________
11. You gotta be here to enjoy this.
12. Would like to join for date tonight?

Oops. Did I forget to write down message #10? Huh. My mistake. I guess I'll write it down... right... now!

10. Can't live like this here.

Holy shit. Holy. Shit. What depressed, suicidal Verizon employee snuck in this desperate cry-for-help? I mean, I'm sure working for the Verizon coporation can be a dehumanizing, soul-crushing experience, but... easy there, fella.

If the guy who wrote Quick Text message #12 is reading this, let's, y'know, hang out sometime. We can rent a movie. Or maybe go bowling. We don't have to talk about the heavy stuff. It'd just be good to get out and have some fun, right? Of course, if you want to talk about the heavy stuff, that's cool, too. It's your day, buddy.

Quick Text message #13: We all care for you very much, Verizon Quick Text guy.

Sunday, March 27, 2005

Hey, dudez!

Travel across the far reaches of cyberspace and visit paulrust.com. I announced some new, upcoming performance dates.

And oh, there's a new song for you. Put it on a mix CD for your parents.

Saturday, March 26, 2005

Remember the Alamo!

No. Seriously, guys. Remember the Alamo? And Balki? And those California Raisins? Weren't the 80's weird?!

Ah, yes. The 80's. We danced along with those California Raisins. We strangled Balki behind a Hardee's in South Dakota. But sadly, we never stepped foot in the Alamo.

Or at least, I haven't. Probably still won't either. Even though I'm an hour-and-a-half away from San Antonio.

Cuz you see, right now, I'm visiting my friend Louise in Austin, Texas.

It's been fun. Over the past couple days, we've gone to a German village called Frederichsburg (reubens!), attended a screening of Taxi Driver (bloodshed!), and got caught in an honest-to-goodness rainstorm (God's bloodshed!).

This evening, we spent our time at the Alamo Drafthouse, a movie theatre where you can eat dinner (reubens!) and watch movies at the same time. We were treated to a screening of Weird Science - including a Q&A with actor Ilan Mitchell-Smith who so-famously portrayed "Wyatt."

Apparently, it's not just we humans who are attracted to hot food, former child stars, and the screen debuts of Wallace Langham. 3/4 into the movie, a giant, guinea-pig-sized rat scurried across our table. I spotted it first. Louise confirmed it. For the rest of the movie, we cowered in fear - feet on our seats, arms at our side.

What would you do if a rat scurried across your table during Weird Science?

This Easter, folks, make sure to take some time out and ask yourself that question:

W.W.Y.D.I.A.R.S.A.Y.T.D.W.S.?

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

There's a reason, ladies and gentlemen, why we refer to celebrities as "stars." Like those burning balls of gas and heat, celebrities also provide light and guidance as we stumble blindly through the dark.

Who knows, for instance, if I would have choked on my pepperoni pizza in La Piaza at The Grove... if the guiding force of Chris Rock wasn't surrounding me (as he ate lunch with his family across the restaurant)?

Perhaps, moments later outside La Piaza, I would have tripped on a loose cobblestone and broken my neck... if not for MadTV's Michael McDonald enjoying lunch himself on the patio?

Certainly, I would have been hit by a speeding automobile in the M-Bar parking lot... if Numbers star David Krumholtz wasn't protecting me (as he drove by in his own car).

And without question, my heart would have exploded inside my chest, killing me instantly... without the saving grace of Jackie Brown's Robert Forster in the "Groundlings" Sunday show audience. He did, however, give me a nasty case of "the vapors." Moms agree!

And that, folks, is four new additions to...

THE CELEBRITY CITED LIST:
1. Dave "Gruber" Allen (Monday, August 30th, 2004)
2. Gedde Watanabe (Tuesday, September 14th, 2004)
3. Joey Pantoliano (Sunday, September 19th, 2004)
4. Patrick Renna (Monday, September 20th, 2004)
5. Randy Jackson (Tuesday, September 21st, 2004)
6. Richard Riehle (Monday, October 4th, 2004)
7. Dwier Brown (Saturday, October 16th, 2004)
8. Betsy Randle (Saturday, October 16th, 2004)
9. Michael J. Anderson (Saturday, October 16th, 2004)
10. Rider Strong (Monday, October 25th, 2004)
11. Heather Graham (Monday, October 25th, 2004)
12. Andy Berman (Friday, October 29th, 2004)
13. David Spade (Tuesday, November 9th, 2004)
14. Henry Winkler (Friday, December 10th, 2004)
15. Joe Elliott (Sunday, January 2nd, 2005)
16. Glenn Danzig (Saturday, January 22nd, 2005)
17. Jay Leno (Thursday, January 27th, 2005)
18. David Cross (Wednesday, February 16th, 2005)
19. Steve Guttenberg (Thursday, February 17th, 2005)
20. Bob Saget (Thursday, February 17th, 2005)
21. Bob Odenkirk (Thursday, February 24th, 2005)
22. Mike White (Friday, February 25th, 2005)
23. Anne Meara (Monday, February 28th, 2005)
24. Curtis Armstrong (Saturday, March 5th, 2005)
25. Chris Rock (Thursday, March 17th, 2005)
26. Michael McDonald (Thursday, March 17th, 2005)
27. David Krumholtz (Saturday, March 19th, 2005)
28. Robert Forster (Sunday, March 20th, 2005)

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

So, yeah... a long break between blogs. My apologies. I've been bizz-y as a bee. Performance events kept my hands full. Plus, friends visited from outta' town.

Last Friday, the aforementioned friends and I (8 of us!) experienced Universal Studios. It was, of course, awesome. It was the 5th time I've gone since October and it still remains a fun time. Next time you're in Los Angeles, do yourself a favor and let this bastard (me) take you.

And what can you find at Universal Studios? Well...

1. Back to the Future: The Ride
Dinosaurs. We all want to be eaten by one. Well, this classic motion-ride from the early 1990's lets you do just that. Plus, you get to see actor Thomas F. Wilson ("Biff") wear an obscene amount of eye make-up. Not just in the video introduction. He personally greets you at the theme park.

2. The Universal Studios Tour

Sure, Jaws jumping out of the water is cool. And yeah, King Kong shaking a bridge is neat, too. But you'll be crapping your pants and throwing up food when you see Jessica Fletcher's Murder, She Wrote house. A real treat.

3. Revenge of the Mummy

Eternal death was never so much fun. (dear, loved ones: make sure the preceeding statement is my epitaph)

4. Jurassic Park Riverboat Round-up

Contrary to popular belief, two li'l dinosaurs fighting over a box of popcorn is not cute. It's terrifying. Okay, maybe it's a little cute. Alright. Very cute. Call me!

5. Special Effects Show

Jake and B-max received the special honor of appearing in this behind-the-scenes (or behind-the-screams in some cases) demonstration. B-max was chained to a wall. Jake told Seabisquit to run faster. If only they had done this during the show instead of beforehand in the parking lot. (And yes, I realize this is the same joke as my earlier one about Thomas F. Wilson greeting you at Universal Studios. Find it in your heart to forgive me)

6. Terminator 2: 3-D

Mathematical fact: "Terminator 2" + "3-D" = High 5's for everyone! (in a spirtual sense)

7. Animal Planet Show

Normally, this spectacular 15-minute show is held outdoors, but inclimate weather forced it inside and shortened it to 8 minutes. Fortunately, the best sight-gag was left intact. I will not, however, tell you what it is. Fly out to Los Angeles and see it for yourself. Because you haven't lived until you've seen an orangantan demand her bra back. Um. I mean, you haven't lived until you've seen a not-orangantan not-demand her not-bra. Whew. Close one.

8. Van Helsing Haunted Castle

Seriously, people. It's not that scary. I literally had to drag all my scaredy-cat friends through the entire castle. Thank god, I'm the brave one around here. (NOTE: The author reserves the right to lie, not admit his own cowardice, and/or deny the fact that he was hiding behind his friends the entire time - clutching their bodies and repeating over and over, "Why do I keep doing this? I hate this, I hate this.")

All in all, a wonderful day. Plus, Ellen got hit on by Beetlejuice. Which was funny. And weird. More weird than funny. Actually, just weird.

Whatever the case, it was great seeing old friends again. If only for a week.

Speaking of seeing old friends, I spotted FOUR CELEBRITIES over the last few days. They will be the subjects of my next post. You are dying to know! (literally, not figuratively)

Saturday, March 19, 2005

Sorry, blog-readers. I've been very busy this week.

I will have a more interesting entry soon.

Until then, take care of yourself.

T.C.O.Y.!

Monday, March 14, 2005

Pac-Man Cheever

FREE SKETCH COMEDY featuring: Neil Campbell, Michael Cassady, Paul Rust, Chris Stangl, and Emily Yoshida!

With opening act, Machu Picchu!

One night only! For total free! Call 323-856-0036 to make a reservation!

www.fireballdeluxe.com

Saturday, March 12, 2005

On Sunday, I won't be performing at this...

Caged Sweat

But I will be performing at this...

Caged Sweat

Your Friend,
Paul

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

THE CELEBRITY CITED LIST:
1. Dave "Gruber" Allen (Monday, August 30th, 2004)
2. Gedde Watanabe (Tuesday, September 14th, 2004)
3. Joey Pantoliano (Sunday, September 19th, 2004)
4. Patrick Renna (Monday, September 20th, 2004)
5. Randy Jackson (Tuesday, September 21st, 2004)
6. Richard Riehle (Monday, October 4th, 2004)
7. Dwier Brown (Saturday, October 16th, 2004)
8. Betsy Randle (Saturday, October 16th, 2004)
9. Michael J. Anderson (Saturday, October 16th, 2004)
10. Rider Strong (Monday, October 25th, 2004)
11. Heather Graham (Monday, October 25th, 2004)
12. Andy Berman (Friday, October 29th, 2004)
13. David Spade (Tuesday, November 9th, 2004)
14. Henry Winkler (Friday, December 10th, 2004)
15. Joe Elliott (Sunday, January 2nd, 2005)
16. Glenn Danzig (Saturday, January 22nd, 2005)
17. Jay Leno (Thursday, January 27th, 2005)
18. David Cross (Wednesday, February 16th, 2005)
19. Steve Guttenberg (Thursday, February 17th, 2005)
20. Bob Saget (Thursday, February 17th, 2005)
21. Bob Odenkirk (Thursday, February 24th, 2005)
22. Mike White (Friday, February 25th, 2005)
23. Anne Meara (Monday, February 28th, 2005)
24. Curtis Armstrong (Saturday, March 5th, 2005)

Word of warning: do not eat at Chi Dynasty on Hillhurst. We all went there for Adam's birthday dinner. And we found a booger in our food.

Just kidding!

We found a "Booger" in our food.

Juuuuust kiddddiiiing!

We found Curtis Armstrong (AKA "Booger" from Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation)... in our food. He was big and green and slimey. And he came from Andrew Cassese's nose.

Boogers!

Monday, March 07, 2005

EXTRA! EXTRA!

Now announcing... the brandest-newest...

OFFICIAL PAUL RUST WEBPAGE

It's got a whole bunch of goodies: videos, music, writing. And more to come. So stay indoors and spend a weekday with it, will you?

Major, major thanks go to my buddy John Henry Muller who designed the site. I am also in debt to my other buddy, Adam Pash, who so graciously helped me upload the video.


ALSO COOL...

My third buddy Rick Herbst was featured in this Sunday's New York Times. If that link don't work, here's a reprint. Way to go, Ricky!


AND FINALLY...


Check the web-counter (on the right). If you are the 20,000th visitor to my blog, you MUST sign my guestbook. For once, stand up for you rights.

Friday, March 04, 2005

UPCOMING PAUL RUST STUFF...

GARAGE COMEDY
Monday, March 7th - 8:30pm
@ Fancyland
(4212 Santa Monica Blvd.)
Garage Comedy

SIT-N-SPIN
Thursday, March 10th - 8pm
@ Comedy Central Stage
(6539 Santa Monica Boulevard)
Comedy Central and Sit-'n-Spin

THE PRETTY OKAY HO-HUM SPECTACULAR ON ICE
Sunday, March 13th - 8pm
Ramada Inn
(1160 N. Vermont Ave)
The Pretty Okay Ho-Hum Spectacular On Ice

FIREBALL DELUXE
Wednesday, March 16th - 8pm
M-Bar
(1253 Vine St)
Fireball Deluxe


IN OTHER NEWS...

Today is the last day of my freelance job at the Encino office.

A last day of work feels like a last day of school. Soon, my supervisors will enter the room, give me a bucket of soapy water, and tell me to wash out my locker.

Halfway through, I'll slice my index finger on the metal edge and bleed for minutes without noticing. I may even accidentally bleed into the bucket of soapy water.

Not for sure though. Can't remember. I'll have to ask Mrs. Moir.

Thursday, March 03, 2005

Have you ever been on the computer? Of course you have! What am I saying?

Have you ever been on the INTERNET? Wait. Obviously.

Alright, alright. So you've been on a computer. AND on the internet.

BUT have you ever had to enter a password on the computer/internet?

You have? Good. Then this will make more sense to you.

So I bet you've made the mistake of writing your password... in a field that wasn't meant for it. So when you look up at the monitor, you see your very-private password in the clear-blue open. No asteriks! Yikes!

It is very unsettling, isn't it?

Almost makes me feel naked.

In fact, I feel even more naked since my password is a picture of my penis.

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

Ring the bells! Fire the pistols! Raise the flag!

Amy Rust and Scott Ferguson are engaged to be married!

My sister and her kind-hearted beau will "tie up the knots" in August of this year. The "Chicken Dance" will be played on a continuous loop at their reception.

As expected, both families welcome this most-splendid occasion. The Rusts dig Scott. The Fergusons dig Amy. It will be a match made in heaven (if we are able to reserve a space in time).

No word on who the ring-bearer will be. May I suggest R2-D2? He'd look adorable in a bow-tie and cumberbun. C-3P0 can serve the wedding cake.

All kidding aside, I'm really happy for Amy and Scott. I mean, those two knuckle-heads deserve each other! Gadda, gadda, gadda! Fart!

And one for the road...

THE CELEBRITY CITED LIST:
1. Dave "Gruber" Allen (Monday, August 30th, 2004)
2. Gedde Watanabe (Tuesday, September 14th, 2004)
3. Joey Pantoliano (Sunday, September 19th, 2004)
4. Patrick Renna (Monday, September 20th, 2004)
5. Randy Jackson (Tuesday, September 21st, 2004)
6. Richard Riehle (Monday, October 4th, 2004)
7. Dwier Brown (Saturday, October 16th, 2004)
8. Betsy Randle (Saturday, October 16th, 2004)
9. Michael J. Anderson (Saturday, October 16th, 2004)
10. Rider Strong (Monday, October 25th, 2004)
11. Heather Graham (Monday, October 25th, 2004)
12. Andy Berman (Friday, October 29th, 2004)
13. David Spade (Tuesday, November 9th, 2004)
14. Henry Winkler (Friday, December 10th, 2004)
15. Joe Elliott (Sunday, January 2nd, 2005)
16. Glenn Danzig (Saturday, January 22nd, 2005)
17. Jay Leno (Thursday, January 27th, 2005)
18. David Cross (Wednesday, February 16th, 2005)
19. Steve Guttenberg (Thursday, February 17th, 2005)
20. Bob Saget (Thursday, February 17th, 2005)
21. Bob Odenkirk (Thursday, February 24th, 2005)
22. Mike White (Friday, February 25th, 2005)
23. Anne Meara (Monday, February 28th, 2005)

I saw Ben Stiller's mom sitting outside the M-Bar.