Thursday, June 25, 2015
Hope Springs Nocturnal: A Play in One Act
Thursday, March 27, 2014
What, then an afterbirth mint?
So, us background actors are on break from working on a film. I'm talking with a friend of mine about this and that. The topic of food and cooking comes up - we discuss our favorite dishes to make. I talk about how I make a mean loaf of bread. Her thing is lasagna. A girl, known for busting into many a group's talks and talking about herself, standing nearby decides to enter into our conversation and then this happens:
Girl (excitedly): I made a really good mushroom placenta the other night.
Me: Hmm... interesting. Where'd you get it from?
Girl: From Whole Foods.
Me: The mushrooms, sure, but where'd you get the other stuff?
Girl (getting snippy): I said Whole Foods.
Me: When'd they start selling that?
Girl: Um, like, forever.
Me: I don't know, I'm pretty sure they don't sell that at Whole Foods. Not sure even a specialty store would sell that.
Girl (getting testy): Um, I'm pretty sure I know what I bought. Were you there??
Me: Nope. But I'm pretty sure you didn't make placenta.
Girl: Do you even know what it is?
Me: Yep, I know what placenta is. Let me google that word for you and see if YOU know what it is.
Girl: Huh?
Me: While I'm also gonna google the word "polenta" and see if that's possibly what you made the other night.
Girl: (sound of crickets chirping - then she exits stage left)
Friday, December 21, 2012
Mind. Terrible thing. Waste. Yadda Yadda.
The production assistant is checking to make sure who's on the bus so far. Apologizes in advance if he messes up any names. Which he does. Many times. Gets to my name.
"Jeff Snerry?"
"Do you mean Jeff Siperly?"
He then looks at list again and says "Jeff Spierly."
"It's Jeff Siperly and I'm here."
"I told you I was going to mess up names. Sorry about that. Mom told me to go to college. I should have listened." and laughs.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
I'm the waiter - at 22 seconds
My first commercial gig!! And I got paid! And I got some serious face time!!
Having a "feeling-really-good-about-me" day. Only because of having many recent years feeling anti-me. Lost the old Jeff. It feels like I'm finally getting my stuff together. This acting thing might actually work out for me.
Fingers crossed.
PS - To get a better understanding of above here is what the commercial is spoofing.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Toot Toot, Beep Beep, RIP
Just woke up from a much-needed nap to another RIP - Miss Donna Summer. Waaaahh!!
1) Saw her 2 summers ago performing here in Brooklyn. In spite of the trashy, are-you-really-fighting-in-public-while-Donna-Summer-is-singing public (of course this what happens when concerts are free) she put on a great show. Voice was in fine form. While I had most of her greatest hits already on mp3s already, immediately bought up 4 of her songs from Crayons on iTunes upon arriving home.
2) 7th grade. I was in a church youth group. We were on an outing in December to I forget where (I'm thinking it was a street in Pennsylvania (?) with elaborate Christmas decorations) but it was raining so we went to a mall instead. Everybody else is buying clothing, jewelry from Claire's and who knows what else. Me, I had to feed my addiction of music. Everyone's showing their purchases to the youth group leader. As usual, quiet me is last. I first pull out a little wooden plaque describing what the attributes of a Taurus is. Oops. Apparently a Non-Denominational Christian isn't to be believe in astrology. Um, okay. So, what else dod I have in my bag? Ahhhh.. Donna Summer's Bad Girls album. The one with DS as a hooker on the front and assorted other hookers on the front and back. Ooh, did I get chastised on that bus. Non-Denominational Christians really don't approve of this. And I should tell my parents when I get home of what I did and then destroy the record.
Whether I just didn't understand or the fact I really have never cared for authority telling me how to live my life I went home and played the hell out of that album. Excuse me, double album! Hot stuff, indeed! Oh, and I told my parents as well and my mom, being a lover of good music played the hell out of that album as well.
That's all. Just 2 great memories of a great singer. I shall dim all the lights but there will be no more tears.
You will be missed.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
In the Shallow Pool with: The Bob Newhart Show

Another show I watched pretty much faithfully as a child, which I now question why. Didn't find it as funny this go-around.
Bob Newhart's acting was subpar. Or maybe I just found his character unlikeable after all these years.
Why in the hell was Emily (Suzanne Pleshette) married to Bob? He always had this superiority complex. Also came across as having a permanent stick up his ass.
Love the theme song. One of my top 10 faves.
Would have been a very happy camper living in both apartments but preferred the one they occupied the first 5 seasons.
Didn't care for most of their furniture, except for their bookshelves and wall units.
Jerry (the dentist) was a weak character and got probably the worst lines of the show.
Howard Borden (next door neighbor) on the other hand, was a really funny character. Well played by Bill Daily. Knew how to play dumb/aloof perfectly. I aspire to be like him.
When I was young I had a thing for Suzanne Pleshette/Emily. Loved her voice. Now? I realize it was a serious smoker's voice going on which is soooo not attractive or sexy. An almost Eillen Heckart quality to it. IMDB'd to see how she died. Surprise, surprise: Respiratory failure as a result of lung cancer. Ugh. Still loved the character of Emily, though.
That's all I have... on to the last season of The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
In the Shallow Pool with: Anna Karenina

This book was 819 pages. Could have been 600, if that.
Never have I read a book that made me so angry. So I guess it was a good book.
I pretty much hated everyone.
This story would have been a lot different if Zoloft was readily available back then.
I have reached my capacity of hearing the word “magnanimous/magnanimity” in my lifetime.
The book's called Anna Karenina. Not Levin. Get rid of Part 8. Or cut it down by 20 pages.
I couldn't wait for Anna to die. Was let down that other characters didn't die as well.
It seemed like the majority of characters were always blushing. Even the men. I'd say that was gay but that's not PC. Oh screw it, it was gay.
The characters were always pitying each other. That shit got old really fast.
Don't tell me in the introduction that Anna's going to kill herself. Not everyone knows the story.
I can't wait to see a film version of this. Will be interesting to hear the dialogue spoken without the venom I was reading it with. Although I really don't see Keira Knightly as Anna. Too damn skinny.
I felt no compassion for Anna at any point in the book. Woman, YOU had the affair. Yeah, Vronsky pursued you but you could have said No! Of course people are going to look down at you.
Reading about rich people (high society folk) makes me sick.
I'm glad I wasn't around during this time. Really glad I wasn't a woman during this time.
I hate that I identified with Anna in some ways. That kind of disturbs me.
That's all I have... now on to Madame Bovary.
Friday, September 9, 2011
This should stop me from dying
Doing this in place of writing anything. Just thought it was interesting.
Current TV recently broadcast over 5 weeks the top 50 Documentaries To See Before You Die. I wish they spent more time on each documentary but I guess that's how list shows go anyway. Never enough.
The top 50 are as follows:
50. Spellbound (2002) - loved it, but then again I love spelling. Geek.
49. Truth or Dare (1991) - love her music, can't stand her as a person
48. The Kid Stays in the Picture (2002)
47. One Day in September (1999)
46. Little Dieter Needs to Fly (1998)
45. The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years (1988) - up in the air about seeing this. Already have seen Rock of Love on VH1
44. Burma VJ (2008)
43. When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (2006)
42. Catfish (2010) - this I loved! Went in thinking it was going to be a horror film! NIce surprise!
41. The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007) - the main character is/was an ass
40. When We Were Kings (1996) - hate boxing
39. Biggie & Tupac (2002) - hate thug rap anyway
38. March of the Penguins (2005) - so freakin' cute, sad, awe-inspiring
36. Taxi to the Dark Side (2007)
35. Paragraph 175 (2000) - sad
31. Jesus Camp (2006) - scary mind-control
30. Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) - MIchael Moore can do no wrong in my book
29. Man on Wire (2008) - even with my fear of heights
28. Gasland (2010)
27. Tarnation (2003) - freak
25. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005)
24. Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills (1996)
23. The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2000) - love me some Tammy Faye
22. Shut Up & Sing (2006) - eh, I read enough through the whole debacle
21. Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010) - the guys sounds like an ass from the trailer
20. Capturing the Friedmans (2003) - loved it! Creepy but love character pieces like this.
18. Food, Inc. (2008) - and still I'm a carnivore
16. Bus 174 (2002)
15. Crumb (1994)
14. Dark Days (2000)
12. Bowling for Columbine (2002) - another Michael Moore masterpiece
11. Paris Is Burning (1991) - have seen it a few times
10. Grizzly Man (2005) - guy's a freak
8. An Inconvenient Truth (2006) - mentally drained after seeing this a few weeks ago
7. The Celluloid Closet (1995) - surprised I haven't seen this yet
5. Supersize Me (2004) - love me some Morgan Spurlock. And love me some McDonalds
3. Roger & Me (1989) - Seriously, it's Michael Moore
1. Hoop Dreams (1994) - yet I hate basketball
Key:
Want to see Don't want to see Have seen
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Traditional: Aluminum / Modern: Diamond Jewelry / Me: Bacon

May 2001
I was at my old job on hold with Verizon. That's what one does as office manager. Get problems solved. Listening to some screechy muzak. Decided I'll go on to Planetout.com and peruse the new ads. I come across this photo (image to the left is not the actual picture but damn near close) of the CUTEST – hell, maybe even the HANDSOMEST – guy I've seen in a long time. That smile I'd kill for. Those beautiful big brown eyes. He's moving here (to DC) straight outta college. Crap, that means he's young. Like, really young. Oh well, I'll still be nice and write him to say hello. I'm good like that.
I tell him first and foremost I am in NO WAY hitting on him... way too old. But if he needs any help getting acclimated to DC I've lived here a while so could show him around. Not sure if he knows anyone here but just putting it out there. Again, I'm NOT hitting on him. But yeah, you are a really, really good looking guy. Send. Good lord I'm a freak.
I get a response. I don't remember it exactly BUT it was positive for we spoke on the phone for a couple of weeks. Loved talking to him but that could have just been the getting-to know-you-getting-to know-all-about-you newness. Nope, I really liked talking to him. Simmer down, Jeff. Made plans to meet soon when he'd come down from New Jersey to go apartment hunting. Cool. I'll be here. “Indifference”
The day came to meet and I was a mess. Why? We were just meeting to say hello. No more, no less. Set up a time to meet. Okay, I'll there. Oops, I wasn't there. I'm coming, I'm coming. Oh wait, I haven't even left the house yet. Nerves were getting the best of me. I'm looking at the clock on my wall. I should have been in Dupont 5 minutes yet here I am still at home, in Capitol Hill. Get yourself together, Jeff.. he's just a guy. I leave.
Walk down the street towards the coffee internet place and there he is. My god.. he's really attractive. Apologize profusely. Internally thinking, dude, you should have just left. I'm a freak. Not wrapped too tight. Instead he just smiles (THAT SMILE!!!!) and says all is forgiven. Maybe he sees the fear and trepidation radiating off of me. Oh well. Since this isn't a date we head into JRs to hang and drink and talk. I thought I was gonna talk. What is it about this guy that's making me all discombobulated. Very rarely have a hard time talking to guys. I'm sucking at the small talk but dammit I will not bring up the weather. Whew.. Faygele Feud's going on which means more viewing, less chit-chat. Again, whew! I am enjoying myself though.
So, it's time to head home. Work in the morning. Umm.. not sure what you're plans are but you could stay at my place. I'm pretty sure he immediately says yes. Free lodging for the night, of course he does. Next challenge: he drives so I have to get him from JRs to Capitol Hill with my extensive knowledge of directions. I'm being facetious. I get lost coming in and out of buildings. I could go into a building for a second, come out and forget which way from whence I came. Dork. Oh well, we'll be jolly good friends. Not like this was a date anyway. Just some older guy helping out when he can. I'm certain this will be the last I see of him anyway. Not really coming across as well-adjusted. Referring to me of course. I mean I think I'm cute and all but hell, I sometimes get tired of hanging around my dimwitted self. Well, someone was looking out for me because we managed to get to my place in a relatively short time. And I haven't been thrown out of the car.
For not hardly talking earlier in the evening I'm making up for lost time between getting out of the car and getting to the door. I'm pretty sure I manage to reveal absolutely little thing wrong with the apartment. Seriously, Jeff, shut the hell up. The apartment was clean and it really wasn't in bad shape. In my head I think I lived in Jed Clampett's old place.
Well, we hang out.. watch some TV. Yeah, the madness of TV watching started early. I'm comfortable and all I know is I want to kiss this guy. So I do it. It's reciprocated. Veddy nice. Veddy nice. Making out goes on for some time. Now it's late and I really do have to get to bed. Work comes early. So we go to bed. To sleep. Well, some more kissing first. Zzzzzzz. Snore.
I wake up and decide to run down 2-3 blocks away and get some doughnuts at the 7-11 for this guy I just met. Again, I'm good like that. Leave them on the nightstand and leave a note telling him he can stay there today as long as he needs to. I almost write thanking him for not killing me. But I wise up. I almost write thanking him for not robbing me while I'm at work. But I wise up. Don't want to put any ideas in his head. Plus, I look around – what in the hell is there to steal? My 1,700 music cassettes? I'm off to work.
I'm guessing that was a date after all. Our third date? Home Depot. I need some stuff to take care of the kitchen. I don't drive. He did. Would he be so kind? I'm sure I didn't say it like that but damn near close.
He's done his apartment-hunting and heads back to New Jersey. I'm thinking, I really really really like this guy. And I really want to get to know everything about him. And I want to start sharing experiences with him. Soooooo... I break it off with the other 2 guys I was seeing at the time. They weren't serious bf material – both less than a month. I knew this once I met Dan. Not saying Dan was “the one” (yet) but I knew they weren't.
A week or so later I broke it to him. I let him know I was very much into him and had no desire to see anyone else. Wouldn't ask that of him but just putting it out there that that's where I stood. He felt the same. Woo hoo!!!
And THAT was 10 years ago today. Wow. I won't deny we've had our ups and downs – maybe even broke up 2-3 times at the beginning. He had his issues, of course, but I'm a true nutcase. He also loves to make me aware, from time to time, that he “gave me his 20's.” Of which I'll forever be grateful. But unlike anyone I've ever known I love this guy so much. Truly my best friend. I'm enjoying growing old(er) with him. I could go on and on but don't wanna get too sappy. We hate sappy. Just keep in mind that the day NY gays are allowed to get married I want to go there with you, Dan. You know our wedding would kick non-conventional ass. :)
Happy 10th Mister Calamari!!! xoxoxo
Friday, March 25, 2011
Google-Mapped: The College Years - Part 1
So many months ago I decided to Google-Map everywhere I've lived since birth. Alas, GM hasn't tackled Havre de Grace just yet so it looks like GM only knows of my humble abodes from college on.
While my memory is still intact I'm going to attempt to share some memories/thoughts of each place I've lived. Of experiences that occurred while inside that domicile.
STEVENSON LANE (Towson, MD)

Freshman year at Towson (State) University. To this day I wish I lived at least one semester on campus.
Lived with a Craig, Jim, and a Cheryl. Craig owned the house - I barely remember him. Cheryl I don't remember at all – just her face. Jim, ugh, I remember.
Lived in the (finished) basement. Wood paneling! Woo hoo!! And i'm serious.
I had spoken to family off and on about needing a typewriter for school papers. God love it, my grandparents, on their first trip down to visit me brought me one. Mind you it was a typewriter from, I think, the 1940's. Did I care? Nope. Hunters-and-peckers can't be choosy. Plus I thought it was cool when I handed in papers. Would always get a second or third look from the professor.
Hated asking family for money. And didn't even think about working. Couldn't actually – was completing all 6 crews in the theater dept in 2 semesters. Which isn't normal but I had minimal social life so I figured what the heck. Anyway, no money so I tended to ummm “borrow” food from my roommates. Some I got away with but not... the milk. Jim's milk. And he wasn't a friendly person in the first place. When confronted I'd deny that it was me. How he figured out his milk was disappearing I didn't know. That is until he told me he started marking a line on the milk container every time he was finished. Did I stop? Nope. I would just fill to the line with water what I drank of the milk. I guess my conscience got the better of me, though. While I never told Jim it was me I told my parents I really needed food money. So I got a check every 2 weeks. Being a welfare kid I was pretty good about budgeting my money so never really ate anybody else's food there again. Wait, do desserts count?
My worst experience with Jim happened 2nd semester. I was a big-time snooper. One day while looking under his mattress I found some porn. Straight porn. I was straight back then. Seriously. You calling me a liar? I looked at it. Just looked. Nothing more. Simply 'cause I didn't do “that” back then. Seriously. Not until I was 20 or something but I digress. Anyway, was pretty good about putting things away where I found them and not getting caught. UNTIL. I had come home from school and no one had been home for a while so figured I'd venture my way up to Jim's room. Opened the door and turned on the light. Jim's girlfriend, Queenie, screamed like no one's business. I apologized, slammed the door shut and went down to my room. Later that night Jim asked me what I was doing in his room. I lied and said I'd heard noises coming from upstairs so I was checking everyone's rooms. He seemed like he believed me but who knows. Barely talked to me the rest of my time at the house.
I made sure classes were done by 3:30 each day so I could hurry home to watch Dancin' on Air (based out of NJ) at 4pm on Channel 17. Our generation's American Bandstand.
Oh, and I also watched Kids Incorporated faithfully. Don't judge.
I made the mistake the of leaving a plastic bowl in the basin next to the washer before heading off to school one day. Oh, and I used the washer before I left as well. Didn't realize said bowl would cover the hole of basin thus not allowing washer water to drain properly. Came home to a partially flooded basement. The part that wasn't my bedroom. The part where everyone stored boxes and such. This was a month into living there. Surprisingly, I wasn't kicked out. My 135-pound self had no problem with crying on cue to get me out of sticky situations.
Friday, March 18, 2011
EXTRA! EXTRA!
I had the privilege of being a movie extra this past week for 2 nights – 13.5 hours Monday night and 10 hours Tuesday night.
These are my thoughts and observations of those nights.
Garry Marshall films shouldn't exist. They cater to the lowest common denominator. As my bf, Dan, so eloquently put it – he's the Applebee's of directors. Maybe I'm still mad at him for screwing up “Exit to Eden” as bad as he did.
I REALLY REALLY REALLY need to get headshots taken. Damn shame I haven't found out how to take a decent picture. Hate my smile, or lack thereof. For some reason the majority of pictures taken of me make me look like white trash. Or my right eye “dies” mid-flash. And these big-ass cheeks make my face look funny. If I ever win the lottery big (well, it would help if I played it) I would get all new teeth and have my cheeks deflated. But, yeah, I need to perfect a smile and get headshots. I miss acting. Damn my insecurities!
I've never been a participator of New Year's Eve festivities anyway but to spend a good portion of the evening reenacting New Year's Eve in Times Square? Over and over again? Miming cheers. Screaming and cheering. Miming cheers. Counting down. Miming cheers. Wiped me out.. haven't acted that hard in ages.
I think for every 10 people I meet in life I like 1 of them and can tolerate, maybe, 3 of them. One of the few people I did meet and loved talking to? We were split up to go film different scenes and, unfortunately, our paths never crossed again. There were at least 800+ extras. And I never got her name. I'm really bad about introducing myself.
I'm extremely grateful for the socks Dan knitted me. I only wish I would have worn them the first night as well.
For the most part Jon Bon Jovi's music does nothing for me so that was interesting having to dance to his music in a pretty cramped setting. I decided to go the apathetic route and move minimally – after all I'm pretty certain in real life not everyone out on NYE is gonna be into a certain artist. I'm all about the realism.
Watching old people dance to Jon Bon Jovi is interesting.
Oh and I lucked out. Managed to avoid wearing the Nivea “fun” hats and carrying the Nivea “fun” balloons the whole time. Sweet.
Seriously, we're in a crowded setting and you're gonna light up just because we're on a little break? Oh wait, I just saw you're missing a few teeth and you have some nasty-ass sallow skin. That explains it. God I hate smoking.
I'm a freak. Not sure what prompts me at times to actually tell people what I'm thinking. There was this girl who was talking to her friends. Then she was alone. I decide to approach her and remark “Okay, you're gonna think I'm weird but just had to tell you you have a great look. Not hitting on you because I'm gay. Just think you're cute as hell. And the outfit on you – well, you're just put together very nicely. Okay, I'm gonna shut up and walk over there. Hope you're having a good time.” And then I walk away – making NO eye contact whatsoever again with her. I'm a freak I tell ya.
Hillary Swank is really pretty in person.
Wish someone was taping me/my face when I realized what kind of scene we were doing at one point. New Year's Eve ball stops dropping, interrupted by a main character's speech on a big monitor. We in the crowd are wondering what in the hell is going on. The speech goes on we're taking in every word. Come the end of it we're applauding it. Not that it's the end but we're proud of what she's said. Yeah, it's one of THOSE films. I can't stand films where a character imposes himself and his thought on a crowd. Again, lowest common denominator. Damn you, Garry Marshall!!
Much like I think it's mandatory everyone in the US should have Health Care I think everyone should have V05 Treatments, if needed.
Was making me mad when people would say “Yeah, but it's hard when you're directing 600 people.” No, no it isn't. One or 600, when you're told to stop talking you need to stop talking. One or 600, when you're told to walk to this spot you've obviously heard because you are walking only to stop and talk to a friend. I don't get it.
Craft Service food was pretty good. The stuff I ate at least.
I so wanted to see Sophia Vergera in person. I've got a mad 5-on-the-Kinsey-Scale crush on her.
To those who wondered why we couldn't be filming in the Summer? Really, you want to be wearing coats, scarves, gloves in NYC Summer heat? I didn't think so.
I'm now gonna pay attention to crowd scenes more often. Should be fun spotting the same people over and over again. Just in different settings.
Must get my ass over to Central Casting next Friday.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
And the Oscar goes to?

PICTURE The King's Speech WON!
ACTOR Colin Firth – The King's Speech WON!
SUPPORTING ACTOR Christian Bale – The Fighter WON!
ACTRESS Michelle Williams – Blue Valentine
Natalie Portman - Black Swan WON!
SUPPORTING ACTRESS Melissa Leo – The Fighter WON!
DIRECTOR Darren Aronofsky – Black Swan
Tom Hooper - The King's Speech WON!
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE Restropo
Inside Job WON!
DOCUMENTARY SHORT The Warriors of Quigang
Strangers No More WON!
ANIMATED FEATURE Toy Story 3 WON!
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM Biutiful
In a Better World WON!
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY Christopher Nolan - Inception
The King's Speech WON!
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY Aaron Sorkin – The Social Network WON!
CINEMATOGRAPHY Black Swan
Inception WON!
MAKEUP The Wolfman WON!
ART DIRECTION Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
Alice in Wonderland WON!
ANIMATED SHORT FILM Day & Night
The Lost Thing WON!
LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM Wish 143
God of Love WON!
VISUAL EFFECTS Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
Inception WON!
COSTUME DESIGN Alice in Wonderland WON!
FILM EDITING Black Swan
The Social Network WON!
SOUND MIXING Inception WON!
SOUND EDITING Inception WON!
ORIGINAL SCORE Inception
The Social Network WON!
ORIGINAL SONG "I See the Light” - Tangled
"We Belong Together" - Toy Story 3 WON!


