The Column of Life

John Colella "An actor who perceives little on the page, puts little on the stage". Since I've been teaching over these last few years, there is one major common denominator I've found at the base of most actor's problems whether it be in Scene Study or On-Camera Audition class, making clear and strong choices that realize the moment. This 4 week intensive is about sound techniques of reading a script that will help insure your interpretations are valid and stage/screen worthy. Learn to work Backwards as well as Forwards and mine the "gold" right off the page. Acting is a collaborative process. After these 4 weeks, you'll bring more than you ever have to the table in auditions, rehearsals, and to set. I guarantee it. Thursday nights 7-9 at the Johnny C Compound March 15th - April 5th Only $100 Contact me asap to reserve a spot or for any questions Johnny C John Colella has been acting in theatre, film, and television for the last 25 years. A native C...

Dror Barak Dead at 38 2.27.2012 By Out.com Editors Model and personal trainer reportedly dead from apparent suicide According to reports on Facebook and Twitter, Dror Barak, aka Roman Ragazzi, has died of an apparent suicide on February 25 at the age of 38. Barak most recently appeared in a fashion story in the February issue of Out , titled "New York's Finest," photographed by Marcelo Krasilcic (pictured left). The former Israeli military trainer was outed in 2007 by New York Post’s "Page Six" while working at the Israeli consulate, the ensuing scandal caused him to resign. Later that year, he started a personal training and fitness company called Freedom Fitness. According to this blog, Raging Stallion head Chris Ward (who named Roman Ragazzi Raging Stallion’s Man of the Year in 2008) said, “He was probably the hottest man I have ever filmed—a massive man of pure beauty, intelligence and kindness. He was perfect in every possible way.” This gentleman graced...

From epicurious.com For cookies 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup well-shaken buttermilk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/3 cup (5 1/3 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg For icings 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar 1 tablespoon light corn syrup 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon vanilla 1 to 2 tablespoons water 1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder Make cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Stir together buttermilk and vanilla in a cup. Beat together butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes, then add egg, beating until combined well. Mix in flour mixture and buttermilk mixture alternately in batches at low speed (scraping down side of bowl occasionally), beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until smooth. Spoon 1/4 cups of batter about 2 inches apart onto a buttered large baking sheet. Ba...

Triadnyc.com Monday, Mar 5th, 2012 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Dan Savage on His Special, Santorum 2.23.2012 from the OUT.Com Editors The 'It Gets Better' co-founder explains why Rick Santorum is newly "terrifying," responds to trans glitter bombers, and explains why MTV gave him his own special. The hour-long It Gets Better special premiered earlier this week on MTV. It means that one of the most well-known spokesgays has taken a popular message (even President Obama has done a video) to one of the broadest teen audiences (alongside shows about teenage pregnancy and following bizarre dreams of becoming rodeo professionals). In an interview earlier this week, Savage spoke to The Advocate about the current presidential campaign and a variety of other subjects. Savage has famously denounced Republican nominee Rick Santorum and even invented a disgusting definition for his name (that has kinda stuck). When The Advocate asked about his take on Santorum's surge in the primaries, he responded: "You could knock me over with ...

Joe Manganiello co-stars in Magic Mike a flick based on Channing Tatum's stripper days. He has this to say to OUT : The strippers in Magic Mike are more the types that shake it Chippendales-style for bachelorettes than gyrating go-go boys at your local gay watering hole. “This is Chan’s experience,” Manganiello says of the homoerotic, yet hetero-themed, flick. Manganiello interviewed a former male stripper to research the era. “All the guys he worked with were dead or in rehab,” he says, “but it was the time of his life -- this insanely destructive lifestyle, this club life. It was sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll... and getting paid to take your clothes off and have sex.” Manganiello promises Magic Mike will incorporate all of the complexities of the grind. “There are a lot of drugs, the overdosing, the depraved lifestyle,” he says. “But on the other side, it’s hilarious.” Go here for complete interview .

When Hillary Clinton addressed the Human Rights Council in Geneva in December 2011. She outlined the Obama Administration’s directives: * U.S. agencies overseas are directed to strengthen efforts to combat the criminalization by foreign governments of LGBT status or conduct in addition to expanding efforts to combat discrimination overseas on this basis. * The Departments of State and Homeland Security are directed to ensure LGBT people seeking asylum in the United States have equal access to protection and assistance. Additionally, the Departments of State, Justice and Homeland Security are to ensure appropriate training is in place for government personnel to help LGBT refugees and asylum seekers. * U.S. foreign aid agencies are directed to engage regularly with governments, citizens, civil society and the private sector to foster an awareness of LGBT human rights. * The State Department is to lead a “standing group” geared toward ensuring swift response to serious incidents threaten...

Nick Youngquest is assuredly one of the more delectable human beings alive. From Wikipedia: Nick Youngquest (born 28 July 1983 in Sydney, New South Wales) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Castleford Tigers[2] club of Europe's Super League. He previously played for Crusaders RL,[3] Gateshead Thunder,[4] Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, St George Illawarra Dragons, Penrith Panthers and Bulldogs. He primarily plays on the wing. In late 2007, Youngquest agreed to a one-year deal with the Wests Tigers, his fourth club in six years, but failed to make the NRL squad.[5] Youngquest was released mid-way through the 2008 season and signed with the Bulldogs as a replacement for the released Cameron Phelps.[6] After failing to make an impact in the NRL after six seasons, he moved to play for the French rugby league team Salanque Meditérrannée PIA XIII (also known as the Pia Donkeys) following the conclusion of the 2008 NRL season.[7] In 2009, Nick Youngquest played for ...

Burger Veal, ground, one pound Egg, one Basil, dried, one teaspoon Oregano, dried, one half teaspoon Parsley, flat leaf, chopped, one teaspoon Breadcrumbs, three tablespoons Tomato Paste, three tablespoons Garlic, two teaspoons finely chopped Onion, one cup finely chopped Feta Cheese, one quarter cup crumble Sauce Feta Cheese or Ricotta Salata, one quarter cup crumbled Mascarpone Cheese one quarter cup light Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream, three tablespoons low-fat plain yogurt Garlic, one half teaspoon finely chopped Lemon Juice, fresh one tablespoon lemon Water one tablespoon Basil, one half teaspoon dried 1. To make the burgers, combine the veal, egg, dried basil and oregano, breadcrumbs, tomato paste , garlic, onion and feta in a large bowl and shape into 4 burger patties. 2. Grill or sauté in a pan lightly coated with cooking spray. Cook on 1 side for 7 minutes, then turn over and cook 3 to 5 minutes or just until done. 3 Combine all the sauce ingredients in a food processor and purée...