"Feel Good Fridays" The Bold and Beautiful Edition...Meet the Big City Siren

It's Friday and you know it feels good to say that. You've worked hard all week, now it's time to celebrate. So, how do you let loose, have fun, laugh out loud? Come on, go ahead and share.

Fun for me entails going where I have never gone before; into a land of spontaneity and letting go of control. Translation…studying stand up comedy. Yes, as you may know from previous blog entries, I am in a stand up comedy class, which is no laughing matter.

Creating comedy material, let alone performing stand up, is not as easy as it seems. It takes a lot of confidence and the willingness to use your life as inspiration.  Just ask Lindsey Gentile, one of NYC's top comediennes who also maintains the blog "Big City Siren."  

The Jaclyn of All Trades got the scoop on this bold and beautiful brunette actress, adventurist and freaking funny lady. Here's our interview, it's a guaranteed fun read. 

Name, age, occupation, name of Blog. Lindsey Gentile, Actor and Sex and the City Tour guide, Big City Siren: men are from mars, women want your penis. 

Inspiration for blog title and content. Big City Siren: I wanted a title that was loud and sexy. Like me and like New York. And also a bit off. Like me and like New York. As for the content, I really decided to start the blog when I was on my way to perform at a comedy show in the east village and a homeless man was literally trying to pee on me.  It was then that I realized, that not only am I going to die alone, but also that New York is truly a unique city and you have to be a certain kind of person to live here. Where else would you see women running in their 4 inch heels to catch a train or hear a girl tell a cabbie to go "Fuck yourself".  We are women who can overcome bed bugs, spend our daily commute smushed up against a smelly armpit that does not belong to us.  We pick our strollers up 98 subway stairs, we endure cat calling, we wait tables, nanny, crunch numbers, sell our souls, and work in cubicles so we can be creative and change the world... We are Big City Sirens. So my blog is dedicated to those super heros.

Give us Lindsey's top 3 tips for surviving the mean streets of New York City. 1. Don't look up or make eye contact.  2. Carry a rape whistle.  3. MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC.... just put that ipod in and get in the zone.   

Just like "Feel Good Fridays" you categorize your days of the week too and have Match Making Mondays. What has been the funniest Match Making Monday post to date? This year, for the Academy Awards, I put out an ad out on Craigslist that I was looking for a man to come over and fan with me with palm fronds and feed me grapes while I watched the Oscars.  I would of course provide the palm fronds, and grapes.  Within 20 minutes I had about 40 emails... and lots of penis pictures. Priceless. A few men wanted to bring their togas, others wanted to know if they were green grapes, seedless, etc. For my top three men, you can check it out here: http://www.bigcitysiren.com/blog/2011/2/28/i-found-love-during-the-oscars.html If you have ANY match making stories please feel free to email me @ lindsey@bigcitysiren.com 

How do you use social media to help your comedy career? Give us a tidbit of wisdom on one social media success and one thing that wasn't so successful. My sister, Jess Jubilee is a successful DJ here in NY and she makes me tweet. She has gained a huge following that way.  I try to tweet when I'm in the street and see a cute guy with bad jeans, or a bed bug infested mattress, or something pops into my head.  For my blog, I tweet, Facebook, DIGG, Reddit, etc.  

For my comedy duo, Kelly and Lindsey (www.kellyandlindsey.com) we rely mostly on Facebook and Youtube.   REMEMBER ALWAYS check and recheck. I co-host a comedy show in the East Village called Back Door Comedy, and I recently made an event on FB and sent it out to hundreds of people.... with my home address, not the bars address.  OOPS.  I basically sent people to my apartment instead of the venue for our show. Thank god most people know where the bar is and over looked it, but we were at the show, and half of our comedians didn't show up.... when they showed up late they told me they were to some place in Hell's Kitchen.  Yup,  my apartment.  

Words of wisdom for aspiring female actresses/comediennes coming to NYC. Girls, ladies...do something everyday for yourself and your career.  Switch things up.  Meet with a million funny women and see what they are doing.  They are not your competition and you can learn from them.  I meet with EVERYone.  Don't get comfortable; don't get stuck in your stupid survival job.  Work really hard. Don't get too high off a high; don't get too low off a low.  Don't have sex with EVERY cute comedian.... just SOME of them. 

 

On that note, if you like what you’ve read here, then be sure to like Big City Siren on FB (http://www.facebook.com/bigcitysiren) and follow Lindsey on twitter!!!! (@bigcitysiren)  

You can also like Kelly and Lindsey on Facebook to get all upcoming info. (http://www.facebook.com/kellyandlindsey)

Upcoming Shows:

3/8 World's Greatest Grandson/ Shayz Lounge in Greenpoint at 9:30pm

3/9 listen to KATG Keith and the Girl PODCAST.  www.keithandthegirl.com at 2pm

3/11 Astoria Brewhouse comedy show at 8:00

3/12 Shoot the Shite comedy show at the Creek and the Cave in Long Island City @ 10pm

3/14 Back Door Comedy (www.kellyandlindsey.com) at Professor Thom's 219 2nd ave between 13 and 14 @8pm

3/28 Back Door Comedy same as above

Spread the laughter and fun this feel good Friday. Be your own Big City Siren in whatever city you so choose. 

Signing off, 

The Jaclyn of All Trades

 http://www.jaclynmullenmedia.com

Contact Me

Have a funny story yourself? Be sure to add it to the comments section. 

Feel Good Fridays-Your Word Is Your Bond In Marketing and Beyond

Every Friday, I try to offer enlightening and positive perspective through my "Feel Good Friday" series. But this Friday, I don't feel good, at least not yet.

I am listening to the PS 22 Chorus as a means to lift my mood. These kids always have a way of settling one's spirits--the combination of their talent, passion and enthusiasm can even bring Debbie Downer out of the dumps.



So why post something to Feel Good Friday if I don't feel good? Did you read the other half of the title? Your word is your bond in marketing and beyond.

The purpose of my post today is to show (1) that I am human and although I strive to be positive and easy going, somedays even I struggle with drowning out negative thoughts and (2) your character cannot escape you in your personal or professional life so act with integrity.

Your word is your bond in marketing and beyond. 

I have to be honest via this blog and state that I have a hard time dealing with people, companies and thought leaders alike that lie, mislead or cheat their way to success. Peter Shankman had an awesome post this week entitled "Welcome to the Age of You Gonna Get Caught" addressing this very issue when Groupon and FTD found themselves in a sticky situation.

I will say it again. Your word is your bond in marketing and beyond.

We all have moments in our lives where our character may come into play. Either we can satisfy ourselves first or try and satisfy another person whether they be a significant other, a customer, a friend or a foe. If you need to be honest about something which may lead to less profitablity, the potential loss of a relationship, any loss in general, do you satisfy our own selfish needs and desires and conceal information or do you step up to the home plate and hit a homerun with honesty?

Telling the truth may hurt, there may in fact be a loss of some sorts but nothing is worse than individuals, businesses and friends that don't speak the truth. So how does lying affect business, affect relationships and the world subsequently? The truth shall allow you to move forward, move freely, to move with fortitude. The truth allows things to remain balanced and fair.

When you lie, deceive, withhold or refrain you set forward a series of actions that affect your ability to live comfortably and true. Who wants to have to always watch over their shoulder or wonder when they will get caught? We know for sure that every dog has his day.

To those who compromise professional integrity, your customers will not be forgiving (nor should be). False advertising will come back around to you (consumers are intelligent and now have more power than you acknowledge). To those who compromise personal integrity, good luck. It's really not too hard to live by the golden rule in and out of business. To paraphrase, do good to others without thinking how it will impact you--at all, what so ever. Step up, man up, show that integrity is more valuable than fools gold.

At the end of the day, that which is built upon a frail and fake foundation shall collapse. Do right by your customers, colleagues, friends and close contacts. The rest will take care of itself.



Your word is your bond in marketing and beyond--remember that. I'm glad I got this off my chest, now it really is a Feel Good Friday--Billy Idol and all.

I'd love to hear from you too. Comments? Thoughts?

Feel Good Fridays-Follow Your Yellow Brick Road

"As you journey through life, choose your destination wisely, but don't hurry there. You will arrive soon enough. Wander the back roads, the forgotten paths, the unknown ways, as you keep your dreams in your heart as the light that guides you. 

Seek out new voices, strange sights, and bold ideas. Such things are riches for the soul. 

And if, upon your arrival, you find that your destination is not exactly what you dreamed it would be, don't be disappointed. Think of all you would have missed if not for the journey there, and know that the true worth of your travels lies not just in where you've come to be, but in who you become along the way." ---Linda Staten

 When all is said and done, I hope my journey takes me back here.

Photo: Jaclyn Mullen. Cancun, Mexico in July, 2010.

Upon waking up this first Friday of February, I grabbed a book that was gifted to me by my college roommate Nicole (who happens to be one of my closest friends). The title "GO FOR IT--A Celebration Of Your Dreams" just called my attention this morning.

As most people do when reading a book, I flipped open to the first few pages and came upon the paragraph above. Then, I paused in my tracks. For some reason, the Wizard of Oz popped into my head and I thought about the "yellow brick road."

We all have a journey; a yellow brick road but where is it leading us? 

Does it matter where we are going so long as we grow along the way?

More importantly, have you ever arrived at the destination of the road feeling like you went down the wrong way?

Each new year is a new road to follow. That's why we create New Years resolutions and set annual goals. Some years are better than others. And for those that may not turn out as we had hoped, are we able to see who we have become along the way? 

I, unlike a lot of other people, have the fortune of pursuing various yellow brick roads. For one, I have a risk taking spirit by nature, not in a wild sense. I am a gypsy. I can live out of a suitcase without any discomfort. I am single, no husband, no kids, no pet. I can roam freely and have always taken advantage of that.

Plane picture I took circa 2007

There was the time I left my hometown at eighteen to move to Florida and start completely anew. Several years later, I moved to LA. There was the time I quit my corporate job working for a commercial real estate firm to pursue my passions and joined a hip hop dance crew. These days, I'm on a whole new path and have to work really hard not to rush to get "there."

But what about you? Are you frustrated that the route "there" is taking so long? Do you stop and make a list of accomplishments you have achieved along the way? Daily, weekly, monthly? Do you venture off into the unknown or is fear holding you back from pursuing something you REALLY want to do?

Read the statement above from Linda Staten again. Seek out a new sight today in your hometown, drive or walk a different route home. And if you can't enjoy the journey because you're pressed for time, have no fear. I'm happy to provide one new voice, one strange sight and one bold idea this Feel Good Friday. 

1. New Voice...sort of. These guys are definitely guaranteed to make you get up out of your seat and move, courtesy of many other people's voices. I don't know how "they" do it but I LOVE IT. Check out Hood Internet vs Chicago, these dynamic DJ's mix up an amazing assortment of hip hop, rock, 80's music. Whenever I need to be productive, I listen to a Hood Internet mix. Being 'hood never felt so good.
2. New, strange sight. I don't mean strange as in funky or weird, I mean strange as in new--something you don't see everyday. Newsflash, you don't have to fly anywhere to see a new sight. Check out National Geographic--with a few clicks of your mouse, you can see the sunset in Kenya.
3. One bold idea. Apple, one of America's most popular brands, has always been bold, brave and bad ass! This article from The99Percent.com demonstrates how a brand like Apple can think different and find success. Perhaps it can inspire a bold new idea or approach in you.

As this post proves, you don't have to go very far to find something new. After all, it was the wise Lao Tzu has said, "the journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet." 

Beneath--not ahead of one's feet, or behind. Right where you are. Follow the yellow brick road, even if you don't end up at your desired Emerald Castle, for maybe, as it's been in my case, it will be a Ruby Castle instead.

Feel Good Fridays (Inspired by Dr. Deepak Chopra)

Today, I finally understood the statement "I'm so happy I could cry" because I almost did, 3 times to be precise.

To preface this post, earlier today I was fortunate enough to hear Dr. Deepak Chopra speak on "The Soul of Leadership" courtesy of Step Up Women's Network, and the Drucker Business Forum. As you can imagine, not many people get the opportunity to hear Dr. Deepak Chopra speak in the flesh (let alone thank him personally afterward). 

And yet, in one hour, at least 100 "Angeleno's" were profoundly impacted by what he had to say while I was moved to tears (twice).

Well, what was this emotional advice you may be asking? The following are my cliff's notes versions of Dr. Chopra's great wisdom which impacted me so deeply.

• Take 5 to 10 minutes every day to focus on your reason for being here, try to visualize and really feel these desires straight from your heart.
• Speaking of feelings, it is very important to feel your fear. What you resist, persists. DO WHAT YOU FEAR THE MOST.
• Our "set point for happiness" is determined within the first three years of our lives.
• A lot of people are spending more than they've earned to buy things they don't need to impress people they don't like. Money isn't the root to happiness.
• If you had all the money and time in the world, how would you express yourself?
• Of his experience in teaching at the Kellogg School of Management Dr. Chopra stated, "A lot of students slowly realize that they thought they were "just running businesses". When they review their desires, they want to change the world too." As employees, business owners, entrepreneurs--we can change the world and we should want to.
• When you start to experience a stimulus that "pushes your buttons" and triggers a resentful response from you STOP, focus on the sensation then do nothing. Whatever the annoyance, it will slowly fade away.

The last bullet point is very true and perhaps the most difficult to execute which is why I cried a third time (in my car, on the drive home, while listening to Neil Diamond).

"I Am...I Said" one of my favorite Neil Diamond jams

You see, over a month ago, I was going through some difficult, personal challenges that really tested my emotional strength. I wanted to react, to be angry, I was upset and very unhappy. It seemed as though every week for at least 8 weeks straight, something difficult would continue to happen building upon the original reason I was upset to begin with. By week 6, I threw my hands up in the air and said, "Ok world, I get it. I need to let go. Until I let go and change my attitude, things will continue to negatively impact me."

The moment I stopped and stood still, the moment I didn't rehash my old wounds was the moment I became free and saw my circumstances in an entirely new light.

I realized the beauty in the flexibility of my new situation. 

I appreciated the opportunity to close a chapter of my life and move forward. 

And I more or less realized that had it not been for those circumstances and changes, I wouldn't have been able to listen to Dr. Deepak Chopra speak on a Friday morning in January, 2011.

So I leave you with this. To those of you going through tough times right now, hold on. Sit still as Dr. Deepak Chopra encourages. Things will get better. Once you make it through the tough times and see the light, you'll be so happy you could cry (and appreciate that statement).

I know I do and I know I am.

Signing off,

Jaclyn M Mullen