My 2nd appearance on CBC Radio is telling a story about a fork!

In this episode of the CBC radio show GO! that I attended the live taping of, the host Brent Bambury was going through his shoeboxes of memorabilia and telling the "true" stories behind each item. To help him de-clutter, he asked some special guests (like Kids In The Hall's Scott Thompson) to come up with their own theory of why Brent had that item, and if the audience liked the "made-up" story better Brent had to get rid of the item. I was pulled from the audience to be the first person to make up a story (subsequent story-tellers had written-up their stories beforehand). As you can tell from Brent's reaction, the audience was supposed to like his story better and he was supposed to keep his fork. But he hadn't counted on the hilariousness that is Josh Rachlis. As my Dad eloquently put it: "I'm so proud of you. You won a fixed contest."

Vote for my eco hip hop video in the Green Web Awards!

You know how I give you so much pleasure with these extremely entertaining blog posts? (Just go with me here for a second.) Well, it's time for you to give back.

I've just discovered through my Google Alert for "An Inconvenient Proposal" that the esteemed panel of international judges for the second annual Green Web Awards has short-listed my eco hip hip marriage proposal music video. (Thank goodness for Google Alerts, is all I can say. Otherwise I'd never know I was doing sort of okay at anything at all.)

Now the judging has been turned over to the public. So here's what I need you to do, public. Go to the "Judges short-list" page here. Type in your name. Scroll down to the "Social Media Hero" category. Select "An Inconvenient Proposal: A love song for Laurie David." Then, select and copy the YouTube address that's right under the title. Scroll down to the bottom and paste the address into the "Judges Award: Best of the Best" category.

And voila! You have my everlasting gratitude. I don't know what prize I'd win from this contest. I just know that I haven't won anything since winning "Most Improved Water-Skiier" at B'Nai Brith summer camp when I was 12, and I'd really like to win something again.

I'm a finalist in the Script Showcase Screenwriting Competition!

This Spring, I finished the first draft of my first feature film screenplay. As with all first drafts of a feature, it needs to be worked on and revised and have more drafts written. However, I was so giddy to have finished 120 pages of SOMETHING, I went rogue and entered it into some L.A.-based screenplay contest I'd seen listed at MovieBytes.com. And then I promptly forgot about it. But then this morning, in my daily "Google Alert" for "Josh Rachlis" (if that makes me vain, then I don't want to be, um, non-vain), amongst the usual hits for my own YouTube page and my own Tweets, I noticed a link to something about the finalists for The Script Showcase Screenwriting Competition. I followed it to the Contest Placings page to discover that, unbeknownst to me, I'd made the Quarter Finals, then the Semi-Finals, and I'm now in the top 8 Finalists remaining. Meaning I've already won some prizes. And, according to the rules, it sounds pretty hard to get there:

Judging will be conducted in two separate elimination rounds, plus a Quarter Final, a Semi Final and a Final round. The submissions receiving the top two hundred (200) scores will proceed to the second elimination round and scored based upon the same judging criteria as round one.
Thirty two (32) Quarter Finalists will be chosen from the second elimination round.
Sixteen (16) Semi Finalists will be chosen from the Quarter Finalists.
Eight (8) Finalists will be chosen from the Semi Finalists.
Three (3) Winners will be chosen from the Finalists.

The top 3 will be announced on December 15th, but I thought I'd blog about it now while there's still something to celebrate. So... Woo hoo. (That was me celebrating.)

Anyway, if you're a Hollywood producer, I'd be happy to email you the script. And if you're in the Mafia, I'd be happy if you arranged "accidents" for the 7 other top screenwriters. Ha ha, just kidding! Unless you really are in the Mafia. In which case, I'm totally serious.

Acting in a mall radio ad!

Returning in my 3rd radio ad for an awesome shopping facility, it's me as the shopping expert who's BFF's with a couple of women. Which is a true testament to my incredible acting skills. Because in real life, of course, no woman will even stand near me, much less discuss their "favourite things" with me. (Oh, and further evidence of my acting genius is that this spot ends with me just like the last one did. I actually ad-libbed that line in the last spot and the client liked it so much they put it in this script so that it's my catch-phrase. That's right, I have a catch-phrase!)

My 1st appearance on CBC Radio is as a perverted wine taster!

On Oct. 17, 2009, I attended the live taping of the CBC Radio show called GO! and was asked if I would go up and try the wine that the guests and host were trying. The host did a funny bit where he described the taste of the wine as, among other things, a "noble savage." Then it was my turn. Naturally, I managed to turn an innocuous 10-second wine review on Canada's national public radio station into an uncomfortably sexual situation.

Talking Bollocks - Ep.10: Birthdays!

For the big round number of Episode Ten, we're talking about birthdays. Which are also round numbers. Well, when the birthday is a round number. Which mine isn't. But it's still coming up on Thursday. Hence the theme. But naturally our discussion veers wonderfully off-topic, touching on Aardman Animation, Pride and Prejudice, lesbians, Josh's new condo and whether girls learn how to kiss by practising on each other. Which I still insist they do. And it's my birthday, so goddamit, I get to believe what I want.

For those of you who are new to Talking Bollocks, it's a talk show where Marilla and I interview each other every time, because nobody's given us a talk show yet. But I'm going to get one soon, because I think about it all the time. Just like that movie The Secret says to do. And yes, we touched on The Secret in this episode as well.

P.S. You'll also notice that the framing places Marilla front and centre, leaving me barely on the screen at all. Marilla claims this was an accident. But I suspect it reveals her true intentions for the show. Our "audient" Jenn, who was sitting right next to the camera, also somehow failed to correct the framing. Maybe I just won't bother showing up for the next episode and we'll see if anyone notices or cares. Although, I'm sure that little plan would backfire. Like every time I break up with a girl as a "test" and then they get married to someone else.

Mine was the funniest marriage proposal EVER!!!

I haven't produced anything new lately, so I figure in the spirit of environmentalism I'll "recycle" an older creative product, with the help of some fresh news on the subject from the site RecycledBride.com. This morning, I got a Facebook friend request with this very sweet attached message:

Tracy says, "Josh Rachlis, you rock. That Laurie David proposal was the funniest thing I've seen in ages. I blogged about it, check out my website, blah blah blah http://www.recycledbride.com/blog/ ...but most of all, get in touch if you're ever going to be in LA. I'd love to meet you and introduce you to a fantastic group of people. You are bound for great things! Best - Tracy (tracy@recycledbride.com)."

This makes me happy on a couple of levels. One, I want to visit L.A. before the end of the year, so this means I might actually have something to do while I'm there. And two, if you visit the link to her blog entry, which you can do by clicking here, you'll see that apparently my marriage proposal to environmentalist Laurie David was the funniest marriage proposal EVER!!! However, it was still unsuccessful. So, gentlemen, the lesson is, don't bother being funny with your marriage proposal. Although, I'm not sure what to recommend doing. My serious marriage proposals don't work either. Still, check out this site for "eco-savvy brides" if you're getting married soon. Which you likely will be if you dated me recently. Apparently anyone who dates me these days becomes engaged to someone else within 6 months. Which means that either they decide "I'll never meet someone as great as Josh. So I might as well marry the next guy who comes along." Or they decide "If that's what dating is like, I never want to date again. So I might as well marry the next guy who comes along." I prefer to think it's the former. Regardless, if you wanna get married fast, go on a date with me. Ladies, take a number!

P.S. Oh, and naturally the girl I stayed with when I was in LA last January is now engaged. (In fact, she met the guy while I was staying with her. I've got some serious powers, man!) So if you know of a cheap place to rent in LA, or if I can crash on your LA futon for a bit, lemme know!

Acting in iLane radio ad!

Here's me acting in a radio ad for iLane. I've got about 5 syllables in this baby, but I make them count. And, ever the copywriter, it was my brilliant idea to move my second line up into the middle of the announcer's speech, rather than after "...is his business." So, like, when you cast me in things, you get added value. Just sayin'. Anyway, iLane sounds pretty cool. When they come out with a version that I can attach to my Metropass or bike, I'm so there.

My (painful) Citytv Official Comedy Correspondent Audition

So here's my audition for the Citytv Official Comedy Correspondent Contest. You can view all the entries by clicking here. The rules: Discuss the comedic highlights of at least 2 shows from their new comedy line-up, all in under 60 seconds. I know what you're thinking: "Josh can do no wrong! He's always so hilarious! So this audition will be hilarious, too!" Well, maybe those of you who saw my U.N. Peace Day stand-up act aren't thinking that. But anyway, yes, this is going to be hilarious. But not in a good way. Allow me to explain (i.e. make excuses). I watched on Thursday, October 8, 2009. Normally on Thursdays, The Jay Leno Show would be preceded by the new show Community. Except on this night, for some reason there was a 30 Rock rerun before Jay Leno. But the big stumbling block was that I was dying of a bad cold. I could barely think straight, much less be funny. But the deadline was Friday, October 9 at 11:59 p.m. and so I had no choice but to make the video right then and there. None of my ramblings made much sense. But they made even less sense once I cut out enough words to boil it down to 60 seconds. What was cut out? Well, I talked about how Citytv comedy would make me feel good and thus help heal my cold. I talked about how I was wearing my correspondent fedora, complete with Citytv press pass in the ribbon, and how it's a very hard fedora because it's from the dollar store. I talked about how on this particular night not only did the comedy make me feel good because it was funny, it boosted my self esteem in many ways, which made me feel even better. For instance, seeing that Tina Fey can't get a boyfriend made me feel better about being a loser in the world of love. Then I talked about how in his opening monologue, Jay Leno mentioned a study where 70% of people surveyed said their first sexual experience was positive. So, you see, it all sort of made sense. But in my cold-addled haze, I didn't plan it out to fit properly into the 60 seconds. So I'm counting on you, dear fans... Okay, dear fan... Singular... Assuming there's even just one out there... to go to leave comments at the contest YouTube page and on the contest Facebook page to let Citytv know that normally I'm quite amusing and that they should watch my other videos and give me the prize just for being so generally awesome. Can you do that for me? No? Sigh. Oh well, it was worth a shot.

Watch Talking Bollocks-Ep.9: Being Famous

On my birthday last November, I gave myself one year to become famous. The year's almost done. So Marilla and I discuss what life will be like when we're famous. Areas covered include how to get involved in a sex scandal, George Clooney's alleged bisexuality and William Shatner's alleged girdle. This episode was filmed on Sept. 23, 2009. TALKING BOLLOCKS is a show born out of frustration - both Josh and Rill want to host a talk show. Until they get the gig, they're interviewing themselves. Find more of Marilla Wex at marillawex.com and more of Josh Rachlis at, um, well, here. Or youtube.com/joshrachlis.

Celebrity Josh - Ep.7: I find a celeb! Or do I?

After unsuccessfully combing the Toronto International Film Festival for a celebrity, I'm about to give up. When suddenly, I spot paparazzi. I spot a bodyguard. I spot... Could it be?? (For the whole saga from the beginning, visit www.YouTube.com/CelebrityJosh.)

Stand-up comedy at Green Party meeting for Day of Peace!

Sept. 21, 2009. The Green Party held a meeting for the U.N. International Day Of Peace. They asked me to do some green stand-up comedy and say something about peace. Little did they suspect, I'm actually against peace...

Celebrity Josh - Ep.6: Sexy guestlist girl!

It's hard to get into a nightclub on a regular night. Especially when you look like me. And when it's a celebrity party? Forget it. Unless, of course, you're blessed with the charm and quick-thinking of a natural born Celebrity Hunter. For the entire saga, visit www.YouTube.com/CelebrityJosh.

Celebrity Josh - Ep.5: Yorkville!

For my latest adventure at www.YouTube.com/CelebrityJosh, I learned top-secret info that when in Toronto, celebrities hang out in an area "Yorkville." So I went there and checked out the yellow restaurant called Sassafraz... Then the big rock that people sit on... And then finally decided to ask the public for help. Which isn't cheating. It's called "gathering intelligence."

Celebrity Josh - Ep.4: Working out in the gym!

Celebrities are in great shape. So surely they go to the gym. (This is the kind of razor-sharp deductive reasoning you need in order to be the best Celebrity Hunter.) So I went to a gym, hoping to spot celebrities working out while they were in town for the Toronto International Film Festival. While scoping out the gym, I did my patented Celebrity Hunter Workout®. Consult a physician before embarking on this grueling regimen. To follow the saga from the beginning, visit www.YouTube.com/CelebrityJosh.

Celebrity Josh - Ep.3: Practicing on non-celebrity bikini girl in hot tub!

Normally "Celebrity Hunting" involves just finding celebrities. But for this assignment, I have to talk to a celebrity and get them to try the Orville Redenbacher Select White Popcorn. So, while I was wandering around a hotel searching for celebrities, I decided to talk to a non-celebrity to practice my talking skills. This girl was nice enough to let me practice on her. And it was extra fortuitous, because a girl in a bikini in a hot tub is pretty much as close as you can get to being a celebrity without actually being a celebrity, right?

Celebrity Josh - Ep.2: Disguised as room service!

For my latest adventure at YouTube.com/CelebrityJosh, I decided to infiltrate a hotel. But I still had to come up with a way to get them to come to open their hotel room door and try the Orville Redenbacher Select White popcorn. I also had to figure out which room had a celebrity in it. Fortunately, I had my Celebrity Hunting knowledge to guide me...

Watch my new Celebrity Hunter show!

Didn't know I was a Celebrity Hunter? That's because I didn't have my own show. Until now! Check out the 1st episode of Celebrity Josh: The Celebrity Hunter below or by clicking here. On the show, I announce the big news that Orville Redenbacher is sponsoring me! Well, not really "sponsoring." More like "allowing." But let's not quibble over semantics. The important part is that I'm going to be going around the Toronto International Film Festival trying to find a celebrity so I can get them to try Orville's new Select White Popcorn. Stay tuned to www.YouTube.com/CelebrityJosh for my adventures!

Listen to me acting in a Zellers radio ad!

Apparently these Moonlight Madness sales bring in huge business to Zellers. Perhaps it's because of the great deals. But I prefer to think it's because I originally wrote the ads and continue to voice them. In any case, I think I should walk around a Zellers looking at prices while exclaiming: "That's MADNESS!" I think that will be a lot of fun until I get escorted out by security.

Read The Toronto Star article about my eco habit!

On a balmy day a few years ago around Bay Street, I spotted a guy in BMW sitting back and relaxing with the engine running and the windows open. I tossed one of my handmade brochures about the dangers of idling onto his passenger seat. A few blocks later, I heard a menacing voice say: "Hey, Treehugger." Then I felt a hand grab my arm and heard: "If you ever touch my car again, I'll kill you." This shook me up. But I was glad that he had to stop idling in order to come after me. Hopefully he will read this article in the Toronto Star today and feel bad about being mean to me. Or, he'll now know my name and will track me down to finish the job. Hmmm... Okay, never mind. That wasn't me with the idling brochure. Must have been some other devastatingly handsome, hairless fellow. The article is still about me, though. To read it, click here.

Watch me MC a Jewish/Arab peace concert!

May 31st, 2009. I was the Jew co-hosting a Jewish/Arab peace concert in Montreal with Arab comedienne Eman. There was beautiful music, dance and poetry performed by Jews and Arabs. An audience of open-minded people of all races and religions. And how did I choose to use this valuable opportunity to promote world harmony? I chose to shamelessly hit on Eman the entire time we were on stage. Shockingly, I got nowhere with her. But, on the bright side, it seems my hosting didn't quite cause Armageddon. Though, after the show a Palestinian psychologist asked me if I'd perform the same act at the opening of his new Jungian Psychology centre. So maybe I'll have a second chance to ignite a world war.

Click here an article that ran before the show.
Click here for the Montreal Dialogue Group that put on the show: http://www.dialoguegroup.org/
And click here for Eman, the Arab comedienne and future ex-Mrs. Rachlis.

This video is the introduction to the show. Eman and I did little jokes in between the acts, too. I'll post those if anyone wants to see them. Aw heck, who am I kidding? I'll post them regardless.

Listen to me acting in a Walmart radio ad!

Me as "Student 1" in a Walmart radio ad. I start off cool, but then I'm exposed for being a loser. Just like when I was actually in university. Without the cool part.

Listen to me acting in a radio ad for Drenched Water Ski Fest!

Below is me as "Guy 2" in a radio ad for Drenched, a pretty awesome-sounding water ski festival in Alberta. Water skiing was actually my favourite activity at summer camp, so this is especially meaningful to me. Even though I have no idea what I'm saying in the ad. Okay, that's not true. At the session, they told us what the dialogue means. But for the audition, my co-star - Scott Gorman - and I were clueless. But I guess it worked for us, because we auditioned together and we both got chosen for the spot! That's some magical chemistry there. They even wound up using our little improvised bit at the end. That growling was my idea. And guess what? Turns out Scott acted in A Midsummer Night's Dream with my sister Naomi a few years ago. So this guy is pretty much part of the family. The brother I never had. The son I'll never conceive. The husband I'll never... Okay, you get the idea. Oh, and a "hungry sea lion" is a cougar.

I've illustrated the James Ready Beer Newsletter! (Twice!)

The good folks at James Ready Beer are doing everything they can to keep their beer costing just a buck a bottle. That means cutting expenses around the factory. So when their old computer printer broke recently, they had to find another cheap way to publish their popular in-case newsletter. And nothing's cheaper than, well, me. So I drew their newsletter. I took the liberty of adding a few of my own personal flourishes and I guess people liked them, because I was asked to draw the next newsletter too. (Anyone know a cheap printer repair guy? My hand's starting to cramp up.)

Watch Talking Bollocks, Episode 8: Marriage

Josh interviews Rill about what it's like to be married. Josh talks about his thoughts on marriage, too. It's funny, but also touching. Like when in the 80's, you'd have a serious issue on a sitcom and the ads for it would say: "A very special episode of Family Ties." That's what this is. A very special episode of Talking Bollocks. Filmed on June 14, 2009. To view it, click here.

"Talking Bollocks" is a chat show born out of frustration - both Josh and Rill want to host a talk show. Until they get the gig they're interviewing themselves. This week they have a studio audience. Well, Josh's friend Jocelyn. So more of an audient. For more of these fabulous hosts, visit Marilla Wex at www.marillawex.com and Josh Rachlis at www.youtube.com/JoshRachlis

Check out me being inteviewed about my green comedy!

Here's an interview I did about my green comedy on the Liquid Lunch show on ThatChannel.com on April 2, 2009. In the schedule listing they referred to me as "Eco comedian Josh Rachlis." That has a nice ring to it.

I talk about my love for Laurie David, how polluting the air can't possibly be a good thing, and why it's not about saving "the environment," it's about saving ourselves.

The real question, though, is why I decided to have them show my topless audition video at the end instead of just screening the original Laurie David web cam proposal. Sometimes I wonder about myself.

You can listen to and download the audio of the interview by clicking here. Or you can watch it below.

Josh interviewed about his eco comedy on Liquid Lunch show

Watch Talking Bollocks, Episode 7: What it's like to be a Jew

In this episode, Rill interviews Josh about what it's like to be a Jew. Josh discusses dating Jewish women, reminisces about attending Camp B'nai Brith and reveals why he wishes he were Hassidic. Rill, who's not Jewish but is married a "hard-core Jew," shares her anti-Semitic sculpture from Poland. WARNING: Content may offend. On so many levels. Not sure I can recommend this one to my mom. Which is sad. We really should start making these at least sort of mom-friendly. Especially since she's pretty much the only person interested in watching this crap.

This episode was filmed on June 7, 2009. TALKING BOLLOCKS is a talk show born out of frustration - both Josh and Rill want to host a talk show. Until they get the gig they're interviewing themselves. This week they have a studio audience. Well, Josh's friend Jocelyn. So really, just an audient. Catch Marilla Wex at marillawex.com and Josh Rachlis at, well, the site you're already at.

Check out the brochure I drew for kids visiting the Ottawa Citizen!

You already know my mom's brilliant. But here's yet more proof. Last year, I was up in Ottawa the weekend of Doors Open Ottawa. I was keen on seeing the green roof at the water filtration plant. My parents, ever tolerant of my quirks, took me to see it. At the filtration plant, they had an educational brochure for kids feature cartoon illustrations of Mr. Drip, a big water drop with legs and arms and a face. Not sure if this was educational or just made kids terrified of water drops. But anyway, cut to a year later, and it's Doors Open Ottawa time again. My mom faxes me the Mr. Drip brochure that she presciently saved for some reason and calls me up with the idea to do something similar for kids who'll be visiting the Ottawa Citizen. Well! I love the Ottawa Citizen. And I love kids. And I love drawing. So this was the perfect storm. Feast your eyes on what resulted. Take that, Mr. Drip!

Support my mom in her walk for Baycrest, the home for the elderly

Were you inspired by the story I wrote about my amazing mom, Louise Rachlis, who runs marathons and does so much work for charity? (To refresh your memory and get re-inspired, scroll down to the May 10th posting or just click here.)

Here's a chance to thank her for the inspiration: On Thursday, June 18, she'll be participating as a walker in the Baycrest Boardwalk, in support of Baycrest and its programs and services for seniors. My equally-amazing sister Naomi will joining her to be push my Grandma in her wheelchair for the Walk. The three of them hope you'll sponsor them in this very worthwhile cause!

Here's the lovely tale my mom wrote on her sponsorship page: "When we were packing up my mother for Baycrest last year, we found the Baycrest Volunteer smock she wore over a decade ago. She recognized then the value of Baycrest, and now she is benefiting from that value herself. Your support will provide crucial dollars for Baycrest's many programs and services for seniors. If you would like to make a donation, please do so. Otherwise, just celebrate… with my family the joy of my mother in her 91st year. Thank you."

Even a dollar or two will make a difference. For instance, if all my Facebook friends gave just a dollar each, that would be $1,164. Or, let's say all my real-life friends gave a dollar each. That would be, um, ok, that wouldn't be any money. Thank god for Facebook.

To make a sponsorship donation, please visit my mom's personal sponsorship page at http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=2171381

Listen to me in GreenSaver radio ads!

Why am I doing things like hiding in an air duct and sitting on my front steps nude? Long story. But suffice it to say, it's thanks to the great work of GreenSaver. GreenSaver is a home energy audit company that will come to your home and tell you all the things you can do to save energy, money and the environment. I wrote them some scripts for fun YouTube videos. They decided to produce them as radio ads. And they asked me to act in them! (I'm sure you're particularly glad that the nude one got done as radio instead of being filmed.) As an eco-friendly guy, I'm excited to be helping out such a great green company. Book your home energy audit today at greensaver.ca. No hiding in air ducts or nudity required.

Listen to me in a James Ready Beer radio ad!

James Ready Beer wants your help to keep it a buck a bottle. So they asked drinkers to send in photos to fill the billboards they'd bought, because they couldn't afford to make ads. As thanks for the help, JR is now offering their radio ad space to loyal drinkers. Here's my contribution, which is currently on the air. (Carly at my work apparently turned red when people played it for her. Do you think that's a good sign? Hmmm... Come to think of it, she hasn't spoken to me since. But she's probably just shy, right?)

I'm co-hosting a Jewish/Arab show in Montreal on Sunday

Along with Eman, an Arab comedienne, I'll be MC'ing an inspiring night of musical, spoken-word and dance performances by Jewish, Arab and other artists in Montreal this Sunday night. The goal is to bring together people through mutual understanding. And if anything can broker a peace between Jews and Arabs, it is certainly the MC'ing I will do at this show. Or, at the very least, it will get me a date with the Arab comedienne. Hmmm... On second thought, peace in the Middle East is probably more likely.

Anyway, last night Eman and I were interviewed on the Dan Laxer show on Montreal talk radio station CJAD. On the show page it said:"A Jew and a Muslim walk into a church... Sound like a joke? It is. Stand-up comics, Eman El-Husseini and Josh Rachlis join me tonight." And in the article about the show in today's Montreal Gazette, I am referred to as "Jewish actor/comic Josh Rachlis." If I was ever hoping to pass for a non-Jew, I guess I can now forget about it.

Here are the show details:

The Montreal Dialogue Group presents its third annual Peace Concert on Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Church, 5035 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W. Tickets: $15; $10 for students. Call 514-483-5763 or 514-933-2298, or email info@dialoguegroup.org

Read the story I wrote about my mom, who runs marathons

For Mother's Day, the Canadian running magazine "iRun" asked for stories from people whose mothers run. They said to keep it to 250 words. I started writing about all the amazing inspirational things that my mom does, and realized I'd written 3 pages. I cut it down as much as I could, but it still wasn't short enough for them to print it in their paper version. Fortunately, in the magazine they said to check out the submission from Josh Rachlis on their website. And now I'm sharing it with the world. Because if anyone can make the world a better place, it's my mom. Who, incidentally, ran the Mississauga Marathon for Mother's Day. Her 20th marathon. The pics I've posted here are me cheering her on at a marathon in Toronto 5 years ago. My mom was running a marathon, and it was a struggle for me to get out of bed early enough to get to the race with my signs. I'm sure there's a lesson in there somewhere. But anyway, here's the link to the story I wrote: http://www.irunnation.com/issues/article.php?id=148&intIssueID=9
And for those without the energy to click on a link, you especially need to read this, so here's the story pasted in:

“My mom runs marathons”

Josh Rachlis, Toronto, ON

Whenever I feel there’s something I can’t do – which is often – I remind myself: “My mom runs marathons.”

Until 10 years ago, my mom, Louise Rachlis, had never really exercised. But when she turned 50, she felt depressed and decided to take action by learning to run. And now, my mom runs marathons.

A year ago, I realized I’d gotten overweight. I was tempted to think it would be too hard to get into shape. But instead I thought: “My mom runs marathons.” I hit the treadmill and have lost 40 pounds.

My mom has even written two books about running. Her book, 20 Steps to Keep You Going When You Think You Couldn't Possibly- In Running and In Life, raised funds for the Ottawa Hospital. Recently my mom was in Paris for a marathon and was talking to a woman in the hotel lobby. Turns out my mom’s book had been this woman’s inspiration to start running at 50! Stories like this show me I can make a difference in the world.

Her other book, A Matter of Dreams: Excuse Busters tell all, profiles how top triathletes keep motivated and was a fund-raiser for the TriRudy.com triathlete community. As she writes in the intro: “We all have many excuses for not achieving our goals. But… there is always someone for whom that is no excuse at all.” That’s the other lesson her running has taught me: I can do whatever I put my mind to, and can make the world better in the process. Because while pursuing running, she took up painting and donated the proceeds to charity. She founded the magazine, Challenge: Life with Cancer. She inspired the Ottawa Citizen (where she works) to start the National Capital Race Weekend series. Suffice to say, she won the 2005 CanWest Spirit Award for Ottawa in recognition of all the ways she contributes to the community.

On my recent birthday, I started thinking I was too old to exercise or to achieve my dreams. But by repeating “My mom runs marathons,” I’ve been able to not only keep up my exercise, but to amp up my creative pursuits – including submitting a pitch to CBC for a radio show about my mom’s running (which she doesn’t know I’ve done).

My mom has recently been asked to tell her stories at Running Room meetings. I hope iRun will also realize the value of her stories, so your readers can tell themselves: “Josh’s mom runs marathons.”

Episode 4 of "Talking Bollocks" - Why Josh is green

Rill interviews Josh about his interest in the environment and saving the planet. As usual, it all boils down to yet another way Josh is trying to get a girlfriend. TALKING BOLLOCKS is a chat show born out of frustration - both Josh and Rill want to host a talk show. Until they get the gig they're interviewing themselves. This week they have a studio audience. Well, audient. Catch Marilla Wex at http://marillawex.com and Josh Rachlis at http://joshrachlis.blogspot.com/

Episode 3 of "Talking Bollocks" - Rill's new Chihuahua

In this episode, Josh interviews Rill about her new Miniature Teacup Chihuahua, Farfl The Wonderdog. No ordinary Chihuahua, Farfl has her own site, www.farfl.com, which chronicles her hilarious adventures. Farfl is so interesting, in fact, that Rill and Josh broke their own rule of keeping the show to the 10 minutes that YouTube allows per video. So it's been broken into two parts. But if your tail wags at the thought of 17 minutes and 6 seconds of Chihuahua talk, this is your dog-gone lucky day.

Here's Part 1, where you’ll find out how Farfl got her name, what tricks she can do and what Chihuahuas are known for :



And here's Part 2, where you’ll find out about pee pads, DogBook and how having a dog makes you social:

I'm quoted in this article about parents joining facebook!

Esther Kustanowitz, popular Internet blogger/writer, has done a very interesting interview with the creators of a website called Oh Crap. My Parents Joined Facebook. And what's an interesting interview without quoting The Most Interesting Person On Earth? (That's me, in case you were wondering.) As with most topics, I have a different take on things. I actually love that parents are on Facebook. I mean, come on people. If you're lucky, you'll be parents too one day. Will you want your kids devoting a website to making fun of you because you're out there being sociable? Anyway, the whole thing just gets me steamed. So take a read of the article by clicking here and decide for yourself how you feel! :-)

Watch "Beaver Tale 4: Working Out"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BEAVER GETS BUFF TO WIN BACK PORCUPINE
4th episode of beaver puppet series resolves cliffhanger

Toronto, Ontario – March 20, 2009 – Beaver Tale 4: Working Out, the 4th in the award-winning Beaver Tale short film series, launches today at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TKnnwtiq-k. The film takes up where Beaver Tale 3: The Break-Up left off with its cliffhanger ending a week ago. When we last saw Pelt The Beaver, he was living alone in a bachelor apartment and poking himself with sewing needles to remember how it felt to cuddle with Quillette The Porcupine. Will Pelt find a way to win her back? Is she even worth it? These questions and more will be answered.

“We know fans are on the edge of their seats,” says series creator, Josh Rachlis. “Because at the end of BT3, things were pretty prickly between Pelt and Quillette. Get it? Prickly? Because she's a porcu- Oh, you do get it? You're just not laughing because it's not funny? Right, okay.”

Catch up by watching the first Beaver Tale:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQUPwlgDu1s
Then Beaver Tale 2: The Bed & Breakfast:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_5rXbvTahE
Then Beaver Tale 3: The Break-Up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmerGh1OnnM

ABOUT THE SERIES: It all began when Pelt The Beaver found a pack of gum in a camper’s backpack in the forest. He realized he could chew this gum instead of trees. So naturally he moved to the city and bought a condo-loft. Films in the series have won “Most Original Idea” at the Leo Burnett Advertising Short Film Festival, “Audience Choice” at the Small Town Film Festival two years in a row and been featured on CBC TV’s show “Exposure.” And released just a week ago, the 3rd Beaver Tale has already received interest in being covered by a prominent film critic and a popular relationship columnist.

For more films by Josh Rachlis, please visit http://www.youtube.com/joshrachlis and for more information, email josh.rachlis(at)gmail dot com

Watch my green music video

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AN INCONVENIENT PROPOSAL
Green guy makes eco hip hop video to win Laurie David’s heart

Toronto, Ontario – March 17, 2009 – It’s sure to be the next Internet sensation, and will maybe even usher in a new era of Canada-U.S. environmental relations: It’s Josh Rachlis, environmentally-conscious Canadian, rapping his heart out in an eco-themed hip hop music video that’s just been posted on YouTube at http://tinyurl.com/ecovid (be sure to select "Watch in HD" under the video).

The song is dedicated to Laurie David, producer of An Inconvenient Truth and ex-wife of Larry David, creator of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. With the goal of winning Laurie’s hand in marriage, Josh rhymes off everything that’s earned him “green street cred,” including not flushing for just, um, Number 1. The video includes scenes of “Enviroman” magically cleaning up the city. There’s also a female back-up singer who looks remarkably (and disturbingly) like Josh.

Josh is just an ordinary person who, like many people today, is concerned about our environment. So everywhere he walks, he picks up litter. He even goes through the trash in subway stations to put paper and bottles in the proper recycling bags. When he heard of stopglobalwarming.org, he was curious as to who started the site. When he found out it was a woman, he developed a green crush. And when he further learned that the woman was married to Larry David, he was really excited. Because Larry’s bald, neurotic and Jewish – just like Josh. So Josh was Laurie’s type! But she was married, so it was all just a dream. But then one day, Josh heard that the Davids were getting a divorce…

Upon hearing of the divorce plans, Josh promptly recorded a marriage proposal for Laurie with his webcam: http://tinyurl.com/marrymelaurie. It was featured on eco-celeb site Ecorazzi - see the write-up here: http://tinyurl.com/ecorazzi - and it was mentioned in the blog of Edge 102.1 FM’s Alan Cross. But alas, Laurie played coy and never contacted Josh, surely because she wanted to ensure he was serious. So now Josh is kicking it up a level with a song. Because girls love songs, right? Especially hip hop songs. Even more especially when the singer is dressed as a superhero. He hopes that Laurie sees the video and that together they can save the world. Or, at the very least, Josh hopes that the song teaches viewers some positive things they can do for the environment. And that way, his love for Laurie will do some good for the Earth no matter what happens with their relationship. But still, his fingers are crossed for a green wedding.

As part of his "oeuvre" of green comedy, Josh has also made a movie in which, at the risk of spoiling what could be a very romantic evening, he attempts to convince his date that compact fluorescent light bulbs are a much better "idea" than regular bulbs. You can view that at http://tinyurl.com/ruthvid.

If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Josh Rachlis, please send an email to josh.rachlis(at)gmail dot com. And in addition to the link at the start of this press release, you can also view the video here:

Watch "Beaver Tale 3: The Break-Up"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EVEN BEAVERS HAVE ROMANCE TROUBLES
Beaver puppet series goes to dark place in 3rd episode

Toronto, Ontario – March 7, 2009 – A new installment in the award-winning Beaver Tale short film series launches today at www.youtube.com/joshrachlis. Beaver Tale 3: The Break-Up takes a darker turn than the first two, chronicling romantic troubles between Pelt The Beaver and Quillette The Porcupine.

The movie has been highly-anticipated, as the first Beaver Tale won “Most Original Idea” at the Leo Burnett Advertising Short Film Festival and the “Audience Choice” award at the Small Town Film Festival (STFF) in Chatham, Ontario, while Beaver Tale 2: The Bed & Breakfast won “Audience Choice” at the following year’s STFF. And both Beaver Tales were featured on CBC TV’s show “Exposure.”

In a new twist for the series, BT3 ends with a “To Be Continued” cliffhanger. “As is increasingly common in Hollywood, we shot Beaver Tale 4 simultaneously,” says series creator, Josh Rachlis. “And we promise not to hold it back too long. We know the audience will be chewing at the bit! Get it? Chewing? Normally you'd say chomping at the bit. But I said chewing, because it's a beaver... Ok, never mind.”

For those unfamiliar with the doc-style series, the story began when Pelt The Beaver found a pack of gum in a camper’s backpack in the forest. He realized he could chew this gum instead of trees. So naturally he moved to the city and bought a condo-loft. His adventures have taken him to a career in architecture, to running a bed & breakfast, and now to dealing with the heartbreak of a troubled relationship. All the while, he maintains his sweet, innocent disposition and curiosity about life.

Catch up by watching the first Beaver Tale: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQUPwlgDu1s
Then Beaver Tale 2: The Bed & Breakfast: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_5rXbvTahE
And here's the link to Beaver Tale 3: The Break-Up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmerGh1OnnM

ABOUT THE CREATORS: Josh is an advertising copywriter, actor, stand-up comedian, filmmaker and radio host in Toronto. Ruth Sorrell, a Ryerson University film graduate now living in Seattle, saw the original Beaver Tale online and liked it so much that she wanted to get involved with subsequent films.

For more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Josh Rachlis, send an email to josh.rachlis(at)gmail.com. And in addition to the link in the press release above, you can watch Beaver Tale 3 here:

Listen to me acting in the Bell radio ad that's on the air now

Currently all over the air is a radio ad I didn't write, but I'm acting in. Yep, my agent called me about the audition, I auditioned for it and I got the part! That's me as the guy outside the club, trying to tell my buddy that I'm leaving to get fries. He mishears. I think we've all been out for a fun night on the town and wound up in this situation, no? Too bad there was no room in the 30-second spot for the little improvisations that got me the role, such as me saying at the end: "I'm not your friend anymore." Ah, yes - I'm so hilarious. Does anyone have Larry David's phone number? Tell him how hilarious I am when improvising. Curb Your Enthusiasm is mostly improvised, you see. And I would like to be on that show. In the meantime, though, I'm in a Bell radio ad. Which you can hear by clicking here. Or clicking on the video below. (Informational tidbit: The day of the record, the cold that I caught in LA went full-blown, but I didn't let that compromise my performance and everyone's liking the spot! So... Yay for me! And... Yay for Bell! Use their mobility service!)

Join my fan page on facebook and when I'm famous you can swim in the pool behind my mansion!

So, I've started a little fan page for myself on facebook. Is that pathetic? Maybe. But no more pathetic than having to plan my own birthday parties. Oh, but wait - I was told in a meeting this week that Canadians are self-deprecating, and that being self-deprecating doesn't work here in the US. You have to pump yourself up here and sing your own praises. So, um... "Hey, join my facebook fan page by clicking here! Because I'm so awesomely hilarious!" (Eeessh... That was painful.) Anyway, maybe having a fan page with millions of members will help build my case to US immigration that I'm "exceptional in my field" and should be given a permit to the in the US. It seems to have worked for Miley Cyrus and Britney Spears. Oh, but wait - They were already American and didn't need permits. Ok, bad example. But still, it's worth a shot! And I managed to get "Miley Cyrus" and "Britney Spears" into this message, which can only help my Google hits.

Watch Episode 3 of Joshditions

I auditioned for an African-American part. Yes, I may look at first glance like a pale Jewish fellow, but there are some things about me that you may not know…

Check it out by clicking here or clicking below:

Watch Episode 2 of Joshditions

I auditioned for the role of a doctor in a pain reliever commercial. But the girl auditioning for the role of the patient wanted me to relieve more than just her pain…

Check it out by clicking here or clicking below:

Watch Episode 1 of Joshditions

I'm an actor out there trying to make it in the tough world of, um, acting. So I thought I would promote my acting skills by posting the auditions I've been doing. After all, it's such a waste of brilliant acting if only the casting director gets to see it!

Here's what the first audition is about:

My friend Lindsay Ames is an actress who moved to LA from Toronto and is doing quite well. She inspired me to come to LA too and start auditioning. Fortunately, Lindsay posted one of her auditions where they wanted her to get topless for a coffee commercial. You can see it by clicking here.

That’s not how the auditions usually work in Toronto, so I was lucky to learn how things work in LA so I could give them what they want…

Check it out by clicking here or clicking below:

Check out my comedy video where I try to sell new "Coke Smooth" on eBay

Here's the description that goes with the video: "Josh has been having trouble selling his amazing goods on his eBay page. So he thought maybe videos would help to show how great his stuff is. In his second video, he's selling 'Coke Smooth,' a new kind of Coke without bubbles, which you haven't seen in stores because it's really rare and you can only get it from Josh. So please buy it from him." Are you intrigued? Thirsty? Gullible? Then check out the video by clicking here!

Check out the speech I gave at my Dad's retirement party

On June 5, 2008, a huge party was thrown at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa to celebrate the retirement of my father, Dr. Lorne Rachlis, from 37 noble, selfless years of service to public education. His current job was Director of the Ottawa School Board, and there were many colleagues and friends and family there to thank him for doing so much for the Ottawa School Board, and for education in the Province of Ontario in general. There were many speeches given. And, as esteemed as this event was, for some reason they let me give a speech, too. Even though I don't know much about the inner workings of public education. I do, however, know much about the inner workings of the Rachlis household. And you will too, if you click here.

Watch Episode 2 of "Talking Bollocks"

Josh Rachlis and Marilla "Rill" Wex want to host a talk show. So they're doing it themselves. By interviewing each other. In our second episode... Wait, do talk shows have "episodes?" Maybe I should just say "show." Hmmm... For our second show, Rill, who is soon eligible to become a Canadian citizen, interviews Josh about what it's like to be a Canadian. It was filmed live on the cozy, snowy evening of January 8, 2009 at Talking Bollocks Studios (a.k.a. Rill's den, on her futon). You can watch it by clicking here.

P.S. Oh, and you'll notice that Rill drew a very colourful sign for the opening title sequence, thus upstaging the black & white one I drew for the first episode. Very impressive! So I'll have to come up with something really snazzy for the next show.

A love song for a cozy snowy winter evening

Yesterday Cheryl emailed me: "What are you up to tonight? Feel like coming to my place and practicing more music?" So last night in the soft beautiful snow, I subwayed over to Cheryl's basement apartment. I love it there. Not only is it a very cozy place, but she even made me a cheese and tomato sandwich (cheese and tomatoes are two of my favourite things). Anyway, we played a couple of songs for her JVC Super VHS GR-SXM540 Camcorder. And then realized we can't get the footage off her JVC Super VHS GR-SXM540 Camcorder. So until we do, all you can watch is the back-up I shot of the first song with my digital camera. Which you can do by clicking here. The lyrics are on the right side if you click "More info." The song is about feeling a rush from a special someone every single time you think about them. Even years after you first met. If you know what that feeling's like, you're very lucky. Suggestions for a title for the song are welcome. Cheese and tomato sandwiches are also welcome.

My YouTube is amongst the most viewed (albeit in a very specific category)

A couple of days ago, I noticed a new little item on my YouTube page. A tiny picture of an award ribbon, with the words: "#74 Most Viewed (Today) - Comedians - Canada." Well! That was exciting. Although, maybe Canada only has 74 comedian pages on YouTube, I wondered. But then a few hours later (Monday, January 5th, 2009 at 11:48am, to be exact) it was saying: "#69 Most Viewed (Today) - Comedians - Canada." So even on the off-chance that there are only 74 such pages, I was climbing the charts! Could it all be because of my recent posting of the love song? Who knows. But whatever the case, I owe it all to you: The Fans. And Jesus. But I'm not sure why he'd want to help me. So it's probably more The Fans. So, thanks. I haven't been this excited since I was my summer camp's "Most Improved Water Skiier."

A love song to fill the New Year with, um, love

One of my new year's resolutions is to fill the entire world with love. My other resolution is to find someone to marry me. And since the first resolution will be much easier for me to achieve, I figure I'll get right on it by posting a love song, thus putting the first drop of love into the empty vessel that is 2009. Click here to see/hear it. This song is a work in progress. Still tweaking the chords. And don't have a name for it. But that's a lesson for all of us in 2009 - things will never be perfect. So just do it. No, wait. That's a Nike ad. Anyway, helping me out here is the stripy-socked Cheryl Beatty. Click here to buy her album and find out where you can can see her live. She's a beautiful singer and a beautiful person. (Oh, and if you're expecting this song to be funny, it's not. Well, not intentionally, anyway.)