Saturday, March 11, 2006

Josh is doing a radio show on Newstalk 1010 CFRB on March 21 and 22!!!

I'm gonna be burning up the airwaves as I co-host the Nightside show with my friend Tony Daniels (who used to work with Howard Stern) from 11pm to 1am on Tuesday, March 21 and Wednesday March 22. This may lead to a lifetime of radio stardom. Or it may be the last time I'm ever allowed in front of a microphone. In which case you should listen in, as it may be your last chance to hear me on air. You should probably listen to the first night, actually. Just in case. Might not be given the second night. Haha! Just kidding. Of course I'll be given the second night. And many more to come. Because I will be spreading love and kindness and laughter to the masses. And Lord knows, the world needs more love and kindness and laughter.

If you're not in range of Toronto's Newstalk 1010 CFRB (at 1010 AM on your radio dial), you can listen in at www.cfrb.com

And don't be shy to call into the show! You may be our only listener.

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

An Open Letter To Jack Layton: Extend your hand to the Green Party

Congratulations on a good showing last night. I myself talked at least several people into voting for the NDP instead of the wrong-headed "strategic" voting they were going to attempt. However, though I was an NDP member in university (I'm now 33) I had to vote Green this time. The environment is my biggest issue, as the other issues don't really matter at all if we don't have a planet to live on. And I needed to make a statement about how important this is to me. So I joined the Green Party, volunteered for them and voted for them.

I have to say, though, that I am torn. It seems foolish to be splitting the progressive, environmentally-responsible vote. Especially with the first-past-the-post system being the way it is. Whatever we think about the Conservatives, we have to admit that they were smart to consolidate and stop dividing their votes. I would think that our environment and our children deserve the same kind of strategic smarts.

I was pleasantly surprised to read in NOW Magazine that Adria Vasil, the environmental writer there, actually found the NDP to be ahead of the Greens in terms of green platforms. But I still voted Green in order to make it clear that the environment is a pressing issue. I'm sure many Green voters did the same thing. And it's sad that those votes couldn't add up to any seats in parliament.

And while perhaps some egos would be hurt, it seems to me that merging the Greens and the NDP is the logical thing to do if we actually care about saving the planet and making our country healthier and more prosperous. Greens got 665,940 votes this time. Almost half of what the Bloc got. Surely this could have made a difference in some of the ridings. As well, I think that a merger would encourage even more people than just those who voted Green to come over to the NDP. It would alleviate some of the fear that lead to strategic voting because people would view the NDP as an even stronger force. For many people it wouldn't seem as much like a "wasted vote." And I think it would even draw some Liberal voters who would realize that the NDP would now be truly the only party that cares about environmental issues.

There were some stirring speeches at the Green Party party last night in Kensington Market. Speeches about how in the last half century childhood asthma has gone from 1 in 50 children to now 1 in 5. Speeches about how many of the mock elections in schools overwhelmingly voted Green. These mock elections are evidence that our children know how crucial it is to turn things around. It would be great if, as these children and teens reach voting age, there were a united force that they could join in order to fight for a sustainable society.

A very sad thing about this election is that the Greens weren't allowed into the televised debates. This ensured that the environmental issue - for many people the most important issue of all - wasn't discussed at all. Instead we debated the merits of hundred dollar a month tax rebates and beat to death a decade-old sponsorship scandal. How truly sad. Maybe the Greens will get into those debates next time. Maybe not. But a surefire way would be for you to speak for them.

I've been mulling over the merits of a GreenDP. Of having Jim Harris, an eloquent, passionate and brilliant speaker, as the NDP Environmental Critic and one day Minister of the Environment. Of having NDP'ers calling to task the government for the murder of thousands of Canadians a year through smog. Other than the fact that when you mix Green and Orange you get an unfortunate shade of Brown, it all seems to make sense.

I listened carefully to the speeches last night to hear what the Greens feel they bring to the table that the NDP doesn't. The Greens speak of being the only party that realizes it's time for a change. They speak of being the only party that will entrench the right to clean air and water into the Charter of Rights, allowing citizens to use the courts to clean up their area. Are these values really so far off from what the NDP believes? The NDP website speaks of people's right to clean air and water. Could we not all work together here?

I know the NDP gets a lot more votes than the Greens. So a name like the GreenDP would seem like placing too much weight on a party that "only" gets a bit over 600,000 votes. But it's not that crazy. It would be a symbol that you, Jack Layton, are embracing the future. That you truly represent the health of our country. That you are doing it not just for us, but for our children. That you will work with all truly progressive people to make a change. That it's not just about egos, it's about love and caring and compassion.

I don't know you personally, Mr. Layton, but from what I've seen and heard, I truly believe that you are a person who cares about issues larger than yourself. That you truly care about other people. That you want to reach out and help as many people as you can.

I might just be blowing hot air here and dreaming up nonsense. But maybe I'm not. Maybe I've got something here. Maybe it's not too late to save ourselves from environmental destruction.

The bottom line is that it's ridiculous that I had to tell my friends "Vote Green... Or at least NDP." With the system the way it is, we need to unite and stop screwing around. We don't have time for partisan games. We need action. And we need everyone who believes what we believe to be on the same team.

I know you're busy these days, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter.

Sincerely,

Josh Rachlis

Sunday, January 22, 2006

It's time. Get out and vote Green (or NDP) on Monday. Please.

I spent a couple of hours today dropping off Green Party flyers door to door. (Yes, they were on recycled paper.) While I was walking around I picked up cans and bottles off the ground and dropped them into recycling bins. During my trek, I saw a couple of men putting up Conservative Party signs. While they were down the street nailing their signs into the ground, their car was sitting on the side of the road with the engine idling. With nobody in the car. Poisoning our air. It was pretty symbolic. I was going to give them one of my anti-idling brochures but I decided that a slow death by poisonous car fumes was preferable to being beaten to death by a Conservative Party sign.

Anyway, what's my point? My point is that I'm really trying to make the world a better place. I'm spending a lot of time doing that so that we will all benefit from cleaner air and a more compassionate, loving society. And there are a lot of people that are doing a heck of a lot more than me. Devoting their entire lives to making your country and your world a healthier, happier, more beautiful place to live in and to raise a family in. And all we're asking is that you take a little detour on your way to or from work tomorrow and put a little check-mark on a piece of paper. That's not too hard, is it? But it can make more of a difference than anything I can do.

People around the world are dying in their struggle for the right to vote. As recently as 1936, women weren't allowed to vote in Quebec. I believe it's your responsibility as a good person to do this. Don't allow those who want to take away basic human rights and let us all die from Global Warming to set the agenda for the country. Have your say. Everyone is listening. I don't care whom you vote for, just get out and vote. Okay, I lied. I do care whom you vote for (DRAMATIC ASIDE: And I hate the word "whom.") Make it the Green Party or the NDP and let's make this a better country to live in. Think about who - I mean, "whom" - you're doing it for. (Your parents? Your boyfriend? Your wife? Your sibling? Yourself? Josh Rachlis? Aw, that's sweet. Thanks.) And then go do it.

Below is an email I just got from the Green Party. It also applies if you're going to vote NDP. Once you're done reading it, shut down your computer and head to the polls. Let's kick some butt.

-Josh

--

Go Out and Vote

We are a grassroots party and it is finally up to the grassroots.

We have done everything in our power to make this a good campaign, to articulate our position, to put the facts in front of voters. We are now relying on you to go out and vote.

You need to get yourself to the polls. You need to call anyone you know who is going to vote Green and encourage them to vote. If someone needs help to get to the polls please help them out. That's it. That's all. You can vote for a vision of hope for Canada or yesterday's status quo. It's up to you.

Go Green

Vote Jan 23rd let's get the Green community out to be counted.

Thursday, January 12, 2006

Josh has joined the Green Party. You should too!

It's so easy! Just go to www.greenparty.ca and click on "Join." Then, for a minimum tax-deductible donation of ten measly bucks, you can support the only party that is fighting to reduce the economic, environmental and social waste that is literally killing us. Check out some of their views on the site... It all makes so much sense, it's scary. Oh, and of course, make sure to get out there and vote Green. Your vote really does count, and they even get a bit of government funding for each vote they get too.

Sorry that there was nothing funny about this post. But there's nothing funny about being killed by toxic air either. Nor is it hilarious that it's 9 degrees celcius in Toronto in January. Unless you're a cockroach who's just waiting for the human race to die so you can finally take over the world. Then this post is a total knee-slapper. If cockroaches had knees.

Saturday, December 24, 2005

Here's the article!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20051224/WALLET24/TPEntertainment/

Even though I vented to Mike for half an hour about wallets, I've only really got one sentence in the article. But I'm not bitter at all. Because what a sentence it is:

Josh Rachlis, 33, has tried going out with bills, a bank card and a credit card in an elastic band, but he's still attached to his wallet. "You can't make a purchase without an Air Miles card," he says. "And there's coupons. It's all useful."

But to hear women tell it, Rachlis's instinct to dump the lump is bang on.

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

I'm in Saturday's (TODAY'S) Globe & Mail!

Check the Style section in The Globe & Mail today, Saturday, Dec. 24th. Mike Miner has an article about people who hate their wallets. I am one of the people quoted. I can't tell you anymore because I don't want to spoil the suspense. And also because I haven't seen the article.

I'm gonna be the voice in a Rogers radio spot!

The ad is just me and some rockin' background music. Which means that all the weight of the Rogers empire will be resting entirely on my broad, muscular shoulders. This is a Boxing Week Sale spot. So you won't hear it until after Christmas. Which means that I have inside information about some fantastic deals soon to come from Rogers. Which I can't tell you about now, obviously. But trust me, they're going to be great deals. And I want you to take full advantage of them so Rogers will think the ad worked really well and they'll make me the new official voice for Rogers. And when that happens, I promise to use my power for good. And for picking up chicks. But mostly for good.

Thursday, December 08, 2005

I'm in England!

Which isn't of the high calibre of news you're used to seeing in this blog, but I thought I'd share it anyway. In case you were looking for me. Or you knew someone who lives in Bristol or London who could show me where the fun places to go are. Not that anywhere I go isn't fun. I'm a party of one.
I just thank god that I payed attention in English class, because that's what everyone speaks here. It's crazy.
Oh, and people don't idle as much here. It's sweet. Our cabbie even turned off his engine when he got out to help us with our bags. Maybe it's the fact that gas costs twice as much. Let's keep our fingers crossed for higher gas prices in Canada. And don't complain. Get a Toyota Prius and you won't care.

Friday, November 25, 2005

Josh Rachlis is in Marketing Magazine!

And I sound like a workaholic. Which I guess I am. But it's all for the good for my clients. Gotta sell that Gain Detergent. Until I'm elected to Parliament that is. So that I can make some real, positive changes in this country. Like make a law that forces people to buy Gain Detergent.

http://www.marketingmag.ca/magazine/current/in_context/article.jsp?content=20051121_72213_72213

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Terry Cloth screening on Friday, Oct. 28th!

Come see your favourite towel fall in love on the BIG SCREEN!

Tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 28) at 8pm
Centre for the Arts
263 Adelaide Street West
Suite 513

Here are the details of the event, copied straight from www.centreforthearts.com

Independent Film Screening
Last Friday of the month
October 28, 8pm
$5 donation

This is an opportunity to have your work screened, see the work of others and meet people with common concerns and aspirations. There is a Q & A after the screenings with directors, cast and crew.
Film submissions always welcome!

Films to be screened this month are:

"Waiting" - directed by Jamie M. Dagg
"Sombre Zombie" - directed by Adam MacDonald
"Sexy Days Deadly Nights" - directed by Chris Roberts
"Terry Cloth" - directed by Josh Rachlis
"The Little Johnny Yankee National Security Playset" - directed by Stevie Baker

Sunday, August 07, 2005

Look for the monkey in a dress buying a newspaper...

... in an upcoming commercial for the surprisingly delicious Kellogg's All-Bran Bars. Anyone who is familiar with my astonishingly fit and toned body will recognize my taut abs rippling beneath the simian's velvet garmet in this brilliant cameo role. And anyone who is familiar with my brilliant sense of humour will recognize that I wrote the hilarious script. And anyone who has met me in person will know that I'm actually fat and not funny at all. But that's still me as the monkey.

Thursday, June 30, 2005

My Anti-Idling Letter is in this week's NOW Magazine!

I wrote to the environmental columnist at NOW just to tell her my story and cc'd the editor so he would know what was up. The editor emailed me back and asked if he could print the letter. I said that would be great. (When the letter was retyped they left out some sentences and added some typos, but hopefully the point still gets across.) To see the letter, scroll down to the bottom of the June 30-July 6, 2005 issue at:

http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/current/letters.php

Footnote: Yesterday I spotted a guy with his car running while he was walking around on the sidewalk chatting on his cell phone. I tore my letter out of my issue of NOW and handed it to him. He turned off his engine. Every bit counts.

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Stop global warming!

Do we want the world to end? I think not. It's too much fun. Go to the link below and register to join me on the Virtual March to Stop Global Warming. If it's good enough for Leonardo DiCaprio, it's good enough for me.

http://www.stopglobalwarming.org/marchers/?72245

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Here's what to listen for in the X-Box radio ad...

I say: "Hey man, we're going up north. Wanna come?"
Then the other actor says some weird stuff in a British accent about wanting to enlist the help of wizards and stuff.
Then I say: "Uh... They can come too.. I guess."

I, of course, will never hear the ad because I only listen to CBC, geek that I am.

Friday, June 10, 2005

I'm gonna be in a Microsoft radio ad!

It records next week. I'll let you know more when it's done. Suffice to say, I'll be playing a teen type. Yep, when you need a Scotsman or a Teen, I'm your man. Said the 32 year-old Jew.

Saturday, May 28, 2005

"Terry Cloth" to air worldwide on ManiaTV! (www.maniatv.com)

Even a writer as gifted as myself could not improve upon the email I just received. So I'm just pasting it in:

---

Dear Josh,

I hope all is going well with you. I am happy to inform you that your film, "Terry Cloth" will air May 30th, June 8th, June 18th, June 23rd, July 3rd, July 8th and July 12th. Inform your friends, family, fans and viewers via newsletters and mass emails that your film will be broadcasted worldwide on www.maniatv.com

Loren Leon
Manager - ManiaTV! Original Productions
The ManiaTV! Networks

Friday, May 20, 2005

I'm in a couple of Molson Canadian radio spots

I'm the guy who says: "Hey there, little guy" to the vicious raccoon. And then the raccoon eats my face. But don't worry, I wasn't hurt. It's "Theatre of the Mind," as us professional radio actors like to say.

In another spot in the campaign, I'm in the woods at night and I say: "Who's there?" with a touch of fear. Not enough fear to scare the listener, but enough to add drama and humour to the spot. It's a delicate balancing act, which is why they needed a truly great actor such as myself.

I'm on the air in a McHappy Day radio spot

That's me saying "A Big Mac, please!" It's a short line, but I say it with passion and conviction. Never in the history of acting has anyone asked for a Big Mac like I ask for a Big Mac in this radio spot.

I'm going to be voice on "Time Warp Trio" - a kid's cartoon on NBC!

I just found out I got a part as a Scottish guy on an episode of an upcoming kid's show on NBC called "Time Warp Trio." Show starts airing in July. How exciting is that? Yes, I'm huge with the 6-11 year old demographic.

For more info on this exciting and brilliantly-casted show, go here:

http://news.awn.com/index.php?ltype=top&newsitem_no=13837&dir=2

And hopefully one day soon my name will be up on this site with these esteemed tween actors:

http://tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/ShowMainServlet/showid-29474/Time_Warp_Trio/

Wednesday, November 03, 2004

Josh Rachlis' First Post

I just stumbled across this "blogger" site when I was googling to see if anything was written about the Hubba Bubba Max commercial that features my voice. Someone had mentioned the gum in their blog. Not my commercial. Just the blog. Still, undetered, and uncertain how to spell undeterred, I decided to start my own blog. Because I'm vain. And a procrastinator. I'm a vaincrastinator. Though it probably doesn't matter what I write in this thing. Most likely the only person that will ever discover this blog is someone googling "Josh Rachlis" to find me because I owe them money. In which case: "You have the wrong Josh Rachlis."