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.)

Check out my comedy video where I try to sell an "authentic" Transformers action figure

Here's the description I'm putting with my new 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 first video, he's selling a real, authentic, vintage Transformers action figure. It's a valuable collector's item and you should buy it for lots of money." Now, that sort of leaves it up to the viewer to figure out that if it's serious or a joke. But because you're a loyal reader of my blog, I shall give you a top-secret inside tip: It's a joke. :) Check it out by clicking here.

Check out the first episode of my new talk show, "Talking Bollocks."

Josh and Marilla want to host a talk show. They also want to be guests on a talk show. Since neither is happening at the moment, they're taking things into their own hands and making their own talk show. They'll take turns interviewing each other. And they'll be "talking bollocks," which is an English expression meaning "talking about whatever." (Take Marilla's word for it, because she's English.) Check out the first episode - filmed on Saturday, December 6th, 2008, at Talking Bollocks Studios (a.k.a. Marilla's house) - by clicking here. (But be warned: THE VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC ADULT LANGUAGE THAT MAY OFFEND SOME.)

I'm in today's National Post talking about green dating

I'm interviewed in today's National Post about how being an environmentalist can affect one's dating life. Unfortunately, the accompanying photo of me in my green superhero outfit should effectively put an end to my dating life. Although, if you look at the photos of the paper version, you'll see that on the front of the section, my head is actually above the heads of Tina Fey and Oprah. And if that doesn't guarantee action, I don't know what does. Well, okay. I don't know what does. To read the online version, click here.

Women should NOT sit out the U.S. election

This is a Letter to the Editor I just sent to Metro News. I doubt they'll print it, because I just had one in the paper. And even if they did, it wouldn't be printed in time for the U.S. election. So I'm going to post it in my blog, in the hopes that it helps combat the dangerous message given in today's paper by Rick McGinnis (whom I believe is their TV critic, so I'm not sure why he's even writing about politics at all, much less trying to take away women's power to vote).

Here's my letter:

In “Sit this one out, ladies” (Oct. 31), Rick McGinnis suggests that women not vote in the U.S. election in order to protest sexism in the campaigns. While his cause is noble, his advice could just as easily be given by people who want to silence women and take away their hard-fought-for power to vote, power which women in many countries are still murdered for trying to achieve. Sure, a few jerks wore offensive t-shirts and yelled out ignorant insults. But the answer is not to withdraw from the process and let misogynists be the only ones who choose the government. As we’ve seen in the Canadian election, low voter turnout doesn’t “slap… otherwise intelligent people back to their senses,” as McGinnis suggests it would. It just results in more of the same mean-spirited government and makes progressive people feel even more hopeless. No, the answer is for women to rise up and vote in unprecedented numbers, thus demonstrating that they are a powerful force for good in this world, and that their voices cannot be ignored.