A little bit of Hollywood came to the old neighborhood last night as Steve Chbosky was in town filming his book “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. The scene they were shooting takes place during Christmas, so in the middle of May when the average temperature has been just shy of 80, it was snowing on our street.

I was fortunate enough to be on set thanks to Steve’s kindness and I did my best to stay out of his way. We grew up together, me being a couple of years older than he, and I admit I have been remiss in keeping up with him although I still consider him a good friend (and qualifyied for a kidney should he need one.)

Now I know there has been tremendous buzz about this movie and everyone is probably interested in seeing the photos I took on the set. Well, you’ll just have to remind me after the movie comes out as it would be very uncool of me to reveal anything. I will say this, Steve really knows how to run a set. It was exceptionally impressive and comparing him to an orchestra conductor would be fair, except that a conductor doesn’t have half the nonsense to deal with. There’s no doubt Steve has found his true calling and is excelling at it.

Another great benefit of this production in town is that another dear friend, John, is working lights on set. It was awesome to see him as well.

rnrnJohn may actually be the hardest working man in show business. (And the set looked great!)

If you guys see this, thanks again for letting me hang with you at work. It was awesome seeing you both and I’m eagerly awaiting the premier.

Jim Says: “I really need to get back to stand up.”

After too many years gone, I will be returning to the stand-up stage in the coming months. I’ve been doing quite a bit of writing and am putting the finishing touches on a new act.rnrnIn the meantime, enjoy this clip from the “glory days” when Monroeville, PA was the seat of all comedy in the universe. (Not really, but work with me here.)

Booking info and dates will be coming soon.rnrnJim Says: “Take my wife. Please!”

Overhyped commercials vying for our attention during the Superbowl are as much a part of the spectacle that the game has become. However, one spot this year really hit home, and carried a powerful message that went far beyond just selling a product.

Chrysler, teamed with Eminem, released this moving two minute spot..

Being from Pittsburgh and seeing the steel mills and coal mines shut down, I can feel for the hard working people of Detroit. These people have a great city, strong work ethics, great spirit and will manage to rebuild. Pittsburgh did well, maintained and is a wonderful city to live in. We survived and rebuilt our industries, brought companies and jobs in, and survived quite nicely. Other cities will as well.rnrn The rust belt is not dead, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Toledo, Youngstown, and yes, Detroit, will survive, will rebuild, and will remain the core of America. rnrnI’m tired of the nay sayers, the doomsday crowd, and the ones who have given up. You can’t keep a good city down. So Detroit, here’s to you, know that I’m rooting for you.rnrnJim Says:”Go ahead, bet against us. It’ll be your loss.”

Sad news out of Vegas today as we have lost one of the great comic talents. Charlie Callas was a tremendously funny and gracious man. It was my great honor to meet him, albeit briefly, at a friend’s birthday party.rnrn

rnrnJim Says: ‘We shall miss you, sir.”

Jim Says: “Take that TMZ!”