Elsamart Stock is Rising!!

If you don't know me or haven't read my moniker in the banner at the top of my blog -one of my many jobs and talents is modeling. I will get into it more in detail (including tips and EVERYTHING you need to know how to get into the Industry and not get scammed). But that is a whole other blog...

In any case, my resume is up on Monster.com - just for the hell of it - hehehe. And I once in a while actually click on the weekly emails sent to me 'matching my profile'. Eating some lunch right now, I clicked on it and clicked on a particular pharmaceutical sales job (cus I'm cute when I clean up and ya'll know E's got the 'gift to gab')...

Well - shoot - there is my smiling noggin at the top of the page from a Stock photo shoot I did a couple years back. Let me tell you - my stock images just pop up everywhere and when I least expect it. I may be an old broad, but I still got it!!

http://jobview.monster.com/getjob.asp?JobID=60619511&aid=56847243-3177&WT.mc_n=MKT000125

and

https://jobs.lilly.com/index.cfm

PS - and what a great ice-breaker if I actually interview for the job, telling them, "And your company already is using my image as an 'employee' - so obviously I am JUST what you are looking for and you might as well give me the job...." WORK...IT...OUT!!!

80s Song of the Week - INXS "Don't Change"

*Sigh*.

I am serious. I watched this video and that is what my reaction was...

Okay, okay, for those of you who are loyal elsamart readers: I know! I have been lagging on posting my 80s Music Videos of the week. Mi 'Scusi!! For those of you just tuning in - I decided when I started my blog that since I love my 80s music and love the nostalgia of it, I'd post one (along with my commentary) every week.

Now - back to INXS. This was the first INXS hit that I can remember in the 80s. In fact, this is the first time I've ever even seen the video. My reaction? LOVE IT!!! HOT DOG!!! Lead singer and late Michael Hutchence was packing some serious sex appeal!!! Of course I long knew this, but I hadn't seen this video back when they were REALLY still a rock band with great guitar licks, raw, not over-produced songs! I mean: lean and virile Michael (not yet sporting his longer wavy hair that became his trademark in later years) seemed to be channeling a young Mick Jagger - with a FAR more handsome, rugged face. SIGH.

This video is the sheeit - you can totally do my infamous 80s 'skank' dance move to it. And it really makes me want to go to Australia and meet some rugged, handsome, beer-guzzling man - oh, wait - I already got one of those - he's just Irish...

Elsa's Foray into Reality TV- Part 1: "PopStars"

Long, long ago, before there was American Idol, Country Idol, Dances with Stars, So u Think u can Dance and all those numerous song and dance reality shows - there was PopStars . We are talking circa 1999, if I remember correctly.

This show had auditions in LA and NYC for an all-girl group of 5 that would get a recording contract. I, being a singer/model/actress, of course went to the LA auditions. It was exciting. This was the first reality talent show of it's kind - there was no American Idol yet! I made it to the 2nd callbacks before being told I was too old and too tall (I think I was about 28 at the time). I was pretty bummed, but excited that when the TV show aired a couple months later, I got featured 3x on the first episode!! In other words: I may not have been what they were looking for - but my Basque nose and big Mexican hips were deemed camera worthy amongst thousands of auditioners. Gay snap to that!!!


Sure enough, though, I remember Nicole Herzinger (now Nicole Kea) was there and she was eventually selected to be in the group. Not unlike the Pussycat Dolls (which she now sings in): she was featured (not intentionally; she was, simply, the best of the 5) prominently as the lead singer in what was supposed to be an ensemble group. (Can we say Beyonce??) And yes, some of the girls in the group experienced green envy as no doubt the less-pretty, talent-less backup dancers (they don’t even sing really) Dolls feel now.


All I can say is GO, Nicole! Work it out! I gotta find that first episode tape with me on it and you know when I do, I'll put it on youtube and on here!

It's Just NOT Fair!!!

No, my dears, I am NOT gagging in this not-so-stunning photo of yours truly, but rather I am rocking out singing to some 80s music (what you don't see in the picture is the big margarita I am also drinking and holding- he he he). Anyhow: that brings me to my subject:

Tomorrow San Diego is hosting the kick off to the next American Idol auditions. And guess what? I am TOO damn old to audition!! Cheeeeennnngadoooooohhhhh (spanish cuss word for you monolinguals out there).

That just plain stinks! People tell me all the time I look years younger than my real age (sound effect of needle scratching off the record) - of....35!!! And as long as I keep an eye out for my rapidly graying stray hairs, it might (come on, could it really???) be true!! HAHAHA!!!

Well, to those of you who don't know me: one of the many hats I wear is that of a professional singer, with a music degree, years of experience singing, competing and performing in many different facets. I also am known to clean up well and be camera-friendly (must be my modeling and acting experience he he he) so I just KNOW that I would make at LEAST some TV time - even if it's to make a fool of me with Simon Cowell guessing my real age and then wagging his finger at me accusing that wasn't I shown on TV getting cut from the precursor to American Idol - the TV show, "Pop Stars", that auditioned and then made the all-girl band (including Pussycat Dolls' sexy lead singer Nicole), "Eden's Crush"???


Alas, it's true.... and if you want to read up on it more, you shall have to wait as I don't feel like typing the story all out again....

I am SO disappointed not to be there with the thousands (including my tone-deaf teenage next-door neighbor who has been wailing, er, practicing for days) that are currently sleeping and camping out at Qualcomm Stadium for their chance at Glory or utter Humiliation...

Gosh Darn!

Well, I just got back from a long weekend camping on the Central Californian Coast. I realized that I didn't unpack my camera - so I am praying it's somewhere with Patrick's things. Sure hope so, 'cus E is waay behind in her blogging and picture posting!!! Good things for you kids - I've been blessed with the Gift To Gab - so I always have something up my sleeve. We shall see.... :)

Comic Con Royalty

My blog-mentioned friend Richelle is super-tanned and back in town after spending more than a month abroad (including 2 weeks in Northern Italia visiting my ex, Miky, in hisblog-mentioned village). I wanted to hear about her trip and catch up so I invited her last night to go out downtown with me and my New York actor friend, Jimmy, - in town for the International Comic-Con Convention. Jimmy and his good friend, John, had already arrived a day prior and I took them , as tradition deems, to In N Out Burger since the 2 demand it off the plane every year! It was a very fun night - Jimmy is generous and hilarious (as long as we see each other only once a year so we don't start bickering like we did when I was stuck with his bitter ass on tour for months across country). heheheh. Richelle was a perfect companion - as she is just as crazy, open and sarcastic as the New Yorkers with us. It turns out we had major comic industry royalty treating us to dinner and drinks. Above-mentioned John Cassaday (whom I met the first time last year when he and Jimmy came out) I already knew is a very successful and hot-topic artist and director - drawing for Astonishing X-Men, Batman, Ghost, Excalibur to name a few. He also is about 6'1, very intelligent, humble and a good-looking, sarcastic son of a bitch. Evidently both men AND women in the industry want to sleep with him.

We also had the editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics: Joe Quesada - shout out to my Hispanic gente kicking ass and being in command - and 2 other artists: (Little) John and Nick - didn't get their last names. And as they humbly pointed out they are not half as famous as John C and Joe Q. The funny thing was that Richelle and I don't know anything about their Business and that, as Jimmy pointed out, and Joe echoed, "Was better that way.." They evidently will be swamped the next few days at the Con with fans and signing autographs for hours and were very content just having a good time out on the town not talking about business or dealing with crazed-fans. I can honestly say that it was a very enjoyable evening in the company of very talented artists - which goes to show that looks mean nothing if one is intelligent, passionate, humble, yet confident in his gifts. I am almost sorry I am leaving town and won't be able to see them the rest of their stay! Until next year! Good times :)

Birthday Shout Out: Natalie

Today is Natalie's 27th birthday so best wishes are in order! I first met Nat 3 or 4 years ago when she got hired into Stefanie's promotional agency and Stef had me (since I have been doing it for so long) work her first job with her to help break her in, etc. Fabulously, the promo was at the uber gay club, Hamburger Marys, in Hillcrest - which always is extra fun for me :) I remember meeting Nat in front walking towards each other. We clicked immediately. The next day reporting back to Stef I told her, "I really like her and she has a great, open personality for promos!" Thus started our friendship. Since then, she's become a little bit of a younger sister of sorts - seeking advice and also everyone else in our old social click was in their 30s. We have shared some similarities - being the life and laugh of the party, not shy at all in public and work, sensitivity, the woes of having naturally curly hair, having olive colored skin year-round, new relationship discourses, noone ever knowing what the heck ethnicity we are, weight-fluctuation hahahha.. She's a way better cook than me, though - that is for sure! Happy Birthday, Natalie!!!

Lawd, Give me Strength...

Cus my bitter, crazy and talented actor/writer friend, Jimmy, is coming to town...

Comic-Con International Convention

Every summer San Diego hosts the enormous int'l convention of Comic-Con. I have had the pleasure of being hired to model at it a few times and it's just full of zaniness. A true geek paradise, it's not only limited to the comic book industry, but also science fiction, books, movies, video games and animation as well. It has become so enormous that Hollywood celebrities actually attend to promote their upcoming movies and even screen their movies that won't be released for another year! People get into the spirit by dressing up. Thousands of dollars are spent on paraphernalia. Young and old convene. It's a real hoot! Needless to say my sci-fi uber Trekkie and Star Wars 41 year old brother will be attending again (at least he now has nephews to take with him). Also, Jimmy - my actor friend from New York City, will be coming out for his 2nd year at the Comic-Con. It will be a great time for all of them walking around, posing for pictures with half-naked alien space babes, attending forums, standing in lines for autographs, buying things and eating junk food. Whew! I'm almost sorry that I am going to miss it this year! :) hehehe Enjoy the pictures from previous Comic-cons!!

Whew Hew!!!

Last week I officially paid off my Toyota Scion Xa and now truly own my first car!! It will sure feel good not having that monthly car payment. I love my "Fuzz" - nicknamed appropriately as my car is metallic gray and randomly has the letters FUZ in the license plate. It is compact, but has much more space and leg room than first meets the eye. The gas mileage is great - 32 (city) 38 (highway) - making it the 7th best fuel-efficient vehicle (the first few are hybrids, also). Being compact, my car is great for parking and even has an mp3 player that comes standard. It's cute and totally suited to my lifestyle. This was the first car I bought on my own and brand new. I remember my Dad was furious that I didn't take him to the dealership but insisted upon doing it all by myself. (Even more satisfying that it's all done now).

The Scion dealership was really marketing this car to first-time buyers who were college-age. When I finished signing the papers the salesman asked if it was the first new car I've purchased and said, "It will be so great for you in school and to go to the beach!" Grinning, I informed him, "It definitely is a great car for a college student.. too bad I graduated 12 years ago!!!"

Happy Weekend!

It's a busy one - lots of work and going up to Orange County to visit my 2 college roommates - I will probably be absent from the blog thus. Have a good one! :)

AND THE WINNER IS:

sorry, but all your dog bitches in the previous contest lose out to:

Pride Picture of the Year

Alas: it's PRIDE weekend in my old home of Hillcrest, San Diego. This will be the 2nd year in a row I cannot make it but it always ends up incredibly hot and the parade isn't as fun as we expect. Still the bars will be kicking and so big hugs to all the 'girls' that will be partying it up the whole weekend! This picture is from a couple years ago taken at uber gay club, Montage. I guess it just proves 3 things:

1). it's impossible to keep Elsa off a stage
2). it's impossible to keep a 6'4 drag queen away from Elsa
and
3). it's impossible for my ex Italian to keep his shirt on at an uber gay club

HAPPY PRIDE!! :)

CONTEST TIME: Who has got the...

CUTEST DOG?????

Is it Martinez Family Seis's sweet Lucy?


Or is it model friend Yolanda's fru-fru dog, Molly?
or:

Patrick's dog and frequent blog subject: Fred-the-Basset-Hound?


or elsamart's best friend Diana's horse of a Rottweiler - Kilo?



or is it highroller Maureen's good old half-breed mix Buddy?

More pics to judge as they are submitted to my email at elsamart@hotmail.com

You do NOT need to know me in order to submit or leave a comment. If you own a dog and can forward a pic - you qualify! :)

Stay tuned and leave comments!!!

Boys To Men Fundraiser

Last Saturday night some gal friends and I were hired to help out at the annual fundraiser for the charity of Boys to Men. Yolanda, Lauren, Alison, Marcelle, Lisa and I had the distinct pleasure and easy job of mingling, eating, chatting and basically keeping the high-rolling money bags happy so that we could get them to open up their wallets and donate to this needy cause :)

As a little background, I think if a person were to poll a cross section of Americans the vast majority would agree that our society is headed in the wrong direction. The statistics on rape is out of control and our prison systems are overwhelmed with violent criminals. Here’s where BTM comes in, one of the current hot topic in the headlines right now is fatherless homes. Three out of every four men in prison were raised in a home without a father. In 1960 our society had 8% of our children coming from fatherless homes, and today that number is approaching 24%!!!!

Boys To Men takes these at-risk adolescents and brings them through a process that shows them that there are men in society that actually do care about them and love them. Then we teach our model for manhood and that is to live a life of integrity, truth, and honor. After an intense weekend out in the wilderness where they are nurtured, role modeled and brought through a right of passage into manhood, the boys are then matched up with a man who can mentor them for the next few years of their adolescence. During the dinner they brought forward about 15 boys varying from 13 through mid-20s who are either going through the program now or are graduates and mentors now. It was so moving to hear 2 of them speak and especially when they showed video footage of them bonding and opening up in the camp, a few of us (ME, of course!!) were brought to tears.

Since the vast majority of my students come from broken families and poor socio-economic households, I certainly have seen on a daily basis how badly some youth are when they are not taught responsibility, right from wrong, and even just good manners. I really was moved by this organization and its leaders. They spoke so eloquently and break the barriers and anger down in these boys. And they teach them it's okay to express their feelings and even to cry. I would say my only complaint is that I didn't note a single minority kid in the program outside of 1 African boy from Chad in the video who now lives in the USA. They definitely need to work on that. The program is currently being done in Canada and the USA but they are going to start implementing it in Africa soon. Amazing! Thus it was a good night for a great cause. The best part of all was watching some of the young boys flirt with 20-somethings Alison and her blond friends Marcelle and Lisa. We made 2 of the boys' year when we made them dance together! Afterwards they came up to us and asked us to email the photos - you know they are going to be Big Men on Campus now!! I wagged my finger at them (they had enough sense to stay away from my 35 year old arse) and teased them, "These better NOT end up on MySpace!!!"

The Day Beckham came to LA

So today British futbol star, David Beckham, officially was welcomed to the Los Angeles soccer team, "The Galaxy". I don't really know what to expect. As I had mentioned in a previous blog (click here), I still think that he and wife came here to pursue careers in Hollywood - so, when does his wife's reality show start? Soon, I think. (SEE!!???)

I really have only 1 question. Who wins sexiest, ego-feeding, photo op?

Beckham?

or World Cup Champs: Italy???

Knock yourself and vote via leaving a comment below!

Some of the BEST TV you will EVER watch and laugh at!

So, just when Patrick was feeling depressed and useless after 9 years of The Sopranos ended recently, we saw the trailer for the new lineup of shows on HBO. It was eerie how we both were not really paying attention and then were both quiet and suddenly drawn into "The Flight of the Conchords" commercial - it didn't give much info, and it's almost indescribable - you just have to watch it. But I will tell you that it is by far one my most favorite shows of all time and one of the wittiest, unique and clever writing and song-writing you will ever see on a TV show. It's about a real-life duo from New Zealand, Bret and Jermaine, who come to NYC to try and be a success with their band, The Flight of the Conchords". It's part musical, part comedy and extremely different! Jermaine - evidently the main song-writer of the 2 - is so monotone and drab, but HILARIOUS - as P said, "The kind of cool guy that you'd like to hang around and have a drink with." Well, he said something to that extent. Bret, the skinny heartthrob is sweet, and the better singer of the two - and the way they play off each other and their chemistry is truly amazing stuff! I HIGHLY recommend it!!!!! 5 stars out of 5!!!

80s Song of the Week - Tears for Fears "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"

Ahhh, yeah: who can forget Tears for Fears and the cherub-faced, mullet wearing duo Roland Orzabel and Curt Smith. Formed in the early 80s, the Brit group was part of the New Wave British invasion but quickly became more pop and mainstream with tons of hits from their album, "Songs from the Big Chair". This was their first one. I remember watching it and my brother Ben teasing the way they sang with their mouths SO open - it's actually correct singing. hahaha.

Interesting things in the video - not much is going on. Just a lot of driving in the Southern California desert (the 15 freeway to be exact) on the way to Las Vegas and Joshua Tree National Park. Been on the same stretch of road several times, seen the kids on their dirt bikes blazing paths on the sand dunes, at the beginning you catch a glimpse of the famous truck stop where the 2 huge dinosaurs stand menacingly at the edge of a little grass section where kids can play while eating their fastfood (also featured in the fabulous 80s movie, "Pee Wee's Big Adventure").

Other things I love in the video: the 80s fashion of preppy salmon-colored polo shirt (altho the collar should have been lifted up at the back of the neck); the round (totally 80s, totally ugly!) spectacle-shape wire sunglasses (not flattering on ANYONE); the horrible 80s big, puffy jacket and tight pants that he wears while driving; the 80s hair mullets; and the lone, dangling earring on Roland.

The song is just so cheerful and brings me back to 1984 - I was in 6th grade, happy as a clam riding horses and playing with my siblings, summer beach days with the family on Sundays - starting to have crushes on boys at school...sigh - such a sweet song.

Two years ago, my old neighbor and sweet friend, Matthew, took me to a concert of Tears for Fears and I couldn't believe how many songs I still knew all the lyrics! It was a lot of fun - even though they were fatter and with receding hair lines - their voices still sounded the same! Good stuff!

Paintjam: Amazing Art!

My Aunt Gini sent me this - it really is a unique and amazing talent! I love performace art - it's not everyone's cup of tea but I don't see how this can't knock your socks off! You've got to watch it the whole way through :)

"Transformers" Movie

Oh, ho ho - you all think I am such a movie snob with my preferring foreign films, subtitles and independent films over most of the blockbusters and trashy-lame-waste-of-money American movies that make us look like idiots that we mass-produce and send out across the world...oh do NOT get me started!

In any case - tonight I attended a showing of the Transformers Movie with my sister Sara, her German husband Sven, my brother Gabe and my 2 nephews: Isaac and Isaiah. Oh yeah - a real summer BLOCKBUSTER - even dishing out the $10.50 to go see it - ouch!! Well, let me explain. Sara and I were avid fans of the Transformers cartoon back in the 1980s. We were probably about 12/13 or so and loved it - I realize mostly boys were probably into it - but Sara and I were not just sweet goody-goodies, but sweet goody-goody sci-fi animation nerds!! Now listen - we were not allowed to watch much TV in the Martinez household growing up. But we were allowed to watch our beloved Autobots fight the evil Decepticons every afternoon!

Tonight was a treat to go with Sara to the motion picture - since we were part of the mid-30s fan base in the audience that actually hooted and hollered at recognition of the robots when introduced. Holla - Nerd fest!!! Loved it!! It was also very cool to go with big brother Gabe since he took us 20 years ago to the first motion picture - which was animated (and better than this one to original fans).

The computer graphics were awesome - certainly to be expected and didn't let us down. Definite complaints was an okay story-line and the fact that they only portrayed about 10 robots in the movie - there are many more than that. Also, it took a LONG time in the storyline before they brought out all the robots - more Transformers and LESS humans and their cheesy jokes!!

The ending leads to an obvious sequel - which undoubtedly will feature more robots (and those who didn't make the cut this time). It was a lot of fun to share the excitement with my young nephews who are being taught the ways of the Force, and Fantasy through us and Uncle Gabe introducing them to Star Wars, the Hobbit books and now this. Good times!!

Movie gets a B- for fabulous images, robot voice-overs from the original characters, a leading teen who actually wasn't annoying and made us like him, not enough about the robots, and a mediocre storyline that seriously lacked the heart and real character-depth of the robots, themselves. As for me: it's back to my foreign films....

Do You Know...

who this Duo is??? Well, you will learn...my pretties: you will learn.

(Until you learn, check this out, especially Bowie fans!!)

More Fourth of July Foibles

tee hee hee!

7-7-07 - The Day of LIVE EARTH

Live Earth is a 24-hour, 7-continent concert series taking place today - 7/7/07 - that will bring together more than 100 music artists and 2 billion people to trigger a global movement to solve the climate crisis. It is conceived by former US Vice-President Al Gore who believes since people connect so much through music, that holding these simultaneous concerts world-wide would be a great way to bring awareness to the crisis that our majestic Mother Earth is facing.

Those who know me know I hate waste of any kind. And know that I am especially aware of energy-waste. I've driven roommates mad in the past, shutting off lights as they left the room, unplugging the microwave even because I don't need the little electric clock on it, wearing scarves, sweaters and a ski hat indoors in the winter instead of turning on the heater. Patrick currently shakes his head at my exiting my car sweaty because I refuse to put on the air conditioning. Scoff or laugh as you may: I have always been concerned why some people just don't get it. It's all a matter of teaching them - that is all! In Europe, recycling has been the law and very accessible long before the little blue bins (that aren't mandatory) began to appear here in the USA - don't get me started on why Americans think they are so privileged and self-entitled as to not have to do what other countries, even poorer ones, do. We need to teach our kids - especially - about energy and water conservation for this is going to be an even greater problem for them and their offspring.

Some people will put their noses in the air at this current concert - pointing out that it won't have the effect that, say, LIVE AID, did in the 1980s. No... it probably won't. But it isn't it just somewhat inspiring and moving to know that throughout this 24-hour period - all around the world - millions of people are joined in a community of awareness of an issue that equally affects us all - no matter where we live, the color of our skin or how rich or poor we are??? It's history in the making.

A Fred Astaire Experiment

I came across this on youtube. Thought it was an interesting concept: since Michael Jackson admitted to 'borrowing' moves from Fred Astaire, and Justin Timberlake admits to 'borrowing' from Michael Jackson - then this is how Astaire would be dancing to a recent Timberlake hit. Talking about bridging the gap of some odd 60 years! My favorite part is towards the end when he hops about with the doubles in a chorus line in the background! :) And by the way - you can definitely see how the 2 later artists 'borrowed' from Mr. Astaire....

Birthday Shout Out to Richele!

Yesterday was also birthday blessings for my friend, Richele - pictured above on the left with friend, Joanne and some hilarious pillows they got made with their drunken pictures on them! Richele is currently in northern Italy with my ex Italian - Miky - where she is undoubtedly turning his tiny village into an uproar with her loud and gregarious partying ways. The 2 will soon be catching up with other friends in Greece. Since she is having undoubtedly a fabulous time in Europe, I don't feel too badly that I am too poor to get her a gift! heheheh Best wishes!

Happy 4th of July, America!

Today we spent North America's birthday at my Uncle Alex and Aunt Peggy's beautiful house on Mt. Helix, La Mesa. It was a lovely day - not too hot, and, once again, a fun time filled with food, blessings and family. There is never an Araiza-family get-together without some sort of sport competition - this time set within the swimming pool an impromptu game began of Uncle Alex tossing the ball as one jumps off the diving bar. The point being to 1) try and catch the ball mid-air and 2) to then toss it (mid-air) inside the basketball net. This game amused us so much it lasted about 2 hours - with even the littlest kids getting involved :) Be sure to watch the pictures on slideshow to see the hilarious action caught on camera! Best wishes to all! Click below on Sylvia and Tim and also enjoy the slideshow at bottom!

Fourth of July, 2007 - Elsa's photos

Grapefruit puckers up for Wedding Bliss!

I would like to wish a hearty “Congratulations” to my old roommate, Kim AKA ‘Grapefruit’ on her recent nuptials with her younger, sailorboy: ‘Jughead Rob’!!! The pair survived with Kim living in Hillcrest with me, Caren and the boys next door while Rob spent a year on deployment. Even though she was all-too-quick to agree to join us at the neighborhood gay bars where she’d become inebriated on the strong drinks, she was a lamb and always made pancakes when the boys would open our door on Sunday morning and yell, “Kim…..Pancakes!!” Best wishes and God’s blessings to the happy couple – now residing on the east coast. 

PS – these were the only digital pics I had of Grapefruit, as I only had a regular film camera back then. To explain – this was a pic of Kim next to a birthday cake disaster she made – but of course we still ate!! The other was a hot night out..to the gay bars!!!