I suffer from obsessive email checking. I have 5 email addresses...one at AOL for personal email friends and family, 2 at yahoo the first for giving my email address on the web, I get 600 spams a day. The second on yahoo for when I have to post my email on a comedy site and I might not know who will be getting it. The second to last email address is at Gmail. I use this one for bookers and comedy friends and all comedy business. The last one is also at Gmail for writing and storing jokes. So after checking all my addresses and having no email........I poked around the web a while. I come here to Soapbox and then run to a few message boards. But I'm bored....and feeling unwanted. No one emailed me for a few days for a show. So hears the sad but true fact. At times like this I GOOGLE myself. When I started GOOGLING myself I would come in on the third page. There is a Robin Fox who is a lesbian,witch,rock star...she comes in at 1st place. There is also a Robin Fox who teaches sociology at Rutgers. They both have lots of listings. So today when I Googled I was thrilled to see that I have moved to the 1st page...I'm down on the page a bit but what the fuck I'm still on the first page. I am pathetic. On a happy note I will be Hosting this Weds night at the NYCC in the big room for the first time. So maybe things are going better than I thought....
Comments are below
Posted on 09/25/2005 at 08:39 PM by Jim Larsen
My God, we are very much alike. I have a Yahoo email, 2 for my web site, one at allvantage, hotmail, and one for work, oh yeah, one for Desert Dog Films web site. Googling myself is cool because of all the hits on account of the movie. Sounds lke our internet habbits are very much alike. On the message board for my web site, I even have a forum to talk about the other people named "Jim Larsen" who pop in searches. One day i hpe to meet the jim Larsen who's domain is www.jimlarsen.net" and stick him with a shiv because I really wanted that web address. That guy is an asshole for taking it from me.
Posted on 09/25/2005 at 11:56 PM by Jill Twiss
So, Robin does this mean you didn't get the email I sent you about doing a show in Connecticut? (Truly, I sent it a few days ago.) And best of luck hosting. I know you'll be brilliant.
Congrats!
Posted on 09/26/2005 at 04:13 AM by Adrienne
No one deserves it more that you!
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Funny....Im funny? I amuse you. Im a clown?
I really wish that I never told a soul in my normal life that I do comedy. It is nice to have something to say other than the fact that I'm a full time mom. When I began my wish was to be able to say I am a working comic and for it to be true. However, often people will try to challenge me on what I do. " So your a comic what do you talk about....tell me a joke." I have a standard joke I use... and often they just smile and then want to tell me a joke. What is the most annoying thing about it is that women who in the past whom never had anything to say to me now think they have something to talk to me about. Sometimes there really sincere and are happy that I have pursued something that I love. Other times I feel like they need to prove that on the social hierarch that I am not a threat. Other times it is just that they want to know how its going. All in all Its a bore. Here's why, when I go to a social event ...I really have had my fill of comedy for the week. Many times I have turned down a gig to be at some of these events. So every time out at a social event feels a lot like the time before. I often try to turn the conversation around to them and usually that does the trick...people love talking about themselves.
The reason I told people about my comedy life was I felt I needed to self promote to get people to do bringers. The truth is I spent my load far to early in my career. I had most local friends see me in my first year and I think I'm a lot funnier now. It is really hard to get middle aged people to come see you in NYC ...especially when the club is asking for 10. 10 means I need to ask 16 in hopes of 10 showing. Its just too stressful. However some of the best opportunities out there are made available to the comics who do the bringer shows. I feel like I am not just a suburban mom anymore nor am I a real working comedian. I'm in limbo....funny limbo. So I just plow on and go to the next social event, thank goodness they have an open bar.
Comments are below
I never talk about my standup anymore
Posted on 09/22/2005 at 12:17 PM by Chris Kania
I never talk about my standup anymore. First of all, if there is no HBO special to mention, most people just don't care that you came up with a new bit, or had a good open mic. Talking about my own standup bores ME, I can imagine how the people hearing me talk about it feel. For me, I focus on developing my own stuff, and just don't talk about it, perhaps only to other comics, not "regular folks." I would LOVE to be successful one day, and have a bunch of people I know, see me and say, holy cow I know that guy, and I did not even know he did standup.
Robin The Fox
Posted on 09/22/2005 at 02:15 PM by H. P.
at least they're not telling you in your face "Oh I hear your practicing to be a CLOWN!", and it sounds worse in Spanish. "Ah, esta practicando ser PAYASO!"
Peace
Buck up Robin.
Posted on 09/23/2005 at 11:29 PM by Dave O'Gara
You are a funny lady hang in there. Good things are on your horizon.
I think you need to draw a younger crowd. Maybe one that can stay up after "Barnaby Jones."
I on the other hand am one of those obnoxious a-holes who loves to talk about comedy. I am my own biggest fan.
Im Bucked
Posted on 09/24/2005 at 02:31 AM by Robin Fox
I did a show a few months ago for the Red Hatters...all the women were 50 plus....in this case almost 70 plus. I did a good show but far from killed. I started at the Stress Factory which is mostly Rutgers Kids. I perform in the Village alot mostly NYU kids. I think to be a good comic you need to be funny...and relateable. I am not a redneck yet some of those comics are really good. I am not black form the hood yet I love urban shows. I am not gay but love many gay comics. What you need to be able to do on stage is share your viewpoint and give the audience a window into how you think and deal with your life and why you feel the way you do....being funny at the same time. Its like music. A hit crosses over. Good is good. It might not be what I might think I would like....but somehow I do. I look like a Bill Marr fan. I like him. But I love Rick Shapiro.
The reason I told people about my comedy life was I felt I needed to self promote to get people to do bringers. The truth is I spent my load far to early in my career. I had most local friends see me in my first year and I think I'm a lot funnier now. It is really hard to get middle aged people to come see you in NYC ...especially when the club is asking for 10. 10 means I need to ask 16 in hopes of 10 showing. Its just too stressful. However some of the best opportunities out there are made available to the comics who do the bringer shows. I feel like I am not just a suburban mom anymore nor am I a real working comedian. I'm in limbo....funny limbo. So I just plow on and go to the next social event, thank goodness they have an open bar.
Comments are below
I never talk about my standup anymore
Posted on 09/22/2005 at 12:17 PM by Chris Kania
I never talk about my standup anymore. First of all, if there is no HBO special to mention, most people just don't care that you came up with a new bit, or had a good open mic. Talking about my own standup bores ME, I can imagine how the people hearing me talk about it feel. For me, I focus on developing my own stuff, and just don't talk about it, perhaps only to other comics, not "regular folks." I would LOVE to be successful one day, and have a bunch of people I know, see me and say, holy cow I know that guy, and I did not even know he did standup.
Robin The Fox
Posted on 09/22/2005 at 02:15 PM by H. P.
at least they're not telling you in your face "Oh I hear your practicing to be a CLOWN!", and it sounds worse in Spanish. "Ah, esta practicando ser PAYASO!"
Peace
Buck up Robin.
Posted on 09/23/2005 at 11:29 PM by Dave O'Gara
You are a funny lady hang in there. Good things are on your horizon.
I think you need to draw a younger crowd. Maybe one that can stay up after "Barnaby Jones."
I on the other hand am one of those obnoxious a-holes who loves to talk about comedy. I am my own biggest fan.
Im Bucked
Posted on 09/24/2005 at 02:31 AM by Robin Fox
I did a show a few months ago for the Red Hatters...all the women were 50 plus....in this case almost 70 plus. I did a good show but far from killed. I started at the Stress Factory which is mostly Rutgers Kids. I perform in the Village alot mostly NYU kids. I think to be a good comic you need to be funny...and relateable. I am not a redneck yet some of those comics are really good. I am not black form the hood yet I love urban shows. I am not gay but love many gay comics. What you need to be able to do on stage is share your viewpoint and give the audience a window into how you think and deal with your life and why you feel the way you do....being funny at the same time. Its like music. A hit crosses over. Good is good. It might not be what I might think I would like....but somehow I do. I look like a Bill Marr fan. I like him. But I love Rick Shapiro.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
No such thing as bad press..... yeah right!
The Last time I blogged was Aug. 12th. So why so quiet? Its a combination of things, My laptop is broken so I have to trek to my family computer in the basement. When my lap top is working I have it near me whenever I'm home so when the impulse strikes so would a new blog. The other big thing is that I have been doing some intern work for two different clubs in exchange for stage time. It sure beats barking that's for sure....whether it has been worth all the time and energy has yet to be seen. I do get a lot more stage time in front of a paying room. However due to this I 99% of the time do my best set....my same set. I feel the need to prove myself to the powers that be and in exchange for that .... I take less risks. I have had some stellar sets and my 5-10 is tighter than ever. So? Its too soon to tell.
So what got me to treck downstairs and blog at 1am? I checked my email. Then when I feel like a total looser I "GOOGLED" myself. Same shit as everytime..... Then it hit me why dont I "ASK JEEVES"??? There it was. The article a few comics said they saw with my name in it in a Big NJ Newspaper a year ago. It was a story on the Ladies of Laughter Contest. I had looked for it back then and couldnt locate it. Now over a year later there it was. The following is an exerpt from the article...
"Even something as simple as marriage with children in suburbia - and how it isn't always the life it promised to be - stung as much as it tickled. Dressed like a frump, looming large, and looking haggard, one of the comics barged onstage threateningly. "My name is Robin Fox, and I'm a trophy wife," she barked, looking furious when the audience started laughing. "But I AM. I won a pie-eating contest two weeks ago."
Frump= let herself go and looks unfuckable, Looming Large = Fat, Looking Haggard= old and tiered and unfuckable. Threateningly= Run children Run. They also didnt mention the small fact that I came in First in the New Talent division.
So....... is this my charm? Is this my rock bottom to start a diet? Its funny the week after I put on makeup straightened my hair and wore a nicer outfit....and I lost to Miss Friggenly Funny Georgous Former Miss NJ Deanna Blizzard, who went on to win the Finals in NYC. Its funny because so many people tell me that my strong point is that I am very likable on stage. The are bullshitting me?! Are they just saying something to say.... like when you see an ugly baby...................."NOW THATS A BABY!!!!"
What can I say. I am frumpy.... I find I do better on stage when I look frumpy. Loom large uggggggggggggggg yes I am overweight. If I diet I will need an entire new set. Haggard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!you bet I fucking am. I drive 500+++++ miles a week to do comedy. I work 16 hours for what amounts to 10-15 minutes of extra stage time. I sit in more traffic at 2 am than most anyone I will ever know. Most nights I spend more time looking for parking than I get on stage!!!! I go to bed at 3 am and get up at 6 am for my family make lunches, shop clean and cook dinner before noon and if I'm lucky nap for 2-3 hours when everything else is done. There isn't a lot of time left for Palliates and Yoga class, Manicures, and any kind of pampering to speak of. Haggard...............no I'm old and exhausted. Some one told me a few weeks ago they thought I looked 38. But a really exhausted 38. SO should I lie and say I'm in my Late 50's.
I so want to give up. But the article also left out something.............I'm stubborn and don't give up. How do you think I'm married for over 20 years. Do you think its because I got the one great guy left in all America. No I'm stubborn......and don't know when to quit. And just like my husband I love comedy and that keeps me going.
Dont think Im so strong. In one or 2 days I will have a total meltdown in my car at 2 am in traffic....you can count on it.
Comments are below
Don't
Posted on 09/13/2005 at 12:18 PM by H. P.
I saw you perform once at Sal's one night and I thought to myself "Damm I wanna be as funny as her on stage" now get the fuck off. lol
My fear is, I'll be lying on my death bed when I get my gig break in comedy. I also have my quote for my headstone icase that does happen, it'll say "I'm too young for this shit"
Peace or R.I.P.
Posted on 09/13/2005 at 03:11 PM by Kelly Shannon
Robin, you have some of the best stuff around. Don't pay attention to that article. Maybe the person was just in a pissy mood when they wrote it. The article they did on me was not really accurate either. You can also look at it this way. Look how far you have come in a year. As for frompy. Don't even go there. Every time I have seen you, you looked great. So, just to sum it up. Don't listen to anyone putting you down who doesn't even have the balls to go up on stage themselves.
Thanks Kelly
Posted on 09/13/2005 at 04:58 PM by Robin Fox
I have to laugh that something written about me over a year ago is nuts...even if I did just read it last night. I am thinking about taking a little better care of myself though. Last night I saw Judy Gold........... I see what 18 plus years of stage time and hard work can do. I want to see my talent or lack of clearly. I dont want to be self delusional either. I just was shocked that someone could size me up like that. I dont know why I let it bother me........I came in first that night. Its funny I do a bunch of self deprication on stage, but I like when Im the one in charge. I say when to laugh. UGGG. Got to go put some makeup on....and polish my nails.
On second thought...
Posted on 09/13/2005 at 05:34 PM by Brian Baumley
Ever consider that they had to describe you as a caricature of yourself to make your joke work in print?
I did think that................then the self hate took over
Posted on 09/13/2005 at 06:00 PM by Robin Fox
Its sick because I won that night and was flying high. Then when I didnt make it the next week into the finals....thank God I didnt see this then. I was hanging on to my sanity as it was. Miss you Brian... thanks for pointing that out. I will believe that. That keeps me sane. Miss you.
C'mon
Posted on 09/13/2005 at 08:54 PM by Adrienne
You are going to let something in s a news article upset you. Just think when people read it and see you in person they are goign to think you did a 180. And in reality you are just the same great you.
Im fine
Posted on 09/14/2005 at 02:21 AM by Robin Fox
Tonight I talked about this thing on stage and it went over well. I had a passion and my feelings about being conflicted were played out well onstage. Lemonade out of Lemons I guess.
On the Flip Side...
Posted on 09/14/2005 at 09:53 AM by Adam Sank
First of all, Robin, I think you're gorgeous. And even you admit that "frumpiness" is part of your stage persona, so obviously you're playing that up when you get up there. I agree with Brian -- the writer was simply using hyperbole to drive home your punchline.
But consider what it's like on the other side: All I ever hear about from crowds and what little press I've gotten is that people want to fuck me. Even Therapy's website, if you go to the listing for Sunday, Sept. 18, refers to me as their "new hottie host."
Now, it's nice to be fuckable, but as I told my therapist the other day, being onstage is the one time in my life that I want people to like me for my BRAIN. I am not a stripper. I'm a comic (at least in my own mind). I'd rather people think I was funny.
You're a comic, Robin. The article makes you sound funny. That's what counts.
See you Sunday night, Lovey.
Poor Adam, $400 of Ben & Jerry's will cure your problem
Posted on 09/14/2005 at 12:26 PM by Shaun Eli
Robin, love the pie joke! Plus, the article says "Dressed like" not "Is."
Broken toys
Posted on 09/14/2005 at 05:04 PM by Robin Fox
I think that more that is going on here is internal. My entire act is me saying........This is who I am!!! I showed this reporter this. I need to remember that on stage I put out a certain projection of who I am. So I guess when the reflection came back I forgot that point. If I played a monster in a play.........would I be mad that they said I look like a monster. I also think he was setting up the joke...and did a good job of it. But the pain is, my entire life I have had issues with my looks... So it kinda broght up alot of my own feelings of insecurity a first. Hey... I got a niche!!!!!!!!!!! I will be the funniest of the FRUMPY!!! Thanks for all the kind words. It was just such a shock at first thanks for talking me off my ledge all you guys...(and gals)
You're fine :)
Posted on 09/15/2005 at 04:41 PM by Raquel D'Apice
The frumpyness is completely part of your stage persona. I saw you that time at Sal's when you were all dressed up and you looked gorgeous. And Sarah was so pretty and she didn't get all from her dad! It's easier to laugh with someone who looks frumpy than with someone who looks pretty, so it works when you're on stage, but don't fool yourself into thinking you actually look like that...
So what got me to treck downstairs and blog at 1am? I checked my email. Then when I feel like a total looser I "GOOGLED" myself. Same shit as everytime..... Then it hit me why dont I "ASK JEEVES"??? There it was. The article a few comics said they saw with my name in it in a Big NJ Newspaper a year ago. It was a story on the Ladies of Laughter Contest. I had looked for it back then and couldnt locate it. Now over a year later there it was. The following is an exerpt from the article...
"Even something as simple as marriage with children in suburbia - and how it isn't always the life it promised to be - stung as much as it tickled. Dressed like a frump, looming large, and looking haggard, one of the comics barged onstage threateningly. "My name is Robin Fox, and I'm a trophy wife," she barked, looking furious when the audience started laughing. "But I AM. I won a pie-eating contest two weeks ago."
Frump= let herself go and looks unfuckable, Looming Large = Fat, Looking Haggard= old and tiered and unfuckable. Threateningly= Run children Run. They also didnt mention the small fact that I came in First in the New Talent division.
So....... is this my charm? Is this my rock bottom to start a diet? Its funny the week after I put on makeup straightened my hair and wore a nicer outfit....and I lost to Miss Friggenly Funny Georgous Former Miss NJ Deanna Blizzard, who went on to win the Finals in NYC. Its funny because so many people tell me that my strong point is that I am very likable on stage. The are bullshitting me?! Are they just saying something to say.... like when you see an ugly baby...................."NOW THATS A BABY!!!!"
What can I say. I am frumpy.... I find I do better on stage when I look frumpy. Loom large uggggggggggggggg yes I am overweight. If I diet I will need an entire new set. Haggard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!you bet I fucking am. I drive 500+++++ miles a week to do comedy. I work 16 hours for what amounts to 10-15 minutes of extra stage time. I sit in more traffic at 2 am than most anyone I will ever know. Most nights I spend more time looking for parking than I get on stage!!!! I go to bed at 3 am and get up at 6 am for my family make lunches, shop clean and cook dinner before noon and if I'm lucky nap for 2-3 hours when everything else is done. There isn't a lot of time left for Palliates and Yoga class, Manicures, and any kind of pampering to speak of. Haggard...............no I'm old and exhausted. Some one told me a few weeks ago they thought I looked 38. But a really exhausted 38. SO should I lie and say I'm in my Late 50's.
I so want to give up. But the article also left out something.............I'm stubborn and don't give up. How do you think I'm married for over 20 years. Do you think its because I got the one great guy left in all America. No I'm stubborn......and don't know when to quit. And just like my husband I love comedy and that keeps me going.
Dont think Im so strong. In one or 2 days I will have a total meltdown in my car at 2 am in traffic....you can count on it.
Comments are below
Don't
Posted on 09/13/2005 at 12:18 PM by H. P.
I saw you perform once at Sal's one night and I thought to myself "Damm I wanna be as funny as her on stage" now get the fuck off. lol
My fear is, I'll be lying on my death bed when I get my gig break in comedy. I also have my quote for my headstone icase that does happen, it'll say "I'm too young for this shit"
Peace or R.I.P.
Posted on 09/13/2005 at 03:11 PM by Kelly Shannon
Robin, you have some of the best stuff around. Don't pay attention to that article. Maybe the person was just in a pissy mood when they wrote it. The article they did on me was not really accurate either. You can also look at it this way. Look how far you have come in a year. As for frompy. Don't even go there. Every time I have seen you, you looked great. So, just to sum it up. Don't listen to anyone putting you down who doesn't even have the balls to go up on stage themselves.
Thanks Kelly
Posted on 09/13/2005 at 04:58 PM by Robin Fox
I have to laugh that something written about me over a year ago is nuts...even if I did just read it last night. I am thinking about taking a little better care of myself though. Last night I saw Judy Gold........... I see what 18 plus years of stage time and hard work can do. I want to see my talent or lack of clearly. I dont want to be self delusional either. I just was shocked that someone could size me up like that. I dont know why I let it bother me........I came in first that night. Its funny I do a bunch of self deprication on stage, but I like when Im the one in charge. I say when to laugh. UGGG. Got to go put some makeup on....and polish my nails.
On second thought...
Posted on 09/13/2005 at 05:34 PM by Brian Baumley
Ever consider that they had to describe you as a caricature of yourself to make your joke work in print?
I did think that................then the self hate took over
Posted on 09/13/2005 at 06:00 PM by Robin Fox
Its sick because I won that night and was flying high. Then when I didnt make it the next week into the finals....thank God I didnt see this then. I was hanging on to my sanity as it was. Miss you Brian... thanks for pointing that out. I will believe that. That keeps me sane. Miss you.
C'mon
Posted on 09/13/2005 at 08:54 PM by Adrienne
You are going to let something in s a news article upset you. Just think when people read it and see you in person they are goign to think you did a 180. And in reality you are just the same great you.
Im fine
Posted on 09/14/2005 at 02:21 AM by Robin Fox
Tonight I talked about this thing on stage and it went over well. I had a passion and my feelings about being conflicted were played out well onstage. Lemonade out of Lemons I guess.
On the Flip Side...
Posted on 09/14/2005 at 09:53 AM by Adam Sank
First of all, Robin, I think you're gorgeous. And even you admit that "frumpiness" is part of your stage persona, so obviously you're playing that up when you get up there. I agree with Brian -- the writer was simply using hyperbole to drive home your punchline.
But consider what it's like on the other side: All I ever hear about from crowds and what little press I've gotten is that people want to fuck me. Even Therapy's website, if you go to the listing for Sunday, Sept. 18, refers to me as their "new hottie host."
Now, it's nice to be fuckable, but as I told my therapist the other day, being onstage is the one time in my life that I want people to like me for my BRAIN. I am not a stripper. I'm a comic (at least in my own mind). I'd rather people think I was funny.
You're a comic, Robin. The article makes you sound funny. That's what counts.
See you Sunday night, Lovey.
Poor Adam, $400 of Ben & Jerry's will cure your problem
Posted on 09/14/2005 at 12:26 PM by Shaun Eli
Robin, love the pie joke! Plus, the article says "Dressed like" not "Is."
Broken toys
Posted on 09/14/2005 at 05:04 PM by Robin Fox
I think that more that is going on here is internal. My entire act is me saying........This is who I am!!! I showed this reporter this. I need to remember that on stage I put out a certain projection of who I am. So I guess when the reflection came back I forgot that point. If I played a monster in a play.........would I be mad that they said I look like a monster. I also think he was setting up the joke...and did a good job of it. But the pain is, my entire life I have had issues with my looks... So it kinda broght up alot of my own feelings of insecurity a first. Hey... I got a niche!!!!!!!!!!! I will be the funniest of the FRUMPY!!! Thanks for all the kind words. It was just such a shock at first thanks for talking me off my ledge all you guys...(and gals)
You're fine :)
Posted on 09/15/2005 at 04:41 PM by Raquel D'Apice
The frumpyness is completely part of your stage persona. I saw you that time at Sal's when you were all dressed up and you looked gorgeous. And Sarah was so pretty and she didn't get all from her dad! It's easier to laugh with someone who looks frumpy than with someone who looks pretty, so it works when you're on stage, but don't fool yourself into thinking you actually look like that...
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