City TV 35 Video: Zuma Dogg Addresses The City of Los Angeles Without Hat, Glasses and "Persona" For Public Comment at Council Meeting
In case you wondered what it would be like for Zuma Dogg to show up for public comment without the hat and glasses (and unkempt beard) -- and speak without the ZD "y'all"/rapper persona -- Friday August 3, 2007 was your day.
Because after keeping my non-ZD apperance secret (no photos) for seven years (since the debut of my L.A. public access show), I felt the time was right to show up and let the public, council, media and voters have a chance to see what they have been getting behind the image.
After recent revelations (an added level of public recognition on the streets and the city's added level of shady attempts to throw me into the meat grinder), I felt I had to break the ice and declare it, "Stretch Beyond Your Comfort Zone Level To Help Create Change" Day in the City of Los Aneles and gave it a shot.
Whether it was a good marketing decision or not, it was something that I personally had to do to be able to carry on; and I still have not decided whether it was a "one time only" special event -- or a new comfort level fom ZD.
I FELT at this point, with so many people watching, and it appearing that ZD is here to stay (since he's still blogging, calling radio and showing up in chambers, the overall messages may benefit by the "no hat and glasses" delivery style as presented in Van Nuys on Friday. And although "Dave's" delivery may even be more of a threat to fraud, waste and abuse than "ZD's" (check the video links below to see); maybe at least some of the folks listening (council, staffers and viewers) who were just too put-off by the front, will at least feel better that the speaker is at least trying to be a part of the real world. (At least for those two minutes.)
Here are the links to click on from the city website. Type "zuma dogg" in the "archive keyword search box" and click the following links
Click here and type "zuma dogg" in keyword search box and click on these links:
...ZUMA DOGG, FOLLOWED BY JOHN...”
...ZUMA DOGG, FOLLOWED BY SHARON...”
...MR. ZUMA DOGG" [and let it keep playing for the rest of ZD's string of comments from there. Watch Miriam too, when she comes up for two extra minutes. She hit em up harder than ZD did. FANTASTIC PUBLIC COMMENT FROM MIRIAM! Otherwise, just hit fast forward, but you should watch her!]
ZD website with new "Best of" Embedded Player
zumadogg@gmail.com
Posted by Zuma Dogg @ 8/04/2007 08:43:00 PM
31 Comments:
Since this is a long headline, I am posting this comment so the next one can be seen in it's entirety.
uh... what?
I think this is actually in English?
Zuma tell the City that their video is too slow and it won't show up on my computer - and I can get video anywhere else.
HEY,
City of Los Aneles: Your video is too slow and it won't show up on Mayor Sam's computer - and he can get video anywhere else.
You're right, zuma, it was just like the star of KISS showing up sans costume.
Boy, are you ever an egomaniac!!!!!
Geez, if we had only known how ugly Dave Elliott was, we would have opted for the ZD get up.
I think we all vote for the costume appearance, just like Gene Simmons, no one will recognize you.
But, the smell was still there, man, get some soap and deoderant. How do you stand yourself? I was gagging the whole time you were there.
Baldy.
Yeah, but you can't call him "Curly", can you?
How about "Stinky"
2:10am,
Comparing it to KISS doesn't make me an egomaniac. I didn't say it was as big of a deal...just the same concept. Meanwhile, not to say I am not an egomaniac...just not because of that!
3:18am,
Right on...now everyone knows why I wore the hat and glasses all this time! And I got some new clothes, so hopefully next time you won't have to hold your breath.
Meanwhile, luckily the DA's office doesn't care about clothes and hats and glasses.
And to all friends of ZD who will feel the need to defend the mean humorous attacks on my personal appearance, remember...I made the choice to do this, I am well aware of my appearance, knew it was going out on TV, and wanted to do it. It' not like this was secret footage taken behind my back.
Obviously, I wanted people to see it, which is why I posted it on this blog, since most people probably didn't see it on TV.
It's like when people posted all that stuff about my radio background from the LA Times article about ZD, thinking I would care, when I was the one who told it to the paper. (LOL!)
Yes, I have spent many a minute and month wondering what it would be like to see Zuma dogg show up without cap and sunglasses. Now I know, from the great one's own lips: "I'm just like Gene Simmons of KISS." Oh, so that's it. I rather thought it was more like... well, never mind. Thank you, zuma!!!! Now we can all die happy!!!!
ZD you looked great without the hat and glasses. You're a great speaker. You should go pick up a suit and bring your message to a whole new level!
1:25pm,
Thanks. ZD has a one-time convincer strategy, so that's all I needed to see to confirm that some would feel that way. And the haters can continue post away to the contrary. A suit may be a stretch, though. But a nice black polo style shirt on a consistent basis would be nice.
12:58pm MISQUOTE ALERT:
"I'm just like Gene Simmons of KISS."
Correction/Actual quote: "For seven years I protected my identity LIKE Gene Simmons of KISS." (As in the concept of not being photographed/protecting image...not comparing myself to Gene Simmons who is a bass player in a rock band.)
Did you misquote on purpose, or do you just suffer from distortions and deletions in the way you take in sensory data?
And unfortunatley, it DID get to the point (based on my comedy/variety public access show audience -- and thanks to Murphy's Law), if I would beach at the beach in Ventura county, or Ralph's at 3 am, that's when someone would want a picture with ZD for "proof of encounter"...and saying, "Oh, excuse me; how about next time, I don't want to take a picture with you, because I don't have my ZD cap and glasses on right now" is a prettu quick and easy way to piss people off.
But I'm not complaining, because since you don't get Neilsen, Arbitron, Box Office totals, or votes for public access, that is the only way I can get the feedback to know if anyone is watching, and the feedback is a 24 hour focus group that allowed me to do more of what people wanted.
Sorry haters, just the plain and simple fact. There are thousands of people out there who think "The Zuma Dogg Show" is the (insert highest possible accolaid here) show ever.
DON'T MAKE ME POST THE EMAILS!!!
It's more than you will be able to handle. But don't worry, all I have is my connection with the people of Los Angeles. And you can't take that to the check out counter. So I guess you are having the last laugh.
Zuma: Mark V. killed and two more injured in an unusual shoot-out with henchmen.
2:34pm,
Is this a news story, or future news story? Not really my line of journalism though.
2:34pm,
Alright...now there is an added interest level in the story:
I just came across the top comment from a july thread I was reading --then, I did a mayor sam blog search and found the second comment.
______________________________
Anonymous said:
Zuma,
You are the best thing thats happened to Los Angeles!!!
Mark Velo
______________________________
July 06, 2007 9:43 AM
Mark Velo of cd14 said:
Walter,
Let's call for DNA check. The boy is Mayor's minnie me. You never know.
February 16, 2007 10:05 PM
_______________________________
maaaaaaaan, please forgive me for asking, but...are you talking about a different mark v.? I think you must be.
If ZD were to dress better, people would then expect him to say something that actually made sense. That's simply asking too much of him. At any point in the City Council's history, there has been at least one gadfly who was irrational, just wanted attention (as if anyone watches Channel 35), or both. ZD is that person now.
You're right, Zuma: if you posted all your flattering emails, we'd be blinded by the light. No wonder you have to sometimes come to the people in mere mortal form, hence the Dave Elliott average-Joe character. After all, all the great ones have done it: Jesus, the Buddha, Siddhartha, and of course, Gene Simmons.
5:23pm,
LOL!!! The "smart" ZD slammer! Man, did you nail that one!!! I'm beet red. Hilarious!
Damn, it was nice while Zuma Dog was on vacation. Now he's back, and again promoting his blogs.
Where's Mayor Sam when his blog needs him?
Zuma Dog, visited your blog and saw the video of you in the library. Completely inappropriate behavior, I've seen 5 year old kids with more self-respect. You should be ashamed of yourself. Grow up!!
7:59pm,
You gotta attack on a strength. Do a focus group. People love that clip. Perception is reality. Just because you are an uptight a-hold doesn't mean the rest of the world is. When you try and spin that clip as "completely inappropriate" and "ashamed", you lose the battle in the perception of the mind. But for some reason your are comfortable arguing loser positions.
and just for being an uptight "a-hole" arguing on a weakness == commenting on something from my personal video blog -- not mayor sam related:
"Zuma Dogg is the only American comedian today wearing the comedy-genius mantle once borne by Lenny Bruce, Allen Funt and Andy Kaufman." - Michael Heaton/Cleveland Plain Dealer.
"Love your show buddy. Keep up the good work. I tried calling in but couldn't get through." - Adam Sandler
"Everyone watches Zuma Dogg" - Reggie Miller
But everyday people like connect with the show, too.
I think your show displays a VERY intelligent and socially conscience realistic view of the world and you do it in a very original and very artistic way.
NOBODY HAS DONE WHAT YOU ARE DOING. Keep it up.
i love your show. it is the most excellent thing in all of televisionland.
My name is Lauren and let me begin by saying you are one of the finest displays of unconventional genius I've seen in a long time.
Thanks Lauren and everyone else!
You're really on the right side of the issue, as usual!
Nice Post Zuma, it sounds like you are trying to convince yourself with this double post and your posts above.
Looks like it's other people trying to convince me: Don't be a fool...just move on...I don't feel like takin' this Andy Kaufman style blogging all the way "over-the-top." It's embarassing.
From Zuma's Inbox:
I was not at all prepared for the brilliance of your show.
In all honesty I was absolutely blown away. It was the most
fresh, funniest, innovative thing that I've seen on television in the past five years.
You're a genius! When can we catch more shows?
honestly, you may have been the funniest person i've ever see. I was laughing so hard I woke up my girlfriend.
If i owned a big TV company your show would be on 24/7!! I have never laughed so hard for so long, it's awesome. Can't wait for the next one, me and my friends will be talkin about it for a week! lol...
How can I get a copy of tonight's episode? It was the funniest thing I've seen in years. Thank you.
I hope you know you have the best show in the history of the planet!
I was wondering if I could maybe get your Autograph...It would mean alot...I know a ton of kids at my skool that love your show too....They are always talking in your voice and going crazy.....
you have the best show ever, you are the best white rapper in the world!!! [ZD: LOL!]
It was so beautiful that I had tears in my eyes. Let's just say I was moved.
We just wanted to write to let you know how spectacular we thought your show was.
Hey Mayor Sam,
Look how the google ads on the top of your site pop up when I pull out the Deming stuff: yeah, yeah.
Hey MAV & Council...common...click a link, help mayor sam get paid while improving customer service...I'm begging you!
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I have a feeling that Zuma Dogg can't differentiate being laughed with and being laughed at.
Bro, when you are operating from an "Andy Kaufman" strategy, laughing with and laughing at are the same thing. The only way someone can possibly even FEEL they are being laughed "at", is if they suffer from fear-based emotions like shame and all the "low self-esteem" emotions. I may be bitter, and have a chip on my shoulder, but I think you have to feel pretty confident to sing in public, dance, and poke fun at youself on such a public platform.
You should try it. I breaks down emotional barriers. Karaoke was helpful in allowing me to feel completely comfortable singing loud in public, or pulling the tactics I used in the past at the podium. Not that everyone wants to walk around singing in the library, just to prove a legal point...but maybe it can help raise YOUR esteem level, help you feel more comfortable and a part of the community/society (as it has with me) and you will be less fearful, therefore less angry, and the quality and productivity of you life may improve as you feel sustained levels of pride and joy in everything you do. And just like ZD wouldn't be comfortable doing some of the things I did a year ago, maybe you would seek growth opportunities thoughout the day, too. I mean, look how I did the speech in regular delivery with out ZD attire. So while people are seeing that, you are remaining degerate. And that's how life passes you by. Meanwhile, how can you move on when your are obsessively-compulsively posting about me round the clock? WAKE UP! END THE NIGHTMARE THAT IS COSTING YOU SO MUCH TIME AND EMOTIONAL ENERGY YOU ARE SUFFERING A REDUCED QUALITY OF LIFE. HOW COULD YOU NOT BE? This negative fear-based emotion does that to you. I always said, "I felt "trapped" inside the ZD persona, because I was using funny analogies that it was like a Darth Vader helmet, or Spiderman mask that I couldn't take off. Then on Friday I said, "Oh yeah...those are all examples from movies. But this is real life, and I CAN take it of. It was pretty easy, and it felt good and was really fun to try the public comment the way I did. I have no regrets for the past, because i wasn't ready to allow myself to make the transition. But, I remembered "Groundhog's Day" and "Wizard of OZ", instead of those other movies...and that's how you replace the old unempowering beliefs that hold you hostage to yourself, and replace them with the new beliefs that will allow you to improve the quality of your life, from within.
And that's when you can once again begin to live life for yourself.
Send us a postcard when you get a life, loser.
Yes, YOU, Zuma.
Zuma Dogg posted: I may be bitter, and have a chip on my shoulder, but I think you have to feel pretty confident to sing in public, dance, and poke fun at youself on such a public platform.
I disagree about your perception about being confident, I call it being off your meds. Get some help before you lose it and become a menace to society!
Go ahead and delte this post if you feel I'm correct.
8:05pm,
I only delete posts if they contain graphic sexual references or accusations containing such references. YOU KNOW THAT...
PEOPLE READING...IT'S AN ATTEMPT TO LEAD YOU TO BELIEVE THAT I AM DELETE THEIR COMMENTS for general non-sense.
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