Jorjeana Marie (who wrote an improv book!) writes to us from her current view: a bit of ocean in Miami in this week’s desk piece.

What thing do you have to have to start writing?
The less requirements I put on myself, the better. I’ve learned with deadlines to write in most circumstances. That said, I still need a pen, computer, quill, etc. I’ve also started doing the Pomodoro technique to work on projects I can’t quite get going on.

What’s your favorite thing in your desk area?
I have an old timey computer keyboard that looks like a typewriter and makes satisfactory ka-chunk sounds. Just makes me feel good.

What is a just punishment for people who steal pens?
Shanking with a sharpened Bic pen cap, partly chewed on for possible contaminants? Seems apropo in my mind.

Thanks Jorjeana!!

It’s important for us here at The Ruby LA to do something that makes the world a better place. In December we supported the Girls on the Run 5k Run. And in February we’ve got another great volunteer event planned (find out more below). This Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day a holiday that many people spend honoring Dr. King’s name through volunteer service. Are you participating in any events? Do you regularly volunteer with a group? Let us know! We love to know how you Rubies are giving back!

Are you a Good Person? Would you like to be a Good Person?

Well Reading to Kids Needs You! Reading to Kids is dedicated to inspiring underserved children with a love of reading. They coordinate reading clubs at elementary schools in downtown Los Angeles where volunteers read aloud to children and create arts and crafts projects about the stories. Each child receives a book to take home and the books read aloud are donated to the school’s library. Reading aloud to children imparts a love of books that leads to improved literacy, to a more successful education, and to a brighter future.

We are getting a volunteer group together to read to kids on Saturday February 9th from 9 am – 12 p at MacArthur Elementary School. If you’d love to be a Good Person, and read to kids, sign up at the button below! We’re looking for 10-15 people and sign ups go fast, so please get your sign up done by Friday January 18th @ noon!

The Ruby LA 2018 Gift Guide!

Filled with gifts from women-owned businesses

and female-identifying makers! The only gift guide you will ever need.

We asked our house team members what they’re feeling thankful for this year. And they did not disappoint! Some sweet. Some hilarious. Thanks to ya’ll for a great year!

My Mom was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor and we just received word that it’s benign. So I’m feeling super grateful about that!!
-Joey Rich (The Voltage)

I am grateful that AMC A List appeared just as MoviePass was crumbling.
-Paul Laier (The Voltage)

I’m thankful for Lindsey Barrow!
-Steph Garcia (Money Pit)

I am grateful for the flipping of the house and for good food. Democracy always makes me hungry.
-Amanda Salvatore (The Vanities)

I am grateful for my family and the freedom of choice to not spend this holiday with them.
-Molly Wixon (The Vanities)

I’m grateful that I get to text Lindsey in secret.
Also, grateful that LA is empty during the holidays.
-Rebecca Edwards (Short Stop)

I’m grateful for Fernet, Listerine and KAREN.
-Nick Casalini (KAREN)

My dogs who lick all my dishes clean so that I don’t have to wash them. Who’s coming to my house for Thanksgiving btw?! Need a headcount.
-Lisa Laureta (Splash)

The eventual surety of death, the great equalizer.
-Tom Hamilton (KAREN)

I’m grateful for comedy (sketch, improv, stand-up, from the smart satire all the way to the silly and goofy), which we need in these dystopian-novel-prologue times.
-Chris McGowan (Branzino)

Lauren’s dog Hoyt.
Neel Ghosh (Earhart)

I’m thankful for our community. Not just The Ruby community, which I love, but the entire LA improv/sketch comedy community. You’re all so constantly, consistently silly and fun to be around. Thank you for being the best kind of family I could ever choose.
-Dwayne Colbert (Short Stop)

When you wake a cat and it makes that noise. Like “mmrph?” That.
-Sara Ghaleb (The ‘Burbs)

SO grateful for: Lip balm and lotion.
-Kimberly Truong (The Vanities)

Dogs with instagram accounts!
-Laura Breen (Splash)

In 100 years, more people will know the names of today’s artists than its politicians.
-Zach Tabacco (KAREN)

Ok – mine is every time The Rock posts his cheat meals on Instagram. It’s like 17 plates of sushi or cookies just for him. Very aspirational.
-Becky Feldman (Earhart)

I am grateful for being stable enough to finally start pursuing what I really want to do. Mainly, ombre, drop crotch pants, italian granite and other slightly passeé trends.
-Jacky Tran (Splash)

The fact that dogs haven’t let us down yet.
-Santosh Reddy (The Vanities)

CAFFEINE.
-Raymond Lew (Branzino)

Lindsey Barrow, who is super cool. I wrote this for real. She didn’t fake it, but she probably faked all the other ones that say Lindsey Barrow.
-Erich Eilenberger (Money Pit)

There’s nothing I can say here to defend myself.
-Lindsey Barrow (Money Pit & KAREN)

Patricia Villetto is one of our favorite people. Not only is she on improv team Aeroplane, directing sketch team The Vanities, and an amazing teacher (just ask her last class), but she is also a v. v. talented writer.
Patricia was the head writer for DreamworksTV’s sketch show, OMG and is currently working for Man of Action on Ben 10 Reboot and Screechers Wild. She’s can also be found working on the upcoming Adult Swim show Tigtone. Below she shares with us where she does most of her writing – her desk!

What thing do you HAVE to have to start writing / working?

Coffee! Preferable in my oversized Dollywood mug.

What’s your favorite thing in your desk area and why?

I always keep a can of Play-Doh on my desk. One of the owners of Titmouse, Shannon Prynoski introduce me to this. It’s like a stress ball that still makes you feel like a kid.

What is a just punishment for people who steal pens?

No punishment I hope, since most of my pens have a hotel or company logo on it I assume I’ve stolen all of them.

Thanks Patricia! To start writing that pilot with Patricia, register here!

Caitlin Durante (The Bechdel Cast on the Stuff You Should Know network) and Samee Junio (Historical Roast and also runner of The Ruby Tone Radio Podcast network) know a thing or two about being buds and podcasting.

These two buds might have a lot in common, but murder podcasts are not one of those things.

Will there ever be a limit to the amount of murder podcasts in the world? And if so, when will we know we’ve hit that limit?

Samee: The limit of one has been surpassed.
Caitlin: As Lindsay Lohan always says: the limit does not exist.

If a murderer broke in during a murder podcast recording, who would make a podcast about it? (this is more of a philosophical question)

Samee: Midroll.
Caitlin: The ghosts of the people who were murdered during the recording, and it would be released on a network called “Wearwolf”.

Samee – why is Caitlin the best person to have on your side when surrounded by a gang of roving teens?
Caitlin – why is Samee the best?

Samee: Caitlin has a mean right hook
Caitlin: Samee has a mean right hook

Thanks ya’ll!