I try to do this every six months or so. I’ve now logged over 700 posts (12 really good ones) since I started this blog in November of 2005. And I plan to continue posting something new every day.
But from time to time I ask my readers, especially new readers, to go from lurkers to one-time commenters – saying where you’re from, how you found this blog, what you’d like to see more of or less of, etc. So after you’ve called Jerry with a pledge because you were so moved by the Neil Diamond impersonator, I hope you’ll check in here.
Thanks much.
And speaking of kids (and labor), Bridget Moynahan delivered New England Patriots Quarterback, Tom Brady’s baby last week. A boy. Tom knocked her up and then split. I was really hoping Bridget would name Tom’s new son, Peyton.
Again, thanks for participating... if you do.
196 comments :
I guess he never saw those old Army training films, "Put it on before you put it in."
Sure. Today's my birthday, so it's like fate. Or coincidence. Or unconnected entirely.
I'm a recent grad grad from CT originally but just moved out to the Valley (or Diet LA, as I like to call it) via cross-country drive. I found the blog through the screenwriting blogochain of cause-and-effect (John August, Jane Espenson, Alex Epstein, etc., etc.) and I'm really enjoying it. I think an interesting post might be how you'd go about starting out if you were in my shoes, at this time and place. Other than that, keep on rocking.
I found your blog by tapping my foot three times in a Minneapolis airport men's room... but I'm not gay and I have never been gay... not that there's anything wrong with that!!
Either that or the TV Squad site a few years ago...
Keep rockin' Ken!
I'm in Plano TX (north of Dallas). I found your blog some time ago via Lee Goldberg, not after you sold out and got popular. :-)
Honestly, some of the script rehashes turn me off, but it's not a big deal to click away to something else. I figure it's your blog and you'll write what you want to. I enjoy it. Thanks!
I'm a 42 year old comic book writer & publisher in Thousand Oaks, California. I've got my own blog of TV reviews and related commentary. I found this blog from a link on Mark Evanier's blog -- I think the first thing that really caught my eye was the guest-blogs on the creation of Frasier.
Personally, I'd like more behind-the-sitcom-scene stuff, and your thoughts on what works on various show (not American Idol!) and less of the here's-a-YouTube-clip-not- posted-by-the-copyright-holder stuff.
About Tom and Bridget - the baby was conceived at the end of November (it was born at the end of August). The papers announced Tom and Bridget's split the first week of December. It's pretty obvious that Tom didn't know about the pregnancy before the breakup. It's also very suspicious that Bridget managed to go for the first three years of their relationship without getting pregnant, yet suddenly conceived as their relationship was coming to an end.
I came to this blog because it was mentioned by John Rogers, and since the record indicates that took place on December 11, 2005 I can't be called a new reader. And I've read it ever since, so clearly what you've been doing is fine by me.
Hiya,
I'm a entertainment starved female from Sydney, Australia. I have absolutely no idea how I stumbled across your blog, but I love it. After retelling stories from your blog so many times to my husband, I sat him down, told him who you were, and told him to remember your name, because i was going to keep talking to him about you.
I have no interset in screen writing or baseball, but you somehow bring it all together with your great storytelling ability in a way that has be checking your blog every day (that might also have something to do with the 'joys' of being an engineer).
Thanks for the laughter, and for introducing me to Jack Benny.
Longtime lurker, first-time caller. Wilmette, IL, though I work in Evanston, and always dug your posts from there. Have no idea how I found the blog. Lance Mannion may've been involved. But I can say how it was cemented in my memory. One night I was watching and MASH rerun and exclaimed, "Hey, it's that blog guy!" Since then, I've kept hitting the bookmark. Maybe you should hype yourself as "first blogger on TV"...
Hi! I found you via Jane Espenson: my shero. I read her blog every day without fail. And now, I read you every day too. You're winning at this point because you post EVERY DAY, where as Jane occassionally sits one out.
I am an aspiring TV/Feature film writer. I don't care about sports but I'm fine with you liking it. I'd love for you to share more of your insights on TV writing, your process, what you like on TV and why, and anything positive you have to share about your craft. I'm new and it's SO easy to find the bitter, jaded perspectives and it's SO refreshing to hear someone talk about their passion...with PASSION.
I think you're doing a great job and you offer a great service to other writers. Well done.
Ken,
I found out about your blog from an old gypsy woman who was trying to kill me.
She chased me for hours, and eventually got the best of me in an epic battle of fisticuffs.
Just as she was about to slit my throat, I said, "Please don't, I'm a writer."
With a bewildered look on her face, she asked, "Like Ken Levine?"
That night, after we made love, I went and Googled your name as the Gypsy basked in afterglow.
The rest, as they say, is history.
I've been lurking ever since.
- Crash
I found your blog through Alex Epstein's Complications Ensue. That day is now considered a holiday in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada (I think it replaced St Patricks Day)
I vaguely remember hearing about the blog on one of your guest shots doing color for the Seattle Mariners.
I ran across it in some comic book web discussion board.
I heard about it a third time from Jon Rogers' blog.
Three times. Somebody was trying to tell me something...
Dude from Seattle... heard of you first as an M's broadcaster.. thanks alot for bringing on the nine game loosing streak by filling in for Dave in Texas.. Can't you work for the Angels for a while and let us win? What did Seattle ever do to you? Don't we deserve some good times? :-) Did they not let you write for Fraiser? No good enough for (hang on here a minute, I'm trying to think here) any other show set in Seattle that lasted more than one season?
Cheers ...
I'm in Dover, Del. because someone has to be and found you through the TV Squad site.
I'm not a lurker; I'm a stalker. From CT, a decade in NorCal, now stuck in the infertile wasteland of Phoenix.
I'm YASM [Yet Another Spec Monkey] trying to break into the biz. But y'all know that. I've been pimping Ken's Sitcom Room for weeks.
Greets from London: found you by Googling 'Cheers script'. You'll never guess why. I feel like Kirby to your Frasier.
I've been on board almost since you got started and this is only my second post. I'm a grad student at the Savannah College of Art and Design in the Film and Television program. I don't remember how I found this blog, but as soon as did I got the department chair hooked on it (his background is in sitcoms too). I'm not interested in sitcom writing myself, but I sure love reading about it; I wouldn't change a thing. :)
I'm from Vancouver, BC and I've been reading silently every day since Raymond Chen wrote about your blog back in January of this year - hmm, I thought it had been longer than that! Anyway, I enjoy every post but your your Cheers and MASH stories stand out even though I was very young during the former's first run and not yet born during the latter's. I'm constantly surprised by your high post frequency. Excellent blog.
Dave checking in from Seattle.
I originally found the blog through an old TV Squad post. I stuck with it for the regular wit.
Keep the anecdotes coming!
This summer has been pretty damn hot nationwide. We just finished about three straight weeks of 100+ temps here in Atlanta, and the last time it got above 95 was years ago. You guys still have it good in LA, though. 95 and dry isn't a big deal. And let's face it, you'll be back to "78 and sunny" in no time!
Hi. I can't remember where I found your blog - I think it was a list of writer-bloggers, and didn't immediately figure out
They don't do Labor Day over here in Dublin (Ireland), so it's a good thing that I have a few days off before I start university, as an "immature student". Still, have a great one, and be careful to avoid any, like, Labor.
Staffan from Stockholm, Sweden. I came here through Mark Evaniers blog a couple of times and then added it to my regular reading.
New Yorker living and chilling in Valencia Spain.
I do not know how I found the blog but I think it was through Hoffmania or Lance Mannion.
Me gustan mucho tus cuentas de Mash y besbol.
Gracias por todo
I'm a TV writer from Valencia, Spain who's also writing a comic book blog named Culpable y Perdedor (add dot com here).
I've particularly enjoyed your works along the years and found out you had a blog net surfing here and there...
Yes, naming the child "Peyton" would have been funny, but the real name isn't that far off if you look hard. John Edward Thomas Moynahan. J - E - T. Remind you of a team in the Patriots' division? Where Belichick was the coach for about an hour and a half? Subtle, but effective.
I'm not sure where I found your blog. I think it may have been Jane Espenson, or another TV blog. But after the first visit it was added to the feed read. I like the mix of "insidery" TV commentary, with the occasional dollop of sports. If I had to make a request about "more" or "less," I'd want more of your opinions on today's TV writing (both sitcoms and dramas). What's good, what's not, what works, what you appreciate, what you wish you had written -- that kind of stuff.
Hello from West Lafayette, IN. I found this site linked on the Bike Riding Donut Guy blog.
Just keep doing what you're doing.
I'm a former television staffer who returned to a first career as a comic book artist and writer after losing my last job--and never looked back.
My attorney--another show business junkie--turned me on to the blog--and it's a daily read along with Wolcott, Lance Mannion, Newcritics, and a few others.
I love your opinion pieces, particularly when they jibe with mine--and when they don't, I can live with it, since I ascribe to the Eldridge Cleaver(Ward's younger smarter brother) quote, "Too much agreement spoils a chat."
I don't give a damn about reality TV, or sports, so I can skip those posts--but it's your corner of the world--and who cares what I think of two things that obviously obsess so much of the rest of humanity.
Thanks for your kind attention.
Hi, found you through Jane Espensons blog, with the very good "how to intervieuw a celebrity" blog. Liked it, and was a diehard fan of MASH when I was 12-14, here in Holland. Live in Amsterdam, the netherlands, am 35 years old and total movie and tv serie junkie.
Attempting to write myself, but yeah.. the discipline.
Keep up the nice writing!
Grtz
Magiel
I'm a playwright and aspiring screenwriter who recently relocated from Chicago to Los Angeles. I probably found you through one of the other blogging tv writers - Lee Goldberg or Jane Espenson. The thing I really like about your blog is that you don't have to limit it to tv and movies to keep it interesting and funny It keeps me checking in close to every day. That said, I do tend to skim the travel blogs and altogether skip anything related to AMERICAN IDOL.
Hi Ken,
Jan from Rockford, Illinois here. I first was linked to your blog by Mo Ryan of the Tribune--the "how to interview a celebrity" posting, and I've been hooked ever since. Really enjoyed the Jack Benny clips; I'd forgotten how great he was. And a couple of other favorites were the wickedly funny fall movie previews and the movie etiquette postings. I think everyone has something to agree with in the latter. Going back to some older postings--which I now discover I need to read--I loved the greatest comedy movies one, but I was desolated to find that no one mentioned "The Court Jester," which I think is one of the funniest movies of all time, or "All At Sea," another Ealing comedy unfortunately not available on DVD. I hated it the first few times I saw it when it was on rotation on Chicago TV years ago, but the more I saw it, the funnier I thought it was. Those two have to be my top two. Anyway, now I'm a faithful reader and check the blog every day. Thanks, Mo.
iqcrash is bound to make it as a writer -- his gypsy woman story had me on the floor.
I've been lurking since Day One, 'cause you emailed me and said you were starting a blog. I haven't missed a morning, and your ability to not miss one either amazes me on a daily basis.
GM
Richard, from Averill Park New York (a little east of Albany). Found the blog from a link from James Wolcott. Would like to see more news about the Jerry Lewis Telethon.
A couple of years back, I picked up a copy of our book, ITS GONE..NO...WAIT A MINUTE..(you are welcome for the plug)on the bargain table at a Barnes & Noble (or was it Boarders? Who can tell the difference?), as I was a CHEERS/MASH fan and recognozed your name. I, of course, enjoyed it (I like to call it BALL FOUR Lite btw..), and did my usual thing of Googling your name, and have been hooked ever since!
btw...In your book, your were SO miserable when you could not be with your daughter on her 5th birthday - I am ASSUMING you were able to find time to be with her for #21....
me -> Google Reader -> Raymond Chen -> you -> ... -> Kevin Bacon.
I live in the mountains of North Carolina. I also heard about your blog from Raymond Chen, the Microsoft programmer. I love the stories about what it was like writing and working on on shows like Mash, Cheers, etc. Things like where ideas came from and what the actors were like. I also like the great TV moments you post.
Thanks, Brian
I cam across a link to your blog from some post on tv squad. The author of that post was commenting on how funny your blog was, and I'm always on the lookout for funny so I checked it out. I did laugh, and subscribed to it and have been keeping up everyday. I'm a software developer in Oklahoma City, so sometimes I find I'm not as into the writers stuff that you post. I'm a big baseball fan so I've really enjoyed your commentary on baseball related topics.
I'm trying to remember just how I came across your blog, but I can't specifically recall; however, I'm guessing it came from something sitcom-related, because I've always been a fan of the genre. Even tried creating one, about a guy who's a sitcom writer and also a witch (imagine blending the whimsy of "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch" with the sophistication of "Frasier"...well, that was my goal). Wrote six sample episodes, but have found no takers. Your ties to baseball and Top 40 radio are also a plus.
BTW, I just turned 52 and live about 30 miles south of Washington, D.C.
Keep up the great work.
i'm in ky. found you through huffpo. so glad i did. your iraq post today was brilliant and sad.
From Charlotte, NC. Age 72. Followed some link to find your blog. I've been a student of television since those "golden years," which weren't so golden. Wait. Compared to today's trash, maybe they were. Whatever happened to the luscious Miss Travis?
Love the behind the camera stories.
Ken,
I'm a 51 year old male from Laurel MD. I've been a fan ever since you were an Orioles announcer and I discovered you wrote for Cheers. (I found about MASH later.)
Not to be a suck up, but I can;t pick anything I'd like to see more of, as it would take away space from something else. I enjoy your descriptions as much as the subject matter.
Peyton, Jr. would have been even better
I live in Bellevue, WA and have been reading your blog for most of 2007. I found out about it from Raymond Chen and I enjoy pretty much everything you write. I had never given the process of writing screenplays much thought before but you have changed that.
Another fan from Seattle who remembers your time as an announcer here. I don't remember how I came across your blog, but I've been reading faithfully (and un-faithfully on some occassions) for eight or nine months.
Keep it up.
Found your blog through Defamer. (or was it The Superficial?) Been reading ever since. Not interested in baseball at all. Love the showbiz stories and homages. Agree with you on most things and entertainment choices. (BTW go see "Death at a Funeral." It is hilarious. A classic deadroom farce)
Glad you decided to do this and envy your commitment. I could never post as regularly as you.
Oh, and BTW, Lee Goldberg is an untalented hack.
I don't remember how I found you blog, but I absolutely LOVE it!
I especially enjoy the insights into how life was when you first started getting into showbiz (when you first got started writing and pitching ideas, etc.). I really enjoy reading about a perspective that otherwise I would have no insight into.
I also get a kick out of your sense of humor. The one-liners, the sarcasm, the appreciation of "old school" humor, etc. I just wish I could remember half of what you say sometimes for later "homage" (read: stealing). :)
Let me ask you this: when you write a scene, monologue, or sketch, do you tend to develop the ideas first then write the sketch (like a funny situation, then come up with the lines), or do you tend to think of some funny lines about a situation and then write the sketch around that? I am thinking it's more one than the other. :)
Thanks again for a sometimes insightful and always entertaining blog!
(PS damn these comment captchas are HARD to read sometimes!)
Found you through Lee Goldberg who I met at ThrillerFest '06 drinking beer in the middle of a freaking desert while it was 106 degrees (could also possibly have been either a mirage or the DTs, I suppose); currently residing in New Mexico 'cause that's where I was seduced by a margarita - and a Margarita - when my car broke down while trekking to Los Angeles about eight years ago with a huge stack of spec scripts in a suitcase (which was somehow stolen while Edwardo the certifiable mechanic was twiddling some other tourista's lugnuts); love your war stories about the golden age of network sitcoms, circa 1975-2000 A.D., which I am currently using as the bible for my spec script about an itinerant wannabe sitcom writer who's scripts (inside lost luggage) mysteriously arrive in Hollywood a decade before he does, become a hit show, gets canceled in a dubious copyright scandal with Aaron Sorkin (don't ask), and makes millions in worldwide syndication. By the time the waylaid, disshelved and drunken wannabe sitcom writer arrives in Hollywood, he's a legendary has-been embroiled in a posthumous lawsuit regarding unpaid royalties to Aaron Sorkin (don't ask). It's a helluva ride, a cross between THE SLUMS OF BEVERLY HILLS and DOWN AND OUT IN BEVERLY HILLS and the BEVERLY HILLBILLIES.
Somebody stop me...
Thank you all so much for checking in.
And Robert, we come up with premise of scenes and shows first. Funny lines come last.
I found your blog through one of the other pro blogs.
I'm Canadian and working on becoming a screenwriter, writing/directing my first short, in a couple weeks.
I find your blog entertaining and informative. I've linked to your posts, many times.
I'm a long-time New Yorker (Brookyn division, these days) but native-born Angelino.
I forget which other site mentioned it (metafilter?), but it was your Sorkin-does-baseball piece that got me here.
The LA stuff is particularly fun for me. Your piece on the Hollywood Christmas parade made me a daily visitor.
See ya tomorrow.
Looking forward to your piece on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon...which has now become a real life SCTV bit! A truly amazing show!!
My other favorite is the Chabad House Telethon...where each year you get to see Jerry Weintraub yelling for money (doesn't he do that every day?), Jon Voight pretending to be a Jew and groups of young Hassidics (complete with flying pais!)doing their best Yidlick breakdancing! Any chance of reviewing that also? By the way, years back Johhny Carson and Fred DeCordova would be fascinated by this telethon, talking to each other over the phone and commenting on it while the show was on. It's the best ... and you know every comedy writer in town is glued to their sets while it is on!
well, i wasn't going to comment until i read everyone slagging your American Idol posts. i love those, well except for the Haley Scarnato pics. i can't remember how i found your site, something entertainment related probably. i currently live in Corsica, a little island south of France, west of Italy...or as most people know it: birthplace of the vertically-challenged Napoleon.
I got here last year by way of Jon Swift to Lance Mannion to Ken Levine links. Hooked by the linked post, read all archives, daily reader since.
Not in the entertainment business in any way, but enjoy clever writing (that includes most of your commenters' comments).
I found your blog through Jim Henshaw's Legion of Decency. I'd always wanted to write a movie but after trying really really extra special hard for a couple of hours, nothing happened. This is hard, I thought to myself. So I became an actor. Now all I have to do is say: can I change my line a bit? That's much easier.
Born and raised in upstate New York, I've lived in San Jose, CA for almost 25 years.
I have no earthly idea how I found your blog, which puts it on a par with every other website I regularly visit.
you can thank
poormansversion.blogspot.com
for my daily hit on your counter.
this new yorker in la exile loves the insight and really hopes to join 'the sitcom room' this november.
True story...condensed version.
When I was about 14 years old I lived on Long Island, attended a summer camp (my mom MADE me go). There was male counselor I had a little crush on by the name of Ian Gurvitz. I'm guessing he was brainy quirky and neurotic (just my type), but frankly all I remember is the name.
Fast forward many years. I watch Wings, and wonder if the executive producer is the one and the same. Fast forward again. I am reading "You're Lucky You're Funny" by Phil Rosenthal, search for reviews of it on this very same Internet, and in the process come across your blog. I also discover that it is in fact the one and the same Ian Gurvitz.
Kvelling ensues. End of story.
Found you through Alex Epstein, probably. Might have been one of the other screenbloggers. I read you from Toronto, Canada. I enjoy the American Idol snark, and am not too ashamed to admit it. Keep posting, please. :)
Hi Ken,
Love your blog and especailly your sense of humor. I found you through Bean Baxter's blog who has since retired from blogging.
I'm not a television insider although I have friends who are, I just enjoy how you say the things I only allow myself to think.
Jill from Mission Viejo
Here's another fascinating coincidence. I used to work in Lee Goldberg's uncle's law office in Seattle.
I found your blog through Larry Shannon and Claude Hall, and I love your recounts of MASH, Frasier, and Cheers stories. THose are my favorites, but I love most all of your writing (except recaps of the Oscars).
Since I'm a wannabe writer, I'd like to see more behind-the-scenes posts. You've worked on some of the biggest shows of all time. It's fascinating to read about life in those writer's rooms.
I also enjoy reading about your journeys around Hollywoodland. The night you were in the American Idol audience, and they cut to Sanjaya's sister, I commented to my girlfriend, "I wonder if you can see Ken Levine in that shot." It was just a joke... until I read your blog the next day and found out that I could, in fact, see Ken Levine in that shot. Stuff like that is very enjoyable to use poseurs.
I stumbled into your blog via a story at Salon, I think, about your dispute with Aaron Sorkin over Studio 60. You make me laugh so I was hooked afterwards.
I live and work in the dry bit of New Orleans and have, like half of the rest of the people on the planet-a blog called Adrastos.
If Aaron Sorkin wrote a baseball show brought me to this page. Couldn't have been more perfectly executed. I thought his seasons of west wing were excellent, but what the hell was studio 60? More: "if aaron sorkin wrote a ____ ," because you mock him better than anyone else, and it's funy when he's angry. Less: Idol coverage. I know it will never happen, but you seem so much better than that schlock. ugh.
I'm Sunny, originally from Memphis, Tennessee, but currently studying TV at Columbia College Chicago. I found your blog through Alex Epstein's I believe, but it has been about six months, and now I've lost track. I have really enjoyed your movie reviews and reflections on older shows. I'd love to read more of some of your not picked up pilots, especially the Las Vegas one. That was hilarious.
Beth from Seattle here. Mostly a lurker, sometime commenter. I'm working on a story right now, with CNN in the background. I will be watching 'The Closer' marathon soon. Happy Labor Day to all!
In Newfoundland, Canada. Found your blog through an Entertainment Weekly link to your Sopranos ending entry. I enjoy reading it... rarely watch video links though.
I'm Dennis Morgan. I visited your blog after a friend informed me of your tribute to the late KHJ (Boss Radio) deejay Frank Terry. Frank was my good pal and songwriting partner. Thanx for that...
And I discovered the great Ken Levine!
I plan to visit often (loved the movie etiquette piece).
I didn't remember where I first saw a link to your blog, but looking through the comments, someone mentioned Raymon Chen's blog, and that's more than likely how I got here as well. I love reading inside stuff about the movie / TV industry, and MASH, Cheers, and Frasier are among my favourite TV shows. AND I like baseball. I love your sense of humour (which is probably why I loved those shows so much), and I've even linked to your blog in mine - the line "Las Vegas truly is Chuck E. Cheese for adults" was so bang-on, I had to blog it myself.
I'm in Waterdown, Ontario, Canada. Happy Labour Day!
Love your blog. I've been reading it for about a year and really enjoy the entries that provide some insight to the behind the scenes stuff in the entertainment industry.
Also, being a big baseball fan, I've enjoyed listening to you fill in on a couple of the Seattle Mariners broadcasts this summer. I even purchased (and thoroughly enjoyed) a copy of your book about your time as a Baltimore Orioles broadcaster with Jon Miller.
I live on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride west of Seattle WA.
I'm just an ordinary kid from Connecticut, currently a junior in college in the middle of nowhere, Pennsylvania. I'm an amateur filmmaker (which sounds like an incredibly pretentious thing to say) and a self-proclaimed geek-of-all-trades. Clicking random links from one blog to the next one day eventually led me here, and I recognized your name from the credits of some of my favorite episodes of M*A*S*H, Cheers, and Frasier. So, I stuck around, reading almost every day, and was consistently amused.
I actually found the site by doing a google search to see if you'd written any other books besides Hey... Wait a Minute, which I love and actually re-read periodically.
Hey there, from the very Northern Philly 'burbs. I've been an almost-daily visitor to your blog for long enough that I can't remember when I first started reading. I believe I originally linked over here from a post in the Cheers forum on Television Without Pity ("TWoP"); I was hooked from that first reading, and now I can't quit you. :-)
I'm a 46 YO wife/mom/workerbee in a corporate field unrelated to your own, but I really enjoy the information and insights (and the snark) that you so faithfully deliver. My own job entails a lot of writing (of a very different ilk) and I have a lot of respect/admiration for how easy you make it look (since I know it's not!) I was a mass communications major way back in college(Temple U.) - when they still offered a "radio-tv-film" concentration - along with a lot of folks who made their way to LA after graduation; I've always been interested in the goings-on within the film and tv industries.
Likes/dislikes regarding your blog? I'm among what I keep telling myself is a silent majority who greatly enjoys your Idol missives. LOVE the "behind the scenes" stuff from your days on M*A*S*H, Cheers, and MTM, as well as tales of your not-quite-so-successful forays. I enjoy any tidbits you have to offer along the way about your "writing process", and I find it fascinating to read about the roads and detours you've taken as you've built your career. Reader comments are one of the unexpected perks of your blog; I really enjoy reading the comments of others who come here, and I'm impressed at what a consistently literate, funny, intelligent following you've amassed.
I think it would be very cool if you'd institute a periodic (maybe once every week or two) "Ask Ken"-type post, where you use this space to respond to reader questions that aren't too arcane, personal, or just plain wacko. Maybe rather than basing that blog post on entries in the comments section, you could set up an email addy specifically for this purpose (and, thus, weed out the detritus ahead of time!)
I'm not so much into the baseball posts, and I rarely watch the videos (not through any sense of obligation toward or indignation for the residual-less folks who own the clips, I just don't tend to watch them). The periodic travelogues tend to be hit-or-miss with me. I'm not as big a fan of Gleason or Benny as you are, although I appreciate the new insights you've provided about those talented guys. BUT I'd read a shopping list if you wrote it, so there's really not much you could do to dissuade me from reading your blog.
Many thanks for providing such a consistently interesting and entertaining touchpoint for my days, Ken - hope you're enjoying
the holiday weekend!
Found your blog as a link from another writing site, The Artful Writer.
You provide writers such as myself a great service, Ken, the blogs have been a mini-course in writing. Still, I always hope you'll write a book that combines your old war stories with advice on how to do it right. There are so many writers of how-to books who haven't done one percent of your stuff, but they sell DVDs and hold seminars.
From SD. Started reading you via Jane Espenson. Would like to see more new posts, rather than reposts (even when they are reposts of awesome previous entries). Didn't start reading you until last October, but have read everything since the start of the blog.
You want some "shout-ins"? I'm still reading everyday Ken, and love the e-mailed travelogues. I'm in my 18th month in Vegas working a show at Bally's that I stupidly thought would run only three weeks.
The best part of Vegas is not the big name headliner shows, rather that the town is the "Hollywood and Vine" for every B-list (and below) performer ever... last week I saw Trini Lopez and Ron Dante as well as hooked up with old friend Alan O'Day. And next weekend I'm set to see Sammy Shore. And look, Marty Allen is due back soon!
I'm looking forward to your Jerry Lewis MDA post-mortem. The show looks so sad (or my Prozac dose is so low) that I'm not even going to make the 5 mile trip down the strip to visit.
From Dallas, where I attended Ken's talk at the Dallas Screenwriters Association. It's long been important to me not to catch even one frame of Jerry's Telethon. Sort of like Groundhog Day, only with a much bigger shadow and worse emotional consequences.
I live in L.A. and I can't remember how I found this blog because I'm dying of heatstroke.
My last wish is to read your views on why the power grid broke, right when we needed it the most.
Side note to iqcrash: Your post was fascinating!
Your info says you are 30 years old. But you couldn't run faster than an OLD gypsy woman? Who then caught you and beat you up? All of which led to a night of passion? (Remember, you said yourself she was OLD.)
Don't get me wrong. I'm happy for her. I happen to be an old gypsy myself. I found the whole story very inspiring.
I wish you great success as a writer!
Geez, I feel like a clone of "45 is the new 30" except I'm in the DC suburbs, and I found my way here from the Studio 60 boards at TWoP.
45/30 pretty much summed up how I feel about the blog, and I'm left with little to add. I will just say that many of my best memories of childhood involve TV (that doesn't sound too pathetic, does it?), and some of the best of those involve watching MTM.
I'm probably one of your few readers who have nothing to do with the entertainment industry and have no desire to be a comedy, drama, or TV writer, producer or director. My career, through numerous twists and turns, has led me into a life as a counter-terrorim expert and consultant working for the government, and I basically do in real life what Jack Bauer does on TV (minus the guns, all the excitment and the beautiful women).
Now you might ask how and why someone like me reads your blog, which I never miss. It might have something to do with the fact that we've been friends since college and after a few e-mails from you, several years ago, mentioning your blog, I figued I'd better check it out and learn just what a blog is.
The fact that I don't want to be a TV writer doesn't mean I don't want to write. I just submitted my second book on biological terrorism to the publisher and I'm already working on my third.
And I'd be very surprised if anyone read this entry all the way at the bottom.
Alaskaray (but not in Alaska anymore)
I'm a wife and mother living in South Jersey (a world of its own, for better or worse)and I've been reading your blog for about a month now. For the life of me, I can't remember exactly how I found your blog---it was one of those labyrinthine exercises where I started at one blog and clicked on that blogger's favorite links, then someone else's and so on and so on. I finally ended up here---consider yourself bookmarked!
I have no suggestions for your blog; I like it just the way it is. I love your writing style and laidback humor and wit. Keep up the good work!
I'm Doug, a 31 year old videogame strategy guide writer in Snoqualmie, WA (60+ published books! Whoo-hoo!) and I found your blog because I was logging in to Blogspot to post on my own site and saw your blog's name in the "Blogs of Note" list. Now, this is where it gets funny. At the time (two months ago) I was working on the official guidebook for the upcoming videogame BioShock and the game's lead designer is also named Ken Levine. I clicked the link thinking that it was his developer diary, but I found you instead. Being a fan of good television and the Mariners, I felt compelled to start reading and well, after a half dozen posts or so, you were assigned button #4 on my keyboard's Favorites buttons. Thanks for the daily entertainment!
Would you like trade links to increase both of ours site's traffic? My site is http://jaysmoney.blogspot.com
If would like to, post my link then comment me back or contact me at greeksmoney@yahoo.com and i will post yours on my site under "Related Sites" or "Supporters" as a permanent link.
I would appreciate the help as my site is relatively new and could use the help to increase traffic.
I found my way here from Johan Roger's blog and make it a regular destination during my blog perusing hours (what everyone generally refers to as the Work Week).
When Stan Daniels passed away (Spring?) a lot of the obituaries mentioned "The Stan Daniels Turn" without much elaboration so I googled it to see what I could find out. You'd posted something nice about him so I followed the link and have been checking in ever since, enjoying it very much.
Not long after I began reading you posted a story about being locked out in the alley after you'd won an Emmy. Within a few weeks of that post, I was part of a team that won a Daytime Emmy for writing. After being on stage they sent us down a series of corridors to get out pictures taken and whatnot and all I could think about was your anecdote. I kept warning the other writers to look out.
Thanks for the blog!
Im matthew, im actually from germany.
I found your blog over your very funny aaron sorkin which was linked at a movereviewside and kinde never stopped reading it.
i think i found the blog thru james wolcott, but not sure....i used to work in TV (at ICM and Castle Rock) but went to business school and never looked back.....still i have friends in the business - at The Simpsons, among other sitcoms. I still love a lot about the business and talented people so I enjoy your blog - except for the stuff about American Idol, which I skip right over.
Hi, greetings from sunny southern Spain. I can't remember for my life how I put you in my bloglines, but I have had found myself more than once laughing out loud reading your posts. M.A.S.H was actually pretty big in Spain back in the days and I have fond memories of the whole family watching it. Un saludo!
Hi, not sure how I came across, be it Lee Goldberg (possibly), TV Squad (maybe) or some other source (most likely). But I have enjoyed every post since finding the site. Regarding the JL Telethon I made an appearance on a San Diego affiliate many years ago as a firefighter presenting a few bucks (via large faux check) to Harold Green who is now a Los Angeles news anchor.
Not sure if you will ever get to the bottom of this list to read all of these but please keep up the funny funny and quite informative blogs.
Richard
Both Alan Sepinwall and Maureen Ryan's recommendations led me here. I'm a writer/editor based in Chicago who spends too much time on the Internet. I work for a nonprofit by day as a communications specialist, but it's an interesting nonprofit and I get a lot of free books out of it.
My favorite posts are your travelogues. They're really funny and they do a great job of capturing a place from an outsider's perspective without being condescending. I like your posts about the industry and all that, too, but I would read a book of your travelogues. And pay for it!
Cheers from Adelaide, South Australia - can't recall exactly, but it was probably Mark Evanier's blog that led me here.
I think I found this site either through TVSquad or from TelevisionWithoutPity. (I can't remember which came first.) I live in Grandville, MI, which is a nice, quiet city right outside of Grand Rapids. I am currently enrolled as a Journalisms and Communications major, because two degrees sound more powerful than one. (And yet, I don't want to work hard to get two, so I chose two in the same department and school of thought.)
I currently have no plans to get into the TV biz, unless I can get a job as a showbiz reporter. (If so, Prozac may be the only thing that will keep me sane!) I enjoy the blog as it is. I like the diversity of episode reviews, odd tangents and behind-the-scenes retrospectives. This is one of the first sites I check out every day and can't stand it when you go more than a day without a new post. (I mean that in a good, non-stalker-ish way, promise!)
I'm a 36 year old Software Engineer in Las Vegas, who watches too many movies. I think I've been reading your blog for about 6 months and I can't for the life of me remember how I stumbled across it. I'm sure that someone must have linked to it, but I've got no clue who. Regardless, I've been reading your stuff ever since.
I'm in Van Nuys, via Albany NY. Been out here for 20 years now, and know people who may have worked alongside you. Love the baseball stories, count me as one of those who didn't know your background as an announcer. Also love the behind the scenes info on Cheers. (I was in the audience for one show, "Feeble Attraction.")
Not so big on your Idol posts, I can't stand that show. Found your blog either through Bean Baxter or Sepinwall. I don't check in every day, I come by maybe once a week and catch up on all your posts. I really love your dedication to blogging and story-telling.
Wolcot listed you, and I DO.NOT.ARGUE.WITH.WOLCOTT. Anyway, I love baseball, Mash, Cheers, Frasier, etc. and am in genteel retirement down here in Sunny Florida, with nothing better to do. Don't change a thing. The insider stuff is great as well as some of the stuff that ended up on the cutting room floor (I recall your take on "Arthur," and had to go get the movie again).
Hi Ken -
I'm a writer based out of Dallas, and was pleased to meet you at the Dallas Screenwriter's Association.
I heard about your blog from Rob Long's "Martini Shot" radio program from KCRW. It gets downloaded weekly to my computer thanks to the power of the internet.
I particularly like the screenplay and teleplay snippets you post.
-RT
Hiya Ken. I've been checking in for over a year now from Cascadia and have passed the link on to many friends. Great blog and I applaud your work ethic.
Fan of MASH, Cheers, Frasier, Simpsons, so I love the anecdotes.
My kids, under 13, are big on syndicated Frasier and Simpsons. When I see an episode you've written and start telling them about the blog and they tell me to shut up and watch the show, well, it just warms my heart.
Good job.
hi. i'm the cajun boy. i live in new york city at present but am originally from louisiana(obvs!). i found your blog after a tv writer friend recommended it to me, along with a few other tv writing related blog sites as i am about to enter that realm. i recently reached a deal with warner brothers and jinks/cohen productions to develop a tv show that my best friend and i conceived in which the lead male character is a blogger.
we'll see how that all works out. fingers crossed.
ps...i had also seen you previously on huffpo.
After 97 folks who came in from all over, I am surprised to find that I am the first to come here from Reelradio.com. As a former minor league DJ, I read that site, and love to hear from guys like you who hit the bigs.
I am also a huge sitcom fan, and you were involved with the best of em. I love reading about the baseball stuff, and the travelogues, and want to strongly suggest that you keep up the great stuff on Idol. As a guy in my 60s with a daughter in her 20s, it's one thing we both watch faithfully, if only to have something to diss together. We both love the way you take that show apart.
All in all...I'm a real fan. Wouldn't change a thing. BTW, Im currently in Paradise, in NorCal.
I once aspired to be someone like Dan Hoard...to get mentioned on "The Simpsons"...but then I learned my dislike for hairy, bald men. Love your blog!
Jim Day
I was directed from your blog from Mark Evanier's site. Greetings from the middle of Missouri.
39 years old, from all around the Northeast, living in Brooklyn now, and Portland, ME for as often as I can. I've worked in most of the arts, but mainly direct, design, act and write for theatre now. Occasionally I work as a DP for film or video.
Don't remember which other blog led me to you . . . Wolcott? Espenson? Joshua James? John Rogers? One of them, probably.
Likes/dislikes? I dunno. There'd be no categories I could say I dislike, since you often write about things I'm uninterested in in a way that interests me, and if I'm not interested, I skip that one.
I think my favorite posts are the "behind-the-scenes" of writing for sitcoms. I'm interested in the craft of creating for a specific, structured form, and how to be new, interesting, or different within that structure.
Thanks for so many posts that make me laugh so hard my fiancee has to ask me what's so funny, and I have to read her the whole post aloud.
Found via the usual suspects. You're always funny and always entertaining... thx much.
Cincinnati here Ken and I came across your excellent blog from a link from Raymond Chen who is one of the hard core engineers at Microsoft that builds Windows. How's that for a weird segue? Anyways, I'd like to see more behind the scenes stuff on what happens in television production.
My name is Casey Vincent, I’m 21 years old, and from the small city of Lafayette, Colorado. You may have seen the Quaker commercials a few years back, as we are the proud founders of the Oatmeal Festival.
I am currently going to college at CU-Denver and seeking a recording arts degree. My hope is to break into the TV\Movie industry and mix\edit sound for a living (by the way, if you know of any internship…). I found your blog a few years back when it was linked from TV Squad. I started reading your blog every few days and once I also discovered your love for baseball I was completely hooked (hey, the Rockies will be good someday).
I really enjoy the blog, and the inside look at the TV industry. Keep it up Ken.
Was reading Alex Epstein's blog and finally looked at the rail... "Ken Levine is blogging?" Subscribed to the feed about five seconds later. Just a TV- and baseball-lovin' writer (but non-TV-writin') from Conn.
I'm also a writer and blogger in L.A.--although no where near as accomplished as you! I found you via Craig Mazin's Artful Writer I think...Your blog is definitely one of my favorites--I check in pretty much every day!
I love the behind the scenes reminiscences, but it's all good in my opinion. I like the script excerpts. And the snarky American Idol recaps. And even the sports related musings.
Thanks for it all!
found you via TV Squad...appreciate you humor and "behind the scenes" look of Hollywerid.
I'm not sure how I first found the blog, but I certainly knew your name from the classic TV you're partly responsible for (especially those great Simpsons episodes)... heard your old airchecks on ReelRadio... read your book... and wound up here.
Anyway, I'm a radio news anchor/reporter in Regina, Saskatchewan, and I've always enjoyed your work. Look forward to more!
Everyday reader, occasional commenter. Happy Labor Day! Greetings from sunny Seattle, where I just stumbled upon you one day, I hope it didn't hurt!.
Posting here from Melbourne, Australia, been reading your blog for a while now since it was mentioned on "The Old New Thing" - http://blogs.msdn.com/oldnewthing/archive/2007/01/10/1444816.aspx
I can't quite remember how I fell upon your wondrous site, I can only assume I found it among the other screenwriter's websites I read (Artful Writer, John August). I am born/raised in Las Vegas. Student of film, but not sure if i have the so called "balls" to make it, but I do love writing. Really enjoy all the posts and your view. Not so much with baseball, but hey, you can't win 'em all (or so I'm told). Thanks for the invitation to introduce myself. I will comment on regular posts soon. I promise.
note: your daughter and I have the same birthday. I felt as though the happy birthday sign was for me. SO thanks.
note 2- back for more: I'm on le book of face. Devon Byers be thy name.
I'm a baseball fan from Baton Rouge, LA. Would love to hear you call a game some time. I think your site was bookmarked by a baseball blog, but I don't remember which one. In any event, I enjoy reading your stuff and the comments from your readers. My blog is http://dadlak.blogspot.com.
45 Yr-old truck driver....save the jokes, heard 'em all...found this site thru Mark Evanier's link.
Daniel from Melbourne, Australia here. I think I might have come over after that first link at TV Squad as well. Love the baseball talk, can't wait to see WQrigely, Fenway and the rest.
Adam from Ottawa, Canada. Recovering radio producer, currently doing software development, with dreams of shooting a film.
I can't recall exactly how I found your blog... Perhaps via a link from Kung Fu Monkey?
Enjoying it thoroughly -- keep up the great writing!
Hi Ken... having a crazy weekend but wanted to let you know I'm still a regular reader who truly enjoys your writing.
Lurker turning poster here as requested. I'm a writer/director from rainy Ireland with my most successful work being in children's animation.
I adore sitcoms and, Cheers being one of the best examples of the form, I looked to see if some of the writers have an online presence. That brought me to your blog. I found what I was looking for and more.
Still really curious to hear more about this dictation method you have going on!
I found you by hitting the "next blog" button... a lot. I use my laptop like a ouija board...it spelled out funny when i got to your site. A welcome departure from my blog which is all, well, not as funny. Unless you count the posted conversations I have with my mother.
I'm an old college friend of your sister-in-law Mitzi (Boy, are we old! Exactly 3 days apart). But that's not how I found your blog. Coincidentally, some friends from the puzzle world mentioned that they read it (http://ericberlin.com/?p=1457), and I was like, "Oh, I sort of know him."
I heard about your blog during Rob Long's "Martini Shot" on KCRW. I have never been a blog reader at all before yours...actually, I'm still not a blog reader. Yours is the only blog I read. I'm an aspiring filmmaker. So I take great comfort when you talk about the absurdity of the industry, that I still want to be a part of for some strange reason.
I'm a pretty big baseball fan as well. However, I think I am the only San Diego Padres fan here in LA. I'm no bandwagoner though (because they are in FIRST PLACE!!) I've stuck with Pad's through the bad times as well. Trust me, I've seen a lot more bad times then good.
That's a little bit about me. I love your blog Ken. It brings me a smile and laugh everyday. Please keep up the great writing!
Hiya,
I'm Jonny, I've been reading for a good year or so now. Mainly for the scriptwriting/Frasier gossip and insight because, inevitably, I'm a huge fan.
I'm based in London, currently working on sitcoms, and was recommended this site by our mutual friend Steven Moffat.
Please keep up the good work. And write more shows!
Jonny
I got here because I was trying to visit the Drudge report and my fingers weren't on the home row.
I can't remember how I got here truly, except it may have been some sort of "Blogs you should be reading" post.
I like it here because every post by Ken results in a dozen comments where people try to out funny each other and that makes me laugh.
Plus, I love your stories, the idle gossip, snarky comments, and the scoop behind some of my favorite shows. (How many people can claim this many classic shows on his resume?)
I am a film school grad, which qualified me for nothing, but I have seen two classmates go on to some fame and fortune as writers in TV. Somehow it seems as though some of that should rub off.
I'm a beginning screenwriter here in California and I found your blog by linking over from either John August's website or Craig Mazin's. One of the two.
I really value your opinions on what's working in Hollywood and what isn't. And your blog is the one place I can count on for at least one good laugh every day.
Rob Long put the bug in my ear. Then I saw you blogging at Huffington Post and followed you over from there.
As you can probably tell from my screen name, I'm a lawyer. I live in L.A.
A post of yours came up in a blog search about something (I can't recall what). I've always been a fan of your work, so I've been reading and enjoying ever since.
I got here from the Jerry Lewis blog after he said you would be saying some kind funny words about him.Cheers from NZ Ken and thanks for the laughs
Greetings from London UK. A daily visitor.
I'm a 43 year old computer programmer from the Baltimore area. I found your blog by following a link from Altercation to your "what if Aaron Sorkin wrote a script about baseball" entry, but I've been a fan ever since your one season broadcasting the Orioles in 1991. I even bought your book (and I don't think it was remaindered!)
Hi, my name is Jim and I'm an alcoholic.
Wait, wrong introduction. I'm another one who read the Aaron Sorkin baseball post and was hooked. But as a Bostonian and rabid Patriots fan, I have to disagree with your claim that Brady "knocked her up and then split". The way the tabloids here had it, Bridget pulled the old QB Sneak on him. You know, "Of course I took the pill, honey! Don't worry about a thing!"
Silicon Valley type with an interest in behind the scenes showbiz stuff, who's also enjoyed your work over the years. Found via the typical Mark and/or Jane path.
At 30 I'm too young to be having these memory problems but I can't recall exactly when I found my way here nor from where. I recognized your name on someone's list of links and, as a fan, had to check what you were saying. I've been reading along ever since. I'm a girl named Rae and am currently masquerading as a web designer/tech writer in Orlando while trying to figure out to transition to LA as I just recently realized it'd be easier to spend all day obsessing about television if I actually worked in the industry in some form or manner.
I can't say there's anything I'd like less of as I kind of like how I never know exactly what I'll find when I check your blog each day. I mean, I won't lie, I do skim the more baseball heavy and American Idol posts but they're still the most amusing baseball/AI posts out there. My favorite posts tend to be the ones that give us a behind-the-scenes glimpse at getting from your script to the final product but I enjoy your blog so much that I can't imagine demanding more any one type of post. I'm just grateful that you share what you do!
I found your blog through James Wollcott's blog, I think. I live in NY, used to work in theater but in a hardcore business job now. In my early fifties, sending my first kid off to college next week. I'm a big baseball fan -- particularly love minor league baseball -- so I enjoy those posts, but it's all good.
37 year old, male
Long Island NY
Heard about the blog while listening to KCRW's Martini Shot on iPOD
Enjoy the randomness of the commentary and behind-the-scenes of entertainment business
I can't honestly recall how I found your blog, Ken...but now it's one of the daily must-sees for me. Love the "Cheers" stories...when I was in college we could (and did) watch about 14 different "Cheers" reruns every day switching between Boston's TV38, WPIX, our local Albany station and a couple other outlets that escape me. I'm a small-market radio announcer in Nebraska so I enjoy the radio stories a great deal.
Found your site while searching for other people who hated "Studio 60."
Another lurker here. I'm in Indianapolis, IN. I don't remember exactly how I found your blog (maybe from an online list somewhere of interesting blogs?), but have always been a big fan of your work (even before I knew it was *your* work). I've been checking your ramblings 2 or 3 times a week for the past year.
I'm a game developer and aspiring writer from Austin, TX (and if you liked Dallas, you should definitely pay us a visit next time you are in this part of the country). This year, though, I think the rest of the country is hot because we have all of your rain.
I've been reading your blog for so long, I don't remember how I found it! Undoubtedly some other writing blog.
I had heard about your American Idols review and now check you every day. Indeed, your blog inspired me to do my own and develop a daily regimen for writing. I thank you for the inspiration.
Can't remember how I found you or how long I've been lurking... but I'm just an ordinary girl here in Oz waffling on about nothing!
Hey, this is Graham from Fort Worth. Your site is my midmorning break from work. I read you before I read Dilbert! Keep up the good work.
thanks for the laughs on a daily basis, I cannot recall how I found you, but I've been lurking daily for about 6 months now.... from the land of the Mariners- Bellingham, WA
Jim from Seattle.
I do not remember how I found this blog but its been my first stop every morning since.
Thank you.
-Jim
Ken, in response to your invitation to let you know something about ourselves:
I’m a known sex offender with a long criminal history currently working as Tom Brady’s life coach and pilates instructor. I didn’t so much discover your blog as have you sort of assign it to us as part of your DSA presentation in Dallas about a week and a half ago. I am enjoying it so much, I’ve decided to audit the course.
As I go back over your previous posts I do have a procedural question however. Do you ever go back to your old posts and look for any new comments from us newbies that might come in to you several days, a week, or a month after your original blog?
For example, I think it might be interesting for you to know that the slogan “Live Large, Think Big” was announced shortly after Dallas was named the 3rd fattest city in America by Men’s Fitness Magazine………………timing. (We were “Big D” until Drysdale. My suggestion was “Live Lard, Think Pig,” with the Mobil Oil flying horse replaced by “Pigasus.” Maybe, “Dallas, We’re Phat,” “Dallas, are you going to finish that?” or for the west coast, “Hey, we’re almost salad spelled backwards.”)
Or how I remember my father literally falling out of his chair only twice: First during the Benny/Marx “telephony” spat, and the second time when, the Steve Allen Show, Bill Dana informed us all that “The Hewish people speak Jebrew.” Or what happened when my friend Arthur Loew produced “Arena,” the world’s first last and only 3D western staring Gig Young and Harry Morgan Jr. as the rodeo clown. Or why we went out to Six Flags with Oliver Stone, because that’s where they took Marina Oswald the weekend of the assassination (I am not making this up)? Or, in light of the current senatorial mishigas, that Florida Sen. Mark Foley was Jimmy Piersall’s godson? (Sorry my due diligence hasn’t gotten far back enough in your archives to see if you already had that.)
So what’s a guy to do? 1) Add comments to the old postings, even though you’re unlikely to go back there? 2) Reference an old posting, in the comments space of a current unrelated post? 3) Ask if it would be too much trouble for you to start the blog all over again? Or d) faggedaboudit?
Y’all come back.
A. Buck Short.
(PS I apologize if this posts more than once. I have no idea what I'm doing.)
I am here. Found you through Alan Sepinwall's blog and read you every couple of days because I like your writing -- no deep thoughts about content.
I think I found your blog via one of the ESPN Page2 columnists. Bill Simmons, maybe? Or Gregg Easterbrook? In any case, I enjoy the wide range of your perspective (from Jack Benny to the current baseball season). I have no real industry connection outside of a sister-in-law who is a Hollywood makeup artist, and being married to an author.
Checking in from Boulder, Colorado.
You can thank TV squad.com for directing me to your blog. And now that I've found a way to pop up all my favorite web pages when I log in, I'm a regular reader.
Hey...I'm from Pullman, WA by way of Seattle...And I found this blog through the blog of a Seattle sportswriter (www.enjoytheenjoyment.com)...And I met Ken MANY years ago in the pressbox of the Kingdome while he was calling the M's games and I was running a little thing at the end of the press box called FANTASY PLAY BY PLAY...I think that Ken and his kids actually called an inning for a day game...That cash cow was replaced by the Spanish language radio booth before the 1993 season.
Ken,
I am a big Cheers fan -- best sitcom ever, in my opinion. I just started reading your blog recently after I saw it refered to on a Boston sports blog. I am enjoying your commentary very much. Thank you.
Steve
Vermont
I live in Northern California, although I only moved to the US in July 2006. I am originally from Great Britain.
I have been reading your blog since early this year, but for the life of me I cannot recall how I came across it.
I live in Utah, work at a TV station and I heard about your blogger through my third... of was it seventh wife, who loves to read your blog each morning just before she helps my other wives send our 17 children off to school and then sit down and fill out all the aide to dependant children and food stamp paperwork.
I like all your musings; TV, baseball, radio, Hollywood live. They are al presented in a creative and though provoking way and always worth reading with a smile.
Adam Szymkowicz sent me over.
I've commented before, but I've lurked a lot.
Love the blog. Thanks much for keeping it up.
Single female RED SOX fan from Scottsdale AZ. Found you from listening to a Mariners/Rangers game online. Lifelong MASH fan. Just came into an unexpected large windfall, so I'll be joining you at the next Sitcom Room!
Ken, I'm not really sure how I found you, but I think it had something to do with your Syracuse minor league baseball connection (I live in Syracuse). I've always been fascinated by the inner workings of the entertainment industry, so your blog is a regular/daily stop on my tour of favorite sites.
Thanks for the laughs!
Well, at least the new boy's initials are JET :-)
I'm a twenty something working full time, going to school part time, and trying my hand at writing sitcoms in some spare time that I get. I live in San Diego so most of the LA posts are fun to laugh at (because we're just far enough away) but hit close to home (we're not THAT far away...). I think I found your blog through a couple other blogs and haven't been able to click away since.
I like reading about your experiences in the writing world, mainly your beginning stories. I think I enjoy a lot of your posts though because they all contain the "human-element" that make it so easy to read and relate. Even the reviews.
Hey Ken... Great blog, thanks for being part of my morning, every morning. Having been in the spec business and shelved twice due to AOL buying Time Warner and there not being enough Valium in Burbank to sooth the nerves of every Warner Bros employee from the gate guards at the ranch on up; and then again over the impending possibility of a writer's strike, a wind shift, a jews versus gays Hollywood Blvd standoff and Northern California Earthquake.
The best installments I think are the behind the scenes sitcom mania and any deal making. Great work on-screen and on-blog Ken! Thanks for your contributions!
It was TV Squad that sent me to your blog, can't recall when though. AS I too was once just another serf toiling in the fields of the old Paramount TV (in the Nardino, Pike, and Symes administrations), I stayed and lurked. Your blog is now an indispensable part of my mornings.
I found your blog by doing a search on your name. I got hooked immediately and try to check in every day...after all, you're there for us every day. That would be my only suggestion, keep it up.
Can't tell you where I found you from, it was probably at least a year ago but I'm sure it was a link from somewhere I didn't even intend to end up, just like everything on this Internet. Links are not good for people with ADD who already have focus problems.
I live in Sherman Oaks, I'm not in the business, but I've always admired writers more so than most other folks who work in the industry. I had a secret affair with a sitcom writer many years ago and I think since then I've just taken an interest. He was so fun to be with.
I love your "war" stories about what happens in writers rooms etc. Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing your work on this page every day and on the little screen soon.
Probably found you through a random link on one of my many US blog-reads.
I'm 28, from just outside London and enjoy your writing as is - so don't change a thing, unless that change is what you were going to do anyway, which would be a part of what makes what you do so great. Or something.
Hi, my name is Ken Levine, and I came across your blog once when I did a google search on my own name. Pretty funny, actually. The search, and the blog. I would be happy to be confused for you, no problem.
Hi, Ken,
Not exactly sure how I came across your site. Probably through The Huffington Post. I teach comedy writing in Chicago and I find your site chock full of wisdom. Thanks!
Hey Ken, It's Denholm.
Keep up the always funny work.
Long-time fan from Chicago, occasional commenter.
Came here surfing one day (writers' sites, I think) and I've been back nearly everyday since.
I've been a fan for so long that I know you want me to say that the travelogues are the best... but they're not my favorite. Don't get me wrong: I enjoy the whole schmeer -- but I look forward particularly to the baseball stories and the personal Hollywood reminiscences (the writing stories, the meeting people stories, going to see Jack Benny instead of the Beatles....)
I can't remember if I've ever commented on your blog before. I started reading through the archives about a year ago and then continued to come back and read the latest posts.
I found your blog when I was randomly searching for blogs to read to relieve my intense workplace boredom. One day, I thought, "I wonder if anyone blogs about M*A*S*H..." and there you were!
I think you're hilarious, although I skip over the sports-related posts. I love the M*A*S*H stuff and your commentary on current celeb gossip and current TV shows.
I would love to read more about your opinions on current shows on television!
I'm a TV journalist who lives in rural Oregon, and I just finished up hosting the local segments of the Jerry Lewis telethon (really).
I once lived in Santa Monica and was a big fan of KCRW. When I moved away I started listening to their podcasts, incluing Martini Shot. Rob Long told a very funny story about you, and I decided to check out your blog.
Very good stuff. Thanks.
I've been reading your blog for about six months now. I'm a writer living in Los Angeles with several produced TV credits and some published comic books and I love hearing stories from others in the business. Originally from New Mexico, but I've been here for about 10 years. Thanks for the posts.
I've been peeking in on your blog (from Evanston IL) for so long now, I can't recall how I got here in the first place. You watch many of the same TV shows that I do, so I enjoy following your reviews as the season goes on. Your writing is fresh and thoroughly enjoyable. Thanks for putting it out there for us all to enjoy.
Ken:
I found your blog via a link in an online Daily Variety article.
You may have already done it, but how about stories on how you actually sold your first script--how did you know how to send it to? Do you call any one first? Did you register it? et al--as opposed to how you wrote it and how you got your first chance to direct TV comedy and how much background you had it that at the time.
hello from bermuda,
I think it was through james wolcott's blog that led me here. either that or the liner notes from "herve villachaise sings up with people".
thanks for the insights and perspective.
An Expos Fan
I can't remember how I found this; maybe via James Wolcott's blog.
I'm in the Chicago area.
I check in here once or twice a week; it's interesting to hear about life behind the scenery.
Well ...
Can't really remember how I found the blog, might have been from a RedSox blog or might have been Raymond Chen as some other folks have mentioned. However I happened to stumble across this place I haven't missed a post since and I greatly enjoy reading it.
Growing up, my family ate dinner while watching Mash and Cheers re-runs. After finding your blog and actually googling your name I discovered you were involved in everything I ever thought was funny.
For the me part now. I'm a systems admin for the state in Montgomery, Al. I lead a boring life of attending baseball games (Biscuits and Braves, ugh, at least I get to see the Sox every other year) and drinking beer. That's pretty much it, well, there is that whole outlaw in S America business, but it's best I don't talk about that.
Keep writing and I'll keep reading. As someone else said, I'll read your grocery lists if you post them. Thanks!
23, female, physics PhD student who lurks here while trying to get up the courage to make the jump from science to showbiz. Hi!
I think I found you from Jane Espenson or Alex Epstein, or someone else on my Vicarious Reading blogroll. I stayed for the funny and for the behind-the-scenes peeks at how the little people get inside that box in my living room. (I suspect a shrink ray).
45-year-old cable TV exec in LA.
Don't remember how I came to your site, but what keeps me coming back is an insider's take on a combination of topics I really love -- classic sitcoms, humor, and baseball.
Always a thoughtful and enjoyable read. Thanks.
I'm in radio, and also a longtime MASH fan. Currently living in the Temecula, CA area. Found your blog via LARADIO.COM
Love the behind-the-scenes stories and vicious truth telling about our favorite Hollywood icons.
Keep it coming!
I'm a student at Auburn University in Alabama, and I've been reading your blog for almost a year now. I particularly enjoy the American Idol recaps and the stories of your adventures writing TV and doing radio. I was a DJ at the college station for a semester, and enjoyed it.
Thanks for the blog!
Another lurker from Wilmette, IL. (If my previous attempt to post shows up, subtract 1 from the count of 3.) Originally from western NY (Corning, the Crystal City). Not sure which blog first led me to you (Something Old, Nothing New, or maybe Thrilling Days of Yesteryear, or maybe McKee's I'm a Child of Television). I love and collect humor in all its forms. I think the most amazingly under-appreciated body of work is Paul Rhymer's 1000's of Vic and Sade scripts.
Jay Bryant here, a pool of molten goo living and dying in balmy Burbank, CA. I write TV scripts that occasionally get made and film scripts that don't (so far). I first saw your link at the Artful Writer site, but didn't click it because I had you mixed up with either Ken "The Groove Tube" Shapiro or Ken "Airplane II" Finkelman (since I'm originally from Kentucky, most Jewish names sound alike to me). Then, a few months ago, a non-"biz" friend recommended your blog, and as soon as I found out you were involved with some of my favorite TV comedies of all time, I took the plunge. Glad I did! Now I have a lot of catching up to do with the archives. No need to change anything: I don't follow sports anymore, but I wouldn't dream of depriving your fellow baseball nuts.
By the way, I also wrote the greatest unproduced "Frasier" spec in history (you may scoff, but as Criswell once said, "Can you prove that it DIDN'T happen?").
I'm outside Manhattan.
I've performed comedy (stand-up, Improv, etc.) for 10 years. I write and stuff full time for a cable network's Website and I like my job.
I aspire to be a really well paid comedy writer and producer working with wondefully talented people. For the Internet A+.
I found you... via a comedy friend. Don't remember who/when.
You rock Ken!
Hi Ken,
Found your blog on the MASH forum at televisionwithoutpity.com and bookmarked you immediately. Read the blog every day; I enjoy your writing immensely.
Thank you for your work, your career, and the daily entertainment.
True story: Tom Brady let me cut in front of him in heavy traffic. So while he might be a bad boyfriend, he is a very courteous driver, which is unheard of here in Bahstin...
Cheers from Quincy, MA
Heya:
I honestly don't remember how I found your blog. My best guess was when I was googling "screenwriting".
I live in Austin and am currently employed as a Writer/Designer for a video game company. Pretty interesting work, really. I like seeing the similarities and differences with other writing.
As far as blog stuff goes, I really dig anything screen writing related, but I tend to skim/skip the baseball/announcing stuff. However, I understand why you toss it in there.
I'm a freelance illustrator and animator living in the Minneapolis area. Love your blog. I found it, I think, by a link on someone else's blog (not sure whose). I now link to your blog as well. Yours is one of the few blogs I check almost daily.
los angeles here
comedy writer, one of the guys in our room forwarded around the Sorkin/Studio 60 post
and we've all been hooked ever since
love everything (will even overlook the light bash of T. Brady) would only ask for more posts
because comedy writing comedy, as you know, is not a very funny bizness
I'm in Brisbane Australia and I don;t recall how I found your blog. Maybe Alex Epstein, or Mark Evanier or John Rogers.
Nothing I'd like to see less of, I'm happy to read what takes for fancy on the day (although most of the baseball stuff goes way over my head.)
thanks for asking!
I'm still here, since way back in the beginning.
Haven't commented in a while, but my movie,AMERICAN SUMMER, wrapped in May and I'm jumping through my ass on a rewrite of my next project, so I don't have as much screw-around-on-the-internet time as I'd like. Sigh...
I'm still here in Orlando -- lemme know whenever you find yourself in town and parched.
Well, I´ve been reading for quite a while but don´t think I´ve commented on one of these yet, so I´ll take a go now. Better late than never... Anyway, I live in Sweden and found your blog through a link to the guest-blog Frasier episode. That´s also what I like the best, posts about MASH, Frasier and all other sitcoms you´ve worked on. Would be great to read soemthing about the shows you´ve worked on but haven´t written anything about yet as well. Behind the scenes is what I´d like more of.
I really enjoy your blog, thanks for writing!
I'm in Seattle, WA - originally from Cape Town, South Africa. Like at least one other person here, I found out about your blog vis Raymond Chen's blog, earlier this year. I've been lurking ever since and loving it!
I first caught your blog via Mark Evanier's link to a Frasier script and have been reading it since (about a year.) I'm a teacher over in Japan and Sitcom viewing is extremely rare here, so your blog gives me my fix for all things funny. Thanks a lot.
Michael
I try to be funny in my blog, but I can't hold a candle to yours...
I dunno how i found you but I read every post via google reader. I especially like the stories about the older shows, M*A*S*H and the like. I really want to know why Loretta Swit had 80s hair in a 50s show. I can believe almost EVERYTHING on that show, except for her hair.
I found your blog via some spanish blog talking about Jason Bourne. I´m from Spain.
Mark Bourne here, currently living in Seattle and loving it. (As I sit here in my office I can hear a fog horn from the bay. Now that's music to write by.) Writer. 46. Found your blog via a writer pal who had a feeling I'd like it. He was right.
Thanks for the behind-the-scenes reminiscences about the series and episodes I've loved for so long, and for the insider's view of being a successful comedy writer in the thick of the scene there. (Oh, and thanks for your Huffington Post commentaries as well.)
Fun stuff all around. Keep it coming.
Hey Ken,
I found your blog 'cause I'm a Mariners fan. I fondly remember some of the games you called back in the dark days in the Dome when the team wasn't much worth watching.
'If you walk the leadoff man, he'll always come around to score, except when he doesn't.' etc.
Glad to hear you're back calling a few games for the M's, and sorry I couldn't tune them in here in the Napa valley.
On a related note, I've always found those select few games where Rick Rizzs was paired in the booth with Tom Paciorek to be a real hoot. I've always attributed this to Pags rather than to Rick, who never tickled my funny bone under other circumstances.
Any chance the M's could pair you and Paciorek in the booth? I would search out a sports bar anywhere in the Bay Area to catch that broadcast.
Thad McArthur
Napa, CA
thadmca@netzero.net
Hi Ken,
I'm a local. Living in Diet LA as another poster wrote (Made me giggle). I work in the Biz, but never intended to. I'm a printing geek by choice. Like the sitcom, printing is thought to be dieing. I don't agree, but it's surely changing. I came to your site through a friend I have misplaced. I'm an avid reader, and have read all of your posts (Including the re-runs) ~ I especially like Annie's clever posts & everyone's comments. It's a grand network of opinions. I think this blog is fantastic and you must be a great teacher. Each of your post allows for such fun, frank discussion on all topics.
Best wishes,
Nancy
I'm in a Chicago burb. Your blog was mentioned in the Chicago Tribune TV column a couple of weeks ago.
I'm late to this post, but I'm loving the blog from North Carolina.
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