A reader discovered that my daughter Annie's real name is Diana and wondered how and why she made the change. Annie herself has graciously agreed to answer.There has been an inquiry about my going by Annie rather than Diana. Most of you probably had no idea that my name was Diana unless you've either a) known me since birth b) are a friend of mine or c) have read my father's book (so that's what like two of you?). There was no "Kafka-esque metamorphosis". It was more of a Bruce Wayne/Batman secret identity thing although now that its been revealed I guess my crime-fighting days are over. So you are all to blame when Two-Face starts reeking havoc again.
Actually my parents always called me "Annie." Other delightful nicknames include Dow Chemical, Porntip and Youngster Fishman. So its not too surprising that I chose to go by Annie instead. Though you're all welcome to call me "Porntip."
Funny post Annie. Ken, you must be very proud. It's not often a father can say that his daughter is equally as funny, and better looking :) The other thing I took from this post was... Ken has a book? is it still in print? It would make for a nice addition, if I could find a copy somewhere.
ReplyDeleteWhile in the subject of Books, Hugh Laurie's "The Gun Seller" is very funny indeed.
OK, but only because I’m never sure at what point I’ve inappropriately taken an opportunity to abuse your Dad’s blog excessively over the course of a single weekend. And, of course, in appreciation for the cuter-than-Dad-has-a-right-to-deserve headshot.
ReplyDeleteYou don’t know how lucky you’ve had it. I know I’m in danger of developing a reputation for inventing fake stories about fake cousins, but this one is also reasonably accurate. My cousin Diana began he career as a Hollywood actress in the early ‘50s, when the “studio system” was still going full throttle. In the course of her career she worked for 4 different studios, who changed her name 5 different times, ultimately settling on Diana – which evidently took. Or else they just didn't care anymore.
Of course the name wasn’t the only sequential studio alteration. Mom once said that each time Diana signed with a new studio they changed her name, made up a new bio, and chopped off other hunk of her nose.
How's the therapy going?
ReplyDeleteAnd here I was, thinking Diane Keaton/Annie Hall.
ReplyDeleteI've learned two new words this week.
ReplyDeletePorntip being one.
Douchenozzle being the other.
I love the innertubes.
No offense, Annie/Diana, but there will always be only one Porntip for me: 1988's Miss Universe, the L.A.-raised Thai beauty Porntip Nakhirunkanok.
ReplyDeletediogo, you can get Ken's book on amazon, I believe. But act fast -- I understand it recently went up from 39 cents to 53.
If you're Diana, you get a mediocre Paul Anka song, "Diana."
ReplyDeleteIf you're Annie, you get an awesome Squeeze song, "Annie Get Your Gun."
There was also John Denver's hit "Annie's Song." But maybe that doesn't count, since the name doesn't actually appear in the lyrics.
ReplyDeleteAt least the Diana to Annie move makes some sense...I still don't know how my mother, born Elizabeth, has long been called Nancy.
ReplyDelete(oh, Ken...speaking of my mother, remember we talked about making a deal where you'd burn me a CD of Joanie Sommers' "Softly, the Brazilian Sound" to give her? Think we can try to make that happen in the New Year?)
Wow - An answer from The Source!
ReplyDelete...and a bonus picture, too!
My only other question for Annie/Porntip is if she remembers anything of that 91 season? Perhaps watching The sound of Music a 100 million times? Anything of the summer in Baltimore? And of your dad being away all the other times? I know MY memories of 4-going-into-five are hazy at best - but then again, I have burned many, many extra brain cells since then.
The big thing I have some memory flashes is some of the JFK coverage. I also remember at 5 calling a car dealership for my sisters birthday - my German nana being extra areful with the paddle that day! I also remember at like 4 or 5....and God knows why.....actually putting a little Ben-Gay ointment into my eyes - to this day, the smell of that stuff always flashes me back to that...and yes it BURNED...
I can understand that. 'Di Levine" sounds like something Tarzan might use after a night out. But what do you call Ken in those casually affectionate family moments? The world needs to know.tpuubif
ReplyDeleteYou look great, Annie, it's a wonderful name as well. It's good to see photos of people who have a lot of sparkle in their eyes. Beauty and positive intelligence are a strong team.
ReplyDeleteMy real name is Fester Magilla Sheboygan.
ReplyDeleteA rose by any other name....
ReplyDeleteHowever, it does appear, Annie, that you've ducked the items that actually require explanation: Porntip? Youngster Fishman?
Kafka had a puzzling sense of humor, but seriously - Dow Chemical? Were you supplying napalm to the military industrial complex, or what?
Am I the only one who is curious why Ken would name his daughter Diane and then refer to her as Annie? In my experience Annie isn't the obvious nickname for Diane (as opposed to say Bill for William).
ReplyDeleteI think it's a tribute to the human spirit that in spite of this sadistic bit of parenting you managed to turn out to be a beautiful and intelligent young lady. (I've met both of your parents, so there is no doubt in my mind who you inherited those features from.)
I keeed... You're lucky to have such nice and surprisingly hip parents, even if they can't decide which name to call you.
what is it with names? I have never found out how my Mother (may she rest in peace) went from Helena Louise to ......Hazel!
ReplyDeleteKen's book has gone up in price. Damn it, when will Bush realize that inflation is going to kill us all.
ReplyDeleteThat said, maybe someone can photocopy it and put it on the Internet for me so I can read it for free. Ken should be used to that by now.
I was wondering that myself so thanks for clearing it up. Then again, Annie's aunt M set a precedent for using a different name.
ReplyDeleteI never understood why Diana became Annie. i took it as a rejection of the name. It hurts. My name is Diane and i was her kindergarten teacher. (She was/is very smart and cute)
ReplyDelete