Saturday, November 14, 2015

Starting tomorrow...

When I began writing a blog I never dreamed I’d still be doing it ten years later. The over/under going in was like two weeks. But it has taken on a life of its own and I’ve somehow managed to keep it going – even with all the other goofy endeavors I'm involved in.

As of this writing: 4348 posts, 340 editions of Friday Questions (so I’ve answered over 1300 questions), and probably 40 photos of Natalie Wood. What I thought I’d do to mark the occasion is look back at some of the highlights. Out of 4300 posts I’ve somehow managed to find ten – one for each year. So starting tomorrow I’ll be presenting those, leading up the actual date (the 26th). Along the way I may also toss in some new stuff too (like going to watch UNDATEABLE on Friday night). You never know with me.

Also, Tuesday night is my anniversary bash at the Writers Guild. Here’s the information on that.

Doing this blog has been a joy (even when it’s a burden), but the best part has been meeting so many of you guys.  I look forward to meeting more on Tuesday.  But to all of you -- thanks for your continued support.  Without you I'm just writing volumes of material that no one is reading -- otherwise known as my spec screenplays.  Enjoy the “Best Of.”

21 comments :

Anthony said...

Congratulations on 10 years, Ken! It's been a daily stop for me for about the past three, and as someone who has tried and failed to launch blogs in the past, I really admire your commitment in producing enlightening, entertaining posts every day. As an aspiring sitcom writer currently stuck in Virginia, it's awesome to have an outlet for superb insight on the field I hope to enter in the near future. (Chicago/Second City, I'll find my way to you soon!) And I hope to get to meet you someday, Ken!

Mike Barer said...

Not only have you kept up the blog, but you have committed to put something new up daily and that is a commitment. As an amateur, I can get away with posting something so-so or OK, but as a professional writer, you have don't have the margin of error. Congrats for some great work and thank you for being an inspiration to me.

VP81955 said...

From your slightly younger sibling Carole & Co. (101 months as of yesterday), congratulations. It's been a pleasure.

Unknown said...

I look forward to reading this blog each and every day and it is the ONLY blog I follow. I love the variety of topics you have and I probably look forward to the Friday questions the most! Coincidentally, I stumbled across this blog looking for information on some of the minor characters on 'Cheers' ie Tim, Alan, Steve, Hugh just to name a few. I actually asked a question that I don't believe ever got answered.

I was curious as to how and why some characters such as Paul Vaughn from seasons 1-2 or others such as Hugh Maguire, Larry Harpel, Mark Arnott, or Jack Knight only appeared in a season or two but had several appearances throughout those seasons suddenly just disappeared. Was it a case of local talent just getting their shot? Then you have others like Alan Koss, Tim Cunningham, Steve Giannelli and Pete Schreiner that appear in multiple seasons and a couple throughout the entire course of the series. I know they were all minor characters but why were some featured for a majority of the series and some for only a season or two?

Not sure if all that makes any sense but I hope you understand what I'm getting at!

VincentS said...

Thank YOU, Ken. It's been great communicating with you through the blog and talking to you that time you were on the radio show in Seattle - I asked you a question about whether or not you talk to an actor before writing a joke about a physical characteristic they have. I've been a fan of your work all the way back to MASH. As an actor and writer it's been inspiring reading your stories about the adventures you've had in your career and your insights about today's industry. And as a baseball fan your stories about your broadcaster days were the icing on the cake! So sorry I can't go to the celebration, but the next time you're in NYC the lattes are on me!

Joseph Scarbrough said...

This is practically the only blog that I know of that's still alive - I think I follow about a dozen or so blogs, and none them have updated as far as I can check: this is the only one that I see still actively updated. . . . I guess social media has pretty much killed blogging; everybody seems to be migrating to tumblr for some reason, when all it is is Twitter for posting pics - kinda pointless.

But in all seriousness, congrats on ten years of blogging, Ken, and as I've said before, thank you for continuing to offer up your insight to us all about the inner workings of the television (and general entertainment) industry, and your provocative anecdotes from your time working for such enduring shows as M*A*S*H, CHEERS, FRASIER, EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, and others.

In time, other blogs may tumble, and even others my crumble. They're only made of clay. But, BY KEN LEVINE is here to stay. Wow, that was terrible.

mmryan314 said...

I contemplated- even looked at airfares- outrageous when I looked- and gave it up.I would love to put face to name. So many fun and interesting people.I`'ve always had an interest in inner workings of movies, TV, etc.Your blog has piqued that interest.

cd1515 said...

thanks to you Ken, reading this is a pleasure.

Wendy M. Grossman said...

Joseph Scarborough: I think of mine as a weekly column rather than a blog, but it's 14 years old now and still going every week.

Given the discussion here recently of ALL IN THE FAMILY I thought it's worth noting that Warren Mitchell, the actor who played Archie Bunker's original, Alf Garnett, has just died at 89. He was a terrific actor and did many other things - I saw him in a serious stage play - but this is the part he will always be remembered for. The Guardian has an obit: http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/nov/14/warren-mitchell-dies-aged-89-alf-garnett

Happy anniversary, Ken.

wg

-bee said...

This is bar none the best blog I have had the privilege to read over the years - congratulations on the anniverary!

Bill Avena said...

Is this another weekend repost?

By Ken Levine said...

No, Bill. But if you don't feel you're getting your money's worth from this free blog you are welcome to look elsewhere for a better bargain.

Barry Traylor said...

What a swell idea Ken. This way I get to read the best of your blog from before I discovered it a few years ago.

Mighty Dyckerson said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
LouOCNY said...

You gotta come to NY sometime and have something for your East Coast fans..

Been reading for about 9 of the ten years now, and am usually on it at 9 am ET SHARP to see the latest. And I enjoy the reposts too - your material has always been mae to last, and this blog is no different.

Mark said...

Congratulations Ken!

I have spent many hours over the years reading your posts and every one (almost) has been a treasure.

Thank you.
Mark

sajak sahabat said...

I have been 3 years in blogging, sometimes i feel tired, but i can't stop it, blog makes lot of addicts. of course makes friends, thanks :)

Pete Thompson said...

Ken,

You know how I feel about this awesome blog & the fella behind it. From getting "It's gone! No, wait a minute..." for Christmas so many years ago, to now "kind of" knowing you. Pretty awesome stuff. I do hope we'll get to meet face to face someday, but in the meantime, thanks for the joy & laughs you've brought me on a daily basis....

The Bitter Script Reader said...

Congrats on ten years, Ken! Quite an achievement and your site has long been on my daily reads.

DrBOP said...

Gawwwd....ten years?

.....feels like twenty.



Merci for all your efforts, and remember that you could always reduce your postings to a couple a week and the great majority of us would be happy.....but pleeeze don't make us EVER quit cold turkey.....I picture most of us running around madly in all directions looking for our home.....turtle wins the race, baby.
And how about Evanier forming up a seminar to be live streamed at the celebration......right after the sM.A.S.H. drinking game contest. I'm sure everyone would be ready for prime time by then.
Break a leg.

SharoneRosen said...

I've been reading your blog since the very beginning (a very good place to start). I marvel at your ability to be consistently funny and informative with just the perfect dash of snark.

Lately, I haven't been able to read everyday, but then I binge read (which is what I'm doing today).

Thanks for 10 years of getting to know you (stop her before she sings more Rodgers & Hammestein!)