tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post2317047162691796926..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: My eleventh anniversaryBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger260125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-4273490988180877902017-02-07T14:16:33.786-08:002017-02-07T14:16:33.786-08:00Well, I’m over two months late in responding to yo...Well, I’m over two months late in responding to your post, but as a long-time reader (and occasional commenter), I figure it’s the least I can do. <br /><br />I’m a constitutional lawyer in Washington, DC. I often practice before the Supreme Court. I won’t reveal my age because I don’t want to give away too details that could narrow me down. But I will say that I grew up on Cheers, which was my dad’s favorite show, and I have very fond memories of watching it with him. I also watched the Simpsons religiously for the first eight seasons (but have barely watched since). I didn’t watch Frasier much at the time, but have watched many of the episodes on Netflix. I never really got into MASH, as it was largely before my time. <br /><br />I’ve been reading the blog for several years, so long that I can’t remember how I came across it. I usually read it every day, although sometimes a few days go by in between my checking it out. I most enjoy the posts on the business of television and movies, as well as posts on your baseball announcing, because I’ve always been fascinated with the behind-the-scenes work of sporting events. I’m mildly interested in the posts about radio announcing. I’m least interested in posts about the 1960s and how awesome they were. But hey, if I had my own blog, I’m sure I’d constantly be writing about how awesome the 1980s were. <br /><br />I’m politically conservative, and while I’m not the biggest Trump fan in the world (he was certainly not my preferred candidate), I do like to think that I can understand the motivations of those who voted for him, or who vote for the GOP more generally. Believe it or not, they are not all racists and bigots. Somewhat relatedly, I’m not really interested in posts delving into politics, though it’s not because I’m politically conservative, but because most political humor these days is hacky and boring. <br /><br />This blog is a national treasure. I am constantly amazed that you post something every day. I have learned so much from it. In fact, I have incorporated your lessons on scriptwriting into my daily task of writing briefs. If an idea isn’t working, no matter how many times you try to rewrite it--take it out. If you show a draft to three people and they all dislike a certain passage--change it or delete it. Don’t be so proud of your own work that you disregard signs that something’s not gaining traction. <br /><br />Anyway, thanks for the blog. I hope you keep it up. <br />Bill Jonesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-8874458195725019302017-01-11T08:24:30.341-08:002017-01-11T08:24:30.341-08:0050, Reading for a few years, can't remember ho...50, Reading for a few years, can't remember how. Probably googling some obscure movie or tv show from my youth. Check in every month or two and get caught up.Dave Widelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15328547234420288022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-78148955858052657342016-11-29T21:27:27.756-08:002016-11-29T21:27:27.756-08:00Lets'see--I've been reading for four years...Lets'see--I've been reading for four years, I think. I wanted to learn more about writing for TV. Alas, I have lived for two scores--ish, so I am far too old for that occupation. (You'd think I was trying to be a pro ball player or something.) Anyway, I stick around for the rants, reviews, and TV insights. Thanks. (Houston, Texas.)Sandynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-79113604123096741812016-11-20T05:42:38.226-08:002016-11-20T05:42:38.226-08:00Hi Ken, I think I've been around for 9 or 10 o...Hi Ken, I think I've been around for 9 or 10 of these 11 years. Here is a blog written by a guy who wrote two of my favorite shows of all time, *and* fulfilled one of my childhood dreams of being a baseball broadcaster. Now, if you only married Raquel Welch, you would have been a complete God in my eyes ;-)<br /><br />Anyway, I love the insight you bring to both subjects, so please keep doing what you're doing.dgwphotographyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17457021093344362212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-10896256557237560202016-11-19T23:08:02.747-08:002016-11-19T23:08:02.747-08:00Trailing the pack as I had to journey to a funeral...Trailing the pack as I had to journey to a funeral, but I didn't want to miss contributing this year. I found the blog from the "Frasier" thread on the now defunct Television Without Pity boards, started reading here around three or four years ago. I read every day. What I like about the blog is your interest in and interaction with the readers, your insights on writing, and your stories about production; I've also been enjoying your posts on your theatrical experiences (yes, stage managers are amazing.) My name is Diane, I grew up near Saratoga, New York, but have been a nomad for a while. I'm old enough to have watched M*A*S*H in its original run, but not old enough to be a Boomer (no matter what the statistics say.) <br /><br />I almost jumped in during "The Great Sam & Diane Debate of Spring 2016" but my post was nearing Diane Chambers-esque dissertation length, and I didn't want to subject anyone to that. Thanks for all the work you put into the blog. <br /> VioletStellanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-72964523786639723202016-11-19T05:26:43.425-08:002016-11-19T05:26:43.425-08:00Hi Ken,
In the spirit of giving you something bri...Hi Ken,<br /><br />In the spirit of giving you something brief to read that has nothing to do with politics: I'm 40 and live in Ottawa, Canada. I've been reading your blog for years now. Long enough I have no idea how I found it. I was probably looking for behind-the-scenes tid-bits on some show. I usually check in about once a week to read the latest "Friday Questions" and what else is new on the site since my last visit. <br /><br />I have a physics background and work in the tech industry, and yet find your posts (and guest posts) about the sausage-making of tv shows, movies, plays, radio DJ and baseball announcer endlessly interesting. <br /><br />Thanks for doing the blog. Chin up. We all need a laugh and a smile now more than ever!<br /><br />-M.<br /><br />Mattnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-77482539149388403252016-11-18T18:20:12.812-08:002016-11-18T18:20:12.812-08:00Hi Ken:
My name is Casey Trowbridge, I am from H...Hi Ken:<br /><br /><br />My name is Casey Trowbridge, I am from Huron South Dakota where we just had our first blizzard of the winter season. I will be 36 years old on January 8, 2017.<br /><br />I come to your blog at least once a week, typically on Friday as the Friday questions are my favorite post. It is usually then that I look to see if there is anything else from the past week that grabs my attention.<br /><br />I was an early visitor to your blog but then got out of the habit. I got back in the regular habit after Harry Morgan passed away and you wrote that wonderful tribute.<br /><br />What makes me come back is the fact that you wrote for or were otherwise involved with some of my favorite shows of all time: Cheers, Frasier, The Simpsons, Everybody Loves Raymond and M*A*S*H to name a few. You also have lots of interesting things to say about other shows I love such as The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.<br /><br />I'm not going to offer you any suggestions for what you should write about more or less, I do enjoy the baseball posts as I am a big fan, especially of baseball on the radio. Go Braves!<br /><br />Aside from the fact I think you do a great job already, if I didn't I wouldn't keep reading, there's another reason I won't offer suggestions. As someone who blogs though not nearly as often as you do, I came to an important realization. I have to like what I'm writing because if I don't I won't want to write. If you can write what you're interested in and it finds an audience that's the best possible outcome. I feel like you've probably given that same advice yourself.<br /><br />So that's pretty much all I have to say. Keep up the great work, Ken. Happy 11th blogging anniversary.<br />Casey Trowbridgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13801814712238333546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-71133852296617488212016-11-18T14:43:24.586-08:002016-11-18T14:43:24.586-08:00Hi, Ken. I was referred to your blog by Mark Evani...Hi, Ken. I was referred to your blog by Mark Evanier, and I read both his and your blogs almost every day, usually as I am eating breakfast. I enjoy reading your blog and I would hate to see it disappear. I'm a theatre actor and director, and I enjoy reading about what life is like on the TV side of things, which I've never experienced. I also enjoy reading about your recent forays into theatre. I'm 66 and I'm originally from Brooklyn, but now live in North Carolina. Please keep at it.<br /><br />Stan Stanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02511271689701877551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-28082045965747564632016-11-18T11:10:55.202-08:002016-11-18T11:10:55.202-08:00Hi Ken 50 year old New Yorker. I found your blog b...Hi Ken 50 year old New Yorker. I found your blog because I read Matk Evanier's blog and he linked to you. Have no idea when that was but it's been a number of years and I've read your blog ever since. I too was shocked by the election results. My girlfriend actually had to throw up over when she heard. . The hell with anyone who gave you a hard time. I love reading your take on the current state of television, your memories of working on MASH and Cheers and Frasier and etc... Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04029729500573378335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-82775270139373278332016-11-18T02:35:35.853-08:002016-11-18T02:35:35.853-08:00Ken,
Thanks so much for your blog.
I have been re...Ken,<br /><br />Thanks so much for your blog.<br />I have been reading it on and off for years.<br /><br />Writing from Reykjavík, Iceland.<br />~30 years old.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-44451708604756239662016-11-17T07:58:25.296-08:002016-11-17T07:58:25.296-08:00Hi Ken.
I come for 2 reasons... I love reading ...Hi Ken. <br />I come for 2 reasons... I love reading you and your insights. I love reading the discussions and the various point of views from the Levine Gallery. Whether they were/are in the field, or just an observant person or just a lunatic, most of the discussions are awesome.<br /><br /><b>I WISH there was a way for each person's threads to be replied to. But I realize this is a free site and there are limitations.</b><br /><br />Been following you for most of those 11 years...The Bumble Bee Pendanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11782074071758250824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-81383250414997989802016-11-17T01:25:39.513-08:002016-11-17T01:25:39.513-08:0045 years old, have spent the last 22 working in or...45 years old, have spent the last 22 working in or around local TV sports. Got your book "It's Gone, No Wait a Minute" as a college graduation gift in 1993. Of course, Al Gore hadn't invented the internet yet, so I couldn't google you! (my only slightly political joke).<br /><br />I read you every day on my phone, which is just over four years old, so I guess I'm 4 out of 11. Am still mad I missed "A or B" in Hatboro, but continue to enjoy your posts.<br /><br />I'm on board with anything M*A*S*H, CHEERS, or FRASIER as I loved all three shows. Certainly given my background, I'm okay with any of the baseball posts. I also work in radio, so I enjoy those posts too. Basically, you've earned my trust as a daily place to go and be entertained. I do read most comments too as maybe the BEST thing about your blog is the diversity of folks who read it and comment on it.<br /><br />All the best, and here's to 11 more years...!Pete Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02082645861555381502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-34228374089082284462016-11-16T22:08:54.681-08:002016-11-16T22:08:54.681-08:00Long time reader, few-time commenter.
I would be...Long time reader, few-time commenter. <br /><br />I would be happy to see you set a stylistic standard and not use 'in advance' in conjunction with 'thanks'.<br /><br />If you say 'thank you', the 'in advance' is implied. <br /><br />BTW, I'm not a cranky Grammar Nazi, but that practice is annoying. <br /><br />Congratulations on your playwriting success. It sounds like you're having fun. Blair Iveyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03428917942590969429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-66774041070956853422016-11-16T21:20:56.054-08:002016-11-16T21:20:56.054-08:00Hi, I'm a 26 year old girl in Texas and I foun...Hi, I'm a 26 year old girl in Texas and I found your blog about 2 years ago because I love the writing of Frasier. I am a career-changer back in college for pre-med and I like to destress with writing, so I like this blog because of the inside look at quality writing. It's just plain fun! I hope life lets up on you soon, you bring a lot of joy to a lot of people.Jenny Baizannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-30936101600466775752016-11-16T18:25:16.695-08:002016-11-16T18:25:16.695-08:00As always, I'm a day late and a dollar short b...As always, I'm a day late and a dollar short but love your blog and wanted you to know. Have been reading it for about 7, 8 years after being introduced to it by my son. I'm a 66 year old NJ guy who loves TV and baseball. Check your blog every several days but catch up on any I missed. Was a "latch key" fatherless kid in the mid 50"s before they even had term and spent way too many hours in front of the tube. Sadly because of my family situation, I truly believe in some respect I was raised by the TV.. Silly as it sounds, learned how to conduct myself, so to speak, from Hoppie, Roy Rogers, the Lone Ranger, Matt Dillon and Paladin just to name a few. In particular, love your Friday Q&A columns but just about anything I learn about TV production is interesting. Being a Dan Ingram fan, I equally enjoy when you speak of your radio favorites. Could go on and on...just hope you do.nowayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07463322160199117267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-39425393841918277712016-11-16T17:58:15.483-08:002016-11-16T17:58:15.483-08:00Hi Ken, I found your blog back in 2007 when Raymon...Hi Ken, I found your blog back in 2007 when Raymond Chen at Microsoft linked to you from his blog (<a rel="nofollow">https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/oldnewthing/20070110-38/?p=28453</a>). I certainly didn't expect to find a TV writer's blog as interesting as the software development blogs I typically read but I've been reading yours longer than many of them! I'm 36 and while I used to visit here every day, I'm busier now so I check in a couple times a week when I know I have time to read what I've missed. I especially enjoy the behind-the-scenes stories from your MASH, Cheers, Almost Perfect, and Frasier days.<br /><br />Steve<br />Vancouver, BC, CanadaStevenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-90359632677761710122016-11-16T12:56:51.399-08:002016-11-16T12:56:51.399-08:00My name is Ryan Danger Sims. I'm in the LA are...My name is Ryan Danger Sims. I'm in the LA area and I'm 38 years old. I heard about your blog from your writing partner David Isaacs. I am new to your blog, but I'm really enjoying it and plan on checking in often. My favorite posts are the ones that give insight or perspective on the profession of comedy writing; I’m currently trying to break in and it’s great to read expert advice. I’m also very impressed that you’ve managed to blog every day for 11 years! My blog MoreRantsThanRaves.com just hit its 10 year anniversary and I know how much dedication and commitment it takes to keep a blog going (and I don’t post every day)! <br /><br />I also totally understand feeling “wrecked” over the outcome of the election. I’m still in shock and I’m finding it really hard to go about my life pretending everything’s going to be okay. I feel betrayed and shocked that such a large portion of our society is willfully going along with this madness. I’ll stop before this turns into a Facebook rant, but I wanted to say thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject.<br /><br />Looking forward to many more blog posts to come,<br /><br />RyanRyan Danger Simshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00409069133122504989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-66605226628732387702016-11-16T12:11:26.592-08:002016-11-16T12:11:26.592-08:00Hi Ken, I happened upon your blog through a link f...Hi Ken, I happened upon your blog through a link from the Bitter Script Reader. I've started at the beginning and worked my way up to 2010 so far. Not a big baseball fan, but I have gone back and watched all of Frasier, and now I'm starting on Cheers. I'm working my way backwards through you and David's career.<br /><br />Thanks.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10464227221042362623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-42332000660502515922016-11-16T12:04:05.992-08:002016-11-16T12:04:05.992-08:00I have been a reader since the beginning. Thank y...I have been a reader since the beginning. Thank you for sharing your humor, stories and insights into a world I do not know or fully understand. I tell my friends to read your blog too. Sometimes, i read your blog every day, sometimes once a week, but all of your postings are read. Got to admit, I dont always read all of the comments, but when I do, i recognize people and learn from their comments as well. I consider your work a public service to my sanity, esp on down days.<br /><br />Sara DallasSarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16380210423402545512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-9092806533343751852016-11-16T10:57:10.229-08:002016-11-16T10:57:10.229-08:00I am Sue..from Duluth, MN...I think I read about y...I am Sue..from Duluth, MN...I think I read about your blog while discussing Frasier..or MASH for something else..I love your radio posts..and anything dealing with TV....and music..<br />As for posting what we want to read, don't limit yourself to others expectations...I may not understand your baseball posts but I have friends that do...and I share those blogs with them.<br />I am a blogger myself...a beginner of sorts..with nowhere near the readership you have..but I know who I am and what I am most comfortable writing about....and I wouldn't change a thing..<br />Keep writing..keep expressing..and we shall read and follow....and ask questions...<br />I did want to randomly mention...I thought of you when watching This is Us...apparently, the "network" replaced The Manny with another actor..a black actor....so, the people on that show still have jobs...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-17346210095756600822016-11-16T05:50:49.634-08:002016-11-16T05:50:49.634-08:00My name is Dave
I moved to Florida from Chicago ab...My name is Dave<br />I moved to Florida from Chicago about a year ago<br />I felt much as you did last week and looked to the blog for humor<br />I try to read it every day or at least every few days while catching up on any posts that I may have missed in the interim<br />I don't mind the baseball posts<br />Friday questions is my favorite<br />I'm 51<br />I can't even remember how I first found the blog but I've been reading it at least 6-7 years if not longer<br />Davenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-12203432544630410272016-11-16T02:25:06.156-08:002016-11-16T02:25:06.156-08:00Hey Ken , 57 Valencia, found you blog from link...Hey Ken , 57 Valencia, found you blog from link on Don Barett's LA Radio site, fell asleep watching A or B at Falcon, but months later was diagnosed with a bad case of sleep apnea so that is what caused it because I did enjoy A or B. I enjoy the baseball and the radio, and the old time Valley stuff as I grew up in Sherman Oaks. Hollywood stuff is good , inside writing are the ones I might skip but realize that is why others read this blog so as long as they tolerate baseball talk, I can handle the writing stuff.Napoli ever afternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-55389526418604167652016-11-16T02:02:25.056-08:002016-11-16T02:02:25.056-08:00Sorry, I've been busy the past few days and ju...Sorry, I've been busy the past few days and just saw this. I've been reading so long, I don't remember anymore how or when I first started. You could probably go back to a previous anniversary post and see what I wrote then that I've since forgotten. That should also tell you all you need to know about my age. You know me well enough by now to know that I enjoy inside baseball stories about writing comedy more than actual baseball. And you can't go too deep into the weeds with showbiz trivia for me. But hey, it's your blog. Write whatever you want. The readers can complain when they start paying you. <br /><br />PS - More photos of Natalie Wood! Pat Reederhttp://www.hollywoodhifi.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-17378653059852356082016-11-15T20:51:24.123-08:002016-11-15T20:51:24.123-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12652566372571106969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-83262757152997131092016-11-15T20:50:20.033-08:002016-11-15T20:50:20.033-08:00Hi Ken, sorry I'm a day late in commenting, bu...Hi Ken, sorry I'm a day late in commenting, but I have been laying off the computer a lot since the election. I found your blog from Evanier, like so many others, and you and he are the primary blogs I read for entertainment. I'm a few steps from turning 73 on my jog through life, although they say I don't look a day over 70. When I was in high school in South Jersey we were within range of WOR in New York, and every weeknight at 11 PM I would lay in bed and listen to a fellow named Jean Shepherd. I was always a regular listener, even though his topics were all over the place, because he was above all a great story teller. And I think that is why I am a regular here and at newsfromme...because you also are great story tellers. I don't particularly have a great interest in comic books, animation, baseball, or comedy writing, but the subject matter is secondary to the stories as far as I am concerned. I am Fred from Tucson, and I hope you keep in good spirits and continue this most excellent blog, whatever topics you wish to address.Frederic Aldenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16092073035980930082noreply@blogger.com