tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post250611104264884518..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: Thanks!By Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-52265444228799072982016-11-18T21:45:38.775-08:002016-11-18T21:45:38.775-08:00Hi Ken,
Love the blog, the variety, and the wisdo...Hi Ken,<br /><br />Love the blog, the variety, and the wisdom. I am 51, and was first introduced to you by Stu Shostak's show. I especially like blogs about behind the scenes doings on your various shows. I was in radio for 10 years, and like you, yearn for those days gone by. I teach high school, but always wish that I had continued in broadcasting....even though there is no money there either. Keep it up!Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09801987656853611963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-28426062134279774402016-11-18T16:03:26.275-08:002016-11-18T16:03:26.275-08:00Hi, Ken. I'm an L.A. TV writer, 55, originally...Hi, Ken. I'm an L.A. TV writer, 55, originally from Seattle (go M's) and you actually directed an episode of a show I worked on way, way back, FIRED UP. I admit I only check in every week or two (hence I missed the political mishegoss apparently) but I enjoy the blog a lot and admire your inexhaustible supply of MASH and CHEERS anecdotes, and the Friday Q&A. I get your fatigue -- the blog form itself seems to have petered out in favor of twitter, etc. -- but I hope you keep the thing going.<br />Greg Thompsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-22519618802311495382016-11-18T05:04:26.013-08:002016-11-18T05:04:26.013-08:00In a comical twist of irony my name is Jeff and I&...In a comical twist of irony my name is Jeff and I'm from Canada. That's like David Blaine level of craziness. <br /><br />I came across your blog over 5 years ago while searching for screenwriting tips and have been hooked ever since. <br /><br />I enjoy pretty much all your blog posts about any topic. I'm constantly referring to the blog to friends as "the blog I read" where I recount many of your anecdotes. <br /><br />In particular I enjoy the audience participation posts such as "Friday Questions" and the occasions where you ask the readers to come up with punchline for a joke. Keep up the good work!<br /><br />Jeff :)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-45902221238000929802016-11-17T18:10:59.794-08:002016-11-17T18:10:59.794-08:00Ken, I haven't been on here for a few days, so...Ken, I haven't been on here for a few days, so I'm chiming in now. Alan from Toronto (actually Mississauga) 63 and have been reading your blog for two or three years now. Not sure how I found it, but I'm sure glad I did. Without knowing it, I've been a fan of yours for years. I loved MASH, Cheers and Frasier and I think it's wonderful that I'm reading the blog of one of the writers of those great shows. I love comedy. I'll never forget the day my father took me to my first Marx Brothers movies. I think there are still scars on my ribs from laughing so hard!! I also share your love for baseball and radio. Anyway thank you for sharing your humour, wisdom and words. Wishing you great happiness.Alan Gollomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06182300402128985496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-36179747295840960942016-11-17T05:24:10.584-08:002016-11-17T05:24:10.584-08:00I can't exactly remember when I began followin...I can't exactly remember when I began following your blog, but it was around the time that you earned the Time Magazine kudo for "Best Blog." Your name came up in a conversation I had with another KMPC alumnus, under the general topic of "Kids who worked on the KMPC Sportswire (Webster 8-3000) and went on to fame and fortune in show biz!" Most days I click on your blog even before I go to Facebook or the days news, even the weather. It's that integral to my life. I enjoy your reminiscences about your many careers, and I pay close attention to the course in creative writing that you provide almost subliminally to your fans. It has helped me become a better writer, and I give your blog a log of credit for helping this old newsman get his first book published. Strangely enough, its not even a comedy. It's a reminiscence about my dad's adventures in the Navy during World War 2. Kind of like M*A*S*H with a straight face. Yeah, I am bummed about having a large orange in the White House. I feel like they're coming after me eventually, but until the Gestapo kicks in my front door, I'm gonna keep following Ken Levine's blog. So there!Mike Botulahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03280479229678291508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-63177751089514155702016-11-16T12:38:49.907-08:002016-11-16T12:38:49.907-08:00One more comment on the blog. It's such a goo...One more comment on the blog. It's such a good idea to screen the comments before posting. I'm pretty sure I could identify the comment that caused this. It was truly appalling. People can be so mean spirited and nasty when hiding behind a fake name. Let then go elsewhere to spew venom.BobinVThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06659467295097024979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-7690103565862763322016-11-16T08:18:14.991-08:002016-11-16T08:18:14.991-08:00I'm 54, from Cleveland, and a confirmed bachel...I'm 54, from Cleveland, and a confirmed bachelor who may be the only member of the white working class NOT to vote for TRUMP, who I abhor. My sister clued me in on the blog, and have been reading and occasionally commenting for about nine years now. I like reading about entertainment and the pop culture, especially if it concerns the era I grew up in, the 1970s. Not much of a sports fan (though I do take an interest when a hometown team makes the World Series or NBA Finals.) That said, I do find your posts about sports announcers such as Vin Scully interesting, as I consider that part of pop culture. (You may recall I once queried you about Howard Cosell. Thanks for answering that and other questions throughout the years)<br /><br />Keep up the good work!Kirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02155991693956178030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-55270031091368267562016-11-16T00:39:58.995-08:002016-11-16T00:39:58.995-08:00Hi Ken - I´m yet another Canadian, although I live...Hi Ken - I´m yet another Canadian, although I live just outside London in the as-yet-still-United Kingdom. Brexit and Trump were a double punch in the gut. I´ve just turned 80, and do not at all like the look of my remaining years on earth. I´ve been reading your blog for at least five years, after a tipoff from Mark Evanier. Your lively wit and vivid experience always provide a refreshing tonic, whether you´re writing about television, comedy, baseball, radio, playwriting, travel or indeed any topic that attracts your attention. Thank you for providing a continuing bright spot in the gloom. More power to your elbow and your word-processor. Best wishes - Walt PattersonWalt Pattersonhttp://www.waltpatterson.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-72300074645393200462016-11-15T23:54:12.985-08:002016-11-15T23:54:12.985-08:00Horace, 53 African American from Washington DC. I...Horace, 53 African American from Washington DC. I'm not sure how I found this blog, but as a huge fan of Cheers and Frasier, I made sure I bookmarked it. Love the inside Hollywood stories, as well as the writing tips. I just wish Strasburg had been healthy in October so my Nats could have beaten your Dodgers.<br />Horacecohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02272782245074379504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-48738886081418377812016-11-15T19:59:31.537-08:002016-11-15T19:59:31.537-08:00Glad to hear it. I really didn't mean to be im...Glad to hear it. I really didn't mean to be impolite when I suggested you not write about politics. My meaning was that it's just not worth the heartburn. But, again, I apologize and am happy you'll keep going.thomas tuckerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06241537308195762967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-88495046133291135452016-11-15T19:34:28.523-08:002016-11-15T19:34:28.523-08:00One of my favorite parts of Los Angeles is Vermont...One of my favorite parts of Los Angeles is Vermont between Beverly and Wilshire. A delightful ethnic blend -- white, black, Hispanic, Korean. An Islamic Center and Koreatown shopping mall are a few dozen feet from each other, and all get along. (Might make a lively setting for a sitcom, perhaps titled "California Seoul"?) To the right-wing punks: Nothing to be afraid of, gang.VP81955https://www.blogger.com/profile/11792390726196611188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-16562893824327842702016-11-15T19:29:04.511-08:002016-11-15T19:29:04.511-08:00Hi Ken, I'm 44-year old software engineer and ...Hi Ken, I'm 44-year old software engineer and live in Newark, DE. I've been reading your blog for 6 or 7 years I'd guess. I love the baseball stories! I also enjoy the insight into the shows you've written for and the TV industry in general. Keep up the great work! Chipnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-66446147292051325882016-11-15T17:08:31.219-08:002016-11-15T17:08:31.219-08:00I've been reading for 8-10 years and come here...I've been reading for 8-10 years and come here every day. I don't comment much because I try to save it for when I really have something to say. And even though you didn't acknowledge my extremely funny fill-in-the-blank joke about the guy whose wife was cheating on him, I haven't given up coming here. You're a wonderful writer and a pleasure to read. (More baseball posts, please.)Mike Schryverhttp://otrcomedy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-58546309928497070492016-11-15T16:32:30.517-08:002016-11-15T16:32:30.517-08:00Happy belated anniversary!
I began reading your bl...Happy belated anniversary!<br />I began reading your blog years ago after Jane Espenson signed off. I am a 50 something librarian living in Wisconsin currently although I have spent most of my life in other states. I have visited California but never lived there. I came for the writing tips and insights on the creative process. I have stayed because a good writer can make even American Idol and baseball fascinating. <br /> Thank you for the blog--please continue.<br />Kathryn a LibrarianUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13221426929488707526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-720404309257134312016-11-15T14:55:23.349-08:002016-11-15T14:55:23.349-08:00I didn't read all the posts (there were too ma...I didn't read all the posts (there were too many), but from what I saw, the vast majority of responders check the blog daily. So Ken, you are addictive. Also, the number of posts (233 and counting) is by far the most I've ever seen. Paraphrasing Joni Mitchell, "you don't know what you've got til it might be gone".BobinVThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06659467295097024979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-5460064236971583562016-11-15T14:42:33.106-08:002016-11-15T14:42:33.106-08:0044, German cancer researcher with a strong interes...44, German cancer researcher with a strong interest in US TV. Former Boston area resident, proud citizen of Red Sox Nation and regular reader of this blog since approximately 2012.<br /><br />(Currently more than slightly depressed about the outcome of the US Presidential Election.)jcsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-60407423284318643882016-11-15T12:20:45.295-08:002016-11-15T12:20:45.295-08:00There's an Igor and several Jeffs here, but I&...There's an Igor and several Jeffs here, but I'm the only one who lives in Los Angeles and can claim both identities. I think. <br /><br />I accidentally discovered this blog several years ago while poking around the web searching out some MASH info. Initially, I thought it was going to be a way to revisit stories about one of the best nine years of my life. But reading the blog everyday made it clear that it was much, MUCH more than what I expected. <br /><br />Of all the engaging characters Ken has written for and created, I'm a grateful for the opportunity to be the recipient of the tremendous knowledge and insights of one called, Ken Levine. The guy is brilliant, clever, funny, talented, honest, generous and wise. <br /><br />Thanks Ken for the insights, entertainment, laughs and education. We all know that writers must write, but nothing says you must write this blog. It is a gift, a treat, and you are appreciated.Jeff Maxwellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01708037522976667642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-49483448370469230112016-11-15T12:20:27.215-08:002016-11-15T12:20:27.215-08:00OK, to be honestly selfish, I'd love to see mo...OK, to be honestly selfish, I'd love to see more stories that would go into your as-yet-not-published "Still Growing Up in the Seventies" memoir. I'll bet you've got some good military stories, which we haven't seen in the past year or so. <br /><br />I'll touch on 'politics' 6-1/2 days after the AP called Pennsylvania: <br /><br />My kids (20 and 21) hit the street to declare the Trumpian "not my president" (and posted that fact to Facebook). This weekend at dinner I noted this and said that they are now what the Brits call "the loyal opposition". I also mentioned that if they get started now and start leading a network they have a chance to make a real difference through influencing the local assembly, state legislature, and congressional delegation. <br /><br />As for this blog, I have no problem with expressions of loyal opposition. <br /><br />If I want to agree with political writing 90% of the time, I can always hop over to Reason.com. Jahn Ghaltnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-47486187369516572242016-11-15T11:57:17.477-08:002016-11-15T11:57:17.477-08:00Mid-20's, female and I found your blog when do...Mid-20's, female and I found your blog when doing a research paper on Albania. A Google search led me to your blog post about the Albania song on Cheers.<br /><br />Ken, I've been thinking a lot about this election, and while I am glad you are using your platform to speak out, I think you can do more. Trump won overwhelmingly among rural white Americans. I have relatives who are Trump supporters who absolutely fit this description. They are terrified of Muslims because they only know about the from Fox News and crap they read on Facebook. They have zero positive examples of Muslims to draw from. Ditto Hispanics, Jews, etc. Television did a tremendous job of normalizing LGBT through positive portrayals. We have seen LGBT as suburban dads, police detectives, lawyers, high school students and hilarious sidekicks. We need this kind of representation of all minorities. My aunt is never going to sit next to a hijab-wearing Muslim at her local Bob Evans. But what if she could see one on television? What if she found out that Muslims clip coupons just like she does? And argue with their spouses about toothpaste caps and where they belong? Trump is normalizing hate. The television industry should normalize diversity. It's been a complaint for years, but now I would argue you have a patriotic duty to use whatever influence you have to bring diversity to America's living rooms and as quickly as possible. Kaitlynnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-37148133877002756012016-11-15T11:52:29.866-08:002016-11-15T11:52:29.866-08:00Checking in with my favorite blogger. Sorry it too...Checking in with my favorite blogger. Sorry it took so long, but I was away this weekend. I've been reading you for a few years or more, and love every aspect of what you do here - the writing advice, the great stories about the terrific people you've worked with, the baseball columns... I love your warmth towards just about everyone, your pride in and love for your children...<br /><br />And yes, I agree with those who think you're very, very funny. And a mensch.Tudor Queenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03544142728842449527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-90597238543278426972016-11-15T10:19:43.094-08:002016-11-15T10:19:43.094-08:00Fran in DC:
I've been reading the blog for ab...Fran in DC:<br /><br />I've been reading the blog for about 8 years. I found it by researching the writers of my favorite sitcom episode "Rat Girl." I like the site because you're a mensch. The best personal example I have is your visit from the press box on a Sunday at Nats stadium to say hello to me and my son. Very gracious. I like almost all entries (being a baseball fan and a lover of Hawaii, I especially enjoy those. Your daily output for this blog serves as the best reminder to would be writers; writers write! Every day and a lot. You have a generous sensibility that I appreciate. But most of all I read it because ... you're funny. Thanks for all of this Ken. Fran McCarthynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-39575468394791258452016-11-15T10:03:12.235-08:002016-11-15T10:03:12.235-08:00I am 59. In Ohio but from Florida. NOT Canadian bu...I am 59. In Ohio but from Florida. NOT Canadian but seriously giving it some thought due to the election. Not sure when I stumbled across your blog. You'd think growing up in Florida I'd be into baseball but more of a soccer guy thanks to a lot of the Cuban refugees who escaped when Castro came to power but don't mind the baseball posts. Wrote jokes for morning show DJs [and recently found out that Drew Carey was also writing jokes for one of them at the same time before Drew became famous....how cool is that?] but you can't do that anymore since computers & voice-tracking has taken over. My semi-glorious radio days [ahh, who am I kidding, my radio career was more like the Hindenburg landing] were fun up until the time the idiot owners started listening to the consultants and then wondered why the ratings were going down. Love the snarky reviews of the award shows and the general behind the scenes stories of shows you worked on. And the fact that you answer questions from your readers. I've asked questions of some other "famous" people on their websites or sent an email and either never received a reply or got a blistering "How dare you think you can talk to ME" response. Needless to say if they're on a tour or comedy gig, they won't be getting any of MY money. Now if you went on a tour or if your plays come to my area......I'm there!YEKIMIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01921751875397071034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-36518455693215836092016-11-15T09:57:16.071-08:002016-11-15T09:57:16.071-08:00I already commented yesterday, but I want to add s...I already commented yesterday, but I want to add something a little more personal.<br /><br />By just about any standard, I have had a great life. I really can't complain. I come from a very stable middle-class family. I am white, which I mention not to brag or be a white nationalist but to acknowledge that I have probably had it A LOT easier in the United States than many other people.<br /><br />And I have had such a deep, personal reaction to the election, as well as the hate crimes and race-baiting incidents that have been reported in association with it. I sit in my office, on a computer most of the day and let my imagination run wild with how terrible things are or are about to become. I have started reading about bystander intervention so that I can help intercede in the situations I feel absolutely certain I will witness.<br /><br />Yesterday, I was on the bus in Los Angeles. As soon as I got on, I scanned for potential threats. I felt some alleviation because just about everybody on the bus was a person of color, so I figured they couldn't really be white nationalists. I did notice two white men who looked a little circumspect, so I kept my eye on them.<br /><br />At the next stop, a black woman boarded the bus and began talking to anybody who wanted listen about how the bus had been delayed, and she had waited 40 minutes. She approached the men I had singled out and continued complaining. As I worried that my fears about them might be confirmed, the men started speaking with her, saying that they too had been waiting, and it was a real pain for them because they were on their way to a soup kitchen to receive food.<br /><br />They continued talking until the men reached their stop.<br /><br />Now, I don't want to diminish anybody's concerns. Maybe we are just dancing on the head of a pin. Maybe we are a day away from a race war. Maybe we are a day away from a nuclear war. Perhaps I am being completely naive. What I will say is that I expected the worst of people, but when I got out into the world, I saw the best.Erich617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-68135579545345238872016-11-15T09:33:58.577-08:002016-11-15T09:33:58.577-08:00Although I did reply yesterday, it seems I now mus...Although I did reply yesterday, it seems I now must disclose that I'm also a Jeff. One of three in my bar mitzvah class, in fact. gottacooknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-50357576336154493082016-11-15T08:48:07.701-08:002016-11-15T08:48:07.701-08:00
I am in my mid sixties and ran across your site a...<br />I am in my mid sixties and ran across your site a couple of years ago on a list of top blogs. I have enjoyed your site ever since and read it several times a week. I especially like your historical anecdotes and I like your reviews of current shows. Dont think there is anything I truly do not like. Hope you keep writing as I need something other than political stuff to read. Thanks for all the enjoyment you have provided. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com