Thursday, May 19, 2011

Your chance to sound-off!!!














Coming up on the 5 1/2 year anniversary of this blog. This is post #2,366 (ten of them are REALLY good!). From time to time I like to turn the tables and have me read and you write. I’d love to hear from you today – especially new readers or longtime lurkers. I’d love to know who you are, where you’re from, how you found this blog, how long you’ve been here, and most of all – what in it you like and don’t like. Not that I’m going to change anything of course. I’ll still share just enough political views to piss off those of you who don’t think Sarah Palin is an idiot. And I’ll still delve into a lot of different topics. Not only because I like variety but coming up with ideas for this space everyday is a bitch. God, I miss the Writers Strike!

But if I know your overall preferences and non-preferences I can better skew my content in the direction you want. So what do you think?

Among the crap I throw at you is….

Hollywood war stories, writing advice, reviews, travelogues, radio tales, industry rants, Friday questions, parodies, behind-the-scenes, baseball, classic comedy clips for you to weigh-in on, excerpts from the ‘60s book I’m writing, industry analysis, seasonal movie previews, contests, surveys, excerpts from scripts, profiles of comedy writers, snippets of play-by-play, miscellaneous thoughts & silliness, Katherine Heigl bashing, reality show spoofing, and pretty much anything else I think might get a couple of laughs.

Would love your feedback.  

Speaking of which, the comments section has evolved into another very big part of this blog. Just know I read every one, and there are many days when the comments you guys leave are far more entertaining than the post they’re commenting on. So it takes great fortitude not to just delete them. 

Feel free to criticize. Seriously. I only ask that you leave your name. And before you accuse me of using my blog just so I can sell my books, get more Twitter followers, and promote when I’m going to be broadcasting for the Mariners, I say, “Yeah? So what?”

(By the way, I’m thinking of doing another Sitcom Room seminar. Will let you know, but you can go here for updates on that)

Thanks so much to all of you. Thanks for your support, thanks for your comments, thanks to the nine of you who have bought my book and the four who’ve said they liked it, and thanks for spreading the word about this blog to others. It’s hard to go viral I’m sharing lost episodes of ALMOST PERFECT.

In closing, this blog had been a great outlet, and more than that – it has allowed me to meet many way cool people like yourself. Hope to hear from you today. (Or at least buy my book.) And I look forward to keep posting until I’m down to my last AfterMASH anecdote (which is also my first AfterMASH anecdote).

Thanks again,

Ken

104 comments :

LouOCNY said...

No - thank YOU Ken for such great

Entertainment

Information

and down right silliness sometimes

Yossi Mandel said...

Been here a year, maybe two. You were the first person I found when I decided to turn my writing to screenwriting, and you led me to many other great people writing about it online.

The Friday questions are my favorite posts. After that is inside baseball stories, and after that pretty much everything. The Jewish shtick is good too, whenever it comes up.

Sarah Palin is certainly not an idiot. You've just insulted idiots everywhere. That's like saying G. Gordon Liddy is a felon. Why insult felons?

carol said...

Having at one time aspired to be an actress, (still act with a local company) and as I still occasionally aspire to be a writer, I really enjoy reading your blog for the writer advice and the 'Hollywood' insights. I also really enjoy your always entertaining memories of your childhood and your writing career.

I wanted to ask you if you'd read a recent article Rosanne Barr/Arnold/Rosanne no surname wrote. I can't find the link (sorry) but she was talking about her days when she started the sitcom, and the battles she had with the executives and the head writer. The whole time I read the article, I kept wondering what your opinion would be on what she said.

Anyway...I love your blog and read it every day. Keep on keeping on! :)

PatGLex said...

Not sure how long I've been reading, but at least a couple years, maybe longer. I followed a link from Mark Evanier's blog.

Big pluses: You are connected with Major League Baseball! And I once aspired to be a TV writer, but never went to LA, so I love reading all the background stuff.

I work in scholarly publishing. I actually watched Almost Perfect when it aired. And I thank you for posting something every day; it helps to get my work day started.

Jonathan Ernst said...

I started reading the blog when I was an assistant to a development executive at a cable network a couple of years ago. I've since left the world of development realizing I could never make it as a suit since I don't have the ability to suck up to whoever is above me, spit on whoever is below me, and crush anyone at my level. That and I was fired by a VP I insulted during drinks one time.

While I love almost every post you make my favorites are your stories about your radio days. We grew up in different eras, but radio was a big part of my adolescence too and I love hearing about the mayhem behind the magic of the little black box. I'm sure you have a radio screenplay in the drawer. Dust it off and get it made!

Antwon said...

Pretty sure I found your site through some random "re-tweet" many moons ago. Skimmed your archives and enjoyed the content enough to become a regular reader.

As an engineering dude, I like stripping away "user abstractions" and seeing how things actually function "under the hood"... which means that I really enjoy your television inside-baseball posts. I'm pretty sure that in an alternate universe, I'd be off hocking my screenwriting wares in Greater L.A.; it's fun, seeing the trials and tribulations that sort of "alternative me" might presently be enduring. (If nothing else, it confirms that my chosen fat/dumb/lazy/sellout course of actions entails some serious "wow, at least I didn't have to deal with THAT" sorts of perks.)

'Course, I'm also a fan of (a) baseball and (b) random wanderlust, which does not hurt matters. :) Snatched up your travelogue book in a heartbeat, naturally. Always interesting to compare and contrast our respective takes on a city, especially when it's a "one of us stayed in touristy urban areas while the other was slogging through aimless rural areas" sort of affair.

In any event: thanks for writing! I'm very glad for your blog's continuing existence. Here's to raising a glass for the next five-and-a-half years!

Mark said...

Ken - I found your blog about a year and a half ago. I think it was through a link to one of your posts about Lost.

I've enjoyed your observations on current shows, but the best parts for me have been: (1) behind the scenes details of the writing process, especially related to favorite shows like Cheers and MASH, (2) baseball/announcer posts, which give a very different viewpoint (and I am amazed at your ability to have dual careers), (3) old radio stories that just capture how different that industry, and much of society, is today.

Thanks!

Rays profile said...

Nothing I'd change, although more Natalie Wood photos would be nice :)

Karl said...

Howdy! I'm Karl from Madison, WI...been reading for a couple of years ago and I believe I found this blog from a writer's strike blog roll (couldn't tell you which one).

Huge fan of MASH, and enjoy watching an occasional Cheers and Fraiser episode. Mostly on the blog I enjoy your commentaries on various television shows and your unique POv on the industry. Not a huge sports/travel/radio fan, but hey it's your blog, and I usually at least skim those entries.

Thanks for the great reading over the years! Happy 5.5!

Craig Cohen said...

Way to go Cuz!

Craig, as in Cohen

Rory Wohl said...

Hi Ken,

I, too, found you through a link on Mark Evanier's blog. Thanks to Mark, my unholy trinity of showbiz blogs is you, him, and Earl Pomerantz.

The best part about your blog is I never know what I'm gonna get. (Well, except on Friday's with the questions, which I like.)

If I had to pick, I'd say the "Hollywood stuff" is my favorite. Although I find it interesting, the writing advice isn't for me -- heck, I can barely read let alone write (as evidenced by this comment).

So, happy anniversary, keep up the good work, and I forgive you for not taking me up on my dinner offer when you were in Cleveland for the Mariners rain-outs.

Chip said...

Ken - don't sell yourself short ... eleven of them are really good.

Honestly, I don't remember how I found my way to your blog, but I do remember adding it to my reader after one post and I haven't looked back (at all ... that was the only post I read). I keed! I keed!

I really enjoy reading your stories about the industry and writing in general. I'm not much of a baseball fan, so I leave those posts alone. I also don't go for your growing up in the 60s because I am WAY younger than you and only spent a year in that decade anyway (best year of my life, though).

Again, for me, it's your insights into writing and the entertainment industry that I come here for ... for which I come here? ... for here I come which? I hate Engrish.

Adam Gaulding said...

Hey Ken,

I really do enjoy the blog. I'm not sure how I came upon it, but I am glad that I did.

I am an aspiring sitcom writer, who in about 6 months will jump feet first into the murky waters of Los Angeles.

I enjoy the Hollywood war stories, writing advice, reviews, and Friday questions. Basically anything that has to do with the industry. I usually skip over the sports commentary because it is all sanskrit to me.

All I can say is to keep on doing what you are doing. The blog already seems to have a nice balance to it. And it's one of the first things I read in the morning when it pops up on my google reader.

Adam

Rick said...

Been reading your blog for a couple years. Don't recall how I found it. I came for the behind the scenes TV stuff but I do enjoy reading your other favorite topics -- even though I'm not much interested in baseball.

The radio stuff is high on my list. No doubt due to the fact that we're the same age. So AM radio was a big part of my early years. (Art Roberts on WLS Chicago - The voice of labor!)

Like Carol, I read Roseanne's article at
nymag.com and wondered about your take. I'd heard all the stories about how her being a prima donna but I had never heard her side. And whem the whole Charley Sheen thing was going on, it didn't really occur to me that Charley might not be the only overinflated ego involved.

Michael said...

Ken, I always loved your work on MASH and Frasier in particular, so I especially enjoy those posts. Like you, I worship at the feet of The Vin, and I still want to broadcast Dodger games with him (met him when I was nine and told him so), so I love the reports on broadcasting. The blog is great. Keep it up! Maybe I'll even buy the book ....

fred said...

I live in Idaho and enjoyed your work the 1st time you commentated for the M's. glad to have you back! i love the Mariner travelogs. i'm still laughing over the droppler/Jimi Hendrix line. also enjoy the backstage stuff you write about.the "insider view" if you will.
one my favorite cheers openings was the man who walks in after not being in Cheers for 20 years and says this has changed and that has changed. but that wall hasn't changed. and Coach says "which wall" and the guy says "the one behind Norm.
Don't like the Academy award type stuff. just not interested in who is wearing brown wingtips with a blue suit.
Found you on twitter and then found this website. on twitter,i'm "filthyfred. mostly because my "yacker" was filthy when i pitched in LL several decades ago.
Thanks for your time sink Ken.

fred curtis

Janice Gable Bashman said...

Ken - I've been lurking for almost as long as you've had your blog running. I always enjoy the posts and have no idea how I found you, probably a search related to M*A*S*H. I love the writing advice, the Hollywood war stories, travelogues, and pretty much anything. A good writer makes most topics interesting, which you do.

Terry said...

I found your blog two, maybe three years ago. I don't remember how, but I remember being immediately interested as I am a huge fan of shows like MASH, The Simpsons, Cheers and many of the other shows you have worked on. I could read behind the scenes stories about those shows all day long and be fascinated by how it all comes together.

I also enjoy your travelogues and the excerpts from your book about growing up in the 60s.

Being in radio myself (I work for a show on Sirius XM), I am also fascinated by your stories of your days in radio. It's interesting to see how differently things operate now compared to those days.

Thanks for always being entertaining and keep up the good work!

noisy penguin said...

I started reading your blog after you introduced yourself on Lookout Landing. I was all, "Wait...this guy wrote for MASH? And Cheers? WHAT?" I'm not used to my baseball announcers doing interesting things that are not baseball announcing. I'm enjoying the behind-the-scenes posts, your Friday question answering, and of course, the baseball posts. I like the travel posts as well, but particularly the baseball related ones, so I'm hoping to see more of those. Also, I bought your book when I saw the salon where I get my hair cut mentioned in the product description. (I haven't read it yet though...my pile of to-reads is much higher than my time to read.)
-Laurel, San Diego

Jason VG said...

Ken,

Thanks so much for your blog! Enjoy reading it each morning as a great way to start the day.

I'm up here in Tacoma, so I enjoy the old Marinier's stories. (That might account for about four of us these days.)

But I also love the MASH and Cheers stories as well.

Politically, I'm probably the other end of the spectrum from you. (Which puts me in another group of about 4 of us here in Washington.) But hey, its your blog and I'm choosing to read it, so say what you want.

NameWithheldForMyProtection said...

Hi Ken. I found you a couple years ago when looking for blogs about writing. After I read about "show don't tell" and Joseph Campbell's hero archetypes about 40 million times, I removed most of the other blogs from my RSS reader. However, you made the cut because your blog is consistently entertaining, or at least self-deprecating. I read your blog daily, but comment under many different pseudonyms as I am under internet witness protection.

I like the Friday questions, the inside stories from your Hollywood career, and when you bag on celebrities. I especially like the "anatomy of a scene" posts. Any chance you would critique a couple episodes from the first year of Cheers (whether you wrote them or not)? I just think those are really classic examples of comic writing. And you could probably stretch 'em out for a week of filler posts! I don't care if other people would be interested, because I am a wee bit narcissistic.

The only thing that you could improve in this blog is to work on the navigation, probably by adding tags to posts so people could search that way. However, that would be a huge undertaking to go back and edit all those posts.

I feel like I know you from this blog, which is really cool. Although, why the hell haven't you invited me over for dinner yet? I'm not on probation at the moment, and I usually brush my teeth.

Randy said...

I love any and everything MASH related. You probably get tired of talking about it, but any stories you tell are pure gold to me

RCP said...

Hi Ken - When I called up your blog, the first line that caught my eye was "In closing, this blog has been a great outlet..." and I felt a cold chill, thinking you were wrapping it up!

I'm Rob, and followed your link over from HuffingtonPost about a year ago, when you were writing about American Idol. Having always been fascinated with This Business We Call Show, I was immediately drawn in by your humor, insight, and experiences writing for television and movies. You even make baseball sound like fun.

I've always heard that it's a world of sharks in Hollywood, but then I think it can't be all that, if there are writers like Ken Levine. I try to check in to your blog daily, and am also impressed with the caliber of fellow posters (with the exception of the occasional anonymous jackass).

Thank you!

daniel in cherry hill said...

Found your blog after your "tiff" with aaron Sorkin. You broadcast my first season as a Baseball fan (1991) and even documented in a book so I would remember each game. (you werent there for my first game (hope you wife's leg recovered!!!)

Congratulations on 5.5 years. Not sure what to get you? 5 years is wood, 6 is iron. Maybe a putter?

Bruce said...

Ken,

Been reading for at least 4+ years. Followed a link from Chuck Sigars blog. I'm going out on a limb here, but I read at least 12 maybe 13 that have been REALLY good. Love the writer's war stories. Interesting to hear a little of how the sausage is made. Don't stop and as soon as my Kindle is repaired I'm buying your book!

WV - ounticim; special salve for avatars.

Mike Fab said...

Mornin' Ken. I guess I'd have to be classified as a "greenpea" blog reader. Your's was the first I've ever read on a regular basis and I think it's a hoot. Don't have a coronary here, but I "stumbled" across your blog while reading reviews of "American Idol" about a year or so ago. I can't stand the show either and I believe it's just slightly more stressful than preparing for a colonoscopy, but it's about the only thing other than the news that my wife and I watch together on TV. Hey. there's an idea! Why don't you push your formidable celebrity status around and see if FOX will hire you as a judge on Idol. Man, I can just see you now....sitting smugly next to J-Lo and Steven, "high-fiving" Randy, and trading immature insults with Ryan. Your a natural-born reality show judge Ken, that's what you are. And besides that, they really need a funny Jewish guy on the panel. They've never had one. Long overdue me thinks.

Your stories about travelling with the Mariners cracks my sack too. I recently moved back to California after living in North Idaho for the past 15 years. The Mariners grew on me while living there and I can't seem to shake them. They're sort of like a bad rash....terribly annoying and embarrasing, yet capable of producing some degree of pleasure when you scratch them.

Anyway, you're a funny guy so keep up the good work. Go Mariners and good riddance Milton Bradley.

William Jansen said...

Thank you so much for this blog!

Your blog is the only blog I've ever come across, where I systematically went through the entire archives.

The one thing, that I enjoy above else, is all the backstage-machinery. Anything that gives a glimpse into how huge a process producing 20 minutes of television can be.

Reviews comes second and are also much appreciated, and all the Only For Americans-stuff (baseball, your politicians and your radio-culture, which isn't really recognizable to this Scandianvian) I skip every single time.

Eduardo Jencarelli said...

I discovered this blog about a year ago, right after I discovered your twitter.

I live in Rio. And I've always been fascinated by the behind-the-scenes filmmaking process, especially the writing, creating characters and stories. I try to find out as much as I can about the process. It's one of the reasons I aspire to become a screenwriter.

First time I noticed your name was when I rewatched Dancin' Homer on the Simpsons DVD sets. I took the time to listen to both audio commentaries in which you participated alongside the Simpsons folks (and also your partner David on one of them).

Then I realized I remembered your name from from Cheers. A quick IMDb search confirmed it.

As far as the content goes, there's no particular preference. I always enjoy anything you post. Sometimes, I don't identify as easily with the radio tales, since I was never much of a radio listener, but I still enjoy them.

And I'll always get a good laugh out of Katherine Heigl and Sarah Palin bashing.

iain said...

Happy Anniversary, Ken! Baseball, Radio, Screen & Script writing, Travel & a willingness to entertain questions from the unwashed masses...what's not to like?

I would like to see a post in which you combine a critique of Sarah Palin's political acumen & the quality of Woody Allen's recent films. Your comments section might cause whiplash.

gottacook said...

I'm a non-industry person who nonetheless has always found show business interesting - at least since the late 1970s when I lived in center-city Philadelphia and would pick up a weekly Variety at a newsstand; it was on newsprint and only 75 cents, so I started buying it on impulse.

Since I was a teenager I've known how crucial the script is: I went to see Logan's Run (summer 1976) and it seemed obvious to me that the special effects had been produced first (the "Carousel" etc.) and the script was then written around the effects, which in turn explained why the story veered so wildly from the original novel. (SF fans like me had no idea that Star Wars and Close Encounters, actual good movies, were then in production.)

I also enjoy all stories of how things go right (or wrong!) in the inevitably collaborative process of making a movie or a TV episode. Maybe you could write a book about some of your experiences in TV series, analogous to William Goldman's Adventures in the Screen Trade.

I enjoy everything here except the sports-related posts, which I just skip. No need to eliminate them on my account.

Ben Scripps said...

Worst thing I've seen today: As I was reading today's post, I came to the first four words in the last paragraph, "In closing, this blog", and my eyes for whatever reason just skipped over the comma, so I saw it as "In closing this blog". NOOOO!!!

Gottacook just before me mentioned not reading the sports-related posts; I'm the same way, only with your reminiscences of growing up in the '60s. I wasn't even born until '72, and the only time I've ever been to California was when I was 8, so there's nothing to relate to there for me. But I just skim them to see if there's anything interesting, and if not, well...fine. Maybe the next one will click for me.

One thing, though, and I mean this in the nicest way possible: seriously, you need a proofreader. Misspellings, grammatical mistakes, typos. Ugh. Don't get me wrong--I know most people aren't as uptight about it as me, but I tend to judge writing based not only on content but structure as well. There have been potentially great books I've read that I ended up not respecting because the author couldn't tell the difference between "you're" and "your".

But you've had more than ten great posts--if you hadn't, then your book "Where the Hell am I?", now available on Kindle and Nook as well as in paperback, would be a total ripoff, wouldn't it? :-)

Steve Zeoli said...

It's true, Ken, that only 10 of your posts are REALLY good. The rest are REALLY, REALLY good.

Anonymous said...

I apologise that this may not be the most helpful of comments, but the variety of topics is part of the appeal of your blog.
Now that you have stopped covering American Idol, there are no posts of which I would like to see less.
My favourites, if only by a whisker, are those on baseball.

Phillip B said...

Steve Martin had this early routine where he said the best part of getting older is that you can close the door on some things ad simply let them pass. I admit to never having seen a Katherine Heigl movie and having given up on American Idol after the first season.

But your passions for sitcoms and baseball intersect perfectly with mine. Although I'm not professionally involved in either industry, the mythology of both are fascinating to me.

Also love the travel stories and the memories of radio from days in which it was so culturally significant. These 4 streams of consciousness give you a wonderful handle on American pop culture.

My hope is that you'll expand into audio podcasts. I'd enjoy hearing you in 15 minutes of conversation with Vince Scully or Aaron Sorkin!

And one of the greatest attractions of your blog is the quality of the comments from your readers. They seem a very sane group of people, but have often made me laugh to the point of falling off a chair - disturbing all around me..

michelle j. said...

Ken- I've never posted before, but I felt I should let you know who else is out there.

I somehow found a link to your blog only about 8 or 9 months ago. I went back and read A LOT of the archives. I really enjoy the stories about the various shows you wrote for as I am always fascinated by the creation of television shows I work in a field that is beyond different from that but in the back of my mind I always wanted to work on a TV show in some capacity. I'm not a writer but I like the tips you give out as well because it gives that much more insight into that world.

Thanks again for posting on such a regular basis and making it so enjoyable for everyone!

Janet T said...

Ken- I think I found your blog, maybe it was through the Huff Post? Regardless, I am glad I found it. I have read or repeated sections of it to almost everyone I know for the last year or so. My husband is Valley born and raised, and we lived there together for over 10 years, so I find those bits interesting. I miss the energy of LA, just not all the people. I really enjoyed your book and I’m looking forward to the next one.

I enjoy almost everything you write- you have a snarky sense of humor that I truly appreciate (maybe because I have a snarky sense of humor as well)

And the comments page is my second favorite thing to read. Some very talented and funny people out there in the blogosphere.

Me? I’m married 27 years today-two kids living in a tiny town in Oregon, running a business with my husband.

Fred said...

For Carol, the article that Roseanne wrote: http://nymag.com/arts/tv/upfronts/2011/roseanne-barr-2011-5/

Aaron Poehler said...

I enjoy everything except the baseball stuff, but I just don't like sports in general. I do like Norm MacDonald's Sports Show though, so the material can be made interesting to me if it's broad (and funny) enough.

By Ken Levine said...

Thanks so far to everyone for your comments. And re the Roseanne article, I just wrote a reaction to it that I will post on Monday. Stay tuned.

Thanks again everyone.

Ed said...

I've been a daily reader for maybe two years. Can't remember where I found the link but I owe that guy. Loved your book. I went for the deluxe version printed on actual paper.

No complaints. My favorite posts are the ones about growing up in the Valley. Looking forward to the book. I live outside of D.C. but visit Woodland Hills at least two weeks a year. My wife grew up there. Her sister went to Taft and was probably about 2 years ahead of you.

Fred said...

Howdy Ken, I've been reading for a few years, especially interested in the behind the scenes, Hollywood horror stories, baseball, and how too rite.

I'm an actor who everyone has seen as they fast-forward through your shows. I realized a while ago how much more I learned about the writing side of the business, the more I knew about the acting side. I haven't written anything that has been produced yet, but just having a basic grasp on how the writer is thinking, I believe, has a positive effect on an actor's performance. So I browse a lot of industry blogs because they are full of free education.

And I especially love it when the 2 skills come together, and I offer a line that makes it into the script. It's rare, and only in commercials so far, but being able to fulfill two loves at once and sometimes get paid for it is an amazing thing.

Happy 11/2! Thanks for all the free advice!

Scott C. said...

I've been reading for at least a year, maybe two, and I believe it was Wil Wheaton's blog that sent me to yours. I appreciate your sense of humor, and having majored in broadcasting and currently working in sports journalism I love your insights into the television industry and baseball. My biggest complaint is your spelling, but that's because I'm anal that way. If that's the worst thing I have to deal with on this blog, you can bet I'll be here for the long haul. Happy anniversary, and thanks for sharing.

Jeffrey Mark said...

Ken,

Read your blog everyday without fail. As Wile E. Coyote once said in a brilliant Bugs Bunny cartoon written by the brilliant Michael Maltese and directed by Chuck Jones: "Brilliance...sheer unadulterated brilliance...oh, Wile E. Coyote, you're such a super genious...Wile E. Coyote, super genious...I like the way that rolls off my tongue...Wile E. Coyote, suuuuuper genious." Bugs comes along and blows up the shack that Wile E. is hiding in. Wile E. gets all twisted and drunken and in a quavering voice, disgusted with himself for having his "genius" foiled once again says, "Wile E. Coyote...super genious," and falls down on his face.

You are a comedy genious in the same breath as Michael Maltese and the brilliant Larry Gelbart. I thank you for writing the best blog on the Internet. Super genious, indeed.

Susan said...

Hi Ken! I've been reading you for a year or two now. I found your link on a theater blogger's site. I live in NYC and I work for an Off Broadway theater, but I'm also a big tv and movie fan. I rarely comment, but I enjoy readin gthe comments.

My favorite posts on your blog are the behind-the-scenes bits, including Friday questions. I love knowing the story of how an actor got case, or why that scene was written a certain way. I tend to skip the sports and memoir posts.

Mike Diaz said...

Hello,

I just found your blog about a week ago and it's great. Better than my blog? You wish... okay it is.

I think your style and content is diverse and always a pretty enjoyable read. So thanks for posting!

I'm out in LA trying to get paid for writing (have been for a few years now) and was wondering if you had any advice on how to obtain an agent. Perhaps in an older post or maybe you have a fresh take on it.

Regardless, thanks for the great posts! And I'd say more zombie bin laden ideas, it has potential

Mac said...

Hey Ken, I've been a daily reader since not long after you started. This blog is always my first read of the day.
I live in the UK and have been writing comedy a few years now with wildly varying degrees of success. Right now it's going so well that I have the whole day free to decide what I'm going to write here, but I'm hoping that situation changes soon. I've been doing it long enough now to know that "the tide goes out and the tide comes in." Watching shows like Cheers, Becker and Frasier inspired me to try comedy-writing.
My favorites are the "deconstructing comedy" posts. With an example and how a scene or a show came about. As a huge fan of a lot of these shows, the chance to see behind the curtain is fascinating. I can't get enough of that, but I enjoy the random stuff as well. I've done a bit of work in LA, had a great time there and I enjoy the posts referencing places I used to see around. I don't usually care what the topic is, as you always have a funny take on it.
Long may it continue. Thanks.

cjdahl60 said...

Ken:

This is Chris from Bainbridge Island WA. I've been reading your blog for 2-3 years now, but I can't for the life of me recall how I found it.

Please don't change a thing about the blog. It is one of the highlights of my day (insert snarky comment about my life here).

I'm one of the people who purchased your travel monologues for my Kindle and I even tracked down a used copy of your book about your baseball broadcasting career from a private seller on Amazon. Judging by the stamps on the spine, the copy that I bought was obviously liberated from a public library sometime in the past.

Congratulations on the blog milestone and go Mariners! It's great to have you back on the local broadcasts. Any chance this could become a more permanent gig? Would you like it to become a more permanent gig?

Andy Kaiser said...

Hi Ken,

You asked, so I'll tell you: My favorites are the writing advice and inside views about the industry and its people. While I'm a writer, I don't write screenplays, yet there's plenty of room for crossover and I get a lot of benefit from your writing analysis and explanations.

Close second favorites are your reflections on pop culture and politics. I'm a stereotypical computer geek, though, so I skip anything sports-related - just not my bag.

I found you when I was curious about a particular Frasier episode. I read that post, then quickly started working through the archives.

I'm a daily reader and subscriber, I've bought the book, and always look forward to your posts.

I hope I don't get beat up by any other readers for saying this, but your blog is one I'd be willing to pay money for a subscription. There are very few others I'd be willing to support in this way.

Thanks for making this effort!

Andy

VP81955 said...

The radio stuff is high on my list. No doubt due to the fact that we're the same age. So AM radio was a big part of my early years. (Art Roberts on WLS Chicago - The voice of labor!)

Just a correction: WCFL was the "voice of labor" -- CFL stood for "Chicago Federation of Labor." WLS stood for "World's Largest Store"; it was owned by Sears for many years.

Ken, congrats on 66 great months, and if you do come to D.C. when the Mariners play at Nationals Park (by then, I hope the Nats will have scored), you'll not only run into Phil Wood (who I've mentioned before), but Johnny Holliday, who does Nats pre- and post-game shows on MASN. As you may know, Johnny was a longtime Top 40 jock of renown; he played the final record on WINS before it went all-news, emceed the Beatles' final concert at Candlestick Park and was the announcer on "Hullabaloo," telecast from the old Earl Carroll nightclub on Sunset Boulevard (and whatever happened to those slabs on the wall with the stars' autographs?).

Ted said...

Longtime reader and fan - love the blog.

Please do more of your stories from the boss radio days. I think there's another book there - and possibly even a movie!

Brad said...

The blog is great.

My favourite posts are the ones that tell the behind the scenes stories. How you did, why you did, why you couldn't...

Love it.

Sue said...

Your blog was a happy accident while googling "The Social Network" about a 10 months ago. It began innocently enough, but then I started reading the archives and I was hooked.

I am not in the business but have always been interested in learning how actors act and writers write. You pepper your lessons with just the right amount of humor. Also love the travel posts.

I am a huge Padres fan which is much like being a Cubbies fan without the rich baseball history. My favorite baseball post was how you practiced calling the game in the nose bleed section of Chavez Ravine.

Finally, being born in 1950, it is nice to find someone not necessarily pandering to the 18 to 49 year old demographic. Thanks Ken.

Sue

Charles H. Bryan said...

I am another who followed a link from Mark Evanier's blog two or three years ago. Yours is one of two blogs (including Mark's) that I read on a regular basis.

Honestly, just write about whatever you want -- that's the fun of your site.

Don't listen to us. Think of us as an UNfocus group.

Larry Shell said...

Ken, long-time lurker, big time fan of your blog. I love it all, your show biz tales, growing up in the 60s, travelogues, stupid celebs and soooooo much more. Here's to another 5-1/2 years. you writing it and me reading it! Larry S.

kim said...

I found your blog via Lee Goldberg's blog - probably about 2 years ago.

I love the Hollywood war stories, writing advice, industry rants, behind the scenes and Friday questions. I'm not as fond of the sports stories because I'm not into sports - but I love your writing and read all of it, regardless of topic.

kim

Brian Doan said...

Hi Ken,
I can't remember what brought me here, but I'm pretty sure it was a link on James Wolcott's blog, maybe to one of your Oscar ceremony write-ups, or a FRAISER anecdote? Anyway, I stayed because you are both very funny and very generous, both in what you share and in not going crazy at all our questions. (: I enjoy all kinds of posts-- about baseball, radio, politics-- but I think my favorite feature is the Friday questions, and not just because you were kind enough to answer two of mine. I love all the stories about working in Hollywood, and what it's really like to be part of a TV show or movie. Thanks for a great blog!

Susie Reynolds said...

Congrats on the big 5.5 Ken! I came over a year or two ago from Earl Pomerantz' blog, and have read you regularly ever since.

I grew up in LA (now in the Midwest), and my Dad was a driver in the business, so I enjoy hearing those stories. But really it's the variety and the humor that keeps me coming back every day.

It must be a grind some days, but we'll keep reading as long as you keep writing!

D. McEwan said...

Make that FIVE who said they liked your book. I've been enjoying it. I keep it on the bathroom reading pile, as the essays are the perfect bathroom-reading length, and sometimes I laugh so much, I take a laxitive, just so I can read more of it.

Nancy said...

Really enjoy your blog. Love the reviews of the awards shows. But I especially love the posts about your comedy writing experiences on shows and the stories about other writers you share.

After such a beautiful tribute to Larry Gelbart when he passed away, and since you've ventured into the territory of Bob Mosher and Joe Connelly bits, I might have missed an honorable mention nod from you about Madelyn Pugh Davis, who passed away in late April of this year?

Along with her writing partner, Bob Carroll, Jr, she was responsible for many of the most memorable "I Love Lucy" shows. Ms. Davis said her favorite episodes included a 1952 show in which Lucy and Ethel land jobs in a chocolate factory, only to have the conveyor belt kick into overdrive.

Another episode, from 1955, centered on Lucy's mortifying encounter with handsome Hollywood actor William Holden, when he accidentally sets her fake nose on fire.

Thanks again for your enjoyable Angeleno take on all things comical, political, and pop cultural. Here's to (at least) another demi-decade plus of your blog.

Matt said...

I love coming here. I read it on the morning when I go to work. Love the Hollywood stories the most, but anything mocking Sarah Palin is warmly received. Found the blog when the Eliza Dushku/pool story was linked at Whedonesque.com

Great value for money. keep up the good work.

Unknown said...

I enjoy almost everything except the baseball stories, but really laugh hard at your reviews of current tv shows, the oscars, your summer movie roundups, and would love to see more reviews.

Anonymous said...

I've enjoyed reading your blog for several years now. Yours is the only one I read every day. You are very funny and really eloquent. Your tributes are the best I've ever read. I am most grateful that you are now working for the Mariners. You are doing a wonderful job and I would like you to keep letting us know when you are on the radio. You definitely convey your love of the game and your loyalty to my struggling but still wonderful Mariners.
I sincerely hope that this is a long term job for you. For me it bridges the gap left by Dave Neihaus with someone I respect and enjoy. Keep up the good work and enjoy yourself!

Retro Blog said...

If a person cannot throw down an occasional misspelling (did I spell that correctly?)on THEIR OWN BLOG, let the reader beware and keep yer lip zipped.
I found your blog from my sisters's blog, I enjoy the general chattiness, baseball will break your heart, keep on blogging. Very sincerely, Royce

Jay said...

Honestly do not remember how I came to your blog, but it went into my Google Reader the second I found it! Began reading it in Australia two years ago, continued reading it when I moved back with my parents in Asia, now reading it from Santa Clara, CA. Love everything except for the sports-related stuff, but only because I don't follow sports. UnAmerican? Damn straight, I'm not American!

It's a huge pleasure to read a blog written by someone who's worked on so many of my family's favourite TV shows. Thank you so much for all the laughs on screen (TV) and on screen (computer)!

I *did* buy your book of travel anecdotes. Very entertaining, but caught a few copyediting mistakes. Would've liked it better if your observations were fleshed out into essays - after a while, it felt like I was reading a collection of tweets.

Hope to celebrate the blog's 10th anniversary in the future! Cheers!

Chris said...

Quick question for friday: what's the difference between a "producer" and a "co-producer" credit in a television episode?

Rob said...

Hi Ken. I don't remember how i found the blog but I read it every day. I enjoy the Friday questions and behind-the-scenes stories most of all, and I loved your American Idol kiss-off (I always avoided that show). I would like to see random critiques of sitcoms old or new, your all-time best and worst scripted shows, and analysis of my favorite MASH episode that you wrote - The Billfold Syndrome. And some love for Patty Heaton and The Middle, which is pretty darn funny!

Paul Berkowitz said...

I too found you through Mark Evanier. My holy trinity is Mark, you and Mark Rothman, first 3 things I read every day. I'm a semi-retired engineer in the military electronics field, about as far from entertainment as you get. Maybe that's why I enjoy all three so much.

WV: iccons: Apple scams

Ben K. said...

I just know that if I keep reading your blog, I'll finally realize my dream of making it onto the writing staff of "Outsourced."

JC said...

I've only been reading your blog for a few months. I don't even remember how I stumbled upon it - random clicking I guess, but I just want you to know how much I enjoy your blog. Keep up the good work.

Mike Schryver said...

I came here 4 or 5 years ago, via a link from Evanier.
Ken, at first, I was intrigued by the fact that you were a TV writer.
Then I realized you were involved with many of my favorite shows.
Then, I found out you're a baseball announcer - I'm a huge baseball fan, one of those kids Casey Stengel used to talk about, who learned to talk by saying "baseball, baseball, baseball".
Now you're announcing Mariners' games - my adopted team since moving to the Northwest.
And your blog is always interesting to read.

I can't thank you enough for all the entertainment over the years, between the TV shows, this blog, and listening to you call games.

Sorry this is so maudlin - what can I do to balance it a little? Okay, I don't care about reality shows or American Idol.

Anonymous said...

Ken, You manage to keep it fresh everyday. Clearly a lot of thought goes into your blog and I thank you for it.

I stay anonymous,you wouldn't believe it's me anyway :)

b

Anonymous said...

I join with the 70 people before me in saying thanks for the daily entertainment. It's been a great 3 years for me since I found you.

I'm like some of the others in that the radio columns might be my favorites. Wolfman Jack, the SLA, the Hells Angels, the farm report at 4 AM from a vacant field in San Berdoo--you might be a fine writer but you can't make this stuff up.

But your most surprising talent might be your ability to shift gears from snarky wise-ass to genuinely touching eulogist. Please don't take this the wrong way, but you're becoming your generation's Georgie Jessel--the guy who's known so many people and is able to say something appropriate about them at the end, without being saccahrine or maudlin. For Gelbart, Popejoy and several others, you brought an honest coda to their memories that one might not expect from who has written for Homer Simpson.

Sunshine Vitamin said...

Thanks for the blog Ken. I bought 4 of your travelogue book AND a hardcover of your "IT'S GONE! No, wait a minute", which is considered a collectible even though it cost less than the shipping. (THEN... it's probably worth MUCH more now!) I love that you are so able to see the humor in current events, a welcome gift indeed.

Perry Lambert said...

Ken, just a note of thanks to you and your daily writings on your blog. I enjoy them immensely...especially your posts involving comedy writing of any kind, all the wonderful and humorous critiques of TV shows, awards show, and hollywood gossip. I find it all VERY informative and insightful...and well laugh out loud funny!

I know of what you speak having had the pleasure of working with Mr. Gelbart in his musical "City of Angels" and being directed by David Lee. All wonderful to work with and collaborative by nature.

I await your views of the new fall line up of 2011...this should be very interesting indeed!

Craig Edwards said...

I've been dropping in for about a year - linked over from Mark Evanier's blog. I enjoy behind the scenes stories of TV shows and movies - so they brought me in. I've come to enjoy the travelogues as well - and I'm one of the Fellowship of the Nine to make the purchase! I'm not as much on the sports posts - as I'm not a sports guy and am totally out of my depth - don't know the names, don't get the jokes. I am also not the most political guy in the world, as I feel everyone's pretty much the same: terrible, and out to benefit themselves at my expense. But I like that you have all these kinds of posts and more - usually gives me a couple of days off a week from reading this one! ;) Thanks for your time - it is appreciated.

Brian said...

Hi Ken, been reading for years. I like insider commentary, especially on things like Mash, Cheers, and Frasier. I was watching a Frasier the other day and I thought "wow, there's a zinger every minute!". When you wrote about how Frazier was created I thought "Now, this is why I'm here every day". My brother was a DJ and I like radio stories too.

And while I may not agree on political views, its your right and your blog, so write away!

Mister Charlie said...

You wrote a book? :) Seriously, it's all good. While I personally am not a sports fan so I glaze over those posts, but that's just me. You need as many subjects you can cover as possible to fill the days.

Wish I could think of something hilarious and return the laughs you've given me, but alas. No comedy writer I. Though I did once make Steve Allen laugh, and I will take that with me to the grave.

Happy sort of anniversary and here's to 100 1/2 more.

Cap'n Bob said...

I would have to slog through 77 replies to make sure I say something unique. I'm disinclined to do so. I love this blog and read it every day.

Steve W said...

Hi Ken,
Have enjoyed your column for several years now. Was a huge Cheers fan. Usually the first site I check when getting on the computer. Am almost finished with your book. (Cant put it down!) I especially like to hear your stories about Hawaii, as we have stayed many times at the Kea Lani, been to Hot Island Glass, etc. Planning end of January,first of February next year. Have you ever been to Warren and Annabelles Magic Show in LaHaina? I have read its great. We were going to go this year but it was sold out. May get reservations in advance for next year. I went to Northwestern ('78) so would enjoy hearing any of Annies thoughts about it. Since I am not a writer I usually skip the stuff on writing screenplays and the like but enjoy reading about behind the Hollywood scenes stuff, how actors where chosen for roles etc. Have you read any of Wil Wheatons books about what happened to his life after quiting Star Trek? He ended up in Topeka for a while where I was raised. Some interesting stories about what life is like when you are no longer an A list actor. Not many A lister in Topeka! I know how you feel about Katherine Heigl but what about January Jones?

Breadbaker said...

Someone linked to your Dave Niehaus tribute and I was hooked.

The best thing about this blog is that it is interactive. When you ask a question like this and get sincere answers from a wide variety of readers, you know you've engaged them. And it seems to happen everyday.

Mike Botula said...

Ken, saw your name on Don Barrett's LARadio.com several times. Basically blew it off because of another KL I had worked with. (Previously commented upon on earlier blog/comment) Once I realized you weren't the same KL, I figured I could check out your blog without throwing up.

Great writing. Similar sense of humor. Parallel view of life. And, by God, Roger Carroll says you were one of the best "Sportswire Gnomes" ever at KMPC. Is beatification next? Good trick for a Levine (or is it LeViiine?)And,anyone who appreciates Dave Niehaus is definitely OK in my book. Mike Botula

cshel said...

Ken -

Love your blog. Check it daily. You crack me up.

I discovered your blog through another writing blog's blog roll a few months ago, I forget which one though. I started reading the archives and I was hooked - because it's so funny and relatable for me. I write. I was born and raised in the LA/SFV areas, and I still live here. I'm a liberal. Frasier is one of my top favorite TV shows. Need I say more? Have I said too much already?

I enjoy all of your varied topics. If I HAD to pick my favorites: comedy writing stuff, and making fun of stuff (so pretty much everything). If I HAD to pick my least: baseball and dj radio. But you make anything funny, so it's all cool. Congrats on the 5 (and a half? really?) anni!

Jeffrey Leonard said...

Ken...I am proud to say I've been here for all 5 1/2 years. It just keeps getting better. Thanks for the entertainment. Also, thanks for not raising your prices!

emily said...

Wow! It seems like only 5 1/4...

Anonymous said...

Ken, I found your blog through a Google search. I was trying to find out why Jay Thomas left Cheers (I had nothing better to do that day I guess!) I discovered this really entertaining blog with fun and informative insights in the sitcom (and radio) world. Your name looked familiar, probably because I've seen each Cheers episode a gazillion times. Now when your name comes up in credits, I point out to whoever's in the room, "I read his blog!" (Like hey, I have friends in high places!) I love the 60s memories, radio stories and really love the Friday questions.And the delightfully irreverent look at celebs in the news. Julie, Burlington Iowa

BDodd said...

I Wiki-Googled Cheers one day while I was watching a rerun and somehow stumbled onto your blog. I'm not in the biz but I look forward to your clever humor and stories--like getting free DVD bonus commentary on the inner workings of Hollywood. I'm not a sports fan, though so I admit my eyes kind of glaze over when you write about that, but don't take it personally. Some day I plan to look up what a baseball is.

Ade S said...

Hi Ken, I have been reading your blog for a year or so, I came to it via a link on Stephen Gallaghers blog. I love Friday questions, the behind the scenes and writer's room horror storys.
Baseball I'm afraid seems to me to be cricket without the charisma.
Maybe because I'm a Brit. Which leads me to a Friday question, BBC2 showed MASH in its entirety (without a laugh track, thank God),
but do you or the budget see any of the cash from foreign sales?
Please keep up the good work, thanks, Ade.

The Real Dan said...

I have been enjoying your M's games a lot. I caught the last Cleveland game played with the Hafner HR in the ninth. Somewhere around the sixth or seventh inning you did a commercial plug for Farmer's insurance and did the little musical bomp-bu-bomp-bomp-bomp at the end. Totally annoying when they do it on their advertisements every single commercial break, well-appreciated when you did it because it was really funny.

I am glad Fairly is back although it may be temporary. Fairly had a great career in baseball and radio and it was nice to hear you were so pleased to work with him, especially since he often gets dismissed for his "obvious" comments. I do remember him giving many obvious "insights", but his cadence and voice and stories are not something you can just pay someone to do.

He makes me think of Dave because they were good together. I heard the last game they broadcast when he was a regular, I think it was 2006. I was in Portland, Oregon visiting with family and drove to a bar to try to watch the last game of the season. 11 televisions and none with the M's game. I went to my car and sat parked on the street and listened to the M's lose and Dave and Red's voices crack telling each other goodbye, hearing unseen tears over my radio (hearing it is sadder than seeing it).

On to the point; bring us readers some more baseball stories. Interview the characters you meet at the stadiums; if you can find out what happened to the guy that used to sit behind home plate at the Tropicana and holler at one opposing player the entire game I would really appreciate it. A report on the opera-singing hot dog vendor in Detroit is not necessary because he already has plenty of press, but it would still be a great interview with your take on it. The Lego guy would be a great story, I think he did a Griffey, Jr. years ago. Report to us on the others of the baseball world.

Forget Hollywood. Keep up the play-by-play. You're good. Make it a full time job. We here in the NW need some entertainment.

The Real Dan said...

I have been enjoying your M's games a lot. I caught the last Cleveland game played with the Hafner HR in the ninth. Somewhere around the sixth or seventh inning you did a commercial plug for Farmer's insurance and did the little musical bomp-bu-bomp-bomp-bomp at the end. Totally annoying when they do it on their advertisements every single commercial break, well-appreciated when you did it because it was really funny.

I am glad Fairly is back although it may be temporary. Fairly had a great career in baseball and radio and it was nice to hear you were so pleased to work with him, especially since he often gets dismissed for his "obvious" comments. I do remember him giving many obvious "insights", but his cadence and voice and stories are not something you can just pay someone to do.

He makes me think of Dave because they were good together. I heard the last game they broadcast when he was a regular, I think it was 2006. I was in Portland, Oregon visiting with family and drove to a bar to try to watch the last game of the season. 11 televisions and none with the M's game. I went to my car and sat parked on the street and listened to the M's lose and Dave and Red's voices crack telling each other goodbye, hearing unseen tears over my radio (hearing it is sadder than seeing it).

On to the point; bring us readers some more baseball stories. Interview the characters you meet at the stadiums; if you can find out what happened to the guy that used to sit behind home plate at the Tropicana and holler at one opposing player the entire game I would really appreciate it. A report on the opera-singing hot dog vendor in Detroit is not necessary because he already has plenty of press, but it would still be a great interview with your take on it. The Lego guy would be a great story, I think he did a Griffey, Jr. years ago. Report to us on the others of the baseball world.

Forget Hollywood. Keep up the play-by-play. You're good. Make it a full time job. We here in the NW need some entertainment.

Tod Hunter said...

I was lucky to have happened across your blog near the beginning when you covered Porn Star Karaoke. Your observations cracked me up and I bookmarked your site. I've read it every day, pretty much, ever since.

As I continued to read your site, it turns out I'd been a fan of your work for years and didn't know it.

I've enjoyed your observations across the board, even when I don't share your passions. Having been a TV writer (game shows) I enjoy the backstage look at the world of sitcoms and occasionally you answer a question from my past like "What happened to Kevin Kilner on 'Almost Perfect'?"

And as a contemporary who also grew up in the Valley (Reseda High, class of '69) I enjoy your reminiscences of the good ol' days.

I've linked to your site for years and have tried to pass along the word. I know that you have one fan in Texas because of me. If she ever comes out for a Sitcom Room we should get together for a drink.

Carry on.

--t

chris said...

Have been entertained by your blog for about a year now. Stumbled onto it through a link from somewhere that I no longer remember. I enjoy the current mix of topics and the writing is always good so keep on keeping on! Thank you.

Wes Parker in Iowa said...

Ken:
Big fan of Wings. Think I found the blog from Jon Weisman's blog...maybe another Dodger blog, but I got here from baseball. I really enjoy your baseball and radio stories. I live in Iowa now, but our family lived in 1000 Oaks before it was incorporated, so I appreciate your Valley stories. Listened to KHJ/KRLA. Lived in La Jolla in the late 60s/early 70s and enjoyed KGB/KPRI/KCBQ/KMET. Love listening to radio to this day and admire you for following your passions.

Almost lifelong Dodger fan, but enjoyed some Angel games at the Ravine. It was great to catch both leagues at Dodger Stadium (my anti-interleague rant is for another day).

Thanks so much for sharing.

roxyturtle said...

Just found your blog a week ago (via Google) but it's already been tremendously helpful for me. I'm a writer hoping to pitch a script soon and your stories and advice are exactly what I need to hear. Thank you for this invaluable resource!

Paul said...

Been here about 3 years. I had a friend in California who shares interest in MASH, baseball and Hollywood. I do try to read every post, but maybe not all the ones about growing up in the 60s. As a child of the 70s, it is fun to read about that time frame as well.

I often cite your blog in conversation and have gotten a few people to read it as well.

I love the baseball stories, especially the ones about broadcasting. I've got a co-worker who used to do pbp in Triple A and he loved your story about the night in Des Moines where the game was sped up to go meet that girl in the hotel bar. (I think I'm one of 3 Iowa readers of the blog)

I'm a TV guy, love seeing behind the curtain.

I try to blog every day as well to keep the brain moving.

Thanks for a great way to read about so many wonderful things.

bevo said...

I have been here for 5 years or so. I came for the MASH and Cheers stories but stayed for the travel logs and the movie previews.

I am not in show business nor live in Los Angles but really dig the inside baseball stuff as it relates to television and movies.

Thank you for no longer reviewing American Idol. Feel free to review/comment on the garbage that passes for entertainment on TLC.

A month ago or so, my wife and I were watching a television show (possibly Veronica Mars), Character A announces that he is dying. Character B replies, "Do you smell bread?"

Character A: No (puzzled)
Character B: You'll live

I nearly busted a gut while my wife looked at me as though I had announced I was growing a third arm. When I stopped, I tried to explain the line from MASH. She did not get it.

Thank you for explaining the backstory on one of my favorite MASH scenes of all time.

David L said...

Why does everything in life feel like homework?

Sze said...

Hi Ken,

I've thoroughly enjoyed your blog for ages now, though I can't remember when I started and who recommended it. I have absolutely nothing to do with the industry, nor did I come to you as a fan of the shows you've written, but I do enjoy reading your posts and getting a little window into the world of writing scripts and American baseball.

Keep up the good work!

Kirk said...

Hi Ken,. My sister edits a trade magazine (manufacturing) and who likes to read blogs about writing, told me about you. She remains a lurker. Maybe because of my comments. Anyway, I enjoy the questions, stories about MASH, CHEERS, and other sitcoms, your reviews of award shows, backstage machinations, and the writer profiles, which I wish'd you have more of. Been reading credits since I was in middle school, and am curious about the people write TV. Keep up the good work.

Tom Keele said...

G'day Ken
I guess i need to say, like everyone before me, thank you for the blog!
I have only recently discovered the blog (I was listening to Aaron Sorkin's interview on the Creative Screenwriting Podcast and he mentioned you and the blog and its importance for screenwriters- and I thought if it's good enough for Sorkin, it’s good enough for me!)
I am from Melbourne Australia and I have recently moved to Sydney to do a screenwriting course in Sydney. My true passion in life is TV namely sitcoms and I have found your blog to be an invaluable resource while doing the course. In fact I think I may be annoying my classmates by posting links to so many of your posts.
I find the blog so lighthearted and fun yet informative on a subject that I can’t get enough of, yet I find there not to be enough written about it.
So again thanks for the lessons and thanks for the laughs!
Cheers
Tom

estiv said...

Another person who got here via James Wolcott. At the risk of sounding fawning, you just seem like an interesting, and decent, person. An Emmy-winning writer who decided to start a side career as a broadcast baseball announcer? Stories about David Hyde Pierce, Mary Tyler Moore, and John Ono Lennon? Met his writing partner because he was reading a George S. Kaufman biography in Army camp? Knows exactly who both Porky Chedwick and Harvey Haddix were, but isn't from Pittsburgh? Just keep doing it, please. The blog posts you whip out for free are frequently better than some of the stuff I read on ink and paper by people who get paid for it.

Brian Phillips said...

Thanks for your consistently engaging, informative and funny writing. It is the way I start many of my days.

I run an internet radio show ("The Electro-Phonic Sound of Brian Phillips") which has been on for only slightly longer than you've been blogging. I write a blog about older TV and media (Ultrasonic Remote) and I've been the creative director for an old time radio theater group and I've done improv comedy.

Thanks for your wonderful blog and that "5" logo doesn't fool me, mister! Were you the one that sang between Marlon and Tito?

Laci said...

I hope this finds you seeing that I am late to the party - but just love this blog... I normally skip the ones about baseball. Sorry that I don't share your affection for America's best past time. As a copywriter for an Ad agency and the hobby of writing/generating ideas for TV and movies, I just love this blog! Don't know if I will ever master the writing for comedy - but my mom thinks I am funny so that always gives me hope to be in the ranks of someone like you! Thanks for all the posts and knowledge. Most the time you just scare me about wanting to work for TV - long hours and be whipped by executives, but it's nice to have a little window into writing rooms.

Write on,
Laci

Matt Whitby said...

I forget which one, but a UK comedian pointed people at your blog via Twitter (specifically it was your rebuttal piece on the Roseanne article).

Personally for me; Nothing about baseball (sport bores me to tears) and i've no idea who Katherine Heigl is so probably not so much on her.

I've just bought your travel book for my Kindle (even though that it costs more the buy exactly the same thing in the UK as the US. Thanks Amazon).

Johnny Walker said...

I'm late to the party, but I thought I'd join in anyway.

I'm a 33 year old web-developer/graphic designer who lives and works in London. I'm also a wannabe writer who's actually too afraid to write anything. I'm absolutely fascinated by the process of writing and of the business in LA, and scoop up any and all insights I come across.

(Your blog has been perfect for this. That said, if you weren't so highly entertaining and such an apparently cool guy, I definitely wouldn't stick around. I came for the insights, I stayed for the author!)

The most interesting thing about me is this: I was once married to a cast member of Twin Peaks. Pretty surreal (I was a student living in the UK at the time we met), but there you go.

I'm not going to go into more details about what I think about your blog. I enjoy it a great deal, and even if I didn't, I wouldn't want you to change it.