It Seemed Like A Bad Idea At The Time
Bruce Vilanch has worked on a ton of TV shows you’ve probably seen (including more than two dozen Oscars telecasts), but he’s also worked on some horrible ones — and isn’t afraid to talk about them in his new book, which had me alternately laughing and groaning.
Jean Shepherd & Wanda Hickey
Jean Shepherd was a brilliant monologist, radio personality, and author, who you may know from his classic movie, “A Christmas Story.” Here are some of my memories of him — plus the man himself reading a chapter from one of his books.
John Feinstein
I’m saddened to hear of the death of sportswriter John Feinstein at the age of 69. He was not only a skilled columnist and author, but also a money-in-the-bank guest on my radio shows.
Clint Hill, “Five Presidents”
I just heard about the death of former Secret Service agent Clint Hill, so I’ve dug into my archives for a conversation I had with him about his actions on the day JFK was assassinated and his work protecting four other presidents.
Charlie Chaplin vs. America
I just finished reading this book about Charlie Chaplin’s film work, as well as how ultra-conservatives in the US government and media banished him for two decades. It prompted me to write this.
Alan Zweibel
In 2007, comedy writer Alan Zweibel did something on David Letterman’s show I’d never seen before on late night TV. Here’s the video — and what he told me about it on my radio show.
Book Review: “Hits, Flops, And Other Illusions”
This memoir by director Ed Zwick (who made “Glory,” “Blood Diamond,” “About Last Night” and lots of other movies) is a great read. Here’s why, and a sample of the stories he shares.
Kara Swisher’s “Burn Book”
As a longtime fan of Kara’s work, I devoured this memoir of her three decades of reporting on the world of tech and the man-boys who run it. Here’s my review.