Vacation Leftovers

Vacation Leftovers

Here are a few more stories from our recent vacation in Greece and Italy, including the oldest pizzeria in the world in Naples and a favorite food of the locals in Palermo which will never be one of mine.

Doyle Brunson

Doyle Brunson

Though I never interviewed him, I can share a few stories about Doyle Brunson, the poker legend who died over the weekend at 89 — including his response to an outrageous hypothetical wager.

Ascending Etna

Ascending Etna

That’s a picture of me next to a five-foot diameter “lava bomb” on the side of Mt. Etna, a still-active volcano in Sicily I climbed last week. Here’s the story.

It’s Greek To Me

It’s Greek To Me

I’m just back from a couple of weeks on vacation in Greece, where the baffling alphabet didn’t keep us from having some great experiences — like these.

Best Thing I’ve Read Today

Best Thing I’ve Read Today

What a shocker! It turns out all those warnings by conservative economists about the damage raising the minimum wage would cause were completely wrong.

Showbiz Stuff

Showbiz Stuff

A few thoughts about a “Beetlejuice” sequel, supersized reality shows, a useless “Jeopardy!” innovation, the game show spinoff no one’s been waiting for, the wrong Renaissance tour, and more.

Tweety Tucker

Tweety Tucker

Some thoughts on Tucker Carlson claiming he’ll reboot his TV show on Twitter, where he’ll fit right in with conspiracy-spreading liar Elon Musk.

“Let It Ride”

“Let It Ride”

From my Movies You Might Not Know list, here’s my review of “Let It Ride,” a 1989 comedy starring Richard Dreyfuss, David Johansen, and Jennifer Tilly in the greatest red dress in film history.

Shep Gordon, Supermensch

Shep Gordon, Supermensch

Here’s a 2016 conversation I had with Shep Gordon, who managed stars like Alice Cooper, Groucho Marx, Raquel Welch, and the Pointer Sisters.

Florida Man Is Poker Putz

Florida Man Is Poker Putz

A guy won a small poker tournament in Florida. Why am I writing about this seemingly trivial event? Because it was a ladies tournament.

Writers Strike Back

Writers Strike Back

Just because members of the Writers Guild of America are on strike doesn’t mean they aren’t creating comedy, as these picket line signs prove.

Two Noir Classics

Two Noir Classics

Before directing “Rounders” and other really good movies & TV shows, John Dahl made two noir classics that are on my Movies You Might Not Know list. Read about them here.

The Price Is Wrong

The Price Is Wrong

Here’s a piece I wrote in 1998 about why I’ll never be a contestant on “The Price Is Right.” Still true 25 years later, even with a different host.

Vinyl Edition

Vinyl Edition

For about three decades, I had a semi-regular guest on my radio show who appraised old vinyl albums on the air. His visits were hugely popular, and he’s still at it. Here’s the story.

Jerry Springer

Jerry Springer

When I heard about the death of Jerry Springer at age 79 yesterday, I remembered a conversation I had with him in 1999. No matter what you thought of him and his show, I can tell you that he was a money-in-the-bank guest. Here’s proof.