I see Barack Obama last night and as I am inspired, I also worry. I hear even a newscaster on FoxNews praise his speech. One on MSNBC remarks how he reminds him of Bobby Kennedy. Hope does take audacity. It’s quite something how people who preach the hate and fear that become violence rarely become victims of it themselves. It’s those that challenge us to look within ourselves and others, look past our differences, be the change we seek –it’s the Gandhi’s, King’s, Kennedy’s, Bhutto’s, that are slain.

I’m not saying we should even the score.

What I’m saying is that when Ms. Bhutto was killed, I was tempted to give up. I had to ask why.

Many years ago, Heather did an interview with me for Salon about my talk-show-in-a-theatre, The J. Keith van Straaten Show. Good to know I haven’t done too much since then to diminish my reputation as an aspirational oddball…

Then somebody explain it to me.

Thanks to all those who attended my game show pilot presentation of WORD1. I’m working on editing the show now.

Meantime, I’ll be posting some videos of past “What’s My Line? – Live On Stage” segments and other goodies to keep you warm throughout the winter.

As usual, I pepper this blog with photos of my travels, the latest being to New York. Make sure to add me as your friend on Facebook for even more updates!

I promise the show is better than the site.

I hope you’ll join us for some fun-filled evenings of fast-paced games and prizes!

Either way, here’s looking at YOU, blog-reader!

I mention this because I was to be in it.

Also, just another reminder, I did not name the group.

Of course, I didn’t imagine that that someone would be looking at me sideways, that I’d be shooting a commercial for Mercury Insurance and about to enter a hotel wearing a hidden camera, but hey… that’s the magic of the dream factory.

Look for the spot later this summer.

The bridge is purging
Or filtering
Or reminding us what it spans

Backlit sheets sucked
Up, through, and left
To fall or fly

To new obscurities

Yes, I have a Facebook page. And I’m 37 years old. Sigh to both.

Sad both are gone now.

I’ll admit, I’m a bit addicted.

So add me, already!

What could it be? Why, another one of those clip shows where I make wacky comments. This one: “Wildest TV Commercial Moments” on E! –airing all week and beyond. Just to get you started…

Mon, Jun 23 – 2:00 AM
Mon, Jun 23 – 11:00 AM
Fri, Jun 27 – 6:00 PM
Sat, Jun 28 – 11:00 AM
Mon, Jun 30 – 10:30 PM

Enjoy… I dare you!

Subscribe and see the latest episode every Monday at www.youtube.com/ThePoliticalPop.

But only one of us is considered the greatest living American playwright AND appeared on “What’s My Line?” in October of 1968.

That would be Edward Albee, who was kind enough to be the Mystery Guest on the Season Finale of “What’s My Line? – Live On Stage” this past Monday night. It was a privilege to share the stage with him –and who knew he was so funny?

Friday night I was in shadows at Yankee Stadium, despite the complete lack of sunshine upon me, as the $50 face value seats were surrounded on nearly all sides by concrete. Including the giant overhang about 3 feet above my head.

That’s not even me pointing in that silhouette; it’s the guy in front of me, arm forged to my torso by darkness, positioned as if to say, “Look! That’s where the outside is. Where baseball is played. Someday I hope to be there.”

I hope they take these things into account as they build the new Yankee Stadium across the street.

It’s amazing how seldom baseball owners seem to realize that people who go to their teams’ games would actually like to enjoy the experience.

Now add me or whatever.

We’re pulling out all the stops with a finale that includes “The Daily Show”‘s John Oliver and Tony darlings Austin Pendleton and Stephanie D’Abruzzo! Join us, won’t you!

But really, it’s the night of Memorial Day, so you’ve already done your travel, barbecue, and/or shopping. Plus, hopefully, you’ve actually taken time to pay tribute to some folks who’ve sacrificed for the USA. Now, let’s have some fun and say hello and goodbye to “What’s My Line?” with our SEASON FINALE!

USA! USA! USA!

It’s quite a glamorous life, and as you can see, I’m enjoying every minute of it. Even if I have to be my own paparazzo.

She also said I stammered and interrupted people. But that’s not t-t-t-true is it? Wait– don’t answer yet, I’m still talking!

The Internet brings me things like I Love Pickles wristbands, $3.00 each, with proceeds, it seems, going to Pickle Packers International, Inc. –a trade association for the pickled vegetable industry.

Screw you, cancer!

I’ll be plugging away at “What’s My Line? – Live On Stage”… call in and ask me something!

Check it out!

And it seems that I can’t look His Majesty in the eye. In truth, we were trying to be silly here.

And in all seriousness, let me say what a privilege it continues to be to do this show in New York. We’ve only got three more performances left. I hope you’ll come see.

They appeared together on “What’s My Line?” on CBS on December 25, 1966. It was quite a surprise Christmas present to Ms. Mehle, aka Suzy Knickerbocker, who was on the panel that night, as Roger has been on a submarine for 2 1/2 months and wasn’t scheduled to return home. Behold the power of “What’s My Line?”.

Mr. Mehle was a guest on our show this week and we hope to have Ms. Mehle on our panel very soon.