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 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!

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.

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?

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.

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.

People respond to excitement in different ways. Some, like comedian/writer/actor David Cross, become so overwhelmed by the experience that they become paralyzed with awe. And I have no choice but to respond in kind.

Or he could just be goofing around.

In addition to being perhaps the best American TV conversationalist of all time, Dick Cavett had some of the best panel moments in “What’s My Line?” history.

When Kreskin was on the panel, he of course was accused of “cheating” by using his “mind tricks.”

The only trickery that seemed to be at play on Monday night was how did the stars align to allow me to be in this photo?

On April 7, 2008, Julia Meade was on the panel of “What’s My Line? – Live On Stage” and Tony Roberts was the Mystery Guest.

On 7/15/69, I was not alive. On 4/7/08, I was very much so. And very glad to be.

Sure, there’s artifice in showbiz, but websites need to be populated with images and text.

And who knows where it will end up? Maybe here. Or here!

Are there any unofficial sites of J. Keith van Straaten? I should be so lucky. Please, someone try to make unauthorized use of my likeness. I’d get a kick out of it.

Meanwhile, check out the latest on my blog. And if you’re in New York, or know someone who is, make sure to check out my “What’s My Line? – Live On Stage” show. You might see me cozy up to the likes of Betsy Palmer (regular panelist on “I”ve Got a Secret”).

We’re making improvements and tweaks already! Check out the new mailing list form and new videos now available.

I’m putting together updates for the new run of “What’s My Line? – Live On Stage” in New York too. Check out that website too

More news to come!

Hey Everybody! I finally have a new-ish website! (We’re not 100% finished with it, but I was so excited, I wanted to get the thing online right away.)

To the right of this announcement, you’ll see convenient tabs that direct you through the key J. Keith info… my latest Blog posts, my pertinent videos, how to get a hold of my reps, and some more info on just who the hell I think I am.

Scroll down a little and you can see the key stuff I’m up to lately, and the tabs behind it show what I’m up to not quite so lately. Just to the right of that… my latest demo reel: a career of struggle and despair distilled into five pithy minutes.

Finally, the mailing list form… make sure to sign up so you can get the latest news and special offers. Like a lot of stuff here, this is getting upgraded and fancified real soon.

You’ll also see some photos, space for ads, and, well, who knows what will show up when you’re reading this next time. Point is… WELCOME! I’m so glad you’re here.