Q: What is your favorite post on your own blog? What prompted you to write it? What did you learn from the comments others posted on that blog?

A: I was pretty happy with "Shamwow? Shamnow! or What the Hell is a Head Stain". It seemed to pretty much write itself - every now and then you get one of those, and for whatever reason, it kind of struck a cord with people (another one I was pretty happy with was "Why Don't More Pimps Wear Sweaters" - another toss-off that came together pretty quickly). Truth be told, I was fighting a nasty virus when I wrote "Shamwow", and if I remember correctly, I was pretty blasted on a codine-based cough syrup. I couldn't sleep and was watching the tube, and that yutz came on and I thought, "Well, there's a posting right there." As for what I learned from the comments, I was pleased to find I was not alone in my fascination about creepy Vince and his absorbent towel.

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Q: Who are your favorite writers on OS? What do you admire about their writing? What particular blog of theirs would you recommend that others read? Can you quote a paragraph or so and explain what you like about it?

A: As for my favorite writers, there are simply too many to name just one. I really like Scott Mendelson - he has some of the best film-related stuff out there. GWool, for a cranky old coot, who also happens to be a Republican, is always enjoyable and fun. Karin Rego does some great stuff, as does AlphaWhiskey. I just wished they both posted more often. I've really become a big fan of both AnniThyme & Dharmabummer. The Squirrel, Verbal & Cartouche are the torch-bearers. I would be happy to be a third as talented as them. Not to forget, Stim & Snap, Sheepdog, Kind of Blue, and....see here we go, I'm going to forget someone and feel bad.

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Q: If you could have a dinner for six with five other OS members who would you choose to invite and why? What would you serve? Or if it was potluck what would you ask others to bring to dinner?

A: Oh, it would defiintely have to be a potluck. I don't think I could just do a six person thing. I'd rather have an old school blow-out where everyone could come. I'd love to see Tom Cordel dirty dancing with Dr. Amy, and watch Freaky do body shots with Peanut & The Pea.

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Q: What famous non-OS writers influence your writing? Who do you read and what do you like about their writing?

A: I posted on this once. I'm a big unashamed Stephen King fan. I really don't think he gets the respect he deserves as a writer. I think he has been stuck with the title of "popular writer", and that makes him seem unimportant. That being said, most of my stuff tends to go the (hopefully) humorous route. Probably one of the biggest influences there would be "Cruel Shoes" by Steve Martin. He has a talent for making the odd and unusual seem normal, which I like. Obviously a big fan of Letterman, Carlin, Pryor - the biggies. Also a big fan of Larry McMurtry & Richard Russo - great character writing by those guys.

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Q: What would you like others to know about you as a writer or person that you feel has not been adequately presented through your previous blogs?

A: One of these days, I may try to write something that is serious and isn't completely stupid and inane, but I make no promises. I'm jealous of those that can post on serious & political subjects, and all so in-depth. That's just a skill I don't have. I could try, but I know at some point, I would just take the easy way out and go for a dick joke.

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Q: Can you provide a photo of the space in your house where you do your writing or of areas around your home that inspire your writing?

A: I would love to send you a picture of my writing space. Unfortunately, they don't allow cameras in this wing of the institution. The flashes make the other inmates lose control of their bowels. It gets pretty unpleasant. The last lightning storm was a just a fucking mess.

Sheldon the Wonderhorse.