Best of Blog
Welcome to the Best of Blog Page.
Every once in a while, things get posted that our company feels stand out a bit more than the rest of the yammering. Unfortunately, it disappears from site soon after it appears. Sort of like your car keys. So, we've come up with a place (here!) where we'll provide direct links to make them oh-so-much easier to find. Another service of Elisberg Industries. You're welcome.
We have a rigorous process to determine what will be featured. Recommendations from respected historians, a panel of international experts, corporate division heads, customers noodging us enough to just shut them up already, and the two sandwich delivery people because they have really good taste in sandwiches so we trust their judgment -- all voted on by our Board of Directors.
Every once in a while, things get posted that our company feels stand out a bit more than the rest of the yammering. Unfortunately, it disappears from site soon after it appears. Sort of like your car keys. So, we've come up with a place (here!) where we'll provide direct links to make them oh-so-much easier to find. Another service of Elisberg Industries. You're welcome.
We have a rigorous process to determine what will be featured. Recommendations from respected historians, a panel of international experts, corporate division heads, customers noodging us enough to just shut them up already, and the two sandwich delivery people because they have really good taste in sandwiches so we trust their judgment -- all voted on by our Board of Directors.
A Christmas Carol 2: What the Dickens Was He Thinking??! Click here.
The history behind the writing of the novel, A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge.
The Bizarre World of Nell Minow Click here.
A profile of one of the most remarkable people I'm happy to have as a friend. The kind of person you always want on your side.
Happily, It Really is a Wonderful Life
A tribute to my mother, who passed away two years ago today. Click here.
The Big Story About a Little Song Click here.
How the camp song for Camp Nebagamon came to be written by a couple of America's legendary songwriters.
The Man Who Saved Mr. Spock Click here.
The unknown story of screenwriter Jack Sowards who might well have saved the Star Trek franchise.
"The Worst Vice-Presidential Nominee in U.S. History" Revisited Click here.
A look back at the Huffington Post article article I'm most-proud of writing, since "when" it was written is part of the tale.
The Tao of PLINK Click here.
A few words about the philosophy of my idiosyncratic brother, no matter how unaware he might have been about it.
Happy Maurice Cheeks Day Click here.
Oh, Say Can You Sing? This is a National Anthem to remember, thanks to the help of a terrific basketball coach and better person.
Listen Up Click here.
There's very little from me here, this is just one of the greatest, enthralling 30-minute lectures I've seen, from Eveyln Glennie, on how to listen.
Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello, Dolly! Click here.
If you don't like musicals, run for the hills. But others might find this fascinating. Four different original cast versions by four legends.
The Master of April Fools Click here.
My mother only told two jokes that I know of. But for reasons unknown to Mankind, she absolutely adored April Fools Day.
Oh, So, You Want to Write a Screenplay, Do You? Click here.
More than a few thoughts on writing, story structure and what "A little learning is a dangerous thing" actually means.
The Fourth Best Blog on the Internet Click here
In 2013, Time magazine reviewed the top blogs and rated my friend Mark Evanier's #15. Four years earlier, though, rated it even higher.
Go, You Chicken Fat, Go! Click here.
This is the fascinating tale of the very offbeat song, "Chicken Fat," that I wrote about a year before Apple used it for their iPhone commercial.
The Very Good Margaret Hamilton Click here.
The actress always said she would never play The Wicked Witch again, because it would scare children. But Mister Rogers asked a remarkable favor.
Swimming with the Minow Click here.
In fairness, I didn't write the main piece here, 10 great tips in business and life by Nell Minow. But I explain about who she is, and I believe that qualifies.
Seventh Inning Yawn Click here
Why baseball is so wrong to drag out a maudlin version of "God Bless America" for the 7th Inning Stretch, with videos how to do it right.
Going Courting -- Part One Click here
My 3-part series about serving on jury duty for a two-week trial.
Going Courting -- Part Two Click here
Continuing my 3-part series about serving on jury duty for a two-week trial.
Going Courting -- Part Three Click here
The conclusion of my 3-part series about serving on jury duty for a two-week trial.
Soda Pop Click here
A story about the interesting downfall of RC Cola, and how it all relates to a tale of my dad's love for TAB, with a surprise ending.
Getting from Point A to Point B by the Circular Route Click here
A companion piece of sorts on dealing with rejection in Hollywood by understanding The System.
A Well-Lived Life Click here
Remembering my dad, Edward.
Going Back to Camp Click here
Tales of my summer Camp Nebagamon, with a particular personal story that helps define the camp's greatness and longevity.
Fiorello! -- the Whole Show, Sort of Click here
A list of all episodes in our 14-part Elisberg International Film Festival presentation of the little-known, Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical
Happy Maurice Cheeks Day Click here
My annual column of the wonderful tale about NBA coach Mo Cheeks unexpected turn right before a playoff game.
Come Here, My Pet Click here
Reminiscences of working on the original film of Pet Sematary, from conversations with Stephen King to other tales, including a visit from the governor.
Dead Men Tell Some Tales Click here
The odd story of my run-in confrontation with Alec Baldwin online during the 2008 Writers Guild Strike..
Glencoe Hits 150 Click here
A brief (and mostly photographic though with some tales) look at my hometown which is celebrating its 150th year.
An Unlikely Tale of Kovacs Click here
The time my college roommate and I got an as-yet-unreleased documentary on Ernie Kovacs played on campus simply because we wanted to see it.
Hart to Heart Click here
A fascinating tale of movie history that surprisingly springs from an old TV Western.
How Not to Write Click here
My adventures dealing with some idiotic guidelines and one utterly insane "rule" by some studios about how they insist screenplays be written.
Al in a Day's Work Click here
The story of when I was hired to write a proposed daily radio commentary series on the environment for Al Gore to host .
Whiz Kid Click here
On being named after my much-older cousin I.J. Wagner, his radio jingle-writing career, a candy bar and helping Studs Terkel.
Idiots' Delight Click here
The pro-Putin comments by Trump, Pompeo and Carlson before Ukraine help define the Russian Intel expression "Useful idiots."
Small Circle Click here
Thoughts and some perspective on the Highland Park gun massacre, having grown up next door. but intertwined with the town.
Baton Down the Hatches Click here
A joyous tale of coincidences, Northwestern, Shakespeare, P.T. Barnum and batons. And Sophie Hayden. With songs and video.
Roger, Over and Out Click here
The tale of when an actor tried to slam a critic (a longtime friend of mine), which backfired when it brought in Roger Ebert.
The Greatest Sports Miracle Ever Click here
The remarkable tale of the 1966 World Cup, and it's not what you think, whatever it is you think.
The history behind the writing of the novel, A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge.
The Bizarre World of Nell Minow Click here.
A profile of one of the most remarkable people I'm happy to have as a friend. The kind of person you always want on your side.
Happily, It Really is a Wonderful Life
A tribute to my mother, who passed away two years ago today. Click here.
The Big Story About a Little Song Click here.
How the camp song for Camp Nebagamon came to be written by a couple of America's legendary songwriters.
The Man Who Saved Mr. Spock Click here.
The unknown story of screenwriter Jack Sowards who might well have saved the Star Trek franchise.
"The Worst Vice-Presidential Nominee in U.S. History" Revisited Click here.
A look back at the Huffington Post article article I'm most-proud of writing, since "when" it was written is part of the tale.
The Tao of PLINK Click here.
A few words about the philosophy of my idiosyncratic brother, no matter how unaware he might have been about it.
Happy Maurice Cheeks Day Click here.
Oh, Say Can You Sing? This is a National Anthem to remember, thanks to the help of a terrific basketball coach and better person.
Listen Up Click here.
There's very little from me here, this is just one of the greatest, enthralling 30-minute lectures I've seen, from Eveyln Glennie, on how to listen.
Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello, Dolly! Click here.
If you don't like musicals, run for the hills. But others might find this fascinating. Four different original cast versions by four legends.
The Master of April Fools Click here.
My mother only told two jokes that I know of. But for reasons unknown to Mankind, she absolutely adored April Fools Day.
Oh, So, You Want to Write a Screenplay, Do You? Click here.
More than a few thoughts on writing, story structure and what "A little learning is a dangerous thing" actually means.
The Fourth Best Blog on the Internet Click here
In 2013, Time magazine reviewed the top blogs and rated my friend Mark Evanier's #15. Four years earlier, though, rated it even higher.
Go, You Chicken Fat, Go! Click here.
This is the fascinating tale of the very offbeat song, "Chicken Fat," that I wrote about a year before Apple used it for their iPhone commercial.
The Very Good Margaret Hamilton Click here.
The actress always said she would never play The Wicked Witch again, because it would scare children. But Mister Rogers asked a remarkable favor.
Swimming with the Minow Click here.
In fairness, I didn't write the main piece here, 10 great tips in business and life by Nell Minow. But I explain about who she is, and I believe that qualifies.
Seventh Inning Yawn Click here
Why baseball is so wrong to drag out a maudlin version of "God Bless America" for the 7th Inning Stretch, with videos how to do it right.
Going Courting -- Part One Click here
My 3-part series about serving on jury duty for a two-week trial.
Going Courting -- Part Two Click here
Continuing my 3-part series about serving on jury duty for a two-week trial.
Going Courting -- Part Three Click here
The conclusion of my 3-part series about serving on jury duty for a two-week trial.
Soda Pop Click here
A story about the interesting downfall of RC Cola, and how it all relates to a tale of my dad's love for TAB, with a surprise ending.
Getting from Point A to Point B by the Circular Route Click here
A companion piece of sorts on dealing with rejection in Hollywood by understanding The System.
A Well-Lived Life Click here
Remembering my dad, Edward.
Going Back to Camp Click here
Tales of my summer Camp Nebagamon, with a particular personal story that helps define the camp's greatness and longevity.
Fiorello! -- the Whole Show, Sort of Click here
A list of all episodes in our 14-part Elisberg International Film Festival presentation of the little-known, Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical
Happy Maurice Cheeks Day Click here
My annual column of the wonderful tale about NBA coach Mo Cheeks unexpected turn right before a playoff game.
Come Here, My Pet Click here
Reminiscences of working on the original film of Pet Sematary, from conversations with Stephen King to other tales, including a visit from the governor.
Dead Men Tell Some Tales Click here
The odd story of my run-in confrontation with Alec Baldwin online during the 2008 Writers Guild Strike..
Glencoe Hits 150 Click here
A brief (and mostly photographic though with some tales) look at my hometown which is celebrating its 150th year.
An Unlikely Tale of Kovacs Click here
The time my college roommate and I got an as-yet-unreleased documentary on Ernie Kovacs played on campus simply because we wanted to see it.
Hart to Heart Click here
A fascinating tale of movie history that surprisingly springs from an old TV Western.
How Not to Write Click here
My adventures dealing with some idiotic guidelines and one utterly insane "rule" by some studios about how they insist screenplays be written.
Al in a Day's Work Click here
The story of when I was hired to write a proposed daily radio commentary series on the environment for Al Gore to host .
Whiz Kid Click here
On being named after my much-older cousin I.J. Wagner, his radio jingle-writing career, a candy bar and helping Studs Terkel.
Idiots' Delight Click here
The pro-Putin comments by Trump, Pompeo and Carlson before Ukraine help define the Russian Intel expression "Useful idiots."
Small Circle Click here
Thoughts and some perspective on the Highland Park gun massacre, having grown up next door. but intertwined with the town.
Baton Down the Hatches Click here
A joyous tale of coincidences, Northwestern, Shakespeare, P.T. Barnum and batons. And Sophie Hayden. With songs and video.
Roger, Over and Out Click here
The tale of when an actor tried to slam a critic (a longtime friend of mine), which backfired when it brought in Roger Ebert.
The Greatest Sports Miracle Ever Click here
The remarkable tale of the 1966 World Cup, and it's not what you think, whatever it is you think.