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Guest Post: Merrill Markoe

Merrill Markoe is a five-time Emmy award winner for her work on Late Night with David Letterman. She created most of the original concepts for that show, including segments like “Stupid Pet Tricks”, “Stupid Human Tricks” and “Viewer Mail.”

These days she is writing books, making short films and maintaining her web site. Her latest book, Cool, Calm and Contentious was released last month.

While Bronc and I battle jet lag and Paypal, Merrill is filling in with a special post for Regretsy readers about her visit to the Daily Show. Enjoy it, but please don’t get used to real writing. We don’t do that here.

Hello Regretsy!

My good friend Ms. Killer thought you might like to hear what it was like for me to go on The Daily Show.

The reason for the appearance was a new book of funny pieces by me that came out on November 1. Quite a few of them revolve around getting along with crazy people but of special interest to Regretsy lovers might be a piece called In Praise of Crazy Mommies since it contains a hilarious anecdote contributed by Ms. Killer herself.

Contrary to popular belief, not all books begin their lives with a flurry of publicity. In my case, there was not only NO book tour planned, but the week was kicked off by a lone interview with two guys from Elgin, Illinois who thought it extremely amusing to go on about how they didn’t read my book and knew so little about me that they couldn’t pronounce my name. Hahahaha. Imagine how my sides were aching as I sat there, in my office, on the phone, listening to them call me Marilyn. On the plus side, it gave me an opportunity to re-think every decision in life that had led me to this moment.

So a few days later, when I got a request to appear on The Daily Show I said yes so quickly and loudly that one of my dogs ran in to a closet.

Then I took a deep breath, sat down and made a list of the important stages of talk-show panic and hysteria that I needed to pass through in order to get myself ready.

1. PANIC ABOUT CLOTHES:

Jon Stewart sets the tone for the show by wearing a suit and tie, thereby rendering everything in my extensive collection of ratty sweaters and exercise pants a poor choice. Buy yourself something nice, said the voice in my head, as I made the annual pilgrimage to a shopping mall to try and find an outfit impressive enough to look good sitting across from John Stewart.

But just my luck: Apparently women’s suits had been removed from the stores before I arrived. There was nothing for sale that I could wear with dignity in this enormous valley mall. At this point in my life, I do not want to look like a member of a hip hop group, nor am I a party dress type. Party dresses make me worry that I look like Angela Merkel might have looked on her way to her prom. By which I mean that they always make me feel like a bull dog who has been to the groomer and sent home wearing a bow and toenail polish.

2. PANIC ABOUT HAIR

Not much to do there except get a hair cut or start life over again with all new parents.

3. PANIC ABOUT WHAT TO SAY

The nice thing about this kind of panic is that it can fill up all the free time you offer it.

4: PANIC ABOUT HOW TO TALK ABOUT THE BOOK

Now it was time to begin fretting that I couldn’t remember what the book said, even though I wrote it. In the past, whenever I’d go on a talk show, I’d come prepared with chunks of reliable material left over from my days doing stand up comedy. I would then try to wedge them in as though they were an answer to any question the host might ask of me. This would all take place via a talent coordinator who would pre-interview me within an inch of my life. The final result would be a consolidated set of pre-arranged questions and answers that the show would give the host to use on my segment. It’s a lot like doing a two-person play.

But audiences can be maddeningly unpredictable. They laugh where you didn’t think there was a joke, and then they don’t laugh where you hoped there was a rousing one. Its all very inexact, which is why comedians are such angry, jumpy people. They are the velociraptors of show business.

5. PANIC AFTER TALKING TO THE DAILY SHOW TALENT COORDINATOR

When we finally touched base, she was as lovely and reassuring as possible as she informed me that Jon prefers to wing it through an interview. She tells me I shouldn’t worry, not realizing that is a behavioral option with which I am not familiar. For a minute I consider trying to talk her into letting me promote Catch-22 instead of my book, since it has been out of the public eye for a while. I am pretty sure that at least part of the crowd won’t know that I didn’t write it.

But before I launch in to this argument, she tells me the weirdest thing – Apparently Jon has read my book. This has never happened before. It is so shocking, and yet thrilling that I feel my genomes shuffling and my DNA strands beginning to unwind. I am also kind of relieved. Maybe Jon has some idea what it is my book says.

6. FLY TO NYC

I used to live in New York but I haven’t been back in quite a few years. I was surprised to see that there are now a lot of RICKSHAWS! How lovely to see Manhattan turning in to Calcutta on the Hudson. Its only a matter of time until there are sampans and cholera clinics. Thumbs up, NYC!

And then, the next day was the show. I prepared myself by compulsively and repeatedly reviewing steps 1-5 until someone from the show arrived to pick me up at 5:15. It was a warmish evening in New York for the last day of November. I was relieved the show didn’t send a rickshaw.

The studio was about fifteen minutes from my hotel. I was dropped off at the guest entrance, which turns out to be a very inconspicuous looking, unidentified door that opens on to a hallway that leads to the greenroom. As you can see, it’s a simple unadorned room that looks like it might be part of the conference room suite at some Doubletree Inn. I prefer to think that Jon had no hand in picking out the art.

My favorite thing about the offices was the assortment of unleashed canines. I saw at least 4 different ones, roaming around unsupervised. Apparently staff members can and do bring their dogs to work every day. If I didn’t already love the show, that would have done it.

But I already did love the show. And my ardor only increased when Jon Stewart stopped by the green room to say hi. He apparently does this with every guest so it wasn’t a special homage to me, but I have to admit, it still felt like one. He was easy to talk to, instantly accessible and I had a great conversation with him about problematic relatives (a theme in my book). In fact, it was so satisfying that it made me feel like we could be pals. Though I bet every guest feels that way about Jon. Well, maybe not Michelle Bachmann or Rick Perry. Or Jim Cramer.

Once the show began, my tension ratcheted way up. I also began to write emergency word clues (to remind myself of punch lines) on the top of my hand. Yes, even after having makeup applied and donning my brand new suit, I strode out on to the stage of The Daily Show with my left hand covered in ball point pen ink that I put there on purpose.

And then there I was, sitting at that table across from Jon. My mouth was moving. Apparently I said something. Naturally I totally forgot about everything I’d prepared once I got on stage. Instead I came up with other stuff I never intended to say. Here is the show. I am the last one on.

- Click to play the clip on the Daily Show website

And then it was back to The Green Room where I was given a lovely bag of swag, full of stuff I would never own for any other reason. Of all the talk shows I’ve been on, this is the only one that has ever given me a swag bag. I do, however, still have the bathrobes they gave me in the 90′s when I went on Arsenio, Dennis Miller and Marilu Henner.

On the left are The Daily Show coins of the realm, which turned out to be chocolate. There was a also a nice assortment of Altoids from each of the popular Altoid divisions as well as a velveteen zipper bag of Pevonia botanical creams, which I now feel kindly disposed toward because my Daily Show experience was so enjoyable. And this despite the fact that this Pevonia botanical medley got me pulled out of line at the airport for a suitcase search.

There was also a baseball cap, and some kind of a bulky game involving flashing lights which didn’t fit in to my suitcase. So I left it behind in the hotel room, hoping a member of the janitorial staff might want to pretend they bought it for some kid for the holidays.

And now I am home.

Here is a book promo I made before all this began:

102 comments on Guest Post: Merrill Markoe

  1. Hugo
    December 6, 2011 at 1:37 pm

    Wow, that swag sure says “Here old lady – your skin is wrinkled, you have bad breath, change into this shirt and I’ll give you Hanukkah gelt.”

    Thumb up Thumb down +59

    • alter-mimi
      December 6, 2011 at 3:25 pm

      I was under the impression that guests got lots and lots of alcohol.

      And I love chocolate coins. I put them in the Christmas stockings every year. Except no one gets me any…

      Thumb up Thumb down +15

      • Crease and Resist
        December 6, 2011 at 6:33 pm

        Be careful what you say. The mood this crowd is in, you’ll have to rent a warehouse for your chocolate-coin collection by next week. :D

        Thumb up Thumb down +18

        • alter-mimi
          December 7, 2011 at 9:48 am

          The mood I’m in, I could go for a lb+ chocolate bar from Trader Joe’s.

          Thumb up Thumb down +1

      • Agent_of_Chaos
        December 6, 2011 at 7:34 pm

        One of my favorite Christmases ever was the year one of my mother’s friends converted to Judaism. We ended up with lots of fun Kosher candy, chocolate gelt and some fruit-cake-like thingie that was great. Also, there was a cool dreidel. It was a awesome (if ironic) year, and I was an easy to please child.

        Thumb up Thumb down +4

  2. Petja-Herra
    December 6, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    Worry about the hairstyle?
    See practical advice 29
    http://forums.regretsy.com/topic.php?id=13441&page=2&replies=55#post-303415

    Thumb up Thumb down +22

    • GreenEggsAndAlex
      December 6, 2011 at 4:25 pm

      That is great… my favorite is #24

      Thumb up Thumb down 0

    • iwasasuperheroonce
      December 7, 2011 at 1:00 am

      very practical use of practical advise.

      Thumb up Thumb down 0

    • spacemonkey
      December 8, 2011 at 8:26 am

      Thank you for posting that link. I hadn’t made it over to the forums yet (only so much time to spend on misc. fuckery each day…), but now I know of the wisdom and amusement over there, and I need to make more time for it.

      Thumb up Thumb down 0

  3. Irishyankee
    December 6, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    Thank you, Merrill, for an enjoyable palate cleanser in our movable feast of Fuckery!

    Thumb up Thumb down +49

    • WhimsyMistress
      December 6, 2011 at 2:46 pm

      “It’s like being raised by a heckler!” That is made of win. I’m so excited to have another Markoe book to add to my Wish List!

      Thumb up Thumb down +16

  4. faintfiend
    December 6, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    Weird, I just downloaded Cool, Calm and Contentious onto my kindle last night! Awesome! I read Merrill Markoe before it was cool to read Merrill Markoe. I’m such a hipster.

    Thumb up Thumb down +105

  5. lostdawill
    December 6, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    I saw you on the show and wow you were a natural. You couldn’t tell that you were nervous at all and you were very funny. So thank you Merrill for detailing your experience – I’ve always wondered what it would be like backstage with Jon Stewart.

    Thumb up Thumb down +54

    • Irishyankee
      December 6, 2011 at 1:47 pm

      I’ve wondered that too:

      I’ll be in my bunk.

      Thumb up Thumb down +59

      • BadassLactatingHoneyBadger
        December 6, 2011 at 2:08 pm

        Jon Stewart: America’s Sexiest Mensch.

        Thumb up Thumb down +54

        • angelbuttons77
          December 6, 2011 at 2:49 pm

          Oh, oh, OH, the things I’d do to that liberal love muffin….

          Thumb up Thumb down +33

    • berge
      December 6, 2011 at 2:07 pm

      I was thinking the same thing – you did maaaahvelous!

      I got tickets to the show a few years ago and it was the happiest day of my life. I think being *on* the show would be mind blowing!

      Thumb up Thumb down +13

  6. d3v3l
    December 6, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    i’ll have to pick up that book after picking up my prescription of vicodin.

    Thumb up Thumb down +11

  7. Whawhawhatsis
    December 6, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    That’s what I get for being too busy recently to watch the Daily Show every day — ever since I read Merrill’s “Nose Down, Eyes Up,” I’ve been a HUGE fan of her writing. The book is now on my Kindle and as soon as I finish watching the video of the show, I’ll be reading it. Thanks for your great guest post, Merrill!

    Thumb up Thumb down +17

  8. SparkleNeelySparkle
    December 6, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    Wow! Merrill Markoe! Thanks so much for the guest post while Helen and Bronc are alternately napping and battling the forces of evil! I never thought 2 of my favorite people would be joining forces in one place on the innerwebs! You made my day! And by Saturday, probably my week.

    Thumb up Thumb down +19

    • Belinda
      December 6, 2011 at 2:23 pm

      Bronc must really be out of it–he’d never let ‘innerwebs’ fly.

      Thumb up Thumb down +20

      • GreenEggsAndAlex
        December 6, 2011 at 4:26 pm

        Probably because the filter is for inTer_webs

        Thumb up Thumb down +3

    • leika
      December 6, 2011 at 3:35 pm

      I hope they also have time to fuck.

      That came out creepier than I meant for it to. OR DID IT

      Thumb up Thumb down +27

  9. eepah
    December 6, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    Merrill! I performed “AH, Malibu!” in high school as a monologue that brought down the house. I still have parts of it memorized:

    “Have a colonic and watch your skin grow leathery in the sun!”

    Thumb up Thumb down +12

  10. sarcasticbitch
    December 6, 2011 at 1:50 pm

    I saw that episode and when I completely forgot what your book was called I decided that I need to keep a list of “Daily Show books to read”. And now here you are to remind me to start my list. Fantastic!!

    Thumb up Thumb down +10

  11. Dhaunea
    December 6, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    Having watched your interview and read your article, I must say that on Friday, when I get my paycheck, I feel I must, MUST own a copy of your book. Thank you for the humor and helping me calm down a little.

    Thumb up Thumb down +7

  12. ChristinaG
    December 6, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.

    Thumb up Thumb down -26

    • regretit
      December 6, 2011 at 2:15 pm

      lol, i don’t know why people are giving this the thumbs down. She WAS David’s girlfriend in the 80′s.

      Thumb up Thumb down +10

    • rmholt
      December 6, 2011 at 2:27 pm

      Buy the book
      Then you’ll have all the info you need.

      You can even go to Merrill’s website. Make a little effort.

      Thumb up Thumb down +4

  13. unholyghost2003
    December 6, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    hat really helped calm my sputtering, impotent, generalized rage. Thank you. Will check out the book!

    Thumb up Thumb down +7

  14. nurseferatu
    December 6, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    This roused me from my post-internet-rage torpor. Thanks for the insider’s view! And a huzzah for braving the fat jealous losers of Regretsy with your awesome book promo!

    Thumb up Thumb down +10

  15. lillyfuzz
    December 6, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    That sounds like a book I would actually read. Thanks for the inside peek and the entertaining story!

    Thumb up Thumb down +6

  16. memsaab
    December 6, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    Ha ha ha haaa! You were great, very funny and not at all nervous-looking. I had a mother like yours and she never stops entertaining me now that I understand it’s not personal :D

    Thumb up Thumb down +12

    • memsaab
      December 6, 2011 at 2:02 pm

      *have* a mother like…

      Thumb up Thumb down +10

      • Crease and Resist
        December 6, 2011 at 2:21 pm

        Freudian slip? Such a small word. Maybe just a Freudian garter.

        Thumb up Thumb down +19

        • memsaab
          December 6, 2011 at 2:24 pm

          I know, right? Oops. Really, I adore her. She is hilarious. Not terribly nurturing, but hilarious.

          Thumb up Thumb down +10

  17. skullery
    December 6, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    I was in the Daily Show audience once.

    Instead of chocolates we got the gift of waiting in line outside for hours with no guarantee we’d get in. We were a bit late because my mom and her friends decided we needed another bottle of wine at lunch. But magically the line was cut off right after our party! The look on the poor womans face behind us :(

    All the waiting was worth it though. The studio and John’s desk are smaller than the look on TV, to make him look like he’s a person of normal height I imagine. He came out and did a Q&A with the audience before taping… it was pretty awesome.

    Thumb up Thumb down +12

    • Hugo
      December 6, 2011 at 2:23 pm

      Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.

      Thumb up Thumb down -23

      • skullery
        December 6, 2011 at 6:02 pm

        dude, it was a joke

        Thumb up Thumb down +6

    • Whawhawhatsis
      December 6, 2011 at 2:27 pm

      My husband (who I hate for this SO MUCH) once got to escort Jon Stewart around his military hospital for an entire afternoon as Jon visited with the wounded soldiers. Of all the celebs he met while Walter Reed was open, Jon was the one that reduced me, and my daughter, and my sister, and my niece, and…anyway, everybody to shrieking in envy.

      And he reported that Jon was truly as nice a guy as he comes across. Which is a lovely thing to know. Even though I still hate my husband SO HARD every time I think of this….

      Thumb up Thumb down +34

    • footmadecraft
      December 6, 2011 at 2:43 pm

      to make him look like he’s a person of normal height…I almost just spit my tea out. thanks.

      Thumb up Thumb down +15

  18. Dinosaurland
    December 6, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    Merrill! OMG! I’m so star struck right now.

    Thumb up Thumb down +9

  19. BeautyMarks
    December 6, 2011 at 2:12 pm

    Chocolate gelt in the swag bag? Now that’s a sign of how we Jews influence the media!

    Thumb up Thumb down +25

  20. luxefibre
    December 6, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    quick question…i have a cat that loves to fetch ponytail holders. would this be suitable for a feline to fetch? if so, i will definitely pick up your book.
    & cannot believe they gave you chocolate gelt. hope it wasn’t the non-dairy kosher stuff. gross.
    congrats!

    Thumb up Thumb down +3

    • Nanna Ubiznes
      December 6, 2011 at 5:19 pm

      Is your cat a panther? If so, I think it’ll be a wonderful fetch toy!

      Thumb up Thumb down +1

    • somebidder
      December 6, 2011 at 5:23 pm

      @luxe – my cat has done that for 9 freaking years. He is NUTS for those damn tings. I say yes.

      Thumb up Thumb down +2

    • Agent_of_Chaos
      December 6, 2011 at 7:36 pm

      I guess I’m really weird. I like the kosher gelt.

      (Granted, I’m not Jewish, so I guess that makes me even weirder.)

      Thumb up Thumb down +1

  21. theredpigeon
    December 6, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    With so much rage and tequila in my system from yesterday’s PayPal debacle, it’s weird reading something that makes me feel giggly inside. Bravo!

    Thumb up Thumb down +10

    • BadassLactatingHoneyBadger
      December 6, 2011 at 5:21 pm

      I think this was the fix of funny that all of us FJL’s needed. Thank you Helen\April and Merrill.

      Thumb up Thumb down +3

  22. das pixel kurios
    December 6, 2011 at 2:19 pm

    Thanks Merrill, this was fun to read. Anyone who loves dogs is okay in my book – so I’ve put yours on my wish list.

    Thumb up Thumb down +13

    • Whawhawhatsis
      December 6, 2011 at 2:29 pm

      If you love dogs, you also have to read Merrill’s Nose Down, Eyes Up. It’s like she moves into the dogs’ brains and brings them to life. One of the funniest, most true books I have ever read!

      Thumb up Thumb down +12

      • das pixel kurios
        December 6, 2011 at 2:40 pm

        Thank you!

        Thumb up Thumb down +5

  23. Crease and Resist
    December 6, 2011 at 2:20 pm

    You were gorgeous, charming, and witty. (Note to self: Ignore the therapists, worrying does accomplish something.) I’ll be snapping up a copy of that book as soon as I can, definitely to read and possibly to give to my mother.

    I agree with you about the secret people that live on our electronics. People who have spent the time and effort to be in our physical presence deserve priority. I’ve never understood people who will regularly ignore a dinner companion for an SMS exchange, or in my recent past an entire romantic relationship for a handful of SMS flirtations. Maybe if I had known about this “asshole-spotting” hobby sooner, I could have saved myself quite a bit of grief! I must take it up immediately. Does it require special equipment?

    Thumb up Thumb down +13

    • Deck the halls with boughs of fluffy
      December 6, 2011 at 5:33 pm

      I’m guessing you just need a quick wit, sharp eye and the ability to suppress the overwhelming urge to slap the shit out of the asshole you’ve spotted in mid assholery.

      Thumb up Thumb down +4

      • Crease and Resist
        December 6, 2011 at 6:30 pm

        That explains it, then. I’ll put “optometrist appointment” higher on my list of priorities!

        Thumb up Thumb down +3

  24. rmholt
    December 6, 2011 at 2:25 pm

    What a wonderful surprise on an otherwise crappy day.

    Thumb up Thumb down +7

  25. banana_bread
    December 6, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    I live very near to Elgin and would like to apologize for the pair of brain cells you talked to.

    I did see this episode of TDS and you were awesome. TO AMAZON!

    Thumb up Thumb down +7

  26. wonderface
    December 6, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    I’ve never heard of you but now I have to read your book.

    Thumb up Thumb down +5

  27. FlouncestheDrivingCat
    December 6, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    Lovely guest post! And I saw you on the show and it was wonderful. I’m just sorry we didn’t get any pictures of the Daily Show dogs. My dogs would have felt like they were sharing the experience.

    Thumb up Thumb down +6

  28. redweasel
    December 6, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    That was fun to read, and to watch! I usually don’t come out from under my nerdy little history genre rock when it comes to books, but for this I would gladly make an exception. I could seriously go for something hilarious right now!

    Thumb up Thumb down +3

  29. Chilean Sea Bitch
    December 6, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    Mariou Henner had a talkshow?

    This post was really entertaining, and this book is definitely going on my xmas list. Congrats on going on the Daily Show! Jon Stewart is so dreamy… *le sigh*

    Thumb up Thumb down +10

  30. footmadecraft
    December 6, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    Is my memory of the 90′s just all garbled or is she not the person that Elaine was based on for Seinfeld? I thought I remembered that she had dated Jerry for a while…..or something.

    Thumb up Thumb down 0

    • footmadecraft
      December 6, 2011 at 2:54 pm

      Never mind that was someone else. I swear there was some other odd connection between her and another 90′s comedy show or person. This is going to drive me nuts now. I mean other than Letterman.

      Thumb up Thumb down 0

    • Mugsy Doodle
      December 6, 2011 at 5:20 pm

      Her character’s name on TAXI was Elaine.

      Thumb up Thumb down +3

  31. FluffyBunnyTurds
    December 6, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    Thanks for sharing your experience! And as to your book promo..the dogs, OMG, the DOGGIES!! IWUVSTHEDOGGIES!

    Seriously, on the doggies’ recommendation, I will definitely be checking out your book!

    Thumb up Thumb down +4

  32. swaan
    December 6, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    I watched this episode last week, and I laughed out loud!

    Thumb up Thumb down +5

  33. angelbuttons77
    December 6, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    Loved the guest post! Thanks for the post!

    Also – you were wonderful on the show, funny, etc, AND you looked very good! Congratulations!!!

    Thumb up Thumb down +3

  34. LuluMcTavish
    December 6, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    Currently reading and throughly enjoying ‘Cool, Calm and Contentious’. I was thrilled to read your story in the book. It was like getting a letter from a cool, hip, funny person that you met at a party once and really hoped that they liked you but realized that there was no way in hell this person would give you the time of day outside of that smokey, boozy room. As I flipped the page and read your name I thought, “I know her!”, then I remembered that it was 4am, I was shrouded by a mixture of Ambien and Valium and I didn’t know you, I just admire you gently from afar.
    The book is awesome, Finnish Folktales is awesome and so is Regretsy

    Thumb up Thumb down +8

  35. skullhead
    December 6, 2011 at 3:02 pm

    It looks good and I will def. read it. I also have a totally bat shit crazy mother and I’m sure the purchase price is cheaper than therapy. I love that you used your dogs in the promo. Just couldn’t see the clip of you on the show cause I’m in Canada.

    Thumb up Thumb down +5

  36. Craphtlovr
    December 6, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    Thank you SO much for writing this! I know this was meant to be humorous, but I am so glad to learn that I’m not the only one who PANICS before interviews, forgets things I know I know, gets frustrated with clothing options, etc. That someone as professionally accomplished as you experiences this helps me feel much more normal, and helps me find the humor in the whole thing. I will be bookmarking this post and referring to it again and again.

    Congrats on going on Jon Stewart!

    Thumb up Thumb down +7

  37. EricaVee
    December 6, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    Oooh I remember this episode,the interview was fantastic! I’m so happy to hear that Jon Stewart is as awesomesauce as I’d hoped.

    Thumb up Thumb down +3

  38. Patty got abducted by a Steampunk Alien
    December 6, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    I also saw this episode and it was awesome. And the book is on my Christmas list. ♥

    Thumb up Thumb down +3

  39. lemon bombs
    December 6, 2011 at 3:20 pm

    The whole dogs-at-work thing caps my love for the Daily Show as well — I love dogs as much as you do.
    Continued good luck with the book! Thanks for blogging for us today!

    Thumb up Thumb down +6

  40. KatyElle
    December 6, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    Thank you Merrill! Very fun read, I always love behind-the-scenes information. Can’t wait to read the book.

    Thumb up Thumb down +3

  41. haineux
    December 6, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    In some kind of parallel quantum dimension (probably one where I don’t have a goatee and therefore am NOT evil), I am married to some kind of fusion of Merrill Markoe, April Winchell, and Jane Lane.

    No, I am not a creepy stalker. Maybe just creepy. But I’ve never, for instance, tried to locate these people and accidentally bump into them at the Rock and Roll Ralph’s.

    Still want to drive to LA to have middle-of-the-night Reubens at Canter’s on Fairfax, though.

    Thumb up Thumb down +4

    • DoBeDoBeadDo
      December 6, 2011 at 4:25 pm

      Do it, worth the drive (and the gas).

      Thumb up Thumb down 0

      • haineux
        December 6, 2011 at 4:38 pm

        Oh, I’ve done it, several times. “Where do you want to have dinner?” “Oh, I don’t care.” “Really?” “Why???” “CANTERS”

        Thumb up Thumb down +2

  42. Zippy
    December 6, 2011 at 4:50 pm

    Well done, HK’s first “Reguesty”. (Apologies to anyone who busted that out before me, I’m too lazy all the posts.)

    Thumb up Thumb down +5

  43. JupiterPluvius
    December 6, 2011 at 4:56 pm

    He was her boyfriend, is how I look at it!

    Thumb up Thumb down +10

    • JupiterPluvius
      December 6, 2011 at 4:57 pm

      Oh, crap, that was meant to be a reply to the asshole upthread.

      Anyway, Merrill, I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE your new book and all your other books and your hair looked perfect. Seriously, everyone needs to read all of Merrill’s books. Especially people who are owned by dogs.

      Thumb up Thumb down +5

  44. SlySevSteph
    December 6, 2011 at 5:10 pm

    I love your doggies! That promo was classic.

    Thumb up Thumb down +1

  45. Deck the halls with boughs of fluffy
    December 6, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    I love how not even Dickens was good enough for your mother:-D How you didn’t end up picking people off from a clocktower I don’t know but now I’m off to find a copy of this book:)

    PS there is no shade of green created to cover how jealous I am that you got to meet Jon Stewart!

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  46. Nanna Ubiznes
    December 6, 2011 at 5:30 pm

    Merrill Markoe, you say? I must find out more! Please don’t hold my ignorance against me; I’m filthy Eurotrash. Of course I am familiar with the Letterman features. We do get Letterman here. A week late, but we get it.

    Thank you for gracing us with your eloquence, loveliness and hilarity, Merrill. It was much needed after paypal’s professional suicide.

    Thumb up Thumb down +3

    • rmholt
      December 19, 2011 at 3:51 pm

      see http://www.merrillmarkoe.com Also i was surprised to find the library has her both in fiction and nonfiction. I think it is bc she is in the no man’s land between them but they are quanta not waves and have to go one way or the other

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  47. Nerdbaby
    December 6, 2011 at 5:46 pm

    The interview was fantastic. I just wonder how anyone get that close to Jon without melting into a little pile of goo, though. He is totally one of my imaginary boyfriends.

    Thumb up Thumb down +6

  48. lydiapeach
    December 6, 2011 at 6:15 pm

    Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.

    Thumb up Thumb down -5

  49. SurprisingWoman
    December 6, 2011 at 6:57 pm

    As soon as I saw you on Stewart I went to Amazon and ordered your book. Such a great interview.

    Looking forward to more.

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  50. Clumber
    December 6, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    ” By which I mean that they always make me feel like a bull dog who has been to the groomer and sent home wearing a bow and toenail polish.”

    Screw whatever a sampler is, I want this ON A TATTOO!!!

    Thumb up Thumb down +4

  51. Fnarf
    December 6, 2011 at 8:03 pm

    Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.

    Thumb up Thumb down -4

    • Steampunk Octopus
      December 6, 2011 at 9:04 pm

      If this and the PayPal problems haven’t been enough whimsicle fuckery, then I don’t know what is.

      Thumb up Thumb down +7

  52. zepp0marks
    December 6, 2011 at 8:58 pm

    Hey Merrill!
    Long time listener – first time caller. I think you did splendidly and will be picking up your book as I found you utterly charming.
    On a barely related note, If I could PAY to make out with Jon Stewart I would never stop robbing banks…

    Thumb up Thumb down +3

  53. thecreightonberyl
    December 6, 2011 at 9:34 pm

    My dog is so jealous, Merrill! Not only can they chase after your book, but they get to chase after your book in a Ce-Ment Pond!

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  54. Toilet Trained at Gunpoint
    December 6, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    “Stupid Pet Tricks” has been my favorite segment on any talk show, rivaled only by the Fruitcake Lady and the eccentrics who collect potato chips in the shapes of movie stars and other WTF whatnots.

    Thanks for doing this guest post! Great interview, and you are now on my list of authors to get to know.

    Congratulations!

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  55. asecondsolution
    December 6, 2011 at 10:59 pm

    Sorry, I just have one question: Is that a shaved Golden Retriever?

    I used to have a Golden Retriever named Ginger: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/23661

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  56. NinjaWarKitten
    December 6, 2011 at 11:20 pm

    What a nice treat after all the paypal ridiculousness! Longtime fan here, since the 80s!

    Thumb up Thumb down +2

  57. Travelgrrl
    December 7, 2011 at 8:21 am

    Merrill is a genuinely kind person, in addition to being funny as hell. And for the poster above, she’s been on more TV sets than you will ever dream, dear. Love love love her.

    She even sent me a copy of one of her books, when she heard that my little sister had sniped mine, LOL.

    I vote Merrill once a month!

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  58. quiltytherapy
    December 7, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    Loved your appearance on the show. I was cracking up.

    Didn’t know about the whole bring your dogs to work thing at the Daily Show. I have a new appreciation for them.

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  59. spacemonkey
    December 8, 2011 at 9:47 am

    As soon as I read the review of “CCC” in the Washington Post, I tore it out and decided it would be my next “splurge” purchase. I’m having a slow day at work, so I just downloaded it onto my phone (kindle app). Thank you so much! I’m enjoying it, and seeing you pop up on what is quickly becoming one of my favorite sites is just awesome.

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    • spacemonkey
      December 8, 2011 at 10:04 am

      (and, by the way, that was my *first* book ever purchased for my kindle app. til now, I’ve just made do with free old books)

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  60. trousers rolled
    December 8, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    Hey Merrill Markoe! I’m a little late to the party but I love your writing. My copy of What the Dogs Have Taught Me (1993?) has survived approximately 23 moves so that’s what I think of you!

    Thumb up Thumb down +2

  61. rmholt
    December 19, 2011 at 3:45 pm

    This post sent me postal as I discovered that SNOW LEOPARD is somehow Kryptonite to FLASH and other video including Conedy Central. I’ll just have to take your word for it all and await the chance when I can get a computer that can handle Lion, or just take Snow Leopard off and go back to Kitty Cat OSX or whatever the hell I had on here before

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