Bloc Party

Those of you who live in or around Los Angeles might be interested in this. The Writers Bloc — that group that stages the best author-pushing-a-book events in the world — will feature Albert Brooks on June 28. He'll be interviewed by TV producer-documentarian Bob Weide and afterwards, you can buy a copy of the new novel by Mr. Brooks and get him to write his name inside your copy. Go here to make a reservation.

When I'm asked who or what is the funniest thing I've ever seen on a stage, I sometimes mention the time I got to see Albert Brooks in one of his last standup comedy engagements. And when I say this, no one ever makes an odd face and says, "Albert Brooks? Really?" They all nod with envy and say, "Yeah, I wish he still did that."

This Tuesday night, Writers Bloc will be hosting an event at which Carl Reiner will interview Dick Van Dyke. It is long since sold out but I will be reporting on it here. You'd do well to keep an eye on the Writers Bloc website because they always have things like that and most of 'em sell out rapidly.