I just read that Merv Griffin passed away. I had a great experience with him a few years ago and thought I'd share. I was asked to be a part of a new show called "The Court of Common Sense." It was sort of like "Judge Judy" except that the decisions were based solely on common sense rather than the law. Needless to say, I loved the concept. Every day for about a week we did run-throughs in Merv Griffin's Beverly Hilton office. A run-through is when you test out a show and hopefully work out the kinks before the pilot is filmed. There were only a handful of us involved ...

It's been years since I've had my height measured because it seemed unnecessary. At the doctor's office I'd just wave it off and tell them 5'10". Well today I went along with it and the nurse said I was 5'9" (and 1/4). I made her do it again because I couldn't believe it but sure enough, I've lost almost an inch. I don't mind that I'm shorter because I always thought I was too tall and wished I could shave off an inch or two but it really screws with my sense of identity. I've been 5'10" since I was about 13 so when people ask it will be bizarre to have to start saying 5'9". Or weirder yet, now ...