Daniel replies:
As a matter of fact there was talk about my being a panelist or the host on Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me! Later they found out I was an idiot. But you can start work on the shrine now.
Dear Mr. Pinkwater:
After hearing you read Toby Speed’s potato book (you will soon see I am horrible with names) during my Saturday day morning “Weekend Edition” clothes folding ritual, I immediately set off to write her about how much I love “Two Cool Cows,” one of my three favorite children’s books. That evening, when some friends were visiting and we were feeling just fine, one asked me to read “Two Cool Cows,” out loud. (Actually, he asked for “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” first, but it was packed away.)
I read “Two Cool Cows,” plus I insisted I read “The Big Orange Splot,” the second of my three favorite children’s books. “(If you’re curious, my third favorite is “Captain Abdul’s Pirate School.” I don’t know the author off hand. I should pay more attention to these things) They loved it, as well.
The next day, when Toby Speed wrote back, she mentioned your name specifically (I just said Weekend Edition), and FINALLY it sparked. “The Big Orange Splot” was lying on the couch where I glanced over and By George, the author of one of my very favorite children’s books was reading one of my other very favorite children’s books. PLUS, you’re on NPR. Now that I actually know your name, you can bet I’ll pay attention whenever I see or hear it. If you would just be a guest on “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me” I would have to build an alter to you.
Alas, I have no questions.
As a matter of fact there was talk about my being a panelist or the host on Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me! Later they found out I was an idiot. But you can start work on the shrine now.