[Groop] ME on Shokus

[Owens, Gabriel R JO2/E-5, CNRC N00]

Okay, I guess I should try to do a recap of what I heard.  I only caught
the last hour, where he was talking about the "fued" between Jack Kirby
and Johnny Carson.  Johnny had mistakenly thought Jack Kirby was some
hack comedian ripping kids off for 3D glasses (long story), and Mark
(plus Jack's lawyers) set him straight, and Johnny, feeling bad about
the whole thing, apologized to Jack on air.  They discussed Johnny and
his impact on Hollywood, and why they thought it was a good thing he
stayed out of the spotlight when he retired.

Mark also discussed why he turned down writing for the Tonight Show
twice (he basically didn't want to burn out and get fired, thus ruining
future enjoyment of the show, as many of his writer friends who had
written for Johnny had).

Great story about working various animation companies, and how he
basically quit Hanna Barbara before he started disliking people he
admired.  Also a nice zinger he got in on Joe.  Talked about bouncing
from studio to studio, leaving whenever he got too frustrated.  Ends
where he finally lands writing for Garfield, where he stayed the entire
8 seasons.  Didn't get into what future Garfield project he's working
on.

Talked about the great voice actors and mentioned how annoying it is
when they cast celebrity voices for animation.  

Brought up his dark secret:  He wrote the pilot Scrappy Doo episode of
Scooby (though he didn't invent the character).  Perhaps his most
infamous moment, other than writing Pink Lady and Jeff (funny thing, my
wife grew up on Pink Lady's records and they're huge pop idol legends
over in Japan; I told her about this and she was amazed their infamous
in the states for this.  She had never heard of the show).

Finally took a call (Jim Laughlin, I think?  Isn't he a grooper?) and he
correctly answered who hadn't been a guest voice on Garfield (Mel
Blanc).  Told the Jack Lalane story, finally got out there at the
buzzer.  

I left out some stuff and missed the first hour, so anyone else feel
free to add.

Overall, a wholly enjoyable show.

Gabe
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