I'm finally able to sit down at a computer (as opposed to Super-Phone) to post the briefest possible gloat about the wonderful annual Friends of Old Time Radio convention in Newark. As with any convention, you never know what to expect -- but this was an exceptional treat. The convention is tiny by comics standards; that means that it consists of what amounts to a circle of friends united in admiration of an art form.

It's not about what's expensive or hotly collectible; it's about shared enjoyment of Old Time Radio and being able to express admiration -- one on one -- with delightful professionals. This year, daughter Valerie and I got to hang out with my brother, Paul, and his friend (now mine, too) Lydia. She's new to the con (though an old hand at Old Time Radio itself), and we just had a tremendous time.

(We're talking around the CBG watercooler -- or would be, if there were one -- about podcasts and posting video and the like. And I managed to shoot some more shaky video of raconteurs telling delicious tales of entertainment experiences. Though the theme of Old Time Radio might seem to be limiting, I'm telling you it's not at all, and weekend anecdotes included one about Shel Silverstein taking an OTR giant to Hugh Hefner's mansion, because of the latter's interest in radio.)

I see I'm being inarticulate -- for which, apologies. More after I've actually had some sleep...