06.09.06 Swimmin’ in the Fishbowl

Bill Maher and the good folks at Amazon were nice enough to ask me to talk about the book on their new show Fishbowl last night. You can watch the segment here. It was a rather terrifying prospect ? I filled a slot that’s so far been occupied by Steven King and Dean Koontz, and it seems clear the booking was in part an opportunity for Mr. Maher to reestablish his bonafides as a cantankerous cynic on a show that’s in large part promotional (or as he put it to fellow guest John Favreau, ?on this show, we’re selling crap.?)

Anyhow, I managed to keep my twitch reflex and sweaty palms in check (though I couldn’t stifle a few girly chuckles). Mr. Maher obviously has some major issues with kids and all things childlike, but I hope I held my own and managed a reasonably coherent defense against attacks on kickball, cupcakes and kiddie movies. I’m a big admirer of Mr. Maher, but as a fellow kickballer vet e-mailed me today, he does seem a bit, well, crotchety. My pal’s advice: “I recommend playing on his lawn til he shakes his cane at you.”

One thing I wished I’d said: rejuveniles aren—t, as Mr. Maher seems to believe, a bunch of stoners who stay at home all day in Speed Racer T-shirts playing Halo on the X Box. The vast majority of the people profiled in the book are responsible, respectable adults with families and careers and a commitment to maintaining a childlike, playful, imaginative part of themselves. In fact, many rejuveniles find that their childlike tendencies enhance their adult — ‘re often better parents, more creative and productive workers and just plain happier people.

One big bonus from the experience: I got a goodie bag! No fancy gadgets or free vacations, but this morning I’m drinking my grown-up coffee from a new Fishbowl mug. Thanks Bill. Hope the hollering out front doesn’t bother you; feel free to come play whenever you like?