I was scrolling down the sidebar and came to the section regarding books about television . The first entry was A Complete Directory of Prime Time Network and Cable Television Shows, and the author was displayed only by last name Brooks. It took a couple of seconds for a lightbulb to go off in my head but I suddenly shouted into my voice recognition microphone, " Stop scrolling!" The name Brooks had caught my eye. This has got to be Tim Brooks. OMG!! Here's the story.
From 1980 to 1981 I worked at a well-known television syndication company in Los Angeles. I worked in the publicity department and one day I received a call from Tim Brooks, who told me that he was trying to gather information for a book he was putting together on the history of television series from 1946 to the present, which at that time was 1980 or 1981. I was more than happy to talk with him and spent quite a long time providing him with information. At the end of the conversation he very cordially thanked me and told me I was the only person he had called who was willing to give him the time to help him with his research.
Jump forward to a dessert party I was giving one weekend where I had made all the cakes and pies from scratch. There were about 20 to 25 people milling about our apartment when the phone rang. I answered it and the caller identified himself as Tim Brooks and asked if I remembered him. Of course I did and I was happy to hear from him. He said that he was in town and would like to take me to dinner that night in appreciation of the help I'd given him. I said that I would love to but unfortunately I was having a party and wouldn't be able to accept his invitation. What I should have said was " Why don't you come on over to my party? I'll give you directions." But I didn't. Honestly I didn't think he'd be interested in mingling with a group of strangers. I never heard from him again.
After realizing who he was, I immediately googled him and went on his website. There is a link to an acknowledgment page with a list of names of "Those who have contributed over the years, in large ways and small." I scrolled down and there it was, my name, misspelled, but it was me. I was thrilled that he'd included me in this group of contributors, but there was still that tinge of regret that I hadn't invited him to my home and missed the opportunity to meet him.
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Saz, what an interesting blog on many counts! First, The Complete Directory to Primetime Network and Cable TV Shows is still the best encyclopedia on network TV after all the years. So it was really fun to hear about your conversation with Tim Brooks. Second, well-known TV syndication company? Must be some more good stories related to your job there. And finally, made-from-scratch desserts? Those sounded really tasty and now I'm getting hungry...
ReplyDeleteohmygosh.. you could have had an american television and radio historian at your party..love to read about your adventures..i still think you should write a book.
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