R.I.P. Merv Griffin

Now, why in the heck would I choose to eulogize television impresario Merv Griffin? Well, he was -- indirectly -- one inspiration for this blog. I first ran across the term "Luminiferous Ether" in a very funny and tender book called Prisoner of Trebekistan, comedian Bob Harris's account of being a five-time winner on the game show Jeopardy! Jeopardy! was Griffin's brainchild; in fact he wrote the famous "think music" as a lullaby for his son. Bob Harris calls it "the most lucrative lullaby in human history" bringing Griffin over $70 million in royalties.

Merv Griffin was also good friends with Ronnie and Nancy Reagan. Hmm. I guess everyone needs to have a good friend, right?

So long, Merv.