Vampires, running buddies, and talk show participants: how are they alike? (updated)

Consider three groups: vampires (of both the supernatural and of the emotional ilks), running buddies, and talk show participants (hosts, co-hosts, correspondents, guests, crew and sponsors).

QUESTION: How are they alike?

I'll betcha Barbara Walters could crack this riddle as readily as she'd like to crack Star Jones-Reynolds'. Rosie O'Donnell's* and Donald Trump's knuckles. Or noggins. The latest crack-worthy development was the publication of Miss O'Donnell's book, Celebrity Detox (The Fame Game). [Read the publisher's and reader's reviews.]

ANSWER: They must be invited in. Once inside, they either reveal they'll be welcomed back (as with fictional "good" vampires and most real-life running buddies and talk show participants), or - rarer, worst case scenario - they unsheathe an unwelcome propensity to bite, suck everyone else dry, or otherwise cause all hell to break loose.

I've encountered both types, and therefore, empathize with Ms. Walters, albeit on a smaller, less public scale. And like Ms. Walters, neither public bloodletting (like that enjoyed by "The Donald" and Ms. O'Donnell in their various, well-publicized feuds with each other and with other people), nor dishing delectable-yet-damaging dirt (as shock jock Wendy Williams* does), is my cup of tea [although I realize mass media audiences savor that stuff just as Dracula digs warm blood].

* Would someone at WBLS or VH1 puh-leese encourage the self-professed "Queen of Radio" to refrain from referring to Rosie O'Donnell as "Rosie O'Donald"?!

For me, a higher - and more lucrative - road for venting about toxic invitees might be to release a tell-all novel and associated film that exposes, in thinly disguised fashion, those few emotional vampires, talk radio show participants and running buddies whom I regret having invited in. (I'm not saying I'll do that, but then never say never, either.)

LINKS: The Amazon.com ads below results from the book search: "tell all, celebrity."

The Power of Podcasting for Performers, Artists, Talk Radio Hosts, and Entrepreneurs

Summer camp, anyone? In less than two weeks, a few hundred friends and colleagues and I will be pitching tents at PodCamp City Online. I hope you'll join us there July 28, 2007.

What's on the menu? We will not have marshmallows, but we will toast the the joys and benefits of podcasting from 9:00 AM-9:30 PM, Eastern Time.

Why not come gather 'round the campfire from 7:00 PM-8:00 PM, Eastern Time? That's when I'll be hosting "The Power of Podcasting for Performers, Artists, Talk Radio Hosts, and Entrepreneurs."

Want to be spotlighted? My session, and others throughout the day, offer numerous opportunities to showcase your podcast, serve as a case study, ask questions and give feedback. To participate in my session, register for PodCamp City Online and follow the instructions provided at Lisa Tolliver On Air and Online: The pod people are coming! Come join us.

Are you wondering: "Whoa! What are podcasting and PodCamp?" Then read this post and participate in PodCamp City Online.

Need podcasting advice and tools, pronto? Then check out Shared Tools and Common Knowledge >> PodCamp.pbwiki.com, TheFreeSite.com: Free Sounds and Music, and the books featured here and in the ads below.

More interested in traditional camping? There are some resources here for that, too and in the ads below.