Yep, that’s the idea — a free university, online in zoom, free to all — and for that, I need YOUR help.

Yes, you.

What, you thought others would come rushing in to support this very ambitious project? Well, they won’t, unless YOU do. That’s how it works.

Back in the twentieth century, I used to shop at our friends’ little market on Fountain Avenue in L.A. — Les and Mike Nicola.

I was a poverty-struck art student, and one customer paid $20 every week toward my groceries, in addition to what the Nicolas added to my shopping bag.

A few years later, Mike Jr. happened to mention the name of my benefactor — the comedian and TV star, Danny Thomas.

Next day, I was in the store, and at the meat counter was Danny Thomas, so I went over there and thanked him and said hello to his little girl, Marlo. If you’re in touch with her, please tell her hello from me — I haven’t seen her for ages, but I’ve heard her unforgettable and uniquely distinctive voice.

Marlo is now doing voice-overs for PSA (Public Service Announcements) for St. Jude Hospital, and one of the things that makes that hospital so unique is that the patients don’t pay a penny for medical care.

It’s all done by donations, and that’s how I plan to fund my free university, so the students don’t put out the cash — which they don’t have — and folks who have benefited from their education and made a good life can now give something back to the next generation. Continue reading →