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Children of the 1980s understand how deeply weird it is that Donald Trump is now considered a politician. 40 years ago, Trump was a clownish pop culture figure more than anything. He was often described as a real estate mogul in the press, but he was more often parodied on sitcoms and in comic strips as the world's worst millionaire, a caricature of a pseudo-celebrity, and the central symbol of Ronald Reagan's aggressively wicked yuppie class. He was a whimsical punchline more than he was a respected businessman and his financial failures were just as notorious as his successes. I personally recall a joke from Mad Magazine that said Trump was working on a book about his personal success ... but that he was stuck on Chapter 11.

Trump served as the template for multiple villains in other media, including Gordon Gekko from "Wall Street," C. Montgomery Burns from "The Simpsons," King Koopa in "Super Mario Bros,...

Omg! I was so saddened to hear this news this afternoon. One of the greatest television creators, Stephen J. Cannell, has passed away today at 68 due to complications associated with melanoma. Here is a statement his family made to the press:

“Aside from being a legendary television producer and prolific writer, Stephen was also a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. Mr. Cannell is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 46 years, Marcia, their three children, Tawnia, Chelsea and Cody and three grandchildren. Stephen was the pillar of strength within his family and he touched everyone he met. He will be most deeply missed. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the American Cancer Society or The International Dyslexia Association. Details regarding his memorial service will be released.”

Cannell was renowned for his creations of shows like 21 Jump Street,...