The cleanup job at the Burbank Central Library is going to take longer than just a few days to complete. A press release from City Hall today says the library on North Glenoaks Boulevard will be shutdown until next Monday, April 18.

Library services director, Sharon Cohen, estimated that between one-and-two thousand books were lost in that broken water pipe incident over the weekend. The pipe ruptured last Saturday morning. Keith Sterling, public information officer, says the pipe was located in the ceiling above the travel/history section.

Officials had hoped to have the library reopen tomorrow, after announcing it would be closed to the public today. Apparently the water damage was more extensive than previously thought. Not only were books damaged or destroyed, but some of the carpeting has to be replaced, too.

Due to the closure, these events at the Burbank Central Library have been canceled.

• Elementary School Book Club
• Tuesday, April 12, 4 p.m.

• The Civil War! Program
• Tuesday April 12, 7 p.m.

• Preschool Story Time
• Thursday, April 14, 10 a.m.

• The Gypsy Folk Ensemble Family Night
• Thursday, April 14, 7 p.m.

• Toddler Time
• Friday, April 15, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Promotional poster for the book "Chuck Fries Godfather of the Television Movie A History of Television."

Prolific television producer, Chuck Fries, was in the spotlight recently at the Burbank public library sponsored “An Evening with Hollywood Movers & Shaker.” The event on March 22, drew a crowd to the Buena Vista Library.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- The spotlight on television producer Chuck Fries drew a crowd to the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

Fries was introduced by popular radio personality and disc jockey, Rick Dees, who has the #1 rated internationally syndicated radio show, “Rick Dees Weekly Top 40.”

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Radio personality Rick Dees gives the thumbs-up after introducing TV producer Chuck Fries at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

Chuck Fries has produced over 100 movies for television. His credits include a wide variety of films like, “She Waits” (1972), “The Secret Night Caller” (1975),”Cat People” (1982), ”Sins of the Father” (1985), ”Flowers in the Attic” (1987),”The Case of the Hillside Stranglers” (1989), “Troop Beverly Hills”  (1989),  “Leona Helmsley: The Queen of Mean” (1990), and “The Initiation of Sarah” (2006).

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- (l-r) Producer Chuck Fries, moderator/senior editor The Hollywood Reporter Alex Ben Block, actor Dorian Harewood at the Buena Vista Library Burbank March 22, 2011

Actor Dorian Harewood talked about working in the Fries fact-based TV film, “The Ambush Murders”(1982).

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Producer Chuck Fries, moderator/senior editor The Hollywood Reporter Alex Ben Block, Ava Fries at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

Chuck’s wife, Ava, joined him on the platform to discuss her experience as a producer of the film, “Troop Beverly Hills” (1989).

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Spider-Man made a brief appearance at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

The web slinger, Spider-Man, dropped in to remind folks that Fries produced the TV series “The Amazing Spider-Man” (1977-1979) and the TV movie ”Spider-Man Strikes Back” (1979).

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Producer Chuck Fries signed copies of his book at the Buena Vista Library in Burbank March 22, 2011

The book, “Chuck Fries Godfather of the Television Movie  A History of Television,” was released last fall.

Three new films grabbed the top spots at the box office this weekend. Out front and the new number one film in the country, “Hop,” with an estimated $38.1 million. The animated flick is a fantasy about a series of mishaps that almost derail Easter. The cast includes James Marsden, Russell Brand, and Hank Azaria.

In second place, “Source Code,” debuted with $15 million. The action thriller revolves around a soldier who wakes up in the body of another man — part of the Source Code program — his mission, to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. This very clever sci-fi thriller has received some pretty good reviews, but the debut was disappointing. The reason for the film’s weak opening — most likely, Jake Gyllenhaal, who plays the lead character. Gyllenhaal has not developed into the kind of leading man that draws movie fans.

Another new film, “Insidious,” claimed third with an estimated $13.3 million. This very low budget film focuses on several paranormal events that terrorize a young family. Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, and Ty Simpkins star.

Last week’s top film, the family-friendly “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” landed in fourth with around $10.4 million and fifth place went to the thriller, ”Limitless,” with about $9.4 million.

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” raced to the top of the box office this weekend with an estimated debut of $24.4 million. The family film is based on the second  book in the popular  ”Diary of a Wimpy Kid ” series by cartoonist Jeff Kinney.

The movie focuses on two brothers and their humorous escapades in middle school. Zachary Gordon, Devon Bostick, and Rachael Harris star. The first film, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” was a big hit with movie fans last year. Another sequel is in the works.

While “Wimpy Kid 2″ apparently exceeded expectations another new film, “Sucker Punch,” stumbled. The fantasy action flick is about a young woman who breaks out of an asylum with some female inmates and they set off on an adventure. “Sucker Punch” earned around $19 million. The cast includes Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, and Vanessa Hudgens.

In third place, action thriller “Limitless” with an estimated $15.2 million, crime drama, “The Lincoln lawyer” landed in fourth with about $11 million, and rounding out the top five, the animated western “Rango” with around $9.8 million.

 Tom Hanks takes on real-life hero role

 The high-seas drama of cargo ship Captain Richard Phillips and the Somali pirates is headed to the big screen. Actor Tom Hanks is reportedly on board to play Phillips, according to deadline.com

Back in April of 2009, Captain Phillips traded himself as a hostage to the pirates to save his crew. Phillips was later freed in a daring rescue by U.S. Navy Seals. More on Hanks and this project on Deadline.

John Wayne photo book coming soon

The family of the late actor John Wayne has decided to share some rare photos with the world. A soon to be published John Wayne photo book will include, pictures from the family archives as well as snapshots from some of the 175 films Wayne appeared in, according to the publishing site, Galleycat.

Along with the photos, the book will include comments from relatives, friends and co-stars. It will be published by powerHouse books sometime this fall.

More spec screenplay sales

Screenwriter Scott Myers is tracking the spec screenplay sales. Myers says the spec, “The Last Drop” by Brandon and Phillip Murphy, is the 17th to get bought this year. The eight spec to get snatched up this month. Myers has more on the sale of “The Last Drop” and the spec script market over on his Go Into The Story blog.

The new gritty sci-fi action flick, “Battle: Los Angeles,” fought its way to the top of the box office this weekend.  “Battled: LA” debuted with an estimated $36 million to become the number one movie in the country.

Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriquez, and pop singer Ne-Yo are in the cast of  ”Battle: LA,” which is about a marine platoon that goes up against invading aliens in the City of Angels. 

Last week’s top film, Johnny Depp’s computer-animated western-comedy, ”Rango,” slipped to second place with around $23 million. ‘ The new take on folk tale classic, “Red Riding Hood,” did not generate the kind of opening expected — by landing in third with an estimated $14.1 million. The dark fantasy stars Amanda Seyfried as a woman living in a town terrorized by a werewolf.

The thriller, “The Adjustment Bureau,” claimed fourth with just about $11.4 million, and rounding out the top five, the new Disney animation, “Mars Needs Moms,” with an estimated $6.8 million. Produced on a budget reported to be at least $150 million, the film is considered a box office bomb. “Mars Needs Moms” stars Seth Green and Joan Cusack, in a story of a young boy who is out to save his mother from Martians. It is based on a book by cartoonist, Berkeley Breathed.

Another twist in the Charlie Sheen saga

There are more strange twists in the real-life saga of troubled-outspoken actor, Charlie Sheen, than most TV shows. This morning, Sheen’s attorney filed a $100 million lawsuit against Warner Bros. and “Two and a Half Men” co-creator/executive producer, Chuck Lorre.

The suit comes days after Warner Bros. fired Sheen from the highly rated TV sitcom. The Wrap has the termination letter, a copy of Sheen’s complaint, and more here.

Book deal for actor/comedian/author, Bill Cosby

Entertainer Bill Cosby has a new book coming out later this year, in November. “I Didn’t Ask To Be Born, But I’m Glad I Was,” touches on Cosby’s dating experience, misbehaving grandkids, and his views on God and the Bible, according to the publishing site, Galleycat.

Cosby has written several books including, “Fatherhood” and “Cosbyology.”

Script news: screenwriter selected for reboot of “Robocop”

Deadline.com is reporting that Josh Zetumer has been hired by MGM to script a new version of the 1987 sci-fi action hit, “Robocop.” There were two sequels in 1990 and 1993, but none did as well as the first movie at the box office. Zetumer is a hot screenwriter right now. He got his big break with the spy thriller screenplay, “Infiltrator.”  More here.

Culver City…

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Book buyers waited patiently in a long line to chat with and get journalist/author Belva Davis to sign a copy of her memoir, "Never in My Wildest Dreams," at Agape International Spiritual Center 5700 Buckingham Parkway, Culver City February 27, 2011

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A fan shares a moment with journalist/author Belva Davis during a book signing at Agape International Spiritual Center 5700 Buckingham Parkway, Culver City February 27, 2011

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- These book lovers were lucky enough to get a copy of journalist/author Belva Davis's memoir, "Never in My Wildest Dreams," before it sold out at the Agape International Spiritual Center bookstore 5700 Buckingham Parkway, Culver City, February 27, 2011

Pasadena…

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Journalist/Author Belva Davis shared her inspiring journey with a group in Vroman's Bookstore at 695 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena February 28, 2011

Los Angeles…

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Author/News Anchor/Reporter Belva Davis signed copies of her memoir, "Never in My Wildest Dreams" at Eso Won Bookstore, 4331 Degnan Boulevard, Los Angeles March 1, 2011

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Journalist/Author Belva Davis spoke to a full house at the Eso Won Bookstore, 4331 Degnan Boulevard, Los Angeles March 1, 2011

For more on Belva Davis, her memoir, “Never in My Wildest Dreams: A Black Woman’s Life in Journalism,” and her amazing journey go here.

 It’s not easy being the first to break through social and professional barriers, especially back in the turbulent sixties. Nevertheless, someone has to step up, take the risks, suffer the insults and the rejections, and Belva Davis did that to become the first black female television journalist/anchor in the western United States. Davis tells her incredible story of rising from the projects of Oakland to become an award winning television reporter, known around the world, in her new book out today.

“Never in My Wildest Dreams: A Black Woman’s Life in Journalism,” was written with Bay Area journalist, Vicki Haddock. In this memoir, Davis looks back on her incredible career, which includes covering such important stories as the 1964 Republican Convention, where she was verbally and physically assaulted, to the murders of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, to the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic to the 9-11 terrorist attacks and to the historic election of Barack Obama as President of the United States in 2008.

Davis continues to observe and cover some of the major stories of the day for one of the nation’s top PBS stations, KQED.  

Along her journey, Davis has traveled the world and met cultural and political icons like Frank Sinatra, Malcolm X, Alex Haley, Black Panther leader Huey Newton, and Cuba’s Fidel Castro. Entertainer Bill Cosby says this about the pioneer journalist: “Belva Davis was someone who sustained us, who made us proud …  She was the first woman of color that many viewers came to know and trust, and she met that challenge with integrity and dignity and grace.”    

I went from a proud fan watching Davis on television to a young journalist inspired and mentored by her. In fact, a co-worker at a station in San Jose, my first job after college, recommended me to Davis and that led to my first real television newsroom job at KPIX in San Francisco. I moved up quickly from production assistant to writer and to producer of the noon news, where one of my co-anchors was the legendary Belva Davis. In a short time, I was off to Southern California for a position as a newswriter/occasional field producer at KNBC-TV. I never forgot the lessons learned working with Davis at KPIX.

Photo credit William V. Moore --- Belva Davis, Author/Reporter/ TV News Host

Today Davis launches a book tour for “Never in My Wildest Dreams” with appearances in San Francisco, Atlanta, Washington, DC, Chicago, New York, and here in Southern California: including stops at Vroman’s bookstore in Pasadena on February 28, Agape International Spiritual Center in Culver City on February 27, and Eso Won bookstore in Los Angeles on March 1.

Photo: PRNewsFoto/Universal Studios Hollywood --"Grinchmas" stars Dusty, Dexter, Buster, and Scrapper to perform at Universal Studios, Universal City December 11-12, 2010

The annual “Grinchmas” celebration at Universal Studios in Universal City kicks off this weekend with two additional events. Universal Studios is partnering with the Amanda Foundation and the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services to host two “Max to the Rescue: Whoville’s Have A Heart Pet Adoption Fairs” on December 11 and 12, from noon to 4 p.m.,near the main entrance to the theme park.

“Max the Dog,” will be at the adoption fairs to greet the pets and the potential pet owners. Max is the Grinch’s BFF, the one-horned pooch with the quizzical look and relentless good spirits. 

In the “Grinchmas” celebration Max is played by four talented doggies, Dusty, Dexter, Buster, and Scrapper. They were plucked from animal shelters to be entertainment stars.

“The same ‘hyper-energy’ that may have led an owner to abandon their pet may make the animal well-suited to movie and TV work, and for a role in Universal’s ‘Grinchmas,’”according to animal trainer John McCormick in a PRNewswire release.

The Grinch, some residents from “Whoville,” a real snow winterland, and  more are planned for the ”Grinchmas” celebration, which runs through January 2, 2011.  Check out the Universal Studios website for more details and ticket prices.

Google leaped into the ebook market in a big way today. The Internet search giant launched Google eBooks and is now the largest ebook provider in the world. The site boasts about having ”… nearly 3 million free ebooks and hundreds of thousands of titles …” that are for sale at the Google eBookstore.

The Google blog says Google eBooks was designed to be “open” — meaning it’s compatible with a number of devices —from laptops to smart phones to e-readers — but not Amazon’s Kindle.  Google is out to challenge the leaders in the online book market — Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

The highly anticipated Google eBooks site, a venture that began as Google Editions, is available only in the U.S. now — but international editions are planned for next year.

“Tangled” wrangled the top spot at the Box Office away from Harry Potter over the weekend. In its second week, “Tangled,” claimed the number one slot with a haul of $21.6 million, according to the final figures released today.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1″ dropped to second place with $17 million. In third week, the 7th installment in the epic fantasy film series has conjured up $244.5 million at the domestic Box Office.

The musical, “Burlesque,” stirred up enough interest for third with $6.1 million. The action thriller “Unstoppable,” is still rolling along in theaters and collected $5.9 million — for a four week total of $68.7 million.

And in fifth place, the comedy/drama, “Love and Other Drugs,” with $5.6 million. The R-rated film centers on a romance between a traveling pharmaceutical salesman and a woman battling the onset of Parkinson’s disease. It’s based on the book, “Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman,” by Jamie Reidy. The movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway.

Photo from www.charlottecarter.com -- Author Charlotte Carter in the batting cage ready to slam a homer, September 2010

Author Charlotte Carter is a mother of two and grandmother of five, but you’d never say she’s over the hill. Not with the activities Carter is involved in. The talented SoCal writer and ardent volunteer, has had more than 50 romance, mystery, and inspirational novels published.

A few years back, I was the moderator for a writers/authors group in Burbank and Carter was a guest speaker a couple of times. An experienced workshop facilitator, Carter has  participated in writers’ events at the Burbank library as well.

Carter’s newest book, “Montana Hearts,” hits store shelves today. It’s an inspirational romance about a transplant recipient who meets and falls in love with a rancher whose late wife donated the heart that saved her life.

Carter has another uplifting novel, ” Big Sky Reunion,” set for release next May. More details about her books on her blog,  Charlottecarter.com.  Also, on the site you can read about Carter’s other interests including her enthusiasm for sports, passion for the outdoors, and love of a funny line — she does stand-up comedy, too!

 Yes, Charlotte Carter is a one of kind inspiration.

Fans of the wild adventures of that wizard, Harry Potter, stormed movie theaters this weekend.The latest installment in the popular fantasy film series, ”Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1,” cleaned up with an estimated $125.1 million –easily becoming the number one movie in the country.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1,” is the first of a two part film epic of the seventh and final book in the series by J. K. Rowling.  In this film, Harry Potter is out to destroy his archenemy’s secret to immortality. Leading the cast Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson.

Far, far, behind in second place, the animated flick, “Megamind,” with around $16.1 million. The action film, “Unstoppable,” took third with about $13.1 million. The road comedy, “Due Date,” rolled into fourth with an estimate $9. 1 million.

The new action thriller, “The Next Three Days,” created  barely a ripple at the Box Office. It landed in fifth place with an estimated take of $6.7 million. The plot revolves around a husband’s daring plan to break his wife out of prison, after she was falsely convicted of murder. The cast includes Russell Crowe, Liam Neeson, and Elizabeth Banks.

Hollywood Publicist gunned down

An investigation is underway into the early morning  fatal shooting of well-known Publicist, Ronni Chasen. There are reports, Chasen was shot several times in her car in Beverly Hills, after leaving a party following a premiere for the movie, “Burlesque.” More details on The Wrap.

New book from Barbra Streisand

Out today — a new book from  Superstar, Barbra Streisand. It’s not about singing, movies, or entertainment.  ”My Passion for Design” is about the singer’s love for American architecture and her adventures in designing and decorating numerous homes. This is Streisand’s first book.

Ted Koppel speaks out on the new brand of TV News

Photo: mediabistro.com -- Television Journalist Ted Koppel

 Veteran TV Journalist, Ted Koppel, has an excellent, thought provoking opinion piece in the Washington Post about the new trend in TV News, which has made stars of Glenn Beck, Keith Olbermann, and Bill O’Reilly.

“What we really need in our search for truth is a commodity that used to be at the heart of good journalism: facts – along with a willingness to present those facts without fear or favor,” Koppel opined.

However he admits, “The transition of news from a public service to a profitable commodity is irreversible.”  Check out Koppel’s opinion piece here.

“Megamind”  stops “Unstoppable” at the Box Office

“Megamind” is still tops at the Box Office, after going head-to-head with the new action flick, “Unstoppable” over the weekend. ”Megamind” earned $29.1 million to remain the number one movie in the country, for the second straight week.

“Unstoppable” is about a runaway train and efforts made to stop it in order to avoid a catastrophe. The film stars Denzel Washington and Chris Pine. “Unstoppable” debuted with $22.6 million — enough for second place.

The comedy, “Due Date,” landed in third with $15.4 million. The new sci-fi film, “Skyline,” swooped down into fourth with $11.6 million. The movie is about an alien invasion in Los Angeles  and stars Eric Balfour and Scottie Thompson.

Rounding out the top five, the new comedy-drama, “Morning Glory.” Despite its star power of Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford, the film managed only $9.2 million in its debut. The movie is about a producer struggling to save a morning show with feuding  anchors.

Even if you disagree with his politics or hold him accountable for leaving the country with two wars, a huge deficit, and in a financial/economical meltdown, Ex-President, George W. Bush, is still an intriguing study. The 43rd president is on the talk show circuit promoting his new book, “Decision Points.” Apparently the president is doing a bang up job.

Today “Decision Points,” Bush’s look back at some critical decisions in his life and presidency, is number one on the Barnes&Noble and Amazon.com websites. Bush’s book is getting some pretty good ratings and comments from readers and reviewers on both sites. Also, the Los Angeles Times has an insightful review  on “Decision Points” here.

In his book, Bush sums up his presidency this way: “History can debate the decisions I made, the policies I chose, and the tools I left behind. But there can be no debate about one fact: After the nightmare of September 11, America went seven and a half years without another successful terrorist attack on our soil. If I had to summarize my most meaningful accomplishment as president in one sentence, that would be it.”

Ultimately, history will determine the success or failure of the George W. Bush years. Until then, the debate is further stimulated by the ex-president’s vocal assessment of his administration and his memoir, “Decision Points.”

Publishing superstar, Janet Evanovich, has made a bundle off  of her popular Stephanie Plum mysteries, and is now out to  hook up with some fresh talented co-authors.

Number 17 in the Plum series titled, “Smokin’ Seventeen,” is due out next year. The wacky world of former lingerie buyer turned bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum, is headed to the big screen as well. Katherine Heigl reportedly has signed on to play Stephanie in the movie version of the first book, “One for the Money.”

Evanovich has written more than 40 books. Recently, she landed a huge multi-million dollar deal with Random House. So Evanovich is not hurting for money, nevertheless, she is eager to revive a co-author program she established several years ago.

In a recent interview with  Media Bistro, Evanovich described the program this way: “We would like to have, maybe three or four co-authors that we’re working with and bringing them out in hard cover. It’s one of those situations that if you find the right person, everybody wins. There are tons of really good writers out there, but for one reason or another, they just have not had the support that allowed them to build audiences. So, for these writers out there, it gives them an opportunity to get a much larger market. If somebody’s interested in being part of our co-author program, they should contact my son, Peter Evanovich or they can send me a letter. My post office box is on all my book covers.”

Maybe the New Jersey born writer has not forgotten her own struggle. It took her 10 years to get published.  When asked in a Barnes & Noble interview for advice for writers looking for that big break, Evanovich said: “Don’t give up, continue to grow, eat some Cheez Doodles and drink some beer.” Hmm, I would of course throw in some chocolate, either way, it  sounds like a good plan.

 Writers around the world are pounding computer keys or scribbling as fast as they can in notebooks — as part of the annual Write A Novel in a Month project. It kicked off today and writers have until November 30 to produce 50,000 words — that’s a short novel of 175 pages. Last year, 165,000 writers reportedly took the challenge and 30,000 were victorious.

This popular creative writing venture is run by a non-profit, which has a host of sponsors this year including Amazon.com. The word count of 50,000 words is a lot, but I know writers who have taken this challenge and achieved that goal.

Organizers admit the project  emphasizes persistence and output, rather than the details of the novel writing craft. However, for those who have been procrastinating about writing “that novel” this is consider a good “kick-in-the-pants” to get cranking.

More details and a ton of support and encouragement here.  By the way, you have to be patient, the  National Novel Writing Month website is getting heavy traffic today so it’s a bit sluggish.

Another Dr. Seuss classic headed to the big screen

Some big name stars have signed on for the film adaptation of  “The Lorax,” by Dr. Seuss. In his classic style of word play and rhymes, Dr. Seuss aka Theodore Seuss Geisel, creates a delightful tale about the ecology crisis in this children’s story.

Actor Danny Devito reportedly has signed on to be the voice of an orange environmentalist, while Zac Ephron will play the hero, Ted, and Betty White his grandmother.  The animated film will be shot in 3D and is tentatively set for release in 2012, according to Galleycat. More on this project here.

President Obama to go live on “The Steve Harvey Morning Show”

Steve Harvey is a very busy man. The actor, comedian, and author has a new book coming out in December, “Straight Talk, No Chaser: How to Find, Keep, and Understand a Man.” Harvey’s previous advice book, “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment,” was a New York Times bestseller and is being developed into a film.

Harvey dishes some of his relationship advice on his nationally syndicated radio program, “The Steve Harvey Morning Show.” Yesterday a friend, Dee Dee Brown, sent out an e-mail reminder that President Obama would be the special guest, tomorrow, Wednesday, October, 27 on that show.

“The Steve Harvey Morning Show” is carried locally on Steve Wonder’s station, KJLH 102.3 FM. The show is on 6-10 a.m. Also, you can listen to “The Steve Harvey Morning Show” online as well, details on the KJLH site. 

Oh, Harvey  is also the host of the TV game show, “Family Feud.” Like I said, he’s a very busy man.

More trouble for Charlie Sheen

There are reports out that Actor, Charlie Sheen, was taken to a New York hospital early this morning, after an incident in a hotel room. There are conflicting reports about what happened and if the actor was intoxicated. 

Sheen has had a number of run-ins with the law and a lot of personal drama. He’s the star of the popular TV series, ” Two and a Half Men.” More on The Wrap.

TV producer/Actor/Writer Paul Reiser is going after his third bestseller. Reiser just inked a deal with Hyperion Books for “Parenthood.”  According to the publishing website, Galleycat, “Parenthood” is a follow-up to his  other successful books about family.

Reiser’s two previous bestsellers from the 1990s are : ”Couplehood,” a funny look at romance and marriage, and “Babyhood,” a hilarious take on  becoming a father for the first time.

The stand-up comic has two sons, ages 10 and 15. In the new book, “Parenthood,” Reiser will reportedly meditate on “parenting, marriage, and midlife.” Reiser says the third book came naturally: “After many years of trying to master the art of being a great husband and father, I’ve decided to write this book so my children will finally have all the proof they need that I have no idea what I’m doing.”

Reiser has appeared in a number of films, but probably is best known for the popular 1990s TV sitcom that he starred in and co-created, “Mad About You.” Reiser’s new book is set to publish next May, at the same time as his new TV series, “The Paul Reiser Show,” is due to launch on NBC.