Artie confirmed on the show today that he has begun writing the follow-up book to Too Fat To Fish. He has already received the first check from the publisher.

Not to make light of the story but John Travolta and Kelly Preston’s son, Jett, died today. For those of you who read Artie’s book, you will remember the story Artie told of “playing catch” with Jett. While on the set of Jerry Maguire, Artie was tossing a ball around with a guy outside when Jett, probably about 4 years old, came running over. Artie rolled the ball over to the kid. Jett picked up the ball and stared at it when Preston’s P.A. came running over yelling at Artie for endangering the child when clearly there was no danger.

Read about the tale on page 206 of Too Fat To Fish.
Read about Jett’s death here.

I am happy to announce that I can finally get this promotional stuff out of my bedroom and give them to my regulars! Much like the last giveaway, the winners were picked completely at random. FYI – I have no more stuff to raffle off. I am sorry I could not give all of you stuff.

Congratulations to the following winners!

1) FeeFi Fofum – Signed copy of Too Fat To Fish
2) Florida Booey – Signed TFTF Promo Poster
3) Arties Favorite Herpes Laced Hooker- Signed TFTF Promo Poster
4) Jackie Puppet – TFTF Promo Poster (not signed)
5) Alpharaider – TFTF Promo Poster (not signed)
6) Artie’s Taint – TFTF Promo Poster (not signed)

I will contact the winners each by email.

Examiner.com has a review of Artie’s Baltimore bookstore appearance Loser lovers line bookstore for Lange

More press:Howard Stern personality goes beyond comic cliches, Artie Lange in a league of his own

Because the first winner didn’t claim his prize, I removed the video announcement and picked a new winner.

If there is a person named Stephen Prado you WON an autographed copy of Too Fat To Fish! (You have until Monday get back to me once, I will email you.)

As for my regulars, and you know (and i know) who you are, there will be a special raffle just for you.

The Houston Press posted a book review of Too Fat To Fish on its blog:

“A natural-born storyteller, Lange has entertained audiences with tales of his growing up in blue-collar New Jersey, stint as a longshoreman, the tragic story of his father, and — most frequently — his bouts with depression, substance abuse (booze, pills, coke, heroin), and, uh, a penchant for hookers.”

“Surprisingly, even though Stern listeners (the prime target audience for the book) are already familiar with many of these tales, Lange infuses enough additional details to make them interesting again. Prosewise, he does have a particular style for setting a scene. “

Read the entire review here

On monday I will post a link to an entry form for a simple prize giveaway. There will be two drawings: 1) A signed copy of Too fat to fish and 2) a signed Too fat to fish promo poster.

You don’t have to do anything but enter your info.

I still want to have a contest to give away a signed book and poster combo, if you have any ideas please let me know!

* Updated – Go here http://www.radiobait.com/ to enter to win a signed Artie book. Enter until 11/23/08.

Tweaking contest rules after feedback. Sorry about the delay.

In the meantime: more about the other giveaways.

* Updated – Go here http://www.radiobait.com/ to enter to win a signed Artie book. Enter until 11/23/08.

How many people want to get some Artie Lange signed Too Fat To Fish stuff? I have received some materials from the publisher to give out to you Artie Lange/SBG fans. So…… CONTEST TIME IS COMING SOON!

I will be giving away the following things:

Grand Prize: [1] signed copy of Too Fat To Fish book and [1] signed poster.

PRIZE A: [1] signed copy of Too Fat To Fish book.

PRIZE B: [1] signed Too Fat To Fish poster

I might also have some more non-signed posters to giveaway.

To win the Grand Prize, you will actually have to participate in a contest and the other prizes will be straight-up drawings. Only [1] prize per winner. All subject to change.

PLEASE make sure you spread the word over at SFN or any other Howard Stern site, blog, social networking site, etc…

* Updated – Go here http://www.radiobait.com/ to enter to win a signed Artie book. Enter until 11/23/08.