In 1969, with funding for PBS uncertain, Mr. Rogers testified before a Senate committee. What he said, what he did… 

Mature, refined, female entrepreneur/creative marketing exec seeks pleasing Manhattan accommodation — small apartment, private bedroom in apt. share, house-sit — week-to-week or month-to-month, while refining long-term housing plans. A non-smoking neatnik respectful of your space, ‘stuff’ and privacy. Excellent references (in case being a long-running fan of this website does not say enough). Replies to: VeracitysChild@gmail.com. Please mention ‘Butler’ in subject line.

Her mother died. She couldn’t write. Then she could. Later this month, she has a new CD: ‘Come Home to Mama.’ This is her version of the last song her mother wrote. Brace yourself.

Her mother died. She couldn’t write. Now she has a CR coming out: ‘Come Home to Mama.’ This is her version of the last song her mother wrote. Brace yourself.

Martha Wainwright: Proserpina on Nowness.com.

My friend Lorenzo Weisman was sick, then better, then, unknown to most of us, sick again. And now, way too soon, dead. He was only a couple of years ahead of me at college, but it seems like I have spent my entire life looking up to him. In Cambridge, he was the epitome of a sophistication that had no snobbery in it. The way he carried himself — in a crowd of strivers and wannabes, he already was who he was going to be. In his work, I admired his steadiness. So many are seduced by the glittering promise of novelty. Lorenzo was never fooled. He made smart choices, was loyal to his friends, wasn’t sharp in his practices, stayed the course. And as a husband and father — well, this is what it was all about for him. He married his trophy wife first, and as far as I can tell, there wasn’t a single day when he did not honor her. And their kids — behind his smiles and laughter, there was no doubt that he had expectations and that they weren’t low. I don’t really care about men, don’t have many male friends. But I’m going to miss Lolo so very, very much.

From Gretl Claggett to Head Butler readers: "Thanks for your generous contributions to my Kickstarter campaign for ‘Happy Hour,’ a short film that explores the memory of childhood sexual abuse, complicity and grooming. We have exceeded our funding goal! Every dollar counts and is deeply appreciated."

And from Head Butler management: It’s moving when this community steps up to support the (very few) causes that get space here. Gretl is too polite to ask, but I can tell you: films always cost more than you think. The campaign closes Friday October 12. If you’d still like to contribute, you can see the video and donate here.

The movie killed at the Toronto Festival. Oscar buzz has begun — and the movie’s not even in the theaters. (Think: November 21.)  You can read the novel while you wait. And get a glimpse why there’s such a fuss.

As HeadButler.com is politics-free, I can do no more than announce the publication of "Boss Rove: Inside Karl Rove’s Secret Kingdom of Power,” by my friend Craig Unger. His thesis: Rove now controls the Republican Party. His subject is not persuaded. Rove’s review: “An entertaining work of fiction.” Which is it? Start at Harper’s, where Unger answers six intriguing questions about the book. Then, perhaps, read the non-fiction book — or novel. [To buy “Boss Rove” from Amazon, click here. For the Kindle edition, click here.]

On VanityFair.com, the most visited page is a short piece about Joe Scarborough’s possible candidacy for President in 2016. (Yes, you read that right.) Or is the photograph the reason for the traffic? On "Morning Joe," Mika sits, shoulders back, scowl forward — a chilly, unattainable beauty. In the magazine? Look for yourself.

Otis Redding. "Got to Get Back.’ An overlooked classic.

Last-minute North Fork (Greenport) rental. Perfect getaway for writer or writing couple. Easy, understated elegance in seaport town. Recent construction with well-crafted historic charm. Large master bedroom upstairs with two full baths and two offices. Downstairs guest room and bath. Dream modern kitchen area and glass-surround dining room on beautiful garden. Cable TV, wi-fi, fitness equipment, ping-pong table, and geothermal cooling system. Bike to beach, walk to town, public transportation to NYC. $2,750 per week; $10,500 for August. Photos here. Write: Cornerman1@aol.com

The NCAA penalty is so big that we find ourselves thinking more about Penn State than the victims. Gretl Claggett looks beyond the spotlight to others who bear responsibility. She asks: What about Dottie Sandusky, Jerry’s wife? Why don’t enablers speak up?