Bruce Vilanch is writing for Bette Midler's Vegas show...

When I chatted with funny Bruce Vilanch Saturday night, I wondered what he's been doing with himself since the writers strike began.

"I've been shouting quips out the window," he joked. "{There's no movie or television work, it's hard for everybody and you have to turn to your back-ups, your alternative modes.

Lucky for Bruce, the strike does not apply to stage shows so he's been able to work on material for his pal Bette Midler's upcoming show in Las Vegas which bows Feb. 20 at "Caesar's bathhouse.," Bruce said before quickly correcting himself: "Caesar's Palace, pardon me"

"I am writing her material, it's very exciting."

I remind him that it was Bette's birthday!

"It certainly is," he said. "I did call her and I wished the machine happy birthday."