I Forgot How Much I'd Missed Him...

... Richard Simmons, that is. Upon watching this latest video (an in-flight safety procedures film from Air New Zealand) I went from "Sheer Euphoria" to "Okay, Okay, Enough Already" to Sheer Profound Euphoria"- all in three and a half minutes!

I've never been quite sure what to think of R-Simms. His over-the-top personality and general silliness cements him as an easy target for mockery, but his pure enthusiasm for every project he undertakes is, well, just that- pure. It seems wrong somehow to make fun of someone like that. He's done a great deal throughout his career to help people overcome obesity and develop positive self-image. So I think the best thing to do in any Simmons circumstance is to sit back and enjoy him for what he is- a a little kooky, a little crazy, but always well-intentioned. Who's to say that's a bad way to be?

More Nostalgia

For better or worse, television is (for most) a huge part of childhood. I certainly watched my fair share of it, those gorgeous programs of the late 80s and early to mid-90s. Some of my viewing choices were inexplicable at best- in middle school, I actually watched Maury Povich (before it turned into Jerry Springer part 2) AND reruns of Suddenly Susan (shudder) in my after-school afternoons- but there are some programs I look back upon with fondness. Today I thought I'd take a look at some of those old favorites. Granted, I watched a LOT of television, so this list is not comprehensive...

WISHBONE
Nothing says cheesy like a Jack Russell Terrier who casts himself as the lead in classic novels... but then, nothing quite says AWESOME like that either.


BILL NYE THE SCIENCE GUY
In addition to having the coolest theme song ever, the show actually was quite enjoyably educational, and delightfully corny to boot.




READING RAINBOW
Seriously, who didn't love "Reading Rainbow?" It had two of the best things in life: books and Levar Burton. Come on! I think Troy from "Community" would definitely agree...


STAR TREK
And while we're talking about Levar, might as well include some "Star Trek" in the mix. Yeah, we were nerds in my house. Big time. Some things never change...


ANIMANIACS
Loved this show. Even lip synched to one of its songs for a contest or presentation or something in sixth grade. Yeah, I've always been a ham. Good times.


PINKY AND THE BRAIN
"Whadya wanna do tonight, Brain?" I think we all know the answer.


FAMILY MATTERS
URKEL. 'Nuff said.


STEP BY STEP
Still not sure why I liked this one. This may have just been something I watched to avoid homework.


QUANTUM LEAP
My parents loved this show, and I used to BEG them to let me stay up late to watch it with them. Only on rare occasions did I succeed, but when I did it was sweet victory indeed. Oh, and Sam Beckett still makes my heart go pitter patter.


What were your favorite shows from childhood? Discuss.