Gabe Kaplan vs. Robert Conrad

The year is 1976. The show: Battle of the Network Stars. Gabe Kaplan ("Welcome Back Kotter") and Robert Conrad ("Baa Baa Blacksheep") settle a dispute with a 100 yard dash.

There were two reasons I loved this show as a prepubescent: the larger-than-life charisma of host Howard Cosell who, as far as I'm concerned, was a human-sized muppet -- and any chance to see Lynda Carter run. You know, not many words can instantly bring a lump to my throat but Lynda Carter are two of them.

Anyway, I digress. The clip you'll find below is one of the many reasons I worship at the YouTube alter. Also, as one still struggling to kick the habit, it's enormously amusing to watch beloved TV stars from my childhood smoke between events. Some of them are downright sneaky about it.

Enjoy!

www.youtube.com/watch

Why Quitting is Hard (Second Try)

Quitting is Hard

Hardcore smoker gets lockjaw from chomping on Nicorette gum. Film at 11.

6 days, 23 hours, 21 minutes and 15 seconds smoke free.

209 cigarettes not smoked.
$52.50 and 1 day, 14 hours of your life saved.

Your quit date: 11/21/2007 11:45:00 AM

My Brown Eyed Girl

All About Phoebe (7 out of 7)

A couple of weeks ago, my five year old nephew came to visit. Somehow, Phoebe survived.

All About Phoebe (6 out of 7)

She doesn't like strangers that suddenly emerge out of the shadows, either. But who does?

All About Phoebe (5 out of 7)

Phoebe is easily frightened by loud, sudden noises like doors slamming and power tools. Other things that frighten her include foreign objects that weren't there the day before.

All About Phoebe (4 out of 7)

Phoebe loves other dogs so last week we took her to the dog park for the first time. She was initially apprehensive and kept running for the exit but after about ten minutes she got with the program and had a blast.

All About Phoebe (3 out of 7)

Phoebe's crate trained but she isn't house trained. Here, she pees on the carpet with unabashed glee.

We're kind of thinking if we can get through this thing without emotionally scarring the dog, we may be up for parenthood after all.