Remembering Betty White: TV Icon & Living Legend Passes Away at 99

Hello, everyone. As you all know (to the bitter heartbreak of us all), Betty White has passed away earlier today at the age of 99 - just 18 days shy of her 100th birthday. Personally, I'm shocked, stunned and saddened. She was one of my all-time favorites in the world of entertainment and her works are some of my all-time favorites in television history. 

Here is my history of watching the works of Betty White. 

Of course, like many kids of the time, I first watched her shine in her iconic Emmy-winning role of sweet-but-scatterbrained Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls during reruns of the equally-Emmy-winning series on Lifetime throughout the late 90s and early aughts. Since then, it changed networks (Hallmark Channel and TV Land among them), but I always watched because it was a damn near perfect sitcom, in part because of her charismatic, magnetic, vivacious and multilayered performance and her 1000-watt smile and disposition supported by an equally-talented cast (Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty).

Throughout the years since, I would see her pop up on other sitcoms, talk shows, news programs and game shows - whether new or old. She was just as sweet, charming electric and funny as she was on The Golden Girls. Password (the original hosted by her late husband Allen Ludden), Match Game, To Tell the Truth, I've Got a Secret and Just Men! (of which she hosted and received a Daytime Emmy) are just some of the shows she's appeared on and excelled with her contestant partners and on her on own wits and skills.

Speaking of TV Land, her next sitcom -- Hot in Cleveland (on which she stars as offbeat and snarky but up-with-the-times caretaker Elka Ovstrosky) also became a fan favorite of mine, also in part because of her. Her performance as a half-bitter, half-caring, always drunken smart-ass was both hilarious and memorable and is unforgettable. Her hosting gig on Saturday Night Live is also iconic and unforgettable (and I bet the cast and former cast members who guested will also never forget it) and led to another well-deserved Emmy. And all it took was a successful campaign on Facebook after her surprisingly awesome appearance in a Snickers Super Bowl commercial.

She is also remembered for her roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show as Sue Ann Nivens - a local cooking TV show host who is sweet and kind when the cameras are on, and salty, snarky and man-hungry when they're off; and Life with Elizabeth as Elizabeth - a housewife whose zany antics turn her marriage and home life upside down. On the latter, White co-created and produced on the series - the first woman actor in television history to do so, and receiving an Emmy nomination for her work. That is something that should be recognized as a major section of television history. 

Betty is also an avid animal rights activist, giving as much of her time to her fights to give our four-footed, furry friends as she does entertaining us on-screen. Her work with multiple organizations to give animals a better, sheltered and loving life has been documented throughout her life and career, and her efforts in such have been successful throughout the country, with many animal shelters opening up, animals being adopted and praise from magazines and millions for the love and care she's never stopped giving to the friends who needed it the most -- including several cats and dogs she's adopted over the years.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of watching the work of Betty White more and more with each series she starred in, and is always transfixed and amazed by her immense talents and endless charm.

She is one of the biggest, best, brightest, beautiful, brilliant and bombastic talents the world has ever seen. She will be missed, and her life and career will definitely live on for the rest of time and will stand the test of time. Thank you, Ms. White for all of your God-given talents, abilities and love. We are all forever grateful to have you as a vessel for the greatest pieces of American (and even worldwide) entertainment.

Andrew Adores It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

"I got a rock."

Andrew Addresses "Undergrads"

 

Hey, guy!

That's right, folks.

Welcome to my quick brief review of Undergrads.

This animated series on MTV focuses on four young men - Nitz, Rock, Cal and Gimpy - navigating through the ups and downs, highs and lows, climaxes and tribulations of their first year in college. Created by Pete Williams (whom also voices all of the fearsome foursome. No seriously, I mean hot damn), it aired for one season from April 22 to July 13, 2001.

I haven't gone to college (at least yet), but from watching the whole thing, I can take this series at it's word spinning the college experience (at least all of it aside from the academic facet [cause we don't see them in class]). Each episode features at least one facet or -- of college life as seen through the POV of the main characters. Frat life, alcohol, wild and crazy traditions, sex, roommates, money, work, making friends, finding yourself, piecing together your future - you name it, they've made a hilarious, borderline case-study on it.

The main four characters are life-long best friends and men you definitely would find someone in college:

- Parker Walsh aka Nitz is the shy and dull yet sane, normal, focused, sensible and all-together everyman who goes to generic and totally in-the-middle-of-nowhere State University

- Rocko is the loud, muscle-bound, overly-crazy wannabe frat boy (whom doesn't even go to the the college that features the frat. He goes to community college) with an excruciatingly personal relationship with sex and alcohol and equally-so hatred of...

- Calvin Evans aka Cal, Nitz's State U roommate and the sweet and friendly but painfully-dimwitted pretty boy who succeeds more in getting in the pants of every sexy chick who sees him than on the books (and avoiding Rocko).  And finally...

Justin Taylor aka Gimpy, a super-duper-nerdy tech genius able to talk to and help our his friends from the comfort of his own dorm (which he almost never attempts to leave) at Tekerson Tech.

All four features the well-known cliches of college students but otherwise represnt them nicely. Also major credit to Williams for voicing all four perfectly and giving them their own voices to match their personalities. 

Other characters include:

- Jessie, a smart, level-headed and frankly badass friend (and later crush) of Nitz. She has a spunky and lightly fierce personality that I love and many of the moments from the series I love involved her. It's no wonder the producers based much of her on her VA, Jene Yeo. Plus, Nitz doesn't deserve her, but I want her to be with him to see her be happy. I wish I were friends with someone like her. 

- Kimmy Burton, Nitz's since-high-school crush who leaves him speaking gibberish whenever they cross paths. Not only is she completely unaware of Nitz's infatuation of her, she's also a bit ditzy, self-centered and so involved in every other student activity at State U - probably for no other reason than to advance her own standings at the college and in life. As much as I originally wanted Nitz and Kimmy to get together, there's nothing about her that gravitated to me or even like. Except her crushing on a guy she doesn't know is gay.

- Mump, Gimpy's minion and a fellow student at Tekerson Tech. He does things for Gimpy from fetching items from the web to emptying his bedpan (gak). He adores Gimpy (platonically) and sees his "relationship" with the latter as if it's a friendship (which Gimpy to give credit does genuinely appreciate). I like Mump; he is one of the most noble and unselfish characters in the show (except that one time when he couldn't handle Gimpy spending time with Cal and Rocko to make money from other slightly-irreputable services) and his sweet, gung-ho attitude lifts my spirits. Every time he appears makes me happy and anticipate the jokes and gags that come with him. 

- The Dougler, the Rooming Assistant of Chilton Hall (Nitz and Cal's dormitory) who acts like he's in the 1960s - a decade he obviously wasn't born in. Despite bis tries, his avoidence from social activities make the other students only barely acknowledge his existence. His mellow and quirky personality are like a pot hit - short, sweet, mind-altering and nonsensical to explain afterwards. Also his frustration after being told to go to hell is funny as hell.

- Rita, the RA of Gimpy's dorm at Tekerson Tech. She runs the place with an iron fist and takes no crap from anyone - especially Gimpy. Her actions make me laugh (and intimate me a bit) and thanks to Gimpy's childish and one-upy antics, make me sympathize with her. There was no love when Gimpy tricked her into Cal's arms (and junk) to run the dorm to a wasteland - making him realize rules are rules for a reason.

- Jessie's boys

 -- Rob Brodie, an overhyped loudmouth who makes something out of nothing.

-- Kruger, a foul-mouthed pessimist with no (****) to give about anyone, and

-- Dan... He laughs. He's like... the non-talking pet in a Hanna-Barbera cartoon. Seriously, he just laughs and he doesn't talk ever. It's like he's a human hyena nothing else.

Honesly, I really like these three more than the main four. They just seem more pleasant to be around during their short appearances on-screen. I must mention, as funny as they are, Nitz, Rocko, Cal and Gimpy seem like people I really wouldn't want to be around. Ever. Their actions (while funny) are the catalyst to me avoid all of them at all costs. Well, maybe Nitz I'd like to hang with... as long as he doesn't flake on me to try and fail to get under Kimmy.

- Mark, a drama major at State U. Kimmy crushes on him hars, but she doesn't know he's gay. He even has a boyfriend named Lance.

-

These characters complement the main four incredibly well and well-represent more cliches of college life.

The Writing is really good. Each episode follows a certain aspect of college and college life -- see above. I like they take a piece of college life, expand a bit on it and twist the plot to near absurd levels for laughs amd ties it up with a great conclusion and clever joke to end things (too bad the same can't be said about the finale). One detail I adore is the character development of Jessie in regards to her feelings for Nitz. As she grows more fond of him - and makes it more obvious, he still isn't getting it and still wants Kimmy, whom becomes the bane of Jessie's existence. This causes her to outright spell it out for him, but its too late.

The Amination is great for the time. The smooth designs of the characters and cracked exteriors of the buildings are well endearing. 

In conclusion, this series is a funny and enjoyable watch for anyone who loved college life, are going to college, are in college or would love TV shows or movies that male fun of college life. 

This show deserved more than one season, despite being on MTV and not being named Daria and Beavis & Butthead. Fortunately for the fans (which now includes me) - whom made a very passionate pleasure for its return, there will be more to come. Over 15 years of copyright and ownership issues led up to a silver lining. In 2018, creator Pete Williams announced that he has picked up ownership of Undergrads and, later in September, started a crowdfunding venture towards a film adaptation of his creation. The goal was $115,000. It was met late the following month. here's videos of the progress.

Congrats to the crew and cast (yes, there's more than just Pirate Pete) and especially the fans on the success of reviving the show and here's to a successful project. If you still wanna help out or at least pique your interestin updates on the project, here's the link. Even a dollar can help, and it's definitely worth the contribution. 

As for the show itself, it's on YouTube. It's a quick binge and *slurp* totally worth your time, guy.

Thanks for checking in, and I'll see you again soon. 

The Jackson 5ive | Andrew’s Funshine All-Star Superstar Supercade Saturday! …Show 71

Stop! This cartoon show is all our own,

Let’s not take it slow,

Let’s cause some mess and sing our so-ongs

The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show | Andrew’s Funshine All-Star Superstar Supercade Saturday! …Show 71

Flintstone! Pebbles Flintstone!

She’s the modern, stone-age teen Lucy.

Next door - to Bamm-Bamm Rubble/

They will make their mark in history.

Let’s ride - with their buddies down the streets/

Through the courtesy of Bamm’s two feet.

When you’re with Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm,

Have a yabba-dabba-doozy time,

A dabba-doozy time....

But look out foooor Schleeeeprooooock!

The Funky Phantom | Andrew’s Funshine All-Star Superstar Supercade Saturday! ...Show '71

Here’s the story… of a cute young lady…

who is thirsty-trapped by two teen horny dudes.

She is sweet with hair of gold… eyes like water…

her skirt’s too short and wildy shrewd.

It’s the story… of Skip and Augie…

they're too busy charming this girl, but are duds.

They are all talk… little time for friendship ... how are they all good buds?

Then the one bad rainy day, they’re out past midnight…

They’re in a bando, no plans to just go home…

They changed a clock and freed a plasmic soldier...

That’s the way they then met the Funky Phantom

The lilywhite Phantom…

The ghastly Phantom…

Now they’re friends with the campy and dead even Funky Phantom!

(Doo-doo-de-doo Doo-doo-dee-duh-doo!)

Funday Friday: #60 - Thank You for Everything You Do: A Love Letter to the Healthcare Workers

Hi everyone, and welcome to the return of Funday Friday -- my segment where I share to you and discuss recent news stories that that'll make us smile and kick off the weekend on a positive note. And since last year was an extremely depressing and unwanted year, it's time I do my best to become an agent of smiles and cheers. And for this revival, I decided to write this op-ed as a thank you to the men and women of our healthcare and first response industry for all they've done throughout this pandemic.

Hi, folks.

I know words may not mean much. But I hope mine can mean something at this time.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began to ravage our country and the world, nobody knew what consequences we all would suffer during this time. What the symptoms were, how deadly this virus is, how up to capacity our hospitals, ICUs and elderly care centers would be; and how empty our cities and businesses would end up. But throughout, it did not matter. All that would matter to everyone was "how can we survive this?" And "what can we do?" And was not just us normal civilians, but also Essential workers.

 To be honest, we've done the worst in the world. Our mostly idiotic government and pigheded and moronic state officials and citizens, who think it's just a type of flu that'll just go away after a while, have basically turned their backs on the regular folk while we are dying, starving, homeless or jobless (and for some, unfortunately all of those scenarios) and the rest of us are doing our damndest to stay alive. Honestly, I feel so sorry for all of you. You were just doing your jobs, and when it hit, you have to do them as if you're starring in the movie Contagion. (Amazing how that movie half-predicted this whole mess.) All those articles I've read over the past several months written about your heartwrenching position of risking your lives while treating patients on the brink and painful grievances of dealing with shameful people who refuse to take the pandemic seriously and not being able to contact your familes shook me to the core. I knew this pandemic would be horrible for everyone, but you all did not  deserve any of this. I wish our government and fellow man were much more smarter and much less self-serving in this pandemic, so that you guys didn't have to work through all this.

But I just want to take the time to say Thank You. Thank You All for all you have done to help this country fight the Coronavirus crisis in any way we could. Your strength, determination and endurance throughout 2020 under the most damning and devastating pandemic since the Flu of 1918 is both incredible and inspiring. You guys deserve all the praise, love, support, respect and gifts you have been given throughout last year, because without first responders and healthcare workers, most of the U.S. population would've been eradicated before the virus would have been. Now that we're in 2021, and the COVID vaccine is now distributed nationwide, things are hopefully slowing down. You guys (along with the elderly) got the first vaccines, and you deserve them and so much more. It may be another while longer before the Coronavirus is fully (or honestly, mostly) eradicated , but thanks to the hard work and life-saving efforts of our healthcare workers and first responders (along with the scientists who created the vaccine on impressive but short notice) we'll get there soon enough. God bless you guys.