My favorite TV Sidekicks

If my life was a sitcom, it would have already been canceled, and I’d need a new neighbor. There’s nothing wrong with my neighbors, but I don’t even know their names. They have never stepped foot in my house, but in a sitcom they would always be over, often at the most inopportune times, and they would be crazy. I My life not only lacks a wacky neighbor, bur nor do I have a best friend, co-worker, or live-in maid who routinely gets me involved in hilarious situations. Hence why a sitcom of my life would last about as long as ‘Surviving Jack.’

Most of the best televisions shows (or at least my favorites) include a sidekick character, who usually steals the spotlight. In the early days of television, (black and white) there was Fred & Ethel on ‘I Love Lucy’ and now there’s Penny on ‘The Big Bang Theory.’ I’d like to remember some of my favorites through the years.

It would be a crime to go any further on this topic without mentioning the one and only Barney Fife of ‘The Andy Griffith Show.’ There might not be any greater example of a show stealer than Barney, for proof try to watch an episode of the famed series he left. Barney might not have only had one bullet, but he was fully loaded to shoot out comedy. He didn’t even have to speak, just his physical movements and facial expressions were enough to unleash fits of laughter. There are countless episodes in which Barney shines, but a favorite of mine is from season two ‘The Pickle Story.’ Don Knotts as Barney is at his best in the scene when he tries to sneak a bag full of aunt Bea’s jar’s of pickles past her. He tries to explain the rattling, by saying it’s shaving cream. “I shave a lot when I travel,” he nervously bumbles….While on the subjects of Knotts, credit must also be given to his role as Mr. Furley in ‘Three’s Company.’ Furley vs. Roper, that’s a debate for another day.

While not considered much of a classic, ‘Coach’ featured Jerry Van Dyke as Luther, who is one of my personal favorites. What Luther lacked in intelligence, he made up for with heart. He loved Elvis, food, and his dog. Luther is the type who meant well, but trouble always followed him, leading to hilarious consequences. For example, my favorite episode is when Luther comes over to Christine’s apartment to keep Hayden company and ends up staining the white carpet with grape juice and starts a fire in the kitchen. Thanks to Netflix I’ve been getting reacquainted with ‘Coach’ but I’ve only been watching the episodes in which Luther is in the description.

I use the same method with ‘Frazier,’ on Netflix, seeking out his brother Niles. Whether with a one liner or through physical comedy, Niles always delivers. On ‘Cheers’ the character of ‘Frazier’ was one of my least favorite, but the supporting of Niles, Martin and Daphne make him shone on his own show.

Imagine ‘Family Matters’ without Steve Urkel…boring! He’s really the type of neighbor that you hate to see come over, as something is likely to get broken. “Did I do that?” More than a sidekick, Steve Urkel took over the show, similar to Fonz on ‘Happy Days.’

‘Seinfeld’ was the title, but its his trio of friends who really shined. Back when ‘Seinfeld’ originally aired Kramer was my favorite, but with more recent viewings I’ve grown to appreciate George more. I certainly hope it’s not because I unknowingly see a lot of myself in him. Of course, I’ve always had eyes for Elaine.

There are so many more like Schneider from ‘One Day at a Time,’ Six from ‘Blossom,’ Eddie Haskell/ ‘Leave it to Beaver,’ Al/ ‘Home Improvement’, Lenny & Squiggly /‘Laverne & Shirley’, Barney Rubble/ ‘The Flintstones’, Patrick/ ‘Spongebob Squarepants’, Boner/ ‘Growing Pains’…it could on and on…who are some of your favorite TV sidekicks?

A Challenge of Faith

It finally happened, with all the rest of the country, I received a challenge to dump ice and cold water over my head. I’ve been somewhat critical of the craze and would feel like a hypocrite if I were to do it, but I have devised a response.

Most of you have already done it yourselves, and if not have at least seen the overwhelming majority of your Facebook friends take the Ice Bucket Challenge. We are all much more aware of ALS, but what does that really mean? Does the awareness really make much of a difference in our daily lives? One of my gripes about the Challenge is that it’s become the popular thing to do and has become more about the videos than ALS.  The original concept was genius, but the nation has turned it into a mockery.

While sitting in church on Sunday morning (Yes, I daydreamed a little) I was thinking of how the blueprint of the Ice Bucket Challenge could be used for an even greater good. The really cool thing about the challenge is how its united the country and everyone from all ages, colors and class levels can participate in. It used social media to spread a positive message, like it does recipes. Everyone now knows about ALS, a challenge issued over Facebook can reach the masses and influence people to act. People who otherwise would have never heard of the disease are now aware of it. Imagine if the same method was used to make the public aware about Christ.

I can go pour an ice bucket over my head and post it, but the effect will be very minimal. Or I could maybe make someone aware of the power of Christ and help guide them towards a path that will change their life forever. If you think watching someone get soaked brings feelings of pleasure, its no comparison to having Christ perform miracles through you.

Thousands of people who two weeks ago had never heard of ALS are now supporters. You can’t be on Facebook for long without seeing yet another video of the Ice Bucket Challenge. It’s everywhere. Imagine if messages of faith were as rampant as posts about ALS. What impact would that have on our world?

We live in a society where the news is often nothing but bad. The lead story on the nightly news is a murder almost every night. Our schools are heavily secured because of multiple mass shootings in an environment that’s supposed to be safe for children. Drugs are everywhere. Our world is full of hate and violence and where Christ is being shut out, because non believers might be offended.

My challenge is to take a step towards changing that. Will make it even easier than the Ice Bucket Challenge, no video is required. Just simply post…I’m a Christian and include a brief description of somehow that Christ has worked in your life.

Maybe, just maybe it will help spread the awareness of Christ (no money involved) and if just one life is changed, it will be worth it.

To be fair, and so people won’t think I’m just trying to avoid the ice cold water, if twenty people accept this challenge I’ll complete the Ice Bucket Challenge. 

Thoughts on the Ice Bucket Challenge

The Ice Water Bucket Challenge is a craze sweeping the nation, while raising millions & millions of dollars for a very worthy cause; but what are the rules? I feel like everyone is doing it because it’s the cool thing to do, but aren’t fully informed on the details (that’s how Obama got elected…twice).

It doesn’t bother me that the video’s fill up my newsfeed, they are much better than the plethora of the useless personality quizzes. Nobody really cares what element from the periodic table your personality is most like. (We all know its helium anyway: full of hot air). Plus it’s interesting to see the different techniques that are used. Some use the same amount of ice that goes into a drinking glass, while others actually use like a five pound bags worth. Rules? I also enjoy seeing what everyone has laying around the house to use as a bucket. How long until someone markets a bucket to be used just for the ALS Challenge? Some using mixing bowls, other’s coolers, flowerpots, vases…anything that holds water.

The thing I really don’t understand and have yet to find a definitive answer (Yes, I looked on Google) is do those who soak themselves make a monetary donation? It’s my understanding that the choice is to either get wet or pay $100. Everyone is proudly posting the video of them getting drenched, but what’s the honor in choosing that route over paying? I’ve taken many cold showers, so what hurts me is opening up my wallet. The purpose of the Challenge is for ALS to make money, not for everyone to get their fifteen seconds, actually it’s usually closer to 45, seconds of fame on Facebook. I’d be curious to know how many people actually know what ALS even stands for, or if they took the challenge just because everyone else is doing it?

Obviously someone is paying, and understands the rules, because millions of dollars have been earned. That’s great, and I’m truly glad to see a disease other than breast cancer get some attention, but I at least understand the rules of a 5K run. I can’t do it, but I understand it. I can withstand being doused with cold water, especially in August. Want to be praised? Take the ice water bucket challenge in the middle of winter.

On the bright side, it is heart warming to see the entire country come together for a common cause. The challenge is something all ages, colors and genders can partake in. Everyone from elementary aged kids to President George Bush have participated. Entire sports teams, work places and probably neighborhoods have partaken. Just don’t let the real cause get lost in all the attention.
The dollar amount raised is very impressive, if the government had came up with the idea the national debt could be solved in less than a months time.

Furthermore, how did everyone suddenly become such experts on video recording? Parents miss capturing their child’s first step on film because they can’t find the right button to push. I’ve seen videos of weddings where nothing but the ground was recorded, because the cameraman messed up. However, every single ice water bucket challenge is filmed perfectly, centered and with high quality sound, and we know it was all one take because nobody would dare go through it twice.

Here’s my challenge for you, and you have more than 24 hours to complete it…share this with three readers. I want to go viral too. (I’m kidding)