 | So Long, Bob  |
| The Death of the Album? | |
| My Practice of Zen in the Office | |
| My Blank Pages | |
| Classical Confusion |
So Long, Bob by Adam D. MillerSome young people aspire to play professional football, others dream of writing that perfect novel or crafting that gorgeous symphony… but me? While I would love to publish a novel or write music professionally, one of my main goals has always been simple: to be a member of the audience at a taping of The Price is Right while Bob Barker was still hosting. Getting up on stage to play Coming or Going, the Dice Game, or the beloved Plinko would have simply been icing on the cake. As a child I would stare at the television from 11 AM to 12 PM and watch in awe as products I knew nothing about were showcased and contestants of all walks of life vied for the top prizes in the Showcase. I would have been content to line up one warm Los Angeles morning, get a nametag with my name written on it, and watch as a brand new episode of a show that always looks dated was taped before my eyes. Happily, I would just sit there and watch, all the while anticipating the chances that my name could be called to the contestant's row; “Adam Miller, come on down, you're the next contestant on the price is right!” Then I would take my seat on the contestant's row, wearing my Price Is Right t-shirt (yes, I do have one), and giddily place my bid for “$1, Bob.” But alas, it is not to be. Last week, it was announced that Bob Barker, fifty years into his television career, would be retiring at the age of 83. Since 1972, he has been the bubbly personality onstage with that funny-looking microphone on The Price is Right . His hair may have changed from jet black to salt-and-pepper to an almost unnatural shade of white, but his charisma has never waned. He still looks way classier than Hugh Hefner surrounded by those young models, still lets contestants of all shapes and sizes hug him or kiss him the cheek, and still seems to enjoy what he's doing. But he's 83, and I suppose it's about time for him to enjoy the extra-golden years of his life. Still, I can't help but feel a bit sad that I won't be able to live out my dream, at least not while Barker is still hosting. So long, Bob. I guess I never made it onto The Price is Right , but at least I have fond memories of growing up with you on the screen. You were the quintessential game show host, one that we will all remember long after you're gone. And don't forget to keep helping control the pet population by having your pets spayed or neutered. |  |
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