The Most Memorable T.V. Theme Songs - In My Opinionation

I recently was going through some old cd's deciding which ones to convert to a digital format, when I came across my collection of Television’s Greatest Hits. Bonus: I have more than one volume!! Then I started to think, T.V. shows don’t have good theme songs any more- assuming that they have any theme songs at all. Most just play credits while the opening scenes are going on.

As I was perusing my collection I came up with MY Top 10 T.V. Theme songs. Let me re-state these are MY Top 10 not anyone else’s and not subject for debate. I recognize the fact that there were/are many T.V. theme songs that were great – these are just MY 10 favorite ones.

Also let me preface this list by saying that just because it’s a memorable theme song, that does not mean I watched every single program on this list. But that just goes to my point as to how memorable a Theme Song can be – if you know what the theme song is and you never watched the program, then that’s good stuff. Again – only my opinion people.

#10 – The Facts of Life

Who can forget the escapades of the girls going to school at the prestigious all-girl boarding school, Eastland School in Peekskill, NY? This show was originally a spin-off of Diff'rent Strokes and centered around Ms. Edna Garrett as she became the housemother to the girls of Eastland. By the 2nd season Ms. Garrett was moved to the position of dietitian and the cast was whittled down to four main girls - spoiled rich girl Blair, impressionable and quick-witted, Natalie, naïve and adorable Tootie and rough, tumble, motorbike-loving Jo.



#9 - Scooby Doo, Where Are You!

This is the first incarnation of the famous gang from Mystery Inc. This one premiered in 1969 and far surpasses any other version - and there have been many other more recent versions, plus a couple of really bad movies that shouldn't even have been made. But if you really want to see how it all began, you should really see the original. Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and that big ole, goofy Great Dane, Scooby Doo are a true classic that still stands the test of time.





#8 - Wonder Woman

I don't remember much about it, other than it was based off the comic and starred Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince. I do remember she had a magic lasso and knew how to use it. It also starred Lyle Waggoner for any one who is interested. Check out the groovy theme music it had.





#7 - Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?

I never saw this show. I do know that it was a children's game show based off a computer game of the same name. I did play the game a couple of times. Hey, don't judge. I worked in the Children's Dept. at the Library. Of course someone had to test it every now and then to make sure the disk still worked. Lynn Thigpin starred as "The Chief" on the show and from the few clips I've seen, I'd have to say she fit the part perfectly. But if anyone can listen to this Rockapella song and not tap their foot to it - kudos to you. I find the song infectious. You need to get past the 1st 20 seconds before the songs starts - sorry.





#6 - Simon & Simon

I loved Simon and Simon. My parents watched it so therefore, if I was watching T.V. at that time, I was watching what they were watching. Sigh ... those were the days of a one T.V. household. But I digress ... The premise of this show revolved around two private detective brothers that were total opposites from one another. Starring Gerald McRaney as Rick Simon and Jameson Parker (I had to look that one up) as A.J. (Andrew Jackson) Simon. Many of the shows revolved around the different ways the two would handle a case. Rick being more brash and combative and A.J. being a bit smoother and self-composed.





#5 - The Cosby Show

Bill Cosby as Cliff Huxtable - need I say more? Well, throw in Phylicia Rashad, Malcom-Jamal Warner and a slew of others, including Keshia Knight Pulliam and hilarity ensued. Bill Cosby is like every dad or the way every dad should be - a story-telling, fun-loving and sandwich eating dad everyone loves. This is my favorite version of the theme song. Actually, there were seven different versions of the theme song in all its years on the small screen. This particular one was performed by Bobby McFerrin of "Don't Worry, Be Happy" fame.





#4 - Roseanne

Say what you will about Roseanne Barr the person, but Roseanne Conners the character was the typical Mid-Western mom. This sitcom about a working middle class family dealing with every day struggles was one of television's 50 greatest shows. Roseanne had a smart-alec answer for most of her kids questions, didn't seem overly concerned that most of her dysfunctional family was coming unglued at the seams, but at the heart of it all, she did the best she could to raise her family and support her husband. The theme song fit into setting of the show perfectly. Plus, the laugh/cackle at the end is great. Like The Cosby Show, there were several different versions during it's run on T.V.




#3 - Family Feud

Originally airing in 1976 and hosted by Richard Dawson, this game show is on of television's most popular game show. It's been cancelled and revived almost as much as The Family Guy. Among Dawson's successors were Ray Coombs, Louie Anderson, Richard Karn, John O'Hurley and Steve Harvey, who is the current host. This is one of the catchiest game show theme songs ever!





#2 - Blossom

This teenage girl had a lot on her plate. Her mother walked out, her father had to cope with raising his family alone, her oldest brother was recovering from substance abuse and her other brother, while good-natured, was a complete idiot. But we forgave the latter half because he was played by Joey Lawrence and let's face it, he was a hottie - actually, he still is. Anyway, Blossom, along with her best friend Six, found humor and the positive in most situations. The words to the theme song suggest just that. Performed by the great Dr. John and you have a hit.




#1 - The Jeffersons

Starting as recurring characters on All In The Family, The Jeffersons spun off and ran for 11 seasons. George Jefferson's career as a dry cleaner took off and as a result, he packed his family up from Queens and moved to Manhattan where the fun began. Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford were George and Louise Jefferson, but it was their, wise-cracking, back-talking housekeeper, Florence Johnston, played by Marla Gibbs, that rounded out the show. "Movin' On Up" was the theme song and it is without a doubt one of the most memorable television theme songs in history - at least for me it is.

Ten Years Ago ...

Ten years ago, Ten years ago my grandmother, my beloved Nanny, died at the age of 90. The memories I have of Nanny are the best. I could always make her laugh. She's the one in green in the picture, standing next to my Aunt Ruby. Nanny and I were very close and I was devastated. When she died, she had Alzheimer's Disease and didn't know me when she saw me. She died in her sleep. They say that that is the best way to go. Peacefully and while sleeping.

Ten years ago I was sitting in a Biology class at Spalding University, thinking about how I was going to celebrate my 29th birthday, when we were told that a plane had crashed into one of the Twin Towers in New York City. As the horrific events of that tragic day kept unfolding, the desire to celebrate my birthday was squashed. The senseless loss of life on 9/11 forever changed the American way of life, including the way I felt about my birthday. For a time, I thought I would never celebrate my birthday again. They say we should never forget. Never forget those who lost their lives and never forget how to celebrate life.

Ten years ago, my cat of 16 years, the cat I got for my 13th birthday, Mr. Tibbs had to be put down. His kidneys were shutting down, his liver stopped working, he had heart disease and didn't want to be touched. The vet said she could give him drugs to prolong his life, but that if it were her cat, she wouldn't do that. He would still be in pain and not have any quality of life. I was too upset to drive. My parents had to take me to the vet. While I held his paw, Mr. Tibbs took his last breath. I choked back my tears, told him goodbye and that he been the best friend a girl could ever have. I scoped him up in blankets and held him all the way home to bury him. Even my dad cried. It hurt my heart. They say time heals all wounds.

Ten years ago I was going to get my haircut, when my car broke down on a chilly Saturday morning in front of the Mall St. Matthews at a light, stopping traffic. I reached for my cell phone to call for help and it was dead. I beat my head on the steering wheel as passers-by honked their horn, raised their fist in angry aggression and flipped me off for causing them the inconvenience of having to switch lanes on a busy, crowded six lane road. As I prepared myself for the long hike through the Mall parking lot to get to a store to call for help, a young family pulled up beside me, saw my frustration and offered to take me to the Mall to call for help. They say when you least expect it, God sends you an angel.

Ten years ago my great aunt, Nanny's sister, Ruby passed away. She was frail and though I did not get to see her as often as I would have liked, I have very fond memories of her when I was a child. She gave great hugs and had smile that looked every bit as mischievous as I felt. Peas in a pod.Every October, we would go to Southside Baptist Church for the Senior Citizens Bizarre and I would sit with Aunt Ruby and enjoy a hot bowl of chili and whatever piece of cake she brought to the table. Those fall Saturdays were the best, but they have long since passed. They say its not that you go on, but how you go on that counts.

Ten years ago I sat in the parking lot at work. I had gotten out later than usual and waited for AAA to come because my tire was flatter than a pancake. A co-worker who knew the kind of year I was having came out to go to her car, stopped where I was standing, looked at my tire and then looked at my weary face and said, "Man Kathy, I think you must have royally pissed someone off. I would not want to live your life right now." We laughed. Well she laughed and I sort of half grinned and she got in her car to leave. They say things will get better.

Let's face it 2001, for me, sucked. I mean it royally sucked. It was so bad for me that one of my best friends gave me a book for Christmas. It was How To Survive The Worse Case Scenario. Very appropriate. When I opened it, I actually let out a fully bellied laugh. One you might hear and think, "That person has totally gone off their rocker." It was a rough year. It had me and my parents and other family members shaking their heads in disbelief and counting down the days to a new year. When we rang 2002 in, it felt like a great weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

I'm not sure who "they" are, but in retrospect, I guess "they" are right. I'm glad my grandmother went peacefully and didn't needlessly suffer. I will never forget those people who lost their lives on 9/11 nor will I ever take for granted how precious everyday God has given me. I will celebrate my birthday with a sense of pride. Pride in how our country united together to get through such a searing loss.

Time does seem to heal the stinging bite that the pain of loss can create. You learn to hang on to your good memories and tend to let go of the hurtful ones. Time can temper and make the harsh events of yesteryear more tenable.

There are people, or angels to some, God sends to you in times of crisis. Whether it be for a lifetime or for a fleeting moment they are there to help you, because you cannot do it alone.

The important thing about going on is that you go on in a manner that honors those lost. With an attitude of, "This too, shall pass," you can accomplish far more than you give yourself credit for. Learn from your past experiences and pass on the things you've learned to those now going through the fire you yourself once walked through. Be there for someone when it counts and let them know that things will get better. As trite as it sounds, it rings true.

Ten years ago, I suffered through one of the worst years of my life and I am the better for it.

Somebody's Praying You Through

I know it's been some time since I've written. Sorry, I'll do better in the future. I have stories but not at this particualr time. I will say I went to the oncologist yesterday and was given another clean bill of health. My visits to him have now been pushed out to every six months. All I can say is that I’m grateful.

Grateful to lab technicians, nurses, the fine folks in the Cancer Resource Center, x-ray specialists, my internist, surgeon, cardiologist, oncologist, even my radiologist – although still skeptical about him, co-workers, church members, prayer warriors, friends, family and most importantly, to God. Indeed, I have a lot to be grateful for.

As much as I would like to do the Happy Kathy Dance right now – it’s not all about me. There are those who have directly and indirectly crossed my path to inspire and encourage me that now themselves need to be lifted in prayer. I will not name them by name, in part to not embarrass them and in part because God knows who is on my heart.

I hope and pray that the final outcome for each one of them is as tremendous as mine has been and continues to be. But in all things, I pray that God’s will be done in each and every case. Unfortunately, God’s will is not always in line with our ideas. I’m as prepared as I can be for whatever comes.

I pray that I can be as big an encourager to them as they have been to me. To inspire them as they have inspired me. To be a prayer warrior for them as they were for me when I needed it most.

I pray that they find relief and comfort in the days ahead. I pray that their families also be lifted up and given the strength they need to help their loved ones through the trials they now must face. I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around them and let them know His presence. Speaking as one who knows, to feel God’s presence - especially in times of despair, is a very comforting feeling. It is a calming effect on an otherwise tumultuous situation. I pray God gives them the peace they all seek.

I pray God sends them all the right people they need to help them navigate through their difficult time. Whether it be doctors, lawyers, social workers – whatever the situation is, I pray that these dear people get the guidance they need. I also pray, they read God’s word. It too can offer peace and calm and guidance.

For those praying for others, never underestimate the power of your prayers. For those not of the praying persuasion, you can still encourage and inspire with kind words and actions. For those needing prayer, just know that somebody’s praying you through.



In Christ’s Love,
Kat
1 Peter 5:7

"No Gnews Is Good Gnews ..."

When I was in third grade, I would go to my friend Vicki's house in the mornings before going to school. We would, among other things, watch TV, drink hot chocolate and beat the snot out of each other with couch pillows. Ah, good times.

One of the shows we watched was called The Great Space Coaster. I don’t remember much about the premise and remember very few characters on there. I do remember a very large, creepy clown that spun around a lot giving all children nightmares because clowns that large are just plain wrong. His name was Baxter and he drove the space coaster around with three gawky, goofy and geeky looking young adults who liked to sing a lot. Too much for my taste. I also remember on one episode Mark Hamill was a guest star and even in third grade I thought, “Wow, this guy’s career has really sunk to an all new low.”

But the one character I remember the most was Gary Gnu. Shock of all shocks, Gary was a gnu. But not just any gnu, he was a gnu newscaster that hosted his own segment called The Gary Gnu Show. He started every show with, "This is Gary Gnu and The No Gnews Is Good Gnews Show. The only TV gnews program guaranteed to contain no gnews whatsoever." His catchphrase was, “No gnews, is good gnews with Gary … Gnu!” I laugh even now remembering. Well, it’s more like a chuckle. Suffice it to say, you’d have to see it to really get the full scope of humor.

He used the “g” sound in front of most words that began with an “n”, like gnature or gnow or, well you get the point. Come to think of it, that probably wasn’t the best educational tool to be showing young minds before school every morning, but I digress.

At this point, some of you are thinking that I’m just rambling, but I have a point. I just have to remember it. Ah yes! The point is that I have gnews for you in regards to my MRI. I do apologize for leaving some of you hanging. It was gnot my intention to do so.

My gnews is really gnon gnews since they didn’t find any problems on the MRI. Yay! While that is most excellent gnews, it begs the question, “What is the deal with the headaches?” I did go back to my general practitioner and he still seems to think I have a sinus infection that just won’t quit. So I have been on another round of antibiotics, some steroids and Sudafed PE. If this doesn’t get it, then I have to see an ENT and hopefully they can clear up the problem. My feeling is that if you are an allergy and sinus sufferer, then this is the worst city in which to live - in the entire world. However, moving seems like an awful lot of work and one of my closest friends just came back here, so it looks like I’ll have to stay and deal with the constant Ohio Valley Crud floating through the air polluting my sinuses. Ah, good times.

I’ll keep you posted, but if it’s a little while before you hear from me, just remember, “No gnews is good gnews!”