My thoughts on Bob Vila

Growing up in the 1990s had its perks. Sure there was the music, “alternative” was at its height, but there was also great TV programs like “Family Matters,” “Boy Meets World” and, of course, “Home Improvement.”

I religiously watched “Home Improvement.” No, I wasn’t in love with JTT (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) like every other girl my age; I just loved seeing what kind of trouble Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor (Tim Allen) would get himself into and then resolve by the end of the half-hour. Plus who could forget Tim’s lovable, and bearded, sidekick Al (Richard Karn)?

It was through “Home Improvement” that I became aware of Bob Vila and his program “This Old House.” I have to admit I wasn’t a regular viewer; "This Old House" wasn’t made for someone with my low level attention span. However, Vila’s various cameos on Tim Taylor’s show “Tool Time” as Taylor’s rival who constantly one-uped the Tool Man, were certainly impressive. Anyone remember the episode where Tim and Bob compete in a charity lawnmower race?

Fun facts about Bob Vila

- Vila is of Cuban descent
- Vila received his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism in 1969
- Vila served in the Peace Corp from 1971 to 1973 in Panama.
- In addition to his long-running show “This Old House” and the ABC series “Home Improvement," Vila appeared in the 1993 film “Hot Shots! Part Deux.”

Bob Ross: A Simple Man

I was first introduced to Bob Ross back when I was a youngin' in elementary school. I remember watching some episodes of his PBS show, "The Joy of Painting" in class. I wasn't exactly sure why we were watching this show at the time, but now I understand all too well--because Bob Ross is amazing. He can paint clouds and trees like no other. Also, he painted in a way that made me think, "Shit, I could do this!" (Even though I would try and fail countless times). He was soft spoken and had an "everything's gonna be alright" attitude.

So, a little bit about Bob, for those of you who don't know:
-born in Florida in 1942
-was in the Air Force
-"The Joy of Painting" ran from 1983-1994
-died in Florida in 1995 from Lymphoma at the age of 52

Yes, you read that right. Bob Ross hasn't been with us for quite some time. Though, you can still buy his many paint products here.

I bet wherever Bob is, he's still painting the best damn clouds and trees ever. You know it. I know it. He knows it.

Honorary Bob

One crazy afternoon while waiting for our bus to arrive, Lachrista and I reminisced about Bob Vila’s “This Old House” and how we wish he could do something about our apartment. It was then that we realized Bob Vila isn’t the only celeb with a pretty nifty beard. Suddenly we thought back to those days where we would sit and watch Bob Ross paint his majestic landscapes filled with trees, mountains, and clouds. It was at that moment we knew we had a duty to the world to share our thoughts on these Bobs with glorious beards.

Now, I haven’t always been a fan of beards. My mom never hesitates to remind me that men with beards probably have something to hide. I don’t know if I buy that, but I do know the moment when I began to admire the bearded. One day, many years ago, I happened to be watching Comedy Central, as I often do when the present is just too ‘real,’ and Zach Galifianakis’ first standup special was underway. He was absurd; he was creepy; he was absolutely hysterical and, damn it, quite attractive.

To this very day, I continue to admire Zacharius Knight Galifianakis for his wit, his musical ability, his odd choice of TV roles and his sexy dance moves.

For these reasons, if you will indulge me for a second, I nominate Zach Galifianakis to be an honorary Bob. He already has the beard; now he’s a Bob.

Vila knows how to relax

Well, it's been about an hour since my last post, so I feel it's time to post again. Here is a picture of Bob Vila that I enjoy. I love this picture because it's so casual and relaxed. It's like Bob just built a house, so now he's going to sit in his La-Z-Boy chair, pop open a beer, and watch some tv.

In the immortal words of Salt 'n' Pepa, "What a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty, mighty good man."

The reason for this blog...

Audrey and I love Bob Vila and Bob Ross. This blog is for them. Two men who know how to have a full head of hair and full beards.

...and as Audrey said, "Bob Vila lives in all of our hearts." He does. And so you, Bob Ross.