Where have you gone, Bob Barker? And the tales of That's Too Much!

I said there would be behind the scenes and if that includes entering my mind, then here we go.

I stress very much over what the front page will look like. What's going to be the BIG headline? Do I have any pictures, or is this going to be the all-text issue? Are the stories good enough for the front?

So my secret(s) are these: the inspiration for today's larger-than-average headline is not from something anyone said to me while doing research on high gas prices, it's from a deep-rooted obsession: game shows.

That's too much! It's a pricing game on mine and practically everyone's favorite 60-minute, Price. Is. Right! According to the Wiki site on this game (they've got just about everything covered now, apparently), it debuted in 2001, and I remember the show, and the uncomfortable approach its first contestant took to it.

Perhaps it's was Bob Barker's demand that a contestant scream "THAT'S TOO MUCH!" in order for the game to work. He took his rules very seriously, and as you'll see in the clip, Drew Carey (who does a fine job in his own right) makes no such demands. It's a shame.

Now, to say TPiR is No.1 on my list would be inaccurate. I'd say Scrabble (a forthcoming blog on this, soon) with Chuck Woolery is No. 1 for all-time game shows, and I really can't stop watching Lingo when it comes on GSN. During the last sentence, I heard the little inner-voice say, "You're writing too clearly about something of no significance."

When Game Show Network first debuted, we were on the PrimeStar satellite system and got it. I did not want to go back to college without it. Cable/satellite TV has given me the chance relive all my childhood game show memories and create new ones altogether. Yes, I have them. One day I will write a book game shows and decline of them over time. It's not about the game anymore, just big bucks (Oh, no whammys!) Stop!