Top Ten Old School PBS "Do It Yourself" Shows

1. Bob Ross — “The Joy of Painting”
The king of painting shows, everyone is instantly familiar with this afro-wearing, Demerol-voiced squirrel lover. Reminding us that here, “We don’t make mistakes, we make happy little accidents.” And ending each show with “I’d like to wish you happy painting, and God bless my friend,” with his little hand-flutter wave.

I always thoroughly enjoyed Ross’s show (although I’d get irritated by the 5 minute segments of him cooing at a squirrel or baby deer.) Get back to your art, damn it! Anyone who’s ever tried to paint has done their best to emulate Ross’s style at least once. My early acrylics were an attempt at this, though with not nearly as nice a result.

Links: BobRoss.com, Wikipedia — Bob Ross, IMDb — The Joy of Painting

2. Norm Abram — “The New Yankee Workshop”
The woodworking icon. Tim Allen’s co-host, Al, on “Tooltime” wore flannel because Norm did first. (Is there anything else in his closet?) It didn’t matter because he taught us the fundamentals of fine woodworking and how easy it all is when you have the best tool for the job. “And remember this. There is no other more important safety rule… [Norm points to his glasses.] …than to wear THESE… safety glasses…”

I think my favorite Saturday morning indulgence, I’d watch Norm’s show like a baptist watching the 700 Club. My own motley collection of childhood Craftsman and Dremel power tools were no match for Norm’s Deltas or Milwaukees, but I did my best and certainly learned what to have in my dream-list. Lucky to grow up with a very handy woodworking Dad and excellent shop teachers, I put their tools, my own and Norm’s teachings to good use and churned out many projects from 2x4’s and scrap wood. And now that I’ve acquired that dream-list of tools, Norm’s knowledge and the right materials — the sky’s the limit.

Links: The New Yankee Homepage, Wikipedia — Norm Abram,
IMDb — The New Yankee Workshop read more »