Well, it’s official… Bob Barker is retiring from CBS’s “The Price is Right” after 35 years. As I am only (almost) 29, I can safely say that I’ve been watching the guy all of my life. Before I was old enough for school, and in kindergarten (I was in the afternoon kindergart) I used to watch the show religiously. When I got a little bit older, I watched the show when I was sick, and for an hour I felt terrific. Now, I hardly ever catch the show, and I suppose it doesn’t matter; Bob Barker was the show. I’ll never get to watch it again.

It won’t matter who they get to replace the old host, Bob; they’ll never live up to his legacy. If you think I’m just talking about the “on-stage” legacy…you’re wrong! Not only was bob charismatic on screen… he was also a HELL of a womanizer. Ask any of the numerous “Barker Babes” (prize models) who files law suits against him for discrimination and or harrassment. Unless the new host is Bill Clinton they’ll never be able to match Bob as a sexual deviant.

Sure, Bob wasn’t the greatest guy to work for according to the girls, but ask any of the thousands of animals Bob has advocated for over the years. At least once a week - probably more often than that - Bob would bring a little kitten or puppy out and sell the crowd on adopting the little guy or girl. He’d also remind you to spay or neuter your pets to keep the population of the shelters down. He loves animals.

Until his death in October, 2003 (cancer I think) Rod Roddy co-hosted the show with Bob. Barker would ask for the next contestant to take a spot on “contestant’s row”, and Roddy would call out a name and “Come on down! You’re the next contestant on ‘The Price is Right’!” He would also explain the details about a particular product - hell, that’s what the show really was, an hour-long commercial for stuff! I sorta fell of the bandwagon after Roddy died. I’m not saying that Rod was the reason I watched, but the chemistry wasn’t there anymore, and although you never saw him for more than 30 seconds per show, his presence was massive. Once he was gone, it was never the same for me.

Well Bob, I hope the rest of your life is as enjoyable has you have helped mine to be for these 29 years. May your days be filled with super-hot young chicks - who you will discard at a certain age in exchange for a sexual harrassment suit. And remember, get close, but don’t go over…