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RIP Mary Tyler Moore

Actress Mary Tyler Moore has died at the age of 80.

Mary Tyler Moore was a television icon not only for her influence in the evolving sitcom format, but also as a leading actress. There are few words that can be expressed right now. However, the following video clip of the final curtain call for The Mary Tyler Moore Show that aired on March 19, 1977 seems like a fitting goodbye in this grim moment.

RIP Mary Tyler Moore.

Uncle Phil’s Final Curtain Call

Sadly, actor James Avery did not get to ring in 2014.

For those who may not be familiar with the name James Avery, he may be known not only as the former voice of Shredder and Splinter in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles television series from the late 1980s and early 1990s, but more famously remembered as Uncle Phil from the 1990s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

According to the Washington Post article, “James Avery, television and movie actor, dies,” Avery passed away at the age of 68 on Tuesday, December 31st. The cause seems to be related to complications from a major surgical procedure.

Millions of fans from around the world watched (and watch in reruns) Avery entertainingly portray Uncle Phil in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air for 6 seasons. His character was the moral center of the show. He provided plenty of laughs and moments of sincerity and heart, as well as important life lessons for the show’s viewers.

For 30 minutes a week, he was everybody’s uncle.

Below is a clip featuring some favorite moments from the popular sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. There is one portion that starts at 3:26 that embodies so much of what so many loved and will miss about everybody’s Uncle Phil (however, it is recommended to watch the entire video).

The background to the scene is that Will went against his uncle’s stern warnings to not go to the pool hall. Will disobeyed and thought he could beat an older gentleman who turned out to be one of the pool hall regulars. Deep in debt, Will was forced to use his uncle’s Mercedes/his ride as collateral until his debt could be paid. Panicked, Will managed to convince his furious uncle to go back to the pool hall to discuss with the hustler a way to get the car back alongside his trusty butler Geoffrey/”G.”

Uncle Phil has lost a couple games to Will’s nemesis…and badly. However, Uncle Phil is able to negotiate one more game at the steep price of $100 a ball…

Smart. Loving. Funny. Role Model. A Hustler for Good.

Now, the “Big Guy” is with The Big Guy.

Rest in peace James Avery/Uncle Phil.

Four Score and Seven Outbursts Ago…

Is there a better way to go into the weekend than on a high note? And what specific note is that, you may be asking?

That high note can be summed up into a short comedic equation:

Simon Helberg + Nicolas Cage + “Lincoln” audition = Daniel Day-Lewis’ obvious understudy

“I’m one of the greatest freaking presidents…of all-time!! Ahhh!”

Happy Monday!

When we all woke up this Monday morning, sighs of disappointment could be heard from all around the world. But what can we do?

For such an occasion, I have decided to shine a spotlight on a particularly gifted public speaker and motivator to help us all in this day after the fun, relaxing weekend.

(And remember, there are 7 days in a week!)

Get Your 7 Different Kinds of Smoke Ready for an Inspired Week!