I Hereby Proclaim My Love for 'Match Game'

You know what always makes me happy? 'Match Game', that strange, alcohol-fueled game show from the 70's. Its genius lies in it not so much being a true game show but opportunity to drink, hang out with your friends and make snarky comments and double-entendres for half an hour all the while getting paid for it. The music. The shag carpets. The oversized glasses. If Sinatra had his own game show, this would be it.

Anyway, in pursuit of further knowledge about the show I just consulted that formidable clearinghouse of truth, Wikipedia, and learned a few interesting tidbits about the show. Did you know...

1. None of the other Panelists liked Richard Dawson? I myself admit, I've never figured out why all the lady contestants consistently picked him for that last question. And what's with the kissing? Blech.

2. At its peak it was the highest-rated game show, even over 'Price is Right'.

3. The show's main writer, Dick DeBartolo, was formerly a writer for Mad Magazine. His method to getting the more lascivious questions on air was to write unpardonably filthy ones and submit them all at the same time. That way, the show's producers were forced to air the comparatively less vulgar ones.

4. The "Dumb Dora was so dumb" questions had to be modified to include "Dumb Donald" after Brett Somers got angry it was always a girl who was dumb.

5. And, a best of DVD is available on Amazon.com or Netflix. I know what I'm doing with my evenings next week!

I dream of a show of this caliber airing once again - dirty jokes and all - and fantasize that I might be on the panel. I will wear large glasses like my hero, Brett Somers.