In case you missed it, Tom Magliozzi, the older brother from Car Talk passed away recently, on November 3rd, 2014, due to complications from Alzheimers disease. Tom and his brother Ray hosted Car Talk for 35 years.
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| Tom in his infamous ratty MG convertible with his beloved dog |
I grew up listening to this show. It was the one program my Dad allowed me to listen to on NPR ( the rest were produced by Satan, apparently). Every Saturday mornings at the Thomas house the hilarious antics and notorious guffaws of "Click and Clack the tappet brothers" could be heard from somewhere in our house, usually accompanying me via my little portable radio while I raced to finish all my various chore duties. In all honesty, I have never stopped laughing along with these wonderful reniassance men. (Both brother hold degrees from MIT, a fact not generally known).
"Saturdays will always be synonymous with chores, pancakes, and Car Talk."
Tom's resplendent laughter always brought a smile to my face and lasting joy to my heart. Click and Clack have also challenged me to stay interested in mechanics and passionate about not just cars and moped but not to take it all too seriously, sometimes the best (or only) solution to a problem really is to laugh it off.
They also challenged my non-mechanically inclined nature with their brain-melting "Weekly Puzzler's," notorious listener submitted story problems involving mathematics, logic and outside-the-box solutions. Although I never did get around to submitting my answers taped to the back of expensive luxury goods and sent it off to Harvard Square. I wonder if anyone ever actually sent them the cool/luxury goods they requested Puzzler answers be attached to?
Do you guys still listen to Car Talk reruns? They are as enjoyable as the old ones, and I always seem to learn something as well as laugh my ass off. My sincere condolences to the family for their immense loss. You may never know the full impact of Tom's legacy, but it goes to show how love, laughter, and passion of one great man can have a ripple effect that lasts forever. And I know I am not alone in my belief that the ripples of Tom's laughter and legacy will live forever. RIP Tom Magliozzi.
For a link to the NPR story and an excerpt of a classic episode click this LINK
