Produced by Oregon Public Television and airing on The Learning Channel, Neat Stuff was a cute show about people and the crazy stuff they collected. As originally conceived, it was to feature interstitial comedy skits relating to the collector lifestyle and mindset. But the program quickly became something other than what was conceived. Because I had confidently passed on the opportunity to come in as a partner (”The show will never sell,” said I), I got to watch as three good friends went through h-e-double hockey sticks trying to deal with the confusing vagaries of basic-cable production and management. That’s all I’ll say about that. For now.

But I did get to ride in the Weinermobile, which I procured for the show. And which was cut out of the show. A show called “Neat Stuff.” See what I’m saying? Though I did land a spot as host of the “Neat or Not” segment, in the end, most of what was left of me was a brief glimpse during the opening titles as one of the “Neat Stuff Guys.”

The show was nominated for a Cable Ace Award. It lost to something hosted by Walter Cronkite.

Click to view. (Or, watch at the YouTube.)

Enjoy.

You Gotta Have Friends: Pat and Dave come to an understanding about their relationship.





The Argument: Pat and Dave debate the eternal truths.





Salesmanship: Pat and Dave stake a claim to riches.





Hurdles: Pat worries about his prospects while Dave hopes for the best.





Past is Prologue: Dave discovers the key to the future while Pat attempts to recapture his past.





The Value of Nothing: Pat and Dave discover the cost of everything.





Don’t Put Words In My Mouth: Pat’s new venture leaves Dave speechless.