"My good friend and co-worker, Joel Hale, was a part time gymnastic instructor in Eagle Rock, California, a section of Los Angeles, flanked beween Pasadena and Glendale, California. Prior to and during the first season of Real People, Miss Purcell would come into Eagle Rock Lumber where Joel and I worked and would purchase building supplies, as I remember, for work on her parents home in Glendale. Once as I was 'waiting' on Sarah, I informed her about Joel and how he would be a wonderful "Real People" segment on the show. She asked what was special about Joel, and I told her that in addition to his dedicated teaching, of which he was locally renowned, he was also raising money to go to the World Gymnastic Games back east that next year by performing his famous 25 cent running back-flip which he would execute in the parking lot. The 25 cent charge was initiated months ago and Joel was determined to earn full passage through the flips alone! Sarah agreed that it was worthy and after meeting Joel, she eventually got back to him with confirmation that the stunt would be taped and broadcast. I was fortunate as I was able to introduce Joel over the Eagle Rock Lumber PA system (on camera) and gave my all in my best "carnival barker" delivery as I could muster. Actually there were about six takes as I remember of the actual running back-flip and true to form- Joel insisted on a quarter for each take. After all there was the principle of the thing!!! Local customers for several years came in and said they saw the 'bit' and all remarked how great it was and Joel, who everyone loved anyway was raised to local celebrity status for his inventive, creative efforts! And yes, he made enough to finance his way the the games. " Danny O'Connell, Glendora California

--Danny

My favorite episode had the clip about Captain Sticky. He drove around in a pimped out lincoln fighting injustice. He could walk on water- he would spill a cup of water on the pavement and then gingerly walk on top of it. Funny because the Captain was very overweight. He would also shoot his enemies with a twinkie bazooka. I still want one of those. . .

--Bob Schmelding

Someone in one of these letters asked if anyone else remembered a white haired lady singing a song called "A woman in Love. " I will have this man know that I DO remember it, I can't have been more than seven years old when it filmed -- and this song has been going through my head for about 25 years!!! I mimicked her for weeks afterwards. "A woman in looooove, a woman in looooove, don't underestimate a woman in love!" It has all come back to me in a rush!

--Krista