Just last week I was involved in a conversation about the all-time greatest "Very Special Episodes" from 80's T.V. shows. We decided that the Diff'rent Strokes child molester episode was the clear winner although the Punky Brewster when Cherry gets locked in a refrigerator ran a pretty close second. (It had to be explained to me that this was at a time when dumps were being filled with the old-school fridges that had that big latch on them so you couldn't simply push the door open like you can now. And here I thought Cherry was just stupid.)

I realized that I learned a great deal from these shows as a child. Without them, how would I have known the difference between right and wrong? I would have had to find out the hard way about the horrors of diet pills (thanks Jesse from Saved by the Bell!) or the dangers of drinking and driving (great job, Growing Pains!) and how else would I have known that drugs are BAD (actually, that one didn't work out as well but thanks for trying Nancy Reagan's cameo on Diff'rent Strokes!).

One the thing I really learned from 80's T.V. shows is the true meaning of the holidays. I discovered that my family is hopelessly inept when it comes to touching Christmas moments but if I wanted to be filled with the holiday spirit, all I had to do was turn on my television and let the the Tanners and Seavers show me how it's done.

I'm guessing you need a little reminder about what the holidays are really all about too so tonight, head down to Re-Bar where the Beta Society will be celebrating A Very Alan Thickemas: A Holiday Tribute to the 80's. Not only will you get to look back at some of the more memorable clips from Holiday episodes but a video from Mr. Alan Thicke himself, made just for the Beta Society. There will also be video from Dennis Haskins (Mr. Belding from Saved by the Bell) and a secret 80's celebrity video. Plus, filmed sketches and general mayhem from the Beta Society. You should walk out ready to brave the rest of the holiday season knowing full well that it will never live up to the magic that happened between Tony Danza and Alyssa Milano. And that's OK. Just remember, when grandpa has a few too many nips at the Scotch, it might not be appropriate to get down on one knee and talk it out like Danny Tanner would have done. A simple thumbs up followed by a "You got it Dude" just like Michelle will probably suffice.

Re-Bar, 1114 Howell St. $13 (21 and over), 10:30 p.m.