Each Day Already is a Challenge

Slime in the Ice Machine

Marvin Zindler passed away today, at the age of 85. He was part of Houston's KTRK-TV news gang - the consumer reporter. Most recently, he'll be remembered for his reports on the cleanliness (or not) of Houston area restaurants. He wasn't shy about telling viewers about roaches and rats or rodent droppoings found in restaurants. And every one of his segments ended with reports of slime in the ice machines. There was even a jingle about that.

I moved to Houston in 1978 and loved Marvin's reports from the first time I heard them. Perhaps his voice reminded me of someone I knew in Pittsburgh - Myron Cope, a commentator for the Steeler's radio broadcasts for 35 years.

I left Houston in 1986, then returned to the viewing area (Lake Jackson) in 1997. How exciting it was to hear Mr. Zindler's voice again. "Marvin Zindler, aaaaaah (eye) witness news."

If you're not in or near Houston, you still might know something about Marvin Zindler without realizing it.

Zindler used to work the sheriff's department. After he was fired, the TV station hired him and shortly after that, Zindler reported on a brothel in La Grange called the Chicken Ranch. Yes, that's what inspired the musical and the movie, "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." In the movie, DomDeLuise played Melvin P. Thorpe, the character based on Marvin Zindler.

I wonder if someone else will step up to do those slime reports now. Don't think it will be the same.

Here's something I found on YouTube about the slime in the ice machine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUqlbjxznZA