Tomie was on “Barney & Friends” three times. He loved each experience. Although adults mocked the show, and older children were embarrassed to admit they watched the program, its popularity amongst young children was undeniable as evidenced during Tomie’s autographings. It was a surprise to learn that bartenders were a subset of “Barney” fans. Tomie was in a bar, in which he had never been, in Honolulu. The bartender called him “Tomie” and spoke to Tomie with familiarity. When Tomie finally questioned the guy, Tomie learned that the bartender would get home in the early morning hours and watch “Barney” with his child. The second time this happened was at National Airport in Washington, DC. We were eating lunch as we waited for our flight back to New Hampshire, and again the bartender spoke to Tomie on a first-name basis. The unexpected popularity of “Barney.” (Bob)
