A stroll down memory lane

I was driving home from work the other day in what was unusually warm weather for this time of year. While at a stop light, I looked over at the car next to me. The driver had his window down and I could clearly see the brightly colored rugby shirt he was wearing. I gazed at the shirt for a moment. It sparked memories of my childhood and the TV shows I loved to watch back then.

Whenever I see a rugby shirt, particularly red and blue, I am always reminded of one of my favorite childhood programs -- Zoom. Not the episodes produced in later years- those were lame- but the original show from the 70s.

Unlike other children's programs of its time, Zoom was almost completely unscripted. It relied heavily upon projects and ideas submitted by everyday kids as well as the personality and charisma of its cast to hold the attention of viewers. In addition, the kids seemed to have a confident air about them that, as a shy 7 year-old, I always admired. Here is a perfect example of what made Zoom so appealing.



That is classic Zoom material. It's so educational. You never know when the skill of whistling with a mouth full of crackers will come in handy.

And who can forget Bernadette and her weird arm thingy.

(For the record, I could do this with ease as a flat-chested kid but now, the boobs have become a mortal enemy to the twirly arm trick.)

Sesame Street makes everyone's list of all time favorites. Characters like Big Bird, Cookie Monster and Mr. Snufalufagus managed to capture the attention of even the fidgetiest 5 year-old. Throw in the occasional celebrity guest and you have one of the most memorable children's programs of the our generation.

In fact, the coolest moment -- EVER -- in children's television has to be when Stevie Wonder sang "Superstition" live on Sesame Street. If you missed this because you were too young (or too old), for the love of God, watch it now!! It doesn't get any better than this.

Rounding out my top three favorite programs as a child is The Electric Company. I consider this show MTV for kids. Hardly a thing was taught unless music and dancing was involved. The Electric Company also boasts my favorite version of Spiderman. Not only did The Electric Company Spidey look hot in tights, but he communicated only through word balloons. Take that Toby Maguire!

I tried to find some Spidey Super Stories clips for you but there weren't any on YouTube that were still available. So I've decided to leave you with this Electric Company public service announcement (aka Scared Straight for Toddlers) warning all you young tykes on the dangers of poison. "It'll kill ya'!"

Update: I forgot to add that the guy in the back dispelling the myth that all black people have rhythm is "Eddie" from Good Times.