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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

This post is brought to you by the letter S and the number 40


If I weren't at work, I'd probably be wearing my Oscar the Grouch t-shirt and singing "Rubber Ducky."

Today, "Sesame Street" celebrates its 40th birthday.

In some ways, the show has changed a lot over the years -- today's theme song and the structure of the show may seem unfamiliar to many of us -- but its characters and themes haven't changed too much over the last 40 years. Four decades is a record for any television show, but even more so for a show that predominantly features muppets, has a core educational component and showcases a completely urban setting.

Why "Sesame Street" -- originally intended to give all kids a leg up on their ABCs and 123s before they headed to pre-school -- succeeded is no secret, though. It's a hilarious show. It's endless list of parodies -- both in songs and sketches -- are smart and funny even today. From "Monsterpiece Theater" with Alistair Cookiemonster to the "Law and Order: Special Letters Unit" segment, "Sesame Street" is full of references most 5-year-olds don't get until much later when they can truly appreciate it. The cast of beloved characters -- Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Elmo, Telly, Grover, the Count, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie, Kermit, Bob (who is still on the show!) -- are as universally recognized as any celebrities out there.

I'll admit, it's been at least 10 years since I've watched "Sesame Street," but I might just have to turn it on today... for old times sake. In the mean time, here are a few videos of my favorite "Sesame Street" moments.

















Have a favorite "Sesame Street" clip, moment or memory you want to share? Drop us a line in the comments below.

--Malavika Jagannathan, mjaganna@greenbaypressgazette.com

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2 Comments:

Here are a few that I know you will enjoy, old and new:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3bETf4_Czw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgvKCfZqxrQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUiaWt1pQN0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_trSIBCgF0

By Blogger rozilla74, At November 10, 2009 at 11:27 AM  

Though I was more of a "Pinwheel" kid growing up, I love "Sesame Street" for turning the worst REM song of all-time, "Shiny Happy People," into the totally awesome "Furry Happy Monsters."

-- Tom

By Blogger Press-Gazette blogger, At November 10, 2009 at 11:31 AM  

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