15 reasons why Mr. Rogers was, and always will be, the best neighbor, and one of television’s best entertainers, ever.
This article just put a smile on my face. I’m 29-years-old and I’m still amazed by this man.
Now that I’m working in television, the positive, child-friendly programming produced by Mr. Rogers and crew seems almost impossible. There’s a drive for the amazing visuals and sound – crazy weather, crime, scandal…things that make people stay glued to their flat screens.
Then there are rare nights when something amazing ends up on prime time. Like last night’s finals for the National Spelling Bee. The best spellers in the country were featured on network television. Granted, they’re tackling words they will NEVER use in normal conversation. However, it’s a fantastic talent to be able to roll those letters off their tongues, after dissecting the definition, orgin and other dictionary clues. Yesterday, some Topeka parents I talked to were not excited over this once-a-year event. One even said, “It was B-O-R-I-N-G.” But, other folks in the newsroom were happy to follow along with the Bee, even turning their eyes away from the screen and trying to figure out the spelling on their own.
Loyal blog followers know I am not the best speller. However, I have an appreciation for positive, child-friendly programming. It gives me hope for that one day when I’m ready to get knocked up and have children of my own. I hope there will be these exciting, educational events that will inspire my own kiddies when they sit down in front of our future 100-inch flat screen TV.
And now, a blast to the past…
In 1969, the US Senate had a hearing on funding the proposed Corporation for Public Broadcasting, but President Nixon wanted it cut in half for the Vietnam War. This is video from the session when Mr. Rogers testified on behalf of Public Television.
Sometimes nice guys do win some….
We really enjoyed and excited, (nervous for the parents) the spelling bee show. Wish they have more coverage.
I gave up trying to speell the words though, too hadr for me.
I prefer these shows better than basketball, I think they have finals going on these days?
Also remember Mr. Roger and the sneakers he put on every show. Good times.
I wanted the kids to show more emotion … fist pumping, trash-talking, something …. even a little ‘Booyah!’ What would you do if the winner called you out like this interview? http://www.ifilm.com/video/2862093 … cracks me up … and you can tell she was getting frustrated with him … (No one makes me look bad, I’m the talent for this station) … Anyhow, it’s a great argument against home schooling, obviously he isn’t being taught social skills by his mom.