Table and Singlepot
So I was at McDonald's today. I am a frequent customer, most often when the weather is bad and I can't face any other outings. The kids run around, I get my diet coke and french fries, and all is well with the world. Except today, when I discovered that the happy meal toys were divided, as they often are, by gender. Yu-Gi-Oh! for the boys and The Littlest Pet shop for the girls. But my two boys wanted the pets. . .and couldn't have cared less about the others.
Even while ordering them the "girl's meal," I began to feel a bit sick to my stomach (and no, it wasn't the food). Then, the toys arrived. One was a white cat on a peach pedastal with a heart-shaped keychain, the other similarly designed, but a monkey with a pink bow. I don't know why it bothered me so much -- I couldn't stop thinking about it. Should I have ordered the other toys? Should I try to hide the toys from them now, before the other kids see? Did I force the pets upon them, and now they're going to have gender identity issues for life?
Let's be honest. . .there's not much we can do about the things to which our children take a liking. They both gravitate toward the trucks and trains, and our stuffed animals are high on a shelf in the playroom. But I like it that way, and, I suppose, am at least partially the reason they love what they love. You don't see dolls and strollers in the playroom. They own one million matchbox cars, and they surely didn't do anything to earn the money to buy them for themselves. At one point, I put those stuffed animals on the high shelf and haven't introduced them since. Am I perpetuating the gender stereotype that I feel I'm too socially evolved to uphold? And, if I am, should I be bothered by it? And, if I shouldn't, why do I (see guilt-ridden emotional breakdown at McDonald's)?
On Oprah the other day, Julia Roberts, made even duller by her new motherhood, said what I think most mothers feel, "I knew I'd love my children, but I never knew how much I'd like them." They're amazing beings that make me laugh and make me think and push me to become better, which is more than I can say about most people in the world. And they've only been on the earth for a short time. I suppose some of my recent insanity stems from the awesome responsibility I feel to make their lives the best that they can be. Once, Josh gave Jonah a haircut in the bathtub while I was out running errands. Let's just say it was unsuccessful, and left him looking. . .well, special. That night, I went to bed in tears. Jonah didn't care what his hair looked like -- and I suppose that was the point. I could dress him like a clown, red nose and all, and send him out the door, and he wouldn't think twice about it. His life is in my hands, and sometimes it's more than I can handle.
Someone recently said that the reason our mothers are so good at laying on the guilt is because it's been building up since the day we were born, and now they can finally unleash it on us. Oh, my kids are in for it. . .
12.22.2006
12.18.2006
Every time a bell rings....What?
I admit it. I have never seen "It's a Wonderful Life." Sure it is the quintessential Christmas movie full of morals, great messages and Christmas Cheer. But I haven't seen more than 4 minutes of it in my life. Just the part about the angel getting its wings and the part where the guy (Gary?) runs down the street and yells Merry Christmas to the movie theatre. Am I missing out? I guess it was never really a part of holiday traditions at my house. Nor was "White Christmas." Nor was "A Christmas Story." Somehow I have managed to see both of those. My friend Cha grew up on "White Christmas" so we watched that at her house one year. I found it lovely, but not really something I would do on a yearly basis. I think "A Christmas Story" is hilarious, but I don't know if I have ever sat down and watched it from start to finish. I think, in total, I have seen it about 42 times, but mostly in 5-20 minute segments spread over the course of my life.
I also am saddended by the overexposure of the following Childhood Christmas Favorites: Rudolph, Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Remember when those were "specials" and it was this magical night when they were on and you would watch and be filled with joy? When we were kids we would say that CBS stood for "Charlie Brown Specials" so that we could remember which channels to tune in to. And the funny thing is that I don't really remember ever knowing for sure when these shows we be on, nor do I remember my parents telling us. It was like it entered the collective consciousness of The Children of the world and we just knew. But now those shows are on DVD, and their soundtracks are playing at Barnes and Noble and you can buy Rudolph action figures and it all just seems so cheap and tawdry.
So what Christmas shows will my kids have fond memories of? Are there ones we are missing and should be tuning into? Heaven knows the Tivo is hurting for quality programming to take us through to the New Year. So I beseech you, gentle readers, what should we Tivo for Christmas time viewing? And am I missing out because I have never see "It's a Wonderful Life?" My Christmas spirit is in your capable hands.
12.06.2006
What You Should STILL Be Watching by Petie
I don't know about you, but I started the fall season of T.V. happier and more optimistic than I have in years. Tivo remote in one hand, diet coke in the other, it seemed we sat down every evening for a night of pure entertainment. And then something funny happened. Very few shows continued to excite me. And then the biggest warning sign of them all: I started reading. . .a lot. Like two or three books a week. I don't blame ALL TV for my current sad state, just some. So I felt like we needed to pay tribute to those that keep me off the sauce (book addictions are way too all-consuming) and keep me glued to my Tivo, where all good mothers belong.
Sunday:
Sheepishly, I admit a guilty-pleasure fascination with Brothers & Sisters. I can't help it. And while it's not ground-breaking television, I would say it's remained fairly stable. . .maybe even improving upon its first couple of weeks. And maybe we can't be friends anymore, but I love Sally Field in this show.
The Amazing Race has continued its tried but true formula. Lots of people running around, turning their heads quickly from side to side, in an attempt to "visit" the many countries they travel to, in a really harried, stressed-out kind of way. And it entertains us. But we may be, dare we say, tiring of it? And we may also have to admit that there's not a soul in the final three teams that we don't want to slap upside the head. We root for the moms. . .but only because they could use the money for their kids and not for continuing to be real awesome models/addicts. And Rob and Kimberly continue in the stereotypical niche of "real ornery couple who really does love each other" that The Amazing Race producers have lovingly carved out every season.
I suppose if you're hankering for more TV, you should also catch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. We WANT to support it because of the good that it does, but, if we have to hear Ty Penington tell one more couple about how "special" they are before the reveal of their master bedroom, we'll have to poke our eyes out with a fork.
Monday:
If there's one show that hasn't disappointed all season, it's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. That no one is watching it is one of the great travesties facing our nation today. . .that and global warning, says Al Gore, though I think the former is more worthy of a documentary. It's just darn good. I love the subject matter, love the writing, love the casting. . .love it all. I'm not sure I've ever loved a cast as much as I do on this show. Only if Crystal Bernard could be brought in to be Jack (Stephen Webber)'s love interest could I possibly be more satisfied. And who knew Amanda Peet would be so great? She's brilliant.
Josh would cut my head open and remove my brain if I didn't also mention Heroes in this section. I, personally, am not that impressed. I am, however, firmly grounded in reality and like it there. I like Heroes, but Josh loves it. I'm too annoyed by the really annoying super-powers (I'm looking your way Nicki/Jessica) to like it too much. But I do love Hiro and am really glad that pixie girl is dead. But I'll still watch it. . .if only because of how much my husband loves it, and always says, "Don't forget that I'm not a hero and I have to take the garbage out after this is over" ever week. Truly.
Tuesday:
See aforementioned Gilmore Girls tirade. Still worth watching, but needing some serious retooling.
Veronica Mars has replaced the hole in my heart that was left by the sad but inevitable departure of "Felicity" some years ago. I've never recovered, but V.M. has managed some much-needed healing. It was AMAZING for the first two seasons, and it still is better written than 99% of what else is on TV, but it has taken a bit of a dive lately. I don't personally care for the new, network-appeasing three mystery format, and the recent stunt casting has been appalling (the irony of Patty Hearst playing the kidnapped heiress was dwarfed by her awful acting). . .but the word is that the story format is changing for the better, and I still love Keith Mars, Wallace, Mac and even the new, delightful Piz to keep me watching until they take my beloved show away from me.
I'm in love. With Gregory House. Not Hugh Laurie -- just Dr. House. Maybe it's because he's so smart. But probably it's because he's a crotchety, unethical, drug-addicted bastard. Issues? Maybe. I'm annoyed with the cop that's "out to get him," but it's still great -- and I want to take Robert Sean Leonard and keep him in my pocket.
Wednesday:
There's nothing I love more than transformations, even if it means months of neurotic, exercise and diet-related obssession. For this reason, I love The Biggest Loser. I love sitting on my couch and thinking how awesome it would be if I'd get off my butt and do something about losing the 15 lbs. that I'm longing to lose -- my husband next to me eating a big bowl of ice cream (it's his TBL ritual). I love being astounded by Caroline Rhea's abhorrent lack of style and penchant for neon colors (neon? what?). And I love mushy Bob and his mohawk and ripped abs, believing that, if he cares that much about fatties, he'd love me, and we could run off in haze of gay man/married woman bliss!
I suppose I should also mention America's Next Top Model, because, well, I'm American, and nothing thrills me more than a patriotic search for our next top model. Oh Tyra Banks. . .if all the world loved themselves as much as you love yourself. . .we'd all be really narcissistic. Okay, it's getting old. I hate the house and the moaning (which we all know is caused by hunger -- feed yourselves, girls! You'll feel better!), but I still love me some photo shoots.
Sorry, The Nine. You were one of my favorite new shows of the season. . .and then you became really. . .uninteresting. You also tie Lost for the most annoying "slow reveal" of any TV show.
Lost is on hiatus, and even though it's really mysterious and annoying and every week I yell at my TV, "Thanks for the answers, JJ!," I still watch. It's that addicting.
Thursday:
I couldn't be more thrilled about "Must See TV." I don't watch "My Name is Earl" and some may have issue with that, but I never have and I never will, so let's move on.
I love, love, love The Office. The most awkward 30-minutes on TV. And oftentimes the most sweet, touching and hilarious of the week. And I don't even mind that Pam and Jim haven't gotten together. I love the journey so much, it doesn't matter.
30 Rock. Oh, Judy. Funny. And if Alec Baldwin doesn't win an Emmy, I'm giving him mine. Two weeks ago, I almost fell of the couch in a fit of hysterics as Baldwin shot his promotional material. Genius. I know we overuse this word and, some might argue, shouldn't reference an actor on a 30-minute sitcom, but, in this case, I disagree. And Tina Fey. . .you're a peach.
Rounding out the line-up is Scrubs. It's quirky and zany and a little unstable, but it's like that stray puppy that you would love if you loved puppies, which I don't (beside the point) in that it's endearing and cute and, in this case, doesn't leave hair all around the house or drool.
You really shouldn't leave the house at all on Thursdays. I know our Tivo is working overtime. You MUST be watching Grey's Anatomy, as it never disappoints. Miranda Bailey could make me watch anything, even if it includes broody Isaiah Washington, the most unlikeable person in real-life. I love the interns. They're funny and great-looking and make me think that I should have gone to medical school because surely I'd be funny and great-looking like them too!
Finally, folks, it's Ugly Betty. Didn't get the big whoop in the beginning. But it's fun. And I love that cute America Ferrera. The story line with the dead lady is such a snooze, but that's why we have Tivo -- I can make it disappear.
Let me also put in a bit of a plug for the newly revamped O.C. It's better than it has been in years, and while that's not saying much, it's noticeably more clever after the death of special Marissa, whom I would've killed myself if she wasn't just a TV character. I can also continue my huge crush on Sandy and his bushy eyebrows, who I'm quite convinced could fit in my shoe, he's such a miniature man.
That's it, folks. No shows on Friday or Saturday. I suppose you can't believe how much TV I watch, and to you I only say: that's nothing. I'm also watching CSI, Law & Order: SVU, The Bachelor (I enjoy self-torture), What About Brian, Shark, Survivor, Justice, and daily viewings of Oprah and E! News. Not to mention the shows on TLC and HGTV. And Friday Night Lights is in tube storage.
All of this talk of TV has made me want to put down that book and start watching! You should too!
Sunday:
Sheepishly, I admit a guilty-pleasure fascination with Brothers & Sisters. I can't help it. And while it's not ground-breaking television, I would say it's remained fairly stable. . .maybe even improving upon its first couple of weeks. And maybe we can't be friends anymore, but I love Sally Field in this show.
The Amazing Race has continued its tried but true formula. Lots of people running around, turning their heads quickly from side to side, in an attempt to "visit" the many countries they travel to, in a really harried, stressed-out kind of way. And it entertains us. But we may be, dare we say, tiring of it? And we may also have to admit that there's not a soul in the final three teams that we don't want to slap upside the head. We root for the moms. . .but only because they could use the money for their kids and not for continuing to be real awesome models/addicts. And Rob and Kimberly continue in the stereotypical niche of "real ornery couple who really does love each other" that The Amazing Race producers have lovingly carved out every season.
I suppose if you're hankering for more TV, you should also catch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. We WANT to support it because of the good that it does, but, if we have to hear Ty Penington tell one more couple about how "special" they are before the reveal of their master bedroom, we'll have to poke our eyes out with a fork.
Monday:
If there's one show that hasn't disappointed all season, it's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. That no one is watching it is one of the great travesties facing our nation today. . .that and global warning, says Al Gore, though I think the former is more worthy of a documentary. It's just darn good. I love the subject matter, love the writing, love the casting. . .love it all. I'm not sure I've ever loved a cast as much as I do on this show. Only if Crystal Bernard could be brought in to be Jack (Stephen Webber)'s love interest could I possibly be more satisfied. And who knew Amanda Peet would be so great? She's brilliant.
Josh would cut my head open and remove my brain if I didn't also mention Heroes in this section. I, personally, am not that impressed. I am, however, firmly grounded in reality and like it there. I like Heroes, but Josh loves it. I'm too annoyed by the really annoying super-powers (I'm looking your way Nicki/Jessica) to like it too much. But I do love Hiro and am really glad that pixie girl is dead. But I'll still watch it. . .if only because of how much my husband loves it, and always says, "Don't forget that I'm not a hero and I have to take the garbage out after this is over" ever week. Truly.
Tuesday:
See aforementioned Gilmore Girls tirade. Still worth watching, but needing some serious retooling.
Veronica Mars has replaced the hole in my heart that was left by the sad but inevitable departure of "Felicity" some years ago. I've never recovered, but V.M. has managed some much-needed healing. It was AMAZING for the first two seasons, and it still is better written than 99% of what else is on TV, but it has taken a bit of a dive lately. I don't personally care for the new, network-appeasing three mystery format, and the recent stunt casting has been appalling (the irony of Patty Hearst playing the kidnapped heiress was dwarfed by her awful acting). . .but the word is that the story format is changing for the better, and I still love Keith Mars, Wallace, Mac and even the new, delightful Piz to keep me watching until they take my beloved show away from me.
I'm in love. With Gregory House. Not Hugh Laurie -- just Dr. House. Maybe it's because he's so smart. But probably it's because he's a crotchety, unethical, drug-addicted bastard. Issues? Maybe. I'm annoyed with the cop that's "out to get him," but it's still great -- and I want to take Robert Sean Leonard and keep him in my pocket.
Wednesday:
There's nothing I love more than transformations, even if it means months of neurotic, exercise and diet-related obssession. For this reason, I love The Biggest Loser. I love sitting on my couch and thinking how awesome it would be if I'd get off my butt and do something about losing the 15 lbs. that I'm longing to lose -- my husband next to me eating a big bowl of ice cream (it's his TBL ritual). I love being astounded by Caroline Rhea's abhorrent lack of style and penchant for neon colors (neon? what?). And I love mushy Bob and his mohawk and ripped abs, believing that, if he cares that much about fatties, he'd love me, and we could run off in haze of gay man/married woman bliss!
I suppose I should also mention America's Next Top Model, because, well, I'm American, and nothing thrills me more than a patriotic search for our next top model. Oh Tyra Banks. . .if all the world loved themselves as much as you love yourself. . .we'd all be really narcissistic. Okay, it's getting old. I hate the house and the moaning (which we all know is caused by hunger -- feed yourselves, girls! You'll feel better!), but I still love me some photo shoots.
Sorry, The Nine. You were one of my favorite new shows of the season. . .and then you became really. . .uninteresting. You also tie Lost for the most annoying "slow reveal" of any TV show.
Lost is on hiatus, and even though it's really mysterious and annoying and every week I yell at my TV, "Thanks for the answers, JJ!," I still watch. It's that addicting.
Thursday:
I couldn't be more thrilled about "Must See TV." I don't watch "My Name is Earl" and some may have issue with that, but I never have and I never will, so let's move on.
I love, love, love The Office. The most awkward 30-minutes on TV. And oftentimes the most sweet, touching and hilarious of the week. And I don't even mind that Pam and Jim haven't gotten together. I love the journey so much, it doesn't matter.
30 Rock. Oh, Judy. Funny. And if Alec Baldwin doesn't win an Emmy, I'm giving him mine. Two weeks ago, I almost fell of the couch in a fit of hysterics as Baldwin shot his promotional material. Genius. I know we overuse this word and, some might argue, shouldn't reference an actor on a 30-minute sitcom, but, in this case, I disagree. And Tina Fey. . .you're a peach.
Rounding out the line-up is Scrubs. It's quirky and zany and a little unstable, but it's like that stray puppy that you would love if you loved puppies, which I don't (beside the point) in that it's endearing and cute and, in this case, doesn't leave hair all around the house or drool.
You really shouldn't leave the house at all on Thursdays. I know our Tivo is working overtime. You MUST be watching Grey's Anatomy, as it never disappoints. Miranda Bailey could make me watch anything, even if it includes broody Isaiah Washington, the most unlikeable person in real-life. I love the interns. They're funny and great-looking and make me think that I should have gone to medical school because surely I'd be funny and great-looking like them too!
Finally, folks, it's Ugly Betty. Didn't get the big whoop in the beginning. But it's fun. And I love that cute America Ferrera. The story line with the dead lady is such a snooze, but that's why we have Tivo -- I can make it disappear.
Let me also put in a bit of a plug for the newly revamped O.C. It's better than it has been in years, and while that's not saying much, it's noticeably more clever after the death of special Marissa, whom I would've killed myself if she wasn't just a TV character. I can also continue my huge crush on Sandy and his bushy eyebrows, who I'm quite convinced could fit in my shoe, he's such a miniature man.
That's it, folks. No shows on Friday or Saturday. I suppose you can't believe how much TV I watch, and to you I only say: that's nothing. I'm also watching CSI, Law & Order: SVU, The Bachelor (I enjoy self-torture), What About Brian, Shark, Survivor, Justice, and daily viewings of Oprah and E! News. Not to mention the shows on TLC and HGTV. And Friday Night Lights is in tube storage.
All of this talk of TV has made me want to put down that book and start watching! You should too!
A Helpful Letter by Petie, Josh's wife
Dear Amy Sherman-Palladino,
I knew it was happening. My daily visits to Wanda (Watch with Kristin at EOnline!) had warned me. And, while I wasn't exactly thrilled with the news, I had to admit a certain giddy anticipation of what awaited me on Gilmore Girls this season without you, its original creator and writer. The first episode finally premiered and I loved it, and I hastily admit that I snarkily back-talked you with a "Hmm. . .we don't seem to be missing Ms. S-P one bit!" I now am agonizingly regretful for my traitorous comments.
Why have the writers not realized that no one wants to stray from the tried and true? The formula is easy: More Lorelai interacting with Rory; more Rory and Lorelai interacting with The Gilmores; and more Lorelai and Luke interacting, in any way. They don't need to date. . .they don't need to be married. . .but we loved them as friends, and we loved them as more, but we definitely don't love them as separate, mundane storylines.
While I can possibly never forgive you for introducing T.J., Luke's brother-in-law and quite possibly the most annoying character on T.V., I know you wouldn't have set about focusing on several annoying characters every episode. April? Tone it down. We have Ugly Betty. . .we don't need you. T.J. -- you're still here? Why? and annoying girl who calls her boyfriend "Boyfriend." I'm over you. Loved you on Veronica Mars. Go away. And Christopher. . .oh, Christopher. I've been a fan of yours since the beginning, but now that you're actually "in the picture," I'm not sure I like it. You don't fit in with the lovely quirkiness of Stars Hollow. The solution? More Sookie. . .more Kirk. . .more Ms. Patty and crazy Sally Struthers who makes me choke on my drink every time she talks.
We love you, Gilmore Girls, but our love is waning. We can hardly continue to defend you to skeptics (you know who you are, cc) and only want to feel the love we once felt deep within our souls.
Oh. . .I guess I stopped talking to you, A.S-P, but I blame you, so I don't care.
Sincerely,
Petie
I knew it was happening. My daily visits to Wanda (Watch with Kristin at EOnline!) had warned me. And, while I wasn't exactly thrilled with the news, I had to admit a certain giddy anticipation of what awaited me on Gilmore Girls this season without you, its original creator and writer. The first episode finally premiered and I loved it, and I hastily admit that I snarkily back-talked you with a "Hmm. . .we don't seem to be missing Ms. S-P one bit!" I now am agonizingly regretful for my traitorous comments.
Why have the writers not realized that no one wants to stray from the tried and true? The formula is easy: More Lorelai interacting with Rory; more Rory and Lorelai interacting with The Gilmores; and more Lorelai and Luke interacting, in any way. They don't need to date. . .they don't need to be married. . .but we loved them as friends, and we loved them as more, but we definitely don't love them as separate, mundane storylines.
While I can possibly never forgive you for introducing T.J., Luke's brother-in-law and quite possibly the most annoying character on T.V., I know you wouldn't have set about focusing on several annoying characters every episode. April? Tone it down. We have Ugly Betty. . .we don't need you. T.J. -- you're still here? Why? and annoying girl who calls her boyfriend "Boyfriend." I'm over you. Loved you on Veronica Mars. Go away. And Christopher. . .oh, Christopher. I've been a fan of yours since the beginning, but now that you're actually "in the picture," I'm not sure I like it. You don't fit in with the lovely quirkiness of Stars Hollow. The solution? More Sookie. . .more Kirk. . .more Ms. Patty and crazy Sally Struthers who makes me choke on my drink every time she talks.
We love you, Gilmore Girls, but our love is waning. We can hardly continue to defend you to skeptics (you know who you are, cc) and only want to feel the love we once felt deep within our souls.
Oh. . .I guess I stopped talking to you, A.S-P, but I blame you, so I don't care.
Sincerely,
Petie
Oh, Pioneer!
How did people raise kids before there was such a thing as Tivo? And how do the 93% of American's who currently don't have Tivo raise their children? I just don't get it. When you want to take a shower, do you just flip it to PBS and hope something entertaining is on and not "The Galloping Gourmet?" Or do you just shower while the kids stand in the bathroom and stare at you?
I have some rules about the shows my kids watch, at least while I am at home. Amy is a little more forgiving, probably because she is with them much longer than me, so needs more options. My rules are not based around the psychological or emotional development of the children. They are based around what bugs me.
1. No over-acting children: This basically eliminates any show with live children, but particularly "Barney and Friends." Why do those kids have to shrug after everything to say, and why do they always have to pee? Turn on "Barney and Friends" for two minutes and you will see that all of the kids are constantly swaying back and forth doing the pee-pee dance and shrugging their shoulders.
2. No singing and dancing adults: See you later, "The Wiggles" and "The Doodlebops."
3. No annoying "catch-phrases." I'm looking your way, Lofty from Bob the Builder.Every time he says "Yeah, I think so" a part of me dies.
Truthfully, my kids watch all of these shows. But they also like shows that I think are funny and clever and entertaining. Have you seen "The Wonderpets?" It's all set to classical music and has a Turtle, a Hamster and a Duck (or according to Jonah an alligator, a lion and a quack-quack) that go on missions to save other animals. Cute and when it is on, you just hear a lot of nice classical music playing.
A personal fave of mine is "The Backyardigans." Its a bunch of animals that play pretend in their backyard and have adventures. They also sing and dance like a boy band. It always makes me laugh because on Nick, Jr. before each show it tells you what valuable lessons that show teaches kids. Like "Blue's Clues" teaches problem solving. Or "Barney and Friends" teaches good manners. Well, "The Backyadigans" is encouraged because it teaches choreography. What a priceless lesson for my little ones. The other reason that we love "The Backyardigans" is because when we asked Jonah what he called his Nursery Teacher (Do you call her Sister? Or Ma'am?) he told us he called her Uniqua, which is the name of the Pink Hippo on "The Backyardigans."
Jonah thinks the greatest show on earth is "Higglytown Heroes." He watches every episode several times in the course of a day. I used to find it rather creepy, because the characters, for some reason, are all Russian nesting dolls and will occasionally hop inside one another, or pull a surfboard of something out of their middle. What kind of society is that, where if you are smaller than someone, you can just jump inside of them if you are scared or trying to hide? Just because I am tall, suddenly I am a vessel for other people to ride around inside of? What if I forget someone is in there and the then they pop out when I am showering or something? It's too messed up, but it is also a show for 4 year olds, so maybe I am overthinking it a bit. It also stars Edie McClurg as Fran the Squirrel (she played Mrs. Poole on "The Hogan Family" and a receptionist on a particular disturbing episode of CSI delivering the immortal line, "Are you a drinker, or a stinker?") and a host of other guest stars like Rocco DiSpirito as the Baker and Wilmer Valderama as Helicopter Pilot.
The greatest of all, in my book, is "Sesame Street." Not only does it teach a lot (I don't think Jonah would be able to count to 20 without the help of the count) but it is funny and not annoying and very relevant. And I watched it as a kid, which I think makes it extra great. By the way, if you haven't tuned in for a while, just be warned. Mr Hooper is dead and his store is now run by a (gay?) Asian man named Allen, Gordon's wife has completely disappeared (was she killed?) and Bob, who used to seem so young and vibrant, is now 118 years old. But he still sings "Who are the people in your neighborhood" with vigor and verve.
I have some rules about the shows my kids watch, at least while I am at home. Amy is a little more forgiving, probably because she is with them much longer than me, so needs more options. My rules are not based around the psychological or emotional development of the children. They are based around what bugs me.
1. No over-acting children: This basically eliminates any show with live children, but particularly "Barney and Friends." Why do those kids have to shrug after everything to say, and why do they always have to pee? Turn on "Barney and Friends" for two minutes and you will see that all of the kids are constantly swaying back and forth doing the pee-pee dance and shrugging their shoulders.
2. No singing and dancing adults: See you later, "The Wiggles" and "The Doodlebops."
3. No annoying "catch-phrases." I'm looking your way, Lofty from Bob the Builder.Every time he says "Yeah, I think so" a part of me dies.
Truthfully, my kids watch all of these shows. But they also like shows that I think are funny and clever and entertaining. Have you seen "The Wonderpets?" It's all set to classical music and has a Turtle, a Hamster and a Duck (or according to Jonah an alligator, a lion and a quack-quack) that go on missions to save other animals. Cute and when it is on, you just hear a lot of nice classical music playing. 
A personal fave of mine is "The Backyardigans." Its a bunch of animals that play pretend in their backyard and have adventures. They also sing and dance like a boy band. It always makes me laugh because on Nick, Jr. before each show it tells you what valuable lessons that show teaches kids. Like "Blue's Clues" teaches problem solving. Or "Barney and Friends" teaches good manners. Well, "The Backyadigans" is encouraged because it teaches choreography. What a priceless lesson for my little ones. The other reason that we love "The Backyardigans" is because when we asked Jonah what he called his Nursery Teacher (Do you call her Sister? Or Ma'am?) he told us he called her Uniqua, which is the name of the Pink Hippo on "The Backyardigans."
Jonah thinks the greatest show on earth is "Higglytown Heroes." He watches every episode several times in the course of a day. I used to find it rather creepy, because the characters, for some reason, are all Russian nesting dolls and will occasionally hop inside one another, or pull a surfboard of something out of their middle. What kind of society is that, where if you are smaller than someone, you can just jump inside of them if you are scared or trying to hide? Just because I am tall, suddenly I am a vessel for other people to ride around inside of? What if I forget someone is in there and the then they pop out when I am showering or something? It's too messed up, but it is also a show for 4 year olds, so maybe I am overthinking it a bit. It also stars Edie McClurg as Fran the Squirrel (she played Mrs. Poole on "The Hogan Family" and a receptionist on a particular disturbing episode of CSI delivering the immortal line, "Are you a drinker, or a stinker?") and a host of other guest stars like Rocco DiSpirito as the Baker and Wilmer Valderama as Helicopter Pilot.
The greatest of all, in my book, is "Sesame Street." Not only does it teach a lot (I don't think Jonah would be able to count to 20 without the help of the count) but it is funny and not annoying and very relevant. And I watched it as a kid, which I think makes it extra great. By the way, if you haven't tuned in for a while, just be warned. Mr Hooper is dead and his store is now run by a (gay?) Asian man named Allen, Gordon's wife has completely disappeared (was she killed?) and Bob, who used to seem so young and vibrant, is now 118 years old. But he still sings "Who are the people in your neighborhood" with vigor and verve.
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