Today, officially, Sesame Street turns 40. Back in 1969, the children’s show debuted on national television. It was a different show back then. You can purchase the original shows on DVD, but there is a disclaimer on the packaging saying they are for “adults only.”

Katie McLaughlin from CNN.com wrote a great piece about the differences. “The New York Times” did a piece two years ago about the same issues. I wrote about that article too: Old School “Sesame Street” vs. New School “Sesame Street.”  Remember when Cookie Monster smoked a pipe? Yup, remember when he would eat the pipe? As a kid in the ’70s I never thought twice about this not being appropriate. It seems crazy, but as a mother I can tell you that if I were to watch the “old” Sesame Street I would have something to say about how inappropriate some of the scenes are. Heck, I have issue with Peanuts on the Charlie Brown specials.

As things continually change on “Sesame Street,” some stay the same. Elmo has been on the show for more than 10 years. When asked in an interview (see video below) how old he was, he replied, “three and a half.” I guess as some things change, others stay the same.

Related:

• Read the CNN story about “Sesame Street’ Been Swept, But The Magic of Show Remains 
• Balancing Motherhood archives, Old School “Sesame Street” vs. New School “Sesame Street.”
• USAToday’s At 40, “Sesame Street’” Is In a Constant State of Renewal
• Official “Sesame Street” Web site

It’s true, Thomas the Tank Engine, the useful blue engine, gets his own voice. He was even interviewed for an ABC News story.  Is this going to be like when Blue from Blue’s Clues started talking? Or when Sesame Street’s Snuffleupagus became visible and changed his name to Snuffy? I’m not sure I can handle that.

Up until now, Thomas’ voice was narrated and his facial features were limited in movement. In this change, Thomas has his own voice and is computer animated, along with his friends and the Island of Sodor.

Is it wrong to want our favorite characters to stay the same? 

Part of me wants Thomas to stay the same. To keep the old-school style animation and effects. I mean, it’s worked for 50 years. But, I guess it’s time to move on. After all, change can be good.

I’m sure the kids will love the changes. I can’t wait for my son to see the new version of the show. I wonder if he’ll even notice the difference though.

Related:

• See the interview here.
• Thomas the Tank Engine is Ruining My Night
• Our Day Out With Thomas

Between sips of coffee and putting my make-up on, I caught a segment on TV this morning with Linda Evans talking about her “Dynasty” days and what she’s done since those times in Hollywood. She’s made mistakes (plastic surgery), and moved out of Hollywood. Sounds like she’s moved on from her days as a famous TV star. She lives in Washington state in a sprawling setting and is content being by herself in life. She speaks briefly about her long-term relationship with musician Yanni and how she’s come to be OK without him.

What I enjoyed about the interview isn’t all that she spoke about the TV show she was on — I never watched it — but what she has come to believe in life. She loves people and loves cooking. You could hear the passion in her voice. “Forget acting,” she says about her own life.

She leaves us with some empowering words:

Dream big.

There is nothing you can’t have.

There is nothing you can’t do.”

– Linda Evans

“Good Morning America”

September 14, 2009

Watch the entire clip on ABCnews.com.

The “Today Show” featured a gender cake for Anna and Josh Duggar who are expecting their first child later this year. They are the now-famous married couple of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar (who are famous for having 18 kids).

So, Josh and Ann wanted to find out the gender of their baby in a special way and include their family in the announcement. They had the results of their ultrasound kept secret from them and sent to a bakery. The bakery (which just so happened to be TLC’s Cake Boss) colored the inside of a cake either pink or blue. Josh and Anna wouldn’t know the gender until they cut open the cake.

Cute idea. I’m sure this will spiral in popularity now that it’s been done on national television. I’m not sure how many bakeries are equipped to do this yet, but it’s worth asking if you are interested in this concept. Here’s an article I found on how to make one for yourself — if you already know the gender and just want to surprise your family. Or you could offer to do this for a friend.

** SPOILER ALERT: The Next Food Network Star **

OK, now that you’re past the spoiler alert I can tell you that I really, really, really want Melissa to win “The Next Food Network Star.” I think, she’s the only mom that got on the show this season and because of this, I think she has a lot to offer.

She doesn’t have formal cooking training, and I don’t even think she’s the best cook left on the show, BUT I think she’s honest and a has tremendous talent in the kitchen. I think I can trust her. I can’t say that for Debbie. It may be how they have edited her, but it just seems something isn’t right. Like she’s purposely thrown her competitors under the bus. If she were on “Big Brother” or “Survivor,” I say good for you, but on The Next Food Network Star I want to see the real person.

Jeffery is a Dad, but cooks like he doesn’t have kids — or at least he doesn’t really talk about them like Melissa mentions her children. While I appreciate him being a father, I think Melissa can speak to me as a mom who has a hard time getting meals cooked and on the table. I want to learn to do more than mac and cheese for my kids, but have the meal be just as appealing to them.

Melissa is a mom of four so I know she has her challenges getting food on the table. She says she’s been a working mom and a stay at home mom — bonus, she knows both sides of the specrum and won’t playcate to one mom group.

Let’s hear it for the Mom and hope she wins!