In celebration of the upcoming 40th anniversary of "Sesame Street" (November 10), one of the most beloved children's TV shows in history, Beliefnet staff members share the lessons they learned that have stayed with them throughout the years.
"When I'm Itchy, I Scratch"
Among the many memorable songs that were sing-in-the-backseat-of-the-car staples of my childhood is the growly, slow, completely frank number "When I'm Itchy, I Scratch."
The images on the screen were of bison and other big beasts scritching and scratching their backs against trees and rocks, and the lyrics preached an utterly animalistic sort of common sense. "When I'm hungry, I eat. When I'm thirsty, I drink. I get my fires lit up with a match, and when I'm itchy, I scratch."
Looking at it one way, I suppose the song could be read as the case against self-control, doing exactly what you want when you want it. But I think the song has more to do with the virtues of instinct, the simple categories of needs that we all need to meet--but not exceed. So if you'll excuse me, I have to go look for a scratch-worthy tree...
--Holly Lebowitz Rossi, Health editor and Fresh Living blogger
"1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Dooo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo do do"
When I was about 3 I was taught to count to 12 by a trippy-groovy singing pinball machine. I'd dance around the room in feety pajamas, singing at the top of my lungs.
--Jenn Sturiale, Product Manager
The Lovable Oscar the Grouch
I loved "Sesame Street" growing up and would often watch it about 2 inches from the TV set with my younger brother and sister (which explains my horrible vision) because I wanted to be as close to my friends on the show as possible--maybe even warp through the screen for a visit.
My favorite character was Oscar the Grouch, mainly because he reminded me a lot of my dad--a gruff and grumpy Brooklyn-born man with a warm heart--but also because I really wanted to jump into his garbage can and see his digs. I just knew there was a whole world in that can and I wanted to explore it.
But overall, Oscar taught me a lot about not judging a book by its cover. Sure he was a grouch, but when a child needed help or advice he was always around, proving there was love and compassion underneath that dirty green fur.
--Dena Ross, Entertainment Editor
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