Its immense educational value aside, it was also one of the funniest shows on TV all through the 70′s and into the 80′s. Then you had the occasional poignant moments (such as Mr Hooper’s death, which made me cry too) as well. Then there’s Maria, who may have been my first crush. It was either her or Lynda Carter.

When my daughter was born, I was so happy to sit down and watch with her. I was a bit saddened to see how “Elmo-ized” the show had become (though he’s not nearly as awful as either the puke-worthy Baby Bear and Abby Kadabby, or whatever her name is), but it was still pretty cool. She loved the show for awhile, but she doesn’t care about it anymore. Hopefully one day she’ll change her mind, but I do think the show isn’t as memorable as it was back in my day. Maybe it’ll still be around when she has a child though.

I have those two “Old School” DVD sets that came out a few years ago. I wish they’d do more… So many great moments that are missing from those. For instance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZpjH1WcWOM

Or this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx7UG33SJl4

It’s a shame we ever had to grow up, although one could argue I never did. May you have another great 40 years, Sesame Street!!