Flashback: 9 May 1994

Here’s what we were showing 30 years ago today on the airwaves of UNC-TV…

NORTH CAROLINA NOW began the evening at 7:30pm with a profile of legendary NC journalist Charles Kuralt.

At 8pm, we cast our eyes to Egypt with PYRAMID and THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS.

The Emmy-winning documentary BOSNIA: WE ARE ALL NEIGHBORS was up next at 10, followed by British comedy and public affairs to round out the evening (we signed off in the wee hours back then to give the transmitter a rest).

Shout out to anyone who was watching way back then and still watches today!

Sounds Familiar

“You know, speaking of space, my Uncle Dan was an astronaut. Supposed to go on the moon voyage back in ’69. Trained for years. He was in peak, physical condition. All was in readiness. Blast off day came. But Dan couldn’t find a sitter for his pig. So he stayed home and practiced his waltz while the pig napped through the whole thing. Well, it was a small step for Dan, but a great sleep for Dan’s swine.” – The Chief (Lynne Thigpen), WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SANDIEGO?

Wednesday Trivia Question

What is the name of the puppeteer known closely for working with Jim Henson who voiced such iconic characters as Bert, Grover and Cookie Monster?

A quick one and an easy one (I hope) for true Muppet fans. Back in those early days, this puppeteer worked in conjunction with Henson to create and bring to life memorable characters on SESAME STREET, THE MUPPET SHOW and other programs and films. He’s known as a filmmaker, actor and puppeteer and has had a long and storied career.

So who is it? Who’s the puppeteer who worked with Jim Henson and voiced Bert, Grover and Cookie Monster in those early days of SESAME STREET?

Deep Dive: Kids Breaks 1997

When I look for old station breaks on YouTube, I’m often looking for particular spots I remember from my years working in on-air promotions. As I’ve mentioned, there’s no archive available for perusal – and any old tapes we once had with these elements have since been lost, recorded over or degraded to the point of worthlessness.

One of the spots I recalled was “Short McShort Short.” We aired it in kids breaks in the late ’90s. I found it online as part of a KERA Dallas break featuring a Bill Nye The Science Guy promo, a signaling value spot, some funding credits and elements from “The Game.” Here’s that break…

Monday Montage

What’s happening, what’s on and what’s interesting this week …

Watch NASA psychologists prepare astronauts for the extreme isolation required by a Mars mission as INDEPENDENT LENS presents SPACE: THE LONGEST GOODBYE – tonight at 10 on PBS NC.

Check out a trailer for the Netflix series Eric starring Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock). It looks seriously dark and creepy and I, for one, can’t wait.

Hey, It’s Photo Friday!

Another dip into the archives I acquired some years ago. Among the many booklets, articles, slides and miscellaneous materials, I find vintage photographs like this. Sadly, there is often little to no context so all I have to go on are guesses and visual clues which seem to indicate who, what and when.

Flashback: May 2009

Here’s the cover of our monthly program magazine from 15 years ago…

The featured program was WWII BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: STALIN, THE NAZIS AND THE WEST, a six-episode series that provided a new history of the Second World War. Also mentioned were a SECRETS OF THE DEAD titled Michelangelo Revealed, MASTERPIECE (The Old Curiosity Shop and Wallander being the presentations this month) and CRY FOR HELP, a program about teens and depression.

Sounds Familiar

“Well, kids, the Spinosaurus is the world’s largest therapod and the world’s largest land carnivore.” – Mr. Conductor (Ian James Corlett), dispensing dino-knowledge, DINOSAUR TRAIN

Wednesday Trivia Question

What’s the name of Rosie’s cat on ROSIE’S RULES?

ROSIE’S RULES is one of the newest additions to the PBS Kids line-up. Debuting in October 2022, the series follows Rosie Fuentes, a creative and optimistic 5-year-old with a whimsical imagination, as she investigates and learns about the area around her San Antonio home. Rosie lives in a multicultural household (her father is from Mexico City, her mother is from Wisconsin) and the show is primarily in English but blends in Spanish words and phrases.

Rosie’s family consists of her parents and two siblings – Crystal and Iggy. Rosie also has a fluffy white pet cat who is her cuddliest, fluffiest sidekick. Sometimes the kitty can be seen doing unusual human-like motions such as cartwheels, jumping rope and pattycake. The cat is a good listener, making her an excellent companion. She may also be a secret genius.

So what is it? What’s the name of Rosie’s cat on ROSIE’S RULES?