Wednesday Trivia Question

What is the name of Zoe’s pet rock on SESAME STREET?

SESAME STREET has, in its 50+ years on air, entered the pop culture consciousness many times. In the early years, it was when characters or creatives would appear on other shows. Nowadays, it’s when a segment goes viral. A few years back, a bit from around 2004 did just that, emerging as a meme. It centered on a feud between Elmo and Zoe’s pet rock. Zoe, for the uninitiated, was introduced in 1993 and presents as an orange three-year-old with a big imagination. Her pet rock came along in 1999 and made quite an impression, considering Zoe’s insistence that her pet rock was much more than – well, just a rock. This all came to a bit of head when Elmo lost his cool after Zoe told him the cookie he wanted was going to the rock. Thus, the viral sensation was born. You may have seen it or heard it mentioned (I know I’ve referenced it at least once).

So what’s the name of the rock many consider Elmo’s nemesis? What is the name of Zoe’s pet rock on SESAME STREET?

Hey, It’s Photo Friday!

As you know, we rebranded ourselves in early 2021 and now go by the name of PBS North Carolina. We were UNC-TV for a good while and that will always be part of our history, part of our evolution into the broadcast entity we currently are and the one we will become. But the name is changed and the old one doesn’t quite cut it anymore as far as premiums and giveaways go. So we recently had a bit of a clear out at the station to get rid of some of the old swag with the UNC-TV brand on it. I snagged this wooden cutting board (at least I assume it’s a wooden cutting board – seriously, what else could it be?). I’m sure it’s functional but I’ll just keep it as a memento of public television past.

Hey, It’s Photo Friday!

The series DESTINATION CRAFT WITH JIM WEST follows its titular host as he travels with a small group of crafters to discover, participate and celebrate in the traditions, arts, culture, scenery and food of each destination. From Bali to Tuscany, from Ireland to India, DESTINATION CRAFT highlights the heart and soul of master artisans around the world.

I’ve never seen the show myself but I do have this nifty souvenir. Made no doubt to promote the program, this little wooden luggage case is just perfect for the miniature traveler. I inherited mine from a retired colleague who probably picked it up at a PBS conference or maybe received it as incentive to air the series. (We did. Two seasons have been broadcast to date.) It now occupies a space on a shelf in my office with loads of other mementos and collectibles.