Happy Days are Here Again

We’re back from our Branson, MO vacation! I think people assume that we visit relatives there. When I assure them that we don’t, I get a blank look. I guess they’re wondering what “Branson vacation” really means. Apparently not many people realize that Branson is the vacation capital of the world. Okay, perhaps I’m exaggerating a bit, but believe me, that town is an extraordinarily enjoyable vacation destination.

Branson is like a Las Vegas for families because of its approximately one hundred musical, comedy and variety shows. During our trip we saw the Noah play at Sight and Sound, which featured a menagerie of live animals and a three-story high ark.  In addition to the shows, we went horseback riding, visited a water park, a wax museum, and rode modern-day rides in an amusement park where people dressed in attire from the 1880’s and demonstrated crafts such as glass-blowing and candle-making.

In Branson, it’s not the activities that make the place great, for me, it’s the people and the environment. Everyone is pleasant; the vendors and wait staff always provide service with humor and a smile. During our two visits to Branson, I can’t recall meeting a surly service person or encountering any unpleasantness. Even the local news seemed benign.

Visiting Branson is like stepping back into an era of good, clean fun. The experience reminds me of the Happy Days TV show set in the 1950’s.  Here’s part of an episode:

Oddly enough, searching through the Happy Days archives, I was surprised to see the number of segments that mentioned dating, girl-chasing, making-out, the draft and war.  I never associated those topics with my memories of the show. I wonder, do we generally filter out certain things from our past and focus on the more pleasant aspects? Are our “good old days” really that great or do we actually compare our current realities to distant and distorted memories?  

I know you cherish memories from your past. What’s wonderful about those special times or places? Why do your thoughts tend to linger there?                           

The Past vs. the Present

I might be dating myself, but children’s TV shows have certainly changed through the years.  I bet today’s kids couldn’t sit still for ten minutes to watch the shows that I watched as a child.  My favorite shows from the past now seem simplistic and subdued compared to today’s TV programs.  For instance, do you remember the hypnotic Gene London Show?  It came on television decades ago.  A kid could really relax with that kind of entertainment.  Gene London narrated the stories and I watched with bated breath as he sketched the illustrations right before my eyes.  Here’s a clip of the enchanting world he created:

Fast forward to 2011.  One of the TV shows that surprises me is Yo Gabba Gabba, especially the singing,  the lyrics, the costumed creatures, the human characters— the whole shebang!  What a difference several decades makes.  If you’ve yet to see the show—think energetic, English-speaking Teletubbies, with a be-good-and-have-fun message.  Apparently, lots of folks appreciate the show’s colorful costumes, catchy lyrics and lessons about caring and sharing.  I can’t argue with the appeal of that combination.  So, is Yo Gabba Gabba the new Sesame Street?  Ask me again in twenty years.   I think longevity is one indicator of a great television show.  Can this one last?  Take a look at a portion of Yo Gabba Gabba and decide for yourself:             

             

What’s a Gabba Gabba, anyhow?    

The real question is:  What’s your favorite childhood television show and why?