A Bad Case of Nostalgia

I know it's serious when even even the closing for MASH, which I disliked when I was growing up because it was boring (I didn't understand the humor), causes a flash of sadness now. So what is the psychologicla explanation for this? A consequence of my growing up with the TV as a friend instead of socializing with others? I did have friends at school, but I never saw or played with them outside of school. I don't remember many other children on the block. The TV shows provided familiarity, comfort, and the virtual presence of other people? I wonder if I am alone in this or if it is a common psychological condition.

Christmas Time is Here

When I first heard the song during the Peanuts Christmas special, I found it a bit creepy -- something just didn't sound right with the voices. But it's grown on me with time.

(I played the Christmas Special for a elementary school class a while ago. It is rather un-PC, even if the Christian content is muted. It is a relic of America's Anglo past [or the 50s] in many respects. I've forgotten if Charles Schulz ever created an Asian character.)

Diana Krall


Diane Reeves


A Fine Frenzy


Patti Austin


Chanticleer (hrm.)


Part 2

Hollywood and the loss of childhood

Opening up Hulu, I find that episodes of Diff'rent Strokes are now available. Who can watch this show without thinking about the sad adult lives of the child actors? (Unless they're ignorant of their life histories -- not everyone keeps up with "entertainment news.") I think some of my cousins used to watch the show frequently. I watched it only once in a while, and I remember when my sister wanted to watch it and she was criticized because the show had black people. My cousins and I thought Dana Plato was cute; how could her life become such a tragedy? It makes me think that the entertainment industry should be held responsible for ruining the lives of child actors, even if the burden of the responsibility lies upon their parents.



Who needs religion when television is a cheaper opiate? Has anyone examined the impact of too much television on children with respect to socialization and imagination? I think it must be abnormal to feel such nostalgia towards television shows--TV + somewhat lonely childhood.

The Andy Griffith Show

Last month I posted a video featuring the opening theme song for The Andy Griffith Show. Today from Rebellion: Andy Griffith show is turning 50, which links to this article in the Charlotte Observer.When I was a child visiting my grandmother in Arizona, the TV would usually be on, and one of the shows that was broadcast on the local channels was The Andy Griffith Show (along with I Love Lucy, I Dream of Jeannie, and Hogan's Heroes). While the theme song was catchy, I was too young to understand the humor or to sit through the show. I think I'd view it differently now. Hardly any of these shows are seen in syndication now, though the "classics" may be broadcast on cable. I believe you can watch some episodes online at TVLand.

a fansite

The Andy Griffith Show Theme Song