The year was 1993. Um, I think. It was a long time ago, you know. Anyway. I was a young, idealistic graduate student. I played my They Might Be Giants cassette tapes (yes, cassette tapes—my dinosaur often fetched them for me) over and over while studying or cooking myself some delicious Ramen noodles for dinner.

And then one beautiful Spring day, They Might Be Giants came to my University and put on a concert. It was outdoors, and because I was young and stupid I didn’t wear any sunblock. I ended up badly sunburned, but I didn’t care, because the concert was the most fun I’d had in years. (Probably since I’d been to that Phil Collins concert.) (What?)

If you had told me back then that TMBG would one day become a sensation amongst the toddler set, I probably would’ve laughed. First of all, back then I believed that little kids listened to nothing but Raffi and Barney. Second, I would’ve been hard-pressed to imagine myself with little kids shrieking for “Particle Man, Mama! One more time! PARTICLE MAN!” But there you have it; my children are almost as enamored of TMBG as I’ve always been, and a generation of kids are growing up on their music thanks to Playhouse Disney.

Yesterday I read over at Cartoon Brew that Disney is releasing new animated They Might Be Giants videos every week, in the form of a weekly video podcast. You can find them on iTunes, or hunt them down on YouTube. It’s good stuff and the whole family will be bopping along in no time.

This one is my favorite:

(Just a little something to make you smile on a Tuesday.)

It started up months ago—amidst doubts and some industry criticism— but yesterday the oddly-named Hulu had its official public launch. According to their About page, Hulu’s “ambitious and never-ending mission is to help you find and enjoy the world’s premium content when, where and how you want it.”

USA Today noted:

Hulu’s launch is a big bet by big media companies that consumers are as eager to spend long periods of time watching TV shows and movies in front of their computers as they are in front of their televisions.

Ahead of its test launch four months ago, the service was greeted skeptically as a rival to Google’s (GOOG) YouTube video-sharing site. Hulu has won over some of its harshest critics, including technology blog TechCrunch, which has since praised the venture for focus on professional content, easy-to-use design and video quality.

With no marketing and a private test pool of users, the service has attracted more than 5 million viewers in the past month, said Hulu Chief Executive Jason Kilar.

About 80% of its entire video library is viewed every seven days, a sign likely to be viewed favorably by programming partners seeking ways to boost profits from vintage shows, Kilar said.

Hulu is going to be the one to watch because this represents a real shift in marketing paradigm when it comes to mass entertainment. There’s no cost to the end user, and the interface is simple and easy-to-use. Selections can even be played full-screen, and the streaming is smooth (I expected a lot of bumps and pauses, but found it much higher-quality than I’d expected).

Some would say that such a site is long overdue, but nevertheless, networks and studios making their content available for free, and in full through a third-party this way is opening up a whole new ball game.

And I’m not just saying that because I found my husband sitting here in our office watching Remington Steele on his laptop this morning….

There are modern inventions I love, and there are others which I feel have negatively impacted our lives. The worst, though, are the ones that are somehow both. To wit: I love our DVR. I whisper sweet nothings to it when no one is around. When I’m busy or just spaced out and therefore miss or forget about a favorite show, it’s no problem! My beloved DVR has remembered to record it for me, and I can view it at my leisure!

But I also hate our DVR, because it has ruined something absolutely fundamental about childhood for my kids—there is now no reason to get up at the crack of dawn on Saturday to watch cartoons, because they can watch their favorite shows whenever they feel like it. That just seems… wrong, somehow.

Not that we don’t do Saturday morning cartoon marathons around here, obviously. It’s just that the kids are just as likely to fire up some back episodes of their favorites as they are to actually do the live television. And really, they can’t win, because if they watch live TV I give them a hard time about the insipid commercials (you know, those things they can fast forward over when they’re using the DVR).

Regardless, I predict we’ll be doing live TV this weekend—how could we possibly resist when it’s Super Hero Saturday?

Toon Zone has all the details:

The back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back heroics start at 9:30am (ET/PT) with the new Legion of Super Heroes episode “In the Beginning,” which details the Legion’s formation.

[…]

The premiere of The Spectacular Spider-Man will follow at 10:00am with “Survival of the Fittest,” in which high school student Peter Parker must face both The Enforcers and Vulture.

[…]

As Spider-Man begins, The Batman will end with an hour-long event, “Lost Heroes,” in which Batman, Robin and Green Arrow battle The Joining after it has kidnapped the Justice League members and transferred their powers into alien androids.

(See the full article for more details, obviously.)

I don’t know about you, but with a line-up like that, even I’m gonna be parked in front of the television come Saturday. Um, for nostalgia’s sake, of course.

In the fast-paced world of tween entertainment, it’s not enough to be good. You have to be the best.

As any parent of a tween can tell you, tweens have the attention spans of fruit flies. If you don’t have a hit on your hands, how far away could you possibly be from a total flop? Those fickle kids are determining your fate, after all.

So it’s no surprise to hear that the industry is tracking the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon like hawks:

“For the longest time Nickelodeon was the dominant player but there is now a real race,” Katz Television Group vice president of programming Bill Carroll said. “Nickelodeon has not gone down but relatively they’re not as high.”

Carroll acknowledged the buzz generated by Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana and two High School Musical movies, saying, “In perception, Disney leads by a head. And in the entertainment industry, perception is reality.”

Still, despite the perceived and real challenges Nickelodeon faces, it would be hard to find a healthier network, said Derek Baine, a cable television analyst at SNL Kagan Research: “The network still has a huge cash flow margin — at 67% it’s one of highest in the industry.”

The article tracks the development and strategies of both channels, and it’s really interesting to see how each network plotted their rise to stardom.

As for which one can be declared king? Keep wondering.

Still, neither network can be pronounced a hands-down winner.

Well, thank goodness for that, right? This way we can keep arguing about it. And if my daughter is any indication at all, we can have the Hannah Montana vs. iCarly discussion for hours on end. (I can hardly wait—just let me go find my earplugs.)

Have you met the Imagination Movers yet? Their website suggests you imagine “What would happen if the Beastie Boys collaborated with Mr. Rogers?” And that pretty much sums it up, right there. (Before I read that, I was going to describe them as a cross between Chumbawumba and They Might Be Giants, based upon the song below. But I’m willing to give a shout-out to Mr. Rogers, too, and I definitely see the Beastie Boys vibe in some other of their songs.)

So, yes, it’s another kiddie rock group. These guys wear coveralls, for some reason. I’m not sure why. I sort of wanted to hate them, because the coveralls creep me out. But darn if they aren’t actually sort of fun. Check ‘em out:

(Maybe your toes weren’t tapping by the end of that, but I can make no such claim.)

Anyway, last week Variety reported that March will bring Imagination Movers to the Disney Channel:

Disney Channel’s preschool block is singing a different tune, recruiting the kid-centric rock group Imagination Movers to star in their own series.

[…]

“Imagination Movers” stars the New Orleans-based group that calls itself “the world’s first alternative rock band for preschoolers.” As an advance to the show, Disney Channel will premiere three new music videos from the group starting Saturday, March 8.

Videos — for the songs “Can You Do It,” “Calling All Movers” and “Numbers in a Bag” — are timed to the Walt Disney Records release of the Imagination Movers’ album “Juicebox Heroes,” which drops on March 18. Album contains tracks from the group’s first three independently-released albums, which will be featured on the show.

As much as I like the music (and I actually do, although ask me again after I’ve heard it a million times, I guess), I wonder what the show can/will contain that will make it a viable, unique offering. I guess I can find out next month.

Just when you think there can’t possibly be anything new in the world of kids’ music that hasn’t already been done to death, something else comes along that makes you say, “Well. I never thought of that.”

And the Raggs Kids Club Band is hardly new, you understand—they’ve been playing live concerts to throngs of delighted canine-fans (that is, fans of canines, not canines themselves) (I don’t think, anyway) since 2002. But for those of us here in the U.S., the Raggs television show has just expanded to many more PBS affiliates this year. This means you don’t have to hit a concert venue for your kids to fall in love with this pack of pooches.

And had it occurred to me that a kids’ band in the form of technicolor dogs was a good idea? No, it hadn’t. Possibly this is why I am not in charge of these things. Nevertheless, someone brighter than me (creator Toni Steedman, in fact) knew that kids wouldn’t be able to resist the upbeat music presented by these distinctly-personalitied dogs.

You can meet the whole band here, but I recommend against a beverage while you peruse the list. The gang is predictably anthropomorphized, of course, but there are still nuggets like this:

Raggs is an enthusiastic tail chaser, a passionate flea scratcher and a compulsive sniffer.

(That’s such a coincidence, because I know a few passionate flea scratchers, myself.)

If your kids are already fans—or you think they’ll become fans—be sure to check out the online activities, plus I happen to know of a giveaway contest where you could win a Raggs CD or DVD. (And by “happen to know of” I of course mean “I am hosting.” Full disclosure and all of that.)

So check ‘em out. I guarantee they’ll keep your kid too busy bopping to argue or make a mess… at least for a few minutes!

Get ready to pay homage to Jim Henson on the big screen, because his story is coming soon:

Empire Film Group, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: EFGU) (”Empire Film”) (http://www.empirefilmgroup.com) has acquired the motion picture production and distribution rights to “Henson,” an original screenplay by Robert D. Slane that chronicles the life and achievements of Muppets creator, Jim Henson. Empire has pegged the film for production in late summer with a $30 million budget to be funded through a consortium of international presales and co-production partners.

“This is a major project about an entertainer of legendary stature and worldwide acclaim,” said Dean Hamilton-Bornstein, CEO of Empire Film Group. “The script is superb and should provide a terrific roadmap for a completed film that will satisfy both mainstream audiences and critics. We’re very excited about this acquisition and the commercial caliber of this project.”

“Henson” covers the life of puppeteer, filmmaker and entertainment mogul Jim Henson, from his early fascination with television as a teenager, through his spectacular career and life achievements. Empire anticipates hiring a major director, such as Penny Marshall, and hopes to attract notable star cast in key roles. Bornstein will act as Executive Producer, with Empire Home Entertainment President Eric Parkinson producing the film along with Xavier Mitchell.

“Jim Henson is one of the best known and most beloved entertainers of all time,” said Parkinson. “His story is inspiring, tragic, heartwarming and epic, and will make for an important and entertaining motion picture. This is the sort of movie that Empire will be pursuing as we build the company into a leading independent studio.”

On the one hand, I’m thrilled, because Jim Henson is one of my idols. If you don’t love the man who brought us Sesame Street—not to mention Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog—you are dead to me. On the other hand, “his story is inspiring, tragic, heartwarming and epic?” That… sort of sounds like a soap opera. That sounds less like the backstory on the muppets and more like Gone With the Wind.

I sort of think Henson would’ve appreciated a biopic with a hearty dose of comedy, but I guess I could be wrong. (Really, I think Henson would’ve appreciated an all-muppet cast, too, but I don’t see that happening.) (It’s possible there’s a reason I wasn’t hired to produce this thing.)

I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

I couldn’t talk about the Super Bowl, yesterday. I’m sorry. It’s still quite painful for me, but I will try to set aside my personal feelings (they go something like this: Whyyyyyyyyy, Patriots, WHYYYYY???) and just examine the commercials, today.

Watching the Super Bowl is an American tradition for many families, and over the years it’s become not at all unusual to look forward to the commercials as much as to the game itself. And with the game starting well before bedtime for even the youngest kids, often you have children of all ages glued to the set. The commercials are—more often than not—funny, although it’s debatable as to whether they’re truly all-ages-appropriate, some years.

USA Today’s Ad Meter has a great round-up of the Big Game’s commercials, including video of everything that was shown and commentary on the various offerings. This was one of the first years in recent memory when I didn’t find myself cringing repeatedly and sending my kids out of the room. Some of the commercials were dumb, or weird, but there seemed to be less “mature” content than usual. Thankfully.

[An aside: Did anyone else find those SalesGenie commercials incredibly racist? Oh, right. Moving on.]

What we did see was a heaping helping of CGI magic, from SoBe’s dancing lizards (who were not, contrary to popular opinion, also going to try to sell you car insurance) to FedEx’s giant carrier pigeons to ETrade’s talking baby. If you were looking for impressive visual effects, you found it. That’s aside from the content, of course, though Ad Meter gave the top spot to the touching Rocky-esque Budweiser commercial, one of the few “touching” rather than just flat-out hilarious commercials. (Though we still found it plenty funny, here at my house.)

At least that took out a tiny bit of the sting I was feeling. If I can’t have the Patriots undefeated, I guess I’ll have to find comfort in expensive commercials. (Yeah, I know. It didn’t really work for me, either.)

Ever seen those commercials for various cruises where they promise that Junior will have just as much fun as Mom and Dad, thanks to the special activities they have on board for kids? Has anyone besides me ever regarded such ads with a bit of disbelief? I mean, sure, in the commercial the kids are hanging out at the “Kids Klub” and having a blast, but we all know that in reality, little Jimmy clings to Mom’s leg and sobs while the disinterested teen in charge cracks her gum and checks her watch.

(Not that I’ve ever been on a cruise. I am just a pessimist like that.)

Anyway, who knows—maybe regular cruises really are loads of fun for little kids… but I doubt it. The Disney Cruise, sure, that makes sense as a family option that will be a big hit with kids. I get that. And now there’s another contender: Nickelodeon is hitting the high seas:

Taking place on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas, the largest ship in the cruise industry with a capacity of more than 4,000 passengers, the “Nickelodeon Family Cruise with Royal Caribbean” will match the family-friendly amenities of Freedom of the Seas with a packed schedule of Nickelodeon activities and entertainment. The cruise will visit four exotic Western Caribbean destinations including: Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and a special stop at Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination, Labadee, which will be Nickelodeon-themed.

In some ways, I could see “selling” your kids on the idea of Nickelodeon Island almost easier than Disney. Think about it—it can’t possibly be as crowded as visiting the Magic Kingdom. And the entertainment roster looks like a little kid’s delight:

The “Nickelodeon Family Cruise by Royal Caribbean” will offer an experience complete with Nick-themed on-board activities such as live game shows featuring the trademark Nickelodeon slime; visits with kids’ favorite Nick characters like Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants; appearances by the network’s live-action stars; and much more. In addition, Freedom of the Seas offers a multitude of activities, including the FlowRider surf simulator, the H2O Zone water park, an ice skating rink, a nine-hole mini-golf course, 10-route rock-climbing wall, and full-size basketball court.

You know, I’ve always wanted to meet SpongeBob….

Reservations opened up yesterday; see the August itinerary here and start thinking about whether or not you have a suitable bathing suit, and if a life-size Dora will make your kid cry. Not necessarily in that order.

I have lots of hypothetical television concerns on my mind these days, apparently. Let’s just go with it. It will pass eventually.

Anyway, I was surfing around the ‘net and came across this post by Diana Fischer, yesterday. In it, she discusses how her parents handled television-watching in her house as she was growing up (very little was allowed, and she felt deprived of the “good stuff,” plus there was no talk of why there were TV rules), then points out that she both allows her kids more viewing time and talks to them about why moderation is good and necessary.

The result? Her boys feel just as deprived as she did, growing up:

So, it turns out, Ace and Deuce get just enough TV regularly to want more, and enough inconsistent extra TV to realize what they’re missing out on the rest of the week. We try to explain our motivations, stressing the passivity of TV viewing, and the idea of all things in moderation. They don’t care, and why should they? Our hope is that some day this will make sense to them.

There’s more, of course, and also some really great comments from her readers, but it got me to thinking.

Here’s my professional* opinion: Kids always want more of anything they can’t have in unlimited quantities. I think that’s more or less the definition of being a kid. So I don’t think that Diana has somehow failed, here. I think that all it takes to make kids want more of something is to tell them they can’t have it.

(Though that doesn’t necessarily work with beans. In case you were wondering. Kids can smell it when you’re trying to trick them. Trust me.)

My own philosophy is similar to hers, by the way—keep the screen time to a minimum during the week, Saturday morning cartoons are not only an inalienable right of kid-dom, but they mean I get to sleep in, so you do the math.

Anyway, I do think it’s an interesting discussion. Do you suppose there’s a magic formula out there for an appropriate amount of viewing time where the child isn’t being negatively impacted, but never feels like he wants more more more? And a formula that includes slipping them Benadryl doesn’t count.

*Why yes, I’m a professional mom. I am too. Don’t you roll your eyes at me, buster, or you’ll find yourself with extra chores. I mean it.