Mr. McFeely's "Sister-In-Law"

Most people remember Episode 1476 when Mr. McFeely talks with Mister Rogers about his wedding day. Mr. McFeely even shares a film of the event and describes the ceremony.

Interestingly enough, in a recent article in the Daily Herald -- a suburban Chicago news source -- David Newell mentions that the maid of honor was played by his real-life spouse, Nan. In the episode, she is referred to as "Betsy's sister."

And now you know.

They're White. They're Dads. Their Problems.

Another dose of podcast goodness as I recently joined my life-long pal, D.M. Engel, and his co-hosts on their popular podcast, White Dad Problems. (FYI -- this podcast contains some explicit content and is not intended for children or the easily offended).

Yeah. They're white. They're dads. Their problems.

Click the image above or click HERE to listen to the podcast.

Back on the Adventure Club!

The past week has been quite eventful as I've had the pleasure of joining several podcasts for the purpose of talking Mister Rogers.

Spread the message, right?

Here's the first of them if you're interested -- a fun-filled conversation with Guy Hutchinson on the Adventure Club Podcast.

Click the image above or click HERE to take a listen...

Jason Mraz to Visit Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood

It's no secret that singer-songwriter Jason Mraz is a fan of the Neighborhood. You might remember in May of 2012 when we shared some familar words found in the liner notes of his album Love is a Four Letter Word.

ArtistDirect.com reports that Jason will be taking his appreciation of the Neighborhood one step further this coming Valentine's Day when he shares his talents in Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.

According to Daniel Tiger creator Angela Santomero, "Fred [Rogers] knew that music is very important in connecting with young viewers and we believe he would have been very happy to know of Jason's 'visit' to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe."

--- Read the full article by visiting ArtistDirect.com

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 1023

Original Air Date: March 12, 1969

  

Mister Rogers has come from the library where he was looking for a book -- Looking For Letters -- which is checked out. Instead, he arrives with cut-outs of the letters A and Z. As Picture Picture shows the letters of the alphabet, Mister Rogers sings The Alphabet Song.

Mr. McFeely arrives with a copy of Looking For Letters which Mister Rogers reads for viewers as an animated film of the book's illustrations is shown.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Daniel Striped Tiger is having his turn playing with the magic kite. Officer Clemmons stops by on his way to take a broken chair to Handyman Negri for repairs. When he hides behind the clock, he sings and tricks Daniel into thinking his voice belongs to the kite.

Birdwatching outside the Museum-Go-Round, Lady Elaine Fairchilde mistakes the kite for a new kind of bird but Nurse Miller explains that it is actually a special kite.

At the clock, Daniel tells Nurse Miller and X the Owl that the kite sang to him earlier. Nurse Miller asks them to keep their eyes on the kite as she sings We Welcome You Today. Daniel and X believe that the singing is coming from the magic kite. Nurse Miller playfully speculates that the kite must sound like the nearest singer.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers uses a teddy bear to sing The Alphabet Song before Officer Clemmons stops by with his broken chair. Handyman Negri is very busy and does not have time to fix the chair but Mister Rogers is more than happy to help with the repairs.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 1023 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 1022

Original Air Date: March 11, 1969

  

Mister Rogers has borrowed some basic magic tricks from his friend Charlie Appel. After demonstrating two tricks, he reveals the secrets behind the magic. Taking out a third trick, Mister Rogers sings the directions and finds a kiss inside a small box.

Mr. Appel stops by and marvels Mister Rogers by performing some tricks in the kitchen. He explains that mastering more difficult tricks takes practice.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Digger Digorum is returning to a dig in Australia and would like to take the magic kite with her. The kite responds with a note: "I cannot go away. I am a make-believe kite." Since the make-believe kite must stay in Make-Believe, Corny gives Digger Digorum a photograph of the kite to take with her. As she prepares to leave and say goodbye to the others, Digger Digorum sings I Am a Digger.

Assuming King Friday would want to claim possession of the kite, Lady Aberlin suggests that she will take it to the castle. The others in the Neighborhood disagree and cannot decide who should keep the magic kite. The kite delivers another message solving the problem: "Take turns."

Back at the house, Mister Rogers talks about magic tricks and explains that they are not real.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 1022 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Character Page Updates

A few more (obscure) character pages have been updated.

Oliver Circus Clown	Patrice	Rabbitha
Mr. Schwadron	Master Mister Magic Maker	Wise Lady

Shoppers Drug Mart Books

Does anyone have a Shoppers Drug Mart nearby? Maybe you remember this Pictureback Series of books. I'd love to learn more about this promotion that featured specifically labeled copies of books from the "A Story From Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" series.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 1021

Original Air Date: March 10, 1969

  

Mister Rogers arrives with a kite which he assembles and takes outside to fly. Unfortunately, there is not enough wind to keep the kite in the air. Clearly disappointed, he goes back inside where Picture Picture shows a film of him flying a kite on the beach. After telling a story of once losing a kite in a tree, Mister Rogers sings What Do You Do With the Mad That You Feel.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Handyman Negri and Digger Digorum are helping to dig at the Platypus mound when they uncover a box containing a kite. As everyone continues working, they realize they have found a magic kite when it begins flying by itself. Henrietta Pussycat stops by the mound with some new duckbill curtains for the Platypus home.

Back at the house, the wind has picked up and Mr. McFeely stops by to help Mister Rogers fly his kite. The strong wind causes the kite to break but Mr. McFeely offers to help fix it with tape.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 1021 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0130

Original Air Date: August 16, 1968

  

Instead of changing into a sweater, Mister Rogers puts on a teaching robe when he arrives. He explains that different hood designs on such robes are to represent various academic subject areas. After talking about how some students are serious and other act silly, Mister Rogers sings Sometimes People Are Good.

Chef Brockett stops by with a dough cutter shaped like the letter T. He rolls and cuts some dough as he prepares a special treat for Robert Troll and the others in Make-Believe.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Chef Brockett gives everyone a T-shaped cookie. Robert Troll enjoys his treat as he awaits the arrival of Sara Saturday's wise lady who will take him home. Corny introduces himself to Robert Troll and sings I'm a Man Who Manufactures.

When Sara Saturday's wise lady (teacher) arrives to take Robert Troll home, she talks with X the Owl and Henrietta Pussycat about the possibility of King Friday and Sara Saturday getting married. At the castle, the wise lady meets King Friday before moving on to find Robert Troll.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers cleans up the kitchen as he talks about learning and concludes by singing Then Your Heart is Full of Love.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0130 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0129

Original Air Date: August 15, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives having just talked with Mr. McFeely who will be stopping by with a book about numbers and animals. As he waits, Mister Rogers feeds the fish and sings Let's Be Together Today.

Mr. McFeely stops by with the Animal Number Book which Mister Rogers shares with viewers.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Robert Troll introduces himself as he looks for Sara Saturday who, he explains, is responsible for taming him. With King Friday's permission, Lady Aberlin uses the royal telephone to call Sara Saturday. Robert Troll is instructed to stay in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe until tomorrow when one of Sara Saturday's "wise ladies" will be coming for a conference with the King. The wise lady will take Robert Troll home following her conference. In the meantime, he is to spend the evening with King Friday.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers shares a portion of "The Jabberwocky" -- a poem by Lewis Carroll. He compares the verse to the way Robert Troll speaks in gibberish. Mr. McFeely returns for the Animal Number Book as Mister Rogers concludes for the day.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0129 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0128

Original Air Date: August 14, 1968

  

Mister Rogers talks about tying shoes before he moves on to the topic of disappearance. Using a spoonful of sugar in a glass of water, he explains that even though the sugar cannot be seen, you know the sugar is still there because of the sweet taste. Similarly, when Mister Rogers hides behind a door, you can still hear his voice so you know he is still there.

After Mister Rogers sings Some Things I Don't Understand, Officer Clemmons stops by on his way to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe where he is to serve as a police escort for Sara Saturday.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Officer Clemmons does some voice exercises with X the Owl and Henrietta Pussycat before talking with them about the pending departure of Sara Saturday. They are disappointed as they thought King Friday and Sara Saturday would get married and she would stay in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

When they arrive at the castle to provide an escort for Sara Saturday, Officer Clemmons and Handyman Negri ask why she is leaving. They are told by King Friday that her trip is a "private affair" but Sara Saturday assures them that she will return. Everyone agrees that regardless of the reason for the trip, the others in the Neighborhood should be told that Sara Saturday will be coming back. At the request of King Friday and Sara Saturday, Handyman Negri plays his guitar as Officer Clemmons sings I Like To Be Told.

Back at the house, talks about ways to deal with feelings that arise when people you care about go away.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0128 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0127

Original Air Date: August 13, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with a silhouette cut-out of a man and explains the meaning of the word "silhouette." Using a pencil on black paper, he traces and cuts a silhouette of his hand before singing Everything Grows Together. Picture Picture shows silhouettes of various objects including an umbrella and a house.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Lady Aberlin is at the factory drawing a picture of Corny as he sings I'm a Man Who Manufactures. When the portrait is complete, Lady Aberlin moves on to the clock where she shows it to Daniel Striped Tiger and tells him that Sara Saturday has asked her to make a portrait book including everyone in the Neighborhood. Daniel agrees to have his picture drawn but finds it somewhat difficult to sit still.

At the castle, Lady Abelrin is surprised to learn that Sara Saturday will be going away on a short trip to attend to something very important. Very pleased with the portrait book, Sara Saturday will use it as a reminder of everyone in the Neighborhood while she is gone.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers is working on a silhouette of the Trolley.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0127 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0126

Original Air Date: August 12, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with models of a rooster and a hen. He explains that the rooster is the daddy and the hen is the mommy -- she sits on the eggs to keep them warm until the baby chicks hatch.

After Mister Rogers sings Everybody's Fancy, Mr. McFeely stops by with some real chicks and a hen.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Vincent Anthony is at the castle with several marionettes from the vagabond theater. He demonstrates the movements of the various puppets for King Friday who enjoys the performance.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers pretends to be a marionette before sitting at the table to try and make a chicken marionette out of paper. Mrs. Rubin stops by with a collection of marionettes made by her young friends. Mister Rogers and Mrs. Rubin enjoy each other's company as they spend time making puppets of their own.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0126 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Peg+Cat

The folks at the Fred Rogers Company are at it again!

According to a recent PBS press release, a new series will premiere this fall featuring the collaborative work of co-creators Billy Aronson (Rent, Postcards from Buster) and Jennifer Oxley (Little Bill, The Wonder Pets!) along with the Fred Rogers Company. Peg+Cat will be an animated program for preschoolers which will focus on the use and development of math skills. The show follows Peg and Cat as they use "foundational concepts...to solve the problem and save the day."

While it appears that the Fred Rogers Company is mainly involved on the financial back end of the show, Kevin Morrison, Chief Operating Officer of the Fred Rogers Company, stated: "This is a math series, and if you add up Jennifer's beautiful visual style, Billy's sense of humor, the Fred Rogers Company, and PBS, the sum will be a hit."

If it follows the lead of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, we should expect nothing less.

Learn more about Peg+Cat at PBSKids.org.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0125

Original Air Date: August 9, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with a punching bag -- the type used in training by boxers -- which he has borrowed from a local gymnasium. After setting up the bag, he uses a pump to fill it with air. After showing how the bag is used, Mister Rogers explains that some people might do something like this when they are angry and he sings What Do You Do With the Mad That You Feel.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Handyman Negri is preparing a secret surprise for Joey Hollingsworth -- a picture he has made of the Neighborhood castle. With the help of Mrs. Frogg, he punches two holes along the picture's edge. When Mr. Hollingsworth offers to help with the secret project, of course, Handyman Negri has to refuse.

Slightly frustrated by the secrecy, Mr. Hollingsworth goes to the tree where X and Henrietta give him a few hints about the surprise. After singing I Like to Be Told, Mr. Hollingsworth moves on to the factory where he and Corny discuss his next round of business travels.

Mr. Hollingsworth is called to the castle's P Room where he is presented with a homemade book of pictures made by everyone around the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. The back of the book includes blank paper for Mr. Hollingsworth to add his own pictures. To show his appreciation, he performs a thank you dance for his friends.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers talks about secrets before he concludes for the week by singing You're Growing.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0125 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0124

Original Air Date: August 8, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with a collection of balls in a large suitcase and describes them and the sports they are used in. After Picture Picture shares a film about people playing various sports using balls, Mister Rogers sings I Like You As You Are.

As Mister Rogers is pretending to play ball, Lady Aberlin stops by and asks to borrow a magic ball she might take to Joey Hollingsworth's dance performance at the castle. Unfortunately, Mister Rogers does not have one.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, the search for a magic ball continues as Joey Hollingsworth describes one to Corny. Mr. Hollingsworth has seen a magic ball only once -- in a dream when he found one on "the other side of the rainbow." After talking with X the Owl and Henrietta Pussycat, Lady Aberlin finally finds a magic ball when Grandpere's machine is able to produce one.

Inside the castle, Mr. Hollingsworth performs a variety of dances he has learned throughout his world travels. When the magic ball appears, Mr. Hollingsworth performs a dance with the ball before the ball dances by itself.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers clarifies that magic balls are just for make-believe. He suggests that playing games and "keeping your eye on the ball" can help in learning to read.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0124 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0123

Original Air Date: August 7, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with a collection of light bulbs and describes the various styles and sizes before singing Everybody's Fancy.

Scientist Alder stops by on his way to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe with some batteries. With him, he also has a few different flashlights and explains how they work. Opening up the flashlights, Scientist Alder shows the batteries that make them work.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, X the Owl is anxiously awaiting his special gift from Mr. Hollingsworth when Scientist Alder arrives at the tree. After showing X the batteries that will go into his gift, Scientist Alder moves on to the factory where he gives the batteries to Mr. Hollingsworth.

Back at the tree, X receives his special gift from Mr. Hollingsworth -- a battery operated flashlight. X is excited to take the flashlight down into his tree to look at the roots. Henrietta also receives a gift -- a fancy Irish hat. Mr. Hollingsworth demonstrates an Irish dance for X and Henrietta.

At the castle, Lady Elaine Fairchilde is talking to Lady Aberlin about the gifts that Mr. Hollingsworth has been giving and suggests that she would like a fancy hat. Lady Aberlin explains that "most people like a lot of things but nobody gets everything." Mr. Hollingsworth arrives with a gift for Lady Elaine -- a miniature lighthouse that also works as a flashlight. Tying the lighthouse to her head with a ribbon, Lady Elaine now has a lighthouse, a flashlight, and a hat. Mr. Hollingsworth shares that he will perform a dance tomorrow as a gift to Lady Aberlin, King Friday and Sara Saturday.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers talks about lighthouses and shows a film about a real lighthouse. He concludes by touching on light bulb safety -- children are not to unscrew or play with light bulbs.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0123 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood - Episode 0122

Original Air Date: August 6, 1968

  

Mister Rogers arrives with a pair of swimming flippers which he puts on and describes how they are used. Inflating a flotation ring, he talks about learning to swim and being safe by staying in the shallow water at first. After singing Sometimes People Are Good, Mister Rogers pretends to swim to the kitchen where he feeds the fish.

Mrs. Minchin stops by on her way to go scuba diving with a friend. She is dressed in full scuba gear and explains what her various equipment is used for. After Mrs. Minchin leaves, Mister Rogers watches a film about a scuba diver in a coral reef.

In the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, Joey Hollingsworth is working at the factory. He dances his way to the Museum-Go-Round where he asks Mrs. Frogg for permission to use the Frogg pond for swimming and sailing. He shows X the Owl a toy boat that he got for Daniel Striped Tiger.

Daniel is invited to the pond where he and Mr. Hollingsworth sail the toy boat. Mr. Hollingsworth explains that he brough Daniel the special gift because they are friends. X is excited to learn that he will be getting a special gift of his own tomorrow.

Back at the house, Mister Rogers talks about waiting being a part of growing. He shares an ivory carving of a fish made by his friend Miss Macy. He watches a film of her at work on a carving.

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 0122 of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, visit the Neighborhood Archive.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood - Episode 117

Original Air Date: January 11, 2013
Titles: Good Morning, Daniel / Goodnight, Daniel

 

For details, notes, and more screenshots from Episode 117 of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, click the images above or visit the Neighborhood Archive.