What Parent Isn't a Kids Show Expert?

In my house, it's impossible for me not to be intimately familiar with tons of kids shows. And that's even given that I'm away at work for most of the day.

This is because when the TV's on, the kids are watching it 90% of the time. Consequently, I have a highly detailed knowledge of their favorite shows. Not because I watch it, but because I'm around it. It's similar to my detailed knowledge of 80s era Days Of Our Lives, which I absorbed while as I played while my mom got her fix.

Anyway, here's a list of the TV shows I know best right now:

Phineas and Ferb: Okay, I admit I sometimes watch this on my own. It's hilarious and brilliantly written.

Wild Kratts: This is a somewhat interesting cartoon featuring brothers Martin and Chris Kratt (real people) who go on missions in animal suits which mimic the animals they are learning about. It sounds weird, but kinda makes sense when you watch it. At least it's a good way to impart some knowledge that might otherwise appear dry to the easily bored kid.

Caillou: I've probably seen more hours of Caillou reruns than just about any other show I've ever seen. That's no exaggeration. When it's not on TV at home, it's playing in the car. Something about that little cartoon kid's whiny voice really appeals to the little ones. It's pretty benign, though, so I don't mind it terribly. Caillou's parents are the quintessential "yes" parents who can never say no to their kid. I hope the other parents watching it aren't taking cues.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: I have a soft spot for Mr. Rogers, so this animated spin-off featuring the characters in Trolley's land of make-believe is palatable, though not even close to stimulating for anyone over five.

Brady Bunch: My older kids love this show. And, surprisingly, I enjoy it a lot more now than I did as a kid. I find it much funnier--maybe that's because I see it from the parent's perspective. Or maybe it's just the nostalgia I feel as I watch. Either way, it gets a thumbs-up from me.

Bob the Builder: This is the one that I'm best at ignoring. There's nothing remotely funny or interesting about this. Bob always fixes things. Spud the scarecrow always messes things up. And all the machines are so ADHD that it's amazing they ever get anything done. Unfortunately there seem to be hundreds of hours of this show, and my smaller kids want to see every single one.

Adult shows? Usually whatever my wife has on after the kids go to bed. Nothing terribly interesting, though I've been known to sit down for Downton Abbey now and then.

The Waterslide Commute is a Great TV Spot Idea

Check out this awesome spot:

Google Spreadsheets - Now With Charts

Google Docs just got cooler with the simple addition of charts to its spreadsheet function. The online application still lacks most of the utility of Microsoft Excel, but for simple uses it's very easy and functional.

I'm not a numbers guy, but even I can use it. I recently started watching Lost. Three years too late. Either way, great show. I've summed it up with this handy pie chart using Google Spreadsheets.


Try it yourself!

Dancing with the Stars Is Back

For me, Monday is the new Thursday in terms of good TV. There's my beloved Heroes (returning April 23) and now Dancing with the Stars, which returned last night.

Off the cuff, I'd say the "stars" aren't quite as gifted as some of last season's but it should still be a fun ride. My early favorite is Apolo Anton Ohno, the Olympic Gold Medalist in speed skating. He seems talented, and obviously has the focus he needs to succeed. The downside: he has an inexperienced partner, Julianne Hough. I'm sure she's a great dancer and all, and very beautiful, but at only 18 years old, she's the youngest pro ever to compete on Dancing. Time will tell if she has the teaching and choreography talent they need. Coincidentally, Julianne appears to be Mormon (born and raised in Utah with 10 siblings, etc.)

And who should be voted off? Billy Ray Cyrus, hands down. He was just a shade better than Tucker Carlson from last season. But with his name recognition and good looks, I'm thinking he'll stay around for a few more rounds.

Mitt Romney's First Campaign TV Spot

About a year before the primaries, and Mitt is already running this in select markets. Go Mitt!

Heroes: Awesome

I came onto the Heroes scene about three episodes into the series. Ever since, I've been hooked. It takes a lot for a TV show to do that to me, but Heroes delivers in spades. And last night's episode was the best by far.

Go to the NBC Heroes page to watch all the episodes if you haven't yet. You won't be disappointed.