March 20, 2008

Today is Mister Rogers' 80th birthday, and in honor of this most momentous of days, I think you should read this Esquire profile of him. It's a little long, so if you haven't got the time, you can look at a list of 15 Reasons Mister Rogers Was the Best Neighbor Ever. Or you could watch a a nine-part Google video of interviews with Fred Rogers.

I think Mister Rogers would prefer that you celebrate his birthday by just letting someone know that they're special. And while you're at it, wear your favorite sweater. Or you could just make some prank calls.

posted by middleclasstool 16 years ago
  • And you -- yes, I'm talking to you -- thank you for making this place what it is. I'm grateful for the time we spend together.
  • *gets a little sniffly* Too bad I'll be in Pittsburgh a day late for Sweater Day. And Saturday, I'm likely to be in Latrobe, Mister Rogers' actual neighbourhood (which he shared with Rolling Rock -- go figure), also too late. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MISTER ROGERS! WE LOVE YOU!
  • Happy Birthday, Mr Rogers. I'm sorry I forgot to wear a sweater today, but it's a cold night, so I'll go wear one now. *hugs*
  • Cardigan on and keeping me toasty. Thanks for the memories, Mr. R.
  • Wish I could find a free version of Lampoon's "Mr. Roberts" to link to. Egg-amuffin!
  • I'm not gonna look at the link because I don't want to be sad. However, I have to say, that if there is a Great Rollcall, or Balancing for admission to the afterlife. In a world full of Scoundrels and their ilk...Fred Rogers was good person.
  • There are signs all over town saying "Thanks, Mr. Rogers!" You're gonna be in Pittsburgh, Capt? I live here! Email's in the profile if you want to meetup or suggestions on where to eat.
  • I am wearing a fuzzy brown-plaid cardigan as I type. And I don't know if it's just this crazy New York weather, but I've seen a lot of folks sporting similar gear today, too.
  • my dad-in-law gave me a charcoal cashmere zip-front cardigan for the holidays last year. it's very plain, warm and wonderfully soft. I have always called it my "mr rogers sweater" (but today I am wearing my brown fuzzy chenille zip-up hoodie cardigan...mmmm soft)
  • Wow! Thanks for the volunteered "what are you wearing?" answer there, Medusa. That would have bypassed, like, 15 1995 IRC chat foreplay questions. So, un-zip, baby and let the bytes nibble!
  • *rolls up newspaper*
  • um...are you making fun of me RTD?
  • i think that might have been a clumsy attempt to dry hump your leg?
  • The first weekend I ever spent at MCT's parents' house, his father, whom I'd only met once or twice before, decided I was cold and asked me if I wanted a sweater. Like 5,000 times. And pretty much every weekend visit since then. Next time, in honor of Mr. Rogers, I'll say yes. *dabs eyes daintily*
  • Blue, with blue buttons and two pockets. Mr. R., we miss ye.
  • hbs, you should pre-emptively wear a sweater when you go there. Unless, of course, that would dry up the only topic of conversation with the dad-in-law. In which case, I've got nothin'.
  • I didn't trust Mister Rogers at all as a kid. He seemed sorta sinister - what was he doing, hanging out with puppets, talking in that false voice? Wish I'd met him in person, as it seems he was able to dissipate anyone's fears in a few moments.
  • i didn't meet him, but i encountered him once- he spent his summers on the west end of nantucket island, and in 1989, i drove a cab on nantucket for six months. one day as i was walking out of the airport, after dropping off a fare, this tall man in a cardigan walked past me and gave me this broad smile of total love and understanding that was really striking. after i walked past him, i did a classic tom & jerry-style aaaaooogah! double take, realizing that it was Mr. Rogers who had, as he walked past, without words, let me know i was his valued neighbor and that he loved me just as i was.
  • That's awesome, eeq!
  • His 2002 Commencement address at Dartmouth still makes me feel all warm and buttery inside.