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Fictional characters Cartoons and Money, Financial Freedom

What I loved about Saturday Morning cartoons

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Generosity has built America. When we fail to invest in children, we have to pay the cost. – Bob Keeshan, Captain Kangaroo

If you grew up in the 1960s through the 1990s, then you know all about Saturday morning cartoons.

They aired between 8 am and noon. It was one of my favorite things to do besides playing video games on Saturday mornings. The best part about those cartoons were the lessons they taught. At least, that is my opinion. I later found out that programs that are geared towards children are required to be educational. I appreciated that. 😉

Those cartoons helped shape the person I am today. The name of my blog even comes from an animated episode of X-Men, and the character Magneto.

If you read my Meet Miriam page, then you already know some of my favorites. Here is a quick recap of some of those toons.

Memories…

Muppet Babies – Baby versions of Jim Henson’s Muppets imagine themselves in fantastic situations. The show aired from September 15, 1984 to November 2, 1991. The show had episodes that discussed morals, teamwork, love, friendship, and ethics.

Jem and the Holograms – Adventures of a music company owner who uses a holographic computer to live a secret life as a rock star originally aired from 1985-88. Jerrica Benton owns Starlight music and is the leader of the rock band Jem and the Holograms. Jem is her alter ego. Her earrings produce holographic images of anything Jem requests. In addition, she ran Starlight house, a home for foster girls. The show ran from October 6, 1985 to May 2, 1988.

G.I. Joe – Animated series from the mid-1980s tells the saga of a fearless, globe-trotting special missions force — called G.I. Joe — which works to combat Cobra, an organization with an evil commander bent on world domination. On land, on sea, and in the air — whenever trouble breaks out around the world, G.I. Joe is there, ready to battle for ideals that America values. The show aired from September 12, 1983 to November 20, 1986.

ThunderCats – “ThunderCats” follows the adventures of a group of catlike humanoid aliens from the planet Thundera. When the dying planet meets its end, the group, known as the ThunderCats, is forced to flee its homeland. The end up on Third Earth and are constantly attacked by the Mutants of Plun-Darr and Mum-Ra. This show was very mature. It was well-written, story-driven, incredible tales of humility, strength, endurance, morality, and ethics. The show aired from January 23, 1985 to September 30, 1988.

I cannot stress enough how vital it was for me to watch these cartoons growing up. Sure, I went to school, read books, and went outside to play, but cartoons just stimulated my interest like nothing else. I love to be entertained. That is one great way to teach me.

Like Nirvana said, “entertain us.”

See my post on How Dave Grohl turned Passion into Profits

One of the biggest influences during this era was Captain Kangaroo, which was a character played by Bob Keeshan. He was no Mr. Rogers, but he had a way with words. He was able to captivate an audience of 3 year-olds and believe me that is no small thing to do.

Without further ado, I bring you what I love about Saturday morning cartoons.

But first…

WHO IS BOB KEESHAN?

Parents are the ultimate role models for children. Every word, movement and action has an effect. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than the parent. – Bob Keeshan

The best teacher is an entertainer. – Bob Keeshan

Robert James Keeshan was born on June 27, 1927. was an American television producer and actor. He created and played the title role in the children’s television program Captain Kangaroo, which ran from 1955 to 1984, the longest-running nationally broadcast children’s television program of its day. He hosted The Captain Kangaroo show from 1955-1984 and one of my personal favorites in its original run CBS Storybreak in 1985.

See my post Money and Life Lessons I learned from CBS Storybreak’s Yeh-Shen

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Back in the old days, when I was a child, we sat around the family table at dinner time and exchanged our daily experiences. It wasn’t very organized, but everyone was recognized and all the news that had to be told was told by each family member. We listened to each other and the interest was not put on; it was real. – Bob Keeshan

One of my fondest memories from my childhood was watching cartoons. They taught me that I should know the difference between right and wrong, stand up for my beliefs, have principles and values. All things that have helped me successfully navigate adulthood and will help you in any setting you are in.

TELEVISION HAS ITS LIMITS

One of the big secrets of finding time is not to watch television. -Bob Keeshan

I read that Warren Buffet, one of the richest and greatest investors of all time, spends 80% of his day reading. In addition, that Bill Gates reads about 80 books a years and CEO’s read about 60 a year.

See my post Forget Simon, Do what Buffet says

Although, as a kid, I loved reading the Sunday comics; my favorite comic strip was The Peanuts, I also made time to read. Television is a condensed version of books. You have to read to get all the knowledge and shows for kids usually encouraged us to express our individuality and explore our creativity through reading more.

See my post Life Lessons from Race for your life Charlie Brown

From deciding to read about finances, I learned to do the following:

  • Start saving 40% or more of my income
  • Invest in index funds such as VTSAX, VFINX, or VITSX
  • Read 2 finance books a month

LISTEN

A child needs to be listened to and talked to at 3 and 4 and 5 years of age. Parents should not wait for the sophisticated conversation of a teenager. – Bob Keeshan

I cannot tell you how many times I had to tap dance sometimes in my house to be heard. When you have siblings you better find a way to stand out. However, there were times when I would start talking to adults and telling them how I felt. To my surprise, they listened. I learned not to be shy and to use my words not my fists. Keep all hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Got it!

I enjoy meeting not only contemporary children, but yesterday’s children as well. It’s nice to talk about the experiences we shared, they tell me, ‘You were a good friend.’ That’s the warmest part. Bob Keeshan

See my posts

Money and Life Lessons from The Pirates of Dark Water

They Shoot Greenbacks, Don’t They

BE GENTLE

It requires more strength to be gentle, so it’s the everyday encounters of life that I think we’ve prepared children for and prepared them to be good to other people and to consider other people. – Bob Keeshan

I would watch reruns of Mighty Mouse, Bewitched, and I Dream of Jeannie Growing Up. They all expressed some of the same ideals. You can catch more bees with honey than vinegar. So, be kind. NOBODY wants to work with a jerk. Treat people right. It comes back to you. 😉

See my post The Greatest Assets are People

I think just as importantly we prepare people for the definition of being gentle. – Bob Keeshan

When I think of that statement, I always think of Mr. T. He always treated people with decency and respect. He was well-spoken, direct, soft but firm. I have learned to do the same.

See my post Money and Life Lessons I Learned from Mr. T

PLAY IS SERIOUS STUFF

Play is the work of children. It’s very serious stuff. – Bob Keeshan

If I didn’t go outside to play, I would lose my mind. It just was what I needed to do. So, my parents let me stay outside all day. After, I did my homework.

Now that I look back, I think they may have done it to get a break from me. Regardless, I learned the value of true friendship and about life on the playground.

One of my friend’s mom’s was very sick. She was so sad about that. Understandably. So, we made sure to always check on her and her mom and ALWAYS asked her to come outside and play with us. This was when she would light up. One time she hurt herself really bad on the playground.  It was on concrete. I will never forget it, she cried all the way home and we went with her. We just wanted to make sure she was okay. Because that is what friends do.

A RUNDOWN OF SOME FAMOUS CARTOONS

Here is a short rundown of Saturday Morning cartoons. Nostalgia. Haha

The ones in bold are some of my favorites.

1960’s

The Flintstones

The Huckleberry Hound Show

The Quick Draw McGraw Show

The Yogi Bear Show

The Jetsons

Johnny Quest

The Magilla Gorilla Show

The Herculoids

Wacky Racers

The Perils of Penelope Pitstop

Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

1970’s

The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show

Josie and the Pussycats

Secret Squirrel

Help!….It’s the Hair Bear Bunch!

Wait Till Your Father Gets Home

Speed Buggy

Super Friends

The Addams Family

The Great Grape Ape Show

Dog Wonder

Tom & Jerry

Jabberjaw

Scooby’s All Star Laff-A-Lympics

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Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels

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1980’s

Super Friends

Richie Rich

The Smurfs

The Snorks

Pac-Man

Rainbow Bright

Strawberry Shortcake

My Little Ponies

Pound Puppies

The Paw-Paw Bears

Shirt Tales

Alvin and the Chipmunks

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Dennis the Menace

The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo

CBS Storybreak

The Raccoons

The Wuzzles

Skeleton Warriors

Galaxy High

Fraggle Rock

Gummi Bears

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The Berenstain Bears

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Dungeons and Dragons

Voltron

Fantastic Max

1990’s

Tom & Jerry Kids

The Pirates of Dark Water

Camp Candy

Biker Mice from Mars

The Real Ghostbusters

Codename Kids NextDoor

The Powerpuff Girls

The Real Adventures of Johnny Quest

Bettlejuice

Here’s a shout out to Nickelodeon, the Cartoon Network and other afternoon or weekday morning cartoons

Garfield and Friends

Power Rangers

Wild and Crazy Kids

Dare

Noodles

Grimm’s Fairy Tale Classics

Woody Woodpecker

Mighty Mouse

Healthcliff

Gumby

Tiny Toon Adventures

The Care Bears

Pinky and the Brain

Hey Dude

The Adventures of the Little Koala

Noozles

Did I bring back any memories?

Is that list long enough for you? Did I miss any?

Let me know. And I will add it to the list.

Have you ever written a blog post about a cartoon? Let me know and I will add it to a running list right here in this post.

Hope you enjoyed.

Fictional characters Cartoons and Money, Financial Freedom

Money and Life Lessons I Learned from CBS Storybreak’s Yeh-Shen

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“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Chinese Proverb

“What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.” Confucius

Anyone out there that has been reading my blog, you can probably tell by now that I am a big fan of cartoons. I even named my blog after a scene in one. See my Meet Miriam page for more on how I came up with the name Greenbacks Magnet.

Anyhow, if you grew up in the 80s or 90s, then you may remember a Saturday morning anthology television show that aired on the CBS network called: CBS Storybreak.

Click here or on the logo to see the CBS Storybreak Intro.

It originally aired from 1985 to 1987 and was hosted by none other than Captain Kangaroo, Mr. Bob Keeshan.

Each episode was 30 minutes long and retold a beloved children’s story in animated adaptations.

It was later rebroadcast from 1993 to 1994 and was again returned to air in reruns in 1997 to 1998. This time it was hosted by actor Malcolm Jamal-Warner.

YEH-SHEN

My favorite episode of the series was entitled, “Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story From China.”

Yeh-Shen is a Chinese fairy tale that is similar to the European Cinderella story.

The one adapted on the anthology series, Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story From China, retold by Ai-Ling Louie and illustrated by Ed Young, is a well-known children’s picture book adaptation of the fairy tale, which was originally published in 1982.

If you are unfamiliar with the story or the animated series, a kind soul uploaded it to YouTube, and I have linked it here for you to see.

Fast Fact: One of the voices in this 1985 animated anthology of Yeh-Shen, was played by actress Emily Kuroda. She played Mrs. Kim on Gilmore Girls.

Mrs. Kim ran a tight ship, but was hilarious.

And Gilmore Girls happens to be one of my favorite shows. I want this website to be the Gilmore Girls of blogs, as there will be enough pop culture references in here to make your head spin, but that, like Lorelai and Rory, is how my mind works.

Now let’s get to the story.

VIRTUE CAN BE SEEN IN RAGS AS WELL AS SILK

“I believe that virtue shows quite as well in rags and patches as she does in purple and fine linen.” – Charles Dickens

Yeh-Shen always kept a neat and clean appearance. She kept her place in the home tidy. She also told the truth. And always acted with dignity and grace.  People noticed, including nobility. And not just any noble, A King. Ursula said it best, starting at 1:02 minutes.

I learned to keep a clean appearance at all times and take very good care of myself. I regularly get exercise, read, brush my teeth, and eat my three square meals a day. And people notice, including my partner. My appearance is one of the things that attracted my boyfriend to me.

FRIENDS ARE IMPORTANT

Yeh-Shen’s only friend is a fish named Gold Eyes. He is a spirit that is there to look out for her, that was sent by her mother, as a way for her to look after her beyond the grave.

Gold Eyes always helped Yeh-Shen. He would assist her with her laundry, give her food and advice, or provide anything else she needed help with.

She would share her meager breakfast with him, even though she had so little for herself. She was a good and kind person and a dear friend. In return, Gold Eyes held her in high regard and was always there for her in return. He tells her she deserves better and one day will have it.

From this, I learned how important friendship is. True friends are there in good times and bad.

It’s like Oprah Winfrey said, “Everyone wants to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”

Agreed.

POVERTY IS HARD

However, there is no shame in being poor.

Upon the death of her parents, Ye-Shen is poor. She becomes a lowly servant to her stepmother and her daughter. No matter the amount of work placed upon her, she does her duties, and does them well.

It didn’t matter how hard Yeh-Shen worked or how obedient she was. She was treated badly simply because she was poor.

A man in town even looked her over because he said he was looking for a beautiful wife and not a pretty servant.

From this, I learned two things: (1) A job worth doing is worth doing well, and (2) do all you can to change your station in life. You may be born into poverty, but only you can determine if you remain that way forever.

Might I suggest reading biographies and books about money. And get your education. A good one.

MANNERS MATTER

Every time someone spoke to Ye-Shen, she spoke elegantly and courteously. No disrespect. People remembered and appreciated that about her.

Those manners got her far. She was able to escape trouble, punishment, and land the attention of a handsome noble from minding her manners.

MIND YOUR BUSINESS     

Her stepsister did not want Yeh-Shen to go to the festival because that is where people go to find a husband or wife. She said, “she couldn’t handle that type of competition.”

In addition, when she finds out about Yeh-Shen’s fish, she tells her mother, who then gets rid of him. In the end, it turned out to be fortuitous for Yeh-Shen.

Do not focus so much on others. Mind your own business. Run your own race. You could be getting yourself together and becoming your own success, if you focus less on what others are doing.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

In the show, her stepsister repeats this phrase after her mother tells her she wants to hear positive thinking and not any negative thinking, “I will find a husband, I will be a bride.”

To this day, I practice my affirmations. I actually learned this from Yeh-Shen. I reject negative thinking and focus on being positive. Optimism gets results. Negativity does not.

MISERY LOVES COMPANY

When the stepmother learns of Yeh-Shen’s talking fish she decides to get rid of him. Leaving Yeh-Shen all alone.

Those who are unhappy, don’t want to be alone in their unhappiness. It is your job to get away from them. They will only drag you down.

FATE

Gold Eyes turns into magical bones. He tells Yeh-Shen not to despair, as this was his fate. He is still there with her, even though only in spirit.

Like Doris Day said, “Que será, será, Whatever will be, will be, The future’s not ours to see.”

You cannot control what is meant to be, but you can control your actions and how you respond to others. Stay in control. Have a cool head. Control your emotions, control your life.

KINDNESS

Gold Eyes tells Yeh-Shen that he must repay her kindness. Her stepmother would feed her very little. Therefore, Gold Eyes would provide huge meals for her as a way to compensate for this slight.

Even after all they put her through, she asked Gold Eyes if she should share with her stepmother and sister. He replies by telling her, “Did they share me with you? No. This gift is from me to you.”

He says to her that she can ask for something more, but she says, “this is all I need.”

Being nice has its rewards. I always repay a kindness. However, there is a thing as being too nice. You have to set limits and boundaries with people. In addition, you must also stand up for yourself. You can be nice, but don’t be anybody’s fool. Also, only take what you need. No need to be greedy.

DO NOT BE EASILY PROVOKED

Throughout the entire episode, she is repeatedly reprimanded, punished, neglected, scolded, and insulted. She never responds to this.

Sometimes you have to be man or woman enough to walk away. You must pick your battles. Live to fight another day.  Move on.

YOU MUST GIVE TO GET

When Gold Eyes tells her she deserves more and that they should not treat her so bad she says she knows.  But she was an orphan and they gave her a home.

He offers to do her chores for her, but she says she does not mind doing manual labor, for now. She hopes to find a husband (her true love) at the festival. He concedes and tells her if that is her destiny so be it.

She is offered the world on a silver platter and turns it down.  She wants to make her own future on her terms. It is best to keep your head down and work. You must give to get. That is just how the universe and karma works.

BROKEN PROMISES AND DREAMS

She helps her stepsister get ready for the festival. After, she is done, she says she must get herself ready and asks if it is still alright for her to go, as her stepmother promised.

Her stepmother breaks her promise. She tells Yeh-Shen she can go to the next one, or the ones after, but this this one for this year. Yeh-Shen was looking forward to that festival all year. Hope was thoroughly dashed. Yes, this can happen in life.

A TIME TO BE DISOBEDIENT

When her family leaves to go to the festival, Gold Eyes tells her she should go. She says she has nothing to wear. He then magically turns his bones into golden slippers, which transforms her plain clothes into a gorgeous dress. She disobeys her stepmother and leaves to go to the festival.

In life, there is a time to act. You must decide if you are going to break the rules.  And if you are, you better make sure it’s for a good reason.

DEMURE AND CHARMING

At the festival, her family sees the man referred to as The Handsomest One. She then gives a toothy smile and he scowls at her. It was hilarious.

Her mother then says your supposed to charm not scare him. She then goes on to say, “Let’s try the not handsome, but rich crowd.” Come on, really?

Then enter Yeh-Shen all dolled up. Yeh-Shen, who is usually demure, looks confident and sophisticated. A far cry from the reserved creature you are used to seeing in this episode.

Her mother remarks that, “There is the prize winner. She will get the handsomest, richest husband.” She says to her unmarried daughter, “Why can’t you look like that?” Who smartly remarks, “because I was born from you.” Her mother then pinches her.

Oh yea, for a drama it also has quite a bit of comedy. It’s a dramedy for sure.

HATERS GONNA HATE

When Yeh-Shen walks her stepsister says that she had hot nothing to do all day, but take dancing lessons and be pampered. Come on. Hating like that will give you wrinkles unmarried daughter.

It doesn’t matter how nice you are or what you do for people. Some people just are some haters! Ignore them. They hate us, cause they ain’t us. I say don’t hate, congratulate. Figure what they doing so you can see what makes them so successful and find the secret recipe, so you can copy it.

PRICELESS

At the festival, she runs away and loses one of the gold slippers. A man finds it and sells it to the merchant. The merchant then gives it as a gift to the King.

The gold slipper is referred to as priceless. And it is. Rare indeed. When something is priceless, you don’t just give it away to anyone. The merchant gave it to someone he felt was worthy.

A GIFT  FIT FOR A KING

The King feels that the slipper must belong to someone of great beauty and wealth. He decides to find the owner. Who just so happens to be Yeh-Shen; who is also looking for a golden slipper.

If something is lost, then you may decide to return it to its owner. However, do not think that it will come with a reward or be some fairy tale, happy ending. All that glitters may not be gold. In this case, the owner was a poor, orphaned, peasant girl. But there is more to her than people can see.

SEEK AND YOU SHALL FIND

Yeh-Shen asks around town to find the other slipper She finds a man who sold it to the merchant.  He then tells her he gave it as gift to the King. She says she must acquire it from the King. The merchant tells her to go to palace to go try it on. She says, “Thank you sir, I shall.”

If you want something, go and get it. Sitting on your laurels has never helped anyone.

THE POOR HAVE NO VOICE

Yeh-Shen waits in line all day to try on the slipper, but is denied. She then tries to take it. The palace guards accuse her of trying to steal it. They called her a girl in rags. She tells them the slipper belongs to her friend, a dead fish, as the slipper design is like the scales of a fish. They lock her in the dungeon.

First, if she had been a woman of nobility, she would not have been treated this way. To be poor is not a crime. However, if you want to be heard, you must ask the right way.

Second, you cannot even look as if you are attempting to steal something. There is a saying that, if you’ll lie, you’ll steal and if you’ll steal, you’ll kill. Do not even give people a reason to think that.

MERCY

The King says to have her released in the morning.  A guard tells her in a curt tone to get out and stay away. She merely bows.

Like in the Karate Kid (1984), there is a time to show mercy. A tense situation arises between an adult and a teen. And they needed an adult at the wheel. Mr. Miyagi was that adult.

And for those who do not know Mr. Miyagi, this is for you. Please do not be like that kid on that episode of Supernatural.

For those of you who do not know or may not remember, here is the scene of Mr. Miyagi teaching Daniel son another life lesson.

A TRAP SO TINDER

Better than any tinder app could do, the results of this match are written in the stars. Slide left, I mean right. Don’t want to make that mistake.

The King sets a trap to leave the slipper unattended so Yeh-Shen will take it and he will then follow her to see what she does and why it’s so important to her. That’s smart.

And pretty slick, if you ask me. Reminds me of that scene in Hackers (1995). 


PATIENCE

They wait. She takes the slipper. They follow.

Anything worth having is worth the wait.

IT DOESN’T BELONG TO YOU

After getting the slipper back, her step family find her out. Her stepmother is happy to have a matching pair of gold slippers. She says their fortune is made and their ticket out of the cave. She will sell to the King.

You do not own and cannot sell what is not rightfully yours.

NO THIEF HERE

The King stops the squabbling between Yeh-Shen and her stepmother. She tells him she is no thief. She needs to have the slippers together so that her friend can go return to the pond of his forefathers.

Sounds crazy, I know. However, when in doubt, tell the truth.

WHO ARE YOU?

The problem with playing games is that you get hurt too. – Common (actor, rapper, entrepreneur)

She tells the King who she is. No more games or pretending.

He asked. She answered. Tell people who you are.

GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM

The King asks her, “What are these slippers to you?” She says they belong to her friend. Explains her story to the king.

That’s right. Tell people your story. Share what you are trying to do. You will be surprised how much people are willing to help you when you are doing the right thing. Also, when you know the truth, then you can deal with it.

DO THE RIGHT THING

The King tells her if that is what she must do with the slippers, then do so. He then says “but first, place them on your feet.”

She obliges and transforms back into the woman seen at the festival that day in the beautiful dress.

The look on her stepmother and stepsister faces are priceless!!!

The King could have decided not to believe her, but he listened. Do the right thing because it is the right thing to do and not for any prize or reward. Doing the right thing is its own reward.

SECRETS REVEALED AND DESTINY

Gold Eyes magically appears as a spirit and thanks Yeh-Shen. All secrets are now revealed. He tells her now he can go. As her dreams are about to come true.

If you are meant to have it, no one can stop you from your destiny.

The truth is out, now you can deal with it.

MARRIAGE MATERIAL

Her stepmother tells her that the clothing that Gold Eyes gave Yeh-Shen belongs to her because she is her guardian.

The King says no as she is a free person. She must then step aside.

The King says, “Your friend, the mystical fish has brought you into my life for a reason.” He then steps up to the plate, wasting no more time and asks for her hand in marriage. She says yes.

The show ends by letting the audience know to visit your local library or book store. Book recommendations are provided by the Library of Congress. If you like this tale, then read Cinderella by The Brothers Grimm.

I, myself, am a huge fan of the fairy tales. I like Hans Christian Anderson and the Grimm Brothers. Particularly, the Grimm Fairy Tale Classics cartoon, but that’s another story.