Author Archives: Stewart Norton
Slimed Teaches You Nickelodeon’s History
As a huge fan of 90s Nickelodeon, I was excited to read the new book Slimed: An Oral History of Nickelodeon’s Golden Age, written by Matthew Klickstein. The book details the ups and downs of Nickelodeon from the 1980s and 1990s. It covers everything from starting the first kids network in 1979 to creating original programming.
One thing that surprised me is that the book chapters are in interview form rather than like a biography. The titles of each chapter represent the question that are answered by many former Nickelodeon cast and crew; some of which include actors Melissa Joan Hart, Kenan Thompson, and Michelle Trachtenberg as well as creators Craig Bartlett (Hey Arnold), Jim Jinkins (Doug), and D.J. MacHale (Are You Afraid of the Dark?). Since I associate Nickelodeon as a network for children, some “colorful” language in the book took me by surprise.
The Opportunities for Ms. Brown and the M&M’s Brand
On February 5th 2012, during SuperBowl XLVI, a new M&Ms commercial was shown. In it a new character was introduced: Ms. Brown, who is voiced by former Miss America Vanessa Williams.
So was adding Ms. Brown a good idea?
Before Ms. Brown was introduced, the only female character in the group was the flirtatious Ms. Green. In Ms. Brown’s debut commercial, it was clever that they played with the aspect that she looked “naked” compared to the other M&Ms.
Introducing Our Newest Blogger: Stewart Norton
I have a degree in advertising. Therefore, I enjoy watching the SuperBowl more for the commercials. I am a huge fan of nostalgia, especially everything from 90s Nickelodeon.
Some current shows that I like are The Biggest Loser, The Celebrity Apprentice, Family Guy (and the other Fox animated sitcoms), South Park, and anything with Gordon Ramsey.
I also am fond of Nintendo, especially Mario Bros., and Pokemon as well as Pixar and Toy Story.
Nickelodeon Brings Figure It Out Back
Nickelodeon’s Figure It Out has been brought back into production, much to the excitement and dismay of 90s kids everywhere. New episodes will start airing next month with current Nick stars, such as Victoria Justice, Big Time Rush, and Jeanette McCurdy.
Here is the promo for the new version:
For those unfamiliar with the show, it’s What’s My Line? meets Nickelodeon. Celebrities, mostly from Nickelodeons shows, guess the unique talents of the kid contestants. The panelists have to ask the contestant yes or no questions hoping that they get a little closer to the hidden talent. In every round the panelists are given clues to help them. The longer it takes panelists to “Figure it Out”, the more prizes the kid wins. If the panelists never guess the kid’s talent, the kid wins the grand prize.
While the show may not be remembered as well as other Nick game shows such as Double Dare or Legends of the Hidden Temple. Figure It Out is very much a Nickelodeon show with a large fan base.
The new version of the show looks promising; despite the absence of original host Summer Sanders. Hopefully, there will be a shout out to the original Figure It Out. It is unlikely to happen, but fans of the 1997 version will keep their fingers crossed for an appearance from Kenan Thompson or Amanda Bynes.
Enjoy your walk down memory lane 90s kids!
Wait! What's A Dial? 