The Orlando trip, the New Jersey trip, and a lot more are also covered in my recent blog post.

Lots to talk about, and it’s all here thanks to listeners like you, as well as our friends at Bell, Book & Comic. Life Should Be More Fun!

Special thanks also to Chris “Smig” Smigliano. Check out his work over at ToughPigs.com!

There are many areas of the world where children can benefit from Sesame Street not only as a learning tool for their ABCs, but also to learn about acceptance and tolerance. None more so perhaps than in the Middle East. That’s why there’s a new Sesame International production on the Israeli Hop! TV station, Rehov Sumsum.

Ready for the new Muppet Show comic book? Here’s a very cool interview by Zack Smith at News-a-Rama.com with Muppet Show comic book writer and artist Roger Langridge.

Fans of Stephanie D’Abruzzo will be interested in this article talking about her time on the Street (and the book “Street Gang”). Stephanie’s hubby Craig Shemin will be in Orlando for an Annual Passholder Muppet Speaker Event on March 7!

CNN got Muppet-happy this week! Many people sent me the articles talking about the stories behind certain Muppet characters, and the book review of “Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street”.

Toy company Hasbro and the Jim Henson Company are teaming up to introduce a wide range of toys and games based on Sid the Science Kid. Look for new products to debut in Fall 2009.

American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim recently mentioned Jim Henson in a recent talk given in West Palm Beach. In an evening titled “A Conversation With Stephen Sondheim”, he mentioned that Jim Henson had actually shown interest in making a movie version of his famous musical “Into The Woods”.

Muppet Mania is runnin’ wild (brother!) at the Orange County History Center! The Orlando Sentinel has a few more details to report from the exhibit. One mom also offers her own advice on how to experience it with children of various ages. Call the History Center at (800) 965-2030 or (407) 836-8500 for ticket information.

Questions/Comments about the Muppets or The MuppetCast can be emailed to me@muppetcast.com, or called in to the voicemail line at 614-364-4270. Even better, stop by the Muppet Central Forums and discuss this and many other episodes with Muppet fans worldwide.

Have a great week!

-Steve