Next week, during the normal course of the show, we will observe the day that Jim Henson passed away. The actual date is May 16, which is Saturday, so spend a little time watching your favorite episode of a Henson production, or maybe your favorite Muppet film. I encourage you to call or write with your special memories and messages for inclusion on next week’s show. I’m not planning on doing a special “tribute episode” as we have done in the past, mostly because I believe what we’ve already done serves as such a fitting tribute in and of itself. Then again, if I’m bombarded with your Henson remembrances, I may have no choice! We’ll see what happens.

In Muppetology, we remember actor Dom DeLuise as he passed away last week. DeLuise was a very talented comedic actor and loved collaborating with folks like Mel Brooks and Burt Reynolds. He also appeared twice with the Muppets, once as Bernie the agent (named in tribute to Bernie Brillstein, Henson’s longtime agent), and again in the second season of The Muppet Show. You’ll hear both appearances in the show.

Listener David Blain sent a link to the first appearance of Little Muppet Monsters. The Monsters appeared as inserted pieces in the Muppet Babies cartoons for a short time.

Michelle G. sent a link to the new Hallmark keepsake ornament – the Swedish Chef! Fans will love this one, illustrating a great Chef moment being held at gunpoint by the lobster banditos.

Look for an official Sesame Workshop book full of photos and memories of the past 40 years of Sesame Street to be released around early November 2009. You can go ahead and pre-order the book if you like. I still can’t believe it’s been 40 years!

Check out The MuppetCast Flickr Page for some new pics sent in by listener Robin! She and her family visited Sea World San Diego last year just before their Sesame-themed Bay of Play area opened to the public. Sesame Street characters were already out and about, though, taking pictures with kids and singing and dancing.

Alma sent a YouTube link to Part 1 of the Sesame special “Don’t Eat The Pictures: Sesame Street at the Metropolitan Museum of Art“. This is from the early 1980s. Once you view the YouTube page for part 1 you’ll see the links to parts 2-8. You can watch the whole thing!

Check out our friends at The Muppet News Flash and ToughPigs for outstanding Muppet news coverage and commentary!

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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              614-364-4270      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Even better, stop by the Muppet Central Forums and discuss this and many other episodes with Muppet fans worldwide. Follow the show on Twitter and join the Facebook page too!

Have a great week!

-Steve