Measuring the Marigolds, it’s The MuppetCast! Brought to you by our friends at Bell, Book & Comic, this week I’m very happy to present a listener interview with Christy B from Tennessee. Christy just returned from a trip to Walt Disney World, and she has plenty to tell us, not only of her trip in general, but all about Muppet merchandise in the parks. She’ll tell you where it is, how to find it, and how to trade for it. Lots of great information.
Voting for The MuppetCast’s “Make Something Cool” contest runs from July 14 – 21. Look for the Contest Page on MuppetCast.com. Thanks to everyone who participated and submitted entries, they’re all wonderful. Vote for your favorite!
Last week we learned that on July 19 on the Disney Channel you’ll find Studio DC: Almost Live. This week we learn that Muppet writer and friend of the show Jim Lewis consulted on the project. Nice to know that such a close connection to The MuppetCast is involved with such an exciting project.
The Sesame/USO page on MuppetCast.com gives the complete schedule for all appearances of the Sesame Street Experience, the live Sesame event being held on military bases nationwide. I’m not sure if civilians have access to be able to participate in the events, but I think it’s much more geared toward the families the men and women in the Armed Forces.
I’m very happy to say that I’ll kick off the Road Trip season the first weekend in August (I’m anticipating a total of 3 trips this Summer and Fall). I’ll be driving up to New Jersey in August, and could really use some help with gas money! If you have a few spare bucks, I’d appreciate your help in getting me to Jersey and back. Use the Donate button on the right side of the webpage if you’d like to help; I sincerely appreciate it. You won’t be disappointed with what I bring back!
In the news, Charles Aznavour recently received the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to Canada throughout his career as an entertainer. Aznavour summed up his feelings on receiving the award with one word: Love.
Jim Henson’s Fantastic World is now on display at the International Gallery at the Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center in Washington DC. There’s a great website put together by SITES that tells all about the exhibit. Karen Falk, the Jim Henson Company Archivist, talks in an interview about Jim’s life, and what you can expect to see when you visit this amazing exhibit, presented jointly by the Smithsonian SITES and our friends at the Jim Henson Legacy.
Bob McGrath recently received the “Music for Life” award from NAMM, the Nonprofit Association of International Music Products Industry. McGrath is an original cast member of “Sesame Street” who plays the music teacher on the show, and continues to be on the show even now into its 39th season.
It seems so long ago, but Sesame Street’s 10th Anniversary TV special was titled “A Walking Tour of Sesame Street“, hosted by actor James Earl Jones. One listener was gracious enough to send me the audio from that special, and part of it is included in the show. It’s certainly something we’ll have to explore further in the future.
What species is Big Bird? It’s kind of up in the air, really. Email me your opinion this week. Also call the voicemail line and answer this question: If Disney did a 50 States line of pins with a different Muppet for each state, who would be on which state pin? Pick a few and call in with your opinions, and listen for it on next week’s show!
Denver.YourHub.com listed out their top 100 movies this week (in no particular order), and The Muppet Movie, The Great Muppet Caper, and The Muppets Take Manhattan all made the list!
Elizabeth from the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA sent a link to a wonderful video from Georgia Public Broadcasting. It features a few people from the Center itself, along with Bonnie Erickson and Jane Henson. Much of the footage was shot when I was at the Center last September for their 29th anniversary, and I can’t wait to see everyone again this September for the 30th!
A few listeners sent a link to the Muppets re-enacting the Continental Congress, in a video spot from 1982. I didn’t get it in time for last week’s episode, but it’s very much worth the watch. Miss Piggy as George Washington is priceless.
Mental Floss had an idea to do a Quick 10 article on the Muppets, and it got such a huge response that they quickly ran a second article as well! Read them over at MentalFloss.com.
Make sure to visit our friends at the Muppet News Flash and Tough Pigs for more great Muppet-y fun throughout the week.
Questions/Comments can be emailed to me@muppetcast.com, or called into the voicemail line at 614-364-4270. Also, stop by the Muppet Central Forums and say hello! Can’t wait to talk to you there.
Have a great week!
-Steve
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