Today would have been Jim Henson's 73rd birthday

[BuelahWitch]

I was watching an old Muppet Show on DVD earlier today by coincidence. Hard to believe that all three networks turned him down when he tried to sell it to them. Turned out to be their loss.
Another coincidence: the man who "took over" as Kermit was also born on Sept. 24th. He's 50 today.

[Pool Hall Ace]

1. It seems to me, I recall reading that

one of Jim's University of Maryland professors told him that his muppets were stupid (or something to that effect). I can't find it online, though.

Like Jim, I'm a University of Maryland grad, too. Happy Birthday, Jim! O8)

[BuelahWitch]

2. It wouldn't surprise me

Some people think that puppets have no value other than to entertain children. Henson (and Burr Tillstrom before him) proved them wrong.
I'm about halfway through the book "Street Gang" which has a very good background on all the people who came together to make Sesame Street. That professor probably ate his words sooner than later, as Jim, Jane Henson and their Muppets were making more money than he was very soon after he left school.

[Pool Hall Ace]

3. I am always heartened by stories like that

where people succeed despite some sourpuss telling them otherwise.

[applegrove]

4. The headline on the day he died in the newspaper? "Kermit Croaks".

True story. I cannot remember which newspaper it was though.

[Shell Beau]

5. A legend he is!! And he grew up where I was from!

MS has produced some awesome people! I can't believe he'd be 73. Well, his legend surely lives on.

[Inchworm]

6. With 108 angry countries.. there's bound to be trouble!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14njUwJUg1I

:)

EDIT: Numb3ez

[Blue_Tires]

8. wonderful...thanks for that....

[Moondog]

7. We all lost

something very precious when this man died way too young.

[Bertha Venation]

9. RIP Jim - you gave me lots of joy.

They don't look like Presbyterians to me . . .

[Fire Walk With Me]

10. Wonderful guy, wonderful creations.

RIP, always.