I really think of people my age as the "Muppet generation." Sure, kids today still watch Sesame street and the muppet movies... but I grew up on the beginnings of it, with the Muppet show at an age I could appreciate it. Most Americans my age recognizes tropes from the muppets, and they are a huge part of our collective mythology. (Imitate Super Grover running, Cookie Monster eating, or Animal playing the drums, we get it.) His death was the first celebrity death that really affected me, and nearly everyone I know.

Laura, I know what you mean. When I was in graduate school at Yale, I never missed "The Muppet Show" which aired on Thursday nights. It was the only TV I watched [I had so little time]. It hit that sweet spot of entertainment kids could enjoy, but also jokes aimed at adults. In many ways cut trail for Pixar. I'm super excited about the new Muppets movie.

[...] It was Jim Henson’s birthday. [...]