The Muppet Year in Review, 2013

Ryan Dosier - Greetings Muppet fans! Here we are again, New Year's Eve. 2013 is ending and 2014 is heading our way. But before we get there, it's our annual tradition to take a look at the past 12 months and see how they treated the Muppets, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and more! Let's get started, shall we?

January - 

• Jan. 9, Tina Fey confirmed for The Muppets... Again! - Who else could play a Russian prison guard?!
• Jan. 14 - The Muppets... Again given official release date: March 21, 2014 - Spring with the Muppets! What could be better?
• Jan. 18, The Muppet Mindset interviews John Tartaglia - There are few people better than good ol' Johnny T.
• Jan. 20, Filming officially begins on The Muppets... Again! - Boy, I hope that title doesn't change!
• Jan. 30, The first publicity for The Muppets... Again! surfaces - Ricky Gervais! Bret McKenzie! So much more!

February -

• Feb. 2, Sesame Street parodies Downton Abbey - Yet somehow, the Countess von Backwards did not play the Dowager Countess.
• Feb. 4, Davide Maugeri's fan-made Dinosaurs animated video debuts - It stars the Baby, gotta love it!
• Feb. 22, Big Bird teams up with First Lady Michelle Obama for a Get Healthy initiative - Big Bird is so svelt for an 8 foot 2 inch yellow bird.
• Feb. 24, The Muppets predict the Oscar winners - In a shocking turn, Floyd Pepper's choice of Argo won--Animal was not pleased.

March -

• March 1, Louise Gold and Annie Sue revealed to be returning for The Muppets... Again! - Bringing the golden afro back in style.
• March 7, Awesome on-set photos from The Muppets... Again! escape online - Kermit at the tower of London for a wedding? Somebody tell the pig.
• March 21, The Muppet Madness Tournament begins - Oh boy, I hope Sir Didymus wins!
• March 24, Tom Hiddleston filmed a cameo for The Muppets... Again! - Let's hope he keeps it... Loki. Ahh! Wocka! Wocka!

April -

• April 2, Jane Henson passed away - We miss you, Jane. Thank you so much for everything.
• April 5, Usher announced for a cameo in The Muppets... Again! - He'll Usher in a new age of Muppets. Or something.
• April 11, John Tartaglia begins performing Gobo Fraggle - He really nailed it, eh?
• April 13, The Muppet Mindset interviews Arianne Gallagher, who visited the set of The Muppets... Again! - Did you know that the Muppets... are puppets?!
• April 20, Muppet Bobbleheads announced - Finally, a Dr. Teeth bobblehead for the working man.
• April 27, Frank Langella announced for a cameo in The Muppets... Again! - Was he Frost or Nixon?

May -

• May 3, Danny Trejo and Ray Liotta announced for cameos in The Muppets... Again! - Wait, haven't we seen them in our Muppet movies before?
• May 15, Armando announced as the newest Sesame Street human cast member - Better than Armadillo, right?
• May 17, Ryan Dosier visits the set of The Muppets... Again! - And I still can't talk about it!
• May 24, The Jim Henson Gallery announced for New York City's Museum of the Moving Image - Oscar, Gobo, Miss Piggy, and Mayor Bloomberg make the announcement--which one is not a a Muppet, again?
• May 30, The Muppets... Again! Cameo Rundown begins - So many cameos, so little time!

June -

• June 1, Series 3 of The Muppets Vinylmation revealed - Uncle Deadly? Beauregard? Newsman? What year is this?!
• June 7, Ryan Dillon begins performing Elmo - And he's fantastic.
• June 13, The Muppets rumored for a Broadway run - Broadway! Broad-way, Broad-way!!!
• June 14, The Muppets... Again! renamed Muppets Most Wanted - Well now I'm confused.
• June 16, Sesame Street wins seven Daytime Emmy Awards - Sewen! Sewen awards! Ah! Ah! Ah!
• June 21, The phone application "My Muppets Show" debuts on iPhone - Now you can have your own Pepe!
• June 30, James Carrol's Electric Mayhem print revealed - Rock. On.

July -

• July 20, Disney Channel releases videos from on set of Muppets Most Wanted - Featuring Disney stars I've never heard of.
• July 25, Kermit and Miss Piggy welcome the Royal Baby - And Piggy tries to steal its crown..

August - 

• Aug. 6, The Teaser Trailer for Muppets Most Wanted debuts online - It's coming!!
• Aug. 8, Ryan Dosier reviews Jim Henson: The Biography - You guys, it's, like, so good.
• Aug. 10, Tons of Muppets Most Wanted news comes out of D23 Expo - Ty Burrell's tiny car!
• Aug. 12, The Muppet Movie is released on Blu-ray - It's so blue, ray!
• Aug. 21, Kermit and Steve Martin play "Dueling Banjos" - Strum it, frog.

September - 

• Sept. 5, Red and Mokey Fraggle appear at DragonCon - This is the first time Mokey Fraggle has been performed by Kathryn Mullen since 1990.
• Sept. 17, The Muppet Mindset interviews Dave Goelz - And thus, Ryan Dosier's head exploded.
• Sept. 24, Jim Henson: The Biography is released - The best piece of Muppet merchandise in 2013.
• Sept. 24, The Henson family donates over 20 Muppets to the Smithsonian - Finally, a J.P. Grosse exhibit!
• Sept. 25, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots play with the Sesame Street gang - Pretty sure Questlove and Grover are kindred souls.
• Sept. 26, Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch appear on The Colbert Report - Brought to you by the Letter T for truthiness.

October -

• Oct. 1, Expert Muppet engineer Faz Fazakas passes away - He gave the Muppets amazing life.
• Oct. 10, Brian Jay Jones visits The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - Can't beat that!
• Oct. 15, Brian Jay Jones and Frank Oz appear on Today - But... that wasn't today?
• Oct. 17, Lady Gaga & The Muppets Holiday Spectacular announced for Thanksgiving - I'm sure this won't be awkward and terrible!
• Oct. 29, First poster for Muppets Most Wanted revealed - Isn't Photoshop amazing?

November -

• Nov. 1, Sesame Street airs brilliant tribute to Count von Count and Jerry Nelson - One, one amazing episode.
• Nov. 14, Oscar the Grouch meets Grumpy Cat - They both hated it.
• Nov. 16, The Muppet Mindset joins Instagram - And we still don't understand Throwback Thursday.
• Nov. 19, Our sister site, The Mickey Mindset, launches - As Mickey would say: "Oh, boy!"
• Nov. 20, Three distinct trailers for Muppets Most Wanted debut - That's my most wanted day!
• Nov. 22, Sesame Street parodies The Hunger Games: Catching Fire with Cookie Monster - My heart caught fire with joy!
• Nov. 28, Lady Gaga & The Muppets Holiday Spectacular airs on ABC - Thank goodness for Kristen Bell.

December - 

• Dec. 5, The first ever Muppisode debuts with Gordon Ramsay vs. The Swedish Chef - It put me in the food mood!
• Dec. 10, The Great Muppet Caper and Muppet Treasure Island released on Blu-ray - The two most similar Muppet movies, for sure.
• Dec. 18, Cookie Monster appears on Michael Buble's Christmas special - Surprise, he ate cookies.
• Dec. 26, Caroll Spinney turns 80 years old - He doesn't look a day over amazing.

Well there you have it, Muppet fans: 2013! We're so glad we got to spend this year spreading Muppet joy and happiness with you. And now with 2014 on the way, we're going to get Muppets Most Wanted, Season 45 of Sesame Street, the fifth anniversary of The Muppet Mindset, and so much more. I know I can't wait! Happy New Year, Muppet fans! See you in 2014!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

The Great Muppet Survey - Steven Hayes

Answers from Steven Hayes

1.   Who are your three favorite characters from The Muppet Show, Muppets Tonight, The Jim Henson Hour, the Muppet movies, etc. and why?
My all-time favorite Muppet character is Rowlf the Dog. He is tremendously versatile as a performer. Rowlf can go from moments of deep reflection and warmth to moments of pure hilarity. If Rowlf is featured prominently in any Muppet production, it is worth watching. My second would be Gonzo because he brings the insanity to the group, and my third would be Fozzie because he has great comedic timing.

2.   Who are your three favorite characters from Sesame Street and why?
Ernie/Bert (as one choice!), Grover, and Cookie Monster because they all have this timeless quality about them and have such well-developed personalities. I think everyone in America has such great memories of these characters from their childhood.

3.   Who are your three favorite characters from Fraggle Rock and why?
Boober, Wembley, and Sprocket because I feel like they filled so much of the comic relief in the show.

4.   What is your favorite television program starring any of Jim Henson's creations (e.g. The Muppet Show,Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, Dinosaurs, etc.) and why?
"The Muppet Show" is the best Muppet television production ever hands-down. It had it all--comedy, music, craziness, and special guest stars.  The writing was tremendous and it put the emphasis exactly where it needed to be - on character development.

5.   What is your favorite Muppet movie and why?
"The Muppet Movie" because I think it really took "Muppet Mania" to the next level. The story and music have become classic.

6. What is your favorite Muppet/Sesame/Fraggle song and why?
This is a tough one.  I'm going with "Turn the World Around" from the Harry Belafonte episode of "The Muppet Show." You can tell how much everyone was enjoying the song because it played through the end credits of the show. The special Muppets that were designed from the look of African masks were incredible.

7.   If you could have dinner with any living Muppet performer who would you choose and why?
Considering that he still performs his characters, I would probably choose Dave Goelz because of his rich history in working with the Muppets for decades.

8.   If you could tell Jim Henson one thing, what would it be?
Thank you for providing me with lots of great memories and for helping to inspire my creative potential.

9.   If the President called you and asked to discuss Muppet projects, what would you tell him was the "Greatest Muppet Moment of All Time"?
The greatest Muppet moment is Kermit playing the banjo in the swamp at the beginning of "The Muppet Movie." It is iconic.

10.   What's the name of that song?
I don't remember.

11.   If a judge ruled that Grover had to be your personal assistant for a month, what jobs would you have him do?
I wouldn't have him bring me anything, because he always returns with the incorrect item. I would just use him for help in counting to ten and getting my letters of the alphabet in the correct order.

12.   In your opinion, what is the worst Muppet production ever made?
The worst Muppet production ever made is "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz." There are so many problems with this one--no memorable songs, weak story, casting Ashanti as Dorothy, too much adult humor, being based on the original novel instead of the more-familiar movie version, and Rowlf's screen time was maybe five seconds with no spoken dialogue. That is a recipe for disaster.

13.   Who is one celebrity you would love to see cameo in the next Muppet movie? 
I would love to see a return appearance of Steve Martin because his cameo in "The Muppet Movie" was the best.

14.   If you could have your picture taken with any Muppet, who would it be and how would you pose? 
I would be photographed with Rowlf at the piano of course.


15.   What is your favorite piece of Muppet merchandise that you own? (Feel free to include a picture!)
My original Kermit Fisher-Price puppet has a lot of memories for me so it has the most sentimental value, but the Palisades action figure line is the best series of Muppet toys ever produced.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

What Muppet Fans Got for Christmas 2013, Part 2

We're back with more Muppety gifts that Muppet fans got for Christmas this year. It was a very Muppet Christmas for quite a few people, it seems!

Darrin Granter also got two new Muppet Christmas ornaments...

Ed Carol got some awesome Dr. Teeth and Fozzie Bear pillows from The Retro Inc...

Jayden Libran got Muppet pajama pants, an Animal doll with Animal blanket, Sam the Eagle with Gonzo Star Wars figures, and an Oscar shirt...

Reese Scott got a heap of Muppet stuff including Muppet bobbleheads and some rare Muppet Palisades figures...

Megan in Winipeg received Muppets Monopoly, two rare Palisades figures, Muppet Star Wars figures, and more...

Andrew Smith got a warm and cozy Kermit onesie...

Erick Garcia was lucky enough to open up an Animal Master Replicas photo puppet...

Finally, Macy Ball received Jim Henson: The Biography, a Kermit Ty Beanie Buddy, a homemade Kermit infinity scarf, and John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together on CD...

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

What Muppet Fans Got for Christmas, 2013: Part 1

Every year we like to ask Muppet fans about their Muppet related Christmas gifts. I look forward to seeing great pictures and reading great stories about the Muppety presents. So without any further ado...

Frederic Fontus got a huge pile of awesome Muppet stuff...

Meredith Cummings received a copy of Jim Henson: The Works...

Lisa Garbato's son Michael, who loves all things Muppets and Jim Henson, received a new Muppet Whatnot...

Lucy Parat got a Dr. Teeth bobblehead and a neat Muppet mug...

Darrin Granter received a Kermit keychain/watch and a host of other Muppet stuff...

Brendan Gallagher was lucky enough to get some Palisades Toys Muppet figures...

Anne Wassman received an amazing autographed photo of John Denver and the Muppets...

Finally, Becca Kirker's beautiful 11 month old daughter received a Murray plush, all of the Muppet movies on DVD, and the complete Fraggle Rock collection. Without a doubt the most adorable picture we've ever been submitted!

Special thanks to everyone who submitted pictures! Submit your Muppet Christmas presents to muppetmindset@gmail.com





The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

Happy 80th Birthday, Caroll Spinney!

Our favorite Christmas carol of all didn't first come around until the day after Christmas... Caroll Spinney, the man who has brought life to Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch for 44 years, turns 80 years old today! I was lucky enough to have met Caroll (and Oscar) last year, and it's just such an honor to say I know this incredibly amazing man--this true living legend. Thank you, Caroll Spinney for everything. We love you!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

Merry Christmas, Muppet Fans!

Merry Christmas, Muppet fans! All of us here at The Muppet Mindset wish you and yours a very merry, very bright Christmas Day full of joy, laughter, and love. As we celebrate this Christmas, remember these words of wisdom...

Careful of the icy patch...

Light the lamp, not the rat...

Ding-dong, you're wrong...

and, of course...

Bless us all, that as we live, we always comfort and forgive. We reach for you, and we stand tall, and in our prayers and dreams we ask you bless us all...

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD DAY, NIGHT, AND WEEK!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

The Great Muppet Survey - Ryan Dosier's Christmas Edition

Today we have a different sort of Great Muppet Survey. Since Christmas is coming in just a few short days, we thought it would be nice to share some answers from our head-honcho Ryan Dosier that are Christmas-related, since the Muppets have done spread so much holiday cheer over the years.

Christmas Answers from Ryan Dosier

1.   What is your favorite Christmas production starring The Muppet Show family of characters and why?
This is such a tough question for me, because I absolutely adore both A Muppet Family Christmas and The Muppet Christmas Carol. But now I'm wondering if A Muppet Family Christmas even counts in this category, since it has everybody. But anyway... Family Christmas is fun, funny, and simply incredible. Christmas Carol is funny, dark, musical, and impressive. It's so hard to choose. I'm gonna stick with both.

2.   What is your favorite Christmas production starring the Sesame Street family of characters and why?
Hands down it's Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. Very little can touch the innocence, magic, and heartfelt performances in this special. Big Bird, Oscar, Grover, Cookie Monster, Bert, Ernie, Bob, Mr. Hooper... everyone is at their very best in this special. It's so hard not to love every inch of Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. It's vintage Sesame at its absolute finest. Plus, original songs "Keep Christmas With You" and "True Blue Miracle" will keep you singing all through the year.

3.   What is your favorite Christmas production starring the Henson family of characters and why?
Once again this is an easy choice for me, because Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas is far and away my favorite. Little can touch the charm, the wonder, the innocence, the beauty, and the pure magic of this little special. Jerry Nelson's performance here as Emmet is unmatched, but all of the Muppet performers were on top of their games here. They really gave their all to this production. Also giving his all was the unmatched Muppet muse Paul Williams, who probably gave his best work in this special. "Barbecue," "Our World/Brothers," "Riverbottom Nightmare Band," and, obviously "When the River Meets the Sea" are all masterpieces.

4.   What is your favorite Muppet Christmas song?
Ooh... such a hard choice. Probably "It Feels Like Christmas," which I can never get enough of. But "Bless Us All," the John Denver/Muppets "Twelve Days of Christmas," and Kermit's rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" are very close to the top.

5.   What is your favorite Sesame Christmas song?
"Keep Christmas With You (All Through the Year)" tops my list. But I have a special place in my heart for Bert and Ernie's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Blue Christmas" as sung by Grover, Cookie Monster, and Herry Monster.

6.   What is your favorite Henson Christmas song?
"When the River Meets the Sea" is my absolute favorite. In fact, I made this question just so I could mention that song. It's one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard.

7.   What is one Muppet/Sesame/Henson related gift you would love to receive this year?
What do you get the Muppet fan who has everything? More shelf space. But really, I'd very much like a Fraggle Rock t-shirt from Threadless. Fingers crossed that Santa is reading!

8.   Which Muppet character would make the best Santa Claus?
We've seen Cookie Monster, Bobo, Oscar, Kermit, Two-Headed Monster, and so many others take a turn as Santa, but I think the best Muppet Santa would be Dr. Teeth. He's got the perfect build! How has this not happened yet?!

9.   Which Muppet character would you most like to receive a Christmas card from?
I think a Christmas card from Grover would be pretty entertaining... or Fozzie. But I think the very best would come from Gonzo. Can you imagine reading that Christmas letter?

10.   Would you rather eat fruitcake or The Swedish Chef's shredded wheat and cranberry sauce?
Swedish Chef's dish all the way. Aunt Helen's fruitcake has got nothing on the Chef.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com