Kevin Clash Update

Kevin Clash (performer of Elmo and others) will release his inspirational autobiography entitled "My Life as a Furry Red Monster" on Tuesday (September 5, 2006). The 208-page book will be in bookstores everywhere this coming week and is a "must read" for any Muppet fan.

Also mark you calendars because Kevin will be appearing on The Today Show on Wednesday (September 6, 2006) to promote the new book.

And since I'm on the topic, I'll mention that Kevin's official book website, KevinClashBook.com, launced earlier this month. The site has more information on Kevin, his book, his career, his life, his upcoming appearances and more . So be sure to check that out too.

Henson Book Nomination Needs Your Vote

It’s Not Easy Being Green and Other Things to Consider, a book of inspirational quotes by Jim Henson (and his characters and friends), has been nominated as a finalist for The Quill Book awards, the industry-qualified “consumers choice” awards program for books.

The Quill Book Awards are the only book awards chosen by consumers (that means you). The voting period is opened today and will run through September 30. So if you loved this great book and the inspiration of Jim Henson, make sure your vote is counted by visiting www.QuillsVote.com and placing your vote. (Look for "It's Not Easy Being Green" under the “Health/Self Improvement” category as well as the “Book of The Year” category). Winners will be announced at an event on October 10, 2006 and the ceremony will be broadcast by NBC on October 28th.

From the Balcony: Episode 31

A latest episode of "Statler and Waldorf: From the Balcony" was posted on Movies.com today. Its an encore presentation of a classic "From the Balcony" episode from way back in 1977. So check a younger Statler and Waldorf, the scoop on "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", an interview with George Lucas (the guy behind that latest space movie), and more. Surf over to the "From the Balcony" website on Movies.com and watch the latest (or not so latest) episode. And be sure to look for the next episode on September 2nd.

Official Henson Podcast!

The Jim Henson Company has just started offering an official Henson Company Podcast. Each podcast is full of short pieces and interviews on all of your favorite Henson projects - from classic projects deep inside vaults to sneak peeks on what’s in development and production. You can also find out what it’s like to work as a puppet builder in the workshop or a performer on a Henson set.

The Henson Podcast is an audio podcast. Like most Podcasts, you can subscribe and new episodes will be downloaded to your computer automatically via iTunes. Or you can just listen via the Henson podcast page -- here.

The first two episodes are up, and include discussion on the 20th anniversary of Labyrinth (with Dave Goelz, Karen Prell, Brian Froud, Wendy Froud, Toby Froud, Mira Velimorivic and Gates McFadden). So be sure to check it out, and subscribe (or keep going back for the new episodes).

Abby Cadabby promotes Sesame Street Season 37

Abby Cadabby, the newest Sesame Street character (performed by Leslie Carrara), is preparing for the press junket. Abby will appear as Person of the Week on "ABC World News Tonight" on Friday (August 11, 2006), and she's set to appear on "The Today Show" on Monday (August 14, 2006). Abby will also appear as part of a "satellite-tour", for many local news stations over the weekend too. So be sure to keep your eyes out for Abby Cadabby, and tune in for the premiere episode of Sesame Street's 37th season on Monday (August 14, 2006) on PBS (check your local listings for times and details).

From the Balcony: Episode 30

A new episode of "Statler and Waldorf: From the Balcony" was posted on Movies.com today. You can see the new "Snakes on a Plane" inspired ripoff, "Birds in the Shower!"; plus learn the meaning of this week's Balconism "HELL-titude". So check out the "From the Balcony" website on Movies.com and watch the latest episode. And be sure to look for the next episode on August 19th.