Miss Piggy Shares Secrets for Wooing Men

Muppet diva Miss Piggy recently sat down to share some of her secrets on winning and wooing men with the world. Heat Magazine's HeatWorld.com posted an exclusive video from the pig yesterday. The clip is filled with helpful tips and priceless gems like "love means never having to say sorry" and why you shouldn't waste your time with "penniless twits". This video clip features a straight-talking pig and is filled with sincere and warm-hearted advice (although a little misguided). You can check out the video clip below, or surf over and catch it on Heatworld.com by clicking here.

Updates from Around the Web -- Podcasting in October

The web has been busy with new audio and video updates from all your favorite Muppet podcasts. Here's a quick update on all the major Muppet-related podcasts on the net.

The official Jim Henson Company podcast is continuing to run strong. In the latest installment of the podcast, Grant Baciocco shares his exclusive and in-depth interview with Bobby Vegan, the star of the upcoming Henson television series "Tinseltown". The 17-minute episode, which was posted yesterday, gives listeners an entertaining and informative look at the star of the new "Henson Alternative" television project. Other recent episodes of the podcast feature excerpts from the Jim Henson's Fantastic World panel discussion held at the Arkansas Arts Center and an exclusive chat with the Henson Company interns. You can check out the Henson.com podcast archives for all the past episodes – and be sure to subscribe to get all the lastest episodes as soon as they are posted (they seem to be appearing on a bi-weekly basis).

Sesame Workshop has been continuing their weekly video podcasts. This week's podcast features Zoe, Murray and Ellen Degeneres in a collection of clips focusing on the word "ballet". Earlier this month episodes focused on such words as "Pumpernickle", "lazy" and "dogs" and included such guests as Conan O'Brien and Rachel Ray. So be sure to subscribe to the podcast and check each Tuesday for a new video installment of the Sesame Street Podcast.

Aside from their podcast, earlier this month Sesame Workshop released some brand-new productions to iTunes as part of their "Learn Along with Sesame" series. Two brand-new half-hour specials were released - "Learning is Everywhere" and "The Get Healthy Now Show". Along with newly released "Panwapa", the collection holds 9 original videos (more than 4-hours of original content). Sesame Workshop also launched a Spanish translation of the collection entitled "Aprende con Sesame" earlier this month. All the videos in the "Learn Along with Sesame" collection are completely free (but international fans beware, these are only available via the US iTunes Store).

The Skrumps are also continuing to post new videos on Yahoo! Kids. In a new batch of videos Skrumpy has some fun with his hidden camera. Three new videos were added earlier this week, so be sure to check them out. You can also enjoy all of the great Skrump videos – from the cheeseburger incident and the origins of Grumblebelly to discussions of dreams and Raisin's hidden camera, there is a lot to enjoy (there are now more than 20 exclusive videos available for your viewing pleasure).

And our pal Steve Swanson over at The MuppetCast has been busy as well. Aside from launching a recently redesigned website, the show just posted its 28th episode on Sunday. Recent episodes have included interviews with puppet builder James Wojtal, and Palisades' action figure sculptor Bill Mancuso; plus outstanding audio from the panel discussion at this summer's "Muppets, Music & Magic" event in Long Island. Steve crams a lot of content into each weekly installment of the podcast, so be sure to check out check out all the fun going on in each episode over at MuppetCast.com.

Links

The Henson.com Podcast

The Sesame Street Podcast

"Learn Along with Sesame" on iTunes

"The Skumps" on Yahoo! Kids

The MuppetCast

An Interview with TOKYOPOP's Tim Beedle

Adding our collection of exclusive interviews, we are proud to present a special question-and-answer session with TOKYOPOP's editor Tim Beedle.

Back in 2005, The Jim Henson Company announced that they were teaming up with TOKYOPOP to produce original graphic novels based on two of Henson's beloved fantasy films - The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. The first installment of the highly-anticipated "Return to Labyrinth" manga was released in last year, and the second volume hit stores earlier this month. The first volume of the "Legends of the Dark Crystal" series, entitled "The Garthim Wars", will be released on November 13th.

Tim Beedle serves as the editor of both of these Henson-based manga series. Tim has been leading the team on "Legends of the Dark Crystal" since the beginning and he recently came to helm the "Return to Labyrinth" series as well. Tim was able to shares some great behind-the-scenes insights and gives readers a "sneak peak" at what they can expect to see in these graphic novels. You can find the interview in our article section, or you can jump to it directly via the link below.

We would like to extend a great big "thank you" to Tim for taking the time to answer our questions and give the fans an inside "scoop" on these exciting extensions of the worlds of Jim Henson.

- An interview with Tim Beedle -

Henson's "Tinseltown" Pilot is on Logo's Schedule

Last week I gave you the full inside scoop on "Tinseltown", The Jim Henson Company's new adult-oriented sitcom staring Brian Henson, Bill Barratta, Mia Sara and Paul Butcher. Well, I am very happy to report that the pilot episode of this groundbreaking series is now on Logo’s schedule... and it will be airing next week!

The "Tinseltown" pilot is currently set to premiere on Logo on Friday, November 2, 2007 (check your local listings for details) -- although there is no word yet on when more episodes will be airing. And for those without access to Logo on your TV, starting on Monday, November 5th, you'll be able to watch the entire pilot on Logos’ website AlienBootCamp.com.

So there you go -- mark your calendars, and get ready to meet Bobby, Samson and the rest of the crazy characters living in Tinseltown. I will be sure to keep you updated with more on this exciting new Henson program as things develop.

Frog or No Frog

Kermit the Frog is set to make a very special appearance on the hit NBC game show "Deal or No Deal". I've been told that Kermit's guest spot is currently set to air on Friday, November 9, 2007 at 8pm (check local listings for details). The world famous amphibian will appear alongside Howie Mandel as contestants are confronted with those infamous 26 sealed briefcases full of cash - ranging from a measly penny to $1 million.

So mark you calendar, set that VCR or program your TiVo -- and be sure to tune in to catch this special Muppet appearance on "Deal or No Deal".

Tinseltown Show and Cast Information

It has been almost a year since I first reported on "Tinseltown", a new television program from The Jim Henson Company. The series is part of the company's new Henson Alternative brand of adult-audience puppet projects. Henson fans have been craving more information on this project and I have been able to get some exclusive show and casting information from an insider connected to the project!

As you may know, The Henson Company started shopping the project around in 2006 after producing a five-minute presentation tape for the project; and in July 2007 in was announced that the project was being produced for the Logo cable television network. The Jim Henson Company showed a sample of the project at the 2007 Comic-Con International convention in San Diego. The presentation was a big hit with the audience.

The puppet sitcom centers around a homosexual couple - Bobby Vegan (a pig) and Samson Knight (a bull) – as they work to balance their careers, relationship, family and lives in Hollywood. Bobby is a struggling entertainer whose best days are probably behind him. He is a very outspoken individual, and occasionally finds himself in embarrassing situations due to reckless "self-medicating" to deal with stressful situations. Luckily, his understanding and supportive life-partner and soul mate Samson, who also happens to be Bobby's manager, is there for every storm. These two puppets also have family issues to deal with, as the couple has a 13-year-old human foster son named Foster. There are also issues with Lena, an ex-wife; and Arturo, a limo driver and masseuse. Everyone in the show is a real person except for Bobby and Samson – those two are puppets.

This project continues Henson's long tradition of celebrating diversity with a talented cast and crew coming together to create a unique and entertaining groups of characters. Brain Henson and Bill Barretta are producing, writing, directing and staring in the series. Tinseltown is being produced by Henson and Barretta, along with Del Shores and Eric Poticha. Writers for the series include Henson, Barretta and Shores.

Bill Barretta performs Bobby Vegan (with Michelan Sisti assisting); while Samson is brought to life by Brian Henson (with Drew Massey assisting). The role of the Lena, the ex-wife, is being played by Mia Sara ("Ferris Bueller’s Day Off", "Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story"); while Paul Butcher ("Zoey 101") is taking on the role of Foster; and Francesco Quinn ("Platoon") will be portraying Arturo. The puppet characters were designed by Gene Barretta and music for the series was composed by Jeff Sudakin.

The series will be airing on Logo, a cable television channel from MTV Networks that focuses on gay and lesbian programming. If you don't get Logo where you live, you might want to contact your local cable or satellite provider and let them know you want it.

And if you’re wondering why Henson decided to do a show about a male couple - Brian Henson joked at Comic-Con that one of the main reason was because he can't do female voices. The Jim Henson Company says they will be ready to announce the roll-out schedule for the show very soon; and more details on the series and its release are expected to accompany the official announcement. I’ll keep you posted as soon more details are released.

Muppet DVDs Sweep TV DVD Nominations - But Need Your Help to Win!

The DVD sets of "The Muppet Show", "Fraggle Rock", "Dinosaurs" and the Muppet-filled first season of "Saturday Night Live" have all been honored with nominations in the fourth annual TV DVD Awards - but they'll need your help to win!

The TV DVD Awards are a prestigious industry award honoring the best in television shows on DVD. A blue ribbon panel of judges rated each release of the past year; and has selected the slate of nominees based on their overall DVD treatment, including program content, bonus materials and packaging. More than 160 submissions were considered – with only the top four in each of 17 categories coming out on top.

The ultimate winners of the award, however, are based on an online consumer vote. The polls opened today and will close on October 26th; the winners will be announced on November 12 during a big gala dinner and reception. So please, support the DVDs you love and take a few minutes to surf over to the voting site and rock vote!

"Fraggle Rock: Complete Third Season" was nominated in the "Best 1980s Series" category. "The Muppet Show: Season 2" gained two nominations – one for "Best 1970s Series" and another for "Best Children's Series". Additionally, "Dinosaurs: The Complete Third and Fourth Seasons" was also nominated for "Best Children's Series" and "Saturday Night Live – The Complete First Season" was also nominated for "Best 1970s Series". For a full list of the categories and nominees check out the press release at TVShowsOnDVD.com.

The TV DVD Awards are presented by Home Media Magazine in cooperation with TVShowsOnDVD.com, DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group and The Hollywood Reporter.

So what are you waiting for? Go and support for your favorite Muppet and Henson DVDs. Go vote now!

Go to the Voting Site!

Welcome to Panwapa Island!

Earlier today Sesame Workshop launched a world-wide video initiative entitled Panwapa. The brand-new video program and support material aim to celebrate cultural diversity and build global understanding. Panwapa (which in the Tshiluba language means "here on this earth") aims to foster a foundation for global citizenship and community in children around the world. The new series features an original group of Muppet characters - including Azibo, Athena and Baabra.

Gary E. Knell, President and CEO of Sesame Workshop, spoke of the new program stating: "Sesame Workshop has provided children with tools they need to reach their highest potential for over 37 years utilizing all forms of media. Panwapa is a groundbreaking program that will help children to develop an understanding of their culture, an appreciation for differences and similarities of others, and a passion for the people, issues and ideas that help to shape our world."

Panwapa includes a full-length video staring the new Muppet characters of Panwapa Island. At the center of the Panwapa initiative is an interactive website located at Panwapa.com. Visitors can virtually travel the world, watch special Panwapa videos, build their multilingual vocabulary skills, collect Panwapa Cards, and explore cultures around the world.

Also beginning today, the full Panwapa video program is being release through iTunes at no charge; and starting in January 2008 Panwapa will be available for free via PBS KIDS Sprout’s video-on-demand service. Additionally, a DVD of the Panwapa program along with supplement materials will be distributed in special educational kits to schools and other educational resource centers in the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Jordan and Mexico. These kits include a Panwapa DVD, a companion magazine, a board game, and a specialized world map. All of Panwapa's content is (currently) being made available in Arabic, English, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish.

For more information check out Sesame Workshop's full press release and caregiver information page; and be sure to meet the Muppets of Panwapa Island at Panwapa.com.

Muppet Comic in Disney Adventures

A while back it was reported that comic artist Roger Langridge was working on a Muppet comic strip for Disney Adventures Magazine. The strip was going to debut in December; however shortly after work began on the comic Disney announced that the entire magazine would be shutting down after the November 2007 issue.

One of Langridge's Muppet comics has been released just before Disney Adventures shut their doors. The full-page comic spread features a somewhat poetic look at comedy act of the legendary Fozzie Bear. The Muppet strip can be found in the final issue of Disney Adventures (cover date "November 2007") which is on newsstands now. So you’ll want to be sure to check out the latest, and last, issue of Disney Adventures and enjoy Langridges's artful and endearing interpretation of the Muppet characters.

Langridge had stated that he had completed three Muppet strips (a "Pigs in Space" adventure, an "At the Dance" scene and the Fozzie Bear comedy act) prior to the magazine, and the comics, getting the axe. It’s unknown if the public will ever get to see the remaining two strips, but I'll be sure to keep you updated if anything surfaces.

The Skrumps Caught on Hidden Camera

The Skrumps stike back with three new videos on Yahoo! Kids. See what Raisins caught on her hidden camera - and then hear Skrumpy and Wishbone try to explain their side of the story. The three new videos were posted yesterday, so be sure to check out The Skrumps on Yahoo! Kids and enjoy all of the great Skrump videos (there are now 17 clips available). I’ll keep you posted with more news from Skrumpland as things develop.

Visit The Skrumps on Yahoo! Kids

Sesame Video to Aid Families of Injured Veterans

Sesame Workshop announced plans today for their latest educational resource video production. The special video production, part of the "Talk, Listen, Connect" program, is designed to help military families in dealing with the serious issues that affect the children of injured military veterans.

More than a million children have parents who are in the military and have been deployed in the last six years; and last year Sesame Workshop produced a special video designed to help military families coping with the strains of deployment. Today more than 18,000 military personnel in Iraq or Afghanistan have been wounded or injured seriously enough to be evacuated; and Sesame Workshop is aiming to give support to families that have to deal with these realities of military service.

In the new production, Muppet monster Rosita struggles to cope when her father, Ricardo, comes home in a wheelchair. The video will feature Rosita and her parents; along with Elmo and his "military dad", Louie Monster.

Sesame Workshop will distribute the video later this year to military families, and will also make the video resource available, for free, via the web.

For more information on this project, and for a behind the scene sneek-peek of the filming, check out this Associated Press video report (courtesy of Yahoo! News). I'll keep you updated as more information on this, and other Sesame Street projects, surface.