I think there was actually some controversy regarding that Muppet, like he was a bad racial stereotype or something. But I also read somewhere that African-American children really liked him, so who knows. I just loved the theme song, with that blue-sphere-headed guy doing the bass counterpart! "Roosevelt Franklin.." "BAH" "Elementary School! Elementary School..."
Cal, thanks for posting this. It was a real labor of love as I wrote on my blog as well as an awesome learning experience. The next step is to do the "real" Sesame Street, which will be a variation of the same model that's under a "real" sun and sky, where the buildings are five stories tall and the sidewalk is not just painted, etc. I can't wait to do that...except I can, actually, since I'm so worn out after finally finishing this "real" (or "unreal"? None of it's "real") version.
Reminds me of a book I saw at Friday's library sale titled "How to get to Sesame Street". You can imagine my disapointment when it turned out to be a story about how much Elmo loves to read and did not contain a map or directions on how to get to Sesame Street. Talk about false advertising!
I theorize that its somewhere in between Shining Time Station and Mister Rogers Neighborhood.
If you're interested in learning more about the behind the scenes of Sesame Street, I highly recommend Carrol Spinney's (the original Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird) autobiography "Street Gang" as it contains a lot of stories about the show's conception, development of the key characters and anecdotes about the various actors.
As I explained in my blog post (which Cal linked to) I actually got to meet Spinney and the rest of the cast when I was a little kid (and my Dad was working for CTW).
There's a full-sized recreation of the set (well, quite a bit of it, anyway) at the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester, NY. It's not as extensive as this, though...but you go there, and you just HAVE to sit on that step.
I know there are tons of posts saying RF was removed due to racial issues, but he also disappeared at the same time Matt Robinson stopped writing for the show... He had already not been Gordon for a few years, so I think perhaps (while it sounds more interesting to say he was taken off due to racial issues) he may have just been retired when his voice/creator left... Sad/unfortunate as it may be... But if Sesame St. is progressive enough to have a Muppet girl sing about loving her hair (who is clearly an African American Muppet and not a purple Muppet who resembles an African American Muppet), then I think there is PLENTY of room for Mr. Franklin's return and eventual over-taking of the Elmo Empire... Or maybe they could have a joint-reign...
I forever stand vigilant to protect this planet from the myriad of forces that are always against us. Be it the octopus, zombies, aliens or the robots my team of human agents, and our feline allies, circle the globe in a never ending struggle for human freedom.
I learn all I can on every subject that interests me. I especially enjoy ancient history because in the past there are valuable lessons to be found. Also, if I ever get my time machine to work properly, it would be good to know a bit about possible destinations and what to expect when I get there.
I greatly appreciate beautiful design. Be it manufactured or found naturally I am fascinated by the process of invention. I am attracted to the unique, the strange, the haunted. I like to share what I find on this blog.
And not let us forget the 'Cephalopod Menace' who, if allowed to, would wrap their tentacles around all that is good and pure in this life and crush it until it remained no more. They are creatures of pure spite. Hate is all they know. Death is all they do. They are our most ruthless and determined enemy.
So we fight. Selena has the celebrity contacts, the cat is ruthless and without pity, Roosevelt's ghost has the experience and I do the wetwork.
Fighting for the future of the planet doesn't have to be a chore, however. We can take the time to appreciate all that is cool in this world even as we cut the octopus into bite sized chunks.
This is the reason there has always been and must forever be, a Cave of Cool. Be sure to wipe your feet before you enter.
8 comments:
That's awesome... Makes me think of Roosevelt Franklin and David... While bringing back David is impossible... Why not Roosevelt?
Roosevelt Franklin! Yeah!
I think there was actually some controversy regarding that Muppet, like he was a bad racial stereotype or something. But I also read somewhere that African-American children really liked him, so who knows. I just loved the theme song, with that blue-sphere-headed guy doing the bass counterpart! "Roosevelt Franklin.." "BAH" "Elementary School! Elementary School..."
Cal, thanks for posting this. It was a real labor of love as I wrote on my blog as well as an awesome learning experience. The next step is to do the "real" Sesame Street, which will be a variation of the same model that's under a "real" sun and sky, where the buildings are five stories tall and the sidewalk is not just painted, etc. I can't wait to do that...except I can, actually, since I'm so worn out after finally finishing this "real" (or "unreal"? None of it's "real") version.
Reminds me of a book I saw at Friday's library sale titled "How to get to Sesame Street". You can imagine my disapointment when it turned out to be a story about how much Elmo loves to read and did not contain a map or directions on how to get to Sesame Street. Talk about false advertising!
I theorize that its somewhere in between Shining Time Station and Mister Rogers Neighborhood.
If you're interested in learning more about the behind the scenes of Sesame Street, I highly recommend Carrol Spinney's (the original Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird) autobiography "Street Gang" as it contains a lot of stories about the show's conception, development of the key characters and anecdotes about the various actors.
Thanks, Erik; I'll try and find it.
As I explained in my blog post (which Cal linked to) I actually got to meet Spinney and the rest of the cast when I was a little kid (and my Dad was working for CTW).
Thank you for reminding me of all the cool things you do Jordan. I want to post more things that my followers accomplish. It deserves to be shared.
So we are sweeping the whole story of Franklin being part of the Nation of Islam under the table?
There's a full-sized recreation of the set (well, quite a bit of it, anyway) at the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester, NY. It's not as extensive as this, though...but you go there, and you just HAVE to sit on that step.
I know there are tons of posts saying RF was removed due to racial issues, but he also disappeared at the same time Matt Robinson stopped writing for the show... He had already not been Gordon for a few years, so I think perhaps (while it sounds more interesting to say he was taken off due to racial issues) he may have just been retired when his voice/creator left... Sad/unfortunate as it may be... But if Sesame St. is progressive enough to have a Muppet girl sing about loving her hair (who is clearly an African American Muppet and not a purple Muppet who resembles an African American Muppet), then I think there is PLENTY of room for Mr. Franklin's return and eventual over-taking of the Elmo Empire... Or maybe they could have a joint-reign...
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