Down for the Count

(Props to Monty)

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Zero, Zero Wonderful Beats Per Minute

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It’s Time For Saying Goodbye

Jerry Nelson, whose hand filled the ass of some of the most beloved characters of your childhood, has died at 78 of emphysema, likely the result of 30 years of felt inhalation. The longtime puppeteer was one of the Jim Henson originals, and worked on Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock and The Muppet Show. Among the characters for whom he provided movement and voice are Count von Count, Herry Monster, Fat Blue, Sherlock Hemlock, the Amazing Mumford, Sgt. Floyd Pepper, Lew Zealand, Dr. Julius Strangepork, J.P. Grosse, Robin, Emmet Otter (of Jug-Band Christmas fame), Camilla the Chicken, Uncle Deadly, Crazy Harry, Mr. Snuffleupagus, Herbert Birdsfoot, Fleet Scribbler, Simon Soundman, Lewis Kazagger and Pops the doorman. He made a rare visible appearance as the telethon announcer in last year’s big screen version of The Muppets, providing a link to their storied history. Nelson retired from physical puppetry in 2004, but continued to voice several Muppets up to his death, and he will be heard as Count von Count in several episodes of the upcoming 43rd season of Sesame Street.

No More Staying Alive

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How Deep is Your Gibb?

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Now He Really Doesn’t Have Anything to Add

Turns out Robin Gibb also didn’t know how to mend a broken intestine as the Bee Gee has died of cancer and complications of intestinal surgery at the age of 62. Robin was the quiet one of the Gibb brothers, whose falsetto harmonies brought them worldwide fame during the disco era with hits like Jive Talkin’ and You Should Be Dancing. Falsetto disco and gold medallions apparently increase the risk of internal damage, as Robin’s twin Maurice died of complications of a twisted intestine in 2003 and solo singing brother Andy died of heart failure in 1988. Barry Gibb is clearly living on borrowed time. With more than 200 million albums sold worldwide, 6 U.S. No. 1 singles and the signature song – Stayin’ Alive - of Saturday Night Fever, the Bee Gees helped define the disco era. Robin also helped bring the disco to the preschool set, lending guest vocals to Trash, C is for Cookie and the title track of the album Sesame Street Fever.