Kermit Turns 50 *

That's right, Kermit the Frog, my main man, the head honcho of greeny goodness, ruler of all amphibians, source of one pig's affections, is 50 years old.

Looks pretty good for 50, eh?




To celebrate his birthday, you may have heard that Disney is sending him on a 15-month trip around the world, making 50 stops along the way (starting in less than two weeks in the aptly-named town of Kermit in Texas, and including a run with the bulls in Spain), where he can cavort with his fans worldwide (and usually when Americans say 'worldwide' they mean nationwide**, but I'm pleased to report that he does actually appear to be going overseas on this trip), and a handful of classic (and one brand new) Muppet movies are being re-released on DVD (presumably with special features for these 50th birthday editions).

For a wonderful little piece of Kermit history, visit this page and click on the red 'Listen' button under the title.

"Kermit is iconic, a global character who transcends time and generational taste," says Chris Curtin of Disney, which now owns the Muppets. "It's rare to find a character who survives that kind of test of time."

But what would he know.

Excitingly (for me), the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp collection in honour of the late Jim Henson and his Muppets last week. Featuring a special stamp of Henson himself, plus thirteen of the main Muppets across ten different stamps (not to mention a beautiful New York based silouette of Jim and Kermit), I have already ordered myself three copies online as keepsakes. Here's a pic:




There is also a new book this month from Hyperion called It's Not Easy Being Green and Other Things to Consider, "filled with commentary from Henson and his characters, friends and family." Sounds like a great Christmas gift, wouldn't you say, Wifey-who-works-in-a-bookstore?***

"Well, you know, it's interesting being 50," Kermit said in a recent interview with I Blogged Myself****. "You start to reflect on your life. And you look back over the years at everything you've ever done. And, with age, middle age, comes wisdom. But I have to say that I'm not sure that 50 for me is the same as 50 in people years."

Ha! Wacky frog puppet! You see what he did there?

"Kermit the Frog has not only transcended genres, he has entertained generations of fans for more than five decades," said Chris Curtin, general manager and vice president, The Muppets Holding Company, LLC. "For someone who has touched the hearts of millions, it only seems fit that we honour Kermit with the grandest of celebrations."

Whatever, suit!

What upsets me the most, however, is the following paragraph from the online press:

Through the end of 2006, Kermit will meet fans and participate in major events, visit famous attractions, and enjoy local celebrations in 50 destinations, touching down in numerous countries across four continents. The globe-hopping star will see renowned monuments such as the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower and the Great Wall of China, among others. Our ever-youthful frog will touch down at NASA's Johnson Space Center, brave a Frog Leg Festival in Fellsmere, Fla., as well as run with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. Other activities will include a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland, a performance with the Rockettes and Kermit's first-ever USO appearance, where he'll bring a smile to service men and women abroad.

This means, as the more observant of you will have noted, that Australia is most likely the one continent Kermit will not be visiting over the coming year!

Colour me unimpressed.

"Kermit is truly an international star, with a fan base that reaches the far corners of the globe," added Dave Burchianti, director of marketing, The Muppets Holding Company. "We're taking Kermit's celebration to places both far and near -- and everywhere in between."

Except Australia, right, rubberneck?

Those who can't meet Kermit frog-to-face along his journey can follow him on Muppets.com. Fans will be able to download pictures and videos, as well as review Kermit's memories and adventures in an online journal -- his "Frog Blog." Truly a frog of the people, Kermit will allow his beloved fans around the world to determine his final destination via an online vote.

SO VOTE FOR FRICKIN' MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA!!! PUH-LEAZE, PEOPLE!!! CUT A FREAK A BREAK!




Don't let the fact that whoever created that map doesn't know how to spell 'Papua'. Melbourne is the best place in the world for Kermit to end his tour - because it's cold and swampy like he's used to, and I'M here!!

Here's another attempt, although whoever created this map doesn't know the correct shape of Australia. We're actually not as 'stretched' as that. We've gone on a diet and lost a lot of weight since this photo was taken:



This is the address you go to to vote on Kermit's final destination: http://www.muppets.com/ Make it Melbourne!



* Additional 'reporting' from various online news resources. (There. That should get me out of trouble with the lawyers for stealing whole sentences of someone else's work!) :)

** Case in point: The World Series plays host to America only. Nice one.

*** Yes it does.

**** Or it could have been AP Television News. I forget now which one it was.