Big bird!!!

Caroll Spinney, who plays Big Bird and Oscar on Sesame Street, has been one of my heroes for years. I found out last week that he had just written an autobiography, and ran out to buy it that day. I checked out the publishers web site and found out that he was doing a book signing in Harvard Square tonight! Being the designer that I am, I just had to make myself a t-shirt to wear for the occasion. And while I was at it, I figured I might as well make one for Caroll, too. :)

The reading was great -- a fairly small crowd, mostly fan-geek guys (who were impressed with my shirt). Caroll brought Oscar along and performed with him for a bit, which was amazing to watch. Even when he's not making him speak, he seems to automatically keep Oscar "alive" with little movements and reactions. I guess 33 years of practice does a lot. Made me glad my digital camera can take video; the stills I tried to take didn't come out too well, but I got a decent little video.

He read a bit from the book, then segued into some great stories about the show and the people he's worked with, like Jim Henson and Bob Hope. After a Q&A period he signed books. I waffled a little about giving him the shirt, but I decided I'd be really mad at myself if I didn't. He seemed to genuinely like it, and said he'd wear it on set!!!

Big bird!!!

Caroll Spinney, who plays Big Bird and Oscar on Sesame Street, has been one of my heroes for years. I found out last week that he had just written an autobiography, and ran out to buy it that day. I checked out the publishers web site and found out that he was doing a book signing in Harvard Square tonight! Being the designer that I am, I just had to make myself a t-shirt to wear for the occasion. And while I was at it, I figured I might as well make one for Caroll, too. :)

The reading was great -- a fairly small crowd, mostly fan-geek guys (who were impressed with my shirt). Caroll brought Oscar along and performed with him for a bit, which was amazing to watch. Even when he's not making him speak, he seems to automatically keep Oscar "alive" with little movements and reactions. I guess 33 years of practice does a lot. Made me glad my digital camera can take video; the stills I tried to take didn't come out too well, but I got a decent little video.

He read a bit from the book, then segued into some great stories about the show and the people he's worked with, like Jim Henson and Bob Hope. After a Q&A period he signed books. I waffled a little about giving him the shirt, but I decided I'd be really mad at myself if I didn't. He seemed to genuinely like it, and said he'd wear it on set!!!