THE DAILY COLLEGIAN
Original Kermit the Frog
donated to Smithsonian
By Brett Zongker
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
WASHINGTON The original Kermit
the Frog, his body created with an old dull
green coat and his eyes made of pingpong
balls, has returned home to the nation's
capital, where the puppet got his start.
The first Kermit creation from Jim
Henson's Muppet's collection appeared in
1955 on the early TV show "Sam and
Friends," produced at Washington's WRC
TV Henson's widow Jane Henson on
Wednesday donated 10 characters from
the show to the Smithsonian's National
Museum of American History.
She said the original characters provid
ed five minutes of fun each night after the
local news.
think people realized that if you put
Kermit's face up there, it was just as pow
erfill," Jane Henson, 76, said. "We were
mostly just doing it to entertain ourselves."
The Hensons attended the University of
Maryland and got into the TV business
with Willard Scott and other pioneers while
in college. Their connection to the area
makes the Smithsonian a perfect home for
ienson's original puppets, friends said.
- It's not just the puppets coming home,
but in a way it's Jane and Jim coming
home," said Arthur Novell, executive direc
tor of the nonprofit Jim Henson Legacy in
New York City. "They started their careers,
their lives in Washington."
Even though they were in Washington,
Kermit deliberately did not do politics or
dabble in religion, Jane Henson said.
The Smithsonian already has a familiar
Kermit the Frog puppet made famous on
Sesame Street" and "The Muppet Show"
But the original Kermit was more lizard
like, and a duller green. His body was made
from an old coat thrown out by Henson's
mother.
Some of the other early Muppets donat
ed to the museum include the puppets that
inspired Cookie Monster and Oscar the
Grouch, as well as Sam from "Sam and
Friends." The group also includes
Ilenson's oldest surviving puppet, Pierre
the French Rat. The puppets mostly
mimed on the show and would lip-sync to
'Apular music.
Their first hit was "I've Grown
/—customed to Your Face," by Rosemary
(looney. Donning a wig, Kermit took the
lead as "Kermina," Jane Henson said. In
1969, Kermit made it big and joined
Sesame Street."
Apple's TV rental proposal
may not be a game changer
By Ryan Nakashima
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
LOS ANGELES Apple Inc.'s iTunes
store may have revolutionized the music
business, but its recent push to let people
TV shows for 99 cents won't amount to
;:lame changer for how people watch TV
fhe idea to offer episodes of hit shows
for rental a day after their broadcast may
lit great for people with busy lifestyles, and
it .2ould help Apple sell more iPhones and
il'ads, but only a few of the major media
umpanies support the plan.
That's because they already make
noney from TV shows in a number of
iiys, and compared with those, the
oanned price of 99 cents is seen as a big
at, according to some people familiar with
Apple's proposal.
Media companies already sell episodes
on Mines, but currently for $1.99 or $2.99,
and sometimes more than a day after the
broadcast.
Because most people watch such shows
just once, the cheaper rental model might
end up cutting into revenue, rather than
boosting it.
Also, media companies sell advertising,
and coming out of the recession, prices
have been going up for those 30-second
commercial spots on TV
Allowing people to avoid those ads by
paying 99 cents the next day doesn't make
sense if it means a smaller audience and
smaller advertising revenue on the day of
the broadcast.
Still, The Walt Disney Co.'s ABC and
News Corp.'s Fox network are nearing a
deal on such a rental plan, according to
several people familiar with Apple's pro
posal.
That means shows such as "Modern
Family" or "Glee" could soon be available
the day after they air for less than the cost
of buying a permanent download.
Rentals would typically be available for
48 hours after the purchase.
The people familiar with the discussions
spoke on condition of anonymity because
no deal had been finalized.
If a deal is cut soon, Apple could
announce it at a media event next
Wednesday, though music appears to be
the focus of that.
Offering a rental model would expand
options for viewers. .
It's now possible to watch many
of the shows for free with ads on
ARTS & tv - r
FRT 8,1 7 r
r
it MEN
Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press
Jane Henson donates some of Jim Henson's
early puppets to the Smithsonian.
Curator Dwight Blocker Bowers said the
Muppets will be a boon for the museum's
collection.
"It certainly shows the Muppets at the
beginning of the career of a large family of
entertainers," he said. "More than any
thing, I think it shows the genius of Jim
Henson."
Bowers said the museum plans to have
the original Muppets on display by
November in the pop culture gallery.
Visitors will recognize the original
Kermit, though he didn't have his trade
mark collar and webbed feet. But they
probably won't recognize the other charac
ters, so the museum will help introduce
them, Bowers said.
Figure plans call for adding clips of their
early shows.
A traveling Smithsonian exhibit of
Muppets opens Sept. 24 at Chicago's
Museum of Science and Industry.
Novell, who was Henson's publicist for
more than 20 years, said the puppeteer
was a history buff and fond of the
Smithsonian.
Other puppets from Henson's collection
will eventually be given to the Center for
Puppetry Arts in Atlanta to create a
Henson gallery there, perhaps as soon as
2014, Novell said.
"We would like very much to get them
out while they're still in relatively good
condition," Jane Henson said.
"I think when you grow up in
Washington, you get the feeling that every
thing important in the country goes to the
Smithsonian."
Hulu and the sites of broadcasters.
But those shows are streamed and
require an Internet connection while view
ing.
A rental model would give people the
ability to download files to take with them
on planes or other places; the files would
automatically expire after the 48 hours.
Those who buy shows for children, or
who tend to watch shows multiple times,
would likely continue to buy them in vari
ous ways.
Media companies are experimenting
with new ways of selling their content over
the Internet but want to avoid jeopardizing
existing business models.
Those include the billions of dollars that
cable TV providers, satellite TV companies
and telecommunications firms pay to
media companies to carry their channels.
Those so-called affiliate fees are a huge
'and growing source of revenue and have
helped media companies withstand the ad
downturn during the recession.
Media companies are not about to turn
their backs on Comcast Corp. or DirecTV
Inc. by making content available elsewhere
for less than it would cost for a monthly
subscription.
Time Warner Inc. is even trying to make
it more worthwhile to continue paying your
monthly cable bill by offering its TV shows
for free online as long as you're a paying
subscriber.
Its "HBO Go" service also allows online
viewing of HBO programming for free with
a subscription.
While talks continue between Apple and
all the major content companies, CBS
Corp. and Time Warner are definitely not
taking part in the rental plan as it is cur
rently structured, according to the people
familiar with the talks.
NBC Universal and Viacom Inc. are also
unlikely to reach any agreement before the
start of the fall TV season.
That means shows such as NBC's "30
Rock," CBS' "NCIS: Los Angeles" and
TNT's "The Closer" are not going to be
available to rent for 99 cents on iTunes any
time soon.
There are still plenty of ways to catch
shows, though.
You can check the channel's websites or
simply record them on digital video
recorders.
Or, like the old days, you can just sit on
your couch and watch the shows when
they come on.
111 1 h
Pager
Plat
dining guide
rawered by %Moller com
UPA
AuStudentACtivity Aft
PRESENTs
Nathan's Hotdog, $1.29 Soft
Pretzels, David's Large
Cookies at $1.59, and 750
Box of Popcorn - 9 PM -1 AM
Sbarro: $1.99 Meatball Hero
or Pasta Special and $1 slice
of Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza
-9PM-2 AM
WHITE BUILDING
ACTIVITIES:
Novelty Night: The Edge
Obstacle Course. T-Ball, and
Mechanical Bull - 9 PM -1
Open Recreation - 9 PM start
Open Pool Recreation* -
9 PM - 12 AM (Closed if no
Lifeguard)
Fitness Center* - 9 PM -1 AM
(*Requires Fitness Pass/1D)
Saturday, Aug. 28
BALLOON ARTIST LOUIS
PAUL - Balloons like you've
never seen! - 9:30 PM - 1:30
AM, Ist Floor
CREATIVE CRAFTS - Paint
your own Wooden Photo
Frame! - 9 PM - 1 AM,
Ground Floor
OPEN GAMES NIGHT -
Monopoly, Risk, Jenga,
Scrabble and more! -
id PM - 1 AM, Ground Floor
LATENIGHT BILLIARDS -
9 PM - 1 AM, Corner Pocket
ARHS MOVIE: IRON MAN 2 -
7 PM, 9:30 PM & 12 AM,
Auditorium
SATURDAY LATENIGHT
FOOD SPECIALS:
Ground Floor Carts: $1.99
Fruit Smoothies, $1.29 Soft
Pretzels, David's Large
Cookies at $1.59, and 75¢
Box of Popcorn - 9 PM -1 AM
Nathan's: 59¢ Mini-
Hamburger, 990 Nachos, $1
Nathan's Hotdog, and 5
Kenny Rogers Roasters
Wings for $1.99 - 9 PM - 2 AM
WHITE BUILDING
ACTIVITIES:
Free Throw Contest -
9 PM start
Open Recreation - 9 PM start
Open Pool Recreation* - 9
- 12 AM (Closed if no
Lifeguard)
Fitness Center* - 9 PM -1 AM
(*Requires Fitness Pass/ID)
Sunday, Aug. 29
ARHS MOVIE: IRON MAN 2 -
7 PM & 9:30 PM, Auditorium
PSU-UPark Student ID req
at most events. All events are
the HUB-Robeson Center
unless noted otherwise. Check
out Union St. and get a great
deal on late night food on
Friday and Saturday nights!
www.latenight.psu.edu
Attention Student
Organization Leaders
All programs start at 6 PM
Sept. 7 129 A HUB
Determining Goals and
Effective Planning
Presented by: Donald Moore,
Union and Student Activities
Oct. 12 129 A HUB
Risk Management
Presented by: Jay Arcuri,
Union and Student Activities
Nov. 9 Hetzel Lounge
Organization Transitioning
Presented by: Andrea Mosby,
CampuSpeak, Inc.
Dec. 7 129 A HUB
Reflection Facilitation '
Presented by: Beth Bradley,
Center for Ethics and
Religious Affairs
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
UPA
ltxraudertActivity
New and Returning
Treasurers
Our Treasurer's Workshops are being offered on the
following dates and times:
Tuesday Sept. 7 10 AM -11 AM Room 233
Wednesday Sept. 8 10 AM -11 AM Room 233
Thursday Sept. 9 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Room 233
Due to space limitations, please stop in to the ASA
Office in 240 HUB and sign up for a session. Our
Treasurer Guide and valuable links are now available
online at www.sa.psu.edu/usa/asa Attendance is
not required but highly encouraged.
The Center for Arts & Crafts
Fall• 2010 Art Classes
The Center for Arts & Crafts is now taking registrations
for our Fall 2010 art classes! Classes include wheel
thrown pottery, Irish dance, Zumba, drawing, watercolor
painting, acrylic painting, scrapbooking, stained glass,
recycled workshops and more! Class fees are
discounted for PSU students with valid ID; Penn State
affiliation is required to participate. To register, stop
by our new location in 003 Ritenour Building, or mail in
a registration form found in the Fall 2010 catalog. For
questions or catalog request, please call 814-863-0611
or email mandi@psu.edu. Classes start Sept. 13.
Reserve your spot today! For class info visit:
www.sa.psu.edu/usaicraftcenter
Young Americans for Freedom Present
Our Freedom and Security
in the Post 9 -11 World
• Aug. 30 BPM 110 Wad&
Penn State graduate and congressman, G.T. Thompson,
will speak on the state of our national security in the
wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. This talk is of vital
importance to anyone concerned with the future of
the United States. All are encouraged to attend.
Congressman Thompson will be available to
answer questions following the talk.
Student Affairs Welcome Week
Fall 2010 Schedule
Schedules will be posted around campus
and at the HUB Robeson Center Information Desk.
For complete schedule and more information visit
tittp:/p,/ww.sa.psu.edu/newstudents
Saturday, Aug. 28 8:30 AM -4 PM
Fresh START gay of Service
Make a difference in your new community! The 2010
Fresh START Day of Service for first-year, change of
campus, and transfer students is an opportunity to meet
new people and get revolved in the community.
Turkish Student Association
"Welcome Picnic"
Games and Cultural Activities
Aug. 29 12 PM -6 PM Sunset Park
Everyone welcome! Funded by UPAC.
Fresh START Day of Service
Saturday, Aug. 28
8:30 AM - 4 PM HUB Alumni Hall
Looking for a way to have fun, meet other new
students, and make a difference in your community?
All incoming first-year, transfer, and change-of-
assignment students are invited to participate in Fresh
START Day of Service, Penn State's largest day
of service! Enjoy a free t-shirt and free food! Sign up
to volunteer at www.volunteer.psu.edu! Get rooted
in service! For more information,
visit clubs.psu.eau/up/freshstart or e-mail
psufreshstart@gmail.com
.2 10
Does your organization have a weekly, bi-weekly
or monthly meeting? Or do you have a special event
coming up? Would you like to get the word out to the
students? Then stop by the UPAC office located in
229 HUB Robeson and pick up a form, fill it out, return
it to the UPAC office as early as possible but no later
than the week before the event. We will be happy to
publish your information in our weekly meeting
section. The Meeting List is published each Monday
in the What's Going ON page. Events are published
Monday and Fridays! This service is free and provided
by UPAC! Your Student Activity Fee at work!
L.E.T. (Leaders Emerging Thday)
Apply online today!
LE T. is a 10-week, peer-led, leadership program
specifically designed for first-year students at University
Park. No prior leadership experience is required to
participate; however, L.E. r is limited to 30 participants
so a brief application is required. Participants who
successfully complete the 10-week program will be
awarded a "Certificate of Completion". L.E.T, meets on
Tuesday nights from 7 PM - 9 PM in 302 HUB-Robeson
Center beginning, Tuesday, Sept. 7 and concluding on
Tuesday, Nov. 9. Application Deadline Friday, Sept. 3.
http://www.sa.psu.edu/usa/studentactiyities/leadership/
let.shtml Questions? Contact -
leadership@sa.psu.edu (814) 863-4624
FRIDAY, AUG. 27, 2010 I 7