The RHLC!

[The Count]

Truly greatness this was. But how come no Janice? And the story of how he called the HA offices, got Kevin his job on Sesame, helped David with his audition tape... This is just an endless treasure trove of an episode.

 

[CensoredAlso]

Oh dear, I can see you all started posting an hour ago! Sorry I'm late but I started listening to the podcast and just didn't stop, lol.

And I really don't know what to say...One thing I'm reminded of. I've been so pleased that the Fraggle Rock DVDs have been so good about including Richard. But it also made me worry that once the Fraggle DVDs were done, that we wouldn't get to hear about Richard much anymore, since it is so difficult to find information to begin with.

It bothered me but it looks like my prayers were answered after all. I think we'll be able to talk about this for quite awhile. And again, I think our own dedication definitely helped bring this about

First off, I'm glad my suggestion to use the Glady clip from Sesame Street was listened to. The one where they sing "One of these things." It's on the 2nd Old School DVD and a clip that really shows off Richard's talent. When you see the clip, watch Gladys try to get the little blond girl to realize she's suppose to say "the cow!" It's just very cute, hehe.

I agree with Speedracer's comments, "Honk of Honks" is one of the most important episodes of Fraggle Rock. The moment when Doc finds out his friend is sick, and then when he meets Gobo is amazing. It's appropriately awkward, as if you just walked in on a very emotional moment. And as Speedracer said, not too much or too little, just perfect. "You're not a silly creature...you're a you!"

It's official, Frank Oz is my personal tie for favorite Muppet performer! I have always adored his characters and his determination to make it as a director. And I always felt bad for him when people said he betrayed the Muppets or something. I think hearing these stories about how Frank visited Richard every day and took such good care of him, should (I don't know if it will, but should) definitely disspell such rumors. As they say, Good onya, Frank!

I enjoyed the first couple of people who spoke (I can't recall their names now), because they weren't big famous people, but they had some of the most touching and personal stories. If I someone littering, I might be more tempted to give someone a piece of my mind, lol.

What's kinda funny is many of the stories about Richard reminded me of myself (though I think we can all say that). Like when Richard sprained an ankle trying to get to the Opera. I instantly recalled all the times I have been in a rush to get to an event I loved (many of them Muppet related). My friends will tell you you'd think the world was coming to an end the way I carried on, lol. And spraining an ankle is not out of the question!

Also about how he fell about knocked a tooth out. I can do better than that, I too fell as a child and knocked both of my front teeth out! All because I didn't listen to my mother when she said not to put my hands behind my back when I walked, lol. And I didn't get my adult teeth for ages!

I didn't realize Richard knew he was sick as early as 1986 when the 30th Anniversary aired. From everything that was said it sounds like it was a very difficult and long road for him to travel, obviously. I can't begin to imagine. But it sounds like he wasn't alone and I'm grateful for that.

It was wonderful of Jane to give so much to the fans. That Howdy Doody story is fantastic, I would be very interested if that episode still exists, lol. I laughed when Gus was thoughtful enough to stear Richard away from Captain Kangaroo and leave him in the street, lol. Probably my favorite quote of Richard's was his eager and frustrated, "But I want to be in show business!" Perhaps that's the first moment Scooter took his first breath, hehe.

 

[Skye]

I just have to say... gosh, there are so many things I want to say, but I'm having so much trouble articulating the words right now. I wish I could say something really smart and insightful, but all I got at the moment is... wow.

I love it so much so far. I say "so far" because unfortunately, I haven't been able to listen to the whole thing quite yet (doggone slow connection... but this Muppetcast is more than worth the wait). I've got about half of it so far, which is more than I expected to get on my first try. I'll do the rest of it either later tonight or tomorrow when I have more time to let it download. From the posts I've read in here so far, I can't wait to hear the rest of it!

One odd thing is that, this past Saturday, I got a chance to e-mail Steve a few thoughts of mine and it was kinda surreal when I heard him read my e-mail in the show. Very cool, though.

One thing I really do have to say, that I can articulate right now, is... this show was the very first time I ever heard Mudwell's song "Just A Dream Away." How gorgeous is that song, and how completely incredible did Richard sound singing it? I was just melting listening to it. Absolutely beautiful.

I still wish I could put my thoughts into words right now. But Frank... and Jane... and so much more that I know is yet to be heard.

I love reading your thoughts here, you guys. And if Steve ever makes his way back in this thread, I can't say it enough... thank you so much for putting this together.

 

[CensoredAlso]

Skye, congrats on getting your email heard! I truly adored what you had to say! And I'm glad to decided to send it in. Hehe, I actually skipped the Mudwell part, because I do not want to spoil it! Lol, but I'm glad you got to hear it.

I'll keep reading everyone's comments. Hopefully you'll be able to get through my gigantic post above, lol.

 

[Muppet Newsgirl]

And about Richard chastising the litterbug who was at the wheel of the Rolls-Royce: I wonder just what exactly he yelled at the driver...and how much of it can't be repeated in polite company.

And there were the stories about Beaker's Breakers: if I understood correctly, it was a house that Richard had visited when he was a kid...and after the place became Beaker's Breakers, Richard let Pete Coogan and his new wife have the run of the place for their honeymoon.

And then there were the multiple stories about it being impossible to go Dutch or pick up the tab when dining out with Richard. I found myself giggling over all the ways Richard outsmarted the others...and I liked how Pete and his wife sent Richard a floral arrangement as a thank-you, since he refused to accept any money in return.

 

[Skye]

Skye, congrats on getting your email heard! I truly adored what you had to say! And I'm glad you decided to send it in. Hehe, I actually skipped the Mudwell part, because I do not want to spoil it! Lol, but I'm glad you got to hear it.

I'll keep reading everyone's comments. Hopefully you'll be able to get through my gigantic post above, lol.

Aww, thanks, heralde! And I want to thank you so much for encouraging me to send my thoughts in... I wouldn't have thought about it otherwise. I felt kinda funny because in the e-mail, I got a little off the original, intended topic (when I started talking about how he seemed to feel more comfortable performing rather than simply talking one-on-one with someone, and then I went to talking about how much Richard inspires me and shows us that dreams can come true and all, hehe) but I guess once I got going, and since we've talked about things like that so much in here, it was hard to stop. Lol, and it's really funny you mention that about the Mudwell part, because I was worried about that, too! I was worried about that with SpeedTracer talking about "Honk of Honks," too, because I've never seen that episode, either. But I was so nosy and couldn't skip it, lol. I really loved how both of those parts turned out, though. And it was very fun to hear the thoughts on Richard's directing job on "Honk of Honks," also. I can't wait to see that episode!

I liked your post! Hehe, I didn't think it was gigantic... important, but certainly not gigantic. It's very cool that you suggested the Gladys clip. That was fun to hear! And it was actually very fun how Steve incorporated all the clips into the show. It was so nice to hear Richard's voice and his songs as we were learning more about him.

Hehe, I loved the littering story, too. Ya gotta love how much Richard cared. And I love how he was so forward about it, no hesitation whatsoever to lean out the window and go nuts on the guy! That's Richard, just as we know him and love him.

I love hearing the stories about how generous Richard was, too. With how he would find ways to pick up the check, he actually reminds me of a lot of people I know, lol. It's always fun to hear those stories about Richard, and I love that he was like that.

I just can't stop thinking... it's so amazing to have this chance to get to know Richard just a little bit better. I love the variety of stories that were told. And I really love having the opportunity to hear them.

 

[CensoredAlso]

I'm going to move some of my first post down here because it's just too long, lol.

Overall, I do feel as though I understand Richard better now. What I took away from the show is that it's OK to be a little odd or different or even awkward at times. You should still hold your head up high and share your gifts with the world. Richard's life may have been cut short and set back by disease but he used the time he did have to make a difference in the world. He was incredibly lucky to have the gift of super confidence, and very wise to use it in good ways. I'm not so outwardly confident, but I've always tried to live a moral life and be an inspiration for others around me. When performing in my own school shows, I was also told I had no fear and that made me feel great. I am now even more inspired to keep trying, despite my flaws. It's not the flaws or set backs that matter, it's what you do despite them. Thanks, Richard!

People may have wondered why baby Richard just stood and watched everything. Again I laugh because my first Doctor used to say that of me as well, "You were always looking around, the most aware and curious baby I've ever seen." Another lesson I take away from this is don't be afraid to stop and wonder, even if people around you think you're strange, hehe. In the end, you'll be the one to inspire others to "know everything without ever knowing why."

MN, I remember Amanda had said Beaker's Breakers was the house the family used to visit on Cape Code. Where she said she saw Richard driving in his car and she ran away to hide, lol.

The floral arrangment story did touch me. You always think of Richard putting up such a tough front, it's sort of good to know he could cry over kindess as well.

I remember either Kevin or David saying you would just break up when Richard performed on Sesame Street. That's how I feel when watching any Two Headed Monster sketch. I don't always think I'm going to laugh, but then it's just so silly and insane I just burst, lol.

 

[CensoredAlso]

Wow, this is slightly freaky...

I have this little Bedtime Blessings book that I look at everynight. For every day of the year, there is a different inspirational lesson and quote from the Bible. Here's was today's...

"When we look for people to admire, when we choose our role models, our heroes, we are often swayed by things that are cause for boasting. We want the beautiful people, the brilliant people, the 'successful' people. We want the best and the brightest. We are terribly enamored of the surface. The superficial impresses us much more than we'd like to admit. But God says, 'That's not the way I make my choices. I choose nobodies and turn them into somebodies.'"

"The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart." (1 Samuel 13:14)

 

[MartyMuppets]

Wow. This sounds so great. I'm very envious that I haven't heard it.

Can I please ask for the record, how do you listen in to these Muppetcast shows?
Are all the previous ones still available to listen to?
And is there any way of downloading them permanently onto your computer?

 

[MeepBorkMeep]

Wow. This sounds so great. I'm very envious that I haven't heard it.

Can I please ask for the record, how do you listen in to these Muppetcast shows?
Are all the previous ones still available to listen to?
And is there any way of downloading them permanently onto your computer?

Basically you go to the muppetcast website and click download (http://muppetcast.com/WordPress/), or if you have iTunes available, type Muppetcast in the search engine and subscribe.

Through iTunes, you can click Get All, and you'll get all the previous Muppetcast shows. Or you can just drop down and pick a choice few.

If you don't have iTunes, I'm not quite sure how this works. But you can still probably get Richard's permanently without having iTunes, a process that will become fairly clear when your computer opens the file on the Muppetcast website with an audio application.

And if the worst happened, and there was no way around it, you might be able to set up something with Steve to send you the mp3 of the show.

Also somebody else might be more credible with this information.