I’m in the midst of a fight with my friend about whether the end of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi had a totally sweet ending or not. The issue at hand is whether or not Ewoks–the Teddy Bear-shaped warrior race that inhabits the forest moon of Endor–are totally sweet. I know for a fact that they are. Here’s why:

My friend, on the other hand, tows the line from Clerks that Ewoks are “a bunch of fucking muppets,” an unwanted invasion from Saturday morning televisions, a foretelling of the coming of Jar Jar Binks that ruins the last moments of an otherwise brilliant trilogy of epic cinema. The house in which I live is divided 50/50 into pro- and anti-Ewoks camps, so I’ve decided to take it to the people. Are Ewoks totally sweet or totally lame? YOU DECIDE.

I’m happy that others have taken this Muppets thing and run with it — but it’s been a while since I’ve posted my self.

Check out this skit where they act out “The Gambler” with Kenny Rogers and 3 human-esque puppets.  Creepy. And, somehow, a bit touching…

Although it was first rumored way back in late 2006, the Fraggle Rock movie hasn’t actually gone anywhere until now. Announced today, The Weinstein Company is officially turning the Jim Henson series into a live-action musical feature film.

Courtesy of Wonkette, Bert and Ernie debate Obama v. Clinton, and it is sheer brilliance:

I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t know what Coachella was until this morning.  If you guessed “a giant music festival/jamboree of some type in oh so sunny California,” then well done. And how do you put an end to such a behemoth gathering?

Roger Waters brought Coachella to a close with an epic two-set performance that included playing all of “Dark Side of the Moon” and unleashing a giant inflated pig into the night sky.

Ok, but how do you make the space-pig relevant for all the kids with their youtubes and facebooks?

The pig, which was led above the crowd from lines held on the ground, displayed the words “Don’t be led to the slaughter” and a cartoon of Uncle Sam wielding two bloody cleavers. The other side read “Fear builds walls.”

The underside of the pig simply read “Obama” with a checked ballot box alongside.

As Waters drew the song to a close, flame bursts exploded on the sides of the stage and the swine floated into the night sky. Waters said sadly and comically, “That’s my pig.”

“The Adventures of Fat Nancy & Crisco” continues at Perishable Theatre’s
Blood from a Turnip Late Night Puppet Salon

Providence, RI: Perishable Theatre, The May edition of Blood From a Turnip will feature:

• Ergot Players from New Bedford-The Ergot players are guerilla theater, manic, tense, and at all times curious.
• Chloe Paisley from Brown University-Watch Chloe create a puppet show out of mid-air.
• And the latest installment of The Adventures of Fat Nancy & Crisco- Fat Nancy & Crisco audition for a Musical!

What- Blood from a Turnip, RI’s only late night puppet salon
When- Friday May 16, 2008 at 10pm
Where- Perishable Theatre, 95 Empire Street, Downtown Providence
Cost: $5, NO reservations taken

Providence, RI: Perishable Theatre, Rhode Island’s Research and Development Theatre, presents
Blood from a Turnip, Rhode Island’s oldest late night puppet salon! Enjoy the salon that has lasted longer than some marriages.

Friday March 21, 2008 at 10 p.m.
SEATS STILL $5, after all these years. (more…)

Direct from Capitol TV:

There’s just no smooth way to intro this one:

Most people don’t remember — Gonzo has a thing for chickens.  Like, real hard.  Here he serenades his best fowl, Camilla, with a twist ending.

It’s Tuesday and it’s time for LOADED! Join Kevin Leavitt, Handsome Pete and myself at the lovely  Local 121 for the very best in britpop, indie classics, new wave, glam rock and sweet new jamz. LOADED! @Local 121 10pm, free,  

There’s been a dearth of Muppets of late — we’ll let them carry the water for us.

Take a hint, and email us HERE. (We’re always looking for contributors, and unlike the Navy, we’re a wholly democratic, participatory, choatic shit show.)

…for all of you Belo-lovin’ newbies.  I hope this’ll get you int0 the holiday spirit.  As a Jew, I don’t know the difference between Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day anyway.

This is a two-parter. First is the intro with the Marine Chorus which is quite wonderful. Then it goes to Grace Jones singing ‘Little Drummer Boy’ in the weirdest outfit ever. Pee Wee’s Christmas Special is the gold standard of the genre.

if we’d put a hard-ass like Bert in charge of plowing the snow:

This isn’t that good, but given the amount of puppet-centric material on our site, it’s probably important to note that this insanity comes up tenth if you search for “Muppets” on Youtube: