Author Archives: Max

The Count Writes A Haiku: Jerry Nelson (1934-2012)

Cape Cod in February has an austere beauty: sand dunes draped in snow, grey-streaked skies, a generous silence. My friend Mallory and I parked outside the house five minutes before our noon appointment and stood by the car getting our … Continue reading

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The Irony of Birding: An Interview with Peter Dorosh

Peter Dorosh would seem to have some strikes against him as a birder, living in the decidedly urban habitat of Brooklyn, New York and being severely hearing-impaired, unable to hear many of the birds he sees. Yet Dorosh is a top local birder, having just stepped down after 12 years as president of the Brooklyn Bird Club. We sat down in Prospect Park to talk about his story, the accessibility of birding, philosophical differences among the birding community, and, of course, how best to get the birds. Continue reading

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A Moment for Peggy Mermelstein

Our old family friend Peggy Mermelstein died early yesterday. Smartass, artist, transplanted New Yorker, devoted mom to Kelly and Brian, great ally and mentor to both me and my sister. Thinking fondly of all our good times in that cozy … Continue reading

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Jerry Nelson, 1934-2012

Muppeteer Jerry Nelson died yesterday. I’m very sad. In addition to being one of the main Muppet performers for over fifty years, a master at vocal versatility, singing chops, and bringing puppets to life, he was also a master at … Continue reading

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Honoring Richard Hunt

Today would have been Richard Hunt’s 61st birthday, and as a treat I’m sharing his rare in-person Sesame Street cameo, aired November 1981 in episode 1576. In 1981, the 30-year-old Hunt had been with The Muppets for a decade. Jerry … Continue reading

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Happy 43rd Anniversary of Stonewall!

Happy pride! Please enjoy my eyewitness account from the Stonewall Inn on the night gay marriage came to New York state, now in the Indypendent! “Does Gay Marriage Endanger Queer Community?” While gay marriage is a great step forward for … Continue reading

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