On April 17, 1976, Jim Henson, Ayn Rand, Sidney Nolan and Yoko Ono gathered on ARPNET, in one of the world's first chatrooms, and had a conversation.
YOKO ONO: I would love to appear on one of your television programs Mr Henson.
YOKO ONO: They are very funny and I like how the puppets get on.
JIM HENSON: Thank you its kind of you to say so. Im also a fan of yours and John Lennons music.
SIDNEY NOLAN: Who is your favourite puppet from the line of characters you have created Jim.
YOKO ONO: Thank you. John loves your programmes too.
JIM HENSON: Each character is special for me they represent different aspects of myself. Kermit the frog is perhaps closest to me. An altar ego of sorts.
AYN RAND: What does that say about you.
SIDNEY NOLAN: Big laughs. He is exceptional.
JIM HENSON: I dont know. I don’t think too much about it.
YOKO ONO: My favourite is Big Bird. He is so tall and gentle.
AYN RAND: To be honest I find it to be senseless entertainment. I prefer the celebration of men and what they can achieve.
JIM HENSON: Do you have children Ms Rand.
AYN RAND: What do children have to do with what I prefer.
SIDNEY NOLAN: Entertainment is never senseless its always within the sensible even when its farce.
JIM HENSON: I find that being a parent close to children has broadened my perspective allowed me to empathize and understand more than I ever did before. I hope that empathy comes through in my senseless entertainment.
This is one of my all time favorite things. And WOW Ayn Rand is a huge biatch.
