Actually, as a point of information, the connection between Jim
Henson and Frank Capra is not as close as you might think.  -It's A
Wonderful Life- became public domain in the late '60s, appearing
countless times during the holiday season.  _Sesame Street_ premiered
in 1968, and it was in planning a year and a half before that.  Thus,
Bert and Ernie are only coincidentally (although it is a wonderful
conincidence) named for the characters played by Ward Bond and Frank
Faylen in the movie.  Jerry Juhl, Henson's headwriter, has said as
much in interviews.  While there is some chance they had seen the
film and subconsciously named their characters so, the odds are this
is just a very happy accident.

Personally, I just want to see what the "new book" is that Clarence
claims  Twain is now writing.

Thanks,

Hugh Davis (using his father John's account)
John H. Davis, Ph.D.
English Division
Chowan College
Murfreesboro, NC