Thursday, March 19, 2020

Jim Henson Muppet Master essays

Jim Henson Muppet Master essays Jim Henson was born on September 24, 1936, in Greenville, Mississippi. He moved to Maryland in fifth grade and throughout his childhood had a strong interest in both art and television. His grandmother was very supportive of his interests and constantly encouraged him to use his imagination. In 1954 Jim started in television performing puppets on a local channels Saturday morning program. The next year, while studying at the University of Maryland, he was given a five-minute show called Sam and Friends which aired twice a day. This show introduced the first Muppets, marionette puppets. The success of this show led him to many appearances on shows such as The Today Show and The Steve Allen Show. During this time Jim began making many humorous commercials for sponsors. With weekly appearances on these shows, Jim asked for the help of a puppet maker name Don Sahlin and a puppeteer name Frank Oz. From 1964 to 1969 Henson produced several experimental films. In the mid-60s Jim was asked to create characters to populate a new childrens show, Sesame Street. It was here where he made some of his most famous characters such as Ernie and Bert, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird. On this show Jim produced over two dozen shorts to teach counting and other basics. Soon after his fame on Sesame Street Jim, after promoting the idea for The Muppet Show for years, finally received backing to produce. On this show the most famous Muppet of all, Kermit the Frog, was introduced along with Miss Piggy, Rizzo the Rat, Rowlf the Dog, Fozzie Bear, and of course Gonzo the Whatever. The Muppet Show became the most widely viewed television program in the world. From this show many movies and spin-off television shows have been produced. Jim Henson died in 1990 from pneumonia right after his last project for Muppet Vision 3-D, an attraction for Disney World, and right before he w ...

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

5 Major Donts for Your First Day of Work

5 Major Donts for Your First Day of Work We talk a lot around here about how to land that dream job, but maybe we need to spend more time on what to do (or, more specifically, what not to do)  when you get there! Here are 5 major donts for your first day of work.1. Don’t Hunker Down At Your DeskYou’ll probably get a cursory tour after the HR presentation or corporate orientation. If you’re lucky, it’ll be from a colleague you can ask honest questions of; if not, it’ll be a busy receptionist trying to get back to her desk and hoping you’ll find your way back to yours on your own. Whether you get the scenic version with lots of introductions or have to take a deep breath and introduce yourself to the row of cube denizens across from you, make sure to actually make a first impression- ideally one that comes with a firm handshake and a clear statement of your role.2. Don’t Begin with an AttitudeAt my last office job, a couple of our new hires were bright and chatty in their int erviews, but as soon as the daily grind set in, they developed sulky attitudes that were almost adolescent in nature. Even if elements of the office or the colleagues irritate you, make sure that is not apparent to everyone from day one! Focus on gratitude, opportunities for the future, your eventual paycheck, and networking opportunities- not the real estate, the latest gossip, or whatever you’re finding unappealing.3. Don’t Immediately Request Time OffDepending on your office, you may have to accrue leave before you can take any. If you had already planned a family trip six months before you even interviewed, it’s often okay to request a starting day that accommodates your plans when you accept the job. But once you start, you need to stick around! Modify your personal schedule whenever you can, don’t make those â€Å"I finally have insurance!† doctor’s appointments until after your first 90 days.4. Dont Violate Workplace ProtocolsThis can refer to both the official social media guidelines and break policies or the unofficial status quo of the office. Unless you were hired to shake things up, take a little time to learn how they handle projects and assignments before you propose a different way of doing it (even if you think it’s faster or more efficient).And then there’s the no brainers like wearing a strong scent, bringing an odiferous lunch, spending the day on your phone, or engaging in any kind of inappropriate banter with colleagues you’ve just met.5. Dont Ignore Your Boss or SuperiorsThis is one problem I’ve never had- my first few days, I err on the side of needy, if anything (this is also not good really; figure out who your immediate supervisor is and check in with them instead of your actual â€Å"boss† for small questions). Make sure you greet everyone you’re introduced to with a friendly smile, ask polite versions of â€Å"What do you do here?† like  "Will we be working together?† or â€Å"I’m sure we’ll cross paths† if you’re not sure.