Inspired

by Tony Palermo

Jim Henson and Sammy Davis, Jr. both died on May 16, 1990. Said events inspired the following exchange between me and a Cow-Orker (CO):

Me: Today’s a sad day in history. Both Jim Henson and Sammy Davis, Jr. died 18 years ago on May 16th.

CO: That is sad. They were both tremendous entertainers in their respective fields.

Me: Yes. Indeed. Did you know that they shared a bit of a connection?

CO: Um…I’d guess that Sammy appeared on Sesame Street or The Muppet Show or one of the muppet movies?

Me: Could be…but that’s not the connection I’m thinking of.

CO: I have no idea.

Me: Well, as it turns out, the googly eyes that Jim Henson designed for a lot of his Muppets were inspired by the glass eye of Sammy Davis, Jr. No shit. Think about it. Cookie Monster, as an example, might have looked completely different if not for Sammy’s infamous 1954 car accident.

CO (dumbfounded pause): Bullshit.

Me: Look it up.

I left before my lil’ prevarication was found out.