Sesame Street, and specifically, Big Bird, turns 40 years old this week, and they are celebrating this occasion with a number of contests and television appearances. Jim Henson was an incredible visionary, often including messages and themes of environmentalism in his programming, along with lessons for children about tolerance, open-mindedness and the letter G.

Sesame Street is one of the most highly regarded, and most watched, educational shows for children in the world.The original series has been televised in more than 120 countries.As of 2009, the series has received 118 Emmy Awards, more than any other television series. An estimated 77 million Americans watched the series as children, including me and everyone I know.