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Humor Writer and Songwriter Christopher Cerf

Cerf writes children's songs for Sesame Street and helped launch the humor magazine the National Lampoon. In 1978 he co-edited the journalistic parody "Not the New York Times." His most recent humor book is "The Book of Sequels," a spoof of current trends in the publishing and film industries.

11:14
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Other segments from the episode on December 19, 1990

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, December 19, 1990: Interview with Tim Burton; Review of John Harbison's album "The Flight into Egypt"; Interview with Christopher Cerf; Review of Brian Boyd's book …
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06:29

"The Flight Into Egypt" Released in Time for Christmas

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the new (and first) recording of John Harbison's cantata "The Flight into Egypt," which won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize. The CD also includes two additional works by the composer.

Review
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03:46

Solving the Many Puzzles of Vladimir Nabokov

Book critic John Leonards says the Russian author is the greatest writer never to have received the Nobel prize. He reviews a new biography by Brian Boyd, which explores Nabokov's complex and unnerving mind.

Review

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31:34

Kevin Clash: The Man Behind Elmo.

For more than 20 years, puppeteer Kevin Clash has been the voice behind the lovable red monster on Sesame Street. Both Clash "and" Elmo talk with Terry Gross about performing with Jim Henson, and creating a fun, educational experience for preschool-aged children.

Interview
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05:23

Come And Play: 'Sesame Street' Celebrates 40 Years

Four decades after its premiere, Sesame Street is the same happy neighborhood it always was. TV critic David Bianculli takes a look at the newest episode -- which features special guest Michelle Obama -- and assesses the show's enduring legacy.

Review
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21:45

Jeff Moss Remembers His Sesame Street Songs

Jeff Moss was one of the original creators and writers of "Sesame Street." He created Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch, and wrote such songs as "Rubber Ducky" and "People in Your Neighborhood." He has won 13 Emmy's, four Grammy's, and an Oscar nomination for his work on "Sesame Street" and with the Muppets. Moss is also the author of four books for children, the newest of which is "Hieronymus White: A Bird Who Believed That He Always Was Right."

Interview

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