mental_floss on the origins of 10 of your favorite Muppets.

My favorite bits:
- The first Kermit was made out of Henson's mom's coat and some ping pong balls.
- Real Swedish Chef Lars "Kuprik" Backman claims he was the inspiration for the Swedish Chef. (This claim has apparently never been corroborated).
- The voice of Oscar the Grouch said he based Oscar's cranky voice on a particular NYC cab driver he once had the pleasure of riding with.