“I'm pretty big on Oscar the Grouch. I'm a huge pessimist, but I'm a lot nicer about it than he is. I wish I could be that mean sometimes.”

— Zach Campbell, doorman/musician, Lawrence

“Beaker from the Muppets. It was my nickname when I was little; sometimes my mom still calls me Beaker. He's fun because he doesn't really talk. He just makes sounds to express himself.”

— Kendal Graham, Kansas University junior, Lawrence

“Lambchop. Sherry Lewis was creepy, and her relationship with that puppet was supercreepy. There was always a really strange vibe about the whole show. I suppose I've always kind of liked things that are creepy.”

— Andrew P. Witt, KU senior, Lawrence

“Elmo. I used to love 'Sesame Street,' and he was my favorite character because he was bright red.”

— Linaya Newstrom, retail sales, Lawrence