There's something timeless and iconic about this chubby, vulcanized chunk of cheer. Ernie sang about him. You can buy his childlike optimism in bulk. He's a quiz, an electronics warning, an obsession, an animated irritainment, and a target for black humor. And - oh, phenomenon most rare - he's an unstoppable blight upon the waters of the world. This one's about three and a half inches long, and looks ... earnest.