EW

And what are we wearing today?

Ernie

We're wearing our special outfits here. We've got hatbands that match our shirts. I only have on shirt. We don't get paid very well.

Bert

I got a cane.

Ernie

I didn't get a cane.

Bert

That's where the budget stopped.

EW

So what's the show about?

Ernie

What's the show about, Bert?

Bert

We're doing a show about words.

Ernie

Some words have other words in them. And you can take letters away and make another word.

Bert

I wanted to do a show about the electoral college.

EW

You've been in that apartment for a long time -- I'm assuming it's rent-stablized.

Ernie

It is! It's stayed the same for 33 years.

Bert

Yeah, well, my mom lives upstairs so...

Ernie

The only problem is, we can't paint... It looks the same as it did 30 years ago.

EW

So how have you maintained such a great roommate relationship over the years?

Ernie

I do what I have to do, and Bert's okay with that.

Bert

You don't close the refrigerator door. You don't put the cap back on the toothpaste.

Ernie

It's probably best that we don't get into that.

EW

Personal question, Bert: Are you ever tempted to... you know... wax?

Bert

Wax what?

Ernie

Poetic, Bert.

Bert

Oh, yeah, sure, I can wax poetic.

Ernie

We're very accepting around Sesame Street. Everybody gets to be who they are. Eyebrows are --

Bert

Eyebrows?

Ernie

Never mind, Bert. I'll fill you in later.

EW

OK, the $64,000 question... Ricky Martin was asked this...

Ernie

Oh...

EW

Rosie O'Donnell was asked this...

Bert

Wow.

EW

Does Elmo ever get on your nerves?

Ernie

[ pause ]  What did Rosie say?

Bert

Well, he doesn't get on my nerves as much as Ernie. I'd be fine rooming with Elmo. I think we'd get along terrifically.

Ernie

Maybe we should just have a sleepover.