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Real Name: Ryan Schuster Gender: male Member Since: March 17, 2006 Last Signed In: August 23, 2007 Profile Views: 7379 Blog Views: 30753 Workout machine without weights? Car dealerships move north Got fruit smoothies? Do you still use cash, checks? Would you support a grocery strike? Padre holds open house Holiday Inn Select to become Marriott? Padre Hotel up for sale again Local economy among fastest growing in nation Bob Marx out as head of visitors bureau August 06 September 06 October 06 November 06 December 06 January 07 February 07 March 07 April 07 May 07 June 07 July 07 August 07 September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08 November 08 December 08 January 09 February 09 March 09 April 09 May 09 June 09 July 09 August 09 September 09 October 09 November 09 
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Tickle Me Elmo
My wife insisted we rush out after work last night to pick up the newly released T.M.X. Elmo, the new version of Tickle Me Elmo, before it sold out. After opening the packaging, which instructed us not to peak in Elmo's voice, my almost 2 year old daughter set out jumping up and down in celebration. After playing with the new toy she yelled "Elmo" about six times in a row. This from a little girl who doesn't even say her own name on command.
The new Tickle Me Elmo now falls to the ground and gets up on his own and moves his arm during laughing fits. Some have already hailed it the must-have item for the holiday shopping season. Is this too big of a deal for a little red stuffed animal with a squeaky voice? Is $40 excessive for a stuffed toy? What makes Elmo so great and why do kids love him? Do you know adults who collect Elmo or other stuffed animals? Does Elmo REALLY love us? 12 comments from 6 users
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posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Sep 20, 2006 at 02:06 PM
Generations of kids will now refer to themselves in the 3rd person.
posted by
LeeAnn
on Sep 20, 2006 at 02:54 PM
. . . . but, who said Elmo was an animal? I always thought Elmo was an "it". posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Sep 20, 2006 at 02:57 PM
Elmo is a monster, just like all the other muppet type creatures. Not that I'm some sort of Elmo expert or anything. I know a lot more about Spongebob.
posted by
LeeAnn
on Sep 20, 2006 at 03:13 PM
Kermit's not a monster . . . he's a frog. Oh, Spongebob, now that's a confusing character.
posted by
randomfactor
on Sep 20, 2006 at 03:14 PM
No, no, LeeAnn, he and Patrick are just *FRIENDS*. posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Sep 20, 2006 at 03:17 PM
OK, you got me. I should have said with the exception of Kermit and Miss Piggy. There might be others, but the odd characters that aren't Big Bird on Sesame Street are all monsters. I would go so far as to say that I enjoy spongebob cartoons. Of course I'm forced to watch them, but I'm actually OK with it. Anything is better than those freaky teletubbies.
posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Sep 20, 2006 at 03:18 PM
RF, what else could a sponge and a starfish be??? Anyone else think it's strange that characters on spongebob take baths?
posted by
TomW
on Sep 20, 2006 at 03:29 PM
Yeah, the bathing thing is weird. Maybe they're killing the algae.
posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Sep 20, 2006 at 03:37 PM
That doesn't explain the trips to the beach. Complete with buffed lobster lifeguard. What really cracks me up is the assorted fish characters that make their little comments.
posted by
schuster80
on Sep 20, 2006 at 04:09 PM
What is it about characters like Elmo and Spongebob that capitivates the attention of adults? This is clearly a departure from characters like Barney who many parents would love to use as a pinata. Is it disturbing that shows like Spongebob and the Simpsons are watched by children while some of the more adult humor is enjoyed by their parents?
posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Sep 20, 2006 at 04:16 PM
I actually can't stand Elmo. I've learned to tolerate him. I think the kids like him because he talks to them, is bright red, has big eyes, and laughs a lot. Spongebob also has big eyes and is very silly. Spongebob has some funny jokes that only adults would get. In fact, only intelligent adults. The odd science geek jokes are something kids just don't get (heck, I don't even get some of them). I guess it's no different than the old Bugs Bunny cartoons. They had plenty of jokes that went over kids heads. The Simpsons proobably has more humor geared towards adults than any other cartoon. The writers are brilliant!
posted by
dgrealish
on Sep 21, 2006 at 04:37 PM
When the first Tickle Me Elmo came out, we accidentally stumbled onto him. I bought him for my grandson's birthday in November. I had no idea he was going to be the big Christmas deal he ended up being. I think Elmo is comforting for kids. He's cute and cuddly. What little kid doesn't like cute and cuddly? And his voice, though a little annoying for adults is sweet to a child. He sounds like Daddy talking baby talk.
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