Baby talk is actually easier to learn for babies, and its characteristics (which consonants are dropped, that sort of thing) are consistent across cultures.

Baby talk for babies, yes, but for children who can say sentences/phrases, exposing them to somebody whose phrases are intentionally ungrammatical? Elmo no like.

Oh, help. Canna concentrate on work and am busy researching disasters and near-disasters instead. I'm up to the Great Molasses Flood, and how humiliating to drown in molasses! Hecubus may be pleased to know how many pitchers I've found who have been hit with comebackers (including Mike Mussina, a shot that broke his nose, although it sounds like it could have killed him) and came back to be just fine.

Me hate Elmos' voice. Me understand Elmo loved by children and developmentally sound, but Elmo's voice make me want to kill Elmo.

Me miss lovable furry old Grover.

Hey yeah. Whatever happened to Grover?

I'm afraid I've missed some major story. Like Grover is in rehab, or has taken the cloth.

While Sesame Street changing always makes me a little sad because today's Sesame Street isn't exactly what I grew up with, these changes aren't arbitrary. Every one that I've heard of has been a well-thought out response to a valid concern. Maybe it's more protective than some pre-schoolers (and their parents) require, but considering I am still carrying around lessons I learned from Sesame Street 30+ years ago (specific things - I can recall the scene that illustrated them), I'm certainly not going criticize SS for being very careful about what lessons they are teaching.

Lovable furry old Grover is still on a fair amount, actually. I watch Sesame Street maybe once a month, and I see Super Grover on every episode. It warms my heart.

Big Bird looking for Ernie's duckie I could live without.

Sing it, sisters on the Elmo hatred. He RUINED Sesame Street. Can you imagine that Big Bird was supposed to be six? He may have had a young understanding but he always spoke grammatically.

Don't even get me started on Snuffalupagus.

I'm afraid I've missed some major story. Like Grover is in rehab, or has taken the cloth.

No drug or alcohol addictions - I think he just got burned out and cynical. Now he's a clerk in a video rental place that specializes in independent movies.

eta: Sometimes he protests agains neighborhood gentrification, but mostly he keeps to himself.

Every one that I've heard of has been a well-thought out response to a valid concern.

There is no excuse for the new "hip" opening credit sequence. None.

You'll get my TickleMeElmo from me when you pry him from my cold dead fingers.

He was a Christmas present a few years ago. Amy and Hubby scoured the stores for one, and they were well pleased with my giddy reaction. He scares the cats when one steps on him just right.