THE N WORDS

I don't get to watch Sesame Street these days but if they keep having celebrity guests like Ricky Gervais, I'll have to start programming my VCR (yes, I still use a VCR).

Ricky Gervais appeared on Sesame Street and sang a Celebrity Lullaby using "N" words to Elmo. It's cute and funny but not nearly as funny as the sourpusses over at Parentdish that threw a fit over the segment.

The British comedian and the fuzzy redhead share some adorable banter as they discuss Gervais' celebrity status. The song begins with clever rhyming and a gentle tone (who knew Gervais had such a great voice?!?).

Well, his fans know he has a good singing voice. He released two singles in England during the 1980's. He sang on his hit television series, The Office.

But when the chorus comes, it's a different story, with Gervais launching into an unexpected screech. Elmo is jolted out of bed, twice, scared and frazzled. At the conclusion of the nightmare-inducing song, Gervais offers Elmo a cup of soothing warm milk but the damage is already done, with the poor puppet's hair standing on end.

According to the people counters at the Public Broadcasting System, viewers didn't share our reaction. "As of today, Viewer Services didn't receive any comments of note from parents regarding that episode," PBS spokesperson Jake Landis tells ParentDish.

How that can be is beyond us. Kids need images of trustworthy grown-ups, especially as they're relaxing at bedtime. If this skit were made for adults, then maybe we'd find it funny. But as entertainment for children, it's just kind of weird.

You missed the boat on this one, Sesame Street.

Wow, these people obviously miss the boat on humor and laughter. These are the kind of parents who repress their child's creativity and joy. They should be complaining about how Elmo refers to himself in third person. How annoying is that?

Today's letter is "D", as is "douchebags", Parentdish.

Thanks, Stan.